Scroll Compressor Flow Passage Separation for Oil Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In lower compression type scroll compressors, the refrigerant discharge path and oil collection path interfere with each other, leading to flow passage resistance and oil shortage due to high-pressure refrigerant mixing with oil, causing frictional loss and abrasion.
Innovation Solution
A flow passage separation unit is installed between the electric motor and the compression unit, comprising a first flow passage guide combined with the compression unit and a second flow passage guide extending from the electric motor, with a sealing member to separate the refrigerant flow passage and oil flow passage, preventing oil from mixing with refrigerant and ensuring smooth oil collection into a lower space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the refrigerant discharge path and oil collection path are arranged in opposite directions in a lower compression type scroll compressor, then the compression unit can be positioned downward, but the paths interfere with each other causing flow passage resistance and oil shortage
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space of the compressor is segmented into distinct refrigerant flow passages and oil flow passages using partition walls and guide structures. This segmentation prevents interference between the two fluid paths while maintaining the lower compression unit positioning, ensuring reliable oil collection without mixing with high-pressure refrigerant.
Solution Approach 2:
Flow passage guides and partition walls act as intermediary structures between the refrigerant discharge path and oil collection path. These intermediaries direct the high-pressure refrigerant away from the oil collection area, preventing oil shortage and frictional loss while allowing both paths to coexist in the compact lower compression configuration.
2Quantity of substance
If the discharge pipe is positioned to allow oil separation in the internal space, then oil can be separated from refrigerant, but the refrigerant discharge path interferes with the oil collection path
Solution Approach 1:
The oil separation function and refrigerant discharge function are merged into a unified flow passage structure. The discharge pipe is positioned and configured to simultaneously achieve oil separation in the internal space and direct refrigerant flow away from the oil collection path, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passages are arranged in different spatial dimensions and directions within the compressor housing. By utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently, the refrigerant discharge path and oil collection path are routed through different zones, preventing interference while maintaining effective oil separation capability.
3Quantity of substance
If oil collection flow passage is sufficiently secured, then oil can collect between electric motor and compression unit, but oil stays over compression unit increasing likelihood of mixing with refrigerant
Solution Approach 1:
The oil collection function is extracted and dedicated to a specific lower space region separated from the refrigerant discharge path. By providing a dedicated oil collection zone with proper flow passages, oil is collected and contained in a location that prevents mixing with high-pressure refrigerant, eliminating the harmful mixing effect while maintaining sufficient oil volume.
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 separation of refrigerant and oil flow passages prevents interference, reducing frictional loss and abrasion, ensuring efficient oil collection and minimizing oil shortage by maintaining separate flow paths, thereby enhancing the compressor's operational stability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a flow passage separation unit that is installed between the electric motor and the compression unit and separates a refrigerant flow passage and an oil flow passage
Implementation Method 2
comprising a first flow passage guide combined with the compression unit and a second flow passage guide extending from the electric motor, with a sealing member to separate the refrigerant flow passage and oil flow passage
Implementation Method 3
oil that is separated from the refrigerant in an upper space that serves as the separation space passes through the electric motor, and then flows into an oil storage space that is formed under the compression unit
Data Source
AI summary
A scroll compressor having a casing, a drive motor which is held in place within the casing and has an internal flow passage and an external flow passage to pass through, a rotation shaft which is combined with the drive motor for rotation, a frame that is provided under the drive motor and through which the rotation shaft passes for support, a first scroll which is provided under the frame and on whose one flank surface a first wrap is formed, a second scroll which is provided between the frame and the first scroll, on which a second wrap that is engaged with the first wrap is formed, with which the rotation shaft is eccentrically combined and which forms a compression chamber, and a flow passage separation unit which separates a space between the drive motor and the frame into an internal space and an external space is provided.