Abstract: A scroll compressor has a stepped wrap such that there is a greater height outer portion and a lesser height more central portion. Bypass ports are associated with the transition zone between the higher and lesser height portions. By providing the bypass port in a stepped scroll compressor, greater reductions in capacity can be achieved than have been provided in the prior art.

Abstract: A self-modulating scroll compressor includes a built-in volume ratio that is defined as the ratio of a volume of a compression pocket just after completion of suction, i.e. at a beginning of a compression cycle, to the volume of the compression pocket just prior to discharge, i.e. at the end of the compression cycle. The built-in volume ratio can be controlled by the geometry of the scrolls and can be modified by, for example, extending the wrap or adding more turns to the wrap. Because the built-in volume ratio decreases to an effective volume ratio at lower capacity operation, the built-in volume ratio is at least 2.4 in order to optimize overall compressor efficiency.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided with an orifice plug inserted into an oil passage. The plug has an opening which is positioned to restrict the flow of oil through the passage, and in particular at higher speeds. The opening is formed at an outer periphery of the plug, and may be positioned at a location spaced furthest from the center of rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap that extends from the base to define a portion of a compression chamber. The scroll member is made of a cast iron material comprising a microstructure having graphite nodules.

Abstract: A thermostat for sensing an unduly high temperature in a sealed compressor, which is a scroll compressor in the disclosed embodiment, extends through the housing of the sealed compressor into the body of a non-orbiting scroll. Since the thermostat extends through the housing, the wires need not be sealed as they extend from the housing. Still, the thermostat is positioned close to the compression chambers and at a location that will quickly heat when undesirable conditions exist within the sealed compressor. In this manner, the present invention is able to rapidly respond to an undesirable situation to allow a system control to have an indication of the undesired condition.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has a stop on its eccentric pin to selectively engage a notch in a slider block, and prevent the slider block from moving upwardly and contacting a rear surface of the orbiting scroll. The present invention prevents this unwanted contact, and the resultant wear.

Abstract: A compressor is provided with a dimple and a lower end cap to receive a positioning fixture pin to position the lower end cap prior to a welding operation. The use of the dimple ensures the lower end cap is properly positioned when welding occurs. In the past, lower end caps have often been mis-aligned when welded to the center shell. Further, the dimple provides the dual function of positioning a magnet within the compressor housing.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap that extends from the base to define a portion of a compression chamber. The scroll member is made of a cast iron material comprising a microstructure having graphite nodules.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has a stop on its eccentric pin to selectively engage a notch in a slider block, and prevent the slider block from moving upwardly and contacting a rear surface of the orbiting scroll. The present invention prevents this unwanted contact, and the resultant wear.

Abstract: A slider block for a scroll compressor has a recess formed in a wall between a flat portion on the outer surface and a chamfer formed on the inner surface. The recess eliminates a high stress area of the prior art, and reduces cracks originating from this area of the slider block.

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 has a novel slider block with an upper surface that extends for a greater extent than the prior art. By extending this upper surface, the upper surface is better able to withstand wear on the slider block during the life of the scroll compressor.

Abstract: A thermostat for sensing an unduly high temperature in a sealed compressor, which is a scroll compressor in the disclosed embodiment, extends through the housing of the sealed compressor into the body of a non-orbiting scroll. Since the thermostat extends through the housing, the wires need not be sealed as they extend from the housing. Still, the thermostat is positioned close to the compression chambers and at a location that will quickly heat when undesirable conditions exist within the sealed compressor. In this manner, the present invention is able to rapidly respond to an undesirable situation to allow a system control to have an indication of the undesired condition.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap that extends from the base to define a portion of a compression chamber. The scroll member is made of a cast iron material comprising a microstructure having graphite nodules.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has a novel slider block with an upper surface that extends for a greater extent than the prior art. By extending this upper surface, the upper surface is better able to withstand wear on the slider block during the life of the scroll compressor.

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 discharge valve is incorporated into a scroll compressor, and in a boss from a non-orbiting scroll. A valve stop is mounted in the boss, and the boss is sealed within an opening in a separator plate. The present invention provides a discharge valve within a scroll compressor having a separator plate while providing a more simplified construction over the prior art.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has an eccentric pin that extends forwardly of a rotating shaft. The eccentric pin generally has a curved outer portion and a flat outer portion. Each of the flat and curved outer portions have fillets that are formed to merge the eccentric pin portions into an end surface or shoulder on the shaft. The fillets are formed to have a relatively complex shape with more than a single radius of curvature. In one embodiment, there are two radii of curvature, with a greater radius of curvature formed to extend from an outer periphery of the eccentric pin, and merge into a second portion having the lesser radius of curvature that merges from the first portion downwardly into the shoulder. In a second embodiment, the fillet generally has the shape of one quarter of an ellipse.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has an eccentric pin that extends forwardly of a rotating shaft. The eccentric pin generally has a curved outer portion and a flat outer portion. Each of the flat and curved outer portions have fillets that are formed to merge the eccentric pin portions into an end surface or shoulder on the shaft. The fillets are formed to have a relatively complex shape with more than a single radius of curvature. In one embodiment, there are two radii of curvature, with a greater radius of curvature formed to extend from an outer periphery of the eccentric pin, and merge into a second portion having the lesser radius of curvature that merges from the first portion downwardly into the shoulder. In a second embodiment, the fillet generally has the shape of one quarter of an ellipse.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided with an oil return tube having an outlet for directing oil toward a motor protector for an electric motor. The oil supply tube is positioned to be at an angle relative to the drive axis of a shaft driven by the electric motor. This ensures that the outlet of the oil supply tube can be properly positioned relative to the electric motor. Under normal conditions, an adequate flow of refrigerant will pull the oil from the oil supply tube and away from the motor protector. However, should there be an inadequate flow of refrigerant within the sealed compressor, the oil will contact the motor protector, which in turn may stop operation of the electric motor.