Abstract: A scroll compressor has a sealed housing. Within the sealed housing is a first scroll member having a first base and a first generally spiral wrap extending form the first base. A second scroll member has a second base and a second generally spiral wrap extending from the base. The wraps of the first and second scroll members interfit to define compression chambers. A motor drives the second scroll member to orbit relative to the first scroll member. A valve controls the communication of gas between the compression chambers and a discharge pressure chamber. The valve is retained within a valve chamber of the first scroll member. A valve retainer is used to keep the valve within the valve chamber. The valve retainer is attached to the first scroll member by a snap fit connection.

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 non-orbiting scroll has structure which interfits with the crankcase towers. The crankcase towers are circumferentially spaced by gaps, and the non-orbiting scroll has tabs which extend into those gaps. The crankcase towers preferably fit into grooves in the non-orbiting scroll. The crankcase towers and the grooves on the non-orbiting scroll properly position the non-orbiting scroll and the crankcase relative to each other. The tabs extending into the gaps between the crankcase towers prevent the ingress of welding material into the compressor housing.