Axially compliant orbiting plate scroll and scroll pump comprising the same

摘要

An orbiting plate scroll of a scroll pump includes an orbiting plate having a first side and a second side, an orbiting scroll blade projecting in an axial direction from the first side of the orbiting plate, and a flexure whose compliance is in the axial direction. The flexure is coupled to the orbiting plate at the second side of the orbiting plate, and couples the orbiting plate and orbiting scroll blade to bearings that allow for free rotation of the orbiting plate scroll about a longitudinal axis, while constraining motion of the orbiting plate scroll in the remaining degrees of freedom.

主权项

1. An orbiting plate scroll, comprising:
an orbiting plate having a first side and a second side; an orbiting scroll blade projecting in an axial direction from the first side of the orbiting plate; and a flexure comprising a fixed end fixed to the orbiting plate at the second side of the orbiting plate, wherein the flexure is configured and coupled to the orbiting plate such that the compliance of the flexure is substantially only in the axial direction and at least a portion of the flexure is deflectable in the axial direction relative to the fixed end; wherein the flexure comprises a cylindrical hub whose central longitudinal axis extends in the axial direction, and a flange that extends from the hub and connects the hub to the orbiting plate, and wherein the flange comprises a web that is spaced axially from the orbiting plate with the flexure relaxed such that a gap exists between the web and the orbiting plate, and a union integral with the web and by which the flexure is integrated with the orbiting plate at the fixed end.