Compressor having compression subassembly and method of assembling compressor

Abstract

A compressor having a compression subassembly and a method of assembling a compressor. The compressor includes a compressor housing and a compression subassembly mounted in the compressor housing. The compressor housing includes an outer shell defining a first chamber and an end cap defining a second chamber. The compressor subassembly includes: a support plate positioned in the compressor housing between the outer shell and the end cap; a fixed scroll attached to the support plate and extending from the support plate into the first chamber; a main bearing housing positioned in the first chamber and attached to the fixed scroll; and an orbiting scroll member positioned between the stationary scroll member and the main bearing housing. A support plate separates the first chamber from the second chamber and supports the compression subassembly in the compressor housing.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 18 / 485,911 filed on October 12, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The field relates generally to scroll compressors and, more particularly, to scroll compressors including subassemblies that facilitate installation and alignment of compressor components (eg, scroll, bearing housing, drive shaft) within the compressor as a single unit. Background Art

[0004] The scroll compressor compresses refrigerant using a fixed scroll member and an orbiting scroll member, which cooperate to form a sealed accommodating portion located between the fixed scroll member and the orbiting scroll member. During operation of the scroll compressor, the movement of the orbiting scroll member relative to the fixed scroll member continuously changes the volume of the sealed accommodating portion to compress the refrigerant therein.

[0005] A scroll compressor generally includes one or more bearings for supporting the rotation of a drive shaft and a drive bearing for transmitting the rotational motion of the drive shaft to the orbital motion of the scroll member. The drive bearing is housed in a main bearing housing and is disposed between the drive coupling of the orbiting scroll member and the eccentric body of the drive shaft. The drive bearing enables the eccentric body to rotate, thereby applying a driving force to the drive coupling, so that the orbiting scroll member will orbit relative to the fixed scroll member to achieve compression of the fluid.

[0006] During operation, misalignment between the main bearing housing and the orbiting and fixed scroll members may create an opportunity for the drive shaft to deflect under the applied load, which may cause wear of compressor components (e.g., bearings). As the demand for efficient and reliable operation of the compressor to ensure that the climate control system in which the compressor is installed can effectively and efficiently provide cooling and / or heating effects as needed increases, the tolerance for misalignment between the main bearing housing and the scroll member continues to shrink. In addition, people have been seeking ways to reduce the opportunity for wear of components such as bearing assemblies of the scroll compressor and increase the life of the compressor and the climate control system. Therefore, there is a need for an improved alignment structure that is conducive to reducing the opportunity for misalignment between the main bearing housing and the scroll member within the scroll compressor.

[0007] This background section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be relevant to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to better understand the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be understood from this perspective and not as admissions of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0008] One aspect is a compressor comprising a compressor housing and a compression subassembly mounted in the compressor housing. The compressor housing comprises an outer shell defining a first chamber and an end cover defining a second chamber. The compression subassembly comprises: a support plate positioned in the compressor housing between the outer shell and the end cover; a fixed scroll member attached to the support plate and extending from the support plate into the first chamber; a main bearing housing positioned in the first chamber and attached to the fixed scroll member; and a movable scroll member positioned between the fixed scroll member and the main bearing housing. The support plate separates the first chamber from the second chamber, and the compression subassembly is supported in the compressor housing by the support plate.

[0009] On the other hand, there is a compression subassembly that can be installed in the compressor housing as a single unit. The compression subassembly includes a support plate for supporting the compression subassembly in the compressor housing. The support plate includes an annular body, a central opening defined in the annular body, and an inner circumferential surface surrounding the central opening. The compression subassembly also includes a fixed scroll attached to the support plate. The fixed scroll includes a raised portion extending into the central opening of the support plate, and the raised portion is defined by a raised circumferential surface. The raised circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface of the support plate are sealingly engaged. The compression subassembly also includes a main bearing housing attached to the fixed scroll and a movable scroll positioned between the fixed scroll and the main bearing housing.

[0010] On the other hand, there is a method for assembling a compressor. The method includes assembling a compression subassembly by attaching a fixed scroll to a support plate, positioning a movable scroll on a surface of a main bearing housing, and attaching the main bearing housing to the fixed scroll so that the movable scroll is positioned between the fixed scroll and the main bearing housing. The method also includes: installing the compression subassembly as a single unit in a first chamber defined by an outer shell of a compressor housing by positioning the support plate on the outer shell, so that the compression subassembly is supported by the support plate in the first chamber; positioning an end cover of the compressor housing on the outer shell so that a second chamber is defined between the end cover and the housing, wherein the second chamber is separated from the first chamber by the support plate; and attaching the support plate and the end cover to the housing.

[0011] There are various improvements to the features mentioned in the above aspects. Other features may also be incorporated into the above aspects. These improvements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For example, the individual features discussed below with respect to any of the embodiments shown may be incorporated into any of the above aspects individually or in any combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The following figures illustrate various aspects of the disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a compressor.

[0014] Figure 2 is a first example compression subcomponent Figure 1 Cross section of a compressor.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial exploded view of the cross section shown in .

[0016] Figure 4 Is Figure 2 The section C4 indicates Figure 2 An enlarged view of the cross section shown in .

[0017] Figure 5 Is Figure 4 The section C5 indicates Figure 4 An enlarged view of the cross section shown in .

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figures 2 to 5 A top perspective view of a support plate of a first example compression subassembly is shown in FIG.

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A bottom perspective view of the support plate shown in FIG.

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-section of a compressor illustrating a second example compression subassembly of a compressor.

[0021] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-section of a compressor illustrating a portion of a third example compression subassembly of a compressor.

[0022] Fig.10 is an example method of assembling a compressor that includes installing the compression subassembly as a single unit.

[0023] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Reference Figure 1 , a schematic diagram of a compressor is generally indicated at 100. For ease of illustration and description, Figure 1 The various components of the compressor 100 are omitted. The compressor 100 may include Figure 1 More parts, fewer parts or more parts than those shown and described may be used in addition to the reference Figure 1 Other components than those shown and described. The compressor 100 includes a compressor housing 102, which forms at least one sealed cavity in which refrigerant compression is achieved. The compressor housing 102 includes a shell 104, an end cover 106 positioned at a first end 118 of the shell 104, and a base 108 positioned at an opposite second end 120 of the shell 104. In the illustrated example, the shell 104 is cylindrical in shape, and the end cover 106 and the base 108 are each substantially dome-shaped, so that the compressor housing 102 has a substantially elliptical profile. The shell 104, the end cover 106 and / or the base 108 can be of different shapes depending on the desired shape and profile of the compressor housing 102. The end cover 106 and / or the base 108 can be attached to the respective ends 118, 120 of the shell 104 using any suitable means to connect the components. For example, the end cover 106 and / or the base 108 can be welded or bolted to the shell 104.

[0025] The compressor 100 includes an inlet fitting 110 attached to the compressor housing 102 at an inlet opening (not shown) through which a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) enters at least one sealed cavity formed by the compressor housing 102. In the example compressor 100, the working fluid enters a first chamber 112 ( Figure 2 ). In the example compressor 100, the working fluid in the first chamber 112 is at a suction pressure, and the first chamber 112 may alternatively be referred to as a suction chamber. In other embodiments, the working fluid in the first chamber 112 may be at a discharge pressure. The inlet fitting 110 may be positioned at one or more different locations on the compressor housing 102 depending on the desired entry point of the working fluid within at least one sealed cavity formed by the compressor housing 102. The working fluid is drawn into the compressor 100 via the inlet fitting 110 and is compressed in at least one sealed cavity. After the working fluid is compressed, the compressed working fluid leaves the compressor 100 through a discharge opening (not shown). The discharge fitting 114 may be attached to the compressor housing 102 at the discharge opening. In the example compressor 100, the discharge opening is located on the end cover 106, and the discharge fitting 114 is attached to the end cover 106 at the discharge opening so that the compressed working fluid can leave the second chamber 116 ( Figure 2 ). In the example compressor 100, the working fluid in the second chamber 116 is at a discharge pressure, and the second chamber 116 may alternatively be referred to as a discharge chamber. A discharge valve assembly (not shown) may be provided within the discharge fitting 114 to prevent reverse flow conditions. Sealed electrical terminals, not shown, may also be attached to the compressor housing 102, such as to the housing 104.

[0026] Figure 2 is a cross-section of the compressor 100, and Figure 3 yes Figure 2 For ease of illustration and description, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The compressor 100 may include a plurality of components. Figure 2 and Figure 3 More parts, fewer parts or more parts than those shown and described may be used in addition to the reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The compressor 100 includes a compressor housing 102 including an outer shell 104 defining a first chamber 112 , an end cover 106 positioned at a first end 118 of the outer shell 104 and defining a second chamber 116 , and a base 108 positioned at a second end 120 of the outer shell 104 . Figure 3 The end cover 106 is omitted. The compressor 100 also includes a motor assembly 122 and a first example compression subassembly, generally indicated at 200 , mounted in the compressor housing 102 and operably connected to the motor assembly 122 .

[0027] Motor assembly 122 (in Figure 2 and Figure 3 104 ) includes a motor stator 124 and a rotor 126. The motor stator 124 can be press-fit into the housing 104. The rotor 126 can be press-fit onto a drive shaft 128 positioned within the compressor housing 102, and can transmit rotational power to the drive shaft 128. The motor assembly 122 can be a variable speed motor for rotating the drive shaft 128 at any of a plurality of speeds. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor assembly 122 is disposed within the housing 104. In some other embodiments, the compressor 100 can be an open drive compressor driven by a motor assembly 122 disposed outside the compressor housing 102.

[0028] The drive shaft 128 is rotatably supported within a first bearing housing assembly 206 and a second bearing housing assembly 130. The first bearing housing assembly 206 and the second bearing housing assembly 130 are axially displaced and located on opposite sides of the motor assembly 122. The first bearing housing assembly 206 is located near the first end 118 of the housing 104, and the second bearing housing assembly 130 is located near the second end 120 of the housing 104 (e.g., within the base 108). The drive shaft 128 extends through the first bearing housing assembly 206 and includes an eccentric body 132 that extends axially beyond the first bearing housing assembly 206.

[0029] The first bearing housing assembly 206 includes the main bearing 134 (at Figure 3 ), and the second bearing housing assembly 130 includes a secondary bearing 136 (in Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). The main bearing 134 and the secondary bearing 136 rotatably support the drive shaft 128 within the respective bearing housing assemblies 206, 130. The main bearing 134 and / or the secondary bearing 136 may be a rolling element bearing having an inner ring defining a bearing surface and a bearing opening for receiving the drive shaft 128; an outer ring radially spaced outwardly relative to the inner ring; and a plurality of spherical members or rollers disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring. When the main bearing 134 and / or the secondary bearing 136 are rolling element bearings, the drive shaft 128 rotatably supported by the rolling element bearing 134 and / or the rolling element bearing 136 rotates with the inner ring. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the main bearing 134 or / or the secondary bearing 136 is a journal bearing, and the drive shaft 128 is rotatably supported by the journal bearing 134 and / or the journal bearing 136 within the bearing opening and rotates relative to a fixed bearing inner surface. The primary bearing 134 and / or the secondary bearing 136 may be any suitable bearing type.

[0030] The compression subassembly 200 is mounted in the compressor housing 102. Still referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , and refer to Figure 4 , the compression subassembly 200 includes a bearing plate 202, a compression mechanism 204, and a first bearing housing assembly 206. The compression subassembly 200 may be preassembled and installed in the compressor housing 102 as a single unit. For example, the compression subassembly 200 may include additional components positioned within the compressor housing 102, such as the drive shaft 128.

[0031] The first bearing housing assembly 206 includes the main bearing 134 and a main bearing housing 208. The main bearing housing 208 has a generally disc-shaped body 210 including a central aperture 212 extending between a first annular housing 214 and a second annular housing 216. The first annular housing 214 faces the motor assembly 122 and houses the main bearing 134. The second annular housing 216 is axially displaced relative to the first annular housing 214 and faces the compression mechanism 204. The second annular housing 216 is surrounded by a thrust bearing surface 218 that supports the compression mechanism 204. The main bearing housing 208 also includes a sleeve guide or bushing 220 that extends axially from a radially outer portion of the body 210 toward the compression mechanism 204. The bushing 220 defines an opening 221 that receives the compression mechanism 204. Figure 3 20 is used to attach the main bearing housing 208 to the compression mechanism 204. A coupling 224, such as an Oldham coupling, is seated in the annular receptacle defined between the thrust bearing surface 218 and the bushing 220. The body 210 of the main bearing housing 208 may be appropriately sized and shaped to be secured within the housing 104 by a press fit. For example, the body 210 may define an inner diameter D4 ( Figure 5 ) so that when the main bearing housing 208 is installed in the housing 104, the body 210 is press-fitted against the housing 104. In other examples, the body 210 may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the housing 104 and be fixedly supported within the housing by other components of the compression subassembly 200 (e.g., the support plate 202).

[0032] The compression mechanism 204 includes an orbiting scroll 226 and a fixed scroll 228. The orbiting scroll 226 includes a generally disc-shaped orbiting plate 230 defining opposite radial surfaces. The orbiting spiral wrap 232 extends axially from one of the radial surfaces of the driven plate 230, and the radial surface opposite to the orbiting spiral wrap 232 defines a thrust surface 234, which engages with a thrust bearing surface 218 of the main bearing housing 208 that supports the orbiting scroll 226. A cylindrical hub 236 extends axially from the thrust surface 234 and is received in the second annular housing 216 of the main bearing housing 208. The cylindrical hub 236 is aligned with the central aperture 212 of the main bearing housing 208. A radial surface 237 defined at the end of the cylindrical hub 236 may be supported by a second thrust bearing surface 239 defined in the second annular housing 216 and surrounding the central aperture 212. A drive bushing (not shown) may be disposed in the cylindrical hub 236 and receive the eccentric body 132 of the drive shaft 128 extending through the central aperture 212 of the main bearing housing 208. The eccentric body 132 is drivingly engaged with the drive bushing in the cylindrical hub 236 of the orbiting scroll 226 and facilitates the transfer of the rotational motion of the drive shaft 128 to the orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll 226 relative to the main bearing housing 208 and / or the non-orbiting scroll 228. The annular housing 216 is sized and shaped to enable the cylindrical hub 236 to orbit in the annular housing 216. The bushing 220 of the main body housing 208 is positioned radially outwardly relative to the orbiting plate 230 so as not to restrict or prevent the orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll 226. A coupling 224 (e.g., an Oldham coupling) may engage the orbiting scroll 226 and the main bearing housing 208 and / or the non-orbiting scroll 228 to restrict or prevent relative rotation therebetween.

[0033] The fixed scroll 228 includes a fixed body 238, which is defined with opposite radial surfaces 241, 243 and a circumferential edge extending between the radial surfaces 241, 243. The fixed spiral scroll 240 is defined in one radial surface of the radial surfaces 241 of the body 238 and faces the movable spiral scroll 232. The fixed scroll 228 also includes a raised portion 245 extending axially from another radial surface of the radial surfaces 243 of the fixed body 238. The raised portion 245 defines an outer radial surface 242 of the fixed scroll 228, which is raised relative to the radial surface 243 of the body 238. The radial surface 243 of the body 238 can also be referred to as a lower radial surface 243 relative to the outer radial surface 242. The outer radial surface 242 faces the second chamber 116 defined by the end cover 106.

[0034] The fixed spiral wrap 240 is engaged or meshed with the orbiting spiral wrap 232 of the orbiting scroll 226, thereby defining a series of fluid receiving portions. The orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll 226 is converted into the motion of the fluid receiving portion defined by the spiral wraps 232 and 240, whereby the volume of the fluid receiving portion is reduced to compress the working fluid in the fluid receiving portion. During the compression cycle of the compression mechanism 204, the volume of the fluid receiving portion defined by the spiral wraps 232 and 240 is reduced as the orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll 226 is converted into the motion of the fluid receiving portion from a radially outer position (at suction pressure) to a radially intermediate position (at intermediate pressure) to a radially inner position (at discharge pressure).

[0035] The fixed scroll 228 includes at least one discharge port 244 extending from the spiral scroll 240 through the fixed body 238 and the raised portion 245 to the outer radial surface 242. Each discharge port 244 communicates with one of the fluid receiving portions defined by the spiral scrolls 232 and 240 at a radially inner position and allows a compressed working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) at a discharge pressure to flow into the second chamber 116 (e.g., a discharge chamber). The fixed scroll 228 also includes at least one intermediate port 246 extending from the spiral scroll 240 through the fixed body 238 and the raised portion 245 to the outer radial surface 242. Each intermediate port 246 is positioned radially outward relative to the at least one discharge port 244 and allows communication with one of the fluid receiving portions defined by the spiral scrolls 232 and 240 at a radially intermediate position and / or a radially outer position relative to the outer radial surface 242. The flow of the working fluid from the corresponding fluid receiving portion to the second chamber 116 through the intermediate ports 246 can be regulated by a valve assembly (not shown) located at the outer radial surface 242. For example, a check valve (e.g., a reed valve) can be positioned adjacent to the intermediate ports 246 at the outer radial surface 242 to selectively allow or restrict the flow of the working fluid into the second chamber 116. Additionally and / or alternatively, one or more of the intermediate ports 246 can be a sensor port for receiving a sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor) for monitoring an operating parameter (e.g., temperature or pressure) within the corresponding fluid receiving portion during operation of the compression mechanism 204.

[0036] The fixed scroll 228 is positioned above the orbiting scroll 226 and is attached to the main bearing housing 208 such that the orbiting scroll 226 is movably positioned between the fixed scroll 228 and the main bearing housing 208. The orbiting scroll 226 is permitted to move radially between the fixed scroll 228 and the main bearing housing 208, i.e., to move radially in an orbiting motion transmitted by the rotating drive shaft 128. During the compression cycle of the compression mechanism 204, the orbiting scroll 226 may also move axially or "float" between the fixed scroll 228 and the main bearing housing 208 to selectively enable or prevent the flow of the working fluid at the discharge pressure into the first chamber 112 (e.g., the suction chamber), and facilitate pressure balancing in response to a high discharge to suction pressure ratio in the compressor 100. For example, the movable plate 230 of the movable scroll 226 may be defined with a discharge port (not shown) that enables the working fluid to flow from one or more fluid containing portions of the compression mechanism 204 into the volume portion of the first chamber 112 defined between the main bearing housing 208 and the movable scroll 226. The working fluid may be at a greater pressure (e.g., at an intermediate pressure) than the first chamber 112 (e.g., suction pressure), and the pressure differential between the intermediate pressure working fluid and the suction pressure in the first chamber 112 may exert a net axial biasing force on the movable plate 230, thereby urging the movable scroll 226 toward the fixed scroll 228. When the pressure differential disappears, the axial biasing force on the movable scroll 226 ceases, and the movable scroll 226 moves axially away from the fixed scroll 228. In examples where orbiting scroll 226 floats between non-orbiting scroll 228 and main bearing housing 208 , non-orbiting scroll 228 may be secured within compressor housing 102 (eg, by attachment to support plate 202 ) such that axial movement of non-orbiting scroll 228 is limited or inhibited.

[0037] The bushing 220 of the main bearing housing 208 engages with a flange 248 of the fixed scroll 228, which extends radially outward from the circumferential edge of the fixed body 238 near the fixed spiral scroll 240. The flange 248 can be an integral structure having a continuous circumferential range along the circumferential edge of the fixed body 238, or the flange 248 can be discontinuous and formed by two or more discrete flange components. In some examples, the flange 248 is formed by a plurality of radially extending ears, each ear corresponding to one of the bushings in the bushing 220 of the main bearing housing 208 and engaging the one bushing. The flange 248 can define an inner diameter D4 ( Figure 5 ) in diameter, or the flange 248 may define a diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter D4.

[0038] The flange 248 of the fixed scroll member 228 includes a hole 249 extending axially through the flange 248. Figure 4As shown, each hole 249 corresponds to an opening 221 of one of the bushings 220. Each pair of holes 249 and corresponding openings 221 receives one of the fasteners 222 therethrough to attach the fixed scroll 228 to the main bearing housing 208, wherein the orbiting scroll 226 is movably positioned between the fixed scroll 228 and the main bearing housing 208. In some examples, the holes 249 and corresponding openings 221 may be of different sizes (e.g., different sizes and / or shapes) relative to other holes 249 and corresponding openings 221, such that the fixed scroll 228 can only be attached to the main bearing housing 208 when the fixed scroll 228 has a specific position and orientation relative to the main bearing housing 208. Different sizes and / or shapes of holes 249 and corresponding apertures 221 may be useful in ensuring that orbiting scroll 226 and non-orbiting scroll 228 always have a desired position and orientation in compressor housing 102 relative to main bearing housing 208 when compression subassembly 200 is installed.

[0039] The fixed scroll 228 is attached to a support plate 202 that separates the first chamber 112 (eg, the suction chamber) from the second chamber 116 (eg, the discharge chamber). The support plate 202 supports the compression subassembly 200 within the compressor housing 102. Figure 2 As shown, the support plate 202 is positioned in the compressor housing 102 between the end cover 106 and the outer shell 104. The support plate 202 includes an annular body 250 and a central opening 252 defined in the annular body 250. The annular body 250 extends between the fixed scroll 228 and the outer shell 104 and is attached to each of the fixed scroll 228 and the outer shell 104. The annular body 250 and the fixed scroll 228 cooperate to seal the first chamber 112 relative to the second chamber 116, that is, the attachment between the annular body 250 and the fixed scroll 228 forms a seal between the annular body 250 and the fixed scroll 228, which is conducive to limiting or preventing the working fluid from leaking from the first chamber 112 to the second chamber 116 and / or from the second chamber 116 to the first chamber 112.

[0040] The annular body 250 and the housing 104 also cooperate to seal the first chamber 112 relative to the second chamber 116 by the attachment between the annular body 250 and the housing 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the annular body 250 of the support plate 202 is solid and does not include an opening through which the working fluid can flow. Therefore, the annular body 250 separates the first chamber 112 from the second chamber 116 and maintains the pressure difference between the second chamber 116 and the first chamber 112, which may be suitable for low-side compressor applications (e.g., low-side compressor applications in which the first chamber 112 is a suction chamber and the second chamber 116 is a discharge chamber). In other examples, such as when the compressor 100 is a high-side compressor, the working fluid in the first chamber 112 and the second chamber 116 can be at the same pressure (e.g., discharge pressure), and the annular body 250 can include a through feature (e.g., hole) that allows the working fluid to flow through the annular body between the first chamber 112 and the second chamber 116.

[0041] The raised portion 245 of the fixed scroll 228 extends into a central opening 252 defined in the annular body 250 of the support plate 202. The outer radial surface 242 defined by the raised portion 245 is accessible via the central opening 252. Thus, at least one intermediate port 246 in communication with the fluid receiving portion of the compression mechanism 204 can be accessed through the central opening 252. Advantageously, the intermediate port 246, which can serve as a sensor port and / or can be associated with a valve assembly (e.g., a reed valve) for regulating the flow of a working fluid therethrough as described above, is accessible without having to remove the support plate 202 and / or otherwise disassemble the compression subassembly 200.

[0042] See also Figures 5 to 7 , the support plate 202 and its attachment to the fixed scroll 228 and the housing 104 will now be described in more detail. The annular body 250 of the support plate 202 has a first radial surface 254 and a second radial surface 256. When the compression subassembly 200 is installed in the compressor housing 102, the first radial surface 254 faces the second chamber 116, and the second radial surface 256 faces the compression mechanism 204 and the first chamber 112. The support plate 202 also includes a collar 258 extending axially from the first radial surface 254 at the central opening 252. The collar 258 defines an inner circumferential surface 260 of the support plate 202, which surrounds the central opening 252. A tapered thread 262 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 260. The collar 258 also has an outer circumferential surface 264 extending from the first radial surface 254.

[0043] like Figure 5As shown, the raised portion 245 of the fixed scroll 228 is defined with a raised circumferential surface 268, which is engaged with the inner circumferential surface 260 of the support plate 202 in the central opening 252. In particular, a tapered thread 270 is formed on the raised circumferential surface 268, and the tapered thread 270 is complementary to the tapered thread 262 formed on the inner circumferential surface 260 of the support plate 202. The threads 262 and 270 are threadedly engaged with each other to attach the fixed scroll 228 to the support plate 202. The threaded engagement between the raised circumferential surface 268 of the fixed scroll 228 and the inner circumferential surface 260 of the support plate 202 also forms a sealing portion, which, together with the annular body 250 and the housing 104, limits or prevents the working fluid from flowing between the first chamber 112 and the second chamber 116. One or more flats 266 may be defined in the outer circumferential surface 264 to facilitate clamping and fastening the support plate 202 to the fixed scroll 228. When the support plate 202 is fully threaded onto the fixed scroll 228, the second radial surface 256 may engage with the radial surface 243 of the fixed body 238 near the central opening 252. The radial surface 243 of the fixed body 238 may serve as a stop for the threaded engagement between the support plate 202 and the fixed scroll 228, and the engagement between the radial surface 243 and the second radial surface 256 is beneficial in ensuring that the support plate 202 may be repeatedly and consistently fastened to the fixed scroll 228 at an appropriate depth.

[0044] Still refer to Figures 5 to 7 , the support plate 202 includes a first flange member 274 and a second flange member 276. The first flange member 274 extends radially from an outer radial edge 278 of the annular body 250. The first flange member 274 is stepped relative to the outer radial edge 278, thereby defining a step surface 280 and a stop surface 282 opposite to the step surface 280. The second flange member 276 extends axially from the second radial surface 256 of the annular body 250 and separates the second radial surface 256 from the stop surface 282 of the first flange member 274. The second flange member 276 is generally cylindrical in shape, thereby complementing the annular shape of the body 250 of the support plate 202. The second flange member 276 has a first outer diameter D1 near the second radial surface 256. The second flange member 276 extends to a front end 284. The second flange member 276 has a second outer diameter D2 at the front end 284 that is smaller than the first outer diameter D1. The reduced outer diameter D2 may be provided by a chamfered outer edge 286 at the front end 284 of the second flange member 276 .

[0045] When the compression subassembly 200 is installed in the compressor housing 102, the stop surface 282 of the first flange member 274 sits on the rim 138 of the housing 104 at the first end 118. The stop surface 282 and the rim 138 can be shaped (e.g., machined) to provide complementary surfaces (e.g., complementary flat surfaces). The complementary surfaces of the rim 138 and the stop surface 282 can facilitate balancing the support plate 202 on the rim 138 and centering the compression subassembly 200 within the compressor housing 102. The stop surface 282 facilitates positioning the support plate 202 on the housing 104, and the first flange member 274 enables the support plate 202 to be attached to the rim of the housing 104. The stop surface 282 also facilitates controlling the depth of the support plate 202 extending into the housing 104 and the overall alignment of the compression subassembly 200. The first flange member 274 can be attached to the housing 104 using any suitable means to connect the components. For example, the first flange member 274 may be welded to the housing 104. The connection (eg, welded connection) between the first flange member 274 and the housing 104 may suitably form a seal that facilitates limiting or preventing leakage of the working fluid between the second chamber 116 and the first chamber 112.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, the outer diameter D3 of the housing 104 is greater than the outer diameter defined by the first flange member 274. Thus, the first flange member 274 terminates prior to the outer radial edge of the rim 138 of the housing 104, and the outer portion 140 of the rim 138 extends radially beyond the first flange member 274. The outer portion 140 of the rim 138 can provide an exposed surface on which the end cap 106 can be seated and attached to the rim 138 such that the end cap 106 surrounds the first flange member 274. The bottom edge of the end cap 106 that seats on the rim 138 can also be shaped (e.g., machined) to complement the shape defined by the step surface 280 of the first flange member 274 and the outer portion 140 of the rim 138. For example, the step surface 280 and the outer portion 140 can define an "L" shape, and the bottom edge of the end cap 106 can be machined to have a complementary L-shape to facilitate positioning the end cap 106 on the rim 138 and balancing the end cap 106 on the rim 138, wherein the support plate 202 is positioned between the end cap 106 and the rim 138. The support plate 202 and the end cap 106 can each be attached to the rim 138 of the housing 104 using any suitable means to join the components. The support plate 202 and the end cap 106 can be attached to the rim 138 via a single attachment operation or a continuous attachment operation. For example, the support plate 202 and the end cap 106 can be attached to the housing 104 by welding, separately or in a single welding operation. Alternatively, one or both of the support plate 202 and the end cap 106 can be attached to the rim 138 by another suitable attachment means (e.g., bolts).

[0047] When the compression subassembly 200 is installed in the compressor housing 102, the second flange member 276 is received by the rim 138 of the outer shell 104. The second flange member 276 facilitates centering the support plate 202 on the outer shell 104. The outer diameter D1 of the second flange member 276 near the second radial surface 256 can be approximately equal to the inner diameter D4 of the outer shell 104, so that the second flange member 276 is press-fitted into the outer shell 104, which can make it easier to center the support plate 202 on the outer shell 104 to align the compression subassembly 200 within the compressor housing 102. The chamfered outer edge 286 at the front end 284 of the second flange member 276 - providing a reduced outer diameter D2 of the second flange member 276 at the front end 284 - can facilitate guiding the second flange member 276 into the outer shell 104 before the second flange member 276 engages the outer shell 104 by press-fitting at the outer diameter D1 near the second radial surface 256.

[0048] Refer again Figure 4 In the example compressor 100, a fluid chamber 272 is defined between the main bearing housing 208 and the support plate 202. The fluid chamber 272 can be defined by separate fastening mechanisms for attaching the fixed scroll 228 to the support plate 202 and the main bearing housing 208 - namely, threaded attachment of the fixed scroll 228 to the support plate 202 and separate attachment of the fixed scroll 228 to the main bearing housing 208 using fasteners 222 - and radial displacement between the fixed body 238 and the housing 104. Therefore, the fluid chamber 272 surrounds the fixed body 238 between the main bearing housing 208 and the support plate 202. The fluid chamber 272 is located within the first chamber 112, and the working fluid within the fluid chamber is at the same pressure as the first chamber 112 (e.g., suction pressure). The fluid chamber 272 is also located within the second chamber 116 ( Figure 2 ) and is separated from the second chamber 116 by the support plate 202. The seal formed by attaching the fixed scroll member 228 to the support plate 202 (e.g., by threaded attachment) and the first flange member 274 and the housing 104 (e.g., via a welded connection) appropriately facilitates limiting or preventing the working fluid from flowing directly between the fluid cavity 272 and the second chamber 116.

[0049] Figure 8 is with Figure 4 An enlarged cross-section of a portion of a similar compressor 100 is shown, which shows another example compression subassembly, generally indicated at 300, installed in the compressor housing 102. The compression subassembly 300 includes the same components as described above with reference to FIG. Figures 2 to 7Similar features and components of the compression subassembly 200 shown and described above are shown. Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding portions between the compression subassembly 300 and the compression subassembly 200. As with the compression subassembly 200, the compression subassembly 300 includes: a support plate 202, which is positioned on the housing 104 and attached to the rim 138; a compression mechanism 204, which includes a movable scroll 226 and a fixed scroll 228 attached to the support plate 202; and a main bearing housing 208, which is attached to the fixed scroll 228 by fasteners 222 as described above. The fluid chamber 272 is defined between the main bearing housing 208 and the support plate 202 as described above, and is connected relative to the second chamber 116 ( Figure 2 )seal.

[0050] exist Figure 8 In the compression subassembly 300 of FIG. 2 , the support plate 202 is attached to the outer radial surface 242 of the fixed scroll 228 by fasteners 302 (e.g., screws or bolts). As described above, the raised portion 245 of the fixed scroll 228 extends into the central opening 252, and the raised circumferential surface 268 engages with the inner circumferential surface 260 of the support plate 202 defined by the collar 258. In this example, the circumferential surfaces 260, 268 are not threaded, and an O-ring 304 is positioned between the circumferential surfaces 260, 268. When the support plate 202 is attached to the outer radial surface 242, the engagement between the circumferential surfaces 260, 268 compresses the O-ring 304, which forms a seal that facilitates limiting or preventing the flow of the working fluid between the fluid cavity 272 defined in the second chamber 116 and the first chamber 112. The support plate 202 includes brackets 306 extending radially inward from the collar 258 above the outer radial surface 242 of the non-orbiting scroll 228. The example embodiment includes three brackets 306, but more or fewer brackets 306 may be included. The brackets 306 include holes (not shown) defined therein that correspond to openings (not shown) defined in the outer radial surface 242. Fasteners 302 are received by the holes in the brackets 306 and the corresponding openings in the outer radial surface 242 to attach the support plate 202 to the non-orbiting scroll 228.

[0051] Fig. 9 is with Figure 4 1 and 2. An enlarged cross-section of a portion of a similar compressor 100 is shown showing a portion of another example compression subassembly, generally indicated at 400, mounted in the compressor housing 102. The compression subassembly 400 includes the same components as described above with reference to FIG. Figures 2 to 7 The compression subassembly 200 shown and described above with reference to Figure 8Similar features and components of the compression subassembly 300 shown and described above are shown in the drawings. Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts between the compression subassembly 400 and the compression subassembly 200 and / or the compression subassembly 300. As with the compression subassemblies 200 and 300, the compression subassembly 400 includes: a support plate 202, which is positioned on the housing 104 and attached to the rim 138; a compression mechanism 204, which includes an orbiting scroll 226 ( Fig. 9 ) and a fixed scroll member 228 attached to the support plate 202; and a main bearing housing 208, the main bearing housing 208 being attached to the fixed scroll member 228.

[0052] exist Fig. 9 In the compression subassembly 400, the fluid cavity 272 is defined between the fixed body 238 of the fixed scroll 228 and the support plate 202, and the fixed body 238 is threadedly attached to the main bearing housing 208 opposite the fluid cavity 272. The bushing 220 is not included in the main bearing housing 208, and the main bearing housing 208 includes a column 402 extending axially from the radially outer portion of the body 210 toward the fixed scroll 228. An internal thread 404 is formed on the column 402 near the axial end of the column 402 opposite to the body 210. The fixed body 238 includes a recess 406 defined in the circumferential edge adjacent to the radial surface 241. The recess 406 defined in the fixed body 238 corresponds to and receives the column 402 of the main bearing housing 208. An external thread 408 is formed along the concave circumferential surface of the body 238 defined by the recess 406. The external thread 408 is complementary to the internal thread 404 of the column 402. The threads 404 of the post 402 engage with the threads 408 of the recessed circumferential edge of the body 238 to threadably attach the body 238 to the main bearing housing 208 .

[0053] Still refer to Fig. 9 In the compression subassembly 400, the annular body 250 of the support plate 202 is attached to the fixed body 238 of the fixed scroll 228 by fasteners (not shown), such as screws or bolts. As described above, the raised portion 245 of the fixed scroll 228 extends into the central opening 252, and the raised circumferential surface 268 engages with the inner circumferential surface 260 of the support plate 202 defined by the collar 258. In this example, similar to the compression subassembly 300, the circumferential surfaces 260, 268 are not threaded, and an O-ring 410 is positioned between the circumferential surfaces 260, 268. When the support plate 202 is attached to the outer radial surface 242, the engagement between the circumferential surfaces 260, 268 compresses the O-ring 410, which forms a seal that facilitates limiting or preventing the working fluid from entering the second chamber 116 ( Figure 2) and the fluid cavity 272 defined in the first chamber 112. The annular body 250 of the support plate 202 includes a hole 412, which corresponds to an opening 414 defined in the radial surface 243 of the fixed body 238. Fasteners are received by the holes 412 and the corresponding openings 414 to attach the support plate 202 to the fixed scroll member 228.

[0054] Reference Figures 1 to 9 , and refer to Fig.10 , an example method 500 for assembling a compressor (e.g., compressor 100) will now be described, the method including installing a compression subassembly (e.g., compression subassembly 200, 300, and / or 400) as a single unit in a housing of the compressor (e.g., compressor housing 102). The method includes assembling 502 a compression subassembly including a bearing plate 202, an orbiting scroll 226, a non-orbiting scroll 228, and a main bearing housing 208. Assembling 502 the compression subassembly may include attaching the non-orbiting scroll 228 to the bearing plate 202. The non-orbiting scroll 228 may be threadedly attached to the bearing plate 202 (e.g., in Figures 2 to 7 ), or may be attached to a support plate 202 (as in Figure 8 The compression subassembly 300 shown in Fig. 9 Attachment between the fixed scroll 228 and the support plate 202 is suitably sealed, for example, by a mechanical seal between complementary tapered threads or by an O-ring compressed between the engaging surfaces of the fixed scroll 228 and the support plate 202 during attachment. Assembling 502 the compression subassembly may also include positioning the orbiting scroll 226 on a surface of the main bearing housing 208 (e.g., one or both of the thrust bearing surfaces 218 and 239). Assembling 502 the compression subassembly may also include attaching the main bearing housing 208 to the fixed scroll 228. The fixed scroll 228 may be attached to the main bearing housing 208 by fasteners (e.g., in Figures 2 to 7 The compression subassembly 200 shown in FIG. Figure 8 ), or may be threadably attached to the main bearing housing 208 (as in Fig. 94. The compression subassembly 400 shown in FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a compression subassembly 402. Suitably, prior to attaching the main bearing housing 208 to the fixed scroll 228, the orbiting scroll 226 is positioned on a surface of the main bearing housing 208 such that the orbiting scroll is positioned between the fixed scroll and the main bearing housing. The compression subassembly may also include a drive shaft (e.g., drive shaft 128) of the compressor 100. In these examples, assembling 502 the compression subassembly also includes connecting the drive shaft 128 to the orbiting scroll 226, such as by inserting the drive shaft 128 through the central aperture 212 of the main bearing housing 208 and connecting the eccentric body 132 of the drive shaft 128 to a drive bushing provided in the cylindrical hub 236 of the orbiting scroll 226.

[0055] Once the compression subassembly is assembled 502, the compression subassembly can be installed 504 in the first chamber of the compressor housing 102 as a pre-assembled single unit. For example, the compression subassembly can be installed 504 in the first chamber 112 defined by the outer shell 104 of the compressor housing 102. Installing 504 the compression subassembly in the compressor housing can include inserting the main bearing housing 208, the orbiting scroll 226, and the non-orbiting scroll 228 into the first chamber 112 and positioning the support plate 202 on the outer shell 104. The compression subassembly is supported in the first chamber 112 by the support plate 202. For example, the compression subassembly can be suspended or "hung" from the support plate 202, which is centered on the outer shell 104 and fixedly positioned on the outer shell 104 to facilitate alignment of the compression subassembly within the outer shell 104. If the drive shaft 128 is assembled 502 as part of the compression subassembly, the drive shaft 128 can optionally be inserted into the first chamber 112 and supported by the support plate 202.

[0056] As mentioned above Figures 5 to 7As described, the support plate 202 can include a first flange member 274 defining a stop surface 282 that seats on the rim 138 of the housing 104 when the compression subassembly is installed 504 in the compressor housing 102. The stop surface 282 and the rim 138 can be machined to include complementary surfaces (e.g., complementary flat surfaces) that facilitate balancing the support plate 202 on the rim 138 and centering the compression subassembly within the compressor housing 102. The first flange member 274 extends at least partially through the rim 138 of the housing 104 to enable attachment of the support plate 202 to the rim 138. As described above, the first flange member 274 can terminate prior to the outer portion 140 of the rim 138, which can provide an exposed surface on which the end cover 106 can be seated and attached to the rim 138. The support plate 202 may also include a second flange member 276 that is received by the rim 138 of the outer shell 104 when the compression subassembly is installed 504 in the compressor housing 102. As described above, the second flange member 276 may facilitate guiding the compression subassembly into the compressor housing and / or facilitate centering the compression subassembly within the outer shell 104 during installation 504.

[0057] With the compression subassembly installed 504 in the first chamber 112, an end cover (e.g., end cover 106) of the compressor housing 102 can be positioned 506 on the outer shell 104 such that a second chamber (e.g., second chamber 116) is defined between the end cover 106 and the outer shell 104. The support plate 202 is positioned between the end cover 106 and the outer shell 104 and separates the first chamber from the second chamber. The support plate 202 and the end cover 106 can then be attached 508 to the outer shell 104 separately or in a single attachment operation. For example, the support plate 202 and the end cover 106 can be attached 508 to the outer shell 104 by welding, separately or in a single welding operation. Alternatively, one or both of the support plate 202 and the end cover 106 can be attached to the rim 138 by another suitable attachment means (e.g., bolts).

[0058] When assembling the compressor by the method 500 including mounting 504 the compression assembly in the compressor housing, the main bearing housing 208 and / or the non-orbiting scroll 228 may be press-fitted against the outer shell 104, or may be radially displaced relative to the outer shell. Mounting 504 the compression subassembly within the compressor housing and supporting the compression subassembly within the compressor housing may not require a press fit between the main bearing housing 208 and / or the non-orbiting scroll 228, because the support plate 202 attached to the outer shell 104 facilitates centering the compression subassembly within the outer shell 104 and supporting the compression subassembly within the outer shell 104. The presence of a gap between the outer shell 104 and the main bearing housing 208 and / or the non-orbiting scroll 228 mounted 504 in the compressor housing 102 may cause the fluid cavity 272 to be at the same pressure (e.g., suction pressure) as the first chamber 112. Appropriately, the seal formed by attaching the fixed scroll member 228 to the support plate 202 and attaching the support plate 202 to the housing 104 helps to limit or prevent the working fluid from flowing directly between the fluid cavity 272 and the second chamber 116, which can be at a different pressure (e.g., a discharge pressure) than the fluid cavity.

[0059] Compared with existing compressors, the embodiments achieve better results. In particular, the compression subassembly described herein facilitates the installation of compressor components (e.g., scroll, bearing, drive shaft) in the compressor housing and aligning the compressor components in the compressor housing. The example compression subassembly includes a support plate attached to a fixed scroll, which is in turn attached to a main bearing housing, wherein the movable scroll is positioned between the fixed scroll and the main bearing housing. The support plate separates the chambers of the compressor housing that may be at different pressures and forms a fluid-tight seal to limit or prevent leakage of the working fluid between the chambers. The attachment between the support plate and the fixed scroll allows the compression subassembly to be assembled and installed in the compressor housing as a single unit. The compression subassembly can be suspended or "hung" on the support plate in the compressor housing, and the support plate includes a stop and / or positioning feature for positioning the support plate on the outer shell of the compressor housing and centering the support plate on the outer shell of the compressor housing to provide better alignment of the compression subassembly in the outer shell of the compressor housing. In at least some known compressors, the compressor components are individually mounted and the compressor housing is used as the primary reference point for the individual connections between the compressor components. In these known compressors, each successive connection between the compressor components increases the chance of tolerance stack-up and misalignment between the compressor components. The described example compression subassemblies provide improvements over known compressors by providing alignment structures for multiple compressor components that rely only on a single connection point between a support plate and the compressor housing for aligning the components, thereby facilitating reduction or elimination of the chance of alignment errors.

[0060] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or embodiments thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to indicate that there is one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," "containing," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements in addition to the listed elements. The use of terms indicating a particular orientation (e.g., "top," "bottom," "side," etc.) is for ease of description and does not require any particular orientation of the object being described.

[0061] As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A compressor, comprising: a compressor housing including an outer shell defining a first chamber and an end cover defining a second chamber; as well as A compression subassembly, the compression subassembly being mounted in the compressor housing, the compression subassembly comprising: a support plate positioned in the compressor housing between the outer shell and the end cover, wherein the support plate separates the first chamber from the second chamber; a fixed scroll attached to the support plate and extending from the support plate into the first chamber; a main bearing housing positioned in the first chamber and attached to the non-orbiting scroll; and a movable scroll member, the movable scroll member being positioned between the fixed scroll member and the main bearing housing; Wherein, the compression subassembly is supported in the compressor housing by the support plate.

2. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein: The support plate and the non-orbiting scroll cooperate to seal the first chamber relative to the second chamber.

3. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein: The support plate includes an annular body separating the first chamber from the second chamber and a central opening defined therein, wherein an outer radial surface of the non-orbiting scroll is accessible through the central opening.

4. The compressor according to claim 3, wherein: The support plate includes: a radially extending flange member, which is stepped relative to the outer radial edge of the annular body, wherein the radially extending flange member sits on the edge of the shell and is attached to the edge of the shell; and an axially extending flange member, which is received by the edge to center the support plate on the shell.

5. The compressor according to claim 4, wherein: The radially extending flange member terminates prior to an outer radial edge of the rim, wherein the end cap sits on and is attached to the rim of the housing and surrounds the radially extending flange member.

6. The compressor according to claim 4, wherein: The outer edge at the front end of the axially extending flange member received by the rim is chamfered.

7. The compressor according to claim 3, wherein: The fixed scroll member includes a raised portion extending into the central opening of the support plate, the raised portion defining the outer radial surface and the raised circumferential surface of the fixed scroll member, wherein the support plate includes an inner circumferential surface surrounding the central opening, and wherein the inner circumferential surface of the support plate and the raised circumferential surface of the fixed scroll member are sealingly engaged.

8. The compressor according to claim 7, wherein: The inner circumferential surface of the support plate and the raised circumferential surface of the fixed scroll include complementary tapered threads for threaded engagement with each other.

9. The compressor according to claim 8, wherein: The support plate includes a collar surrounding the central opening and defining the inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, and wherein a flat portion is defined in the outer circumferential surface.

10. The compressor according to claim 8, wherein: The non-orbiting scroll is attached to the main bearing housing by fasteners.

11. The compressor according to claim 7, wherein: The raised portion of the non-orbiting scroll extends from a lower radial surface, wherein the lower radial surface engages a radial surface of the annular body of the support plate adjacent the central opening.

12. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein: The fixed scroll is attached to the support plate and the main bearing housing by separate fastening mechanisms.

13. The compressor according to claim 12, wherein: The non-orbiting scroll is threadably attached to the support plate, and the non-orbiting scroll is attached to the main bearing housing by fasteners.

14. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein: The compression subassembly also includes a drive shaft positioned within the compressor housing and operably connected to the orbiting scroll for moving the orbiting scroll relative to the non-orbiting scroll.

15. A compression subassembly, the compression subassembly being mountable as a single unit in a compressor housing, the compression subassembly comprising: a support plate for supporting the compression subassembly in the compressor housing, the support plate comprising an annular body, a central opening defined in the annular body, and an inner circumferential surface surrounding the central opening; a fixed scroll member attached to the support plate, the fixed scroll member including a raised portion extending into the central opening of the support plate, the raised portion defining a raised circumferential surface, wherein the raised circumferential surface is in sealing engagement with the inner circumferential surface of the support plate; a main bearing housing attached to the fixed scroll; and A movable scroll member is positioned between the fixed scroll member and the main bearing housing.

16. The compression subassembly of claim 15, wherein: The inner circumferential surface of the support plate and the raised circumferential surface of the fixed scroll include complementary tapered threads for threaded engagement with each other.

17. The compression subassembly of claim 15, wherein: The fixed scroll member is attached to the main bearing housing by fasteners, each of which extends through a hole in the fixed scroll member and a corresponding opening in the main bearing housing, and the hole in the fixed scroll member and the corresponding opening in the main bearing housing are sized to facilitate orienting the fixed scroll member relative to the main bearing housing.

18. The compression subassembly of claim 15, wherein: The raised portion of the non-orbiting scroll extends from a lower radial surface, wherein the lower radial surface engages a radial surface of the annular body of the support plate adjacent the central opening.

19. A method of assembling a compressor, the method comprising: Assemble the compression subassembly by following these steps: attaching the fixed scroll to the support plate; positioning the orbiting scroll on the surface of the main bearing housing; as well as attaching the main bearing housing to the fixed scroll such that the orbiting scroll is positioned between the fixed scroll and the main bearing housing; mounting the compression subassembly as a single unit in a first chamber defined by an outer shell of a compressor housing by positioning the support plate on the outer shell such that the compression subassembly is supported in the first chamber by the support plate; positioning an end cover of the compressor housing on the outer shell so that a second chamber is defined between the end cover and the outer shell, wherein the second chamber is separated from the first chamber by the support plate; as well as The support plate and the end caps are attached to the housing.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: Assembling the compression subassembly also includes connecting a drive shaft to the orbiting scroll.

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