Compressor valve plate

1. A valve plate assembly for disposition between a compressor head and a compressor body, the valve plate assembly comprising:

a first plate defining a first discharge passage associated with a first cylinder of a compressor and a second discharge passage associated with a second cylinder of the compressor;

a second plate; and

a spacer disposed between said first plate and said second plate and between said first and second discharge passages, said spacer including a through hole receiving a fastener securing said first plate to said second plate, said spacer supporting a compressive load applied by said fastener at a center of each of said first and second plates when the valve plate assembly is secured between the compressor head and the compressor body.

2. The valve plate assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said first plate includes a plurality of valve seats that enable communication between the compressor head and the compressor body.

3. The valve plate assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said spacer is engaged with a bore formed in said first plate.

4. The valve plate assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising an annular spacer disposed about a circumference of and between said first plate and said second plate.

5. The valve plate assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of intermediate spacers disposed at predetermined positions between said first plate and said second plate.

6. A refrigeration compressor comprising:

a compressor head;

a compressor body defining first and second cylinders; and

a valve plate assembly including a first plate and a second plate disposed between and providing communication between said compressor head and said compressor body, said first plate including a first discharge passage in communication with said first cylinder and a second discharge passage in communication with said second cylinder, said first and second plates being separated and supported by a center spacer disposed approximately centrally relative said first and second plates between said first and second discharge passages and including an opening receiving a fastener securing said first plate to said second plate, said center spacer supporting a compressive load applied by the fastener to the first and second plates.

7. The refrigeration compressor according to claim 6 , wherein said center spacer is circular shaped.

8. The refrigeration compressor according to claim 6 , wherein said fastener secures said compressor head to said compressor body.

9. The refrigeration compressor according to claim 6 , further comprising an extension that extends from said compressor head to a surface of said first plate, wherein said center spacer support a compressive load applied to said first and second plates by said extension.

10. The refrigeration compressor according to claim 6 , further comprising an annular spacer disposed about a circumference of and between said first plate and said second plate, wherein said center spacer and said annular spacer support a compressive load between said first and second plates.

11. The refrigeration compressor according to claim 6 , wherein said first plate includes a pair of valve seats, and said center spacer is disposed between said valve seats.

12. The valve plate assembly according to claim 4 , wherein said annular spacer is separate from said center spacer.

13. The refrigeration compressor according to claim 10 , wherein said annular spacer is separate from said center spacer.

14. A refrigeration compressor comprising:

a compressor head;

a compressor body defining first and second cylinders;

a valve plate assembly including a first plate and a second plate disposed between and providing communication between said compressor head and said compressor body, said first plate including a first discharge passage in communication with said first cylinder and a second discharge passage in communication with said second cylinder, said first and second plates being separated and supported by a center spacer disposed approximately centrally relative said first and second plates; and

an extension that extends from said compressor head to a surface of said first plate, wherein said center spacer supports a compressive load applied to said first and second plates by said extension.