JP2004144077A - Compressor with alignment bushing and its assembling method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a means for improving the alignment between components of a compressor assembly or a compressor/motor sub-assembly while simplifying assembling processes and reducing costs, and its method. <P>SOLUTION: The compressor assembly comprises a compression mechanism having a main bearing and a plurality of first pilot holes and a motor having a rotor arranged in a stator. The stator has a plurality of second and third pilot holes. Each of the pilot holes is aligned to one of the second pilot holes. An alignment member is arranged in each of pairs of first and second pilot holes aligned to each other. Thus, alignment between the compression mechanism and the stator is secured. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates to hermetic compressor assemblies, and more particularly to the means and methods associated with their assembly.

It is well known in the art to partially assemble a hermetic compressor assembly prior to installing the compressor mechanism and electric motor in a shell or housing that houses them. Often, the compressor mechanism and a portion of the motor are combined into what is referred to as a compressor / motor subassembly, which is mounted as a unit within the compressor shell, which is separately mounted within the compressor shell. Other components can be fitted. Such separately installed components may include, for example, outboard bearings that support the free end of a drive shaft driven by a motor rotor. Alternatively, the sub-assembly itself may include substantially all of the internal components of the hermetic compressor assembly. The shell is hermetically sealed when the compressor / motor subassembly is installed in the shell and mated with other internal components, if any.

A concern associated with assembling the separate components or subassemblies of a hermetic compressor is maintaining proper alignment between the components, particularly those components that move relative to one another or determine their alignment. This problem is due to the fact that the components of the compressor are separately mounted and secured to the compressor shell and provide dimensional control, and to ensure that proper alignment is maintained throughout the assembly process. This can be particularly important in cases where a welding jig often must be used. The proper placement of these jigs is often operator dependent, but this can result in component misalignment and other errors during the manufacturing process. In addition, tolerances between many interfitting components can add up to create relative misalignment. Also, separate installation of compressor components and placement and removal assemblies and / or welding jigs is a time consuming and often expensive operation.

Therefore, means and methods for improving the quality of the assembly process and compressor assembly are desired. In particular, a means and method for improving the alignment between components of a compressor assembly or compressor / motor subassembly while simplifying the assembly process and making it less expensive is desired.

The present invention provides improved compressors and methods of assembling the compressors, including the use of alignment guides to facilitate precise assembly of the compressor / motor subassembly. The present invention also provides a method of mounting a compressor / motor subassembly within a compressor housing.

The invention, in one form, includes a method of assembling a compressor that includes providing a motor having a stator and a rotor and operatively coupling a shaft to the rotor. The method also includes registering the at least one first alignment guide with at least one of the first bearing support member and the stator, and securing the positioned first bearing support member to the stator. Thereby positioning the first bearing support member and the stator, the first bearing support member rotatably supporting the shaft proximate the first end of the motor. The method also includes registering the at least one second alignment guide with at least one of the second bearing support member and the stator, and securing the positioned second bearing support member to the stator. Positioning the second bearing support member and the stator, the second bearing support member having a shaft proximate a second end of the motor opposite the first end of the motor. Is rotatably supported. The compressor mechanism is operatively engaged with the shaft. The operably engaged compressor mechanism is fixed relative to the motor, shaft and first and second bearing support members, and the motor, shaft, first and second bearing support members and compressor mechanism are fixed. Form the compressor sub-assembly. The method also includes inserting the compressor subassembly into the housing, and hermetically sealing the housing after inserting the compressor subassembly therein.

The first and second alignment guides can be substantially cylindrically shaped members, and the step of positioning the first and second bearing support members and the stator comprises the first alignment guide. Registering with the opening positioned on both the stator and the first bearing support member, and positioning on each of the second alignment guide and both the stator and the second bearing support member Register with the opening to be made. The first and second alignment guides can also define a passage that extends through the cylindrical member, and securing the positioned first and second bearing supports to the stator includes: Inserting the fastener through a passage defined by the first and second alignment members.

Inserting the compressor sub-assembly into the housing involves thermally expanding the housing, inserting the compressor sub-assembly into the thermally expanded housing, and contacting the housing with the compressor sub-assembly and firmly contacting it. And securing the compressor subassembly into the housing by engaging with the housing. A housing securely engages outwardly facing surfaces on the first and second bearing supports on the compressor subassembly.

In one embodiment, the compressor mechanism includes an orbiting scroll member and a fixed scroll member, the second bearing support includes a thrust surface, the orbiting scroll member is operatively coupled to a shaft, and It is arranged between the fixed scroll member and the thrust surface. Securing the compressor mechanism includes securing the fixed scroll to the second bearing support member.

The invention, in another aspect, includes a method of assembling a compressor assembly that includes providing a motor having a stator and a rotor, and operatively coupling a shaft to the rotor, wherein the shaft comprises a motor shaft. Is defined. The method also includes securing a first bearing support member to the stator at a predefined location, wherein the first bearing support rotates the shaft near a first end of the motor. It has a first engagement surface that provides support and is positioned radially outward. A second bearing support member is also secured to the stator at a pre-defined location, the second bearing support being proximate a second end opposite the first end of the motor. It has a second engagement surface that provides rotational support for the shaft and is disposed radially outward. The compressor mechanism is operatively coupled to the shaft. An operably engaged compressor mechanism is secured relative to the motor, shaft and first and second bearing support members, the motor, shaft, first and second bearing support members, and the compressor mechanism. Forms a compressor sub-assembly. The method also includes inserting the compressor subassembly into the thermally expanded housing and contacting the housing with the first and second mating surfaces to securely engage the compressor subassembly. Including securing into the housing.

Each of the first and second engagement surfaces can be disposed radially outward at a distance greater than a radially farthest portion of the motor to secure the compressor subassembly within the housing. Includes securing the first and second bearing supports and the motor within a substantially cylindrical portion of the housing.

The invention, in yet another form thereof, forms a first pair of pilot openings in a first mating surface pair of a crankcase and a motor-stator, and a first pair of a stator and a bearing support member. A method for assembling a hermetic compressor assembly, including forming a second pilot aperture pair within a mating surface pair. A first alignment guide is inserted into the first pilot aperture of the first pilot aperture pair, the crankcase and the stator are moved closer together, and the first alignment guide is moved to the first pilot aperture. The crankcase and stator are positioned in the second pilot openings of the pair. A second alignment guide is inserted into the first pilot aperture of the second pilot aperture pair, the stator and the bearing support member are moved closer to each other, and the second alignment guide is moved to the second pilot aperture. The stator and the bearing support member are aligned within the second pilot aperture of the pilot aperture pair. The method also includes securing the stator to the crankcase and securing the bearing support member to the stator to form a subassembly, wherein the crankcase, the stator, and the bearing support member are positioned with respect to one another. Is done.

The sub-assembly is then inserted into the housing, the inner surface of the housing having been securely engaged with the surface located on the crankcase and bearing support members, and the sub-assembly secured in the housing.

The invention comprises, in yet another form thereof, a compressor assembly including a compression mechanism having a crankcase member having a main bearing and a plurality of first pilot openings. An electric motor including a stator and a rotor disposed within the stator is also provided. The stator is fixed to the crankcase member and has a plurality of second pilot openings and a plurality of third pilot openings, wherein each of the plurality of first pilot openings on the crankcase is the second pilot opening on the stator. A plurality of pairs of positioned first and second pilot openings are positioned and positioned in one of the pilot openings. The shaft is fixed to the rotor and is rotatably supported by the main bearing. The main compression mechanism is operatively coupled to a shaft. A first alignment guide is positioned within each pair of the positioned first and second pilot apertures, thereby maintaining alignment between the compression mechanism and the stator. The support member of the outboard bearing is fixed to the stator and has a plurality of fourth pilot openings. The motor is disposed between the compression mechanism and the support member of the outboard bearing, and the shaft is rotatably supported by the support member of the outboard bearing. Each of the plurality of third pilot openings is positioned at one of the fourth pilot openings to form a plurality of pairs of the positioned third and fourth pilot openings, and the second alignment member is aligned. In each pair of the designated third and fourth pilot openings to maintain the alignment of the compression mechanism, the stator and the support members of the outboard bearings. Also, the compression mechanism, the motor and the outboard bearing are disposed in the housing with the surface on the compression mechanism facing outward, and the support member of the outboard bearing is firmly engaged with the inner surface of the housing. A simple housing can also be supplied.

An advantage of the present invention is that the compressor crankcase, stator, and outboard bearings are maintained in proper alignment within the subassembly, so that the subassembly is assembled within the compressor shell without the need for tight tolerance control. Therefore, the structural quality of the compressor is improved over the preceding compressor.

Another advantage is that the major internal components of the compressor assembly can be partially assembled prior to the introduction of these components into the compressor shell, thereby providing good tool access and better compressor access. It facilitates easy assembly.

Another advantage is that the reliance on assembly parts and welding jigs in compressor manufacturing is minimized, which reduces assembly effort. In addition, the possibility of mis-assembly or misalignment of the compressor components due to jig placement errors is also minimized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of achieving them will be more apparent, and the present invention itself will be understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Will be better understood.

を 通 じ て Throughout the drawings, matching reference symbols indicate matching parts. Although the specific examples described in this specification show embodiments of the present invention, the embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive and disclose the scope of the present invention. It is not intended to be construed as limiting the format as is.

According to the present invention, FIG. 1 shows the internal components of the scroll compressor 20 in an exploded view. The scroll compressor 20 includes a fixed or stationary cast iron scroll member 22 engaged with a cast iron orbiting scroll member 24. The fixed and orbiting scroll members 22, 24 each include an involute wrap 26, 28. The refrigerant is compressed in pockets formed between the scroll members 22, 24 and between the involute wraps 26, 28 and moving radially inward as the scroll member 24 circulates about the fixed scroll member 22. Refrigerant enters the space between the scroll members via an inlet 23 (FIG. 4) located at a low pressure radially outside the space formed between the scroll members 22 and 24, and is fixed at a relatively high pressure at a relatively high pressure. The air is discharged through an exhaust port 30 located close to the radial center of the scroll member 22. The scroll members 22, 24 are each mounted in a receptacle located at the tip of the involute wrap 26, 28 for providing a seal between the involute wrap 26, 28 and the base plate of the opposing scroll member. It has a carbon steel tip seal 40.

The check valve allows the compressed refrigerant to be discharged to the exhaust chamber or plenum 38 and prevents the compressed refrigerant located in the exhaust plenum 38 from flowing back to the exhaust port 30. The valve includes an exhaust valve leaf 32 that sealingly engages the fixed scroll member 22 at an exhaust port 30 and an exhaust valve retainer 34. The valve leaf 32 is fixed between the fixed scroll member 22 and the valve retainer 34. The valve retainer 34 has a bend at its distal end that allows the valve leaf 32 to bend outwardly from the exhaust port 30 when gas is compressed between the scroll members 22, 24, thereby evacuating high pressure gas. Traffic to the plenum 38 becomes possible. The valve retainer 34 limits the extent to which the valve leaf 32 can bend outward from the exhaust port 30 and prevents damage due to excessive bending of the valve leaf 32. The screw part 36 fixes the valve retainer 34 and the valve leaf 32 to the fixed scroll member 22. An alternative valve that can be used by the compressor 20 is U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/1992, filed September 23, 2002, entitled Haller et al., "Compressor with Exhaust Valve," which is hereby incorporated by reference. 412,905. A pressure relief valve 27 is disposed between the scroll members 22 and 24 to enable the gas at the discharge pressure to be directed to the intake pressure inlet in the case of excessive pressurization.

オ ル Between the fixed scroll member 22 and the orbiting scroll member 24, an Oldham ring 44 for controlling the relative operation between the orbiting scroll member 24 and the fixed scroll member 22 is disposed. The orbiting scroll 24 is attached to an eccentrically disposed extension or crank pin 48 of a shaft 46 such that rotation of the shaft 46 causes relative orbiting motion between the orbiting scroll 24 and the fixed scroll 22. give. The use of Oldham rings with shafts having eccentrically arranged extensions to provide relative orbital movement between scroll members of a compressor is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Counterweight 50 (FIG. 1) includes a collar portion having an opening through which shaft 46 is inserted. The counterweight 50 is not shown in FIGS. The counterweight 50 also includes a partially cylindrical wall 52 that eccentrically loads the shaft 46 to balance the eccentric loading of the shaft 46 by the orbiting scroll 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the counterweight 50 is fitted over the shaft 46 by heat shrinking. The shaft 46 includes an internal passage 54 extending along the longitudinal length of the shaft 46 and a secondary passage 56 extending laterally from the passage 54 to the radially outer surface of the shaft 46. Passages 54, 56 provide lubrication between a sump 58 located within the intake pressure chamber of the compressor housing and a bearing that rotatably engages shaft 46.

The two roller bearings 60 are located on the shaft 46 where the shaft 46 engages the orbiting scroll 24 and the cast iron crankcase 62, respectively. A ball bearing 64 is located near the opposite end of the shaft 46 and is mounted in an outboard bearing 66 made of cast aluminum. Support for the shaft 46 is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 964,241, filed Sep. 26, 2001, entitled Haller et al., "Axial Compliance Mechanism for Shafts," which is hereby incorporated by reference. This can be done in a similar manner as described in the issue.

The bearing support or crankcase 62 is secured to the fixed scroll 22 by a threaded component 72 that passes through an opening 74 located in the fixed scroll 22 and engages a threaded hole 76 in the crankcase 62. The crankcase 62 includes a thrust surface 68 that slidably engages the orbiting scroll 24 to limit movement of the orbiting scroll 24 away from the fixed scroll 22. Crankcase 62 also includes four legs 78 that secure crankcase 62 to stator 92, as described in more detail below. Shaft 46 extends through an opening 80 in crankcase 62. The crankcase 62 is disposed between the legs 78 at the bottom of the horizontal compressor housing and integrally molded, substantially cup-shaped shroud portion partially surrounding the space in which the counterweight 50 rotates. 70. Oil in sump 58 is prevented from flowing into this space by shroud portion 70. Shroud 70 includes, along its top, an opening 81 that allows for pressure equalization between the space partially surrounded by shroud 70 and the low pressure chamber of compressor 20 or other space in plenum 39. The low pressure plenum 39 includes a space located in the compressor housing 88 between the orbiting scroll 24 and the end cap 168 and receives intake pressure refrigerant returned to the compressor 20 via the inlet tube 86.

吸 A suction baffle 82 (FIG. 1) is fixed between the two legs 78 using a fastener. The fastener shown is socket head cap screw 84, but other fasteners, such as self-tapping screws, and other fastening methods may be used to secure suction baffle 82. The suction baffle 82 is located proximate the inlet tube 86, as best seen in FIG. The refrigerant enters the compressor housing 88 via the inlet tube 86, while the suction baffle 82 is located in the flow path of the incoming refrigerant and redirects the refrigerant along the outer circumference of the crankcase 62. When the incoming inlet pressure refrigerant gas and oil mixture strikes the baffle 82, the oil is separated from the gas. Oil collects on the baffle, flows along the surfaces of the baffle and the crankcase, and accumulates in a sump defined within the compressor shell. The outer periphery of the crankcase 62 includes a storage portion 85 adjacent to the suction baffle 82 and defining a passage to the inlet 23. The crankcase 62 includes a sleeve portion 89 in which is mounted a roller bearing 60 for rotatably supporting the shaft 46. Sleeve 89 is supported by shroud portion 70 opposite opening 80. Alternative crankcase and suction baffle assemblies often include an inlet to housing 88 positioned at an intermediate height, with the suction baffle in this case positioned between inlet 86 and inlet 23. It has a narrow opening extending across the direction of refrigerant flow along the suction baffle to remove oil from the suction baffle. The crankcase and suction baffle that can be used by the compressor 20 are disclosed in US Provisional Patent Application No. US Ser. 60 / 412,768.

The motor 90 is disposed adjacent to the crankcase 62 and includes a stator 92 and a rotor 94. The bushing or alignment member 96 is used to properly position the stator 92 with respect to the crankcase 62 and outboard bearing 66 during assembly of the compressor 20. Upon assembly, the crankcase 62, motor 90 and outboard bearing 66 must individually have holes into which the shaft 46 is inserted in correct alignment. The smoothbore pilot holes 100, 102, 104 (FIG. 5) are precisely positioned with respect to the crankcase 62, the stator 92, and the outboard bearing 66 on individually adjacent surfaces thereof. The pilot holes 100, 102, and 104 are counterbore centered about the bolt holes provided in the crankcase, stator, and outboard bearings, i.e., the axes of the bolt holes and the pilot hole are , Substantially concentric with the gliding pilot hole having a relatively large diameter. Cylindrical alignment bushing 96 slides tightly into the pilot hole to properly align crankcase 62, stator 92 and outboard bearing 66. The outboard bearing 66, stator 92 and crankcase 62 are then secured together using bolts 98 (FIG. 1) after the compressor subassembly has been assembled. During the subassembly of the motor / compressor unit, the entire compression mechanism, the suction baffle, the motor including the stator and rotor, the drive shaft, the outboard bearings and all bearing components are assembled together and the alignment members and individual components are assembled. Proper alignment of the relative moving parts is achieved and maintained by engagement with the pilot hole. The subassembly is secured together by mounting the crankcase, stator and outboard bearings with bolts 98.

The pilot hole 100 is located at the distal end surface of the crankcase leg 78 and has a threaded bolt hole centering the pilot hole 100. Bolts 98 are threaded into these threaded holes in the crankcase as the crankcase 62, stator 92 and outboard bearing 66 are secured together during completion of the compressor subassembly. Pilot holes 102 are located at opposite ends of stator 92 and are counterbore centered on through holes extending axially through stator 92 to allow passage of bolts 98 therethrough. A through hole provided in the outboard bearing 66 also allows for the passage of a bolt 98 therethrough, with the head of the bolt 98 adjacent the outboard bearing. Pilot holes 104 are provided about these bolt holes in the surface of the outboard bearing that contacts the axially adjacent surface of the stator.

In the disclosed embodiment, the alignment guide or bushing 96 is a hollow steel sleeve that can be rolled, cut from tube extrusion or machined, and the bolt 98 is a bushing 96 whose bushing 96 has its respective pilot pilot. It is inserted into the hole pair and inserted through the bushing 96 when the compression mechanism, stator and outboard bearing are fitted together. However, in alternate embodiments, the correct alignment of the crankcase 62, motor 90, and bearing support 66 may be provided by different ways of securing these parts together using pilot holes and bushings. . For example, the pilot hole may be separate from the bolt hole into which the bolt 98 is inserted, or the pilot hole and alignment bushing 96 may be used to connect the crankcase 62, motor 90 and bearing support 66. It is also possible to adopt an alternative method of fixing together. Also, if the pilot hole is positioned away from the bolt hole, the alignment guide can be a pin rather than a hollow bushing as shown. Further, the alignment guide can be formed by tying the surfaces of the crankcase, stator and outboard bearings provided with complementary surface features that are interdigitated to ensure proper alignment. Is assumed.

A terminal pin cluster 108 is located on the motor 90 and wiring (not shown) connects the cluster 108 to a second terminal pin cluster 110 mounted on the end cap 168, and the motor 90 has this wiring. Power is supplied via the. A terminal guard or fence 111 is welded to the outside of end cap 168 and surrounds end cluster 110. The shaft 46 extends through a hole in the rotor 94 and is rotatably secured thereto by shrink fitting, so that as the rotor 94 rotates, the shaft 46 also rotates. Rotor 94 includes a counterweight 106 at its end adjacent to outboard bearing 66.

As described above, shaft 46 is rotatably supported by ball bearings 64 mounted within outboard bearings 66. Outboard bearing 66 includes a central boss 112 that defines a substantially cylindrical opening 114 to which ball bearing 64 is mounted. To retain the ball bearing 64 in the boss 112, a retaining ring 118 is fitted into a groove 116 located inside the opening 114. Secured to the exterior of the boss 112 is an oil shield 120, which has a cylindrical portion 122 extending therefrom toward the motor 90. A counterweight 106 is disposed in the cylindrical space circumscribed by the cylindrical portion 122, thereby shielding the counterweight 106 from oil present in the sump 58. However, under most circumstances, the oil level 123 is expected to be below the oil shield 120 as shown in FIG. The oil shield 120 prevents oil in the sump 58 from contacting the counterweight 106 and prevents the counterweight 106 from contacting and agitating the oil in the sump 58. The second substantially cylindrical portion 124 of the oil shield 120 has a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical portion 122 and has a plurality of longitudinally extending tabs. The cylindrical outer surface of the boss 112 includes a circular groove, and the oil shield 120 is secured to the boss 112 by engaging a radially inwardly bent distal portion with the circular groove. An oil shield of this type is disclosed in US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/260, filed Sep. 23, 2002, entitled “Skinner Compressor with Counterweight Shield”, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 412,838.

The support arm 134 extends between the boss 112 of the outboard bearing 66 and the outer ring 136. The outer perimeter of the ring 136 and the crankcase 62 are each provided with a surface that contacts the inner surface of the central cylindrical shell portion for attaching the compressor subassembly to the compressor housing, as described in more detail below. I have. Two flat portions 138 are located at opposite locations on the circumference of the ring 136 on the opposite side of the diameter, thereby defining a gap between the outboard bearing and the inner surface of the cylindrical shell portion. The flat portions 138 each have a generally horizontal positioning, i.e., one flat portion is positioned at the top of a horizontal compressor housing and the other flat portion is positioned at a sump 58, which is the bottom of the compressor housing. Can be The uppermost flat portion 138 allows the refrigerant to pass between the outer ring 136 and the housing 88 to facilitate equalization of pressure in the suction plenum. The lowermost flat portion 138 allows oil in the sump 58 to pass between the outer ring 136 and the housing 88. A notch 140 located on the inner circumference of the outer ring 136 can be used to position the outboard bearing 66 during its machining, and also allows coolant to pass between the stator 92 and the outer ring 136. In this way, equalization of the pressure in the suction plenum 39 is promoted. The outer circumference of the stator 92 also includes a plane that provides a passage between the stator 92 and the housing 88 through which lubricating oil and refrigerant can move.

The support arm 134 limits the extent to which the two lowest arms 134 form an angle of approximately 120 degrees and extend into the oil in the sump 58, thereby providing such arms. At 134, it is arranged to limit the displacement of the oil in the oil sump 58. The sleeve 142 projects rearward from the bearing support 66 and prepares for the intake of lubricating oil from the sump 58. An oil pickup tube 144 is fixed to the sleeve 142 with a screw part 146. O-ring 148 provides a seal between oil pickup tube 144 and sleeve 142. As shown in FIG. 1, a hole in the sleeve is fixed with a vane 150, a reversing port plate 152, a pin 154, a washer and a wave spring 156, and a retaining ring 158 for facilitating the movement of the lubricating oil through the sleeve 142. It is arranged near the end of the shaft 46. The washer and wave spring 156 are shown as one part in FIG. 1 but are two separate parts, the washer is a flat circular part without a central opening, and the wave spring is made of sheet material. It is formed and has a circular outer periphery, a central opening and a waveform extending around the outer periphery. Such washers and wave springs are well known in the art. Bearing support that can be used by compressor 20 is disclosed in Haller's US Provisional Patent Application, filed Sep. 23, 2002, entitled "Compressor with Bearing Support", which is hereby incorporated by reference. 60 / 412,890. The bearing support may also include one or more annularly spaced receptacles that lean against the stator on the surface of the outer ring, thereby providing for the stacking of the stator caused by the fixation of the bearing support to the stator. Any bumps can protrude into the housing. The use of such a housing is described in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 617,475 entitled "Compressor Bearing Support and Stator Assembly", which is hereby incorporated by reference. I have.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the compressor / motor subassembly is adapted to allow thermal expansion of housing 88 until annular axial end surface 230 of shell portion 166 contacts annular step 232 machined onto crankcase 62. Into the cylindrical steel shell portion 166. As the cylindrical shell portion 166 cools, its cylindrical inner surface 234 contacts and compressively engages the connecting surfaces 236 and 238 of the crankcase 62 and outboard bearing 66, respectively. The surfaces 236 and 238 may be continuous in their outer perimeters or may be separated, but each define a cylindrical shape. This interference fit holds the compressor subassembly in place with respect to the sealed shell of the compressor assembly. No complicated jigs are required to locate the cylindrical shell portion 166 and compressor subassembly.

コ ン プ レ ッ サ As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the compressor housing 88 includes a discharge end cap 160 having a relatively flat portion 162 and a rear end cap 168. Steel end caps 160, 168 are welded to the cylindrical shell portion 166 to provide a sealed enclosure. In particular, the discharge end cap 160 is slid on the cylindrical surface 240 until its annular open end is substantially aligned with a step 232 formed in the crankcase 62. A weld 242 is then applied and the circular weld locally secures the cylindrical shell portion 166, crankcase 62 and exhaust end cap 160, sealing the joint. An annular step 244 may be formed on the opposite end surface of the shell portion 166, into which the annular open end of the rear end cap 168 is fitted. This joint is sealed with a circular weld 246.

The exhaust pipe 164 extends through the opening of the flat portion 162. Securing the exhaust pipe 164 to the end cap 160 by welding or leaking is facilitated by the use of a flat portion 162 immediately surrounding the opening through which the exhaust pipe 164 is positioned. Exhaust pipe 164 extends into exhaust chamber 38 at a height from the bottom of the chamber that minimizes the amount of oil that can be trapped in the chamber. The compressed refrigerant enters the exhaust plenum 38 as it is discharged through the exhaust port 30, and then is discharged from the compressor 20 through the exhaust pipe 164. The compressed refrigerant also carries oil as it enters the exhaust plenum 38. Some of this oil accumulates at the bottom of the exhaust plenum 38 away from the refrigerant. The exhaust pipe 164 is positioned near the bottom of the exhaust plenum 38 so that the steam flow exhausted through the exhaust pipe 164 carries along with the oil that has accumulated at the bottom of the exhaust plenum 38, and Limits the amount of oil that can accumulate in oil. Although the disclosed embodiment uses a straight, short tube to supply the exhaust 164, other embodiments of the outlet can be used. The exhaust plenum that can be used by the compressor 20 is described in US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/412, filed Sep. 23, 2002, entitled “Skinner's“ Compressor Exhaust Assembly ”, attached hereto by reference. , 871.

Mounting brackets 206 and 208 are welded to housing 88 to support compressor 20 in a generally horizontal direction. However, as can be seen from FIG. 4, because the mounting brackets 206, 208 have legs of different lengths, the axis of the shaft 46 defined by the passage 54 while being substantially horizontal is disposed at an angle. With such a shape of the brackets 206, 208, a portion of the low pressure plenum 39 positioned below the bearing support 66 and defining the sump 58 is the lowest portion in the compressor 20. The bottom brace members 210, 212 can be secured to the support members 214, 216 by a swaging operation. The mounting bracket used by the compressor 20 is described in US Provisional Patent Application No. US Ser. No. 60 / 412,884. The use of other mounting brackets is also possible. For example, a mounting bracket formed by a support member similar to the support members 214 and 216 but having more rigidity provided by bending the outer end thereof downward along the entire length of the support member is provided by the compressor 20. It can be used without supporting cross braces. The cylindrical surfaces of the support members 214, 216 may have resistance welding projections (not shown) connected to the cylindrical outer surface of the central shell portion 166.

Although the invention has been described as having a typical design, the invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

1 is an exploded view of the internal components of a scroll compressor according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an end view of the compressor shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the compressor of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the compressor of FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a crankcase, a stator, and an outboard bearing of the compressor shown in FIG. 1.

Claims (19)

A method of assembling a compressor,
Providing a motor having a stator and a rotor,
Functionally coupling a shaft to the rotor;
Registering the first bearing support member and the stator by registering at least one first alignment guide with at least one of the first bearing support member and the stator;
Securing the aligned first bearing support member to the stator, the first bearing support member rotatably supporting the shaft proximate a first end of the motor. And
Registering the second bearing support member with the stator by registering at least one second alignment guide with at least one of the second bearing support member and the stator;
Securing the aligned second bearing support member to the stator, the second bearing support member proximate a second end of the motor opposite the first end. To rotatably support the shaft,
Operatively engaging a compressor mechanism with said shaft;
Securing the operatively engaged compressor mechanism in relation to the motor, the shaft, and the first and second bearing support members, wherein the motor, the shaft, The first and second bearing and support members and the compressor mechanism form a compressor sub-assembly;
Inserting the compressor sub-assembly into a housing;
A method comprising hermetically sealing the housing after inserting the compressor subassembly therein. The first and second alignment guides comprise substantially cylindrical members, and the step of aligning the first and second bearing support members with the stator comprises the first alignment guide. Registering a guide with an aperture located on both the stator and the first bearing support member; and registering each of the second alignment guides with the stator and the second bearing support member. 2. The method of claim 1 including registering with openings located on both of said. The first and second alignment guides define a passage extending through the cylindrical member and securing the aligned first and second bearing support members to the stator. The method of claim 2, including inserting a fastener through the passage defined by the first and second alignment guides. The compressor mechanism includes an orbiting scroll member and a fixed scroll member, the second bearing support includes a thrust surface, and the orbiting scroll member is operatively coupled to the shaft and includes the fixed scroll member. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is disposed between a scroll member and a thrust surface. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of securing the compressor mechanism comprises securing the fixed scroll to the second bearing support member. The step of inserting the compressor subassembly into the housing includes thermally expanding the housing, inserting the compressor subassembly into the thermally expanded housing, and connecting the housing to the compressor subassembly. The method of claim 1, including securing the compressor sub-assembly into the housing by contacting and securely engaging the assembly. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the housing securely engages outwardly facing surfaces on the first and second bearing support members on the compressor subassembly. The first and second alignment guides define a passage extending therethrough, and the step of securing the first and second bearing support members to the stator includes the first and second alignment guides. The method of claim 1 including inserting a fastener through said passage of an alignment guide. The stator defines a plurality of openings extending therethrough, and the step of securing the aligned first and second bearing support members includes fasteners through each of the plurality of stator openings. 2. The method of claim 1 including inserting a second member into each of the first and second bearing support members. The first and second alignment guides define a passage extending therethrough, and the step of aligning the first and second bearing support members with the stator comprises the first and second alignment guides. The method of claim 9 including registering the alignment guide with the stator opening. A method of assembling a compressor assembly,
Providing a motor having a stator and a rotor,
Operatively coupling a shaft to the rotor, the shaft defining a motor axis;
Securing a first bearing support member to the stator at a predefined location, the first bearing support member providing rotational support for the shaft proximate a first end of the motor. Wherein the first bearing support member has a first engagement surface disposed radially outwardly;
Securing a second bearing support member to the stator at a pre-defined location, wherein the second bearing support member has a second end opposite the first end of the motor. Providing rotational support of the shaft proximate a portion, the second bearing support member having a radially outwardly disposed second engagement surface;
Operatively coupling a compressor mechanism to said shaft;
Securing the functionally engaged compressor mechanism in relation to the motor, the shaft, and the first and second bearing support members, wherein the motor, the shaft, The first and second bearing and support members and the compressor mechanism form a compressor subassembly;
Inserting the compressor sub-assembly into a thermally expanded housing;
Securing the compressor sub-assembly into the housing by contacting and securely engaging the housing with the first and second engagement surfaces. The first and second engagement surfaces are each disposed radially outward at a distance greater than a radially farthest portion of the motor to secure the compressor subassembly within the housing. The method of claim 11, including securing the first and second bearing support members and the motor within a substantially cylindrical portion of the housing. The step of securing the first bearing support member to the stator comprises: registering at least one first alignment guide with at least one of the first bearing support member and the stator; The step of aligning the first bearing support member and the stator at the predefined location, wherein the step of securing the second bearing support member to the stator comprises at least one second Registering the second bearing support member and the stator at the predefined location by registering the alignment guide with at least one of the second bearing support member and the stator. The method of claim 11, comprising: The first and second alignment guides each include a substantially cylindrical member, and the step of aligning the first and second bearing support members with the stator includes the first alignment guide. Registering each of the guides with an opening located on the stator and an opening located on the first bearing support member; and positioning each of the second alignment guides on the stator. 14. The method of claim 13, including registering the opening with an opening located on the second bearing support member. The first and second alignment guides each define a passage extending through the cylindrical shaped member, and securing the aligned first and second bearing supports to the stator comprises: 15. The method of claim 14, including inserting a fastener through each of the passages defined by the first and second alignment guides. A method of assembling a hermetic compressor assembly,
Forming a first pilot aperture pair within a first mating surface pair of the crankcase and the motor stator;
Forming a second pair of pilot openings within a first mating surface pair of the stator and the bearing support member;
Inserting a first alignment guide into a first pilot aperture of the first pilot aperture pair;
The crankcase and the stator are moved close to each other, and the first alignment guide is installed in a second pilot opening of the first pilot opening pair to move the crankcase and the stator together. Aligning,
Inserting a second alignment guide into a first pilot aperture of the second pilot aperture pair;
The stator and the bearing support member are moved closer to each other, and the second alignment guide is installed in a second pilot opening of the second pilot opening pair to form the stator and the bearing support. Aligning the support member,
Securing the stator to the crankcase and securing the bearing and support members to the stator to form a subassembly, wherein the crankcase, the stator, and the bearing and support members are aligned with each other. How to be maintained. Inserting the sub-assembly into a housing;
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: securely engaging an inner surface of the housing with a surface disposed on the crankcase and the bearing support member to secure the subassembly within the housing. A compressor assembly,
A compression mechanism including a crankcase member having a main bearing and a plurality of first pilot openings;
A motor having a stator and a rotor disposed in the stator, wherein the stator is fixed to the crankcase member and has a plurality of second pilot openings and a plurality of third pilot openings; Each of the first pilot openings is positioned at one of the second pilot openings to form a plurality of pairs of aligned first and second pilot openings;
A shaft fixed to the rotor, the shaft being rotatably supported by the main bearing, the compression mechanism being operatively coupled to the shaft,
A first alignment guide disposed within each pair of the positioned first and second pilot openings to maintain alignment between the compression mechanism and a stator;
An outboard bearing support member fixed to the stator and having a plurality of fourth pilot openings, the motor being disposed between the compression mechanism and the outboard bearing support member; Each of the plurality of third pilot openings is rotatably supported by a support member of the outboard bearing, and each of the plurality of third pilot openings is positioned at one of the fourth pilot openings, and the positioned third and fourth pilot openings are positioned. Form multiple pairs of
A second alignment guide disposed within each pair of the aligned third and fourth pilot openings, wherein the compression mechanism, the stator, and a support member of the outboard bearing are provided. Compressor assembly that maintains the same alignment. A housing, wherein the compression mechanism, the motor, and the support member of the outboard bearing are disposed in the housing; and the compression mechanism and the support member of the outboard bearing are provided on an inner surface of the housing. 20. The compressor assembly of claim 18, including a firmly engaging outwardly facing surface.

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