Compressor Having Capacity Modulation System

Abstract

A compressor may include first and second scrolls and a capacity-modulation system. The first and second scrolls include first and second end plates and first and second spiral wraps. The second end plate may define a suction inlet, a discharge passage, a modulation port, and a vent passage. The capacity-modulation system may include a control valve and a piston. The control valve is movable between first and second positions. The piston may be disposed within a recess in the second end plate and is movable between an open position in which communication between the modulation port and the vent passage is allowed and a closed position in which communication between the modulation port and the vent passage is prevented. Moving the control valve to the first position moves the piston to the closed position. Moving the control valve to the second position moves the piston to the open position.

Claims

1. A compressor comprising: a first scroll having a first end plate and a first spiral wrap extending from the first end plate; a second scroll having a second end plate and a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate, wherein the first and second spiral wraps cooperate to define a plurality of fluid pockets, and wherein during operation of the compressor, the fluid pockets move from a radially outer position to radially intermediate positions to a radially inner position; and a capacity-modulation system operable in a high-capacity mode and a low-capacity mode, wherein: the second end plate defines a suction inlet, a discharge passage, a modulation port, and a vent passage, the modulation port communicates with one of the fluid pockets at one of the radially intermediate positions, and the vent passage extends from and is in direct communication with the suction inlet defined by the second scroll; the capacity-modulation system includes a control valve and a piston, the control valve is movable between a first position and a second position, the piston is disposed within a recess in the second end plate, the vent passage extends from the recess to the suction inlet, the piston is movable in the recess between an open position in which fluid communication between the modulation port and the vent passage is allowed and a closed position in which fluid communication between the modulation port and the vent passage is prevented, and movement of the control valve to the first position causes movement of the piston to the closed position, and movement of the control valve to the second position causes movement of the piston to the open position.

2. The compressor of claim 1, wherein the second end plate includes another modulation port that communicates with another one of the fluid pockets at another one of the radially intermediate positions.

3. The compressor of claim 2, wherein the piston blocks both of the modulation ports in the closed position and opens both of the modulation ports in the open position.

4. The compressor of claim 3, wherein the piston includes a recess formed in an axially-facing surface of the piston, wherein the axially-facing surface sealingly contacts a surface of the non-orbiting scroll when the piston is in the closed position.

5. The compressor of claim 4, wherein the recess in the piston is vented to the vent passage.

6. The compressor of claim 5, wherein a spring is disposed within the recess.

7. The compressor of claim 3, wherein: when the control valve is in the first position, the control valve allows intermediate-pressure working fluid to flow to an actuation chamber defined by the piston and the second end plate, when the control valve is in the second position, the control valve prevents intermediate-pressure working fluid from flowing to the actuation chamber, and the intermediate-pressure working fluid is at a pressure higher than a suction pressure and less than a discharge pressure.

8. The compressor of claim 7, wherein: when the control valve is in the first position, the intermediate-pressure working fluid flows from an axial biasing chamber, through the control valve to the actuation chamber via a passage in the second end plate, and the axial biasing chamber is defined by the second end plate and a floating seal assembly.

9. (canceled)

10. The compressor of claim 8, wherein the second end plate includes a first portion and a second portion that is attached to the first portion by fasteners, and wherein the second portion defines a closed end of the actuation chamber.

11. The compressor of claim 7, wherein: the control valve includes a body, a housing, and a valve member, the body is received in a valve passage in the second end plate, the body includes a first passage, a second passage, and a third passage, the housing is fixed relative to the second end plate and the body, and the valve member is disposed within the housing and is movable therein between the first and second positions.

12. The compressor of claim 11, wherein: a portion of the valve member is movably received in the first passage of the body, when the valve member is in the first position, the valve member allows fluid communication between the second and third passages and prevents fluid communication between the first passage and a suction chamber of the compressor, and when the valve member is in the second position, the valve member prevents fluid communication between the second and third passages and allows fluid communication between the first passage and the suction chamber of the compressor.

13. (canceled)

14. A compressor comprising: a first scroll having a first end plate and a first spiral wrap extending from the first end plate; a second scroll having a second end plate and a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate, wherein the first and second spiral wraps cooperate to define a plurality of fluid pockets, wherein during operation of the compressor, the fluid pockets move from a radially outer position to radially intermediate positions to a radially inner position, wherein the second end plate includes a first modulation port, a second modulation port, a first recess, a second recess, and a discharge passage, and wherein the first and second modulation ports fluidly communicate with respective fluid pockets at the radially intermediate positions; and a capacity-modulation system operable to switch the compressor among a high-capacity mode, an intermediate-capacity mode, and a low-capacity mode, wherein: the capacity-modulation system includes a first piston, a second piston, a first control valve, and a second control valve, the first and second control valves are movable between a first position and a second position, the first and second pistons are disposed within the first and second recesses, respectively, and are movable therein between an open position and a closed position, when the first and second pistons are in the open position, fluid communication is allowed between the first and second modulation ports and a suction-pressure region of the compressor, when the first and second pistons are in the closed position, fluid communication is prevented between the first and second modulation ports and the suction-pressure region of the compressor, movement of the first control valve to the first position causes movement of the first piston to the closed position, and movement of the first control valve to the second position causes movement of the first piston to the open position, and movement of the second control valve to the first position causes movement of the second piston to the closed position, and movement of the second control valve to the second position causes movement of the second piston to the open position.

15. The compressor of claim 14, wherein the suction-pressure region of the compressor is a suction inlet defined by the second scroll.

16. The compressor of claim 14, wherein: the compressor is in the high-capacity mode when the first and second pistons are in the closed position and the first and second control valves are in the first position, the compressor is in the intermediate-capacity mode when one of the first and second pistons is in the closed position, one of the first and second pistons is in the open position, one of the first and second control valves is in the first position, and one of the first and second control valves is in the second position, and the compressor is in the low-capacity mode when the first and second pistons are in the open position and the first and second control valves are in the second position.

17. The compressor of claim 16, wherein the second end plate includes a connecting passage that extends from the first recess to the second recess, and wherein the connecting passage is in fluid communication with the first and second recesses when the first and second pistons are in the open position.

18. The compressor of claim 16, wherein: each of the first and second control valves includes a body, a housing, and a valve member, the body is received in a respective valve passage in the second end plate, the body includes a first passage, a second passage, and a third passage, the housing is fixed relative to the second end plate and the body, and the valve member is disposed within the housing and is movable therein between the first and second positions.

19.-20. (canceled)

21. A compressor comprising: a first scroll having a first end plate and a first spiral wrap extending from the first end plate; a second scroll having a second end plate and a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate, wherein the first and second spiral wraps cooperate to define a plurality of fluid pockets, wherein during operation of the compressor, the fluid pockets move from a radially outer position to radially intermediate positions to a radially inner position, wherein the second end plate includes a first modulation port, a second modulation port, a first recess, a second recess, and a discharge passage, and wherein the first and second modulation ports fluidly communicate with respective fluid pockets at the radially intermediate positions; and a capacity-modulation system including a first piston, a second piston, and a control valve, wherein: the first and second pistons are disposed within the first and second recesses, respectively, and are movable therein between an open position and a closed position, when the first and second pistons are in the open position, fluid communication is allowed between the first and second modulation ports and a suction-pressure region of the compressor, when the first and second pistons are in the closed position, fluid communication is prevented between the first and second modulation ports and the suction-pressure region of the compressor, movement of the control valve to a first position causes movement of the first and second pistons to the closed position, and movement of the control valve to a second position causes movement of the first and second pistons to the open position.

22. The compressor of claim 21, wherein the suction-pressure region of the compressor is a suction inlet defined by the second scroll.

23. The compressor of claim 21, wherein the second end plate includes a connecting passage that extends from the first recess to the second recess, and wherein the connecting passage is in fluid communication with the first and second recesses when the first and second pistons are in the open position.

24. The compressor of claim 21, wherein: the control valve includes a body, a housing, and a valve member, the body is received in a respective valve passage in the second end plate, the body includes a first passage, a second passage, and a third passage, the housing is fixed relative to the second end plate and the body, the valve member is disposed within the housing and is movable therein between the first and second positions, a portion of the valve member is movably received in the first passage of the body, when the valve member is in the first position. the valve member allows fluid communication between the second and third passages and prevents fluid communication between the first passage and a suction chamber of the compressor, and when the valve member is in the second position, the valve member prevents fluid communication between the second and third passages and allows fluid communication between the first passage and the suction chamber of the compressor.

25.-49. (canceled)

Description

DRAWINGS

[0090] 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.

[0091] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a compressor having a capacity-modulation system according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0092] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a non-orbiting scroll with the capacity-modulation system of the compressor of FIG. 1;

[0093] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the non-orbiting scroll with capacity-modulation system;

[0094] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the non-orbiting scroll and capacity-modulation system with a piston in an open position;

[0095] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the non-orbiting scroll and capacity-modulation system with the piston in a closed position;

[0096] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the non-orbiting scroll and a spiral wrap of an orbiting scroll of the compressor;

[0097] FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional view of the non-orbiting scroll and capacity-modulation system;

[0098] FIG. 8 is an overhead view of the non-orbiting scroll with a floating seal assembly removed;

[0099] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a control valve of the capacity-modulation system in a first position;

[0100] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the control valve in a second position;

[0101] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the control valve showing certain gaps with exaggerated sizes for illustration purposes;

[0102] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative non-orbiting scroll with the capacity-modulation system;

[0103] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative piston of the capacity-modulation system;

[0104] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative piston of the capacity-modulation system;

[0105] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of yet another alternative piston of the capacity-modulation system;

[0106] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of yet another alternative piston of the capacity-modulation system;

[0107] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of another alternative non-orbiting scroll and capacity-modulation system;

[0108] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the non-orbiting scroll and capacity-modulation system of FIG. 17;

[0109] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the non-orbiting scroll and capacity-modulation system of FIG. 17 with a portion of the non-orbiting scroll removed for illustration purposes;

[0110] FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the non-orbiting scroll of FIG. 17;

[0111] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of another alternative non-orbiting scroll and capacity-modulation system;

[0112] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of yet another alternative non-orbiting scroll and capacity-modulation system;

[0113] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the compressor;

[0114] FIG. 24 is a schematic representation of a control module, thermostat, and control valve;

[0115] FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating another method of controlling the compressor;

[0116] FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating yet another method of controlling the compressor;

[0117] FIG. 27 is an exploded view of yet another alternative non-orbiting scroll and capacity-modulation system;

[0118] FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating yet another method of controlling the compressor;

[0119] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating yet another method of controlling the compressor;

[0120] FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating yet another method of controlling the compressor;

[0121] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating yet another method of controlling the compressor;

[0122] FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating yet another method of controlling the compressor;

[0123] FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating yet another method of controlling the compressor;

[0124] FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating yet another method of controlling the compressor;

[0125] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of another non-orbiting scroll and capacity-modulation system;

[0126] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a piston of the capacity-modulation system of FIG. 35; and

[0127] 37 is another perspective view of the piston of the capacity-modulation system of FIG. 35.

[0128] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0129] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] With reference to FIGS. 1-11, a compressor 10 is provided and may include a shell assembly 12, first and second bearing housing assemblies 14, 16, a motor assembly 18, a compression mechanism 20, a discharge port or fitting 24, a suction port or fitting 28, a suction conduit 30, a floating seal assembly 31, and a capacity-modulation system 33.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 1, the shell assembly 12 may form a compressor housing and may include a cylindrical shell 32, an end cap 34 at an upper end thereof, a transversely extending partition 36, and a base 38 at a lower end thereof. The shell 32, the base 38 and the partition 36 may cooperate to define a suction-pressure chamber 39. The end cap 34 and the partition 36 may define a discharge-pressure chamber 40. The partition 36 may separate the discharge-pressure chamber 40 from the suction-pressure chamber 39. A discharge-pressure passage 43 may extend through the partition 36 to provide communication between the compression mechanism 20 and the discharge-pressure chamber 40. The suction fitting 28 may be attached to the shell assembly 12 at an opening 46.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second bearing housing assemblies 14, 16 may be disposed within the suction-pressure chamber and may be fixed relative to the shell 32. The first bearing housing assembly 14 may include a first bearing housing 48 and a first bearing 50. The second bearing housing assembly 16 may include a second bearing housing 49 and a second bearing 51. The first and second bearing housings 48, 49 may house the first and second bearings 50, 51, respectively. The first bearing housing 48 may axially support the compression mechanism 20.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 1, the motor assembly 18 may be disposed within the suction-pressure chamber 39 and may include a stator 60 and a rotor 62. The stator 60 may be press fit into the shell 32. The rotor 62 may be press fit on a drive shaft 64 and may transmit rotational power to the drive shaft 64. The drive shaft 64 may be rotatably supported by the first and second bearing housing assemblies 14, 16. The drive shaft 64 may include an eccentric crank pin 66 having a crank pin flat.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 1, the compression mechanism 20 may be disposed within the suction-pressure chamber 39 and may include a first scroll member and a second scroll member. The first scroll member may be an orbiting scroll 70 that may include an end plate 74 and a spiral wrap 76 extending therefrom. A cylindrical hub 80 may project downwardly from the end plate 74 and may include a drive bushing 82 disposed therein. The drive bushing 82 may include an inner bore (not numbered) in which the crank pin 66 is drivingly disposed. The crank pin flat may drivingly engage a flat surface in a portion of the inner bore to provide a radially compliant driving arrangement. An Oldham coupling 84 may be engaged with the orbiting and non-orbiting scrolls 70, 72 to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 1, the second scroll member may be a non-orbiting scroll 72 that may include an end plate 86 and a spiral wrap 88 projecting downwardly from the end plate 86. The spiral wrap 88 may meshingly engage the spiral wrap 76 of the orbiting scroll 70, thereby creating a series of moving fluid pockets. The fluid pockets defined by the spiral wraps 76, 88 may decrease in volume as they move from a radially outer position (at a suction pressure) to radially intermediate positions (at intermediate pressures) to a radially inner position (at a discharge pressure) throughout a compression cycle of the compression mechanism 20. A suction inlet 89 may be formed in the non-orbiting scroll 72 and may provide fluid communication between the suction conduit 30 and a radially outermost fluid pocket 93 formed by the spiral wraps 76, 88. The suction conduit 30 may be attached to the end plate 86 of the non-orbiting scroll and may direct working fluid at a suction-pressure from the suction fitting 28 to the suction inlet 89 of the non-orbiting scroll 72 so that working fluid can be directed into the radially outermost fluid pocket 93 and subsequently compressed by the compression mechanism 20.

[0141] As shown in FIGS. 4-6 and 8, the end plate 86 of the non-orbiting scroll 72 may include a first one or more modulation passages or ports 100 and a second one or more modulation passages or ports 102. The modulation ports 100, 102 may extend entirely through first and second opposing axially facing sides of the end plate 86 and are in selective fluid communication with respective intermediate-pressure pockets (e.g., pockets 96, 97 shown in FIG. 6).

[0142] The end plate 86 of the non-orbiting scroll 72 may include a hub 104 that extends away from the spiral wraps 76, 88. A discharge passage 108 extends axially through the hub 104 and is in fluid communication with the discharge chamber 40 via the discharge passage 43 in the partition 36. The discharge passage 108 is also in selective fluid communication with a discharge passage 92 in the end plate 86.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 1, a discharge valve assembly 110 may also be disposed within the discharge passage 108 of the hub 104. The discharge valve assembly 110 may be a one-way valve that allows fluid flow from the discharge passage 92 to the discharge chamber 40 and restricts or prevents fluid flow from the discharge chamber 40 back into the compression mechanism 20.

[0144] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the floating seal assembly 31 may be an annular member encircling the hub 104. For example, the floating seal assembly 31 may include annular disks that are fixed to each other and annular lip seals that extend from the disks. The floating seal assembly 31 may be sealingly engaged with the partition 36, the hub 104, and an outer rim 105 of the end plate 86. In this manner, the floating seal assembly 31 fluidly separates the suction-pressure chamber 39 from the discharge-pressure chamber 40. In some configurations, the floating seal assembly 31 could be a one-piece floating seal.

[0145] The end plate 86 of the non-orbiting scroll 72 may include an intermediate-cavity-pressure (ICP) passage 106 (FIGS. 6 and 8) that is in fluid communication with an intermediate-pressure compression pocket (defined by the spiral wraps 76, 88). As shown in FIG. 3, the ICP passage 106 may provide intermediate-pressure working fluid to an axial biasing chamber 109 (i.e., a chamber disposed radially between the inner hub 104 and outer rim 105 and defined by the floating seal assembly 31 and the end plate 86). The intermediate-pressure working fluid in the axial biasing chamber 109 biases the floating seal assembly 31 and the end plate 86 axially away from each other so that the floating seal assembly 31 sealingly engages the partition 36 and the non-orbiting scroll 72 sealingly engages the orbiting scroll 70.

[0146] During operation of the compressor 10, the capacity-modulation system 33 may be operable to switch the compressor 10 between a first capacity mode (e.g., a full-capacity or high-capacity mode) and a second capacity mode (e.g., a reduced-capacity or low-capacity mode). As will be described in more detail below, in the high-capacity mode, fluid communication between the modulation ports 100, 102 and the suction-pressure chamber 39 is prevented. In the low-capacity mode, the modulation ports 100, 102 are allowed to fluidly communicate with the suction-pressure chamber 39 to vent intermediate-pressure working fluid from intermediate-pressure compression pockets (e.g., pockets 96, 97) to the suction-pressure chamber 39.

[0147] The capacity-modulation system 33 may include one or more pistons 120 (FIGS. 4, 5, and 7) and one or more control valves 122 (FIGS. 2, 3, 7, and 9-11). In the particular example shown in FIGS. 1-11, the capacity-modulation system 33 includes a single piston 120 and a single control valve 122. The piston 120 is movable between an open position (FIG. 4) corresponding to the low-capacity mode and a closed position (FIG. 5) corresponding to the high-capacity mode. The control valve 122 is movable between a first position (FIG. 9) corresponding to the high-capacity mode and a second position (FIGS. 10 and 11) corresponding to the low-capacity mode. As will be described below in more detail, moving the control valve 122 into the first position (FIG. 9) causes the piston 120 to move into the closed position (FIG. 5), and moving the control valve 122 into the second position (FIG. 10) causes the piston 120 to move into the open position (FIG. 4).

[0148] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the piston 120 may be a generally cylindrical member and may be slidably received in a recess 124 in the end plate 86 of the non-orbiting scroll 72. The modulation ports 100, 102 provide fluid communication between the recess 124 and one or more intermediate-pressure pockets (e.g., pockets 96, 97). The recess 124 is also in fluid communication with a vent passage 126 in the end plate 86. The vent passage 126 may be in fluid communication with the suction inlet 89 of the non-orbiting scroll 72. In this manner, when the piston 120 is in the open position (FIG. 4), intermediate-pressure working fluid in the one or more intermediate-pressure pockets (e.g., pockets 96, 97) is allowed to flow into the recess 124, through the vent passage 126, and into the suction inlet 89 (i.e., to allow intermediate-pressure working fluid in the pockets 96, 97 to vent to the suction inlet 89). When the piston 120 is in the closed position (FIG. 5), the piston 120 blocks the modulation ports 100, 102 to prevent fluid communication between the modulation ports 100, 102 and the recess 124 (i.e., to prevent intermediate-pressure working fluid in the pockets 96, 97 from venting to the suction inlet 89).

[0149] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an outer diametrical surface of the piston 120 may include a groove that receives an annular seal 127 that sealingly engages the piston 120 and a diametrical surface defining the recess 124. A spring 129 may engage a surface 131 of the end plate 86 (e.g., a surface that defines a lower end of the recess 124) and an opposing surface 133 of the piston 120. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the surface 133 of the piston is disposed within a recess 135 formed in the piston 120 such that a portion of the spring 120 is disposed within the recess 135.

[0150] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a plug (or cap) 128 may be fixedly received in and/or cover an upper end of the recess 124. The plug 128 and piston 120 may cooperate to define an actuation chamber 130 in the recess 124 between the plug 128 and the piston 120. An upper end of the piston 120 may include a boss or protrusion 132. The protrusion 132 may contact the plug 128 when the piston 120 is in the open position (FIG. 4) without completely eliminating the volume of the actuation chamber 130 (i.e., so that fluid can still be supplied to the actuation chamber 130 from the control valve 122 when the piston 120 is in the open position).

[0151] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9-11, the control valve 122 may be mounted to the end plate 86 and may partially extend into a first passage (or valve passage) 134 in the end plate 86. The first passage 134 may be in fluid communication with a second passage 136 in the end plate 86. The second passage 136 may be in fluid communication with the axial biasing chamber 109. In this manner, a portion of the first passage 134 may be in fluid communication with the axial biasing chamber 109 via the second passage 136. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the end plate 86 may include a third passage 138 that is in fluid communication with another portion of the first passage 134. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 8, the third passage 138 may be in fluid communication with the actuation chamber 130 defined by the piston 120.

[0152] In the first position (FIG. 9), the control valve 122 may provide intermediate-pressure working fluid (e.g., from the axial biasing chamber 109 and second passage 136) to the actuation chamber 130 via the third passage 138, which moves the piston 120 to the closed position (FIG. 5; corresponding to the high-capacity mode). In the second position (FIG. 10), the control valve 122 may provide suction-pressure working fluid (e.g., from suction chamber 39) to the actuation chamber 130 via the third passage 138, which moves the piston 120 to the open position (FIG. 4; corresponding to the low-capacity mode).

[0153] The control valve 122 may be a solenoid valve. In the particular example shown in FIGS. 1-11, energizing the solenoid causes the piston 120 to move to the closed position to operate the compressor 10 in the high-capacity mode, and deenergizing the solenoid causes the piston 120 to move to the open position to operate the compressor 10 in the low-capacity mode. In other embodiments, however, the control valve 122 could be configured such that energizing the solenoid switches to the reduce-capacity mode and deenergizing the solenoid switches to the high-capacity mode.

[0154] As shown in FIGS. 9-11, the control valve 122 may include a body 140, a housing 142, a fixed core 144, a valve member 146, a spring 148, a solenoid coil 150, and a coil housing 152. The body 140 may be a generally cylindrical body having a first passage 154, a second passage 156, a third passage 158, and a flange 160. The body 140 may be at least partially received in the first passage 134 in the end plate 86.

[0155] As shown in FIGS. 9-11, the first passage 134 in the end plate 86 includes a first portion 162 having a first diameter and a second portion 164 having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The body 140 of the control valve 122 is fixedly received in the first and second portions 162, 164 of the first passage 134. The body 140 may sealingly engage the first portion 162. An annular chamber 166 is formed between an outer diametrical surface of the body 140 and a diametrical surface of the first passage 134 that defines the second portion 164. As shown in FIG. 8, the third passage 138 in the end plate 86 intersects (and communicates with) the first passage 134 at the second portion 164. In this manner, the annular chamber 166 is in fluid communication with the third passage 138 of the end plate 86. The third passage 158 of the body 140 is in fluid communication with the annular chamber 166, and therefore, is also in fluid communication with the third passage 138 of the end plate 86.

[0156] The second passage 156 of the body 140 extends through a first axial end of the body 140 and is in fluid communication with the first portion 162 of the first passage 134 of the end plate 86. When the control valve 122 is in the second position (FIG. 10), the second passage 156 of the body 140 is in selective fluid communication with the first passage 154 of the body 140. When the control valve 122 is in the first position (FIG. 9), the valve member 146 prevents fluid communication between the second passage 156 of the body 140 and the first passage 154 of the body 140.

[0157] The first passage 154 of the body 140 extends through a second axial end of the body 140. The first passage 154 is in fluid communication with the third passage 158, and as described above, is in selective fluid communication with the second passage 156. The first passage 154 reciprocatingly receives a stem portion 168 of the valve member 146. The diameters of the stem portion 168 and the first passage 154 may be sized such that a gap 170 (shown exaggerated in FIG. 11) is formed between the stem portion 168 and a diametrical surface of the first passage 154 through which working fluid can flow through the first passage 154 around the stem portion 168.

[0158] The housing 142 of the control valve 122 may be fixed relative to the body 140 and the end plate 86. The housing 142 may be a generally tubular and hollow body defining an internal cavity 172. A first axial end surface 174 of the housing 142 may include an aperture 176 that provides fluid communication between the suction chamber 39 and the internal cavity 172. The opposite axial end (i.e., the axial end opposite the first axial end surface 174) of the housing 142 is open such that the valve member 146 and an end of the body 140 can be received therethrough.

[0159] The fixed core 144 of the control valve 122 may be a generally cylindrical body that is fixedly received within the internal cavity 172 of the housing 142. The fixed core 144 may include a passage 178 that extends axially therethrough and is in fluid communication with the aperture 176 in the housing 142. The fixed core 144 may include an annular recess 180 that receives an end of the spring 148.

[0160] The valve member 146 may include the stem portion 168 (described above) and a block portion 182. The block portion 182 may be slidably received within the internal cavity 172 of the housing 142. The diameters of the block portion 182 and the inner diametrical surface of the housing 142 may be sized such that a gap 171 (shown exaggerated in FIG. 11) is formed between the block portion 182 and the inner diametrical surface of the housing 142 through which working fluid can flow around the block portion 182 from passage 178 to the gap 170 around the stem portion 168 (and subsequently to the third passage 158). As noted above, the sizes of the gaps 170, 171 are exaggerated in FIG. 11 for illustration purposes. It should be appreciated that the widths of the gaps 170, 171 could be relatively smaller than shown in FIG. 11.

[0161] The block portion 182 may include an annular recess 183 that opposes the annular recess 180 of the fixed core 144 and receives an end of the spring 148. In this manner, the spring 148 biases the valve member 146 away from the fixed core 144.

[0162] The stem portion 168 of the valve member 146 may be an elongated pin or rod that extends from an end of the block portion 182. The stem potion 168 extends through the open axial end of the housing 142 and extends into the first passage 154 of the body 140, as described above.

[0163] The solenoid coil 150 may be disposed within the coil housing 152 and may surround the valve member 146 and the fixed core 144. The solenoid coil 150 may be electrically connected to a source of electrical power. The solenoid coil 150 and coil housing 152 are fixed relative to the housing 142. The housing 142 may be at least partially disposed within the coil housing 152. The valve member 146 is disposed partially within the coil housing 152 and extends out of the coil housing 152 and into the first passage 154 of the body 140. The coil housing 152 may be fixed to the end plate 86 by fasteners, for example. In some configurations, the coil housing 152 may be attached to a mounting bracket that is fixed to the end plate 86 by fasteners.

[0164] Energizing the solenoid coil 150 causes the valve member 146 to move toward the fixed core 144 to the first position (shown in FIG. 9). In the first position, the valve member 146 blocks the passage 178 in the fixed core 144 and thereby prevents fluid communication between the suction chamber 39 and the internal cavity 172. Furthermore, in the first position, the stem portion 168 of the valve member 146 unblocks the second passage 156 of the body 140 of the control valve 122 to allow fluid communication between the second and third passages 156, 158, thereby allowing intermediate-pressure working fluid to flow from the axial biasing chamber 109, through the second passage 136 of the end plate 86, into the first portion 162 of the first passage 134 of the end plate 86, through the second and third passages 156, 158 of the body 140 of the control valve 122, into the annular chamber 166, through the third passage 138 (FIGS. 7 and 8) of the end plate 86, and into the actuation chamber 130 (FIGS. 4, 5, and 7). As noted above, providing intermediate-pressure working fluid to the actuation chamber 130 causes the piston 120 to move to the closed position (FIG. 5), which blocks modulation ports 100, 102 to prevent intermediate-pressure pockets (e.g., pockets 96, 97) from venting to the suction inlet 89.

[0165] Deenergizing the solenoid coil 150 allows the spring 148 of the control valve 122 to move the valve member 146 away from the fixed core 144 and into the second position (FIG. 10). In the second position, the valve member 146 unblocks the passage 178 in the fixed core 144, thereby allowing fluid communication between the suction chamber 39 and the internal cavity 172. Furthermore, in the second position, the stem portion 168 of the valve member 146 blocks the second passage 156 of the body 140 of the control valve 122 to prevent fluid communication between the second and third passages (156, 158), thereby cutting off the supply of intermediate-pressure working fluid to the actuation chamber 130 (e.g., preventing fluid communication between the axial biasing chamber 109 and the actuation chamber 130). Instead, while the valve member 146 is in the second position, suction-pressure working fluid from the suction chamber 39 is communicated to the actuation chamber 130 via aperture 176 in the housing 142, passage 178 in the fixed core 144, the internal cavity 172, the gaps 170, 171 around the valve member 146, the third passage 158 in the body 140, and the third passage 138 in the end plate 86. As noted above, providing suction-pressure working fluid to the actuation chamber 130 allows the spring 129 to move the piston 120 to the open position (FIG. 4), which opens modulation ports 100, 102 to vent intermediate-pressure pockets (e.g., pockets 96, 97) the suction inlet 89, thereby lowering the capacity of the compressor 10. In some configurations, the spring 129 could be eliminated and the piston 120 could be moved to the open position solely by pressure of the working fluid in the intermediate-pressure pockets.

[0166] By venting the intermediate-pressure working fluid of the intermediate-pressure pockets to the suction inlet 89 of the scroll 72 (as opposed to venting to the suction chamber 39 of the shell 12), the vented working fluid is kept away from the muffler plate 36 (which radiates significant heat from the discharge chamber 40) and from the motor assembly 18 (which also produces significant heat). This reduces heating of the vented working fluid, which may improve efficiency of the compressor 10.

[0167] The control valve 122 may be in communication (e.g., in electrical and/or signal connection) with a control module 200 (FIG. 24). As will be described in more detail below, the control module 200 may control operation of the control valve 122. The control module 200 may be in communication (e.g., wired or wireless communication) with a thermostat 202 (FIG. 24). The control module 200 may control the control valve 122 based on information received from the thermostat 202, for example. In some configurations, the control module 200 may also be in communication with and control operation of the motor assembly 18 of the compressor 10 (e.g., based on information received from the thermostat 202).

[0168] As shown in FIG. 6, the spiral wraps 76, 88 may be asymmetric. This may allow the modulation ports 100, 102 to vent different respective pockets 96, 97 to the suction inlet 89 at a given time.

[0169] While the control valve 122 is described above as moving to the first position when the solenoid is energized and moving to the second position when the solenoid is deenergized, it will be appreciated that in some configurations, the solenoid and spring of control valve 122 could reconfigured and/or repositioned to cause the valve member 146 to move to the second position when the solenoid is energized and move to the first position when the solenoid is deenergized.

[0170] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the control valve 122 could be configured to operate with other types of capacity-modulation systems and to control actuation of such capacity-modulation systems. For example, the control valve could be incorporated in a capacity-modulation system that includes a valve ring and a base ring that cooperate to form a lift chamber (or actuation chamber) that contains fluid to selectively lift the valve ring to move between first and second capacity modes. The control valve could be configured to control fluid flow to the lift chamber.

[0171] Referring now to FIG. 12, an alternative non-orbiting scroll 272 is provided that could be incorporated into the compressor 10 instead of the non-orbiting scroll 72. The structure and function of the non-orbiting scroll 272 may be similar or identical to that of the non-orbiting scroll 72, except the non-orbiting scroll 272 may include a second passage 236 instead of the second passage 136 described above. The second passage 236 may be in direct fluid communication with an intermediate-pressure pocket (defined by spiral wraps of the scrolls). In some configurations, the second passage 236 maybe generally L-shaped, as shown in FIG. 12. The first passage 234 (which may be similar or identical to the first passage 134 described above) of the non-orbiting scroll 272 may be in fluid communication with the second passage 236 and may receive intermediate-pressure working fluid therefrom. As described above, the control valve 122 may selectively allow and prevent communication of the intermediate-pressure working fluid in the first passage 234 to an actuation chamber (similar or identical to actuation chamber 130) to control movement of one or more pistons 120.

[0172] In some configurations of the scroll 72, 272, the passage 134, 234 may receive discharge-pressure fluid (e.g., the passage 134, 234 could extend to and communicate with the discharge passage 92 or discharge recess passage 108) instead of intermediate-pressure fluid. In such configurations, the control valve 122 may selectively allow and prevent communication of the discharge-pressure working fluid in the first passage 134, 234 to the actuation chamber 130 to control movement of the one or more pistons 120.

[0173] Referring now to FIG. 13, an alternative piston 320 is provided that could be incorporated into the compressor 10 (with the non-orbiting scroll 72 or 272) instead of the piston 120. The structure and function of the piston 320 may be similar or identical to that of the piston 120, except the piston 320 includes an annular recess 330 that receives a spring 329. The spring 329 may replace the spring 129 described above and has the same function as the spring 129 (i.e., the spring 329 biases the piston 320 toward the open position).

[0174] Referring now to FIG. 14, an alternative piston 420 is provided that could be incorporated into the compressor 10 (with the non-orbiting scroll 72 or 272) instead of the piston 120. The structure and function of the piston 420 may be similar or identical to that of the piston 120, except the piston 420 includes an alternative seal 427 that may replace the seal 127 and has the same function as the seal 127. A retaining ring 429 may encircle a portion of the piston 420 and retain the seal 427 on the piston.

[0175] Referring now to FIG. 15, an alternative piston 520 is provided that could be incorporated into the compressor 10 (with the non-orbiting scroll 72 or 272) instead of the piston 120. The structure and function of the piston 520 may be similar or identical to that of the piston 120, except the piston 520 does not have an annular groove receiving an annular seal. Instead, an annular seal 527 is disposed in an annular groove 529 formed in the diametric surface of the recess 124 of the end plate 86. The seal 527 sealingly engages the end plate 86 and the piston 520 and has the same function as the seal 127.

[0176] Referring now to FIG. 16, an alternative piston 620 is provided that could be incorporated into the compressor 10 (with the non-orbiting scroll 72 or 272) instead of the piston 120. The structure and function of the piston 620 may be similar or identical to that of the piston 120, except the piston 620 has a seal 627 with a U-shaped cross-section and a spring 629 similar or identical to the spring 329 described above. The spring 629 is disposed in an annular recess 630 formed in the piston 620. In some configurations, the piston 620 could have a seal and retaining ring similar or identical to the seal 427 and retaining ring 429 described above.

[0177] Referring now to FIGS. 17-20, an alternative non-orbiting scroll 772 and capacity-modulation system 733 are provided that can be incorporated into the compressor 10 instead of the non-orbiting scroll 72 and capacity-modulation system 33. The structure and function of the non-orbiting scroll 772 and capacity-modulation system 733 may be similar or identical to that of the non-orbiting scroll 72 and capacity-modulation system 33 described above, apart from differing features described below and/or shown in the figures.

[0178] As shown in FIGS. 17-20, the non-orbiting scroll 772 may include an end plate 786 and a spiral wrap 788 (FIG. 20). In the example shown in the figures, the end plate 786 is a two-piece end plate having a first portion 785 (from which the spiral wrap 788 extends) and a second portion 787 that may be attached to the first portion (e.g., via threaded fasteners).

[0179] A suction inlet 789 (shown in FIG. 17; similar or identical to suction inlet 89) may be formed in the first portion 785 of the end plate 786 and may provide fluid communication between a suction conduit 730 (similar or identical to suction conduit 30) and a radially outermost fluid pocket (similar or identical to fluid pocket 93).

[0180] The first portion 785 of the end plate 786 may include a discharge passage 792 (similar or identical to discharge passage 92), one or more first modulation ports 799, one or more second modulation ports 800, and one or more third modulation ports 802. The modulation ports 799, 800, 802 may extend entirely through first and second opposing axially facing sides of the first portion 785 of the end plate 786 and are in selective fluid communication with respective intermediate-pressure pockets (e.g., the first modulation ports 799 may be in fluid communication with a first intermediate-pressure pocket, the second modulation ports 800 may be in fluid communication with a second intermediate-pressure pocket, and the third modulation ports 802 may be in fluid communication with a third intermediate-pressure pocket).

[0181] The second portion 787 of the end plate 786 of the non-orbiting scroll 772 may include a hub 804 that extends away from the spiral wrap 788. A discharge passage 808 extends axially through the hub 804 and is in fluid communication with the discharge chamber 40 via the discharge passage 43 in the partition 36. The discharge passage 808 is also in selective fluid communication with the discharge passage 792 in the first portion 785 of the end plate 786. A discharge valve assembly 810 (FIG. 17; similar or identical to discharge valve assembly 110) may also be disposed within the discharge passage 808 of the hub 804. A floating seal assembly 731 (FIG. 17; similar or identical to floating seal assembly 31) may encircle the hub 804 and be disposed radially between the hub 804 and an outer rim 805 of the second portion 787 of the end plate 786.

[0182] The end plate 786 of the non-orbiting scroll 772 may include an intermediate-cavity-pressure (ICP) passage 806 the extends through the first and second portions 785, 787 of the end plate 786. The ICP passage 806 may be in fluid communication with an intermediate-pressure compression pocket (defined by the spiral wraps). The ICP passage 806 may provide intermediate-pressure working fluid to an axial biasing chamber 809 (similar or identical to axial biasing chamber 109i.e., a chamber disposed radially between the inner hub 804 and outer rim 805 and defined by the floating seal assembly 731 and a wall 811 of the second portion 878 of the end plate 86).

[0183] During operation of the compressor 10, the capacity-modulation system 733 may be operable to switch the compressor 10 between a first capacity mode (e.g., a full-capacity or high-capacity mode) and a second capacity mode (e.g., a reduced-capacity or low-capacity mode). As will be described in more detail below, in the high-capacity mode, fluid communication between the modulation ports 799, 800, 802 and the suction-pressure chamber 39 is prevented. In the low-capacity mode, the modulation ports 799, 800, 802 are allowed to fluidly communicate with the suction-pressure chamber 39 to vent intermediate-pressure working fluid from the respective intermediate-pressure compression pockets to the suction-pressure chamber 39.

[0184] The capacity-modulation system 733 may include a piston 820, a piston 821, and a control valve 822 (FIGS. 17 and 18). The structure and function of the pistons 820, 821 may be similar or identical to that of any of the pistons 120, 320, 420, 520, 620. As described above, the pistons 820, 821 are movable between an open position (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the low-capacity mode and a closed position (see FIG. 5) corresponding to the high-capacity mode. The control valve 822 may be similar or identical to the control valve 122 described above. That is, the control valve 822 is movable between a first position (FIG. 9) corresponding to the high-capacity mode and a second position (FIGS. 10 and 11) corresponding to the low-capacity mode. As will be described below in more detail, moving the control valve 822 into the first position causes the pistons 820, 821 to move into the closed position, and moving the control valve 822 into the second position causes the pistons 820, 821 to move into the open position.

[0185] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pistons 820, 821 may be slidably received in respective recesses 824, 825 in the end plate 786. The recesses 824, 825 may be defined partially by the first portion 785 of the end plate 786 and partially by the second portion 787 of the end plate 786. The recesses 824, 825 may be in fluid communication with each other via a connecting passage 827 (FIGS. 17 and 19) formed in the end plate 786. The modulation ports 799, 800, 802 may provide fluid communication between the recesses 824, 825 and respective intermediate-pressure pockets (i.e., when the pistons 820, 821 are in the open position). The recesses 824, 825 and connecting passage 827 may also be in fluid communication with a vent passage 826 (FIGS. 19 and 20) in the end plate 786. The vent passage 826 may be in fluid communication with the suction inlet 789 of the non-orbiting scroll 772. In this manner, when the pistons 820, 821 are in the open position, intermediate-pressure working fluid in one or more intermediate-pressure pockets is allowed to flow into the recesses 824, 825, connecting passage 827, through the vent passage 826, and into the suction inlet 789 (i.e., to allow intermediate-pressure working fluid in one or more intermediate-pressure pockets to vent to the suction inlet 789). When the pistons 820, 821 are in the closed position, the pistons 820, 821 block the modulation ports 799, 800, 802 to prevent fluid communication between the modulation ports 799, 800, 802 and the recesses 824, 825 (i.e., to prevent intermediate-pressure working fluid in the intermediate-pressure pockets from venting to the suction inlet 789).

[0186] As described above with respect to the piston 120, the pistons 820, 821 may each include an annular seal 828 (FIG. 17) that sealingly engages the piston 820, 821 and a diametrical surface defining the respective recess 824, 825. As also described above with respect to the piston 120, springs 829 (FIG. 17) may engage respective surfaces of the end plate 786 (e.g., surfaces that defines lower ends of the recess 824, 825) and an opposing surface of the respective piston 820, 821.

[0187] As described above, upper ends of the pistons 820, 821 may define respective actuation chambers 830 (FIG. 18) in the end plate 786. However, unlike the examples shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 13-16 with respect to the capacity-modulation system 33, the capacity-modulation system 733 does not have plugs 128 that define the actuation chambers 830. Rather, upper ends of the recesses 824, 825 are capped by the wall 811 of the second portion 787 of the end plate 786. That is, the recesses 824, 825 do not extend entirely through the wall 811, and therefore, when the second portion 787 is attached to the first portion 785 of the end plate 786, the pistons 820, 821 cooperate with the closed ends of the respective recesses 824, 825 to define the respective actuation chambers 830 (i.e., the actuation chambers 830 are disposed between upper ends of the pistons 820, 821 and the closed ends of the recesses 824, 825).

[0188] As described above, an upper end of the pistons 820, 821 may include a boss or protrusion 832. The protrusions 832 may contact the closed ends of the respective recesses 824, 825 when the pistons 820, 821 are in the open position without completely eliminating the volume of the actuation chambers 830 (i.e., so that fluid can still be supplied to the actuation chamber 830 from the control valve 822 when the pistons 820, 821 are in the open position).

[0189] The structure and function of the control valve 822 may be similar or identical to that of the control valve 122. As shown in FIG. 18, the control valve 822 may be mounted to the end plate 786 and may partially extend into a first passage 834 (similar or identical to first passage 134 described above) in the end plate 786. The first passage 834 may be in fluid communication with a second passage 836 in the end plate 786. The second passage 836 may be in fluid communication with the axial biasing chamber 809, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 (or the second passage 836 may be in fluid communication with an intermediate-pressure pocket, as shown in FIG. 12). In this manner, a portion of the first passage 834 may be in fluid communication with the axial biasing chamber 809 (or an intermediate-pressure pocket) via the second passage 836. As shown in FIG. 18, the end plate 786 may include a pair of third passages 838 that are in fluid communication with another portion of the first passage 834. As shown in FIG. 18, each of the third passages 838 may be in fluid communication with a respective one of the actuation chambers 830 defined by the pistons 820, 821.

[0190] In the first position (see FIG. 9), the control valve 822 may provide intermediate-pressure working fluid (e.g., from the axial biasing chamber 809 and second passage 836) to the actuation chambers 830 via the third passages 838, which moves the pistons 820, 821 to the closed position (corresponding to the high-capacity mode). In the second position (FIG. 10), the control valve 822 may provide suction-pressure working fluid (e.g., from suction chamber 39) to the actuation chambers 830 via the third passages 838, which moves the pistons 820, 821 to the open position (corresponding to the low-capacity mode).

[0191] Referring now to FIG. 21, an alternative non-orbiting scroll 972 and capacity-modulation system 933 are shown. FIG. 21 shows the non-orbiting scroll 972 with a second portion of the end plate removed for illustration purposes, but it will be appreciated that the end plate of the non-orbiting scroll 972 may include first and second portions like the end plate 786 described above.

[0192] The non-orbiting scroll 972 and capacity-modulation system 933 can be incorporated into the compressor 10 instead of the non-orbiting scroll 72, 772 and capacity-modulation system 33, 733. The structure and function of the non-orbiting scroll 972 and capacity-modulation system 933 may be similar or identical to that of the non-orbiting scroll 772 and capacity-modulation system 733 described above, except recesses 1024, 1025 (similar to recesses 824, 825) are not fluidly connected to each other by a connecting passage like the connecting passage 827. Rather, one of the recesses 1024 is in fluid communication with a first vent passage 1026 (similar or identical to vent passage 826) to vent one or more intermediate-pressure pockets to a suction inlet (e.g., similar or identical to suction inlet 889) via one or more modulation ports, and another one of the recesses 1025 is in fluid communication with a second vent passage 1027 to vent another one or more intermediate-pressure pockets to the suction chamber 39 of the compressor 10.

[0193] Like the capacity-modulation system 733, the capacity-modulation system 933 includes first and second pistons 1020, 1021 (similar or identical to pistons 820, 821) that are movable within the recess 1024, 1025 to selectively open and close modulation ports. Furthermore, like the capacity-modulation system 733, the capacity-modulation system 933 may include a control valve (similar or identical to control valve 122, 822) that is operable to control movement of the pistons 1020, 1021 in the manner described above.

[0194] Referring now to FIG. 22, an alternative non-orbiting scroll 1172 and capacity-modulation system 1133 are shown. FIG. 22 shows the non-orbiting scroll 1172 with a second portion of the end plate removed for illustration purposes, but it will be appreciated that the end plate of the non-orbiting scroll 172 may include first and second portions like the end plate 786 described above.

[0195] The non-orbiting scroll 1172 and capacity-modulation system 1133 can be incorporated into the compressor 10 instead of the non-orbiting scroll 72, 772, 972 and capacity-modulation system 33, 733, 933. The structure and function of the non-orbiting scroll 1172 and capacity-modulation system 133 may be similar or identical to that of the non-orbiting scroll 772 and capacity-modulation system 733 described above, except recesses 1224, 1225 (similar to recesses 824, 825) are not fluidly connected to each other by a connecting passage like the connecting passage 827. Rather, one of the recesses 1224 is in fluid communication with a first vent passage 1226 (similar or identical to vent passage 1027) to vent one or more intermediate-pressure pockets to the suction chamber 39 of the compressor 10 via one or more modulation ports, and another one of the recesses 1025 is in fluid communication with a second vent passage 1227 (similar or identical to vent passage 1027) to vent another one or more intermediate-pressure pockets to the suction chamber 39 of the compressor 10.

[0196] Like the capacity-modulation system 733, the capacity-modulation system 1133 includes first and second pistons 1220, 1221 (similar or identical to pistons 820, 821) that are movable within the recess 1224, 1225 to selectively open and close modulation ports. Furthermore, like the capacity-modulation system 733, the capacity-modulation system 1133 may include a control valve (similar or identical to control valve 122, 822) that is operable to control movement of the pistons 1220, 1221 in the manner described above.

[0197] Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, a method 1400 is provided for controlling the compressor 10 with any one of the non-orbiting scrolls 72, 272, 772, 972, 1172 and any one of the respective capacity-modulation systems 33, 733, 933, 1133. The method 1400 will be described below with respect to the capacity-modulation system 33. It should be appreciated, however, that the method 1400 applies equally to any of the capacity-modulation systems 33, 733, 933, 1133.

[0198] The compressor 10 (including any one of the non-orbiting scrolls 72, 272, 772, 972, 1172 and any one of the respective capacity-modulation systems 33, 733, 933, 1133) may be installed in a climate-control system that is configured to cool (and/or heat) one or more rooms and/or other spaces of a building, home, vehicle, or container, for example. For example, the climate-control system may include a vapor-compression circuit that may include an outdoor heat exchanger (e.g., a condenser), an expansion device (e.g., an expansion valve or capillary tube), and an indoor heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator). When the thermostat 202 indicates that there is a demand for cooling (or heating) in the space to be cooled (or heated), the compressor 10 may operate to compress the working fluid and circulate the working fluid throughout the vapor-compression circuit.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 23, at step 1410 of the method 1400, the control module 200 (FIG. 24) may receive a signal (e.g., from the thermostat 202) indicative of a cooling demand in the space to be cooled by a climate-control system. Based on the signal from the thermostat 202, the control module 200 may determine whether the cooling demand is a high cooling demand or a low cooling demand (see blocks 1412, 1414). For example, a high cooling demand may include a scenario in which a current temperature in the space to be cooled is greater than a setpoint temperature for the space by more than a predetermined amount. In one example, the predetermined amount could be two degrees Fahrenheit. A low cooling demand may include a scenario in which the current temperature in the space is greater than the setpoint temperature but only greater by an amount that is less than or equal to the predetermined amount.

[0200] If the control module 200 determines (at block 1412) that the cooling demand is a high cooling demand (e.g., the current temperature in the space is greater than the setpoint temperature by more than the predetermined amount), then the control module 200 may (at block 1416) cause the compressor 10 to operate in the high-capacity (or full-capacity) mode. In the examples described above, causing the compressor 10 to operate in the high-capacity mode includes energizing the solenoid of the control valve 122, which moves the control valve 122 to the first position (FIG. 9), which causes the piston 120 to move to the closed position (FIG. 5). The control module 200 may continue to operate the compressor 10 in the high-capacity mode until cooling demand has been met (e.g., the current temperature in the space to be cooled reaches the setpoint temperature or a predetermined amount below the setpoint temperature) or until the system is turned off. When cooling demand is met, the control module 200 may shut down the compressor 10.

[0201] If the control module 200 determines (at block 1414) that the cooling demand is a low cooling demand (e.g., the current temperature in the space is greater than the setpoint temperature by an amount less than or equal to the predetermined amount), then the control module 200 may (at block 1418) cause the compressor 10 to operate in the low-capacity (or reduced-capacity) mode. In the examples described above, causing the compressor 10 to operate in the low-capacity mode includes deenergizing the solenoid of the control valve 122, which moves the control valve 122 to the second position (FIG. 10), which causes the piston 120 to move to the open position (FIG. 4). The control module 200 may continue to operate the compressor 10 in the low-capacity mode until cooling demand has been met (e.g., the current temperature in the space to be cooled reaches the setpoint temperature or a predetermined amount below the setpoint temperature) or until the system is turned off. When cooling demand is met, the control module 200 may shut down the compressor 10.

[0202] In some configurations, the control module 200 could determine whether the cooling demand is a high or low cooling demand based on alternative criteria in addition to or instead of the temperature criteria described above. For example, such additional or alternative criteria could include humidity (e.g., whether humidity is above or below a humidity setpoint or whether humidity is greater than the humidity setpoint by more or less than a predetermined amount, for example).

[0203] FIG. 25 shows an alternative method 1500 for controlling the compressor 10. The method 1500 may be similar or identical to the method 1400 described above, except the method 1500 may include a feedback loop. That is, in the method 1500, the compressor 10 does not necessarily remain in the same capacity mode until cooling demand is met. Instead, in the method 1500, while the compressor 10 is operating in either the low-capacity mode (step 1418) or the high-capacity mode (step 1416), the control module 200 may continuously or intermittently repeat the step of determining whether the cooling demand is a high cooling demand or a low cooling demand (steps 1412, 1414), and based on those repeated determinations, the control module 200 may maintain the present capacity mode of the compressor 10 or switch between the capacity modes accordingly until the cooling demand is met or the system is turned off.

[0204] FIG. 26 shows another alternative method 1600 for controlling the compressor 10. The method 1600 may be similar or identical to the method 1400 or the method 1500 described above, except the method 1600 may incorporate an energy saving mode. When the energy saving mode is active, the control module 200 operates the compressor 10 in the low-capacity mode regardless of whether the cooling demand is a high cooling demand or a low cooling demand.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 26, after the control module 200 receives the cooling demand signal from the thermostat (at step 1410), the control module 200 determines (at step 1611) whether an energy saving mode is active. The energy saving mode can be activated or deactivated either manually (e.g., a user may turn energy saving mode on or off via a control interface on the thermostat or on a mobile-device application in communication with the thermostat). If the control module 200 determines that the energy saving mode is active, the control module 200 may (at step 1615) cause the compressor 10 to operate in the low-capacity mode (regardless of how much higher the current temperature of the space to be cooled is than the setpoint temperature). In some configurations, the control module 200 may cause the compressor 10 to continue operating in the low-capacity mode until demand is met or the system is turned off. If the control module 200 determines at step 1611 that the energy saving mode is inactive, the control module 200 may then determine whether the cooling demand is a high cooling demand or a low cooling demand (see blocks 1412, 1414). In some configurations, the method 1600 may include a feedback loop in which the control module 200 may continuously or intermittently determine if the energy saving mode is active or inactive, and if active, determine whether the cooling demand is a high or low cooling demand and switch the capacity mode of the compressor accordingly.

[0206] Referring now to FIG. 27, another alternative non-orbiting scroll 1772 and capacity-modulation system 1733 are provided that can be incorporated into the compressor 10 instead of the non-orbiting scroll 72 and capacity-modulation system 33. The structure and function of the non-orbiting scroll 1772 and capacity-modulation system 1733 may be similar or identical to that of the non-orbiting scroll 772, 972, 1172 and capacity-modulation system 733, 933, 1133 described above, except the capacity-modulation system 1733 includes a plurality of control valves 1822 that each independently control a respective one of a plurality of pistons 1820, 1821. By controlling actuation of the pistons 1820, 1821 independently, the compressor 10 can be operated in a high-capacity mode (in which both pistons 1820, 1821 are in the closed position), an intermediate-capacity mode (in which one of pistons 1820, 1821 is in the closed position and the other of the pistons 1820, 1821 is in the open position), and a low-capacity mode (in which both pistons 1820, 1821 are in the open position).

[0207] The structure and function of the control valves 1822, 1823 may be similar or identical to that of the control valve 122, 822. As shown in FIG. 27, the control valve 1822 may be mounted to the end plate 1786 of the non-orbiting scroll 1772. The control valves 1822, 1823 may partially extend into respective first passages 1834 (similar or identical to first passage 134, 834 described above) in the end plate 1786. Each of the first passages 1834 may be in fluid communication with a respective second passage 1836 in the end plate 1786. The second passages 1836 may be in fluid communication with an axial biasing chamber (similar or identical to axial biasing chamber 109, 809), as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 (or the second passages 1836 may be in fluid communication with an intermediate-pressure pocket, as shown in FIG. 12). In this manner, a portion of each of the first passages 1834 may be in fluid communication with the axial biasing chamber (or an intermediate-pressure pocket) via the respective second passage 1836. As shown in FIG. 27, the end plate 1786 may include a pair of third passages 1838 that are each in fluid communication with another portion of the respective first passage 1834. As shown in FIG. 27, each of the third passages 1838 may be in fluid communication with a respective one of actuation chambers 1830 defined by the pistons 1820, 1821.

[0208] When both of the control valves 1822, 1823 are in the first position (see FIG. 9), the control valves 1822 may provide intermediate-pressure working fluid (e.g., from the axial biasing chamber and second passages 1836) to the actuation chambers 1830 via the third passages 1838, which moves the pistons 1820, 1821 to the closed position (corresponding to the high-capacity mode). When both of control valves 1822, 1823 are in the second position (see FIG. 10), the control valves 1822, 1823 may provide suction-pressure working fluid (e.g., from suction chamber 39) to the actuation chambers 1830 via the third passages 1838, which moves the pistons 1820, 1821 to the open position (corresponding to the low-capacity mode).

[0209] In the intermediate-capacity mode, the first control valve 1822 is in the first position and the second control valve 1823 is in the second position, which moves the piston 1820 to the closed position (to prevent venting respective modulation ports to the suction inlet or suction chamber 39) and moves the other piston 1821 to the open position (to allow venting of respective modulation ports to the suction inlet or suction chamber 39). In some configurations, the compressor 10 may be operable in a second intermediate-capacity mode (which may be a capacity mode that is a higher, lower, or the same as the first capacity mode described above) in which the second control valve 1823 is in the first position and the first control valve 1822 is in the second position, which moves the piston 1821 to the closed position (to prevent venting respective modulation ports to the suction inlet or suction chamber 39) and moves the other piston 1820 to the open position (to allow venting of respective modulation ports to the suction inlet or suction chamber 39).

[0210] Referring now to FIG. 28, a method 1900 is provided for controlling the compressor 10 with the non-orbiting scroll 1772 and the capacity-modulation system 1733.

[0211] At step 1910 of the method 1900, the control module 200 (FIG. 24) may receive a signal (e.g., from the thermostat 202) indicative of a cooling demand in the space to be cooled by a climate-control system. Based on the signal from the thermostat 202, the control module 200 may determine whether the cooling demand is a high cooling demand, a medium cooling demand, or a low cooling demand (see blocks 1912, 1913, 1914). High cooling demand may include a scenario in which a current temperature in the space to be cooled is greater than a setpoint temperature for the space by an amount that is more than a first predetermined amount. In one example, the first predetermined amount could be two degrees Fahrenheit. Medium cooling demand may include a scenario in which the current temperature in the space to be cooled is greater than the setpoint temperature by an amount that is greater than a second predetermined amount but less than the first predetermined amount. Low cooling demand may include a scenario in which the current temperature in the space is greater than the setpoint temperature but only greater by an amount that is less than the first and second predetermined amounts.

[0212] If the control module 200 determines (at block 1912) that the cooling demand is a high cooling demand (e.g., the current temperature in the space is greater than the setpoint temperature by an amount more than the first and second predetermined amounts), then the control module 200 may (at block 1916) cause the compressor 10 to operate in the high-capacity (or full-capacity) mode. In the examples described above, causing the compressor 10 to operate in the high-capacity mode includes energizing the solenoids of both of the control valves 1822, 1823 which moves the control valves 1822, 1823 to the first positions, which causes the pistons 1820, 1821 to move to the closed positions, which prevents respective intermediate-pressure pockets from being vented to the suction inlet or suction chamber. The control module 200 may continue to operate the compressor 10 in the high-capacity mode until cooling demand has been met (e.g., the current temperature in the space to be cooled reaches the setpoint temperature or a predetermined amount below the setpoint temperature) or until the system is turned off. When cooling demand is met, the control module 200 may shut down the compressor 10.

[0213] If the control module 200 determines (at block 1913) that the cooling demand is a medium cooling demand (e.g., the current temperature in the space is greater than the setpoint temperature by an amount that is more than the second predetermined amount but less than the first predetermined amount), then the control module 200 may (at block 1917) cause the compressor 10 to operate in the intermediate-capacity (or medium-capacity) mode. In the examples described above, causing the compressor 10 to operate in the intermediate-capacity mode may include energizing the solenoid of the control valve 1822 (moving the control valve 1822 to the first position, which causes the piston 1820 to move to the closed position, which prevents the respective intermediate-pressure pocket from venting to the suction inlet or suction chamber) and deenergizing the solenoid of the control valve 1823 (moving the control valve 1823 to the second position, which causes the piston 1821 to move to the open position, which allows the respective intermediate-pressure pocket to be vented to the suction inlet or suction chamber). The control module 200 may continue to operate the compressor 10 in the intermediate-capacity mode until cooling demand has been met (e.g., the current temperature in the space to be cooled reaches the setpoint temperature or a predetermined amount below the setpoint temperature) or until the system is turned off. When cooling demand is met, the control module 200 may shut down the compressor 10.

[0214] If the control module 200 determines (at block 1914) that the cooling demand is a low cooling demand (e.g., the current temperature in the space is greater than the setpoint temperature by an amount less than the first and second predetermined amounts), then the control module 200 may (at block 1918) cause the compressor 10 to operate in the low-capacity mode (which is a lower capacity than the high-capacity and intermediate capacity modes). In the examples described above, causing the compressor 10 to operate in the low-capacity mode includes deenergizing the solenoids of both of the control valve 1822, 1823 which moves the control valves 1822, 1823 to the second position, which causes the pistons 1820, 1821 to move to the open positions, which allows respective intermediate-pressure pockets to be vented to the suction inlet or suction chamber. The control module 200 may continue to operate the compressor 10 in the low-capacity mode until cooling demand has been met (e.g., the current temperature in the space to be cooled reaches the setpoint temperature or a predetermined amount below the setpoint temperature) or until the system is turned off. When cooling demand is met, the control module 200 may shut down the compressor 10.

[0215] In some configurations, the method 1900 may include a feedback loop in which the control module 200 may continuously or intermittently repeat the step of determining whether the cooling demand is a high cooling demand, medium cooling demand, or a low cooling demand (steps 1912, 1913, 1914), and based on those repeated determinations, the control module 200 may maintain the present capacity mode of the compressor 10 or switch between the high, intermediate, and low capacity modes accordingly until the cooling demand is met or the system is turned off.

[0216] FIG. 29 shows another alternative method 2000 for controlling the compressor 10. The method 2000 may be similar or identical to the method 1900 described above, except the method 2000 may incorporate an energy saving mode. When the energy saving mode is active, the control module 200 operates the compressor 10 in the low-capacity mode regardless of whether the cooling demand is a high cooling demand, a medium cooling demand, or a low cooling demand.

[0217] As shown in FIG. 29, after the control module 200 receives the cooling demand signal from the thermostat (at step 2010), the control module 200 determines (at step 2011) whether an energy saving mode is active. If the control module 200 determines that the energy saving mode is active, the control module 200 may (at step 2015) cause the compressor 10 to operate in the low-capacity mode (regardless of how much higher the current temperature of the space to be cooled is than the setpoint temperature). In some configurations, the control module 200 may cause the compressor 10 to continue operating in the low-capacity mode until demand is met or the system is turned off. If the control module 200 determines at step 2011 that the energy saving mode is inactive, the control module 200 may then determine whether the cooling demand is a high cooling demand, a medium cooling demand, or a low cooling demand (see blocks 2012, 2013, 2014). In some configurations, the method 1600 may include a feedback loop in which the control module 200 may continuously or intermittently determine if the energy saving mode is active or inactive, and if active, determine whether the cooling demand is a high, medium, or low cooling demand and switch the capacity mode of the compressor accordingly.

[0218] As shown in FIG. 29, the method 2000 may include a feedback loop in which the control module 200 may (if the energy saving mode is inactive) continuously or intermittently repeat the step of determining whether the cooling demand is a high cooling demand, medium cooling demand, or a low cooling demand (steps 2012, 2013, 2014), and based on those repeated determinations, the control module 200 may set (or change) the capacity mode at one of the high, intermediate, and low capacity modes in the manner described above until the cooling demand is met or the system is turned off.

[0219] Referring now to FIG. 30, another alternative method 2100 for controlling the compressor 10 is provided. In the method 2100, the control module 200 may (at step 2110) determine whether there is a demand for cooling (based on information received from the thermostat 202). If the control module 200 determines that a cooling demand exists, the control module 200 may execute steps similar or identical to the method 1900 or 2000, for example. That is, if the control module 200 determines that a cooling demand exists, the control module 200 may determine whether the cooling demand is a high cooling demand, medium cooling demand, or a low cooling demand (steps 2112, 2113, 2114), and set (or change) the capacity mode of the compressor 10 at one of the high, intermediate, and low capacity modes in the manner described above.

[0220] If, at step 2110, the control module 200 determines that there is not a demand for cooling, the control module 200 may determine (at step 2120) whether there is a demand for humidity control. That is, the control module 200 may determine at step 2120 whether the current humidity in the space to be cooled is higher than a setpoint humidity (e.g., based on information received from the thermostat 202 or a humidistat). If the current humidity in the space is at or below the setpoint humidity, the control module 200 may maintain the compressor 10 in a shutdown state (i.e., the control module 200 does not turn on the compressor 10 if the temperature and humidity in the space to be cooled are at or below the setpoint temperature and the setpoint humidity, respectively). If, at step 2120, the control module 200 determines that the current humidity in the space to be cooled is higher than the setpoint humidity, the control module 200 may (at step 2122) operate the compressor 10 in the low-capacity mode.

[0221] FIG. 31 depicts a method 2200 that may be similar or identical to the method 2100 and includes the feedback loop in which after it is determined that a cooling demand exists (step 2210), the control module 200 may continuously or intermittently determine whether the cooling demand is a high, medium, or low cooling demand and set or change the capacity mode of the compressor 10 in the manner described above.

[0222] FIG. 32 depicts a method 2300 that may be similar or identical to the method 2200, except in the method 2300, after determining that a cooling demand exists (at step 2310), the control module 200 will determine (at step 2311) whether an energy saving mode is active or inactive. As described above with respect to the method 2000, if the control module 200 determines at step 2311 that the energy saving mode is active, the control module 200 may operate the compressor 10 in the low-capacity mode. If the control module 200 determines at step 2311 that the energy saving mode is inactive, the control module 200 may determine whether the cooling demand is high, medium, or low cooling demand and set or change the capacity mode in the manner described above.

[0223] FIG. 33 depicts a method 2400 that may be similar or identical to the method 2100, except in the method 2400, if the control module 200 determines that a cooling demand exists (at step 2410), the control module 200 may (at step 2412) determine whether or not the cooling demand is a high cooling demand. If the cooling demand is a high cooling demand, then the control module 200 may (at step 2416) operate the compressor 10 in the high-capacity mode. If the cooling demand is not a high cooling demand (e.g., if the cooling demand is medium or low), then the control module 200 may (at step 2418) operate the compressor 10 in the intermediate-capacity (or medium capacity) mode.

[0224] As in the method 2100, if the control module 200 determines at step 2410 that a cooling demand does not exist, then the control module 200 may determine (at step 2420) whether a humidity demand exists. If the humidity demand exists, then the control module 200 may (at step 2422) operate the compressor 10 in the low-capacity mode.

[0225] FIG. 34 depicts a method 2500 that may be similar or identical to the method 2400 and includes a feedback loop in which after it is determined that a cooling demand exists (step 2510), the control module 200 may continuously or intermittently determine whether or not the cooling demand is a high, medium, or low cooling demand and set or change the capacity mode of the compressor 10 in the manner described above (i.e., set to the high-capacity mode if cooling demand is high, set to medium-capacity mode if cooling demand is medium or low, or shut off the compressor 10 is cooling demand is met).

[0226] Referring now to FIGS. 35-37, an alternative non-orbiting scroll 2772 and capacity-modulation system 2733 are provided that can be incorporated into the compressor 10 instead of the non-orbiting scroll 72 and capacity-modulation system 33. The structure and function of the non-orbiting scroll 2772 and capacity-modulation system 2733 may be similar or identical to that of the non-orbiting scroll 772 and capacity-modulation system 733 described above, apart from differing features described below and/or shown in the figures.

[0227] Like the capacity-modulation system 733, the capacity-modulation system 2733 includes one or more pistons 2820 and one or more springs 2829 (similar functions and structures as pistons 820, 821 and springs 829). That is, each piston 2820 may include a recess 2835 that receives the spring 2829 (similar or identical structure and function as spring 829).

[0228] The piston 2820 may also include a vent aperture 2841 that extends radially outward from the recess 2835 and through an outer diametrical surface 2843 of the piston 2820. The vent aperture 2841 allows the recess 2835 to be vented to a vent passage 2826 (similar or identical to vent passage 826) or to a connecting passage (not shown; similar or identical to connecting passage 827). That is, as the piston 2820 moves into the closed position, pressurized fluid in the recess 2835 is allowed to escape to the vent passage 2826 (or connecting passage) via the vent aperture 2841. This prevents a buildup of pressurized fluid in the recess 2835 from hindering sealing of the piston 2820 against surface 2831 of the non-orbiting scroll 2772. It will be appreciated that instead of (or in addition to) the vent aperture 2841 formed in the piston 2820 to vent the recess 2835, a groove or slot could be formed in the surface 2831 of the non-orbiting scroll 2772 to vent the recess 2835 to the vent passage 2826 (or connecting passage).

[0229] In some configuration, the piston 2820 may also include one or more cavities (or recesses) 2845 formed in an axially-facing surface 2847 of the piston 2820. The cavities 2845 reduce the surface area that sealingly contacts the surface 2831 of the non-orbiting scroll 2722, thereby reducing the curtain area of the piston 2820. This reduces the amount of force necessary to hold the piston 2820 in sealing contact with the surface 2831 of the non-orbiting scroll 2772. It will be appreciated that instead of (or in addition to) the cavities 2845 formed in the piston 2820 to reduce curtain area, one or more grooves or slots could be formed in the surface 2831 to reduce curtain area. The size, shape, and locations of the cavities 2845 (and/or grooved or slots in surface 2831) are selected to avoid allowing port(s) 2800 (similar or identical to port(s) 100) from fluidly communicating with port(s) 2802 (similar or identical to port(s) 102) when the piston 2820 is in the closed position (i.e., when the piston 2820 is in sealing contact with the surface 2831).

[0230] In this application, including the definitions below, the term control module or the term controller may be replaced with the term circuit. The term module, control module, control circuitry, or control system may refer to, be part of, or include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip.

[0231] The module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuits may include wired or wireless interfaces that are connected to a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or combinations thereof. The functionality of any given module of the present disclosure may be distributed among multiple modules that are connected via interface circuits. For example, multiple modules may allow load balancing. In a further example, a server (also known as remote, or cloud) module may accomplish some functionality on behalf of a client module.

[0232] The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, and/or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures, and/or objects. The term shared processor circuit encompasses a single processor circuit that executes some or all code from multiple modules. The term group processor circuit encompasses a processor circuit that, in combination with additional processor circuits, executes some or all code from one or more modules. References to multiple processor circuits encompass multiple processor circuits on discrete dies, multiple processor circuits on a single die, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or a combination of the above. The term shared memory circuit encompasses a single memory circuit that stores some or all code from multiple modules. The term group memory circuit encompasses a memory circuit that, in combination with additional memories, stores some or all code from one or more modules.

[0233] The term memory circuit is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium, as used herein, does not encompass transitory electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); the term computer-readable medium may therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium are nonvolatile memory circuits (such as a flash memory circuit, an erasable programmable read-only memory circuit, or a mask read-only memory circuit), volatile memory circuits (such as a static random access memory circuit or a dynamic random access memory circuit), magnetic storage media (such as an analog or digital magnetic tape or a hard disk drive), and optical storage media (such as a CD, a DVD, or a Blu-ray Disc).

[0234] In this application, apparatus elements described as having particular attributes or performing particular operations are specifically configured to have those particular attributes and perform those particular operations. Specifically, a description of an element to perform an action means that the element is configured to perform the action. The configuration of an element may include programming of the element, such as by encoding instructions on a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium associated with the element.

[0235] The apparatuses and methods described in this application may be partially or fully implemented by a special purpose computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to execute one or more particular functions embodied in computer programs. The functional blocks, flowchart components, and other elements described above serve as software specifications, which can be translated into the computer programs by the routine work of a skilled technician or programmer.

[0236] The computer programs include processor-executable instructions that are stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include or rely on stored data. The computer programs may encompass a basic input/output system (BIOS) that interacts with hardware of the special purpose computer, device drivers that interact with particular devices of the special purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0237] The computer programs may include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (hypertext markup language), XML (extensible markup language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) (ii) assembly code, (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler, (iv) source code for execution by an interpreter, (v) source code for compilation and execution by a just-in-time compiler, etc. As examples only, source code may be written using syntax from languages including C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Java, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, Javascript, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language 5th revision), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Flash, Visual Basic, Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK, and Python.

[0238] 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.