Abstract: An improved bearing for a sealed compressor incorporates a bearing mount mounted radially outwardly of the bearing. Oil supply passages extend through the bearing mount to supply lubricant to the bearing. A magnet is positioned outwardly of the bearing mount, and will collect magnetic debris within the lubricant. The positioning of the magnet adjacent to the oil supply passages provides adequate removal of the debris in an efficient way.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes an oil supply cross-hole extending radially outwardly to the outer peripheral surface of the base of the orbiting scroll. The cross-hole supplies lubricant against the crankcase towers such that lubricant is supplied to both the Oldham coupling and the seals for the back pressure chamber. The cross-hole is preferably positioned to be between 80° and 90° downstream from the beginning of the orbiting scroll wrap. In this position, adequate oil will be supplied to lubricate the Oldham coupling and the seal, while at the same time, it is unlikely that an undue amount of lubricant will be allowed into the scroll compressor chambers.

Abstract: An unloader valve for a scroll compressor to selectively communicate suction and discharge is positioned outwardly of the compressor housing. In this way, the unloader valve is ideally positioned to address several system failures. As an example, loss or charge, reverse running, fan failure, etc. are all addressed in an efficient and quick manner. The unloader valve may be the normal unloader valve controlled by a system control which also selectively controls capacity. The unloader valve control is modified such that it is also operable to open the unloader valve when a system failure is detected.

Abstract: An improved scroll compressor having an axially movable non-orbiting scroll eliminates the need for a separator plate. With the elimination of the separator plate, a back pressure chamber is provided to resist the discharge pressure which will be directed against a rear face of the non-orbiting scroll. In other embodiments, a seal on the rear of the non-orbiting scroll contacts the inner periphery of the end cap. Various ways of increasing the discharge pressure volume, or eliminating undesirable noise are also disclosed. Further, several ways of connecting the end cap to the center shell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has a non-orbiting scroll axially secured within an end cap without being mechanically fixed to the end cap. The compressor is of the sort wherein the back pressure chamber is defined behind the orbiting scroll. In one embodiment a spring biases the non-orbiting scroll toward the orbiting scroll. In other embodiments the non-orbiting scroll is force fit within the end cap.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided that has greater control over the compressed volume by having a plurality of sequentially spaced unloader valves and associated holes. By providing the plurality of valves, a control achieves greater variation over the final compressed volume. The present invention is most preferably utilized in the type of scroll compressor having a hybrid wrap geometry to provide an increased volume of refrigerant adjacent the suction area of the compressor.

Abstract: A compressor diagnostic system incorporates a control which receives a plurality of data streams about various operational features of the compressor. As an example, both temperature and pressure of the suction and discharge refrigerant are taken and sent to the control. Moreover, information with regard to the power being supplied to the motor is taken and stored. All of this information is utilized at a control which compares the information to expected values and determines a fault based upon the evaluation. Moreover, in another feature of this invention, much of this data is stored, and maintained at the compressor. In the event of a compressor failure, this stored information will provide a maintenance worker with a good indication of why the compressor failed.

Abstract: A refrigerant cycle is provided with an expansion device that is movable between a normal mode of operation and a low charge mode of operation. In the low charge mode of operation, the expansion device does not lower the pressure of the refrigerant as much as it does in its normal mode of operation. In this way, the relatively high pressure ratios that are experienced by a compressor during a low charge operation will not be experienced. Instead, the pressure ratio across the compressor is reduced during low charge operation, and the compressor will be better protected.

Abstract: A low cost protective clutch member is positioned adjacent an end of the drive shaft in a scroll compressor. The device is a thin washer having a tab which is selectively driven against the housing stop when the compressor is driven in a forward direction, but is movable into a notch in the shaft when the shaft is driven in a reverse direction. The tab prevents rotation of the shaft when in the notch.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided with a clutch to minimize or eliminate the detrimental effects of reverse rotation. Generally, the clutch prevents rotation of the shaft during both powered and unpowered reverse rotation. The clutch could be subject to damage during powered reverse rotation, and thus a clutch protection mechanism is incorporated that will prevent the clutch from moving to an actuated position if powered reverse rotation occurs.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided with a clutch to minimize or eliminate the detrimental effects of reverse rotation. Generally, the clutch prevents rotation of the shaft during both powered and unpowered reverse rotation. The clutch could be subject to damage during powered reverse rotation, and thus a clutch protection mechanism is incorporated that will prevent the clutch from moving to an actuated position if powered reverse rotation occurs.

Abstract: A number of improvements increase the flow of lubricant within a scroll compressor. A centrifugal oil separator is mounted on the discharge port to remove oil from the refrigerant. The oil is returned through a leak path such that the oil can easily return back to a suction pressure chamber. The leak path is preferably upstream of a check valve. Thus, at shutdown, the leak path will not allow upstream components to also equalize in pressure with the suction pressure chamber of the compressor. Further, a number of embodiments include ways of resisting flow of refrigerant through the leak path, while still allowing oil flow. A number of valve elements are described which perform this function. Alternatively, labyrinth flow paths, or positioning of the return paths such that it will be closed when the compressor is shut down are disclosed.

Abstract: A scroll compressor assembly includes a first linear drive for driving a first scroll along a first linear axis and a second linear drive for driving the first or second scroll along a second linear axis which is non-parallel to the first linear axis. Relative orbital movement between the first and second scrolls is obtained by controlling the frequency of oscillations of the first linear motor along a first linear axis and the second linear motor along the second linear axis. Further, capacity control is achieved by varying the movement of the first and second linear motors.

Abstract: An improved motor protection switch incorporates a parallel feedback component mounted in parallel to a heater in a motor protection circuit. The parallel feedback component senses the temperature of a compressor component. If tie temperature increases then the current flow through the heater increases. This causes a motor protector switch to open. In this way, the feedback component provides feedback from the compressor pump unit to the motor protection circuit more quickly than in the prior art.

Abstract: A simplified drive arrangement is provided to allow a scroll compressor to be operated at two capacity levels by a reversible electric motor. A pair of one-way clutches are positioned on a pair of parallel shafts. When the motor is driven in a forward direction drive passes through one of the one-way clutches and directly to the orbiting scroll. However, when the motor is driven in a reverse direction, drive passes through a countershaft, which in turn passes through a second one-way clutch. The drive passing through the second one-way clutch will result in the orbiting scroll being driven at a distinct speed then when the motor is driven in a reverse direction. In this way, capacity modulation is achieved with a very simple mechanism.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided with structure between its slider block and its eccentric pin that allows relative movement, but limits such movement. In one embodiment, a spring biased piston resists relative movement between the slider block and the eccentric pin. In another embodiment, incrementally spaced indexed surfaces are defined. With either embodiment the amount of relative movement of the slider block is limited relative to the eccentric pin and hence between the wraps of the orbiting scrolls. This will result in quieter operation.

Abstract: A low noise scroll compressor assembly has an orbiting scroll supported for movement about an axis, and a non-orbiting scroll mounted to the crankcase housing along the axis. The non-orbiting scroll is mounted to the crankcase housing by at least one guide bushing that allows axial movement of the non-orbiting scroll relative to the orbiting scroll. A plurality of openings are arranged radially within mounting flanges projecting outward from the non-orbiting scroll. Each opening includes a guide bushing and a dampening bushing. The dampening bushing comprises a material that will absorb an impact force between the non-orbiting scroll and the guide bushing. Absorption of impact forces by the dampening bushing prevents the transmission of vibrations, thereby minimizing or preventing noise.

Abstract: An improved scroll compressor having an axially movable non-orbiting scroll eliminates the need for a separator plate. With the elimination of the separator plate, a back pressure chamber is provided to resist the discharge pressure which will be directed against a rear face of the non-orbiting scroll. In other embodiments, a seal on the rear of the non-orbiting scroll contacts the inner periphery of the end cap. Various ways of increasing the discharge pressure volume, or eliminating undesirable noise are also disclosed. Further, several ways of connecting the end cap to the center shell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A number of improvements increase the flow of lubricant within a scroll compressor. A centrifugal oil separator is mounted on the discharge port to remove oil from the refrigerant. The oil is returned through a leak path such that the oil can easily return back to a suction pressure chamber. The leak path is preferably upstream of a check valve. Thus, at shutdown, the leak path will not allow upstream components to also equalize in pressure with the suction pressure chamber of the compressor. Further, a number of embodiments include ways of resisting flow of refrigerant through the leak path, while still allowing oil flow. A number of valve elements are described which perform this function. Alternatively, labyrinth flow paths, or positioning of the return paths such that it will be closed when the compressor is shut down are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved scroll compressor having an axially movable non-orbiting scroll eliminates the need for a separator plate. With the elimination of the separator plate, a back pressure chamber is provided to resist the discharge pressure which will be directed against a rear face of the non-orbiting scroll. In other embodiments, a seal on the rear of the non-orbiting scroll contacts the inner periphery of the end cap. Various ways of increasing the discharge pressure volume, or eliminating undesirable noise are also disclosed. Further, several ways of connecting the end cap to the center shell are also disclosed.