Masafumi Ito

Title: Masafumi Ito: Innovator in Variable Displacement Compressors

Introduction

Masafumi Ito is a prominent inventor based in Kariya, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of compressor technology, holding a total of 11 patents. His innovative designs have advanced the efficiency and functionality of variable displacement compressors.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is for a variable displacement compressor that features a drive shaft with a gas passage extending between its front and rear ends. This design connects to a suction chamber at the rear end of the drive shaft. The drive shaft includes a first gas inlet passage that connects the gas passage to a crank chamber through a lip seal, an oil chamber, and a thrust bearing. Additionally, a second gas inlet passage connects the gas passage to the central portion of the crank chamber. The drive shaft is equipped with a sleeve that moves along the drive shaft as a swash plate inclines, adjusting the open amount of the second gas inlet passage according to the inclination angle of the swash plate, thereby controlling the compressor's displacement.

Another notable patent involves compressors that include a suction port for drawing refrigerant and a discharge port for releasing compressed refrigerant. In this design, a driving shaft is situated within a compressor driving chamber, and a swash plate is coupled to the driving shaft in an inclinable and slidable manner. The swash plate rotates at an inclination angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the driving shaft. A piston within a cylinder bore compresses the refrigerant in response to the rotation of the inclined swash plate. A hinge mechanism connects the swash plate with the rotor, allowing torque transmission from the driving shaft to the swash plate, regardless of its inclination angle.

Career Highlights

Masafumi Ito has worked with notable companies such as Toyota Industries Corporation and Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha. His experience in these organizations has allowed him to refine his skills and contribute to groundbreaking innovations in compressor technology.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Masafumi Ito has collaborated with talented individuals, including Kazuya Kimura and Hiroaki Kayukawa. These partnerships have fostered a creative environment that has led to the development of advanced technologies.

Conclusion

Masafumi Ito's contributions to the field of variable displacement compressors demonstrate his innovative spirit and technical