Source: http://patents.com/us-10378540.html
Timestamp: 2019-09-23 00:48:44
Document Index: 493407933

Matched Legal Cases: ['art\n7771178', 'Application No. 200710160038', 'Application No. 200710160038', 'Application No. 201080020243', 'Application No. 201180010366', 'Application No. 10762374', 'Application No. 201410461048', 'Application No. 201410460792', 'Application No. 201380059666', 'Application No. 201380062614', 'Application No. 201380062657', 'Application No. 201380059963', 'Application No. 201410461048', 'Application No. 13858194', 'Application No. 13859308', 'Application No. 201410460792', 'Application No. 11747996', 'Application No. 201380059666', 'Application No. 201410460792', 'Application No. 201610703191', 'Application No. 2043', 'Application No. 201610158216', 'Application No. 201410460792', 'Application No. 201610512702', 'Application No. 201610499158', 'Application No. 201580029636', 'Application No. 1907', 'Application No. 10', 'Application No. 201610930347', 'Application No. 201610158216', 'Application No. 13859308', 'Application No. 201610516097', 'Application No. 62', 'Application No. 62']

US Patent # 1,037,8540. Compressor with thermally-responsive modulation system - Patents.com
United States Patent 10,378,540
Stover August 13, 2019
A compressor may include a first scroll, a second scroll and a modulation system. The first scroll may include a first endplate and a first spiral wrap. The second scroll may include a second endplate and a second spiral wrap interleaved with the first spiral wrap and cooperating to form a plurality of working fluid pockets therebetween. The modulation system may include a temperature-responsive displacement member that actuates in response to a temperature within a space rising above a predetermined threshold. Actuation of the displacement member may be controlled to control a capacity of the compressor.
Stover; Robert C. (Versailles, OH)
Family ID: 1000004207203
15/187,225
US 20170030354 A1 Feb 2, 2017
62198399 Jul 29, 2015
62187350 Jul 1, 2015
Current CPC Class: F04C 27/005 (20130101); F04C 18/0215 (20130101); F04C 23/008 (20130101); F04C 28/26 (20130101); F04C 29/124 (20130101); F05C 2251/08 (20130101); F04C 2240/30 (20130101); F04C 2240/81 (20130101); F04C 2270/195 (20130101); F05C 2251/046 (20130101)
Current International Class: F04C 27/00 (20060101); F04C 18/02 (20060101); F04C 28/26 (20060101); F04C 23/00 (20060101); F04C 29/12 (20060101)
4216661 August 1980 Tojo et al.
4383805 May 1983 Teegarden et al.
4389171 June 1983 Eber et al.
4475360 October 1984 Suefuji et al.
4497615 February 1985 Griffith
4696630 September 1987 Sakata et al.
4774816 October 1988 Uchikawa et al.
4818195 April 1989 Murayama et al.
4846633 July 1989 Suzuki et al.
4886425 December 1989 Itahana et al.
4940395 July 1990 Yamamoto et al.
5040952 August 1991 Inoue et al.
5055010 October 1991 Logan
5059098 October 1991 Suzuki et al.
5071323 December 1991 Sakashita et al.
5074760 December 1991 Hirooka et al.
5080056 January 1992 Kramer et al.
5085565 February 1992 Barito
RE34148 December 1992 Terauchi et al.
5169294 December 1992 Barito
5192195 March 1993 Iio et al.
5193987 March 1993 Iio et al.
5240389 August 1993 Oikawa et al.
5253489 October 1993 Yoshii
5356271 October 1994 Miura et al.
5451146 September 1995 Inagaki et al.
5482637 January 1996 Rao et al.
5551846 September 1996 Taylor et al.
5557897 September 1996 Kranz et al.
5577897 November 1996 Inagaki et al.
5607288 March 1997 Wallis et al.
5639225 June 1997 Matsuda et al.
5640854 June 1997 Fogt et al.
5674058 October 1997 Matsuda et al.
5678985 October 1997 Brooke et al.
5855475 January 1999 Fujio et al.
5885063 March 1999 Makino et al.
5993171 November 1999 Higashiyama
5993177 November 1999 Terauchi et al.
6086335 July 2000 Bass et al.
6095765 August 2000 Khalifa
6102671 August 2000 Yamamoto et al.
6123517 September 2000 Brooke et al.
6123528 September 2000 Sun et al.
6132179 October 2000 Higashiyama
6139287 October 2000 Kuroiwa et al.
6139291 October 2000 Perevozchikov
6149401 November 2000 Iwanami et al.
6164940 December 2000 Terauchi et al.
6179589 January 2001 Bass et al.
6202438 March 2001 Barito
6210120 April 2001 Hugenroth et al.
6231316 May 2001 Wakisaka et al.
6267565 July 2001 Seibel
6273691 August 2001 Morimoto et al.
6293776 September 2001 Hahn et al.
6322340 November 2001 Itoh et al.
6350111 February 2002 Perevozchikov et al.
6379123 April 2002 Makino et al.
6413058 July 2002 Williams et al.
6419457 July 2002 Seibel et al.
6428286 August 2002 Shimizu et al.
6454551 September 2002 Kuroki et al.
6464481 October 2002 Tsubai et al.
6478550 November 2002 Matsuba et al.
6506036 January 2003 Tsubai et al.
6537043 March 2003 Chen
6544016 April 2003 Gennami et al.
6558143 May 2003 Nakajima et al.
6589035 July 2003 Tsubono et al.
6679683 January 2004 Seibel et al.
6715999 April 2004 Ancel et al.
6769881 August 2004 Lee
6769888 August 2004 Tsubono et al.
6773242 August 2004 Perevozchikov
6817847 November 2004 Agner
6821092 November 2004 Gehret et al.
6863510 March 2005 Cho
6881046 April 2005 Shibamoto et al.
6884042 April 2005 Zili et al.
6893229 May 2005 Choi et al.
6896498 May 2005 Patel
6913448 July 2005 Liang et al.
6984114 January 2006 Zili et al.
7018180 March 2006 Koo
7029251 April 2006 Chang et al.
7118358 October 2006 Tsubono et al.
7137796 November 2006 Tsubono et al.
7160088 January 2007 Peyton
7207787 April 2007 Liang et al.
7229261 June 2007 Morimoto et al.
7255542 August 2007 Lifson et al.
7261527 August 2007 Alexander et al.
7311740 December 2007 Williams et al.
7344365 March 2008 Takeuchi et al.
RE40257 April 2008 Doepker et al.
7354259 April 2008 Tsubono et al.
7364416 April 2008 Liang et al.
7371057 May 2008 Shin et al.
RE40399 June 2008 Hugenroth et al.
RE40400 June 2008 Bass et al.
7393190 July 2008 Lee et al.
7404706 July 2008 Ishikawa et al.
RE40554 October 2008 Bass et al.
7510382 March 2009 Jeong
7695257 April 2010 Joo et al.
7717687 May 2010 Reinhart
7771178 August 2010 Perevozchikov et al.
7815423 October 2010 Guo et al.
7891961 February 2011 Shimizu et al.
RE42371 May 2011 Peyton
7967582 June 2011 Akei et al.
7967583 June 2011 Stover et al.
7972125 July 2011 Stover et al.
7976289 July 2011 Masao
7976295 July 2011 Stover et al.
7988433 August 2011 Akei et al.
8025492 September 2011 Seibel et al.
8303278 November 2012 Roof et al.
8303279 November 2012 Hahn
8308448 November 2012 Fields et al.
8328531 December 2012 Milliff et al.
8506271 August 2013 Seibel et al.
8517703 August 2013 Doepker
8790098 July 2014 Stover et al.
8840384 September 2014 Patel et al.
8857200 October 2014 Stover et al.
8932036 January 2015 Monnier et al.
9127677 September 2015 Doepker
9145891 September 2015 Kim et al.
9249802 February 2016 Doepker et al.
9303642 April 2016 Akei et al.
9435340 September 2016 Doepker et al.
9494157 November 2016 Doepker
9605677 March 2017 Heidecker et al.
9651043 May 2017 Stover et al.
9777730 October 2017 Doepker et al.
9790940 October 2017 Doepker et al.
9879674 January 2018 Akei et al.
2001/0010800 August 2001 Kohsokabe et al.
2002/0039540 April 2002 Kuroki et al.
2003/0044296 March 2003 Chen
2003/0186060 October 2003 Rao
2003/0228235 December 2003 Sowa et al.
2004/0136854 July 2004 Kimura et al.
2004/0146419 July 2004 Kawaguchi et al.
2004/0184932 September 2004 Lifson
2004/0197204 October 2004 Yamanouchi et al.
2005/0019177 January 2005 Shin et al.
2005/0019178 January 2005 Shin et al.
2005/0053507 March 2005 Takeuchi et al.
2005/0069444 March 2005 Peyton
2005/0201883 September 2005 Clendenin et al.
2006/0099098 May 2006 Lee et al.
2006/0198748 September 2006 Grassbaugh et al.
2006/0228243 October 2006 Sun et al.
2006/0233657 October 2006 Bonear et al.
2007/0036661 February 2007 Stover
2007/0110604 May 2007 Peyton
2007/0130973 June 2007 Lifson et al.
2008/0138227 June 2008 Knapke
2008/0159892 July 2008 Huang et al.
2008/0159893 July 2008 Caillat
2008/0196445 August 2008 Lifson et al.
2008/0223057 September 2008 Lifson et al.
2008/0305270 December 2008 Uhlianuk et al.
2009/0035167 February 2009 Sun
2009/0068048 March 2009 Stover et al.
2009/0071183 March 2009 Stover et al.
2009/0185935 July 2009 Seibel et al.
2009/0297377 December 2009 Stover et al.
2009/0297378 December 2009 Stover et al.
2009/0297379 December 2009 Stover et al.
2009/0297380 December 2009 Stover et al.
2010/0111741 May 2010 Chikano et al.
2010/0135836 June 2010 Stover et al.
2010/0158731 June 2010 Akei et al.
2010/0212311 August 2010 McQuary et al.
2010/0254841 October 2010 Akei et al.
2010/0300659 December 2010 Stover et al.
2010/0303659 December 2010 Stover et al.
2011/0135509 June 2011 Fields et al.
2011/0293456 December 2011 Seibel et al.
2012/0107163 May 2012 Monnier et al.
2013/0078128 March 2013 Akei
2013/0089448 April 2013 Ginies et al.
2013/0121857 May 2013 Liang et al.
2013/0309118 November 2013 Ginies et al.
2013/0315768 November 2013 Le Coat et al.
2014/0023540 January 2014 Heidecker et al.
2014/0024563 January 2014 Heidecker et al.
2014/0037486 February 2014 Stover et al.
2014/0134030 May 2014 Stover et al.
2014/0134031 May 2014 Doepker et al.
2014/0147294 May 2014 Fargo et al.
2014/0154121 June 2014 Doepker
2014/0154124 June 2014 Doepker et al.
2015/0192121 July 2015 Sung et al.
2015/0330386 November 2015 Doepker
2015/0345493 December 2015 Lochner et al.
2015/0354719 December 2015 van Beek et al.
2016/0115954 April 2016 Doepker et al.
2016/0201673 July 2016 Perevozchikov et al.
2017/0002817 January 2017 Stover
2017/0002818 January 2017 Stover
2017/0268510 September 2017 Stover et al.
2017/0306960 October 2017 Pax et al.
2017/0314558 November 2017 Pax et al.
2018/0038369 February 2018 Doepker et al.
2018/0038370 February 2018 Doepker et al.
2018/0149155 May 2018 Akei et al.
1137614 Dec 1996 CN
1158944 Sep 1997 CN
1158945 Sep 1997 CN
1289011 Mar 2001 CN
1349053 May 2002 CN
1382912 Dec 2002 CN
1517553 Aug 2004 CN
1680720 Oct 2005 CN
1702328 Nov 2005 CN
2747381 Dec 2005 CN
1828022 Sep 2006 CN
1963214 May 2007 CN
1995756 Jul 2007 CN
101358592 Feb 2009 CN
101761479 Jun 2010 CN
101806302 Aug 2010 CN
101910637 Dec 2010 CN
102076963 May 2011 CN
102089525 Jun 2011 CN
102272454 Dec 2011 CN
102422024 Apr 2012 CN
102449314 May 2012 CN
102762866 Oct 2012 CN
202926640 May 2013 CN
103502644 Jan 2014 CN
103671125 Mar 2014 CN
204041454 Dec 2014 CN
104838143 Aug 2015 CN
205533207 Aug 2016 CN
205876712 Jan 2017 CN
205876713 Jan 2017 CN
205895597 Jan 2017 CN
0822335 Feb 1998 EP
1067289 Jan 2001 EP
1182353 Feb 2002 EP
1371851 Dec 2003 EP
1382854 Jan 2004 EP
2151577 Feb 2010 EP
2107829 May 1983 GB
60259794 Dec 1985 JP
S6385277 Apr 1988 JP
63-205482 Aug 1988 JP
H0281982 Mar 1990 JP
03081588 Apr 1991 JP
H04272490 Sep 1992 JP
H07-293456 Nov 1995 JP
H08247053 Sep 1996 JP
08334094 Dec 1996 JP
H8320079 Dec 1996 JP
H09-177689 Jul 1997 JP
11107950 Apr 1999 JP
H11324950 Nov 1999 JP
2000104684 Apr 2000 JP
2000161263 Jun 2000 JP
2000329078 Nov 2000 JP
2003074481 Mar 2003 JP
2003074482 Mar 2003 JP
2003106258 Apr 2003 JP
2003227479 Aug 2003 JP
2007154761 Jun 2007 JP
2008248775 Oct 2008 JP
2013167215 Aug 2013 JP
1019870000015 May 1985 KR
870000015 Jan 1987 KR
20050027402 Mar 2005 KR
20050095246 Sep 2005 KR
100547323 Jan 2006 KR
20100017008 Feb 2010 KR
101192642 Oct 2012 KR
20120115581 Oct 2012 KR
WO-0073659 Dec 2000 WO
WO-2007046810 Apr 2007 WO
WO-2009017741 Feb 2009 WO
WO-2009155099 Dec 2009 WO
WO-2010118140 Oct 2010 WO
WO-2011106422 Sep 2011 WO
WO-2012114455 Aug 2012 WO
US. Appl. No. 15/187,016, filed Jan. 26, 2018, Masao Akei et al. cited by applicant .
Extended European Search Report regarding Application No. EP07254962 dated Mar. 12, 2008. cited by applicant .
U.S. Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 11/645,288 dated Nov. 30, 2009. cited by applicant .
First China Office Action regarding Application No. 200710160038.5 dated Jul. 8, 2010. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys At Law. cited by applicant .
International Search Report regarding Application No. PCT/US2010/030248, dated Nov. 26, 2010. cited by applicant .
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority regarding Application No. PCT/US2010/030248, dated Nov. 26, 2010. cited by applicant .
International Search Report regarding Application No. PCT/US2011/025921, dated Oct. 7, 2011. cited by applicant .
Written Opinion of the International Search Authority regarding Application No. PCT/US2011/025921, dated Oct. 7, 2011. cited by applicant .
China Office Action regarding Application No. 200710160038.5 dated Jan. 31, 2012. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys At Law. cited by applicant .
U.S. Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 13/181,065 dated Nov. 9, 2012. cited by applicant .
International Search Report regarding Application No. PCT/US2013/051678, dated Oct. 21, 2013. cited by applicant .
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority regarding Application No. PCT/US2013/051678, dated Oct. 21, 2013. cited by applicant .
China Office Action regarding Application No. 201080020243.1 dated Nov. 5, 2013. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys At Law. cited by applicant .
International Search Report regarding Application No. PCT/US2013/069456, dated Feb. 18, 2014. cited by applicant .
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority regarding Application No. PCT/US2013/069456, dated Feb. 18, 2014. cited by applicant .
International Search Report regarding Application No. PCT/US2013/069462, dated Feb. 21, 2014. cited by applicant .
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority regarding Application No. PCT/US2013/069462, dated Feb. 21, 2014. cited by applicant .
International Search Report regarding Application No. PCT/US2013/070992, dated Feb. 25, 2014. cited by applicant .
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority regarding Application No. PCT/US2013/070992, dated Feb. 25, 2014. cited by applicant .
International Search Report regarding Application No. PCT/US2013/070981, dated Mar. 4, 2014. cited by applicant .
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority regarding Application No. PCT/US2013/070981, dated Mar. 4, 2014. cited by applicant .
Second Office Action regarding China Application No. 201180010366.1 dated Dec. 31, 2014. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys At Law. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/081,390, dated Mar. 27, 2015. cited by applicant .
Search Report regarding European Patent Application No. 10762374.6-1608 / 2417356 PCT/US2010030248, dated Jun. 16, 2015. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/060,240, dated Aug. 12, 2015. cited by applicant .
International Search Report regarding International Application No. PCT/US2015/033960, dated Sep. 1, 2015. cited by applicant .
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority regarding International Application No. PCT/US2015/033960, dated Sep. 1, 2015. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/073,293, dated Sep. 25, 2015. cited by applicant .
Restriction Requirement regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/060,102, dated Oct. 7, 2015. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201410461048.2, dated Nov. 30, 2015. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys at Law. cited by applicant .
Interview Summary regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/060,240, dated Dec. 1, 2015. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/073,293, dated Jan. 29, 2016. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201410460792.0, dated Feb. 25, 2016. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys at Law. cited by applicant .
Restriction Requirement regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/060,102, dated Mar. 16, 2016. cited by applicant .
First Office Action regarding Chinese Application No. 201380059666.8, dated Apr. 5, 2016. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys At Law. cited by applicant .
First Office Action regarding Chinese Application No. 201380062614.6, dated Apr. 5, 2016. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys At Law. cited by applicant .
Advisory Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/073,293, dated Apr. 18, 2016. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201380062657.4, dated May 4, 2016. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys at Law. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201380059963.2, dated May 10, 2016. Translation provided by Unitalent Attorneys at Law. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/060,102, dated Jun. 14, 2016. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/846,877, dated Jul. 15, 2016. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201410461048.2, dated Jul. 26, 2016. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys at Law. cited by applicant .
Search Report regarding European Patent Application No. 13858194.7, dated Aug. 3, 2016. cited by applicant .
Search Report regarding European Patent Application No. 13859308.2, dated Aug. 3, 2016. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/294,458, dated Aug. 19, 2016. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201410460792.0, dated Oct. 21, 2016. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys At Law. cited by applicant .
Search Report regarding European Patent Application No. 11747996.4, dated Nov. 7, 2016. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201380059666.8, dated Nov. 23, 2016. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys at Law. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/060,102, dated Dec. 28, 2016. cited by applicant .
International Search Report regarding International Application No. PCT/CN2016/103763, dated Jan. 25, 2017. cited by applicant .
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority regarding International Application No. PCT/CN2016/103763, dated Jan. 25, 2017. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 15/156,400, dated Feb. 23, 2017. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/294,458, dated Feb. 28, 2017. cited by applicant .
Advisory Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/060,102, dated Mar. 3, 2017. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/663,073, dated Apr. 11, 2017. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201410460792.0, dated Apr. 24, 2017. cited by applicant .
Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys at Law. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/946,824, dated May 10, 2017. cited by applicant .
Advisory Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/294,458, dated Jun. 9, 2017. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201610703191.7, dated Jun. 13, 2017. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys at Law. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Indian Patent Application No. 2043/MUMNP/2011, dated Jul. 28, 2017. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/294,458, dated Sep. 21, 2017. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/757,407, dated Oct. 13, 2017. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201610158216.X, dated Oct. 30, 2017. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys at Law. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201410460792.0, dated Nov. 1, 2017. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys At Law. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201610512702.7, dated Dec. 20, 2017. Partial translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys at Law. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201610499158.7, dated Jan. 9, 2018. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys at Law. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201580029636.1, dated Jan. 17, 2018. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys at Law. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 15/646,654, dated Feb. 9, 2018. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 15/651,471 dated Feb. 23, 2018. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Indian Patent Application No. 1907/MUMNP/2012, dated Feb. 26, 2018. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-7034539, dated Apr. 11, 2018. Translation provided by Y.S. Chang & Associates. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201610930347.5, dated May 14, 2018. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys at Law. cited by applicant .
Notice of Allowance regarding U.S. Appl. No. 14/757,407, dated May 24, 2018. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201610158216.X, dated Jun. 13, 2018. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys at Law. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding European Patent Application No. 13859308.2, dated Jun. 22, 2018. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 15/186,092, dated Jun. 29, 2018. cited by applicant .
Notice of Allowance regarding U.S. Appl. No. 15/646,654, dated Jul. 11, 2018. cited by applicant .
Notice of Allowance regarding U.S. Appl. No. 15/651,471, dated Jul. 11, 2018. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 15/784,540, dated Jul. 17, 2018. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 15/784,458, dated Jul. 19, 2018. cited by applicant .
Election/Restriction Requirement regarding U.S. Appl. No. 15/587,735, dated Jul. 23, 2018. cited by applicant .
Election Requirement regarding U.S. Appl. No. 15/186,092, dated Apr. 3, 2018. cited by applicant .
Election Requirement regarding U.S. Appl. No. 15/784,458, dated Apr. 5, 2018. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action regarding U.S. Appl. No. 15/186,151, dated May 3, 2018. cited by applicant .
Office Action regarding Chinese Patent Application No. 201610516097.0, dated Jun. 27, 2017. Translation provided by Unitalen Attorneys at Law. cited by applicant.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/198,399, filed on Jul. 29, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/187,350, filed on Jul. 1, 2015. The entire disclosures of each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
1. A compressor comprising: a first scroll including a first endplate and a first spiral wrap; a second scroll including a second endplate and a second spiral wrap interleaved with said first spiral wrap and cooperating to form a plurality of working fluid pockets therebetween, said first endplate including a first passage and a second passage, said first passage in communication with an intermediate one of said working fluid pockets; and a modulation system including a modulation member and a temperature-responsive displacement member, said modulation member engaging said first endplate and movable relative to said first endplate between a first position in which said modulation member blocks communication between said first and second passages and a second position in which said modulation member is spaced apart from said first passage to allow communication between said first and second passages, said temperature-responsive displacement member engaging said modulation member and actuating to axially move said modulation member between said first and second positions.
2. The compressor of claim 1, wherein said modulation member is an annular hub that at least partially defines a discharge passage through which discharge-pressure working fluid enters a discharge chamber of the compressor.
3. The compressor of claim 2, wherein said modulation member includes a base portion having a protrusion extending axially therefrom, and wherein said protrusion seals said first passage when said modulation member is in said first position.
4. The compressor of claim 3, wherein said first passage extends axially through said first endplate, and wherein said second passage extends radially through said first endplate.
5. The compressor of claim 4, further comprising a seal assembly and a biasing member, said seal assembly disposed within an annular recess of said first scroll, said biasing member disposed between said seal assembly and said first endplate and biasing said seal assembly into sealing engagement with a partition separating a discharge chamber from a suction chamber, said biasing member biasing said first scroll axially toward said second scroll.
6. The compressor of claim 1, wherein said temperature-responsive displacement member is disposed between and engages said modulation member and an axially facing surface of said first endplate.
7. The compressor of claim 1, wherein said temperature-responsive displacement member is disposed between and engages said modulation member and a partition separating a discharge chamber from a suction chamber.
8. The compressor of claim 1, wherein said modulation system includes a control module in communication with said temperature-responsive displacement member and a temperature sensor, said temperature sensor disposed within one of a discharge chamber of the compressor, a suction chamber and a location outside of the compressor.
9. The compressor of claim 1, wherein the temperature-responsive displacement member includes a shape memory material.
10. The compressor of claim 9, wherein the shape memory material includes at least one of a bi-metal and tri-metal shape memory alloy.
11. The compressor of claim 9, wherein said temperature-responsive displacement member is actuated when an electrical current is applied to said shape memory material.
The present disclosure relates to a compressor, and more specifically to a compressor having a thermally responsive modulation system.
According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a compressor that may include a first scroll, a second scroll and a modulation system. The first scroll may include a first endplate and a first spiral wrap. The second scroll may include a second endplate and a second spiral wrap interleaved with the first spiral wrap and cooperating to form a plurality of working fluid pockets therebetween. The modulation system may include a temperature-responsive displacement member that actuates or expands in response to a temperature within a space rising above a predetermined threshold. Actuation of the displacement member moves one of the first and second scrolls axially relative to the other of the first and second scrolls.
In some configurations, the modulation system includes a displacement member control module to control the displacement member based on an operating temperature of the compressor. The displacement member control module may utilize pulse-width-modulation to cycle between "on" and "off" states to allow the modulation system to cycle between a full-load operating condition and a no-load operating condition in order to control the operating capacity of the compressor.
In some configurations, the displacement member includes a shape-memory material.
In some configurations, the shape memory material includes at least one of a bi-metal and tri-metal shape memory alloy.
In some configurations, the displacement member is an annular member that encircles a rotational axis of a drive shaft of the compressor.
In some configurations, the compressor includes a seal assembly and a biasing member. The seal assembly may be disposed within an annular recess of the first scroll. The biasing member may be disposed between the seal assembly and the first endplate and may bias the seal assembly into sealing engagement with a partition separating a discharge chamber from a suction chamber. The biasing member may bias the first scroll axially toward the second scroll.
In some configurations, the first endplate is disposed axially between the displacement member and the second endplate.
In some configurations, the displacement member is disposed within a discharge chamber that receives discharge-pressure working fluid.
In some configurations, the modulation system includes a hub engaging the first scroll and extending into the discharge chamber through an opening in a partition that separates the discharge chamber from a suction chamber.
In some configurations, the displacement member encircles said hub and is disposed axially between the partition and a flange of the hub.
In some configurations, the compressor includes a bearing housing rotatably supporting a drive shaft driving said second scroll. The displacement member may engage the bearing housing and the first scroll.
In some configurations, the displacement member encircles said second endplate.
In some configurations, the modulation system includes a control module in communication with the displacement member and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be disposed within a discharge chamber of the compressor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be disposed within a suction chamber of the compressor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be disposed outside of the compressor (e.g., in a space to be conditioned).
According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compressor that may include first and second scrolls and a modulation system. The first scroll may include a first endplate and a first spiral wrap. The second scroll may include a second endplate and a second spiral wrap interleaved with the first spiral wrap and cooperating to form a plurality of working fluid pockets therebetween. The first endplate may include a first passage and a second passage. The first passage may be in communication with an intermediate one of the working fluid pockets. The modulation system may include a modulation member and a temperature-responsive displacement member. The modulation member may engage the first endplate and may be movable relative to the first endplate between a first position in which the modulation member blocks communication between the first and second passages and a second position in which the modulation member is spaced apart from the first passage to allow communication between the first and second passages. The displacement member may engage the modulation member and may actuate or expand and contract to axially move the modulation member between the first and second positions.
In some configurations, the modulation member is an annular hub that at least partially defines a discharge passage through which discharge-pressure working fluid enters a discharge chamber of the compressor.
In some configurations, the modulation member includes a base portion having an annular protrusion (or a series of individual protrusions) extending axially therefrom. The protrusion may seal the first passage when the modulation member is in the first position.
In some configurations, the first passage extends axially through said first endplate. The second passage may extend radially through the first endplate.
In some configurations, the displacement member is disposed between and engages the modulation member and an axially facing surface of the first endplate.
In some configurations, the displacement member is disposed between and engages the modulation member and a partition separating a discharge chamber from a suction chamber.
In some configurations, the displacement member is disposed within the discharge chamber.
In some configurations, the modulation system includes a control module in communication with the displacement member and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be disposed within a discharge chamber of the compressor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be disposed within a suction chamber of the compressor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be disposed outside of the compressor.
In some configurations, the displacement member includes a shape memory material.
According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compressor that may include a housing, a partition, a first scroll, a second scroll, and a modulation system. The partition may define a suction chamber and a discharge chamber, and may include a discharge passage in fluid communication with the discharge chamber. The first and second scrolls may be supported within the housing and form a series of compression pockets. The second scroll may include a second endplate having an annular recess, a first modulation passage, and a second modulation passage. The first modulation passage may be in fluid communication with the suction chamber and the annular recess. The second modulation passage may be in fluid communication with at least one of the compression pockets and the annular recess. The modulation system may include a hub and a displacement member. The hub may be translatably disposed within the annular recess and the discharge passage. The displacement member may be disposed between the hub and the partition and may be configured to translate the hub relative to the second scroll between first and second positions.
In some configurations, the displacement member comprises a shape memory material.
In some configurations, the displacement member is configured to translate the hub in response to a change in temperature of the displacement member.
In some configurations, the compressor includes a seal assembly and a biasing member. The seal assembly may be disposed within the annular recess. The biasing member may be disposed between the seal assembly and the hub and configured to bias the seal assembly into sealing engagement with the partition.
In some configurations, the compressor may include a seal assembly disposed within the annular recess. The second endplate may further comprise a first communication passage in fluid communication with the annular recess and at least one of the compression pockets. The first communication passage may be configured to bias the seal assembly into sealing engagement with the partition.
In some configurations, the hub includes an axially extending flange configured to inhibit fluid communication between the suction chamber and at least one of the compression pockets in the first position.
In some configurations, the modulation system further includes a displacement member control module operable to change a temperature of the displacement member in response to an operating temperature of the compressor.
In some configurations, the compressor includes a temperature sensor that senses the operating temperature of the compressor.
In some configurations, the temperature sensor is disposed within the discharge chamber.
According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compressor. The compressor may include a housing, a partition, a first scroll, a second scroll, and a modulation system. The housing may include a suction chamber and a discharge chamber. The partition may be disposed within the housing, and may include a discharge passage in fluid communication with the discharge chamber. The first scroll may be supported within the housing and may include a first endplate having a first spiral wrap. The second scroll may be supported within the housing and may include a second spiral wrap extending from a second endplate. The second spiral wrap may be meshingly engaged with the first spiral wrap to form a series of compression pockets. The second endplate may include an annular recess and a modulation passage. The annular recess may be in fluid communication with at least one of the compression pockets. The modulation passage may be in fluid communication with the suction chamber and the annular recess. The modulation system may include a hub and a displacement member. The hub may be disposed within the annular recess and the discharge passage. The displacement member may be configured to translate the hub relative to the second scroll in response to a change in temperature of the displacement member in order to selectively allow fluid communication between the modulation passage and at least one of the compression pockets.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a compressor incorporating a modulation system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of the compressor of FIG. 1, the modulation system shown in a deactivated position causing the compressor to operate in a full load operating condition;
FIG. 2B is a partial cross-sectional view of the compressor of FIG. 1, the modulation system shown in an activated position causing the compressor to operate in a no load operating condition;
FIG. 2C is a partial cross-sectional view of a compressor incorporating another modulation system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2D is a partial cross-sectional view of a compressor incorporating yet another modulation system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3A is a partial cross-sectional view of another compressor incorporating another modulation system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the modulation system shown in a deactivated position causing the compressor to operate in a full load operating condition;
FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view of the compressor of FIG. 3A, the modulation system shown in an activated position causing the compressor to operate in a partial load operating condition;
FIG. 4 is a top view of a compression mechanism of the compressor of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional view of another compressor incorporating another modulation system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the modulation system shown in a deactivated position causing the compressor to operate in a full load operating condition;
FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional view of the compressor of FIG. 5A, the modulation system shown in an activated position causing the compressor to operate in a partial load operating condition;
FIG. 6A is a partial cross-sectional view of another compressor incorporating another modulation system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the modulation system shown in a deactivated position causing the compressor to operate in a full load operating condition; and
FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of the compressor of FIG. 6A, the modulation system shown in an activated position causing the compressor to operate in a no load operating condition.
With initial reference to FIG. 1, the compressor 10 may include a hermetic shell assembly 12, a main bearing housing assembly 14, a motor assembly 16, a compression mechanism 18, a seal assembly 20, a refrigerant discharge fitting 22, a discharge valve assembly 24, a suction gas inlet fitting 26, and a capacity modulation system 27. The shell assembly 12 may house the main bearing housing assembly 14, the motor assembly 16, and the compression mechanism 18.
The shell assembly 12 may generally form a compressor housing and may include a cylindrical shell 28, an end cap 30 at the upper end thereof, a transversely extending partition 32, and a base 34 at a lower end thereof. The end cap 30 and the partition 32 may generally define a discharge chamber 36, while the cylindrical shell 28, the partition 32, and the base 34 may generally define a suction chamber 37. The discharge chamber 36 may generally form a discharge muffler for the compressor 10. The refrigerant discharge fitting 22 may be attached to the shell assembly 12 at the opening 38 in the end cap 30. The discharge valve assembly 24 may be located within the discharge fitting 22 and may generally prevent a reverse flow condition. The suction gas inlet fitting 26 may be attached to the shell assembly 12 at the opening 40, such that the suction gas inlet fitting 26 is in fluid communication with the suction chamber 37. The partition 32 may include a discharge passage 46 therethrough that provides communication between the compression mechanism 18 and the discharge chamber 36.
The main bearing housing assembly 14 may be affixed to the shell 28 at a plurality of points in any desirable manner, such as staking. The main bearing housing assembly 14 may include a main bearing housing 52, a first bearing 54 disposed therein, bushings 55, and fasteners 57. The main bearing housing 52 may include a central body portion 56 having a series of arms 58 that extend radially outwardly therefrom. The central body portion 56 may include first and second portions 60 and 62 having an opening 64 extending therethrough. The second portion 62 may house the first bearing 54 therein. The first portion 60 may define an annular flat thrust bearing surface 66 on an axial end surface thereof. The arm 58 may include apertures 70 extending therethrough that receive the fasteners 57.
The compression mechanism 18 may generally include an orbiting scroll 104 and a non-orbiting scroll 106. The orbiting scroll 104 may include an endplate 108 having a spiral vane or wrap 110 on the upper surface thereof and an annular flat thrust surface 112 on the lower surface. The thrust surface 112 may interface with the annular flat thrust bearing surface 66 on the main bearing housing 52. A cylindrical hub 114 may project downwardly from the thrust surface 112 and may have a drive bushing 116 rotatably disposed therein. The drive bushing 116 may include an inner bore in which the crank pin 84 is drivingly disposed. The crank pin flat 86 may drivingly engage a flat surface in a portion of the inner bore of the drive bushing 116 to provide a radially compliant driving arrangement. An Oldham coupling 117 may be engaged with the orbiting and non-orbiting scrolls 104, 106 to prevent relative rotation therebetween.
The non-orbiting scroll 106 may include an endplate 118 having a spiral wrap 120 on a lower surface thereof and a series of radially outwardly extending flanged portions 121. The spiral wrap 120 may form a meshing engagement with the wrap 110 of the orbiting scroll 104, thereby creating an inlet pocket 122, intermediate pockets 124, 126, 128, 130, and an outlet pocket 132. The non-orbiting scroll 106 may be axially displaceable relative to the main bearing housing assembly 14, the shell assembly 12, and the orbiting scroll 104. The non-orbiting scroll 106 may include a discharge passage 134 in communication with the outlet pocket 132 and an upwardly open recess 136. The upwardly open recess 136 may be in fluid communication with the discharge chamber 36 via the discharge passage 46 in the partition 32.
The flanged portions 121 may include openings 137 therethrough. Each opening 137 may receive a bushing 55 therein. The respective bushings 55 may receive fasteners 57. The fasteners 57 may be engaged with the main bearing housing 52 and the bushings 55 may generally form a guide for axial displacement of the non-orbiting scroll 106 (i.e., displacement in a direction along or parallel to an axis of rotation of the drive shaft 80). The fasteners 57 may additionally prevent rotation of the non-orbiting scroll 106 relative to the main bearing housing assembly 14. The non-orbiting scroll 106 may include an annular recess 138 in the upper surface thereof defined by parallel and coaxial inner and outer sidewalls 140, 142.
The seal assembly 20 may include a floating seal 144 located within the annular recess 138. The seal assembly 20 may be axially displaceable relative to the shell assembly 12 and/or the non-orbiting scroll 106 to provide for axial displacement (i.e., displacement parallel to an axis of rotation 145) of the non-orbiting scroll 106 while maintaining a sealed engagement with the partition 32 to isolate discharge and suction pressure regions of the compressor 10 from one another. More specifically, in some configurations, pressure, and/or a biasing member (e.g., annular wave spring) 146, within the annular recess 138 may urge the seal assembly 20 into engagement with the partition 32, and the spiral wrap 120 of the non-orbiting scroll 106 into engagement with the endplate 108 of the orbiting scroll 104, during normal compressor operation.
The modulation system 27 may include a hub 150 (e.g., a modulation member), an actuator or displacement member 152, and a displacement member control module 153. The hub 150 may include an axially extending portion 154 and a radially outwardly extending flange 156. The hub 150 may be partially disposed within the discharge passage 46 of the partition 32, and may be coupled to the non-orbiting scroll 106. For example, in some configurations, the hub 150 may be disposed within the recess 136 of the non-orbiting scroll 106, and may be coupled to the non-orbiting scroll 106 through a press-fit or threaded engagement within the recess 136. Accordingly, the hub 150 may be axially displaceable with the non-orbiting scroll 106 relative to the shell assembly 12, the seal assembly 20, and the partition 32.
The displacement member 152 may be disposed radially outwardly of the hub 150. In some configurations, the displacement member 152 may include a ring-shaped construct disposed annularly about the axially extending portion 154 of the hub 150. In an assembled configuration, the displacement member 152 may be disposed axially between the flange 156 and the partition 32, and the flange 156 is disposed axially between the partition 32 and the end cap 30. Accordingly, as will be explained in more detail below, the displacement member 152 can axially displace the hub 150 and the non-orbiting scroll 106 relative to the shell assembly 12 and the partition 32. In particular, the displacement member 152 may apply equal and opposite axially-extending forces on a lower surface 158 of the flange 156 and an upper surface 159 of the partition 32 in order to axially displace the hub 150 and the non-orbiting scroll 106 relative to the shell assembly 12 and the partition 32.
In some configurations, the displacement member 152 may include a material having shape-memory characteristics. In this regard, the displacement member 152 may be formed from a thermally-responsive material that changes shape, or otherwise activates, in response to a change in temperature. In particular, the displacement member 152 may be formed from a material that is thermally responsive at a predetermined threshold temperature. The predetermined threshold temperature may be between 30 degrees Celsius and 150 degrees Celsius. In some configurations, the displacement member 152 may be formed from a material that is thermally responsive at a predetermined threshold temperature of approximately 200 degrees Celsius. For example, in some configurations, the displacement member 152 may be formed from a bi- or tri-metal shape memory alloy such as a copper-zinc-aluminum alloy, a copper-aluminum-nickel alloy, an iron-manganese-silicon alloy, a nickel-aluminum alloy, or a nickel-titanium (nitinol).
The displacement member control module 153 may control the displacement member 152 based on an operating temperature of the compressor 10. In this regard, the modulation system 27 may also include a temperature sensor 162 in communication with the displacement member control module 153. With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in some configurations, the temperature sensor 162 may be located in the discharge chamber 36. As illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 2D, respectively, in other configurations the temperature sensor 162 may be located in the suction chamber 37 or external to the compressor 10.
The temperature sensor 162 may sense an operating temperature of the compressor 10. As will be explained in more detail below, when the operating temperature exceeds a threshold operating temperature, the displacement member control module 153 controls the displacement member 152, such that the displacement member 152 moves the non-orbiting scroll 106 from the deactivated configuration (FIG. 2A) to the activated configuration (FIG. 2B).
Operation of the compressor 10 will now be described in more detail. When the displacement member 152 is deactivated (FIG. 2A), the compressor 10 may operate under full capacity. In this regard, when the displacement member 152 is deactivated, the spiral wrap 120 of the non-orbiting scroll 106 may engage the endplate 108 of the orbiting scroll 104.
During operation, it may become desirable to modulate or reduce the capacity of the compressor 10. In this regard, in some configurations, the displacement member control module 153 may activate the displacement member 152 in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor 162. In particular, the displacement member control module 153 may provide an electrical current to the displacement member 152. The electrical current may activate the thermally-responsive or shape-memory characteristics of the displacement member 152. For example, the electrical current may increase the temperature of the displacement member 152.
When the temperature of the displacement member 152 increases to a value that equals or exceeds the predetermined threshold temperature, the displacement member 152 may activate, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, and axially displace the hub 150 and the non-orbiting scroll 106 relative to the orbiting scroll 104. Accordingly, the spiral wrap 120 of the non-orbiting scroll 106 may define an axially-extending gap 160 with the endplate 108 of the orbiting scroll 104. The gap 160 allows the compressor 10 to operate under a no load condition in order to reduce the operating capacity of the compressor 10 to zero. When it is desirable to operate the compressor 10 at full capacity (e.g., 100% capacity), the displacement member control module 153 removes the electrical current from the displacement member 152 in order to reduce the temperature of the displacement member 152. When the temperature of the displacement member 152 is reduced to a value that is below the predetermined threshold temperature, the displacement member 152 may deactivate such that the displacement member 152 returns to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2A.
During operation of the compressor 10, the modulation system 27 may cycle between the activated and deactivated states. In this regard, the electrical current being provided to the displacement member 152 may utilize pulse width modulation to cycle between "on" and "off" states. The cycling between the "on" and "off" states allows the modulation system 27 to cycle between a full load operating condition and an unloaded (e.g., no load) operating condition in order to reduce, and/or otherwise control, the operating capacity of the compressor 10.
In some configurations, the displacement member 152 can be or include a piezoelectric material and electric current supplied to the displacement member 152 may cause the displacement member 152 to activate its piezoelectric shape memory characteristics to axially displace the hub 150 and the non-orbiting scroll 106 relative to the orbiting scroll 104 (i.e., to the no-load position). When the operating temperature is below the threshold operating temperature, the displacement member control module 153 removes the electrical current from the displacement member 152 in order to return the displacement member 152, the hub 150 and the non-orbiting scroll 106 to the full-load position.
In yet another example, the displacement member 152 can be a magnetic shape memory material and the displacement member control module 153 can provide a magnetic field to the displacement member 152. The magnetic field may cause the displacement member 152 to activate its magnetic shape memory characteristics to axially displace the hub 150 and the non-orbiting scroll 106 relative to the orbiting scroll 104 (i.e., to the no-load position). When the operating temperature is below the threshold operating temperature, the displacement member control module 153 removes the magnetic field from the displacement member 152 in order to return the displacement member 152, the hub 150 and the non-orbiting scroll 106 to the full-load position.
With reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, a compressor 310 is shown. The structure and function of the compressor 310 may be substantially similar to that of the compressor 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2D, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the Figures.
The compressor 310 may include a compression mechanism 318 and a capacity modulation system 327. The compression mechanism 318 may generally include the orbiting scroll 104 and a non-orbiting scroll 306. The non-orbiting scroll 306 may include an endplate 318 having the recess 136, the annular recess 138, and one or more modulation passages 360. In particular, the endplate 318 may include a first modulation passage 360a, a second modulation passage 360b, a first communication passage 360c, and a second communication passage 360d. In some configurations, the endplate 318 may include more than one of the first and second modulation passages 360a, 360b and more than one of the first and second communication passages 360c, 360d. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, in some configurations, the endplate 318 may include two first modulation passages 360a, two second modulation passages 360b, one first communication passage 360c, and one second communication passage 360d.
Each first passage 360a may extend axially and include one end in fluid communication with one or more of the compression pockets 122-132, and another end in fluid communication with one of the second passages 360b. Each second passage 360b may extend radially and include one end in fluid communication with one of the first passages 360a, and another end in fluid communication with the suction chamber 37. The first passage 360c may extend axially and/or radially and include one end in fluid communication with one of the compression pockets 122-132, and another end in fluid communication with the conduit 362. The second passage 360d may extend radially and include one end in fluid communication with the annular recess 138 and another end in fluid communication with the conduit 362. A conduit 362 may include one end in fluid communication with the first passage 360c, and another end in fluid communication with the second passage 360d, such that the first and second passages 360c, 360d are in fluid communication with the recess 138 and one of the compression pockets 122-132.
The modulation system 327 may include a hub 350 (e.g., a modulation member), the displacement member 152, and the displacement member control module 153. The hub 350 may include a base 364, an axially extending portion 354, and a radially outwardly extending flange 356. The base 364 may extend radially outwardly from the axially extending portion 354 and may be translatably and sealingly disposed within the annular recess 138. The base 364 may include an axially extending flange 366. In some configurations, the axially extending flange 366 may extend annularly about the base 364. As will be explained in more detail below, during operation the flange 366 may be configured to sealingly engage the first passage(s) 360a in order to selectively inhibit fluid communication between the first passage(s) 360a and the second passage(s) 360b.
The displacement member 152 may be disposed radially outwardly of the hub 350. In an assembled configuration, the displacement member 152 may be disposed axially between the flange 356 and the partition 32, and the flange 356 may be disposed axially between the partition 32 and the end cap 30. Accordingly, as will be explained in more detail below, the displacement member 152 can axially displace the hub 350 relative to the non-orbiting scroll 306, the shell assembly 12, and the partition 32.
Operation of the compressor 310 will now be described in more detail. During operation, working fluid (e.g., vapor at an intermediate pressure that is greater than a pressure in the suction chamber 37) may flow from one or more of the compression pockets 122-130 to the annular recess 138 through the first and second passages 360c, 360d and the conduit 362. When the displacement member 152 is deactivated (FIG. 3A), the compressor 310 may operate under full capacity. In this regard, the biasing member 146 and the intermediate pressure within the annular recess 138 may bias the hub 350 and the flange 366 into sealing engagement with the first passage(s) 360a. The biasing member 146 and the intermediate pressure within the annular recess 138 may further bias the seal assembly 20 into sealing engagement with the partition 32. Accordingly, when the displacement member 152 is deactivated, the seal assembly 20 and the hub 350, including the flange 366, may inhibit fluid communication between the suction chamber 37 and one or more of the compression pockets 122-130.
During operation, it may become desirable to modulate or reduce the capacity of the compressor 310. In this regard, in some configurations, the displacement member control module 153 may activate the displacement member 152 in response to a signal received from the selectively located temperature sensor 162, as previously described. In particular, the displacement member control module 153 may provide an electrical current to the displacement member 152. The electrical current may activate the thermally-responsive or shape-memory characteristics of the displacement member 152. For example, the electrical current may increase the temperature of the displacement member 152.
When the temperature of the displacement member 152 increases to a value that equals or exceeds the predetermined threshold temperature, the displacement member 152 may activate, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, and axially displace the hub 350 relative to the non-orbiting scroll 106. In this regard, when the displacement member 152 is activated, the hub 350 may translate upward (relative to the view in FIG. 3B) within the annular recess 138 such that the first passage(s) 360a is in fluid communication with the second passage(s) 360b, thus allowing one or more of the compression pockets 122-132 to fluidly communicate with the suction chamber 37. Accordingly, when the displacement member 152 is activated, the compressor 310 may operate at a reduced capacity.
When it is desirable to operate the compressor 310 at full capacity, the displacement member control module 153 removes the electrical current from the displacement member 152 in order to reduce the temperature of the displacement member 152. When the temperature of the displacement member 152 is reduced to a value that is below the predetermined threshold temperature, the displacement member 152 may deactivate such that the displacement member 152 returns to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3A.
Operation of the compressor 310, may also utilize pulse width modulation to cycle between full and reduced capacity. The cycling between the full and reduced states allows the modulation system 327 to cycle between full and reduced load operating conditions in order to reduce, and/or otherwise control, the operating capacity of the compressor 310.
Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, another compressor 500 is provided that may include a compression mechanism 518 and a capacity modulation system 527. The structure and function of the compression mechanism 518 and modulation system 527 may be similar or identical to that of the compression mechanism 318 and modulation system 327 described above, apart from any exceptions described below.
The compression mechanism 518 may generally include the orbiting scroll 104 and a non-orbiting scroll 506. Like the non-orbiting scroll 306, the non-orbiting scroll 506 may include an endplate 519 having an annular recess 538, one or more first modulation passages 560a, one or more second modulation passages 560b, one or more first communication passages 560c, and one or more second communication passages 560d.
The modulation system 527 may include a hub 550 (e.g., a modulation member), a displacement member 552, and a displacement member control module 553. The hub 550 may include a base 564 and a radially inwardly extending flange 556. The flange 556 may define a passageway 557 through which working fluid may be communicated between a discharge passage 558 of the non-orbiting scroll 506 and a discharge chamber 536. The base 564 may be translatably and sealingly disposed within the recess 538 of the non-orbiting scroll 506. The base 564 may include an annular, axially extending flange 566. During operation, the flange 566 may selectively sealingly engage the first passages 560a in order to selectively inhibit fluid communication between the first passages 560a and the second passages 560b. A seal assembly 520 (similar or identical to the seal assembly 20) may be disposed in a recess formed between the hub 550 and the endplate 519 and sealingly engages the hub 550 and the endplate 519. The seal assembly 520 is disposed axially between the base 564 and a partition 532.
The displacement member 552 may be similar or identical to the displacement member 152 described above and may be disposed axially between the base 564 of the hub 550 and a portion of the endplate 519 (e.g., an axially facing surface 565 of the endplate 519 that defines the recess 538). The displacement member control module 553 may control the displacement member 552 based on a temperature within the compressor 500 (e.g., within the discharge or suction chambers 536, 537) or based on a temperature outside of the compressor 500 (e.g., in a space to be cooled by a system in which the compressor 500 is installed). In this regard, the modulation system 527 may also include a temperature sensor 562 in communication with the displacement member control module 553.
As described above, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 562 exceeds a threshold temperature, the displacement member control module 553 may cause the displacement member 552 to move the hub 550 axially away from the surface 565 and toward the partition 532, thereby moving the axially extending flange 566 out of sealing engagement with the first passages 560a (as shown in FIG. 5B) to allow fluid communication between the first passages 560a and the second passages 560b. Such fluid communication allows working fluid within an intermediate-pressure compression pocket to leak into the suction chamber 537, thereby unloading the compression mechanism 518. When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 562 is below the threshold temperature, a biasing member 546 (e.g., an annular wave spring) disposed between the seal assembly 520 and the base 564 may force the hub 550 axially downward so that the axially extending flange 566 seals off the first passages 560a (as shown in FIG. 5A), thereby allowing the compressor 500 to operate at full load. In some configurations, the displacement member control module 553 may pulse-width-modulate the displacement member 552 to cycle the modulation system 527 between the full-load and partial-load conditions to reduce and/or otherwise control the operating capacity of the compressor 500.
Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, another compressor 600 is provided that may include a compression mechanism 618 and a capacity modulation system 627. The structure and function of the compression mechanism 618 and modulation system 627 may be similar or identical to that of the compression mechanism 18 and modulation system 27 described above, apart from any exceptions described below.
Like the compression mechanism 18, the compression mechanism 618 may include an orbiting scroll 604 and a non-orbiting scroll 606. The non-orbiting scroll 606 may include an endplate 619 having a spiral wrap 620 on a lower surface thereof and one or more radially outwardly extending flanged portions 621. The non-orbiting scroll 606 may be axially displaceable relative to a main bearing housing 614, shell assembly 612, and the orbiting scroll 604. The flanged portions 621 may include openings 639 that slidably receive bushings 655 therein. Fasteners 657 may be engaged with the main bearing housing 614 and the bushings 655 may generally form a guide for axial displacement of the non-orbiting scroll 606 relative to the main bearing housing 614, shell assembly 612 and orbiting scroll 604. The non-orbiting scroll 606 may also include an annular recess 638 in an upper surface of the endplate 619. The annular recess 638 may at least partially receive a seal assembly 622 (similar or identical to the seal assembly 20).
The modulation system 627 may include a displacement member 652, and a displacement member control module 653. The displacement member 652 may be similar or identical to the displacement member 152, 552 described above and may be disposed axially between the endplate 619 and the main bearing housing 614. Like the displacement member control module 153, 553, the displacement member control module 653 may control the displacement member 652 based on a temperature within the compressor 600 (e.g., within discharge or suction chambers 636, 637) or based on a temperature outside of the compressor 600 (e.g., in a space to be cooled by a system in which the compressor 600 is installed). In this regard, the modulation system 627 may also include a temperature sensor 662 in communication with the displacement member control module 653.
As described above, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 662 exceeds a threshold temperature, the displacement member control module 653 may cause the displacement member 652 to move the non-orbiting scroll 606 axially away from the main bearing housing 614 and toward partition 632, thereby separating tips of the spiral wrap 620 of the non-orbiting scroll 606 from endplate 623 of the orbiting scroll 604 and separating tips of spiral wrap 625 of the orbiting scroll 604 from the endplate 619 of the non-orbiting scroll 606 (as shown in FIG. 6B) to allow fluid within compression pockets between the spiral wraps 620, 625 to leak into the suction chamber 637, thereby unloading the compression mechanism 618. When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 662 is below the threshold temperature, a biasing member 646 (e.g., an annular wave spring) disposed between the seal assembly 622 and the endplate 619 may force the endplate 619 axially downward so that the tips of the spiral wrap 620 of the non-orbiting scroll 606 can seal against the endplate 623 of the orbiting scroll 604 and the tips of spiral wrap 625 of the orbiting scroll 604 can seal against the endplate 619 of the non-orbiting scroll 606 (as shown in FIG. 6A), thereby allowing the compressor 600 to operate at full load. In some configurations, the displacement member control module 653 may pulse-width-modulate the displacement member 652 to cycle the modulation system 627 between the full-load and no-load conditions to reduce and/or otherwise control the operating capacity of the compressor 600.
In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced with the term "circuit." The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip.
The apparatuses and methods described in this application may be partially or fully implemented by a special purpose computer created by configuring a general purpose computer to execute one or more particular functions embodied in computer programs. The descriptions above serve as software specifications, which can be translated into the computer programs by the routine work of a skilled technician or programmer.
Previous Patent US 10,378,539 | Next Patent US 10,378,541