阅读说明：本技术 曲轴与动涡旋板之间的改进的联接 (Improved coupling between crankshaft and orbiting scroll ) 是由 苏晓耕 赫苏斯·诺阿莱斯 利努斯·德尔韦格 劳伦斯·格罗让 于 2021-04-28 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及曲轴与动涡旋板之间的改进的联接。在本发明中,描述了一种在涡旋式压缩机中使用的系统。该系统包括具有第一端部部分的曲轴和具有凹部的滑动器块,其中,曲轴限定旋转轴线,曲轴的第一端部部分和滑动器块中的凹部被构造成用于将滑动器块连接至第一端部部分。曲轴的第一端部部分包括第一平坦的接触表面部分,并且滑动器块的凹部包括第二平坦的接触表面部分,其中,第一接触表面部分和第二接触表面部分在曲轴的第一端部部分连接至滑动器块时彼此面对。该系统的特征在于,平坦的接触表面部分中的至少一个平坦的接触表面部分包括位于所述至少一个平坦的接触表面部分下方的狭缝。此外,描述了对应的滑动器块和对应的曲轴。(The invention relates to an improved coupling between a crankshaft and an orbiting scroll. In the present invention, a system for use in a scroll compressor is described. The system includes a crankshaft having a first end portion and a slider block having a recess, wherein the crankshaft defines an axis of rotation, and the first end portion of the crankshaft and the recess in the slider block are configured to couple the slider block to the first end portion. The first end portion of the crankshaft includes a first flat contact surface portion and the recess of the slider block includes a second flat contact surface portion, wherein the first and second contact surface portions face each other when the first end portion of the crankshaft is connected to the slider block. The system is characterized in that at least one of the flat contact surface portions comprises a slit below said at least one flat contact surface portion. Furthermore, a corresponding slider block and a corresponding crankshaft are described.)

1. A system for use in a scroll compressor (100), the system comprising:

a crankshaft (110), the crankshaft (110) having a first end portion (115), wherein the crankshaft (110) defines an axis of rotation;

a slider block (130), the slider block (130) having a recess, wherein the first end portion (115) of the crankshaft (110) and the recess in the slider block (130) are configured for connecting the slider block (130) to the first end portion (115);

wherein the first end portion (115) of the crankshaft (110) comprises a first flat contact surface portion and the recess of the slider block (130) comprises a second flat contact surface portion, wherein the first and second contact surface portions face each other when the first end portion (115) of the crankshaft (110) is connected to the slider block (130),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

at least one of the planar contact surface portions comprises a slit (125) below the at least one planar contact surface portion.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the flat contact surface portion is defined by a portion of a surface that is flat in a plane perpendicular to a cross-section oriented with the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the flat contact surface portions is curved in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one flat contact surface portion that is curved has a convex surface portion.

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the slit (125) is oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft.

6. The system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the slit (125) is oriented parallel to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft.

7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the outer surface of the slider block (130) is a cylindrical housing surface.

8. A crankshaft (110) for use in a scroll compressor (100), the crankshaft (110) comprising:

a body defining an axis of rotation; and

a first end portion (115),

wherein the crankshaft (110) is configured to apply a force from a motor (105) to a slider block (130), the slider block (130) being located in a recess of a scroll plate of the compressor,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the first end portion (115) includes a flat contact surface portion and a slit (125) below the flat contact surface portion.

9. The crankshaft (110) of claim 8, wherein the slit (1025) is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

10. The crankshaft (110) of claim 8, wherein the slot (125, 425, 525, 625, 725, 825, 925) is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation.

11. The crankshaft (110) of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first end portion (115) comprises a protruding element extending longitudinally from the first end portion (115) of the crankshaft (110) relative to the axis of rotation and an insert (530, 630), the insert (530, 630) being attached to the first portion, and wherein the slit (125) is formed between the first end portion (115) and the insert (530, 630).

12. The crankshaft (110) of claim 11, wherein at least the protruding element or the insert (530, 630) comprises a recess for forming the slit (125) when the insert (530, 630) is attached to the protruding element.

13. A slider block (130) for use in a scroll compressor (100), the slider block (130) comprising:

a body defining an axis of rotation; and

a recess (1135, 1235),

wherein the recess is configured for connection to a first end portion (115) of a crankshaft (110);

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the slider mass (130) includes a planar contact surface portion (1135a, 1235a) and a slit (1140, 1240) located below the planar contact surface portion.

14. The slider block (130) of claim 13, wherein the slot (1240) is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

15. The slider block (130) of claim 13, wherein the slit (1140) is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation.

Technical Field

The present application relates to crankshaft and slider blocks for use in compressors, particularly scroll compressors, wherein such compressors may be used, for example, in refrigeration systems.

Background

A compressor is a device that reduces the volume of a fluid by increasing the pressure of the fluid. In the most common application, the fluid is a gas.

Compressors are used, for example, in refrigeration systems. In a general refrigeration system, a refrigerant is circulated through a refrigeration cycle. In circulation, the refrigerant undergoes changes in thermodynamic properties in different portions of the refrigeration system and transfers heat from one portion of the refrigeration system to another portion of the refrigeration system. The refrigerant is a fluid, i.e., a liquid or a vapor or a gas. An example of the refrigerant may be an artificial refrigerant, such as fluorocarbon. However, in recent applications, carbon dioxide CO is used as a non-artificial refrigerant₂Is becoming more and more important because it is not harmful to the environment.

In a compressor, a motor drives the compression process. Typically, an electric motor is used. The motor provides a force that is provided to the means for compressing in which the fluid is compressed. In a scroll compressor, the means for compressing is formed by a scroll plate. The force provided by the motor is applied to the means for compressing by means of the crankshaft.

In the case of a scroll compressor, the scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll plate and a movable scroll plate. The force provided by the motor is applied to the orbiting scroll plate. To achieve this, a portion of the crankshaft is coupled to the motor, and preferably another portion of the end portion is coupled to the orbiting scroll plate. For example, the orbiting scroll may include a recess in which the slider block is located. The slider block is configured to receive a portion of the crankshaft. For example, the crankshaft may include an end portion and the slider block may include a recess, wherein the end portion of the crankshaft fits at least partially into the recess of the slider block. The end portion of the crankshaft may be a protruding element, such as a pin.

During operation, the force exerted by the motor causes movement of the crankshaft. The movement may be a rotational movement of the crankshaft about the rotational axis. The axis of rotation may be a longitudinal axis defined by the crankshaft. For example, in the case of a cylindrical crankshaft, the axis of rotation may be the cylinder axis of the cylindrical crankshaft.

The movement of the crankshaft is transmitted to the orbiting scroll plate, for example, by means of a slider block. The crankshaft is coupled to the slider block in a form-fitting manner. In an example, the crankshaft may comprise a first end portion, such as a pin, which contacts the slider block in a form-fitting manner, for example by extending at least partially into a recess of the slider block. The first end portion may comprise a first flat contact surface portion and the recess may comprise a corresponding second flat contact surface portion. The first and second planar contact surface portions may engage each other and form a contact surface when the first end portion is coupled to the recess. In the sense of the present invention, flat contact surface portions refer to the following surface portions: the surface portion is flat when viewed in a plane perpendicular to a cross-section oriented along an axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft. In a particular example, the first end portion may have a generally circular cross-section, wherein a portion of the circular cross-section may be flat, forming a cross-section in the form of a "D". In other examples, the cross-section may have other forms, such as a rectangular form.

When the crankshaft performs a rotational movement, the movement is transferred to the slider block. Since the crankshaft performs a rotational movement about the first rotational axis, the slider block also performs a rotational movement. Preferably, the slider block performs a combined motion of the orbiting motion and the rotational motion, for example, when a center point of the slider block in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis has an offset with respect to the rotational axis when the slider block is assembled to the first end portion of the crankshaft. This can be achieved when the center point of the first end portion of the crankshaft has an offset with respect to the rotational axis or when the slider block has a bore offset with respect to the axis of symmetry of the slider block, wherein the axis of symmetry of the slider block is parallel to the rotational axis of the crankshaft in the assembled state.

The slider block may be located in a recess in the orbiting scroll plate. In the recess, the slider block can rotate freely. This can be achieved by a cylindrical housing surface of the slider block. However, the orbiting motion caused by the offset is transmitted from the slider block to the orbiting scroll plate, and causes the orbiting motion of the scroll plate with respect to the fixed scroll plate.

In a refrigeration system, a refrigerant is compressed to a high pressure. Moving parts within the compressor, such as the motor, crankshaft and slider block, move and work under high pressure and are therefore subject to severe wear. This is a problem, especially for CO₂For refrigeration systems, due to CO₂The pressure in the refrigeration system is higher than in the artificial refrigerant system, and therefore wear between the crankshaft and the slider block increases and may cause compressor failure. The wear increases in particular at the contact surface between the crankshaft and the slider block, for example between the first end portion of the crankshaft and the slider block, in particular at the contact surface formed between the first end portion of the crankshaft and the slider block.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved coupling between a crankshaft and an orbiting scroll plate in a compressor.

Disclosure of Invention

The above needs are met by a crankshaft and/or slider block configuration according to the present invention. The above need is also met by a system according to the present invention comprising a crankshaft and a slider block.

A system according to the present invention is configured for use in a scroll compressor and includes a crankshaft and a slider block.

The crankshaft defines an axis of rotation and includes a first end portion. The first end portion may include a pin extending therefrom and configured for coupling to the slider block. The axis of rotation may be a longitudinal axis defined by the body of the crankshaft.

The slider block includes a recess. The skilled person will understand that the recess may also be a drilled hole or a continuous hole. The slider block may have a cylindrical housing surface.

The crankshaft may be configured to apply a force from a motor of the compressor to the slider block and thus to the orbiting scroll plate of the compressor. This is accomplished by configuring the first end portion of the crankshaft to be at least partially disposed in the recess of the slider block. Thereby, the first end portion and the recess may form a form-fitting connection for transmitting the force provided by the motor from the crankshaft to the slider block and the orbiting scroll plate.

The first end portion of the crankshaft includes a first flat contact surface portion and the recess of the slider block includes a second flat contact surface portion. The first contact surface portion and the second contact surface portion face each other when the first end portion is at least partially placed in the recess of the slider block. Thereby, the first and second flat contact surface portions form a contact surface. In the sense of the present invention, flat contact surface portions refer to the following surface portions: the surface portion is flat when viewed in a plane perpendicular to a cross-section oriented along an axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft. In a particular example, the first end portion may have a generally circular cross-section, wherein a portion of the circular cross-section may be flat, forming a cross-section in the form of a "D". In another example, the first end portion may have more than one flat contact surface portion and may have a cross-section, for example in the shape of a rectangle. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the flat contact surface portion need not be completely flat. Conversely, the flat contact surface portion may also be slightly curved or structured. As used throughout this specification, the surface portion being flat means that the surface portion is capable of engaging with a corresponding contact surface portion of another component, i.e., a slider block or a crankshaft.

According to the invention, at least one of the first and second flat contact surface portions comprises a slit below the at least one flat contact surface portion. The slit may reduce the stiffness of the flat contact surface portion. This allows for an improved contact between the first flat contact surface portion and the second flat contact surface portion of the respective other component.

In some preferred embodiments, at least one of the two flat contact surface portions may be curved in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft. The curved surface portion formed in this way may be a convex surface portion.

The slits lead to a reduction of the stiffness of the material in the surface area of the respective flat contact surface portion. Due to the reduced stiffness, the flat contact surface portion may at least partially adjust its shape to the flat contact surface portion of the other component. Preferably, the flat contact surface portion of the other member is slightly curved in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the contact surface portion appears flat. For example, the flat contact surface portion of the other component may be flat in a cross section perpendicular to the rotational axis of the crankshaft and may be curved in a direction parallel to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft. This increase reduces contact stress and wear, and improves the durability and life of the coupling between the crankshaft and the orbiting scroll plate via the slider block.

In a preferred embodiment, the slit is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft. More preferably, one of the two components has a convex surface portion which is curved in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft as previously described. Having the slit perpendicular to the rotational axis of the crankshaft and the convex surface portion curved in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the slit improves the adjustment of the flat contact surface portion to the convex surface portion.

Similarly, in some other preferred embodiments, the slits are oriented parallel to the axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft. More preferably, the curved surface portion is curved in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft. Curving the slit parallel to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft and the curved surface portion in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the slit improves the adjustment of the flat contact surface portion to the curved surface portion.

In any of these embodiments, the slider block preferably has a cylindrical housing surface.

The above-mentioned need is also met by a crankshaft according to the invention. A crankshaft according to the present invention is configured for use in a scroll compressor. The crankshaft includes a body defining an axis of rotation and a first end portion. The crankshaft is configured to apply a force from the motor to a slider block located in a recess of a scroll plate of the compressor.

According to the invention, the first end portion comprises a flat contact surface portion and a slit below the flat contact surface portion. The slits reduce the stiffness of the flat surface. This allows improving the contact between the flat contact surface portion and the slider block. As previously mentioned, a flat contact surface portion in the sense of the present invention refers to the following surface portion: the surface portion is flat when viewed in a plane perpendicular to a cross-section oriented along an axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft. Thus, the cross-section of the first end portion of the crankshaft may have a "D" shape.

In some preferred embodiments, the slit is oriented perpendicular to an axis of rotation defined by the body of the crankshaft. This is particularly advantageous if the first end portion of the crankshaft is placed in a recess of the slider block, when the recess comprises a curved surface portion and the curved surface is curved in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

In some preferred embodiments, the slit is oriented parallel to an axis of rotation defined by the body of the crankshaft. This is particularly advantageous if the first end portion of the crankshaft is placed in a recess of the slider block, when the recess comprises a curved surface portion and the curved surface is curved in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

In some preferred embodiments, the first end portion comprises a protruding element extending longitudinally from the first end portion of the crankshaft relative to the axis of rotation and an insert attached to the protruding element, and wherein the slit is formed between the protruding element and the insert. This may improve the manufacture of the crankshaft, as the insert may be added to a conventional crankshaft. When the insert is attached to the protruding element, at least one of the protruding element and the insert may comprise a recess for forming the slit.

The above-mentioned need is also met by a slider block according to the present invention. A slider block according to the present invention is configured for use in a scroll compressor and includes a body defining an axis of rotation and a recess. The body may be a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body may have top and bottom surfaces and a cylindrical outer surface. The recess may be located at the top surface or the bottom surface. The recess may extend at least partially into the body of the slider block. In some embodiments, the recess may be a bore or continuous hole that extends completely from the bottom surface to the top surface.

According to the present invention, the slider block includes a flat contact surface portion and a slit located below the flat contact surface portion. The flat contact surface portion is an inner surface portion of the recess. The slits reduce the stiffness of the flat surface. This allows improving the contact between the flat contact surface portion of the pin and the slider block. Similar to what has been described before, in the sense of the present invention, flat contact surface portions refer to the following surface portions: the surface portion is flat when viewed in a plane perpendicular to a cross-section oriented perpendicular to a rotational axis defined by the crankshaft, or perpendicular to a rotational axis defined by a body of the slider block in the case of a slider block. Thus, the recess of the slider block may have a "D" shape.

In some preferred embodiments, the slot is oriented perpendicular to an axis of rotation defined by the body of the slider block. This is particularly advantageous if the slider block is used in combination with the first end portion of the crankshaft, when the first end portion comprises a curved surface portion and the curved surface is curved in a direction parallel to the cylinder axis of the slider block.

In some preferred embodiments, the slot is oriented parallel to a rotational axis defined by the body of the slider block. This is particularly advantageous if the slider block is used in combination with the first end portion of the crankshaft, when the first end portion comprises a curved surface portion and the curved surface is curved in a direction perpendicular to the cylinder axis of the slider block.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any configuration, including the slot in the first end portion of the crankshaft and the slot in the slider block, does not depart from the present application, but is included as well. Thus, further slits are possible. For example, the flat contact surface portion of the first end portion of the crankshaft may include a slit, while the flat contact surface portion of the slider block may also include a slit.

Drawings

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the system and described above. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various embodiments may be employed and the described embodiments are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. It is particularly emphasized that although the following figures show only an example of embodiment of a scroll compressor, the present invention can be applied to any type of compressor.

In the drawings, like reference numerals generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a scroll compressor according to the present invention.

Fig. 2a, 2b show detail views of a crankshaft and a slider block according to the present invention in (a) an assembled state with a orbiting scroll plate and (b) an exploded view.

Fig. 3a, 3b show (a) a detail of a first end portion of a crankshaft and a slider block according to the prior art and (b) a detail of the engagement of a flat contact surface portion of the first end portion of the crankshaft with a flat contact surface portion of the slider block, which is curved in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis defined by the crankshaft.

Fig. 4a, 4b show (a) a detail view of the first end portion of the crankshaft and the slider block according to the present invention and (b) a detail view of the engagement of the flat contact surface portion of the first end portion of the crankshaft with the flat contact surface portion of the slider block, which is curved in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis defined by the crankshaft.

Fig. 5a to 5f show an embodiment example of a first end portion of a crankshaft according to the invention, wherein the first end portion comprises a flat contact surface portion and a slit, which slit is oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis defined by the body of the crankshaft.

Fig. 6 shows an example of embodiment of a first end portion of a crankshaft according to the invention, wherein the first end portion comprises a flat contact surface portion and a slit oriented parallel to the axis of rotation defined by the body of the crankshaft.

Fig. 7a, 7b show an example of embodiment of a slider block according to the present invention, wherein the slider block comprises a flat contact surface portion and a slit (a) perpendicular to the rotation axis defined by the crankshaft and (b) longitudinal to said axis.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a scroll compressor according to the present invention. The compressor 100 includes a housing 190 and a suction port 160 for receiving refrigerant. The compressor 100 compresses a refrigerant in a compression chamber. Since the compressor 100 is a scroll compressor, a compression chamber is formed by a scroll group including the fixed scroll plate 155 and the movable scroll plate 150. After compression, the refrigerant will be discharged from the discharge port 170. Moving parts inside the compressor 100 are lubricated by lubricant provided by a lubricant sump 180.

The compressor 100 includes a motor 105. The motor 105 is used to drive the compressor by agitating the compression chamber, in particular by causing an orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll plate 150. To accomplish this, the compressor includes a crankshaft 110. A portion of crankshaft 110 is connected to motor 105.

During operation, motor 105 induces rotational motion of crankshaft 110 about an axis of rotation. The rotational motion is transmitted from the crankshaft 110 to the orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll plate 150. The crankshaft 110 includes a first end portion having a pin 115 extending longitudinally from the end portion of the crankshaft 110 relative to the axis of rotation. The center of the pin 115 may be offset relative to the axis of rotation.

The pin 115 engages the slider block 130. The slider block 130 has a cylindrical body and includes a recess in the form of a bore, wherein the center of the bore is offset from the axis of rotation. The pin 115 extends at least partially into the bore. The slider block 130 rotates about the rotational axis of the crankshaft, and due to the offset, the slider block 130 also orbits about the rotational axis at the same time. The slider block 130 is located in a recess of the orbiting scroll plate 150. The recess includes a boundary. The boundary forms an approximately cylindrical recess having a diameter slightly larger than that of the cylindrical slider block. Due to the cylindrical body, the slider block 130 can freely rotate within the recess of the orbiting scroll plate 150 without locking with the boundary, and thus without transferring any rotational motion to the orbiting scroll plate 150. However, the orbiting motion of the slider block 130 causes a force against the boundary of the recess, and thus causes an orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll plate 150, but without any rotation.

The pin 115 engaging the slider block 130 includes a slit 125, and the slit 125 reduces the rigidity of a surface portion of the pin 115, wherein the surface portion is in contact with the slider block 130. This will be shown in further detail below with reference to fig. 3 and 4.

Fig. 2a and 2b show detailed views of a crankshaft and a slider block according to the present invention in (a) an assembled state with a orbiting scroll plate and (b) an exploded view.

FIG. 2a shows the pin 115, slider block 130 and orbiting scroll 150 of the first end portion of the crankshaft 110 in more detail in an assembled state. The slider block 130 is located in a recess on the back side of the orbiting scroll plate 150 and the pin 115 of the first end portion of the crankshaft 110 is located in a recess or opening 135 of the slider block 130. As the crankshaft 110 rotates, the pin 115 also rotates and transfers motion to the slider block 130. As can be seen in the exploded view in fig. 2b, since the slider block 130 generally has a cylindrical outer surface, the slider block 130 can rotate within the recess of the orbiting scroll plate 150 without transferring the rotational motion to the orbiting scroll plate 150. Since the center of the bore of the slider block 130 is offset with respect to the rotational axis of the crankshaft 110 when the slider block 130 and the pin 115 are assembled, the slider block 130 also performs an orbiting motion about the rotational axis, which is transmitted to the orbiting scroll plate.

Fig. 3a and 3b are (a) a detail view of a first end portion of a crankshaft and a slider block according to the present inventive concept and (b) a detail view of the engagement of a flat contact surface portion of the first end portion of the crankshaft with a flat contact surface portion of the slider block, the contact surface portion of the slider block being curved in a direction perpendicular to a rotational axis defined by the crankshaft.

In fig. 3a, a crankshaft 210 and a slider block 230 according to the prior art are shown. The crankshaft 210 includes a first end portion having a pin 215, the pin 215 having a flat contact surface portion 215 a. Further, the crankshaft 210 includes a lubricant supply passage 220, and the lubricant supply passage 220 is used to supply lubricant from a lubricant sump to the upper crankshaft portion, the slider block 230, and the orbiting scroll. The lubricant supply passage 220 is an optional element, but it improves lubricant supply and reduces wear between moving elements.

The slider block 230 includes a recess in the form of a bore and a flat contact surface portion 230a at an inner portion of the bore, the flat contact surface portion 230a being curved in a direction perpendicular to a rotational axis defined by the crankshaft. As has been described previously, the surface portion 230a is still flat in the sense that the surface portion is flat when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft 210. When the pin 215 is at least partially placed within the bore of the slider block 230, the flat contact surface portion 215a of the pin 215 and the surface portion 230a of the slider block 230 engage each other and form a contact surface. Preferably, the surface 230a may be curved in a convex manner as shown in fig. 3 a.

As the crankshaft 210 rotates, the pin 215 is pushed against the surface portion 230a of the slider block 230, as shown in fig. 3 b. Thus, the surface 230a is curved for compensating manufacturing defects and makes mating contact with the flat contact surface portion 215a of the pin 215.

However, bending the surface portion 230a reduces the contact area between the contact surfaces, as can be seen in FIG. 3b, which shows a detailed view of the flat contact surface portion 215a and the surface portion 230a of the slider mass 230. Such a small contact area between the contact surfaces may increase wear between the crankshaft 210 and the slider block 230, thereby reducing durability and lifespan of the compressor.

Fig. 4a and 4b show (a) a detail of the first end portion of the crankshaft and the slider block according to the present invention and (b) a detail of the engagement of the flat contact surface portion of the first end portion of the crankshaft with the flat contact surface portion of the slider block, which is curved in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis defined by the crankshaft.

In fig. 4a, the crankshaft 310 includes a first end portion having a pin 315, the pin 315 having a flat contact surface portion 315 a. In addition, the crankshaft includes a lubricant supply passage 320, and the lubricant supply passage 320 is also optional. According to the present invention, the pin 315 includes a slit 325 below the flat contact surface portion 315 a. The slits 325 locally reduce the stiffness of the material, in particular of the material of the crankpin between the flat contact surface portion 315a and the slits 325, as the material may bend into the slits 325 when pressure acts on the flat contact surface portion 315 a.

Fig. 4b shows a detailed view of the contact between the flat contact surface portion 315a and the surface portion 330a of the slider block 330, the surface portion 330a of the slider block 330 being curved in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft. Under pressure, the flat contact surface portion 315a of the pin 315 is pushed against the surface portion 330a of the slider block 330. The pressure at the contact area and the reduced stiffness of the material between the flat contact surface portion 315a and the slit 325 causes the flat contact surface portion 315a to bend into the slit 325. This increases the contact area between the curved flat contact surface portion 315a and the surface portion 330a of the slider block 330 a. The increased contact area reduces wear and increases the durability and life of the compressor.

Fig. 5a to 5f show an embodiment example of a first end portion of a crankshaft according to the invention, wherein the first end portion comprises a slit which is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation defined by the body of the crankshaft.

In the embodiment example depicted in fig. 5a, a crankshaft 410 having a first end portion and a pin 415 is shown. Crankshaft 410 includes an optional lubricant supply passage 420. The pin 415 includes a flat contact surface portion 415 a. Slit 425 is created by cutting a recess in pin 415 from the top of crankpin 415. Thereafter, the recess is closed at the top with an insert 430.

In the embodiment example depicted in fig. 5b, a crankshaft 510 with a pin 515 is shown. Crankshaft 510 includes an optional lubricant supply passage 520. The pin 515 includes a flat contact surface portion 515 a. The slot 525 is created by forming a recess in the pin at the location of the slot 525 and placing an insert 530 on top of the slot 525. The insert 530 includes a flat contact surface portion 515 a.

In the embodiment example depicted in fig. 5c, a crankshaft 610 having a first end portion and a pin 615 is shown. Crankshaft 610 includes an optional lubricant supply passage 620. The pin 615 includes a flat contact surface portion 615 a. The slit 625 is created by placing an insert 630 on the side of the pin 615, wherein the insert includes a recess on the back side of the insert that forms the slit 625 and a flat contact surface portion 615a on the front side of the insert.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the slit may also be formed by a combination of a recess in the pin of the crankshaft and a recess on the back side of the insert that is placed over the recess of the pin.

In the embodiment example depicted in fig. 5d, a crankshaft 710 with a first end portion and a pin 715 is shown in perspective view on the left-hand side and in top view on the right-hand side. Crankshaft 710 includes an optional lubricant supply passage 720. The pin 715 includes a flat contact surface portion 715 a. The slotted portion 725 is formed by two slots 725a, 725b that do not extend through the entire thickness of the pin. Instead, a rod 725c separates the two slots 725a, 725 b. Such a configuration avoids the slits reducing stiffness too much and provides higher stability compared to the embodiment depicted in e.g. fig. 5 a.

The embodiment example depicted in fig. 5e is similar to the embodiment example depicted in fig. 5d, however, the rod does not separate the two slits over the entire height of the slits, wherein height refers to the extension of the slits in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the crankshaft. For example, as depicted in fig. 5e, the bar separates the slits in regions 825a and 825c, but does not separate the slits in region 825 b. Such a configuration may be used where the rod would create too much stiffness but the slit extending through the entire thickness of the pin would create too much instability.

In the embodiment example depicted in fig. 5f, a crankshaft 910 with a first end section and a pin 915 is shown in perspective view on the left-hand side and in top view on the right-hand side. Crankshaft 910 includes an optional lubricant supply passage 920. The pin 915 includes a flat contact surface portion 915 a. The slit portion 925 is formed by two slits 925a, 925b that extend through no entire thickness of the pin. In contrast to the embodiment example depicted in fig. 5d, the two slits 925a, 925b are offset from each other.

In the embodiment example of fig. 5a to 5f, the slits 425, 525, 625, 725, 825, 925 are each oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the respective crankshaft.

Fig. 6 shows an example of embodiment of a first end portion of a crankshaft according to the invention, wherein the first end portion comprises a slit oriented parallel to the axis of rotation defined by the body of the crankshaft.

In the embodiment example depicted in fig. 6, a crankshaft 1010 having a first end portion and a pin 1015 is shown. Crankshaft 1010 includes an optional lubricant supply passage 1020. The pin 1015 includes a flat contact surface portion 1015 a. The slit 1025 is created by cutting a slit in the pin from the top of the pin 1015.

In the embodiment example of fig. 6, the slit 1025 extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the crankshaft 1010.

Fig. 7a and 7b show an example of embodiment of a slider block according to the present invention, wherein the slider block comprises a slit (a) perpendicular to the axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft and (b) longitudinal with respect to said axis.

Fig. 7a shows an implementation example of the slider block 1130. The slider block 1130 comprises a cylindrical body having a recess in the form of a bore 1135. The bore 1135 extends from the top to the bottom of the cylindrical body. In some examples, the bore need not extend along the entire height of the cylindrical body. The bore 1130 includes a flat contact surface portion 1135a for locking with a corresponding surface of the crankpin when the pin is placed at least partially inside the bore 1135. The slider block 1130 includes a slit 1140 under the flat contact surface portion 1135 a. The slot 1140 is oriented perpendicular to the barrel axis of the cylindrical body of the slider block 1130.

Fig. 7b shows an example of an embodiment of a slider mass 1230. The slider mass 1230 includes a cylindrical body having a bore 1235. A bore 1235 extends from the top to the bottom of the cylindrical body. In some examples, the bore need not extend along the entire height of the cylindrical body. The bore 1230 includes a flat contact surface portion 1235a for locking with a corresponding surface of the crankpin when the pin is placed at least partially inside the bore 1235. Slider mass 1230 includes a slot 1240 below flat contact surface portion 1235 a. The slot 1240 is oriented parallel to the barrel axis of the cylindrical body of the slider mass 1230.

What has been described above includes examples of one or more implementations. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of various embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodiments are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.