Abstract: The present invention is for the retention of a heat shield for a scroll compressor. In one embodiment, the heat shield is deformed into a position such that it rests in a groove located in the non-orbiting scroll. In another embodiment the housing end cap deforms the heat shield. The deformed position of the heat shield prevents flexing and vibrating found in heat shields of prior art. In addition the heat shield must have holes in it to allow for the discharge valve to pass through. The present invention is to put slots in the heat shield, thus preventing the need for exact alignment of the heat shield in position.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided with an oil reservoir that is self-regulating dependent on the overall lubricant level in the compressor. The reservoir is provided by a structural member having an inner rim and a bottom wall. The bottom wall is provided with a metering orifice that returns lubricant to the main sump. The metering orifice will ensure that undue amounts of lubricant are not maintained in the reservoir during low oil operation.

Abstract: An improved slider block for a scroll compressor has a bore including two spaced circular portions centered on a common axis. A recess is formed into one of the curved portions to provide additional clearance for movement of an eccentric pin. The recess allows the eccentric pin to move within the bore, as the relative position of the slider block and the eccentric pin move and change during operation of the scroll compressor. In a further embodiment, chamfers are formed at circumferential ends of a non-drive flat surface to merge that non-drive flat surface into the circular portions. This will ensure the slider block is properly positioned on smaller eccentric pins.

Abstract: A system includes a motor mounted within a housing and a compressor pump unit. A single-phase PSC motor includes a switch assembly which selectively connects primary or alternate windings. During normal load operation, when maximum efficiency is desired, the switch is placed in one position, then during high load operation, when maximum torque output is needed at maximum a load point, the switch is placed in the closed position. In effect, the number of main winding turns is decreased and the motor is strengthened. As the auxiliary capacitors are also now connected in parallel, the net effect is an increase in the total auxiliary capacitance, which also serves to strengthen the motor. Another embodiment provides a switch for a three-phase WYE connected motor. In yet another embodiment, a three phase delta connected motor switch is provided.

Abstract: A lower end cap for a scroll compressor includes a plurality of generally u-shaped surfaces, wherein the u-shaped surfaces have circumferentially spaced gaps. The gaps provide a location for mounting a weld seam from the center shell. The gaps are preferably machined at an outer periphery to provide a guiding surface for the center shell.

Abstract: Low voltage electrical power is supplied to a diagnostic control device in a sealed compressor. Electrical power is tapped from a high voltage power line and transformed to low voltage power that in turn operates the diagnostic control device. The diagnostic control device and the electric voltage transforming system are housed within the sealed compressor shell, thus eliminating the need for additional openings in the compressor shell. Other low voltage devices can be powered in this way.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes first and second scroll members having wraps interfitting to define compression chambers. As is known, a back pressure chamber is defined to hold the two scroll members in contact with each other. A valve is positioned to selectively block flow of refrigerant into the back pressure chamber, but is condition responsive to change the flow of refrigerant into the back pressure chamber dependent on conditions within the compressor. In one embodiment, the valve normally blocks a second tap which communicates with discharge pressure. If an elevated temperature is reached the valve moves to an open position and refrigerant can flow from the discharge pressure chamber into the back pressure chamber. In another embodiment, the valve selectively closes a lower pressure tap.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has a non-orbiting scroll axially secured within an end cap without being mechanically fixed to the end cap. The compressor is of the sort wherein the back pressure chamber is defined behind the orbiting scroll. In one embodiment a spring biases the non-orbiting scroll toward the orbiting scroll. In other embodiments the non-orbiting scroll is force fit within the end cap.

Abstract: A thermostat is positioned within a scroll compressor such that a thermostat switch is positioned in the non-orbiting scroll, and a body of the thermostat extends through the crankcase. The thermostat communicates with a heater associated with a motor protector circuit. Current is directed to the heater causing the heater to more promptly stop operation of the scroll compressor. A bias element holds the thermostat securely within the crankcase and non-orbiting scroll such that it will not rattle during operation. Several embodiments of the thermostat are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved scroll compressor has condition responsive lubricant volume flow. The lubricant is preferably delivered to a tap positioned adjacent the suction chamber such that lubricant is delivered into the scroll compressor in a quantity which is desirable for normal operation of the scroll compressor. A valve is associated with the tap, and restricts the flow of lubricant through the tap to a first more restrictive non-actuated position. If operational conditions within the scroll compressor indicate that a greater lubricant flow would be desirable, the valve moves to an actuated position at which it is less restrictive to the flow of lubricant.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided with a valve plate which selectively blocks communication between a tap and the back pressure chamber. The valve plate is configured such that it blocks communication during portions of the orbiting cycle and allows communication at other portions. In this way, a scroll compressor designer is able to select the portions of the compression cycle at which refrigerant is delivered to the back pressure chamber. A more consistent and stable operation of the scroll compressor can thus be achieved.

Abstract: An improved housing for scroll compressor has the end cap housing formed integrally with the fixed scroll member. The end cap housing is preferably welded to a tubular housing enclosing the scroll compressor. Most preferably, the end housing has inner and outer tubular portions and the tubular housing extends upwardly into a channel between the inner and outer tubular portions. A muffler is preferably formed integrally with the end cap and extends to a side of the end cap. The present invention further includes heat transfer fins extend from the end cap. The positioning of the muffler to the side decreases the overall length of the compressor. The use of the fins increases the efficiency of compression as heat is removed from the compression chambers. The use of the unique combined end cap and fixed scroll which is welded to the tubular housing simplifies assembly.

Abstract: A motor stator of a scroll compressor is formed of a plurality of force fit uncoated plates. As the outer periphery of the uncoated plates is slightly greater than the inner periphery of the housing, the plates are secured to the housing without the need of a coating. After force fitting the plates into the housing, a tool positioned above and below the plates presses the uncoated plates together to eliminate any space between the plates, forming a solid motor stator.

Abstract: The location of center of mass of an orbiting scroll is optimized by adding or removing mass at certain strategic locations on the orbiting scroll member. The center of mass is optimized to reduce alternating torsional moment acting on Oldham coupling. Reduction in alternating torsional moment minimizes unwanted radiated sound caused by Oldham coupling chatter.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a plurality of components which are force-fit together. The components include the separator plate, a pressure relief valve mounted in the separator plate, and a discharge tube. By force-fitting these components, the necessity of welding operations in the interior of the scroll member is eliminated. This will reduce the occurrence of weld splatter, which is undesirable. Further, the assembly of the scroll compressor is simplified by this invention.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided with a motor protector mounted at a location remote from the motor. The motor protector is of the sort which operates to stop operation of the motor both when the temperatures in the scroll compressor increases, and when the electrical characteristics of the power supplied to the motor depart from those from which are expected. Preferably, the motor protector is mounted in the non-orbiting scroll. Further, the invention includes means to increase the sensitivity of this motor protector to conditions indicative of an outdoor fan failure. In several embodiments, these means include a valve which opens to communicate hot discharge pressure refrigerant over the valve. In one other embodiment, this means is a heat sink operable to take heat away from the motor protector. In this last embodiment, when the volume flow of refrigerant decreases, the amount of heat taken away also decreases.

Abstract: A lower end cap for a scroll compressor includes a plurality of generally u-shaped surfaces, wherein the u-shaped surfaces have circumferentially spaced gaps. The gaps provide a location for mounting a weld seam from the center shell. The gaps are preferably machined at an outer periphery to provide a guiding surface for the center shell.

Abstract: An improved method of aligning the bearing components within a scroll compressor includes the step of mounting the crankcase to be an interference fit within the center shell, and having a surface abutting a true upper surface of the shell. This ensures that the axis of the bearing in the crankcase is idealized and centered on the center axis of the center shell. At the same time, the lower bearing is mounted on the lower end cap, and is also cut to be concentric with a force fit outer surface of the end cap. This ensures the lower bearing is also centered on the inner periphery of the center shell. Once it is ensured the center shell is true, then it is also thus ensured the upper and lower bearings are aligned on a common axis. An improved lower bearing structure with a reverse taper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has lubricant flow which passes lubricant over a portion of a compressor pump set which will be at an elevated temperature under certain adverse conditions. If the adverse conditions are occurring, then this lubricant will reach an elevated temperature. This lubricant is returned over a motor protector such that it can cause the motor protector to trip and stop further operation of the scroll compressor. The flow of lubricant can be selective, and only occur when a predetermined temperature is reached by a sensing unit, or can be ongoing.

Abstract: An improved method of providing lubricant to a drive flat interface between the eccentric pin and the slider block in a scroll compressor includes a notch for delivering the lubricant into the slider block bore. The notch preferably extends at a remote end of the slider block from the orbiting scroll. The notch communicates lubricant from a lubricant reservoir formed between a crankcase and the orbiting scroll boss. Further, the drive flat on the eccentric pin is preferably provided with a chamfer such that lubricant exiting the notch collects in a reservoir. The chamfer ensures that lubricant will be driven along the interface surface by ensuring that centrifugal forces will drive the lubricant only in one direction along the interface surface. In an alternative embodiment, the eccentric pin is simply constructed to provide this same feature.