Compressor Integrated Flow Path Structure for Oil Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional scroll compressors have complex flow paths that increase manufacturing costs and noise due to multiple flow paths, and oil distribution is not uniform, leading to inefficiencies and operational instability.

Innovation Solution

The integration of oil and refrigerant gas flow paths into a single path in the fixed scroll of the compressor, with the differential pressure oil supply flow paths spaced apart to ensure uniform oil distribution, simplifying the flow path structure and reducing friction-related noise and vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate oil flow path and refrigerant gas flow path are formed in the fixed scroll, then oil supply function is provided, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil supply functionVSAvoidflow path structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the oil flow path and refrigerant gas flow path into a single integrated flow path structure in the fixed scroll. The flow path includes an oil supply channel and a refrigerant gas channel that are merged into one continuous passage, allowing both oil and refrigerant gas to flow through the same route. This integration reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the oil supply function, as the merged flow path eliminates the need for separate, precisely aligned channels that would increase manufacturing difficulty and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple flow paths are formed in the fixed scroll, then oil supply is enabled, but impact noise increases due to friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil supplyVSAvoidimpact noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the oil flow path and refrigerant gas flow path into a single integrated structure, the patent reduces the number of separate flow paths in the fixed scroll. This reduction in the number of flow paths decreases the number of friction interfaces and potential impact points, thereby reducing impact noise generated during compressor operation while maintaining adequate oil supply to the compression unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If first and second differential pressure oil supply flow paths are disposed adjacent to each other, then oil supply is provided, but oil distribution becomes non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil supplyVSAvoidoil distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges adjacent differential pressure oil supply flow paths into a single integrated flow path that provides oil to the compression unit. This integration ensures more uniform oil distribution by eliminating the non-uniform flow patterns that occur when multiple separate paths discharge oil into the same chamber. The merged flow path creates a more consistent oil flow pattern that improves lubrication uniformity across the compression unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3418575B1Compressor having integrated flow path structure
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3418575B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3418575B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3418575B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a compressor having an integrated flow path structure in which an oil flow path and an intermediate pressure flow path may be integrated into one in a compression unit, thereby simplifying the flow path of the compression unit. The compressor includes an integrated flow path in which an oil flow path and a refrigerant gas flow path are integrated into one in a fixed scroll. The integrated flow path connects an intermediate pressure chamber and a compression chamber in a compression unit. The integrated flow path that provides a compressed refrigerant in the compression chamber to the intermediate pressure chamber and provides oil in the intermediate pressure chamber to the compression chamber is formed, so that the flow path of the compression unit may be simplified.