Compressor Check Valve Assembly for Noise Reduction and Startability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In compressors, low refrigerant flow rates lead to pressure pulsations that cause noise in evaporators due to inadequate regulation of the opening amount in existing valve mechanisms, and high temperatures can result in delayed compressor start-up due to pressure imbalances.
Innovation Solution
A check valve assembly is placed on the suction passage that allows fluid flow from the inlet port to the suction chamber, with a pressure equalizing mechanism to discharge excess pressure from the suction chamber to the inlet port when the suction chamber pressure is higher, ensuring balanced pressures and reducing noise transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an opening amount regulating valve is disposed on the suction passage to suppress pressure pulsations, then noise transmission to the evaporator is reduced, but the valve structure becomes complex and the opening amount regulation becomes insufficient at low flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The suction passage is divided into two separate passages: a first suction passage with an opening amount regulating valve for normal operation, and a second suction passage without a valve for backup flow. This segmentation allows the system to suppress noise through the first passage while maintaining simplicity through the second passage, resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening amount of the opening amount regulating valve is dynamically adjusted based on flow rate conditions. At high flow rates, the valve opens widely to maintain sufficient flow area. At low flow rates, the valve opening is reduced to suppress pressure pulsations and noise, while the second suction passage provides alternative flow path. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the valve opening to operational conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the opening amount of the suction passage is reduced to suppress pressure pulsations, then noise is reduced, but the flow rate of refrigerant gas is further restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The suction passage is segmented into a first suction passage with an opening amount regulating valve and a second suction passage without a valve. The second suction passage serves as a backup flow path that opens when the first passage's valve is closed or restricted, ensuring sufficient refrigerant gas flow rate is maintained even when the first passage restricts flow to suppress pressure pulsations.
Solution Approach 2:
The second suction passage acts as an intermediary flow path between the evaporator and suction chamber. When the opening amount regulating valve in the first suction passage restricts flow to suppress pressure pulsations, the second suction passage provides an alternative route for refrigerant gas, preventing excessive flow restriction while still allowing noise suppression through controlled opening of the first passage.
3Ease of operation
If a check valve assembly is used to allow flow from inlet port to suction chamber, then flow direction is controlled, but pressure equalizing is needed to prevent delayed start-up
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve assembly and pressure equalizing valve are merged into a single integrated component. The check valve assembly includes a valve body with a check valve for unidirectional flow control and a pressure equalizing valve that opens when suction chamber pressure exceeds inlet port pressure. This merging allows both flow direction control and pressure equalizing functions to be performed by one assembly, preventing delayed start-up while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve assembly performs multiple functions: it controls flow direction from inlet port to suction chamber through the check valve, and it equalizes pressure between the inlet port and suction chamber through the pressure equalizing valve when suction chamber pressure is higher. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling both flow direction control and pressure equalizing without requiring separate components, thus preventing delayed start-up while maintaining operational simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration improves compressor startability by balancing pressures and reduces noise from pressure pulsations, preventing the compressor from being delayed due to high suction chamber pressures during stop conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve assembly that allows flow of the refrigerant gas in a direction from the inlet port to the suction chamber to be disposed on the suction passage
Implementation Method 2
pressure equalizing means that allows discharge of the working fluid from the suction chamber to the inlet port only when a pressure of the suction chamber is higher than a pressure of the inlet port
Implementation Method 3
When refrigerant gas is suctioned into a cylinder bore, the tip of the suction valve abuts this stopper. In this way, this intake valve is prevented from generating self-excited vibrations
Implementation Method 4
a spring 106 that is disposed in the recess 105
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention provides a compressor including a valve mechanism that suppresses transmission of pressure pulsations at the time when a flow rate is low, and reduces a pressure difference between an inlet port and a suction chamber during a stop of the compressor so as to hasten startability of the compressor. A check valve forming body 30 includes: a valve housing 31 that includes an inflow port 38 and an outflow port 39, the inflow port 38 having a valve body housing space 32 therein and communicating with the inlet port, and the outflow port 39 communicating with the suction chamber; a valve body 41 that is housed in the valve body housing space 32 and varies a communication state between the inflow port 38 and the outflow port 39; and a spring 51 that urges the valve body 41 in a direction to block the communication between the inflow port 38 and the outflow port 39. The valve housing 31 is loosely fitted to an annular groove 26 formed in a cylinder head 4 in such a manner that axial movement thereof is allowed, blocks a working fluid that flows on the outside of the valve housing 31 in a state of abutting a peripheral edge portion of the annular groove 26 on the suction chamber side, and allows a flow of the working fluid on the outside of the valve housing 31 in a state of separating from the peripheral edge portion of the annular groove 26 on the suction chamber side.