Abstract: At least one bypass opening is formed in a base of a scroll member, and communicates with at least one compression chamber. The bypass opening communicates with a passage leading to a suction pressure chamber within a compressor shell. A valve includes an element electrically powered to move between a first position at which it blocks flow of refrigerant from the bypass port to the passage leading to the suction pressure chamber, and a second position at which it allows flow of refrigerant between the bypass port and the passage leading to the suction pressure chamber. A portion of the valve, which is electrically powered, is mounted outside of the compressor shell.

Abstract: A scroll compressor comprises a first scroll member having a generally spiral wrap and a second scroll member having a generally spiral wrap. The generally spiral wraps interfit to define compression chambers. A pair of ports leads from the compression chambers. A pair of valves selectively blocks flow of refrigerant from the ports leaving the compression chambers. The valves selectively control the flow such that flow may pass from neither of the two ports, from both of the two ports, or from only one of the two ports to provide three levels of capacity control.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a compressor shell having first and second scroll members. The scroll members each have a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base. The generally spiral wraps of the first and second scroll members interfit to define compression chambers. A shaft causes the second scroll member to orbit relative to the first scroll member. At least one bypass port is formed in a base of one scroll member, and communicates with at least one of the compression chambers. The bypass port communicates with a passage leading to a suction pressure chamber within the compressor shell. A solenoid valve is movable between a reduced capacity position and a full capacity position, and selectively supplies a pressurized fluid to a fluid valve associated with the bypass port, such that movement of the solenoid can control whether the bypass port is open or closed.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a compressor shell having first and second scroll members. The scroll members each have a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base. The generally spiral wraps of the first and second scroll members interfit to define compression chambers. A shaft causes the second scroll member to orbit relative to the first scroll member. At least one bypass port is formed in a base of one scroll member, and communicates with at least one of the compression chambers. The bypass port communicates with a passage leading to a suction pressure chamber within the compressor shell. A solenoid valve is movable between a reduced capacity position and a full capacity position, and selectively supplies a pressurized fluid to a fluid valve associated with the bypass port, such that movement of the solenoid can control whether the bypass port is open or closed.

Abstract: At least one bypass opening is formed in a base of a scroll member, and communicates with at least one compression chamber. The bypass opening communicates with a passage leading to a suction pressure chamber within a compressor shell. A valve includes an element electrically powered to move between a first position at which it blocks flow of refrigerant from the bypass port to the passage leading to the suction pressure chamber, and a second position at which it allows flow of refrigerant between the bypass port and the passage leading to the suction pressure chamber. A portion of the valve, which is electrically powered, is mounted outside of the compressor shell.

Abstract: A scroll compressor comprises a first scroll member having a generally spiral wrap and a second scroll member having a generally spiral wrap. The generally spiral wraps interfit to define compression chambers. A pair of ports leads from the compression chambers. A pair of valves selectively blocks flow of refrigerant from the ports leaving the compression chambers. The valves selectively control the flow such that flow may pass from neither of the two ports, from both of the two ports, or from only one of the two ports to provide three levels of capacity control.

Abstract: A scroll compressor assembly includes a shaft having an eccentric pin that orbits a first scroll member relative to a second scroll member. The eccentric pin has a length extending from a base end to a distal end, which defines a contact area having a slight crown that engages a slider block. The contact area is moved toward the distal end of the eccentric pin to improve the stability of at least one of the first and second scroll members.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a protection device that has a valve movable between a position blocking flow from the back pressure chamber into the suction chamber, and a position allowing such flow. The valve is movable dependent on an oil temperature. Under adverse conditions, the oil will reach higher temperatures and the valve will open allowing flow of refrigerant from the back pressure chamber into the suction chamber. This refrigerant will likely be at an elevated temperature, and will assist the heated oil in moving a motor protection switch associated with the motor to shut down the motor. Moreover, by relieving the back pressure chamber, the two scroll members are allowed to move out of contact with each other, thereby reducing potential damage due to the adverse conditions.

Abstract: A cooling passage is formed through the wrap of a non-orbiting scroll. The cooling passage communicates with suction pressure refrigerant and passes the suction pressure refrigerant through both the base and the wrap of the non-orbiting scroll to cool an interface between suction pressure chamber and discharge pressure chambers. Preferably the cooling passage extends for a relatively great circumferential extent, and preferably more than 45°. More preferably the passage extends for more than 90°. The cooling passage provides a heat barrier increasing the efficiency of compression. Moreover, by having the suction pressure flow to the interface between the thicker portion of the wrap and the opposed base of the orbiting scroll, several benefits are obtained with regard to reliable operation of the scroll compressor.