SEPARATOR DEVICE FOR SEPARATING A FLUID, IN PARTICULAR A LUBRICANT, FROM A COOLANT

Abstract

The invention relates to a separator device of a compressor for the deposition of a fluid, in particular a lubricant from a coolant fluid of the compressor, including a separator cylinder having an inlet region for the coolant fluid and an outlet region for the deposited fluid spaced apart from inlet in an axial direction of the cylinder, and a separation tube configured and arranged coaxially in the separator cylinder. The separation tube extends at least over the inlet region of the separator cylinder such that the separation tube is spaced apart from the separator cylinder in a radial direction in the inlet region. A spring-loaded closure is configured and arranged in the inlet region to automatically regulate a flow velocity of a volume flow of the coolant fluid flowing through the inlet as a function of a pressure at the inlet.

Claims

1-11. (canceled)

12. A separator device for deposition of a lubricant from a coolant fluid comprising: a separator cylinder having an inlet region with at least one inlet for the coolant fluid and an outlet region for the deposited lubricant, the inlet region spaced apart from the outlet region in an axial direction of the separator cylinder; a separation tube configured and arranged coaxially in the separator cylinder, the separation tube extending at least over the inlet region such that the separation tube is spaced apart from the separator cylinder in a radial direction in the inlet region; and a spring-loaded closure configured and arranged in the inlet region to automatically regulate a flow velocity of a volume flow of the coolant fluid flowing through the at least one inlet, the spring-loaded closure configured as a bent leaf spring having a radius of curvature smaller than half an inner diameter of the separator cylinder.

13. The separator device according to claim 10 wherein the spring-loaded closure changes an effective passage cross-section of the at least one inlet as a function of an inlet pressure prevailing at the at least one inlet.

14. The separator device according to claim 11 wherein the radius of curvature of the leaf spring is variable.

15. The separator device according to claim 10 wherein the radius of curvature of the leaf spring is variable.

16. The separator device according to claim 10 wherein the at least one inlet further comprises a guide channel extending at least in sections in a direction deviating from the radial direction, so that the volume flow flows into the separator cylinder substantially in a tangential direction.

17. The separator device according to claim 11 wherein the at least one inlet further comprises a guide channel extending at least in sections in a direction deviating from the radial direction, so that the volume flow flows into the separator cylinder substantially in a tangential direction.

18. The separator device according to claim 13 wherein the at least one inlet further comprises a guide channel extending at least in sections in a direction deviating from the radial direction, so that the volume flow flows into the separator cylinder substantially in a tangential direction.

19. The separator device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one inlet includes a plurality of inlets configured and arranged circumferentially around the separator cylinder.

20. The separator device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one inlet includes a plurality of inlets configured and arranged circumferentially around the separator cylinder.

21. The separator device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one inlet includes a plurality of inlets configured and arranged circumferentially around the separator cylinder.

22. A compressor comprising: a separator cylinder for depositing lubricant from a coolant fluid flowing in the compressor using centrifugal force in response to rotation of the compressor; and a spring-loaded regulator included in the separator cylinder that regulates a flow velocity of a volume flow of the coolant fluid flowing through a plurality of inlets of the separator cylinder as a function of a pressure at the inlets, wherein the inlets are configured and arranged circumferentially around the separator cylinder.

23. The separator device according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of inlets are configured and arranged in a row extending perpendicular to the axial direction.

24. The separator device according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of inlets is closable.

25. The separator device according to claim 21, wherein the plurality of inlets is closable.

26. The separator device according to claim 10, wherein the separator device is configured and arranged as a separate unit detachably connected to a housing of a compressor.

27. The separator device according to claim 11, wherein the separator device is configured and arranged as a separate unit detachably connected to a housing of a compressor.

28. The separator device according to claim 13, wherein the separator device is configured and arranged as a separate unit detachably connected to a housing of a compressor.

29. The separator device according to claim 14, wherein the separator device is configured and arranged as a separate unit detachably connected to a housing of a compressor.

30. The separator device according to claim 17, wherein the separator device is configured and arranged as a separate unit detachably connected to a compressor housing of a compressor.

31. A compressor comprising: a compressor housing; a separator detachably connected to the compressor housing, wherein the separator is configured to deposit lubricant from a coolant fluid flowing in the compressor using centrifugal force in response to rotation of the compressor; and a spring-loaded regulator included in the separator that regulates a flow velocity of a volume flow of the coolant fluid flowing through an inlet of the separator such that the flow velocity is maintained as rotational speed of the compressor varies.

Description

[0030] Shown in this case

[0031] FIG. 1 a housing cover of a compressor housing comprising a separator device according to an embodiment in a plan view,

[0032] FIG. 2 a side view of the housing cover of FIG. 1,

[0033] FIG. 3A a separator device having a spring-loaded closure element according to an embodiment in a side view,

[0034] FIG. 3B the separator device of FIG. 3A in a sectional view,

[0035] FIG. 3C the separator device of FIG. 3A in a perspective view, wherein a separator cylinder is shown transparent for better representation

[0036] FIG. 4 a plan view of the separator cylinder in a further sectional view,

[0037] FIG. 5 the spring-loaded closure element in a perspective view,

[0038] FIG. 6 a plan view of a separator cylinder having closure element according to a further exemplary embodiment,

[0039] FIG. 7 a spring-loaded closure element of FIG. 6 in a perspective view.

[0040] Parts corresponding to each other are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0041] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a housing cover 2 having a separator device 1 according to an embodiment. The location of the sectional plane II shown in FIG. 2 can be seen in the plan view of FIG. 1. The housing cover 2 is part of a compressor 20, which contains lubricant and coolant within a coolant circuit for compressing a coolant fluid. The coolant fluid in this case is, in at least one concrete application, a heterogeneous mixture of coolant and lubricant. In another application, in particular when carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) is provided as a coolant, the lubricant may also be at least partially dissolved in the coolant. The lubricant is usually oil, which is intended to continuously lubricate the mechanical parts of the compressor. The oil is usually introduced in the form of a mist into the coolant fluid.

[0042] The separator device 1 comprises a separator cylinder 6 having a plurality of inlets 4 which are in fluid communication with an inner region of the compressor 20. The coolant fluid flows from the compressor via the inlets 4 into an inlet region 5 of the separator device 1. The separator cylinder 6 is arranged within a hollow cylindrical section 13 of the housing cover 2, for example, by means of a clearance fit. The separator device 1 inserted into the hollow cylindrical section 13 can be removed as a separate module, in particular for maintenance or repair purposes; for this purpose, at most, it is necessary to release a reversible connection, such as, in particular, a screw connection. The housing cover 2 further comprises an outlet region 3 which communicates with a collection basin (not shown) for collecting deposited fluid via a collection basin connection 9.

[0043] The section 13 is in operative connection with a not shown cooling circuit via a coolant connection 12. For example, this may be the cooling circuit of a refrigerator or an air conditioner. In order to avoid the coolant fluid containing the lubricant getting into the cooling circuit, the lubricant or the oil must first be deposited.

[0044] A separation tube 7 is arranged coaxially in the separator cylinder 6, which tube has a tube section 10 having a reduced diameter, which extends in the direction of the outlet region 3. On the side facing the cooling circuit connection 12, a separation tube section 14 is arranged which has a larger cross-section than the tube section 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown, which is not restrictive, the diameter of the tube section 10 is approximately half of the separator cylinder 6. The separation tube section 14 has an overall cross-section which corresponds approximately to the cross-section of the separator cylinder 6 in this region. The tube section 10 having reduced diameter extends over the inlet region 5, so that the separator cylinder 6 and the separation tube 7 are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction in this region. The coolant fluid flowing through the inlet 4 flows between the inner wall of the separator cylinder 6 and the outer wall of the separation tube 7 in the circumferential direction, wherein centrifugal forces act on the coolant fluid. In other words, the separator device operates in the manner of a centrifugal separator.

[0045] As FIGS. 3A to 3C show, a plurality of inlets 4 can be arranged on the separator cylinder 6. The inlets 4 are arranged in a row extending perpendicular to the axis A1 in the exemplary embodiment shown.

[0046] The position of the sectional plane IIIB shown in FIG. 3B and the position of the sectional plane IV shown in FIG. 4 can be seen in FIG. 3A.

[0047] FIG. 2, FIGS. 3A to 3C and FIG. 5 show a closure element 8 according to one exemplary embodiment. The closure element 8 comprises a spring element which is designed as a leaf spring 11. The leaf spring 11 in this embodiment has a radius of curvature which is smaller than half the inner diameter of the separator cylinder 6. The radius of curvature of the leaf spring 11 varies slightly, so that the leaf spring 11 in the inlet region 5 of the separator cylinder 6 defines flow channels for the inflowing coolant fluid, which promote a circulation of the coolant fluid in the tangential direction around the separation tube 7.

[0048] The closure element 8 is arranged within the separator cylinder 6 around the separation tube 7, in particular in the region of the tube section 10. The leaf spring 11 is arranged so that it partially closes, completely closes or does not close at all the inlet(s) 4 depending on the inlet pressure of a penetrating volume flow.

[0049] The coolant fluid is introduced as a volume flow via the inlet region 5 into the separator device 1. The inlet pressure generated on the compressor side exerts a force on the spring element or on the leaf spring 11 of the closure element 8 and thereby opens the closure element 8. How far the closure element 8 opens thus depends on the inlet pressure, by influencing the pressure on the position of the leaf spring 11 relative to the opening, that is, the distance of one end of the leaf spring 11 to a sealing edge of the separator cylinder. This relationship is based on the formula Spring stiffness C=Pressure p/Displacement s. Preferably, the spring stiffness can be adjusted in a range of 0.1 to 5 bar/mm. This effective passage cross-section, which is dependent on the inlet pressure, determines with which flow velocity the coolant fluid flows into the separator cylinder 6. The deposition process is thus regulated via the flow velocity of the volume flow. The flow conditions prevailing within the separator device 1 remain substantially independent of the rotational speed of the compressor. As FIG. 4 shows, the inlets 4 and their guide channels 15 can be closed and opened at least partially by the leaf spring 11 and thus regulate the inlet of the coolant fluid flow such that a constantly high flow velocity of the coolant fluid within the separator cylinder 6 is present independent of the rotational speed of the compressor. This is made possible by the variation of the passage cross-section of the inlets 4 by means of the leaf spring 11, on which the continuously flowing volume flow exerts a force. The closure element 8 therefore provides an element which automatically regulates the entering flow velocity.

[0050] The coolant fluid circulates in the embodiment shown in the tangential direction Z around the tube section 10 of the separation tube 7 similar to a cyclone. Due to the effect of the centrifugal forces on the coolant fluid, the lubricant or the oil, due to its higher mass, is spun from the flow against the inner wall of the separator cylinder 6 and accumulates there. The oil particles then flow or move within the separator cylinder 6 in a direction A to the outlet region 3 and are conducted via a collection basin connection 9 into a collection basin. The lighter coolant, however, rises through the separation tube 7 and is supplied in the direction R via a cooling circuit connection 12 to the cooling circuit. Later, the oil located in the collection basin is again mixed with coolant to form a coolant aerosol again and to further be able to supply the compressor parts again.

[0051] Each inlet 4 may further comprise a guide channel 15 which extends in a direction deviating from the radial direction, so that the volume flow flows into the separator cylinder substantially in a tangential direction.

[0052] Furthermore, it is possible that when the compressor 20 is at standstill, a backflow of the coolant fluid is prevented in the compressor 20 when the inlets 4 are closed. For this purpose, for example, a pressure relief valve 25, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A to 3C, may be provided, which is arranged between separator cylinder 6 and the collection basin for the oil. Due to the prevailing pressure during the deposition, the pressure relief valve 25 is usually open to allow the oil to drain off. Since no pressure difference is present during non-operation, or at standstill of the device, the pressure relief valve 25 is closed and thus prevents the backflow of the coolant fluid into the compressor 20.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a compressor housing 20 having a separator cylinder 60 and a closure element 80. The closure element 80 is shown in perspective in FIG. 7.

[0054] The closure element 80 according to the further embodiment includes a leaf spring 110 and is arranged in or on the separator cylinder 60 such as to open or close an inlet 40 to regulate the flow velocity of the volume flow through a guide channel 150. In this embodiment, the positioning, or the bending of the leaf spring 110 can be changed until it rests against a stop 30 at maximum deflection. In other words, the leaf spring 110 can be bent backwards to the maximum extent until the leaf spring 110 reaches the stop 30, and the inlet 40 is fully opened. The deflection of the leaf spring 110 as a function of the inlet pressure is predetermined by the spring stiffness.

[0055] As the pressure decreases, the leaf spring 110 is moved in the opposite direction. A spring edge 111 of the leaf spring 110 terminates with a sealing edge 112 of the separator cylinder 60 and closes the inlet 40, or the guide channel 150 completely when the pressure falls below a limit predetermined by the spring stiffness. The deflection of the leaf spring 110 thus depends on the pressure, so that a self-regulation of the flow velocity is given.

[0056] The invention is not limited to the embodiments of the separator device shown in the drawings, but results from a synopsis of all features disclosed herein.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0057] Separator device 1 [0058] Compressor housing 2, 20 [0059] Outlet region 3 [0060] Inlet 4, 40 [0061] Inlet region 5 [0062] Separator cylinder 6, 60 [0063] Separation tube 7 [0064] Closure element 8, 80 [0065] Collection basin connection 9 [0066] Tube section 10 [0067] Leaf spring 11, 110 [0068] Cooling circuit connection 12, 120 [0069] Section 13 [0070] Separation tube section 14 [0071] Guide channel 15, 150 [0072] Compressor 20 [0073] Overpressure valve 25 [0074] Stop 30 [0075] Spring edge 111 [0076] Sealing edge 112 [0077] Recycling coolant R [0078] Deposition Oil A [0079] Tangential direction Z [0080] Section plane II [0081] Section plane IIIB [0082] Section plane IV