On the Stability of the Axially Compliant Fixed Scroll Member in Scroll Compressors

Floating fixed scroll adopted for tip sealing enhancement in a scroll compressor is always under the influence of tipping moment produced by internal gas forces. Unless the tipping moment is property compensated by some restoring moment, the fired scroll would suffer tipping movement, degrading the compressor performance. The condition on which the tipping movement of the fixed scroll can be suppressed has been investigated analytically. For no tipping movement, the floating fixed scroll should be suspended on the main frame at proper level. The upper limit of the stable suspension is the axial location of the o-rings adopted for a back pressure chamber sealing on the rear side of the fixed scroll, and the lower limit is the mid-height of the scroll wrap.