Simplified scroll compressor modulation control
First Claim
1. A scroll compressor comprising:
- a first scroll member having a generally spiral wrap extending from a base, and a second scroll member having a generally spiral wrap extending from a base, said first scroll member being driven for orbital movement relative to said second scroll member, and said wraps of said first and second scroll members interfitting to define compression chambers.an electric motor for driving said first scroll member to orbit relative to said second scroll member;
a control for stopping and starting said electric motor; and
a capacity valve for controlling a capacity of refrigerant compressed in said compression chambers, said capacity valve modifying a volume of refrigerant which is compressed upon stopping and starting said motor.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Simplified capacity control mechanisms for scroll compressors include a fork operable to open and close vents associated with a pair of scroll compression chambers. A single fork opens and closes both vents simultaneously. In the past, separate members have been utilized to open and close the two individual valves, and they have sometimes been actuated in a non-synchronous manner. A control associated With the fork is operable to move the fork between the open and closed positions by simple electronic controls. In several embodiments, the electronic controls are operated simply to stop and start the electric motor for driving the compressor. Pressure forces on and associated valve element move the fork to the desired position between the open and closed positions. No separate control wires, or separate electronic valves, need to pass into the scroll housing. In another embodiment, an electric solenoid is actuated to move the fork between open and closed positions.
63 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A scroll compressor comprising:
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a first scroll member having a generally spiral wrap extending from a base, and a second scroll member having a generally spiral wrap extending from a base, said first scroll member being driven for orbital movement relative to said second scroll member, and said wraps of said first and second scroll members interfitting to define compression chambers. an electric motor for driving said first scroll member to orbit relative to said second scroll member; a control for stopping and starting said electric motor; and a capacity valve for controlling a capacity of refrigerant compressed in said compression chambers, said capacity valve modifying a volume of refrigerant which is compressed upon stopping and starting said motor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A scroll compressor comprising:
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a first scroll member having a generally spiral wrap extending from a base, and a second scroll member having a generally spiral wrap extending from a base, said first scroll member being driven for orbital movement relative to said second scroll member, and said wraps of said first and second scroll members interfitting to define at least a pair of compression chambers moved towards a discharge port together; a pair of vents passing through the base of one of said control members and communicating with respective ones of said compression chambers; a capacity valve for controlling a capacity of refrigerant compressed in said compression chambers, said capacity valve being actuatable to modify a volume of refrigerant which is compressed, said capacity valve including a fork member, and said fork being operable to close off both of said vents at the same time, said fork having two surfaces which close off said pair of vents, and there being an actuation structure for moving said fork between open and closed positions. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification