Magnetic debris trap

Details Magnetic debris trap Magnetic debris trap

1999-12-15

2001-09-18

Vrablik, John J. (Department: 3748)

Rotary expansible chamber devices

Working member has planetary or planetating movement

Helical working member, e.g., scroll

C418S094000, C184S006250

Reexamination Certificate

active

06290479

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to compressors, such as scroll compressors, and in particular to reducing lubricant contaminants in scroll compressors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Scroll compressors are finding increased use in home and office air-conditioning units. In a typical scroll compressor, an orbiting scroll element is moved in an orbital path relative to a fixed scroll element. Each of the scroll elements have a scroll wrap. The scroll wraps of the scroll elements interact to form compression pockets to compress a refrigerant gas.
Normally, the orbiting scroll element is driven by a rotating drive shaft through an offset drive. The drive shaft is normally part of an electric motor which operates within the sealed enclosure of the compressor. The rotation of the drive shaft is typically utilized to circulate a lubricant to various portions of the scroll compressor, with the lubricant recycled by gravity to a sump within the compressor.
As the lubricant is circulated through the compressor, it picks up debris left over either from the manufacturing process or generated by wear of the compressor. It is desirable to remove the debris from the lubricant flow. Conventional filters are impractical as the compressor is permanently hermetically sealed. Magnets have been used to separate debris from the lubricant. Bristol Compressors, Inc. utilizes A small disk magnet in the bottom of their reciprocating compressors. Placement of the magnet is at random. However, a need still exists for an enhanced debris separation mechanism to ensure the lubricant in the compressor does not damage the compressor components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a magnet can be mounted on the shell of a compressor and confined thereon by a depression in the shell. The magnet separates debris from lubricant in the compressor. In another aspect, the magnet can be an annular magnet. In yet another aspect, the shell can have a protrusion to secure the magnet.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a scroll compressor is provided which includes a pair of scrolls, at least one of which is an orbiting scroll, and a mechanism to cause the orbiting scroll to orbit relative the other scroll. The scroll compressor further has a lubrication mechanism to transfer a lubricant within the scroll compressor to lubricate components thereof. The scroll compressor further includes a lower shell forming a portion of the compressor enclosure. A depression is formed in the lower shell. A magnet is set within the depression of the lower shell to separate ferrous material from the lubricant.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the scroll compressor has a drive shaft with an oil pick-up tube extending downwardly therefrom. The magnet is an annular magnet concentric with the oil pick-up tube.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the depression in the lower shell is a coined surface.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, at least two depressions are formed in the lower shell, at least two magnets being used, each of the depressions receives a magnet.


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