Cross groove joint socket plate torque restraint assembly for a variable displacement compressor

摘要

An assembly for providing socket plate torque restraint for a variable displacement wobble plate refrigerant compressor includes a non-rotary cross groove joint. The joint has a cylindrical outer race, a cylindrical inner race, slightly angled helical grooves in the races, a plurality of torque receiving balls and a cage for properly maintaining and positioning the balls in the cooperating grooves for operation. The joint is connected to a fixed anti-rotational shaft. The shaft is in the form of a sleeve and forms the inner race to effect torque restraint, but at the same time allow for translational axial motion of the socket plate. Radial and thrust bearings mount said socket plate relative to the rotary hub/journal. Lubricating fluid carried by the gaseous refrigerant lubricates the grooves and is then transferred by a passage extending from the grooves in the outer race to the radial/thrust bearings. The cross groove joint provides the ideal kinematic restraint action for the socket plate; the grooves on said inner and outer races and said cage effectively maintaining the balls situated substantially in a single torque transmitting plane that defines and bisects the joint angle. The joint effectively transmits the restraining torque of the joint to the anti-rotational shaft in a manner effective to substantially eliminate torsional vibration.