Scroll machine with flex member pivoted swing link

Abstract

A positive fluid displacement apparatus of the scroll type, having a swing link for translating the rotational motion of a drive shaft into the relative orbital motion of two parallel end plates. The facing surfaces of the parallel plates have involute wrap elements attached in fixed angular, intermeshed relationship with each other. Contacting surfaces of the parallel plates and wrap elements define pockets of fluid which are subjected to changes of pressure and volume as the pockets are caused to move between an inlet and an outlet by the orbital motion of the plates. A flexible member of resilient material connects a crank post on the drive shaft with the swing link and transfers the driving force of the drive shaft to the swing link. The flex member is rigid in tension, but flexible in bending. By its spring force, the flex member biases the wrap elements slightly apart when the drive shaft is not rotating, to reduce the driving torque required at start-up of the scroll apparatus.