Oil separator for heat pump unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of heat pump auxiliary equipment, and specifically to an oil separator for a heat pump unit. The oil separator for the heat pump unit comprises an outer shell and a first vortex ring and a second vortex ring both of which are inserted into the inner part of the outer shell. An air inlet and an exhaust port are arranged on the outer shell. A first vortex channel is formed inside the first vortex ring, and an initial end of the first vortex channel is connected with the air inlet. The second vortex ring is located below the first vortex ring, and a second vortex channel is formed between the second vortex ring and the outer shell. A connecting port is arranged on the second vortex ring, and the connecting port is connected with an end of the first vortex channel and an initial end of the second vortex channel at the same time. A third vortex channel is formed inside the second vortex ring, and an initial end of the third vortex channel is connected with an end of the second vortex channel, and the end is connected with the exhaust port, so as to realize an overall flow of outside, inside, outside and inside of a gas-liquid mixture, thereby improving the separation efficiency of lubricating oil and refrigerant gas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of heat pump auxiliary equipment, in particular to an oil separator for a heat pump unit. Background Art

[0002] A heat pump unit is a device that utilizes heat from a low-temperature heat source (such as air, water or soil) to drive a compressor through electrical energy to convert low-level thermal energy into high-level thermal energy. It is widely used in heating, cooling, hot water supply and other fields, and has the advantages of high efficiency, energy saving, environmental protection and no pollution.

[0003] The heat pump unit mainly includes a compressor, an oil separator, a condenser, a throttling component and an evaporator, among which the oil separator is a device used to separate oil molecules from liquid or gas. Its main function is to separate the lubricating oil and the refrigerant by reducing the flow rate, changing the flow direction or utilizing the principle of density difference, so that the lubricating oil can return to the compressor to ensure its normal operation, thereby ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the heat pump unit.

[0004] In the related technology, for example, Chinese patent application CN118687281A discloses an oil-gas separator and a refrigeration system having the same, in which the air inlet pipe of the oil-gas separator is connected to the projection area of ​​the solid cylinder wall on the outer cylinder in the radial direction, that is, the air inlet pipe is connected to the portion of the outer cylinder corresponding to the solid cylinder wall. After the oil and gas enter the outer cavity through the air inlet pipe, they flow around the circumference of the inner cylinder, first flowing through the solid cylinder wall and then flowing through the filter hole cylinder wall.

[0005] When the existing centrifugal oil separator separates the lubricating oil and the refrigerant gas, some larger oil droplets are easier to separate. However, the density of the gaseous lubricating oil and the refrigerant gas is not much different. They are relatively concentrated inside the oil separator and distributed near the center, which makes the centrifugal force for separation insufficient, and the gaseous lubricating oil is easily discharged together with the refrigerant gas, resulting in incomplete separation; and under the action of centrifugal force, the oil droplets will be thrown to the inner wall. Since the oil droplets have a certain degree of adhesion and can only flow to the bottom of the oil separator under the action of their gravity, the oil droplets located on the upper part are easily solidified and adhered to the inner wall due to their longer flow path, affecting the falling of subsequent oil droplets. Summary of the invention

[0006] Based on this, it is necessary to provide an oil separator for a heat pump unit to address the problem that the separation efficiency of refrigerant and lubricating oil in the current heat pump unit is low during use, resulting in poor operating stability of the heat pump unit.

[0007] The above purpose is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0008] An oil separator for a heat pump unit, the oil separator for a heat pump unit comprising:

[0009] A housing, wherein the housing is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet;

[0010] A first vortex ring is inserted in the housing, a first vortex channel is formed in the first vortex ring, and an initial end of the first vortex channel is connected to the air inlet;

[0011] The second vortex ring is inserted into the outer shell and is located below the first vortex ring. A second vortex channel is formed between the second vortex ring and the outer shell. A connecting port is provided on the circumferential side wall of the second vortex ring. The connecting port is connected to the end of the first vortex channel and the initial end of the second vortex channel at the same time. A third vortex channel is formed inside the second vortex ring. The initial end of the third vortex channel is connected to the end of the second vortex channel, and the end of the third vortex channel is connected to the exhaust port.

[0012] Further, the first vortex ring is configured as a variable thickness structure, and the thickness of the first vortex ring gradually decreases from top to bottom from the middle of the first vortex ring to the innermost end of the first vortex ring.

[0013] Furthermore, the second vortex ring is configured as a variable thickness structure, and the thickness of the second vortex ring gradually increases from the outermost end of the second vortex ring to the middle of the second vortex ring; and the thickness of the second vortex ring gradually decreases from the top to the bottom from the middle of the second vortex ring to the innermost end of the second vortex ring.

[0014] Furthermore, the oil separator also includes a rotating ring, which is inserted between the outer shell and the second vortex ring and can rotate on its own.

[0015] Furthermore, a plurality of guide grooves are arranged on the circumferential side wall of the rotating ring, the guide grooves are arranged through the bottom of the rotating ring, and the plurality of guide grooves are arranged along the circumferential direction.

[0016] Furthermore, an oil storage area is provided at the bottom of the shell, and the oil storage area is used to store lubricating oil; the oil separator also includes an adjusting mechanism, and the adjusting mechanism is configured to adjust the exhaust flow rate according to the content of the lubricating oil in the oil storage area, so as to reduce the exhaust flow rate when the content of the lubricating oil in the oil storage area increases.

[0017] Furthermore, an exhaust pipe is inserted into the outer shell, and the exhaust pipe is connected to the exhaust port; the adjustment mechanism includes a mounting tube, a floating part and a spiral guide vane, and the mounting tube is slidably sleeved on the outside of the exhaust pipe; the floating part floats in the oil storage area; one end of the spiral guide vane is fixedly arranged on the outer peripheral wall of the mounting tube, and the other end is fixedly arranged on the floating part.

[0018] Furthermore, there are multiple groups of the spiral guide vanes, which are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction, each group includes multiple spiral guide vanes, and the multiple spiral guide vanes in the same group are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the mounting tube.

[0019] Furthermore, the bottom of the shell is configured as a cone-shaped structure.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0021] When the oil separator for a heat pump unit provided by the present invention is in use, the gas-liquid mixture discharged from the compressor first enters the first vortex ring through the air inlet, then moves along the first vortex channel, then enters the second vortex channel from the connecting port, moves along the second vortex channel, then enters the second vortex ring, moves along the third vortex channel, and is finally discharged from the exhaust port, so that the gas-liquid mixture forms a flow from outside to inside, then from inside to outside, and then from outside to inside. During the flow of the gas-liquid mixture, since the gas-liquid mixture has a certain initial velocity, the gas-liquid mixture can move downward in a spiral under the combined action of the guiding effect of the first vortex channel, the second vortex channel, and the third vortex channel and its own gravity. Since the liquid lubricating oil and the gaseous refrigerant are subjected to different centrifugal forces, the liquid lubricating oil and the gaseous mixture can be gradually separated, and the gaseous mixture is gradually divided into an outer layer and an inner layer. By setting the gaseous mixture to perform an S-shaped vortex flow, on the one hand, the positions of the outer layer and the inner layer of the gaseous mixture can be switched, which is beneficial to improving the degree of separation of the gaseous lubricant and the gaseous refrigerant in the gaseous mixture; on the other hand, the liquid lubricant can drip from walls of different diameters without contacting each other, which effectively shortens the falling path of the liquid lubricant and reduces the possibility of the liquid lubricant adhering to the wall, thereby avoiding affecting the normal dripping of the subsequent liquid lubricant.

[0022] Furthermore, by setting the first vortex ring to be a variable thickness structure, and the thickness of the first vortex ring gradually decreases from top to bottom from the middle of the first vortex ring to the innermost end of the first vortex ring, when the gas-liquid mixture flows along the first vortex channel, as the gas-liquid mixture spirals downward, the liquid lubricating oil can fall quickly under the guidance of the variable thickness structure of the first vortex ring, thereby improving the separation effect of the liquid lubricating oil and the gaseous mixture.

[0023] Furthermore, by setting the second vortex ring as a variable thickness structure, and from the outermost end of the second vortex ring to the middle of the second vortex ring, the thickness of the second vortex ring gradually increases from top to bottom; from the middle of the second vortex ring to the innermost end of the second vortex ring, the thickness of the second vortex ring gradually decreases from top to bottom, so that in the process of the gas-liquid mixture flowing along the third vortex channel, as the gas-liquid mixture spirals downward, when the gas-liquid mixture flows through the part between the outermost end of the second vortex ring and the middle of the second vortex ring, the flow path of the gas-liquid mixture can be lengthened under the pushing action of the variable thickness structure of the second vortex ring, thereby improving the degree of separation of liquid lubricating oil and gaseous mixture, and gaseous lubricating oil and gaseous refrigerant; when the gas-liquid mixture flows through the part between the middle of the second vortex ring and the innermost end of the second vortex ring, the liquid lubricating oil can fall quickly under the guiding action of the variable thickness structure of the second vortex ring, thereby improving the separation effect of liquid lubricating oil and gaseous mixture.

[0024] Furthermore, by setting a rotating ring, during the process of the gas-liquid mixture flowing along the second vortex channel, as the gas-liquid mixture spirals downward, the gas-liquid mixture can synchronously drive the rotating ring to rotate. The rotation of the rotating ring can not only produce relative motion with the gas-liquid mixture to accelerate the separation of liquid lubricating oil and gaseous mixture, gaseous lubricating oil and gaseous refrigerant, but also accelerate the throwing out of the liquid lubricating oil.

[0025] Furthermore, by setting up an adjusting mechanism, when the content of lubricating oil in the oil storage area increases, it means that the proportion of lubricating oil in the gas-liquid mixture is high. At this time, the exhaust flow rate can be reduced through the adjusting mechanism to increase the residence time of the gas-liquid mixture inside the oil separator, improve the separation effect of liquid lubricating oil and gaseous mixture, gaseous lubricating oil and gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixture, and avoid excessive lubricating oil from entering the condenser and affecting the circulation of the refrigerant; when the content of lubricating oil in the oil storage area decreases, it means that the proportion of lubricating oil in the gas-liquid mixture is low. At this time, the exhaust flow rate can be increased through the adjusting mechanism to reduce the residence time of the gas-liquid mixture inside the oil separator and achieve exhaust as soon as possible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an oil separator for a heat pump unit provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 A front view structural schematic diagram of an oil separator for a heat pump unit provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Middle AA section view;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 2Middle BB section view;

[0030] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the exploded parts of an oil separator for a heat pump unit provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a second vortex ring of an oil separator for a heat pump unit provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 A schematic front view of the structure of a second vortex ring of an oil separator for a heat pump unit provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Middle CC section view.

[0034] in:

[0035] 1. Shell; 11. Air inlet pipe; 111. Air inlet port; 12. Exhaust pipe; 121. Exhaust port; 13. Oil storage area;

[0036] 2. first vortex ring; 21. first connecting seat;

[0037] 3. second vortex ring; 301. communication port; 31. second connection seat;

[0038] 4. rotating ring; 401. guide groove;

[0039] 5. Adjustment mechanism; 51. Mounting tube; 52. Floating part; 521. Floating plate; 522. First connecting rod; 523. Mounting seat; 524. Second connecting rod; 53. Spiral guide vane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0041] The serial numbers assigned to the components herein, such as "first", "second", etc., are only used to distinguish the objects described and do not have any order or technical meaning. The "connection" and "coupling" mentioned herein, unless otherwise specified, include direct and indirect connections (couplings). In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to the present invention.

[0042] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" or "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, an oil separator for a heat pump unit provided by an embodiment of the present invention is used for separating lubricating oil and refrigerant, and is configured to include a shell 1, a first vortex ring 2 and a second vortex ring 3, wherein the shell 1 is provided with an air inlet 111 and an exhaust port 121; the first vortex ring 2 is inserted into the shell 1, and a first vortex channel is formed inside the first vortex ring 2, and the initial end of the first vortex channel is connected to the air inlet 111; the second vortex ring 3 is inserted into the shell 1, and is located below the first vortex ring 2, and a second vortex channel is formed between the second vortex ring 3 and the shell 1, and a connecting port 301 is provided on the circumferential side wall of the second vortex ring 3, and the connecting port 301 is connected to the end of the first vortex channel and the initial end of the second vortex channel at the same time, and a third vortex channel is formed inside the second vortex ring 3, the initial end of the third vortex channel is connected to the end of the second vortex channel, and the end of the third vortex channel is connected to the exhaust port 121.

[0044] Specifically in this embodiment, Figure 1As shown, the outer shell 1 is configured as a cylindrical structure and is vertically arranged when in use. An air inlet pipe 11 is arranged on the top outer peripheral wall of the outer shell 1. The air inlet pipe 11 is configured as a square shell structure. An air inlet port 111 is formed in the air inlet pipe 11 and is connected to the exhaust end of the compressor to receive a gas-liquid mixture; an exhaust port 121 is formed at the top of the outer shell 1 and is connected to the air inlet end of the condenser to allow the gas-liquid mixture after gas-liquid separation to be passed into the condenser.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, the first vortex ring 2 is configured as an annular plate structure with an opening, and the first vortex ring 2 is formed by swirling 360 degrees from the outside to the inside in a counterclockwise direction; Figure 3 As shown, during installation, the top of the first vortex ring 2 is fixedly arranged on the inner top surface of the housing 1, and the bottom is suspended.

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, the second vortex ring 3 is configured as an annular plate structure with an opening, and the second vortex ring 3 is formed by vortexing 360 degrees from the outside to the inside in a counterclockwise direction; the connecting port 301 is opened on the circumferential side wall of the second vortex ring 3 and is arranged close to the top, and is staggered 180 degrees with the openings of the first vortex ring 2 and the second vortex ring 3.

[0047] To facilitate the connection of the first vortex ring 2 and the second vortex ring 3, as Figure 5 As shown, a first connecting seat 21 is fixedly arranged at the bottom of the first vortex ring 2. Figure 6 As shown, a second connection seat 31 is fixedly arranged on the top of the second vortex ring 3, and the second connection seat 31 is arranged in an annular structure; Figure 3 As shown, the first connecting seat 21 is set as an annular structure and the shape is set to be T-shaped. The first connecting seat 21 is coaxially arranged with the outer shell 1 during installation, and the small end is set downward. The second connecting seat 31 is coaxially arranged with the outer shell 1 during installation, and is fixedly sleeved on the small end of the first connecting seat 21.

[0048] The first vortex channel is formed by the inner circumferential wall of the first vortex ring 2, the inner circumferential wall of the first connecting seat 21, the inner circumferential wall of the second connecting seat 31 and the inner top wall of the outer shell 1; the second vortex channel is formed by the outer circumferential wall of the second vortex ring 3 and the inner circumferential wall of the outer shell 1; the third vortex channel is formed by the inner circumferential wall of the second vortex ring 3; the initial end of the first vortex channel is arranged at the opening of the first vortex ring 2, and the end of the first vortex channel is arranged inside the first vortex ring 2 and close to the connecting port 301; the initial end of the second vortex channel is arranged outside the second vortex ring 3 and close to the connecting port 301, the end of the second vortex channel and the initial end of the third vortex channel are both arranged at the opening of the second vortex ring 3, and the end of the third vortex channel is arranged at the bottom opening of the second vortex ring 3.

[0049] More specifically, in order to avoid affecting the initial velocity of the gas-liquid mixture entering the housing 1, as Figure 4 As shown, the air inlet pipe 11 is arranged to extend along the tangential direction of the shell 1; when in use, the gas-liquid mixture can enter the interior of the shell 1 along the tangential direction of the shell 1 under the guidance of the air inlet pipe 11, thereby avoiding the generation of velocity components in other directions.

[0050] During use, the gas-liquid mixture discharged from the compressor first enters the first vortex channel through the air inlet 111, then moves along the first vortex ring 2, then enters the second vortex channel from the connecting port 301, and moves along the second vortex channel, then enters the second vortex ring 3, and moves along the third vortex channel, and finally is discharged from the exhaust port 121, so that the gas-liquid mixture forms a flow from outside to inside, then from inside to outside, and finally from outside to inside. During the flow of the gas-liquid mixture, since the gas-liquid mixture has a certain initial velocity, the gas-liquid mixture can spiral downward under the combined action of the guiding effect of the first vortex channel, the second vortex channel, and the third vortex channel and its own gravity. Since the liquid lubricant and the gaseous refrigerant are subjected to different centrifugal forces, the liquid lubricant and the gaseous mixture can be gradually separated, and the gaseous mixture is gradually divided into an outer layer and an inner layer.

[0051] When the gas-liquid mixture moves along the first vortex channel, the liquid lubricating oil drips along the inner circumferential wall of the first vortex ring 2, the inner circumferential wall of the first mounting seat 523, the inner circumferential wall of the second mounting seat 523, and the inner circumferential wall of the second vortex ring 3 to the bottom of the outer shell 1; at the same time, since the outer layer is closer to the inner circumferential wall of the first vortex ring 2, the gaseous lubricating oil and the gaseous refrigerant therein can be gradually separated. At this time, under the contraction of the first vortex channel, the outer layer is subjected to greater resistance than the inner layer, so that the inner layer tends to exceed the outer layer, and then part of the inner layer will exceed the outer layer to become a new outer layer, and the gaseous lubricating oil and the gaseous refrigerant in this part of the inner layer can be gradually separated.

[0052] When the gas-liquid mixture moves along the second vortex channel, the liquid lubricating oil drips along the outer circumferential wall of the second vortex ring 3 or the inner circumferential wall of the outer shell 1 to the bottom of the outer shell 1; at the same time, under the expansion effect of the second vortex channel, the original inner layer can be accelerated to exceed the outer layer to become a new outer layer, and the original outer layer becomes a new inner layer, so that the gaseous mixture in the original inner layer is closer to the inner circumferential wall of the first vortex ring 2, thereby improving the separation efficiency of the gaseous lubricating oil and the gaseous refrigerant in the original inner layer.

[0053] When the gas-liquid mixture moves along the third vortex channel, the liquid lubricating oil drips along the inner wall of the second vortex ring 3 to the bottom of the outer shell 1; at the same time, under the contraction effect of the third vortex channel, the new outer layer is subjected to greater resistance than the new inner layer, so that the new inner layer tends to exceed the new outer layer.

[0054] During the flow of the gas-liquid mixture, the gaseous mixture can make an S-shaped vortex flow under the guidance of the first vortex channel, the second vortex channel and the third vortex channel. On the one hand, the positions of the outer layer and the inner layer of the gaseous mixture can be switched, which is beneficial to improve the degree of separation of the gaseous lubricant and the gaseous refrigerant in the gaseous mixture. On the other hand, the liquid lubricant can drip from walls of different diameters without contacting each other. While effectively shortening the falling path of the liquid lubricant, it reduces the possibility of the liquid lubricant adhering to the wall, avoiding affecting the subsequent normal dripping of the liquid lubricant.

[0055] In some embodiments, in order to improve the separation effect of liquid lubricating oil and gaseous mixture, the first vortex ring 2 is set to a variable thickness structure, and the thickness of the first vortex ring 2 gradually decreases from top to bottom from the middle of the first vortex ring 2 to the innermost end of the first vortex ring 2.

[0056] Specifically in this embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the cross-section formed by the variable thickness structure of the first vortex ring 2 is an inclined plane, and is arranged to extend obliquely in the lower left direction, so that when the gas-liquid mixture flows along the first vortex channel, as the gas-liquid mixture spirals downward, the liquid lubricating oil can fall quickly under the guidance of the variable thickness structure of the first vortex ring 2, thereby improving the separation effect of the liquid lubricating oil and the gaseous mixture.

[0057] In other embodiments, in order to improve the separation effect of lubricating oil and refrigerant, the second vortex ring 3 is set to a variable thickness structure, and the thickness of the second vortex ring 3 gradually increases from the outermost end of the second vortex ring 3 to the middle of the second vortex ring 3; from the middle of the second vortex ring 3 to the innermost end of the second vortex ring 3, the thickness of the second vortex ring 3 gradually decreases from top to bottom.

[0058] Specifically in this embodiment, Figure 3As shown, the cross-section formed by the portion between the outermost end of the second vortex ring 3 and the middle part of the second vortex ring 3 is an inclined plane, and is obliquely extended in the upper right direction; the cross-section formed by the portion between the middle part of the second vortex ring 3 and the innermost end of the second vortex ring 3 is an inclined plane, and is obliquely extended in the lower left direction, so that in the process of the gas-liquid mixture flowing along the third vortex channel, as the gas-liquid mixture spirals downward, when the gas-liquid mixture flows through the portion between the outermost end of the second vortex ring 3 and the middle part of the second vortex ring 3, the flow path of the gas-liquid mixture can be lengthened under the pushing action of the variable thickness structure of the second vortex ring 3, thereby improving the degree of separation of liquid lubricating oil and gaseous mixture, and gaseous lubricating oil and gaseous refrigerant; when the gas-liquid mixture flows through the portion between the middle part of the second vortex ring 3 and the innermost end of the second vortex ring 3, the liquid lubricating oil can fall quickly under the guiding action of the variable thickness structure of the second vortex ring 3, thereby improving the separation effect of liquid lubricating oil and gaseous mixture.

[0059] In other embodiments, in order to further improve the separation effect of the lubricating oil and the refrigerant in the second vortex channel, the oil separator is configured to also include a rotating ring 4, which is inserted between the outer shell 1 and the second vortex ring 3, and the rotating ring 4 can rotate on its own.

[0060] Specifically in this embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, the rotating ring 4 is configured as a ring structure; Figure 3 As shown, when the rotating ring 4 is installed, the top end is coaxially arranged at the bottom of the second connecting seat 31, and the bottom end is suspended and can rotate on its own.

[0061] In the process of the gas-liquid mixture flowing along the second vortex channel, as the gas-liquid mixture spirals downward, the gas-liquid mixture can synchronously drive the rotating ring 4 to rotate. The rotation of the rotating ring 4 can not only achieve relative movement with the gas-liquid mixture to accelerate the separation of liquid lubricating oil and gaseous mixture, gaseous lubricating oil and gaseous refrigerant, but also accelerate the throwing out of the liquid lubricating oil.

[0062] In a further embodiment, a plurality of guide grooves 401 are provided on the circumferential side wall of the rotating ring 4 , the guide grooves 401 are provided through the bottom of the rotating ring 4 , and the plurality of guide grooves 401 are arranged along the circumferential direction.

[0063] Specifically in this embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, the guide groove 401 is configured as a strip structure and is arranged parallel to the axis of the rotating ring 4; a plurality of guide grooves 401 are configured to be evenly arranged along the circumferential direction.

[0064] During the flow of the gas-liquid mixture along the second vortex channel, as the gas-liquid mixture spirals downward, the gas-liquid mixture can synchronously drive the rotating ring 4 to rotate; during the rotation of the rotating ring 4, when the gas-liquid mixture flows through the guide groove 401, the gas-liquid mixture can form a more uniform and stable rotating flow under the action of the guide groove 401, and this rotating flow helps to enhance the effect of centrifugal force, thereby improving the separation efficiency; and the guide groove 401 will also scrape part of the inner circumferential wall of the outer shell 1, thereby reducing the situation of lubricating oil sticking to the wall.

[0065] In other embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, an oil storage area 13 is provided at the bottom of the housing 1, and the oil storage area 13 is used to store lubricating oil; the oil separator is configured to also include an adjusting mechanism 5, and the adjusting mechanism 5 is configured to be able to adjust the exhaust flow rate according to the content of the lubricating oil in the oil storage area 13, so as to reduce the exhaust flow rate when the content of the lubricating oil in the oil storage area 13 increases.

[0066] During use, when the content of lubricating oil in the oil storage area 13 increases, it means that the proportion of lubricating oil in the gas-liquid mixture is relatively high. At this time, the exhaust flow rate can be reduced by adjusting the mechanism 5 to increase the residence time of the gas-liquid mixture in the oil separator, improve the separation effect of liquid lubricating oil and gaseous mixture, gaseous lubricating oil and gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixture, and avoid excessive lubricating oil from entering the condenser and affecting the circulation of the refrigerant; when the content of lubricating oil in the oil storage area 13 decreases, it means that the proportion of lubricating oil in the gas-liquid mixture is relatively low. At this time, the exhaust flow rate can be increased by adjusting the mechanism 5 to reduce the residence time of the gas-liquid mixture in the oil separator and achieve exhaust as soon as possible.

[0067] In a further embodiment, an exhaust pipe 12 is inserted into the outer shell 1, and the exhaust pipe 12 is connected to the exhaust port 121; the adjustment mechanism 5 is configured to include a mounting tube 51, a floating portion 52 and a spiral guide vane 53, and the mounting tube 51 is slidably sleeved on the outside of the exhaust pipe 12; the floating portion 52 floats in the oil storage area 13; one end of the spiral guide vane 53 is fixedly set on the outer peripheral wall of the mounting tube 51, and the other end is fixedly set on the floating portion 52.

[0068] Specifically in this embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the exhaust pipe 12 is vertically arranged during installation, and the top end penetrates the top of the housing 1, and the bottom end is suspended; the left end of the spiral guide plate 53 is fixedly arranged on the outer peripheral wall of the installation pipe 51, and the right end is suspended; the floating part 52 is arranged to have a floating plate 521, a first connecting rod 522, a mounting seat 523 and a second connecting rod 524, as shown in FIG. Figure 5As shown, the floating plate 521 is configured as a truncated cone structure, and the small end is configured upward; the first connecting rod 522 is configured as a round rod structure, and the bottom end of the first connecting rod 522 is coaxially and fixedly set on the top of the floating plate 521; the mounting seat 523 is configured as a disc-shaped structure, and in order to avoid blocking the passage of gas, a through hole is opened on the disc surface of the mounting seat 523, and the through holes are configured as a fan-shaped structure, and the number can be four, and are evenly arranged along the circumferential direction; the top end of the first connecting rod 522 is coaxially and fixedly set on the bottom of the mounting seat 523 when installed; the second connecting rod 524 is vertically set when installed, and the top end is fixedly passed through the right end of the spiral guide plate 53, and the bottom end is vertically and fixedly connected to the top of the mounting seat 523.

[0069] During use, when the content of lubricating oil in the oil storage area 13 increases, the liquid level of the lubricating oil rises, and the float 521 rises under the action of buoyancy. The float 521 simultaneously drives the right end of the spiral guide plate 53 to rise through the first connecting rod 522, the mounting seat 523 and the second connecting rod 524, so that the spiral guide plate 53 tends to be horizontal, and the guiding effect on the gas-liquid mixture gradually decreases, so that the gas-liquid mixture flows downward only under the action of gravity, and then the gas-liquid mixture needs a longer time to travel the same vertical distance, thereby increasing the residence time of the gas-liquid mixture inside the oil separator.

[0070] Similarly, when the content of lubricating oil in the oil storage area 13 decreases, the liquid level of the lubricating oil decreases, and the float 521 descends under the action of gravity. The float 521 simultaneously drives the right end of the spiral guide plate 53 to descend through the first connecting rod 522, the mounting seat 523 and the second connecting rod 524, so that the spiral guide plate 53 is tilted and the inclination angle increases, and the guiding effect on the gas-liquid mixture is gradually enhanced, so that the gas-liquid mixture is accelerated to flow downward under the action of its own gravity and the guiding effect of the spiral guide plate 53, so that the gas-liquid mixture needs a shorter time to travel the same vertical distance, and exhaust is achieved as soon as possible.

[0071] In a further embodiment, in order to further increase the exhaust flow rate, the number of spiral guide vanes 53 is set to be multiple groups, and the multiple groups of spiral guide vanes 53 are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction. Each group includes multiple spiral guide vanes 53, and the multiple spiral guide vanes 53 in the same group are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the mounting tube 51.

[0072] Specifically in this embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the number of spiral guide vanes 53 can be set to four groups, and the four groups of spiral guide vanes 53 are spaced and evenly arranged along the circumferential direction; Figure 5As shown, each group can be configured to include four spiral guide vanes 53, and the four spiral guide vanes 53 in the same group are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction of the mounting tube 51; accordingly, the number of second connecting rods 524 is set to four, and they are evenly arranged along the circumference of the mounting seat 523, and the top end of the second connecting rod 524 simultaneously passes through the right ends of the four spiral guide vanes 53 in the same group during installation.

[0073] During use, when the lubricating oil content in the oil storage area 13 decreases, the float plate 521 synchronously drives the right ends of all the spiral guide vanes 53 to move downward, so that the inclination angles of all the spiral guide vanes 53 increase. As the gas-liquid mixture moves downward in a spiral, the speed of the gas-liquid mixture can be further increased under the guidance of multiple spiral guide vanes 53, and then it can quickly move to the bottom of the exhaust pipe 12, realizing rapid exhaust, thereby further improving the exhaust flow rate.

[0074] In other embodiments, the bottom of the housing 1 is configured as a cone-shaped structure.

[0075] Specifically in this embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the portion of the outer shell 1 between the second vortex ring 3 and the oil storage area 13 is configured as a conical structure with the larger end at the top and the smaller end at the bottom, so that when in use, the inner conical surface of the conical structure can guide the lubricating oil dripping from the rotating ring 4 to the oil storage area 13, thereby preventing this portion of the lubricating oil from solidifying and adhering to the inner circumferential wall of the outer shell 1.

[0076] In other embodiments, the oil separator for the heat pump unit can also be used in conjunction with an oil pump; specifically, the oil pumping end of the oil pump is connected to the oil storage area 13, and the oil discharge end of the oil pump is connected to the compressor, and the oil pump sucks the lubricating oil inside the oil storage area 13 at a fixed flow rate.

[0077] Specifically in this embodiment, the setting of the oil pump can, on the one hand, promptly pump the lubricating oil back into the compressor to avoid oil shortage in the compressor, and on the other hand, can improve the accuracy of the floating plate 521 sensing the lubricating oil content in the oil storage area 13, thereby improving the adjustment accuracy of the inclination angle of the spiral guide vane 53.

[0078] The technical features of the above embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0079] The above-mentioned embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present invention, and the description thereof is relatively specific and detailed, but it cannot be understood as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this field, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, which all belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An oil separator for a heat pump unit, characterized in that: The oil separator for the heat pump unit comprises: A shell, wherein an air inlet and an air outlet are arranged on the shell; the shell is arranged in a cylindrical structure and is arranged vertically when in use, an air inlet pipe is arranged on the top peripheral wall of the shell, the air inlet is formed in the air inlet pipe and is connected to the exhaust end of the compressor so as to receive a gas-liquid mixture; the exhaust port is formed on the top of the shell and is connected to the air inlet end of the condenser; A first vortex ring is inserted into the shell, a first vortex channel is formed inside the first vortex ring, and an initial end of the first vortex channel is connected to the air inlet; the first vortex ring is configured as an annular plate structure with an opening, and the first vortex ring is formed by vortexing 360 degrees from the outside to the inside in a counterclockwise direction; the top of the first vortex ring is fixedly arranged on the inner top surface of the shell during installation, and the bottom is suspended; a first connecting seat is fixedly arranged at the bottom of the first vortex ring, the first connecting seat is configured as an annular structure, and the shape is configured as a T-shape, and the first connecting seat is coaxially arranged with the shell during installation, and the small end is arranged downward; the initial end of the first vortex channel is arranged at the opening of the first vortex ring; The second vortex ring is inserted into the inner part of the outer shell and is located below the first vortex ring. A second vortex channel is formed between the second vortex ring and the outer shell. A connecting port is provided on the circumferential side wall of the second vortex ring. The connecting port is connected to the end of the first vortex channel and the initial end of the second vortex channel at the same time. A third vortex channel is formed inside the second vortex ring. The initial end of the third vortex channel is connected to the end of the second vortex channel, and the end of the third vortex channel is connected to the exhaust port. The second vortex ring is configured as an annular plate structure with an opening, and the second vortex ring rotates counterclockwise from the outside to the inside. The vortex is formed at 360 degrees; the communication port is opened on the circumferential side wall of the second vortex ring, and is arranged close to the top, and is staggered 180 degrees with the openings of the first vortex ring and the second vortex ring; a second connecting seat is fixedly arranged on the top of the second vortex ring, and the second connecting seat is arranged as an annular structure. The second connecting seat is coaxially arranged with the shell during installation, and is fixedly sleeved on the small end of the first connecting seat; the end of the second vortex channel and the initial end of the third vortex channel are both arranged at the opening of the second vortex ring, and the end of the third vortex channel is arranged at the bottom opening of the second vortex ring; When in use, the gas-liquid mixture discharged from the compressor first enters the first vortex channel through the air inlet, then moves along the first vortex ring, then enters the second vortex channel from the connecting port, moves along the second vortex channel, then enters the second vortex ring, moves along the third vortex channel, and finally is discharged from the exhaust port, so that the gas-liquid mixture forms a flow from outside to inside, then from inside to outside, and finally from outside to inside; during the flow of the gas-liquid mixture, the gaseous mixture can make an S-shaped vortex flow under the guidance of the first vortex channel, the second vortex channel and the third vortex channel. On the one hand, the position of the outer layer and the inner layer of the gaseous mixture can be switched, which is conducive to improving the separation degree of the gaseous lubricant and the gaseous refrigerant in the gaseous mixture. On the other hand, the liquid lubricant can drip from the wall surfaces of different diameters without contacting each other, which effectively shortens the falling path of the liquid lubricant and reduces the possibility of the liquid lubricant adhering to the wall surface.

2. The oil separator for a heat pump unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first vortex ring is configured as a variable thickness structure, and the thickness of the first vortex ring gradually decreases from top to bottom from the middle of the first vortex ring to the innermost end of the first vortex ring.

3. The oil separator for a heat pump unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second vortex ring is configured as a variable thickness structure, and the thickness of the second vortex ring gradually increases from the outermost end of the second vortex ring to the middle of the second vortex ring; and the thickness of the second vortex ring gradually decreases from the top to the bottom from the middle of the second vortex ring to the innermost end of the second vortex ring.

4. The oil separator for a heat pump unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The oil separator further includes a rotating ring, which is inserted between the housing and the second vortex ring and can rotate on its own.

5. The oil separator for a heat pump unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of guide grooves are arranged on the circumferential side wall of the rotating ring. The guide grooves are arranged through the bottom of the rotating ring, and the plurality of guide grooves are arranged along the circumferential direction.

6. The oil separator for a heat pump unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: An oil storage area is provided at the bottom of the shell, and the oil storage area is used to store lubricating oil; the oil separator also includes an adjusting mechanism, and the adjusting mechanism is configured to adjust the exhaust flow rate according to the content of the lubricating oil in the oil storage area, so as to reduce the exhaust flow rate when the content of the lubricating oil in the oil storage area increases.

7. The oil separator for a heat pump unit according to claim 6, characterized in that: An exhaust pipe is inserted into the outer shell, and the exhaust pipe is connected to the exhaust port; the adjustment mechanism includes a mounting tube, a floating part and a spiral guide vane, and the mounting tube is slidably sleeved on the outside of the exhaust pipe; the floating part floats in the oil storage area; one end of the spiral guide vane is fixedly arranged on the outer peripheral wall of the mounting tube, and the other end is fixedly arranged on the floating part.

8. The oil separator for a heat pump unit according to claim 7, characterized in that: There are multiple groups of the spiral guide vanes, which are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction, each group includes multiple spiral guide vanes, and the multiple spiral guide vanes in the same group are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the mounting tube.

9. The oil separator for a heat pump unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the shell is configured as a cone structure.

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