Oil separator and air conditioning unit

Abstract

The application provides an oil separator and an air conditioning unit. The oil separator comprises a shell, a bottom of the shell is formed with an oil storage area, a top of the shell is provided with an exhaust port; an inner shell is arranged in the shell, and a fluid channel is formed between the inner shell and the shell; at least two stages of separation structures are arranged in the inner shell, and all the separation structures are sequentially communicated in the direction from the oil storage area to the exhaust port. The oil separator and the air conditioning unit provided by the application utilize the multi-stage separation structure to sequentially separate the oil-gas mixture, realize multi-stage separation of the oil-gas mixture, and effectively improve the oil-gas separation efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of separation equipment technology, and in particular to an oil separator and an air conditioning unit. Background Technology

[0002] In refrigeration and air conditioning systems, refrigerant oil is crucial for the safe and stable operation of the compressor, primarily serving functions such as cooling, lubrication, and sealing. During refrigeration unit operation, some refrigerant oil mixes with the refrigerant vapor discharged from the compressor in the form of oil droplets, thus participating in the system circulation. This participation of refrigerant oil in the system circulation negatively impacts heat exchanger performance, system efficiency, and the safe operation of the compressor. Studies show that when the circulating refrigerant oil content is 5%, the evaporator heat exchange decreases by 10%. When the oil content in the system increases by 1%, the system COP decreases by 2.5%. Furthermore, because the refrigerant oil remaining in the system after circulation can easily cause compressor oil shortage and malfunction. To solve this problem, an oil separator is typically installed between the compressor and the condenser. As a key component of screw compressor refrigeration units, the oil separator separates and filters the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant and refrigerant oil mixture discharged from the compressor during the refrigeration cycle. Through the separation action of the oil separator, the refrigerant oil is separated from the refrigerant vapor, preventing refrigerant oil from participating in the system circulation. Simultaneously, the separated refrigerant oil is promptly delivered to the compressor to avoid compressor damage due to oil shortage.

[0003] However, in conventional vertical oil separators, when the oil-laden gaseous refrigerant enters the separator space and disperses, some large oil droplets settle and separate, moving directly downwards to the return oil zone. Simultaneously, the main airflow spirals downwards around the cylinder, relying on centrifugal force to achieve oil-gas separation. During this process, the airflow continuously collides with the shell and cylinder, resulting in inertial separation. The separated oil droplets drip down along the shell and cylinder walls to the bottom return oil zone. Residual small oil droplets follow the airflow around the cylinder and continue moving upwards towards the oil separator filter. Relying solely on gravity and filter interception, or if the internal airflow velocity is high or the flow field design is unreasonable, the oil separator's separation effect is poor, affecting the normal operation of the unit. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the technical problem of poor separation performance in oil separators, an oil separator and air conditioning unit are provided that employs a multi-stage separation structure to improve separation efficiency.

[0005] An oil separator, comprising:

[0006] The outer casing has an oil storage area at its bottom and an exhaust port at its top.

[0007] An inner shell is disposed within an outer shell, and a fluid channel is formed between the inner shell and the outer shell;

[0008] The system has at least two separation stages, all of which are located within the inner shell and are connected sequentially along the direction from the oil storage area to the exhaust port.

[0009] All of the aforementioned separation structures include a primary separation structure located at the lowest end, the primary separation structure including a first return oil pipe, the lower end of which is located below the liquid level in the oil storage area.

[0010] The primary separation structure is provided with an oil filter channel, and a primary oil storage chamber is formed at the bottom of the primary separation structure. The upper end of the oil filter channel is connected to at least one of the separation structures above the primary separation structure, the lower end of the oil filter channel is connected to the primary oil storage chamber, and the upper end of the first return oil pipe is connected to the primary oil storage chamber.

[0011] The primary separation structure also includes:

[0012] A first housing, disposed within the inner housing;

[0013] The second housing is disposed inside the first housing, and the oil filter channel is formed between the outer side wall of the second housing and the inner side wall of the first housing. The first-stage oil storage chamber is formed between the bottom plate of the second housing and the bottom plate of the first housing. A first-stage oil return port is provided on the bottom plate of the second housing, and the interior of the second housing is connected to the first-stage oil storage chamber through the first-stage oil return port.

[0014] The primary separation structure also includes a primary air intake structure, one end of which is connected to the interior of the second housing, and the other end of which is connected to the fluid channel.

[0015] The primary separation structure also includes multiple primary baffles, all of which form a primary baffle channel within the second housing.

[0016] All the primary baffles include a first primary baffle, a second primary baffle, and a third primary baffle. The first primary baffle and the third primary baffle are arranged side by side in the second housing. The second primary baffle is located between the first primary baffle and the third primary baffle. The bottom plate of the second housing, the first primary baffle, the second primary baffle, the third primary baffle, and the top plate of the second housing together form the primary baffle channel.

[0017] The separation structure further includes a secondary separation structure and a second air intake structure. The secondary separation structure is disposed above the primary separation structure. The lower end of the secondary air intake structure is connected to the second housing, and the upper end of the secondary air intake structure is connected to the secondary separation structure.

[0018] The secondary separation structure includes a lower base plate, on which a secondary oil storage chamber and a secondary oil return port are provided. The secondary oil return port is connected to the secondary oil storage chamber, and the upper end of the oil filter channel is connected to the secondary oil storage chamber.

[0019] The secondary separation structure includes an upper top plate and multiple secondary baffles. All the secondary baffles are located between the upper top plate and the lower bottom plate, and all the secondary baffles together form a secondary baffle channel.

[0020] All the secondary baffles include a first secondary baffle, a second secondary baffle, and a third secondary baffle. The first secondary baffle and the third secondary baffle are arranged side by side on the inner wall of the inner shell, and the second secondary baffle is located between the first secondary baffle and the third secondary baffle. The upper top plate, the lower bottom plate, the inner wall of the inner shell, the first secondary baffle, the second secondary baffle, and the third secondary baffle together form the secondary baffle channel.

[0021] The secondary oil return port is located on the first side of the secondary baffle plate facing the secondary air intake structure.

[0022] The separation structure also includes a three-stage separation structure at the top, which includes a second return oil pipe, the lower end of which is below the liquid level in the oil storage area.

[0023] The three-stage separation structure includes a third housing, which is disposed inside the inner housing, and an air intake channel is formed between the third housing and the inner housing. The interior of the third housing is connected to the exhaust port, and an air passage is provided on the side wall of the third housing. The exhaust port is connected to the next-stage separation structure in sequence through the interior of the third housing, the air passage, and the air intake channel.

[0024] The three-stage separation structure also includes a filter structure, which surrounds the third housing and shields the air passage.

[0025] The three-stage separation structure also includes an oil storage shell, which is located below the third shell and has a three-stage oil return port located below the filter structure. The upper end of the second oil return pipe is connected to the interior of the oil storage shell.

[0026] The oil separator also includes an oil baffle plate, which divides the interior of the outer shell into a separation zone and an oil storage zone. The inner shell and all the separation structures are disposed in the separation zone, and the oil baffle plate is provided with oil passage holes.

[0027] The oil separator further includes a baffle and an air inlet. The air inlet is disposed on the outer shell and communicates with the fluid channel. The baffle is disposed between the inner shell and the outer shell and is located between the air inlet and the exhaust port.

[0028] An air conditioning unit includes the oil separator described above.

[0029] The oil separator and air conditioning unit provided by this invention utilize a multi-stage separation structure to sequentially separate the oil-gas mixture, thereby effectively improving the oil-gas separation efficiency. Furthermore, using the fluid channel formed by the inner and outer shells, the oil-gas mixture flows spirally downwards along the fluid channel, undergoing centrifugal separation during this process. The oil-gas mixture also continuously collides with the inner and outer shells during its flow, resulting in inertial separation. Finally, it flows to the bottom of the inner shell and enters the lowest-level separation structure. Simultaneously, all separation structures are arranged sequentially along the direction from the oil storage area to the exhaust port, ensuring that the oil-gas mixture flows upwards through each separation structure and is affected by gravity, resulting in gravity separation. This fully utilizes centrifugal separation, inertial separation, and gravity separation to effectively guarantee the separation efficiency of the oil separator. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an oil separator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the primary separation structure of the oil separator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 A side sectional view of the two-stage separation structure of the oil separator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 A top view of the two-stage separation structure of the oil separator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 A side sectional view of the three-stage separation structure of the oil separator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the refrigeration oil return path after separation in the oil separator provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] In the picture:

[0037] 1. Outer shell; 11. Oil storage area; 12. Exhaust port; 2. Inner shell; 13. Fluid passage; 3. Primary separation structure; 31. First oil return pipe; 32. Oil filter passage; 33. Primary oil storage chamber; 34. First shell; 35. Second shell; 36. Primary oil return port; 371. First primary baffle; 372. Second primary baffle; 373. Third primary baffle; 4. Secondary separation structure; 45. Secondary oil return port; 44. Secondary oil storage chamber; 41. Top plate; 43. Bottom plate; 421. First and second secondary baffles; 422. Second and second secondary baffles; 423. Third and second secondary baffles; 5. Tertiary separation structure; 51. Second oil return pipe; 52. Third shell; 53. Filter structure; 54. Oil storage shell; 55. Tertiary oil return port; 6. Oil baffle; 7. Baffle; 14. Air inlet. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0039] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate for the embodiments of the invention described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0041] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," indicating directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0042] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] In actual operation, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor carries some compressor oil particles into the oil separator. If this oil is carried by the airflow into the condenser or accumulates in the evaporator with the circulating medium, it not only reduces the heat exchange capacity of both units but also causes the compressor to be damaged due to lack of lubrication, ultimately leading to the system's inability to operate safely and continuously. Therefore, to solve the problem of refrigerant oil separation and ensure the continuous safe operation of the system, an oil separator is used to separate the oil and gas in the fluid discharged from the compressor. The separated high-purity gaseous refrigerant enters the condenser, while the liquid refrigerant oil returns to the compressor using the pressure difference effect. However, the separation effect of existing oil separators is poor. Therefore, this application provides a method... Figures 1 to 6The oil separator shown includes an outer shell 1, with an oil storage area 11 formed at the bottom and an exhaust port 12 at the top; an inner shell 2 disposed inside the outer shell 1, with a fluid channel 13 formed between the inner shell 2 and the outer shell 1; and at least two separation structures, all of which are disposed inside the inner shell 2 and are sequentially connected along the direction from the oil storage area 11 to the exhaust port 12. The oil-gas mixture is separated sequentially using a multi-stage separation structure, thereby effectively improving the oil-gas separation efficiency. Furthermore, the oil-gas mixture flows spirally downwards along the fluid channel 13 formed by the inner shell 2 and the outer shell 1, undergoing centrifugal separation during this process. The oil-gas mixture also continuously collides with the inner shell 2 and the outer shell 1 during its flow, resulting in inertial separation. Finally, it flows to the bottom of the inner shell 2 and enters the lowest-level separation structure. Simultaneously, all separation structures are arranged sequentially along the direction from the oil storage area 11 to the exhaust port 12, ensuring that the oil-gas mixture flows upwards and is affected by gravity as it passes through each separation structure, resulting in gravity separation. This fully utilizes centrifugal separation, inertial separation, and gravity separation to effectively guarantee the separation efficiency of the oil separator.

[0044] Furthermore, existing oil separators generally use horizontally placed filters to separate oil-gas mixtures. The oil droplets separated by these filters are too dispersed, making it difficult to effectively aggregate small oil droplets into larger ones so that they can settle to the bottom oil storage area by gravity. At the same time, upward airflow can significantly affect the gravity settling of oil droplets, and may even cause oil droplets to remain suspended inside the cylinder and unable to settle to the oil storage area, thus affecting the unit's oil return. Moreover, existing technologies use an open oil return method, which causes splashing of refrigerant oil when it comes into contact with the liquid surface of the oil storage area 11. The size of the splashed refrigerant oil is small, and it can also be carried away by the oil-gas mixture and re-mixed into the oil-gas mixture, which will also cause the oil separator to deteriorate. Therefore, all separation structures described in this application include a primary separation structure 3 located at the bottom. The primary separation structure 3 includes a first oil return pipe 31, the lower end of which is located below the liquid surface of the oil storage area 11. The first return oil pipe 31 is used to directly guide the refrigeration oil separated by the primary separation structure 3 and other separation structures above it to the liquid surface below the liquid surface of the oil storage area 11. This avoids the entrainment of the refrigeration oil by the oil-gas mixture and also avoids the refrigeration oil splashing due to contact with the liquid surface, thereby improving the separation efficiency of the oil separator. It can also avoid the return oil efficiency of the oil separator due to liquid level fluctuations in the oil storage area 11, thus ensuring the reliability of the oil separator.

[0045] To prevent the refrigeration oil separated by the separation structure above the primary separation structure 3 from flowing through the separation area of ​​the primary separation structure 3 and to ensure the separation efficiency of the primary separation structure 3, the primary separation structure 3 is provided with an oil filter channel 32, and a primary oil storage chamber 33 is formed at the bottom of the primary separation structure 3. The upper end of the oil filter channel 32 is connected to at least one of the separation structures above the primary separation structure 3, and the lower end of the oil filter channel 32 is connected to the primary oil storage chamber 33. The upper end of the first oil return pipe 31 is connected to the primary oil storage chamber 33. The oil filter channel 32 is used to guide the refrigeration oil separated by the primary separation structure 3 and other separation structures to the first return oil pipe 31 for return oil. This avoids the problem of mutual interference between the refrigeration oil and the separation area of ​​the primary separation structure 3, ensuring the separation effect of the primary separation structure 3. In addition, a primary oil storage chamber 33 is set up to collect the refrigeration oil, preventing the amount of refrigeration oil separated by the separation structure from being too large and unable to be smoothly discharged by the first return oil pipe 31. This prevents the refrigeration oil from accumulating in the primary separation structure 3, thereby ensuring that the primary separation structure 3 can perform reliable separation.

[0046] In one embodiment, the primary separation structure 3 further includes: a first housing 34 disposed within the inner housing 2; a second housing 35 disposed within the first housing 34, wherein the oil filter channel 32 is formed between the outer side wall of the second housing 35 and the inner side wall of the first housing 34, and the primary oil storage chamber 33 is formed between the bottom plate of the second housing 35 and the bottom plate of the first housing 34, wherein a primary oil return port 36 is provided on the bottom plate of the second housing 35, and the interior of the second housing 35 communicates with the primary oil storage chamber 33 through the primary oil return port 36. After passing through the fluid channel 13, the oil-gas mixture flows to the primary separation structure 3 and directly into the second housing 35 for separation. During the separation process, the separated refrigeration oil flows into the primary storage chamber through the primary oil return port 36, realizing the recovery of refrigeration oil in the primary separation structure 3. The refrigeration oil separated by the separation structure above the primary separation structure 3 drips onto the first housing 34 and eventually enters the oil filter channel 32 without entering the second housing 35, ensuring the separation effect of the oil-gas mixture in the second housing 35. At the same time, the refrigeration oil flowing into the oil filter channel 32 flows along the oil filter channel 32 to the primary oil storage chamber 33, and under the action of gravity, it flows through the first oil return pipe 31 to the level below the liquid level in the oil storage area 11, achieving the purpose of reliable oil return.

[0047] To facilitate the smooth flow of the oil-gas mixture into the second housing 35, the primary separation structure 3 further includes a primary air intake structure. One end of the primary air intake structure communicates with the interior of the second housing 35, and the other end communicates with the fluid channel 13. The primary air intake structure passes sequentially through the bottom plate of the first housing 34 and the bottom plate of the second housing 35, allowing the oil-gas mixture to flow smoothly into the interior of the second housing 35 for separation. Preferably, the bottom plate of the first housing 34 has a first mounting hole, and the bottom plate of the second housing 35 has a second mounting hole. A connecting pipe is provided between the first and second mounting holes. One end of the connecting pipe is sealed to the edge of the first mounting hole, and the other end is sealed to the edge of the second mounting hole, thereby separating and sealing the interior of the connecting pipe from the primary oil storage chamber 33, ensuring the air intake effect of the connecting pipe and the oil storage effect of the primary oil storage chamber 33.

[0048] The primary separation structure 3 also includes multiple primary baffles, all of which form a primary baffle channel within the second housing 35. As the oil-gas mixture flows through the primary baffle channel, it continuously collides with the inner wall of the second housing 35 and the primary baffles, achieving collision separation. Furthermore, the mixture continuously separates and mixes during flow, and the refrigerant oil in the oil-gas mixture undergoes inertial separation, effectively ensuring the separation efficiency of the primary separation structure 3. Specifically, all the primary baffles include a first primary baffle 371, a second primary baffle 372, and a third primary baffle 373. The first primary baffle 371 and the third primary baffle 373 are arranged side by side in the second housing 35. The second primary baffle 372 is located between the first primary baffle 371 and the third primary baffle 373. The bottom plate of the second housing 35, the first primary baffle 371, the second primary baffle 372, the third primary baffle 373, and the top plate of the second housing 35 together form the primary baffle channel. The oil-gas mixture entering through the primary intake structure impacts the first-stage baffle 371 located below, and flows towards the inner wall of the second inner shell 2 under the constraint of the first-stage baffle 371. When it reaches the inner wall of the second inner shell 2, it flows upward and impacts the second-stage baffle 372, and then converges towards the middle of the second inner shell 2 under the constraint of the second-stage baffle 372. After converging at the middle of the second inner shell 2, it continues to flow upward and impacts the third-stage baffle 373, and then flows towards the inner wall of the second inner shell 2 again. When the fluid reaches the inner wall of the second inner shell 2, it flows upward and impacts the top plate of the second inner shell 2. Under the constraint of the top plate of the second inner shell 2, it flows towards the middle of the second inner shell 2, achieving the purpose of deflection inside the second inner shell 2. During this process, the separated oil-gas mixture will continue to flow upward along the first-stage deflection channel, while the separated refrigeration oil will flow downward under the action of gravity and finally flow into the first-stage oil storage chamber 33 through the first-stage oil return port 36. Then, it flows back to the oil storage area 11 through the first oil return pipe 31, realizing oil return.

[0049] Among them, the first-stage baffles are all horizontal baffles. During the flow of the oil-gas mixture, it will undergo multiple horizontal flows while flowing vertically upward. Since the oil-gas mixture entering the first-stage separation structure 3 has a high content of refrigeration oil, the horizontal flow can make full use of the gravity of the refrigeration oil to separate the refrigeration oil, thereby achieving the separation of the oil-gas mixture.

[0050] The separation structure further includes a secondary separation structure 4 and a second air intake structure. The secondary separation structure 4 is disposed above the primary separation structure 3. The lower end of the secondary air intake structure is connected to the second housing 35, and the upper end of the secondary air intake structure is connected to the secondary separation structure 4. The oil-gas mixture separated by the primary separation structure 3 can flow into the secondary separation structure 4 through the secondary air intake structure for further separation. The secondary separation structure 4 includes a lower base plate 43, on which a secondary oil storage chamber 44 and a secondary oil return port 45 are provided. The secondary oil return port 45 is connected to the secondary oil storage chamber 44, and the upper end of the oil filter channel 32 is connected to the secondary oil storage chamber 44. The secondary separation structure 4 performs gas-liquid separation above the lower base plate 43. The separated lubricating oil flows into the secondary oil storage chamber 44 through the secondary oil return port 45, and then flows into the oil filter channel 32, allowing the refrigeration oil separated by the secondary separation structure 4 to flow smoothly into the oil filter channel 32. This ensures that the refrigeration oil separated by the secondary separation structure 4 is smoothly delivered to the primary oil storage chamber 33, and finally flows along the first oil return pipe 31 to below the liquid level in the oil storage area 11, achieving reliable oil return. There is no structural connection between the secondary separation structure 4 and the primary separation structure 3; they are independent structures. When replacing or repairing, only the corresponding primary separation structure 3 or secondary separation structure 4 needs to be replaced.

[0051] The secondary separation structure 4 includes an upper top plate 41 and multiple secondary baffles. All the secondary baffles are located between the upper top plate 41 and the lower bottom plate 43, and all the secondary baffles together form a secondary baffle channel. During the flow of the oil-gas mixture through the secondary baffle channel, it continuously collides with the inner wall of the inner shell 2 and the secondary baffles, thus achieving collision separation. Furthermore, during the flow, it continuously separates and mixes, and the refrigerant oil in the oil-gas mixture also undergoes inertial separation, thereby effectively ensuring the separation efficiency of the secondary separation structure 4. Specifically, all the secondary baffles include a first secondary baffle 421, a second secondary baffle 422, and a third secondary baffle 423. The first secondary baffle 421 and the third secondary baffle 423 are arranged side by side on the inner wall of the inner shell 2, and the second secondary baffle 422 is located between the first secondary baffle 421 and the third secondary baffle 423. The upper top plate 41, the lower bottom plate 43, the inner wall of the inner shell 2, the first secondary baffle 421, the second secondary baffle 422, and the third secondary baffle 423 together form the secondary baffle channel. The secondary intake structure introduces the oil-gas mixture from the second housing 35 into the secondary separation structure 4. The oil-gas mixture continues to flow upward and impacts the upper top plate 41. Then, under the constraint of the upper top plate 41, it is split and flows towards the first and second-stage baffles 421. After bypassing the first and second-stage baffles 421, it impacts the second and second-stage baffles 422 and the third and second-stage baffles 423 in sequence, and finally flows into the space between the third and second-stage baffles 423 and the interior of the inner housing 2. During this process, the separated oil-gas mixture flows towards the inner wall of the inner housing 2 along the secondary baffle channel, while the separated refrigeration oil flows downward under the action of gravity and finally flows into the secondary oil storage chamber 44 through the secondary oil return port 45. Then, it flows back to the oil storage area 11 through the oil filter channel 32 and the first oil return pipe 31 in sequence, realizing oil return.

[0052] Among them, the secondary baffles are all vertical baffles. During the flow process, the oil-gas mixture will flow horizontally along multiple parallel vertical planes. That is, when the oil-gas mixture flows through the secondary separation structure 4, it will flow horizontally within a certain height range of the inner shell 2, which increases the flow distance of the oil-gas mixture and the probability of collision separation and inertial separation, thereby improving the separation effect of the secondary separation structure 4.

[0053] Preferably, the secondary oil return port 45 is located on the first side of the secondary baffle plate facing the secondary air intake structure. Because the oil-gas mixture impacts the secondary baffle plate, the refrigerant oil accumulates on the secondary baffle plate and flows downwards along it, smoothly passing through the secondary oil return port 45 into the secondary oil storage chamber 44. This prevents the refrigerant oil from accumulating in the secondary separation structure 4 and being carried away again by the oil-gas mixture, effectively improving the separation efficiency of the oil separator.

[0054] In order to minimize the amount of refrigeration oil in the exhaust gas of the oil separator, the separation structure also includes a three-stage separation structure 5 at the top. The three-stage separation structure 5 includes a second oil return pipe 51, the lower end of which is located below the liquid level in the oil storage area 11. The three-stage separation structure 5 is used to separate the oil-gas mixture about to be discharged from the oil separator. The separation accuracy of the three-stage separation structure 5 is higher than that of the first-stage separation structure 3 and the second-stage separation structure 4, thereby effectively reducing the content of refrigeration oil in the exhaust gas of the oil separator. However, since a small amount of refrigeration oil will still be separated in the three-stage separation structure 5, this part of the refrigeration oil also needs to be sent to the oil storage area 11. Therefore, a second oil return pipe 51 is set to guide this part of the refrigeration oil to below the liquid level in the oil storage area 11, which avoids the refrigeration oil being carried away by the oil-gas mixture and also avoids the refrigeration oil splashing due to contact with the liquid surface. This improves the separation efficiency of the oil separator and also avoids the oil return efficiency of the oil separator being affected by the liquid level fluctuation in the oil storage area 11, thus ensuring the reliability of the oil separator.

[0055] The three-stage separation structure 5 includes a third housing 52, which is disposed within the inner housing 2, forming an air intake channel between the third housing 52 and the inner housing 2. The interior of the third housing 52 communicates with the exhaust port 12, and an air passage is provided on the side wall of the third housing 52. The exhaust port 12 communicates with the next-stage separation structure sequentially through the interior of the third housing 52, the air passage, and the air intake channel. The third housing 52 interrupts the communication path between the secondary separation structure 4 and the exhaust port 12, ensuring that the oil-gas mixture discharged from the secondary separation structure 4 can only flow along the air intake channel and through the air passage to the exhaust port 12, thus achieving reliable exhaust from the final oil separator. The air passage further separates the oil-gas mixture, further improving the separation efficiency of the oil separator.

[0056] Furthermore, the three-stage separation structure 5 also includes a filter structure 53, which surrounds the third housing 52 and shields the vent holes. The filter structure 53 filters the oil-gas mixture flowing through the vent holes, thereby improving the separation efficiency of the oil separator.

[0057] The three-stage separation structure 5 also includes an oil storage shell 54, which is located below the third shell 52. The oil storage shell 54 has three-stage oil return ports 55 located below the filter structure 53. The upper end of the second oil return pipe 51 communicates with the interior of the oil storage shell 54. The oil storage shell 54 collects the refrigeration oil separated in the three-stage separation structure 5, facilitating the delivery of the refrigeration oil to the oil storage area 11 via the second oil return pipe 51. The bottom plate of the oil storage shell 54 is stepped, and the upper end of the second oil return pipe 51 communicates with the lowest point of the bottom plate of the oil storage shell 54. This allows the refrigeration oil to form a liquid seal at the bottom of the oil storage shell 54, preventing the oil-gas mixture from flowing into the oil storage area 11 through the second oil return pipe 51 and affecting the oil return. It also prevents fluctuations in the liquid level of the oil storage area 11 from affecting the oil return effect, thus improving the reliability of the oil separator.

[0058] Gaseous refrigerant will impact the bottom oil return zone, causing drastic fluctuations in the liquid level and leading to sensor malfunctions. The upward airflow significantly affects the gravity settling of oil droplets, potentially causing them to remain suspended inside the cylinder and unable to settle to the bottom oil return zone, severely impacting the unit's normal oil return. Therefore, the oil separator also includes an oil baffle 6, which divides the interior of the outer shell 1 into a separation zone and an oil storage zone 11. The inner shell 2 and all the separation structures are located within the separation zone. The oil baffle 6 has oil passage holes. The oil baffle 6 prevents the oil-gas mixture flowing into the fluid channel 13 from impacting the liquid surface in the oil storage zone 11, ensuring a stable oil level and improving the oil return efficiency of the oil separator.

[0059] The oil separator also includes a baffle 7 and an air inlet 14. The air inlet 14 is disposed on the outer shell 1 and communicates with the fluid channel 13. The baffle 7 is disposed between the inner shell 2 and the outer shell 1, and is located between the air inlet 14 and the exhaust port 12. By using the baffle 7 to cut off the communication between the fluid channel 13 and the exhaust port 12, the oil-gas mixture entering through the air inlet 14 can only flow downward within the fluid channel 13. This fully utilizes gravity separation to separate the refrigeration oil, and can also fully utilize the centrifugal separation effect of the oil-gas mixture under spiral flow within the fluid channel 13. After reaching the lowest primary separation structure 3, the mixture flows through all separation structures in sequence, thereby ensuring the separation effect of the oil separator.

[0060] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, the oil separator in the figure has a primary separation structure 3, a secondary separation structure 4, and a tertiary separation structure 5. The oil-gas mixture enters the fluid channel 13 through the air inlet 14 on the outer shell 1, where it flows spirally and downwards. Then, it is turned back at the baffle plate and enters the primary separation structure 3 for separation. The oil-gas mixture undergoes multiple deflections within the primary separation structure 3 to achieve separation. After being separated by the primary separation structure 3, the oil-gas mixture continues to flow upwards into the secondary separation structure 4. It then undergoes multiple deflections again within the secondary separation structure 4 to achieve further separation. After being separated by the secondary separation structure 4, the oil-gas mixture bypasses the upper plate 41 of the secondary separation structure 4 and flows to the tertiary separation structure 5. After passing through the filter screen and air passages of the tertiary separation structure 5, it enters the interior of the third shell 52 and finally... The gas flow path of the oil separator is realized by exhaust port 12. The refrigeration oil separated in the fluid channel 13 flows down along the inner wall of the outer shell 1 and the outer wall of the inner shell 2 and finally drips onto the oil baffle plate 6. Then it drips into the oil storage area 11 through the oil passage hole on the oil baffle plate 6. The refrigeration oil separated by the first-stage separation structure 3 directly enters the first-stage oil storage chamber 33. The refrigeration oil separated by the second-stage separation structure 4 enters the second-stage oil storage chamber 44 and flows along the oil filter channel 32 to the first-stage oil storage chamber 33. The refrigeration oil in the first-stage oil storage chamber 33 flows along the first return oil pipe 31 to below the liquid level of the oil storage area 11 for return oil. The refrigeration oil separated by the third-stage separation structure 5 enters the oil storage shell 54 and flows through the second return oil pipe 51 to below the liquid level of the oil storage area 11 for return oil, thus realizing the return oil path of the oil separator.

[0061] Among them, the axis of the outer shell 1, the axis of the inner shell 2, the central axis of the first-stage separation structure 3, the central axis of the second-stage separation structure 4, the central axis of the third-stage separation structure 5, and the central axis of the exhaust port 12 are all collinear. This can maximize the flow distance of the oil-gas mixture and further improve the separation effect of the oil separator.

[0062] The central axis of the second return oil pipe 51 is collinear with the central axis of the three-stage separation structure 5. At this time, the second return oil pipe 51 will pass through the second-stage separation structure 4 and the first-stage separation structure 3 in sequence. The second return oil pipe 51 can connect the three-stage separation structure 5, the second-stage separation structure 4 and the first-stage separation structure 3 into a whole. The first-stage baffle 371 and the third-stage baffle 373 in the first-stage separation structure 3 can be set on the second return oil pipe 51 to facilitate the fixing of the first-stage baffle 371 and the third-stage baffle 373 and ensure the structural reliability of the oil separator.

[0063] Meanwhile, by adopting a reasonable design scheme, this invention achieves better pressure loss than existing conventional vertical oil separators while ensuring improved separation efficiency. Specific data is as follows: (taking the operating conditions of existing R507a as an example)

[0064] Conventional vertical oil separator This invention Inlet quality flow kg / s 3.91 3.91 Pressure loss Kpa 9.56 8.60

[0065] As can be seen from the table above, the pressure loss of this application is much smaller than that of conventional vertical oil separators. Furthermore, this application incorporates a multi-stage separation structure, which effectively improves the separation efficiency of the oil separator and solves the problem of poor separation performance in existing oil separators.

[0066] An air conditioning unit includes the oil separator described above.

[0067] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An oil separator, characterized in that: The outer casing (1) has an oil storage area (11) formed at the bottom and an exhaust port (12) provided at the top. Inner shell (2), the inner shell (2) is disposed inside the outer shell (1), and a fluid channel (13) is formed between the inner shell (2) and the outer shell (1). At least two-stage separation structures are provided, all of which are located within the inner shell (2) and are connected sequentially along the direction from the oil storage area (11) to the exhaust port (12); All of the separation structures include a primary separation structure (3) located at the lowest end, the primary separation structure (3) including a first return oil pipe (31), the lower end of the first return oil pipe (31) being below the liquid level of the oil storage area (11). The primary separation structure (3) is provided with an oil filter channel (32), and a primary oil storage chamber (33) is formed at the bottom of the primary separation structure (3). The upper end of the oil filter channel (32) is connected to at least one of the separation structures above the primary separation structure (3), and the lower end of the oil filter channel (32) is connected to the primary oil storage chamber (33). The upper end of the first return oil pipe (31) is connected to the primary oil storage chamber (33). The primary separation structure (3) also includes: A first housing (34) is disposed within the inner housing (2); The second housing (35) is disposed inside the first housing (34), and the oil filter channel (32) is formed between the outer side wall of the second housing (35) and the inner side wall of the first housing (34). The first-stage oil storage chamber (33) is formed between the bottom plate of the second housing (35) and the bottom plate of the first housing (34). A first-stage oil return port (36) is provided on the bottom plate of the second housing (35). The interior of the second housing (35) is connected to the first-stage oil storage chamber (33) through the first-stage oil return port (36).

2. The oil separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The primary separation structure (3) also includes a primary air intake structure, one end of which is connected to the interior of the second housing (35), and the other end is connected to the fluid channel (13).

3. The oil separator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The primary separation structure (3) also includes multiple primary baffles, all of which form a primary baffle channel within the second housing (35).

4. The oil separator according to claim 3, characterized in that: All the primary baffles include a first primary baffle (371), a second primary baffle (372), and a third primary baffle (373). The first primary baffle (371) and the third primary baffle (373) are arranged side by side in the second housing (35). The second primary baffle (372) is located between the first primary baffle (371) and the third primary baffle (373). The bottom plate of the second housing (35), the first primary baffle (371), the second primary baffle (372), the third primary baffle (373), and the top plate of the second housing (35) together form the primary baffle channel.

5. The oil separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The separation structure further includes a secondary separation structure (4) and a secondary air intake structure. The secondary separation structure (4) is disposed above the primary separation structure (3). The lower end of the secondary air intake structure is connected to the second housing (35), and the upper end of the secondary air intake structure is connected to the secondary separation structure (4).

6. The oil separator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The secondary separation structure (4) includes a lower base plate (43), on which a secondary oil storage chamber (44) and a secondary oil return port (45) are provided. The secondary oil return port (45) is connected to the secondary oil storage chamber (44), and the upper end of the oil filter channel (32) is connected to the secondary oil storage chamber (44).

7. The oil separator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The secondary separation structure (4) includes an upper top plate (41) and multiple secondary baffles. All the secondary baffles are located between the upper top plate (41) and the lower bottom plate (43), and all the secondary baffles together form a secondary baffle channel.

8. The oil separator according to claim 7, characterized in that: All the secondary baffles include a first secondary baffle (421), a second secondary baffle (422), and a third secondary baffle (423). The first secondary baffle (421) and the third secondary baffle (423) are arranged side by side on the inner wall of the inner shell (2), and the second secondary baffle (422) is located between the first secondary baffle (421) and the third secondary baffle (423). The upper top plate (41), the lower bottom plate (43), the inner wall of the inner shell (2), the first secondary baffle (421), the second secondary baffle (422), and the third secondary baffle (423) together form the secondary baffle channel.

9. The oil separator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The secondary oil return port (45) is located on the first side of the secondary baffle facing the secondary air intake structure.

10. The oil separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The separation structure also includes a three-stage separation structure (5) at the top, which includes a second return oil pipe (51) with the lower end of the second return oil pipe (51) located below the liquid level in the oil storage area (11).

11. The oil separator according to claim 10, characterized in that: The three-stage separation structure (5) includes a third housing (52), which is disposed inside the inner housing (2) and forms an air intake channel between the third housing (52) and the inner housing (2). The interior of the third housing (52) is connected to the exhaust port (12), and an air passage is provided on the side wall of the third housing (52). The exhaust port (12) is connected to the next-stage separation structure in sequence through the interior of the third housing (52), the air passage, and the air intake channel.

12. The oil separator according to claim 11, characterized in that: The three-stage separation structure (5) further includes a filter structure (53) which surrounds the third housing (52) and shields the air passage.

13. The oil separator according to claim 12, characterized in that: The three-stage separation structure (5) also includes an oil storage shell (54), which is located below the third shell (52) and has a three-stage oil return port (55) located below the filter structure (53). The upper end of the second oil return pipe (51) is connected to the interior of the oil storage shell (54).

14. The oil separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The oil separator also includes an oil baffle (6), which divides the interior of the outer shell (1) into a separation zone and an oil storage zone (11). The inner shell (2) and all the separation structures are located in the separation zone. The oil baffle (6) is provided with an oil passage hole.

15. The oil separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The oil separator also includes a baffle (7) and an air inlet (14). The air inlet (14) is disposed on the outer shell (1) and is connected to the fluid channel (13). The baffle (7) is disposed between the inner shell (2) and the outer shell (1) and is located between the air inlet (14) and the exhaust port (12).

16. An air conditioning unit, characterized in that: The oil separator includes any one of claims 1 to 15.

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