Title of Invention

SCROLL MACHINE

Abstract A scroll machine comprising: an outer shell (12) defining a suction pressure zone (90); a first scroll compressor disposed within said suction pressure zone (90) of said shell (12); a second scroll compressor disposed within said suction pressure zone (90) of said shell (12); a drive shaft (30) extending between and coupled to each of said first and second scroll compressors said drive shaft (30) operable to drive said first and second scroll compressors for compressing fluid disposed within said suction pressure zone (90); a mounting frame (24) disposed within said suction pressure zone (90) of said shell (12), said first and second scroll compressors being attached to said mounting frame (24); a motor disposed within said suction pressure zone (90) of said shell (12) between said first and second scroll compressors, said motor being attached to said mounting frame (24) and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft (30); and an oil sump (42) disposed between said outer shell (12) and said mounting frame (24), said oil sump (42) being in communication with said first scroll compressor through a first bore (38) in said drive shaft (30) and said second scroll compressor through a second bore (40) In said drive shaft (30).
Full Text FIELD OF THE INVENTION
(OOO1) The present inventon relates to plural compressor* disposed within a *ingle shell. MOre particularly, the present invention relates to plural compressors dispose* within a single shell which are driven by the same motor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(0002) Due to energy cost and conservation* there is a demand for refrigerant motor-compressed unit* which have an output which can be varied in accordance with demand. To satisfy this demands many different systems have been proposed, One such system involves the unloading of one or more cylinders in a multi-cylinder compressor or the varying of re-expansion volume for the purpose of varying the output of the compressor system. These systems tend to be relatively complex with the efficiency of the compressor "y*tem in the unloaded state is not optimum. Variable Bpeed compressxors have also been used, but they require expensive controls and also the speed control and motor-compressor efficiency present some efficiency issue* at least when operating in a reduced output condition.
(0003) Compressor system* have also been developed which.in place of a single compressor large enough to carry the maximum loadt include a plurality of smaller motor-compressors having a
1.

combined output equal to the required maximum. These multi-
compressor aytttmt include ntsns for controlling the total system in such a manner as to selectively activate and deactivate less than all of the compressors when it is desired to vary the output. These multi-compressor units have good efficiency but they require complex hook-up plumbing, including means for dealing with lubricating oil management in order to ensure that all the oil remains equally distributed between each of the compressors. COOO4) Further development of the multi-compressor systems has included the incorporation of a plurality of standard motor compressor units in a common shell* The common shell maximizes the compactness of the system and provides a common oil sump for equal oil distribution, a common suction gas- Inlet and a common discharge gas outlet. These single shell multi-compressor units have bmmn proved to be acceptable in the marketplace but they tend to be relatively large and the means for controlling the total system is still somewhat complex.
2.

C00O63 The present invention provides the art with a dual conprtfior system with ont comprtttor teeing located at -opposite ends of a common drive shaft. A Motor rotor is prMi fit to the center portion of the drive shaft and the motor rotor is disposed within a motor stator. Thus, both compressors are powered by the same motor. The control of the output of the dual compressor system is accomplished by a variable apset motor or toy a pulsed width modulation (PWM) capacity control system incorporated into one or both of the two compressors- When incorporating a variable speed motor for capacity control* the capacity can be varied from OX to 1QOX. When incorporating the PWH capacity control system into one of the compressorsf the capacity can be varied from 9Qtt to 100*/.. When incorporating the PWM capacity control system into both compressors* the capacity can be varied from OK to iOOX The capacity of one or both of the compressors can be increased to approximately 120% of capacity using vapor injection to increase; the range of the dual compressor system if desired.
3.

(OO07) Further areas of Applicability of the present invention will become apparent fram the detailed description provided hereinafter, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific example*! while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention* are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYINB DRAMXNBS
CO008) The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings* whereini
Figure 1 is a vertical cross sectional view through a motor-compressor system in accordance with the present inventionl
3A,

[0010] Figure 2 is a vertical cross sectional view of the motor
compressor system shown in Figure 1 with one of the two compressors incorporating pulse width modulation capacity control in accordance with the present invention;
[0011] Figure 3 is an enlarged section view of the piston assembly
shown in Figure 2;
[0012] Figure 4 is a top view of the discharge fitting shown in Figure
3;
[0013] Figure 5 is an end section view of the compressor shown in
Figure 2;
[0014] Figure 6 is a side view of one of the non-orbiting scroll
members shown in Figure 2;
[0015] Figure 7 is a cross sectional top view of the non-orbiting
scroll member shown in Figure 6;
[0016] Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the injection fitting
shown in Figure 2;
[0017] Figure 9 is an end view of the fitting showing in Figure 8;
[0018] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant system
utilizing the capacity control system in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] Figure 11 is a graph showing the capacity of the compressor
using the capacity control system in accordance with the present invention; and
[0020] Figure 12 is a vertical cross sectional view of the motor-
compressor system shown in Figure 1 with both of the two compressors

incorporating pulse width modulation capacity control in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0021] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its
application, or uses.
[0022] Referring now to the drawings in which like reference
numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in Figure 1 a multi-compressor compression system in accordance with the present invention which is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. Compression system 10 comprises a generally cylindrical hermetic shell 12 having welded at each end thereof an end cap 14 and at the central portion thereof a base 16. Shell 12 is provided with a suction inlet fitting 18 and each cap 14 is provided with a refrigerant discharge fitting 20 which may have the usual discharge vaive therein. A transversely extending partition 22 is affixed to each end of shell 12 by being welded about their periphery at the same point that each end cap 14 is welded to shell 12. A compressor mounting frame 24 is press fit within shell 12.
[0023] Major elements of compression system 10 that are affixed to
frame 24 include a pair of two piece main bearing assemblies 26 and a motor stator 28. A drive shaft or crankshaft 30 having a pair of eccentric crank pins 32 at opposite ends thereof is rotatably journaled in a pair of bearings 34 each

secured within an oil pump 36 secured to a respective main bearing assembly 26. Crankshaft 30 has at each end thereof an axialiy extending bore 38 which communicates with a respective radial extending bore 40 to provide lubricating oil to Jhe moving components of compressor system 10. The lower portion of shell 12 defines an oil sump 42 which is filled with lubricating oil to a level slightly above the lower end of a rotor 44. Each oil pump 36 draws oil from oil sump 42 and pumps the oil into a chamber 46 defined by oil pump 36 and main bearing assembly 26. A seal 48 seals each chamber 46 and a drain port (not shown) maintains the oil level within chamber 46. Oil from chamber 46 flows through radial bore 40 into axial extending bore 38 and to the moving components of compressor system 10 which require lubrication.
[0024] Crankshaft 30 is rotatably driven by an electric motor which
includes stator 28, windings 50 passing therethrough and rotor 44 press fitted on crankshaft 30. A pair of counterweights 52 are secured to opposite ends of crankshaft 30 adjacent a respective crank pin 32.
[0025] The upper surface of each two-piece main bearing assembly
26 is provided with a flat thrust bearing surface 54 on which is disposed a respective orbiting scroll member 56 having the usual spiral vane or wrap 58 extending outwardly from an end plate 60. Projecting outwardly from the lower surface of each end plate 60 of each orbiting scroll member 56 is a cylindrical hub 62 having a journal bearing therein and in which is rotatively disposed a drive bushing 66 having an inner bore in which a respective crank pin 32 is drivingly disposed. Each crank pin 32 has a flat on one surface which drivingly

engages a flat surface formed in a portion of the inner bore of each drive bushing 66 to provide a radially compliant driving arrangement, such as shown in Assignee's U.S. Letters Patent 4,877,382, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. A pair of Oldham couplings 68 is also provided positioned between each orbiting scroll member 56 and each two-piece bearing housing assembly 26. Each Oldham coupling 68 is keyed to a respective orbiting scroll member 56 and to a respective non-orbiting scroll member 70 to prevent rotation of a respective orbiting scroll member 56.
[0026] Each non-orbiting scroll member 70 is also provided with a
wrap 72 extending outwardly from an end plate 74 which is positioned in meshing engagement with a respective wrap 58 of a respective orbiting scroll member 56. Each non-orbiting scroll member 70 has a centrally disposed discharge passage 76 which communicates with a centrally open recess 78 which is in turn in fluid communication with a respective discharge pressure chamber 80 defined by each end cap 14 and each partition 22. An annular recess 82 is also formed in each non-orbiting scroll member 70 within which is disposed a respective floating seal assembly 84.
[0027] Recesses 78 and 82 and floating seal assemblies 84
cooperate to define axial pressure biasing chambers which receive pressurized fluid being compressed by respective wraps 58 and 72 so as to exert an axial biasing force on a respective non-orbiting scroll member 70 to thereby urge the tips of respective wraps 58 and 72 into sealing engagement with the opposed end plate surfaces of end plates 74 and 60, respectively. Floating seal

assemblies 84 are preferably of the type described in greater detail in Assignee's U.S. Patent No. 5,156,539, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Non-orbiting scroll members are designed to be mounted for limited axial movement to a respective two-piece main bearing housing assembly 26 in a suitable manner such as disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 4,877,382 or Assignee's U.S. Patent No. 5,102,316, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0028] Shell 12 defines a suction pressure chamber 90 which
receives a gas for compression from suction gas inlet fitting 18. The gas within suction pressure chamber 90 is taken in at the radially outer portion of both sets of intermeshed scrolls 56 and 70, it is compressed by both sets of wraps 58 and 72 and it is discharged into a respective discharge pressure zone 80 through discharge passage 76 and recesses 78. The compressed gas exits each discharge pressure zone 80 through respective discharge fittings 20 v Tubing (not shown) secured to each discharge fitting combine gas from both discharge fittings 20 to a common tube (not shown) which is then piped to the apparatus utilizing the compressed gas.
[0029] When it is desired to incorporate a capacity control system
into compression system 10, the electric motor can be designed as a variable speed motor. The design for the variable speed motor which includes stator 28, windings 50 and rotor 44 are well known in the art and will not be discussed in detail. By providing variable speed capacity to the electric motor, the capacity of compressor 10 can be varied between 0% and 100%.
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[0030] Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a compressor
system which includes a unique capacity control system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention and which is designated generally by, the reference numeral 110. Compressor system 110 is the same as compressor system 10, except that one pair of scrolls 56 and 70 incorporate a capacity control system 112.
[0031] Control system 112 includes a discharge fitting 114, a piston
116, a shell fitting 118, a solenoid valve 120, a control module 122 and a sensor array 124 having one or more appropriate sensors. Discharge fitting 114 is threadingly received or otherwise secured within open recess 78. Discharge fitting 114 defines an internal cavity 126 and a plurality of discharge passages 128. A discharge valve 130 is disposed below fitting 114 and below cavity 126. Thus, pressurized gas overcomes the biasing load of discharge valve 130 to open discharge valve 130 and allowing the pressurized gas to flow, into cavity 126, through passages 128 and into discharge pressure chamber 80.
[0032] Referring now to Figures 2, 3 and 4, the assembly of
discharge fitting 114 and piston 116 is shown in greater detail. Discharge fitting 114 defines an annular flange 134. Seated against flange 134 is a lip seal 136 and a floating retainer 138. Piston 116 is press fit or otherwise secured to discharge fitting 114 and piston 116 defines an annular flange 140 which sandwiches seal 136 and retainer 138 between flange 140 and flange 134. Discharge fitting 114 defines a passageway 142 and an orifice 144 which extends through discharge fitting 114 to fluidically connect discharge pressure

Attorney-Docket No. U3ibWJO505-
chamber 80 with a pressure chamber 146 defined by discharge fitting 114, piston 116, seal 136, retainer 138 and end cap 14. Shell fitting 118 is secured within a bore defined by end cap 14 and slidingly receives the assembly of discharge fitting 114, piston 116, seal 136 and retainer 138. Pressure chamber 146 is fluidically connected to solenoid valve 120 by tube 150 and with suction fitting 18 and thus suction pressure chamber 90 through a tube 152. The combination of piston 116, seal 136 and floating retainer 138 provides a self-centering sealing system to provide accurate alignment with the internal bore of shell fitting 118. Seal 136 and floating retainer 138 include sufficient radial compliance such that any misalignment between the internal bore of shell fitting 118 and the internal bore of open recess 78 within which discharge fitting 114 is secured is accommodated by seal 136 and floating retainer 138.
[0033] In order to bias non-orbiting scroll member 70 into sealing
engagement with orbiting scroll member 56 for normal full load operation, solenoid valve 120 is deactivated (or it is activated) by control module 122 in response to sensor array 124 to block fluid flow between tubes 150 and tube 152. In this position, chamber 146 is in communication with discharge pressure chamber 80 through passageway 142 and orifice 144. The pressurized fluid at
discharge pressure within chambers 80 and 146 will act against opposite sides of
/ -o
piston 16 thus allowing for the normal biasing of non-orbiting scroll member 70 towards orbiting scroll,member 56 to sealingly engage the axial ends of each scroll member with the "respective end plate of the opposite scroll member. The
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Atterrrey^Docket No. 0315000505*'
axial sealing of the two scroll members 56 and 70 causes compressor system
110 to operate at 100% capacity.
[0034] In order to unload compressor system 110, solenoid valve
120 will be actuated (or it will be deactuated) by control module 122 in response
to sensor array 124. When solenoid valve 1.20 is actuated (or unactuated), suction pressure chamber 90 is in direct communication with chamber 146 through suction fitting 18, tube 152, solenoid valve 120 and tube 150. With the discharge pressure pressurized fluid released to suction from chamber 146, the pressure difference on opposite sides of piston 116 will move non-orbiting scroll member 70 to the right as shown in Figure 2 to separate the axial end of the tips of each scroll member with its respective end plate and the higher pressurized pockets wili bleed to the lower pressurized pockets and eventually to suction pressure chamber 90. Orifice 144 is incorporated to control the flow of discharge gas between discharge pressure chamber 80 and chamber 146. Thus, when chamber 146 is connected to the suction side of the compressor, the pressure difference on opposite sides of piston 116 will be created. A wave spring 160 is incorporated to maintain the sealing relationship between floating seal assembly 84 and partition 22 during modulation of non-orbiting scroll member 70. When a gap is created between the two scroll members 56 and 70, the continued compression of the suction gas will be eliminated. When this unloading occurs, discharge valve 130 will move to its closed position thereby preventing the backflow of high pressurized fluid from discharge pressure chamber 80 or the downstream refrigeration system. When compression of the suction gas is to be
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resumed, solenoid valve 120 will be deactuated (or it will be actuated) to again block fluid flow between tubes 150 and 152 allowing chamber 146 to be pressurized by discharge pressure chamber 80 through passageway 142 and orifice 144.
[0035] Control module 122 is in communication with sensor array
124 to provide the required information for control module 122 to determine the degree of unloading required for the particular conditions of the refrigeration system including compressor system 110 existing at that time. Based upon this information, control module 122 will operate solenoid valve 120 in a pulsed width modulation mode to alternately place chamber 146 in communication with discharge pressure chamber 80 and suction pressure chamber 90. The frequency with which solenoid valve 120 is operated in the pulsed width modulated mode will determine the percent capacity of operation of one set of scrolls 56 and 70 of compressor system 110. As the sensed conditions change, control module 122 will vary the frequency of operation for solenoid valve 120 and thus the relative time periods at which one set of scrolls 56 and 70 of compressor system 110 is operated in a loaded and unloaded condition. The varying of the frequency of operation of solenoid valve 120 can cause the operation of one set of scrolls 58 and 70 between fully loaded or 100% capacity and completely unloaded or 0% capacity or at any of an infinite number of settings in between in response to system demands. This has the effect of varying the capacity of compressor system 110 between 50% and 100%.
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[0036] Referring now to Figures 5, 6 and 7, a fluid injection system
168 for compressor system 110 is shown in greater detail. Compressor system 110 includes the capability of having fluid injected into the intermediate pressurized moving chambers at a point intermediate suction pressure chamber 90 and discharge pressure chamber 80. A fluid injection fitting 170 extends through shell 12 and is fluidically connected to an injection tube 172 which is in turn fluidically connected to an injection fitting 174 secured to non-orbiting scroll member 70. Non-orbiting scroll member 70 defines a pair of radial passages 176 each of which extend between injection fitting 174 and a pair of axial passages 178. Axial passages 178 are open to the moving chambers on opposite sides of one non-orbiting scroll member 70 of compressor system 110 to inject the fluid into these moving chambers as required by a control system as is well known in the art.
[0037] Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, fitting 170,is shown in
greater detail. Fitting 170 comprises an internal portion 180, and an external portion 182. Internal portion 180 includes an L-shaped passage 184 which sealingly receives injection tube 172 at one end. External portion 182 extends from the outside of shell 12 to the inside of shell 12 where it is unitary or integral with internal portion 180. A welding or brazing attachment 186 secures and seals fitting 170 to shell 12. External portion 182 defines a bore 190 which is an extension of L-shaped passage 184. External portion 182 also defines a cylindrical bore
192 to which the tubing of the refrigeration system is secured.


[0038] Figure 10 illustrates vapor injection system 168 which
provides the fluid for the fluid injection system of compressor system 110. Compressor system 110 is shown in a refrigeration system which includes a condenser 194, a first expansion valve or throttle 196, a flash tank or an economizer 198, a second expansion valve or throttle 200, an evaporator 202 and a series of piping 204 interconnecting the components as shown in Figure 10. Compressor system 110 is operated by the motor to compress the refrigerant gas. The compressed gas is then liquified by condenser 194. The liquified refrigerant passes through expansion valve 196 and expands in flash tank 198 where it is separated into gas and liquid. The gaseous refrigerant further passes through piping 206 to be introduced into compressor system 110 through fitting 170. On the other hand, the remaining liquid refrigerant further expands in expansion valve 200, is then' vaporized in evaporator 202 and is again taken into compressor system 110.
[0039] The incorporation of flash tank 198 and the remainder of
vapor injection system 168, allows the capacity of one set of scrolls 56 and 70 of compressor system 110 to increase above the fixed capacity of one set of scrolls 56 and 70 of compressor system 110. Typically, at standard air conditioning conditions, the capacity of one of the scrolls can be increased by approximately 20% to provide one set of the scrolls with 120% of its capacity which is 110% of the capacity of compressor system 110 as shown in the graph in Figure 11. In order to be able to control the capacity of one set of scrolls 58 and 70 of compressor system 110, a solenoid valve 208 is positioned within piping 206.
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The amount of percentage increase in the capacity of one set of scrolls 56 and 70 of
ease in the capacity of one set of scrolls 56 and 70 of compressor system 110 can be controlled by operating solenoid valve 208 in a pulse width modulation mode. Solenoid valve 208 when operated in a pulse width modulation mode in combination with capacity control system 112 of compressor system 110 allows the capacity of compressor system 110 to be positioned anywhere along the line shown in Figure 11.
[0040] Referring now to Figure 12, there is shown a compressor
system which includes a unique capacity control system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention and which is designated generally by the reference numeral 210. Compressor system 210 is the same as compressor system 110, except that both pairs of scrolls 56 and 70 incorporate both capacity control system 112 and fluid injection system 168. By incorporating capacity control system 112 and fluid injection system 168 into both pairs of scrolls 56 and 70, the capacity of compressor system 210 can be varied
from 0% to 120%.
[0041] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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16 WE CLAIM
1. A scroll machine comprising:
an outer shell (12) defining a suction pressure zone (90);
a first scroll compressor disposed within said suction pressure zone (90) of said shell (12);
a second scroll compressor disposed within said suction pressure zone (90) of said shell (12);
a drive shaft (30) extending between and coupled to each of said first and second scroll compressors, said drive shaft (30) operable to drive said first and second scroll compressors for compressing fluid disposed within said suction pressure zone (90);
a mounting frame (24) disposed within said suction pressure zone (90) of said shell (12), said first and second scroll compressors being attached to said mounting frame (24);
a motor disposed within said suction pressure zone of said shell (12) between said first and second scroll compressors, said motor being attached to said mounting frame (24) and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft (30); and

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an oil sump (42) disposed between said outer shell (12) and said mounting frame (24), said oil sump (42) being in communication with said first scroll compressor through a first bore (38) in said drive shaft (30) and said second scroll compressor through a second bore (40) in said drive shaft (30).
2. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said motor comprises:
a stator (28) attached to said mounting frame (24); and
a rotor (44) attached to said drive shaft (30).
3. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first scroll compressor
comprises:
a first scroll member (56) having a first spiral wrap (58) projecting outwardly from a first end plate (60);
a second scroll member (70) having a second spiral wrap (72) projecting outwardly from a second end plate (74), said second spiral wrap being (72) interleaved with said first spiral wrap (58) to define a first plurality of moving chambers therebetween when said second scroll member (70) orbits with respect to said first scroll member (56); and
a first main bearing housing (26) attached to said mounting-frame (24), said first main bearing housing (26)rotatably supporting said drive shaft (24).

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4. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein said mounting frame (24) is
disposed between said first main bearing housing (26) and said shell (12).
5. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second scroll
compressor comprises:
a third scroll member having a third spiral wrap projecting outwardly from a third end plate;
a fourth scroll member having a fourth spiral wrap projecting outwardly from a fourth end plate, said fourth spiral wrap being interleaved with said third spiral wrap to define a second plurality of moving chambers therebetween when said fourth scroll member orbits with respect to said third scroll member; and
a second main bearing housing (26) attached to said mounting frame (24), said second main bearing housing (26) rotatably supporting said drive shaft (30).
6. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein said mounting frame is
disposed between said first main bearing housing and said shell and between
said second main bearing housing and said shell.
7. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shell defines a first
discharge pressure chamber in communication with said first scroll compressor
and a second discharge chamber in communication with said second scroll
compressor.

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8. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein said first and second scroll
compressors are disposed within said suction pressure chamber.
9. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 1, comprising a first capacity
modulation means for varying the capacity of said first scroll compressor.

10. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein said first capacity
modulation means comprises a pulse width modulation means.
11. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 9, comprising a second capacity
modulation means for varying the capacity of said second scroll compressor.
12. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 11, wherein said first capacity
modulation means comprises a first pulse width modulation system and said
second capacity modulation means comprises a second pulse width modulation
means.
13. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said motor is a variable
speed motor.
14. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein:
said first scroll compressor comprises a first non-orbiting scroll member interleaved with a first orbiting scroll member, said first non-orbiting scroll member being mounted for axial movement within said outer shell; and

20
said second scroll compressor comprises a second non-orbiting scroll member interleaved with a second orbiting scroll member, said second non-orbiting scroll member being mounted for axial movement within said outer shell.
15. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 1 comprising a first fluid injection
fitting extending through said outer shell for implementing a first vapor injection
system for said first scroll compressor.
16. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 15 comprising a second fluid injection
fitting extending through said outer shell for implementing a second vapor
injection system for said second scroll compressor.
17. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 16, comprising a first capacity
modulation system for varying trie capacity of said first scroll compressor.
18. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 17, wherein said first capacity
modulation means comprises a pulse width modulation means.
19. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 17, comprising a second capacity
modulation means for varying the capacity of said second scroll compressor.
20. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 19, wherein said first capacity
modulation means comprises a first pulse width modulation means and said
second capacity modulation means comprises a second pulse width modulation
system.

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21. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a first capacity
modulation system for varying the capacity of said first scroll compressor.
22. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 21, wherein said first capacity
modulation system includes a pulse width modulation system.
23. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 21, further comprising a second
capacity modulation system for varying the capacity of said second scroll
compressor.
24. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 23, wherein said first capacity
modulation system includes a first pulse width modulation system and said
second capacity modulation system includes a second pulse width modulation
system.
25. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein said drive shaft includes a
first eccentric crank pin and a second eccentric crank pin, said first and second
crank pin defining a crank pin axis disposed eccentric from an axis of said drive
shaft.
26. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein a single suction inlet
extends through said outer shell, said single suction inlet being in communication
with said suction pressure zone.
27. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a first oil pump in
communication with said oil sump and said first scroll compressor.

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28. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 27 further comprising a second oil
pump in communication with said oil sump and said second scroll compressor.
29. The scroll machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein said outer shell comprises a
generally cylindrical shell, a first end cap welded to one end of said generally
cylindrical shell and a second end cap welded to an opposite end of said
generally cylindrical shell.
30. A scroll machine comprising:
an outer shell defining a suction pressure zone;
a first scroll compressor disposed within said suction pressure zone of said shell, said first scroll compressor including a first non-orbiting scroll member interleaved with a first orbiting scroll member, said first orbiting scroll member being mounted for radial movement within said outer shell;
a second scroll compressor disposed within said suction pressure zone of said shell, said second scroll compressor including a second non-orbiting scroll member interleaved with a second orbiting scroll member, said second orbiting scroll member being mounted for radial movement within said outer shell;
a drive shaft extending between and coupled to each of said first and second orbiting scroll members, said drive shaft operable to drive said first and second scroll compressors for compressing fluid disposed within said suction pressure zone; and

23
a motor disposed within said suction pressure zone shell between said first and second scroll compressors, said motor being drivingly coupled to said drive shaft.
31. A scroll machine comprising:
an outer shell defining a suction pressure zone;
a first scroll compressor disposed within said suction pressure zone of said shell, said first scroll compressor comprising:
a first scroll member having a first end plate and a first spiral wrap extending therefrom;
a second scroll member having a second end plate and a second spiral wrap extending therefrom, said first and second scroll members being positioned with said first and second spiral wraps interleaved with each other;
a second scroll compressor disposed within said suction pressure zone of said shell, said second scroll compressor comprising;
a third scroll member having a third end plate and a third spiral wrap extending therefrom;
a fourth scroll member having a fourth end plate and a fourth spiral wrap extending therefrom, said third and fourth scroll members being positioned with said third and fourth spiral wraps interleaved with each other;

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a drive shaft extending between and coupled to each of said first and third scroll members said drive shaft operable to drive said first and second scroll compressors for compressing fluid disposed within said suction pressure zone;
said second scroll member being movable between a first relationship in which sealing surfaces of said first and second scroll members are in sealing relationship to close off first fluid pockets and a second relationship wherein at least one of said sealing surfaces of said first and second scroll members are spaced apart to define a first leakage path between said first fluid pockets; and
a first fluid operated piston secured to said second scroll member, said first fluid operated piston being actuatable to apply a force to said second scroll member to move said second scroll member between said first relationship where said first scroll compressor operates at substantially full capacity and said second relationship where said first scroll compressor operates at substantially zero capacity.
32. The scroll machine according to claim 31, wherein said first fluid operated
piston is operated in a time pulsed manner to modulate the capacity of said first
scroll compressor.
33. The scroll machine according to claim 31, further comprising a fluid pressure
chamber operative to apply said force to said first fluid operated piston.
34. The scroll machine according to claim 33, wherein said force acts in an axial
direction.

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35. The scroll machine according to claim 34, further comprising a first passage
for supplying a pressurized fluid from said first scroll compressor to said pressure
chamber.
36. The scroll machine according to claim 35, further comprising a valve for
controlling flow through said first passage, said valve being operative to vent
said pressurized fluid from said pressure chamber to thereby enable said second
scrolls to move between said first and second relationships.
37. The scroll machine according to claim 36, wherein said valve is a solenoid
operated valve.
38. The scroll-type machine according to claim 37, wherein said solenoid
operated valve is operated in a pulse width modulated mode.
39. The scroll machine according to claim 35, further comprising a second
passage for venting said pressurized fluid from said pressure chamber.
40. The scroll machine according to claim 31 wherein said fourth scroll member
is movable between a first relationship in which sealing surfaces of said third and
fourth scroll members are in sealing relationship to close off second fluid pockets
and a second relationship wherein at least one of said sealing surfaces of said
third and fourth scroll members are spaced apart to define a second leakage
path between said second fluid pockets, and said scroll machine further
comprises:

26
a second fluid operated piston secured to said fourth scroll member, said second fluid operated piston being actuatable to apply a force to said fourth scroll member to move said fourth scroll member between said first relationship where said second scroll compressor operates at substantially full capacity and said second relationship where said second scroll compressor operates at substantially zero capacity.
41. The scroll machine according to claim 40 further comprising:
a first fluid injection fitting extending through said outer shell for implementing a first vapor injection system for said first scroll compressor; and
a second fluid injection fitting extending through said outer shell for implementing a second vapor injection system for said second scroll compressor.
A scroll machine comprising: an outer shell (12) defining a suction pressure zone (90); a first scroll compressor disposed within said suction pressure zone (90) of said shell (12); a second scroll compressor disposed within said suction pressure zone (90) of said shell (12); a drive shaft (30) extending between and coupled to each of said first and second scroll compressors said drive shaft (30) operable to drive said first and second scroll compressors for compressing fluid disposed within said suction pressure zone (90); a mounting frame (24) disposed within said suction pressure zone (90) of said shell (12), said first and second scroll compressors being attached to said mounting frame (24); a motor disposed within said suction pressure zone (90) of said shell (12) between said first and second scroll compressors, said motor being attached to said mounting frame (24) and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft (30); and an oil sump (42) disposed between said outer shell (12) and said mounting frame (24), said oil sump (42) being in communication with said first scroll compressor through a first bore (38) in said drive shaft (30) and said second scroll compressor through a second bore (40) In said drive shaft (30).


Documents:

00220-cal-2002 abstract.pdf

00220-cal-2002 claims.pdf

00220-cal-2002 correspondence.pdf

00220-cal-2002 description(complete).pdf

00220-cal-2002 drawings.pdf

00220-cal-2002 form-1.pdf

00220-cal-2002 form-18.pdf

00220-cal-2002 form-2.pdf

00220-cal-2002 form-26.pdf

00220-cal-2002 form-3.pdf

00220-cal-2002 form-5.pdf

00220-cal-2002 letters patent.pdf

00220-cal-2002 priority document.pdf

00220-cal-2002 reply f.e.r.pdf

220-cal-2002-granted-abstract.pdf

220-cal-2002-granted-claims.pdf

220-cal-2002-granted-correspondence.pdf

220-cal-2002-granted-description (complete).pdf

220-cal-2002-granted-drawings.pdf

220-cal-2002-granted-form 1.pdf

220-cal-2002-granted-form 18.pdf

220-cal-2002-granted-form 2.pdf

220-cal-2002-granted-form 26.pdf

220-cal-2002-granted-form 3.pdf

220-cal-2002-granted-form 5.pdf

220-cal-2002-granted-letter patent.pdf

220-cal-2002-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

220-cal-2002-granted-specification.pdf

220-cal-2002-granted-translated copy of priority document.pdf


Patent Number 212290
Indian Patent Application Number 220/CAL/2002
PG Journal Number 48/2007
Publication Date 30-Nov-2007
Grant Date 28-Nov-2007
Date of Filing 18-Apr-2002
Name of Patentee COPELAND CORPORATION
Applicant Address 1675 WEST CAMPBELL ROAD, SIDNEY, OHIO 45365-0669
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 RAJENDRAN, RAJAN 8824 FOX HOLLOW COURT, CENTERVILLE, OH 45458
2 SHERIDAN, JOHN P. 37 MAXWELL COURT, TIPP CITY OH45371
3 KNAPKE, CARL H. 19542 ST.RT.47, MAPLEWOOD, OH45340
PCT International Classification Number F 04 B 17/00
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 09/842,349 2001-04-25 U.S.A.