Abstract: An oscillating flowmeter including a measuring chamber having a bottom, a cylindrical jacket, a central journal, a guide ring, a separating wall, and inlet and outlet openings, and a piston located in the measuring chamber and having a bottom, a cylindrical skirt, at least one pilot journal engageable with and rotatable about the central journal of the measuring chamber, and a guiding slot extending in the skirt and the bottom and up to separating wall of the measuring chamber, with at least one of the central journal of the measuring chamber and the pilot journal of the piston being formed as a resiliently pliable member.

Abstract: A high-performance and high-reliability scroll compressor which prevents seal property failure at seal necessary points, tooth tip contact, abnormal wear of an elastic body, fatigue failure, etc. A radially outward peripheral projection (4c) is formed on the full outer peripheral surface of a separation plate (4). The peripheral projection (4c) is set to an outer diameter reduced, relative to the inner diameter of the shell main body (9) before a shell lid (20) is sealed by welding, etc., by the dimension corresponding to the shrinkage amount of a shell main body (9). That is, before welding, a minute gap occurs between the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral projections (4c) and the inner peripheral surface of the shell main body (9). Then, the separation plate (4) is inserted into the shell main body (9) and further the separation plate (4) and a frame (3) are fixed.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a scroll set in which fluids at various operating pressures impart a plurality of forces on the scroll set orbiting and fixed scroll members. An axial biasing force is applied against the orbiting scroll member urging same toward the fixed scroll member. Fluid at discharge pressure exerts an axial force at a first area of the back surface of the orbiting scroll member which urges the orbiting scroll member toward the fixed scroll member to maintain axial compliance therebetween and to prevent leakage of compressed refrigerant fluid during compressor operation. An axial anti-biasing force is applied between the orbiting and fixed scroll members to urge them apart. An annular chamber provided between the end plates of the orbiting and fixed scroll members forms a cavity that is in communication with fluid contained in pockets of compression in the scroll set. The fluid in the pockets of compression is at a pressure intermediate discharge and suction pressures.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has a recess communicating with a back pressure hole leading to a back pressure chamber. The recess may be formed in either the rear face of the orbiting scroll, or in the mating face of the crankcase. Preferably, the recess surrounds the orbiting axis of the orbiting scroll compressor, and may be circular. The recess serves to quickly supply fluid from the back pressure hole to the back pressure chamber. This is particularly valuable at startup of the scroll compressor. With the inventive recess, a test to determine whether the scroll compressor is capable of reaching its operative pressures may be performed more quickly and more accurately. The recess is preferably relatively shallow, and is preferably of a depth which is less than the diameter of the back pressure hole.

Abstract: A vacuum pump with circular translation cycle comprises a stationary body (10) with a stationary disc (13, 14) that includes, at least on one side thereof, a spiral-shaped projection (23, 24, 25), a movable disc (30) facing the stationary one (13, 14) and also including at least one spiral-shaped projection (33, 34, 35) interleaved with the projection (23, 24, 25) of the stationary disc (13, 14) and with the same angular range, a mechanism connecting the movable disc (30) to the body (10) so that it is supported thereby and controlling the circular translational motion of the movable disc (30) in relation to the body (10), and actuating unit (20) for driving the movable disc (30) by a pump shaft (50) that is centrally located in relation to the stationary body (10), the mechanism comprising at least one bearing (47) supported by the pump shaft (50) . The pump also includes a device for limiting undesirable travel in the circular translation of the disc, the device being a metallic bellows (60).

Abstract: In a scroll compressor, a stationary scroll is pressed toward a movable scroll by a back pressure of a discharge fluid compressed by a compression mechanism, and wear powder, produced from an annular seal (which receives the pressure of the discharge fluid) as a result of precession of the stationary scroll, is arrested, thereby achieving the scroll compressor high in efficiency and reliability. A pressure-receiving surface for receiving a back pressure of the discharge fluid so as to press the stationary scroll toward the movable scroll is formed on that portion of the stationary scroll disposed around a communication port which is formed in the stationary scroll, and communicates with a discharge port.

Abstract: A scroll compressor having a thrust bearing interface between a fixed and orbiting scroll member. The scroll members are axially biased together by an axial compliance mechanism and the thrust bearing interface transfers axial forces between the two scroll members. The thrust bearing interface is disposed radially exterior to the wrap elements of the two scroll members and includes non-contiguous thrust bearing elements separated by void spaces located therebetween. Alternative embodiments of the thrust bearing elements include arcuate thrust bearing pads and roller bearings. The thrust bearing pads may include a channel disposed radially exterior to the pads which interconnects the void spaces. The roller bearings are separated by voids and disposed in recesses in outer perimeter portions of the fixed and orbiting scrolls. The voids, channel and recesses promote the distribution of lubricating oil to bearing surfaces of the thrust bearing interface.

Abstract: An axial compliance mechanism for a scroll-type compressor including a fixed scroll member, an orbiting scroll member and a bearing pad spatially fixed in relationship to the fixed scroll member. The axial compliance mechanism biases the orbiting scroll towards the fixed scroll by applying a fluid at high pressure to a radially inner portion of the back surface of the orbiting scroll member and a relatively lower pressure to a radially outer portion of the back surface. An annular stabilization ring is placed between a main bearing pad and the rear surface of the orbiting scroll lifting the orbiting scroll into engagement with the fixed scroll and inhibiting the tilting and wobbling of the orbiting scroll. The annular stabilization ring also maintains a clearance between the rear surface of the orbiting scroll and the main bearing pad thereby improving the performance of a sealing member disposed between the main bearing pad and the rear surface of the orbiting scroll member during start up of the compressor.

Abstract: In a scroll type fluid displacement apparatus in which a drive pin (151) is connected between a large-diameter portion (15) of a main shaft (13) and a bushing (33) rotatably held to a movable scroll (26) and which a rotation of the main shaft is transmitted to the bushing through the drive pin to make the movable scroll have an orbital motion around a predetermined axis, a balance weight (331) attached to the bushing has a positioning projection (331c) which is engaged with the large-diameter portion in a rotation direction of the bushing. Therefore, the movable scroll is positioned relative to the main shaft. In addition, the movable scroll defines fluid pockets in cooperation with a fixed scroll (25) therebetween. When the orbital motion of the movable scroll is caused in dependence on rotation of the main shaft with inhibiting rotation of the movable scroll around the predetermined axis, the fluid pockets are displaced between the movable and the fixed scrolls.

Abstract: A scroll type machine particularly suited for use as a refrigeration compressor is disclosed which includes a bearing assembly for non-adjustably rotatably supporting a drive shaft. The bearing assembly is in turn non-adjustably supported on the sidewall of an outer shell. The scroll type machine also includes an oil delivery system for delivering lubricating oil from a lower sump to an upper end of the crankshaft and an oil return hole in a fixed portion of the compressor for returning oil to the sump.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a hermetic shell which has a partition defining a discharge pressure chamber and a suction pressure chamber within the shell. The partition includes a surface which pilots the non-orbiting scroll to allow for limited axial movement of the non-orbiting scroll. Rotational motion of the non-orbiting scroll is prohibited by a stationary pin which extends from the partition to engage an extension of the slot which is utilized by the Oldham coupling.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has structure in the tips of at least one of its wraps that reduces a force separating the scroll wraps. In one embodiment, the structure includes recesses formed in the tip such that low pressure fluid is tapped across the surface between the tip and the opposed scroll base. The low pressure fluid reduces the separating force between the scroll wrap. Separating walls may be formed to define separate recesses. In a second embodiment, an intermediate pressure fluid is tapped into a groove. Again, the low pressure reduces the separating force component across the scroll wrap. This invention is particularly valuable in the type of scroll wraps having thick wraps.

Abstract: An improved scroll compressor has an orbiting scroll wrap that is designed to always be at most equal in height to the fixed scroll wrap. The orbiting scroll wrap is preferably designed shorter than the fixed scroll wrap by a distance equal to the manufacturing tolerances on the height of the two scroll wraps added together. In this way, the present invention insures that in no acceptable parts will the height of the orbiting scroll wrap exceed the height of the fixed scroll wrap. In a situation where the height of the orbiting scroll wrap does exceed the height of the fixed scroll wrap, there is a tendency to limit the stable operational envelope of the system. By insuring that the orbiting scroll wrap height is always at most equal to the fixed scroll wrap height, the present invention avoids this limitation on the operational envelope.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is designed to exert a stable pressure on the rear surface of the rotary scroll without causing excessive pressure rise or pressure gradient by the lubricating oil which flows out from a back pressure partitioning member in a very little gap of an axial supporting portion. A bearing member 18 has an inner portion extending radially inwardly from annular groove 22 and an outer portion extending radially outwardly from the annular groove 22 to an inner edge of an axial supporting portion 24. The inner and outer portions of the bearing member 18 are formed in a bottom portion of the bearing member 18 and have a difference in level d relative to a bottom surface of the axial supporting portion 24.

Abstract: A scroll type compressor includes a stationary scroll element, a movable scroll element orbiting about a given axis and cooperating with the stationary scroll element for compressing a fluid in a compression chamber defined between the two scroll elements, and a rotation preventing unit for preventing rotation of the movable scroll element about its own axis. The rotation preventing unit has at least a plurality of pairs of scroll side pins mounted on the movable scroll element and housing side pins mounted on a housing of the compressor. When the compression chamber has a reduced volume of 10 through 22% of an initial volume thereof immediately after completion of sucking of the fluid, at least two of the plurality of scroll side pins are arranged to be symmetrical with one another with respect to a line L.sub.2 which passes through a rotating center O.sub.R of the movable scroll element and is perpendicular to a different line L.sub.1 which passes through the rotating center O.sub.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has structure in the tips of at least one of its wraps that reduces a force separating the scroll wraps. In one embodiment, the structure includes recesses formed in the tip such that low pressure fluid is tapped across the surface between the tip and the opposed scroll base. The low pressure fluid reduces the separating force between the scroll wrap. Separating walls may be formed to define separate recesses. In a second embodiment, an intermediate pressure fluid is tapped into a groove. Again, the low pressure reduces the separating force component across the scroll wrap. This invention is particularly valuable in the type of scroll wraps having thick wraps.

Abstract: A scroll-type compressor has a scroll plate with at least first and second pressure equalizing passages formed in its end plate such that the first and second pressure equalizing passages will be in the same crescent shaped pocket during at least a portion of a crescent shaped pocket's radially inward movement. The minimum pressure in a back pressure pocket will be adequate to maintain a good seal, any pressure increases will increase in accordance with the increased pressure in the crescent shaped pockets. At no point are both of the pressure equalizing passages blocked and, therefore, the pressure in the interior space does not overwhelm the effective functioning of the back pressure pocket.

Abstract: A scroll compressor with two scrolls including respective scroll wraps to form a compression chamber therebetween so that a volume of the compression chamber is decreased to compress a fluid therein by an orbital motion between the scrolls around an axis, has a frame supporting the scrolls thereon, a drawing force generator generating a drawing force urging axially one of the scrolls toward another one thereof, and a contacting force limiter bearing at least a part of the drawing force to prevent the at least a part of the drawing force from being born by a contact between the scrolls, when an axial distance between the scrolls is not more than a predetermined axial distance.

Abstract: An improved axial sealing apparatus for a scroll type apparatus which is capable of constantly maintaining pressure in a back pressure chamber by forming a back pressure hole at a predetermined portion in which the back pressure hole is opened before a compressed gas is discharged and the back pressure hole is closed after the compressed gas is substantially closed, whereby a more stable axial direction sealing can be obtained throughout the entire operation time of a scroll compressor, which includes a stationary scroll; a rotational scroll engaged at a lower portion of the stationary scroll so as to form a compression chamber therebetween; and a back pressure chamber having a back pressure hole formed at a predetermined position in which the back pressure hole is opened whereby the compression chamber and the back pressure chamber become communicated with each other before a refrigerant gas compressed in the compression chamber is discharged to the discharging chamber and in which the back pressure hole is

Abstract: A rotating type scroll compressor according to the present invention having a closed shell that houses an electric drive member and a scroll compressing member, the scroll compressing member having a drive scroll member having a drive scroll member and a follower scroll member, the drive scroll member having a spiral shape wrap formed on a end plate and being driven by the electric drive member, the follower scroll member having a center axial line that deviates from a center axial line of the drive scroll member and a spiral shape wrap fitting to the wrap of the drive scroll member, said rotating type scroll compressor comprising rotating shaft portions to which radial force of the rotating drive scroll member and the follower scroll member is applied, said rotating shaft portions being disposed at an upper portion and a lower portion of the wraps to which the radial load of fluid is applied.

Abstract: A wrap of an orbiting scroll member and a wrap of a fixed scroll member are each provided with a non-rigid surface coating layer having a predetermined thickness. An orbiting radius varying mechanism is provided between a driving shaft and the orbiting scroll member, thereby gradually increasing the orbiting radius of the orbiting scroll member at the initial stage of running, and thus positively allowing the surface coating layers to wear by rubbing against each other. A stopper mechanism is provided between the driving shaft and the orbiting scroll member to regulate the rotation angle of a variable crank relative to the driving shaft to a predetermined rotation angle, thereby preventing the surface coating layers from being excessively worn as the orbiting radius of the orbiting scroll member increases.

Abstract: An electrically-driven closed scroll compressor has a compression mechanism accommodated in a closed vessel. The compression mechanism includes a bearing member securely mounted in the closed vessel, a stationary scroll having a stationary scroll wrap formed thereon, an orbiting scroll having an orbiting end plate and an orbiting scroll wrap formed on the orbiting end plate so as to engage with the stationary scroll wrap to define a plurality of working pockets therebetween, and an eccentric bearing for allowing the orbiting scroll to undergo an orbiting motion relative to the stationary scroll. A generally ring-shaped sealing member is mounted on the bearing member so as to be held in contact with the orbiting end plate. The sealing member may be mounted on the orbiting end plate.

Abstract: A scroll type compressor comprises a housing and a fixed scroll. A movable scroll is incorporated therebetween, eccentrically engaging with the fixed scroll, and has a rotating center and a revolving center. Pin members are arranged on the end plate of the movable scroll and on the housing. At least one of the pin members of the movable scroll is positioned on a first line and disposed downstream of the corresponding pin member of the housing in the rotating direction, when the volume ratio of a compression chamber is from 10 to 22 percent of the volume of the compression chamber at the time of the conclusion of the suction of medium. The first line passes through the rotating center and is perpendicular to a second line, which passes through the rotating and revolving centers. The compressor also has annular ring members, which contact at least a pair of the pin members of the movable scroll and the housing, to prevent the movable scroll from rotating.

Abstract: A scroll compressor (10) is disclosed which includes a fixed scroll element (12) and an orbiting scroll element (14). Each of the scroll elements has a planar surface (18, 24) extending from the wrap on the element to the peripheral edge of the element. A relief area (56) is formed in each of the scroll elements through the planar surface to move the effective pivot point of the intermediate pressure force counteracting the tangential gas force radially inwardly toward the centerline of the scroll elements. A reduction in friction forces is the result, as well as a decrease in the time necessary to work in the scroll elements.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has a closed vessel, a compression mechanism accommodated in the closed vessel and including a non-orbiting scroll and an orbiting scroll in engagement with each other, and an electric motor for driving the compression mechanism. The non-orbiting scroll includes a frame portion and a non-orbiting end plate axially movable relative to the frame portion. The frame portion has a recess defined therein and a pin secured thereto. The non-orbiting end plate has a cylindrical wall integrally formed therewith and loosely received in the recess, thereby radially positioning the non-orbiting end plate relative to the frame portion. The non-orbiting end plate also has a recess defined therein in which the pin is loosely received, thereby circumferentially positioning the non-orbiting end plate relative to the frame portion.

Abstract: A scroll type fluid displacement apparatus having a rotation regulating mechanism. The rotation regulating mechanism comprises a crank pin which inserts into an eccentric hole of a bushing. The crank pin has at least one portion which regulates rotation of the crank pin within the eccentric hole thereby regulating an angle of swing of the bushing around a center of the crank pin.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has a wedge camming device operable between the orbiting scroll of the scroll compressor and a fixed wall forming part of the compressor, for the purposes of automatically engaging the wall and the orbiting scroll upon reverse operation of the compressor to thereby separate the wraps of orbiting and non-orbiting scroll during such reverse operation. Damage to the compressor in the event of powered reverse is also prevented.

Abstract: An improved control over the pressure vented or tapped to a back pressure chamber in a scroll compressor is achieved by maintaining a vent hole closed for the majority of the operational cycle of the scroll compressor. The hole is preferably selectively exposed to a discharge pressure for a small portion of the cycle, and to an intermediate pressure for a second small portion of the cycle. Other than those two small portions, the hole is preferably closed. The invention reduces pulsation in the back pressure chamber and also reduces pumping losses caused by fluid moving into and out of the back pressure chamber through the hole. In one embodiment, grooves are formed in the fixed scroll member to communicate a selected intermediate pressure and a discharge pressure to locations on the base plate of the fixed scroll member. A vent hole in the wrap of the orbiting scroll member cyclically moves over the two grooves.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll member and an orbiting scroll. The orbiting scroll member is operatively connected to a motor to be driven in an orbiting motion by the motor. The scroll members each include a plate having an inboard surface and an outboard surface. A spiral involute or wrap is formed on the inboard surface of each scroll member plate. The involutes mate to define suction zones at outer ends of the involutes and fluid pockets. The fixed scroll member defines a fluid outlet at the center of the involutes and two inlets positioned proximate the suction zones. At least two idler crank assemblies are provided to maintain the phase relationship and running clearance between the scroll members. The idler crank assemblies each include two operatively connected cranks, one being in the fixed scroll and one being in the orbiting scroll. The fixed scroll crank is externally accessible so that its rotational motion may be harnessed to drive a fan or another compressor stage, for example.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a drive shaft and an auxiliary drive shaft which are rotatably supported by stationary scrolls, and an orbiting scroll rotatably supported on these drive shafts through cranks. A resilient member is provided on the crank so as to allow thermal expansion of the orbiting scroll in a direction, along which the drive shafts are lined. With this construction, a distance between bearings for the orbiting scroll and the stationary scrolls is adjusted in accordance with the thermal expansion, and therefore even when the thermal expansion occurs, a smooth motion of the scroll will not be affected.

Abstract: A scroll fluid displacement apparatus with improved tangential and radial sealing means is disclosed. The apparatus comprises scroll members including meshing involutes which are angularly offset such that they define one or more moving fluid pockets of variable volume as well as a theoretical eccentric separating the involute axes. Tangential and radial sealing is preferably provided by a drive shaft which provides both radial and axial load forces between the involutes. The drive shaft separates the involute centers by a distance not equal to the theoretical eccentric thereby causing the involutes to maintain a radial contacting relationship with each other for effective tangential sealing. Radial sealing is attained by withdrawing a portion of fluid from the fluid pocket of highest pressure for pressurizing a chamber within the drive shaft. The pressure acts against a piston engaging a scroll member which is adapted for axial movement, thereby generating radial sealing forces.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has a closed vessel, a compression mechanism accommodated in the closed vessel and including a non-orbiting scroll and an orbiting scroll in engagement with each other, and an electric motor for driving the compression mechanism. The non-orbiting scroll includes a frame portion and a non-orbiting end plate axially movable relative to the frame portion. The frame portion has a recess defined therein and a pin secured thereto. The non-orbiting end plate has a cylindrical wall integrally formed therewith and loosely received in the recess, thereby radially positioning the non-orbiting end plate relative to the frame portion. The non-orbiting end plate also has a recess defined therein in which the pin is loosely received, thereby circumferentially positioning the non-orbiting end plate relative to the frame portion. The pin is hardened so as to have a Rockwell hardness of more than 35 on scale C and has a chemical compound layer deposited thereon, to thereby minimize wear thereof.

Abstract: A scroll type fluid machine has a swivel scroll (14) driven by a drive bush (101) engaged with a drive shaft bearing portion of the swivel scroll (14) and an eccentric drive pin (25) provided eccentrically on a drive shaft (7). Concentrated surface fatigue caused on the surface of the drive bush (101) is avoided and an elongation of the life of the drive bush (101) is attained by a rotatable cylindrical ring (102) being provided on the outer circumference of the drive bush (101).

Abstract: A high side co-rotational scroll compressor has lubricant sumps in both the discharge and suction pressure portions of its hermetic shell as well as a pressure biasing arrangement by which the scroll members are urged together in operation to minimize internal leakage. Lubrication of the bearing in which the driven scroll member rotates as well as to the bearing in which the idler scroll member rotates, both of which are located in the suction pressure portion of the shell, is provided for. Additionally, embodiments are taught by which the interface between the tips of the wraps of each scroll member and the end plate of the opposing scroll member are lubricated and by which the seal in the axial pressure biasing arrangement is lubricated and/or shielded from debris having the potential to damage it.

Abstract: A scroll type fluid handling apparatus, such as a refrigeration compressor, has co-rotating driver and idler scroll members supported for rotation about offset, generally parallel axes. The idler scroll member has a support shaft which is supported on the compressor housing by a pivot bushing having an eccentric pivot axis which permits radially compliant movement of the idler scroll along a line of action which is predetermined to provide a component of a resultant force acting between the scroll members which will urge the idler scroll wrap into engagement with the driver scroll wrap under a wide range of operating conditions to enhance the contact line seal between the scroll wraps.

Abstract: A scroll type compressor using a crank mechanism having enough freedom so that an amount of eccentricity of the movable scroll member becomes variable. An elastic body is inserted between the facing surfaces striking each other in the inside of the crank mechanism so as to prevent generation of a noise due to the collision of the parts when starting up or shutting down the compressor.

Abstract: A heat shield is disposed in a hermetic compressor between a discharge port and a local area on an interior surface of the outer shell toward which relatively hot compressed gas is directed. The local area of the outer shell is thereby insulated from the high temperature of the discharge gas.

Abstract: The invention concerns a scroll compressor which is low in noise caused by water hammering of a refrigerant gas just after a discharge valve is closed. The scroll compressor includes a discharge member (45) having a discharge port (8) opposed to a discharge port (5) of a fixed scroll (2) and a discharge valve (9) opposed to the discharge port (8) of the discharge member (45) and opened/closed depending on a difference between flow passage pressure of a refrigerant gas and pressure in a high pressure space (27) in a sealed vessel (1). At least either of the fixed scroll (2) and the discharge member (45) is formed with a muffler chamber communicated with the discharge port (5, 8) and having a diameter larger than a diameter of the discharge port (5) of the fixed scroll (2) for suppressing occurrence of an impulse wave caused by water hammering when the discharge valve (9) is closed. Noise caused by a pressure ripple of the discharge port lessens, quieting the operation of the scroll compressor.

Abstract: A scroll compressor comprises a generally cylindrical casing and stationary and orbiting scrolls both accommodated in the casing. The stationary and orbiting scrolls engage with each other to define a plurality of compression chambers therebetween. The orbiting scroll is driven by a drive shaft which is in turn supported by a frame having a thrust bearing formed thereon. One of an orbiting end plate of the orbiting scroll and the thrust bearing has an annular groove defined therein in which an annular seal member is received. The orbiting scroll is disposed between the stationary scroll and the frame with an axial gap defined therebetween. First, second, and third back chambers are formed on the opposite side of the compression chambers with respect to the orbiting end plate. The first and second back chambers are partitioned by the annular seal member.

Abstract: An electrically-driven closed scroll compressor has a compression mechanism accommodated in a closed vessel. The compression mechanism includes a bearing member securely mounted in the closed vessel, a stationary scroll having a stationary scroll wrap formed thereon, an orbiting scroll having an orbiting end plate and an orbiting scroll wrap formed on the orbiting end plate so as to engage with the stationary scroll wrap to define a plurality of working pockets therebetween, and an eccentric bearing for allowing the orbiting scroll to undergo an orbiting motion relative to the stationary scroll. A generally ring-shaped sealing member is mounted on the bearing member so as to be held in contact with the orbiting end plate. The sealing member may be mounted on the orbiting end plate.

Abstract: A scroll compressor has a compression mechanism accommodated in a closed container and comprising a stationary scroll and an orbiting scroll. The stationary scroll includes a frame and a separate wrap element secured to the frame or otherwise movable relative to the frame. The orbiting scroll has a wrap element allowed to undergo circular translation with respect to the wrap element of the stationary scroll to compress gas. The wrap element of the stationary scroll is made of a readily machinable abrasion-resistant material to reduce the manufacturing cost of the scroll compressor.

Abstract: A scroll type compressor having high efficiency and high reliability is obtained by preventing leakage of a compression chamber, increasing air tightness thereof and securing a smooth motion of an orbiting scroll member. A second frame member supported by a first frame member and slightly movable in the axial direction is disposed in the rear of an orbiting scroll member. Force is applied to the rear of the second frame member, and a slight axial movement of the orbiting scroll member is regulated by a fixed scroll member and the second frame member. As a result, both the scroll members are in tight contact or close to each other with a small space, and a smooth movement thereof can be secured, which makes it possible to obtain a scroll type compressor having high efficiency and high reliability.

Abstract: A high side co-rotational scroll compressor has lubricant sumps in both the discharge and suction pressure portions of its hermetic shell as well as a pressure biasing arrangement by which the scroll members are urged together in operation to minimize internal leakage. Lubrication of the bearing in which the driven scroll member rotates as well as to the bearing in which the idler scroll member rotates, both of which are located in the suction pressure portion of the shell, is provided for. Additionally, embodiments are taught by which the interface between the tips of the wraps of each scroll member and the end plate of the opposing scroll member are lubricated and by which the seal in the axial pressure biasing arrangement is lubricated and/or shielded from debris having the potential to damage it.

Abstract: A scroll-type machine is disclosed which is particularly well suited for use as a compressor in refrigeration and air conditioning systems and incorporates a unique arrangement for modulating the capacity thereof. In one group of embodiments the capacity of the scroll-type machine is modulated by relative axial movement between the scroll members so as to form a leakage path across the wrap tips and opposed end plates. In another group of embodiments, modulation is achieved by reducing the orbital radius of one of the scroll members to thereby form a leakage path across the flank surfaces of the wraps. Both types of scroll separation may be accomplished in a time pulsed manner to thereby enable a full range of modulation with the duration of the loading and unloading periods being selected to maximize the efficiency of the overall system.

Abstract: A scroll-type machine is disclosed which is particularly well suited for use as a compressor in refrigeration and air conditioning systems and incorporates a unique arrangement for modulating the capacity thereof. In one group of embodiments the capacity of the scroll-type machine is modulated by relative axial movement between the scroll members so as to form a leakage path across the wrap tips and opposed end plates. In another group of embodiments, modulation is achieved by reducing the orbital radius of one of the scroll members to thereby form a leakage path across the flank surfaces of the wraps. Both types of scroll separation may be accomplished in a time pulsed manner to thereby enable a full range of modulation with the duration of the loading and unloading periods being selected to maximize the efficiency of the overall system.

Abstract: A scroll type fluid handling apparatus, such as a refrigeration compressor, has co-rotating driver and idler scroll members supported for rotation about offset, generally parallel axes. The idler scroll member has a support shaft which is supported on the compressor housing by a pivot bushing having an eccentric pivot axis which permits radially compliant movement of the idler scroll along a line of action which is predetermined to provide a component of a resultant force acting between the scroll members which will urge the idler scroll wrap into engagement with the driver scroll wrap under a wide range of operating conditions to enhance the contact line seal between the scroll wraps.

Abstract: A scroll compressor having a housing, a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll nested with each other to provide a pressure continuum of suction, intermediate and high pressure regions between said scrolls during compressor operation, the base of the orbiting scroll being axially slidably mounted on a thrust plate for allowing only axial motion of the orbiting scroll with respect thereto, a coupling device on the housing or fixed scroll and associated with cooperating coupling elements on one or both of the thrust plate or the orbiting scroll for preventing angular motion of the orbiting scroll with respect to the housing or fixed scroll, an axial compliance seal between and contacting the base of the orbiting scroll and the thrust member and defining an axial compliance pressure chamber, and one or more conduits connecting the chamber with one or more pressure regions.

Abstract: A scroll-type apparatus includes a radial compliant drive. The radial compliant drive is achieved by using a set of corresponding flat driving surfaces with one of the drive surfaces being located on a drive bushing and the other being located on a crankshaft. The drive bushing is provided with a pair of flat drive surfaces with each flat drive surface of the drive bushing capable of mating with the drive surface of the crankshaft in a different geometrical fashion to provide two different radial driving loads.

Abstract: A scroll compressor having a housing, a fixed scroll stationary on said housing, an orbiting scroll nested with the fixed scroll and being mounted on the eccentric of the compressor crankshaft for orbital motion about the longitudinal axis of the compressor, the base of the orbiting scroll having an annular groove formed in the outside or low pressure side thereof, a passage formed through the base of the orbiting scroll and placing the groove in fluid communication with an intermediate section of the pressure continuum for providing an axial compliance force against the base of the orbiting scroll and urging the wrap tips thereof into sealing engagement with the adjacent base of the fixed scroll, an annular seal positioned in the groove and having an annular web provided with a substantially planar contact side positioned in sliding, sealing contact with a sealing surface of housing and having annular elastomeric sealing components slidingly sealed against the walls of the groove to provide an axial complian

Abstract: In a low speed rotation, side surfaces of a spiral wrap of a swivel scroll are brought into pressing contact with side surfaces of a spiral wrap of a stationary scroll to thereby keep an air tight condition therebetween. When the orbiting swivelling speed of the swivel scroll exceeds the predetermined level, a predetermined gap is kept between the side surfaces of the spiral wrap of the swivel scroll and the side surfaces of the spiral wrap of the stationary scroll to thereby prevent the abnormal wear of the spiral wraps and to thereby suppress an increase of the consumption power. A counterweight is provided on a drive bush for generating a centrifugal force Fc which is greater than a centrifugal force Fs applied to the swivel scroll during the orbiting swivelling motion of the swivel scroll and which is directed in an opposite direction to that of the centrifugal force Fs. A spring member is provided for biasing the drive bush in a direction .theta. in which the orbiting swivelling radius is increased.