Patent ID: 6146119
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: F04C

Abstract:
A seal for a chamber formed between a scroll element and another portion in a scroll compressor, the scroll element movable along an axis of orbital motion, one of the scroll element and portion having at least one annular, axially extending surface, pressure in the chamber urging the scroll element axially into engagement with a mating scroll element to form compression pockets therebetween, comprising:a seal ring engaged with said annular, axially extending surface for axial movement relative thereto, said seal ring having a seal for sealing against said annular, axially extending surface as the seal ring moves axially;means to move the seal ring and the other one of said scroll element and portion into sealing engagement during start-up of the compressor; andpressurized fluid from a compression pocket entering the chamber forming an enclosed volume defined by the seal between the seal ring and the annular, axially extending surface and a seal between the seal ring and the other one of said scroll element and portion to force the scroll element axially into engagement with the mating scroll element, said means being an actuator piston mounted for axial movement within said seal ring, and means for urging said actuator piston into continuous sealing engagement with the other one of said scroll element and portion.