Efficient gas-liquid separator for vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile refrigerating system devices, in particular to an efficient gas-liquid separator for an automobile, which simplifies the maintenance process and improves the system reliability. Comprising an end cover, the end cover is provided with a steam inlet used for being connected with an outlet of an evaporator, an air outlet used for being connected with the air suction end of a compressor and an annular steam channel arranged in the end cover, and the steam inlet communicates with the annular steam channel through a first communicating hole; the barrel body is provided with an upper opening cavity and an annular edge part used for detachably installing the barrel body and the lower end face of the end cover, and the upper opening cavity communicates with the annular steam channel through a second communicating hole; the inner pipe is arranged in the barrel body in a sleeved mode, the upper opening cavity is divided into a first liquid passing chamber and a second liquid passing chamber, the first liquid passing chamber and the second liquid passing chamber are communicated through a third communication hole, and the first liquid passing chamber is communicated with the annular steam channel; one end of the internal exhaust pipe is inserted into the end cover, the other end of the internal exhaust pipe extends into the second liquid passing chamber, and the top of the internal exhaust pipe communicates with the air outlet; and the drying agent assembly sleeves the outer side of the internal exhaust pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile refrigeration system devices, in particular to a high-efficiency gas-liquid separator for automobiles. Background Art

[0002] A gas-liquid separator is a device used to separate gas and liquid. It is widely used in various industrial fields, including but not limited to automotive air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, and the chemical industry. Its main function is to separate the incoming gas-liquid mixture into separate gas and liquid streams, ensuring that the medium for subsequent processing or use is pure gas or liquid. In automotive air conditioning systems, the gas-liquid separator is generally installed between the evaporator outlet and the compressor intake. Its main function is to separate the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant, preventing liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor and causing "liquid hammer," thereby ensuring reliable compressor operation.

[0003] The gas-liquid separator contains a desiccant component, typically composed of a molecular sieve, which is used to remove moisture from the refrigerant. Over time, some molecular sieves will gradually lose their ability to absorb water, increasing the water content within the system and leading to excessive water content. This has a negative impact on the system's efficiency and lifespan, necessitating the replacement of the desiccant component. However, due to structural limitations, it is currently difficult to replace the desiccant component alone in the gas-liquid separator commonly used in automotive air conditioning systems. Typically, when the desiccant component reaches the end of its service life, the entire gas-liquid separator must be replaced, resulting in a high cost of ownership. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the utility model provides a high-efficiency gas-liquid separator for vehicles, which simplifies the maintenance process and improves the reliability of the system.

[0005] The utility model provides a high-efficiency gas-liquid separator for a vehicle, comprising:

[0006] an end cover having a steam inlet for connecting to the outlet of the evaporator, a steam outlet for connecting to the suction end of the compressor, and an annular steam channel provided inside the end cover, wherein the steam inlet is connected to the annular steam channel through a first communicating hole;

[0007] The barrel body has an upper opening and an annular edge portion for detachably attaching the barrel body to the lower end surface of the end cover, the upper opening communicating with the annular steam passage via a second communicating hole; an inner tube fitted within the barrel body, dividing the upper opening into a first liquid passage chamber proximate to the barrel body and a second liquid passage chamber distal to the barrel body; a third communicating hole communicating with the first liquid passage chamber and the second liquid passage chamber is provided on a side wall of the inner tube; the first liquid passage chamber communicates with the annular steam passage via a fourth communicating hole;

[0008] An internal exhaust pipe, one end of which is inserted into the end cover and the other end extends into the second liquid transfer chamber, and the top of the internal exhaust pipe is connected to the gas outlet;

[0009] The desiccant component is sleeved on the outer side of the internal exhaust pipe, and the outer wall of the desiccant component is matched and connected with the inner wall of the inner pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, the first communicating hole and the second communicating hole are respectively arranged at two opposite ends of the annular steam channel.

[0011] Furthermore, a plurality of vertical spoilers are installed in the annular steam duct, one end of the spoiler is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the annular steam duct, and the other end is spaced apart from the inner wall on the other side of the annular steam duct. The plurality of spoilers are staggered and arranged to divide the internal space of the annular steam duct into a continuous S-shaped channel.

[0012] Furthermore, both the movable end of the spoiler and the end connected to the inner wall of the annular steam channel are provided with arc-shaped transition portions.

[0013] Furthermore, the bottom end of the annular steam channel is a concave structure, and the fourth communicating hole is arranged at the bottommost end of the concave structure.

[0014] Furthermore, a plurality of fourth communicating holes are provided, and the plurality of second communicating holes are evenly spaced and distributed along the annular steam channel.

[0015] Furthermore, the desiccant assembly includes a plurality of longitudinally distributed molecular sieves and connectors connecting the molecular sieves in series, and the pore diameters of the plurality of molecular sieves decrease sequentially from top to bottom.

[0016] Furthermore, a partition is provided below the desiccant assembly to divide the second liquid transfer chamber into two parts, the upper and lower parts, and the partition has a conical structure.

[0017] Furthermore, a liquid outlet is provided at the bottom end of the barrel body for discharging the liquid in the second liquid transfer chamber.

[0018] Furthermore, a sealing ring is included, which is arranged between the barrel body and the end cover.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0020] 1. By placing the desiccant assembly on the outside of the internal exhaust pipe and fitting its outer wall to the inner wall of the inner pipe, this design allows the desiccant assembly to be relatively independent of other components, making it easier to remove and replace it separately without affecting the overall structure or performance of the gas-liquid separator.

[0021] 2. By providing a clear gas flow path (steam inlet → annular steam channel → desiccant assembly → internal exhaust pipe → gas outlet) and liquid flow path (annular steam channel → first liquid chamber → second liquid chamber), effective and efficient separation of gas and liquid is ensured, the risk of liquid hammer is reduced, and the compressor is protected from damage.

[0022] 3. Through the compact package design, all functional components are integrated into a small unit, which not only ensures good separation effect but also saves installation space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the top view of the structure of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the AA portion;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the end cover of the utility model Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the end cover of the utility model Figure 2 ;

[0029] Markings in the accompanying drawings: 1. End cover; 11. Steam inlet; 12. Steam outlet; 13. Annular steam channel; 14. First connecting hole; 15. Spoiler; 16. Arc-shaped transition portion; 2. Barrel body; 21. Ring edge; 22. Second connecting hole; 23. Liquid outlet; 3. Inner tube; 31. First liquid passage chamber; 32. Second liquid passage chamber; 33. Third connecting hole; 34. Fourth connecting hole; 35. Partition; 4. Internal exhaust pipe; 5. Desiccant assembly; 51. Molecular sieve; 52. Connector; 6. Sealing ring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the utility model is a vehicle-use high-efficiency gas-liquid separator, comprising:

[0032] The end cover 1 has a steam inlet 11 connected to the outlet of the evaporator, a steam outlet 12 connected to the suction end of the compressor, and an annular steam channel 13 provided inside the end cover 1. The steam inlet 11 is connected to the annular steam channel 13 through a first communication hole 14.

[0033] The barrel body 2 has an upper opening and a ring edge portion 21 for detachably mounting the barrel body 2 on the lower end surface of the end cover 1. The upper opening is connected to the annular steam channel 13 through a second communication hole 22.

[0034] The inner tube 3 is sleeved inside the barrel body 2, dividing the upper opening into a first liquid passage chamber 31 close to the barrel body 2 and a second liquid passage chamber 32 away from the barrel body 2. A third communication hole 33 is provided on the side wall of the inner tube 3, connecting the first liquid passage chamber 31 and the second liquid passage chamber 32. The first liquid passage chamber 31 is connected to the annular steam channel 13 through a fourth communication hole 34.

[0035] An internal exhaust pipe 4 has one end inserted into the end cap 1 and the other end extending into the second liquid passage chamber 32. The top of the internal exhaust pipe 4 is connected to the gas outlet 12.

[0036] The desiccant assembly 5 is mounted on the outside of the internal exhaust pipe 4, and its outer wall is connected to the inner wall of the inner pipe 3;

[0037] During operation, the gas-liquid mixture from the evaporator first enters the annular steam channel 13 in the end cover 1 through the steam inlet 11. The annular steam channel 13 is designed to guide the gas flow and liquid sedimentation. When the gas-liquid mixture flows through the annular steam channel 13, due to the reduction in speed and the change in path, the heavier liquid droplets collide with the inner wall of the annular steam channel 13 due to inertia, and are thus initially separated. These liquids will then settle under the action of gravity and enter the first liquid passage chamber 31 in the barrel body 2 through the fourth connecting hole 34, no longer moving with the air flow. After the initial separation, the relatively light and dry gas will continue to move along the predetermined path, enter the upper opening through the second connecting hole 22, and then further move toward the desiccant assembly 5. Any residual tiny droplets passing through the desiccant assembly 5 will also be further separated in this process to ensure that what finally enters the compressor is dry and pure refrigerant vapor.

[0038] Since the barrel body 2 and the end cover 1 are detachably installed, technicians can easily access the internal components for cleaning or replacement; the gas-liquid mixture discharged from the evaporator may contain impurities or oil stains, which may be deposited inside the separator after long-term operation. The detachable design makes cleaning these deposits simple and direct. Only the end cover 1 needs to be removed to access and clean the internal surface; the desiccant component 5 will become saturated after absorbing a certain amount of moisture and lose its moisture absorption capacity. When the barrel body 2 and the end cover 1 are separated, the desiccant component 5 can be directly accessed, making it easy to remove and replace it.

[0039] Preferably, the first connecting hole 14 and the second connecting hole 22 are respectively arranged at opposite ends of the annular steam channel 13; this design increases the flow distance of the gas in the annular steam channel 13, which provides more opportunities for the liquid to collide with the inner wall of the annular steam channel 13 due to inertia and be separated. At the same time, the longer flow path in the limited space helps to slow down the speed of the gas, making it easier for heavier droplets to settle, thereby achieving more effective gas-liquid separation; in addition, this design can better control the flow direction of the gas, even if the gas flows into the annular steam channel 13 from one side of the steam inlet 11 according to a predetermined path, and then enters the upper open cavity through the second connecting hole 22 after a certain distance. Such a flow pattern helps to maintain the stability and consistency of the system.

[0040] Preferably, a plurality of vertical spoilers 15 are installed in the annular steam channel 13, one end of the spoiler 15 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the annular steam channel 13, and the other end is spaced apart from the inner wall of the other side of the annular steam channel 13. The plurality of spoilers 15 are staggered and spaced apart to divide the internal space of the annular steam channel 13 into a continuous S-shaped channel; the S-shaped channel further increases the flow path length of the gas in the annular steam channel 13. Since the S-shaped channel forces the gas to change direction multiple times, this will generate centrifugal force, further promoting the separation of liquid from the gas. Under the action of centrifugal force, the liquid droplets are more inclined to move to the outside of the channel and eventually settle along the spoiler 15.

[0041] Preferably, both the movable end of the spoiler 15 and the end connected to the inner wall of the annular steam channel 13 are provided with an arc-shaped transition portion 16; the arc-shaped transition portion 16 can effectively reduce the turbulence generated when the gas passes through. Compared with sharp edges, the smooth transition can make the airflow bypass the spoiler 15 more smoothly, thereby reducing energy loss and reducing noise; the arc design reduces the sudden changes encountered by the gas during the flow process, avoids the formation of local high-pressure or low-pressure areas, and helps to maintain the pressure stability of the entire system; at the same time, the arc-shaped transition portion 16 helps to capture those droplets that may rebound due to collision, making them more likely to adhere to the surface, further improving the separation efficiency.

[0042] Preferably, the bottom end of the annular steam channel 13 is a concave structure, and the fourth connecting hole 34 is arranged at the bottom of the concave structure; through the concave structure, when the gas and liquid mixture flows through the annular steam channel 13, the heavier droplets settle under the action of centrifugal force and gravity, and the concave structure facilitates the convergence of liquid, which helps to ensure that the liquid can enter the first liquid chamber 31 more efficiently through the fourth connecting hole 34 instead of staying in the annular steam channel 13, reducing the possibility of gas carrying liquid again and improving the thoroughness of gas-liquid separation.

[0043] To ensure the effective flow of liquid, a plurality of fourth communicating holes 34 are provided, and a plurality of second communicating holes 22 are evenly spaced along the annular steam channel 13; the design of the plurality of fourth communicating holes 34 can provide more liquid discharge paths, avoiding the problem of liquid accumulation due to blockage or excessive flow in a single orifice, which helps to quickly and effectively discharge the separated liquid from the annular steam channel 13; the plurality of fourth communicating holes 34 can more evenly distribute the liquid into the first liquid passage chamber 31, reduce the possibility of local liquid accumulation, and improve the stability and efficiency of liquid discharge.

[0044] The desiccant assembly 5 includes a plurality of longitudinally distributed molecular sieves 51 and a connector 52 connecting the molecular sieves 51 in series. The pore diameters of the plurality of molecular sieves 51 decrease from top to bottom. The design of gradually decreasing pore diameters from top to bottom allows larger particles or water droplets to be first intercepted by the larger pore molecular sieve above, while smaller water molecules continue to move downward and are eventually adsorbed by the finer pore molecular sieve below. Through this combination of multiple layers of molecular sieves 51, the gas will undergo multiple adsorption processes when passing through the desiccant assembly 5, thereby achieving an efficient dehumidification effect. Since the upper molecular sieves 51 undertake most of the initial dehumidification work, they are more easily saturated, but the lower molecular sieves 51 are not easily saturated quickly because they are in contact with partially dried gas, thereby extending the effective use time of the entire desiccant assembly 5.

[0045] Preferably, a partition 35 is provided below the desiccant assembly 5 to divide the second liquid chamber 32 into an upper and lower part. The partition 35 has a conical structure. The partition 35 helps to concentrate the gas treated by the desiccant assembly 5 in the central area and guide it to flow toward the internal exhaust pipe 4, thereby improving the concentration of the gas flow and reducing the chance of gas and liquid mixing.

[0046] Preferably, a liquid outlet 23 is provided at the bottom end of the barrel body 2 for discharging the liquid in the second liquid chamber 32; the second liquid chamber 32 is connected to the first liquid chamber 31, allowing liquid to flow between the first liquid chamber 31 and the second liquid chamber 32, and significantly increasing the volume of liquid that can exist in the gas-liquid separator without affecting the gas-liquid separation effect, which helps to better handle liquid under high humidity or high flow conditions; the accumulated liquid can be effectively discharged through the liquid outlet 23, while preventing the liquid from flowing back into the gas-liquid separator during the discharge process.

[0047] In order to ensure the sealing of the internal environment of the gas-liquid separator, a sealing ring 6 is also included, which is arranged between the barrel body 2 and the end cover 1; the sealing ring 6 is tightly fitted to the contact surface between the barrel body 2 and the end cover 1, effectively preventing gas or liquid from leaking out from the gap between the two, which helps to maintain the pressure balance in the system, prevent local pressure fluctuations caused by leakage, and ensure the effective separation of gas and liquid; at the same time, it can block external air, dust and other pollutants from entering the gas-liquid separator, ensure the cleanliness of the internal environment, and avoid negative impact on the separation process.

[0048] The utility model discloses a high-efficiency gas-liquid separator for vehicles. When the separator is in operation, the gas-liquid mixture first enters the annular steam channel 13 in the end cover 1 through the steam inlet 11 from the evaporator. In the annular steam channel 13, the gas-liquid mixture flows along the spoiler 15 and the inner wall of the annular steam channel 13 to form an S-shaped channel. Due to inertia, the heavier liquid collides with the inner wall of the annular steam channel 13 and the spoiler 15 and settles, while the gas continues to move along the predetermined path. The liquid accumulates at the bottom of the concave structure of the annular steam channel 13 and enters the first liquid passage chamber 31 through the second communication hole 22. Under the action of gravity, the gas flows to the lower part of the second liquid transfer chamber 32 and is discharged out of the system through the liquid outlet 23 located at the bottom end of the barrel body 2; the gas enters the upper part of the first liquid transfer chamber 31 through the first connecting hole 14, passes downward through the desiccant assembly 5, and the tiny water molecules in the gas are adsorbed layer by layer by multiple longitudinally distributed molecular sieves 51 with pore sizes decreasing from top to bottom, thereby achieving efficient dehumidification. The dried gas is guided to the central area by the inverted conical partition 35, and finally flows from the gas outlet 12 to the suction end of the compressor through the internal exhaust pipe 4.

[0049] The utility model provides a high-efficiency gas-liquid separator for a vehicle. Its installation method, connection method or setting method are all common mechanical methods, and any method that can achieve its beneficial effects can be implemented.

[0050] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, multiple improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-efficiency gas-liquid separator for a vehicle, characterized in that: include: An end cover (1) having a steam inlet (11) for connecting to the outlet of the evaporator, a steam outlet (12) for connecting to the suction end of the compressor, and a steam annular channel (13) arranged inside the end cover (1), wherein the steam inlet (11) is connected to the steam annular channel (13) through a first communication hole (14); A barrel body (2) having an upper opening and an annular edge portion (21) for detachably mounting the barrel body (2) and the lower end surface of the end cover (1), wherein the upper opening is connected to the annular steam channel (13) via a second communication hole (22); an inner tube (3) fitted inside the barrel body (2) to separate the upper opening into a first liquid-transmitting chamber (31) close to the barrel body (2) and a second liquid-transmitting chamber (32) away from the barrel body (2); a third communication hole (33) communicating with the first liquid-transmitting chamber (31) and the second liquid-transmitting chamber (32) is provided on a side wall of the inner tube (3); the first liquid-transmitting chamber (31) is communicated with the annular steam channel (13) via a fourth communication hole (34); an internal exhaust pipe (4), one end of which is inserted into the end cover (1) and the other end of which extends into the second liquid passage chamber (32), and the top of the internal exhaust pipe (4) is connected to the gas outlet (12); The desiccant component (5) is sleeved on the outside of the internal exhaust pipe (4), and the outer wall of the desiccant component is cooperatively connected with the inner wall of the inner pipe (3).

2. The vehicle-use high-efficiency gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first communicating hole (14) and the second communicating hole (22) are respectively arranged at opposite ends of the annular steam channel (13).

3. The vehicle-use high-efficiency gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of vertical spoilers (15) are installed in the annular steam channel (13), one end of the spoiler (15) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the annular steam channel (13), and the other end is spaced apart from the inner wall of the other side of the annular steam channel (13). The plurality of spoilers (15) are arranged in a staggered manner to divide the internal space of the annular steam channel (13) into a continuous S-shaped channel.

4. The vehicle-use high-efficiency gas-liquid separator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The movable end of the spoiler (15) and the end connected to the inner wall of the annular steam channel (13) are both provided with an arc-shaped transition portion (16).

5. The high-efficiency gas-liquid separator for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom end of the annular steam channel (13) is a concave structure, and the fourth communication hole (34) is arranged at the bottom end of the concave structure.

6. The vehicle-use high-efficiency gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fourth communication holes (34) are provided in plurality, and the plurality of second communication holes (22) are evenly spaced and distributed along the annular steam channel (13).

7. The vehicle-use high-efficiency gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The desiccant assembly (5) comprises a plurality of longitudinally distributed molecular sieves (51) and a connecting piece (52) for connecting the molecular sieves (51) in series, wherein the pore diameters of the plurality of molecular sieves (51) decrease sequentially from top to bottom.

8. The high-efficiency gas-liquid separator for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: A partition (35) is provided below the desiccant assembly (5) to divide the second liquid passage chamber (32) into two parts, an upper part and an lower part. The partition (35) has a conical structure.

9. The high-efficiency gas-liquid separator for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom end of the barrel body (2) is provided with a liquid outlet (23) for discharging the liquid in the second liquid passage chamber (32).

10. The high-efficiency gas-liquid separator for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a sealing ring (6), which is arranged between the barrel body (2) and the end cover (1).

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