Axial compliance

Abstract

A scroll compressor has its back pressure chamber defined by two seals. The two seals are on different planes. Locating the seals on two distinct planes allows a more direct connection for a tap through a compression chamber and the back pressure chamber. In addition, the volume of the back pressure chamber can be made significantly larger, reducing resistance at start-up of the scroll compressor.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This application relates to a scroll compressor wherein a back pressure chamber is defined by inner and outer seals, with the seals on different planes. The formation of a tap for the back pressure chamber is simplified, and there is also less resistance at startup.[0002]Scroll compressors are becoming widely utilized in refrigerant compression applications. In a scroll compressor, a first scroll member has a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from the base. A second scroll member has a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base. The wraps interfit to define compression chambers, and one of the two scroll members is caused to orbit relative to the other. As the scroll member orbits, the size of the compression chambers decreases and an entrapped refrigerant is compressed.[0003]Generally, at least one of the two scroll members is allowed to move axially away from the other. As compression occurs a separating force is created whic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]In the disclosed embodiment of this invention, one of the two seals for defining the back pressure chamber is at a surface which is spaced away from the plane which receives the other seal. In this manner, the seals may be spaced radially further from each other such that a more direct path from the compression chamber to the back pressure chamber can be utilized, and a simple drilled hole can provide the tap.

[0008]Further, the radially innermost of the seals can be spaced axially from the radially outermost of the seals to define a relatively large volume back pressure chamber. Thus, it will take a relatively longer time for the back pressure chamber to fill, and for the scroll members to be brought in contact with each other at startup. In this manner, resistance to movement of the scroll member at startup is significantly reduced. This new arrangement also provides greater flexibility to tailor back chamber volume for optimized starting versus compression ramp-up.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, it will take a relatively longer time for the back pressure chamber to fill, and for the scroll members to be brought in contact with each other at startup.

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