Patent ID: 6086342
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: F04C

Abstract:
A scroll compressor having a suction pressure chamber and a discharge pressure chamber comprising:a first scroll member having a first involute wrap element projecting from a first substantially planar surface;a second scroll member having a second involute wrap element projecting from a second substantially planar surface and a third surface opposite said second substantially planar surface, said first and second scroll members adapted for mutual engagement with said first involute wrap element projecting towards said second surface and said second involute wrap element projecting towards said first surface, said first surface positioned substantially parallel with said second surface whereby relative orbiting of said scroll members compresses fluids between said involute wrap elements;an intermediate pressure chamber in part bounded by said third surface of said second scroll member; andmeans for communicating said intermediate pressure chamber with one of the discharge pressure chamber and the suction pressure chamber in response to pressure differentials existing between said intermediate pressure chamber, the discharge pressure chamber and the suction pressure chamber;whereby said first and second scroll members are maintained in axial sealing engagement by forces induced by fluid pressure in said intermediate pressure chamber.