Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a first scroll member, a second scroll member, and an aerostatic thrust bearing. The aerostatic thrust bearing forms a layer of gas between the second scroll member and a fixed supporting member to support the second scroll member as the second scroll member rotates and/or orbits. Also disclosed is a method of supporting a rotating/orbiting scroll member in a scroll compressor. The method including supplying pressurized gas to an aerostatic thrust bearing such that a layer of gas is formed between the rotating/orbiting scroll member and a fixed supporting member.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a first scroll member, a second scroll member, and an aerostatic thrust bearing. The aerostatic thrust bearing forms a layer of gas between the second scroll member and a fixed supporting member to support the second scroll member as the second scroll member rotates and/or orbits. Also disclosed is a method of supporting a rotating/orbiting scroll member in a scroll compressor. The method including supplying pressurized gas to an aerostatic thrust bearing such that a layer of gas is formed between the rotating/orbiting scroll member and a fixed supporting member.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a first scroll member, a second scroll member, and an aerostatic thrust bearing. The aerostatic thrust bearing forms a layer of gas between the second scroll member and a fixed supporting member to support the second scroll member as the second scroll member rotates and/or orbits. Also disclosed is a method of supporting a rotating/orbiting scroll member in a scroll compressor. The method including supplying pressurized gas to an aerostatic thrust bearing such that a layer of gas is formed between the rotating/orbiting scroll member and a fixed supporting member.

Abstract: A crankshaft assembly for a scroll compressor is disclosed. The crankshaft assembly includes a crankpin having a plurality of apertures therethrough. A crankshaft body has an aperture therethrough. The aperture of the crankshaft and one of the plurality of apertures of the crankpin being aligned when in an assembled state such that in operation fluid flows between the aperture of the crankshaft body and the one of the plurality of apertures of the crankpin. The crankshaft body includes a second aperture aligned with a second of the plurality of apertures of the crankpin. The crankpin and the crankshaft body are separate members. A fastener extends through the second of the plurality of apertures of the crankpin and into the second aperture of the crankshaft body to secure the crankpin and the crankshaft body together in the assembled state.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a first scroll member, a second scroll member, and an aerostatic thrust bearing. The aerostatic thrust bearing forms a layer of gas between the second scroll member and a fixed supporting member to support the second scroll member as the second scroll member rotates and/or orbits. Also disclosed is a method of supporting a rotating/orbiting scroll member in a scroll compressor. The method including supplying pressurized gas to an aerostatic thrust bearing such that a layer of gas is formed between the rotating/orbiting scroll member and a fixed supporting member.

Abstract: A crankshaft assembly for a scroll compressor is disclosed. The crankshaft assembly includes a crankpin having a plurality of apertures therethrough. A crankshaft body has an aperture therethrough. The aperture of the crankshaft and one of the plurality of apertures of the crankpin being aligned when in an assembled state such that in operation fluid flows between the aperture of the crankshaft body and the one of the plurality of apertures of the crankpin. The crankshaft body includes a second aperture aligned with a second of the plurality of apertures of the crankpin. The crankpin and the crankshaft body are separate members. A fastener extends through the second of the plurality of apertures of the crankpin and into the second aperture of the crankshaft body to secure the crankpin and the crankshaft body together in the assembled state.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a first scroll member, a second scroll member, and an aerostatic thrust bearing. The aerostatic thrust bearing forms a layer of gas between the second scroll member and a fixed supporting member to support the second scroll member as the second scroll member rotates and/or orbits. Also disclosed is a method of supporting a rotating/orbiting scroll member in a scroll compressor. The method including supplying pressurized gas to an aerostatic thrust bearing such that a layer of gas is formed between the rotating/orbiting scroll member and a fixed supporting member.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a first scroll member, a second scroll member, and an aerostatic thrust bearing. The aerostatic thrust bearing forms a layer of gas between the second scroll member and a fixed supporting member to support the second scroll member as the second scroll member rotates and/or orbits. Also disclosed is a method of supporting a rotating/orbiting scroll member in a scroll compressor. The method including supplying pressurized gas to an aerostatic thrust bearing such that a layer of gas is formed between the rotating/orbiting scroll member and a fixed supporting member.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a first scroll member, a second scroll member, and an aerostatic thrust bearing. The aerostatic thrust bearing forms a layer of gas between the second scroll member and a fixed supporting member to support the second scroll member as the second scroll member rotates and/or orbits. Also disclosed is a method of supporting a rotating/orbiting scroll member in a scroll compressor. The method including supplying pressurized gas to an aerostatic thrust bearing such that a layer of gas is formed between the rotating/orbiting scroll member and a fixed supporting member.

Abstract: An assembly includes a composite metal-polymer bushing having an outer metal layer with an inner surface, metal particles sintered to the inner surface, a polymer material between the metal particles, a finished interior surface collectively defined by the polymer material and exposed portions of the metal particles, a plurality of interstices formed between the metal particles and the polymer material, and a plurality of ridges defined by the polymer material that protrude above the metal particles. The ridges occupy at least about 8% of the area of a cylindrical reference surface nominally coinciding with the finished interior surface. The assembly also includes a crankshaft having a journal at least partially received within the bushing and supported by the finished interior surface. The journal is polished to a surface finish of about 0.1 microns or less to reduce a wear rate of the bushing.

Abstract: An assembly includes a composite metal-polymer bushing having an outer metal layer with an inner surface, metal particles sintered to the inner surface, a polymer material between the metal particles, a finished interior surface collectively defined by the polymer material and exposed portions of the metal particles, a plurality of interstices formed between the metal particles and the polymer material, and a plurality of ridges defined by the polymer material that protrude above the metal particles. The ridges occupy at least about 8% of the area of a cylindrical reference surface nominally coinciding with the finished interior surface. The assembly also includes a crankshaft having a journal at least partially received within the bushing and supported by the finished interior surface. The journal is polished to a surface finish of about 0.1 microns or less to reduce a wear rate of the bushing.

Abstract: Lubrication of bearing surfaces in a scroll compressor is enhanced by a vent arrangement which makes use of increased centrifugal force, achieved by locating the outlet of the vent arrangement radially outside of the nominal circumference of the compressor's drive shaft, to both remove refrigerant gas from compressor locations where such gas can inhibit the flow and delivery of lubricant to such surfaces and to increase the lift of lubricant out of the compressor's lubricant sump. Oil retained in the upper surface of the compressor drive shaft is made immediately available for bearing lubrication upon compressor start-up to further enhance compressor lubrication.