COMPRESSOR WITH FLUID SEPARATOR

Abstract

A compressor with a fluid separator is disclosed. The compressor is configured to compress a first fluid (e.g., a refrigerant gas) in which a second fluid (e.g., a lubricant) is suspended. The fluid separator comprises a main body with at least one aperture formed by it and is configured to separate the second fluid from the first fluid. The fluid separator is installed in a separation chamber of the compressor, the fluid separator comprising at least one restraint feature to prevent axial movement of the fluid separator within the separation chamber.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a compressor and in particular to a compressor with a fluid separator having a retention feature. Background technology

[0002] Known scroll compressors comprise a casing, and the casing comprises a front casing, a sleeve, and a rear casing. A conventional scroll compressor is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 8,202,071, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Such known compressors also include a fixed spiral, which comprises a first spiral element, and a rotating spiral, which comprises a second spiral element. The spiral elements fit together to form a sealed fluid pocket. Such known compressors further include a drive mechanism that drives the rotating spiral in a circular motion and an anti-rotation mechanism that prevents the rotating spiral from rotating. The rotating spiral, the fixed spiral, the drive mechanism, and the anti-rotation mechanism are positioned in the casing. Furthermore, such known compressors also include an intake chamber and an outlet chamber, and the fixed spiral separates the intake chamber from the outlet chamber. The drive mechanism and the anti-rotation mechanism are positioned in the intake chamber.

[0004] In the known compressor, a refrigerant gas is introduced into the intake chamber via an external refrigerant circuit. To ensure high reliability and a long service life, a fluid suspended in the refrigerant gas lubricates the drive mechanism, the anti-rotation mechanism, and the sliding sections located between the fixed and rotating spirals. In addition to lubricating the compressor, the fluid also dissipates heat and provides a seal, particularly between the mating surfaces of the fixed and rotating spirals. More precisely, during operation, the fluid separates from the refrigerant gas and collects in a reservoir located in a lower section of the compressor.It is desirable that the fluid contained in the refrigerant gas be separated before it leaves the compressor housing, so that the fluid can flow back into the reservoir.

[0005] State-of-the-art oil separators, such as cyclone separators, which include filter devices and spaces to reduce the flow velocity, are known in the art.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 6,511,530, entitled "COMPRESSOR WITH OIL SEPARATOR," incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses an oil separation unit or separator tube. The separator tube is a funnel-shaped component adapted to create a vortex motion of a refrigerant gas. Such vortex motion exerts a centrifugal force on a lubricating oil contained in the refrigerant gas, thereby separating the lubricating oil from the refrigerant gas. The separator tube is coaxially press-fitted into a separator chamber of the compressor such that an outer circumference of the funnel-shaped component contacts and is attached to an inner circumferential wall of the oil separation chamber.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 7,736,136, entitled "COMPRESSOR INCLUDING SEPARATION TUBE ENGAGEMENT MECHANISM," incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses a separating tube for separating a lubricating oil from a high-pressure coolant gas. The separating tube is a hollow component with a passage formed through it. The passage allows the high-pressure coolant gas to flow to an outlet port. The separating tube is arranged in a separating chamber of a compressor. An upper end of the separating tube is pressed into the separating chamber and is in contact with an inner wall of the separating chamber. Movement of the separating tube in a counter-insertion direction is controlled either by the engagement of a control ring with an engagement groove formed in the separating chamber or by the tightening of a sealing bolt or screw with an inner surface of an opening at an upper end of the separating chamber.

[0008] U.S. Patent Application No. 2021 / 0180595, entitled “COMPRESSOR MODULE AND ELECTRIC-POWERED REFRIGERANT COMPRESSOR,” incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses a separator device for separating a lubricant mixed with a high-pressure refrigerant gas. The separator device has a hollow cylindrical chamber wall forming a separation chamber. A separator is arranged within the separation chamber of the separator device to form an annular space between the separator and the hollow cylindrical chamber wall of the separator device.

[0009] Although the structures mentioned above are effective, they involve higher manufacturing costs. Additionally, they are complex and / or require tight machining tolerances and / or additional components to prevent backflow. Disclosure of the invention Technical problem

[0010] Accordingly, it would be desirable to manufacture a compressor with a fluid separator in which the costs, complexity and manufacturing requirements of the fluid separator are minimized. Solution to the problem

[0011] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an improved fluid separator was surprisingly discovered which is easy to install and can be used in a variety of compressor designs.

[0012] In one embodiment, a fluid separator for a compressor has the following features: a main body comprising at least one retention feature configured to allow the fluid separator to be firmly positioned at a desired location within the compressor, wherein a fluid separation chamber of the compressor comprises a receiving feature configured to receive the at least one retention feature, such that movement of the fluid separator is prevented, as the fluid separator is axially limited by shoulders of the compressor formed on each side of the receiving feature.

[0013] In another embodiment, a compressor has the following features: a casing comprising an outlet chamber and a fluid separation chamber, the fluid separation chamber being in communication with the outlet chamber to receive a first fluid in which a second fluid is suspended; and a fluid separator arranged in the fluid separation chamber, the fluid separator comprising the following features: a main body comprising at least one retention feature configured to enable the fluid separator to be firmly positioned at a desired location in the fluid separation chamber, the fluid separation chamber of the compressor comprising a receiving feature configured to receive the at least one retention feature, such that movement of the fluid separator is prevented, since the fluid separator is axially limited by shoulders of the compressor formed on each side of the receiving feature.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, a compressor has the following features: a casing comprising an outlet chamber and a fluid separation chamber, wherein the fluid separation chamber is in communication with the outlet chamber to receive a first fluid in which a second fluid is suspended, and wherein the fluid separation chamber comprises a channel section; and a fluid separator arranged in the fluid separation chamber and configured to separate the second fluid from the first fluid, wherein the fluid separator comprises at least one retention feature configured to be received in the channel section of the fluid separation chamber, and wherein movement of the fluid separator is prevented by the fact that the at least one retention feature is axially limited by shoulders formed on opposite sides of the channel section.

[0015] As aspects of some embodiments, the main body further comprises at least one aperture formed in it.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one retention feature is configured to interact with a surface of the compressor to form an essentially fluid-tight seal between them.

[0017] In some embodiments, this includes at least a retention feature, or at least a radially outward-extending protrusion.

[0018] In some embodiments, this includes at least one retention feature, or at least one surface element extending radially outwards.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least one restraint feature is a ring-shaped array of spaced-apart surface elements.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one retention feature is formed continuously around an outer surface of the main body.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least one retention feature includes an inclined section to allow the fluid separator to be installed in the compressor.

[0022] As an aspect of some embodiments, the receiving feature is a radially extending channel section formed in the fluid separation chamber.

[0023] As aspects of some embodiments, the fluid separator further comprises a pipe section extending outwards from the main body.

[0024] In some embodiments, the fluid separation chamber comprises a cylindrical section, a frustoconical section, and a channel section. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Further details, features and advantages of configurations of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the associated figures: Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional spiral compressor; Fig. Figure 2 is a partial sectional view of a section of the spiral compressor of Fig. 1, wherein a prior art fluid separator is shown; Fig. Figure 3 is a partial sectional view of a section of the spiral compressor of Fig. 1, where the prior art fluid separator is shown more clearly; Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a section of the spiral compressor, shown within a dashed rectangular area of Fig. 3 is shown; Fig. 5A is a partial sectional view of a section of the spiral compressor of Fig. 1, which shows a pre-insertion of the fluid separator into a separation chamber; Fig. 5B is a partial sectional view of the spiral compressor section of Fig. 5A, which shows a partial insertion of the fluid separator into the separation chamber; Fig. 5B is a partial sectional view of a section of the spiral compressor of Fig. 1, showing an end position of the fluid separator, which is interference-press-fitted into the separation chamber; Fig. Figure 6 is an elevation view of an exemplary rear casing of a spiral compressor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged partial sectional view of a section of the rear casing of Fig. 6 along the section line AA, showing an exemplary embodiment of a fluid separator; Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a section of the rear housing, shown within a dashed rectangular area of Fig. Figure 7 shows a section of the fluid separator within a dashed circular area, which is shown more clearly; Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a fluid separator according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 10 is a partial sectional view of a section of the rear casing of Fig. 6 along the section line AA, wherein the fluid separator of Fig. 9 is shown; Fig. Figure 11 is an enlarged sectional view of a section of the rear housing, shown within a dashed rectangular area of Fig. Figure 10 shows a section of the fluid separator of Fig. 9 is shown more clearly within a dashed circle area; Fig. Figure 12A is a partial sectional view of a section of a spiral compressor, showing a pre-insertion of the fluid separator. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 points into a separation chamber; Fig. 12B is a partial sectional view of the section of the spiral compressor of Fig. 12A, which is a partial insertion of the fluid separator of Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 points into the separation chamber; Fig. Figure 12C is a partial sectional view of a section of a spiral compressor, showing an end position of the fluid separator. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shows; and Fig. 12D is an enlarged partial sectional view of a section of a spiral compressor, showing the end position of the fluid separator of Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows a restraint feature that is more clearly depicted within a dashed circle area. Mode for the invention

[0026] The following detailed description and accompanying drawings describe and illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The description and drawings are intended to enable a person skilled in the art to carry out and use the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention in any way. With regard to the disclosed methods, the steps shown are exemplary, and therefore the order of the steps is not essential.

[0027] “One” as used herein indicates that “at least one” of the elements is present; where possible, multiple such elements may be present. Spatially relative terms such as “front,” “back,” “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “above,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “above,” “below,” and the like may be used herein to facilitate the description of the relationship of one element or feature to one or more other elements or features as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation, in addition to the orientation illustrated in the figures.

[0028] As used herein, "essential" is defined as "to a considerable degree" or "approximately," or as it is otherwise understood by an average person skilled in the field or as otherwise noted. Unless explicitly noted otherwise, all numerical quantities in this description shall be understood as being modifiable by the word "approximately," and all geometric and spatial descriptors shall be understood as being modifiable by the word "essentially" when describing the broadest scope of protection of the technology. "Approximately," when applied to numerical values, indicates that the calculation or measurement permits a slight inaccuracy in the value (with some approach to accuracy in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly).If for any reason the imprecision provided by "approximately" and / or "essentially" is not otherwise understood in engineering with this average meaning, then "approximately" and / or "essentially" as used herein will at least indicate small variations that may arise in average procedures for measuring or using such parameters.

[0029] Where there is a conflict or ambiguity between a document incorporated by reference and this detailed description, the detailed description herein shall prevail. Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe different elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply any sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could also be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or section.

[0030] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a conventional motor-driven spiral compressor. It should be noted that Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 is provided to illustrate a general configuration and operation of a scroll-type compressor. It is clear that other configurations can be used for the compressor 1 as required. A casing 10 comprises a cylindrical first casing 11 with a cover-like second casing 12 and a shaft support section 15. The shaft support section 15 is located between the first casing 11 and the second casing 12. The first casing 11, the second casing 12, and the shaft support section 15 are connected to each other by any conventional method, such as brackets.

[0031] The first casing 11 may have a cylindrical projection 14 extending from the center of the wall 11A of the first casing 11. The shaft support section 15 typically has an inner cylindrical section 17 and an outer cylindrical section 18 connected by a web section 19. The inner cylindrical section 17 has a central bore 20 for receiving a rotating shaft 24 through it. The compressor 1 has an anti-rotation pin (not shown) to prevent a movable spiral element 22 from rotating about its own axis.

[0032] The shaft support section 15 and the projection 14 rotatably support the rotary shaft 24 at its opposite ends 24A, 24B by radial bearings 25, 26. The bearing 25 has an outer ring 27, an inner ring 28, and a plurality of rollers 29 arranged between the rings 27, 28. The bearing 25 is fitted into the projection 14, which rotatably supports the end 24A of the rotary shaft 24. The bearing 26 is also fitted into the shaft support section 15. The bearing 26 has an outer ring 30, an inner ring 35, and a plurality of rollers 36 arranged between the rings 30, 35. The rotary shaft 24, inserted through the central bore 20, is fitted into the inner ring 35 of the bearing 26, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows that the bearing 26 rotatably supports the end 24B of the rotary shaft 24. A sealing element 32 is arranged between the shaft support section 15 and the rotary shaft 24 and is held by a retaining ring 33 to seal the rotary shaft 24.

[0033] As shown, the second housing 12 can be configured to accommodate a fixed-coil element 16. The fixed-coil element 16 has a base wall 16A, a cylindrical circumferential wall 16B, and a fixed-coil wall 16C formed in the circumferential wall 16B and extending axially outwards from the base wall 16A along a central axis of the compressor 1.

[0034] On the other hand, the movable spiral element 22 is provided between the shaft support section 15 and the fixed spiral element 16 and is supported by a radial bearing 24. The movable spiral element 22 has a disk-shaped movable base wall 22A and a movable spiral wall 22B, which extends axially outwards from the movable base wall 22A along the central axis of the compressor 1.

[0035] The fixed spiral component 16 and the movable spiral component 22 are movably engaged with each other by the fixed spiral wall 16C and the movable spiral wall 22B. The distal ends of the fixed spiral wall 16C and the movable spiral wall 22B are each slidable on the movable base wall 22A and the fixed base wall 16A.

[0036] Compression chambers 38 are formed between the fixed base wall 16A with the fixed spiral wall 16C of the fixed spiral element 16 and the movable base wall 22A with the movable spiral wall 22B of the movable spiral element 22. A back pressure chamber 39 faces the end 24B of the rotating shaft 24 between the front face of the movable base wall 22A (or the side of the movable base wall 22A opposite the compression chamber 38) and the shaft support section 15. Furthermore, the shaft support section 15, the circumferential wall 16B, and the outermost circumferential section of the movable spiral wall 22B interact to define an intake chamber 41 between them.

[0037] In the first housing 11, an intake region 42 is formed, adjacent to the shaft support section 15. The intake region 42 communicates with the intake chamber 41 via an intake passage (not shown) formed in the shaft support section 15. A stator 44 of an electric motor 40 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the first housing 11 in the intake region 42, and a rotor 45 is located inside the stator 44 and is fixed to the rotating shaft 24. The rotor 45, the stator 44, and the rotating shaft 24 together form the electric motor 40, and the rotor 45 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 24 when electric current is supplied to the stator 44 (when the stator 40 is energized).

[0038] The first housing 11 forms an inlet at a position adjacent to its front end (not shown). In certain cases, when the compressor 1 is part of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system (not shown), the intake region 42 communicates via the inlet with an evaporator (not shown) of the HVAC system. The evaporator may further communicate with an expansion valve and a condenser of the HVAC system. A first fluid (i.e., a low-pressure and low-temperature refrigerant gas) in the HVAC system is supplied through the inlet, the intake region 42, and the intake passage into the intake chamber 41.

[0039] An outlet chamber 47 is formed between the fixed base wall 16A and an inner surface of the second housing 12. The fixed base wall 16A has an outlet 48 through which the compression chamber 38 is in fluid communication with the outlet chamber 47. The fixed base wall 16A has an outlet valve (not shown) for opening and closing the outlet 48 and a retaining element 49 for controlling the degree of opening of the outlet valve.

[0040] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a fluid separation chamber 51, extending perpendicular to the central axis of the compressor 1, is located in the second housing 12 behind the outlet chamber 47. A partition 52 is also formed between the fluid separation chamber 51 and the outlet chamber 47. An outlet passage 53 is formed through the partition 52, connecting the fluid separation chamber 51 and the outlet chamber 47. A fluid separator 55 can be provided in the fluid separation chamber 51 to separate a second fluid (e.g., a lubricating fluid, oil, etc.) from the first fluid. As shown in Figure 2, the fluid separation chamber 51 is located in the second housing 12 behind the outlet chamber 47. Fig. As can be best seen in Figures 3, 4, and 5A-5C, the fluid separator 55 has a cylindrical shape and is interference-press-fitted into the fluid separation chamber 51. The second fluid is separated from the first fluid by the action of centrifugal force. The first fluid flows from the outlet chamber 47 through the outlet passage 53 into the fluid separation chamber 51 and through the fluid separator 55 to an outlet port 56. The separated second fluid falls to be stored in the fluid separation chamber 51. One end of the fluid separation chamber 51 leads into the outlet port 56, through which the fluid separation chamber 51 communicates with the condenser of the HVAC system.

[0041] The fluid separation chamber 51 communicates with the backpressure chamber 39 via a fluid passage 57, so that a backpressure flow (i.e., fluid under an outlet pressure) is supplied to the backpressure chamber 39 through the fluid passage 57. A fluid filter 62 can be fixed in the fluid passage 57 to remove foreign substances from the second fluid.

[0042] The following is a description of the operation of the spiral-type compressor described above. When the rotating shaft 24 of the motor 40 is driven to rotate by the operation of a vehicle operator, a pin 31 rotates about the axis of the fixed spiral element 16. In this case, the anti-rotation pin is in sliding and rolling contact with the inner surface of the movable spiral element 22, and accordingly, the rotation of the movable spiral element 22 about its own axis is prevented, and the movable spiral element 22 performs a reciprocating motion about the axis of the rotating shaft 24. Thus, the compression chambers 38 are moved radially inward from the outer circumferential side of the fixed and fixed spiral elements 16 and 22 toward their center by the reciprocating motion of the movable spiral element 22, thereby progressively reducing their volume.Therefore, the first fluid, introduced into the intake chamber 41 and then the compression chamber 38 from the evaporator through the inlet, the intake region 42, and the intake passage, is compressed in the compression chamber 38. The first fluid, compressed to an outlet pressure, is discharged through the outlet 48 into the outlet chamber 47 and then flows through the outlet passage 53 into the fluid separation chamber 51. After the second fluid is separated from the first fluid by the fluid separator 55 in the fluid separation chamber 51, the first fluid flows from the fluid separation chamber 51 through the outlet port 56 to be discharged from the compressor 1 to the evaporator. Thus, the air conditioning for the vehicle is performed.

[0043] The second fluid, separated from the first fluid, falls from the fluid separator 55 to be retained in the fluid separation chamber 51. The second fluid, retained in the fluid separation chamber 51, is fed to the backpressure chamber 39 through the fluid passage 57, along with a small amount of the first fluid. As the second fluid passes through the fluid passage 57, any contaminants contained in the second fluid are removed by the fluid filter 62, thus preventing them from accumulating in a throttle (not shown) located downstream of the fluid filter 62. The pressure in the backpressure chamber 39 is limited to a specific pressure by the throttle in the fluid passage 57.The second fluid supplied to the counter-pressure chamber 39 serves to lubricate all friction-generating components, such as the bearing 26, the bearing 34, and the eccentric pin 31, for example, as part of the drive for the movable spiral element 22. The pressure in the counter-pressure chamber 39 counteracts the pressure in the compression chambers 28, pressing the movable spiral element 22 towards the fixed spiral element 16, thereby reducing sliding resistance between the movable base wall 22A and the shaft support section 15, and also ensuring the airtightness of the compression chambers 38.

[0044] Fig. Figures 6-8 represent a compressor 100 comprising a housing 112 with a fluid separator 155 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The structure of the compressor 100 can be substantially the same as the structure of the compressor 1 described in Fig. Figures 1-2 show how they are described herein. It is clear that the fluid separator 155 can be installed in any compressor as desired, such as a vapor injection (VI) type scroll compressor. It should be noted that the VI type scroll compressor differs from the conventional compressor described above in that it incorporates a VI valve assembly between a casing and a fixed scroll.

[0045] As shown, the fluid separator 155 can be arranged in a fluid separation chamber 151 of the housing 112 of the compressor 100. The fluid separator 155 comprises a main body 160. As shown, the main body 160 is essentially cylindrical in shape with at least one aperture 162 formed by it. It is clear that the fluid separator 155 can have other shapes as desired. The main body 160 can be made of a plastic material, although other materials can be used as desired. If it is made of a plastic material, its weight is advantageously minimized.

[0046] In some embodiments, which are described in Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the main body 160 comprises at least one retention feature 164 formed in an outer circumferential surface 166 thereof. As shown, the at least one retention feature 164 extends substantially radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 166 of the main body 160. In function, the retention feature 164 interacts with an inner surface 168 of the separation chamber 151 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between them and to prevent bypassing or leakage along the fluid separator 155.

[0047] The fluid separator 155 acts to allow the first fluid to flow through at least one aperture 162 of the main body 160, while the second fluid, carried by the first fluid, is separated out. The separated second fluid then flows through the fluid separation fluid chamber 151 and through a fluid passage (identified as reference numeral 57 in the main body). Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) to the counter-pressure chamber (identified as reference 39 in Fig. 1) to lubricate all friction-generating components of compressor 100.

[0048] In the embodiment of the fluid separator 155, which is described in Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the retaining feature 164 can be in the form of a ring-shaped array of spaced-apart, outwardly extending surface elements (e.g., protrusions, projections, and the like). The retaining feature 164 can have a first section 170 and a second section 172. As is best illustrated in the dashed circular area of ​​Figure 8, the retaining feature 164 can be in the form of a ring-shaped array of spaced-apart, outwardly extending surface elements (e.g., protrusions, projections, and the like). The retaining feature 164 can have a first section 170 and a second section 172. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the first section 170 has a substantially constant outer diameter, and the second section 172 is inclined with a generally constant outer diameter. The second section 172 is inclined with a generally decreasing outer diameter from the first section 170 to the outer circumferential surface 166 of the main body 160. Advantageously, the inclined second section 172 of the at least one retention feature 164 facilitates easier installation of the fluid separator 155 into the separation chamber 151, while providing a substantially fluid-tight seal between the inner surface 168 of the separation chamber 151 and the at least one retention feature 164 of the fluid separator 155.

[0049] It is clear that at least one retaining feature can take 164 different other forms, such as a plurality of radially outwardly extending and circumferentially continuous rings, an annular array of spaced-outwardly extending humps or semicircular projections, an annular array of spaced-outwardly extending ribs, at least one radially outwardly extending rim formed continuously around the outer surface, or other protrusions, as is the case, for example, in Fig. 9 is shown.

[0050] Fig. Figures 9 to 11 show a fluid separator 255 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise noted, the structure of the fluid separator 255 is essentially the same as the structure of the fluid separator 155 described in Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows and describes it herein, but with reference numerals of the 200 series. The fluid separator 255 can comprise a main body 260 and a cylindrical pipe section 280 extending axially from the main body 260.

[0051] The main body 260 comprises at least one retention feature 264 formed on an outer circumferential surface 266 thereof. The at least one retention feature 264 interacts with an inner surface 168 of the separation chamber 151 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between them and to prevent bypassing or leakage along the fluid separator 255, thereby causing the separation of the second fluid and the first fluid to flow through at least one aperture 262 of the fluid separator 255.

[0052] As shown, this can at least be a retention feature 264 in the form of a ring-shaped array of spaced-apart, outwardly extending surface elements (e.g., protrusions, projections, and the like). In the case of the Fig. In the embodiment of the fluid separator 255 shown in Figures 9 to 11, the at least one retention feature 264 can have at least one radially outwardly extending surface element that is continuously formed around the circumference of the main body 260. The at least one retention feature 264 has a first section 270 and a second section 272. As shown in Fig. As can be best seen in Figure 9, the first section 270 has a substantially constant outer diameter, and the second section 272 is inclined and has a generally decreasing outer diameter from the first section 270 to the outer circumferential surface 266 of the main body 260. Advantageously, the inclined second section 272 of the at least one retention feature 264 facilitates the installation of the fluid separator 255 into the separation chamber 151, while providing a substantially fluid-tight seal between the inner surface 168 of the separation chamber 151 and the at least one retention feature 264 of the fluid separator 255.

[0053] The pipe section 280 can have at least one aperture 282 formed by it. The at least one aperture 282 can be axially aligned with at least one aperture 262 of the main body 260. The pipe section 280 can be formed integrally with the main body 260 as a unitary structure, as shown in Fig. 9 to 11 is shown or as separate and distinct components of the fluid separator 255. The fluid separator 255 acts to allow the first fluid to flow through the at least one aperture 282 of the pipe section 280 and the at least one aperture 262 of the main body 260, while the second fluid, carried by the first fluid, is separated out.

[0054] In some embodiments, the separation chamber 151 can be formed by a drilling operation. In certain embodiments, the drilling operation can be performed in stages. Other machining or forming operations or methods can be used as desired. Adjacent to the outlet port 156, the separation chamber 151 can be formed by a substantially right-hand circular cylindrical section 190 with a substantially constant diameter. Adjacent to the right-hand circular cylindrical section 190 in a direction away from the outlet port 156, a substantially frustoconical section 192 can be formed. Adjacent to the frustoconical section 192 in a direction away from the outlet port 156, an annular contraction section 194 can be formed, and then adjacent to this, in a direction away from the outlet port 156, a receiving feature (i.e., a radially extending channel section 196).Adjacent to channel section 196 in a direction away from outlet port 156, a residual section 198 of the separation chamber 151 may be located. As discussed above, each of these sections 190, 192, 194, 196, 198 may be formed by drilling or other operations or procedures. For example, channel section 196 may be formed using a T-tool, similar to that used for forming channels for use with retaining rings. Channel section 196 interacts with at least one restraint feature 164, 264 of the fluid separators 155 and 255, respectively, to properly position the fluid separators 155, 255, to hold the fluid separators 155, 255 in position, and to prevent bypass or leakage of the second fluid along the fluid separators 155, 255. As described in . Fig. As can be best seen in Figure 8, the channel section 196 can include a first shoulder 197 and an opposing second shoulder 199. The shoulder 197 can be configured to engage a first axial surface of the fluid separators 155, 255 to prevent movement in a first direction towards the outlet gate 156, and / or the shoulder 199 can be configured to engage a second axial surface of the fluid separators 155, 255 to prevent movement in an opposite second direction away from the outlet gate 156.Alternatively, the shoulder 197 can be configured to engage a first axial surface of the first section 170, 270 of the at least one restraint feature 164, 264 to prevent movement in a first direction towards the outlet gate 156 and / or the shoulder 199 can be configured to engage a second axial surface of the second section 172, 272 of the at least one restraint feature 164, 264 to prevent movement in an opposite second direction away from the outlet gate 156.In yet another embodiment, the shoulder 197 can be configured to engage a first axial surface of the first section 170, 270 of the at least one retaining feature 164, 264 to prevent movement in a first direction towards the outlet gate 156 and / or the shoulder 199 can be configured to engage the second axial surface of the fluid separators 155, 255 to prevent movement in an opposite second direction away from the outlet gate 156.

[0055] Fig. Figures 12A to 12D show an exemplary installation of the fluid separator 155. To install the fluid separator 155 in the compressor 100, the fluid separator 155 can first be aligned with the fluid separation chamber 151 and the outlet gate 156, as shown in Fig. 12A is shown. Then, as it is in Fig.As shown in Figure 12B, the fluid separator 100 can be inserted through the outlet gate 156 and into the separation chamber 151. The fluid separator 100 in the separation chamber 151 can then be pushed along the cylindrical section 190, through the frustoconical section 192, and along the contraction section 194 until at least one retaining feature 164 is received and seated in the channel section 196.

[0056] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of both the outlet port 156 and the cylindrical section 190 can be substantially equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the at least one retaining feature 164 to allow insertion of the fluid separator 155 into the separation chamber 151. The fluid separator 155 can be inserted manually, automatically, or semi-automatically, either by hand or with a tool. The inner diameter of the frustoconical section 192 gradually decreases from the inner diameter of the cylindrical section 190 to the inner diameter of the contraction section 194, which has a slightly smaller inner diameter than the outer diameter of the at least one retaining feature 164 of the fluid separator 155. The inner diameter of the channel section 196 can be substantially equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the at least one retaining feature 164.The inner diameter of the remaining section 198 of the separation chamber 151 adjacent to the channel section 196 can be essentially equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the main body 160 of the fluid separator 155, but smaller than the inner diameter of the channel section 196. Thus, based on the differences in the inner diameters of sections 94 and 198 of the separation chamber 151 adjacent to both sides of the channel section 196, at least one retaining feature 164 is axially limited by the shoulders 197 and 199 formed on each side of the channel section 196, effectively locking the fluid separator 155 in position when it is fully installed.It should be noted that the position of the channel section 196 can be adjusted axially in one way or another within the separation chamber 151 in order to set and provide a desired position of the fluid separator 155 relative to the outlet passage 153 and / or the outlet gate 156 and / or the fluid passage 57.

[0057] The installation of the fluid separation unit 255 is similar to the one described above for the fluid separator 155.

[0058] Compressors 100, equipped with one of the fluid separators 155, 255 featuring a simplified structure, are easy to manufacture, thereby reducing machining tolerances and minimizing production costs. Press fits, rivets, cutting, screwing, and other processes used during assembly and installation in prior art are not required, reducing the number of parts and overall assembly complexity. The novel fluid separators 155, 255 of the present patent application can be used in multiple compressors, eliminating the need for a specific design for each compressor and further minimizing overall part costs.The retention features 164, 264 of the respective fluid separators 155, 255 in the compressor 100 also provide a seal and prevent the diversion of the second fluid into the first fluid to ensure that a sufficient quantity of second fluid is supplied from the fluid separation chamber 151 to the various other moving components of the compressor 100, thereby improving the durability of the compressor 100.

[0059] From the preceding description, an average person in this field can readily grasp the essential characteristics of this present disclosure and, without deviating from its nature within the scope of protection, make various changes and modifications to the present disclosure in order to adapt it to different uses and conditions. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 8,202,071

[0002] US 6,511,530

[0006] US 7,736,136

[0007] US 2021 / 0180595

[0008]

Claims

[1] A fluid separator for a compressor, which has the following features: a main body comprising at least one retention feature configured to enable the fluid separator to be firmly positioned in the compressor at a desired location, wherein a fluid separation chamber of the compressor comprises a receiving feature configured to receive the at least one retention feature such that movement of the fluid separator is prevented, as the fluid separator is axially bounded by shoulders of the compressor formed on each side of the receiving feature. [2] The fluid separator according to claim 1, wherein the main body further comprises at least one aperture formed in the same. [3] The fluid separator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one retention feature is configured to interact with a surface of the compressor to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between them. [4] The fluid separator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one retention feature is at least a radially outwardly extending protrusion. [5] The fluid separator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one retention feature is at least one surface element extending radially outwards. [6] The fluid separator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one retention feature is an annular array of spaced-apart surface elements. [7] The fluid separator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one retention feature is formed continuously around an outer surface of the main body. [8] The fluid separator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one retention feature comprises an inclined section to enable the fluid separator to be installed in the compressor. [9] The fluid separator according to claim 1, wherein the receiving feature is a radially extending channel section formed in the fluid separation chamber. [10] The fluid separator according to claim 1, wherein the fluid separator further comprises a pipe section extending outwards from the main body. [11] A compressor that has the following features: a housing comprising an outlet chamber and a fluid separation chamber, wherein the fluid separation chamber is in communication with the outlet chamber to receive a first fluid in which a second fluid is suspended; a fluid separator arranged in the fluid separation chamber, the fluid separator comprising the following features: a main body comprising at least one retention feature configured to enable the fluid separator to be firmly positioned at a desired location in the fluid separation chamber, wherein the fluid separation chamber of the compressor comprises a receiving feature configured to receive the at least one retention feature such that movement of the fluid separator is prevented, as the fluid separator is axially bounded by shoulders of the compressor formed on each side of the receiving feature. [12] The compressor according to claim 11, wherein the at least one retention feature is configured to interact with a surface of the fluid separation chamber to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between them. [13] The compressor according to claim 11, wherein the at least one retention feature is at least a radially outward extending protrusion. [14] The compressor according to claim 11, wherein the at least one retention feature is a ring-shaped array of spaced-apart surface elements. [15] The compressor according to claim 11, wherein the at least one retention feature is formed continuously around an outer surface of the main body. [16] The compressor according to claim 11, wherein the at least one retention feature comprises an inclined section to enable the fluid separator to be installed in the compressor. [17] The compressor according to claim 11, wherein the receiving feature is a radially extending channel section formed in the fluid separation chamber. [18] The compressor according to claim 11, wherein the fluid separator further comprises a pipe section extending outwards from the main body. [19] The compressor according to claim 11, wherein the fluid separation chamber comprises a cylindrical section, a frustoconical section and a channel section. [20] A compressor that has the following features: a housing comprising an outlet chamber and a fluid separation chamber, wherein the fluid separation chamber is in communication with the outlet chamber to receive a first fluid in which a second fluid is suspended, and wherein the fluid separation chamber comprises a channel section; a fluid separator that is located in the fluid separation chamber and is configured to separate the second fluid from the first fluid, wherein the fluid separator comprises at least one retention feature configured to be received in the channel section of the fluid separation chamber, and wherein movement of the fluid separator is prevented by the fact that the at least one retention feature is axially limited by shoulders formed on opposite sides of the channel section.

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