NON-CONTIGUOUS THRUST BEARING INTERFACE FOR A SCROLL COMPRESSOR

摘要

A scroll compressor having a thrust bearing interface between a fixed and orbiting scroll member. The scroll members are axially biased together by an axial compliance mechanism and the thrust bearing interface transfers axial forces between the two scroll members. The thrust bearing interface is disposed radially ex terior to the wrap elements of the two scroll members and includes non-contiguous thru st bearing elements separated by void spaces located therebetween. Alternative embodiments of the thrust bearing elements include arcuate thrust bearing pa ds and roller bearings. The thrust bearing pads may include a channel disposed radi allyexterior to the pads which interconnects the void sp aces. The roller bearings are separated by voids and disposed in recesses in outer perimeter portions of t he fixed and orbiting scrolls. The voids, channel and recesses promote the distributi on of lubricating oil to bearing surfaces of the thrust bearing interface.