Oil separator and heating and ventilation device with same

Abstract

The invention discloses an oil separator and a heating and ventilation device with the oil separator, and the oil separator comprises a main body part which is provided with a working cavity; the outlet end of the air inlet pipe is connected to the main body part, the inlet end of the air outlet pipe is connected to the main body part, the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe are both communicated with the working cavity, at least one of the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe is a stainless steel pipe made of flexible stainless steel, and the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe are communicated with the main body part. And the material component of the flexible stainless steel at least comprises copper. According to the oil separator, at least one of the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe is the stainless steel pipe, so that the reliability of the oil separator in the working process can be improved, and the production cost can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technology, and in particular to an oil separator and an HVAC device having the same. Background Technology

[0002] Oil separators are typically installed in HVAC systems to filter the refrigerant after it has been compressed by the compressor. During the operation of the HVAC system, the refrigerant will impact the oil separator's piping at high frequency. In related technologies, the piping strength of the oil separator is relatively low, which makes the oil separator less reliable. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides an oil separator with higher reliability.

[0004] The present invention also proposes a heating and ventilation device having the above-mentioned oil separator.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an oil separator includes: a main body having a working chamber; an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, the outlet end of the inlet pipe being connected to the main body, the inlet end of the outlet pipe being connected to the main body, both the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe communicating with the working chamber, and at least one of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe being a stainless steel pipe made of flexible stainless steel, wherein the material composition of the flexible stainless steel includes at least copper.

[0006] According to the first aspect of the present invention, by setting at least one of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe to stainless steel, the reliability of the oil separator during operation can be improved and the production cost can be reduced.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the oil separator further includes: an oil return pipe, the inlet end of which is connected to the main body and communicates with the working chamber, and the oil return pipe is a stainless steel pipe made of the flexible stainless steel.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main body includes a first part and a second part, the working chamber includes a separation chamber and an oil storage chamber that are interconnected, the first part defines the separation chamber, the second part defines the oil storage chamber, and the outlet end of the air inlet pipe and the inlet end of the air outlet pipe both extend into the separation chamber.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a filter screen is provided in the separation chamber, the outlet end of the air inlet pipe is located on the side of the filter screen facing the oil storage chamber, and the inlet end of the air outlet pipe is located on the side of the filter screen away from the oil storage chamber.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the first part and the second part is a stainless steel part made of the flexible stainless steel.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main body is a stainless steel part made of the flexible stainless steel.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the yield strength of the flexible stainless steel is 140-180 MPa; and / or, the tensile strength of the flexible stainless steel is 400-600 MPa; and / or, the elongation of the flexible stainless steel is 50-80%; and / or, the yield strength ratio of the flexible stainless steel is less than 0.4; and / or, the hardness of the flexible stainless steel material is 100-120 Hv.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible stainless steel is composed of the following components by weight percentage: C: less than 0.02%, Si: 0.5% to 1%, Mn: 1 to 2%, Cr: 16 to 18%, Ni: 9 to 11%, Cu: 2 to 4%, Mo: 0 to 0.02%, P: less than 0.03%, S: less than 0.03%, with the remainder consisting of Fe and unavoidable impurities.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the Md30 of the flexible stainless steel is -50℃ to -80℃.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible stainless steel is austenitic stainless steel, and the average grain size of the flexible stainless steel is 20μm to 40μm.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the wall thickness of the stainless steel pipe is 1.2 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe are both connecting pipes of the oil separator, one end of the connecting pipe is connected to the main body, and the oil separator further includes: an external pipe, the external pipe being connected to the end of the connecting pipe away from the main body.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the external piping is a stainless steel pipe, copper pipe, copper alloy pipe, aluminum pipe or aluminum alloy pipe, wherein the connecting pipe and the external piping are welded together, or the oil separator further includes a first adapter, and the connecting pipe is connected to the external piping through the first adapter.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the connecting pipe is a stainless steel pipe made of the flexible stainless steel, the external piping is a stainless steel pipe made of the stainless steel, and the connecting pipe and the external piping are welded by a first solder, wherein the first solder contains, by weight, Cu: 46%–50%, Ni: 9%–11%, Si: 0.04%–0.25%, with the remainder consisting of Zn and unavoidable impurities; the flux used when using the first solder contains, by weight, 60%–80% boric acid, 5%–15% fluoride, and 10%–20% potassium borate; the melting temperature t1 when using the first solder satisfies: 910℃ ≤ t1 ≤ 935℃; the brazing temperature t2 when using the first solder satisfies: 950℃ ≤ t2 ≤ 975℃.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the connecting pipe is a stainless steel pipe made of the flexible stainless steel, the external piping is a copper pipe or a copper alloy pipe, and the connecting pipe and the external piping are welded by a second solder, wherein the second solder contains, by weight, Cu: 57%-61%, Sn: 1.0%-1.5%, Si: 0.05%-0.2%, with the remainder consisting of Zn and unavoidable impurities; the flux used when using the second solder contains, by weight, 60%-80% boric acid, 5%-15% fluoride, and 10%-20% potassium borate; the melting temperature t1 when using the second solder satisfies: 880℃≤t1≤890℃; the brazing temperature t2 when using the second solder satisfies: 920℃≤t2≤930℃.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the external piping is a copper pipe or a copper alloy pipe, and a first connector is provided at the end of the connecting pipe away from the main body. The first connector is made of copper and is connected to the external piping.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the external piping is a stainless steel pipe, a first sleeve is provided at the end of the connecting pipe away from the main body, a second sleeve is provided at the end of the external piping, the first sleeve is connected to the second sleeve, and both the first sleeve and the second sleeve are made of copper.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible stainless steel comprises at least copper and nickel, wherein the mass percentages of copper and nickel are: Ni: 9-11% and Cu: 2-4%.

[0024] A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: an oil separator according to a first aspect of the present invention; and a compressor connected to the inlet end of the air intake pipe.

[0025] According to the second aspect of the HVAC device of the present invention, by providing the oil separator described in the first aspect of the present invention, on the one hand, the effect of the HVAC device can be improved and the reliability of the HVAC device during operation can be increased; on the other hand, the difficulty in the production and design process of the HVAC device can be reduced and the production efficiency can be improved.

[0026] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an oil separator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shown does not include external piping and the first adapter.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The oil separator shown is a cross-sectional view excluding external piping and the first adapter;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an oil separator according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The diagram shown does not include external piping and the first adapter.

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The oil separator shown is a cross-sectional view excluding external piping and the first adapter;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the external piping and connecting pipes according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of point A shown in the image;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the external piping and connecting pipes according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of point B shown;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the external piping and connecting pipes according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 12 yes Figure 11Enlarged view of point C shown;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The diagram shows the compressor, gas-liquid separator, oil separator, four-way valve, indoor heat exchanger, and outdoor heat exchanger.

[0041] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 The diagram shows the compressor, oil separator, and four-way valve.

[0042] Figure label:

[0043] 100. Oil separator;

[0044] 10. Main body; 11. Working chamber; 111. Separation chamber; 112. Oil storage chamber; 12. First part; 13. Second part; 14. Filter screen;

[0045] 20. Connecting pipe; 21. Inlet pipe; 22. Outlet pipe; 23. First sleeve; 24. First solder; 25. Second solder;

[0046] 30. Return oil pipe;

[0047] 40. External piping; 41. Second sleeve; 42. Third solder; 43. Fourth solder;

[0048] 50. First adapter;

[0049] 200. Compressor;

[0050] 300. Gas-liquid separator;

[0051] 400, Four-way valve;

[0052] 10000, HVAC systems;

[0053] 1000, Indoor unit; 1100, Indoor heat exchanger;

[0054] 2000, Outdoor unit; 2100, Outdoor heat exchanger. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0056] The following is for reference.Figures 1-15 An oil separator 100 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention is described.

[0057] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the oil separator 100 according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: a main body 10, an air inlet pipe 21, and an air outlet pipe 22.

[0058] Specifically, the main body 10 has a working chamber 11. The outlet end of the air inlet pipe 21 is connected to the main body 10, and the inlet end of the air outlet pipe 22 is connected to the main body 10. Both the air inlet pipe 21 and the air outlet pipe 22 are connected to the working chamber 11. At least one of the air inlet pipe 21 and the air outlet pipe 22 is a stainless steel pipe made of flexible stainless steel, and the material composition of the flexible stainless steel includes at least copper. That is to say, the air inlet pipe 21 can be a stainless steel pipe, the air outlet pipe 22 can be a stainless steel pipe, or both the air inlet pipe 21 and the air outlet pipe 22 can be stainless steel pipes.

[0059] Flexible stainless steel is a copper-containing stainless steel. The presence of copper gives stainless steel better ductility and flexibility. This is because copper forms a fine, dispersed phase in stainless steel, which hinders the movement of dislocations and thus increases the yield strength of the material. In addition, appropriate amounts of copper can refine the grains and reduce defects at grain boundaries, thereby improving the toughness of the material. Furthermore, the addition of copper can also induce a martensitic phase transformation, thereby increasing the strength of stainless steel.

[0060] During the operation of the oil separator 100, the refrigerant and lubricating oil compressed by the compressor 200 enter the working chamber 11 together from the inlet pipe 21. In the working chamber 11, the refrigerant and lubricating oil are separated, and then the refrigerant flows out of the working chamber 11 through the outlet pipe 22.

[0061] During the process of the mixture of refrigerant and lubricating oil passing through the inlet pipe 21, the mixture of refrigerant and lubricating oil will impact the inlet pipe 21. Similarly, during the process of the refrigerant passing through the outlet pipe 22, the refrigerant will also impact the outlet pipe 22. In this embodiment, by setting at least one of the inlet pipe 21 and the outlet pipe 22 as a stainless steel pipe, the stainless steel pipe has higher strength and can withstand higher intensity impacts, thereby improving the reliability of the oil separator 100 during operation.

[0062] In addition, stainless steel has strong chemical stability, and stainless steel pipelines can better resist corrosion from the external environment during use, thus extending the service life of the oil separator 100. Stainless steel pipelines also have lower manufacturing costs, which can reduce the cost of the oil separator 100.

[0063] According to the first aspect of the present invention, by setting at least one of the air inlet pipe 21 and the air outlet pipe 22 as a stainless steel pipe, the reliability of the oil separator 100 during operation can be improved and the production cost can be reduced.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the oil separator 100 also includes an oil return pipe 30. The inlet end of the oil return pipe 30 is connected to the main body 10 and communicates with the working chamber 11. The oil return pipe 30 is a stainless steel pipe made of flexible stainless steel. After the refrigerant and lubricating oil are separated in the working chamber 11, the lubricating oil flows out from the oil return pipe 30 and returns to the compressor 200, thereby continuing to lubricate and cool the lubricating oil, improving the reliability of the compressor 200 during operation, and thus improving the reliability of the HVAC system 10000 during operation.

[0065] By using stainless steel pipe for the return oil pipe 30, the production cost of the return oil pipe 30 can be reduced, thereby further reducing the production cost of the oil separator 100. In addition, stainless steel pipe has strong chemical stability, which can improve the service life of the return oil pipe 30.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 4-6 As shown, the main body 10 includes a first part 12 and a second part 13. The working chamber 11 includes a separation chamber 111 and an oil storage chamber 112 that are interconnected. The first part 12 defines the separation chamber 111, and the second part 13 defines the oil storage chamber 112. The outlet end of the air inlet pipe 21 and the inlet end of the air outlet pipe 22 both extend into the separation chamber 111.

[0067] During the operation of the oil separator 100, a mixture of refrigerant and lubricating oil enters the separation chamber 111 from the inlet pipe 21. In the separation chamber 111, the refrigerant and lubricating oil separate. The refrigerant then flows out from the outlet pipe 22, while the lubricating oil flows into the oil storage chamber 112 and then out of the oil separator 100 through the return oil pipe 30 connected to the oil storage chamber 112. By providing the oil storage chamber 112, when the oil separator 100 separates too much lubricating oil, the oil storage chamber 112 can provide space to accommodate the separated lubricating oil, thereby reducing the probability of excessive lubrication affecting the refrigerant and lubricating oil separation process and improving the reliability of the oil separator 100 during operation.

[0068] During the product design process, the dimensions of the separation chamber 111 and the oil storage chamber 112 can be adjusted to meet more product design needs.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 6As shown, a filter screen 14 is provided in the separation chamber 111, the outlet end of the air inlet pipe 21 is located on the side of the filter screen 14 facing the oil storage chamber 112, and the inlet end of the air outlet pipe 22 is located on the side of the filter screen 14 away from the oil storage chamber 112.

[0070] During the operation of the oil separator 100, the mixture of refrigerant and lubricating oil enters the separation chamber 111 from the air inlet pipe 21 and is located on the side of the filter screen 14 facing the oil storage chamber 112. Then, the mixture of refrigerant and lubricating oil passes through the filter screen 14, which separates the lubricating oil and refrigerant. After passing through the filter screen 14, the refrigerant flows out of the oil separator 100 from the air outlet pipe 22, and the lubricating oil flows into the oil storage chamber 112. Thus, the oil separator 100 separates the refrigerant and lubricating oil.

[0071] During the product design process, the position of the filter 14 in the separation chamber 111, the position of the outlet end of the air inlet pipe 21 or the inlet end of the air outlet pipe 22 in the separation chamber 111 can be adjusted to meet more product design needs.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the first part 12 and the second part 13 is a stainless steel component made of flexible stainless steel. That is, the first part 12 can be a stainless steel component, the second part 13 can be a stainless steel component, or both the first part 12 and the second part 13 can be stainless steel components. Therefore, on the one hand, the impact resistance of the main body 10 can be improved, thereby further improving the reliability of the oil separator 100 during operation; on the other hand, the production cost of the main body 10 can be reduced, thereby further reducing the production cost of the oil separator 100, and the service life of the main body 10 can be increased.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present invention, the main body 10 is a stainless steel component made of flexible stainless steel. This improves the impact resistance of the main body 10, thereby enhancing the reliability of the oil separator 100 during operation. Furthermore, it reduces the production cost of the main body 10, further lowering the overall production cost of the oil separator 100, and also extends the service life of the main body 10.

[0074] In some embodiments of the present invention, the yield strength of the flexible stainless steel is 140–180 MPa. For example, the yield strength of the flexible stainless steel can be 140 MPa, 145 MPa, 150 MPa, 163 MPa, or 180 MPa, thereby ensuring that the yield strength of the components on the oil separator 100 meets the usage requirements. During the product design process, the yield strength of the flexible stainless steel can be adjusted to meet more product design needs.

[0075] The tensile strength of flexible stainless steel ranges from 400 to 600 MPa. For example, the tensile strength of flexible stainless steel can be 400 MPa, 432 MPa, 450 MPa, 500 MPa, 550 MPa, or 600 MPa. This ensures that the tensile strength of the components in the oil separator 100 meets the usage requirements. During the product design process, the tensile strength of the flexible stainless steel can be adjusted to meet more product design needs.

[0076] The elongation rate of flexible stainless steel is 50-80%. For example, the elongation rate of flexible stainless steel can be 50%, 55%, 62%, 70% or 80%. This allows the elongation rate of the components on the oil separator 100 to meet the usage requirements. During the product design process, the elongation rate of flexible stainless steel can be adjusted to meet more product design needs.

[0077] The yield strength ratio of flexible stainless steel is less than 0.4. For example, the yield strength ratio of flexible stainless steel can be 0.1, 0.2, 0.35 or 0.39. Therefore, the yield strength ratio of the components on the oil separator 100 can meet the usage requirements. During the product design process, the yield strength ratio of flexible stainless steel can be adjusted to meet more product design needs.

[0078] The hardness of flexible stainless steel material is 100-120Hv. For example, the hardness of stainless steel material can be 100Hv, 105Hv, 110Hv, 118Hv or 120Hv. Therefore, the hardness of the components on the oil separator 100 can meet the usage requirements. During the product design process, the hardness of flexible stainless steel can be adjusted to meet more product design needs.

[0079] In some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible stainless steel is composed of the following components by weight percentage: C: less than 0.02%, Si: 0.5% to 1%, Mn: 1 to 2%, Cr: 16 to 18%, Ni: 9 to 11%, Cu: 2 to 4%, Mo: 0 to 0.02%, P: less than 0.03%, S: less than 0.03%, with the remainder consisting of Fe and unavoidable impurities. Therefore, the material properties of the flexible stainless steel can meet the requirements of the oil separator 100. During product design, adjustments can be made based on the above material content range to meet more product design needs and reduce product design complexity.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present invention, the Md30 of the flexible stainless steel is -50°C to -80°C. For example, the Md30 of the flexible stainless steel can be -50°C, -60°C, -70°C, -78°C, or -80°C. In the field of stainless steel materials, "Md30" refers to the critical temperature for martensitic transformation. Specifically, "Md30" is the temperature at which 50% martensite is generated when 30% deformation occurs. This parameter is very important for predicting the behavior of stainless steel during processing because the formation of martensite affects the hardness and magnetism of the material. Generally speaking, the lower the "Md30" value, the more difficult it is for the material to form martensite under the same deformation conditions. Therefore, the material has a stronger resistance to aging cracking, i.e., it is less prone to cracking. Conversely, if the "Md30" value is high, the material is more likely to generate martensite during processing, which may lead to cracking. Therefore, by ensuring that the critical temperature for the martensitic transformation of stainless steel meets the above conditions, the oil separator 100 can operate well in low-temperature environments with good stability. During the product design process, Md30 can be adjusted to meet more product design needs.

[0081] In some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible stainless steel is austenitic stainless steel, and the average grain size of the flexible stainless steel is 20μm to 40μm. For example, the average grain size of the flexible stainless steel can be 20μm, 24μm, 30μm or 40μm. Austenitic stainless steel has stable chemical properties and strong resistance to magnetic interference, thereby improving the reliability of the oil separator 100 during operation.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present invention, the wall thickness of the stainless steel pipe is 1.2 mm to 1.5 mm. For example, the wall thickness of the stainless steel pipe can be 1.2 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.44 mm or 1.5 mm. This allows the performance parameters of the stainless steel pipe to meet the usage requirements of the oil separator 100. During the product design process, the wall thickness of the stainless steel pipe can be adjusted to meet more product design needs.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, both the inlet pipe 21 and the outlet pipe 22 are connecting pipes 20 of the oil separator 100. One end of the connecting pipe 20 is connected to the main body 10. The oil separator 100 also includes an external piping 40, which is connected to the end of the connecting pipe 20 away from the main body 10. When the oil separator 100 is assembled onto the HVAC system 10000, the external piping 40 is connected to the compressor 200 on the HVAC system 10000. During the product design process, the size or shape of the external piping 40 can be adjusted so that the oil separator 100 can be adapted to more models of compressor 200.

[0084] In some embodiments of the present invention, the external piping 40 is a stainless steel pipe, copper pipe, copper alloy pipe, aluminum pipe, or aluminum alloy pipe. This results in a lower density of the external piping 40, which reduces its weight, and a higher chemical stability, which improves its service life. During product design, the appropriate material of the external piping 40 can be selected according to the connection requirements, thereby meeting more product design needs.

[0085] The connecting pipe 20 and the external piping 40 can be welded together. As those skilled in the art will understand, welding is convenient, provides high connection strength, and offers good sealing at the connection point. Welding the connecting pipe 20 and the external piping 40 improves production efficiency, enhances the connection strength, and increases the sealing reliability at the connection point. Preferably, the connecting pipe 20 and the external piping 40 are connected by flame brazing using zinc-copper alloy. Flame brazing equipment is relatively simple and has low operating environment requirements, further reducing production difficulty and improving production efficiency.

[0086] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the oil separator 100 may also include a first adapter 50, through which the connecting pipe 20 is connected to the external piping 40. In this way, during the product design process, the connection between the connecting pipe 20 and external piping 40 of different models and materials can be achieved by adjusting the model and material of the first adapter 50, thereby reducing the difficulty of product design.

[0087] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the connecting pipe 20 is a flexible stainless steel pipe, and the external piping 40 is also a stainless steel pipe. The connecting pipe 20 and the external piping 40 are welded together using a first solder 24. The first solder 24, by weight (wt%), contains Cu: 46%–50%, Ni: 9%–11%, Si: 0.04%–0.25%, with the remainder consisting of Zn and unavoidable impurities. The flux used with the first solder 24, by weight (wt%), contains boric acid 60%–80%, fluoride 5%–15%, and potassium borate 10%–20%. The melting temperature t1 when using the first solder 24 satisfies: 910℃ ≤ t1 ≤ 935℃, and the brazing temperature t2 when using the first solder 24 satisfies: 950℃ ≤ t2 ≤ 975℃. Thus, the stainless steel connecting pipe 20 and the stainless steel external piping 40 can be welded together.

[0088] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the connecting pipe 20 is a stainless steel pipe made of flexible stainless steel, and the external piping 40 is a copper pipe or copper alloy pipe. The connecting pipe 20 and the external piping 40 are welded together using a second solder 25. The second solder 25 contains, by weight (wt%), Cu: 57%-61%, Sn: 1.0%-1.5%, Si: 0.05%-0.2%, with the remainder consisting of Zn and unavoidable impurities. The flux used with the second solder 25 contains, by weight (wt%), 60%-80% boric acid, 5%-15% fluoride, and 10%-20% potassium borate. The melting temperature t1 when using the second solder 25 satisfies: 880℃ ≤ t1 ≤ 890℃, and the brazing temperature t2 when using the second solder 25 satisfies: 920℃ ≤ t2 ≤ 930℃. Thus, the stainless steel connecting pipe 20 and the copper or copper alloy external piping 40 can be welded together.

[0089] In some embodiments of the present invention, the external piping 40 is a copper pipe or a copper alloy pipe. This results in a lower density of the external piping 40, which reduces its weight. Furthermore, the external piping 40 has higher chemical stability, which improves its service life. During product design, the appropriate material of the external piping 40 can be selected according to the connection requirements, thereby meeting more product design needs.

[0090] The end of the connecting pipe 20 away from the main body 10 is provided with a first connector. The first connector is made of copper material. In this way, the density of the first connector is low, which can reduce the weight of the first connector. In addition, the chemical stability of the first connector is high, which can improve the service life of the first connector.

[0091] The first connector is connected to the external piping 40. Thus, during the product design process, by adjusting the model of the first connector to match the model of the external piping 40, the connection between the connecting pipe 20 and external piping 40 of different models can be achieved, thereby reducing the difficulty of product design.

[0092] In some embodiments of the present invention, the external piping 40 is a stainless steel pipe, which results in a lower density of the external piping 40, reducing its weight, and a higher chemical stability, which improves its service life.

[0093] like Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the end of the connecting pipe 20 furthest from the main body 10 is provided with a first sleeve 23, and the end of the external piping 40 is provided with a second sleeve 41. The first sleeve 23 and the second sleeve 41 are connected, and both the first sleeve 23 and the second sleeve 41 are made of copper. During assembly, the connecting pipe 20 and the external piping 40 can be connected by the first sleeve 23 and the second sleeve 41. The force on the connecting pipe 20 and the external piping 40 is small during assembly, which can reduce the probability of damage to the connecting pipe 20 and the external piping 40 during assembly. The fact that both the first sleeve 23 and the second sleeve 41 are made of copper simplifies the connection process, reduces their density, lowers their weight, and increases their chemical stability, thus improving the service life of the external piping 40.

[0094] Preferably, the connecting pipe 20 is welded to the first sleeve 23, the external pipe 40 is welded to the second sleeve 41, and the first sleeve 23 and the second sleeve 41 are welded together by a third solder 42 or a fourth solder 43, wherein the third solder 42 is tin bronze solder and the fourth solder 43 is silver copper solder.

[0095] In some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible stainless steel comprises at least copper and nickel, wherein the mass percentages of copper and nickel are: Ni: 9-11% and Cu: 2-4%.

[0096] Nickel is a crucial element for stabilizing the austenitic structure, aiding in the formation and stabilization of the austenitic phase, which is fundamental to the excellent overall properties of stainless steel. The addition of nickel allows stainless steel to maintain good ductility and toughness at low temperatures. The presence of nickel helps improve the corrosion resistance of stainless steel, especially in chloride environments. Nickel can improve the cold working properties of stainless steel, making it easier to form. Nickel can enhance the high-temperature oxidation resistance and sulfidation resistance of stainless steel.

[0097] Copper can improve the corrosion resistance of stainless steel in certain environments, especially against acidic media such as sulfuric acid. The addition of copper can increase the mechanical strength of stainless steel and improve its wear resistance. Copper can form a stable protective film on the surface of stainless steel, which helps to improve its corrosion resistance. Copper has good electrical and thermal conductivity, which enhances the performance of stainless steel in these aspects. Copper also has certain antibacterial properties, which can inhibit bacterial growth to some extent.

[0098] In summary, when stainless steel contains both copper and nickel, the synergistic effect of these two elements can further improve the overall performance of stainless steel, including better corrosion resistance, higher mechanical strength, and better processing performance.

[0099] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) device 10000 includes: an oil separator 100 and a compressor 200 as described in the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the compressor 200 is connected to the inlet end of an air intake pipe 21.

[0100] During the operation of the HVAC system 10000, refrigerant enters the compressor 200, which compresses the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant then enters the oil separator 100 through the intake pipe 21. In the working chamber 11, the refrigerant and lubricating oil are separated. The refrigerant then flows from the outlet pipe 22 to the evaporator, while the lubricating oil flows back to the compressor 200. This process allows for the filtration of lubricating oil in the compressed refrigerant.

[0101] It is understandable that separating the lubricating oil from the refrigerant can improve the refrigerant's effectiveness. The lubricating oil carried out by the refrigerant returns to the compressor 200, which can reduce the probability of compressor 200 malfunctions during operation and reduce the frequency of compressor 200 maintenance.

[0102] According to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention, by providing the oil separator 100 according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention, the effect of the heating and ventilation device 10000 can be improved, the reliability of the heating and ventilation device 10000 during operation can be increased, and the production cost can be reduced.

[0103] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 13-15 As shown, the HVAC system 10000 also includes: an indoor unit 1000 and an outdoor unit 2000. The indoor unit 1000 is connected to the outdoor unit 2000. An indoor heat exchanger 1100 is provided in the indoor unit 1000, and an outdoor heat exchanger 2100 is provided in the outdoor unit 2000. An oil separator 100 and a compressor 200 are provided in the outdoor unit 2000. A gas-liquid separator 300 is also provided in the outdoor unit 2000. The exhaust pipe of the oil separator 100 is connected to the gas-liquid separator 300 through a four-way valve 400.

[0104] During the operation of the HVAC system 10000, the compressor 200 changes the state of the refrigerant, which circulates between the outdoor unit 2000 and the indoor unit 1000. Simultaneously, the outdoor heat exchanger 2100 and the indoor heat exchanger 1100 exchange heat with the environment, thereby achieving the temperature regulation function of the HVAC system 10000. Specifically, the oil separator 100 separates the lubricating oil from the refrigerant, and the gas-liquid separator 300 separates the liquid and gaseous refrigerant.

[0105] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention 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 invention.

[0106] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0107] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0108] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0109] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An oil separator characterized by, The oil separator comprises: a main body having a working cavity; an air inlet pipe and an air outlet pipe, the outlet end of the air inlet pipe being connected to the main body, the inlet end of the air outlet pipe being connected to the main body, the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe both communicating with the working cavity, at least one of the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe being a stainless steel pipe made of flexible stainless steel, the material composition of the flexible stainless steel at least including copper.

2. The oil separator of claim 1, wherein The oil separator further comprises: a return oil pipe, the inlet end of the return oil pipe being connected to the main body and communicating with the working cavity, the return oil pipe being a stainless steel pipe made of the flexible stainless steel.

3. The oil separator of claim 1, wherein The main body comprises a first part and a second part, the working cavity comprises a separation cavity and an oil storage cavity which communicate with each other, the first part defining the separation cavity, the second part defining the oil storage cavity, the outlet end of the air inlet pipe and the inlet end of the air outlet pipe both extending into the separation cavity.

4. The oil separator of claim 3, wherein A filter screen is arranged in the separation cavity, the outlet end of the air inlet pipe being arranged on one side of the filter screen facing the oil storage cavity, the inlet end of the air outlet pipe being arranged on the other side of the filter screen away from the oil storage cavity.

5. The oil separator of claim 3, wherein At least one of the first part and the second part is a stainless steel piece made of the flexible stainless steel.

6. The oil separator of claim 1, wherein The main body is a stainless steel piece made of the flexible stainless steel.

7. The oil separator according to any of claims 1-6, characterized in that The yield strength of the flexible stainless steel is 140-180 MPa; and / or, the tensile strength of the flexible stainless steel is 400-600 MPa; and / or, the elongation of the flexible stainless steel is 50-80%; and / or, the yield strength ratio of the flexible stainless steel is less than 0.4; and / or, the hardness of the flexible stainless steel material is 100-120 Hv.

8. The oil separator according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that The flexible stainless steel is composed of the following components in percentage by weight: C: 0.02% or less, Si: 0.5%-1%, Mn: 1-2%, Cr: 16-18%, Ni: 9-11%, Cu: 2-4%, Mo: 0-0.02%, P: 0.03% or less, S: 0.03% or less, and the rest being Fe and inevitable impurities. The Md30 of the flexible stainless steel is -50℃ to -80℃.

9. The oil separator according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The flexible stainless steel is austenitic stainless steel, and the average grain size of the flexible stainless steel is 20-40 μm.

10. The oil separator according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the stainless steel pipe is 1.2-1.5 mm.

11. The oil separator of claim 1, wherein The air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe are both connecting pipes of the oil separator, one end of the connecting pipe being connected to the main body, the oil separator further comprising: an external pipe, the external pipe being connected to the other end of the connecting pipe away from the main body.

12. The oil separator of claim 1, wherein The external pipe is a stainless steel pipe, a copper pipe, a copper alloy pipe, an aluminum pipe or an aluminum alloy pipe, 13. The oil separator of claim 12, wherein, wherein the connecting pipe and the external pipe are welded together, or the oil separator further comprising a first adapter, the connecting pipe being connected to the external pipe through the first adapter. The connecting pipe is a stainless steel pipe made of the flexible stainless steel, the external pipe is a stainless steel pipe made of the flexible stainless steel, and the connecting pipe and the external pipe are welded together through a first solder, wherein 14. The oil separator of claim 13, wherein ​ The first solder contains Cu: 46-50%, Ni: 9-11%, Si: 0.04-0.25% by weight, and the rest is composed of Zn and inevitable impurities; The flux used when using the first solder contains boric acid 60-80%, fluoride 5-15%, and potassium borate 10-20% by weight; The melting temperature t1 of the first solder satisfies 910-935℃; The brazing temperature t2 of the first solder satisfies 950-975℃.

15. The oil separator of claim 13, wherein The connecting pipe is a stainless steel pipe made of the flexible stainless steel, the external pipe is a copper pipe or a copper alloy pipe, and the connecting pipe and the external pipe are welded by a second solder, wherein, The second solder contains Cu: 57-61%, Sn: 1.0-1.5%, Si: 0.05-0.2% by weight, and the rest is composed of Zn and inevitable impurities; The flux used when using the second solder contains boric acid 60-80%, fluoride 5-15%, and potassium borate 10-20% by weight; The melting temperature t1 of the second solder satisfies 880-890℃; The brazing temperature t2 of the second solder satisfies 920-930℃.

16. The oil separator of claim 12, wherein The external pipe is a copper pipe or a copper alloy pipe, and the connecting pipe is provided with a first joint at the end away from the main body part, the first joint is a copper material piece, and the first joint is connected with the external pipe.

17. The oil separator of claim 12, wherein, The external pipe is a stainless steel pipe, the connecting pipe is provided with a first sleeve at the end away from the main body part, the end of the external pipe is provided with a second sleeve, the first sleeve is connected with the second sleeve, and the first sleeve and the second sleeve are both copper material pieces.

18. The oil separator of claim 1, wherein, The flexible stainless steel contains at least copper and nickel, and the mass percentages of copper and nickel are respectively: Ni: 9-11%, Cu: 2-4%.

19. A heating and ventilation device, characterized in that The oil separator comprises: The oil separator according to any one of claims 1-18; The compressor is connected with the inlet end of the inlet pipe.

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