Scroll type compressor with sealing structure for fixed scroll end plate

Abstract

A scroll type compressor includes a housing having an inner chamber and fluid inlet and outlet ports connected to the inner chamber. A fixed scroll is mounted within the housing and has a circular end plate from which a first spiral element extends. An orbiting scroll is also mounted within the housing for orbital motion with respect to the fixed scroll, and includes a circular end plate from which a second spiral element extends. The fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll are maintained angularly and radially offset from each other so that the spiral elements interfit to form a plurality of line contacts between their spiral curved surfaces which seal-off and define at least one pair of fluid pockets. The orbital movement of the orbiting scroll relative to the fixed scroll shifts the line contacts along the spiral curved surfaces of the spiral elements which changes the volume of the fluid pockets. The end plate of the fixed scroll partitions the inner chamber of the housing into a suction chamber and a discharge chamber. A sealing structure is disposed between the inner peripheral wall of the housing and the outer peripheral surface of the end plate of the fixed scroll. The sealing structure includes an annular cut-out portion, having an L-shaped sectional side view, formed in the outer peripheral surface of the end plate of the fixed scroll, an annular ridge formed in the inner peripheral wall of the housing and an O-ring seal element disposed between the annular cut-out portion and the annular ridge.