Importance

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Abstract

A scroll fluid device includes a synchronizer having a plurality of first synchronizer elements, fixedly secured to or integrally formed along a flank portion of one of a pair of meshed wraps, which are interdigited with a plurality of second synchronizer elements carried by a wrap support plate of the other meshed wrap. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the synchronizer elements carried by the wrap flank comprise teeth which extend into grooves formed in the support plate of the other wrap. In addition, the synchronizer elements on each of the wraps extend about a predetermined angular portion, preferably 180.degree., of each of the scroll elements. In this manner, it is possible to form each wrap with both tooth and groove portion,s, each portion extending about complimentary 180.degree. portions of the wrap, which are interdigited with corresponding tooth and groove portions on the other wrap. By forming the synchronizing elements with the flanks and support members of the wraps respectively, the overall dimensions of the scroll fluid device can be significantly reduced, i.e., in the range of 25%. In addition, due to the construction of the synchronizer, fluid can tangentially enter a radially outer inlet zone of the scroll device when the device is used as a compressor, for example. This arrangement further enables delivery of the fluid to the transport chamber(s) formed between the wraps at a reduced velocity in order to increase operating efficiency.

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First Claim