摘要 |
A wrap element and tip seal are disclosed for use in fluid apparatus of the scroll type which include a wrap element having a groove disposed within its tip surface of spiroidal configuration generally conforming to that of the wrap element. A tip seal is disposed within the groove and comprises a plurality of strips of material disposed at least partially within the groove and arranged in side-by-side relationship at least partially across the width of the groove, each said strip extending along a longitudinal axis about the spiroidal configuration of the groove. By fabricating the seal from a plurality of strips of material, the necessity for expensive machining operations is obviated while a seal is provided which is relatively flexible in a radial direction as to accommodate the precise groove shape, while remaining relatively inflexible in an axial direction so as to provide the desired sealing characteristics. A variety of back-up means are disclosed for imposing a force upon the plurality of strips in an axial direction away from the wrap element while permitting movement thereof in an axial direction, thereby providing a desired sealing force while also affording a certain amount of axial compliance within the fluid apparatus.
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