Scroll compressor and air conditioner having same

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Solution Overview

Problem

In scroll compressors, particularly the bottom-compression type, there is a challenge with oil mixing with refrigerant, leading to stagnation, friction loss, and wear due to low oil viscosity and refrigerant vaporization, especially in low-temperature environments, which affects the efficiency and reliability of air conditioning systems.

Innovation Solution

A liquid refrigerant discharge unit is introduced, utilizing a venturi tube and a refrigerant discharge tube to enhance the venturi effect, facilitating the rapid discharge of liquid refrigerant from the compressor casing, thereby preventing stagnation and maintaining adequate oil levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a bottom-compression type scroll compressor is used, then the compression unit can directly receive and compress refrigerant gas, but oil mixes with refrigerant causing stagnation and friction loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidoil supply stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the internal space into distinct regions: an upper space above the motor unit where refrigerant flows, and a lower space below the motor unit where oil returns to the storage space. This spatial segmentation prevents oil-refrigerant mixing and ensures stable oil supply to the compression unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a flow path guide as an intermediary component between the motor unit and compression unit. This guide structure directs refrigerant flow through the upper space while allowing oil to return through the lower space, mediating the separation of oil and refrigerant paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the compressor operates in low-temperature environment, then refrigerant compression is achieved, but liquid refrigerant stagnates in the casing causing oil viscosity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigerant compressionVSAvoidliquid refrigerant stagnation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts liquid refrigerant from the lower space where it would otherwise stagnate and mix with oil. By providing a dedicated return path that bypasses the oil storage space, the system removes the harmful stagnation effect while maintaining compression functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes preliminary flow path configuration that prevents liquid refrigerant from reaching the oil storage space in the first place. The flow path guide is pre-configured to direct refrigerant through the upper space and allow oil to return through the lower space, preventing stagnation before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If oil storage space is provided below compression unit, then oil can be stored for lubrication, but oil is pushed by refrigerant pressure to stagnate at upper side of motor unit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil availabilityVSAvoidoil temperature distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the flow paths by spatial position: refrigerant flows through the upper space above the motor unit, while oil returns through the lower space below the motor unit to the storage space. This segmentation ensures oil remains in the lower space and does not stagnate at the upper side of the motor unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates equipotential flow conditions by designing the flow path guide to allow oil to return to the storage space through the lower space without being blocked by refrigerant pressure. The flow paths are configured so that oil and refrigerant can move freely in their respective spaces without pressure interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

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 solution effectively suppresses liquid refrigerant stagnation, maintains oil viscosity, reduces friction loss and wear, and enhances the efficiency and reliability of air conditioning systems by ensuring proper oil supply during initial operation and normal functioning.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12018682B2Scroll compressor and air conditioner having same

Publication Date: 2024.06.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A scroll compressor of an air conditioner includes a refrigerant discharge tube through which refrigerant discharged to an inner space of a casing is discharged into a refrigeration cycle. The scroll compressor further including a venturi tube disposed adjacent to the refrigerant discharge tube in the inner space of the casing, and a liquid refrigerant discharge tube having a first end connected to the venturi tube and a second end opposite to the first end and communicating with the inner space of the casing at a lower side of the refrigerant discharge tube, where liquid refrigerant can be suppressed from excessively stagnating in the inner space of the casing.