Refrigerant receiver with separating element for defining a suction chamber, refrigeration system with such a refrigerant receiver and motor vehicle with such a refrigeration system

Abstract

A refrigerant collector (20) for a refrigeration system (10) of a motor vehicle (200) is described, comprising a refrigerant collection chamber (32); a refrigerant inlet pipe (30) which projects at least partially into the refrigerant collection chamber (32) and which has an inlet opening (30m); a suction pipe (34) arranged in the refrigerant collection chamber (32), wherein the suction pipe (34) has an inlet section (34a) with a suction opening (34m) for gaseous refrigerant and at least one mixing opening (36) for drawing in liquid refrigerant-oil mixture (38), and wherein the suction pipe (34) has an outlet section (34e) which extends through a housing (24) of the refrigerant collector (20).It is provided that the inlet opening (30m) is arranged lower than the suction opening (34m) with respect to a vertical direction (Z) of the refrigerant collector (20), wherein the mixing opening (36) is arranged lower than the inlet opening (30m) and the suction opening (34m) with respect to the vertical direction (Z), and that a separating element (40) that is at least partially permeable is arranged between the suction opening (34m) and the inlet opening (30m) with respect to the vertical direction (Z), such that a suction chamber (32s) for gaseous refrigerant is formed within the refrigerant collector chamber (32), wherein the suction opening (34m) is arranged in the suction chamber (32s) and the inlet opening (30m) is arranged outside the suction chamber (32s).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a refrigerant receiver for a refrigeration system of a motor vehicle, comprising a refrigerant collection chamber; a refrigerant inlet pipe that projects at least partially into the refrigerant collection chamber and has an inlet opening; a suction pipe arranged in the refrigerant collection chamber, wherein the suction pipe has an intake section with a suction opening for gaseous refrigerant and at least one mixing opening for drawing in a liquid refrigerant-oil mixture; and wherein the suction pipe has an outlet section that extends through a housing of the refrigerant receiver. The invention further relates to a refrigeration system with such a refrigerant receiver and a motor vehicle with such a refrigeration system.

[0002] Such a refrigerant collector is known, for example, from DE 10 2006 031 197 A1. Furthermore, reference is made to EP 1 059 496 A1 and DE 10 2016 210 015 A1 with regard to different designs of refrigerant collectors.

[0003] In low-pressure-side refrigerant receivers of a refrigeration system, a gaseous phase of refrigerant is preferably extracted from an upper section of the receiver and, after being enriched with oil and liquid refrigerant, is typically passed on to downstream components, such as a refrigerant compressor. During normal operation of the refrigeration system, two-phase refrigerant containing oil is thus discharged from the refrigerant receiver.

[0004] Refrigerant receivers are typically designed to be slim and tall to ensure reliable phase separation of the incoming refrigerant and optimized intake of gaseous refrigerant (separation potential for phase separation). This can lead to limitations in the available installation space within a vehicle. Furthermore, turbulence occurs at high mass flow rates in the refrigerant receiver, which can affect refrigerant quality during extraction. This is due to increased turbulence of liquid components from the stored refrigerant reservoir, particularly because the proportion of gaseous refrigerant decreases, and liquid components can be drawn into the intake port. This can also reduce the storage capacity of liquid refrigerant in the receiver, potentially leading to losses in the performance and efficiency of the refrigeration system.

[0005] The object underlying the invention is seen as being to provide a refrigerant collector in which the above disadvantages can be avoided, with particular an improved separation of the gas phase and liquid phase of the refrigerant being achieved.

[0006] This problem is solved by a refrigerant collector, a refrigeration system, and a motor vehicle, each with the features of its respective independent claim. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] The proposed design is a refrigerant collector for a motor vehicle refrigeration system, comprising a refrigerant collection chamber; a refrigerant inlet pipe that extends at least partially into the refrigerant collection chamber and has an inlet opening; a suction pipe arranged in the refrigerant collection chamber, wherein the suction pipe has an inlet section with a suction opening for gaseous refrigerant and at least one mixing opening for drawing in a liquid refrigerant-oil mixture, and wherein the suction pipe has an outlet section that extends through a housing of the refrigerant collector.It is provided that the inlet opening is arranged lower than the suction opening with respect to a vertical direction of the refrigerant collector, the mixing opening is arranged lower than the inlet opening and the suction opening with respect to a vertical direction, and that a separating element that is at least partially permeable is arranged between the suction opening and the inlet opening with respect to a vertical direction, such that a suction chamber for gaseous refrigerant is formed within the refrigerant collection chamber, the suction opening being arranged in the suction chamber and the inlet opening being arranged outside the suction chamber.

[0008] By arranging the suction and inlet openings as described and with the additional separating element, it is possible to introduce the refrigerant into the refrigerant receiver below the separating element and to extract it from the suction chamber above the separating element, ensuring that only refrigerant in the gas phase is extracted or drawn in from the suction chamber. These design features also allow for a reduction in the height of the refrigerant receiver compared to conventional refrigerant receivers, thus requiring less installation space. To maintain the necessary collection or storage volume, the diameter of the receiver (cylindrical base) is increased when the height is reduced, or, more generally, the circumference of the receiver (with any base shape, such as an ellipse or rectangle) is increased.

[0009] In the refrigerant collector, the suction pipe can be designed in such a way that the drawn-in gaseous refrigerant is conveyed from the suction opening downwards to the lower mixing opening and then upwards into the outlet section.

[0010] The suction pipe can be essentially U-shaped, with the suction opening located on one leg of the U-shape and the outlet section on the other leg of the U-shape, and with the mixing opening being located in the area of ​​a curvature of the U-shape, in particular at a lowest point of the U-shape.

[0011] Alternatively, the suction pipe can be formed from two coaxial pipe sections, with an outer pipe section having the suction opening and the mixing opening, and an inner pipe section being connected to the outlet section.

[0012] In this configuration, the outer pipe section can have a closed end opposite the suction inlet, with the inner pipe section beginning above the closed end and extending upwards towards the suction inlet, so that gaseous refrigerant is conveyed downwards in an annular space formed between the inner and outer pipe sections. Analogous to the U-shape described above, a suitably sized mixing orifice can be provided at the closed end of the outer pipe section for drawing in liquid refrigerant or refrigerant-oil components from the lowest section of the refrigerant receiver.

[0013] In the refrigerant collector, the separating element can be configured to allow gaseous refrigerant to pass from the refrigerant collection chamber into the suction chamber and to separate liquid refrigerant and return it to the refrigerant collection chamber.

[0014] The separating element can be tightly connected to an inner wall of the refrigerant storage tank and at least surround the suction pipe below the suction opening.

[0015] The separating element can be designed as a filter or fleece or as a sieve-like structure made of plastic and / or metal, wherein the separating element has, in particular, a liquid-repellent (repelling) coating on an underside facing the refrigerant collection chamber.

[0016] A refrigeration system for a motor vehicle with a refrigerant circuit is further proposed, wherein the refrigerant circuit comprises: a refrigerant compressor, at least one first heat exchanger, in particular a gas cooler or condenser; at least one second heat exchanger, in particular an evaporator; and a refrigerant receiver as described above. The refrigerant receiver can be arranged downstream of the second heat exchanger and upstream of the refrigerant compressor, so that it is used in particular as a low-pressure-side refrigerant receiver.

[0017] A motor vehicle with at least a partially electric drive can be equipped with such a refrigeration system.

[0018] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1. A simplified and schematic representation of a refrigeration system with a refrigerant collector in a motor vehicle; Fig. 2 two simplified and schematic examples of refrigerant collectors; Fig. 3 two simplified and schematic examples of refrigerant collectors; Fig. 4 Two simplified and schematic examples of refrigerant collectors.

[0019] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a simplified and schematic representation of a refrigeration system 10. The refrigeration system 10 is shown only as a basic configuration with a refrigerant circuit 12 comprising a refrigerant compressor 14, at least one first heat exchanger 16, which is preferably designed as a gas cooler or condenser, and at least one second heat exchanger 18, which is preferably designed as an evaporator, with an expansion device AE1 upstream of it. Furthermore, the refrigerant circuit includes a refrigerant receiver 20, which in this example is arranged on the low-pressure side downstream of the second heat exchanger 18 (evaporator). Optionally, the refrigeration system 10 can include an internal heat exchanger 22 in the refrigerant circuit.

[0020] From the Fig. It is also evident from Figure 1 that the refrigeration system 10 can be arranged in a motor vehicle 200, which is illustrated here only as a dashed rectangle.

[0021] It should be noted that the refrigeration system 10 can also have a different configuration with more components. In particular, it can, for example, include additional heat exchangers, such as a second heat exchanger that serves as a chiller. Furthermore, the refrigeration system can also be used in a heat pump configuration and include a heating branch (not shown) with an additional heat exchanger that can be used as a heating coil.

[0022] In refrigeration system 10, a refrigerant collector 20 is used, as described below with reference to the Fig. 2 to 4 are described. It should be noted that the refrigerant collector 20 can be used regardless of whether the refrigerant circuit 12 has a simple or more complex design.

[0023] In Fig. Figure 2 shows two simplified and schematically illustrated examples of a refrigerant collector 20.

[0024] The refrigerant receiver 20 comprises a refrigerant inlet pipe 30, which projects at least partially into a refrigerant collection chamber 32 and has an inlet opening 30m. This refrigerant inlet pipe 30 can be configured in various ways, for example, straight or curved. Furthermore, the refrigerant receiver 20 has a suction pipe 34 arranged in the refrigerant collection chamber 32, the suction pipe 34 having a suction section 34a with a suction opening 34m for gaseous refrigerant. At least one mixing opening 36 for drawing in a liquid refrigerant-oil mixture 38 is also arranged on the suction pipe 34. The suction pipe 34 has an outlet section 34e that extends through a housing 24 of the refrigerant receiver 20.

[0025] A liquid phase of the refrigerant-oil mixture 38 is illustrated by a simplified wave pattern, and a possible level or fill level of the liquid phase is symbolized by a small triangle.

[0026] In the refrigerant collector 20, the inlet opening 30m is located lower (at H1) than the suction opening 34m (at H2) with respect to a height direction Z of the refrigerant collector 20, wherein the mixing opening 36 is located lower (at H3) than both the inlet opening 30m and the suction opening 34m with respect to height direction Z. Furthermore, a separating element 40, at least partially permeable, is arranged between the suction opening 34m and the inlet opening 30m with respect to height direction Z, such that a suction chamber 32s for gaseous refrigerant is formed within the refrigerant collection chamber 32, wherein the suction opening 34m is located in the suction chamber 32s and the inlet opening 30m is located outside the suction chamber 32s.

[0027] The flow or conveyance of refrigerant through or in the refrigerant receiver 20 is illustrated in a simplified manner using arrows. The refrigerant, in a substantially liquid phase (black arrow), enters the refrigerant receiver 20 through the inlet opening 30m. Refrigerant in the gas phase (white contour arrow) is drawn from the suction chamber 32s. Refrigerant, essentially in the gas phase with an admixed liquid refrigerant-oil mixture, exits the refrigerant receiver 20 through the outlet section 34e (hatched contour arrow).

[0028] Examples A) and B) of the Fig. The two versions differ essentially only in that the inlet section 30 in A) is arranged essentially vertically on the refrigerant receiver 20, while the inlet section 30 in B) is arranged essentially horizontally. Furthermore, example B) illustrates an optional baffle plate 42 against which the introduced (liquid) refrigerant impacts and is directed downwards.

[0029] From examples A) and B) of the Fig. 2 it can be seen that the suction pipe 34 is designed such that the gaseous refrigerant drawn in (white contour arrow) is conveyed from the suction opening (34m) downwards to the lower mixing opening 36 and then upwards into the outlet section 34e.

[0030] From examples A) and B) of the Fig. Figure 2 further shows that the suction pipe 34 is essentially U-shaped, with the suction opening 34m located on one leg of the U-shape and the outlet section 34e on the other leg. The mixing opening 36 is located in the area of ​​a curve of the U-shape, in particular at a lowest point of the U-shape. It should be noted that in the illustration of the Fig. 2 the U-shape is simplified and illustrated as (rectangular), even though the intake pipe 34 may be curved or bent.

[0031] It should also be mentioned that, when using a baffle plate 42, a position of the refrigerant inlet pipe 30 above the suction opening 34m would also be conceivable, since the baffle plate 40 provides spatial separation between the refrigerant entering the receiver 20 and the refrigerant extracted from the receiver 20. Even in such a configuration, it must be ensured that refrigerant entering the refrigerant receiver 20 always passes below or away from a separating element 40 that is at least partially permeable.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 3 illustrates two further examples of a refrigerant collector 20. These use the same elements as in the examples of the Fig. 2 shown and described above, are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0033] Unlike the examples of Fig. 2 is in the examples of the Fig. 3 the suction pipe 34 is formed from two coaxial pipe sections Ra, Ri, wherein an outer pipe section Ra has the suction opening 34m and the mixing opening 36, and wherein an inner pipe section Ri is connected to the outlet section 34e.

[0034] The outer pipe section Ra has a closed end Re opposite the suction opening 34m, possibly interrupted only by a provided mixing opening 36, wherein the inner pipe section Ri begins above the closed end Re and extends upwards to the suction opening 34m, so that gaseous refrigerant is conveyed downwards in an annular space 44 formed between the inner pipe section Ri and the outer pipe section Ra.

[0035] As in examples A) and B) of the Fig. 2. Examples A) and B) also differ. Fig. 3 by the fact that in example A) the inlet section 30 is arranged essentially vertically on the refrigerant collector 20, and that in example B) the inlet section 30 is arranged essentially horizontally on the refrigerant collector 20.

[0036] With regard to the arrows illustrating the refrigerant flow through the refrigerant collector 20, reference is made to the description of Fig. 2. The description there can be applied analogously to the examples of Fig. 3 with the two ideally coaxially arranged pipe sections Ri, Ra are applied and understood.

[0037] For the examples of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 It is pointed out that the separating element 40 is designed to allow gaseous refrigerant to pass from the refrigerant collection chamber 32 into the suction chamber 32s and to return liquid refrigerant 38 to the refrigerant collection chamber 32.

[0038] The separating element 40 can be tightly connected to an inner wall 24i of the refrigerant storage tank 20 and at least surround or enclose the suction pipe 34 below the suction opening 34m. In the respective examples A) of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 surrounds or encloses the respective inlet section 30.

[0039] The separating element 40 is designed as a filter or fleece or as a sieve-like structure made of plastic and / or metal. The separating element can have a liquid-repellent coating, particularly on its underside 40u facing the refrigerant collection chamber 32, thus facilitating droplet formation or beading.

[0040] Fig. Figure 4 shows two refrigerant receivers in examples A) and B), which have essentially the same construction as in example A). Fig. 3. In example A) the Fig. 4 The separating element 40 is inclined or arranged with a gradient in the refrigerant collector 20, so that the collection of liquid refrigerant is facilitated. The inclination serves in particular to allow droplets forming on the separating element 40 to collect along the gradient and drip into the refrigerant collection chamber 32.

[0041] In example B) the Fig. 4 The separating element 40 is arranged as a kind of cage around the suction pipe 34. The suction chamber 32s is formed within this cage-like separating element 40.

[0042] This also applies to examples A) and B) of the Fig. 4 the separating element 40 is arranged at least sectionally between the suction outlet 34m and the inlet outlet 30m, wherein the inlet outlet 30m is located lower (H1) than the suction outlet 34m (H2).

[0043] Furthermore, regarding the functioning of the refrigerant collectors 20, the Fig. 4. Refer to the above description of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, which is applicable in an analogous manner. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2006 031 197 A1

[0002] EP 1 059 496 A1

[0002] DE 10 2016 210 015 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Refrigerant receiver (20) for a refrigeration system (10) of a motor vehicle (200) with a refrigerant collection room (32); a refrigerant inlet pipe (30) which extends at least partially into the refrigerant collection chamber (32) and which has an inlet opening (30m); a suction pipe (34) arranged in the refrigerant collection chamber (32), wherein the suction pipe (34) has an intake section (34a) with a suction opening (34m) for gaseous refrigerant and at least one mixing opening (36) for drawing in liquid refrigerant-oil mixture (38), and wherein the suction pipe (34) has an outlet section (34e) extending through a housing (24) of the refrigerant collector (20); characterized by, that the inlet opening (30m) is located lower than the suction opening (34m) with respect to a vertical direction (Z) of the refrigerant collector (20), wherein the mixing opening (36) is located lower than the inlet opening (30m) and the suction opening (34m) with respect to the vertical direction (Z), and that, with respect to the vertical direction (Z), a separating element (40) that is at least partially permeable is arranged between the suction outlet (34m) and the inlet outlet (30m), such that a suction chamber (32s) for gaseous refrigerant is formed within the refrigerant collection chamber (32), wherein the suction outlet (34m) is arranged in the suction chamber (3s) and the inlet outlet (30m) is arranged outside the suction chamber (32s). [2] Refrigerant collector (20) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the suction pipe (34) is designed such that the gaseous refrigerant drawn in is conveyed from the suction opening (34m) downwards to the lower mixing opening (36) and then upwards into the outlet section (34e). [3] Refrigerant collector (20) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the suction pipe (34) is essentially U-shaped, wherein the suction opening (34m) is arranged on one leg of the U-shape and the outlet section (34e) is arranged on the other leg of the U-shape and wherein the mixing opening (36) is arranged in the area of ​​a curvature of the U-shape, in particular at a lowest point of the U-shape. [4] Refrigerant collector (20) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the suction pipe (34) is formed from two coaxial pipe sections (Ri, Ra), wherein an outer pipe section (Ra) has the suction outlet (34m) and the mixing opening (36) and wherein an inner pipe section (Ri) is connected to the outlet section (34e). [5] Refrigerant collector (20) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the outer pipe section (Ra) has a closed end (Re) opposite the suction opening (34m), wherein the inner pipe section (Ri) begins above the closed end (Re) and extends upwards towards the suction opening (34m), so that gaseous refrigerant is conveyed downwards in an annular space (44) formed between the inner pipe section (Ri) and the outer pipe section (Ra). [6] Refrigerant collector (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the separating element (40) is designed to allow gaseous refrigerant to pass from the refrigerant collection chamber (32) into the suction chamber (32s) and to separate liquid refrigerant and return it to the refrigerant collection chamber (32). [7] Refrigerant collector (20) according to claim 6, characterized by, that the separating element (40) is tightly connected to an inner wall (24i) of the refrigerant storage and surrounds at least the suction pipe (34) below the suction outlet (34m). [8] Refrigerant collector (20) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the separating element (40) is designed as a filter or fleece or as a sieve-like structure made of plastic and / or metal, wherein the separating element (40) in particular has a liquid-repellent coating on an underside facing the refrigerant collection chamber (32). [9] Refrigeration system (10) for a motor vehicle (200) comprising a refrigerant circuit (12), wherein the refrigerant circuit (12) comprises: a refrigerant compressor (14), at least one first heat exchanger (16), in particular a gas cooler or condenser; at least a second heat exchanger (18), in particular an evaporator, and a refrigerant collector (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the refrigerant collector (20) is arranged in particular downstream of the second heat exchanger (18) and upstream of the refrigerant compressor (14). [10] Motor vehicle (200) with at least a partially electric drive and with a refrigeration system (10) according to claim 9.

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