Patent ID: 7374398

Claim:
An automotive centrifugal compressor for supplying a compressed fluid, comprising: a drive system comprising: a rotatable output shaft having a threaded end; and a housing having an outer flange; a one-piece fixed casing comprising a first axial end portion secured to the flange, a second axial end portion defining an intake section for fluid, and an intermediate portion connecting the first axial end portion and the second axial end portion, wherein the first axial end portion defines a maximum diameter of the casing, the second axial end portion defines a minimum diameter of the casing, and the intermediate portion defines a circumferential screw diffuser for delivery of the compressed fluid, further wherein the casing is substantially coaxial with the rotatable output shaft; an impeller secured to the rotatable output shaft by a nut threaded onto the threaded end, the impeller comprising a plurality of substantially radially-oriented blades; a cylindrical seat formed in the second axial end portion of the casing, the cylindrical seat defining an annular shoulder defining an axial stop; and a distributor comprising a ring-shaped outer portion, an ogival-shaped center portion, and a plurality of fixed blades extending between the outer portion and the center portion, wherein the distributor is releasably secured in the second axial end portion of the casing by an interference fit between the outer portion and the seat, further wherein the center portion defines a cavity adapted to house the nut such that the nut can move freely within the cavity.