Scroll machine with asymmetrical bleed hole

• US 6,293,767 B1
• Filed: 02/28/2000
• Issued: 09/25/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
• Original Assignee: Copeland Corporation LLC (Emerson Electric Company)
• Inventors: Bass, Mark
• Primary Examiner(s): Freay, Charles G.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HAYES, ERIC D
• Application Number:
  US09/514,790
• Time in Patent Office: 575 Days
• Field of Search: 418/55.5, 417/310, 417/213
• US Class Current: 417/310
• CPC Class Codes: F04C 18/0215 where only one member is moving
• CPC Class Codes: F04C 2240/603 with internal channels for fluid distribution, e.g. hollow shaft
• CPC Class Codes: F04C 23/008 Hermetic pumps
• CPC Class Codes: F04C 27/005 Axial sealings for working fluid
• CPC Class Codes: F04C 28/14 using rotating valves

Abstract

A scroll compressor has a pair of scroll members which compress a fluid as the fluid moves through pockets created by the scroll members. The fluid moves from a suction pressure zone to a discharge pressure zone. A chamber is defined by one of the scroll members. The chamber is in communication with a pocket located between the suction and discharge pressure zone such that an intermediate pressurized fluid is supplied to the chamber through a fluid passageway. The fluid passageway is designed to allow a large flow from the pocket to the chamber and a small flow from the chamber to the pocket. This dual flow capability reduces the pressure pulsation in the chamber. In one embodiment, a capacity control mechanism is associated with the compressor to vary the capacity of the compressor.

Claims

1. A scroll machine comprising:

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

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

a drive member causing said scroll members to orbit relative to one another whereby said spiral wraps will create pockets of progressively changing volume between a suction pressure zone at a suction pressure and a discharge pressure zone at a discharge pressure;

means defining a leakage path disposed between two elements of said scroll machine, said leakage path extending from said discharge pressure zone to said suction pressure zone;

means defining a chamber containing an intermediate pressurized fluid said intermediate pressurized fluid being at a pressure between said suction pressure and said discharge pressure, said chamber being in communication with one of said two elements of said scroll machine to bias said one element into engagement with the other of said two elements to close said leakage path;

a fluid passageway extending between one of said pockets of progressively changing volume and said chamber; and

means disposed within said fluid passageway for providing a first fluid flow level from said chamber to said one pocket for said intermediate pressurized fluid and a second fluid flow level from said one pocket to said chamber for said intermediate pressurized fluid, said second fluid flow level being greater than said first fluid flow level.

2. The scroll machine according to claim 1, wherein said providing means comprises a valve member disposed within said fluid passageway.

3. The scroll machine according to claim 2, wherein said fluid passageway includes a first portion and a second portion, said second portion being larger than said first portion, said valve member being disposed within said second portion.

4. The scroll machine according to claim 2, wherein said valve member defines a fluid flow orifice extending through said valve member.

5. The scroll machine according to claim 2, wherein said fluid passageway defines a shoulder, said valve member sealingly engaging said shoulder.

6. The scroll machine according to claim 5, wherein said valve member defines a fluid flow orifice extending through said valve member.

7. The scroll machine according to claim 1, wherein said fluid passageway includes a first portion and a second portion, said second portion being larger than said first portion.

8. The scroll machine according to claim 7, wherein said second portion of said fluid passageway is frusto-conically shaped.

9. The scroll machine according to claim 1, further comprising a capacity modulation system for changing the capacity of said scroll machine.

10. The scroll machine according to claim 9, wherein said providing means comprises a valve member disposed within said fluid passageway.

11. The scroll machine according to claim 9, wherein said fluid passageway includes a first portion and a second portion, said second portion being larger than said first portion.

12. The scroll machine according to claim 11, wherein said second portion of said fluid passageway is frusto-conically shaped.

13. The scroll machine according to claim 9, wherein said capacity modulation system comprises:

a vent for placing at least one of said pockets in communication with said suction pressure zone; and

a fluid pressure actuated valve for selectively opening and closing said vent to thereby change the capacity of said scroll machine.

14. The scroll machine according to claim 13, wherein said vent and said at least one of said pockets is in communication with said chamber.

15. The scroll machine according to claim 1, wherein said fluid passageway includes a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter, said second diameter being larger than said first diameter to define a shoulder.

16. The scroll machine according to claim 15, wherein said scroll machine further comprises a valve member disposed within said second portion of said fluid passageway, said valve member defining a fluid flow orifice having a third diameter, said third diameter being smaller than said first diameter.

17. The scroll machine according to claim 15, wherein said valve member is moved by fluid pressure between a first position sealingly engaging said shoulder and a second position spaced from said shoulder.

18. The scroll machine according to claim 15, further comprising a capacity modulation system for changing the capacity of said scroll machine.

19. The scroll machine according to claim 18, wherein said capacity modulation system comprises:

a vent for placing at least one of said pockets in communication with said suction pressure zone; and

a fluid pressure actuated valve for selectively opening and closing said vent to thereby change the capacity of said scroll machine.

20. The scroll machine according to claim 19, wherein said vent and said at least one of said pockets is in communication with said chamber.

21. The scroll machine according to claim 1, wherein said fluid passage is continuously open.