Reservoir and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

Provided are an accumulator capable of increasing the amount of refrigerant passing therethrough, and a method for manufacturing the accumulator. The outflow pipe of the liquid storage device is provided with a small cylinder part which is inserted and fixed in a refrigerant outflow hole, a large cylinder part which is arranged in a body part and has a larger cross-sectional area than that of the small cylinder part, and a conical cylinder part which connects the small cylinder part and the large cylinder part. The inner circumferential surface of the outflow pipe has a large inner circumferential surface, an intermediate inner circumferential surface connected to the large inner circumferential surface, and a small inner circumferential surface connected to the intermediate inner circumferential surface and having a smaller cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the large inner circumferential surface in the flow direction of the refrigerant. The gas-liquid separation member has a communication portion, a main body facing a head portion, and an extension portion extending from the main body to a tapered cylinder portion, and the gas-liquid separation member is configured to be in a shape in which a cross-sectional area gradually decreases toward the small inner peripheral surface side, and the gas-liquid separation member is configured to be in a shape in which the extension portion is in contact with the tapered cylinder portion. And the gas-liquid separation part is clamped between the head part and the outflow pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a liquid reservoir and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] To separate and store the refrigerant gas and liquid circulating in the refrigeration cycle, liquid collection tanks, liquid receivers, etc. are used.

[0003] In the refrigeration cycle, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the condenser, where it exchanges heat with the outside air, thereby cooling and condensing. The condensed liquid refrigerant in the condenser is then depressurized in a pressure reducing device, becoming a mist-like gas-liquid phase. The depressurized, low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the air supply air of the air conditioning fan and evaporates in the evaporator. The cooled air supply air in the evaporator is temperature-regulated in a known heater core (not shown) and then blown into, for example, the vehicle interior. The refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator is separated into gas and liquid phases in the receiver and then drawn into the compressor.

[0004] Therefore, a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, communicating with the interior of the receiver, are formed at the head of the receiver. The refrigerant inlet is connected to the evaporator via piping, and the refrigerant outlet is connected to the compressor via piping.

[0005] In addition, as shown in Patent Document 1, a liquid receiver having a gas-liquid separation component (cover) that separates the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet into liquid refrigerant and gas refrigerant is also known.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-52139.

[0009] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, to improve the performance of the refrigeration cycle, there is a need to increase the amount of refrigerant passing through the receiver. One solution to increase the amount of refrigerant passing through the receiver is to use a large-diameter outlet pipe, which is installed inside the receiver and connected to the refrigerant outlet at the head.

[0011] However, the diameter of the refrigerant outlet at the head is determined by the piping that forms the flow path downstream of the receiver, which is often designed by the manufacturer assembling the refrigeration cycle. Thus, the specifications of the receiver's refrigerant outlet are determined by the size of the designed piping, making it difficult to use a large-diameter outlet pipe regardless of the size of the piping connected to it. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention was made in view of this technical problem, and its object is to provide a liquid receiver capable of increasing the amount of refrigerant passing through and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0013] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, the liquid reservoir of the present invention has the following features:

[0015] A torso, which has an opening at at least one end;

[0016] The head has a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, and closes one end of the body.

[0017] A gas-liquid separation component, housed within the body, and having a connecting portion formed at the portion opposite the refrigerant outlet, linking the head side and the opposite side of the head side; and

[0018] An outlet pipe, which is housed within the body and partially disposed within the communicating portion, and connected to the refrigerant outlet port.

[0019] The outflow pipe has a small cylindrical section, a large cylindrical section, and a conical cylindrical section. The small cylindrical section is inserted into and fixed to the refrigerant outflow hole. The large cylindrical section is disposed within the body of the pipe, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the large cylindrical section is larger than that of the small cylindrical section. The conical cylindrical section connects the small cylindrical section and the large cylindrical section.

[0020] The inner circumferential surface of the outlet pipe has a large inner circumferential surface, a middle inner circumferential surface, and a small inner circumferential surface along the refrigerant flow direction. The middle inner circumferential surface is connected to the large inner circumferential surface, and the small inner circumferential surface is connected to the middle inner circumferential surface. The small inner circumferential surface has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the large inner circumferential surface. The middle inner circumferential surface has a shape in which the cross-sectional area gradually decreases towards the side facing the small inner circumferential surface.

[0021] The gas-liquid separation component has the connecting portion, and has a main body opposite to the head and an extension portion extending from the main body to the conical cylindrical portion. When the extension portion abuts against the conical cylindrical portion, the gas-liquid separation component is clamped between the head and the outflow pipe.

[0022] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a liquid reservoir, wherein the liquid reservoir comprises:

[0023] The head has a refrigerant outlet port;

[0024] The outflow pipe is connected to the refrigerant outflow port; and

[0025] A gas-liquid separation component is disposed opposite to the head and has a connecting portion for configuring a portion of the outflow pipe, wherein...

[0026] By performing a pipe reduction or expansion process, an outlet pipe is formed having a small cylindrical section, a large cylindrical section, and a tapered cylindrical section. The cross-sectional area of ​​the large cylindrical section is larger than that of the small cylindrical section, and the tapered cylindrical section connects the small cylindrical section and the large cylindrical section.

[0027] An extension is formed in the main body portion of the gas-liquid separation component, which is the part disposed opposite to the head, and this extension extends in a direction away from the main body portion.

[0028] By bringing the extension and the conical section close together with the small cylindrical portion of the outflow pipe positioned in the connecting portion, the extension abuts against the conical section.

[0029] By making the small cylindrical portion fixed to the refrigerant outlet hole of the head and the extension portion abutting against the conical cylindrical portion, the gas-liquid separation component is clamped between the head and the outlet pipe.

[0030] The effects of the invention

[0031] According to the present invention, a liquid receiver capable of increasing the amount of refrigerant passing through and a method thereof can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the reservoir according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a sectional view showing the head, cover, and inner tube disassembled.

[0034] Figure 3 This is the bottom view of the lid.

[0035] Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lower end of the inner tube in this embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 This is the bottom view of the cover involved in the first variation.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the cover involved in the first variation.

[0038] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lower end of the inner tube involved in the second variation.

[0039] Figure 8 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lower end of the inner tube involved in the third variation.

[0040] Figure 9 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lower end of the inner tube involved in the fourth variation.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the reservoir according to the second embodiment.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the reservoir according to the third embodiment.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the reservoir according to the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Hereinafter, the liquid reservoir according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] (First Implementation)

[0046] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the liquid reservoir 1 according to the first embodiment, but only the left half of the filter section is shown in cross section. The liquid reservoir 1 includes: a tank body 2, a double tube 5 disposed in the tank body 2, a bag 11 containing a desiccant (hygroscopic agent) DA, a cap (also called a gas-liquid separation component) 16, and a filter section 20.

[0047] The can body 2 includes a torso 3 and a head 4. The torso 3 is formed as a cylinder with an opening at least at the top, and for example, it is formed as a bottomed cylinder, having an opening at at least one end. The head 4 closes the opening at one end of the torso 3. The head 4 is joined to the torso 3 around the periphery via a welding part 10, thereby closing the opening of the torso 3. Both the torso 3 and the head 4 are formed of a metal such as aluminum alloy. In this specification, the side of the head 4 is referred to as the upper part, and the bottom side of the torso 3 is referred to as the lower part. As another example of the torso 3, the torso 3 may also be a cylinder with openings at both ends. In this case, one opening is closed by the head 4, and the other opening is closed by a component different from the torso 3. In this case, the component that closes the other opening of the torso 3 is formed of a metal such as aluminum alloy.

[0048] A refrigerant inlet hole 8 and a refrigerant outlet hole 9 are formed vertically through the head 4, which is formed, for example, in a generally disc-shaped manner. An inner tube (also called an outlet tube) 6 extending to the inner bottom of the body 3 is connected to the refrigerant outlet hole 9. An outer tube 7 is fitted outside the inner tube 6, thereby forming a double tube 5.

[0049] A cover 16 is provided below the head 4. This cover 16 separates the mixed refrigerant (a mixture of gaseous and liquid phases) from the refrigerant inlet 8 into a high-density liquid refrigerant and compressor oil (hereinafter referred to as "oil"), and a low-density gaseous refrigerant. The cover 16 is, for example, made of resin. The cover 16 has, for example, a topped cylindrical shape and is disposed opposite to the refrigerant inlet 8 and the refrigerant outlet 9.

[0050] The inner tube 6 is made of metal, for example, an aluminum alloy. The lower end of the inner tube 6 is open, and as described later, the upper end of the inner tube 6 is connected to the refrigerant outlet hole 9 of the head 4 by pressing. In addition, the outer periphery of the inner tube 6 is embedded inside the inner side of a plurality of tube ribs 7a protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 7, thereby stably holding the inner tube 6 within the outer tube 7 by maintaining a gap.

[0051] The outer tube 7, for example, is made of synthetic resin and is installed inside the body 3 with its upper end open. A cylindrical filter section 20 is provided at the bottom of the outer tube 7. The filter section 20 is composed of a bottomed cylindrical shell 21 made of synthetic resin and a cylindrical mesh filter 22 integrally formed with the shell 21 by means of insert molding or the like. The filter section 20 may also abut against the bottom surface of the internal space of the body 3, for example. With the filter section 20 abutting against the bottom surface of the internal space of the body 3, the cover 16 is held between the body 3 and the head 4 via the inner tube 6.

[0052] A bag 11 containing desiccant DA is disposed between the inner circumference of the outer tube 7 and the torso 3.

[0053] Figure 2 This is a sectional view showing the head 4, cover 16, and inner tube 6 disassembled. Figure 3 This is the bottom view of cover 16. Set the axis of inner tube 6 as L.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the head 4 is continuously formed by stacking a large cylindrical portion 4a and a thin-walled annular portion 4b with a smaller diameter than the large cylindrical portion 4a. A stepped portion 4c is formed between the large cylindrical portion 4a and the thin-walled annular portion 4b for engaging the upper outer periphery of the torso 3. The upper surface of the large cylindrical portion 4a is, for example, formed as a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0055] A cylindrical boss 4d protruding downward from the large cylindrical portion 4a is formed on the lower surface of the head 4. A refrigerant outlet hole 9 is formed through the boss 4d and extending vertically through the head 4, and a refrigerant inlet hole 8 is formed adjacent to the boss 4d and extending vertically through the head 4. The lower surface of the boss 4d is, for example, formed as a plane that contacts the upper surface of the top wall 16b of the cover 16 (described later). The lower surface of the boss 4d is, for example, formed as a plane orthogonal to the axis L of the inner tube 6.

[0056] The refrigerant outlet 9 has a large-diameter orifice 9a formed at the top and a small-diameter orifice 9b formed at the bottom. The inner diameter of the large-diameter orifice 9a is larger than the inner diameter of the small-diameter orifice 9b.

[0057] The cover 16 has a cover body (also simply referred to as the body) 16e and an extension 16d. The cover body 16e is located within the torso 3 opposite the head 4. The cover body 16e is formed by connecting a side wall 16a and a top wall 16b. A through hole 16c is formed in the top wall 16b. The through hole 16c is an example of a connecting portion that houses a part of the inner tube 6. The connecting portion in the cover body 16e is shaped to connect the side of the head 4 and its opposite side, in other words, to the bottom surface side of the torso 3. The connecting portion is not limited to a through hole. In other examples, the connecting portion may also be a cut that passes through the cover body 16e and opens on the side of the cover body 16e. On the upper surface of the top wall 16b, for example, one or more ribs 16b1 are formed in an upwardly projecting shape. The ribs 16b1 form part of the upper surface of the top wall.

[0058] On the lower surface of the top wall 16b, an extension 16d is formed around the through hole 16c, for example, at the edge of the through hole 16c. The extension 16d is formed to extend from the cover body 16e to the tapered cylindrical portion 6c and abut against the tapered cylindrical portion 6c of the inner tube 6. Multiple extensions 16d are formed, for example, four. The extension 16d is formed as a wall. In this embodiment, the extension 16d will be described as a retaining wall 16d. The four retaining walls 16d are arranged, for example, at equal intervals along the edge of the through hole 16c. The retaining walls 16d are formed continuously with the cover body 16e. The lower surface of the top wall 16b, except for the retaining walls 16d, is flat.

[0059] The top wall 16b is opposite to both the refrigerant inlet hole 8 and the refrigerant outlet hole 9. Furthermore, the top wall 16b is the area impacted by the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet hole 8. Moreover, the top wall 16b is opposite to the entire area of ​​the refrigerant inlet hole 8. The opposing direction is the axial direction of the refrigerant inlet hole 8.

[0060] Furthermore, the gaps between the head 4 and the top wall 16b, and between the side wall 16a and the inner circumferential surface of the body 3, are approximately the same. Here, "approximately the same" means not only completely identical, but also includes some degree of variation. That is, the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet 8 flows downstream by impacting the top wall 16b, passing through the gaps between the top wall 16b and the head 4, and between the inner circumferential surface of the body 3 and the side wall 16a. If these gaps are "identical," then smooth refrigerant flow is maintained. Furthermore, if the variation in these gaps is small, then a smooth refrigerant flow can be maintained. This variation refers to the degree to which the refrigerant flow can be maintained as smooth.

[0061] The holding wall 16d has, for example, a shape corresponding to the inner tube 6. Here, the corresponding shape is the shape along the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 6, that is, the surface of the holding wall 16d that faces and abuts against the inner tube 6 is formed into the same shape or a substantially the same shape as the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 6.

[0062] The holding wall 16d has a shape that is point-symmetrical with respect to the axis of the through-hole 16c (which coincides with the axis L during assembly), and specifically, it is composed of a rectangular plate-shaped base portion 16d1 on the top wall 16b side, a rectangular plate-shaped tip portion 16d2 on the lower end side, and a right trapezoidal plate-shaped intermediate portion 16d3 that connects the base portion 16d1 and the tip portion 16d2.

[0063] In a cross-section passing through the axis of the through-hole 16c, the outer side surfaces of the base portion 16d1, the intermediate portion 16d3, and the tip portion 16d2 on the side far from the axis of the through-hole 16c are, for example, parallel to the axis of the through-hole 16c.

[0064] In addition, the distances from the inner side surfaces of the base portion 16d1 and the tip portion 16d2 on the side close to the axis of the through-hole 16c to the axis of the through-hole 16c are R1 and R2 respectively, and R1 < R2. That is, the inner side surface of the base portion 16d1 is formed into the same shape or a substantially the same shape as a part of the outer peripheral surface of a cylinder with a radius of R1. The inner side surface of the tip portion 16d2 is formed into the same shape or a substantially the same shape as a part of the outer peripheral surface of a cylinder with a radius of R2. Therefore, the inner side surface of the intermediate portion 16d3 on the side close to the axis of the through-hole 16c is inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to the axis of the through-hole 16c. The inner side surface of the intermediate portion 16d3 is formed into the same shape or a substantially the same shape as a part of the outer peripheral surface of a frustum of a cone with a radius of R2 at the lower end and a radius of R1 at the upper end. In addition, the inner diameters of the small-diameter hole 9b and the through-hole 16c are 2×R1.

[0065] The range on the upper surface of the top wall 16b of the lid 16 that abuts against the lower surface of the boss 4d of the head 4 is, for example, formed into a plane that is in surface contact with the lower surface of the boss 4d. The range on the upper surface of the top wall 16b of the lid 16 that abuts against the lower surface of the boss 4d of the head 4 is, for example, formed into a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the inner tube 6. Alternatively, a part of the rib 16b1 may be formed in the range on the upper surface of the top wall 16b of the lid 16 that abuts against the lower surface of the boss 4d of the head 4. In the case of this structure, a recess for arranging a part of the rib 16b1 is formed on the lower surface of the boss 4d of the head 4. This recess has, for example, a shape for fitting the rib 16b1.

[0066] The inner tube 6 connects a small-diameter cylindrical portion (also referred to as a small tube portion) 6a inserted and fixed in the small-diameter hole 9b of the refrigerant outflow hole 9 and a large-diameter cylindrical portion (also referred to as a large tube portion) 6b that is larger in diameter than the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a and is arranged inside the trunk 3 through a tapered cylindrical portion 6c.

[0067] The inner tube 6 is formed, for example, by reducing the diameter of a metal tube, such as an aluminum tube. The outer diameter of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a is smaller than that of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b, but by reducing the diameter of the tube, the fiber flow in the metal structure of the inner tube 6 is continuous throughout the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a, the conical cylindrical portion 6c, and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b. Since this continuous fiber flow can be visually confirmed by cutting the inner tube 6 along the axial direction, it has a so-called visibility.

[0068] The outer circumferential radii of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b are r1 and r2, respectively. r1 is equal to R1, or r1 is approximately equal to R1. The case where r1 is approximately equal to R1 includes the cases where r1 is smaller than R1 and r1 is larger than R1. Similarly, r2 is equal to R2, or r2 is approximately equal to R2. The case where r2 is approximately equal to R2 includes the cases where r2 is smaller than R2 and r2 is larger than R2.

[0069] The outer circumferential surface of the conical cylindrical part 6c becomes the outer circumferential surface of a conical trapezoid with a lower radius of r2 and an upper radius of r1, or becomes a curved surface that is approximately the same as the outer circumferential surface of a conical trapezoid with a lower radius of r2 and an upper radius of r1.

[0070] The inner tube 6 also has a small-diameter inner circumferential surface (small inner circumferential surface) 6e extending within the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a, a conical inner circumferential surface (intermediate inner circumferential surface) 6f extending within the conical cylindrical portion 6c, and a large-diameter inner circumferential surface (large inner circumferential surface) 6g extending within the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b. Since the refrigerant flows from the lower end to the upper end within the inner tube 6, the large-diameter inner circumferential surface 6g, the conical inner circumferential surface 6f, and the small-diameter inner circumferential surface 6e are arranged in this order along the refrigerant flow direction. Because the inner tube 6 is formed by a diameter reduction process, the small-diameter inner circumferential surface 6e, the conical inner circumferential surface 6f, and the large-diameter inner circumferential surface 6g are smoothly connected to each other.

[0071] In a cross-section through the axis of the through hole 16c, the outer circumferential surface of the tapered cylindrical portion 6c is inclined at an angle θ2 relative to the axis L of the inner tube 6. θ2 is equal to θ1, or approximately equal to θ1. The angles θ1 and θ2 are preferably, for example, 40 degrees ± 10 degrees.

[0072] The tapered cylindrical portion 6c abuts against the middle portion 16d3 of the retaining wall 16. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the tapered cylindrical portion 6c and the inner surface of the middle portion 16d3 can also be formed as curved surfaces that are in surface contact with each other. For example, when r1 equals R1 and r2 equals R2, the outer peripheral surface of the tapered cylindrical portion 6c becomes a curved surface that is in surface contact with the inner surface of the middle portion 16d3.

[0073] The tapered cylindrical portion 6c abuts against the middle portion 16d3, and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b abuts against the top portion 16d2, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the cover 16 relative to the inner tube 6. That is, the shape of the wall 16d not abutting against the inner tube 6 with only a single plane is maintained, and the boundary portions (corners or corners) between the base portion 16d1, the middle portion 16d3, and the top portion 16d2 match the boundary portions (corners or corners) between the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6e, the tapered cylindrical portion 6c, and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b of the inner tube 6, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the cover 16 relative to the inner tube 6.

[0074] Furthermore, when the shape of the conical cylindrical portion 6c is not the same as, but approximately the same as, the shape of the inner tube 6, for example, when the dimensions are different, the boundary between the base 16d1 and the middle portion 16d3 of the retaining wall 16d may not coincide with the boundary between the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6e and the conical cylindrical portion 6c of the inner tube 6, or the boundary between the middle portion 16d3 and the top portion 16d2 of the retaining wall 16d may not coincide with the boundary between the conical cylindrical portion 6c and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b of the inner tube 6. However, even in this case, the middle portion 16d3 of the retaining wall 16d abuts against the conical cylindrical portion 6c of the inner tube 6, and the top portion 16d2 of the retaining wall 16d abuts against the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b of the inner tube 6, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the cover 16 relative to the inner tube 6. Furthermore, since the middle portion 16d3 and the top portion 16d2 of the retaining wall 16d function as guides when inserting the inner tube 6 into the refrigerant outlet hole 9 of the head 4, it is easy to fix the inner tube 6 to the refrigerant outlet hole 9.

[0075] Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lower end of the inner tube 6 in this embodiment. Up to the lower end 6h of the inner tube 6 in this embodiment, the large-diameter inner circumferential surface 6g maintains a cylindrical shape, and the outer circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b also maintains a cylindrical shape. Moreover, the lower end 6h is an end face orthogonal to the axis L.

[0076] exist Figure 2 In the inner tube 6, a pressure equalization hole 6q is formed in the conical cylindrical portion 6c. The pressure equalization hole 6q penetrates both the inside and outside of the inner tube 6. The pressure equalization hole 6q is used to prevent the liquid refrigerant accumulated in the inner tube 6 from being drawn up by the compressor when the compressor restarts after the refrigeration cycle has stopped (after the compressor has stopped operating). That is, through the pressure equalization hole 6q, in addition to the liquid refrigerant in the inner tube 6, the gaseous refrigerant outside the inner tube 6 is also drawn up by the compressor, thus preventing the liquid refrigerant from being drawn up.

[0077] (Assembly process of the liquid reservoir)

[0078] An example of the assembly process of forming the head 4 by machining, the cover 16 made of resin material, and the inner tube 6 formed by diameter reduction machining will be described. First, the lower end of the boss 4d of the head 4 abuts against the upper surface of the cover 16 and the periphery of the through hole 16c, so that the small-diameter hole 9b and the through hole 16c are arranged approximately coaxially. Furthermore, on the upper surface of the top wall 16b, the rib 16b1 is formed, for example, at a position that avoids the area abutted by the boss 4d. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lower end of the boss 4d is in surface contact with the planar portion of the upper surface of the top wall 16b.

[0079] Next, the inner tube 6 is brought close to the cover 16 from below. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a of the inner tube 6 is then inserted through the through hole 16c and pressed into engagement with the small-diameter hole 9b of the head 4. The retaining wall 16d also functions to guide the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a into the small-diameter hole 9b.

[0080] When the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a is pressed into the small-diameter hole 9b, the inner tube 6 is locked in place and will not move further toward the head 4 because the outer circumferential surface of the conical cylindrical portion 6c abuts and engages with the inner surface of the middle portion 16d3 of the retaining wall 16d. In this state, the conical cylindrical portion 6c abuts with the middle portion 16d3, and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b abuts with the top portion 16d2, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the cover 16 relative to the inner tube 6. As a result, the cover 16 can be held in the proper position.

[0081] At this time, as Figure 1 As shown, the portion of the small-diameter cylindrical section 6a other than the part pressed into the small-diameter hole 9b abuts against and is supported by the inner surfaces of the base portions 16d1 of the four retaining walls 16d. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the tapered cylindrical section 6c abuts against and is supported by the inner surfaces of the middle portions 16d3 of the four retaining walls 16d. Moreover, the upper outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter cylindrical section 6b abuts against and is supported by the inner surfaces of the top portions 16d2 of the four retaining walls 16d. Thus, the inner tube 6 can be securely held relative to the head 4 and the cover 16, thereby suppressing vibrations, etc.

[0082] For the assembly thus formed, the outer tube 7 and filter section 20 are assembled into the inner tube 6 and placed inside the body 3 containing the bag 11. The liquid reservoir 1 is completed by welding it to the head 4. Unless otherwise specified, the order of the above steps is not limited to the order in which they are described.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above example, by inserting the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a of the inner tube 6 into the small-diameter hole 9b of the head 4, and simultaneously bringing the tapered cylindrical portion 6c of the inner tube 6 and the middle portion 16d3 of the retaining wall 16d close together, the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a of the inner tube 6 is fixed to the small-diameter hole 9b of the head 4, and the tapered cylindrical portion 6c of the inner tube 6 is brought into contact with the middle portion 16d3 of the retaining wall 16d. As a result, the cover 16 is clamped between the inner tube 6 and the head 4. Thus, it is not limited to simultaneously performing the action of bringing the tapered cylindrical portion 6c of the inner tube 6 close to the middle portion 16d3 of the retaining wall 16d and the action of inserting the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a of the inner tube 6 into the small-diameter hole 9b of the head 4 and fixing the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a to the small-diameter hole 9b. In other examples, the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a of the inner tube 6 can be inserted into the through hole 16c, bringing the conical cylindrical portion 6c and the middle portion 16d3 close together. After the conical cylindrical portion 6c and the middle portion 16d3 come into contact, while maintaining the contact, the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a can be inserted into the small-diameter hole 9b and fixed to the small-diameter hole 9b, thereby clamping the cover 16 between the inner tube 6 and the head 4.

[0084] According to this embodiment, a small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a is formed in conjunction with the refrigerant outlet hole 9 of the head 4, and a large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b is formed in a manner that obtains a flow rate corresponding to the required performance of the receiver 1. Furthermore, the cover 16 can be fixed relative to the head 4 using the inner tube 6. Therefore, a receiver 1 that maintains the gas-liquid separator and increases the amount of refrigerant passing through can be provided without increasing the number of components.

[0085] According to this embodiment, by pressing the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a into the small-diameter hole 9b, the inner tube 6 is fixed relative to the head 4, eliminating the need for riveting of the inner tube 6 (no riveting portion is provided in the refrigerant outlet hole 9). Therefore, it is unnecessary to insert riveting tools into the refrigerant outlet hole 9, and it is also unnecessary to plastically deform the end of the inner tube 6 to enlarge its diameter and engage it with the step within the refrigerant outlet hole 9. Therefore, regardless of the inner diameter of the refrigerant outlet hole 9, the inner diameter of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a can be expanded, thereby reducing pressure loss within the inner tube 6 and ensuring smooth refrigerant flow.

[0086] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cover 16 is installed on the head 4 by clamping the tapered cylindrical portion 6c formed in the inner tube 6 and the boss 4d of the head 4, thus eliminating the need for bulging processing of the inner tube 6. Therefore, the resistance of the refrigerant flowing in the inner tube 6 can be reduced, turbulence can be suppressed, and smooth flow of the refrigerant can be ensured.

[0087] Alternatively, an internal thread can be formed on the inner circumference of the small-diameter bore 9b, and an external thread can be formed on the outer circumference of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a. The inner tube 6 is fixed to the head 4 by the engagement of the internal and external threads. The external thread of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a is preferably formed by rolling, but it can also be formed by cutting. Particularly preferred is that the wall thickness of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a is increased by plastic processing such as diameter reduction to achieve a wall thickness suitable for forming the external thread. In this case, the wall thickness of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a is thicker than the wall thickness of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b. In addition, the tapered inner circumferential surface 6f of the inner tube 6 and the outer circumferential surface of the tapered cylindrical portion 6c are not limited to the same shape with the same inclination angle relative to the axis, as long as they are shapes that taper towards the head 4.

[0088] (The operation of the reservoir)

[0089] Reference Figure 1 The operation of the receiver 1 configured as described above will be explained. Furthermore, in the following explanation, the case in which the receiver 1 is placed between the evaporator and the compressor in the refrigeration cycle, and the water contained in the refrigerant from the evaporator is removed to generate gaseous refrigerant, which is then returned to the compressor will be used as an example.

[0090] When the refrigerant is discharged from the evaporator, it is delivered to the receiver 1 through connecting piping (not shown). After the refrigerant reaches the receiver 1, it flows into the interior of the body 3 through the refrigerant inlet 8 and impacts the upper surface of the cover 16, thereby being separated into a high-density liquid refrigerant and oil, and a low-density gaseous refrigerant.

[0091] After gas-liquid separation, the liquid refrigerant and oil are stored in the body 3 by their own weight. During this process, the separation of the liquid refrigerant and oil progresses, with the oil accumulating below the liquid refrigerant. At this point, the liquid level of the liquid refrigerant reaches the height of a portion of the bag 11 containing the desiccant. Therefore, the moisture contained in the liquid refrigerant and the moisture contained in the gas refrigerant are absorbed by the desiccant DA.

[0092] On the other hand, the gaseous refrigerant that has been separated from the liquid flows in from the upper opening of the outer tube 7 and descends inside the outer tube 7. Subsequently, it turns back at the bottom of the outer tube 7, passes over the lower end of the inner tube 6 and flows into the inner side, rises inside the inner tube 6 and is guided to the refrigerant outlet hole 9.

[0093] At this time, according to this embodiment, since a conical inner circumferential surface 6f is formed in the inner tube 6, the pressure loss can be reduced by gradually decreasing the inner diameter towards the small-diameter inner circumferential surface 6e, which is the outlet side of the refrigerant, thus ensuring the further smooth flow of the refrigerant.

[0094] The oil that accumulates in the lower part of the body 3 along with the liquid refrigerant moves towards the bottom of the body 3 due to differences in specific gravity and properties compared to the liquid refrigerant. It is then attracted by the gaseous refrigerant drawn into the compressor suction side and passes sequentially through the mesh filter 22 of the filter section 20, the oil return hole 7e, and the inner space of the inner tube 6, returning to the compressor suction side along with the gaseous refrigerant for circulation. While passing through the mesh filter 22, sludge and other foreign matter are captured and removed from the circulating refrigerant (including oil).

[0095] (First variation)

[0096] Figure 5 This is the bottom view of cover 16A involved in the first variation. Figure 6 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the cover 16A according to the first modified example. In this modified example, the difference from the embodiment described above is that, instead of providing a structure with multiple extensions (retaining walls), the extensions are formed in a cylindrical shape. More specifically, the retaining cylinder 16Ad is formed as an extension on the lower surface of the top wall 16b surrounding the through hole 16c, for example, at the edge of the through hole 16c. The rest of the structure is the same as in the embodiment described above, and therefore, a repeated description is omitted.

[0097] The cylinder 16Ad is kept in a shape that is coaxial or substantially coaxial with respect to the axis L of the through hole 16c. Specifically, it is composed of a cylinder base 16Ad1 on the top wall 16b side, a top cylinder 16Ad2 on the lower end side, and an intermediate cylinder 16Ad3 connecting the cylinder base 16Ad1 and the top cylinder 16Ad2.

[0098] The outer diameter of the cylinder 16Ad remains the same. Furthermore, the inner circumference radii of the cylinder base 16Ad1 and the top cylinder 16Ad2 are R1 and R2, respectively, where R1 < R2. The inner circumference of the middle cylinder 16Ad3 is inclined at an angle θ1 relative to the axis of the through hole 16c.

[0099] According to this modified example, the retaining cylinder 16Ad of the cover 16A abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 6 in a full circumferential contact. Specifically, the portion of the inner tube 6 other than the part pressed into the small-diameter hole 9b, abuts against and is supported by the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical base 16Ad1 of the retaining cylinder 16Ad. Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface of the tapered cylinder 6c abuts against and is supported by the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate cylinder 16Ad3. Moreover, the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the large-diameter cylinder 6b abuts against and is supported by the inner circumferential surface of the top cylinder 16Ad2. Therefore, the cover 16A is further stably held between the lower surface of the boss 4d of the head 4 and the outer circumferential surface of the tapered cylinder 6c of the inner tube 6. Thus, the cover 16A can be held in a suitable posture. Furthermore, as... Figure 6As shown by the dashed line, by shaping the outer periphery of the retaining cylinder 16Ad into a shape that gradually expands in diameter as it approaches the top wall 16b (section R shape), the flow of refrigerant toward the upper end of the outer tube 7 can be made smooth.

[0100] (Second variation)

[0101] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lower end of the inner tube 6B involved in the second modified example. In this modified example, the outer circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6Bb has a cylindrical shape up to the lower end 6Bh of the inner tube 6B, but the large-diameter inner circumferential surface 6Bg gradually widens from near the lower end 6Bh toward the lower end 6Bh, intersecting with the outer circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6Bb at the lower end 6Bh. Figure 7 In the cross-section shown, the inner circumferential surface 6Bg with a large diameter near the lower end 6Bh preferably has an arc shape.

[0102] Reference Figure 1 According to this modified example, the gaseous refrigerant that has been separated from the liquid flows back at the bottom of the outer tube 7, passes the lower end 6Bh of the inner tube 6B and flows into the inner side, and flows along the inner circumferential surface 6Bg of the gradually expanding diameter, thereby ensuring the smooth flow of the refrigerant.

[0103] (Third variation)

[0104] Figure 8 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lower end of the inner tube 6C involved in the third modified example. In this modified example, the large-diameter inner circumferential surface 6Cg has a cylindrical shape up to the lower end 6Ch of the inner tube 6C, but the outer circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6Cb gradually narrows from near the lower end 6Ch toward the lower end 6Ch, intersecting with the large-diameter inner circumferential surface 6Cg at the lower end 6Ch. Figure 8 In the cross-section shown, the outer circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6Cb near the lower end 6Ch preferably has an arc shape.

[0105] Reference Figure 1 According to this modified example, when the gaseous refrigerant that has been separated from the liquid flows back at the bottom of the outer tube 7 and toward the lower end 6Ch of the inner tube 6C, it flows along the outer circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6Cb, which gradually narrows, thereby ensuring the smooth flow of the refrigerant.

[0106] (Fourth variation)

[0107] Figure 9This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lower end of the inner tube 6D involved in the fourth modified example. In this modified example, the inner circumferential surface 6Dg of the larger diameter gradually expands from the vicinity of the lower end 6Dh towards the lower end 6Dh, while the outer circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6Db gradually narrows from the vicinity of the lower end 6Dh towards the lower end 6Dh. At the lower end 6Dh, the inner circumferential surface 6Dg of the larger diameter intersects with the outer circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6Db. Figure 9 In the cross-section shown, the lower end wall of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6Cb near the lower end 6Dh preferably has a semi-circular arc shape.

[0108] Reference Figure 1 According to this modified example, when the gaseous refrigerant that has been separated from the liquid flows back towards the lower end 6Dh of the inner tube 6D at the bottom of the outer tube 7, it flows along the outer circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6Db, which gradually narrows. When it flows into the inner side after passing the lower end 6Dh of the inner tube 6D, it flows along the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6Dg, which gradually widens. This ensures the smooth flow of the refrigerant.

[0109] (Second Implementation)

[0110] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the reservoir 1F according to the second embodiment. In the reservoir 1F of this embodiment, the outlet pipe 6F is U-shaped and does not have an outer pipe. Furthermore, in... Figure 10 In this embodiment, the filter section and the bag containing the desiccant are omitted. In this embodiment, the structure of the outlet pipe 6F differs from the embodiment described above; otherwise, the structure is the same as in the embodiment described above, so repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0111] In this embodiment, the outlet pipe 6F is formed by connecting a small-diameter cylindrical portion 6Fa and a large-diameter U-shaped cylindrical portion 6Fb, which is bent into a U-shape, through a tapered cylindrical portion 6Fc. The outer diameter of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6Fa is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the small-diameter orifice 9b. The upper ends of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6Fa, the tapered cylindrical portion 6Fc, and the large-diameter U-shaped cylindrical portion 6Fb have the same shape as in the embodiment described above. The outlet pipe 6F can be formed by reducing the diameter of the end of the U-shaped pipe.

[0112] The outlet pipe 6F has a small-diameter inner circumferential surface 6Fe extending within the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6Fa, a tapered inner circumferential surface 6Ff extending within the tapered cylindrical portion 6Fc, and a large-diameter inner circumferential surface 6Fg extending within the large-diameter U-shaped cylindrical portion 6Fb. The outlet pipe 6F has a pressure equalization hole 6Fq on the tapered inner circumferential surface 6Ff, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0113] In this embodiment, after the cap 16 is placed between the head 4 and the outlet pipe 6F, the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6Fa of the outlet pipe 6F is inserted through the through hole 16c, and further fixed to the small-diameter hole 9b of the head 4 by pressing. Thus, the cap 16 is clamped and fixed between the retaining wall 16d and the lower end of the boss 4d.

[0114] According to this embodiment, even though the outflow pipe 6F is U-shaped, it does not rotate relative to the head 4, but moves linearly during installation. Therefore, in Figure 10 In the assembly position shown, the free end of the outflow pipe 6F is positioned inside the cover 16.

[0115] (Third Implementation)

[0116] Figure 11 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the reservoir 1G according to the third embodiment. The reservoir 1G of this embodiment differs in shape from the reservoir 1F of the second embodiment in that the outflow pipe 6G has a different shape. Specifically, the bending radius of the bent portion of the large-diameter U-shaped cylindrical portion 6Gb of the outflow pipe 6G is larger than the bending radius of the corresponding portion in the outflow pipe 6F of the third embodiment. Other than this, the structure is the same as the embodiment described above.

[0117] The upper ends of the small-diameter cylindrical section 6Ga, the conical cylindrical section 6Gc, and the large-diameter U-shaped cylindrical section 6Gb have the same shape as in the first embodiment. The outflow pipe 6G can be formed by reducing the diameter of the end of the U-shaped pipe.

[0118] The outflow pipe 6G has a small-diameter inner circumferential surface 6Ge extending within the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6Ga, a tapered inner circumferential surface 6Gf extending within the tapered cylindrical portion 6Gc, and a large-diameter inner circumferential surface 6Gg extending within the large-diameter U-shaped cylindrical portion 6Gb. The outflow pipe 6G has a pressure equalization hole 6Gq on the tapered inner circumferential surface 6Gf, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0119] (Fourth Implementation)

[0120] Figure 12 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the reservoir 101 according to the fourth embodiment, but only the left half of the filter is shown in cross-section. The reservoir 101 has a tank body 102, a double tube 105 disposed within the tank body 102, a bag 111 containing desiccant (hygroscopic agent) DA, a cap 116, and a filter section 120. The axis of the inner tube 106 is set as L.

[0121] The can body 102 includes a torso 103 and a head 104. The torso 103 is formed as a cylinder with at least an open top, for example, a bottomed cylinder with an open top. The head 104 closes the opening at one end of the torso 103. The head 104 is joined to the torso 103 via a circumferential joint, for example, through a weld 110, and closes the opening of the torso 103. Both the torso 103 and the head 104 are formed of metals such as aluminum alloy. In this specification, the side with the head 104 is referred to as the upper side, and the bottom side of the torso 103 is referred to as the lower side.

[0122] A refrigerant inlet 108 and a refrigerant outlet 109 are formed vertically through a head 104, which is formed in a generally disc-shaped manner. An inner tube (also called an outlet tube) 106 extending to the inner bottom of the body 3 is connected to the refrigerant outlet 109. An outer tube 107 is fitted outside the inner tube 106, thereby forming a double tube 105.

[0123] Below the head 104, a cover 116 is provided as a gas-liquid separation component. This cover 116 separates the mixed refrigerant (a mixture of gaseous and liquid phases) from the refrigerant inlet 108 into a high-density liquid refrigerant and compressor oil (hereinafter referred to as "oil"), and a low-density gaseous refrigerant. The cover 116 is, for example, made of resin. The cover 116 has, for example, a topped cylindrical shape and is disposed opposite to the refrigerant inlet 108 and the refrigerant outlet 109.

[0124] The inner tube 106 is made of metal, for example, aluminum alloy. The lower end of the inner tube 106 is open, and as described later, the upper end of the inner tube 106 is threadedly fastened to the refrigerant outlet hole 109 of the head 104. In addition, the outer periphery of the inner tube 106 is embedded inside a plurality of tube ribs 107a protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 107, thereby stably holding the inner tube 106 within the outer tube 107 by maintaining a gap.

[0125] The outer tube 107 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and is installed inside the body 3 with its upper end open. A cylindrical filter section 120 is provided at the bottom of the outer tube 107. The filter section 120 is composed of a bottomed cylindrical shell 121 made of synthetic resin and a cylindrical mesh filter 122 integrally formed with the shell 121 by means of insert molding or the like.

[0126] A bag 111 containing desiccant DA is disposed between the inner periphery of the outer tube 107 and the torso 103.

[0127] The head 104 is continuously formed by stacking a large cylindrical portion 104a and a thin-walled annular portion 104b with a smaller diameter than the large cylindrical portion 104a. A stepped portion 104c is formed between the large cylindrical portion 104a and the thin-walled annular portion 104b for engaging with the upper outer periphery of the torso 103. The upper surface of the large cylindrical portion 104a is, for example, formed as a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0128] A cylindrical boss 104d protruding downward from the large cylindrical portion 104a is formed on the lower surface of the head 104. A refrigerant outlet hole 109 is formed so as to pass through the boss 104d and penetrate the head 104 vertically, and a refrigerant inlet hole 108 is formed so as to pass through the head 104 vertically adjacent to the boss 104d. The lower surface of the boss 104d is, for example, formed as a plane that contacts the bottom surface of the cylindrical recess (also called the recess) 116c of the cover 116, which will be described later. The lower surface of the boss 104d is, for example, formed as a plane orthogonal to the axis L of the inner tube 106.

[0129] The refrigerant outlet hole 109 has a large-diameter hole 109a formed in the upper part and a small-diameter hole 109b formed in the lower part, and an internal thread 109c is formed in the small-diameter hole 109b. The inner diameter of the large-diameter hole 109a is larger than the thread diameter of the internal thread 109c.

[0130] The cover 116 of this embodiment can be formed, for example, by stamping a sheet metal. The cover 116 is formed by connecting a side wall 116a and a top wall 116b. A portion of the top wall 116b is plastically deformed to displace downwards corresponding to the boss 104d, thereby forming a cylindrical recess 116c. The inner diameter of the cylindrical recess 116c is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the boss 104d. For example, one or more ribs may also be formed on the upper surface of the top wall 116b.

[0131] A circular hole 116d is formed by penetrating the bottom wall of the cylindrical recess 116c. The inner diameter of the circular hole 116d is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the small-diameter hole 109b.

[0132] The bottom surface of the cylindrical recess 116c of the cover 116 is formed as a plane that contacts the lower surface of the boss 104d of the head 104. Within the area abutted by the lower surface of the boss 104d of the head 104, the bottom surface of the cylindrical recess 116c of the cover 116 is, for example, formed as a plane orthogonal to the axis of the inner tube 106.

[0133] In the inner tube 106, the diameter of a uniformly sized metal tube is expanded by performing a bulging process near its upper end, and then compressed along the axial direction to form a flange portion 106a that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumference. Additionally, an external thread 106b is formed on the outer circumference of the upper end of the inner tube 106. Furthermore, the method for forming the flange portion 106a is not limited to bulging. As another example, the flange portion 106a can also be formed by a crimping process (bundling process).

[0134] A pressure equalization hole 106q is formed below the flange portion 106a. The pressure equalization hole 106q penetrates both the inside and outside of the inner tube 106. The pressure equalization hole 106q is used to prevent the liquid refrigerant accumulated in the inner tube 106 from being sucked up by the compressor when the compressor is restarted after the refrigeration cycle has stopped (after the compressor has stopped operating). That is, through the pressure equalization hole 106q, in addition to the liquid refrigerant in the inner tube 106, the gaseous refrigerant outside the inner tube 106 is also sucked up by the compressor, thus preventing the liquid refrigerant from being sucked up.

[0135] Inner tube 106 can also be with Figure 4 The illustrated implementation is similar, with the lower end of the plane orthogonal to the axis L, or it can be... Figure 7 Similarly, in the embodiment shown, the inner diameter surface widens as it approaches the lower end, and can also be... Figure 8 Similarly, in the embodiment shown, the outer diameter decreases towards the lower end, and can also be... Figure 9 Similarly, in the embodiment shown, the inner diameter surface expands as it approaches the lower end, while the outer diameter surface decreases.

[0136] An example of assembling the head 104, cover 116, and inner tube 106 will be described. First, the boss 104d of the head 104 is inserted into the cylindrical recess 116c of the cover 116, so that the lower end of the boss 104d abuts against the bottom surface of the cylindrical recess 116c. As a result, the small-diameter hole 109b and the round hole 116d are arranged coaxially.

[0137] Next, bring the inner tube 106 close to the cover 116 from below. Then, insert the upper end of the inner tube 106 into the round hole 116d, so that the external thread 106b and the internal thread 109c of the small diameter hole 109b of the head 104 are screwed together.

[0138] When the external thread 106b is turned relative to the internal thread 109c, the flange portion 106a approaches the head 4 and abuts against the lower surface of the cylindrical recess 116c. At this time, the inner tube 106 is locked in place with the cover 116 clamped, and will not approach the head 104 side further. In this state, the cover 116 is held stably between the lower surface of the boss 104d of the head 104 and the flange portion 106a of the inner tube 106. Thus, the cover 116 can be held in a proper position.

[0139] For the assembly thus formed, the outer tube 107 and the filter section 120 are assembled into the inner tube 106 and placed inside the body 103 which is equipped with the bag 111. The reservoir 101 is completed by welding it to the head 104.

[0140] According to this embodiment, by screwing the external thread 106a into the internal thread 109c of the small-diameter hole 109b, the inner tube 106 is fixed relative to the head 104, eliminating the need for riveting of the inner tube 106 (since no riveting portion is provided in the refrigerant outlet hole 109). Therefore, it is not necessary to insert riveting tools into the refrigerant outlet hole 109, and it is also not necessary to plastically deform the end of the inner tube 106 to enlarge its diameter and engage it with the step in the refrigerant outlet hole 109.

[0141] (The operation of the reservoir)

[0142] Reference Figure 12 The operation of the receiver 101 configured as described above will be explained. Furthermore, in the following explanation, the case in which the receiver 101 is placed between the evaporator and the compressor in the refrigeration cycle, removes the moisture contained in the refrigerant from the evaporator to generate gaseous refrigerant, and returns it to the compressor will be described as an example.

[0143] When the refrigerant is discharged from the evaporator, it is delivered to the receiver 101 through connecting piping (not shown). After the refrigerant reaches the receiver 101, it flows into the interior of the body 103 through the refrigerant inlet 108 and impacts the upper surface of the cover 116, thereby being separated into a high-density liquid refrigerant and oil, and a low-density gaseous refrigerant.

[0144] After gas-liquid separation, the liquid refrigerant and oil are stored in the body 103 by their own weight. During this process, the separation of the liquid refrigerant and oil progresses, with the oil accumulating below the liquid refrigerant. At this point, the liquid level of the liquid refrigerant reaches the height of a portion of the bag 111 containing the desiccant. Therefore, the moisture contained in the liquid refrigerant and the moisture contained in the gas refrigerant are absorbed by the desiccant DA.

[0145] On the other hand, the gaseous refrigerant that has been separated from the liquid flows in from the upper opening of the outer tube 107 and descends inside the outer tube 107. Subsequently, it turns back at the bottom of the outer tube 107, passes over the lower end of the inner tube 106 and flows into the inner side, rises inside the inner tube 106 and is guided to the refrigerant outlet hole 109.

[0146] The oil that accumulates in the lower part of the body 103 along with the liquid refrigerant moves towards the bottom of the body 103 due to differences in specific gravity and properties compared to the liquid refrigerant. It is then attracted by the gaseous refrigerant drawn into the compressor suction side and passes sequentially through the mesh filter 122 of the filter section 120, the oil return hole 107e, and the inner space of the inner tube 106, returning to the compressor suction side along with the gaseous refrigerant for circulation. When passing through the mesh filter 122, sludge and other foreign matter are captured and removed from the circulating refrigerant (including oil).

[0147] The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the first embodiment described above, the upper end of the inner tube 6 is fixed to the small diameter hole 9c by pressing, but it can also be fixed by expanding the upper end of the inner tube 6 relative to the small diameter hole 9c.

[0148] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example was described where the inner tube 6 and the outflow tubes 6F and 6G are formed as cylindrical sections with circular cross-sectional shapes orthogonal to their respective axes. However, the cross-sectional shape can also be other than circular. Regarding other examples, the inner tube 6 will be described as a specific example. The inner tube 6 has a large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b, a small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a, and a conical cylindrical portion 6c, each with a circular cross-sectional shape. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b, the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a, and the conical cylindrical portion 6c of the inner tube 6 are not limited to having circular cross-sectional shapes. It is acceptable as long as the cross-sectional area of ​​the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a is smaller than that of the large-diameter cylindrical portion, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the conical cylindrical portion 6c gradually decreases towards the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a. For example, the cross-sectional shapes of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 6a, the conical cylindrical portion 6c, and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b are preferably similar. As other examples, the large-diameter cylindrical section 6b, the small-diameter cylindrical section 6a, and the conical cylindrical section 6c can also be cylindrical with a rectangular cross-section. The same applies to the outflow pipes 6F and 6G.

[0149] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and variations, the extension is described as having a retaining wall 16 and a retaining cylinder 16A formed in shapes corresponding to the outer shape of the inner tube 6. In other examples, the extension may simply be in a shape where the intermediate portions 16d3 and 16Ad3 abut against the tapered cylindrical portion 6c of the inner tube 6. Preferably, the extension is formed to abut against at least one of the small cylindrical portion 6e and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b, in addition to the tapered cylindrical portion 6c. As a further preferred embodiment, the extension, like the retaining wall 16 and the retaining cylinder 16A, has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the inner tube 6.

[0150] In the second embodiment, an annular retaining cylinder 16A is described as an example of an extension, but it is not limited to the retaining cylinder 16A being formed in a continuous annular shape. For example, the retaining cylinder 16A may also be formed in a C-shape when viewed from above. Furthermore, the retaining cylinder 16A is cylindrical in shape, but is not limited to a cylindrical shape. In other examples, the shape may be, for example, a polyhedral prism or a quadrangular prism.

[0151] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example was described where the cross-section of the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 6 and the outflow tubes 6F and 6G, orthogonal to their respective axes, is circular. However, the cross-section of the inner circumferential surface can also be a shape other than circular. Regarding other examples, the inner tube 6 will be described as a specific example. The inner tube 6 has a large-diameter inner circumferential surface 6g, a small-diameter inner circumferential surface 6e, and a conical inner circumferential surface 6f, and the cross-section orthogonal to their respective axes is circular, but this is not a limitation. The inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 6 can be any shape where the cross-sectional area of ​​the small-diameter inner circumferential surface 6e, orthogonal to the axis, is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the large-diameter inner circumferential surface 6g, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the conical inner circumferential surface 6f, orthogonal to the axis, gradually decreases towards the small-diameter inner circumferential surface 6e. For example, the shapes of the cross-sections of the small-diameter inner circumferential surface 6e, the conical circumferential surface 6f, and the large-diameter inner circumferential surface 6g, orthogonal to their respective axes, are preferably similar. In other examples, the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 6 can also be a shape where the cross-section orthogonal to the axis is rectangular. The same applies to the outflow pipes 6F and 6G.

[0152] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example was described where the inner tube 6 and the outflow tubes 6F and 6G were formed by a diameter reduction process, but they can also be formed by processing methods other than diameter reduction. In other examples, the inner tube 6, the outflow tubes 6F and 6G can also be formed by performing a tube expansion process.

[0153] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of forming the inner surface of the retaining wall 16d as a curved surface was described, but in other examples, it can also be formed as a flat surface. Even when the inner surface of the middle portion 16d3 is formed as a flat surface, the middle portion 16d3 abuts against the conical cylindrical portion of the inner tube 6 and the outlet pipes 6F and 6G, thereby achieving the same effect as described above. When the inner surface of the top portion 16d2 is formed as a flat surface, the inner surface of the top portion 16d2 is formed as a flat surface that abuts against the large-diameter cylindrical portion 6b of the inner tube 6 and the large-diameter U-shaped cylindrical portion 6Fb of the outlet pipes 6F and 6G, thereby achieving the same effect as described above.

[0154] In the above-described embodiments and variations, covers 16 and 116 are examples of gas-liquid separation components. The gas-liquid separation components are opposite to both refrigerant inlet holes 8 and 108 and refrigerant outlet holes 9 and 109. Furthermore, the gas-liquid separation components have portions where refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet holes 8 and 108 impacts the refrigerant. Preferably, the gas-liquid separation components are opposite to the entire area of ​​the refrigerant inlet holes 8 and 108. The opposing direction is the axial direction of the refrigerant inlet holes 8 and 108.

[0155] The gas-liquid separation component preferably has a top wall opposite to both the entire area of ​​the refrigerant inlet holes 8 and 108 and the refrigerant outlet holes 9 and 109, and a cylindrical side wall opposite to the inner circumferential surface of the body 3 and 103.

[0156] Preferably, the gaps between the heads 4, 104 and the top wall and the gaps between the inner circumferential surfaces of the bodies 3, 103 and the side walls are approximately the same. Here, "approximately the same" means not only completely identical but also allowing for some degree of variation. That is, when the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet holes 8, 108 impacts the top wall and flows downstream, it flows through the gaps between the top wall and the heads 4, 104 and between the inner circumferential surfaces of the bodies 3, 103 and the side walls. If these gaps are "identical," smooth refrigerant flow is maintained. Furthermore, if the variation in these gaps is small, smooth refrigerant flow can be maintained. Variation refers to the degree to which smooth refrigerant flow can be maintained.

[0157] The top wall of the gas-liquid separation component is not limited to a plate with a constant thickness.

[0158] Moreover, other examples of gas-liquid separation components do not have a structure with sidewalls.

[0159] This specification contains the following disclosed inventions.

[0160] (First method)

[0161] A liquid reservoir, comprising:

[0162] A torso, which has an opening at at least one end;

[0163] The head has a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, and closes one end of the body.

[0164] A gas-liquid separation component, housed within the body, and having a connecting portion formed at the portion opposite the refrigerant outlet, linking the head side and the opposite side of the head side; and

[0165] An outlet pipe, which is housed within the body and partially disposed within the communicating portion, and connected to the refrigerant outlet port.

[0166] The outflow pipe has a small cylindrical section, a large cylindrical section, and a conical cylindrical section. The small cylindrical section is inserted into and fixed to the refrigerant outflow hole. The large cylindrical section is disposed within the body of the pipe, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the large cylindrical section is larger than that of the small cylindrical section. The conical cylindrical section connects the small cylindrical section and the large cylindrical section.

[0167] The inner circumferential surface of the outlet pipe has a large inner circumferential surface, a middle inner circumferential surface, and a small inner circumferential surface along the refrigerant flow direction. The middle inner circumferential surface is connected to the large inner circumferential surface, and the small inner circumferential surface is connected to the middle inner circumferential surface. The small inner circumferential surface has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the large inner circumferential surface. The middle inner circumferential surface has a shape in which the cross-sectional area gradually decreases towards the side facing the small inner circumferential surface.

[0168] The gas-liquid separation component has the connecting portion, and has a main body opposite to the head and an extension portion extending from the main body to the conical cylindrical portion. When the extension portion abuts against the conical cylindrical portion, the gas-liquid separation component is clamped between the head and the outflow pipe.

[0169] (Second method)

[0170] In the first type of reservoir,

[0171] The outflow pipe is formed into a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section.

[0172] (Third method)

[0173] In the reservoir of either the first or second method,

[0174] The extension abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the large cylindrical section.

[0175] (Fourth method)

[0176] In any of the reservoirs in methods one through three,

[0177] The extension is provided in multiple portions along the circumference of the outlet pipe.

[0178] (Fifth method)

[0179] In any of the reservoirs in methods one through four,

[0180] The extension is formed into a cylindrical shape that abuts against the tapered cylindrical portion around its entire circumference.

[0181] (Sixth method)

[0182] In the fifth type of reservoir,

[0183] It has an outer tube housed within the body and formed as a cylinder with the outflow tube disposed inside, the end of the outer tube being open on the side of the gas-liquid separation component.

[0184] The extension has a guide portion with an opening that directs the refrigerant outside the outer tube to the gas-liquid separation component side of the outer tube. The guide portion is formed by the outer peripheral surface of the extension and has a shape that expands in diameter as it moves toward the gas-liquid separation component side.

[0185] (Seventh Method)

[0186] In the reservoir of the second method,

[0187] The outflow pipe is formed by reducing or expanding the diameter of the pipe.

[0188] (Eighth Method)

[0189] In any of the reservoirs in methods one through seven,

[0190] The outlet pipe is pressed into the refrigerant outlet hole.

[0191] (Ninth Method)

[0192] In any of the reservoirs in methods one through eight,

[0193] The external thread formed in the outlet pipe engages with the internal thread formed in the refrigerant outlet hole.

[0194] (Tenth Method)

[0195] A method for manufacturing a liquid reservoir, the liquid reservoir comprising:

[0196] The head has a refrigerant outlet port;

[0197] The outflow pipe is connected to the refrigerant outflow port; and

[0198] A gas-liquid separation component is disposed opposite to the head and has a connecting portion for configuring a part of the outflow pipe.

[0199] By performing a pipe reduction or expansion process, an outlet pipe is formed having a small cylindrical section, a large cylindrical section, and a tapered cylindrical section. The cross-sectional area of ​​the large cylindrical section is larger than that of the small cylindrical section, and the tapered cylindrical section connects the small cylindrical section and the large cylindrical section.

[0200] An extension is formed in the main body portion of the gas-liquid separation component, which is the part disposed opposite to the head, and this extension extends in a direction away from the main body portion.

[0201] By bringing the extension and the conical section close together with the small cylindrical portion of the outflow pipe positioned in the connecting portion, the extension abuts against the conical section.

[0202] By making the small cylindrical portion fixed to the refrigerant outlet hole of the head and the extension portion abutting against the conical cylindrical portion, the gas-liquid separation component is clamped between the head and the outlet pipe.

[0203] (Eleventh Method)

[0204] A liquid reservoir, comprising:

[0205] A torso, which has an opening at at least one end;

[0206] A head, having a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, and sealing one end of the body; and

[0207] An outlet pipe, which is housed within the body and connected to the refrigerant outlet port.

[0208] The outlet pipe has an external thread formed at its end.

[0209] The refrigerant outlet hole has internal threads.

[0210] The outlet pipe is installed on the head by screwing the external thread and the internal thread together.

[0211] (Twelfth method)

[0212] In the reservoir of the eleventh method,

[0213] It has a gas-liquid separation component housed within the body, and a connecting portion is formed at the portion opposite the refrigerant outlet, communicating between the head side and the opposite side of the head side.

[0214] The outlet pipe has a flange portion near the external thread that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumference.

[0215] A portion of the outflow pipe is disposed within the connecting portion.

[0216] The gas-liquid separation component is held between the flange and the head when the outflow pipe is installed on the head.

[0217] (Thirteenth Method)

[0218] In the reservoir of method eleven or method twelfth,

[0219] The head has a boss around the refrigerant outlet hole.

[0220] The gas-liquid separation component has a recess that engages with the boss portion.

[0221] With the outlet tube installed on the head, the bottom wall of the recess is held between the flange and the boss.

[0222] (Fourteenth Method)

[0223] In any of the eleventh to thirteenth methods, the liquid reservoir

[0224] The gas-liquid separation component is formed by stamping a metal sheet.

[0225] Symbol Explanation

[0226] 1. 101 liquid receiver

[0227] 2. Main body of tank 102

[0228] 3. 103 Torso

[0229] 4. 104 heads

[0230] 5. 105 double tube

[0231] 6, 6B, 6C, 6D, 106 Inner tube (outlet tube)

[0232] 6F, 6G U-shaped outflow tube

[0233] 6a, 6Fa, 6Ga small diameter cylindrical section

[0234] 6b Large Diameter Cylindrical Section

[0235] 6c, 6Fc, 6Gc conical cylindrical section

[0236] 106a flange portion

[0237] 7. 107 outer tube

[0238] 8. 108 Refrigerant Inlet Hole

[0239] 9. 109 Refrigerant Outlet Hole

[0240] 11. 111 bags

[0241] 20, 120 filter sections

[0242] 21, 121 shell

[0243] 22, 122 mesh filters.

Claims

1. A liquid reservoir, characterized in that, have: A torso, which has an opening at at least one end; The head has a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, and closes one end of the body. A gas-liquid separation component is housed within the body and has a connecting portion formed at the portion opposite to the refrigerant outlet, connecting the head side and the opposite side of the head side. as well as An outlet pipe, which is housed within the body and partially disposed within the communicating portion, and connected to the refrigerant outlet port. The outflow pipe has a small cylindrical section, a large cylindrical section, and a conical cylindrical section. The small cylindrical section is inserted into and fixed to the refrigerant outflow hole. The large cylindrical section is disposed within the body of the pipe, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the large cylindrical section is larger than that of the small cylindrical section. The conical cylindrical section connects the small cylindrical section and the large cylindrical section. The inner circumferential surface of the outlet pipe has a large inner circumferential surface, a middle inner circumferential surface, and a small inner circumferential surface along the refrigerant flow direction. The middle inner circumferential surface is connected to the large inner circumferential surface, and the small inner circumferential surface is connected to the middle inner circumferential surface. The small inner circumferential surface has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the large inner circumferential surface. The middle inner circumferential surface has a shape in which the cross-sectional area gradually decreases towards the side facing the small inner circumferential surface. The gas-liquid separation component has the connecting portion, and has a main body opposite to the head and an extension portion extending from the main body to the conical cylindrical portion. When the extension portion abuts against the conical cylindrical portion, the gas-liquid separation component is clamped between the head and the outflow pipe.

2. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outflow pipe is formed into a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section.

3. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the large cylindrical section.

4. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension is provided in multiple portions along the circumference of the outlet pipe.

5. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension is formed into a cylindrical shape that abuts against the tapered cylindrical portion around its entire circumference.

6. The liquid reservoir according to claim 5, characterized in that, It has an outer tube housed within the body and formed as a cylinder with the outflow tube disposed inside, the end of the outer tube being open on the side of the gas-liquid separation component. The extension has a guide portion with an opening that directs the refrigerant outside the outer tube to the gas-liquid separation component side of the outer tube. The guide portion is formed by the outer peripheral surface of the extension and has a shape that expands in diameter as it moves toward the gas-liquid separation component side.

7. The liquid reservoir according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outflow pipe is formed by reducing or expanding the diameter of the pipe.

8. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet pipe is pressed into the refrigerant outlet hole.

9. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external thread formed in the outlet pipe engages with the internal thread formed in the refrigerant outlet hole.

10. A method for manufacturing a liquid reservoir, the liquid reservoir comprising: The head has a refrigerant outlet port; The outflow pipe is connected to the refrigerant outflow port; and A gas-liquid separation component, disposed opposite to the head, and having a connecting portion for configuring a portion of the outflow pipe, characterized in that... By performing a pipe reduction or expansion process, an outflow pipe is formed having a small cylindrical section, a large cylindrical section, and a tapered cylindrical section. The cross-sectional area of ​​the large cylindrical section is larger than that of the small cylindrical section, and the tapered cylindrical section connects the small cylindrical section and the large cylindrical section. An extension is formed in the main body portion of the gas-liquid separation component, which is the part disposed opposite to the head, and this extension extends in a direction away from the main body portion. By bringing the extension and the conical section close together with the small cylindrical portion of the outflow pipe positioned in the connecting portion, the extension abuts against the conical section. By making the small cylindrical portion fixed to the refrigerant outlet hole of the head and the extension portion abutting against the conical cylindrical portion, the gas-liquid separation component is clamped between the head and the outlet pipe.

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