CRANKSHAFT ASSEMBLY FOR SCROLL DEVICES

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to scroll devices such as compressors, expanders, or vacuum pumps, and more particularly to crankshaft assemblies for scroll devices.

Scroll devices have been used as compressors, expanders, pumps, and vacuum pumps for many years. In orbiting scroll devices, an orbiting scroll rotates eccentrically while a fixed scroll remains fixed. In such devices, a motor turns a shaft that causes the orbiting scroll to orbit eccentrically within the fixed scroll. The eccentric orbit forces a gas through and out of pockets created between the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll, thus creating a vacuum in a container in fluid communication with the scroll device. An expander operates with the same principle, but with expanding gas causing the orbiting scroll to orbit in reverse and, in some embodiments, to drive a generator. When referring to compressors, it is understood that a vacuum pump can be substituted for a compressor and that an expander can be an alternate usage when the scrolls operate in reverse from an expanding gas.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Scroll devices may use a motor to drive an orbiting scroll via a crankshaft assembly. The crankshaft assembly may include a crank pin and a crankshaft to transfer rotational force in an orbiting motion through a crank bearing. Conventional designs generally position the crank pin on the crankshaft and the crank bearing on the orbiting scroll. During operation, scroll type compressors and vacuum pumps generate heat as part of the compression or pumping process and the highest temperature portion of an orbiting scroll is arranged at the center of the involute spiral of the orbiting scroll. In conventional designs, the crank bearing is generally arranged directly above the center of the involute spiral position. As a result, the heat generated at the center of the involute spiral is directly transferred to the crank bearing. As the temperature of the crank bearing increases during operation of the scroll device, the crank bearing may become prone to premature failure.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure a crankshaft assembly is provided that includes a crank bearing that is positioned on a crankshaft and a crank pin that is mounted on the orbiting scroll. In other words, the position of the crank bearing and the crank pin are switched from a conventional configuration.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a scroll device includes a fixed scroll, an orbiting scroll, and a motor and a crankshaft assembly for rotating the orbiting scroll. The crankshaft assembly includes a crank bearing positioned on a crankshaft (also referred to as a drive shaft) and a crank pin mounted on the orbiting scroll.

The crank pin may be arranged such that a protrusion, or other portion, of the crank pin extends through an orbiting scroll plate of the orbiting scroll and may be received in an orbiting scroll cavity of the orbiting scroll. In some embodiments, the crank pin may be secured to the orbiting scroll via one or more fasteners. In other embodiments, the protrusion may be received in the orbiting scroll cavity via a press fit. In still other embodiments the crank pin may be secured to the orbiting scroll using a combination of a press fit and one or more fasteners.

The crank bearing may be positioned in a recess of the crankshaft. In some embodiments, the crank bearing may be secured to the crankshaft via one or more fasteners. In other embodiments, the crank bearing may be received in the recess via a press fit. In still other embodiments the crank bearing may be secured to the crankshaft using a combination of a press fit and one or more fasteners.

As described herein, the crank pin may be received in a bore of the crank bearing. The crank pin may be secured to the crank bearing via a slip fit or a press fit, thereby connecting the crankshaft to the orbiting scroll and enabling rotation or the orbiting scroll by the crankshaft assembly and the motor. More specifically, the crank pin and the crankshaft may transfer rotational force in an orbiting motion through the crank bearing to the orbiting scroll.

Such an arrangement of the crank bearing (e.g., mounting the crank pin on the orbiting scroll and the crank bearing in the crankshaft) may mitigate or reduce premature failures of crank bearings due to excessive heat as the crank bearing is no longer directly exposed to the heat generated by the orbiting scroll. As can be appreciated, the arrangement of the crank bearing in the crankshaft assemblies described herein may increase the reliability of the scroll device and/or may prevent unnecessary repairs to the scroll device over time.

The term “scroll device” as used herein may refer to scroll compressors, scroll vacuum pumps, and similar mechanical devices. The term “scroll device” as used herein may also encompasses scroll expanders, with the understanding that scroll expanders absorb heat rather than generating heat, such that the various aspects and elements described herein for cooling scroll devices other than scroll expanders may be used for heating scroll expanders (e.g., using warm liquid).

The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

Numerous additional features and advantages are described herein and will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following Detailed Description and in view of the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

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.

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a scroll device according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the scroll device of FIG. 1A illustrating the crankshaft and the orbiting scroll arrangement according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the scroll device of FIG. 1A illustrating the arrangement of the crankshaft assembly and orbiting scroll according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1D is an isometric cross-sectional view of a portion of the scroll device of FIG. 1A illustrating the arrangement of the crankshaft assembly and orbiting scroll according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1E is an isometric view of the orbiting scroll and crank pin isolated from the scroll device illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1F is a side elevation view of the crank pin seated in a recess of the orbiting scroll of the scroll device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a scroll device including a conventional crankshaft assembly;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the scroll device of FIG. 2A illustrating a conventional crankshaft assembly having an arrangement where the crank bearing is directly attached to the orbiting scroll;

FIG. 3A is a schematic block diagram illustrating a heat transfer arrangement of the components of the scroll device of FIG. 1A according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3B is a schematic block diagram illustrating a comparative heat transfer arrangement of the components of a conventional crankshaft assembly of a scroll device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 drawings. 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.

The ensuing description provides embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claims. Rather, the ensuing description will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing the described embodiments. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Various aspects of the present disclosure will be described herein with reference to drawings that may be schematic illustrations of idealized configurations.

During operation of a scroll device, heat is generated when gasses are compressed between a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll. This heat is generally at a highest temperature at a point located adjacent a center of the orbiting scroll. The heat from this location may subsequently transfer to one or more other areas of the scroll device via components that are arranged in contact with, or in proximity to, the orbiting scroll. In conventional crankshaft arrangements for scroll devices, a crank bearing is typically attached directly to the orbiting scroll. As can be appreciated, this type of attachment can cause heat generated by the scroll device to pass directly to the crank bearing (e.g., via conduction, etc.) subjecting the crank bearing to elevated temperatures. Operating at elevated temperatures can cause premature wear and/or failure of the crank bearing (e.g., by compromising the lubricant performance, increasing friction between components, and/or otherwise mechanically altering the performance of the crank bearing).

It is with respect to the above issues and other problems that the embodiments presented herein were contemplated.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-IF, various views of a scroll device 100 and associated crankshaft assembly 110 components are shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The scroll device 100 is operable to receive a working fluid and either compress the working fluid (e.g., operating as a scroll compressor) or expand the working fluid (e.g., operating as a scroll expander). In the case of a scroll compressor, the working fluid moves from a periphery (e.g., an inlet) of the first involute and the second involute towards the center (e.g., a discharge port, or outlet 107, etc.) of the first involute and the second involute through increasingly smaller pockets, generating compression of the working fluid. Similar principles apply for a scroll vacuum pump and/or a scroll expander configuration.

Features of the scroll device 100 may be described in conjunction with a coordinate system 102. The coordinate system 102, as shown in the figures, includes three-dimensions comprising an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. Additionally or alternatively, the coordinate system 102 may be used to define planes (e.g., the XY-plane, the XZ-plane, and the YZ-plane) of the scroll device 100. These planes may be disposed orthogonal, or at 90 degrees, to one another. While the origin of the coordinate system 102 may be placed at any point on or near the components of the scroll device 100, for the purposes of description, the axes of the coordinate system 102 are always disposed along the same directions from figure to figure. In some examples, reference may be made to dimensions, angles, directions, relative positions, and/or movements associated with one or more components of the scroll device 100 with respect to the coordinate system 102. For example, the length of the scroll device 100 may be defined as a dimension along the X-axis of the coordinate system 102, the height of the scroll device 100 may be defined as dimension along the Y-axis of the coordinate system 102, and the width of the scroll device 100 may be defined as a dimension along the Z-axis of the coordinate system 102. Additionally or alternatively, the length of the crankshaft assembly 110 may be defined as a dimension along the X-axis of the coordinate system 102, the height of the crankshaft assembly 110 may be defined as dimension along the Y-axis of the coordinate system 102, and the width of the crankshaft assembly 110 may be defined as a dimension along the Z-axis of the coordinate system 102.

In some embodiments, the scroll device 100 may be a part of a larger scroll device assembly including one or more housings, fans, connections, mount surfaces, etc. The scroll device 100 includes an orbiting scroll 104, a fixed scroll 108, a crankshaft assembly 110, a motor 130, and a plurality of bearings 118, 128, etc. The plurality of bearings 118, 128 may each include an inner diameter portion, or inner race, and an outer diameter portion, or outer race. The inner race may rotate relative to the outer race, or vice versa. The orbiting scroll 104 is arranged relative to the fixed scroll 108 such that a first involute of the orbiting scroll 104 is nested in, or engaged with, a second involute of the fixed scroll 108. Together, the orbiting scroll 104 and fixed scroll 108 form the scroll assembly 109 of the scroll device 100.

The scroll device 100 extends a length from a first end 103 of the scroll device 100 to a second end 105 of the scroll device 100. The scroll assembly 109 is arranged at the first end 103 of the scroll device 100 and the motor 130 is arranged at the second end 105 of the scroll device 100. The motor 130, when actuated, causes the orbiting scroll 104 to rotate relative to the fixed scroll 108 from torque that is transmitted via a crankshaft assembly 110.

The crankshaft assembly 110 may include a crankshaft 112, an interface end 114 of the crankshaft 112, a crank pin 120, a crank bearing 118, and a crankshaft support bearing 128. The crankshaft 112 may correspond to, or be referred to as, a “drive shaft” of the scroll device 100. In some embodiments, the crankshaft 112, or at least a drive shaft portion of the crankshaft 112, may be supported by one or more crankshaft support bearings 128 (e.g., at one end or at both ends of the crankshaft 112, etc.). These crankshaft support bearings 128 may correspond to, or be referred to as, “drive bearings” of the scroll device 100. For example, one or more of the crankshaft support bearings 128 (e.g., drive bearings) may be arranged with an outer diameter disposed in a portion of the housing 132 of the scroll device 100 and a portion of the crankshaft 112 (e.g., the drive shaft portion, etc.) and/or a portion of the interface end 114 may be disposed at least partially inside the inner diameter of the crankshaft support bearing 128. In some embodiments, the interface end 114 may be rotationally keyed to the crankshaft 112 (e.g., via a key and keyway, splined shaft, radial clocking feature, or other rotationally-locked interface or attachment).

Although shown as two separate components fastened together (e.g., with a fastener 116), the crankshaft 112 and the interface end 114 may be formed as a single part (e.g., machined, cast, molded, printed, etc.) without departing from the scope of this disclosure. When manufactured or formed as a single part, the crankshaft 112 and the interface end 114 may be referred to as a “crankshaft,” for example, where the crankshaft 112 corresponds to the drive shaft portion of the crankshaft assembly.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the crankshaft 112 includes a drive axis 126 (e.g., corresponding to the axis of rotation of the motor 130), and the interface end 114 includes a pin axis 124 (e.g., corresponding to the center axis of the crank bearing 118 and crank pin 120). The pin axis 124 and the drive axis 126 are arranged parallel to and radially offset from one another by a distance such that the pin axis 124 and the drive axis 126 are not colinear or coaxial with one another. In this arrangement, as the crankshaft 112 rotates about the drive axis 126, the crank pin 120 moves eccentrically relative to the drive axis 126 (e.g., not concentrically with the drive axis 126). This eccentric movement of the crank pin 120 causes the orbiting scroll 104 to move in an eccentric orbiting motion relative to the crankshaft 112 and/or the fixed scroll 108.

Referring to the schematic cross-sectional view of the scroll device 100 shown in FIG. 1C, the arrangement of the crankshaft assembly 110 and the scroll assembly 109 of the scroll device 100 is shown according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As described above, as the scroll device 100 operates, heat may be generated at a center region 127 of the involute spiral of the orbiting scroll 104. This heat may then transfer to components that are near or arranged in contact with the orbiting scroll 104. In conventional scroll device arrangements, the crank bearing is directly attached to, and in contact with, the orbiting scroll 104. However, in the present scroll device 100, the crank bearing 118 is arranged apart from, and out of contact with, the orbiting scroll 104. Among other things, this arrangement offers the benefits of reduced heat transfer between the orbiting scroll 104 and the crank bearing 118, reduces wear of the crank bearing 118, and increases the operable life of the crank bearing 118 and the scroll device 100.

For instance, rather than mounting the crank bearing 118 in a recess of the orbiting scroll 104, the crankshaft assembly 110 includes a crank pin 120 that is attached to the orbiting scroll 104. The crank pin 120 may include a protrusion 148 that extends from a body 144 of the crank pin 120 in a direction away from the orbiting scroll 104 and toward the second end 105 of the scroll device 100 (as shown in FIGS. 1E-1F). In some embodiments, the body 144 of the crank pin 120 may include a larger peripheral outermost dimension than a peripheral outermost dimension of the protrusion 148 of the crank pin 120. The protrusion 148 may be arranged to fit into an inner diameter of the crank bearing 118 and the outer diameter of the crank bearing 118 may be arranged to fit into a recess 160 of the interface end 114. Since the surface contact area of the inner diameter of the crank bearing 118 is less than the surface contact area of the outer diameter of the crank bearing 118, the heat transfer path between the orbiting scroll 104 and the crank bearing 118 is further reduced in the scroll device 100 (e.g., compared to a conventional arrangement where the outer diameter, and larger surface contact area, of the crank bearing 118 is disposed inside a recess of the orbiting scroll 104, providing a greater heat transfer path).

FIG. 1D is an isometric cross-sectional view of a portion of the scroll device 100 illustrating the arrangement of the crankshaft assembly 110 and orbiting scroll 104 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of clarity, the motor 130, housing 132, and other components of the scroll device 100 have been removed in FIG. 1D to further illustrate the arrangement of the crankshaft assembly 110 and the orbiting scroll 104. For example, in FIG. 1D, the drive shaft end of the crankshaft 112 (on the right-hand side of the page) is shown exposed without the motor 130 or other components obscuring the view of this end of the crankshaft 112. As shown in FIGS. 1D-1F, the crank pin 120 is arranged to fit at least partially in a recess 140 of the orbiting scroll 104 and is fastened to the orbiting scroll 104 by a plurality of fasteners 150. The plurality of fasteners 150 may fix the crank pin 120 to the orbiting scroll 104 in an axial direction (e.g., in a direction along pin axis 124, etc.). In some embodiments, the crank pin 120 may include one or more radial locking lobes 146. The radial locking lobes 146 may engage with corresponding features in the recess 140 of the orbiting scroll 104 preventing rotation of the crank pin 120 relative to the orbiting scroll 104. In some embodiments, a fastener 150 may be disposed between adjacent radial locking lobes 146 and a head of the fastener 150 (e.g., when fastened to the orbiting scroll 104) may apply an axial contact force against the adjacent radial locking lobes 146 ensuring the crank pin 120 is held in place against the orbiting scroll 104. Although shown as two separate components fastened together (e.g., with a plurality of fasteners 150), the crank pin 120 and the orbiting scroll 104 may be formed as a single part (e.g., machined, cast, molded, printed, etc.) without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the length of the crankshaft 112 may extend from the drive shaft end to the interface end 114 of the crankshaft assembly 110.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a scroll device 200 including a conventional crankshaft assembly 210 described above. This scroll device 200 includes an orbiting scroll 204 and a fixed scroll 208 and may be configured to receive a working fluid and compress the working fluid operating as a scroll compressor. In the conventional crankshaft assembly 210 of the scroll device 200 shown in FIG. 2B, however, the crank bearing 218 is directly attached to the orbiting scroll 204 (e.g., the crank bearing 218 is arranged such that an outer diameter of the crank bearing 218 is disposed inside a recess of the orbiting scroll 204). The crankshaft 212 of the conventional crankshaft assembly 210 is shown including a protrusion that extends into the inner diameter of the crank bearing 218. The crankshaft 212 may be radially supported by two crankshaft support bearings 228 (e.g., disposed near respective ends of the crankshaft 212) and may be operatively attached to a motor 230. In this configuration, as the scroll device 200 operates, heat is generated at a center region 227 of the involute spiral of the orbiting scroll 204 and is then transferred to components that are near or arranged in contact with the orbiting scroll 204. Since the crank bearing 218 of the scroll device 200 is directly attached to, and in contact with, the orbiting scroll 204, a greater heat transfer path is provided (e.g., when compared to the arrangement of the scroll device 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F) and the heat from the center region 227 may pass (e.g., via conduction) from the orbiting scroll 104 directly to the crank bearing 218. As can be appreciated, this conventional crankshaft assembly 210 increases heat transfer between the orbiting scroll 204 and the crank bearing 218, increases wear of the crank bearing 218, and decreases the operable life of the crank bearing 218 and the scroll device 200.

Example schematic diagrams illustrating the differences in heat transfer paths (e.g., heat conduction paths) between the scroll devices 100 and 200 are shown in conjunction with FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively.

FIG. 3A is a schematic block diagram illustrating a heat transfer arrangement of the components of the scroll device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The scroll device 100 schematically represented in FIG. 3A includes the crankshaft assembly 110 where the orbiting scroll 104 is arranged separately and apart from the crank bearing 118 (e.g., as shown and described in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-1F). The schematic block diagram shows an example of physical contact between components of the scroll device 100 and/or crankshaft assembly 110 described above. When one component block touches another component block in FIG. 3A, the components are understood to be in direct physical contact with one another. For instance, the orbiting scroll 104 is arranged contacting the crank pin 120, the crank pin 120 is arranged contacting the crank bearing 118, the crank bearing 118 is arranged contacting the interface end 114, and the interface end 114 is arranged contacting the crankshaft 112. However, according to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 3A, the orbiting scroll 104 and the crank bearing 118 are arranged separately and apart from one another (e.g., not in direct contact with one another).

During operation of the scroll device 100, heat is generated at the orbiting scroll 104 and moves in a heat flow direction 304 (e.g., shown moving from the left-hand side of the page to the right-hand side of the page) to the next component that is arranged in contact with the orbiting scroll 104. In the scroll device 100 represented in FIG. 3A, the crank pin 120 is arranged in contact with the orbiting scroll 104. As such, the heat generated at the orbiting scroll 104 moves from the orbiting scroll 104 to the crank pin 120. The temperature of the heat generated by the scroll device 100 is the greatest at the leftmost component shown in the schematic block diagram (e.g., orbiting scroll 104) and the lowest at the rightmost component shown in the schematic block diagram (e.g., the crankshaft 112). As the heat moves from left-hand side of the page to the right-hand side of the page, the temperature of the heat decreases. Stated another way, as the heat moves in the heat flow direction 304, the heat must pass through a plurality of thermal zones, T1-T5. These thermal zones, T1-T5, may correspond to the respective material thickness, volume, and/or geometry of each component represented in the schematic block diagram.

In some embodiments, the contact interface between each component represented in the schematic block diagram may be configured to control or limit the transfer of heat from one component to another. For instance, the interface between the crank pin 120 and the crank bearing 118 may include a reduced surface contact area (e.g., where the protrusion 148 of the crank pin 120 inserts into the inner diameter of the crank bearing 118) and a reduced area through which heat can transfer (e.g., when compared to the interface between the orbiting scroll 204 and the crank bearing 218 of FIG. 3B or the interface between the orbiting scroll 104 and the crank pin 120).

As shown in FIG. 3A, the crank pin 120 is arranged between the orbiting scroll 104 and the crank bearing 118. Among other things, this arrangement causes the operational heat of the scroll device 100 to move in the heat flow direction 304 and pass through the first thermal zone, T1, and then through the second thermal zone, T2, before reaching the crank bearing 118. Not only does the crank pin 120 disposed between the orbiting scroll 104 and the crank pin 120 serve as an interstitial heat dissipation component, but the geometry of the interface between the crank pin 120 and the crank bearing 118 is controlled to reduce the size of the heat transfer path between the crank pin 120 and the crank bearing 118. Stated another way, the crank bearing 118 is arranged separately and apart from the orbiting scroll 104 and the heat generated at the orbiting scroll 104 at an initial temperature is greatly reduced when it has passed through the first thermal zone, T1, and the second thermal zone, T2, and when it is measured at the third thermal zone, T3. In some embodiments, the interface end 114 and the crankshaft 112 may include one or more features that dissipate heat from the crank bearing 118. For instance, the fourth thermal zone, T4, and/or the fifth thermal zone, T5, may include a large surface area (e.g., larger than the surface area between the crank pin 120 and the crank bearing 118) that acts as a heatsink for conveying heat from the crank bearing 118. This large surface area may include fins, protrusions, and/or other surface that move the heat through the fourth thermal zone, T4, and/or the fifth thermal zone, T5, into an environment (e.g., air, etc.) outside of the interface end 114 and/or crankshaft 112.

FIG. 3B is a schematic block diagram illustrating a comparative heat transfer arrangement of the components of a conventional crankshaft assembly 210 of a scroll device 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The scroll device 200 schematically represented in FIG. 3B includes the crankshaft assembly 210 where the orbiting scroll 204 is arranged in direct contact with the crank bearing 218 (e.g., as shown and described in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-2B). The schematic block diagram shows an example of physical contact between components of the scroll device 200 and/or crankshaft assembly 210 described above. When one component block touches another component block in FIG. 3B, the components are understood to be in direct physical contact with one another. For instance, the orbiting scroll 204 is arranged in direct contact with the crank bearing 218, and crank bearing 218 is arranged contacting the crankshaft 212.

As the scroll device 200 operates, heat is generated at the orbiting scroll 204 and moves in a heat flow direction 304 (e.g., shown moving from the left-hand side of the page to the right-hand side of the page) to the next component that is arranged in contact with the orbiting scroll 204. In the scroll device 200 with the conventional crankshaft assembly 210 represented in FIG. 3B, the crank bearing 218 is arranged in direct contact with the orbiting scroll 204. As such, the heat generated at the orbiting scroll 204 moves from the orbiting scroll 204 directly to the crank bearing 218. The temperature of the heat generated by the scroll device 200 is the greatest at the leftmost component shown in the schematic block diagram (e.g., orbiting scroll 204) and the lowest at the rightmost component shown in the schematic block diagram (e.g., the crankshaft 212). As the heat moves from left-hand side of the page to the right-hand side of the page, the temperature of the heat decreases. Stated another way, as the heat moves in the heat flow direction 304, the heat must pass through a plurality of thermal zones, T1-T3. These thermal zones, T1-T3, may correspond to the respective material thickness, volume, and/or geometry of each component represented in the schematic block diagram.

As shown in FIG. 3B, there are no components arranged between the orbiting scroll 204 and the crank bearing 218. Among other things, this arrangement causes the operational heat of the scroll device 200 to move in the heat flow direction 304 directly from the first thermal zone, T1, to the second thermal zone, T2, which corresponds to the crank bearing 218 of the scroll device 200. Since there is no interstitial component disposed between the orbiting scroll 204 and the crank bearing 218, the crank bearing 218 is subjected to the heat directly transferred from the orbiting scroll 204. Stated another way, the direct contact between the fixed scroll 208 and the crank bearing 218 does not allow the temperature of the heat generated at the orbiting scroll 204 at an initial temperature to decrease through any interstitial thermal zones. As such, the temperature measured of the crank bearing 218 at the second thermal zone, T2, of FIG. 3B is greater than the temperature measured of the crank bearing 118 at the third thermal zone, T3, of FIG. 3A. This greater temperature may cause premature wear of the crank bearing 218 of the scroll device 200 when compared to the crank bearing 118 of the scroll device 100.

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.

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

While the flowcharts have been discussed and illustrated in relation to a particular sequence of events, it should be appreciated that changes, additions, and omissions to this sequence can occur without materially affecting the operation of the disclosed embodiments, configuration, and aspects.

The exemplary systems and methods of this disclosure have been described in relation to scroll devices and crankshaft assemblies. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the preceding description omits a number of known structures and devices. This omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the claimed disclosure. Specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. It should, however, be appreciated that the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth herein.

A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosure without providing others.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with one embodiment, it is submitted that the description of such feature, structure, or characteristic may apply to any other embodiment unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the description. The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the systems and methods disclosed herein after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving case, and/or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion of the disclosure 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 embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the disclosure may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires 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 embodiment, configuration, or aspect. 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.

Moreover, though the description of the disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects 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 embodiments, configurations, or aspects 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.

Exemplary aspects are directed to a scroll device, comprising: an orbiting scroll operably connected to a fixed scroll; and a crankshaft assembly, comprising: a crankshaft having a recess; a crank bearing having a bore and secured in the recess; and a crank pin having a first portion mounted to the orbiting scroll and a second portion received in the bore of the crank bearing, thereby connecting the orbiting scroll and the crankshaft.

Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the crank pin has a protrusion receivable in a cavity of the orbiting scroll. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein each of the crank pin and the crank bearing is secured to the orbiting scroll and the crankshaft, respectively, via one or more fasteners. Any one or more of the above aspects further comprising: a motor operable to rotate the crankshaft, wherein rotational force in an orbiting motion is transferred to the orbiting scroll via the crankshaft assembly.

Exemplary aspects are directed to a crankshaft assembly, comprising: a crankshaft having a recess; a crank bearing having a bore, wherein the crank bearing is secured in the recess; and a crank pin having a first portion mounted to an orbiting scroll of a scroll device and a second portion received in the bore of the crank bearing, thereby connecting the orbiting scroll and the crankshaft together.

Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the crank bearing is arranged apart from the orbiting scroll. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the recess of the crankshaft defines a pin axis of the crankshaft assembly, wherein the crankshaft defines a drive axis of the crankshaft assembly, and wherein the pin axis and the drive axis are arranged parallel to and radially offset from one another by a distance such that the pin axis and the drive axis are not colincar or coaxial with one another. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the orbiting scroll comprises an attachment recess extending into a portion of the orbiting scroll, wherein the first portion of the crank pin corresponds to a body of the crank pin, and wherein the body of the crank pin is arranged at least partially inside the attachment recess. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the crank pin comprises a plurality of radial locking lobes arranged around a periphery of the body of the crank pin, wherein the attachment recess comprises a plurality of radial locking recesses that engage with the plurality of radial locking lobes, and wherein an engagement of the plurality of radial locking lobes with the plurality of radial locking recesses radially locks the crank pin with the orbiting scroll. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the crank pin is attached to the orbiting scroll by a plurality of fasteners, and wherein each fastener of the plurality of fasteners is arranged between immediately adjacent radial locking lobes of the plurality of radial locking lobes.

Exemplary aspects are directed to a scroll device, comprising: a fixed scroll; an orbiting scroll operably coupled to the fixed scroll; and a crankshaft assembly, comprising: a crankshaft extending from a drive shaft end of the crankshaft to an interface end of the crankshaft, wherein the crankshaft comprises a recess extending into the interface end in a direction toward the drive shaft end; a crank bearing comprising an outer diameter portion and an inner diameter portion, wherein the outer diameter portion is arranged in the recess of the crankshaft; and a crank pin arranged between the crank bearing and the orbiting scroll, wherein the crank pin comprises a body portion and a protrusion portion, wherein the protrusion portion is arranged in the inner diameter portion of the crank bearing, wherein the body portion is attached to the orbiting scroll, and wherein the crank pin couples the crankshaft and crank bearing to the orbiting scroll without the crank bearing and the orbiting scroll contacting one another.

Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein a peripheral outermost dimension of the body portion of the crank pin is larger than a peripheral outermost dimension of the protrusion portion of the crank pin. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the inner diameter portion of the crank bearing and the outer diameter portion of the crank bearing are configured to rotate relative to one another. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein a surface contact area of the inner diameter portion of the crank bearing is less than a surface contact area of the outer diameter portion of the crank bearing. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the recess of the crankshaft defines a pin axis of the crankshaft assembly, wherein the crankshaft defines a drive axis of the crankshaft assembly, and wherein the pin axis and the drive axis are arranged parallel to and radially offset from one another by a distance such that the pin axis and the drive axis are not colinear or coaxial with one another. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the body portion of the crank pin is arranged in a recess of the orbiting scroll. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the crank pin comprises a plurality of radial locking lobes arranged around a periphery of the body portion of the crank pin, wherein the recess of the orbiting scroll comprises a plurality of radial locking recesses that engage with the plurality of radial locking lobes, and wherein an engagement of the plurality of radial locking lobes with the plurality of radial locking recesses radially locks the crank pin with the orbiting scroll. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the body portion of the crank pin is attached to the orbiting scroll by a plurality of fasteners, and wherein each fastener of the plurality of fasteners is arranged between immediately adjacent radial locking lobes of the plurality of radial locking lobes. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the crank pin arranged between the crank bearing and the orbiting scroll defines a heat conduction path that prevents heat from passing between the orbiting scroll and the crank bearing without first passing through a thermal zone of the crank pin, wherein the heat conduction path comprises a first surface contact area between the orbiting scroll and the crank pin and a second surface contact area between the crank pin and the crank bearing, and wherein the second surface contact area is less than the first surface contact area. Any one or more of the above aspects include further comprising: a motor attached to the drive shaft end of the crankshaft, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the crankshaft and cause the orbiting scroll to move in an eccentric motion relative to a drive axis of the motor.

Any one or more of the above aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein.

Any one or more of the aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein optionally in combination with any one or more other aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein.

One or means adapted to perform any one or more of the above aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein.

Any one or more of the features disclosed herein.

Any one or more of the features as substantially disclosed herein.

Any one or more of the features as substantially disclosed herein in combination with any one or more other features as substantially disclosed herein.

Any one of the aspects/features/embodiments in combination with any one or more other aspects/features/embodiments.

Use of any one or more of the aspects or features as disclosed herein.

It is to be appreciated that any feature described herein can be claimed in combination with any other feature(s) as described herein, regardless of whether the features come from the same described embodiment.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “include,” “including,” “includes,” “comprise,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably.

The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” “or,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together. When each one of A, B, and C in the above expressions refers to an element, such as X, Y, and Z, or a class of elements, such as X1-Xn, Y1-Ym, and Z1-Zo, the phrase is intended to refer to a single element selected from X, Y, and Z, a combination of elements selected from the same class (e.g., X1 and X2) as well as a combination of elements selected from two or more classes (e.g., Y1 and Zo).

The term “automatic” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation, which is typically continuous or semi-continuous, done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be “material.”

The terms “determine,” “calculate,” “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation, or technique.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and this disclosure.

It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every lower numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every higher numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

CRANKSHAFT ASSEMBLY FOR SCROLL DEVICES

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)