BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to variable displacement compressors that utilize a
rotating swash plate to the output discharge capacity of a compressed refrigerant.
More particular, the present invention relates to compressors that may rotate the
swash plate using a relatively simple and lightweight structure and to methods for
making such compressors. Such compressors may be utilized in air conditioning systems
and more preferably in automobile air conditioning systems.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] One type of variable displacement compressor is described in Japanese Laid-open Patent
Publication No. 11-264371. This known variable displacement compressor is reproduced
herein in Fig. 15 and includes a swash plate 104 coupled to a driving shaft 102 that
is disposed within a driving chamber 101b. A compressor front housing 101 encloses
the swash plate 104 and pistons 105 are slidably supported within respective cylinder
bores 101a provided within a cylinder block 106. A shoe 110 engages the end portion
of each piston 105 with the swash plate 104. A hinge mechanism 107 inclinably and
slidably coupled the swash plate 104 to a rotor 103.
[0003] The rotor 103 is also coupled to the driving shaft 102. When the pressure within
the driving chamber 101b increases or decreases in order to change the inclination
angle of the swash plate 104, the length of the piston stroke is changed in response
to the change of the inclination angle of the swash plate 104. As the result, the
compressor output discharge capacity changes. The hinge mechanism 107 includes a guide
109 and a guide protrusion 108. The guide 109 is provided on the rotor 103 and has
a guide hole 109a. The guide protrusion 108 is provided on the swash plate 104 and
has a guide pin 108a. The guide pin 108a is slidably engaged with the guide hole 109a.
Further, a thrust bearing 112 is disposed between the rotor 103 and the front housing
101.
[0004] The rotor 103 also includes a rotary disk 103a. A weight 111 is disposed on the rotary
disk 103 to adjust the weight balance of the rotor 103. Also, the guide 109 is disposed
on the rotary disk 103. The weight 111 and the guide 109 are molded by simultaneously
casting these parts together with the rotary disk 103. The rotor 103 and hinge mechanism
107 rotate together with the drive shaft 102. Thus, the rotor 103 and hinge mechanism
107 are required to be relatively light in view of the centrifugal force exerted to
the rotor 103 and hinge mechanism 107 due to the rotation together with the drive
shaft 102. On the other hand, because it is relatively difficult to mold a complicated
and thin shape using casting techniques, it has been difficult to reduce the weight
of the rotor 103 and the hinge mechanism 107 using the known art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide variable displacement
compressors that may utilize lighter weight parts for the torque transmitting structure
disposed between the drive shaft and the swash plate. Methods of making such lighter
weight parts are also described.
[0006] According to the present teachings, the functional parts of the rotor, such as the
rotary disk, the guide and the weight may preferably be manufactured by pressing and
punching a piece of plate metal. Each functional part may be separately manufactured
in this manner or two or more parts may be preferably manufactured in an integral
or seamless manner using these techniques.
[0007] Because the functional part(s) may be manufactured by pressing a plate, the thickness
of the rotor can be reduced, as compared to known manufacturing techniques, without
reducing the strength or integrity of the rotor. Thus, the weight of the torque transmitting
structure between the drive shaft and the swash plate can be reduced. Preferably,
the functional part(s) actually have greater strength and integrity than rotors manufactured
using known techniques.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Fig. 1 shows a variable displacement compressor according to the first representative
embodiment.
[0009] Fig. 2 shows the torque transmitting structure of the first representative embodiment.
[0010] Fig. 3 schematically shows the hinge mechanism.
[0011] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the rotor.
[0012] Fig. 5 (A) to Fig. 5 (C) show a representative process for manufacturing the rotary
disk by pressing a plate.
[0013] Fig. 6 (A) to Fig. 6 (C) show a representative process for manufacturing the guide
by pressing a plate.
[0014] Fig. 7 (A) and Fig. 7 (B) show a representative process for manufacturing the weight
by pressing a plate.
[0015] Fig. 8 shows the torque transmitting structure according to the second representative
embodiment.
[0016] Fig. 9 shows the torque transmitting structure according to the third representative
embodiment.
[0017] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the rotor manufactured using a press.
[0018] Fig. 11 (A) to Fig. 11 (C) show a representative process for manufacturing the rotary
disk together with the weight.
[0019] Fig. 12 (A) to Fig. 12 (C) show a representative process for manufacturing the guide.
[0020] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the rotor manufactured by pressing a plate according
to the third embodiment.
[0021] Fig. 14 (A) to Fig. 14 (C) show a representative process for manufacturing the guide
by pressing a plate.
[0022] Fig. 15 shows the torque transmitting structure according to a known variable displacement
compressor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Representative variable displacement compressors according to the present teachings
may include a drive shaft, a swash plate, a piston, a rotor and a hinge mechanism.
The swash plate may be inclinably coupled to the drive shaft. The piston may be disposed
within a cylinder bore and the end portion of the piston may be connected to a peripheral
edge of the swash plate by utilizing a shoe. The piston can reciprocate within the
cylinder bore to compress the refrigerant in response to rotation of the inclined
swash plate. The inclination angle of the swash plate can be changed. When the inclination
angle is changed, the compressor output discharge capacity can be changed. The rotor
may be coupled to the drive shaft and the rotor may rotate together with the rotating
drive shaft.
[0024] The rotor may include functional parts, such as a rotary disk, a guide disposed on
the rotary disk and a weight disposed on the rotary disk. The weight may be utilized
to adjust the weight balance of the rotating rotor. According to the present teachings,
at least one of the functional parts can be formed by pressing and punching a plate
of metal. The hinge mechanism may connect the swash plate with the rotor by means
of the guide on the rotary disk of the rotor.
[0025] The hinge mechanism transmits torque from the driving shaft to the swash plate, regardless
of the inclination angle of the swash plate. Because at least one of the functional
parts is manufactured by pressing and punching a plate, the thickness of the rotor
can be reduced and the weight of the torque transmitting structure between the drive
shaft and the swash plate can be reduced.
[0026] Although each functional part may be separately manufacture by pressing and punching
a plate, any two of the functional parts may be integrally or seamlessly manufactured
by pressing and punching a plate. For example, the rotary disk and the weight, or
the weight and the guide may be integrally manufactured by pressing and punching a
plate.
[0027] According to the another aspect of the present teachings, a hinge mechanism may connect
the swash plate with the rotor in order to transmit torque from the driving shaft
to the swash plate. For example, a guide member may be engaged with a guide protrusion.
Moreover, either the guide member or the guide protrusion may preferably be manufactured
independent from the rotary disk and may then be integrally joined to the rotary disk.
Preferably, the rotary disk and/or the guide may be manufactured by pressing and punching
a plate in order to reduce the weight of the torque transmitting structure.
[0028] Each of the additional features and method steps disclosed above and below may be
utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and method steps to provide
improved variable displacement compressors and air conditioning systems and methods
for making and using such variable displacement compressors and air conditioning systems.
Representative examples of the present invention, which examples utilize many of these
additional features and method steps in conjunction, will now be described in detail
with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to teach
a person of skill in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the
present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Only the
claims define the scope of the claimed invention. Therefore, combinations of features
and steps disclosed in the following detail description may not be necessary to practice
the invention in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to particularly
describe some representative examples of the invention, which detailed description
will now be given with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0029] Although the following detailed representative embodiments are preferably utilized
in an air conditioning system for an automotive, other uses of the present teachings
are naturally contemplated.
[0030] The first representative embodiment will now be described in further detail with
reference to Figs. 1 to 7. As shown in Fig.1, the representative compressor 1a includes
a compressor housing defined by a front housing 1, a cylinder block 2 and a rear housing
3. The front housing 1 is coupled to the front end of the cylinder block 2. The rear
housing 3 is coupled to the rear end of the cylinder block 2. A valve plate 4 is provided
between the cylinder block 2 and the rear housing 3.
[0031] A crank chamber 5 is defined by a space within the front housing 1. A drive shaft
6 is rotatably supported within the crank chamber 5. Although it is not particularly
shown in the drawings, the drive shaft 6 is preferably connected to an automotive
engine by an electromagnetic clutch. That is, the engine causes the drive shaft 6
to rotate when clutch mechanism couples the driving force of the engine to the drive
shaft 6.
[0032] Within the crank chamber 5, a rotating swash plate 8 is inclinably and slidably coupled
to the drive shaft 6 via a rotor 7. The rotor 7 is coupled to the drive shaft 6 and
can rotate together with the drive shaft 6. The drive shaft 6 extends through a penetration
hole 8a formed in the center of the swash plate 8. A hinge mechanism 20 is provided
between the rotor 7 and the swash plate 8 in order to transmit torque from the drive
shaft 6 to the swash plate 8, which swash plate 8 may rotate at various inclination
angles.
[0033] In order to allow the swash plate 8 to incline, the penetration hole 8a preferably
has a support point 8b. The hinge mechanism 20 preferably includes a guide member
23 disposed on the rotor 7 and a guide pin 9 disposed on the swash plate 8. The guide
member 23 corresponds to a "rotor-side member". The guide member 23 and the guide
pin 9 are mutually engaged to connect the swash plate 8 with the rotor 7.
[0034] The cylinder block 2 preferably includes six cylinder bores 2a that are disposed
in six pistons 11. However, Fig. 1 only shows one piston for purposes of illustration.
Each piston 11 is reciprocally and slidably supported each cylinder bore 2a. The piston
11 is coupled to the swash plate 8 via a shoe 12. The rotational movement of the swash
plate 8 is converted into reciprocating movement of the pistons 11 via the shoe 12.
[0035] A suction chamber 3a and a discharge chamber 3b are respectively defined by spaces
within the rear housing 3. A suction port 4a, a suction valve 4b, a discharge port
4c, and a discharge valve 4d are preferably disposed on the valve plate 4. When the
piston 11 reciprocates, refrigerant in the suction chamber 3a is drawn into the cylinder
bore 2a from the suction port 4a via the suction valve 4b. Then, the refrigerant is
compressed and the compressed refrigerant is discharged from the discharge port 4c
to the discharge chamber 3b via the discharge valve 4d.
[0036] The crank chamber 5 preferably communicates with the discharge chamber 3b via a capacity
control passage 16. The capacity control passage 16 is opened and closed by a capacity
control valve 17. The pressure state within the crank chamber 5 is controlled by opening
and closing the capacity control passage 16. In addition, a bleeding passage 15 preferably
connects the crank chamber 5 and the suction chamber 3a.
[0037] As shown in Fig. 4, the rotor 7 preferably includes functional parts, such as a rotary
disk 22 coupled to the drive shaft 6, the guide member 23 and a weight 24. As described
above, the guide member 23 and the guide pin 9 together define the hinge mechanism
20. The weight 24 offsets any weight imbalance of the rotor 7 caused by the guide
member 23 when the rotor rotates together with the drive shaft 6. In this representative
embodiment, each functional part is formed independently of the others. As shown in
Fig. 2, the rotary disk 22 has a disk-like shape and an insertion hole 22a is defined
substantially in the center of the rotary disk 22. Further, the rotary disk 22 is
mounted to the drive shaft 6 by inserting the drive shaft 6 into the insertion hole
22a. The insertion hole 22a is formed in a tube-like shape that extends toward the
rear of the rotary disk 22 along the drive shaft 6. A thrust bearing 25 is disposed
between the front face of the rotary disk 22 and the front housing 1, which thrust
bearing 25 circumferentially surrounds the drive shaft 6. In addition, the thrust
bearing 25 preferably includes a roller 25a that directly contacts the rotary disk
22. Thus, the compressive reaction force generated by the reciprocation of the pistons
11 is received by the front housing 1 through the shoe 12, the swash plate 8, the
hinge mechanism 20, and the thrust bearing 25.
[0038] As shown in Fig. 2, the guide member 23 is fixed to the rear face of the rotary disk
22 in order to correspond to the upper dead point D of the swash plate 8. The upper
dead point of the swash plate 8 defines the top clearance of the pistons 11. Fig.
3 shows a plan view of the hinge mechanism 20, in which each end of the guide member
23 substantially has a curved shape that defines a support 23a for receiving the guide
pin 9. Further, the guide member 23 has a plane that defines a connecting portion
23b that affixes the guide member 23 to the rotary disk 22. The central axis S of
the support 23a extends parallel to the plane that includes the rotational axis L
of the drive shaft 6 and the position corresponding to the upper dead point D of the
swash plate 8. The guide member 23 is fixed to the rotary disk 22 by spot welding
at a plurality points.
[0039] As shown in Fig. 2, the weight 24 is fixed to the bottom part on the rear face of
the rotary disc 22. Because the guide member 23 is fixed to the rotor 7, the center
of gravity of the rotor 7 is shifted from the rotational axis L of the drive shaft
6. In order to rectify this weight imbalance, the weight 24 is provided on the lower
rear edge of the rotor 7 at a position that is opposite to the guide member 23. Thus,
the center of gravity of the rotor 7 is adjusted to correspond to the axis of rotation
defined by the axis L of the drive shaft 6. In this embodiment, the weight 24 is preferably
fixed to the rotary disk 22 by spot welding, although other attaching methods may
naturally be utilized.
[0040] As shown in Fig. 4, the rotary disk 22, the guide member 23, and the weight 24 are
manufactured independently of one another and then, joined together to form the rotor
7. Therefore, each part can be made of a different material that may be appropriate
for the particular application, and each part can be manufactured differently in order
to provide optimal properties for each of the functional parts. Representative manufacturing
methods for each functional part of the rotor 7 are respectively shown in Figs. 5
to 7. For example, Fig. 5 (A) to Fig. 5 (C) show a representative manufacturing process
for the rotary disk 22. In order to make the rotary disk 22, a plate W is first prepared
by pressing a cold-rolled steel plate or carbon steel, such as S35C or S45C, into
an appropriate thickness (see Fig. 5 (A)). Then, the plate W is punched with an appropriate
cutting device, e.g. a die, in order to form a disk A1 having a circular insertion
hole defined in the center of the disk A1 (see Fig. 5 (B)). Thereafter, the rotary
disk 22 is manufactured by deeply drawing the disk A1 (see Fig. 5 (C)).
[0041] Figs. 6 (A) to Fig. 6 (C) show a representative manufacturing process for the guide
member 23. First, a plate W is prepared by pressing a cold-rolled steel plate or carbon
steel, such as S35C or S45C, to an appropriate thickness (see Fig. 6 (A)). Then, the
plate W is punched to form a rectangular plate B1 (see Fig. 6 (B)). Thereafter, the
guide member 23 is manufactured by utilizing a bending machine (see Fig. 6 (C)). Figs.
7 (A) and (B) show a representative manufacturing process for the weight 24. As with
the previous representative techniques, a plate W is pressed to an appropriate thickness
(see Fig. 7 (A)) and then the plate W is punched provide the weight 24 having a semicircular
shape (see Fig. 7 (B)).
[0042] After the above-described manufacturing process, any distortions are removed from
the supports 23a and the supports 23a are surface-treated with induction hardening
in order to improve the strength and wear-resistance of the supports 23a. Similarly,
a thrust bearing receiver 22c of the rotary disk 22 is surface-treated with induction
hardening. Because each functional part of the rotor 7 is individually manufactured,
such surface-treating process can be easily performed. After the manufacturing process
is completed, the guide member 23 and the weight 24 are welded to the rotary disk
22 (see Fig.4) in order to provide the rotor 7.
[0043] The guide pin 9 corresponds to a "guide protrusion" as utilized herein. As shown
in Fig. 2, a pair of guide pins 9 protrudes from the front face of the swash plate
8 toward the guide member 23. The guide pins 9 straddle the position corresponding
to the upper dead point D of the swash plate 8. A spherical portion 9a is formed on
the top of each guide pin 9. The spherical portion 9a is inserted into and engaged
with the guide member 23. The radius of curvature of the spherical portion 9a is slightly
less than the radius of curvature of the support 23a. Thus, the swash plate 8 can
slide while inclining toward the drive shaft 6 in the direction of the axis L of the
drive shaft 6, due to the slide-guide relationship between the spherical portions
9a of the guide pins 9 and the supports 23a of the guide member 23, as well as due
to the slide-support action by the drive shaft 6 by way of the insertion hole 8a.
[0044] In the first representative embodiment, the rotary disk 22, the rotor-side member
23, and the weight 24 are independently manufactured and each functional part is manufactured
with a press and a punch. Therefore, each part may be hardened and lightened. Further,
the thickness of the rotor can be reduced as compared to known rotors.
[0045] Because the rotary disk 22 is manufactured with a press, material having high wear
resistance can be utilized for the rotary disk 22. Therefore, the roller 25a of the
thrust bearing 25 can directly contact the rotary disk 22 during operation of the
compressor. In other words, because it is not necessary to provide a race with the
thrust bearing 25, a reduction in the number of parts can be achieved.
[0046] The second representative embodiment is shown in Fig. 8, in which the rotary disk
22 and the weight 22d are integrally formed as one part. That is, rotary disk 22 and
the weight 22d are manufactured at the same time using a press machine and there are
no seams between the rotary disk 22 and the weight 22d. As the result, the weight
22d is formed in a unitary manner on the lower rear face of the rotary disk 22.
[0047] In addition, a different type of the hinge mechanism is utilized in the second representative
embodiment. In this case, the guide member 23 has a plate-like shape and includes
an elongated hole 26. The swash plate 8 includes a pin 27 that is engaged in the elongated
hole 26. As the result, the hinge mechanism is defined by a link-and-pin mechanism.
All other features of the second representative embodiment are substantially identical
to the corresponding features of the first representative embodiment. According to
the second representative embodiment, because the functional parts of the rotor 7
are integrally (seamlessly) manufactured at the same time using a press, the number
of parts of the torque transmitting structure can be reduced.
[0048] The third representative embodiment is shown in Figs. 9 to 13. As shown in Figs.
9 and 10, the rotary disk 22 and the weight 22d are manufactured at the same time
using a press in the second representative embodiment. The weight 22d is provided
on the outer circumference of the lower rear face of the rotary disk 22. As described
above, the weight 22d can correct the weight imbalance of the rotor 7 when the hinge
mechanism 20 rotates together with the drive shaft 6.
[0049] In the third embodiment, a link-type hinge mechanism 20 is utilized. As shown in
Fig. 10, an insertion hole 23c is defined within the guide member 23 and link parts
23d are disposed on the right and left sides of the guide member 23. Each link part
23d includes an elongated hole 26. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 23c is
defined to correspond to the outer circumferential diameter of a cylindrical boss
part 22f of the rotary disk 22. By inserting the boss part 22f to the insertion hole
23, the guide member 23 is coupled to the rotary disk 22. As shown in Fig. 9, a guide
pin 27 is provided on the swash plate 8 and is engaged with the elongated hole 26.
All other features of the third representative embodiment are substantially identical
to the features of the first representative embodiment as described above.
[0050] A representative manufacturing process for the rotary disk 22 with the weight 22d
is shown in Fig. 11 (A) to Fig. 11 (C). First, a plate W is prepared by pressing a
cold-rolled steel plate or carbon steel, such as S35C or S45C, into an appropriate
thickness (see Fig. 11 (A)). Then, the plate W is punched to form a disk A2 having
a circular insertion hole in the center of the disk A2 (see Fig. 11 (B)). Thereafter,
the rotary disk 22 with the weight 22d is manufactured by bending and drawing the
disk A2 (see Fig. 11 (C)). A representative manufacturing process for the guide member
23 is shown in Fig. 12 (A) to Fig. 12 (C). First, a plate W is prepared by pressing
a cold-rolled steel plate or carbon steel, such as S35C or S45C, to an appropriate
thickness (see Fig. 12 (A)). Then, the plate W is punched to form a disk B2 having
a insertion hole formed in the center of the disk B2 (see Fig. 11 (B)). Thereafter,
link parts 23d are formed by bending the disk B2 (see Fig. 12 (C)). After the rotary
disk 22 and the guide member 23 are independently manufactured, the guide member 23
is fixed to the rotary disk 22 by joining the cylindrical boss part 22f of the rotary
disk 22 to the insertion hole 23c of the guide member 23. After the joining, the guide
member 23 is welded to the rotary disk 22.
[0051] A thrust bearing receiving portion 22c (see Fig. 9) and the inner circumferential
surface of the elongated hole 26 are preferably treated by induction hardening in
order to increase the strength and the wear resistance of these parts. All other features
of the third representative embodiment are substantially identical to the features
of the first representative embodiment as described above. According to the third
representative embodiment, a relatively lightweight rotor 7 can be easily manufactured.
[0052] The fourth representative embodiment is shown in Figs. 13 and 14. According to the
fourth embodiment, the guide member 23 and the weight 22d are integrally and seamlessly
manufactured using a press. All other features of the fourth representative embodiment
are substantially identical to the features of the first representative embodiment
as described above.
[0053] A representative manufacturing process for the guide member 23 with the weight 22d
is shown in Fig. 14 (A) to Fig. 14 (C). First, a plate W is prepared by pressing a
cold-rolled steel plate or carbon steel, such as S35C or S45C, to an appropriate thickness
(see Fig. 11 (A)). Then, the plate W is punched to form a disk B3 (see Fig. 14 (B)).
Thereafter, the guide member 23 with the weight 22d is manufactured by bending and
drawing the disk B3 (see Fig. 14 (C)). The joining of the guide member 23 (with the
weight 22d) and the rotary disk 22 is completed by welding.
[0054] Various modifications can be made to the representative embodiments. For example,
the support 23a of the guide member 23 may be formed to have a cylindrical shape.
Further, the functional parts of the rotor 7 can be fixed with each other by utilizing
a screw or rivet, instead of welding.
[0055] Moreover, the guide member may be provided with the swash plate 8. In the alternative,
the guide protrusion (guide pin) may be provided with the rotor 7.
1. A variable displacement compressor comprising:
a drive shaft,
a swash plate inclinably coupled to the drive shaft,
a piston disposed within a cylinder bore, an end portion of the piston connected to
a peripheral edge of the swash plate by a shoe, the piston reciprocating within the
cylinder bore to compress the refrigerant in response to rotation of the inclined
swash plate, wherein the inclination angle of the swash plate can be changed to change
the compressor output discharge capacity,
a rotor coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the rotor rotates together with the rotating
drive shaft, the rotor includes functional parts defined by a rotary disk, a guide
disposed on the rotary disk and a weight disposed on the rotary disk to regulate the
weight balance of the rotating rotor,
a hinge mechanism connecting the swash plate with the rotor by means of the guide
on the rotary disk of the rotor, the hinge mechanism transmitting torque from the
driving shaft to the swash plate regardless of the inclination angle of the swash
plate,
characterized in that at least one of the functional parts is formed by pressing a plate.
2. A variable displacement compressor according to claim 1, wherein each functional part
is separately manufactured by pressing and punching a plate.
3. A variable displacement compressor comprising:
a drive shaft,
a swash plate inclinably coupled to the drive shaft,
a piston disposed within a cylinder bore, an end portion of the piston connected to
a peripheral edge of the swash plate by a shoe, the piston reciprocating within the
cylinder bore to compress the refrigerant in response to rotation of the inclined
swash plate, wherein the inclination angle of the swash plate can be changed to change
the compressor output discharge capacity,
a rotor coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the rotor rotates together with the rotating
drive shaft, the rotor includes functional parts defined by a rotary disk, a guide
disposed on the rotary disk and a weight disposed on the rotary disk to adjust the
weight balance of the rotating rotor,
a hinge mechanism connecting the swash plate with the rotor by means of the guide
on the rotary disk of the rotor, the hinge mechanism transmitting torque from the
driving shaft to the swash plate regardless of the inclination angle of the swash
plate,
characterized in that at least two of the functional parts are integrally and seamlessly manufactured by
pressing and punching a plate.
4. A variable displacement compressor according to claim 3, wherein the rotary disk and
the weight are integrally and seamlessly manufactured by pressing and punching a plate.
5. A variable displacement compressor according to claim 3, wherein the weight and the
guide are integrally and seamlessly manufactured by pressing and punching a plate.
6. A variable displacement compressor comprising:
a drive shaft,
a swash plate inclinably coupled to the drive shaft,
a piston disposed within a cylinder bore, an end portion of the piston connected to
a peripheral edge of the swash plate by a shoe, the piston reciprocating within the
cylinder bore to compress the refrigerant in response to rotation of the inclined
swash plate, wherein the inclination angle of the swash plate can be changed to change
the compressor output discharge capacity,
a rotor that includes a rotary disk rotatably coupled to the drive shaft and
a hinge mechanism that includes a guide member and a guide protrusion that receives
the guide member, the hinge mechanism connecting the swash plate with the rotor to
transmit torque from the driving shaft to the swash plate by means of the guide member
engaged with the guide protrusion regardless of the inclination angle of the swash
plate,
characterized in that at least one of the guide member and the guide protrusion is manufactured independent
from the rotary disk and is then integrally joined to the rotary disk.
7. A variable displacement compressor according to claim 6, wherein the rotary disk is
manufactured by pressing and punching a plate.
8. A variable displacement compressor according to claim 6, wherein the guide is manufactured
by pressing and punching a plate.
9. A variable displacement compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 6 further comprising
a thrust bearing that includes a roller to rotatably support the rotor, wherein the
thrust bearing is provided between the inner surface of the compressor housing and
the rotor and the roller directly contacts the front surface of the rotor.
10. A method of manufacturing a variable displacement compressor according to claim 1
characterized by pressing and punching a metal plate in order to form at least one functional part,
wherein the functional parts are then joined in order to form the rotor.
11. A method of manufacturing a variable displacement compressor according to claim 2
characterized by separately pressing and punching a plurality of metal plates in order to form the
functional part, wherein the functional parts are then joined in order to form the
rotor.
12. A method of manufacturing a variable displacement compressor according to claim 3
characterized in that at least two functional parts are integrally and seamlessly manufactured using at
least two types of manufacturing processes defined by pressing and punching a plate.
13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the rotary disk and the weight are integrally
and seamlessly manufactured.
14. A method according to claim 12, wherein the weight and the guide are integrally and
seamlessly manufactured.
15. A method for manufacturing a compressor
characterized by the steps of:
forming a rotary disk by pressing a metal plate W to a thickness corresponding the
final thickness of the rotary disk, punching the metal plate to form an intermediate
disk part and then deeply drawing the intermediate disk part to form the rotary disk,
and
assembling the rotary disk with a guide member and a weight on a drive shaft of the
compressor.
16. A method for manufacturing a compressor
characterized by the steps of:
forming a guide member by pressing a metal plate W to a thickness corresponding the
final thickness of the guide member, punching the metal plate to form an intermediate
guide part and then bending the intermediate guide part to form the guide member,
and
assembling the guide member with a rotary disk and a weight on a drive shaft of the
compressor.
17. A method for manufacturing a compressor
characterized by the steps of:
forming a balancing weight by pressing a metal plate W to a thickness corresponding
the final thickness of the rotary disk, punching the metal plate to form the balancing
weight, and
assembling the balancing weight with a rotary disk and a guide member on a drive shaft
of the compressor.
18. A method as in claim 17, wherein the balancing weight is integrally and seamlessly
manufactured with the rotary disk by pressing and punching the metal plate to form
an intermediate disk part and then bending and drawing the intermediate disk part
to form the balancing weight and the rotary disk.
19. A method as in claim 18, further comprising forming link parts by bending the intermediate
disk part.
20. A method as in claim 17, wherein the balancing weight is integrally and seamlessly
manufactured with the guide member by pressing and punching the metal plate to form
an intermediate disk part and then bending and drawing the intermediate disk part
to form the balancing weight and the guide member.
21. A method as in any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the metal plate is cold-rolled
steel plate or carbon steel, such as S35C or S45C.