Gas-liquid separator based on hose deformation control of oil return amount

Abstract

The application provides a gas-liquid separator based on hose deformation control of oil return amount, which comprises a tank body, an air inlet, an air outlet, an exhaust pipe, a V-shaped chute, an oil return hard pipe, an oil return hose, a float and a sliding oil suction assembly; the oil return hard pipe is connected to the exhaust pipe, and the sliding oil suction assembly is connected to the oil return hard pipe through the oil return hose; the sliding oil suction assembly is connected to the float; the V-shaped chute is located between the oil return hard pipe and the sliding oil suction assembly, the oil return hose passes through the V-shaped chute and is clamped on the V-shaped chute; when the sliding oil suction assembly floats up and down with the float, the sliding oil suction assembly drives the oil return hose to move up and down in the V-shaped chute; the function of controlling the oil return amount is realized through the flow area of the oil return hose at different height positions in the V-shaped chute. The oil return hose floats up and down with the float through the float, the oil return hose moves up and down in the V-shaped chute, the flow cross-sectional area of the hose is changed, and the technical effect of controlling the oil return amount is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal management for electric vehicles, and more specifically, to a gas-liquid separator that controls the return oil volume based on hose deformation. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional non-heat pump air conditioning systems, the compressor / refrigerant system typically operates above 0°C. Under these conditions, the compressor lubricating oil (PAG or POE) and refrigerant R134a are miscible. Therefore, in such compressor / refrigerant systems, an oil suction port is usually installed at the bottom of the refrigerant outlet pipe of the gas-liquid separator. Utilizing the negative pressure generated by the compressor's operation, a portion of the refrigerant and lubricating oil mixture within the gas-liquid separator is drawn back into the compressor through this port, thus returning the lubricating oil to the compressor. To prevent excessive refrigerant and lubricating oil mixture from being drawn into the compressor and affecting cooling performance, the size of this oil return port needs to be optimized to ensure sufficient oil return while minimizing excessive liquid entering the compressor. In traditional automotive air conditioning systems, this requirement is easily met because the refrigerant charge is constant, and the system only operates in cooling mode. The magnitude of the operating heat load has little impact on the liquid level within the gas-liquid separator. Therefore, using a constant-sized oil return port has minimal impact on the amount of oil returned.

[0003] To save energy, an increasing number of electric vehicles are equipped with heat pump systems, which are required to operate in low-temperature environments (such as -20°C). Electric vehicles using heat pump systems must, on the one hand, ensure their compressor / refrigerant systems function at -20°C. At this temperature, the miscibility of lubricating oil and refrigerant decreases, causing stratification. In this case, the lubricating oil is on the upper layer of the liquid, and the refrigerant is on the lower layer. Traditional gas-liquid separator oil return methods cannot return the lubricating oil to the compressor. On the other hand, in a heat pump system, once the refrigerant charge is fixed, more refrigerant is needed for system circulation in cooling mode, resulting in a lower liquid level in the gas-liquid separator; in heating mode, less refrigerant participates in system circulation, resulting in a much higher liquid level in the gas-liquid separator compared to cooling mode.

[0004] Therefore, in heat pump systems, the gas-liquid separator needs to have increased internal volume to cope with the large amount of refrigerant accumulating during heating mode. It also needs to consider the different oil return requirements for heating and cooling modes, requiring the gas-liquid separator to have the function of increasing oil return as the liquid level increases. This prevents excessive liquid from entering the compressor during cooling, which could affect performance, and also prevents excessive lubricating oil accumulation in the gas-liquid separator during heating, which could lead to compressor oil shortage, wear of mechanical parts, or even failure. However, current research on controlling the oil return of the gas-liquid separator under different operating conditions is still limited.

[0005] Patent document CN115468341A discloses a gas-liquid separator, including a head, a tank, and an outlet pipe. The head has a gas-liquid separator inlet and outlet, the tank has a cavity, and the outlet pipe has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is connected to the outside through the gas-liquid separator outlet, and the inlet is located within the cavity. The gas-liquid separator also includes an oil return device, which includes a float, an oil return port, a connecting pipe, and a guiding structure. The connecting pipe connects the oil return port and the outlet pipe. The float floats on the surface of the liquid working medium along the guiding structure, and the oil return port moves with the float. In this way, the float can float on the surface of the liquid working medium, and regardless of the height of the liquid working medium, the lubricating oil can preferentially enter the oil return port, resulting in good oil return effect. Although this solution can achieve oil return, it cannot control the amount of oil returned according to different operating conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a gas-liquid separator that controls the return oil volume based on hose deformation.

[0007] According to the present invention, a gas-liquid separator based on hose deformation to control oil return volume includes...

[0008] Tank body, air inlet, air outlet, exhaust pipe, V-shaped inclined groove, oil return hard pipe, oil return hose, float and sliding oil suction assembly;

[0009] The top of the tank is provided with an air inlet and an exhaust outlet;

[0010] After evaporation, the gas and liquid phases enter the tank through the air inlet. The liquid flows down the inner wall of the tank, forming a mixed or stratified liquid level. The gaseous substance enters the exhaust pipe and is discharged through the exhaust port.

[0011] A return oil hard pipe is connected to the exhaust pipe, and the sliding oil suction assembly is connected to the return oil hard pipe through a return oil hose.

[0012] The sliding oil suction assembly is connected to the float; the sliding oil suction assembly includes an oil suction hole; the oil suction hole can always be at the uppermost layer of the mixed or stratified liquid level through the action of the float;

[0013] The V-shaped groove is installed inside the tank and is located between the return oil hard pipe and the sliding oil suction assembly. The return oil hose passes through the V-shaped groove and is snapped into the V-shaped groove.

[0014] When the sliding oil suction assembly floats up and down with the float, it drives the return oil hose to move up and down in the V-shaped groove. By controlling the flow area of ​​the return oil hose at different heights in the V-shaped groove, the function of controlling the return oil volume is achieved.

[0015] Preferably, the V-shaped groove has a structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.

[0016] Preferably, the sliding oil suction assembly further includes a filter screen, and the oil suction hole is provided with a filter screen.

[0017] Preferably, the sliding oil suction assembly further includes a nut, and the filter screen is fixed to the oil suction hole by the nut.

[0018] Preferably, it also includes a limiting guide rail;

[0019] The sliding oil suction assembly also includes a slider; the oil suction hole and the return oil hose are connected through the slider, and the limiting guide rail is installed inside the tank;

[0020] The slider is mounted on a limit guide rail, which restricts the slider to move only in the up and down direction.

[0021] Preferably, limit blocks are installed at both the upper and lower ends of the limiting guide rail, and the limit blocks are used to limit the movement of the slider between the upper and lower limit blocks.

[0022] Preferably, the end of the return oil hard pipe is provided with a hose guide bracket, and sufficient return oil hose length is reserved;

[0023] The hose guide bracket is used to prevent the return hose from deforming during the movement of the sliding oil suction assembly due to the return hose being taut at high liquid levels or loose at low liquid levels.

[0024] Preferably, it also includes a liquid level signal triggering device;

[0025] The liquid level signal triggering device includes a signal pin, a switch contact, a contact spring, and a push rod mounted on the float; the signal pin, switch contact, and contact spring are all mounted on the top of the tank, and there are two pins.

[0026] When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator tank reaches the preset limit height, the push rod on the float will push the switch contact plate upward, compress the contact plate spring, and make the switch contact plate simultaneously connect two signal pins to realize the function of recognizing the excessive liquid level signal.

[0027] Preferably, the exhaust pipe is a U-shaped pipe.

[0028] Preferably, the air inlet is not in direct contact with one end of the oil return hose; the exhaust port is connected to the other end of the oil return hose.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] 1. This invention connects the sliding oil suction assembly to the float, then connects the sliding oil suction assembly to the sliding oil suction assembly, and clamps the return oil hose onto the V-shaped inclined groove. This design enables the return oil hose to float up and down with the float and move up and down within the V-shaped inclined groove, causing a change in the flow cross-sectional area inside the hose, thereby achieving the technical effect of controlling the return oil volume.

[0031] 2. The oil suction hole of the present invention is also provided with a filter screen, which can prevent impurities from entering the oil suction hole, thereby reducing the impurity content in the return oil path.

[0032] 3. The present invention also includes a liquid level signal triggering device, which has a simple structure, replaces the function of the liquid level sensor, and saves costs. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another structural diagram from another angle;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding oil suction component in this invention;

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial sectional view;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hose in the upper part of the V-shaped groove in this invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hose in the lower part of the V-shaped groove in this invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the hose guide bracket in this invention;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the signal triggering state of the liquid level signal triggering device in this invention;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid level signal triggering device in the present invention in the state where the signal is not triggered.

[0043] The diagram shows:

[0044] Detailed Implementation

[0045] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0046] This invention provides a gas-liquid separator that controls the return oil volume based on hose deformation, such as... Figure 1-9 As shown, it includes a tank body 1, an air inlet 2, an exhaust outlet 3, an exhaust pipe 4, a V-shaped inclined groove 5, a return oil hard pipe 6, a return oil hose 7, a float 8, and a sliding oil suction assembly 9; the top of the tank body 1 is provided with an air inlet 2 and an exhaust outlet 3;

[0047] The air inlet 2 is not in direct contact with one end of the oil return hose 7; the exhaust port 3 is connected to the other end of the oil return hose 7. The evaporated gas-liquid two-phase substance enters the tank 1 through the air inlet 2. Since the diameter of the gas-liquid separator air inlet 2 is smaller than the inner diameter of the tank 1, the larger droplets mixed in the gas-liquid two-phase substance are directly separated from the gas under the action of gravity. The liquid substance flows down along the inner wall of the tank 1, forming a mixed or stratified liquid level. The gaseous substance enters the exhaust pipe 4 and is discharged through the exhaust port 3. Specifically, the exhaust pipe 4 is a U-shaped pipe. The evaporated gas-liquid two-phase substance is a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant containing lubricating oil. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant containing lubricating oil enters the tank 1 through the air inlet 2. The liquid refrigerant flows down along the inner wall of the tank 1, forming a mixed or stratified liquid level of refrigerant and lubricating oil. The gaseous refrigerant enters the U-shaped pipe and flows through the exhaust port 3 into the compressor.

[0048] A return oil hard pipe 6 is connected to the exhaust pipe 4. Specifically, to prevent lubricating oil from accumulating in the gas-liquid separator with the refrigerant, causing oil shortage and wear of the compressor, a return oil hard pipe 6 is installed at the bottom of the U-shaped pipe. The sliding oil suction assembly 9 is connected to the return oil hard pipe 6 through a return oil hose 7. The sliding oil suction assembly 9 is connected to the float 8, thus ensuring that the oil suction hole 92 is always at the top of the liquid level. Specifically, the sliding oil suction assembly 9 includes an oil suction hole 92. The oil suction hole 92 can always be at the top of the mixed or stratified liquid level through the action of the float 8. More specifically, when the float 8 moves up and down with the liquid level, it will drive the sliding oil suction assembly to move up and down as well. By setting the relative position of the float 8 and the inlet of the oil suction hole 92, it can be ensured that the inlet of the oil suction hole 92 is always at the top of the liquid level. Under the suction force generated by the compressor operation, the liquid at the top layer (a mixture of refrigerant and lubricating oil or lubricating oil) enters the compressor through the oil return passage consisting of oil suction hole 92 → oil return hose 7 → oil return hard pipe 6 → exhaust pipe 4 → exhaust port 3, thus realizing the function of oil return.

[0049] The V-shaped inclined groove 5 has a structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. It is installed inside the tank body 1 and located between the return oil rigid pipe 6 and the sliding oil suction assembly 9. The return oil hose 7 passes through the V-shaped inclined groove 5 and is engaged with it. When the sliding oil suction assembly 9 floats up and down with the float 8, it drives the return oil hose 7 to move up and down within the V-shaped inclined groove 5. The flow area of ​​the return oil hose 7 at different heights within the V-shaped inclined groove 5 controls the return oil volume. Specifically, a portion of the return oil hose 7 connecting the return oil rigid pipe 6 and the sliding oil suction assembly is engaged within the V-shaped inclined groove 5. When the sliding oil suction assembly 9 floats up and down with the float 8, it drives the return oil hose 7 to move up and down within the V-shaped inclined groove 5. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the deformation of the return hose 7 at different positions within the V-groove 5. The closer to the top of the V-groove 5, the smaller the deformation of the return hose 7, and the larger the flow cross-sectional area inside the hose (e.g., Figure 5 As shown, at high liquid levels, the hose shows almost no deformation and has a large internal flow cross-sectional area; the closer to the bottom of the V-shaped groove 5, the greater the deformation of the return hose 7, and the smaller the internal flow cross-sectional area of ​​the hose (e.g., Figure 6 As shown, the hose deforms more at low liquid levels, resulting in a smaller internal flow cross-sectional area. By controlling the deformation of the return hose 7 at different heights within the V-shaped groove 5, the amount of oil returned through the return path can be controlled, achieving the function of increasing the return volume as the liquid level rises.

[0050] The sliding oil suction assembly 9 also includes a nut 93 and a filter screen 94. The filter screen 94 is provided on the oil suction hole 92 to prevent impurities from entering the oil suction hole 92.

[0051] The gas-liquid separator based on hose deformation to control the return oil volume further includes a limiting guide rail 10, and the sliding oil suction assembly 9 further includes a slider 91; the oil suction hole 92 is connected to the return oil hose 7 through the slider 91, and the limiting guide rail 10 is installed inside the tank body 1; the slider 91 is installed on the limiting guide rail 10, and the limiting guide rail 10 is used to limit the slider 91 to move only in the up and down direction. Specifically, two limiting guide rails 10 are provided on the outside of the sliding oil suction assembly, and there are limiting structures above and below the limiting guide rails 10 to ensure that the sliding oil suction assembly 9 can only move up and down within the two upper and lower limiting structure intervals. In a preferred embodiment, the limiting structure is a limiting block.

[0052] The end of the return oil hard pipe 6 is provided with a hose guide bracket 12, and sufficient length of return oil hose 7 is reserved. The hose guide bracket 12 is used to prevent the return oil hose 7 from deforming itself due to the return oil hose 7 being taut at a high liquid level or loose at a low liquid level during the movement of the sliding oil suction assembly 9.

[0053] The gas-liquid separator based on hose deformation control of oil return volume further includes a liquid level signal triggering device 11. The liquid level signal triggering device 11 includes signal pins 111, switch contacts 112, contact springs 114, and a push rod 113 mounted on a float 8. The signal pins 111, switch contacts 112, and contact springs 114 are all mounted on the top of the tank 1, with two pins 111. When the liquid level inside the gas-liquid separator tank 1 reaches a preset limit height, the push rod 113 on the float 8 pushes the switch contacts 112 upwards, compressing the contact springs 114, causing the switch contacts 112 to simultaneously connect both signal pins 11. At this time, the two signal pins 111 outside the tank 1 are connected to the controller circuit, which receives a high liquid level signal, controlling the compressor to increase its speed or the electronic expansion valve to increase its opening, thus lowering the liquid level inside the gas-liquid separator. This achieves the function of identifying high liquid level signals.

[0054] This invention positions the oil suction port 92 at the top of the liquid level, ensuring that lubricating oil is always drawn back into the compressor regardless of whether the refrigerant and lubricating oil separate. The invention employs a linkage structure between the oil suction port 92 and the float 8 to guarantee that the oil suction port is always at the top of the liquid level. This invention uses a return oil hose 7 in conjunction with a return oil rigid pipe 6 to connect the oil suction port 92 and the exhaust pipe 4, ensuring that the oil suction port is always connected to the bottom of the exhaust pipe 4 and is unaffected by the liquid level of the refrigerant and lubricating oil mixture. This invention utilizes a V-shaped inclined groove 5 design, causing the position of the return oil hose 7 within the groove to move with the liquid level. Because the return oil hose 7 is compressed to varying degrees by the V-shaped inclined groove 5 at different heights, the deformation of the return oil hose 7 also varies. This results in less deformation and a larger flow cross-sectional area at higher positions, and greater deformation and a smaller flow cross-sectional area at lower positions. This achieves the function of increasing the oil return volume at higher liquid levels, thus realizing the effect of controlling different oil return volumes under different operating conditions. This invention also includes a liquid level signal triggering device. When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator reaches a preset warning position, the triggering device sends a signal, which, via the air conditioning controller, increases the compressor speed or the expansion valve opening, thereby increasing the refrigerant flow in the system and lowering the liquid level. This prevents a large amount of liquid refrigerant / lubricating oil from flowing directly into the compressor through the exhaust pipe inlet due to an excessively high liquid level, which could cause liquid slugging damage to the compressor.

[0055] As can be seen from the above, this invention controls the amount of oil returning through the float 7, which moves up and down within the V-shaped groove as the float 8 floats, thus increasing or decreasing the flow cross-sectional area inside the hose. This achieves the goal of increasing the amount of oil returning as the liquid level rises, fully meeting the lubrication and system performance requirements of the compressor. Furthermore, a liquid level signal triggering device 11 is provided to prevent excessive liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor and damaging it due to an excessively high liquid level. In summary, this invention can be used in low-temperature heat pump systems of electric vehicle thermal management systems; it is applicable to all automotive air conditioning systems where refrigerant and lubricating oil are miscible, or where refrigerant and lubricating oil are stratified, but the lubricating oil is on the upper level; it enables the function of increasing oil return as the liquid level increases, ensuring the compressor / refrigerant system guarantees oil return while preventing excessive liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor and affecting system performance; compared to electrically adjusting the oil return, this invention uses all mechanical parts, reducing costs; the liquid level signal triggering device of this invention effectively prevents a large amount of liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor, extending the compressor's service life; the liquid level signal triggering device of this invention has a simple structure, replaces the function of a liquid level sensor, and saves costs.

[0056] In addition, this invention also solves the problem that under low-load heat pump operation, excessive refrigerant accumulates in the gas-liquid separator, resulting in a large amount of liquid refrigerant entering the compressor due to excessively high liquid level. Furthermore, this patent uses a mechanical structure with a flexible hose and a V-shaped inclined groove, which can save costs and ensures continuous and uninterrupted control of the oil return volume, making the control of the oil return volume more precise.

[0057] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0058] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separator that controls the amount of return oil based on deformation of a hose, characterized by, The utility model relates to a kind of oil return devices of float type, including Tank (1), air inlet (2), exhaust port (3), exhaust pipe (4), V chute (5), oil return hard tube (6), oil return hose (7), float (8) and sliding oil suction assembly (9); The tank (1) top is equipped with air inlet (2) and exhaust port (3); Evaporated gas-liquid two-phase material enters tank (1) from air inlet (2), and liquid material flows down along the inner wall of tank (1), forming mixed or layered liquid level;Gaseous material enters exhaust pipe (4), and is discharged from exhaust port (3); Oil return hard tube (6) is connected on exhaust pipe (4), and sliding oil suction assembly (9) is connected with oil return hard tube (6) through oil return hose (7); Sliding oil suction assembly (9) is connected with float (8);Sliding oil suction assembly (9) includes oil suction hole (92);Oil suction hole (92) can be always in the uppermost layer of the mixed or layered liquid level by the action of float (8); The V chute (5) is installed in tank (1), and is located between oil return hard tube (6) and sliding oil suction assembly (9), and oil return hose (7) passes through the V chute (5) and is clamped on V chute (5); When sliding oil suction assembly (9) floats up and down with float (8), sliding oil suction assembly (9) drives oil return hose (7) to move up and down in V chute (5);Through the flow area of oil return hose (7) at different height positions in V chute (5), the function of controlling oil return amount is realized; The V chute (5) is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom.

2. The gas-liquid separator that controls the amount of return oil based on deformation of a hose according to claim 1, characterized by, Sliding oil suction assembly (9) further includes filter screen (94), and filter screen (94) is arranged on oil suction hole (92).

3. The gas-liquid separator that controls the amount of return oil based on deformation of a hose according to claim 2, characterized by, Sliding oil suction assembly (9) further includes nut (93), and filter screen (94) is fixed on oil suction hole (92) through nut (93).

4. The gas-liquid separator that controls the amount of return oil based on deformation of a hose according to claim 1, characterized by, Further including limiting guide rail (10); Sliding oil suction assembly (9) further includes sliding block (91), and oil suction hole (92) and oil return hose (7) are connected through sliding block (91), and limiting guide rail (10) is installed in tank (1); Sliding block (91) is installed on limiting guide rail (10), and limiting guide rail (10) is used to limit the movement of sliding block (91) in the up-down direction.

5. The gas-liquid separator that controls the amount of return oil based on deformation of a hose according to claim 4, characterized by, The upper end and the lower end of limiting guide rail (10) are both provided with limiting block, and the limiting block is used to limit the movement of sliding block (91) between the upper and lower limiting blocks.

6. The gas-liquid separator that controls the amount of return oil based on deformation of a hose according to claim 1, characterized by, The end of oil return hard tube (6) is provided with hose guide bracket (12), and sufficient length of oil return hose (7) is reserved; Hose guide bracket (12) is used to avoid the deformation of oil return hose (7) itself due to the tension of oil return hose (7) at high liquid level or the relaxation of oil return hose (7) at low liquid level during the movement of sliding oil suction assembly (9).

7. The gas-liquid separator that controls the amount of return oil based on deformation of a hose according to claim 1, characterized by, Further including liquid level signal triggering device (11). The liquid level signal triggering device (11) comprises a signal pin (111), a switch contact (112), a contact spring (114) and a push rod (113) installed on the float (8); the signal pin (111), the switch contact (112) and the contact spring (114) are all installed on the top of the tank body (1), and the number of the signal pins (111) is two; When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator tank body (1) reaches a preset limit height, the push rod (113) on the float (8) pushes the switch contact (112) to move upward, compresses the contact spring (114), and makes the switch contact (112) connect the two signal pins (111) at the same time, so as to realize the function of identifying the high liquid level signal.

8. The gas-liquid separator that controls the amount of return oil based on deformation of a hose according to claim 1, characterized by, The exhaust pipe (4) is a U-shaped pipe.

9. The gas-liquid separator that controls the amount of return oil based on deformation of a hose according to claim 1, characterized by, The air inlet (2) is not directly in contact with one end of the oil return hose (7); and the exhaust port (3) is connected with the other end of the oil return hose (7).

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