Scroll Compressor Thrust Plate Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scroll compressors experience severe wear and high power consumption due to friction between the orbiting scroll and the thrust plate, leading to blackening of lubricating oil, especially under high load conditions, necessitating improved lubrication between the thrust surface and the end surface of the orbiting scroll.
Innovation Solution
A main bearing housing assembly with a thrust plate featuring oil inlet and outlet holes forming a closed oil chamber, where lubricant is actively supplied by a pumping mechanism, creating a shower-type distribution path for uniform and efficient lubrication and cooling, reducing friction and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lubrication is used between the orbiting scroll and thrust plate, then the structure remains simple, but severe wear and high friction occur under high load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is segmented into multiple independent oil supply channels (first oil supply channel through fourth oil supply channel) that deliver lubricating oil to different regions of the thrust plate. This segmentation allows targeted lubrication at high-wear areas without requiring a completely complex system architecture, resolving the contradiction between improved wear resistance and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Lubricating oil is supplied in advance to the thrust plate through the oil supply channels before the orbiting scroll contacts the thrust surface. The oil is distributed through orifices on the thrust plate, creating a preliminary lubrication layer that prevents severe wear from occurring during high-load operation, thus improving reliability without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If lubricating oil is supplied to reduce friction between the orbiting scroll and thrust plate, then wear is reduced, but the lubrication efficiency is insufficient under high load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the thrust plate are provided with dedicated oil supply channels and orifices tailored to their specific lubrication needs. The first oil supply channel serves the first region, the second oil supply channel serves the second region, and so on. This local quality approach ensures optimal lubrication efficiency at each contact point without uniformly increasing system complexity or power consumption across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes hydraulic principles by supplying lubricating oil through pressurized channels to the thrust plate. The oil is delivered through the main bearing housing assembly to specific regions of the thrust plate, creating sufficient lubrication pressure to maintain an effective lubrication film under high load conditions, thereby improving lubrication efficiency without directly increasing power consumption.
3Reliability
If multiple oil supply channels are introduced to improve lubrication distribution, then lubrication uniformity is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple oil supply channels (first through fourth oil supply channels) are merged into a single integrated main bearing housing assembly structure. The housing assembly consolidates the oil supply pathways, orifices, and structural components into one unified design, which enhances lubrication uniformity across different regions while avoiding the complexity of completely separate lubrication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The main bearing housing assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the orbiting scroll bearing, provides multiple oil supply channels to different regions of the thrust plate, and maintains structural support. This multi-functionality allows the single assembly to achieve uniform lubrication distribution without requiring additional separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving lubrication uniformity.
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 solution effectively reduces friction and wear between the thrust surface and the orbiting scroll end surface, enhancing lubrication and cooling, while maintaining a simple and cost-effective structure.
Implementation Method 1
it is necessary to provide lubrication (such as lubricating oil) between the end surface of the end plate of the orbiting scroll and the thrust surface of the thrust plate to reduce friction
Implementation Method 2
the at least one oil inlet hole is in communication with the at least one oil outlet hole through the closed oil chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A main bearing housing assembly for a scroll compressor and a scroll compressor having the main bearing housing assembly. The main bearing housing assembly comprises: a main bearing housing; and a thrust plates, the thrust plate being provided at the top of the main bearing housing, and comprising a thrust surface located at the top and in surface contact with the bottom end surface of a scroll assembly of the scroll compressor; the thrust plate comprises: at least one oil inlet hole; a closed oil chamber, the closed oil chamber being formed in the thrust plate; and at least one oil outlet hole, the opening of the at least one oil outlet hole being exposed to the thrust surface; and the at least one oil inlet hole is in communication with the at least one oil outlet hole by means of the closed oil chamber.