Abstract: A scroll compressor has a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll nested with one another within a shell. The orbiting scroll has a base plate with a pair of opposed slots formed therein, and a spiral wrap extending axially from the base plate. The fixed scroll has a base plate and a spiral wrap extending axially from the fixed scroll base plate nested with the spiral wrap of the orbiting scroll. A pair of towers extends axially downwardly from the fixed scroll base plate, each tower having a slot formed therein, diametrically opposed from the slot formed in the other tower. An Oldham coupling has an annular ring with an irregular oval profile which closely follows the outermost radial surface of the spiral wraps as the scroll compressor operates. The Oldham coupling also has an asymmetric shape with respect to any vertical plane bisecting a central axis of the Oldham coupling. A pair of opposed keys extend axially from a first surface of the Oldham coupling slidingly engaging the slots in the towers.

Abstract: A scroll compressor of the type having a cantilever mounted shaft is provided with a carbon crankcase bearing. Further, the bearing mounting the eccentric pin within the orbiting scroll is also formed of a carbon material. The bearing mounting the lower end of the shaft is further formed of the carbon material. The carbon bearing insures that the shaft will be quickly worn away should there be shaft misalignment.

Abstract: A scroll compressor of the type having a cantilever mounted shaft is provided with a carbon crank case bearing. The carbon bearing insures that the shaft will be quickly worn away should there be shaft misalignment.

Abstract: A sensor is provided for monitoring temperatures within a discharge tube on a scroll compressor. If the temperature is too high, this is an indication of the loss of charge situation. When the temperature on the discharge tube exceeds the temperature indicative of a loss of charge, then the motor is stopped. In one embodiment, a heat fusible link melts when the temperature is exceeded and sends a signal to a control to stop the motor. A repair person must then visit the compressor and repair the compressor before it can be restarted. In this way, the system provides a very inexpensive control for eliminating operation of the compressor and its associated refrigeration system in a loss of charge situation.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is mounted at an angle between vertical and horizontal. In this way, the overall height of the compressor is reduced compared to a vertical compressor. Thus, when only a smaller vertical size is available for mounting, the compressor will be useable. On the other hand, if the compressor were mounted directly horizontally, problems would arise with regard to providing proper lubrication. Since the compressor housing is angled, oil collects at an end of the housing remote from the pump unit. An oil delivery system is also provided including an oil slinger to deliver oil into an oil reservoir. An oil pickup tube associated with the shaft is received in the oil reservoir and delivers lubricant to locations along the shaft as needed.

Abstract: A number of scroll compressor designs protect the back chamber seals upon reverse rotation. In the prior art, scroll compressors are sometimes miswired and inadvertent reverse rotation results. In some applications, this has caused the seals to be crushed. The present invention ensures that upon reverse rotation, the pressure within the back chamber is maintained at suction pressure rather than the very low pressure which may be found in the compression chambers. The seals are protected. In one embodiment, a relief is formed at a seal groove to ensure suction pressure does communicate into the back chamber. In other embodiments, a valve controls the pressure in the back chamber. Upon normal operation, the valve allows pressure from the back pressure tap to communicate into the back chamber. During reverse rotation, the valve allows suction pressure to communicate to the back chamber.

Abstract: A scroll compressor housing has a center shell having an upper end defining an opening, and a top cap covering the opening and secured to the center shell. A crankcase is positioned within the housing. An orbiting scroll has a base plate and a spiral wrap extending axially from the orbiting scroll base plate. A fixed scroll has a base plate and a spiral wrap extending axially from the fixed scroll base plate nested with the spiral wrap of the orbiting scroll. A riser extends axially upwardly from the crankcase to provide a support surface for the fixed scroll. A radially extending flange on the crankcase is supported by an upper edge of the center shell and the fixed scroll is pinned between the top cap and the center shell. A fixed scroll seal sealingly engages the fixed scroll and the top cap to form a muffler chamber. A rabbet on the fixed scroll matingly engages a shoulder on the crankcase in order to fixedly align the fixed scroll and the crankcase.

Abstract: A scroll compressor (10) is disclosed which incorporates a magnet (88) in a depression (90) formed in the lower shell (12) by forming a coined surface (82). The depression forms a side wall (92) which confines the magnet therein so that no additional fastening mechanism is required. The magnet is preferably a ring magnet (88) which is centered about the rotational axis of the drive shaft (40) and near the end of the oil pick-up tube (62) so that oil passes close to the magnet (88) as it enters the oil pick-up tube. The magnet separates magnetic debris, such as metal filings, from the oil. In another embodiment, a pair of magnets (112) can be positioned in multiple coined surfaces on the lower shell.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has a recess communicating with a back pressure hole leading to a back pressure chamber. The recess may be formed in either the rear face of the orbiting scroll, or in the mating face of the crankcase. Preferably, the recess surrounds the orbiting axis of the orbiting scroll compressor, and may be circular. The recess serves to quickly supply fluid from the back pressure hole to the back pressure chamber. This is particularly valuable at startup of the scroll compressor. With the inventive recess, a test to determine whether the scroll compressor is capable of reaching its operative pressures may be performed more quickly and more accurately. The recess is preferably relatively shallow, and is preferably of a depth which is less than the diameter of the back pressure hole.

Abstract: Simplified capacity control mechanisms for scroll compressors include a fork operable to open and close vents associated with a pair of scroll compression chambers. A single fork opens and closes both vents simultaneously. In the past, separate members have been utilized to open and close the two individual valves, and they have sometimes been actuated in a non-synchronous manner. A control associated With the fork is operable to move the fork between the open and closed positions by simple electronic controls. In several embodiments, the electronic controls are operated simply to stop and start the electric motor for driving the compressor. Pressure forces on and associated valve element move the fork to the desired position between the open and closed positions. No separate control wires, or separate electronic valves, need to pass into the scroll housing. In another embodiment, an electric solenoid is actuated to move the fork between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A scroll compressor (10) is disclosed which includes a fixed scroll element (12) and an orbiting scroll element (14). Each of the scroll elements has a planar surface (18, 24) extending from the wrap on the element to the peripheral edge of the element. A relief area (56) is formed in each of the scroll elements through the planar surface to move the effective pivot point of the intermediate pressure force counteracting the tangential gas force radially inwardly toward the centerline of the scroll elements. A reduction in friction forces is the result, as well as a decrease in the time necessary to work in the scroll elements.