Abstract: In a co-rotational scroll apparatus having two interleaving scroll wraps secured to end plates rotating about parallel, non-concentric axes to produce a relative orbital motion, a coupling for causing concurrent rotation and for enhancing the nutational stability of the scroll element. In the preferred embodiment, the nutation reducing means is comprised of an Oldham-type coupling engaging extension members on one of the scroll end plates and drive keys on the other respective end plate. The angular disposition thereof is optimized to cause the Oldham coupling to generate during rotation a moderating moment load in opposition to the tipping moment load of at least one of the scroll elements and thereby enhance the nutational stability of the scroll elements. The moderating moment load of the coupling imposed on the scroll elements may be altered by varying the angular and radial disposition of the center of gravity of the coupling.

Abstract: Fluid apparatus of the scroll-type are disclosed wherein radially compliant means effect relative orbital motion between first and second wrap elements such that actual moving line contact occurs between their flank surfaces, and wherein linkage means interconnect one of the wrap elements and crankshaft means such that a component of the force acting therebetween is imposed upon the wrap element in a radially outward direction in order to provide a sealing or contact force between the wrap elements. Counterweight means impose a force upon the wrap element in a radially inward direction which is substantially equal to the centrifugal force experienced thereby, whereby the contact force is made independent of the operating speed of the apparatus and self-compensating with respect to pressure conditions therein.

Abstract: In a co-rotating scroll apparatus wherein one scroll is a drive scroll and the other scroll is an idler scroll, an axial pressure balancing mechanism and means for discharge pressure balancing is disclosed. The drive scroll wrap is provided with an end plate having a plurality of extension members extending thereform. The extension members extend through corresponding slots in an Oldham coupling ring to drive the idler scroll in relative orbital rotation. The extension members further extend through clearance slots in the end plate of the idler scroll to secure a compression plate and spring biasing the end plate of the idler scroll toward the drive scroll to provide improved axial compliance between the scrolls. Means for axial pressure balancing of the idler scroll shaft and the drive scroll drive shaft are disclosed. The apparatus also includes axial thrust bearings for preventing axial oscillations of the drive and idler scrolls.

Abstract: This invention is an improved "Oldham coupling" for use in a scroll machine to prevent angular rotation of one of the scroll members relative to the other. The coupling is of simplified one-piece construction that can be stamped from sheet metal in a single operation. The preferred embodiment is an oval-shaped stamped ring having four tabs extending from its perimeter at 90.degree. intervals. Two of the tabs, at opposite sides of the ring, slidingly engage slots in one of the orbiting scroll members while the other two tabs slidingly engage slots disposed either in the stationary frame of the scroll machine or in the other scroll member.

Abstract: In a hermetic compressor, a seal extending between a suction port and a second port in fluid communication with an internal chamber disposed adjacent an electric motor. The seal includes a cylindrical tubular member, one end of which slidingly fits within the suction port. A slotted conical flange on the other end of the tubular member fits around the port on the chamber. When a suction line is attached to the suction port with a threaded nut and fitting, it abuts against the projecting end of the tubular member, forcing the cone-shaped flange on the other end of the tubular member to flatten slightly as it seats against the external surface of the chamber. Most of the suction fluid entering the suction port flows through the tubular member into the chamber and through the electric motor to cool it. The compliant flange on the seal allows substantial tolerance in the spacing and angular displacement of the port in the internal chamber relative to the suction port in the shell.

Abstract: A scroll compressor enclosed in a hermetic shell, wherein part of the volume enclosed by the shell is at suction pressure and part is at discharge pressure. The compressor includes both a stationary and a driven scroll plate, with intermeshed involute wrap elements attached to the plates for defining pockets in which fluid is compressed as a drive shaft connected to the driven plate causes it to orbit relative to the stationary scroll plate. A passage disposed within the driven plate and adjacent its axial center conveys compressed fluid through the plate and into a cavity formed in the end of the drive shaft. Oil entrained in the compressed fluid is thrown radially outward within the cavity, due to centrifugal force, and is thereby separated from the compressed fluid. The oil then flows through an adjacent bearing, and is thrown radially outward, creating a spray that impinges on a seal which abuts the back surface of the driven scroll plate.

Abstract: A scroll compressor in which a fluid compressed by the machine is applied to one side of an orbiting scroll plate to provide an axial sealing force directed toward an opposing stationary scroll plate. Intermeshed involute wrap elements on facing surfaces of the two scroll plates define pockets in which the fluid is compressed as a motor drives one of the plates in an orbital motion relative to the other. Both the motor and scroll plates are enclosed in a hermetic shell. The volume enclosed by the shell is divided by the driven scroll plate and an internal supporting frame into one part that is at suction pressure and another part at discharge pressure. A seal extending from the frame abuts the back side of the driven scroll plate and defines the relative areas of that plate which are exposed to suction and discharge pressure.

Abstract: A system for lubricating the main drive shaft bearings in a scroll compressor enclosed within a hermetic shell. The drive shaft and its main bearings are supported in a frame that defines first and second chambers adjacent each end of a main bearing. Each of the chambers includes an opening to a spatial volume contained within the compressor shell. An oil pump at the lower end of the drive shaft supplies oil through a bore in the shaft to a swing link bearing and a thrust bearing, both disposed adjacent its upper end. Oil is dispersed into the spatial volume as a mist of oil droplets by the rotating elements connected to the drive shaft. Fan means are disposed within the second chamber and are operative to develop a differential pressure between the two chambers so that oil droplets are drawn toward the first chamber, lubricating the main bearing as they pass through it.

Abstract: Apparatus for unloading a scroll compressor to modulate its capacity by separately controlling fluid flow into first and second inlets. The first and second inlets are disposed diametrically opposite each other in a fixed scroll plate, and are enclosed by a perimeter wrap which extends from the radially outer end of the fixed spiral shaped wrap element. A compliant sealing member is provided between the inner surface of the perimeter wrap and the outer flank surface of the orbiting scroll wrap to interrupt fluid flow between the two inlets through this area. Valves connected to the first and second inlets selectively control the flow of suction fluid into fluid pockets being formed between the radially outer ends of the orbiting and fixed wrap elements to unload the compressor over an extended range of its rated output capacity.

Abstract: In a scroll compressor, means for maintaining the motion of an orbiting plate in fixed angular relationship to a stationary plate and for modulating the capacity of the compressor. The orbiting and stationary plates include intermeshed wrap elements of similar spiral shape about an axis. A coupling ring is slideably disposed between the plates and sealingly encloses the wrap elements. Four slots are provided in the coupling ring, aligned at right angles to each other and spaced apart around its inner circumference. Three segments, extending outward from the wrap elements, sealingly engage these slots. The fourth slot is engaged by a sliding key attached to one of the plates. The segments separate a first and a second fluid inlet and cooperate with the slots in the coupling ring to constrain the orbiting plate's motion in fixed angular relationship to the stationary plate.

Abstract: An oil distribution system for lubricating bearings in a scroll compressor. The system includes an oil collector cup attached to the lower surface of a swing link. Oil pumped through an internal passage in a rotating drive shaft is retained in the collector cup when the compressor stops, so that it is immediately available to lubricate adjacent bearings upon restart of the machine. Also disclosed in two embodiments are means for distributing and properly allocating the flow of oil between a thrust bearing and a swing link bearing.

Abstract: A gas compressor of the scroll type is disclosed wherein unloader means are provided for selectively varying its capacity by effectively delaying the point at which the closed moving volumes defined between the wrap elements begin compression. To this end, passage means extend through the end plate means of the compressor from a location in communication with the closed moving volumes to a location in communication with working gas normally at suction pressure during operation of the compressor. Valve means are provided for selectively blocking flow through the aforementioned passage means, whereby the compressor operates at a relatively high capacity; and for permitting flow through the passage means, whereby gas is exhausted via the passage means to suction pressure as the closed moving volumes progress radially inwardly to a predetermined position at which compression is permitted to begin.