Scroll-type fluid machine with radial clearance between wraps

摘要

A scroll-type fluid machine having a stationary scroll member and an orbiting scroll member each of which includes a disc-like end plate and a spiral wrap extending axially from one side of the end plate, with the wraps of the scroll members meshing with each other to define therebetween closed compression chambers. The orbiting scroll member is disposed between the end plate of the stationary scroll member and a frame of the machine with a back clearance between the other side of the end plate of the orbiting scroll member side thereof and the opposing surface of the frame. The orbiting scroll member is driven to make an orbiting movement with respect to the stationary scroll member so that the compression chambers are progressively moved towards the center of the scroll members while decreasing their volumes, to thereby suck a fluid through a suction port in the stationary scroll member and compress the same to discharge the compressed fluid through a discharge port formed in the stationary scroll member. The radial clearance between the wraps of both scroll members is selected to meet a specific condition so as to avoid mutual contact between the wraps of the scroll members even when the orbiting scroll member is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.