WO2014019041A1

WO2014019041A1 - Fluid compressor based on scroll type mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2014019041A1
Application number: PCT/BR2013/000255
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paulo Rogeiro Carrara COUTO
Original assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
Priority date: 2012-08-03
Filing date: 2013-07-16
Publication date: 2014-02-06
Also published as: BR102012019474A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid compressor based on scroll type mechanism whose indexing between the discharge chamber and the non-orbiting scroll of the scroll type mechanism is particularly optimized. Therefore, the discharge chamber (6) is hermetically fixed to the non-orbiting scroll (4) through the interaction between the locking structure (61 ) and the locking projection (41 ), and through the sealing defined between the contact edge (62) of the discharge chamber (6) and the free face of the non-orbiting scroll (4).

Description

"FLUID COMPRESSOR BASED ON SCROLL TYPE MECHANISM"

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fluid compressor based on scroll type mechanism, and especially, to the arrangement of the components comprising said fluid compressor based on a scroll type mechanism. According to the present invention is provided a novel form of indexation between the discharge chamber and the non-orbiting scroll of the scroll type mechanism, and more particularly, an indexation (between the discharge chamber and the non-orbiting scroll) whose interaction with the hermetic compressor housing is specially optimized.

Background of the Invention

As a person skilled in the art knows, the current state of art is integrated by a wide range of models and types of fluid compressors.

Among the types of fluids compressors known, there is - according to the content of the present invention - the fluid compressor based on scroll type mechanism, which it is a device fundamentally integrated by an electric motor and a compression mechanism , both being arranged inside a hermetic housing.

According to the document U.S. Patent No. 801 ,182, published in 1905, said scroll type compression mechanism comprises a functional assembly formed by two similar structures (circular plates having a essentially scrolled perpendicular wall) inversely coupled together (where the top of a essentially scrolled perpendicular wall of a circular plate is faced to the base of another circular plate, and vice-versa) through a coupling mean. Moreover, one of these structures is still cooperatively associated with the electric motor. Conventionally, the structure skilled to be associated to the electric motor is called the "orbiting scroll" while the other structure is called a "fixed scroll," or "non-orbiting scroll".

Also according to this document, the coupling mean used between the "orbiting scroll" and the "fixed scroll" includes an element able to impose to the "orbiting scroll" an orbital movement from the movement of the electric motor, namely, this coupling mean comprises, in general, a component that, regardless of the type of "input" movement, gives an orbital movement to the "orbiting scroll". Therefore, and according to this concept, the orbital movement of the "orbiting scroll" in relation to "fixed scroll" ultimately enables the scrolled perpendicular wall of the "orbiting scroll" to change, in a continuous and gradual manner, the points of contact between its lateral face and the lateral face of the "fixed scroll". This continuous and gradual change between these contact points of the scrolled perpendicular walls defines continuously decreased chambers, and since these chambers can be filled with various fluids, there is then the possibility of compression of these various fluids.

As mentioned above, all of these elements are arranged inside a hermetic housing. The current state of art provides a multitude of means capable of housing and / or sustaining all these components within the hermetic housing.

However, most of these means provide conceptually similar embodiments, where the internal volume of the hermetic housing is divided into two, forming two "chambers" - one with the suction pressure and other with the discharge pressure. The division between the suction chamber and the discharge chamber is normally performed by a structure fixed inside the hermetic housing itself, so as to promote the complete isolation between said chambers. This is because any leakage of fluid between said chambers causes losses that reduce the efficiency of the compressor as a whole.

Are still known other alternative embodiments of hermetic housings (of compressor based on scroll type mechanism) where there is not, in fact, the division between their internal volumes. Such embodiments do not necessarily define a suction chamber and a discharge chamber.

An example of these alternative embodiments of hermetic housings can be found in the document U.S. Patent No. 4,389,171 , which describes a compressor whose goal is to reduce the starting torque of the motor. The functional elements of the compressor are arranged inside a hermetic housing which defines just a pressurized environment, that is, only defines the suction chamber. Therefore, the discharge outlet of the scroll type mechanism is directly extended outward of the hermetic housing with compressor through a slender and continuous pipe volume. Thus, it appears that the compressor described in U.S. 4,389,171 is free from discharge chamber.

This embodiment allows, at least in part, to reduce the starting torque of the motor (due to the large volume of the suction chamber), however, its noise attenuation and discharge pulses are impaired, after all, because there is no intermediate volume capable of equalizing the discharge pulses.

Other examples of alternative embodiments of hermetic housings can be found in the documents U.S. Patent No. 7,182,586 and U.S. 20090110570, which are described compressors whose functional elements are also arranged inside a hermetic housing which defines one pressurized atmosphere (suction chamber). In these cases, it is further provided a damper discharge (or discharge mufflers), which is arranged inside the suction chamber, being directly associated to the discharge outlet of the scroll type mechanism by means of modular and / or additional fasteners, for example, screws, rivets and the like. Evidently, the additive need of these modular and / or additional fasteners may be regarded as a derogatory aspect.

A third example of these alternative embodiments of hermetic housings can be found in the U.S. Patent No. 6,158,989, which describes a compressor whose monoblock, which comprises the non-orbiting scroll, also defines the hermetic housing "lid", and consequently the discharge chamber. In any case, the use of this concept implies the need of the definitive binding between the orbiting scroll and the discharge chamber, and this feature can be considered as derogatory in relation to the air-tightness guarantee of the compressor as a whole.

Based on the whole framework explained above, it is evident to observe the need of development of a functional and simplified solution, free from the aforementioned derogatory aspects, capable of sealing between the different defined chambers within the hermetic fluid compressor housing.

Objectives of the Invention

Thus, it is one of the objectives of the present invention to provide a fluid compressor based on scroll type mechanism provided with at least one suction chamber and at least one discharge chamber, both being hermetically isolated from each other through simplified means and free of modular and / or additional fasteners.

It is also one of the objectives of the present invention that the discharge chamber of the compressor, now revealed, be directly engraved on the non-orbiting scroll of the compression mechanism.

In this sense, and given the need to optimize the volume of the suction chamber, is also one of the objectives of the present invention that said discharge chamber be projected outward of the hermetic housing of the compressor.

Summary of the Invention

These and other objects of the invention disclosed herein are fully achieved by the fluid compressor based on scroll type mechanism disclosed herein, which is essentially comprised of a hermetic housing formed by the union of at least two bodies, at least one driving source provided with at least one rotational axis, at least one scroll-like mechanism integrated by at least one orbiting scroll and, at least, one non-orbiting scroll, at least, one block disposed between said driving source and non-orbiting scroll, at least a discharge chamber provided with fluid communication with the non-orbiting scroll outlet, and hermetically isolated from the environment inside the hermetic housing.

According to the fundamental principles and objectives of the present invention, said fluids compressor, disclosed herein, stands out from the other compressors pertaining to the current state of art by the fact that: the non-orbiting scroll comprises at least one locking projection, the discharge chamber comprises at least one locking structure and at least one edge contact. These features allow that said discharge chamber is hermetically fixed to the non-orbiting scroll through the interaction between the locking structure and the locking projection, and through the sealing defined between the contact edge of the discharge chamber and the free face of the non-orbiting scroll.

Preferably, the defined sealing between the contact edge of the discharge chamber and the free face of the non-orbiting scroll also provides at least one sealing gasket. In this regard, it is noted that this sealing gasket can be housed in a defined groove on the free face of the non-orbiting scroll, or a defined groove on the contact edge of the discharge chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is found that the locking projection of the non-orbiting scroll comprises a skirt wall and more particularly a skirt wall projected onto the free face of the non-orbiting scroll. Optionally, it is also noted that the locking projection of the non-orbiting scroll also contains an internal rib.

Also according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is also observed that the locking structure of the discharge chamber comprises a skirt wall and more particularly a skirt wall projected from the contact edge of the discharge chamber. Optionally, said skirt wall can be basically tilted.

Also in accordance with the fundamental aspects of the present invention, the said discharge chamber is at least partially projected outward of the hermetic housing, and more particularly, vertically projected outward of one end of the hermetic housing.

Also optionally, there is a possibility that at least one outlet pipe is projected directly from the discharge chamber, without having physical contact with the hermetic compressor housing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will be thoroughly detailed based on the figures listed below, which are:

Figure 1 shows a schematic section of the fluid compressor according to the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a detail taken from the Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 illustrates, in a broader perspective, the discharge chamber which includes the fluid compressor according to the present invention, and

Figure 4 illustrates, in a broader perspective, the non-orbiting scroll which includes the fluid compressor according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In accordance with the objectives of the present invention, it is disclosed a fluid compressor based on scroll type mechanism whose discharge chamber is not directly engraved on the orbiting scroll of the compression mechanism.

In this regard, said fluid compressor based on scroll type mechanism is essentially comprised of a hermetic housing 1 , by a driving source 2 and by a scroll type mechanism formed by a orbiting scroll 3, by a non-orbiting scroll 4 and by a block 5.

The hermetic housing 1 comprises an essentially conventional housing and is formed by the union of an upper body 12 and a lower body 11 , both being hermetically coupled together by joining their free ends. The joining of the free ends of the upper body 12 and the lower body 11 is preferably accomplished by welding.

It is worth noting that the upper body 12 of the hermetic housing 1 has an upper opening and at least one inlet pipe 72 (suction line).

The driving source 2, which provides a rotational axis 21 , comprises, in general, a conventional rotating electric motor.

The scroll type mechanism, which is mainly composed by an orbiting scroll 3 and an non-orbiting scroll 4 (including a Oldham coupling ring) has its principle based on the functional concepts already belonging to the current state of art.

So it is worth highlighting that this non-orbiting scroll 4 provides an outlet 40 and at least one locking projection 41 , especially designed for the locking and / or engravement of the discharge chamber 6.

It is also observed that said block 5, also comprising a substantially conventional block, is disposed between said driving source 2 and the non-orbiting scroll 4, in order to group the main elements of the hermetic compressor with its hermetical housing 1.

As previously mentioned, the fluid compressor based on scroll type mechanism further comprises a discharge chamber 6 from which extends an outlet pipe 71 (discharge line).

The aforementioned discharge chamber 6, which is has a fluid communication with the non-orbiting scroll 4, is hermetically isolated from the internal environment of the hermetic housing 1.

Still in relation to the discharge chamber 6, it is found that it is a cup-like body which comprises multiple locking structures 61 , one contact edge 62 and, at least, one outlet open 63.

In general, it is the physical embodiment of the non-orbiting scroll 4 part and the physical embodiment of the discharge chamber 6 part that enable the objective of the invention herein is reached, that is, it is the physical embodiment of the non-orbiting scroll 4 part and the physical embodiment of the discharge chamber 6 part which allow the attachment of these mentioned elements.

Therefore, the discharge chamber 6 is tightly fixed to the non-orbiting scroll 4 through the interaction between the locking structure 61 and the locking projection 41 , and through the sealing defined between the contact edge 62 of the discharge chamber 6 and the free face orbiting of the non-orbiting scroll 4.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, it is then possible to verify that the aforementioned locking projection 41 is in a skirt wall perpendicularly projected from the upper face of the non-orbiting scroll 4 .

It is also observed that this skirt wall (locking projection 41 ) also has an internal groove 42, which is also skirting. Thus, and as illustrated in Figure 1 , it can be seen that the preferred embodiment of the non-orbiting scroll 4, as defined by the present invention pro- vides a skirt wall whose internal profile is analogous to the letter "C".

Still according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to verify that the discharge chamber 6 has multiple locking structures 61 , all comprising a radially inclined tab projected from the contact edge 62. In this context, it is noted that the afore-mentioned contact edge 62 of the discharge chamber 6 is nothing that the free end of the structure (cup type) that defines the discharge chamber 6 itself.

Thus, and as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, it is noted that the locking structures 61 of the discharge chamber 6 are especially housed inside the inner groove 42 of the locking projection 41 of the non-orbiting scroll 4. These embodiments make the contact edge 62 of the discharge chamber 6 become pressed against the upper face (free face) of the non- orbiting scroll 4, thus defining the hermetic compressor discharge volume.

Preferably, the defined sealing between the contact edge 62 of the discharge chamber 6 and the free face of non-orbiting scroll 4 also provides at least one sealing gasket (not shown) and more particularly an O-ring type sealing gasket.

In this case, the aforementioned sealing is disposed in a groove 43, which is skirtingly defined in the free face of the non-orbiting scroll 4.

Optionally, said sealing may also be housed in a defined groove in the contact edge 62 of the discharge chamber 6.

All the explained above still allow the discharge chamber 6 to be, at least partially, projected outward of the hermetic housing 1 and more particularly projected outward of the hermetic housing 1 through the outlet in the upper body 12 that comprises the hermetic housing 1.

This feature allows the compressor to work "cooler", after all, the discharge chamber 6 (usually a high temperature discharge chamber) is exposed to the external environment, facilitating the dissipation of its heat to the environment.

In addition to this thermal issues, one can also say that the separation of the discharge chamber 6, according to this invention, and the suction volume contained within the hermetic housing 1 occurs via a shorter weld bead (section disposed between the discharge chamber 6 and the upper body 12 that comprises the hermetic housing 1 , so there is material saving and reduction of a possible leakage.

In addition to reducing the operating temperature and reducing the weld bead, it is noted that the embodiment of the this invention allows the external verification of the tightness of the discharge chamber 6, that is, allows the verification of the tightness of discharge chamber 6 with mounted compressor (unlike what happens with conventional compressors pertaining to the current state of art, where the verification of tightness is only possible with the compressor dismounted).

It is also worth noting that the outlet pipe 71 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention does not have any contact and / or physical interaction with the hermetic housing 1. This is because the aforementioned outlet pipe 71 is directly projected from the outlet open 63 of the discharge chamber 6 which, in this case, has a portion projected outward from the said hermetic housing 1. This embodiment allows, for example, that the aforesaid discharge chamber 6 and its associated outlet pipe 71 are made of the same material (which may be different from the material of fabrication of the hermetic housing 1 ), which facilitates the welding process of these elements, and also represent a savings in production costs of the compressor as a whole (assuming that the material to manufacture the chamber 6 and outlet pipe 71 has a lower cost than the cost of the material to manufacture the her- metic housing 1 ).

As an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, it should be understood that the scope of the same covers other possible variations. Accordingly, the scope of this invention is solely limited by the content of the claims, including its substantially possible equivalents.

Claims

1. Fluid compressor based on scroll type mechanism, being fundamentally comprised of:

a hermetic housing (1 ) formed by the union of at least two bodies (11 , 12);

at least one driving source (2) having at least one rotational axis (21 );

at least one scroll type mechanism formed by at least one orbiting scroll (3) and at least one non-orbiting scroll (4);

at least one block (5) disposed between the said driving source (2) and the non- orbiting scroll (4); and

at least one discharge chamber (6) provided with a fluid communication with the outlet (40) of the non-orbiting scroll (4); the discharge chamber (6) being hermetically isolated from the environment inside the hermetic housing (1 );

said fluid compressor being especially CHARACTERIZED by the fact that:

the non-orbiting scroll (4) comprises at least one locking projection (41 );

the discharge chamber (6) comprises at least one locking structure (61 ) and at least one contact edge (62);

the discharge chamber (6) being hermetically fixed to the non-orbiting scroll (4) through the interaction between the locking structure (61 ) and the locking projection (41 ), and through the sealing defined between the contact edge (62) of the discharge chamber (6) and the free face of the non-orbiting scroll (4).

2. Fluid compressor according to claim 1 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the sealing defined between the contact edge (62) of the discharge chamber (6) and the free face of the non-orbiting scroll (4) further provides at least one sealing gasket.

3. Fluid compressor according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the sealing gasket is housed in a groove (43) of the free face of the non-orbiting scroll (4).

4. Fluid compressor according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the sealing gasket is housed in a groove of the contact edge (62) of the discharge chamber (6).

5. Fluid compressor according to claim 1 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the locking projection (41 ) of the non-orbiting scroll (4) comprises a skirt wall.

6. Fluid compressor according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the locking projection (41 ) of the non-orbiting scroll (4) comprises a skirt wall projected onto the free face of the non-orbiting scroll (4).

7. Fluid compressor according to claim , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the locking projection (41 ) of the non-orbiting scroll (4) further comprises an internal rib (42).

8. Fluid compressor according to claim 1 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the locking structure (61 ) of the discharge chamber (6) comprises a skirt wall.

9. Fluid compressor according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the locking structure (61 ) of the discharge chamber (6) comprises a skirt wall projected from the contact edge (62) of the discharge chamber (6).

10. Fluid compressor according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the locking structure (61 ) of the discharge chamber (6) comprises an essentially inclined skirt wall.

11. Fluid compressor according to claim 1 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the discharge chamber (6) is, at least partially, projected outward of the hermetic housing (1 ).

12. Fluid compressor according to claim 11 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the discharge chamber (6) is, at least partially, vertically projected outward from one end of the hermetic housing (1 ).

13. Fluid compressor according to claim 1 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that provides at least one outlet pipe (71 ) directly projected from the discharge chamber (6).