Accumulator for air conditioning circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to an accumulator (8) comprising:-a housing (9) extending around and along a first axis (X1),-an inlet port (11) for a refrigeration fluid (F) and-an outlet port (12) for a refrigeration gas (G),-a suction tube (13) for the refrigeration gas (G), and-a deflector (28) mounted in the housing (9), the deflector (28) comprising a deflector wall (29), the invention relates to a fluid director (28) comprising a first axis (X1), a fluid director wall (29) having the shape of a substantially inverted bowl or clock centered on a second axis (X2) parallel to the first axis (X1), the fluid director wall defining at least one first interior cavity (35) in which an inlet (20) of a suction tube (13) is located, the fluid director wall (29) further having a first passage (33) for the suction tube (13), the fluid director (28) further comprising a filter wall (36), the filter wall closes the first interior (35) and has a second channel (36a) for the suction tube (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of accumulators for air-conditioning circuits, in particular for motor vehicles.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to the field of accumulators equipped with flow guides. Background Art

[0003] The prior art is described by documents JP-A-2019066137, US-B1-6167720 and EP-A1-0825399.

[0004] Motor vehicles are usually equipped with an air conditioning circuit which allows the passenger compartment of the vehicle to be cooled.

[0005] The air conditioning circuit is a closed circuit for the circulation of refrigerant. The air conditioning circuit generally includes a compressor, a condenser or cooler, an evaporator, and an accumulator installed between the evaporator and the compressor. The compressor is connected to the condenser through a high-pressure circuit, and the evaporator is connected to the compressor through a low-pressure circuit.

[0006] The refrigerant is initially in a gaseous state and is compressed in the compressor and then discharged toward the condenser through a high-pressure circuit. The refrigerant then changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state in the condenser and is delivered to the evaporator in a liquid state. In the evaporator, the refrigerant changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state and is then delivered to the compressor through a low-pressure circuit.

[0007] The main function of the accumulator is to separate the refrigerant in the liquid phase from the refrigerant in the gas phase and to accumulate the refrigerant in the liquid phase to prevent it from returning to the compressor.

[0008] Document US-B1-6481 241 describes an accumulator comprising a cylindrical housing extending along a first axis between a closed lower end and an upper end closed by a cover. The accumulator also comprises an inlet port for refrigerated liquid connected to an evaporator and an outlet port for gas connected to a compressor. The inlet port and the outlet port are usually located on the cover of the accumulator.

[0009] The accumulator further includes a gas suction pipe arranged in the housing and having a gas inlet located in the housing and a gas outlet connected to the outlet port.

[0010] In order to separate the refrigeration liquid in the liquid phase from the refrigeration liquid in the gas phase, the accumulator also includes a deflector installed in the shell and located between the cover and the gas inlet. The deflector has a bell-shaped deflector wall, which defines an inner cavity in which the gas inlet is arranged. The function of the deflector is to promote the flow of the liquid phase along the wall of the shell and protect the gas inlet from the flow of the liquid, thereby allowing the suction pipe to collect only the refrigeration gas and return it to the compressor.

[0011] Such accumulators, although highly efficient, are not entirely satisfactory. In fact, even if the gas inlet of the suction pipe is well protected by a flow guide, thereby limiting the amount of liquid returning to the compressor, the gas drawn through the suction pipe may still be contaminated by pollutants such as suspended particles. The accumulation of these particles may cause damage to the suction pipe and even to the compressor.

[0012] It is therefore necessary to provide an accumulator which allows limiting the contamination of the refrigerant fluid in the gaseous phase in the suction line. Summary of the invention

[0013] To this end, the invention proposes an accumulator for an air conditioning circuit, in particular an air conditioning circuit of a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0014] a housing surrounding and extending along a first axis,

[0015] - an inlet port for a refrigeration fluid, and

[0016] - outlet port for refrigerant gas,

[0017] a suction pipe for the refrigerant gas, the suction pipe being arranged in the housing and having an inlet for the refrigerant gas and an outlet for the refrigerant gas, the inlet being located in the housing and the outlet being connected to the outlet port and being oriented towards the top of the housing, the inlet and the outlet each having an axis extending parallel to the first axis, and

[0018] - a deflector mounted in the housing, the deflector comprising a deflector wall having a substantially inverted bowl or bell shape centered on a second axis parallel to the first axis, the deflector wall defining at least one first inner cavity in which the inlet of the suction tube is located, the deflector wall also having a first channel for the suction tube.

[0019] The accumulator is notable in that the flow director further comprises a filter wall which closes the first inner cavity and has a second channel for the suction tube.

[0020] The filter wall allows the refrigerant gas to be filtered before being drawn through the suction pipe when entering the first chamber. Such a filter wall ensures that the refrigerant gas drawn through the suction pipe is free of contaminants, thereby limiting damage within the suction pipe or the compressor.

[0021] The filter wall is integrated into the flow director, which allows reducing the overall size of the accumulator.

[0022] Furthermore, this integration of the filter wall with the flow director facilitates the assembly of the accumulator.

[0023] The present invention may include one or more of the following features used alone or in combination with each other:

[0024] - the filter wall is connected to the deflector wall,

[0025] - the filter wall comprises at least one filter and advantageously a plurality of filters,

[0026] - the or each filter comprises a filter medium comprising fibres,

[0027] - the filter wall is annular and centered on a second axis, and the filters are distributed around the second axis,

[0028] - the filtering wall has a semicircular shape centered on the second axis,

[0029] - the deflector wall defines a second inner cavity adjacent to the first inner cavity, the second inner cavity being intended to accommodate a dehydration bag,

[0030] - the deflector wall has an orifice leading into the second inner cavity,

[0031] the deflector comprises an axial partition which passes through the second axis and separates the first inner cavity from the second inner cavity,

[0032] the deflector comprises a rib connected to the deflector wall and extending radially with respect to a longitudinal axis parallel to the first axis,

[0033] - the deflector comprises fins which are evenly distributed around the second axis,

[0034] - fins are arranged on the outer periphery of the deflector wall and are mounted on the housing,

[0035] -The suction tube is "J" or "U" shaped,

[0036] the suction pipe comprises an inner pipe, on which an outlet for the refrigerant gas is arranged, and an outer pipe, on which an inlet for the refrigerant gas is arranged, the outer pipe being arranged coaxially around the inner pipe,

[0037] - the second axis is aligned with the first axis, or is offset from the first axis,

[0038] - the accumulator comprises a cover attached to the upper end of the housing, the outlet port being arranged in the cover and the deflector being connected to the cover,

[0039] - the deflector comprises a sleeve which extends coaxially around the suction tube and is connected to the cover,

[0040] - the sleeve extends axially into the first channel,

[0041] - the deflector comprises blades located on an upper annular portion of the deflector wall,

[0042] - the housing extends between an upper end and a lower end, the inlet port and / or the outlet port being located on the upper end of the housing,

[0043] - the accumulator comprises a cover attached to the upper end of the housing, the outlet port and optionally the inlet port being arranged in the cover,

[0044] -The cover is assembled with the suction tube and the deflector. This allows for easier assembly of the accumulator,

[0045] - The deflector wall is in the shape of an inverted "U" in longitudinal section.

[0046] The invention also relates to an air-conditioning circuit, in particular for a motor vehicle. This air-conditioning circuit is notable in that it comprises an accumulator according to any of the preceding features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an air conditioning circuit for a motor vehicle,

[0049] Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of an accumulator according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

[0050] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a suction tube according to an alternative embodiment,

[0051] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of a deflector connected to a cover that can be assembled to Figure 2 The accumulator,

[0052] Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of an accumulator according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

[0053] Figure 6is a bottom perspective view of a deflector attached to a cover, the deflector having Figure 5 The accumulator in

[0054] Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of an accumulator according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of a deflector attached to a cover, the deflector having Figure 7 The accumulator,

[0056] Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of an accumulator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention,

[0057] Fig.10 is a bottom perspective view of a deflector attached to a cover, the deflector having Fig. 9 accumulator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Figure 1 An example of an air conditioning loop 1 is shown. The air conditioning loop 1 is used in particular in a vehicle, such as a car or an aircraft. The air conditioning loop 1 can be implemented in any type of installation requiring an air conditioning loop.

[0059] The air conditioning circuit 1 is a closed circuit comprising a high pressure circuit 2 and a low pressure circuit 3. The air conditioning circuit 1 also comprises a compressor 4, a condenser 5, a possible expansion valve 6, an evaporator 7, and an accumulator 8 installed between the evaporator 7 and the compressor 4.

[0060] The compressor 4 is connected to the condenser via the high-pressure circuit 2 , and the accumulator 8 is connected to the evaporator 7 and the compressor 4 via the low-pressure circuit 3 .

[0061] The refrigerant gas G is compressed in the compressor 4 and discharged toward the condenser 5 through the high-pressure circuit 2. Then, the refrigerant gas G is condensed in the condenser 5 to form a refrigerant liquid L. The condensed refrigerant liquid L from the refrigerant gas G is expanded in the expansion valve 6 and is delivered to the evaporator 7. In the evaporator 7, the refrigerant liquid L is partially evaporated, and a refrigerant fluid F including a mixture of the refrigerant gas G and the refrigerant liquid L is delivered to the accumulator 8. In the accumulator 8, the refrigerant liquid L is separated from the refrigerant gas G, and the refrigerant gas G is returned to the compressor 4 through the low-pressure circuit 3, while the refrigerant liquid L is accumulated in the accumulator 8.

[0062] The refrigerant gas G is preferably carbon dioxide, in particular the gas R744.

[0063] For example, refer to Figure 2, which shows a first embodiment of an accumulator 8 according to the invention, comprising a housing 9 , an advantageous cover 10 , an inlet port 11 for a refrigerant fluid F, an outlet port 12 for a refrigerant gas G, and a suction pipe 13 .

[0064] The housing 9 surrounds and extends along the first axis X1 .

[0065] In the following description, the terms "lower" and "upper" are understood with respect to the orientation of the circulation of the refrigeration fluid F, in particular the refrigeration liquid L, in the housing 9 along the first axis X1. Figure 2 In the process, the liquid phase L circulates from top to bottom.

[0066] The terms “inner” and “outer” are understood to refer to the distance from the first axis X1 of the housing 9 along a radial axis perpendicular to the first axis X1 .

[0067] The terms “longitudinal” and “longitudinally” are to be understood relative to the first axis X1 .

[0068] The housing 9 extends along the first axis X1 between an upper end 14 and a lower end 15. The housing 9 is preferably cylindrical. The upper end 14 and the lower end 15 of the housing 9 are connected by a cylindrical wall 16 centered on the first axis X1. The cylindrical wall 16 has a cylindrical outer face 16a and a cylindrical inner face 16b.

[0069] The lower end 15 of the housing 9 is closed by a bottom wall 17 opposite the upper end 14 .

[0070] The housing 9 is hollow and comprises an inner space 18 defined by a cylindrical wall 16 and a housing bottom 19 defined by a bottom wall 17 .

[0071] The housing 9 is made of, for example, a polymer material, a composite material or a metal material.

[0072] A cover 10 is arranged on the upper end 14 of the housing 9. The cover 10 is annular and is centered on the first axis X1. The cover 10 closes the upper end 14 of the housing 9. The cover 10 is attached to the upper end 14 of the housing. For example, the cover is fixed by welding.

[0073] The cover 10 comprises an upper annular portion 10a and a lower annular portion 10b, which are connected by a shoulder 10c. The diameter of the lower annular portion 10b is smaller than the diameter of the upper annular portion 10a. The lower annular portion 10b extends into the inner space 18 of the housing 9, and the shoulder 10c abuts the upper end 14 of the housing 9. This configuration of the cover 10 allows to ensure that the housing 9 is sealed.

[0074] The inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are advantageously arranged in the cover 10. Advantageously, the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are axial. Thus, the inlet port and the outlet port each have an axis extending parallel to the first axis X1. The axis of the inlet port 11 or the outlet port 12 may be aligned with or offset from the first axis X1.

[0075] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the axis of the inlet port 11 is aligned with the first axis X1 , and the axis of the outlet port 12 is offset from the first axis X1 .

[0076] The inlet port 11 opens into the housing 9 and thus into the interior space 18. The inlet port is connected to the evaporator 7 via the low-pressure circuit 3.

[0077] The outlet port 12 is connected to the compressor 4 via the low-pressure circuit 3 .

[0078] The suction pipe 13 is located in the housing 9, i.e., in the inner space 18 of the housing 9. The suction pipe 13 comprises an inlet 20 for the gas G and an outlet 21 for the refrigerant gas G, which is connected to the outlet port 12 of the accumulator 8. Preferably, the outlet 21 of the suction pipe 13 extends into the outlet port 12. The outlet port 12 is coaxial with the outlet 21 of the suction pipe 13. Therefore, the outlet 21 has an axis parallel to the first axis X1. The outlet 21 for the refrigerant gas G is oriented toward the top of the housing 9.

[0079] The inlet 20 for the gas of the suction pipe 13 is located in the housing 9, i.e. in the internal space 18. The inlet 20 for the gas is advantageously axial and therefore has an axis extending parallel to the first axis X1. Advantageously, the inlet 20 has a flared shape towards the upper end 14 of the housing 9. This allows the gas G to flow through the suction pipe 13.

[0080] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the suction pipe 13 is in a "U" shape or a "J" shape. In this embodiment, the suction pipe 13 includes a first pipe 22 connected to the inlet 20, a second pipe 23 connected to the outlet 21, and a bend pipe 24 connecting the first pipe 22 and the second pipe 23. For example, the inner diameters of the first pipe 22, the second pipe 23, and the bend pipe 24 are smaller than the inner diameters of the inlet 20 and the outlet 21 of the suction pipe 13.

[0081] according to Figure 3 An alternative embodiment of the suction duct 13 is shown, the suction duct 13 being of the coaxial type. It comprises an internal duct 25 advantageously centred on the first axis X1 and an external duct 26 arranged coaxially around the internal duct 25 .

[0082] The external duct 26 extends axially between a lower end 26a and an upper end 26b. The upper end 26b is located axially between the cover 10 and the lower end 15 of the housing 9. The inlet 20 is located on the external duct 26 at the level of its upper end 26b.

[0083] The inner pipe 25 extends axially between a lower axial end 25a and an upper axial end 25b through the outlet port 11. The lower axial end 25a and the upper axial end 25b of the inner pipe 25 are open to allow the entry and exit of the refrigerant gas G. The outlet 21 is provided on the outer pipe 26, in particular at the level of its upper axial end 25b.

[0084] The suspended oil particles may be mixed with the refrigerant gas G. To this end, the suction pipe 13 may include an orifice 13a for recovering and circulating the oil into the suction pipe. The orifice 13a is provided in the elbow 24 or in the lower end 26a of the external pipe 26.

[0085] Furthermore, the accumulator 8 advantageously comprises an oil filtering device 27 connected to the suction pipe 13 and to the compressor 4. The filtering device 27 is located in the inner space 18 of the housing 9 and opposite the first end 14 of the housing 9. The filtering device 27 is connected to the suction pipe 13 by attachment means such as a clamp or by screwing.

[0086] The filtering device 27 comprises an oil filter 27a which allows filtering the oil before it circulates through the suction pipe 13. Thus, the oil present in the bottom 19 of the housing and mixed with the refrigerant liquid L is sucked by the refrigerant gas G circulating in the suction pipe G via the orifice 13a to return to the compressor 4. This maintains optimal lubrication of the refrigerant gas G.

[0087] The accumulator 8 further comprises a flow guide 28. The flow guide 28 is mounted in the housing 8, i.e. in the internal space 18. The flow guide 28 is arranged axially between the cover 10 and the inlet 20 of the suction pipe 20 for the refrigerant gas G. The flow guide 28 allows the flow of the refrigerant fluid F to be diverted towards the inner face 16b of the cylindrical wall 16 of the housing 9. This allows the inlet 20 of the gas of the suction pipe 13 to be protected from the liquid phase in order to prevent the liquid phase from returning to the compressor 4. Thus, the flow guide 28 promotes the separation of the liquid phase from the gas phase of the refrigerant fluid F.

[0088] The shape of the deflector 28 is similar to an inverted bowl, bell or dome centered on the second axis X2. Therefore, the deflector 28 has a generally inverted "U" shape in longitudinal section.

[0089] The second axis X2 is parallel to the first axis X1. The second axis X2 may be offset from the first axis X1, or aligned with the first axis X1, for example Figure 2 shown.

[0090] The alignment of the first axis X1 and the second axis X2 promotes a uniform flow of the refrigerant fluid F around the inducer 2 .

[0091] The deflector 28 includes a deflector wall 29. The deflector wall 29 is shaped like an inverted "U" shape, an inverted bowl, a bell or a dome centered on the second axis X2. The deflector wall 29 is made of, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel or a polymer material.

[0092] The deflector 28 is connected to the cover 10 and the suction tube 13. They are usually pre-assembled to facilitate assembly and maintenance of the accumulator 8.

[0093] The deflector wall 29 comprises an upper annular portion 30 centered on the second axis X2 and a lower annular portion 31 extending around the second axis X2 and extending from the upper annular portion 30 along the second axis X2 towards the lower end 15 of the housing 9 .

[0094] The upper annular portion 30 may be Figure 2 The upper annular portion 30 is attached to the cover 10 and is frustoconical, or circular as shown.

[0095] In this embodiment, the deflector wall 29 has blades 29' uniformly distributed around the second axis X2. The blades 29' are, for example, located on an upper annular portion 30 of the deflector wall 29. These blades promote the separation of the gas phase from the liquid phase of the refrigeration fluid F in the housing 9. The blades 29' can extend as far as the lower annular portion 31. Preferably, the blades 29' extend helically on the deflector wall 29.

[0096] The lower annular portion 31 has an annular lower end 32 centered on the second axis X2.

[0097] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the lower annular portion 31 is arranged on the inner face 16 b of the housing 9 .

[0098] The flow director 28 advantageously comprises a sleeve 28a which extends coaxially around the suction duct 13 and is connected to the cover 10. The sleeve 28a extends axially into the first channel 33.

[0099] The flow director 28 advantageously comprises a first channel 33 of the suction duct 13. The first channel 33 is axially aligned with the outlet port 12. Thus, the first channel 33 can be centered on the second axis X2, in particular when the suction duct 13 is of the coaxial type or as Figure 2 As shown axially offset relative to the second axis X2 , a first channel 33 is provided in an upper portion 33 of the deflector wall 29 .

[0100] The flow director 28 further comprises at least one first inner cavity 35 in which the gas inlet 20 is located. The first inner cavity 35 is delimited by the flow director wall 29 .

[0101] According to the present invention, the flow director 28 further comprises a filtering wall 36 closing the first inner cavity 35 .

[0102] The filter wall 36 is connected to the deflector wall 29 of the deflector 28. This feature reduces the overall size of the accumulator 8, since the filter wall 36 is directly integrated into the deflector 28.

[0103] In particular, the filter wall 36 is connected to the lower portion 31 of the deflector wall 29. In another example, the filter wall 36 is attached to the lower end 32 of the lower portion 31 of the deflector 28.

[0104] As in Figure 4 As best seen, the filtering wall 36 comprises at least one filter 37 and advantageously comprises a plurality of filters 37. Advantageously, the filtering wall 36 comprises between one and ten filters 37, preferably between four and six filters 37.

[0105] Each filter 37 comprises a filter medium. Each filter medium comprises fibers and optionally a matrix in which the fibers are embedded. The fibers are, for example, selected from metal, carbon, polyester, polyamide, glass fiber, or mixtures thereof. The diameter of the fibers is between 0.01 mm and 1 mm, and the length of the fibers is, for example, between 0.1 mm and 10 mm. For example, the fibers are thermally bonded, or braided or woven.

[0106] The matrix is ​​for example a polymeric matrix selected from polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyamides, fluorinated polymers.

[0107] Each filter 37 is gas permeable. Thus, each filter 37 has pores with a size, for example, between 0.1 μm and 100 μm, preferably between 80 μm and 100 μm.

[0108] Each filter 37 has a generally polygonal shape, such as a triangle or a trapezoid. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, each filter 37 has a triangular shape.

[0109] In this embodiment, the filter wall 36 is annular and is centered on the second axis X2. According to this embodiment, the filters 37 are distributed around the second axis X2 and are in particular four in number.

[0110] The filter wall 36 is flat.

[0111] The filter wall 36 also includes a second channel 36 a of the suction pipe 13 to allow the gas inlet 20 of the suction pipe 13 to pass into the inner cavity 35 .

[0112] Therefore, the filter wall 36 is gas permeable, thereby filtering out contaminants such as pollutant particles while allowing the refrigerant gas G to pass through the suction pipe 13. Therefore, the refrigerant gas G sucked through the suction pipe 13 has no contaminants, thereby limiting damage to the suction pipe 13 or the compressor 4.

[0113] In order to further limit the return of the liquid phase of the refrigerant fluid to the compressor 4, the accumulator 8 further includes a dehydration bag 38 connected to the suction pipe 13. The dehydration bag 38 includes, for example, a container 38a and a dehydration material arranged in the container 38a.

[0114] The container 38a is connected to the suction pipe 13 by an attachment device 38b such as a clamp. For example, the container 38a can be connected to the elbow 24 or to the second pipe 23 of the suction pipe 13, or to the external pipe 26 of the suction pipe 13. The container 38a can also be located between the first pipe 22 and the second pipe 23.

[0115] Dehydrating materials include, for example, gels or beads. Dehydrating materials include, for example, silica or clay.

[0116] Preferably and not shown, the accumulator 8 also comprises an internal heat exchanger. The internal heat exchanger is located in the internal space 18 of the housing 9.

[0117] An advantageous embodiment of the accumulator 8 will now be described. For each of the following embodiments, only the differences are described. Figure 2 The entire description of the embodiments in applies.

[0118] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A second embodiment of the accumulator 8 is shown. In this embodiment, the deflector 28 is centred on the first axis X1.

[0119] According to this second embodiment, the deflector 28 also comprises fins 39 evenly distributed around the second axis X2. The fins 39 are located on the outer periphery of the deflector wall 29, in particular on the lower portion 31 of the deflector wall 29. The fins 39 are placed on the housing 9. For example, the fins 39 extend radially from the deflector wall 29 and cooperate in a sealing manner with the cylindrical wall 16 of the housing 9. For example, the fins 39 are substantially triangular in shape.

[0120] The refrigerant fluid F can flow between these fins 39. Thus, the fins 39 allow the flow of the refrigerant fluid F in the housing 9 to be slowed down so as to promote the separation of the liquid phase from the gas phase of the refrigerant fluid F.

[0121] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A third embodiment is shown. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this variant, the suction pipe 13 is a reference Figure 3 Described as coaxial type.

[0122] According to this variant, the filters 37 are evenly distributed around the second axis X2. The filters 37 are, for example, six in number and have a substantially trapezoidal shape.

[0123] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A fourth embodiment of the accumulator 8 is shown. This third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the flow director 28 comprises a second inner cavity 40. The dewatering bag 38 is arranged in the second cavity 42.

[0124] The first inner cavity 35 is adjacent to a second inner cavity 40. The first inner cavity and the second inner cavity are separated by an axial partition 41 passing through the second axis X2. The axial partition 41 extends axially from the deflector wall 29 towards the lower end 15 of the housing 9.

[0125] In this embodiment, the filter wall 36 has a generally semicircular shape centered on the second axis X2. By centered on the second axis X2, it can be understood that the center of the circle inscribing the semicircular filter wall 36 passes through the second axis X2.

[0126] According to this embodiment, the deflector wall 29 has holes 29a opening into the second cavity 40. These holes 29a are evenly distributed on the deflector wall 29. The shape of these holes is generally circular or oval and has a diameter between 0.01 mm and 1 mm.

[0127] The deflector wall 42 also has a third channel 43 of the suction pipe 13, in particular of the second duct 23. The third channel 43 is axially aligned with the first channel 33.

[0128] According to this embodiment, the deflector 28 also includes a rib 44 connected to the deflector wall 29, in particular to the lower end 32 of the deflector wall 29, and closing the second inner cavity 40. The rib 44 extends radially relative to a longitudinal axis parallel to the first axis X1. The rib 44 allows mechanical reinforcement of the deflector 28 and retention of the dehydration bag into the second inner cavity 40.

[0129] Figure 3 The alternative embodiments shown in can also be applied to this fourth embodiment.

[0130] The filter wall 36 filters the refrigerant gas G entering the first chamber 35 before being sucked through the suction pipe 13. Due to such a filter wall 36, the refrigerant gas G sucked through the suction pipe 13 has no contaminants, thereby limiting damage in the suction pipe 13 or the compressor 4.

[0131] This filter wall 36 is integrated into the flow director 8 , which allows the overall dimensions of the accumulator 8 to be reduced.

Claims

1. An accumulator (8) for an air conditioning circuit (1), in particular an air conditioning circuit of a motor vehicle, the accumulator (8) comprising: - a housing (9) surrounding and extending along a first axis (X1), - an inlet port (11) for a refrigeration fluid (F), and - an outlet port (12) for the refrigerant gas (G), a suction pipe (13) for the refrigerant gas (G), the suction pipe being arranged in the housing (9) and having an inlet (20) for the refrigerant gas (G) and an outlet (21) for the refrigerant gas (G), the inlet being located in the housing (9), the outlet being connected to the outlet port (12) and being oriented towards the top of the housing (9), the inlet (20) and the outlet (21) each having an axis extending parallel to the first axis (X1), and a deflector (28) mounted in the housing (9), the deflector (28) comprising a deflector wall (29) having a substantially inverted bowl or bell shape centered on a second axis (X2) parallel to the first axis (X1), the deflector wall defining at least one first inner cavity (35) in which the inlet (20) of the suction duct (13) is located, the deflector wall (29) also having a first passage (33) for the suction duct (13), It is characterized in that the flow guide (28) further comprises a filter wall (36), which closes the first inner cavity (35) and has a second channel (36a) for the suction pipe (13).

2. Accumulator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The filter wall (36) is connected to the deflector wall (29).

3. The accumulator according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that: The filtering wall (36) comprises at least one filter (37), and advantageously comprises a plurality of filters (37).

4. Accumulator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The or each filter (37) comprises a filter medium comprising fibres.

5. Accumulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The filtering wall (36) is annular and is centered on the second axis (X2), and the filters (37) are distributed around the second axis (X2).

6. The accumulator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The filtering wall (36) has a semicircular shape centered on the second axis (X2).

7. Accumulator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The deflector wall (29) defines a second inner cavity (40) adjacent to the first inner cavity (35), the second inner cavity (40) being intended to accommodate a dehydration bag (38).

8. Accumulator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The deflector wall (29) has an opening (42a) leading into the second inner cavity (40).

9. The accumulator according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that: The deflector (28) includes an axial partition (41) that passes through the second axis (X2) and separates the first inner cavity (35) from the second inner cavity (40).

10. Accumulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The deflector (28) comprises ribs (44) connected to the deflector wall (29) and extending radially with respect to a longitudinal axis parallel to the first axis (X1).

11. Accumulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The deflector (28) comprises fins (39) which are evenly distributed around the second axis (X2).

12. Accumulator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The fins (39) are arranged on the outer periphery of the deflector wall (29) and are mounted on the housing (9).

13. Accumulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The suction pipe (13) is "J" shaped or "U" shaped.

14. The accumulator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The suction pipe (13) includes an inner pipe (25) and an outer pipe (26), the outlet (21) for the refrigerant gas (G) is arranged on the inner pipe, the inlet (20) for the refrigerant gas (G) is arranged on the outer pipe, and the outer pipe (26) is coaxially arranged around the inner pipe (25).

15. Accumulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second axis (X2) is aligned with the first axis (X1) or offset from the first axis (X1).

16. Accumulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The accumulator comprises a cover (10) attached to an upper end (14) of the housing (9), the outlet port (12) being provided in the cover (10), and the deflector (28) being connected to the cover (10).

17. Accumulator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The deflector (28) comprises a sleeve (28a) which extends coaxially around the suction tube (13) and is connected to the cover (10).

18. Accumulator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The sleeve (28a) extends axially into the first passage (33).

19. Accumulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The deflector (28) comprises vanes (29') which are located on an upper annular portion (30) of the deflector wall (29).

20. An air conditioning circuit (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, characterized in that The air conditioning circuit comprises an accumulator (8) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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