Scroll compressor with titanium Oldham coupling

Abstract

A scroll compressor includes an Oldham coupling which prevents the orbiting scroll member from rotating when driven by a rotating shaft. The Oldham coupling is formed of titanium or titanium alloy, thus increasing the strength of the Oldham coupling while minimizing its weight. Reduced coupling weight minimizes unnecessary scroll compressor vibration.

1 . A scroll compressor comprising:
 a first scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base;   a second scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base;   said second scroll member being caused to orbit by a rotating driveshaft; and   an Oldham coupling constraining said second scroll member to orbital movement when driven by said rotating driveshaft, said Oldham coupling being formed such that a majority of its body is formed of a titanium material.   
   
   
       2 . The scroll compressor as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein titanium material is a pure titanium 
   
   
       3 . The scroll compressor as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein titanium material is a titanium alloy 
   
   
       4 . The scroll compressor as set in  claim 3 , wherein said titanium alloy is selected from the titanium alpha alloys. 
   
   
       5 . The scroll compressor as set in  claim 3 , wherein said titanium alloy is selected from the titanium beta alloys. 
   
   
       6 . The scroll compressor as set in  claim 3 , wherein said titanium alloy is selected from the titanium alpha-beta alloys. 
   
   
       7 . The scroll compressor as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said rotating driveshaft is driven by an electric motor 
   
   
       8 . The scroll compressor as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein an engine drives said rotating driveshaft 
   
   
       9 . The scroll compressor as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said driveshaft includes an eccentric pin, said eccentric pin being received within a slider block, said slider block being received within a boss extending from a rear face extending from said second scroll member. 
   
   
       10 . The scroll compressor as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the entirety of the Oldham coupling is formed of a titanium material. 
   
   
       11 . The scroll compressor as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the Oldham coupling is cast of the titanium material.