Air compressor

Abstract

The utility model provides an air compressor. The air compressor comprises an impeller; the rotating shaft is provided with a first end connected to the impeller and a second end opposite to the first end in the axial direction; the compressor shell is constructed to be suitable for at least partially containing the rotating shaft and the impeller, and the compressor shell comprises an end wall opposite to the second end of the rotating shaft in the axial direction. The air compressor further comprises a pressure adjusting device arranged at the end wall, and the pressure adjusting device is provided with an exhaust channel and can be switched between a closed state and an open state according to air pressure in an adjusting space between the end wall and the second end of the rotating shaft. In the open state of the pressure regulating device, the exhaust passage is opened to allow gas in the regulating space to be discharged through the exhaust passage, and in the closed state of the pressure regulating device, the exhaust passage is blocked. By means of the rotating shaft, the rotating shaft can be prevented from being subjected to large axial acting force in the direction from the second end to the first end at the second end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to an air compressor. Background Art

[0002] Air compressors are widely used in a variety of applications, such as in fuel cell systems, engines or vehicles. Air compressors generally include a shaft and an impeller. The impeller can be driven by the shaft to rotate so as to compress air to a high pressure and high flow rate.

[0003] During the operation of the air compressor, there will be an imbalance of air pressure inside the air compressor, causing the rotating shaft to be subjected to an axial force toward the impeller. In order to resist this axial force, a thrust bearing can be provided to apply a thrust force opposite to the axial force to the rotating shaft. If this axial force is too large, it will cause the working state of the air compressor to be unstable or cause the parts of the air compressor to wear. For example, the thrust bearing may wear due to excessive load. Utility Model Content

[0004] The object of the present application is to provide an improved air compressor so as to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present application, an air compressor is provided, which includes: an impeller; a rotating shaft for driving the impeller to rotate, the rotating shaft having a first end connected to the impeller and a second end opposite to the first end in the axial direction; and a compressor housing, which is configured to at least partially accommodate the rotating shaft and the impeller, and the compressor housing includes an end wall opposite to the second end of the rotating shaft in the axial direction. The air compressor also includes a pressure regulating device arranged at the end wall, the pressure regulating device is provided with an exhaust channel and is configured to be able to switch between a closed state and an open state according to the gas pressure in the regulating space between the end wall and the second end of the rotating shaft, wherein, in the open state of the pressure regulating device, the exhaust channel is opened to allow the gas in the regulating space to be discharged through the exhaust channel, and in the closed state of the pressure regulating device, the exhaust channel is blocked.

[0006] By means of the pressure regulating device, the air pressure in the regulating space between the end wall and the second end of the rotating shaft can be regulated to prevent the air pressure in the regulating space from being too high. Furthermore, the rotating shaft can be prevented from being subjected to a large axial force in the direction from the second end to the first end at the second end. This helps prevent the rotating shaft from having problems such as unstable working state or wear due to the axial force.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the air compressor may be provided with a cooling gas flow path. The cooling gas flow path is configured to be suitable for guiding cooling gas for cooling components of the air compressor. The regulating space is part of the cooling gas flow path. In this case, it is particularly advantageous to provide a pressure regulating device as described in the present application. With the aid of the pressure regulating device, it is possible to prevent the air pressure in the regulating space from being too high in a reliable and convenient manner. Therefore, there is no need to accurately control the pressure of the cooling gas in the cooling gas flow path in a complicated manner or at a high cost.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the air compressor may be provided with an air bearing for providing a force in a direction from the first end to the second end to the rotating shaft.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the air compressor may include a flying disc extending radially outward from the rotating shaft, and the air bearing is arranged on a side of the flying disc facing the impeller. The pressure regulating device is particularly helpful in preventing the flying disc from being worn.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the pressure regulating device may include a regulating body defining an exhaust passage and a valve core adapted to open and block the exhaust passage.

[0011] The valve core may, for example, be arranged to be adapted to move in the axial direction so as to open and block the exhaust passage.

[0012] The valve core may be arranged to be adapted to be pushed by the gas from the regulated space so as to open the exhaust passage.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the pressure regulating device may further include a biasing element arranged and adapted to provide a biasing force toward the second end to the valve core.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the regulating body may include a regulating housing and a valve seat, wherein the valve seat is accommodated in the regulating housing and forms a first channel section of the exhaust channel.

[0015] In the closed state of the pressure regulating device, the valve core can abut against the valve seat and thus block the first channel section.

[0016] The first channel section may, for example, penetrate the valve seat in the axial direction.

[0017] Optionally, the first channel section may at least partially expand in a direction toward the valve core.

[0018] Optionally, the valve seat can be connected to the regulating housing in a position-adjustable manner by means of a threaded connection. As a result, the position of the valve seat in the regulating housing can be adjusted in a convenient manner. By changing the position of the valve seat in the regulating housing, the exhaust pressure threshold set for the regulating space can be changed.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the adjustment housing may be formed in a cap shape and may include a central portion and a flange protruding radially outward from one side of the central portion toward the end wall, the flange abutting against the end wall, and the adjustment housing is fixed to the end wall via the flange.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the pressure regulating device further includes a seal, which is arranged between the regulating housing and the end wall.

[0021] Optionally, the adjustment housing may be provided with a sealing groove suitable for accommodating a sealing member on a side thereof facing the end wall.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the end wall may be provided with a sealing groove suitable for accommodating a sealing member on its side facing the adjustment housing.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the end wall is provided with an end wall opening opposite to the second end, and the adjustment housing covers the end wall opening on the outer side of the end wall.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, a cross-sectional area of ​​the end wall opening is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the valve seat, thereby allowing the valve seat to be partially located within the end wall opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the principles, features and advantages of the present application can be better understood. The accompanying drawings include:

[0026] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates an air compressor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 2 Schematically illustrates a rotating shaft and an impeller in an air compressor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Schematically illustrate a pressure regulating device in an air compressor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application; and

[0029] Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of an air compressor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0030] Reference numerals list

[0031] 1 Impeller

[0032] 2 Axis

[0033] 21 First End

[0034] 22 Second End

[0035] 3 Compressor housing

[0036] 31 end wall

[0037] 311 End wall opening

[0038] 4. Pressure regulating device

[0039] 40 Exhaust channel

[0040] 401 First channel section

[0041] 402 Second channel section

[0042] 41 Adjustment subject

[0043] 411 Adjustment housing

[0044] 4111 Center

[0045] 4112 Flange

[0046] 4113 Fixing hole

[0047] 4114 Seal groove

[0048] 412 Valve Seat

[0049] 42 Valve core

[0050] 43 Bias element

[0051] 44 Seals

[0052] 5 Air bearings

[0053] 6. Frisbee

[0054] 7 Bearing side cover

[0055] 101 Adjusting the Space

[0056] 102 Cooling gas flow path DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial technical effects to be solved by the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and multiple exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application, rather than to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0058] It should be understood that, in this document, the expressions "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, nor should they be understood as implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly indicate that at least one of the features is included.

[0059] Figure 1 An air compressor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the air compressor includes: an impeller 1; a rotating shaft 2 for driving the impeller 1 to rotate, the rotating shaft 2 having a first end 21 connected to the impeller 1 and a second end 22 opposite to the first end 21 in the axial direction; and a compressor housing 3, which is configured to accommodate the rotating shaft 2 and the impeller 1 at least partially. The compressor housing 3 includes an end wall 31 opposite to the second end 22 of the rotating shaft 2 in the axial direction. The air compressor also includes a pressure regulating device 4 arranged at the end wall 31. The pressure regulating device 4 is provided with an exhaust passage 40 and is configured to be able to switch between a closed state and an open state according to the gas pressure in the regulating space 101 between the end wall 31 and the second end 22 of the rotating shaft 2. In the open state of the pressure regulating device 4, the exhaust passage 40 is opened to allow the gas in the regulating space 101 to be discharged through the exhaust passage 40. In the closed state of the pressure regulating device 4, the exhaust passage 40 is blocked.

[0061] The inventors have found that during the operation of the air compressor, the regulating space 101 between the end wall 31 and the second end 22 of the rotating shaft 2 will have a high air pressure, which will cause the rotating shaft 2 to be subjected to a large axial force in the direction from the second end 22 to the first end 21. With the help of the pressure regulating device 4, it is possible to prevent the air pressure in the regulating space 101 from being too high. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the rotating shaft 2 from being subjected to a large axial force in the direction from the second end 22 to the first end 21 at the second end 22. This helps to prevent the rotating shaft 2 from having problems such as unstable working state or wear due to the axial force.

[0062] In this document, unless otherwise specified, directional expressions such as "axial direction" and "radial direction" are relative to the rotating shaft 2. It should be understood that the rotating shaft 2 can be formed as a single component or composed of multiple components.

[0063] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the air compressor may be provided with a cooling gas flow path 102. The cooling gas flow path 102 is configured to guide cooling gas for cooling components of the air compressor. The cooling gas is, for example, air. The regulated space 101 between the end wall 31 and the second end 22 of the rotating shaft 2 is a part of the cooling gas flow path 102.

[0064] like Figure 1 As exemplarily shown by dashed arrows in FIG. 1 , the cooling gas may flow through the conditioning space 101. Downstream of the conditioning space 101, a cooling gas flow path 102 may extend in the compressor housing, for example, in a radial and / or axial direction.

[0065] The cooling gas may be pressurized so as to flow through the cooling gas flow path 102. In order to enable the cooling gas to flow in the cooling gas flow path 102 as required, a relatively high air pressure is established in the regulating space 101. The relatively high air pressure is higher than the air pressure downstream of the regulating space 101 and the air pressure of the external environment in which the air compressor is located. In this case, it is particularly advantageous to provide the pressure regulating device 4 described in the present application. With the aid of the pressure regulating device 4, it is possible to prevent the air pressure in the regulating space 101 from being excessively high in a reliable and convenient manner. Therefore, there is no need to accurately control the pressure of the cooling gas in the cooling gas flow path 102 in a complicated manner or at a high cost.

[0066] Figure 2 The figure schematically shows a rotating shaft 2 and an impeller 1 in an air compressor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 As shown, the first end 21 of the rotating shaft 2 can be connected to the impeller 1. At the second end 22, due to the adjustment space 101 (see Figure 1 ) due to the relatively high air pressure inside, the rotating shaft 2 is subjected to an axial force F1 directed from the second end 22 to the first end 21.

[0067] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The air compressor may be provided with an air bearing 5 for providing the rotating shaft 2 with a force F2 in a direction from the first end 21 to the second end 22. The pressure regulating device 4 can be used to reduce the load of the air bearing 5 during the operation of the air compressor. Specifically, if the air pressure in the regulating space 101 is too high, so that the rotating shaft 2 is subjected to a large axial force F1 directed to the first end 21 at the second end 22, the air bearing 5 will be subjected to a correspondingly large load. This may cause the working state of the air bearing 5 to gradually deteriorate, or even cause wear.

[0068] The air compressor may include a flying disc 6 extending radially outward from the rotating shaft 2. The air bearing 5 may be arranged on the side of the flying disc 6 facing the impeller 1. The flying disc 6 may be integrated into the rotating shaft 2 in a one-piece manner, for example. The pressure regulating device 4 is particularly helpful in preventing the flying disc 6 from wearing.

[0069] Optionally, the air compressor may further include a bearing side cover 7, which is arranged between the impeller 1 and the flying disc 6. The bearing side cover 7 may form an air bearing 5 together with the flying disc 6.

[0070] In other embodiments, the air compressor may include other types of thrust bearings arranged between the rotating shaft 2 and the bearing side cover 7, such as a thrust ball bearing or a thrust needle roller bearing.

[0071] The following further combines Figure 3 and Figure 4 Exemplary embodiments according to the present application are described. Figure 3and Figure 4 The pressure regulating devices 4 in the air compressor according to the exemplary embodiments of the present application are schematically shown respectively. Figure 3 The pressure regulating device 4 is shown in a closed state. Figure 4 The pressure regulating device 4 is shown in the open state.

[0072] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the pressure regulating device 4 may include a regulating body 41 defining an exhaust passage 40 and a valve core 42 adapted to open and block the exhaust passage 40. The valve core 42 may be arranged to be adapted to move in the axial direction so as to open and block the exhaust passage 40.

[0073] In particular, the valve core 42 may be arranged to be adapted to be pushed by the gas from the adjustment space 101 between the end wall 31 and the second end 22 of the rotating shaft 2 so as to open the exhaust passage 40 .

[0074] The pressure regulating device 4 further comprises, for example, a biasing element 43, which is arranged to provide a biasing force to the valve core 42 toward the second end 22. The biasing element 43 may comprise a spring or other elastic element, such as a diaphragm.

[0075] The regulating body 41 may include, for example, a regulating housing 411 and a valve seat 412. The valve seat 412 may be accommodated in the regulating housing 411 and formed with a first channel section 401 of the exhaust channel 40. The first channel section 401 may, for example, penetrate the valve seat 412 in the axial direction. The regulating housing 411 may be formed with a second channel section 402 of the exhaust channel 40, which is, for example, located downstream of the first channel section 401.

[0076] See also Figure 3 In the closed state of the pressure regulating device 4, the valve core 42 can abut against the valve seat 412, thereby blocking the first channel section 401. When the air pressure in the regulating space 101 is relatively high, for example, when the air pressure in the regulating space 101 is greater than the exhaust pressure threshold, the gas from the regulating space 101 can overcome the biasing force applied to the valve core 42 by the biasing element 43 and push the valve core 42 to move. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the valve core 42 can move to the right (i.e., in a direction away from the rotating shaft 2) to leave the valve seat 412. When the pressure regulating device 4 is in the open state, the valve core 42 can leave the valve seat 412. As a result, the exhaust channel 40 is opened, and the gas can flow out from the regulating space 101 through the exhaust channel 40. Figure 4 As shown by the dotted arrow in . Therefore, the air pressure in the regulating space 101 can be reduced. After the air pressure in the regulating space 101 is reduced to a desired pressure level, the biasing element 43 can push the valve core 42 until the valve core 42 abuts against the valve seat 412.

[0077] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the first channel section 401 can at least partially expand in a direction toward the valve core 42. Therefore, in the closed state of the pressure regulating device 4, the valve seat 412 can stably and reliably receive and limit the valve core 42.

[0078] As an example, the valve core 42 may be formed as a sphere. The first channel section 401 may be formed substantially in a truncated cone shape at one end thereof adjacent to the valve core 42 .

[0079] In other embodiments, the valve core 42 may also be formed in other shapes, such as a rectangle or a cone.

[0080] The regulating housing 411 may be formed in a cap shape, for example. The regulating housing 411 may include a central portion 4111 and a flange 4112 protruding radially outward from one side of the central portion 4111 toward the end wall 31. The valve seat 412, the valve core 42, and the biasing element 43 may be accommodated in the central portion 4111, for example. Figure 1 and Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can be seen that the adjustment housing 411 can be fixed to the end wall 31 via the flange 4112. The flange 4112 can be abutted against the end wall 31. As an example, the flange 4112 can be provided with a fixing hole 4113. A fastener, such as a screw, can pass through the fixing hole 4113 and extend into the end wall 31 to fix the adjustment housing 411 to the end wall 31. In addition, it is also feasible that the adjustment housing 411 is connected to the end wall 31 by other means such as welding connection or threaded connection.

[0081] The pressure regulating device 4 may further include a seal 44, which is arranged between the regulating housing 411 and the end wall 31. Optionally, the regulating housing 411 may be provided with a sealing groove 4114 suitable for accommodating the seal 44 on one side thereof facing the end wall 31. Alternatively or additionally, the end wall 31 may be provided with a sealing groove suitable for accommodating the seal 44 on one side thereof facing the regulating housing 411.

[0082] Figure 1 It is also shown that the end wall 31 may be provided with an end wall opening 311 opposite to the second end 22 , and the pressure regulating device 4 covers the end wall opening 311 on the outer side of the end wall 31 .

[0083] In a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the end wall opening 311 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve seat 412, thereby allowing the valve seat 412 to be partially located in the end wall opening 311. This helps to reduce the axial size of the air compressor. In addition, the position of the valve seat 412 in the regulating housing 411 can be easily adjusted.

[0084] Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of an air compressor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0085] like Figure 5 As shown, the valve seat 412 may be partially located within the end wall opening 311 .

[0086] Optionally, the valve seat 412 may be connected to the regulating housing 411 in a positionally adjustable manner by a threaded connection. For example, the valve seat 412 may be provided with an external thread at its outer surface, so that the valve seat 412 can be screwed into the threaded hole of the regulating housing 411. The position of the valve seat 412 in the regulating housing 411 can be set by the extent to which the valve seat 412 is screwed into the regulating housing 411. Thus, the position of the valve seat 412 in the regulating housing 411 can be adjusted in a convenient manner. By changing the position of the valve seat 412 in the regulating housing 411, the exhaust pressure threshold set for the regulating space 101 can be changed.

[0087] Although specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail herein, they are provided for the purpose of explanation only and should not be considered to limit the scope of the present application. Various replacements, changes and modifications may be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. In specific implementations, multiple features may be combined with each other as technically feasible, depending on actual needs. In particular, features in different embodiments may also be combined with each other.

Claims

1. An air compressor, comprising: Impeller (1); a rotating shaft (2) adapted to drive the impeller (1) to rotate, the rotating shaft (2) having a first end (21) connected to the impeller (1) and a second end (22) opposite to the first end (21) in the axial direction; and A compressor housing (3) is configured to at least partially accommodate a rotating shaft (2) and an impeller (1), the compressor housing (3) comprising an end wall (31) axially opposite to the second end (22) of the rotating shaft (2), It is characterized in that The air compressor further comprises a pressure regulating device (4) arranged at the end wall (31), the pressure regulating device (4) being provided with an exhaust passage (40) and being configured to switch between a closed state and an open state according to the gas pressure in a regulating space (101) between the end wall (31) and the second end (22) of the rotating shaft (2), wherein, in the open state of the pressure regulating device (4), the exhaust passage (40) is opened so as to allow the gas in the regulating space (101) to be discharged via the exhaust passage (40), and in the closed state of the pressure regulating device (4), the exhaust passage (40) is blocked.

2. The air compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air compressor is provided with a cooling gas flow path (102) configured to guide cooling gas for cooling components of the air compressor, and the conditioning space (101) is a part of the cooling gas flow path (102).

3. The air compressor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The air compressor is provided with an air bearing (5) suitable for providing a force for the rotating shaft (2) in a direction from the first end (21) to the second end (22).

4. The air compressor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The air compressor comprises a flying disc (6) extending radially outward from a rotating shaft (2), and an air bearing (5) is arranged on a side of the flying disc (6) facing the impeller (1).

5. The air compressor according to any one of claims 1-2 and 4, characterized in that: The pressure regulating device (4) comprises a regulating body (41) defining an exhaust passage (40) and a valve core (42) suitable for opening and blocking the exhaust passage (40), wherein: The valve core (42) is arranged to be suitable for moving in the axial direction to open and block the exhaust passage (40); and / or The valve core (42) is arranged to be pushed by the gas from the adjustment space (101) so as to open the exhaust passage (40); and / or The pressure regulating device (4) further comprises a biasing element (43) arranged and adapted to provide a biasing force to the valve core (42) towards the second end (22).

6. The air compressor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The regulating body (41) comprises a regulating housing (411) and a valve seat (412), wherein the valve seat (412) is accommodated in the regulating housing (411) and forms a first channel section (401) of the exhaust channel (40), wherein: In the closed state of the pressure regulating device (4), the valve core (42) abuts against the valve seat (412) to block the first channel section (401); and / or The first channel section (401) axially penetrates the valve seat (412); and / or The first channel section (401) at least partially expands in a direction toward the valve core (42); and / or The valve seat (412) is connected to the regulating housing (411) in a position-adjustable manner via a threaded connection.

7. The air compressor according to claim 6, characterized in that: The adjusting shell (411) is formed in a cap shape, and includes a central portion (4111) and a flange (4112) protruding radially outward from one side of the central portion (4111) toward the end wall (31), the flange (4112) being abutted against the end wall (31), and the adjusting shell (4111) is fixed to the end wall (31) via the flange (4112).

8. The air compressor according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The pressure regulating device (4) further comprises a sealing member (44), wherein the sealing member (44) is arranged between the regulating housing (411) and the end wall (31), wherein: The regulating housing (411) is provided with a sealing groove (4114) suitable for accommodating the sealing member (44) on the side thereof facing the end wall (31); and / or The end wall (31) is provided with a sealing groove suitable for accommodating a sealing member (44) on a side thereof facing the adjustment housing (411).

9. The air compressor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The end wall (31) is provided with an end wall opening (311) opposite to the second end (22), and the adjustment housing (411) covers the end wall opening (311) on the outer side of the end wall (31).

10. The air compressor according to claim 9, characterized in that: In a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the end wall opening (311) is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve seat (412), thereby allowing the valve seat (412) to be partially located within the end wall opening (311).

Images