NON-CONTIGUOUS THRUST BEARING INTERFACE FOR A SCROLL COMPRESSOR

摘要

A scroll compressor having a thrust bearing interface between a fixed andorbiting scroll member. The scroll members are axially biased together by an axialcompliance mechanism and the thrust bearing interface transfers axial forces betweenthe two scroll members. The thrust bearing interface is disposed radially exterior tothe wrap elements of the two scroll members and includes non-contiguous thrustbearing elements separated by void spaces located therebetween. Alternativeembodiments of the thrust bearing elements include arcuate thrust bearing pads androller bearings. The thrust bearing pads may include a channel disposed radiallyexterior to the pads which interconnects the void spaces. The roller bearings areseparated by voids and disposed in recesses in outer perimeter portions of the fixedand orbiting scrolls. The voids, channel and recesses promote the distribution oflubricating oil to bearing surfaces of the thrust bearing interface.