Axial sealing mechanism for scroll type fluid displacement apparatus

Claim 2

A scroll type fluid displacement apparatus including a pair of scroll members (26, 27) each comprising an end plate (261, 271) and a spiral wrap (262, 272) extending from one side. of said end plate (261, 271) said spiral wrap (262, 272) having a groove (37) formed in the axial end surface thereof along the spiral curve, said spiral wraps (262, 272) interfitting at an angular and radial offset to make a plurality of line contacts which define at least one pair of fluid pockets, driving means (13, 19, 28) operatively connected to one of said scroll member (27) for orbiting said one scroll member (27) relative to the other scroll member (26) and for preventing rotation of said one scroll member (27) to change the volume of the fluid pockets, characterized by a seal element (38) fitted within said groove (37) and at least the axial dimension of said seal element (38) formed greater than the depth of said groove (37).

Claim 3

The scroll type fluid displacement apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the width of said seal element (38) is formed substantially same as the width of said groove (37).

Claim 4

A scroll type fluid compressor comprising: a compressor housing (10) having a fluid inlet port (35) and fluid outlet port (36); a fixed scroll member (26) fixedly disposed relative to said housing (10) and having an end plate (261) and a first spiral wrap (262) extending from said end plate (261) into the interior of said housing (10); an orbiting scroll member (27) having an end plate (271) and a second spiral wrap (272) extending therefrom, said first and second spiral wraps (262, 272) interfitting at an angular and radial offset to make a plurality of line contacts defining at least two fluid pockets which merge to form a single pocket; driving means (13, 19, 28) supported by said housing and connected to said orbiting scroll member (27) for orbiting said orbiting scroll member (27) and for preventing the rotation of said orbiting scroll member (27) to change the volume of the fluid pockets; a groove (37) formed in the axial end surface of each of said first and second spiral wraps (262, 272) along the spiral curve, characterized by a seal element (38) fitted within said groove (37) and at least the axial dimension of said seal element (38) formed greater than the depth of said groove (37).

Claim 5

A scroll type fluid compressor comprising: a compressor housing (10) having a fluid inlet port (35) and fluid outlet port (36); a fixed scroll member (26) fixedly disposed relative to said housing (10) and having an end plate (261) and a first spiral wrap (262) extending from said end plate (261) into the interior of said housing (10); an orbiting scroll member (27) having an end plate (271) and a second spiral wrap (272) extending therefrom, said first and second spiral wraps (262, 272) interfitting at an angular and radial offset to make a plurality of line contacts defining at least two fluid pockets which merge to form a single pocket; driving means (13, 19, 28) supported by said housing and connected to said orbiting scroll member (27) for orbiting said orbiting scroll member (27) and for preventing the rotation of said orbiting scroll member (27) to change the volume of the fluid pockets; a groove (37) formed in the axial end surface of each of said first and second spiral wraps (262, 272) along the spiral curve, characterized by a seal element (38) fitted within said groove (37) and at least the axial dimension of said seal element (38) formed greater than the depth of said groove (37).

Claim 6

The scroll type fluid compressor of claim 3, characterized in that the width of said seal element (38) is formed substantially same as the width of said groove (37).

Claim 7

Apparatus as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the said seal element (37) is formed of hard plastic and/or self-lubricating material.