U.S. patent application number 14/551515 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-22 for compressor and bearing assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Pankaj Nimbaji Ahire, Harry Clendenin, Pavankumar Jorwekar, Vinayak Juge, Ramprasad Ramaswamy, Wei Sun.
Application Number | 20160369802 14/551515 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54394914 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160369802 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Sun; Wei ; et al. |
December 22, 2016 |
COMPRESSOR AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A compressor is provided and may include a shell, a hub, an
insert, and at least one collar. The hub may be disposed within the
shell and define an axis of rotation. The hub may include an
axially extending aperture. The insert may be disposed within the
aperture. The at least one collar may be disposed about the
hub.
Inventors: |
Sun; Wei; (West Chester,
OH) ; Clendenin; Harry; (Sidney, OH) ; Ahire;
Pankaj Nimbaji; (Pune, IN) ; Jorwekar;
Pavankumar; (Pune, IN) ; Ramaswamy; Ramprasad;
(Pune, IN) ; Juge; Vinayak; (Pune, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. |
Sidney |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES,
INC.
Sidney
OH
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150354571 A1 |
December 10, 2015 |
|
|
Family ID: |
54394914 |
Appl. No.: |
14/551515 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61909766 |
Nov 27, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04C 29/0078 20130101;
F04C 18/0207 20130101; F04C 18/0253 20130101; F04C 2240/802
20130101; F04C 2240/60 20130101; F04C 29/0071 20130101; F04C
18/0215 20130101; F04C 23/008 20130101; F04C 2240/50 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04C 29/00 20060101
F04C029/00; F04C 18/02 20060101 F04C018/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 4, 2014 |
IN |
1835/MUM/2014 |
Claims
1. A compressor comprising: a shell; a hub disposed within said
shell and defining an axis of rotation, said hub including an
axially extending aperture; an insert disposed within said
aperture; and at least one collar disposed about said hub.
2. The compressor of claim 1, further comprising a drive shaft
rotatably mounted within said insert.
3. The compressor of claim 1, wherein said collar is an annular
collar having an inner diameter, and said hub has an outer diameter
that is larger than said inner diameter.
4. The compressor of claim 3, wherein said collar is press-fit on
said hub.
5. The compressor of claim 1, wherein said insert is a cylindrical
insert having an outer diameter, and said aperture has an inner
diameter that is smaller than said outer diameter.
6. The compressor of claim 5, wherein said insert is press-fit
within said aperture.
7. The compressor of claim 1, wherein said insert is operable to
rotate within said aperture about the axis of rotation.
8. The compressor of claim 1, wherein said hub further includes an
axially extending recessed portion disposed about said aperture,
and wherein said collar is disposed about said recessed
portion.
9. The compressor of claim 1, wherein said collar includes a
radially inwardly extending portion configured to restrain relative
movement between said insert and said hub.
10. The compressor of claim 1, wherein said collar comprises a lock
nut and a retaining ring configured to engage said insert, said
retaining ring having protruding legs configured to engage an inner
periphery of said hub, and said lock nut configured to engage with
threads formed on an outer periphery of said hub and adapted to
secure said retainer ring relative to said hub and further adapted
to secure said insert within said hub.
11. A compressor comprising: a shell; a support structure disposed
within said shell, said support structure including a central hub
defining an axis of rotation and including a first axially
extending portion having a first outer diameter, and a second
axially extending portion having a second outer diameter; an insert
concentrically disposed within said central hub; and at least one
collar concentrically disposed about said second axially-extending
portion.
12. The compressor of claim 11, wherein said second outer diameter
is less than said first outer diameter.
13. The compressor of claim 11, further comprising a drive shaft
rotatably mounted within said insert.
14. The compressor of claim 11, wherein said collar is an annular
collar having an inner diameter, and said second outer diameter is
larger than said inner diameter.
15. The compressor of claim 14, wherein said collar is press-fit on
said second axially extending portion of the hub.
16. The compressor of claim 11, wherein said insert is a
cylindrical insert having an outer diameter, and said central hub
includes an aperture having an inner diameter that is smaller than
said outer diameter.
17. The compressor of claim 16, wherein said insert is press-fit
within said aperture.
18. The compressor of claim 11, wherein said central hub includes
an aperture, and wherein said insert is operable to rotate within
said aperture about the axis of rotation.
19. The compressor of claim 11, wherein the support structure is a
bearing housing.
20. The compressor of claim 11, wherein the support structure is an
orbiting scroll member.
21. The compressor of claim 11, wherein said first axially
extending portion has a first wall thickness and said second
axially extending portion has a second wall thickness not less than
one-half of said first wall thickness.
22. A compressor comprising: a shell; a hub disposed within said
shell and defining an axis of rotation, said hub including an
axially extending aperture; an insert disposed within said
aperture; and an arresting arrangement adapted to restrain relative
movement between said insert and said hub, thereby retaining said
insert within said hub.
23. The compressor of claim 22, wherein said arresting arrangement
includes a stepped portion disposed on an inner wall of said hub
such that said insert snap fits into said hub, thereby restraining
movement of said insert relative to said hub.
24. The compressor of claim 22, wherein said arresting arrangement
includes an inclined retaining ring, and said insert includes a
tapered end configured to engage said inclined retainer ring, said
retaining ring having a plurality of extending legs and micro
projections between said legs, said legs adapted to engage with an
inner periphery of said hub, thereby restraining movement of said
insert with respect to said hub.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of Indian
Patent Application No. 1835/MUM/2014, filed on Jun. 4, 2014, which
claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/909,766, filed on Nov. 27, 2013. The entire disclosures of each
of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a compressor, and more
particularly to a compressor having a bearing retention
feature.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section provides background information related to the
present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.
[0004] Scroll compressors are used in applications such as
refrigeration systems, air conditioning systems, and heat pump
systems to pressurize and, thus, circulate refrigerant within each
system.
[0005] As the scroll compressor operates, an orbiting scroll member
having an orbiting scroll member wrap orbits with respect to a
non-orbiting scroll member having a non-orbiting scroll member wrap
to make moving line contacts between flanks of the respective
scroll wraps. In so doing, the orbiting scroll member and the
non-orbiting scroll member cooperate to define moving,
crescent-shaped pockets of vapor refrigerant. A volume of the fluid
pockets decreases as the pockets move toward a center of the scroll
members, thereby compressing the vapor refrigerant disposed therein
from a suction pressure to a discharge pressure.
[0006] Scroll compressors may include a bearing housing that houses
a drive bearing assembly. The drive bearing assembly often includes
a steel-backed insert (e.g., press-fit) that can rotate relative to
the bearing housing under certain severe operating conditions. This
relative rotation often causes undesirable movement of the insert,
and may eventually cause the insert to "walk out" of the bearing
housing.
SUMMARY
[0007] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure,
and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of
its features.
[0008] A compressor constructed in accordance with one example of
the present disclosure can include a shell, a hub, an insert, and
at least one collar. The hub may be disposed within the shell and
define an axis of rotation. The hub may include an axially
extending aperture. The insert may be disposed within the aperture.
The at least one collar may be disposed about the hub.
[0009] A compressor constructed in accordance with another example
of the present disclosure can include a shell, a bearing housing,
an insert, and at least one collar. The bearing housing may be
disposed within the shell and include a central hub defining an
axis of rotation. The central hub may include a first axially
extending portion having a first wall thickness and a second
axially extending portion having a second wall thickness. The
insert may be concentrically disposed within the central hub. The
at least one collar may be concentrically disposed about the second
axially-extending portion.
[0010] A compressor constructed in accordance with yet another
example of the present disclosure can include a shell, a support
structure, an insert and at least one collar. The support structure
may be disposed within the shell and include a central hub defining
an axis of rotation. The central hub may include a first axially
extending portion having a first outer diameter, and a second
axially extending portion having a second outer diameter. The
insert may be concentrically disposed within the central hub. The
at least one collar may be concentrically disposed about the second
axially-extending portion.
[0011] The drive shaft can be rotatably mounted within the
insert.
[0012] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure,
the arresting arrangement is an annular collar having an inner
diameter, and the hub has a step portion configured on outer
periphery thereof such that an outer diameter of the step portion
is larger than the inner diameter of the annular collar for
configuring interference fit between the annular collar and the
step portion to urge the hub towards the insert to apply
reinforcement on the insert.
[0013] In accordance with another embodiment, the arresting
arrangement includes a tapered lock nut and a retaining ring, the
insert is functionally coupled to the retainer ring having
protruding legs that engage with inner periphery of the hub to
configure interference fit between the hub and the retainer ring
and the lock nut engages with threads formed on outer periphery of
the hub to securely hold the retainer ring and accordingly the
insert within the hub.
[0014] In accordance with still another embodiment, the arresting
arrangement is a collar that press fits over the hub and urges the
hub towards the insert to apply reinforcement on the insert,
thereby restraining movement of the insert with respect to the
hub.
[0015] In accordance with another embodiment, the arresting
arrangement includes a step configured on an inside wall of the hub
such that the insert snap fits into the step configured on inside
wall of the hub, thereby restraining movement of the insert with
respect to the hub.
[0016] The collar can be press-fit on the hub.
[0017] Generally, the insert is a cylindrical insert having an
outer diameter, and the aperture has an inner diameter that is
smaller than the outer diameter.
[0018] The insert can be press-fit within the aperture.
[0019] Further, the insert is operable to rotate within the
aperture about the axis of rotation.
[0020] The hub may further include an axially extending recessed
portion disposed about the aperture, and wherein the collar is
disposed about the recessed portion.
[0021] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples
in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0022] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations,
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a compressor in
accordance with the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a main bearing
housing of the compressor of FIG. 1, including a bearing
collar;
[0025] FIG. 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a main bearing
housing of the compressor of FIG. 1, including a bearing
collar;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of another
configuration of a main bearing housing of the compressor of FIG.
1, including a bearing collar;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of another
configuration of a main bearing housing of the compressor of FIG.
1, including a bearing collar;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an orbiting
scroll member of the compressor of FIG. 1, including a bearing
collar;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of another
configuration of a hub of the orbiting scroll of FIG. 6;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of another
configuration of a main bearing housing of the compressor of FIG.
1, including a bearing collar;
[0031] FIG. 9a illustrates a cross-sectional view of an orbiting
scroll member of a compressor with a hub extending therefrom,
wherein a bearing insert is press fitted inside an axially
extending aperture of the hub of the orbiting scroll member in
accordance with the prior art;
[0032] FIG. 9b illustrates a cross-sectional view of an orbiting
scroll member of a compressor with a hub extending therefrom,
wherein the hub has a step configured on its outer end for
facilitating mounting of a bearing collar thereon in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure, further, the hub
includes an axially extending aperture for receiving a bearing
insert therein;
[0033] FIG. 9c illustrates an assembly of a bearing collar on the
stepped end of the hub of the orbiting scroll member of FIG.
9b;
[0034] FIG. 10a illustrates a schematic representation of a
compressor having the orbiting scroll member with the hub extending
therefrom in accordance with the prior art as illustrated in FIG.
9a;
[0035] FIG. 10b illustrates a schematic representation of a
compressor having the orbiting scroll member with the hub extending
therefrom in accordance with the present disclosure as illustrated
in FIG. 9b;
[0036] FIG. 11a illustrates a sectional view of the orbiting scroll
member of a compressor with a hub extending therefrom and with a
bearing insert assembled thereto in accordance with the prior art,
wherein the bearing insert is press fitted into an axially
extending aperture of the hub;
[0037] FIG. 11b illustrates a sectional view of an orbiting scroll
member with a hub extending therefrom and a bearing insert received
inside the axially extending aperture of the hub, particularly, a
DU bearing is received in the axially extending aperture of the hub
and a lock nut and a tapered retaining ring are mounted for
retaining the bearing insert within the axially extending
aperture;
[0038] FIG. 11c illustrates an enlarged view depicting the end
portion of the hub of FIG. 11b, wherein the hub has a threaded end
and slots are configured on the inside surface of the hub at the
end of the hub for configuring arresting arrangement;
[0039] FIG. 11d illustrates an enlarged view of the retainer ring
of FIG. 11b, wherein protruding legs are configured on the retainer
ring that engage with the slots of the hub illustrated in FIG. 11c
to configure an interference fit between the retainer ring and the
hub;
[0040] FIG. 12a illustrates a sectional view of an orbiting scroll
member of a compressor with a hub extending therefrom and a bearing
insert received inside the axially extending aperture of the hub,
wherein an elliptical retainer is used as an arresting arrangement
in accordance with yet another embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 12b illustrates an isometric view of the elliptical
retainer of FIG. 12a, wherein the elliptical retainer has
legs/prongs that lock with scroll hub after assembly due to
friction, the retainer ring also has micro projections between the
legs;
[0042] FIG. 12c illustrates an enlarged view of the elliptical
retainer of FIG. 12b, wherein the micro projections configured on
the elliptical retainer are depicted; and
[0043] FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of an arresting
arrangement in accordance with yet another embodiment, wherein a
step is provided at an inner bottom end of the hub extending from
the orbiting scroll member and the bearing insert snap fits into
the step configured at the bottom of the hub, thereby preventing
bearing walk-out and walk-in.
[0044] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0046] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure
will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are
skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as
examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a
thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details
need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in
many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit
the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments,
well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known
technologies are not described in detail.
[0047] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be
limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and
therefore 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
method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to
be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the
particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically
identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood
that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0048] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on,"
"engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or
layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the
other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be
present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being
"directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or
"directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no
intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to
describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in
a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between,"
"adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the
term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of
the associated listed items.
[0049] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used
herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers
and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or
sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be
only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or
section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as
"first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do
not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the
context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section
discussed below could be termed a second element, component,
region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of
the example embodiments.
[0050] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer,"
"beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be
used herein for ease of description to describe one element or
feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as
illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be
intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use
or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the
figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over,
elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or
features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or
features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an
orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise
oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the
spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted
accordingly.
[0051] With reference to FIG. 1, a compressor 10 is shown to
include a hermetic shell assembly 12, a motor assembly 14, a
compression mechanism 16, and a bearing housing assembly 18. While
the compressor 10 is generally described and shown herein as being
a scroll compressor, it will be appreciated that the compressor 10
may be a reciprocating compressor within the scope of the present
disclosure. The shell assembly 12 may house the motor assembly 14,
the compression mechanism 16, and the bearing housing assembly 18.
The shell assembly 12 may include a suction inlet port 20 receiving
a working fluid at a suction pressure from one of an indoor and
outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) and a discharge outlet port 22
discharging the working fluid to the other of the indoor and
outdoor heat exchanger after it has been compressed by the
compression mechanism 16. A bottom portion of the shell assembly 12
may form a reservoir or sump 24 containing a volume of a lubricant
(e.g., oil).
[0052] The motor assembly 14 may include a motor stator 26, a rotor
28, and a drive shaft 30. The motor stator 26 may be press fit into
the shell assembly 12. The rotor 28 may be press fit on the drive
shaft 30 and may transmit rotational power to the drive shaft 30.
The drive shaft 30 may rotate about an axis 31 and include an
eccentric crank pin 32 drivingly engaging the compression mechanism
16. The drive shaft 30 may also include a lubricant passageway 34
extending therethrough and communicating with the lubricant sump
24.
[0053] The compression mechanism 16 may include an orbiting scroll
member 36 and a non-orbiting scroll member 38. The non-orbiting
scroll member 38 may be fixed to the bearing housing assembly 18 by
a plurality of fasteners 39, such as threaded bolts or similar
attachment features. The orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members
36, 38 include orbiting and non-orbiting spiral wraps 40, 42,
respectively, that meshingly engage each other and extend from
orbiting and non-orbiting end plates 41, 43, respectively. An
Oldham coupling 44 may be keyed to the orbiting scroll member 36
and a stationary structure (e.g., the bearing housing assembly 18
or the non-orbiting scroll member 38) to prevent relative rotation
between the orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members 36, 38 while
allowing the orbiting scroll member 36 to move in an orbital path
relative to the non-orbiting scroll member 38. Moving fluid pockets
46 are formed between the orbiting and non-orbiting spiral wraps
40, 42 that decrease in size as they move from a radially outer
position to a radially inner position, thereby compressing the
working fluid therein from the suction pressure to the discharge
pressure.
[0054] The bearing housing assembly 18 may include a bearing insert
48, a bearing housing 50, and at least one bearing collar 52. While
the bearing housing 50 is generally shown and described herein as
the first or main bearing housing 50, the bearing housing 50 may
also be a second or drive bearing housing 50a within the scope of
the present disclosure. The bearing housing 50 may be formed from
cast iron or any other suitable material and may include a central
hub 54 defining an axially-extending aperture 55. In one
configuration, the aperture 55 may have an inner diameter D1. As
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one configuration, the central hub
54 may further include a first portion 56 and a second portion 58.
The first and second portions 56, 58 may be integrally formed.
[0055] The first portion 56 may extend in the axial direction
(relative to axis 31) from the bearing housing 50, and the second
portion 58 may extend in the axial direction from the first portion
56. As illustrated, the first portion 56 may be substantially
cylindrically shaped and define an outer diameter D2. The second
portion 58 may be substantially cylindrically shaped and define an
outer diameter D3.
[0056] The first portion 56 may have a first wall thickness T1 and
the second portion 58 may have a second wall thickness T2. The
second wall thickness T2 may be less than or equal to the first
wall thickness T1. In one configuration, the second wall thickness
T2 may be thirty to fifty percent less than the first wall
thickness T1. In another configuration, the second wall thickness
T2 may be approximately forty percent less than the first wall
thickness T1. Accordingly, the second portion 58 may define a
circumferential or annular recessed portion of the central hub 54,
including an angled surface 60 extending between and connecting the
first portion 56 and the second portion 58. As illustrated, the
angled surface 60 may be tapered, chamfered or otherwise provide a
radiussed transition between the first portion 56 and the second
portion 58. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, in one configuration the
annular surface 60 may be frustoconically shaped. However, it will
be appreciated that the angled surface 60 may extend at any angle
between zero degrees and ninety degrees (FIGS. 6-7) relative to the
axis 31. The annular surface 60 may help to axially support the
bearing collar 52.
[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in one configuration of the
bearing housing 50, the first portion 56 and the second portion 58
may extend axially upward (relative to the view in FIG. 1) in the
direction of the compression mechanism 16. As illustrated in FIG.
4, in another configuration of a bearing housing 50a, the first
portion 56a and the second portion 58a may extend axially downward
in the direction of the motor assembly 14. As illustrated in FIG.
5, in yet another configuration of a bearing housing 50b, a first
segment 61a of the first portion 56b may extend axially upward from
the bearing housing 50b and a second segment 61b of the first
portion 56b may extend axially downward from the bearing housing
50b. The second portion 58b may extend axially downward from the
second segment 61b.
[0058] The bearing insert 48 may be concentrically mounted within
the hub 54, and may rotatably support the drive shaft 30. The
bearing insert 48 may be a substantially cylindrical steel sleeve
having an outer diameter D4. The outer diameter D4 of the bearing
insert 48 may be larger than the inner diameter D1 of the hub 54.
Accordingly, mounting the bearing insert 48 within the hub 54 may
create an interference fit, and generate a compressive force
component F1, between the bearing insert 48 and the hub 54. For
example, the outer diameter D4 of the bearing insert 48 may be
between 0.05 and 0.15 millimeters larger than the inner diameter D1
of the hub 54. In one configuration, the outer diameter D4 is
approximately 0.08 millimeters (3.2 mils) larger than the inner
diameter D1. Accordingly, the bearing insert 48 may be press-fit
(e.g., cold press) within the hub 54 by applying a force in the
axial direction on either or both of the insert 48 and the hub
54.
[0059] The bearing collar 52 may be constructed of steel or any
other suitable material, and may be mounted annularly about the
second portion 58 of the hub 54. While the bearing collar 52 is
generally shown and described herein as being mounted annularly
about the hub 54 of the bearing housing 50, it will also be
appreciated that the bearing collar 52 may be mounted annularly
about a hub located on another support structure within the
compressor 10. For example, the with reference to FIG. 6, the
compressor 10 may include an orbiting scroll member 36a. The
orbiting scroll member 36a may be substantially similar to the
orbiting scroll member 36, except as otherwise provided herein. The
orbiting scroll member 36a may include a hub 54a defining a bore
55a. The hub 54a may be substantially similar to the hub 54.
Accordingly, only the hub 54 will be described herein. The bearing
collar 52 may be mounted annularly about the hub 54a of the
orbiting scroll member 36a. In addition, the bearing insert 48 may
be mounted within the bore 55a of the orbiting scroll member 36a.
With reference to FIG. 7, in another configuration, a hub 54b may
define a bore 55b having a diameter that varies from a first end 57
of the bore 55b to a second end 59 of the bore 55b, such that the
bore 55b is generally frustoconically shaped. It will be
appreciated that the frustoconical shape of bore 55b may be
included in any of the bore configurations taught herein, including
the bore 55 of the bearing housing 50.
[0060] As illustrated, in one configuration, the bearing collar 52
may be a substantially cylindrical member defining an inner
diameter D5. In one configuration the inner diameter D5 of the
bearing collar 52 may be less than the outer diameter D3 of the
second portion 58 of the hub 54, such that mounting the bearing
collar 52 on the second portion 58 creates an interference fit
between the bearing collar 52 and the second portion 58. It is also
understood that the bearing collar 52 may be crimped or otherwise
compressed onto the second portion 58, thus creating an
interference fit between the bearing collar 52 and the second
portion 58. In another method of assembling the bearing collar 52
and the hub 54, the diameter D5 of the bearing collar 52 may be
increased by a heating process and/or the diameter D3 of the hub 54
may be reduced by a cooling process to allow the bearing collar 52
to be placed on the hub 54 without interference therebetween. Upon
temperature equalization of the bearing collar 52 and the hub 54,
an interference fit may be generated between the bearing collar 52
and the hub 54.
[0061] The interference fit between the bearing collar 52 and the
second portion 58 of the hub 54 may generate a compressive force
component F2 on the second portion 58 of the hub 54. The force
component F2 may decrease the diameter D3 of the second portion 58
and decrease the inner diameter D1 of the hub 54, thus increasing
the compressive force component F1 between the hub 54 and the
bearing insert 48. The force component F2 on second portion 58 of
the hub 54 may improve the retention of the bearing insert 48
within the hub 54. Accordingly, it will be understood that in one
method of assembling the bearing housing assembly 18, the bearing
insert 48 may be disposed within the hub 54 before the bearing
collar 52 is disposed about the hub 54.
[0062] While the hub 54 is generally described herein as including
first and second portions 56, 58, it will also be appreciated that
in another configuration (FIG. 8), a hub 54c may include a first
portion 56c. The hub 54c and the first portion 56c may be
substantially similar to the hub 54 and first portion 56,
respectively, except as otherwise provided herein. In the
configuration shown in FIG. 8, the bearing collar 52 may be
annularly disposed about the first portion 56c of the hub 54c in
the manner previously described herein.
[0063] The materials of the hub 54 and the bearing collar 52 may
influence the magnitude of forces F1 and F2. For example,
constructing the bearing collar 52 from a material with a higher
elastic modulus (e.g. steel) and constructing the hub 54 from a
material with a lower elastic modulus (relative to the bearing
collar 52) may increase the magnitude of the force component F2.
Where space limits the thickness of bearing collar 52, a higher
elastic modulus material may improve the retention of the bearing
insert 48 within the hub 54.
[0064] As the drive shaft 30 rotates about the axis 31, it may
apply a torque on the bearing insert 48, and urge the bearing
insert 48 to rotate about the axis 31. A frictional force between
the bearing insert 48 and the hub 54, generally associated with the
first compressive force component F1, may resist movement of the
bearing insert 48 relative to the hub 54. Introduction of the
second compressive force component F2 may increases the first
compressive force component F1, which in turn may operate to
prevent the bearing insert 48 from rotating or otherwise moving
relative to the hub 54.
[0065] FIG. 9a illustrates a cross-sectional view of an orbiting
scroll member 01 of a compressor 03 with a hub 02 extending
therefrom in accordance with the prior art.
[0066] FIG. 9b illustrates a cross-sectional view of an orbiting
scroll member 36 of a compressor 10 with a hub 54 extending
therefrom is illustrated, wherein the hub 54 has a stepped end "S"
for facilitating mounting of a bearing collar 52 thereon, further,
the hub 54 includes an axially extending aperture 55 for receiving
a bearing insert 48 therein. The bearing insert 48 is press fitted
inside the axially extending aperture 55 of the hub 54. The step
"S" configured on the end of the hub 54 is configured by machining.
FIG. 9c illustrates an arresting arrangement 100 that arrests any
relative movement between the bearing insert 48 and the hub 54
supporting a drive shaft of the compressor 10. More specifically,
FIG. 9c illustrates an assembly of the bearing collar 52 on the
stepped end of the hub 54 of the orbiting scroll member 36 in case
of the drive bearing assembly of the present disclosure. The
bearing collar 52, also referred to as retainer ring, of steel
material is press fitted over the stepped end "S" of the scroll hub
54. More specifically, the orbiting scroll member 36, particularly,
the scroll hub 54 is of cast iron that is machined on the outer
diameter (OD) and then a DU drive bearing insert 48 is press-fitted
in the inner diameter (ID) of the scroll hub 54. Thereafter, the
steel retainer ring 52 is press-fitted on the outer diameter (OD)
of scroll hub 54. With such a configuration of the arresting
arrangement for the drive bearing assembly, particularly, with the
arrangement of the retainer ring 52 press-fitted on the outer
diameter (OD) of scroll hub 54, additional reinforcement on the
bearing insert 48 is ensured, thereby ultimately ensuring no
spinning, walking-in or walking-out of the bearing insert 48.
Further, with such a configuration of the arresting arrangement for
the drive bearing assembly, the bearing press force is not
increasing and in-fact will be less as compared to the bearing
press force encountered in case of the conventional arresting
arrangement for the drive bearing assembly.
[0067] The retainer ring 52 (as illustrated in FIG. 9c) disposed
outside the hub 54 prevents any movement of the bearing insert 48
with respect to the hub 54, thereby completely restricting the
spinning, walking-in or walking-out of bearing insert 48. More
specifically, the steel retainer ring 52 provides additional and
effective reinforcement on the scroll hub 54. By using the retainer
ring 52, the retainer ring 52 acts as a reinforcement ring that
helps to arrest the drive bearing spinning and
walking-in/walking-out phenomenon. It has been observed that with
use of the present arresting arrangement 100, that arrests any
relative movement between the bearing and the hub supporting the
drive shaft of the drive bearing assembly of the compressor, the
performance of the drive bearing assembly of the present disclosure
is better than the performance of the conventional drive bearing
assembly. Typically the extending collar (of retainer ring 52)
inwardly arrests walking-out/walking-in/spin of bearing insert
48.
[0068] FIG. 10a illustrates a schematic representation of the
compressor 03 having the orbiting scroll member 01 with the hub 02
extending therefrom in accordance with the prior art. FIG. 10b
illustrates a schematic representation of the compressor 10 having
the orbiting scroll member 36 with the hub 54 extending therefrom
in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0069] FIG. 11a illustrates a sectional view of an orbiting scroll
member 01 of a compressor 03 (not illustrated in Figures) with the
hub 02 extending therefrom and with a bearing insert 04 assembled
thereto in accordance with the prior art, particularly, the axially
extending aperture 05 configured in the hub 02 receives the bearing
insert 04, particularly, the DU bearing 04 is press-fitted inside
the axially extending aperture 05 configured in the hub 02.
[0070] FIG. 11b illustrates an arresting arrangement 200 in
accordance with another embodiment that arrests any relative
movement between a bearing insert 148 and a hub 154 supporting a
drive shaft of a compressor 10. FIG. 11b illustrates a sectional
view of an orbiting scroll member 136 of the compressor 10 with the
hub 154 extending therefrom and with the bearing insert 148
assembled thereto, particularly, the axially extending aperture 155
configured in the hub 154 receives the bearing insert 148 therein
and a lock nut 153 and a tapered retaining ring 159 are mounted for
retaining the bearing insert 148 within the axially extending
aperture 155. FIG. 11c illustrates an enlarged view depicting end
portion of the hub 154, wherein the hub 154 has a threaded end and
slots 151 are configured on the inside surface at the end of the
hub 154 for arresting rotation of the bearing insert 148. FIG. 11d
illustrates an enlarged view of the retainer ring 159, wherein
protruding legs 161 are configured on outer periphery of the
retainer ring 159 that engage with the slots 151 of the hub 154 to
configure an interference fit between the retainer ring 159 and the
hub 154.
[0071] The tapered retainer ring 159 (as illustrated in FIG. 11b)
disposed inside the hub 154 prevents any movement of the bearing
insert 148 with respect to the hub 154, thereby completely
restricting the spinning, walking-in and walking-out of bearing
insert 148. More specifically, the steel retainer ring 159 provides
additional and effective reinforcement on the scroll hub 154. By
using the retainer ring 159, the retainer rings 159 acts as a
reinforcement ring that helps to arrest the drive bearing spinning
and walking-in/walking-out phenomenon. It has been observed that
with use of the present arresting arrangement that arrests any
relative movement between the bearing and the hub supporting a
drive shaft of the drive bearing assembly of the compressor, the
performance of the drive bearing assembly of the present disclosure
is better than the performance of the conventional drive bearing
assembly.
[0072] FIG. 12a illustrates a sectional view of an orbiting scroll
member 236 of a compressor 10 with a hub 254 extending therefrom
and a bearing insert 248 received inside the axially extending
aperture 255 of the hub 254, wherein an elliptical retainer 266 is
used as an arresting arrangement 300 in accordance with yet another
embodiment. FIG. 12b illustrates an isometric view of the
elliptical retainer 266, wherein the elliptical retainer 266 has
legs/prongs that lock with scroll hub 254 after assembly due to
friction, the elliptical retainer 266 also has very small
projections between the legs 268. FIG. 12c illustrates an enlarged
view of the elliptical retainer 266, wherein the micro projections
configured on the elliptical retainer 266 are depicted The micro
projections configured on the elliptical retainer 266 are giving
additional anti-rotation support. The legs 268 fold into the hub
254 and the micro projections/protrusions lock into the hub
diametrical face giving anti-rotation support. The bottom face of
the bearing insert 248 also has a taper. The proposed tapered
retainer ring 266 mates with the bearing 248 after press fit
assembly and holds the bearing 248 in place and restricts spinning
and axial walk out, and helps in increasing retention.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 12-12c, the elliptical inclined retainer
266 has a plurality of extending legs/prongs 268 locking with
scroll hub 254 after assembly due to friction. While pressing the
elliptical retainer ring 266 in an inclined position against the
tapered face of the insert into hub inner diameter, the legs/prongs
268 get folded downward into the hub 254 against hub inner diameter
thereby restricting walk-out of insert. The retainer ring 266 also
has micro projections between the legs 268. While pressing the
inclined retainer 266, these micro projections give additional
anti-rotation support. The legs 268 fold into the hub 254 and the
micro projections lock into the hub diametrical face giving
anti-rotation support. The bottom face of the bearing insert 248
has a taper. The proposed inclined retainer ring 266 mates with the
tapered bearing 248 after press fit assembly and holds the bearing
248 in place and restricts spinning and axial walk out, and helps
in increasing retention.
[0074] FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of an arresting
arrangement 400 in accordance with yet another embodiment, wherein
a step 467 is provided at inside wall at the bottom end of the hub
454 extending from the orbiting scroll member 436 of the compressor
410, wherein the bearing insert 448 snap fits into the step 467
configured at inner wall of the hub 454 at the bottom end thereof,
thereby preventing bearing walk-out.
[0075] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been
provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual
elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not
limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if
not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in
many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure
from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *