Scroll-Type Apparatus

Abstract

Scroll-type pumping apparatus comprises a stator ( 104 ) comprising a fixed scroll member ( 106 ) having an end plate with a first spiral wrap ( 118 ) extending therefrom, and an orbital scroll member ( 108 ) having an end plate with a second spiral wrap ( 120 ) extending therefrom to intermesh with the first spiral wrap ( 118 ). A motor drives a drive shaft for generating orbital movement of the orbital scroll member relative to the fixed scroll member ( 106 ). The apparatus comprises a plurality of flexible rods ( 122 ) arranged about the drive shaft and each having one end connected to the orbital scroll member ( 108 ) and another end connected to the stator ( 104 ) to support the orbital scroll member ( 108 ) relative to the stator and to inhibit rotation of the orbital scroll member.

1 . Scroll-type pumping apparatus comprising:
 a stator comprising:
 a fixed scroll member having an end plate with a first spiral wrap extending therefrom, 
 an orbital scroll member having an end plate with a second spiral wrap extending therefrom to intermesh with the first spiral wrap, 
 a drive shaft for driving the orbital scroll member to orbit relative to the fixed scroll member, and 
 a plurality of flexible rods each having one end connected to the orbital scroll member and another end connected to the stator to support the orbital scroll member relative to the stator. 
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the drive shaft comprises a crank connected to the orbital scroll member and positioned such that rotation of the drive shaft about a longitudinal axis thereof causes the orbital scroll member to orbit about the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein the flexible rods extend about a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  comprising a flexible member for separating a vacuum space in the stator from ambient atmosphere. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein the flexible member is substantially co-axial with the flexible rods. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the flexible member comprises a bellows. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the flexible rods are arranged about the flexible member. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the rods are formed from a metallic material. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the rods are formed from a composite material. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the plurality of rods inhibit rotation of the orbital scroll member relative to the fixed scroll member. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled)