Collector for a refrigerant circuit

Abstract

Collector for a refrigerant circuit, in particular for a refrigerant circuit of a motor vehicle, wherein the collector (10; 10a; 10b) comprises a cylindrical base body (12) which extends in an extension direction (13) along a longitudinal axis (12a), a first closure part (14), a second closure part (16), a fluid connection device (18; 40) for fluidically connecting the collector (10; 10a; 10b) to the refrigerant circuit, and a connecting device (20; 46), in particular a flange, for mechanically connecting the collector (10; 10a; 10b) to at least one component, wherein the cylindrical base body (12) has a wall (22), a first end section (24) with an opening (24a) and a second end section (26) with an opening (26a), wherein the wall (22) delimits an interior space (28) for receiving pressurized and the collector (10; 10a;10b) flowing through the refrigerant fluid and for accommodating a drying device (29) for removing moisture from the refrigerant fluid and / or a filter device (31) for filtering the refrigerant fluid, and wherein the first closure part (14) is assigned to the first end section (24) and is connected to the first end section (24), and wherein the second closure part (16) is assigned to the second end section (26) and is integrally connected to the second end section (26), wherein the first closure part (14) and the second closure part (16) are designed to close the openings (24a, 26a) in a fluid-tight manner, and wherein the second closure part (16) is or forms the connecting device (20; 46), and wherein the fluid connection device (18; 40) is assigned to the second closure part (16);

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a collector for a cooling fluid circuit, in particular for a cooling fluid circuit of a motor vehicle.

[0002] From DE 10 2015 122 297 A1 a method is known for producing a high-pressure pipe, wherein an inner pipe made of metal and an outer pipe made of metal are drawn together through a first drawing die.

[0003] DE 10 2023 126 367 A1 discloses an accumulator for separating gaseous and liquid components of a refrigerant from one another and / or for collecting and storing the refrigerant, preferably for a motor vehicle.

[0004] EP 2 997 318 B1 discloses a condenser in stacked-disk construction with a first flow channel for a refrigerant and with a second flow channel for a coolant, wherein a plurality of disc elements are provided which, when stacked on top of one another, form adjacent channels between the disc elements.

[0005] FR 3 059 400 A1 relates to a heat exchanger comprising a bundle formed from a stack of plates, the bundle defining a first circuit configured to be traversed by a heat transfer fluid and a second circuit configured to be traversed by a refrigerant fluid.

[0006] DE 10 2022 120 767 B3 discloses a collector, in particular for a heat transfer module of a motor vehicle, wherein the collector is for collecting, drying and storing refrigerant.

[0007] DE 10 2020 215 226 A1 discloses a collector of a refrigerant circuit, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a housing with a refrigerant supply connection and with a refrigerant discharge connection.

[0008] From DE 10 2023 126 364 A1 and DE 10 2023 126 366 A1 a collector is known, preferably for a refrigerant circuit for a motor vehicle, comprising: a tube, at least one cover and an axial direction, wherein the tube in each case has at least one reduction and the at least one cover in each case has at least one bulge.

[0009] Collectors for refrigeration fluid circuits, especially for refrigeration fluid circuits for motor vehicles, often consist of several components that are permanently and inseparably connected during assembly, for example by welding or soldering.

[0010] This requires the use of additional equipment, which necessitates additional manufacturing steps.

[0011] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a collector which enables simplified, convenient and cost-effective production and assembly.

[0012] This object is achieved according to the invention in the collector mentioned at the outset in that the collector comprises a cylindrical base body which extends in an extension direction along a longitudinal axis, a first closure part, a second closure part, a fluid connection device for fluidly connecting the collector to the refrigerant circuit, and a connecting device, in particular a flange, for mechanically connecting the collector to at least one component, wherein the cylindrical base body has a wall, a first end section with an opening and a second end section with an opening, wherein the wall delimits an interior space for receiving pressurized refrigerant flowing through the collector and for receiving a drying device for removing moisture from the refrigerant and / or a filter device for filtering the refrigerant,and wherein the first closure part is assigned to the first end section and is connected to the first end section and is particularly preferably held in a detachably connectable manner, and wherein the second closure part is assigned to the second end section and is connected to the second end section in one piece, in particular by a material fit, wherein the first closure part and the second closure part are designed to close the openings in a fluid-tight manner, and wherein the second closure part is or forms the connecting device, and wherein the fluid connection device is assigned to the second closure part.

[0013] When installing collectors for refrigerant circuits, the available installation space is often limited. All interfaces required for the intended operation of the collector in the refrigerant circuit, especially mechanical and fluid-related connection elements, must be arranged within this space.

[0014] Due to the limited space available, it is also necessary to enable easy installation.

[0015] This includes, on the one hand, the fluid connection of the collector to the refrigerant circuit, and, on the other hand, the mechanical fastening of the collector.

[0016] In the collector according to the invention, the fluid connection device is assigned to the connecting device.

[0017] The second closure part is designed, in particular, as a base that is firmly and integrally connected to the base body. Such a cup-shaped component can be manufactured, for example, by deep drawing.

[0018] The base body is made of a metallic material.

[0019] The connecting device can be a flange. This enables simple mechanical connection in the axial direction, especially in the direction of extension of the collector.

[0020] This allows for simple production and easy and convenient assembly despite the limited space available.

[0021] A further advantage of the invention is that the detachable connection of the first closure part to the base body allows easy access to the interior of the collector for replacing the drying device and / or the filter device.

[0022] The first closure part is designed in particular as a lid.

[0023] The first closure part is made of a metallic material or a plastic.

[0024] The first and second closure parts are designed to seal the openings in the base body in a fluid-tight manner. Fluid-tight means that only a negligible amount of refrigerant can escape from the interior of the collector, thus ensuring minimal leakage.

[0025] Preferably, a separate seal is assigned to the first closure part to seal the closure part against the base body.

[0026] A further advantage of the collector according to the invention is its cost-effective production. As already explained above, commercially available collectors for refrigerant circuits are often welded or soldered. This necessitates the use of expensive welding or soldering equipment and also requires at least one additional manufacturing step.

[0027] In addition, the inventive design of the collector avoids heat input, which could adversely change the material properties of the collector.

[0028] The invention thus provides a collector that enables simple, convenient and cost-effective production and assembly.

[0029] Furthermore, the detachable connection of the first closure part to the base body enables the collector to be reused.

[0030] It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: - the fluid connection device for the fluid-effective connection of the collector to the refrigerant circuit is assigned to the connection device for the mechanical connection of the collector to at least one component; - the connecting device forms the fluid connection device; - the fluid connection device extends at least partially through the connecting device.

[0031] The second closure part particularly preferably forms both the connecting device for the mechanical connection of the collector and the fluid connection device for the fluid-effective connection of the collector to the refrigerant circuit.

[0032] Such an arrangement, in particular an integration of fluid connection device and connecting device, enables particularly simple and convenient production and assembly.

[0033] For example, it is possible to place the collector in the designated installation space and at the same time align it with regard to both the fluid-active and the mechanical connection, so that assembly is possible within a short period of time.

[0034] In order to supply the collector with cooling fluid, the fluid connection device advantageously has an inflow unit via which cooling fluid can be supplied to the collector and an outflow unit via which cooling fluid can be discharged from the collector, wherein the inflow unit and the outflow unit each have a flow channel.

[0035] For a structurally simple implementation, the flow channel has a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening is assigned to the interior and is provided with at least one of the following: - the second opening is associated with the second closure part; - the second opening is assigned to the wall.

[0036] The second opening can be arranged on the closure part and / or on the wall of the base body, so that different installation situations can be taken into account.

[0037] For a simple and compact design, it is advantageous if the flow channel extends between the first opening and the second opening with at least one of the following: - the flow channel extends at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis; - the flow channel extends at least partially transversely, in particular at right angles, to the longitudinal axis; - the flow channel extends completely parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0038] The flow channel of the inflow unit and / or the outflow unit extends, for example, completely or partially in the axial direction of the collector.

[0039] Alternatively, it is also possible for the flow channel of the inflow unit and / or the outflow unit to extend at least partially in the radial direction.

[0040] For the same reason, it is advantageous if the wall connects the first end section with the second end section of the base body in one piece.

[0041] For easy assembly, it is advantageous if the first closure part is connected to the first end section of the base body by means of a screw connection, and in particular, is detachably connectable. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the first closure part to be firmly connected to the first end section of the base body, preferably by means of a welded or soldered connection.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the following is provided: - the diameter of the base body is at least 45 mm; - the diameter of the base body is not more than 100 mm; - the diameter of the base body is 75 mm.

[0043] It is advantageous if the cooling fluid has a pressure of no more than 90 bar in the operating state of the collector.

[0044] For safe operation, it is advantageous if the receiver is pressure-resistant up to 90 bar. This also allows the use of a wide variety of common refrigerants without the need for any design modifications.

[0045] It is particularly advantageous if one of the following is provided: - the refrigerant fluid is R-290; - the refrigerant fluid is R-134a; - the refrigerant fluid is R-1234yf.

[0046] In the Fig. 1 to 3, preferred embodiments of a collector according to the invention are shown schematically.

[0047] The following description of preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the drawings, serves to explain the invention in more detail. They show: Fig. 1: a sectional view of a first embodiment of a collector according to the invention; Fig. 2: a sectional view of a second embodiment of a collector according to the invention; Fig. 3: a sectional view of a third embodiment of a collector according to the invention.

[0048] A first embodiment of a collector according to the invention for a cooling fluid circuit, in particular for a cooling fluid circuit of a motor vehicle, is shown in Fig. 1 and is designated there by the reference number 10.

[0049] The same reference symbols are used below for identical or similar components.

[0050] The collector 10 has a cylindrical base body 12 with a longitudinal axis 12a.

[0051] The base body 12 extends in an extension direction 13 along the longitudinal axis 12a.

[0052] A diameter D of the base body 12 is, for example, at most 100 mm and / or at least 45 mm. In particular, the diameter D is 75 mm.

[0053] Furthermore, the collector 10 has a first closure part 14 and a second closure part 16.

[0054] Furthermore, the collector 10 has a fluid connection device 18 and a connecting device 20.

[0055] The fluid connection device 18 serves to fluidically connect the collector 10 to a refrigerant circuit not shown in the drawing.

[0056] The connecting device 20 serves to mechanically connect the collector 10 to the components surrounding it, so that the collector 10 is fixed in a component arrangement.

[0057] The base body 12 has a wall 22 and a first end section 24 with an opening 24a and a second end section 26 with an opening 26a.

[0058] The first end section 24 and the second end section 26 are integrally connected to one another by means of the wall 22. The base body can have the shape of a tube, preferably with a circular cross-section.

[0059] The wall 22 defines an interior space 28.

[0060] A drying device 29 and a filter device 31 are arranged in the interior space 28.

[0061] The drying device 29 serves in particular to remove moisture from the refrigerant fluid.

[0062] The filter device 29 is provided for filtering the refrigerant fluid, in particular for separating foreign substances from the refrigerant fluid.

[0063] Furthermore, the interior space 28 serves, in particular in an operating state, to receive pressurized refrigerant fluid which flows through the collector.

[0064] The refrigerant fluid is, for example, R-290 or R-134a or R-1234yf.

[0065] The collector 10 is designed to be pressure-resistant up to a pressure of 90 bar.

[0066] By means of the first closure part 14, the opening 24a, which is formed by the first end section 24 of the base body 12, can be releasably closed in a fluid-tight manner.

[0067] The first closure part 14 can be connected to the end section 24 of the base body 12, preferably by means of a detachable connection, particularly preferably the first closure part 14 can be closed with a screw connection 30 to the first end section 24 of the base body 12.

[0068] For this purpose, the first closure part 14 has an external thread 32 and the first end section 24 has an internal thread 34 corresponding to the external thread 32.

[0069] In particular, the first closure part 14 is a screw cap.

[0070] In addition, the first closure part 14 can have a seal, in particular a sealing ring, for fluid-tight closure of the opening 24a, which is not shown in the drawing for reasons of clarity and is well known to a person skilled in the art.

[0071] The second closure part 16 closes the opening 26a formed by the second end portion 26 of the base body 12.

[0072] The second closure part 16 forms in particular a base which is integrally connected to the base body 12.

[0073] In particular, the base body 12 with the second closure part 16 is cup-shaped.

[0074] The fluid connection device 18 and the connecting device 20 are assigned to the second closure part 16.

[0075] In particular, the second closure part 16 forms the fluid connection device 18 and the connecting device 20.

[0076] The fluid connection device 18 has an inflow unit 36, via which cooling fluid can be supplied to the collector 10, and an outflow unit 38, via which cooling fluid can be discharged from the collector 10.

[0077] The inflow unit 36 ​​and the outflow unit 38 each comprise a flow channel 36a, 38a.

[0078] The interior space 28 of the collector 10 can be fluidly connected to the refrigerant circuit via the flow channels 36a, 38a.

[0079] The flow channel 36a, 38a extends between a first opening 36b, 38b and a second opening 36c, 38c.

[0080] The first opening 36b, 38b is assigned to the interior space 28.

[0081] The second opening 36c, 38c is arranged on the second closure part 16.

[0082] The flow channel 36a, 38a extends completely parallel to the longitudinal axis 12.

[0083] The connecting device 20 is arranged flush with the wall 22 of the base body 12.

[0084] Such a design enables a particularly compact design.

[0085] By means of the connecting device 20 it is possible to mechanically connect the collector 10 to the components surrounding the collector and thus to fix it in an assembly.

[0086] It is possible to use connecting elements, such as screws and / or bolts, to fix the connecting device to surrounding components.

[0087] A second embodiment of a collector according to the invention is shown in Fig. 2 and is designated there by the reference number 10a.

[0088] The second embodiment of the collector 10a according to the invention is constructed similarly to the first embodiment of the collector 10.

[0089] The collector 10a has a fluid connection device 40 which differs from the fluid connection device 18 of the first embodiment of the collector 10 according to the invention.

[0090] The fluid connection device 40 has an inflow unit 42, via which cooling fluid can be supplied to the collector 10a, and an outflow unit 44, via which cooling fluid can be discharged from the collector 10a.

[0091] The inflow unit 42 and the outflow unit 44 each comprise a flow channel 42a, 44a.

[0092] The flow channel 42a, 44a extends between a first opening 42b, 44b and a second opening 42c, 44c.

[0093] The flow channel 42a, 44a has a first flow channel section 42d, 44d and a second flow channel section 42e, 44e, which are fluidly connected to one another.

[0094] The first opening 42b, 44b is assigned to the interior space 28 of the base body 12, wherein the first flow channel section 42d, 44d forms the first opening 42b, 44b.

[0095] The second opening 42c, 44c is assigned to the second closure part 16 and is arranged on the wall 28 of the base body 12.

[0096] The second flow channel section 42e, 44e forms the second opening 42c, 44c.

[0097] The first flow channel section 42d, 44d extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 12a.

[0098] The second flow channel section 42e, 44e extends in a direction transverse and in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 12a.

[0099] This results in particular in the flow channel 42a, 44a of the inflow unit 42 and the outflow unit 44 being angled.

[0100] A third embodiment of a collector according to the invention is shown in Fig.3 and is designated there by the reference number 10b.

[0101] The third embodiment of the collector 10a according to the invention is constructed similarly to the first embodiment of the collector 10 and the second embodiment of the collector 10a.

[0102] The collector 10b has a connecting device 46, which differs from the connecting device 20 of the first and second embodiments of the collector 10, 10a according to the invention as follows: The connecting device 46 has a region 48 projecting from the wall 28. The projecting region 48 has a larger diameter than the wall 28.

[0103] The connecting device 46 is designed in particular as a flange, wherein the projecting region 48 forms the flange.

[0104] The connecting device 46 can be designed as desired and, depending on the installation situation, can be adapted to the geometry of the available installation space. List of reference symbols 10 collectors 10a Collector 10b Collector 12 basic bodies 12a Longitudinal axis 13 Direction of extension 14 first closure part 16 second closure part 18 Fluid connection device 20 connecting device 22 wall 24 first final section 24a Opening 26 second final section 26a Opening 28 Interior 29 Drying device 30 screw connection 31 Filter device 32 external thread 34 internal threads 36 Inflow unit 36a Flow channel 36b first opening 36c second opening 38 outflow unit 38a Flow channel 38b first opening 38c second opening 40 Fluid connection device 42 Inflow unit 42a Flow channel 42b first opening 42d second opening 42d first flow channel section 42e second flow channel section 44 outflow unit 44a Flow channel 44b first opening 44c second opening 44d first flow channel section 44e second flow channel section 46 Connecting device D Diameter QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2015 122 297 A1

[0002] DE 10 2023 126 367 A1

[0003] EP 2 997 318 B1

[0004] FR 3 059 400 A1

[0005] DE 10 2022 120 767 B3

[0006] DE 10 2020 215 226 A1

[0007] DE 10 2023 126 364 A1

[0008] DE 10 2023 126 366 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] A collector for a refrigeration fluid circuit, in particular for a refrigeration fluid circuit of a motor vehicle, wherein the collector (10; 10a; 10b) comprises a cylindrical base body (12) extending in a direction (13) along a longitudinal axis (12a), a first closure part (14), a second closure part (16), a fluid connection device (18; 40) for fluidly connecting the collector (10; 10a; 10b) to the refrigeration fluid circuit, and a connection device (20; 46), in particular a flange, for mechanically connecting the collector (10; 10a; 10b) to at least one component, wherein the cylindrical base body (12) has a wall (22), a first end section (24) with an opening (24a) and a second end section (26) with an opening (26a), wherein the wall (22) defines an interior space (28) for receiving below Pressure standing and the collector (10; 10a;10b) refrigerant flowing through it and for receiving a drying device (29) for removing moisture from the refrigerant and / or a filter device (31) for filtering the refrigerant, wherein the first end section (24) is associated with the first closure part (14) and is connected to the first end section (24), and wherein the second closure part (16) is associated with the second end section (26) and is integrally connected to the second end section (26), wherein the first closure part (14) and the second closure part (16) are configured to close the openings (24a, 26a) in a fluid-tight manner, and wherein the second closure part (16) is or forms the connecting device (20; 46), and wherein the fluid connection device (18; 40) is associated with the second closure part (16). [2] Collector according to claim 1, characterized by at least one of the following: - the fluid connection device (18; 40) for the fluid-effective connection of the collector (10; 10a; 10b) with the refrigeration fluid circuit is assigned to the connection device (20; 46) for the mechanical connection of the collector (10; 10a; 10b) with at least one component; - the connecting device (20; 46) forms the fluid connection device (18; 40); - the fluid connection device (18; 40) extends at least partially through the connecting device (20; 46). [3] Collector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the fluid connection device (18; 40) has an inlet unit (36; 42) through which refrigerant can be supplied to the collector (10; 10a; 10b) and an outlet unit (38; 44) through which refrigerant can be discharged from the collector (10; 10a; 10b), wherein the inlet unit (36; 42) and the outlet unit (38; 44) each have a flow channel (36a, 38a; 42a, 44a). [4] Collector according to claim 3, characterized by, that the flow channel (36a, 38a; 42a, 44a) each has a first opening (36b, 38b; 42b, 44b) and a second opening (36c, 38c; 42c, 44c), wherein the first opening (36b, 38b; 42b, 44b) is associated with the interior (28) and is connected to at least one of the following: - the second opening (36c, 38c; 42c, 44c) is assigned to the second closure part (16); - the second opening (36c, 38c; 42c, 44c) is assigned to the wall (22). [5] Collector according to claim 4, characterized by , that the flow channel (36a, 38a; 42a, 44a) between the first opening (36b, 38b; 42b, 44b) and the second opening (36c, 38c; 42c, 44c) extends with at least one of the following: - the flow channel (36a, 38a; 42a, 44a) extends at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis (12a); - the flow channel (36a, 38a; 42a, 44a) extends at least partially transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis (12a); - the flow channel (36a, 38a; 42a, 44a) extends completely parallel to the longitudinal axis (12a). [6] Collectors according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wall (22) integrally connects the first end section (24) with the second end section (26) of the base body (12). [7] Collectors according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first closure part (14) is connected to the first end section (24) of the base body (12), preferably detachably connected, particularly preferably by means of a screw connection (30). [8] Collectors according to one of the preceding claims characterized by at least one of the following: - the diameter (D) of the base body (12) is at least 45 mm; - the diameter (D) of the base body (12) is at most 100 mm; - the diameter (D) of the base body (12) is 75 mm. [9] Collectors according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the refrigerant in an operating state of the collector (10; 10a; 10b) has a pressure of at most 90 bar. [10] Collectors according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that one of the following refrigerants is provided: - the refrigerant is R-290; - the refrigerant is R-134a; - the refrigerant is R-1234yf.

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