Dual volume-ratio scroll machine

Abstract

The present invention provides the art with a scroll machine which has a plurality of built-in volume ratios along with their respective design pressure ratios. The incorporation of more than one built-in volume ratio allows a single compressor to be optimized for more than one operating condition. The operating envelope for the compressor will determine which of the various built-in volume ratios is going to be selected. Each volume ratio includes a discharge passage extending between one of the pockets of the scroll machine and the discharge chamber. All but the highest volume ration utilize a valve controlling the flow through the discharge passage.

1 . A scroll machine comprising: 
 a first scroll member having a first spiral wrap projecting outwardly from a first end plate;    a second scroll member having a second spiral wrap projecting outwardly from a second end plate, said second scroll wrap being interleaved with said first spiral wrap;    a drive member for causing said spiral wraps to orbit with respect to one another whereby said spiral wraps form pockets of progressively changing volume between a suction zone of said scroll machine and a discharge zone of said scroll machine;    a first biasing chamber defined by said first scroll member, said first biasing chamber being in communication with a first intermediate pocket formed by said scroll members between said suction zone and said discharge zone, gas pressure within said first biasing chamber biasing said first scroll member towards said second scroll member; and    a fluid passage extending between said first intermediate pocket and said discharge zone of said scroll machine.    
     
     
         2 . The scroll machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a second biasing chamber in communication with a second intermediate pocket formed by said scroll members between said suction zone and said discharge zone, gas pressure within said second biasing chamber biasing said first scroll member towards said second scroll member.  
     
     
         3 . The scroll machine according to  claim 2  further comprising a first seal disposed between said first biasing chamber and said discharge tone, a second seal disposed between said first biasing chamber and said second biasing chamber and a third seal disposed between said second biasing chamber and said suction zone.  
     
     
         4 . The scroll machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a baffle plate disposed within said first biasing chamber.  
     
     
         5 . The scroll machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a temperature responsive valve disposed between said first biasing chamber and said suction zone.  
     
     
         6 . The scroll machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a pressure responsive valve disposed between said first biasing chamber and said suction zone.  
     
     
         7 . The scroll machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a first seal disposed between said first biasing chamber and said discharge zone and a second seal disposed between said first biasing chamber and said suction zone.  
     
     
         8 . The scroll machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a valve for controlling fluid flow through said fluid passage.  
     
     
         9 . The scroll machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a partition disposed between said suction zone and said discharge zone.  
     
     
         10 . The scroll machine according to  claim 9  wherein said fluid passage extends through said partition.  
     
     
         11 . The scroll machine according to  claim 10  further comprising a valve disposed on said partition for controlling fluid flow through said fluid passage.  
     
     
         12 . The scroll machine according to  claim 9  further comprising a valve disposed on said partition for controlling fluid flow through said fluid passage.  
     
     
         13 . The scroll machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a radial compliant mechanism disposed between said drive member and one of said first and second scroll members.  
     
     
         14 . The scroll machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a vapor injection system in communication with one of said pockets of progressively changing volume.  
     
     
         15 . The scroll machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a capacity modulation system operable to vary the capacity of said scroll machine.