CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 15/682,599, filed on August 22, 2017, U.S. Application No. 15/692,844, filed on August 31 , 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/455,679, filed on February 7, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/384,976, filed on September 8, 2016. The entire disclosure of each of the applications referenced above is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a compressor for a climate control system.

BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] A compressor may be used in a refrigeration, heat pump, HVAC, or chiller system (generically, "climate control system") to circulate a working fluid therethrough. The compressor may be one of a variety of compressor types. For example, the compressor may be a scroll compressor, a rotary-vane compressor, a reciprocating compressor, a centrifugal compressor, or an axial compressor. During operation of the compressor, a motor assembly may be used to rotate a driveshaft. In this regard, compressors often utilize a motor assembly that includes a stator surrounding a central rotor that is coupled to the driveshaft. Regardless of the exact type of compressor employed, consistent and reliable construction and assembly of the motor assembly is desirable to ensure that the compressor can effectively and efficiently circulate the working fluid through the climate control system.

[0005] A scroll compressor typically includes an orbiting scroll member having an orbiting scroll wrap and a non-orbiting scroll member having a non-orbiting scroll wrap. As the scroll compressor operates, the orbiting scroll member orbits with respect to a non-orbiting scroll member, causing moving line contacts between flanks of the respective scroll wraps. In so doing, the orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member cooperate to define moving, crescent-shaped pockets of vapor refrigerant. The volumes of the pockets decrease as the pockets move toward a center of the scroll members, thereby compressing the vapor refrigerant disposed therein from a suction pressure to a discharge pressure.

[0006] During operation, lubricating fluid is provided to many of the moving components of the scroll compressor in an effort to reduce wear, improve performance, and in some instances, to cool one or more components. For example, lubricating fluid in the form of oil may be provided to the orbiting scroll member and to the non-orbiting scroll member such that flanks of the orbiting scroll spiral wrap and flanks of the non- orbiting scroll spiral wrap are lubricated during operation. In a low side compressor, lubricating fluid is typically returned to a sump of the compressor and in so doing may come in contact with a motor of the compressor, thereby cooling the motor to a desired temperature.

SUMMARY

[0007] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a compressor that may include a shell, a compression mechanism, a driveshaft, a motor assembly, and a stator support member. The compression mechanism is disposed within the shell. The driveshaft is drivingly engaged with the compression mechanism. The motor assembly may be disposed within the shell and is drivingly engaged with the driveshaft. The motor assembly includes a rotor and a stator. The stator is fixed relative to the shell. The rotor may include an axially extending portion and a radially extending portion. The axially extending portion may be disposed radially outward relative to the stator. The radially extending portion may engage the driveshaft and may be disposed axially between the stator and the compression mechanism. The stator support member may be fixed relative to the shell and the stator. The stator support member may extend longitudinally through at least a portion of the stator.

[0009] In some configurations, the compressor includes a bearing housing rotatably supporting the driveshaft, wherein the radially extending portion of the rotor is disposed axially between the stator and the bearing housing.

[0010] In some configurations, the stator support member is axially spaced apart from the driveshaft.

[0011] In some configurations, the radially extending portion of the rotor is attached to a first axial end of the driveshaft. [0012] In some configurations, a second axial end of the driveshaft drivingly engages the compression mechanism.

[0013] In some configurations, the driveshaft includes an eccentric portion disposed axially between the first axial end of the driveshaft and a second axial end of the driveshaft.

[0014] In some configurations, the stator support member includes a tubular portion that engages the stator and includes a first fluid passageway extending therethrough.

[0015] In some configurations, the stator support member includes a flange portion disposed at an axial end of the tubular portion and extending radially outward from the tubular portion.

[0016] In some configurations, the flange portion includes a second fluid passageway extending therethrough.

[0017] In some configurations, the stator support member includes an aperture, and one or more wires connected to the stator extend through the aperture.

[0018] In some configurations, the stator support member is integrally formed with the shell.

[0019] In some configurations, the radially extending portion of the rotor includes at least one fluid passageway extending therethrough and is disposed radially between the driveshaft and the axially extending portion of the rotor.

[0020] In some configurations, the axially extending portion of the rotor includes a first axial end and a second axial end. The radially extending portion of the rotor may extend from the first axial end, and the second axial end may be unsupported by the stator and the shell.

[0021] In some configurations, an outer diametrical surface of the axially extending portion of the rotor includes a plurality of fins fixed thereto.

[0022] In some configurations, the driveshaft includes a fluid passageway in fluid communication with a discharge chamber defined by said shell.

[0023] In some configurations, the compression mechanism includes an orbiting scroll member and a non-orbiting scroll member. The non-orbiting scroll member may include a first discharge passage in fluid communication with the discharge chamber. The orbiting scroll member may include a second discharge passage in fluid communication with the fluid passageway in the driveshaft.

[0024] The present disclosure also provides a compressor that may include a shell, a compression mechanism, a driveshaft, a bearing housing, a motor assembly, and a stator support member. The compression mechanism is disposed within the shell. The driveshaft is drivingly engaged with the compression mechanism. The bearing housing rotatably supports the driveshaft. The motor assembly may be disposed within the shell and is drivingly engaged with the driveshaft. The motor assembly may include a rotor and a stator. The stator is fixed relative to the shell. The rotor may have a U-shaped cross section including an axially extending portion and a radially extending portion. The axially extending portion may be disposed radially outward relative to the stator. The radially extending portion may engage the driveshaft and may be disposed axially between the stator and the bearing housing. The stator support member may be fixed relative to the shell and the stator. The stator support member may extend longitudinally through at least a portion of the stator.

[0025] The present disclosure also provides a compressor that may include a shell, a compression mechanism, a driveshaft, and a bearing housing. The compression mechanism is disposed within the shell. The driveshaft is drivingly engaged with the compression mechanism. The driveshaft may be rotatably supported only by a single bearing. The bearing housing may be fixed relative to the shell and supports the single bearing rotatably supporting the driveshaft.

[0026] In some configurations, the compressor includes a motor assembly disposed within the shell and drivingly engaged with the driveshaft. The motor assembly may include a rotor and a stator. The stator may be fixed relative to the shell. The rotor may include an axially extending portion and a radially extending portion. The axially extending portion may be disposed radially outward relative to the stator. The radially extending portion may engage the driveshaft and may be disposed axially between the stator and the compression mechanism.

[0027] In some configurations, the compressor includes a stator support member fixed relative to the shell and the stator. The stator support member may extend longitudinally through at least a portion of the stator.

[0028] In some configurations, the driveshaft is axially spaced apart from a tubular portion of the stator support member.

[0029] In some configurations, the radially extending portion of the rotor is attached to a first axial end of the driveshaft.

[0030] In some configurations, a second axial end of the driveshaft drivingly engages the compression mechanism.

[0031] In some configurations, the driveshaft extends through the shell. [0032] The present disclosure also provides a compressor that may include a shell, a compression mechanism, a driveshaft, a drive bearing cavity, and a drive bearing. The compression mechanism is disposed within the shell and may include an orbiting scroll member and a non-orbiting scroll member. The orbiting scroll member includes a baseplate (end plate) and a tubular portion extending axially from the baseplate. The tubular portion defines a driveshaft cavity.

[0033] The driveshaft is drivingly engaged with the orbiting scroll member. The driveshaft has a first end disposed in the driveshaft cavity of the orbiting scroll member and a second end opposite of the first end. The drive bearing cavity is disposed between an outer radial surface of the driveshaft and an inner radial surface of the tubular portion of the orbiting scroll member. The baseplate of the orbiting scroll member defines a first discharge passage in fluid communication with the drive bearing cavity. The drive bearing is disposed in the drive bearing cavity and is disposed about the driveshaft adjacent to the first end of the driveshaft.

[0034] In some configurations, the compressor further includes an unloader bushing disposed about the driveshaft adjacent to the first end of the driveshaft and disposed in the drive bearing cavity between the outer radial surface of the driveshaft and an inner radial surface of the drive bearing.

[0035] In some configurations, the driveshaft defines a first channel extending axially through the first end of the driveshaft and a second channel extending radially outward from the first channel and through the outer radial surface of the driveshaft. The first and second channels are configured to deliver discharge fluid from the first discharge passage to an interface between the outer radial surface of the driveshaft and an inner radial surface of the unloader bushing.

[0036] In some configurations, the driveshaft defines a third channel extending axially from the first channel and through the second end of the driveshaft.

[0037] In some configurations, the main bearing housing is fixed relative to the shell and includes a second tubular portion. The second tubular portion defines a main bearing cavity in fluid communication with the drive bearing cavity. The main bearing is disposed in the main bearing cavity and is disposed about the driveshaft between the first and second ends of the driveshaft. The main bearing radially supports the driveshaft.

[0038] In some configurations, the compressor further includes an end bearing disposed about the driveshaft adjacent to the second end. The second tubular portion of the main bearing housing has an open end that allows discharge fluid to flow from the main bearing cavity to the end bearing.

[0039] In some configurations, the compressor further includes a suction tube extending through the shell, the non-orbiting scroll member defines a suction inlet in fluid communication with the suction tube, and the baseplate of the orbiting scroll member defines an intermediate chamber orifice disposed radially between the suction inlet and the first discharge passage and extending axially through the baseplate.

[0040] In some configurations, the main bearing housing and the orbiting scroll member cooperate to define an intermediate chamber that is in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber orifice.

[0041] In some configurations, the compressor further includes an Oldham coupling disposed in the intermediate chamber and keyed to the orbiting scroll member and the main bearing housing to prevent relative rotation between the orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members.

[0042] In some configurations, the main bearing housing has a thrust bearing surface abutting the baseplate of the orbiting scroll member, and the intermediate chamber places the intermediate chamber orifice in fluid communication with at least a portion of an interface between the thrust bearing surface and the baseplate.

[0043] In some configurations, the shell defines a discharge chamber and the non- orbiting scroll member defines a second discharge passage in fluid communication with the discharge chamber.

[0044] In some configurations, the orbiting scroll member has an axial end surface that faces the driveshaft, the first end of the driveshaft is spaced apart from the axial end surface to provide a clearance gap, and the clearance gap is free of any seal that prevents fluid communication between the first discharge passage in the orbiting scroll member and the drive bearing cavity.

[0045] In some configurations, the compressor further includes a discharge valve that regulates the flow of discharge fluid from the first discharge passage to the drive bearing cavity.

[0046] In some configurations, the discharge valve is disposed in the driveshaft cavity and axially between the orbiting scroll member and the first end of the driveshaft.

[0047] Another compressor according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a shell defining a discharge chamber, a suction tube extending through the shell, a compression mechanism, a driveshaft, a drive bearing cavity, and a drive bearing. The compression mechanism is disposed within the shell and includes an orbiting scroll member and a non-orbiting scroll member that cooperate to define a compression pocket. The non-orbiting scroll member defines a suction inlet in fluid communication with the suction tube and a discharge passage in fluid communication with the discharge chamber. The orbiting scroll member includes a baseplate and a first tubular portion extending axially from the baseplate. The first tubular portion defines a driveshaft cavity.

[0048] The driveshaft is drivingly engaged with the orbiting scroll member, has a first end disposed in the driveshaft cavity of the orbiting scroll member, and has a second end opposite of the first end. The drive bearing cavity is disposed between an outer radial surface of the driveshaft and an inner radial surface of the first tubular portion of the orbiting scroll member. The baseplate of the orbiting scroll member defines an intermediate chamber orifice in fluid communication with the compression pocket at a location that is radially between the suction inlet and the discharge passage. The intermediate chamber is also in fluid communication with the drive bearing cavity. The drive bearing is disposed in the drive bearing cavity and is disposed about the driveshaft adjacent to the first end of the driveshaft.

[0049] In some configurations, the compressor further includes an unloader bushing disposed about the driveshaft adjacent to the first end of the driveshaft and disposed in the drive bearing cavity between the outer radial surface of the driveshaft and an inner radial surface of the drive bearing.

[0050] In some configurations, the compressor further includes a main bearing housing and main bearing. The main bearing housing is fixed relative to the shell and includes a second tubular portion. The second tubular portion defines a main bearing cavity in fluid communication with the drive bearing cavity. The main bearing is disposed in the main bearing cavity and is disposed about the driveshaft between the first and second ends of the driveshaft. The main bearing radially supports the driveshaft.

[0051] In some configurations, the main bearing housing and the orbiting scroll member cooperate to define an intermediate chamber that is in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber orifice.

[0052] In some configurations, the drive bearing cavity and the main bearing cavity are disposed within the intermediate chamber.

[0053] In some configurations, the compressor further includes a seal that prevents fluid communication between the intermediate and discharge chambers. [0054] In some configurations, the discharge chamber includes a first portion disposed on a first side of the compression mechanism and a second portion disposed on a second side of the compression mechanism opposite of the first side, the non- orbiting scroll member defines a first fluid passage disposed radially outboard of the discharge passage, and the main bearing housing defines a second fluid passage disposed radially outboard of the main bearing cavity. The first and second fluid passages place the first portion of the discharge chamber in fluid communication with the second portion of the discharge chamber.

[0055] In some configurations, the discharge chamber is disposed on a first side of the compression mechanism, the shell defines a suction chamber disposed on a second side of the compression mechanism opposite of the first side, and the suction tube extends through the shell at a location adjacent to the second end of the driveshaft. The suction chamber places the suction inlet in the non-orbiting scroll member in fluid communication with the suction tube.

[0056] In some configurations, the location of the suction tube ensures that suction fluid entering the shell passes through an end bearing disposed about the driveshaft adjacent to the second end.

[0057] In some configurations, the compressor further includes a deflector configured to redirect suction fluid entering the shell such that the suction fluid flows toward an end bearing disposed about the driveshaft adjacent to the second end.

[0058] In some configurations, the intermediate chamber orifice includes a first portion in fluid communication with the compression pocket, a second portion in fluid communication with the drive bearing cavity, and a third portion placing the first and second portions in fluid communication with each other.

[0059] In some configurations, the first and third portions of the intermediate chamber orifice extend axially through the baseplate of the orbiting scroll member, and the second portion of the intermediate chamber orifice extends radially through the baseplate of the orbiting scroll member.

[0060] Another compressor according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a shell defining a discharge chamber, a compression mechanism disposed within the shell, a driveshaft, a main bearing housing, a main bearing, and a first deflector. The discharge chamber includes a first portion disposed on a first side of the compression mechanism and a second portion disposed on a second side of the compression mechanism opposite of the first side. The compression mechanism includes an orbiting scroll member and a non-orbiting scroll member. The non-orbiting scroll member defines a discharge passage in fluid communication with the first portion of the discharge chamber, and a first fluid passage disposed radially outboard of the discharge passage. The driveshaft is drivingly engaged with the orbiting scroll member.

[0061] The main bearing housing is fixed relative to the shell and defines a main bearing cavity, a second fluid passage disposed radially outboard of the main bearing cavity, and a third fluid passage extending through an outer radial surface of the main bearing housing and in fluid communication with the main bearing cavity. The first and second fluid passages place the first portion of the discharge chamber in fluid communication with the second portion of the discharge chamber.

[0062] The main bearing is disposed in the main bearing cavity and is disposed about the driveshaft. The main bearing radially supports the driveshaft. The first deflector is disposed in the second portion of the discharge chamber and is configured to redirect discharge fluid flowing axially through the second portion of the discharge chamber such that the discharge fluid flows radially inward toward the third fluid passage in the main bearing housing.

[0063] In some configurations, the compressor further includes a second deflector disposed in the first portion of the discharge chamber and configured to redirect discharge fluid flowing radially through the first portion of the discharge chamber such that that discharge fluid flows axially through the first and second fluid passages.

[0064] In some configurations, the first deflector has an inlet that is radially aligned with at least one of the first and second fluid passages and an outlet that is axially aligned with the third fluid passage.

[0065] In some configurations, the orbiting scroll member defines a driveshaft cavity that receives a first end of the driveshaft, and the compressor further includes a drive bearing cavity and a drive bearing. The drive bearing cavity is in fluid communication with the main bearing cavity and is disposed between an outer radial surface of the driveshaft and an inner radial surface of the orbiting scroll member. The drive bearing is disposed in the drive bearing cavity and is disposed about the driveshaft adjacent to the first end of the driveshaft.

[0066] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. DRAWINGS

[0067] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a compressor according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0069] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of another compressor according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0070] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of yet another compressor according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0071] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of yet another compressor according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0072] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of yet another compressor according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0073] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of yet another compressor according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0074] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a high side compressor in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0075] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an alternate embodiment of a high side compressor including a discharge valve that regulates the flow of discharge fluid through a discharge passage in an orbiting scroll member;

[0076] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a high side compressor having an intermediate chamber in which bearings and an unloader bushing are disposed;

[0077] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a low side compressor in accordance with the present disclosure, the compressor having an intermediate chamber in which bearings and an unloader bushing are disposed, and a deflector to aid in oil delivery to a bearing disposed outside of the intermediate chamber;

[0078] Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a high side compressor having multiple deflectors to aid in oil delivery to bearings; and

[0079] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a high side compressor having an intermediate chamber in which bearings and an unloader bushing are disposed, and an intermediate chamber orifice extending radially through an orbiting scroll member to aid in oil delivery to the bearings and the unloader bushing. [0080] Corresponding reference num indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0083] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0084] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0085] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0086] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0087] With reference to Figure 1 , a compressor 10 is provided that may include a shell 12, a compression mechanism 14, a bearing housing assembly 16, a motor assembly 18, and a stator support member 20. While the compressor 10 shown in Figure 1 is a rotary-vane compressor, the principles of the present disclosure are suitable for incorporation in many different types of compressors, including hermetic compressors, non-hermetic compressors, open drive compressors, low-side compressors (i.e., where the motor assembly 18 is disposed in a suction-pressure chamber of the shell 12), and high-side compressors (i.e., where the motor assembly 18 is disposed in a discharge-pressure chamber of the shell 12). Furthermore, while Figure 1 depicts the motor assembly 18 being vertically above the compression mechanism 14 and bearing housing assembly 16, in some configurations, the motor assembly 18 could be disposed vertically below the compression mechanism 14 and bearing housing assembly 16. In other configurations, the compressor 10 could be a horizontal compressor.

[0088] The shell 12 may house the compression mechanism 14, the bearing housing assembly 16, the motor assembly 18, and the stator support member 20. The shell 12 may include first and second suction inlet ports 22, 24 receiving a working fluid at a suction pressure from one of an indoor and outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) of a climate control system and a discharge outlet port 26 discharging the working fluid to the other of the indoor and outdoor heat exchanger after it has been compressed by the compression mechanism 14. The shell 12 defines a discharge chamber 28 (containing discharge-pressure fluid) in which the compression mechanism 14, the bearing housing assembly 16, the motor assembly 18, and the stator support member 20 are disposed.

[0089] The compression mechanism 14 may include a first cylinder housing 30, a second cylinder housing 32, a first rotor 34, a second rotor 36, and a divider plate 38. The first and second cylinder housings 30, 32 may be fixed relative to the shell 12 and may include first and second cylindrical recesses 40, 42, respectively. The first cylinder housing 30 may be disposed between the bearing housing assembly 16 and the divider plate 38. The divider plate 38 may be disposed between the first cylinder housing 30 and the second cylinder housing 32. The first and second rotors 34, 36 may be disposed within the first and second cylindrical recesses 40, 42, respectively, and may engage first and second eccentric portions 44, 46, respectively, of a driveshaft 48. Accordingly, rotation of the driveshaft 48 about a rotational axis A causes the first and second rotors 34, 36 to rotate in an orbital path within the first and second cylindrical recesses 40, 42.

[0090] Each of the first and second cylinder housings 30, 32 may reciprocatingly receive a vane (not shown). The vanes may extend radially into the first and second cylindrical recesses 40, 42 and may be spring-biased into contact with a radially outer circumferential surface of the rotors 34, 36. The vanes may reciprocate relative to the cylinder housings 30, 32 as the rotors 34, 36 rotate within the cylindrical recesses 40, 42. The vanes may separate a suction-pressure chamber from a compression chamber within each of the first and second cylindrical recesses 40, 42 between the outer circumferential surface of each rotor 34, 36 and an inner diametrical surface of each cylindrical recess 40, 42.

[0091] Suction openings 50, 52 may be formed in the cylinder housings 30, 32 and provide fluid communication between the suction inlet ports 22, 24 and the suction- pressure chambers within the first and second cylindrical recesses 40, 42. Working fluid may be compressed in the compression chambers of the first and second cylindrical recesses 40, 42 and discharged into corresponding discharge mufflers 54, 56 through discharge openings 58, 60 formed in upper and lower bearing housings 62, 64 of the bearing housing assembly 16. Discharge valves (not shown) may restrict or prevent working fluid in the discharge mufflers 54, 56 from flowing back into the compression chambers. From the discharge mufflers 54, 56, discharge-pressure working fluid may flow through outlets 66, 68 in the discharge mufflers 54, 56 and into the discharge chamber 28 and may flow around and/or through various components within the discharge chamber 28 (as will be subsequently described) before exiting the compressor 10 through the discharge outlet port 26.

[0092] The driveshaft 48 may include an axially extending fluid passageway 74 that extends axially (i.e., along the rotational axis A) through the length of the driveshaft 48. The fluid passageway 74 may be in fluid communication with the discharge chamber 28 and first and second radial passageways 76, 78 that are aligned with the first and second rotors 34, 36. In this manner, discharge gas and lubricant entrained in the discharge gas can flow from the discharge chamber 28 to the fluid passageway 74 and through the first and second radial passageways 76, 78 to lubricate the first and second rotors 34, 36 and bearings 70, 72. In some configurations, a bottom portion of the shell 12 may define a lubricant sump from which lubricant can be drawn into the fluid passageway 74 and distributed to various compressor components.

[0093] The bearing housing assembly 16 may include the upper and lower bearing housings 62, 64 and upper and lower bearings 70, 72. The first cylinder housing 30 may be sandwiched between the upper bearing housing 62 and the divider plate 38. The second cylinder housing 32 may be sandwiched between the lower bearing housing 62 and the divider plate 38. The bearing housings 62, 64 may be fixed relative to the shell 12 and may each include a generally tubular portion 75 that receive the bearings 70, 72 and the driveshaft 48. In this manner, the bearing housings 62, 64 and the bearings 70, 72 rotatably support the driveshaft 48.

[0094] The motor assembly 18 may include a stator 80 and a rotor 82. The motor assembly 18 can be a fixed-speed motor or a variable-speed motor. In some configurations, the motor assembly 18 may be an induction motor. In other configurations, the motor assembly 18 may be a switched reluctance motor. In other configurations, the stator 80 may be of a segmented stator design where the segments of the stator 80 may interlock to help prevent the stator 80 from disassembling during assembly and operation of the compressor 10. In this regard, in some configurations, the stator 80 may include a plurality of wire-wound poles 84. The poles 84 may define an axially extending aperture 86 therethrough. The aperture 86 may receive the stator support member 20 such that the stator 80 is fixed to the stator support member 20, as will be described in more detail below.

[0095] The rotor 82 may be disposed about the stator 80 and coupled to the driveshaft 48. In this regard, the rotor 82 may transmit rotational power to the driveshaft 48. The rotor 82 may include a radially extending portion 88 and an axially extending portion 90 that cooperate to form a U-shaped cross section. The radially extending portion 88 may be a generally disk-shaped member and may be disposed between an axial end of the stator 80 and the upper bearing housing 62. The radially extending portion 88 may include a central aperture 92 that receives the driveshaft 48 at or proximate a first axial end 94 of the driveshaft 48. The rotor 82 may be fixed relative to the driveshaft 48 by press fitting the driveshaft 48 within the central aperture 92. One or more additional or alternative means for fixing the driveshaft 48 to the radially extending portion 88 could be employed, such as threaded engagement, adhesive bonding and/or fasteners, for example. The radially extending portion 88 may also include one or more fluid passageways 96 disposed radially between the central aperture 92 and the axially extending portion 90. The fluid passageways 96 and space between the shell 12 and the axially extending portion 90 of the rotor 82 may facilitate the flow of discharge gas and lubricant entrained in the discharge gas throughout the discharge chamber 28 to lubricate and cool various compressor components such as the stator 80, rotor 82, driveshaft 48, bearings 70, 72 and the rotors 34, 36 of the compression mechanism 14.

[0096] The axially extending portion 90 of the rotor 82 may be a generally tubular member and may include a first axial end 98 and a second axial end 100. The radially extending portion 88 may extend radially inward from the first axial end 98. In some configurations, the second axial end 100 is unsupported by the shell 12, the compression mechanism 14, the bearing housing assembly 16, the stator support member 20 or any other structure. The axially extending portion 90 is disposed radially outward relative to the stator 80 (i.e., radially between the stator 80 and the shell 12).

[0097] The stator support member 20 may be fixed relative to the shell 12 and the stator 80 and may include a flange portion 102 and a tubular portion 104. A radially outer periphery of the flange portion 102 may be fixedly attached to the shell 12 via welding, staking, fasteners and/or any other means. In some configurations, the flange portion 102 may be integrally formed with the shell 12 (e.g., the flange portion 102 could be an end cap of the shell 12 or integrally formed with an end cap of the shell 12). The flange portion 102 may include one or more fluid passageways 106 extending therethrough that facilitate the flow of discharge gas throughout the discharge chamber 28 and into the discharge outlet port 26. The flange portion 102 may also include one or more wire apertures 108. Wires 1 10 connected to the stator 80 may extend through the wire aperture 108 to a terminal assembly 1 12 attached to the shell 12 for electrical connection to a source of electrical power and a compression control system (not shown). In some configurations, the wire aperture 108 may be a fluid passageway (e.g., like the fluid passageways 106) through which discharge gas may flow.

[0098] The tubular portion 104 may be integrally formed with and extend axially from the flange portion 102. That is, the flange portion 102 and the tubular portion 104 may be attached or integrally formed at a first axial end 105 of the tubular portion 104. A longitudinal axis of the tubular portion 104 may be coincident with the rotational axis A of the driveshaft 48. The tubular portion 104 may be axially spaced apart from the driveshaft 48 along the rotational axis A such that a second axial end 107 of the tubular portion 104 is disposed axially between the first axial end 105 and the first axial end 94 of the driveshaft 48 (i.e., in an axial direction along the rotational axis A). The first axial end 94 of the driveshaft 48 is disposed axially between a second axial end 95 of the driveshaft 48 and the second axial end 107 of the tubular portion 104. In the configuration shown in Figure 1 , the driveshaft 48 is not supported by the stator support member 20. One of the fluid passageways 106 in the flange portion 102 may be in fluid communication with an inner volume 1 14 of the tubular portion 104.

[0099] The tubular portion 104 may extend longitudinally through at least a portion of the aperture 86 of the stator 80 such that the stator 80 is fixedly attached to the tubular portion 104. That is, the stator 80 is disposed radially between the tubular portion 104 and the axially extending portion 90 of the rotor 82. In some configurations, the stator 80 may be press-fit over the tubular portion 104. In other configurations, the aperture 92 may include one or more slots or protrusions (not shown) sized to receive corresponding protrusions or slots (not shown) of the tubular portion 104. It will be appreciated that the stator 80 may be fixedly secured to the tubular portion 104 using other means such as threaded engagement, fasteners and/or adhesive bonding.

[0100] The structure of the motor assembly 18 and stator support member 20 provides several advantages. For example, positioning the rotor 82 such that the radially extending portion 88 is disposed axially between the stator 80 and the bearing housing 62 and attaching the radially extending portion 88 to the driveshaft 48 allows the length of the driveshaft 48 to be substantially reduced. The shorter length of the driveshaft 48 results in increased driveshaft stiffness and reduces vibration during operation of the compressor 10, as a shorter and stiffer driveshaft is easier to rotationally balance within a compressor than a longer and less stiff driveshaft. By having the tubular portion 104 axially spaced apart from the driveshaft 48 along the rotational axis A, a flow path is created that may facilitate the flow of discharge gas and lubricant entrained in the discharge gas from the passageway 74 to the space between the stator 80 and the rotor 82, as well as through the inner volume 1 14 in the stator support member 20, to help cool the stator 80 and rotor 82. Furthermore, the positioning of an open end (i.e., at the second axial end 100) of the U-shaped rotor 82 facing toward the terminal assembly 1 12 and away from the bearing housing assembly 16 and the compression mechanism 14 allows the wires 1 10 to be more easily routed between the stator 80 and the terminal assembly 1 12, thereby making assembly of the compressor 10 simpler.

[0101] With reference to Figure 2, another compressor 210 is provided. The compressor 210 may include a shell 212, a compression mechanism 214, a bearing housing assembly 216, a motor assembly 218, and a stator support member 220. The shell 212 may house the compression mechanism 214, the bearing housing assembly 216, the motor assembly 218, and the stator support member 220. The shell 212 may include a suction inlet port 222 receiving a working fluid at a suction pressure from one of an indoor and outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) of a climate control system and one or more discharge outlet ports 226 discharging the working fluid to the other of the indoor and outdoor heat exchanger after it has been compressed by the compression mechanism 214. The shell 212 defines a discharge-pressure chamber 227 in which the compression mechanism 214, the bearing housing assembly 216, the motor assembly 218, and the stator support member 220 are disposed. The compressor 210 may be a sumpless compressor - i.e., the compressor 210 might not include a lubricant sump. Instead, lubricant entrained in working fluid discharged from the compression mechanism 214 may circulate throughout the shell 212 and lubricate various moving components of the compressor 210.

[0102] The compression mechanism 214 may include an orbiting scroll member 228 and a non-orbiting scroll member 230. The non-orbiting scroll member 230 may be fixed to the shell 212 (e.g., by press fit and/or staking) and/or the bearing housing assembly 216 (e.g., by a plurality of fasteners). The orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members 228, 230 include orbiting and non-orbiting spiral wraps 234, 236, respectively, that meshingly engage each other and extend from orbiting and non-orbiting end plates 240, 242, respectively. A driveshaft 248 may rotatably engage the orbiting scroll member 228, via a bushing 245, to cause orbital movement of the orbiting scroll member 228 relative to the non-orbiting scroll member 230 as the driveshaft 248 rotates about a rotational axis A. An Oldham coupling 244 may be keyed to the orbiting scroll member 228 and a stationary structure (e.g., the bearing housing assembly 216 or the non-orbiting scroll member 230) to prevent relative rotation between the orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members 228, 230 while allowing the orbiting scroll member 228 to move in an orbital path relative to the non-orbiting scroll member 230. Moving fluid pockets 246 are formed between the orbiting and non-orbiting spiral wraps 234, 236 that decrease in size as they move from a radially outer position to a radially inner position, thereby compressing the working fluid therein from the suction pressure to the discharge pressure.

[0103] The bearing housing assembly 216 may include a single bearing housing 262 and a single bearing 270. The bearing housing 262 may be fixed relative to the shell 212 and may support the non-orbiting scroll member 230 and may define a thrust bearing surface for the orbiting scroll member 228. The bearing housing 262 may include a tubular portion 275 that receive the bearing 270 and the driveshaft 248. In the configuration shown in Figure 2, the driveshaft 248 is rotatably supported only by the single bearing housing 262 and the single bearing 270 (i.e., the driveshaft 248 is not supported by the stator support member 220). In other configurations, the driveshaft 248 may be rotatably supported only by the single bearing housing 262 and one double bearing (or other appropriate bearing). The tubular portion 275 may define a counterweight cavity 264 in which a counterweight 266 attached to the driveshaft 248 may rotate. A fluid passageway 267 may extend radially through an outer periphery of the tubular portion 275 and into the counterweight cavity 264. Discharge gas from the discharge chamber 227 and lubricant entrained in the discharge gas may flow into the counterweight cavity 264 through the fluid passageway 267 to lubricate the driveshaft 248, the bushing 245, the orbiting scroll member 228 and the bearing 270.

[0104] The driveshaft 248 may include an axially extending fluid passageway 274 and a radially extending fluid passageway 276 that are in fluid communication with each other and the discharge chamber 227. Discharge gas from the discharge chamber 227 and lubricant entrained in the discharge gas may flow though the fluid passageways 274, 276 and may lubricate the interface between the driveshaft 248 and the bushing 245. [0105] The motor assembly 218 may be similar or identical to the motor assembly 18 described above, and therefore, will not be described again in detail. Briefly, the motor assembly 218 may include a stator 280 and a rotor 282. The stator 280 may define an axially extending aperture 286 that receives the stator support member 220 such that the stator 280 is fixed to the stator support member 220, as described above.

[0106] Like the rotor 82, the rotor 282 may be disposed about the stator 280 and includes a central aperture 292 that receives the driveshaft 248 at or near an axial end of the driveshaft 248. The rotor 282 may include a radially extending portion 288 and an axially extending portion 290 that cooperate to form a U-shaped cross section. The radially extending portion 288 may include one or more fluid passageways 296 disposed radially between the central aperture 292 and the axially extending portion 290. The fluid passageways 296 and space between the shell 212 and the axially extending portion 290 of the rotor 282 may facilitate the flow of discharge gas and lubricant entrained in the discharge gas throughout the discharge chamber 227 to lubricate and cool various compressor components such as the stator 280 and rotor 282.

[0107] The axially extending portion 290 of the rotor 282 may be a generally tubular member and may include a first axial end 298 and a second axial end 300. The radially extending portion 288 may extend radially inward from the first axial end 298. In some configurations, the second axial end 300 is unsupported by the shell 212, the compression mechanism 214, the bearing housing assembly 216, the stator support member 220 or any other structure. The axially extending portion 290 is disposed radially outward relative to the stator 280 (i.e., radially between the stator 280 and the shell 212).

[0108] The stator support member 220 may be similar or identical to the stator support member 20 described above, and therefore, will not be described again in detail. Briefly, the stator support member 220 may include a flange portion 302 and a tubular portion 304. The flange portion 302 may define an end cap of the shell 212 and may include the discharge outlet port 226. The flange portion 302 may also include one or more sealed wire apertures 308. Wires 310 connected to the stator 280 may extend through the wire aperture 308 to a terminal assembly 312 attached to the shell 212 for electrical connection to a source of electrical power and a compression control system (not shown). In some configurations, the wire aperture 308 may be a fluid passageway through which discharge gas may flow. Like the tubular portion 104, the tubular portion 304 may extend longitudinally through at least a portion of the aperture 286 of the stator 280 such that the stator 280 is fixedly attached to the tubular portion 304. That is, the stator 280 is disposed radially between the tubular portion 304 and the axially extending portion 290 of the rotor 282.

[0109] As described above, the structure of the motor assembly 218 and stator support member 220 provides several advantages. As described above, the positioning of the rotor 282 such that the radially extending portion 288 is disposed axially between the stator 280 and the bearing housing 262 and attaching the radially extending portion 288 to the driveshaft 248 allows the length of the driveshaft 248 to be substantially reduced, which results in increased driveshaft stiffness and reduced vibration during operation of the compressor 210. By having the tubular portion 304 axially spaced apart from the driveshaft 248 along the rotational axis A, a flow path is created that may facilitate the flow of discharge gas and lubricant entrained in the discharge gas through the fluid passageways 274, 276 and lubricate the interface between the driveshaft 248 and the bushing 245. Furthermore, the positioning of an open end (i.e., at the second axial end 300) of the U-shaped rotor 282 facing toward the terminal assembly 312 and away from the bearing housing assembly 216 and the compression mechanism 214 allows the wires 310 to be more easily routed between the stator 280 and the terminal assembly 312, thereby making assembly of the compressor 210 simpler.

[0110] With reference to Figure 3, another compressor 410 is provided that may include a shell 412, a compression mechanism 414, a bearing housing assembly 416, a motor assembly 418, and a stator support member 420. The compressor 410 may be similar or identical to the compressor 210 described above, except the orientation of the shell 412, compression mechanism 414, bearing housing assembly 416, motor assembly 418 and stator support member 420 may be vertically inverted (i.e., upside down) relative to the orientation of the compressor 210. Otherwise, the structure and function of the shell 412, compression mechanism 414, bearing housing assembly 416, motor assembly 418 and stator support member 420 may be similar or identical to that of the shell 212, compression mechanism 214, bearing housing assembly 216, motor assembly 218 and stator support member 220 described above, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the figures.

[0111] Like the compression mechanism 214, the compression mechanism 414 may include an orbiting scroll member 428 and a non-orbiting scroll member 430 that include spiral wraps 434, 436 that cooperate to form compression pockets 446 that move radially inward as a driveshaft 448 (driven by the motor assembly 418) moves the orbiting scroll member 428 in an orbital path. An end plate 442 of the non-orbiting scroll member 430 may include a first discharge passage 447 through which compressed working fluid (e.g., discharge-pressure working fluid) may exit the compression mechanism 414 and enter a discharge chamber 427 (like the discharge chamber 227) defined by the shell 412. An end plate 440 of the orbiting scroll member 428 may include a second discharge passage 449 through which compressed working fluid (e.g., at the same discharge pressure as the fluid discharged through the first discharge passage 447) may exit the compression mechanism 414 and enter the discharge chamber 427. While not shown in Figure 2, in some configurations, the orbiting scroll member 228 of the compressor 210 may include a discharge passage like the discharge passage 449.

[0112] The driveshaft 448 may include a fluid passageway 474 that may extend axially through an entire axial length of the driveshaft 448. Fluid (e.g., discharge gas and entrained lubricant) discharged from the compression mechanism 414 through the second discharge passage 449 may flow around the driveshaft 448 and bushing 445 and/or through the fluid passageway 474 and may flow around the discharge chamber 427 and through fluid passageways 467, 496, 497 in bearing housing 462, rotor 482 and stator support member 420, respectively, to cool various moving components of the compressor 410.

[0113] With reference to Figure 4, another compressor 610 is provided that may include a shell 612, a compression mechanism 614, a bearing housing assembly 616, a motor assembly 618, and a stator support member 620. The compressor 610 may be similar or identical to the compressor 210, 410 described above, except the orientation of the shell 612, compression mechanism 614, bearing housing assembly 616, motor assembly 618 and stator support member 620 may be horizontal (i.e., with a rotational axis A of driveshaft 648 being oriented horizontally). Otherwise, the structure and function of the shell 612, compression mechanism 614, bearing housing assembly 616, motor assembly 618 and stator support member 620 may be similar or identical to that of the shell 212, 412, compression mechanism 214, 414, bearing housing assembly 216, 416, motor assembly 218, 418 and stator support member 220, 420 described above, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the figures.

[0114] As described above with reference to the motor assembly 218, the motor assembly 618 may include a stator 680 and a rotor 682. The stator 680 may include an aperture 686 in which a tubular portion 704 of the stator support member 620 is received. Like the rotor 82, 282, 482, the rotor 682 includes a radially extending portion 688 and an axially extending portion 690 that cooperate to form a generally U-shaped cross section. The radially extending portion 688 engages the driveshaft 648. A first axial end 698 of the axially extending portion 690 extends from the radially extending portion 688.

[0115] An annular collar 720 may be attached to a second axial end 700 of the axially extending portion 690. The collar 720 may extend radially inward from the second axial end 700. A bearing 722 may be attached to an outer diametrical surface 705 of the tubular portion 704 of the stator support member 620 and to an inner diametrical surface 724 of the collar 720. In this manner, the collar 720, bearing 722 and the tubular portion 704 of the stator support member 620 cooperate to rotatably support the second axial end 700 of the rotor 682. Such rotatable support of the second axial end 700 may be particularly beneficial for a horizontal compressor, like the compressor 610, as the force of gravity could impart rotational imbalance on the rotor 682 if the second axial end 700 was rotatably unsupported. The collar 720 and bearing 722 increase the rigidity of the rotor 682 and reduce vibration. In some configurations, a counterweight (not shown) can be mounted to or integrally formed with the collar 720 or the axially extending portion 690 of the rotor 682.

[0116] In some configurations, the collar 720 may include one or more fluid passageways 726. Furthermore, the tubular portion 704 may include an axially extending fluid passageway 728 and one or more radially extending fluid passageways 730. The tubular portion 704 and a flange portion 702 (which may act as an end cap of the shell 612) of the stator support member 620 may each include a wire aperture 732 through which wires 710 can extend between the stator 680 and a terminal assembly 712, as described above.

[0117] In some configurations, an outer diametrical surface of the axially extending portion 690 of the rotor 682 may include one or more features 740 (e.g., fins, spirals, protrusions, grooves, etc.) that push lubricant along a bottom surface 742 of the shell 612 toward a discharge outlet port 626 of the shell 612. In this manner, lubricant is prevented from accumulating or pooling on the bottom surface 742.

[0118] With reference to Figure 5, another compressor 810 is provided that may include a shell 812, a compression mechanism 814, a bearing housing assembly 816, a motor assembly 818, and a stator support member 820. The structure and function of the shell 812, compression mechanism 814, bearing housing assembly 816, motor assembly 818 and stator support member 820 may be similar or identical to that of the shell 612, compression mechanism 614, bearing housing assembly 616, motor assembly 618 and stator support member 620 described above, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the figures.

[0119] The motor assembly 818 may include a stator 880 and a rotor 882. As described above, the rotor 882 includes a radially extending portion 888 and an axially extending portion 890. A first axial end 898 of the axially extending portion 890 extends from the radially extending portion 888. An annular bearing 922 may engage the shell 812 and a second axial end 900 of the axially extending portion 890. That is, the annular bearing 922 extends radially between the axially extending portion 890 and the shell 812. In this manner, the annular bearing 922 and the shell 812 rotatably support the second axial end 900 of the rotor 882 to increase the rigidity of the rotor 882 and reduce vibration.

[0120] With reference to Figure 6, another compressor 1010 is provided that may include a shell 1012, a compression mechanism 1014, a bearing housing assembly 1016, and a driveshaft 1048. The compressor 1010 is an open-drive compressor. That is, the compressor 1010 does not include a motor assembly within the shell 1012. Instead, the driveshaft 1048 may be driven by an external motor or engine (neither of which are shown).

[0121] The structure and function of the compression mechanism 1014 and bearing housing assembly 1016 may be similar or identical to that of the compression mechanism 214, 414, 614, 814 and the bearing housing assembly 216, 416, 616, 816, and therefore, will not be described again in detail.

[0122] Briefly, the bearing housing assembly 1016 may include a single bearing housing 1062 and a single bearing 1070. The bearing housing 1062 and the bearing 1070 may provide the only rotational support for the driveshaft 1048. In other words, the driveshaft 1048 is rotatably supported only by the bearing housing 1062 and the bearing 1070. A counterweight 1080 may be attached to the driveshaft 1048. In other configurations, the driveshaft 1048 may be rotatably supported only by the single bearing housing 1062 and one double bearing (or other appropriate bearing).

[0123] An end cap 1013 of the shell 1012 includes an aperture 1015 through which the driveshaft 1048 extends. A seal member 1017 may engage the driveshaft 1048 and the end cap 1013 but does not rotationally support the driveshaft 1048.

[0124] It will be appreciated that any of the compressors 10, 210, 410, 610, 810, 1010 described above could be capacity-modulated compressor including variable- volume-ratio ports and valves, vapor injection, digital modulation (scroll separation), and/or any other means for modulating capacity. Furthermore, while the compressors 10, 210, 410, 610, 810, 1010 shown in the figures are high-side compressors, it will be appreciated that any of the compressors 10, 210, 410, 610, 810, 1010 could be low- side compressors.

[0125] In Figures 1 -5, arrows are provided to indicate examples of the directions in which working fluid may flow through and/or around various components disposed within the shell 12, 212, 412, 612, 812. In some configurations, the working fluid flow through and/or around some of such components could be in directions other than the directions indicated by the arrows.

[0126] Referring now to Figure 7, a compressor 2010 is provided that includes a cylindrical shell 2012, a compression mechanism 2014, a bearing housing assembly 2016, a motor assembly 2018, and an end bearing 2020. While the compressor 2010 shown in Figure 7 is a rotary-vane compressor and a high-side-compressor (i.e., where the motor assembly 2018 is disposed in a discharge-pressure chamber of the shell 2012), the principles of the present disclosure are suitable for incorporation in many different types of compressors, including hermetic compressors, non-hermetic compressors, open drive compressors, low-side compressors (i.e., where the motor assembly 2018 is disposed in a suction-pressure chamber of the shell 2012), and high- side compressors. Furthermore, while Figure 7 depicts the compressor 2010 as a horizontal compressor, in some configurations, the compressor 2010 may be a vertical compressor with the motor assembly 2018 disposed vertically above or below the compression mechanism 2014 and the bearing housing assembly 2016.

[0127] The shell 2012 houses the compression mechanism 2014, the bearing housing assembly 2016, the motor assembly 2018, and the end bearing 2020. The shell 2012 includes a cylindrical main body 2022, a first end cap 2024 that fits over and sealing engages one end of the main body 2022, and a second end cap 2026 that fits over and sealing engages the other end of the main body 2022. A suction tube 2028 extends through the first end cap 2024 of the shell 2012 and receives a working fluid at a suction pressure from one of an indoor and outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) of a climate control system. A discharge tube 2030 extends through the second end cap 2026 of the shell 2012 and discharges the working fluid to the other of the indoor and outdoor heat exchanger after it has been compressed by the compression mechanism 2014.

[0128] The shell 2012 defines a discharge chamber 2032 (containing discharge- pressure fluid) in which the compression mechanism 2014, the bearing housing assembly 2016, the motor assembly 2018, and the end bearing 2020 are disposed. In Figure 7, the compressor 2010 is depicted as a sumpless compressor - i.e., the compressor 2010 does not include a lubricant sump. Instead, lubricating fluid entrained in working fluid discharged from the compression mechanism 2014 circulates throughout the shell 2012 and lubricates various moving components of the compressor 2010. However, in various configurations, the compressor 2010 may include a sump.

[0129] The compression mechanism 2014 includes an orbiting scroll member 2034 and a non-orbiting scroll member 2036. The non-orbiting scroll member 2036 is fixed to the shell 2012 (e.g., by press fit and/or staking) and/or to the bearing housing assembly 2016 (e.g., by a plurality of fasteners). The non-orbiting scroll member 2036 has a suction inlet 2037 in fluid communication with the suction tube 2028. The orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members 2034, 2036 include orbiting and non-orbiting spiral wraps (or vane) 2038, 2040, respectively, that meshingly engage each other and extend axially from orbiting and non-orbiting baseplates (end plates) 2042, 2044, respectively. The orbiting scroll member 2034 further includes a tubular portion 2046 that extends axially from the side of the orbiting baseplate 2042 that is opposite of the side of the baseplate 2042 from which the orbiting spiral wraps 2038 extend. The tubular portion 2046 defines a driveshaft cavity 2048.

[0130] A driveshaft 2050 rotates about a rotational axis A and has a first end 2052 disposed in the driveshaft cavity 2048 and a second end 2054 opposite of the first end 2052. The driveshaft 2050 drivingly engages the orbiting scroll member 2034, via a drive bearing 2056 and an unloader bushing 2058, to cause orbital movement of the orbiting scroll member 2034 relative to the non-orbiting scroll member 2036. The drive bearing 2056 and the unloader bushing 2058 are disposed in a drive bearing cavity 2060, which is disposed between an outer radial surface 2062 of the driveshaft 2050 and an inner radial surface 2064 of the tubular portion 2046 of the orbiting scroll member 2034. The drive bearing 2056 and/or the unloader bushing 2058 can be made from steel or other materials used in rolling element bearing designs. The drive bearing 2056 can be press fit into the drive bearing cavity 2060 of the orbiting scroll member 2034. The unloader bushing 2058 may be coupled to the driveshaft 2050 in a manner that ensures that the unloader bushing 2058 rotates or orbits with the driveshaft 2050 while allowing some radial compliance between the driveshaft 2050 and the unloader bushing 2058. For example, the outer radial surface 2062 of the driveshaft 2050 may include a flat portion that engages a flat portion on an inner radial surface 2106 of the unloader bushing 2058 to prevent the unloader bushing 2058 from rotating relative to the driveshaft 2050. In addition, the unloader bushing 2058 may include a spring disposed between the outer radial surface 2062 of the driveshaft 2050 and the inner radial surface 2106 of the unloader bushing 2058, and the compliance of the spring may allow the orbiting scroll member 2034 to move radially relative to the driveshaft 2050. The orbiting scroll member 2034 may only move radially relative to the driveshaft 2050 when a radial force applied to the orbiting scroll member 2034 is greater than a biasing force of the spring.

[0131] The unloader bushing 2058 is disposed about the driveshaft 2050 adjacent to the first end 2052 of the driveshaft 2050 and is disposed between the outer radial surface 2062 of the driveshaft 2050 and an inner radial surface 2066 of the drive bearing 2056. The drive bearing 2056 is disposed about the driveshaft 2050 adjacent to the first end 2052 of the driveshaft 2050 and is disposed between an outer radial surface 2068 of the unloader bushing 2058 and the inner radial surface 2064 of the tubular portion 2046 of the orbiting scroll member 2034. Although radial gaps are shown between the driveshaft 2050, the unloader bushing 2058, the drive bearing 2056, and the orbiting scroll member 2034 to illustrate fluid flow between these components, these components may engage one another such that rotation of the driveshaft 2050 is transferred to the orbiting scroll member 2034.

[0132] An Oldham coupling 2070 is keyed to the orbiting scroll member 2034 and a stationary structure (e.g., the bearing housing assembly 2016 or the non-orbiting scroll member 2036) to prevent relative rotation between the orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members 2034, 2036 while allowing the orbiting scroll member 2034 to move in an orbital path relative to the non-orbiting scroll member 2036. Compression pockets 2072 are formed between the orbiting and non-orbiting spiral wraps 2038, 2040 that decrease in size as they move from a radially outer position to a radially inner position, thereby compressing the working fluid therein from the suction pressure to the discharge pressure.

[0133] The baseplate 2042 of the orbiting scroll member 2034 defines a discharge passage 2074 that extends axially through the baseplate 2042 and discharges working fluid to the drive bearing cavity 2060 after it has been compressed by the compression mechanism 2014. The discharge passage 2074 is located at or near the center of the orbiting scroll member 2034 in the radial direction. The orbiting scroll member has an axial end surface 2075 that faces the driveshaft 2050, and the first end 2052 of the driveshaft 2050 is spaced apart from the axial end surface 2075 to provide a clearance gap 2076. The clearance gap 2076 is free of any seal that prevents fluid communication between the discharge passage 2074 in the orbiting scroll member 2034 and the drive bearing cavity 2060. Thus, the discharge passage 2074 is in fluid communication with the drive bearing cavity 2060, which is disposed within the discharge chamber 2032, and lubricating fluid entrained in the discharge fluid lubricates the drive bearing 2056 and the unloader bushing 2058.

[0134] In the configuration shown in Figure 7, the baseplate 2044 of the non-orbiting scroll member 2036 defines a discharge passage 2077 that extends axially through the baseplate 2044 and discharges working fluid to the discharge chamber 2032 after it has been compressed by the compression mechanism 2014. In addition, a discharge valve 2078 regulates the flow of the discharge fluid through the discharge passage 2077 in the non-orbiting scroll member 2036. The discharge valve 2078 may be a reed valve, a disc valve, or any other type of dynamic valve. The discharge passage 2077 in the non-orbiting scroll member 2036 may be at least partially aligned with the discharge passage 2074 in the orbiting scroll member 2034 in the radial direction. In various configurations, the discharge passage 2077 and the discharge valve 2078 may be omitted, which would enable reducing the size of the compressor 2010 by reducing the size of (or eliminating) the gap between an axial end surface 2079 of the non-orbiting scroll member 2036 and the first end cap 2024 of the shell 2012.

[0135] The bearing housing assembly 2016 includes a main bearing housing 2080 and a main bearing 2082. The main bearing housing 2080 is fixed relative to the shell 2012 and defines a thrust bearing surface 2084 for the orbiting scroll member 2034. Also, in configurations where the compressor 2010 is a vertical compressor, the main bearing housing 2080 may support the non-orbiting scroll member 2036. The main bearing housing 2080 and the main bearing 2082 radially support the driveshaft 2050.

[0136] The main bearing housing 2080 includes a first tubular portion 2086, a first annular portion 2088 that projects radially inward from the first tubular portion 2086, a second annular portion 2090 that projects radially outward from the first tubular portion 2086, and a second tubular portion 2092 that extends axially from the outer radial ends of the second annular portion 2090. The first tubular portion 2086 of the main bearing housing 2080 defines a main bearing cavity 2094 that receives the main bearing 2082 and the driveshaft 2050, and that is in fluid communication with the drive bearing cavity 2060. Thus, discharge fluid flows from the drive bearing cavity 2060 to the main bearing cavity 2094, and lubricating fluid entrained in discharge gas lubricates the main bearing 2082. The first annular portion 2088 of the main bearing housing 2080 defines the thrust bearing surface 2084. The second tubular portion 2092 of the main bearing housing 2080 defines an antithrust surface 2095 that abuts the non-orbiting scroll member 2036.

[0137] The orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members 2034, 2036 and the main bearing housing 2080 cooperate to define an intermediate chamber 2096 that is disposed between the orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members 2034, 2036 and the main bearing housing 2080. The Oldham coupling 2070 is disposed in the intermediate chamber 2096. An annular seal 2098 is disposed at an interface between the orbiting scroll member 2034 and the main bearing housing to prevent fluid communication between the intermediate chamber 2096 and the discharge chamber 2032.

[0138] The baseplate 2042 of the orbiting scroll member 2034 defines an intermediate chamber orifice 2100 that extends axially through the baseplate 2042 and is disposed radially between the discharge passage 2074 and the suction inlet 2037. The intermediate chamber orifice 2100 places the compression pockets 2072 in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber 2096, thereby allowing working fluid at an intermediate pressure (i.e., a pressure greater than the suction pressure and less than the discharge pressure) to flow between the compression pockets 2072 and the intermediate chamber 2096. Lubricating fluid entrained in the intermediate fluid lubricates the Oldham coupling 2070, the interface between the thrust bearing surface 2084 of the main bearing housing 2080 and the orbiting scroll member 2034, and the interface between the antithrust surface 2095 of the main bearing housing 2080 and the non-orbiting scroll member 2036.

[0139] The driveshaft 2050 defines a first channel 2102 extending axially through the first end 2052 of the driveshaft 2050 and a second channel 2104 extending radially outward from the first channel 2102 and through the outer radial surface 2062 of the driveshaft 2050. Discharge gas from the discharge passage 2074 of the orbiting scroll member 2034 and lubricating fluid entrained in the discharge gas may flow though the first and second channels 2102, 2104 and may lubricate the interface between the outer radial surface 2062 of the driveshaft 2050 and the inner radial surface 2106 of the unloader bushing 2058. In the configuration shown in Figure 7, the driveshaft 2050 also defines a third channel 2108 extending axially from the first channel 2102 and through the second end 2054 of the driveshaft 2050. However, in various configurations, the driveshaft 2050 may define the first and second channels 2102, 2104 without also defining the third channel 2108.

[0140] The motor assembly 2018 includes a stator 21 10 and a rotor 21 12. The motor assembly 2018 can be a fixed-speed motor or a variable-speed motor. In some configurations, the motor assembly 2018 may be an induction motor. In other configurations, the motor assembly 2018 may be a switched reluctance motor. The stator 21 10 is disposed about the rotor 21 12 and includes a conductive member 21 14, such as copper wire, that generates a magnetic field, which causes the rotor 21 12 to rotate about the rotational axis A.

[0141] The rotor 21 12 is disposed about the stator 21 10 and is coupled to the driveshaft 2050. In this regard, the rotor 21 12 may transmit rotational power to the driveshaft 2050. The rotor 21 12 defines a central aperture 21 16 that receives the driveshaft 2050 and is disposed about a portion of the driveshaft 2050 located between the first and second ends 2052, 2054 of the driveshaft 2050. The rotor 21 12 may be fixed relative to the driveshaft 2050 by press fitting the driveshaft 2050 within the central aperture 21 16. One or more additional or alternative means for fixing the driveshaft 2050 to the rotor 21 12 could be employed, such as threaded engagement, adhesive bonding and/or fasteners, for example.

[0142] The first tubular portion 2086 of the main bearing housing has an open end 21 18 that allows discharge fluid to flow from the main bearing cavity 2094 to the motor assembly 2018. In addition, discharge fluid expelled through the discharge passage 2077 in the non-orbiting scroll member 2036 may flow radially outward and then axially past the compression mechanism 2014 and the bearing housing assembly 2016 to the motor assembly 2018. In this regard, the non-orbiting scroll member 2036 may define one or more fluid passages 2120 extending axially through the non-orbiting scroll member 2036, and the main bearing housing 2080 may define one or more fluid passages 2121 that extend axially through the main bearing housing 2080 and that are radially aligned with the fluid passages 2120. Thus, the discharge fluid expelled through the discharge passage 2077 may flow through the fluid passages 2120, 2121 in the non-orbiting scroll member 2036 and the main bearing housing 2080, respectively, and to the motor assembly 2018. In this regard, the discharge chamber 2032 includes a first portion 2122 disposed on a first side of the compression mechanism 2014 and a second portion 2123 disposed on a second side of the compression mechanism 2214 opposite of the first side, and the fluid passages 2120, 2121 place the first portion 2122 of the discharge chamber 2032 in fluid communication with the second portion 2123 of the discharge chamber 2032.

[0143] Lubricating fluid entrained in the discharge fluid that flows to the motor assembly 2018 may lubricate the interface between the shell 2012 and the stator 21 10 and the interface between the rotor 21 12 and the driveshaft 2050. In addition, the stator 21 10 may define one or more fluid passages 2124 extending axially through the stator 21 10 and allowing the discharge fluid to flow through the stator 21 10 to the end bearing 2020.

[0144] The end bearing 2020 is disposed about the driveshaft 2050 adjacent to the second end 2054 of the driveshaft 2050 and radially supports the driveshaft 2050. Discharge fluid flows through the end bearing 2020 after it passes through the motor assembly 2018, and lubricating fluid entrained in the discharge fluid lubricates the end bearing 2020. The discharge fluid then exits the compressor 2010 through the discharge tube 2030. When the compressor 2010 is a horizontal compressor as depicted in Figure 7, the discharge tube 2030 may be located near the bottom of the compressor 2010 as shown in Figure 7 so that little to no lubricating fluid accumulates in the compressor 2010. This ensures that the amount of lubricating fluid flowing through the compressor 2010 is constant or fixed.

[0145] With reference to Figure 8, another high side compressor 2200 is provided. The compressor 2200 is similar or identical to the compressor 2010 described above, except that the compressor 2200 includes a discharge valve 2202 that regulates the flow of discharge fluid through the discharge passage 2074 to the drive bearing cavity 2060. Otherwise, the structure and function of the compressor 2200 is similar or identical to that of the compressor 2010 described above, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the figures.

[0146] The discharge valve 2202 is disposed in the clearance gap 2076 between the axial end surface 2075 of the orbiting scroll member 2034 and the first end 2052 of the driveshaft 2050. The discharge valve 2202 can be any type of valve such as a reed valve or a disc valve. The discharge valve 2202 may be a one-way valve that allows discharge fluid from the discharge passage 2074 to flow to the drive bearing cavity 2060 while preventing discharge fluid in the drive bearing cavity 2060 from flowing to the discharge passage 2074. The discharge valve 2202 may enable to compressor 2200 to achieve a higher compression ratio (i.e., a ratio the pressure of the discharge fluid exiting the compressor 2200 to the pressure of the suction fluid entering the compressor 2200) than would otherwise be possible without the discharge valve 2202.

[0147] With reference to Figure 9, another high side compressor 2250 is provided that includes a cylindrical shell 2252, a compression mechanism 2254, a bearing housing assembly 2256, a motor assembly 2258, and the end bearing 2020. The shell 2252 defines a discharge chamber 2260 in which the compression mechanism 2254, the bearing housing assembly 2256, the motor assembly 2258, and the end bearing 2020 are disposed. The compression mechanism 2254 includes an orbiting scroll member 2262 and a non-orbiting scroll member 2264, and the bearing housing assembly 2256 includes a main bearing housing 2266 and the main bearing 2082. The main bearing housing 2266 is fixed relative to the shell 2252 and defines a thrust bearing surface 2267 for the orbiting scroll member 2262.

[0148] The compressor 2250 is similar or identical to the compressor 2010 described above except that the orbiting scroll member 2262 does not define a discharge passage such as the discharge passage 2074, and only the orbiting scroll member 2262 and the main bearing housing 2266 cooperate to define an intermediate chamber 2268 (i.e., the non-orbiting scroll member 2264 does not cooperate with the orbiting scroll member 2262 and the main bearing housing 2266 to define the intermediate chamber 2268). In addition, the drive bearing 2056, the unloader bushing 2058, and the main bearing 2082 are located inside the intermediate chamber 2268 rather than in the discharge chamber 2260. Further, the shell 2252 has a slightly different shape than the shell 2012, and the suction tube 2028 extends through an outer radial surface 2270 of the shell 2252 instead of through an axial end surface 2272 of the shell 2252. Otherwise, the structure and function of the compressor 2200 is similar or identical to that of the compressor 2010 described above, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the figures.

[0149] Like the orbiting scroll member 2034, the orbiting scroll member 2262 includes a baseplate 2274, a spiral wrap (or vane) 2276 extending axially from the baseplate 2274, and a tubular portion 2278 extending axially from the baseplate 2274 in an opposite direction than the spiral wrap 2276. In addition, the orbiting scroll member 2262 is driven by a driveshaft 2280, and the tubular portion 2278 defines a drive bearing cavity 2282 in which the drive bearing 2056 is disposed. Further, the main bearing housing 2266 includes a tubular portion 2284 that defines a main bearing cavity 2286 in which the main bearing 2082 is disposed.

[0150] Like the non-orbiting scroll member 2036, the non-orbiting scroll member 2264 includes a baseplate 2288 and a spiral wrap (or vane) 2290 extending axially from the baseplate 2288 toward the orbiting scroll member 2034. The spiral wrap 2290 of the non-orbiting scroll member 2264 cooperates with the spiral wrap 2276 of the orbiting scroll member 2262 to define compression pockets 2292 that decrease in size as they move from a radially outer position to a radially inner position, thereby compressing the working fluid therein from the suction pressure to the discharge pressure. In addition, the non-orbiting scroll member 2264 has a suction inlet 2293 in fluid communication with the suction tube 2028, and the baseplate 2288 of the non- orbiting scroll member 2264 defines a discharge passage 2294 that extends axially through the baseplate 2288 and allows discharge fluid to enter the discharge chamber 2260. Further, the orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members 2262, 2264 may define fluid passages, such as the fluid passages 2120, 2121 of the compressor 2010, which place one portion of the discharge chamber 2260 disposed on a first side of the compression mechanism 2254 in communication with another portion of the discharge chamber 2260 disposed on a second side of the compression mechanism 2254 opposite of the first side.

[0151] Also, like the orbiting scroll member 2034, the baseplate 2274 of the orbiting scroll member 2262 defines an intermediate chamber orifice 2295 that extends axially through the baseplate 2274 and is disposed radially between the discharge passage 2294 and the suction inlet 2293. The intermediate chamber orifice 2295 places the compression pockets 2292 in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber 2268, thereby allowing working fluid at an intermediate pressure (i.e., a pressure greater than the suction pressure and less than the discharge pressure) to flow between the compression pockets 2292 and the intermediate chamber 2268. Lubricating fluid entrained in the intermediate fluid lubricates the Oldham coupling 2070 and the interface between the thrust bearing surface 2267 of the main bearing housing 2266 and the orbiting scroll member 2262.

[0152] In contrast to the compressor 2010, there is no seal in the compressor 2250, such as the annular seal 2098, which prevents fluid communication between the intermediate chamber 2268 and the drive bearing cavity 2282. In addition, the driveshaft 2280 does not define a channel, such as the first, second, and third channels 2102, 2104, 2108, which allow fluid to pass through the driveshaft 2280. Further, in contrast to the open end 21 18 of the main bearing housing 2080, the compressor 2250 includes an annular seal 2296 that prevents fluid communication between the main bearing cavity 2286 and the discharge chamber 2260. The compressor 2250 also includes an annular seal 2298 that seals the interface between the thrust bearing surface 2267 of the main bearing housing 2266 and the orbiting scroll member 2262. Thus, the drive bearing cavity 2282 and the main bearing cavity 2286 are disposed in the intermediate chamber 2268 rather than the discharge chamber 2260. As a result, the drive bearing 2056, the unloader bushing 2058, and the main bearing 2082 are lubricated by lubricating fluid entrained in intermediate fluid rather than by lubricating fluid entrained in discharge fluid. Since the pressure and temperature of the intermediate fluid is less than that of the discharge fluid, the viscosity of the lubricating fluid entrained in the intermediate fluid is greater than that of the lubricating fluid entrained in the discharge fluid. Lubricating the drive bearing 2056, the unloader bushing 2058, and the main bearing 2082 with a lubricating fluid having a higher viscosity increases the life of the bearings 2056, 2082 and improves the lubrication at the interface between the driveshaft 2280 and the unloader bushing 2058.

[0153] With reference to Figure 10, a low side compressor 2300 is provided that includes a cylindrical shell 2302, a compression mechanism 2304, a bearing housing assembly 2306, a motor assembly 2308, and the end bearing 2020. The compression mechanism 2304 includes an orbiting scroll member 2312 and a non-orbiting scroll member 2314, and the bearing housing assembly 2306 includes a main bearing housing 2316 and the main bearing 2082. The main bearing housing 2316 is fixed relative to the shell 2302 and defines a thrust bearing surface 2318 for the orbiting scroll member 2312.

[0154] The compressor 2300 is similar or identical to the compressor 2250 described above except that the orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members 2312, 2314 does not define fluid passages, such as the fluid passages 2120, 2121 , which place a first side of the compression mechanism 2304 in communication with a second side of the compression mechanism 2304 opposite of the first side. Instead, the shell 2302 defines a discharge chamber 2320 disposed on the first side of the compression mechanism 2304 and a suction chamber 2322 disposed on the second side of the compression mechanism 2304, and the compression mechanism 2304 prevents fluid communication between the discharge and suction chambers 2320, 2322. In addition, a pair of suction tubes 2324 extend through an axial end surface 2326 of the shell 2302 rather than a single suction tube extending through an outer radial surface 2328 of the shell 2302, and the discharge tube 230 extends through an axial end surface 2330 rather than extending through the axial end surface 2326. Otherwise, the structure and function of the compressor 2300 is similar or identical to that of the compressor 2250 described above, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the figures.

[0155] Like the orbiting scroll member 2262, the orbiting scroll member 2312 includes a baseplate 2332, a spiral wrap (or vane) 2334 extending axially from the baseplate 2332, and a tubular portion 2336 extending axially from the baseplate 2332 in an opposite direction than the spiral wrap 2334. In addition, the orbiting scroll member 2312 is driven by the driveshaft 2280, and the tubular portion 2336 defines a drive bearing cavity 2338 in which the drive bearing 2056 is disposed. Further, the main bearing housing 2316 includes a tubular portion 2340 that defines a main bearing cavity 2342 in which the main bearing 2082 is disposed.

[0156] Like the non-orbiting scroll member 2264, the non-orbiting scroll member 2314 includes a baseplate 2344 and a spiral wrap (or vane) 2346 extending axially from the baseplate 2344 toward the orbiting scroll member 2262. The spiral wrap 2346 of the non-orbiting scroll member 2314 cooperates with the spiral wrap 2334 of the orbiting scroll member 2312 to define compression pockets 2348 that decrease in size as they move from a radially outer position to a radially inner position, thereby compressing the working fluid therein from the suction pressure to the discharge pressure. In addition, the non-orbiting scroll member 2314 has a suction inlet 2350 in fluid communication with the suction tubes 2324 via the suction chamber 2322, and the baseplate 2344 of the non-orbiting scroll member 2314 defines a discharge passage 2352 that extends axially through the baseplate 2344 and allows discharge fluid to enter the discharge chamber 2320.

[0157] In the compressor 2300, similar to the compressor 2250, the orbiting scroll member 2312 and the main bearing housing 2316 cooperate to define an intermediate chamber 2354. In addition, the drive bearing 2056, the unloader bushing 2058, and the main bearing 2082 are located inside the intermediate chamber 2354. Further, the annular seals 2296, 2298 prevent fluid communication between the suction chamber 2322 and the intermediate chamber 2354.

[0158] Also, like the orbiting scroll member 2262, the baseplate 2332 of the orbiting scroll member 2312 defines an intermediate chamber orifice 2356 that extends axially through the baseplate 2332 and is disposed radially between the discharge passage 2352 and the suction inlet 2350. The intermediate chamber orifice 2356 places the compression pockets 2348 in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber 2354, thereby allowing working fluid at an intermediate pressure (i.e., a pressure greater than the suction pressure and less than the discharge pressure) to flow between the compression pockets 2348 and the intermediate chamber 2354. Lubricating fluid entrained in the intermediate fluid lubricates the drive bearing 2056, the unloader bushing 2058, and the main bearing 2082, the Oldham coupling 2070, and at least a portion of the thrust bearing surface 2318.

[0159] The driveshaft 2280 has a first end 2358 and a second end 2360, and the end bearing 2020 is disposed about the driveshaft 2280 adjacent to the second end 2360. The suction tubes 2324 include a first suction tube 2324-1 disposed adjacent to the end bearing 2020 and a second suction tube 2324-2 disposed radially outboard of the first suction tube 2324-1 . In various configurations, one of the first and second suction tubes 2324-1 and 2324-2 may be omitted.

[0160] The location of the first suction tube 2324-1 ensures that suction fluid entering the shell 2302 through the first suction tube 2324-1 passes through the end bearing 2020. In the example shown in Figure 10, the first suction tube 2324-1 extends into a first portion 2362 of the suction chamber 2322 disposed between an end cap 2363 of the shell 2302 and the second end 2360 of the driveshaft 2280. Figure 10 shows one possible location of the first suction tube 2324-1 represented by solid lines, and another possible location of the first suction tube 2324-1 represented by phantom lines. In either case, the first suction tube 2324-1 extends into the first portion 2362 of the suction chamber 2322. The first portion 2362 is disposed on a first side of the end bearing 2020, and a second portion 2364 of the suction chamber 2322 is disposed on a second side of the end bearing 2020 that is opposite of the first side. Thus, in order to flow from the first portion 2362 of the suction chamber 2322 to the second portion 2364 of the suction chamber 2322, the suction fluid entering the shell 2302 through the first suction tube 2324-1 must pass through the end bearing 2020.

[0161] While the second suction tube 2324-2 does not extend into the first portion 2362 of the suction chamber 2322, a deflector 2366 redirects suction fluid entering the shell 2302 through the second suction tube 2324-2 to ensure that the suction fluid passes through the end bearing 2020. As shown in Figure 10, the deflector 2366 is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the second suction tube 2324-2 such that suction fluid flowing axially in a first direction from the second suction tube 2324-2 is redirected to flow radially inward and axially in a second direction opposite of the first direction. The deflector 2366 may be a flat or curved plate, and may extend around the entire circumference of the driveshaft 2280 or only a portion thereof. In the example shown in Figure 10, the deflector 2366 extends around only a portion of the circumference of the driveshaft 2280. If the deflector 2366 is a curved plate that extends around the entire circumference of the driveshaft 2280, the deflector 2366 may have a hollow conical or funnel shape.

[0162] After passing through the end bearing 2020, the suction fluid passes through the motor assembly 2308 and flows to a suction guide 2368. As shown in Figure 10, the suction guide 2368 includes a first segment 2370 and a second segment 2372. The first segment 2370 is disposed radially outboard of the main bearing housing 2316 and extends axially from the suction chamber 2322 to the second segment 2372. The second segment extends radially from the first segment 2370 to the suction inlet 2350. Thus, the suction guide 2368 provides a path for suction fluid to flow from the suction chamber 2322 to the suction inlet 2350.

[0163] As shown in Figure 10, the compressor 2300 is a horizontal compressor. Thus, lubricating fluid may accumulate at a bottom 2374 of the suction chamber 2322. However, if this occurs, suction fluid flowing from the suction tubes 2324 to the suction inlet 2350 will lift the lubricating fluid from the bottom 2374 of the suction chamber 2322 and carry the lubricating fluid to the suction inlet 2350. In addition, the suction guide 2368 may be located at the bottom 2374 of the suction chamber 2322 as shown in Figure 10 to ensure that the amount of lubricating fluid that accumulates at the bottom 2374 is minimal.

[0164] With reference to Figure 1 1 , another high side compressor 2400 is provided that includes a cylindrical shell 2402, a compression mechanism 2404, a bearing housing assembly 2406, a motor assembly 2408, and the end bearing 2020. The shell 2402 defines a discharge chamber 2412 in which the compression mechanism 2404, the bearing housing assembly 2406, the motor assembly 2408, and the end bearing 2020 are disposed. The compression mechanism 2404 includes an orbiting scroll member 2414 and a non-orbiting scroll member 2416, and the bearing housing assembly 2406 includes a main bearing housing 2418 and the main bearing 2082. The main bearing housing 2418 is fixed relative to the shell 2402.

[0165] The orbiting scroll member 2414 includes a baseplate 2422, a spiral wrap (or vane) 2424 extending axially from the baseplate 2422, and a tubular portion 2426 extending axially from the baseplate 2422 in an opposite direction than the spiral wrap 2424. In addition, the orbiting scroll member 2414 is driven by the driveshaft 2280, and the tubular portion 2426 defines a drive bearing cavity 2428 in which the drive bearing 2056 is disposed. Further, the main bearing housing 2418 includes a tubular portion 2430 that defines a main bearing cavity 2432 in which the main bearing 2082 is disposed, and the main bearing cavity 2432 is in fluid communication with the drive bearing cavity 2428.

[0166] The non-orbiting scroll member 2416 includes a baseplate 2434 and a spiral wrap (or vane) 2436 extending axially from the baseplate 2434 toward the orbiting scroll member 2414. The spiral wrap 2436 of the non-orbiting scroll member 2416 cooperates with the spiral wrap 2424 of the orbiting scroll member 2414 to define compression pockets 2438 that decrease in size as they move from a radially outer position to a radially inner position, thereby compressing the working fluid therein from the suction pressure to the discharge pressure. In addition, the non-orbiting scroll member 2416 has a suction inlet 2440 in fluid communication with the suction tube 2028, and the baseplate 2434 of the non-orbiting scroll member 2416 defines a discharge passage 2442 that extends axially through the baseplate 2434 and allows discharge fluid to enter the discharge chamber 2412.

[0167] Discharge fluid expelled through the discharge passage 2442 in the non- orbiting scroll member 2416 may flow radially outward and then axially past the compression mechanism 2404 and the bearing housing assembly 2406 to the motor assembly 2408. In this regard, the non-orbiting scroll member 2416 may define one or more fluid passages 2444 extending axially through the non-orbiting scroll member 2416, and the main bearing housing 2418 may define one or more fluid passages 2446 that extend axially through the main bearing housing 2418 and that are radially aligned with the fluid passages 2444. Thus, discharge fluid expelled through the discharge passage 2442 flows through the fluid passages 2444, 2446 in the non-orbiting scroll member 2416 and the main bearing housing 2418 and to the motor assembly 2408. In this regard, the discharge chamber 2412 includes a first portion 2448 disposed on a first side of the compression mechanism 2404 and a second portion 2450 disposed on a second side of the compression mechanism 2404 opposite of the first side, and the fluid passages 2444, 2446 place the first portion 2448 of the discharge chamber 2412 in fluid communication with the second portion 2450 of the discharge chamber 2412.

[0168] The compressor 2400 is similar or identical to the compressor 2250 of Figure 9 except that the orbiting scroll member 2414 does not define an intermediate chamber orifice such as the intermediate chamber orifice 2295. Also, in contrast to the compressor 2250, there is no seal in the compressor 2400, such as the annular seal 2296, which prevents fluid communication between the main bearing cavity 2286 and the discharge chamber 2412. Instead, the main bearing housing 2418 has an open end 2452 similar to the main bearing housing 2080 of Figure 7, and the main bearing cavity 2286 is in fluid communication with the discharge chamber 2412. Further, in contrast to the main bearing housing 2266 of the compressor 2250, the main bearing housing 2418 defines a fluid passage 2454 extending radially through the tubular portion 2430 of the main bearing housing 2418. In addition, unlike the compressor 2250, the compressor 2400 includes a pair of deflectors 2456 that guide discharge fluid from the discharge passage 2442 to the fluid passage 2454 in the main bearing housing 2418. In addition, the suction tube 2028 extends through an axial end surface 2458 of the shell 2402 instead of through an outer radial surface 2460 of the shell 2402. Otherwise, the structure and function of the compressor 2400 is similar or identical to that of the compressor 2250 described above, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the figures.

[0169] The pair of deflectors 2456 includes a first deflector 2456-1 disposed in the first portion 2448 of the discharge chamber 2412 and a second deflector 2456-2 disposed in the second portion 2450 of the discharge chamber 2412. The first deflector 2456-1 guides discharge fluid from the discharge passage 2442 in the non-orbiting scroll member 2416 to the fluid passages 2444, 2446 in the non-orbiting scroll member 2416 and the main bearing housing 2418. Thus, the first deflector 2456-1 is configured to redirect discharge fluid flowing axially in a first direction from the discharge passage 2442 such that the discharge fluid flows radially outward and then axially toward the fluid passages 2444, 2446 in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction. In this regard, the first deflector 2456-1 has an inlet 2462 disposed at the discharge passage 2442 and an outlet 2464 disposed at and radially aligned with the fluid passages 2444, 2446.

[0170] The second deflector 2456-2 guides discharge fluid exiting the fluid passages 2444, 2446 in the non-orbiting scroll member 2416 and the main bearing housing 2418 to the fluid passage 2454 in the main bearing housing 2418 and, ultimately, to the main bearing 2082, the drive bearing 2056, and the unloader bushing 2058. Thus, lubricating fluid entrained in the discharge fluid lubricates the main bearing 2082, the drive bearing 2056, and the unloader bushing 2058. The second deflector 2456-2 is configured to redirect discharge fluid flowing axially in the second direction from the fluid passages 2444, 2446 such that the discharge fluid flows radially inward toward the fluid passage 2454 in the main bearing housing 2418. In this regard, the second deflector 2456-2 has an inlet 2466 that is radially aligned with the fluid passages 2444, 2446 and an outlet 2468 that is axially aligned with the fluid passage 2454. In various configurations, one or both of the first and second deflectors 2456-1 and 2456-2 may be omitted from the compressor 2400.

[0171] With reference to Figure 12, another high side compressor 2500 is provided that includes a cylindrical shell 2502, a compression mechanism 2504, a bearing housing assembly 2506, a motor assembly 2508, and the end bearing 2020. The shell 2502 defines a discharge chamber 2512 in which the compression mechanism 2504, the bearing housing assembly 2506, the motor assembly 2508, and the end bearing 2020 are disposed. The compression mechanism 2504 includes an orbiting scroll member 2514 and a non-orbiting scroll member 2516, and the bearing housing assembly 2506 includes a main bearing housing 2518 and the main bearing 2082. The main bearing housing 2518 is fixed relative to the shell 2502 and defines a thrust bearing surface 2520 for the orbiting scroll member 2514.

[0172] The orbiting scroll member 2514 includes a baseplate 2522, a spiral wrap (or vane) 2524 extending axially from the baseplate 2522, and a tubular portion 2526 extending axially from the baseplate 2522 in an opposite direction than the spiral wrap 2524. In addition, the orbiting scroll member 2514 is driven by the driveshaft 2280, and the tubular portion 2526 defines a drive bearing cavity 2528 in which the drive bearing 2056 is disposed. Further, the main bearing housing 2518 includes a tubular portion 2530 that defines a main bearing cavity 2532 in which the main bearing 2082 is disposed, and the main bearing cavity 2532 is in fluid communication with the drive bearing cavity 2528.

[0173] The non-orbiting scroll member 2516 includes a baseplate 2534 and a spiral wrap (or vane) 2536 extending axially from the baseplate 2534 toward the orbiting scroll member 2514. The spiral wrap 2536 of the non-orbiting scroll member 2516 cooperates with the spiral wrap 2524 of the orbiting scroll member 2514 to define compression pockets 2538 that decrease in size as they move from a radially outer position to a radially inner position, thereby compressing the working fluid therein from the suction pressure to the discharge pressure. In addition, the non-orbiting scroll member 2516 has a suction inlet 2540 in fluid communication with the suction tube 2028, and the baseplate 2534 of the non-orbiting scroll member 2516 defines a discharge passage 2542 that extends axially through the baseplate 2534 and allows discharge fluid to enter the discharge chamber 2512.

[0174] Discharge fluid expelled through the discharge passage 2542 in the non- orbiting scroll member 2516 may flow radially outward and then axially past the compression mechanism 2504 and the bearing housing assembly 2506 to the motor assembly 2508. In this regard, the orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members 2514, 2516 may define fluid passages, such as the fluid passages 2120, 2121 of the compressor 2010, which place one portion of the discharge chamber 2512 disposed on a first side of the compression mechanism 2504 in communication with another portion of the discharge chamber 2512 disposed on a second side of the compression mechanism 2504 opposite of the first side.

[0175] The orbiting scroll member 2514 and the main bearing housing 2518 cooperate to define an intermediate chamber 2544. The drive bearing 2056, the unloader bushing 2058, and the main bearing 2082 are located inside the intermediate chamber 2544. The annular seals 2296, 2298 prevent fluid communication between the discharge chamber 2512 and the intermediate chamber 2544.

[0176] The compressor 2500 is similar or identical to the compressor 2250 of Figure 9 except that the baseplate 2522 of the orbiting scroll member 2514 defines an intermediate chamber orifice 2546 that not only extends axially through the baseplate 2522, but also extends radially through the baseplate 2522. The intermediate chamber orifice 2546 places the compression pockets 2538 in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber 2544, thereby allowing working fluid at an intermediate pressure (i.e., a pressure greater than the suction pressure and less than the discharge pressure) to flow between the compression pockets 2538 and the intermediate chamber 2544. Lubricating fluid entrained in the intermediate fluid lubricates the drive bearing 2056, the unloader bushing 2058, and the main bearing 2082, the Oldham coupling 2070, and at least a portion of the thrust bearing surface 2520. Otherwise, the structure and function of the compressor 2500 is similar or identical to that of the compressor 2250 described above, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the figures.

[0177] The intermediate chamber orifice 2546 includes a first portion 2548 in fluid communication with the compression pockets 2538, second and third portions 2550, 2552 in fluid communication with the drive bearing cavity 2528, and a fourth portion 2554 placing the first portion 2548 in fluid communication with the second and third portions 2550, 2552. The first portion 2548 of the intermediate chamber orifice 2546 is in fluid communication with the compression pockets 2538 at a location that is radially between the suction inlet 2540 and the discharge passage 2542. In other words, the first portion 2548 extends axially through a first surface 2556 of the baseplate 2522 of the orbiting scroll member 2514 from which the spiral wrap 2524 extends, and the location at which the first portion 2548 extends through the first surface 2556 is radially between the suction inlet 2540 and the discharge passage 2542.

[0178] The second and third portions 2550, 2552 of the intermediate chamber orifice 2546 extend axially through a second surface 2558 of the baseplate 2522 that is opposite of the first surface 2556 of the baseplate 2522. The second and third portions 2550, 2552 of extend axially through the second surface 2558 of the baseplate 2522 at locations that are radially aligned with the drive bearing cavity 2528. The fourth portion 2554 of the intermediate chamber orifice 2546 extends radially through the baseplate 2522 and extends between (i) first portion 2548 of the intermediate chamber orifice 2546 and (ii) the second and third portions 2550, 2552 of the intermediate chamber orifice 2546.

[0179] The intermediate chamber orifice 2546 is shown and described above as having one portion that extends axially through the first surface 2556 of the baseplate 2522, one portion that extends radially through the baseplate 2522, and two portions that extends axially through the second surface 2558 of the baseplate 2522. However, in various configurations, the intermediate chamber orifice 2546 may include multiple portions that extends axially through the first surface 2556 of the baseplate 2522 at different radial locations and/or multiple portions that extends radially through the baseplate 2522 at different axial locations. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate chamber orifice 2546 may include only one portion that extends axially through the second surface 2558 of the baseplate 2522.

[0180] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.