Scroll Compressor Oil Pump Phase Separation Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scroll compressors face challenges in efficiently supplying oil to friction parts during low temperature heating conditions where refrigerant and oil are phase-separated, leading to potential abrasion and damage due to inadequate lubrication.
Innovation Solution
An oil pump system with a pump body, rotating pumping members, and cover members that allow for separate intake and continuous supply of oil to friction parts, even when refrigerant and oil are phase-separated, using a driving shaft with a supply passage and upper and lower suction units to ensure lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional oil pump system is used in scroll compressors, then the structure is simple, but during low temperature heating conditions where refrigerant and oil are phase-separated, the oil supply to friction parts becomes inadequate leading to abrasion and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The oil pump system is segmented into multiple functional components: a pump body with multiple pumping chambers, multiple pumping members (including at least two different types), and multiple cover members. Each pumping member is responsible for a specific pumping function, allowing the system to handle phase-separated refrigerant and oil effectively while maintaining reliable oil supply to friction parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump body is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it houses multiple pumping members that can handle both refrigerant and oil, provides pathways for fluid circulation, and integrates with the driving shaft system. This multi-functionality ensures reliable oil supply during phase-separated conditions without requiring entirely separate systems.
2Reliability
If pumping members rotate to supply oil, then oil can be delivered to friction parts, but during phase-separated conditions the intake may not efficiently separate and draw only oil, leading to inadequate lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
Different pumping members are positioned and configured with specific local characteristics to perform specialized functions. For example, certain pumping members are designed to primarily handle oil intake while others manage refrigerant, and their positions within the pump body are optimized to access phase-separated fluids effectively. This local specialization ensures efficient oil intake even during phase-separated conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump body acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the separation and selective intake of oil from phase-separated refrigerant-oil mixtures. The design includes specific pathways, chambers, and pumping member configurations that mediate between the phase-separated fluids and the lubrication system, ensuring that oil is effectively drawn and delivered to friction parts.
3Reliability
If a single type of pumping member is used, then the pump structure is simpler, but it cannot efficiently handle phase-separated refrigerant and oil, leading to inadequate oil supply
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping function is segmented across multiple pumping members with different designs. At least two different types of pumping members are employed, each optimized for specific aspects of handling phase-separated fluids. This segmentation allows the system to maintain continuous reliable oil supply while managing the complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The pumping members are designed to rotate dynamically with the driving shaft, and their configurations allow them to adapt to varying operating conditions including phase-separated states. The dynamic rotation and positioning of different pumping member types enable the system to maintain effective oil supply continuity despite the complexity of handling phase-separated refrigerant and oil.
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
The oil pump ensures a continuous and smooth supply of oil to friction parts, preventing abrasion and enhancing the operability, reliability, and capacity of the compressor by maintaining effective lubrication even in low temperature heating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pumping members (120, 122, 124) rotating with the rotation of the driving shaft (30) as mounted on the pump body (110) and discharging the inhaled oil to the driving shaft (30)
Implementation Method 2
an oil pump for a scroll compressor capable of inhaling oil even though refrigerant and oil stored in a fluid storage area of the compressor are separated in a low temperature heating condition
Data Source
AI summary
An oil pump for a compressor is provided. The oil pump includes a pump body, a driving shaft coupled to the pump body, with a supply passage extending therethrough, and a plurality of pumping members which rotate with the driving shaft. Fluids such as oil are inhaled into the pump through various intakes, and the inhaled oil is directed towards the driving shaft, where the oil is supplied to the friction parts of the compressor for lubrication. The plurality of intakes into the pump provide for a continuous supply of oil to the friction parts.