Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming scroll members comprising an end plate having an involute wrap rigidly affixed thereto. The end plate and involute wrap are precision formed, e.g., by casting, either as an integral element or as two separate elements and then the scroll member is coined to the desired dimensional accuracy and finish. If a separate end plate and an involute wrap are provided for coining, then they are rigidly joined during coining, an embodiment which permits the use of two different materials and/or the attainment of two different surface characteristics for the involute wrap and the end plate.

Abstract: Axial compliance/sealing means are provided for scroll-type apparatus. These means comprise seal elements capable of experiencing axial and radial motion within channels cut in the tips of the involute wraps to make sealing contact with the end plates of the opposing scroll members. Continuous involute spring members having a pitch larger than the wrap involute channel provide a mechanical force applying means to urge the seal elements into sealing contact. The use of the axial compliance/sealing means allows the contacting surfaces through which radial sealing is effected to be machined to conventional accuracy, and provides automatic compensation for temperature differentials within the apparatus as well for any uneven wear of the scroll members. The sealing means is particularly suited for reliable extended operation in a hermetically sealed apparatus.

Abstract: A thrust bearing/coupling component for use in scroll-type apparatus which may be a compressor, expander, fluid pump or vacuum pump. The resulting apparatus is particularly suited for use as auxiliary equipment in automotive power systems. The component of this invention comprises rotating or oscillating load carrying members, preferably ball bearings, confined within facing indentations cut in the orbiting scroll member end plate surface and an associated surface in a member stationary with respect to the orbiting scroll member. The thrust bearing/coupling component couples the stationary and orbiting scroll members in a predetermined angular relationship and it may be used to carry either expansive or compressive axial loads on the scroll members to achieve efficient radial sealing of the moving scroll fluid pockets while controlling surface wearing so that the scroll apparatus may be operated for an extended period of time without servicing.

Abstract: Axial compliance/sealing means are provided for scroll-type apparatus. These means comprise seal elements associated with the involute wraps which are urged by an axial force to make sealing contact with the end plates of the opposing scroll members. A two-sided channel open to the centerline of the apparatus is cut in the contacting end of each wrap; and within the channel is positioned a seal element for making sealing contact with the surface of the end plate of the opposing or complementary scroll member. The seal element is compressively loaded toward the back of the channel and axially loaded toward the opposing end plate.

Abstract: Peripherally-driven scroll apparatus. The orbiting scroll member is attached through radially-compliant linking means to eccentrics mounted on three equally spaced crankshafts to accommodate differential thermal expansion without the generation of any appreciable elastic forces to increase bearing loads. Means are provided to prevent axial deflections in the stationary scroll members while permitting their supports to be designed and constructed for strength rather than stiffness. The apparatus may be staged and employed as a compressor or expander.

Abstract: A liquid immersible scroll pump in which all of the pump components including electric motor drive means are contained within a housing and through which the liquid is pumped at a controlled predetermined pressure. Hydraulic pressure within the pump provides sufficient axial force on the scroll members to enhance radial sealing as well as the tangential sealing of the flanks of the scroll wraps. The pump is particularly suited for low-cost mass production and may be used as a fuel pump, either immersed in the fuel tank of an automobile or mounted outside the tank, to provide fuel under pressure through a line to the engine.

Abstract: Scroll apparatus for pumping liquids wherein recessed liquid transfer passage means are provided in the end plates of the scroll members. The transfer passage means may be inner passages within the scroll involutes, outer passages outside the scroll involutes or a combination of inner and outer passages. These passages are located and configured to be opened substantially immediately after the orbiting involute wrap has reached that point in its orbiting cycle to define three essentially completely sealed-off liquid zones. These passages remain open at least until the liquid passages between the wraps are sufficiently large to prevent any substantial pressure pulsations within the scroll liquid pump. The scroll liquid pumps may be operated to pump liquid radially inward or outward.

Abstract: A coupling member particularly suited for coupling two components in a predetermined angular relationship while one component is orbited relative to the other. The coupling member comprises a ring having pairs of oppositely disposed keys on opposite annular surfaces, one pair of keys being displaced 90.degree. from the other. The keys are held on pivot pins affixed to the ring, the pivot pins preferably having flanges which are set in counterbores in the ring. A plurality of axial force-stabilizing disks are also inset on the annular ring surfaces.

Abstract: A positive fluid displacement scroll apparatus (compressor or expander) wherein the scroll members run with a small clearance between the wrap side flanks, thus essentially eliminating wearing of the wraps. When efficient radial sealing is attained, very little overall efficiency is sacrificed for the ability to construct low-cost scroll apparatus for a number of uses.

Abstract: A flat plate hydrodynamic thrust bearing for orbiting machinery and scroll-type apparatus embodying the thrust bearing are disclosed. The thrust bearing exerts an axial force on the orbiting scroll member to ensure efficient radial sealing of the scroll assembly; and one of the contacting surfaces of the bearing and or of the orbiting scroll member, serving as a journal, has a plurality of intersecting groovings to ensure continuous lubrication of the surfaces. The scroll apparatus is particularly suited for incorporation in a closed cycle refrigeration system wherein minimum wear over extended periods and quiet and reliable operation are required.

Abstract: A scroll member is provided for use in scroll-type apparatus. It is formed of a separate end plate having an involutely configured groove in the face thereof and a separate involute wrap which is seated in the groove. The seating of the wrap in the groove may be such as to permit it to undergo small axial and radial excursions within the groove to impart compliance/sealing characteristics to the scroll member. Alternatively, the wrap may be rigidly mounted in the groove and, if desired, separate compliance/sealing means provided for the wrap. The construction of scroll members according to this invention achieves a marked decrease in cost of the scroll members and of scroll-type apparatus incorporating them.

Abstract: Axial compliance/sealing means are provided for scroll-type apparatus. These means comprise seal elements associated with the involute wraps which are urged by an axial force to make sealing contact with the end plates of the opposing scroll members. The axial force may be pneumatically or mechanically applied and the resulting axial contact is of such a nature as to maintain the integrity of the radial sealing within the apparatus. The use of the axial compliance/sealing means allows the contacting surfaces through which radial sealing is effected to be machined to conventional accuracy, and provides automatic compensation for temperature differentials within the apparatus as well for any uneven wear of the scroll members.

Abstract: Cooling means are provided for the stationary and orbiting scroll members of scroll-type apparatus. These cooling means comprise fluid coolant channels in the end plates and in the involute wraps of the scroll members and means to circulate a fluid coolant therethrough. In the case of the stationary scroll member the coolant may be water, oil or the like; while in the case of the orbiting scroll member the coolant is the lubricating oil used to lubricate a thrust bearing and the coupling means. The resulting effective cooling of the scroll members makes it possible to form scroll apparatus in large sizes.