Abstract: The slider block of a scroll compressor has an axial bore therein which is defined by a number of pads. The pads are axially and circumferentially spaced and collectively define a deflection bearing as well as the bore.

Abstract: The scroll elements of a scroll-type compressor are treated employing a lapping tool to achieve increased flatness of the base surface and increased smoothness of the side walls of the involute wrap. This reduces flank leakage, tip leakage, and thrust friction losses. The lapping device that is placed against the scroll element has a radially extending base and a generally spiral wrap, the wrap generally matching that of the scroll element workpiece. The lapping device wrap has axially erect walls and a radially flat tip surface. After engaging the scroll element work piece, the lapping device is moved relative to the scroll element in an orbiting motion. A suitable lapping compound is introduced at least between the lapping device wrap tip surface and the base surface of the scroll element, and, if desired, also between the side walls of the lapping device wrap and the side walls of the scroll element wrap. The lapping compound can be introduced directly or in a gas flow.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes an electric motor formed of a stator and a rotor, the rotor having a shaft which is supported by upper and lower bearings. To ensure precise alignment of the upper bearing, lower bearing, and stator within the tubular shell, the lower bearing is a two-piece assembly comprising an outer ring portion and an inner bearing plate. The upper bearing, the stator, and lower bearing outer fing portion are inserted into the tubular shell. An alignment arbor, in the form of a spindle carrying the lower bearing outer ring portion, is inserted into the stator. The upper bearing is installed in the shell onto the arbor. The alignment arbor is expanded against the stator, the upper bearing and the lower bearing outer ring portion to ensure precise alignment. Then the upper bearing, crankcase and lower bearing outer ring portion are affixed, e.g. welded to the tubular shell. The arbor is collapsed and withdrawn.

Abstract: A back pressure chamber seal for use in a scroll type compressor that is located between the adjacent surface on the back of the orbiting scroll and the machine casing. Seals are loosely received in endless grooves formed in one of the two adjacent surfaces and are magnetically held in contact against the other adjacent surface and one wall of the groove to provide a sealed region. A pressurized fluid is delivered into the sealed region to provide an axially disposed biasing force acting against the orbiting scroll.

Abstract: A tip seal for scroll type compressors is provided to seal the tips of the scroll wraps of the stationary and orbiting scrolls. The seal consists of a "C" shaped cross sectional spring formed to fit in a slot in the tip of the scroll wraps. The spring is coated with a Teflon based material to seal the scroll tip from the high pressure side to the low pressure side and the center of the "C" shaped cross sectional spring is filled with an O-ring type neoprene material extending through at least part of the length of the spring to seal the core of the spring against leakage of fluid being compressed.

Abstract: Leakage in a scroll wrap compressor is reduced by providing a roughened scroll wrap tip surface at the gap between the tip and the cooperating base so as to increase the frictional resistance to flow of fluid through the gap and to cause turbulence within the gap to further increase the resistance to the flow of fluid from the high pressure to the low pressure side across a scroll wrap tip. Various types of surfaces are shown for increasing the frictional resistance to flow such as knurling, grooving, cast cavities, metal particles and fibers and the like.

Abstract: A crankshaft having a main bearing portion, formed by metal forging, casting or powdered metallurgy, and having coupled thereto a rotor stub portion comprising a steel tube fixedly secured to the main bearing portion, such as by press fitting, friction or laser welding. The rotor stub portion of the crankshaft is formed with suitable oil hole passages to deliver oil through the rotor stub portion to any desired location along this portion of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has a pair of mating scrolls that are disposed on parallel, eccentric axes, and each of these scrolls has a scroll plate and a spiral, involute wrap. The scrolls are driven so that one of them orbits about the axis of the other scroll while maintaining a fixed azimuthal relationship to it. The orbital motion causes a compressible fluid to enter at the periphery of the scrolls, and be carried and compressed by pockets formed between the mating wraps of these scrolls. The compressed gas is discharged out a discharge port at the center of one of the scrolls. The discharge port is bored diagonally into the scroll plate of the one scroll so that it has an elongated elliptical aperture at the center of the scroll plate. The port is machined into the scroll from the wrap side of the scroll. The enlarged size of the port aperture reduces the resistance to fluid flow and hence reduces the back pressure, thereby increasing the compressor efficiency.

Abstract: The orientation of the elements of a slider block radial compliance mechanism for a scroll compressor is such that the point of application of the actuating force is shifted from a first line extending through the center of gravity of the counterweight and the axis of the crankshaft to a second line parallel to said first line and extending through the axis of the orbiting scroll. The result of the changed orientation is an increase in the magnitude of both the sealing force between the scroll elements and the actuating force to move the mechanism.

Abstract: A slider block radial compliance mechanism includes a slider block and a bearing seat which form a subassembly and are located in a circular counterbore in the crankshaft. The slider block has a bore which receives the boss of an orbiting scroll. The orbiting scroll and its boss are held to an orbiting motion while the slider block, bearing seat and crankshaft rotates as a unit with respect to the boss.

Abstract: A scroll-type compressor or other rotating machine employs a crankshaft having an integral counterweight to compensate for the off-axis orbiting motion of the device's orbiting scroll. The crankshaft is unitarily formed with a generally cylindrical crank portion at an upper end of the shaft, and with the counterweight formed immediately adjacent the crank. The counterweight is preferably in the form of a segment of a cylinder of smaller radius than that is disposed within the radius of the cylindrical passage of the stator. This permits the rotor and shaft assembly, with counterweight, to be assembled from below after installation of the stator.

Abstract: A hermetic vertical shaft compressor for refrigeration or air conditioning uses a single-stage centrifugal pump formed in the rotor assembly to lubricate bearing surfaces. Oil is picked up from a sump at the base of the rotor, and is thrown into an annulus in the rotor. From here the oil proceeds up axial slots formed in the rotor laminations to an upper annulus, where it feeds lubrication channels in the upper bearing. The shaft has a reduced diameter thereby reducing material costs and reducing hystersis and eddy current losses, while achieving increased pumping capacity and pressure.

Abstract: In a low side hermetic compressor, a small portion of the compressed refrigerant gas is diverted and discharged into the oil sump through an orifice into the upper level of the oil in the sump. This results in a supersaturated solution of refrigerant in oil in the upper level which drives the refrigerant out of the oil, thereby creating froth which provides sound reduction without disturbing the lower level which remains stratified.

Abstract: Two annular pressure pockets are used to push the orbiting scroll against the fixed scroll to minimize leakage. One pocket is at intermediate pressure and the other is at discharge pressure. The pockets are defined by the orbiting scroll and an axial ring carried by the orbiting scroll which permits the use of radial seals thereby essentially eliminating wear on the seals.

Abstract: Two annular pressure pockets are used to push the orbiting scroll against the fixed scroll to minimize leakage. One pocket is at intermediate pressure and the other is at discharge pressure. The pockets are defined by the orbiting scroll and an axial ring. In the preferred embodiment inner and outer seals are carried by the axial ring and an intermediate seal is carried by the orbiting scroll whereby the pressure pockets are of an eccentric configuration.

Abstract: The motion of the orbiting scroll is used to cause pumping of oil in a hermetic horizontal scroll compressor.

Abstract: Axial compliancy is achieved in a scroll compressor by providing a fluid pressure bias to the back of the orbiting scroll. The fluid pressure bias is supplied by one or more pockets configured to combine the efficient use of the available area with ease of manufacture.

Abstract: A hermetic horizontal scroll compressor uses the motion of the Oldham coupling to pump oil from the sump to a lubrication distribution system for the scroll compressor.

Abstract: In a low side hermetic compressor, a small portion of the compressed refrigerant gas is diverted and discharged into the oil sump through an orifice into the upper level of the oil in the sump. This results in a supersaturated solution of refrigerant in oil in the upper level which drives the refrigerant out of the oil, thereby creating froth which provides sound reduction without disturbing the lower level which remains stratified.

Abstract: A multi-functional, single member serves as a muffler to attenuate noise, as a separator plate between the suction and discharge gases/pressures, and to carry check valve structure to avoid reverse rotation and for efficiency enhancement at off-design conditions.