LIQUID COOLING OF A SCROLL TYPE COMPRESSOR WITH LIQUID SUPPLY THROUGH THE CRANKSHAFT

Abstract

Scroll devices with cooling fluid supplied through a crankshaft are provided. The device may comprise an orbiting scroll operably connected to a fixed scroll and a crankshaft operably connected to the orbiting scroll. A first seal may be positioned about an outer surface of the crankshaft to form a seal with the outer surface. A second seal may be positioned about an outer surface of the crankshaft to form a seal with the outer surface. A first channel and a second channel extend through the crankshaft and are in fluid communication with the orbiting scroll and a fluid source and a fluid reservoir.

Claims

1. A scroll device comprising: an orbiting scroll operably connected to a fixed scroll; a crankshaft operably connected to the orbiting scroll, wherein the crankshaft extends along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end; a first seal positioned about an outer surface of the crankshaft to form a seal with the outer surface; a second seal positioned about an outer surface of the crankshaft to form a seal with the outer surface, wherein a first volume is at least partially defined by the first seal, and wherein a second volume is defined between the first seal and the second seal; a first channel extending through the crankshaft from the first end to the second end, the first channel comprising an opening in fluid communication with the first volume; and a second channel extending through the crankshaft from the first end to the second end, the second channel comprising an opening in fluid communication with the second volume.

2. The scroll device of claim 1, further comprising one or more idler shafts through which a cooling fluid can be transported to or from the orbiting scroll and at least one of the first channel and the second channel.

3. The scroll device of claim 1, further comprising one or more flexible conduits to transport a cooling fluid to or from the orbiting scroll and at least one of the first channel and the second channel.

4. The scroll device of claim 1, further comprising a reservoir configured to receive a cooling fluid from an exit of the orbiting scroll.

5. The scroll device of claim 1, wherein the first channel and the second channel are offset from a center axis of the crankshaft.

6. The scroll device of claim 1, wherein the crankshaft comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion offset from a center axis of the crankshaft and the first channel extends through the first protrusion and the second channel extends through the second protrusion.

7. The scroll device of claim 1, wherein the first seal and the second seal comprise a dynamic seal.

8. The scroll device of claim 1, wherein the first channel delivers cooling fluid to the orbiting scroll and the second channel carries cooling fluid away from the orbiting scroll.

9. The scroll device of claim 1, further comprising one or more bearings configured to support the crankshaft.

10. A scroll device comprising: an orbiting scroll operably connected to a fixed scroll; a crankshaft operably connected to the orbiting scroll, wherein the crankshaft extends along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end; at least one seal positioned about an outer surface of the crankshaft to form a seal with the outer surface; and at least one channel extending through the crankshaft from the first end to the second end, the first channel comprising an opening in fluid communication with a fluid source, wherein fluid is supplied from the fluid source to the orbiting scroll via the at least one channel.

11. The scroll device of claim 10, further comprising a reservoir configured to receive a liquid from an exit of the orbiting scroll.

12. The scroll device of claim 10, wherein the at least one channel comprises a first channel and a second channel extending from the first end to the second end.

13. The scroll device of claim 12, wherein the first channel delivers cooling fluid as incoming cooling fluid to the orbiting scroll and the second channel carries the cooling fluid as outgoing cooling fluid away from the orbiting scroll.

14. The scroll device of claim 10, further comprising one or more flexible conduits to transport a liquid to or from the orbiting scroll and at least one of the first channel and the second channel.

15. The scroll device of claim 10, further comprising one or more idler shafts through which a liquid can be transported to or from the orbiting scroll and at least one of the first channel and the second channel.

16. The scroll device of claim 10, wherein the at least one channel is offset from a center axis of the crankshaft.

17. The scroll device of claim 10, wherein the crankshaft comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion offset from a center axis of the crankshaft.

18. The scroll device of claim 10, wherein the at least one seal comprises a dynamic seal.

19. The scroll device of claim 10, further comprising one or more bearings configured to support the crankshaft.

20. A scroll device comprising: an orbiting scroll operably connected to a fixed scroll; a crankshaft operably connected to the orbiting scroll, wherein the crankshaft extends along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end; at least one first seal positioned about an outer surface of the crankshaft to form a seal with the outer surface; a first channel extending through the crankshaft from the first end to the second end; and a second channel extending through the crankshaft from the first end to the second end, wherein the first channel and the second channel are offset from a center axis of the crankshaft, and wherein a cooling fluid travels in a first direction through the first channel and in a second direction through the second channel to circulate the cooling fluid to and from the orbiting scroll.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of the specification to illustrate several examples of the present disclosure. These drawings, together with the description, explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings simply illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the disclosure can be made and used and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure to only the illustrated and described examples. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following, more detailed, description of the various aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure, as illustrated by the drawings referenced below.

[0019] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a scroll device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a scroll device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a crankshaft according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 3B is a front view of the crankshaft of FIG. 3A according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 3C is a rear view of the crankshaft of FIG. 3A according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the crankshaft of FIG. 3B along line A-A according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0025] FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view of the crankshaft of FIG. 3B along line A-A and one or more flexible conduits according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the figures. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Further, the present disclosure may use examples to illustrate one or more aspects thereof. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the use or listing of one or more examples (which may be denoted by “for example,” “by way of example,” “e.g.,” “such as,” or similar language) is not intended to and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] Turning now to FIG. 1, a scroll device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the scroll device 100 comprises a housing 102 that is connected to a motor 104. The device 100 comprises a fixed scroll 106 having three idler shafts 108, 110, 112 being spaced approximately 120° apart. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the fixed scroll 106 may have more than or less than three idler shafts and the idler shafts may be spaced at any combination of angles. The fixed scroll 106 also has an inlet 114. The inlet 114 allows a cooling fluid such as, for example, a liquid (not shown) to be inserted into therein. Although not shown in detail in this particular view, it is known that the scroll device 100 has incorporated within the housing 102 components such as an orbiting scroll (such as an orbiting scroll 216 shown in FIG. 2) which is driven by a crankshaft (such as a crankshaft 240 shown in FIG. 2) connected to the motor 104. The motor 104 is used to drive the center shaft. In some embodiments, the motor 104 may be an electric motor. The crankshaft and the motor 104 are mounted in the housing 102.

[0028] The fixed scroll 106 is mated to the orbiting scroll. The orbiting scroll has a first involute and the fixed scroll 106 has a second involute. In order to balance the rotary motion of the orbiting scroll, a pair of balance weights may be positioned co-axially with the first involute to dynamically balance the orbiting scroll. Also, a pair of counterweights may be positioned on the crankshaft to dynamically balance the orbiting scroll. The orbiting scroll is coupled to the crankshaft that moves or orbits the orbiting scroll eccentrically, following a fixed path with respect to the fixed scroll 106, creating a series of crescent-shaped pockets between the two scrolls. In the case of a scroll compressor, the working fluid moves from the periphery (inlet) towards the center (discharge) through increasingly smaller pockets, generating compression. Similar principles apply for a scroll vacuum pump and a scroll expander. The idler shafts 108, 110, 112 are supported by the front bearings in the orbiting scroll and the rear bearings in the fixed scroll 106. A center line of the idler shaft is offset from a center line of the crankshaft. To seal any working fluid within the crankshaft, a labyrinth seal may be used. The labyrinth seal may be positioned between the bearings or after the rear bearing. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments any seal may be used to seal working fluid within the crankshaft.

[0029] Turning now to FIG. 2, a cross-section view of a scroll device 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure comprises many components that are the same as or substantially similar to the components of the scroll device 100 described herein. The scroll device 200 comprises a fixed scroll 204 and a fixed scroll jacket 208 defining a cooling chamber 212; an orbiting scroll 216 and an orbiting scroll jacket 220 defining a cooling chamber 224; a plurality of idler shaft assemblies 228, each comprising an idler shaft 222 supported by a plurality of bearings 226; flexible conduits 268 and 272 for routing coolant between or among two or more of the various cooling chambers of the scroll device 200, an external heat exchanger, and/or any other desired location; a crankshaft 240 for driving the orbiting scroll 216, the center drive shaft 240 supported by a crankshaft bearing 256 in the orbiting scroll jacket 220 as well as a plurality of crankshaft bearings 244, 248, 252 provided in a coupling 276 that extends between a drive motor of the scroll device 200 and a housing 280 of the scroll device 200; and a coupling jacket 260 attached to the coupling 276 and configured to define a cooling chamber 264 between the coupling 276 and the coupling jacket 260. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the device 200 may not include one or more components or may include additional components.

[0030] To prevent or reduce the likelihood of coolant leakage from one or more of the cooling chambers 212, 224, and 264, one or more 0-rings or other seals or gaskets may be provided between the fixed scroll 204 and the fixed scroll jacket 208; between the orbiting scroll 216 and the orbiting scroll jacket 220; and/or between the coupling 276 and the coupling jacket 260.

[0031] As described elsewhere herein, the crankshaft 240 is operably connected (either directly or indirectly, e.g., by a belt or chain) at one end to a motor (e.g., a motor such as the motor 104 shown in FIG. 1), which drives the crankshaft 240. An opposite end of the crankshaft 240 engages the crankshaft bearing 256. The crankshaft 240 is eccentric, which allows the crankshaft 240 to drive the orbiting scroll 216 (via the crankshaft bearing 256 and the orbiting scroll jacket 220) in an orbiting motion relative to the fixed scroll 204.

[0032] Rotation of the crankshaft 240 causes rotation of the bearings 244, 248, and 252, which may result in the generation of a significant amount of heat. To cool the bearings 244, 248, and 252, coolant may be routed into and through the cooling chamber 264 defined by the coupling 276 and coupling jacket 260. Cooling the bearings 244, 248, and 252 in this way may beneficially increase the useful life of the bearings 244, 248, and 252 and reduce the likelihood of premature failure thereof

[0033] Use of a coupling jacket 260 to form a cooling chamber 264 is not limited to the scroll device 200. Any of the scroll devices described herein may be modified to include a coupling jacket 260 and a cooling chamber 264, so as to enable cooling of bearings such as the bearings 244, 252, and 256.

[0034] Turning to FIG. 3A, a crankshaft 300 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The crankshaft 300 is configured to deliver cooling fluid (such as, for example, a liquid) to and from an orbiting scroll such as the orbiting scroll 216. The cooling fluid may be delivered via a first channel 302 and a second channel 304 (visible in FIGS. 3B-3D) as will be described in detail below. It will be appreciated that the crankshaft 300 can be used with any scroll device such as the scroll devices 100, 200.

[0035] The crankshaft 300 comprises a body 306 extending from a first end 308 to a second end 310 along a longitudinal axis 338 (shown in FIG. 3D). As previously described, the first end 308 may be coupled to a crankshaft bearing such as the crankshaft bearing 256 or a crankshaft bearing such as the crankshaft bearing 312 (shown in FIG. 3D) and the second end 310 may be operably connected to a motor such as the motor 104 (either directly or indirectly, e.g., by a belt or chain) that drives the crankshaft 300. The crankshaft 300 also comprises a first protrusion 314 and a second protrusion 316 offset from a centerline of the body 306, a third protrusion 318 centered with the centerline of the body 306, and a flange 320. The first protrusion 314 and/or the second protrusion 316 may be formed eccentrically relative to the body 306. It will be appreciated that the crankshaft 300 may have one protrusion, two protrusions, or more than two protrusions and may have one flange, two flanges, or more than two flanges. As previously described, the crankshaft 300 is eccentric, and more specifically the first protrusion 314 and the second protrusion 316 are each offset and coupled to the crankshaft bearing 256 or the crankshaft bearing 312, which allows the crankshaft 300 to drive the orbiting scroll 216 in an orbiting motion relative to a fixed scroll such as the fixed scroll 204.

[0036] The crankshaft 300 also includes a plurality of steps 322 that each decrease in diameter from the flange 320 to the second end 310. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the plurality of steps 322 may increase in diameter from the flange 320 to the second end 310 or may have any combination of diameters. In the illustrated embodiment, the crankshaft 300 comprises a first step 322A, a second step 322B, a third step 322C, a fourth step 322D, and a fifth step 322E. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the plurality of steps 322 may comprise any number of steps.

[0037] Turning to FIGS. 3B and 3C, a front view and a rear view of the crankshaft 300 are respectively shown. The crankshaft 300 comprises the first channel 302 and the second channel 304. As shown, the first channel 302 and the second channel 304 are offset from a centerline of the body 306. The first channel 302 and the second channel 304 may pass through the crankshaft 300 running parallel to one another. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the first channel 302 and/or the second channel 304 may be centered relative to the body 306, the first protrusion 314, or the second protrusion 316. In the illustrated embodiment, the first channel 302 is aligned with the first protrusion 314 and the second channel 304 is aligned with the second protrusion 316. As shown in FIG. 3D, the first channel 302 and the second channel 304 extend from the first end 308 to the second end 310.

[0038] It will also be appreciated that in some embodiments, the crankshaft 300 may not include the second channel 304. In other embodiments, the crankshaft 300 may comprise more than two channels. In embodiments where the crankshaft 300 may comprise one channel (e.g., the first channel 302), the cooling fluid may be delivered to the orbiting scroll via the first channel 302 and may exit the orbiting scroll via, for example, an outlet to a reservoir, an idler shaft such as the idler shafts 108, 110, 112, and/or a flexible conduit such as the flexible conduits 268, 272. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments one or more of the idler shafts 108, 110, 112 may comprise a channel that passes through the idler shaft 108, 110, 112 for cooling fluid to pass therethrough. The channel may be the same as or similar to the first channel 302 and/or the second channel 304. Further, each idler shaft 108, 110, 112 may comprise one channel, two channels, or more than two channels.

[0039] Turning to FIG. 3D, a cross-sectional view of the crankshaft 300 taken from A-A in FIG. 3B is shown. Additionally, bearings and seals are shown. The crankshaft 300 is coupled to the crankshaft bearing 312 and is supported by a front bearing 324 and a rear bearing 326. In some embodiments, the front bearing 324 may comprise one, two, or more than two front bearings and the rear bearing 326 may comprise one, two, or more than two rear bearings. In the illustrated embodiment, the crankshaft bearing 312 is coupled to the second protrusion 316 so as to provide access to the second channel 304 so that the second channel 304 may be in fluid communication with the orbiting scroll 216. The crankshaft 300 also includes a first seal 328 at the first end 308 and a second seal 340 disposed at the second end 310 to seal the cooling fluid and prevent fluid from leaking into a housing such as the housing 280. For instance, the first seal 328 may be in circumferential contact with an outer diameter of the first protrusion 314 and/or the second protrusion 316 of the crankshaft 300. The second seal 340 may be in circumferential contact with an outer diameter of the fifth step 322E of the crankshaft 300. In the illustrated embodiment, two first seals 328 are positioned at the first end 308 and a second seal 340 is positioned at the second end 310. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments one, two, or more than two first and/or second seals may be positioned at the first end 308 and/or the second end 310.

[0040] The first seal 328 and the second seal 340 may be dynamic seals such as, for example, lip seals, face seals, bushings, floating bushings, and/or ferro seals. The first seal 328 and the second seal 340 may be formed from any material or any composite of materials. It is desirable to seal the liquid as any leakage may contaminate lubricant in the bearings (e.g., the crankshaft bearing 312, the front bearing 324, the rear bearing 326, and/or any other bearing).

[0041] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a first inlet or opening 330 and a first outlet or opening 332 are positioned at the first end 308 and a second inlet or opening 334 and a second outlet or opening 336 are positioned at the second end 310. The first inlet 330 and the first outlet 332 may be in fluid communication with the orbiting scroll 216. In some embodiments, the two first seals 328 are positioned at the first end 308 such that a first volume is defined by at least one of the first seals 328 at the first outlet 332 and a second volume is defined by the two first seals 328 at the first inlet 330. In such embodiments, the first channel 302 may be in fluid communication with the first volume and the second channel 304 may be in fluid communication with the second volume. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments a first volume and a second volume may be defined by two second seals 340 at the second end 310.

[0042] The second inlet 334 and the second outlet 336 may be in fluid communication with a fluid source 342 and a fluid reservoir 344, respectively. In some embodiments, the fluid source 342 and the fluid reservoir 344 may be the same component. In other embodiments, the fluid source 342 and the fluid reservoir 344 may be separate components.

[0043] Cooling fluid may flow in a first direction in one of the first channel 302 or the second channel 304 and flow in a second direction in another one of the first channel 302 or the second channel 304 to circulate a cooling fluid to one or more components such as, for example, the orbiting scroll 216. More specifically in some embodiments, the first outlet 332 delivers cooling liquid from the second inlet 334 to the orbiting scroll 216 via the first channel 302 and the first inlet 330 receives cooling liquid from the orbiting scroll 216 and delivers the cooling liquid to the second outlet 336 via the second channel 304. Thus, cooling liquid is easily and simply delivered to and from the orbiting scroll through the crankshaft 300. The crankshaft 300 may reduce a number of components for cooling a scroll device such as the devices 100, 200, or provide supportive cooling to additional cooling components or act as a primary cooling mechanism.

[0044] Turning to FIG. 3E, a cross-sectional view of the crankshaft 300 and a schematic view of an orbiting scroll 348 of a scroll device 350 is shown. The orbiting scroll 348 may be the same as or similar to the orbiting scroll 216. Additionally, a pair of flexible conduits 346 are also shown. The pair of flexible conduits 346 may be the same as or similar to the flexible conduits 268, 272. In some embodiments, the crankshaft 300 may deliver fluid to the orbiting scroll 348 via the first outlet 332 of the crankshaft 300. The fluid may travel through the orbiting scroll 348 (or a cooling jacket of the orbiting scroll 348) and exit from one of the flexible conduits 348. The fluid may travel through the flexible conduit 348 to one or more components (e.g., a fixed scroll, a cooling jacket, a fluid reservoir, etc.) then back to the orbiting scroll 348 via another one of the pair of flexible conduits 346. In some embodiments, the fluid may simply be routed to a reservoir such as the reservoir 344. In other embodiments, the fluid may exit the orbiting scroll 348 via the first inlet 330 of the crankshaft 300. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the device 350 may comprise one flexible conduit or more than two flexible conduits.

[0045] It will be appreciated that cooling fluid may be delivered to the orbiting scroll 216, 348 using any combination of delivery mechanisms and/or components. In will also be appreciated that a cooling loop may be open or closed. In other words, in some embodiments, the cooling loop may be self-contained, whereas in other embodiments, the cooling loop may comprise an separate cooling source and/or reservoir for receiving spent cooling fluid. In some embodiments, cooling fluid may be delivered to and from the orbiting scroll 216, 348 using the crankshaft 300. In such embodiments, the scroll device may not include, for example, flexible conduits. In other embodiments, cooling fluid may be delivered to the orbiting scroll 216, 348 using the crankshaft 300 and one or more idler shafts 108, 110, 112. Further background, context, and description of the idler shafts 108, 110, 112 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 10,865,793, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. In other embodiments, cooling fluid may be delivered to the orbiting scroll 216, 348 using the crankshaft 300 and flexible conduits 268, 272. Further background, context, and description of the flexible conduits 268, 272, 346 can be found in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0408201, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. In still other embodiments, cooling fluid may be delivered to and from the orbiting scroll 216, 348 via the crankshaft 300, one or more idler shafts 108, 110, 112, and/or the flexible conduits 268, 272, 346. In still other embodiments, cooling fluid may be delivered to the orbiting scroll 216, 348 using the crankshaft 300 and may exit the orbiting scroll 216, 348 into a reservoir.

[0046] Ranges have been discussed and used within the forgoing description. One skilled in the art would understand that any sub-range within the stated range would be suitable, as would any number or value within the broad range, without deviating from the invention. Additionally, where the meaning of the term “about” as used herein would not otherwise be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the term “about” should be interpreted as meaning within plus or minus five percent of the stated value.

[0047] Throughout the present disclosure, various embodiments have been disclosed. Components described in connection with one embodiment are the same as or similar to like-numbered components described in connection with another embodiment.

[0048] Although the present disclosure describes components and functions implemented in the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations with reference to particular standards and protocols, the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations are not limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are in existence and are considered to be included in the present disclosure. Moreover, the standards and protocols mentioned herein and other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are periodically superseded by faster or more effective equivalents having essentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents included in the present disclosure.

[0049] The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments, subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation.

[0050] The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

[0051] Moreover, though the description has included description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

[0052] Any of the steps, functions, and operations discussed herein can be performed continuously and automatically.