A reservoir and a method of manufacturing a reservoir

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of compressor, and particularly discloses a liquid accumulator and a manufacturing method, the liquid accumulator comprising a cylinder, a baffle and a connecting pipe. The baffle is located in the cylinder, the edge of the baffle is connected with the inner wall of the cylinder, a mounting hole is formed in the baffle, and a first flange is arranged at the outer peripheral edge of the mounting hole. The connecting pipe penetrates into the cylinder and passes through the mounting hole, the connecting pipe is in interference fit with the baffle at the mounting hole, a fastening structure is arranged along the circumference of the outer wall of the connecting pipe, the first flange is sleeved on the outer periphery of the fastening structure, and the fastening structure is used for increasing the friction between the first flange and the outer wall of the connecting pipe. The manufacturing method of the liquid accumulator is used for manufacturing the above-mentioned liquid accumulator, and comprises a spinning compression mouth process, a pressing assembly process, a spinning carving process and an interference fit installation process. The liquid accumulator and the manufacturing method can make the connection mode of the baffle and the connecting pipe simple, high in connection strength, and reduce the installation difficulty of the baffle, reduce the use of equipment on the other hand, reduce the cost, be small in energy consumption and pollution-free.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of compressor technology, and more particularly to a liquid receiver and a method for manufacturing the liquid receiver. Background Technology

[0002] The receiver-of-charge (ROC) is a crucial component in air conditioning systems, installed in the evaporator and compressor suction pipe. It serves as a protective mechanism to prevent liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor and causing liquid slugging. Typically, an ROC consists of a cavity, end caps, inlet pipe, outlet pipe, baffle, and filter. These components are installed into the cavity. Existing manufacturing methods for ROCs primarily involve the following steps: forming an upper cavity from metal tubing; pressing a filter assembly into the upper cavity; fixing the filter assembly inside the upper cavity; welding the baffle and internal metal tubing together; pressing the baffle with the welded internal metal tubing into the upper cavity; fixing the baffle with the welded internal metal tubing inside the upper cavity; stamping a metal sheet into a lower end cap, which has at least one mounting hole (either inward or outward flange); welding the lower end cap and external metal tubing together in one piece, and welding the internal metal tubing to the external metal tubing; and finally welding the lower end cap and upper cavity together.

[0003] In the manufacturing process of this type of liquid reservoir, the baffle is connected to the internal metal tube by welding. This welding method is costly, energy-intensive, and polluting. Furthermore, due to the limited operating space within the upper cavity, the internal metal tube must be welded to the baffle before installation, increasing the difficulty of installation. Additionally, the small contact area between the baffle and the internal metal tube results in low friction and weak connection strength.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a liquid storage device and its manufacturing method to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a liquid reservoir to solve the problems of difficult installation, low connection strength, high welding cost, high energy consumption, and pollution caused by the connection method between the internal connecting pipe and the baffle in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A liquid reservoir, comprising:

[0008] cylindrical body;

[0009] A baffle is located inside the cylinder, with its edge connected to the inner wall of the cylinder. An installation hole is provided on the baffle, and a first flange is provided along the outer periphery of the installation hole.

[0010] A connecting pipe is inserted into the cylinder and passes through the mounting hole. The connecting pipe is interference-fitted with the baffle at the mounting hole. A fastening structure is provided along the circumference of the outer wall of the connecting pipe. The first flange is sleeved on the outer periphery of the fastening structure. The fastening structure is used to increase the friction between the first flange and the outer wall of the connecting pipe.

[0011] Optionally, the dimension of the fastening structure in the axial direction of the connecting pipe is larger than the dimension of the first flange in the axial direction of the connecting pipe.

[0012] Optionally, the fastening structure may be a plurality of protrusions or a plurality of ribs arranged along the axial direction of the connecting pipe.

[0013] Optionally, the fastening structure is manufactured using a spin engraving process.

[0014] Optionally, the extension direction of the first flange is the same as the insertion direction of the connecting tube.

[0015] Optionally, the liquid reservoir further includes an end cap, the first end of the cylinder has an opening, the end cap is connected to the opening of the cylinder, the end cap is provided with an assembly hole, and the connecting pipe passes through the assembly hole and the mounting hole in sequence.

[0016] Optionally, the liquid reservoir further includes a filter screen, the edge of which is connected to the inner wall of the cylinder, and the connecting pipe passes through the assembly hole, the mounting hole, and the filter screen in sequence.

[0017] Optionally, a second groove is provided along the circumference of the inner wall of the cylinder, and the edge of the filter screen is inserted into the second groove.

[0018] Optionally, a first groove is provided along the circumference of the inner wall of the cylinder, and the edge of the baffle is inserted into the first groove.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a liquid reservoir to solve the problems of low connection strength between the connecting pipe and the baffle, difficulty in baffle installation, high welding cost, high energy consumption, and pollution in the prior art.

[0020] A method for manufacturing a liquid reservoir, used to manufacture the aforementioned liquid reservoir, the method comprising:

[0021] The first flange is stamped along the outer periphery of the mounting hole of the baffle using a stamping process; the fastening structure is engraved circumferentially along the outer wall of the connecting pipe using a rotary engraving process.

[0022] The connecting pipe is installed onto the baffle using an interference fit.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0024] The liquid reservoir provided by this invention includes a cylinder, a baffle, and a connecting pipe. The baffle is connected to the inner wall of the cylinder to support and fix the connecting pipe inside the cylinder. An installation hole is provided on the baffle, allowing for an interference fit between the connecting pipe and the baffle. Compared to the welding connection between the baffle and the connecting pipe in the prior art, this connection method is simpler and not limited by operating space; the baffle can be installed first, and then the baffle and the connecting pipe can be connected, reducing the difficulty of baffle installation. Furthermore, it reduces equipment usage, lowers costs, and has low energy consumption and no pollution. A first flange is provided on the outer periphery of the installation hole, and a fastening structure is provided on the outer wall of the connecting pipe, increasing the friction between the first flange and the outer wall of the connecting pipe, thereby increasing the connection strength between the baffle and the connecting pipe.

[0025] The method for manufacturing a liquid reservoir provided by the present invention is used to manufacture the above-mentioned liquid reservoir, which can simplify the connection method, increase the connection strength, reduce the difficulty of manufacturing and installation, reduce the cost, reduce the energy consumption, and eliminate pollution. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid reservoir in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the connecting pipe and the baffle in the liquid reservoir in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion at point A.

[0029] In the picture:

[0030] 100. Cylinder body; 200. Baffle; 210. First flange; 300. Connecting pipe; 310. Fastening structure; 400. End cap; 410. Second flange; 500. Filter screen. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly above and diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "under," and "below" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly below and diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0035] This invention provides a liquid reservoir and a method for manufacturing the liquid reservoir, which enables the components to be connected in a simple way, with high connection strength, low installation difficulty, low cost, low energy consumption, and no pollution.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the liquid reservoir provided by the present invention includes a cylinder 100, a baffle 200, and a connecting pipe 300. The baffle 200 is located inside the cylinder 100, and its edge is connected to the inner wall of the cylinder 100. An installation hole is provided on the baffle 200, and a first flange 210 is provided along the outer periphery of the installation hole. The connecting pipe 300 passes through the cylinder 100 and through the installation hole. The connecting pipe 300 and the baffle 200 are press-fitted at the installation hole. A fastening structure 310 is provided circumferentially along the outer wall of the connecting pipe 300. The first flange 210 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the fastening structure 310, and the fastening structure 310 is used to increase the friction between the first flange 210 and the outer wall of the connecting pipe 300.

[0037] The cylinder 100 forms a liquid storage space, and the connecting pipe 300 serves as a gas inlet and outlet channel. The baffle 200 supports the connecting pipe 300 within the cylinder 100, increasing its service life and thus the lifespan of the liquid reservoir. The connecting pipe 300 and the baffle 200 are interference-fitted, resulting in high connection strength. Compared to the welding connection method used in existing technologies, this method is simpler. Furthermore, when installing the baffle 200, it is not limited by the operating space of the cylinder 100; the baffle 200 can be installed first within the cylinder 100 before connecting it to the connecting pipe 300, eliminating the need to install the baffle 200 with the connecting pipe 300 attached, thus reducing installation difficulty. Additionally, it reduces the equipment and materials used for welding, lowering costs, and is energy-efficient and pollution-free.

[0038] The first flange 210 is used to increase the contact area between the outer wall of the connecting pipe 300 and the baffle 200. The fastening structure 310 and the first flange 210 together increase the connection strength between the connecting pipe 300 and the baffle 200, thereby extending the service life of the liquid reservoir.

[0039] In this specific embodiment, the connecting pipe 300 includes an inner pipe and an outer pipe. The inner pipe is located inside the cylinder 100, and the outer pipe is connected to one end of the inner pipe. The outer pipe can be a bent pipe to facilitate connection with external equipment pipelines.

[0040] It is worth noting that there can be multiple connecting pipes 300, and all multiple connecting pipes 300 are interference-fitted to the baffle 200. In this specific embodiment, there are two connecting pipes 300, and each connecting pipe 300 includes an inner pipe and an outer pipe. The outer pipe is a bent pipe, and the inner pipe and the outer pipe are connected by brazing.

[0041] See Figure 1The reservoir also includes an end cap 400. The first end of the cylinder 100 has an opening, and the end cap 400 is connected to the opening of the cylinder 100. The end cap 400 has an assembly hole, through which the connecting pipe 300 passes sequentially. The opening in the cylinder 100 facilitates the installation of the baffle 200 and the connecting pipe 300. The end cap 400 is sealed to the opening of the cylinder 100, and the assembly hole is used for the insertion of the connecting pipe 300 into the cylinder 100. In some embodiments, a second flange 410 is provided along the outer periphery of the assembly hole to increase the contact area between the end cap 400 and the connecting pipe 300, thereby increasing the connection strength between the connecting pipe 300 and the end cap 400. The extension direction of the second flange 410 can be the same as or opposite to the insertion direction of the connecting pipe 300; this invention does not specifically limit this.

[0042] In this specific embodiment, the cylinder 100 has a second end opposite to the first end, and the second end of the cylinder 100 has a constriction, through which gas enters an external pipe connected to the second end. By providing the constriction, it is not necessary to provide a sealing cap like the end cap 400 for the second end of the cylinder 100.

[0043] It is worth noting that the cylinder 100 with the constricted opening is formed by spun constriction of a metal tube.

[0044] In order to filter the gas entering the cylinder 100, the liquid receiver also includes a filter screen 500. The edge of the filter screen 500 is connected to the inner wall of the cylinder 100, and the connecting pipe 300 is sequentially provided with an assembly hole, a mounting hole and the filter screen 500.

[0045] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 Furthermore, the axial dimension of the fastening structure 310 in the connecting pipe 300 is larger than that of the first flange 210 in the connecting pipe 300. The larger length of the fastening structure 310 facilitates the installation and fit between the fastening structure 310 and the first flange 210, and also provides slack for adjusting the position of the connecting pipe 300 within the cylinder 100, thus facilitating the adjustment of the position of the connecting pipe 300 within the cylinder 100.

[0046] The fastening structure 310 can have various structural forms. In some embodiments, the fastening structure 310 consists of multiple protrusions, which can be several rings of protrusions along the circumference of the connecting pipe 300. The radius of the protrusions is less than or equal to 1 mm, for example, it can be 1 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.4 mm, or 0.2 mm. In other embodiments, the fastening structure 310 consists of multiple raised ribs arranged along the axial direction of the connecting pipe 300. In still other embodiments, the fastening structure 310 is an embossed structure with a specific shape. The specific structural form of the fastening structure 310 is not specifically limited in this invention, as long as it can increase the friction between the outer wall of the connecting pipe 300 and the baffle 200, thereby increasing the connection strength between the connecting pipe 300 and the baffle 200.

[0047] In this embodiment, the fastening structure is manufactured using a spin engraving process. Spin engraving is simple and convenient.

[0048] Continue as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the extension direction of the first flange 210 is the same as the insertion direction of the connecting tube 300. The first flange 210 is oriented along the insertion direction of the connecting tube 300, facilitating smooth installation as the connecting tube 300 enters the contact area with the first flange 210 after being inserted into the mounting hole. In this specific embodiment, a rounded transition area is provided at the connection between the first flange 210 and the mounting hole to facilitate the insertion of the connecting tube 300 into the mounting hole.

[0049] Furthermore, the filter screen 500 can be detachably connected to the cylinder 100, with a second groove provided along the circumference of the inner wall of the cylinder 100, into which the edge of the filter screen 500 is inserted. Compared to welding and other connection methods, this connection method is simple and low-cost.

[0050] Similarly, the connection between the baffle 200 and the cylinder 100 can also be detachable, with a first groove provided along the circumference of the inner wall of the cylinder 100, and the edge of the baffle 200 inserted into the first groove. Compared with welding and other connection methods, this connection method is simple and low in cost.

[0051] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a liquid reservoir, for manufacturing the above-mentioned liquid reservoir, the method comprising:

[0052] S1. A first flange 210 is stamped along the outer periphery of the mounting hole on the baffle 200 using a stamping process; a fastening structure 310 is engraved circumferentially along the outer wall of the connecting pipe 300 using a rotary engraving process.

[0053] S2. Use an interference fit to install the connecting pipe 300 onto the baffle 200.

[0054] The machining process includes a first flange 210 and a fastening structure 310 to increase the contact area and friction between the baffle 200 and the connecting pipe 300, thereby increasing the connection strength between the baffle 200 and the connecting pipe 300. The rotary engraving process is simple and easy to process.

[0055] Compared to the existing method of welding the connecting pipe 300 and the baffle 200, this method of manufacturing the liquid reservoir simplifies the connection between the baffle 200 and the connecting pipe 300, and reduces the difficulty of installing the baffle 200, thus lowering the overall manufacturing difficulty of the liquid reservoir. It also results in lower manufacturing costs, lower energy consumption, and no pollution.

[0056] It is worth noting that the manufacturing method of this liquid reservoir also includes the following steps:

[0057] The metal pipe is spun into a cylindrical body 100 by using a spin-compression process.

[0058] The spin forming process in this method is an advanced forming process that uses continuous local plastic accumulation to form a hollow rotating part from a metal tube. Spin forming involves feeding the metal tube into an automatic CNC spinning machine, exposing the portion to be formed. As the spindle drives the metal tube to rotate at high speed, the CNC system automatically controls the spinning wheel to reciprocate along a predetermined shape trajectory. Each time the direction changes, a certain amount of lateral feed is applied, gradually reducing the outer diameter of the metal tube to obtain a part with a throat shape, such as the cylinder 100 in this embodiment.

[0059] The baffle 200 is pressed into the cylinder 100 using a press-fitting process; a second groove is engraved on the inner wall of the cylinder 100 using a spinning and grooving process, and the edge of the baffle 200 is inserted into the second groove.

[0060] Spinning and grooving insertion connection is simple and low cost.

[0061] The filter screen 500 is pressed into the cylinder 100 using a press-fitting process; a first groove is engraved on the inner wall of the cylinder 100 using a spinning and grooving process, and the edge of the filter screen 500 is inserted into the first groove.

[0062] The metal sheet is stamped into an end cap 400 using a stamping process. The end cap 400 has one or two or more assembly holes, and a second flange 410 is stamped at the assembly hole.

[0063] The end cap 400 and the cylinder 100 opening are welded together using carbon dioxide shielded arc welding, argon arc welding, or other fusion welding processes.

[0064] Carbon dioxide is the shielding gas used in carbon dioxide gas shielded arc welding. The low price of carbon dioxide further reduces the manufacturing cost of the reservoir.

[0065] The complete process steps of this invention are as follows:

[0066] 1) The metal pipe is spun into a cylindrical body 100 by using a spin-compression process.

[0067] 2) The filter screen 500 is pressed into the cylinder 100 using a press-fitting process; the first groove is engraved on the inner wall of the cylinder 100 using a spinning and grooving process, and the edge of the filter screen 500 is inserted into the first groove.

[0068] 3) The first flange 210 is formed by stamping along the outer periphery of the mounting hole of the baffle 200 using a stamping process;

[0069] 4) Using a press-fitting process, the baffle 200 with the first flange 210 is press-fitted into the cylinder 100; using a spinning and grooving process, a second groove is etched on the inner wall of the cylinder 100, and the edge of the baffle 200 is inserted into the second groove.

[0070] 5) The fastening structure 310 is engraved circumferentially along the outer wall of the connecting pipe 300 using a rotary engraving process;

[0071] 6) Use an interference fit to install the connecting pipe 300 onto the baffle 200;

[0072] Steps 4)-6) involve first installing the baffle 200 into the cylinder 100, and then installing the connecting pipe 300 onto the baffle 200. Compared to the prior art, which requires welding the connecting pipe 300 to the baffle 200 first and then installing the baffle 200 with the connecting pipe 300 onto the cylinder 100, this step sequence reduces the installation difficulty of the baffle 200.

[0073] 7) The metal sheet is stamped into an end cap 400 by stamping process. The end cap 400 has one or two or more assembly holes, and a second flange 410 is stamped at the assembly hole.

[0074] 8) After the connecting pipe 300 passes through the assembly hole on the end cap 400, the end cap 400 and the cylinder 100 opening are welded together by carbon dioxide shielded arc welding, argon arc welding or other fusion welding processes.

[0075] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A reservoir characterized by, include: cylindrical body (100); A baffle (200) is located inside the cylinder (100). The edge of the baffle (200) is connected to the inner wall of the cylinder (100). An installation hole is provided on the baffle (200), and a first flange (210) is provided along the outer periphery of the installation hole. A connecting pipe (300) is inserted into the cylinder (100) and passes through the mounting hole. The connecting pipe (300) is interference-fitted with the baffle (200) at the mounting hole. A fastening structure (310) is provided along the circumference of the outer wall of the connecting pipe (300). The first flange (210) is sleeved on the outer circumference of the fastening structure (310). The fastening structure (310) is used to increase the friction between the first flange (210) and the outer wall of the connecting pipe (300).

2. The reservoir of claim 1, wherein, The dimension of the fastening structure (310) in the axial direction of the connecting pipe (300) is greater than the dimension of the first flange (210) in the axial direction of the connecting pipe (300).

3. The reservoir of claim 1, wherein, The fastening structure (310) consists of multiple protrusions or multiple ribs arranged along the axial direction of the connecting pipe (300).

4. The reservoir of claim 1, wherein, The fastening structure is manufactured using a spin engraving process.

5. The reservoir of claim 1, wherein, The extension direction of the first flange (210) is the same as the insertion direction of the connecting tube (300).

6. The reservoir of claim 1, wherein, The liquid reservoir also includes an end cap (400), the first end of the cylinder (100) has an opening, the end cap (400) is connected to the opening of the cylinder (100), the end cap (400) is provided with an assembly hole, and the connecting pipe (300) passes through the assembly hole and the mounting hole in sequence.

7. The reservoir of claim 6, wherein, The liquid reservoir also includes a filter screen (500), the edge of which is connected to the inner wall of the cylinder (100), and the connecting pipe (300) passes through the assembly hole, the mounting hole and the filter screen (500) in sequence.

8. The reservoir of claim 7, wherein, A second groove is provided along the circumference of the inner wall of the cylinder (100), and the edge of the filter screen (500) is inserted into the second groove.

9. The reservoir of any of claims 1-8, wherein, A first groove is provided along the circumference of the inner wall of the cylinder (100), and the edge of the baffle (200) is inserted into the first groove.

10. A method of manufacturing a reservoir for manufacturing a reservoir according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The method for manufacturing the liquid reservoir includes: S1. A first flange (210) is stamped along the outer periphery of the mounting hole of the baffle (200) using a stamping process; a fastening structure (310) is engraved along the circumferential direction of the outer wall of the connecting pipe (300) using a rotary engraving process. S2. The connecting pipe (300) is installed onto the baffle (200) using an interference fit.

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