Scroll compressors

Abstract

Scroll compressors may include a stationary scroll, a drive shaft, a crank shaft coupled to the drive shaft, a bearing member coupled to the crank shaft and a movable scroll coupled to the crank shaft. The movable scroll is typically disposed adjacent to the stationary scroll. Further, the movable scroll preferably includes a boss that extends in the axial direction of the crank shaft. A spacer may be disposed between the boss and the bearing member and the spacer preferably transmits orbital movement of the crank shaft to the movable scroll. A compression chamber is defined by a space between the stationary scroll and the movable scroll. Fluid (e.g. a refrigerant gas) is compressed within the compression chamber when the movable scroll revolves or orbits with respect to the stationary scroll. A discharge port may be defined within the movable scroll and may be adapted to discharge the compressed fluid to a side that is opposite of the stationary scroll. A discharge valve is preferably coupled to the discharge port and is operable to open and close the discharge port. The discharge valve may, for example, include a reed valve and a retainer that holds the reed valve. Further, the spacer may be fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the boss by a frictional fit and may contact the discharge valve. The bearing member may be, e.g., a plain bearing or a needle bearing.