Abstract:
A sealed compressor has an electric motor driving a compressor pump unit, and a shell enclosing the electric motor and compressor pump unit. An electrical connector with the shell supplies electrical power to the motor. A terminal housing is mounted to an outer surface of the shell, and a terminal plug is received within the terminal housing. The terminal plug has electric connections to connect into the electric connector within the shell. The housing includes a cover plate enclosing a chamber for the housing and which receives the terminal plug. A spring extends from the terminal plug, and reacts against a surface of the cover to bias the terminal plug to maintain the electric connection between the terminal plug and the electrical connector in the shell.
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 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 scroll compressor is provided with a non-circular back pressure chamber which is still concentric about a center axis of the compressor, such as the center axis of the drive shaft. Stated another way, an inner seal and an outer seal define a back pressure chamber. The two seals are concentric, but at least one of the seals is non-circular. In this way, reduced a back pressure chamber can be provided while still allowing the amount of orbital movement necessary for the tap for communicating a compressed refrigerant to the back pressure chamber.
Abstract:
A scroll compressor includes an adjustable actuator mount that changes the relative position of a non-orbiting scroll and an orbiting scroll to change the compressor capacity. In one embodiment, the scroll wrap and base of each scroll are manufactured as two separate components with a wrap modulator between the scroll wrap and the base of each scroll. As the mount moves the scrolls apart and together, the wrap modulators extend and retract the scroll wraps relative to their respective bases to maintain fluid-tight compression chambers.
Abstract:
A scroll compressor is provided with an oil reservoir that is self-regulating dependent on the overall lubricant level in the compressor. The reservoir is provided by a structural member having an inner rim and a bottom wall. The bottom wall is provided with a metering orifice that returns lubricant to the main sump. The metering orifice will ensure that undue amounts of lubricant are not maintained in the reservoir during low oil operation.
Abstract:
A sealed compressor includes a lower end cap with a u-shaped hump extending around its periphery. A weld reinforcement which is preferably a ring is welded between inner and outer legs of the u-shaped hump. The weld reinforcement ring bears a good deal of stress from internal pressures, and results in a more long-lasting housing.
Abstract:
An improved heat shield for a scroll compressor is provided with a non-cylindrical end portion caught between the end cap and the non-orbiting scroll. In several embodiments, the portion provides a seal between the discharge chamber and a suction chamber. In one embodiment the portion of the heat shield is serpentine. In another embodiment the portion of the heat shield is generally u-shaped. In further embodiments the portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced clips. Several other embodiments are also disclosed.