Oldham coupling for scroll compressor

• US 5,320,506 A
• Filed: 02/02/1993
• Issued: 06/14/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
• Original Assignee: Copeland Corporation LLC (Emerson Electric Company)
• Inventors: Fogt, James F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Vrablik, John J.
• Application Number:
  US08/012,630
• Time in Patent Office: 497 Days
• Field of Search: 418/55.3, 418/55.5, 418/57, 464/102, 464/105
• US Class Current: 418/55.3
• CPC Class Codes: F01C 17/066 with an intermediate piece sliding along perpendicular axes, e.g. Oldham coupling
• CPC Class Codes: F04C 18/0215 where only one member is moving
• CPC Class Codes: F04C 23/008 Hermetic pumps
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 3/04 specially adapted to allow radial displacement, e.g. Oldham couplings

Abstract

A scroll-type machine is disclosed which incorporates a unique Oldham coupling for preventing relative rotation between the two scroll members while allowing relative orbital motion therebetween. The Oldham coupling is positioned below the end plate of the orbiting scroll member and includes a first pair of keys slidingly engaging slots in the orbiting scroll and a second pair of keys slidingly engaging slots in the non-orbiting scroll. An optional third key may be provided to slidingly engage a slot in the non-rotating bearing housing.

Claims

1. A scroll-type machine comprising:

a first scroll member having a first spiral wrap projecting outwardly from an end plate;

a second scroll member having a second spiral wrap projecting outwardly from an end plate and interleaved with said first spiral wrap to define a plurality of moving fluid chambers therebetween when said second scroll member orbits with respect to said first scroll member;

fixed means for supporting both said scroll members;

drive means for causing said first and second scroll members to orbit with respect to one another; and

Oldham coupling means for preventing relative rotational movement between said first and second scroll members, said Oldham coupling means including an annular ring, a first pair of aligned abutment surfaces provided on said ring operatively associated with said first scroll member to prevent relative rotation between said coupling and said first scroll member and a second pair of aligned abutment surfaces provided on said ring and aligned at right angles to said first pair of abutment surfaces, said second pair of abutment surfaces being operatively associated with said second scroll member to prevent relative rotation between said coupling and said second scroll member, said second pair of abutment surfaces further defining a line offset from the center of said ring.

2. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein said Oldham coupling means is positioned in surrounding relationship to an axial thrust surface.

3. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first pair of abutment surfaces comprise a first pair of keys on one face of said annular ring, said one face facing the side opposite said second spiral wrap of said second scroll member end plate.

4. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 3 wherein said second pair of abutment surfaces comprise a second pair of keys on said one face.

5. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 4 wherein said first pair of keys project axially beyond said second scroll member end plate in radially outwardly spaced relationship to said second scroll member end plate.

6. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 1 further comprising means for preventing relative rotation between said first scroll member and said fixed means.

7. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 6 wherein said rotation preventing means comprise axially compliant mounting means for mounting said first scroll member to said bearing housing, said axial compliant mounting means permitting limited axial movement of said first scroll member.

8. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner peripheral surface of said annular ring is non-circular comprising at opposite ends circular arcs of equal radius and relatively straight portions interconnecting said arcs.

9. A scroll-type machine comprising:

a fixed body having a portion which is generally circular about the machine axis;

a non-orbiting scroll member;

an orbital scroll member mounted for orbital movement about said axis with respect to said non-orbiting scroll member whereby said non-orbiting scroll member is interleaved with said orbital scroll member to define a plurality of moving fluid chambers therebetween when said orbital scroll member orbits with respect to said non-orbiting scroll member;

means for causing said orbital scroll member to orbit with respect to said non-orbiting scroll member; and

compact Oldham coupling means for preventing rotational movement of said orbital scroll member with respect to said non-orbiting scroll member comprising;

means defining generally diametrically aligned first abutment surfaces on said non-orbiting scroll member;

means defining generally aligned second abutment surfaces on said orbital scroll member, arranged at right angles to said first abutment surfaces;

a transversely disposed annular ring member generally surrounding said circular body portion;

a first pair of keys projecting axially from one face of said ring member into linear sliding engagement with said first abutment surfaces to prevent relative rotation between said non-orbiting scroll member and said ring member; and

a second pair of keys projecting axially from said one face of said ring member into linear sliding engagement with said second abutment surfaces to prevent relative rotation between said orbital scroll member and said ring member, said second pair of keys defining a line offset from said machine axis.

10. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein the minimum inner diameter of said annular ring member is equal to the diameter of said circular body portion plus a predetermined minimal clearance.

11. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 10, wherein said circular body portion defines a flat transverse thrust bearing surface on said body slidingly supporting said orbital scroll member.

12. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein said first aligned abutment surfaces are a pair of radial slots in said non-orbiting scroll member disposed on diametrically opposite sides of said axis.

13. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein said second aligned abutment surfaces are a pair of slots in said orbiting scroll member disposed on opposite sides of said axis.

14. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a third abutment surface on said body and a third key on the opposite face of said annular ring, said third key being in linear sliding engagement with said third abutment surface to thereby prevent relative rotation of said Oldham coupling with respect to said body.

15. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 14 wherein said third abutment surface and said third key are aligned in an axial direction with one of said first pair of keys.

16. A scroll-type machine comprising:

a housing having a generally circular body portion defining an axial thrust surface;

a first scroll member supported on said axial thrust surface of said housing, said first scroll member having a pair of aligned slots provided thereon;

means for causing said first scroll member to orbit with respect to said housing;

a second scroll member having a pair of diametrically aligned slots, said first scroll member slots being aligned at right angles to said second scroll member slots;

means for mounting said second scroll member relative to said housing;

said first and second scroll members interleaved to define a plurality of moving fluid chambers therebetween when one scroll member orbits with respect to the other scroll member;

and Oldham coupling means for preventing relative rotation between said first and second scroll members, said Oldham coupling including an annular ring having radically outwardly projecting flange portions positioned in surrounding relationship to said circular body portion, a first pair of keys projecting into sliding engagement with respect to said first scroll member slots and a second pair of diametrically aligned keys projecting from said flanges into sliding engagement with respect to said second scroll member slots, said annular ring being positioned below said axial thrust surface.

17. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 16 wherein said second pair of keys are positioned radially outwardly of said first scroll member.

18. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 16 wherein said mounting means is operative to prevent relative rotation of said second scroll member with respect to said housing.

19. A scroll-type machine as claimed in claim 16 further comprising a third key on said annular ring and a radially extending slot provided in said housing, said third key projecting into sliding engagement with said third slot.

20. A fluid scroll machine comprising:

a fixed frame;

a fixed mechanism including first and second scroll members which have end plates opposed to each other at a certain interval and spiral wraps projecting from the end plates to alternately overlap one upon the other;

an Oldham coupling movably supported in the scroll machine and including;

a ring-shaped plate having a first side facing the end plate of the first scroll member, an axis center, and at least one flange projecting radially outward from said axis center;

a pair of first projections projected from the first side of the ring-shaped plate and positioned on a line which extends in a first direction; and

a pair of second projections projected from the first side of the ring-shaped plate and positioned on another line which extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction wherein at least one of said second projections projects from said at least one flange;

a pair of first guide passages included in said first scroll member extending in the first direction of the ring-shaped plate for allowing the first projections to slide relative to said first scroll member in the first direction;

a pair of second guide passages included in said scroll machine extending in the second direction of the ring-shaped plate for allowing the second projections to slide in the second direction and thereby prevent relative rotation between said scroll members; and

a means for orbiting the first scroll member with respect to the second scroll member.

21. The fluid scroll machine according to claim 20, wherein said second guide passages are further separated from the ring-shaped plate than said first guide passages, and said second projections are longer than said first projections.

22. The fluid scroll machine according to claim 21, wherein said second scroll member is fixed to the fixed frame and said second guide passages are formed in said end plate of said second scroll member.

23. The fluid scroll machine according to claim 20 wherein said second guide passages are in said second scroll member.

24. The fluid scroll machine according to claim 20 wherein one of said lines extends through the axis center of the ring-shaped plate and the other of said lines is offset from said axis center.

25. The fluid scroll machine according to claim 20 wherein the end plate of said first scroll member is disposed between said ring-shaped plate and said second scroll member.

26. A fluid scroll machine comprising:

a fixed frame;

a fluid mechanism including first and second scroll members which have end plates opposed to each other at a certain interval and spiral wraps projecting from the end plates to alternately overlap one upon the other;

an Oldham coupling movably supported by the fixed frame and including;

a ring-shaped plate having a first side facing the end plate of the first scroll member, an axis center, and flanges projecting radially outward;

a pair of first projections projected from the first side of the ring-shaped plate and positioned on a line which extends in a first radial direction to pass through the axis center of the ring-shaped plate; and

a pair of second projections projected from the first side of said flanges of the ring-shaped plate and positioned on another line which extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first radial direction;

a pair of first guide passages included in one of said scroll members extending in the first radial direction of the ring-shaped plate for allowing the first projections to slide in the first radial direction;

a pair of second guide passages included in the other of said scroll members extending in the second direction of the ring-shaped plate for allowing the second projections to slide relative to said other scroll member in the second direction; and

means for orbiting said other scroll member with respect to said one scroll member.

27. A fluid scroll machine comprising:

a fixed frame;

a fluid mechanism including first and second scroll members which have end plates opposed to each other at a certain interval and spiral wraps projecting from the end plates to alternately overlap one upon the other;

an Oldham coupling movably supported by the fixed frame and including;

a ring-shaped plate having a first side facing the end plate of the first scroll member and an axis center,

a pair of first projections projected from the first side of the ring-shaped plate and positioned on a line which extends in a first radial direction, and

a pair of second projections projected from the first side of the ring-shaped plate and positioned on another line which extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first radial direction;

a pair of first guide passages included in one of the said scroll members extending in the first radial direction of the ring-shaped plate for allowing the first projections to slide in the first radial direction;

a pair of second guide passages included in the other of said scroll members extending in the second direction of the ring-shaped plate for allowing the second projections to slide relative to said other scroll member in the second direction; and

means for orbiting said one scroll member with respect to said other scroll member.

28. An Oldham coupling for use in a scroll-type machine having a first and second scroll member comprising:

an annular ring having a first face and an axis center;

a pair of first projections projecting from said first face defining a first line and engaging said first scroll member to maintain a relatively fixed angular relationship between said Oldham ring and said first scroll member;

a pair of second projections projecting from said first face defining a second line and engaging said second scroll member for maintaining a relatively fixed angular relationship between said Oldham coupling and said second scroll member;

at least one of said lines being offset from the axis center.

29. An Oldham coupling for use in a scroll machine to assist in maintaining a relatively fixed angular relationship between first and second scroll members comprising:

an annular ring having a first face and an axis center;

first two aligned pairs of abutment surfaces provided on said first face for operable association with said first scroll member to prevent relative rotation between said coupling and said first scroll member and defining a first line;

second two aligned pairs of abutment surfaces provided on said first face defining a second line at right angles to said first line and offset from said axis center, said second two pairs of abutment surfaces being operatively associated with said second scroll member to prevent relative rotation between said coupling and said second scroll member.

30. The Oldham ring of claim 29 wherein said second two pairs of abutment surfaces are positioned on radially outwardly projecting flange portions of said ring;

31. The Oldham coupling of claim 29 wherein said ring portion further comprises a non-circular inner periphery, generally defined by first and second circular arc segments interconnected by substantially straight segments of length L.

32. The Oldham ring of claim 31 wherein said first line passes through the center of said ring;

33. The Oldham ring of claim 29 wherein said first two pairs abutment surfaces comprises a first pair of keys, each of said keys of said first pair of keys being centered on said first line.

34. The Oldham ring of claim 33 wherein said second two pairs of abutment surfaces comprise a second pair of keys, each of said second pair of keys being centered on said second line.

35. A scroll type machine comprising:

a fixed body;

a non-orbiting scroll member;

an orbital scroll member mounted for orbital movement with respect to said non-orbiting scroll member;

means for causing said orbital scroll member to orbit with respect to said non-orbiting scroll member whereby said non-orbiting scroll member is interleaved with said orbital scroll member to define a plurality of moving fluid chambers therebetween when said orbital scroll member orbits with respect to said non-orbiting scroll member; and

Oldham coupling means for preventing rotational movement of said orbital scroll member with respect to said non-orbiting scroll member comprising;

first abutment surfaces on said non-orbiting scroll member;

second abutment surfaces on said orbital scroll member arranged at right angles to said first abutment surfaces;

a ring member having a center and an inner peripheral surface comprising, at opposite ends, circular arcs of equal radius, the centers of curvature of said arcs being spaced apart a predetermined distance L and relatively straight portions connecting said arcs;

a first pair of keys, defining a first line and projecting axially from one face of said ring member into engagement with said first abutment surfaces to prevent relative rotation between said non-orbiting scroll member in said ring member; and

a second pair of keys defining a second line and projecting axially from said one face of said ring member into engagement with said second abutment surfaces to prevent relative rotation between said orbital scroll member and said ring member, said second line being disposed at a right angle to said first line and not passing through said center.

36. The scroll machine of claim 35 wherein said first line passes through said center.

37. The scroll machine of claim 35 wherein said engagement is linear sliding engagement.

38. Wherein the scroll machine of claim 35 wherein distance L is equal to about twice the radius of the orbit travelled by the orbital scroll member.

39. The scroll machine of claim 35 wherein said first pair of keys project further from said one face than said second pair of keys.