Scroll compressor build assembly

A scroll compressor build assembly is provided. An outer housing includes multiple shell sections that interfit to provide internal steps that provide seating surfaces. One or both bearing members can use the internal seats. The outer housing may comprise three shells that telescopically interfit and that can be welded with circumferential welds.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to scroll compressors for compressing refrigerant and more particularly relates to housing shells for enclosing scroll assembly components and/or to support of bearing members and motor assemblies within a housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A scroll compressor is a certain type of compressor that is used to compress refrigerant for such applications as refrigeration, air conditioning, industrial cooling and freezer applications, and/or other applications where compressed fluid may be used. Such prior scroll compressors are known, for example, as exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,530 to Hasemann; U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,551, to Kammhoff et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,960,070 to Kammhoff et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,046 to Kammhoff et al., all of which are assigned to a Bitzer entity closely related to the present assignee. As the present disclosure pertains to improvements that can be implemented in these or other scroll compressor designs, the entire disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,398,530; 7,112,046; 6,814,551; and 6,960,070 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

As is exemplified by these patents, scroll compressors conventionally include an outer housing having a scroll compressor contained therein. A scroll compressor includes first and second scroll compressor members. A first compressor member is typically arranged stationary and fixed in the outer housing. A second scroll compressor member is moveable relative to the first scroll compressor member in order to compress refrigerant between respective scroll ribs which rise above the respective bases and engage in one another. Conventionally the moveable scroll compressor member is driven about an orbital path about a central axis for the purposes of compressing refrigerant. An appropriate drive unit, typically an electric motor, is provided usually within the same housing to drive the movable scroll member.

The present invention is directed towards improvements in the build assembly over prior scroll compressor.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a scroll compressor in which shell sections telescopically interfit to support at least one of the bearing members. The scroll compressor includes a housing including first and second shell sections that are telescopically interfitted to define an annular seat internal of the housing. The scroll compressor also includes scroll compressor bodies having respective bases and respective scroll ribs that project from the respective bases and which mutually engage. A motor provides a rotational output on a drive shaft, with the drive shaft operatively driving one of the scroll compressor bodies to facilitate relative movement for the compression of fluid. A bearing member rotatably supports the drive shaft with the bearing member engaging the seat.

An embodiment in accordance with the above aspect can be that the first and second housing sections are upper and central housing sections supporting an upper bearing member. Another embodiment in accordance with the above aspect can be that the first and second housing sections are lower and central housing section supporting a lower bearing member.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides an outer housing for a scroll compressor in which three housing sections are telescopically interfitted. According to this aspect, a scroll compressor includes: a housing including an upper shell section, a lower shell section and a tubular central shell section. The upper and lower shell sections are telescopically interfitted with opposed ends of the tubular central shell section. Scroll compressor bodies are enclosed in the housing. The scroll compressor bodies have respective bases and respective scroll ribs that project from the respective bases and which mutually engage. A drive unit enclosed in the housing provides a rotational output toward the scroll compressor bodies to facilitate relative movement for the compression of fluid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the figures as a scroll compressor assembly10generally including an outer housing12in which a scroll compressor14can be driven by a drive unit16. The scroll compressor assembly may be arranged in a refrigerant circuit for refrigeration, industrial cooling, freezing, air conditioning or other appropriate applications where compressed fluid is desired. Appropriate connection ports provide for connection to a refrigeration circuit and include a refrigerant inlet port18and a refrigerant outlet port20extending through the outer housing12. The scroll compressor assembly10is operable through operation of the drive unit16to operate the scroll compressor14and thereby compress an appropriate refrigerant or other fluid that enters the refrigerant inlet port18and exits the refrigerant outlet port20in a compressed high pressure state.

The outer housing12may take many forms. In the preferred embodiment, the outer housing includes multiple shell sections and preferably three shell sections to include a central cylindrical housing section24, a top end housing section26and a bottom end housing section28. Preferably, the housing sections24,26,28are formed of appropriate sheet steel and welded together to make a permanent outer housing12enclosure. However, if disassembly of the housing is desired, other housing provisions can be made that can include metal castings or machined components.

The central housing section24is preferably cylindrical and telescopically interfits with the top and bottom end housing sections26,28. This forms an enclosed chamber30for housing the scroll compressor14and drive unit16. Each of the top and bottom end housing sections26,28are generally dome shaped and include respective cylindrical side wall regions32,34to mate with the center section24and provide for closing off the top and bottom ends of the outer housing12. As can be seen inFIG. 1, the top side wall region32telescopically overlaps the central housing section24and is exteriorly welded along a circular welded region to the top end of the central housing section24. Similarly the bottom side wall region34of the bottom end housing section28telescopically interfits with the central housing section24(but is shown as being installed into the interior rather than the exterior of the central housing section24) and is exteriorly welded by a circular weld region.

The drive unit16may preferably take the form of an electrical motor assembly40, which is supported by upper and lower bearing members42,44. The motor assembly40operably rotates and drives a shaft46. The electrical motor assembly40generally includes an outer annular motor housing48, a stator50comprising electrical coils and a rotor52that is coupled to the drive shaft46for rotation together. Energizing the stator50is operative to rotatably drive the rotor52and thereby rotate the drive shaft46about a central axis54.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 4, the lower bearing member44includes a central generally cylindrical hub58that includes a central bushing and opening to provide a cylindrical bearing60to which the drive shaft46is journaled for rotational support. A plurality of arms62and typically at least three arms project radially outward from the bearing central hub58preferably at equally spaced angular intervals. These support arms62engage and are seated on a circular seating surface64provided by the terminating circular edge of the bottom side wall region34of the bottom outer housing section28. As such, the bottom housing section28can serve to locate, support and seat the lower bearing member44and thereby serves as a base upon which the internal components of the scroll compressor assembly can be supported.

The lower bearing member44in turn supports the cylindrical motor housing48by virtue of a circular seat66formed on a plate-like ledge region68of the lower bearing member44that projects outward along the top of the central hub58. The support arms62also preferably are closely toleranced relative to the inner diameter of the central housing section. The arms62may engage with the inner diameter surface of the central housing section24to centrally locate the lower bearing member44and thereby maintain position of the central axis54. This can be by way of an interference and press-fit support arrangement between the lower bearing member44and the outer housing12(See e.g.FIG. 4). Alternatively according to a more preferred configuration, as shown inFIG. 1, the lower bearing engages with the lower housing section28which is in turn attached to center section24. Likewise, the outer motor housing48may be supported with an interference and press-fit along the stepped seat66of the lower bearing member44. As shown, screws may be used to securely fasten the motor housing to the lower bearing member44.

The drive shaft46is formed with a plurality of progressively smaller diameter sections46a-46dwhich are aligned concentric with the central axis54. The smallest diameter section46dis journaled for rotation within the lower bearing member44with the next smallest section46cproviding a step72for axial support of the drive shaft46upon the lower bearing member44. The largest section46ais journaled for rotation within the upper bearing member42.

The drive shaft46further includes an offset eccentric drive section74that has a cylindrical drive surface75about an offset axis that is offset relative to the central axis54. This offset drive section74is journaled within a cavity of the movable scroll member of the scroll compressor14to drive the movable member of the scroll compressor about an orbital path when the drive shaft46is spun about the central axis54. To provide for lubrication of all of these bearing surfaces, the outer housing12provides an oil lubricant sump76at the bottom end in which suitable oil lubricant is provided. The drive shaft46has an oil lubricant pipe and impeller78that acts as an oil pump when the drive shaft is spun and thereby pumps oil out of the lubricant sump76into an internal lubricant passageway80defined within the drive shaft46. During rotation of the drive shaft46, centrifugal force acts to drive lubricant oil up through the lubricant passageway80against the action of gravity. The lubricant passageway80includes various radial passages as shown to feed oil through centrifugal force to appropriate bearing surfaces and thereby lubricate sliding surfaces as may be desired.

The upper bearing member42includes a central bearing hub84into which the largest section46aof the drive shaft46is journaled for rotation. Extending outward from the bearing hub84is a support web86that merges into an outer peripheral support rim88. Provided along the support web86is an annular stepped seating surface90which may have an interference and press-fit with the top end of the cylindrical motor housing48to thereby provide for axial and radial location. The motor housing48may also be fastened with screws to the upper bearing member42. The outer peripheral support rim88also may include an outer annular stepped seating surface92which may have an interference and press-fit with the outer housing12. For example, the outer peripheral rim88can engage the seating surface92axially, that is it engages on a lateral plane perpendicular to axis54and not through a diameter. To provide for centering there is provided a diametric fit just below the surface92between the central housing section24and the support rim88. Specifically, between the telescoped central and top-end housing sections24,26is defined in internal circular step94, which is located axially and radially with the outer annular step92of the upper bearing member42.

The upper bearing member42also provides axial thrust support to the movable scroll member through a bearing support via an axial thrust surface96. While this may be integrally provided by a single unitary component, it is shown as being provided by a separate collar member98that is interfit with the upper portion of the upper bearing member42along stepped annular interface100. The collar member98defines a central opening102that is a size large enough to provide for receipt of the eccentric offset drive section74and allow for orbital eccentric movement thereof that is provided within a receiving portion of the movable scroll compressor member112.

Turning in greater detail to the scroll compressor14, the scroll compressor body is provided by first and second scroll compressor bodies which preferably include a stationary fixed scroll compressor body110and a movable scroll compressor body112. The moveable scroll compressor body112is arranged for orbital movement relative to the fixed scroll compressor body110for the purpose of compressing refrigerant. The fixed scroll compressor body includes a first rib114projecting axially from a plate-like base116and is designed in the form of a spiral. Similarly, the second movable scroll compressor body112includes a second scroll rib118projecting axially from a plate-like base120and is in the design form of a similar spiral. The scroll ribs114,118engage in one another and abut sealingly on the respective base surfaces120,116of the respectively other compressor body112,110. As a result, multiple compression chambers122are formed between the scroll ribs114,118and the bases120,116of the compressor bodies112,110. Within the chambers122, progressive compression of refrigerant takes place. Refrigerant flows with an initial low pressure via an intake area124surrounding the scroll ribs114,118in the outer radial region (see e.g.FIGS. 2-3). Following the progressive compression in the chambers122(as the chambers progressively are defined radially inward), the refrigerant exits via a compression outlet126which is defined centrally within the base116of the fixed scroll compressor body110. Refrigerant that has been compressed to a high pressure can exit the chambers122via the compression outlet126during operation of the scroll compressor.

The movable scroll compressor body112engages the eccentric offset drive section74of the drive shaft46. More specifically, the receiving portion of the movable scroll compressor body112includes a cylindrical bushing drive hub128which slideably receives the eccentric offset drive section74with a slideable bearing surface provided therein. In detail, the eccentric offset drive section74engages the cylindrical drive hub128in order to move the moveable scroll compressor body112about an orbital path about the central axis54during rotation of the drive shaft46about the central axis54. Considering that this offset relationship causes a weight imbalance relative to the central axis54, the assembly preferably includes a counter weight130that is mounted at a fixed angular orientation to the drive shaft46. The counter weight130acts to offset the weight imbalance caused by the eccentric offset drive section74and the movable scroll compressor body112that is driven about an orbital path (e.g. among other things, the scroll rib is not equally balanced). The counter weight130includes an attachment collar132and an offset weight region134(see counter weight shown best inFIG. 2) that provides for the counter weight effect and thereby balancing of the overall weight of the rotating components about the central axis54in cooperation with a lower counterweight135for balancing purposes. This provides for reduced vibration and noise of the overall assembly by internally balancing or cancelling out inertial forces.

With reference toFIGS. 1-3, and particularlyFIG. 2, the guiding movement of the scroll compressor can be seen. To guide the orbital movement of the movable scroll compressor body112relative to the fixed scroll compressor body110, an appropriate key coupling140may be provided. Keyed couplings are often referred to in the scroll compressor art as an “Oldham Coupling.” In this embodiment, the key coupling140includes an outer ring body142and includes two first keys144that are linearly spaced along a first lateral axis146and that slide closely and linearly within two respective keyway tracks148that are linearly spaced and aligned along the first axis146as well. The key way tracks148are defined by the stationary fixed scroll compressor body110such that the linear movement of the key coupling140along the first lateral axis146is a linear movement relative to the outer housing12and perpendicular to the central axis54. The keys can comprise slots, grooves or, as shown, projections which project from the ring body142of the key coupling140. This control of movement over the first lateral axis146guides part of the overall orbital path of the moveable scroll compressor body112.

Additionally, the key coupling includes four second keys152in which opposed pairs of the second keys152are linearly aligned substantially parallel relative to a second traverse lateral axis154that is perpendicular to the first lateral axis146. There are two sets of the second keys152that act cooperatively to receive projecting sliding guide portions156that project from the base120on opposite sides of the movable scroll compressor body112. The guide portions156linearly engage and are guided for linear movement along the second traverse lateral axis by virtue of sliding linear guiding movement of the guide portions156along sets of the second keys152.

By virtue of the key coupling140, the moveable scroll compressor body112has movement restrained relative to the fixed scroll compressor body110along the first lateral axis146and second traverse lateral axis154. This results in the prevention of any relative rotation of the moveable scroll body as it allows only translational motion. More particularly, the fixed scroll compressor body110limits motion of the key coupling140to linear movement along the first lateral axis146; and in turn, the key coupling140when moving along the first lateral axis146carries the moveable scroll112along the first lateral axis146therewith. Additionally, the movable scroll compressor body can independently move relative to the key coupling140along the second traverse lateral axis154by virtue of relative sliding movement afforded by the guide portions156which are received and slide between the second keys152. By allowing for simultaneous movement in two mutually perpendicular axes146,154, the eccentric motion that is afforded by the eccentric offset drive section74of the drive shaft46upon the cylindrical drive hub128of the movable scroll compressor body112is translated into an orbital path movement of the movable scroll compressor body112relative to the fixed scroll compressor body110.

Referring in greater detail to the fixed scroll compressor body110, this body110is fixed to the upper bearing member42by an extension extending axially and vertically therebetween and around the outside of the moveable scroll compressor body112. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed scroll compressor body110includes a plurality of axially projecting legs158(seeFIG. 2) projecting on the same side as the scroll rib from the base116. These legs158engage and are seated against the top side of the upper bearing member42. Preferably, bolts160(FIG. 2) are provided to fasten the fixed scroll compressor body110to the upper bearing member42. The bolts160extend axially through the legs158of the fixed scroll compressor body and are fastened and screwed into corresponding threaded openings in the upper bearing member42. For further support and fixation of the fixed scroll compressor body110, the outer periphery of the fixed scroll compressor body includes a cylindrical surface162that is closely received against the inner cylindrical surface of the outer housing10and more particularly the top end housing section26. A clearance gap between surface162and side wall32serves to permit assembly of upper housing26over the compressor assembly and subsequently to contain the o-ring seal164. An O-ring seal164seals the region between the cylindrical locating surface162and the outer housing112to prevent a leak path from compressed high pressure fluid to the un-compressed section/sump region inside of the outer housing12. The seal164can be retained in a radially outward facing annular groove166.

With reference toFIGS. 1-3and particularlyFIG. 3, the upper side (e.g. the side opposite the scroll rib) of the fixed scroll110supports a floatable baffle member170. To accommodate the same, the upper side of the fixed scroll compressor body110includes an annular and more specifically cylindrical inner hub region172and an outwardly spaced peripheral rim174which are connected by radially extending disc region176of the base116. Between the hub172and the rim174is provided an annular piston-like chamber178into which the baffle member170is received. With this arrangement, the combination of the baffle member170and the fixed scroll compressor body110serve to separate a high pressure chamber180from lower pressure regions within the housing10. While the baffle member170is shown as engaging and constrained radially within the outer peripheral rim174of the fixed scroll compressor body110, the baffle member170could alternatively be cylindrically located against the inner surface of the outer housing12directly.

As shown in the embodiment, and with particular reference toFIG. 3, the baffle member170includes an inner hub region184, a disc region186and an outer peripheral rim region188. To provide strengthening, a plurality of radially extending ribs190extending along the top side of the disc region186between the hub region184and the peripheral rim region188may be integrally provided and are preferably equally angularly spaced relative to the central axis54. The baffle member170in addition to tending to separate the high pressure chamber180from the remainder of the outer housing12also serves to transfer pressure loads generated by high pressure chamber180away from the inner region of the fixed scroll compressor body110and toward the outer peripheral region of the fixed scroll compressor body110. At the outer peripheral region, pressure loads can be transferred to and carried more directly by the outer housing12and therefore avoid or at least minimize stressing components and substantially avoid deformation or deflection in working components such as the scroll bodies. Preferably, the baffle member170is floatable relative to the fixed scroll compressor body110along the inner peripheral region. This can be accomplished, for example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment by a sliding cylindrical interface192between mutually cylindrical sliding surfaces of the fixed scroll compressor body and the baffle member along the respective hub regions thereof. As compressed high pressure refrigerant in the high pressure chamber180acts upon the baffle member170, substantially no load may be transferred along the inner region, other than as may be due to frictional engagement. Instead, an axial contact interface ring194is provided at the radial outer periphery where the respective rim regions are located for the fixed scroll compressor body110and the baffle member170. Preferably, an annular axial gap196is provided between the innermost diameter of the baffle member170and the upper side of the fixed scroll compressor body110. The annular axial gap196is defined between the radially innermost portion of the baffle member and the scroll member and is adapted to decrease in size in response to a pressure load caused by high pressure refrigerant compressed within the high pressure chamber180. The gap196is allowed to expand to its relaxed size upon relief of the pressure and load.

To facilitate load transfer most effectively, an annular intermediate or lower pressure chamber198is defined between the baffle member170and the fixed scroll compressor body110. This intermediate or lower pressure chamber can be subject to either the lower sump pressure as shown, or can be subject to an intermediate pressure (e.g. through a fluid communication passage defined through the fixed scroll compressor body to connect one of the individual compression chambers122to the chamber198). Load carrying characteristics can therefore be configured based on the lower or intermediate pressure that is selected for best stress/deflection management. In either event, the pressure contained in the intermediate or low pressure chamber198during operation is substantially less than the high pressure chamber180thereby causing a pressure differential and load to develop across the baffle member170.

To prevent leakage and to better facilitate load transfer, inner and outer seals204,206may be provided, both of which may be resilient, elastomeric O-ring seal members. The inner seal204is preferably a radial seal and disposed in a radially inwardly facing inner groove208defined along the inner diameter of the baffle member170. Similarly the outer seal206can be disposed in a radially outwardly facing outer groove210defined along the outer diameter of the baffle member170in the peripheral rim region188. While a radial seal is shown at the outer region, alternatively or in addition an axial seal may be provided along the axial contact interface ring194.

While the baffle member170could be a stamped steel component, preferably and as illustrated, the baffle member170comprises a cast and/or machined member (and may be aluminum) to provide for the expanded ability to have several structural features as discussed above. By virtue of making the baffle member in this manner, heavy stamping of such baffles can be avoided.

Additionally, the baffle member170can be retained to the fixed scroll compressor body110. Specifically, as can be seen in the figures, a radially inward projecting annular flange214of the inner hub region184of the baffle member170is trapped axially between the stop plate212and the fixed scroll compressor body110. The stop plate212is mounted with bolts216to a fixed scroll compressor body210. The stop plate212includes an outer ledge218that projects radially over the inner hub172of the fixed scroll compressor body110. The stop plate ledge218serves as a stop and retainer for the baffle member170. In this manner, the stop plate212serves to retain the baffle member170to the fixed scroll compressor body110such that the baffle member170is carried thereby.

As shown, the stop plate212can be part of a check valve220. The check valve includes a moveable valve plate element222contained within a chamber defined in the outlet area of the fixed scroll compressor body within the inner hub172. The stop plate212thus closes off a check valve chamber224in which the moveable valve plate element222is located. Within the check valve chamber there is provided a cylindrical guide wall surface226that guides the movement of the check valve220along the central axis54. Recesses228are provided in the upper section of the guide wall226to allow for compressed refrigerant to pass through the check valve when the moveable valve plate element222is lifted off of the valve seat230. Openings232are provided in the stop plate212to facilitate passage of compressed gas from the scroll compressor into the high pressure chamber180. The check valve is operable to allow for one way directional flow such that when the scroll compressor is operating, compressed refrigerant is allowed to leave the scroll compressor bodies through the compression outlet126by virtue of the valve plate element222being driven off of its valve seat230. However, once the drive unit shuts down and the scroll compressor is no longer operating, high pressure contained within the high pressure chamber180forces the movable valve plate element222back upon the valve seat230. This closes off check valve220and thereby prevents backflow of compressed refrigerant back through the scroll compressor.

During operation, the scroll compressor assembly10is operable to receive low pressure refrigerant at the housing inlet port18and compress the refrigerant for delivery to the high pressure chamber180where it can be output through the housing outlet port20. As is shown, inFIG. 4, an internal conduit234can be connected internally of the housing12to guide the lower pressure refrigerant from the inlet port18into the motor housing via a motor housing inlet238. This allows the low pressure refrigerant to flow across the motor and thereby cool and carry heat away from the motor which can be caused by operation of the motor. Low pressure refrigerant can then pass longitudinally through the motor housing and around through void spaces therein toward the top end where it can exit through a plurality of motor housing outlets240(seeFIG. 2) that are equally angularly spaced about the central axis54. The motor housing outlets240may be defined either in the motor housing48, the upper bearing member42or by a combination of the motor housing and upper bearing member (e.g. by gaps formed therebetween as shown inFIG. 2). Upon exiting the motor housing outlet240, the low pressure refrigerant enters an annular chamber242formed between the motor housing and the outer housing. From there, the low pressure refrigerant can pass through the upper bearing member through a pair of opposed outer peripheral through ports244that are defined by recesses on opposed sides of the upper bearing member42to create gaps between the bearing member42and housing12as shown inFIG. 3(or alternatively holes in bearing member42). The through ports244may be angularly spaced relative to the motor housing outlets240. Upon passing through the upper bearing member42, the low pressure refrigerant finally enters the intake area124of the scroll compressor bodies110,112. From the intake area124, the lower pressure refrigerant finally enters the scroll ribs114,118on opposite sides (one intake on each side of the fixed scroll compressor body) and is progressively compressed through chambers122to where it reaches it maximum compressed state at the compression outlet126where it subsequently passes through the check valve220and into the high pressure chamber180. From there, high pressure compressed refrigerant may then pass from the scroll compressor assembly10through the refrigerant housing outlet port20.

Referring now toFIGS. 5-17, attention will be provided as to further details of the build assembly and support structure (e.g. for the housing, motor and/or bearing members) and ways to progressively build the scroll compressor assembly10as shown in the prior figures. Referring toFIG. 5, the build process can begin and be built upon the lower bearing member44. The bearing member44is illustrated alone, but it is understood that it can be supported upon a fixture. The lower bearing member44provides a structure upon which a remainder of the components can generally be built upon.

Turning toFIG. 6, the electrical motor (including motor housing48and stator50are placed vertically upon the lower bearing member44with the bottom edge of the motor housing48seated in abutting relation on the stepped seat66provided by the lower bearing member44. This seat region provides for both axial and radial location and support sufficient to allow for screws to be driven in radially through the housing and into the lower bearing member44(see e.g.FIG. 1where a bolt is illustrated).

Referring toFIG. 7, the drive shaft46and rotor52(both of which may be preassembled together in a separate operation) can be installed, through the stator50and received into the cylindrical bearing or bushing60of the lower bearing member44where it is journalled and thereby supported for rotation. The shaft46is also secured to the rotor52by splines, keying, coupling, pressing, heat-shrinking, or otherwise such that the rotor52and the shaft46rotate in unison. As noted above, the drive shaft is preassembled with the rotor and then placed upon the lower bearing member as a unit.

Turning toFIG. 8, the cylindrical central housing section24may generally be concentrically arranged around the remainder of the assembly at this stage but not coupled to anything such that the shell can be moved upwardly or downwardly to facilitate mounting of components as appropriate.

Turning then toFIG. 9, the upper bearing member42including its bushing or bearing is slid down upon the drive shaft and seated in axially abutting relation to the upper surface92of the central housing section24, and with the top edge of the motor housing48seating in abutting relation to the stepped annular seating surface90. Additionally, the housing section radially locates the upper bearing member42. During this assembly step, the central housing section24can be slid downwardly initially to facilitate bolting of the upper end of the motor housing48to the upper bearing member42. Additionally, optionally, the upper bearing member42may also be fastened by way of screws or otherwise secured to the central shell section, for example, the upper bearing member42may be press fit onto the upper end of the central housing section24. The central shell section may alternatively be kept free floating at this point, in which securement between the shell and upper bearing member can be done later if desired.

Turning toFIG. 10, the upper counterweight130can be slid on and fixed at a predetermined angular position on the drive shaft46. The lower counterweight (shown inFIG. 1), can be preassembled with the motor assembly.

Turning next toFIG. 11, the thrust plate in the form of collar member98can be installed and axially and radially located and supported via stepped annular interface100.

The Oldham key coupling140can then be placed a top the thrust plate as illustrated inFIG. 12.

Turning toFIG. 13, the movable scroll compressor body112is placed in its proper location on the key coupling140as well as having the cylindrical drive hub128slidably received upon the offset drive section74(shown inFIG. 12) of the drive shaft.

Turing next toFIG. 14, the fixed scroll compressor body110can then be installed onto the movable scroll compressor body112with the scroll ribs received in one another and the appropriate keys of the key coupling140received in the keyway provided by the fixed scroll compressor body. At this point, bolts can be axially driven through the legs158of the fixed scroll compressor body110to affix the scroll compressor body110to the upper bearing member42(see e.g.FIG. 2).

Next, as shown inFIG. 15, the baffle plate170can be installed and then the check valve220as shown inFIG. 16.

At this point the scroll compressor can be tested to ensure operation. Wiring (not shown) has been run through the assembly at this point through an electrical port as is known. Also, if not done earlier, the central shell housing section24can be moved up into engagement for axially and radially locating and supporting the upper bearing member42, if this has not been accomplished previously. At this point, testing of the motor will typically be done to ensure proper operation of the overall scroll compressor assembly.

Thereafter, a conduit234(seeFIG. 4) may be installed through the bottom end of the housing to route incoming refrigerant through the motor. Alternatively, the motor housing may engage the outer housing (or a member provided therebetween) to have a similar effect of causing refrigerant to run through the motor housing. The upper and lower shell housing sections26,28can then be telescopically interfitted upon the upper and lower ends of the central housing section24. As can be seen inFIG. 17, the upper housing section26telescopically fits over the outer circumference of the central shell section while the lower housing section28telescopically fits inside of the central housing section24. Circumferential welds extending all of the way around the housing secure each of the housing sections24,26,28together to form an enclosure for the internal scroll compressor assembly components.