Abstract: Several transmission embodiments selectively communicate rotary drive to an orbiting scroll to achieve capacity modulation. In these embodiments, when the motor is driven in a first direction, the orbiting scroll is driven at a rate which is equal to the motor speed. However, if the motor is driven in a reverse direction, the orbit rate of the orbiting scroll is reduced. The transmission ensures that the orbiting scroll member itself is driven in the proper forward direction regardless of whether the motor is being driven in forward or reverse.

Abstract: Scroll compressors include a tap for communicating a compressed refrigerant to a back pressure chamber to resist a separating force. A restriction is placed within this tap to slow build-up of the back pressure chamber at start-up. Further, the restriction smoothes out any fluctuations in the back pressure force as the pressure in the compression chamber from which the refrigerant is tapped may fluctuate.

Abstract: Scroll compressors include a tap for communicating a compressed refrigerant to a back pressure chamber to resist a separating force. A restriction is placed within this tap to slow build-up of the back pressure chamber at start-up. Further, the restriction smoothes out any fluctuations in the back pressure force as the pressure in the compression chamber from which the refrigerant is tapped may fluctuate.

Abstract: Scroll compressors include a tap for communicating a compressed refrigerant to a back pressure chamber to resist a separating force. A restriction is placed within this tap to slow build-up of the back pressure chamber at start-up. Further, the restriction smoothes out any fluctuations in the back pressure force as the pressure in the compression chamber from which the refrigerant is tapped may fluctuate.

Abstract: Scroll compressors include a tap for communicating a compressed refrigerant to a back pressure chamber to resist a separating force. A restriction is placed within this tap to slow build-up of the back pressure chamber at start-up. Further, the restriction smoothes out any fluctuations in the back pressure force as the pressure in the compression chamber from which the refrigerant is tapped may fluctuate.

Abstract: Several transmission embodiments selectively communicate rotary drive to an orbiting scroll to achieve capacity modulation. In these embodiments, when the motor is driven in a first direction, the orbiting scroll is driven at a rate which is equal to the motor speed. However, if the motor is driven in a reverse direction, the orbit rate of the orbiting scroll is reduced. The transmission ensures that the orbiting scroll member itself is driven in the proper forward direction regardless of whether the motor is being driven in forward or reverse.

Abstract: Several transmission embodiments selectively communicate rotary drive to an orbiting scroll to achieve capacity modulation. In these embodiments, when the motor is driven in a first direction, the orbiting scroll is driven at a rate which is equal to the motor speed. However, if the motor is driven in a reverse direction, the orbit rate of the orbiting scroll is reduced. The transmission ensures that the orbiting scroll member itself is driven in the proper forward direction regardless of whether the motor is being driven in forward or reverse.

Abstract: Several transmission embodiments selectively communicate rotary drive to an orbiting scroll to achieve capacity modulation. In these embodiments, when the motor is driven in a first direction, the orbiting scroll is driven at a rate which is equal to the motor speed. However, if the motor is driven in a reverse direction, the orbit rate of the orbiting scroll is reduced. The transmission ensures that the orbiting scroll member itself is driven in the proper forward direction regardless of whether the motor is being driven in forward or reverse.

Abstract: Several transmission embodiments selectively communicate rotary drive to an orbiting scroll to achieve capacity modulation. In these embodiments, when the motor is driven in a first direction, the orbiting scroll is driven at a rate which is equal to the motor speed. However, if the motor is driven in a reverse direction, the orbit rate of the orbiting scroll is reduced. The transmission ensures that the orbiting scroll member itself is driven in the proper forward direction regardless of whether the motor is being driven in forward or reverse.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a non-orbiting scroll wherein the base is sealed to the housing. That is, the non-orbiting scroll provides the function of the scroll member, and also the function typically provided by a separator. A heat shield is positioned between the discharge pressure chamber and the base of the non-orbiting scroll. Leakage paths are provided to allow refrigerant to communicate between the discharge pressure chamber and spaces between the heat shield and the non-orbiting scroll.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has a check valve plate assembly with a reinforcing device to increase the strength of the check valve plate. The check valve plate is stamped from a relatively thin steel reed material. Notched areas are provided during stamping to enable the formation of rolled laterally spaced pins which provide an axis along which the check valve plate may pivot. The reinforcing device is in the form of a slot rolled pin, a spiral rolled pin, or a solid pin, fitted within a bore formed by the rolled laterally spaced pins of the check valve plate. The notched areas of the check valve plate are weakened due to the reduction of the local cross sectional area of the laterally spaced pins. Insertion of the reinforcing device significantly reduces the incidence of cracking that occurs at the notched areas of the check valve plate.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided within a sealed housing. Although the invention is shown with regard to a scroll compressor, it should be understood that aspects of the invention have benefit to any type sealed compressor. A lower bearing is attached directly to a housing end cap. The lower bearing is easily and accurately attached to the end cap, and reduces the complexity and cost of assembly of a sealed compressor. In particular, the end cap is provided with upset portions spaced circumferentially by gaps. The bearing is secured to the upset portions by welding. Oil can flow through the gaps and into a space beneath the bearing such that it can reach oil passages in the shaft.

Abstract: A sealed compressor incorporates a relatively thin counterweight. The relatively thin counterweight is able to fit within a much smaller space than prior art cast counterweights. The relatively thin counterweight allows the reduction of the overall length of the sealed compressor, and thus provides very valuable benefits.

Abstract: Several discharge check valve arrangements for scroll compressors move the check valve closer to the discharge port and the compression chambers. This reduces the amount of discharge pressure backflow, and thus reduces the amount of reverse rotation at shutdown. In one type of check valve arrangement, a plug is mounted within a check valve chamber to provide a stop for the check valve. The plug allows the check valve to seat against its valve seat while the compressor is operating to allow gas to flow around the check valve into a discharge plenum. At shutdown, the check valve arrangement is constructed to cause the check valve to rapidly close the discharge port. In other arrangements, the discharge check valve assembly may be mounted in a separator plate as a separate valve plug. This embodiment is similar to an earlier embodiment in the basic operation of the check valve.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided with structure that allows a reduction or modulation in mass flow capacity. Structure is provided for controlling the back pressure force tending to bias one scroll into other. This structure defines two distinct back pressure chambers. Pressure fluid is not supplied to at least one of the back pressure chambers during modulated operation.

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 (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.