Rotary Compressor Discharge Chamber Ribs for Oil Return Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary compressors face issues with high oil circulation rates and the need for separate valves or structures for oil return, particularly in low-pressure structures, which affect reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The rotary compressor design incorporates barrier ribs in the sub bearing and cover to separate oil from refrigerant, along with optimized suction and discharge passages, reducing oil circulation and facilitating smooth oil return without additional valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a low-pressure structure is employed in the rotary compressor, then reliability and motor temperature characteristics are improved, but oil circulation rate increases and oil return becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge chamber is segmented into multiple regions using barrier ribs. The first barrier rib divides the discharge chamber into a first discharge chamber and a second discharge chamber, while the second barrier rib further divides it into third and fourth discharge chambers. This segmentation creates distinct oil return pathways and prevents oil from accumulating in the suction passage, thereby reducing oil circulation rate while maintaining the low-pressure structure's reliability benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
Barrier ribs are introduced as intermediary structures within the discharge chamber to mediate between the compression space and the suction passage. These ribs create controlled flow paths that guide oil away from the suction passage without requiring additional valves or complex oil return mechanisms, thus reducing oil circulation rate while preserving the simplicity and reliability of the low-pressure structure.
2Volume of moving object
If discharge port and discharge tube are positioned close to oil sump, then structure is compact, but discharge is interfered with at startup or when oil level rises
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier ribs are strategically positioned at specific locations within the discharge chamber to create local flow control zones. The first barrier rib is placed to prevent oil from the oil sump from entering the discharge path, while the second barrier rib provides additional protection. This localized flow control ensures discharge performance is not interfered with by oil level changes, while maintaining the compact overall structure.
3Productivity
If separate valves or structures are added for oil return, then oil return efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier ribs are designed to automatically guide oil return without requiring external control mechanisms or additional valves. The first and second barrier ribs create self-regulating flow paths that direct oil away from the suction passage based on pressure differentials and flow dynamics during operation. This self-service approach improves oil return efficiency while avoiding the complexity of additional oil return valves or controlled mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil return function is merged into the existing discharge chamber structure through the integration of barrier ribs. Rather than adding separate oil return valves or structures, the barrier ribs are incorporated directly into the discharge chamber design, combining the discharge and oil return functions into a single integrated structure. This reduces device complexity while maintaining effective oil return.
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 design effectively reduces oil circulation rates and ensures efficient oil return, improving reliability and operational efficiency by minimizing interference during startup and varying operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first barrier rib that protrudes from one surface of the sub bearing or sub bearing cover located inside of the discharge chamber, wherein the first barrier rib is spaced apart from one surface of the sub bearing or sub bearing cover by a predetermined distance
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotary compressor is provided that may include a casing, a cylinder having an inner circumferential surface in an annular shape, a roller rotatably disposed in a compression space of the cylinder, a rotational shaft coupled to an inner circumference of the roller, main and sub bearings defining surfaces of the compression space, and a sub bearing cover coupled to the sub bearing to cover one end of the sub bearing and defining a discharge chamber with the sub bearing to communicate with the compression space so as to accommodate compressed refrigerant to be discharged. The sub bearing or the sub bearing cover may include a first barrier rib that protrudes from a surface thereof located inside of the discharge chamber. The first barrier rib may be spaced apart from a surface opposite to the surface within the discharge chamber by a predetermined distance.