ACCUMULATOR FOR AN AIR CONDITIONING CIRCUIT

Abstract

The invention relates to an accumulator (8) comprising: - a housing (9) extending around and along a first axis (X1), - an inlet port (11) for a refrigerant fluid (F), and - an outlet port (12) for refrigerant gas (G), - a suction tube (13) for refrigerant gas (G), and - a deflector (28) mounted in the housing (9), the deflector (28) comprising a deflecting wall (29) having a general inverted bowl or bell shape centered on a second axis (X2) parallel to the first axis (X1) and defining at least one first internal cavity (35) in which the inlet (20) of the suction tube (13) is located, the deflecting wall (29) further having a first passage (33) for the suction tube (13), the deflector (28) further comprising a filtering wall (36) closing the first internal cavity (35) and featuring a second passage (36a) of the suction tube (13). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: ACCUMULATOR FOR AN AIR CONDITIONING CIRCUIT Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of accumulators for air conditioning circuits, in particular for motor vehicles.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to the field of accumulators equipped with a deflector. Technical background

[0003] Motor vehicles are typically equipped with an air conditioning system to cool the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0004] Air conditioning systems are closed circuits for circulating a refrigerant. An air conditioning system typically comprises a compressor, a condenser or cooler, an evaporator, and an accumulator mounted between the evaporator and the compressor. The compressor is connected to the condenser by a high-pressure circuit, and the evaporator is connected to the compressor by a low-pressure circuit.

[0005] The refrigerant is initially in a gaseous state and is compressed within the compressor before being pumped to the condenser through the high-pressure circuit. The refrigerant then changes from a gaseous to a liquid state in the condenser and is conveyed in a liquid state to the evaporator. Within the evaporator, the refrigerant changes from a liquid to a gaseous state before being conveyed to the compressor through the low-pressure circuit.

[0006] The accumulator's primary function is to separate the liquid and gaseous phases of the refrigerant and to accumulate the liquid phase of this refrigerant to prevent its return to the compressor.

[0007] US patent B1-6,481,241 describes an accumulator comprising a cylindrical enclosure extending along a first axis between a closed lower end and a closed upper end with a lid. The accumulator further comprises a refrigerant inlet port connected to the evaporator and a gas outlet port connected to the compressor. The inlet and outlet ports are typically provided on the accumulator lid.

[0008] The accumulator further includes a gas suction tube arranged in the enclosure and having a gas inlet located in the enclosure and a gas outlet connected to the outlet port.

[0009] In order to allow the separation of the liquid and gaseous phases of the refrigerant, the accumulator further comprises a deflector mounted in the enclosure, between the The cover and gas inlet are connected to the deflector. The deflector has a bell-shaped wall defining an internal cavity in which the gas inlet is located. The deflector's function is to facilitate the flow of the liquid phase along the walls of the enclosure and to protect the gas inlet from liquid spillage, thus allowing the suction tube to collect only the refrigerant gas for return to the compressor.

[0010] Although efficient, such an accumulator is not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, even if the gas inlet of the suction tube is well protected by the deflector, which limits the amount of liquid returned to the compressor, the gas drawn in by the suction tube can still be contaminated by contaminants such as suspended particles. The accumulation of these particles can cause damage to the suction tube and even to the compressor.

[0011] There is therefore a need to provide an accumulator to limit contamination of the gaseous phase of the refrigerant in the suction tube. Summary of the invention

[0012] To this end, the invention proposes an accumulator for an air conditioning circuit, in particular for a motor vehicle, the accumulator comprising:

[0013] - an enclosure extending around and along a first axis,

[0014] - a refrigerant fluid inlet port, and

[0015] - a refrigerant gas outlet port,

[0016] - a refrigerant gas suction tube arranged in the enclosure and having a refrigerant gas inlet located within the enclosure and a refrigerant gas outlet connected to the outlet port and oriented towards the top of the enclosure, the inlet and outlet each having an axis extending parallel to the first axis, and

[0017] - a deflector mounted in the enclosure, the deflector comprising a deflecting wall having a general shape of an inverted bowl or bell centered on a second axis parallel to the first axis and defining at least one first internal cavity in which the inlet of the suction tube is located, the deflecting wall also presenting a first passage of the suction tube.

[0018] The accumulator is remarkable in that the deflector further comprises a filter wall closing the first internal cavity and presenting a second passage of the suction tube.

[0019] The filter wall filters the refrigerant gas entering the first cavity before it is drawn in by the suction tube. Thanks to this filter wall, the refrigerant gas drawn in by the suction tube is free of contaminants, thus limiting damage to the suction tube or the compressor.

[0020] This filter wall is integrated into the deflector, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the battery.

[0021] In addition, this integration of the filter wall into the deflector facilitates the assembly of the accumulator.

[0022] The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in combination with each other:

[0023] - the filter wall is connected to the deflector wall,

[0024] - the filtration wall comprises at least one filter and advantageously a plurality filters,

[0025] - the filter or each filter comprises a filtering medium comprising fibers,

[0026] - the filtration wall is annular and centered on the second axis, the filters being distributed around the second axis,

[0027] - the filtration wall has a semi-circular shape centered on the second axis,

[0028] - the deflecting wall defines a second internal cavity adjacent to the first cavity internal, this second internal cavity being designed to hold a desiccant bag,

[0029] - the deflecting wall has openings leading into the second internal cavity,

[0030] - the deflector includes an axial partition passing through the second axis and separating the first and second internal cavities,

[0031] - the deflector comprises ribs connected to the deflecting wall and extending ra- dialally from a longitudinal axis parallel to the first axis,

[0032] - the deflector comprises fins regularly distributed around the second axis,

[0033] - the fins are arranged on an external periphery of the deflecting wall and are in pressing on the speaker,

[0034] - the suction tube is J-shaped or U-shaped,

[0035] - the suction tube includes an internal conduit on which the outlet of refrigerant gas and an external duct on which the refrigerant gas inlet is provided, the external duct being arranged coaxially around the internal duct,

[0036] - the second axis is aligned with the first axis, or is offset from the first axis,

[0037] - the accumulator includes a cover fixed to an upper end of the enclosure, with the outlet port provided in the lid and the deflector connected to the lid,

[0038] - the deflector comprises a sleeve extending coaxially around the tube suction cup and connected to the lid,

[0039] - the sleeve extends axially in the first pass,

[0040] - the deflector comprises blades located on an upper annular portion of the deflecting wall,

[0041] — the enclosure extends between an upper end and a lower end, the port with the input and / or output located on the upper end of the enclosure,

[0042] — the accumulator includes a cover fixed to the upper end of the enclosure, the output port and possibly the input port being provided in the lid,

[0043] — the cover is assembled with the suction tube and the deflector. This allows to facilitate the assembly of the battery,

[0044] — the deflecting wall has, in longitudinal section, an inverted U shape.

[0045] The invention also relates to an air conditioning circuit, in particular for a motor vehicle. The air conditioning circuit is notable in that it includes an accumulator according to any of the preceding characteristics. Brief description of the figures

[0046] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0047] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of an air conditioning circuit for a motor vehicle,

[0048] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal cross-sectional representation of an accumulator according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0049] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional representation of a suction tube according to one embodiment,

[0050] [Fig.4] is a perspective view from below of the deflector connected to the cover, which can be fitted to the accumulator of [Fig.2],

[0051] [Fig. 5] is a longitudinal cross-sectional representation of an accumulator according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0052] [Fig.6] is a perspective view from below of the deflector connected to the cover, equipping the accumulator of [Fig.5],

[0053] [Fig.7] is a longitudinal cross-sectional representation of an accumulator according to a third embodiment of the invention,

[0054] [Fig.8] is a perspective view from below of the deflector connected to the cover, equipping the accumulator of [Fig.7],

[0055] [Fig.9] is a longitudinal cross-sectional representation of an accumulator according to a fourth embodiment of the invention,

[0056] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view from below of the deflector connected to the cover, equipping the accumulator of [Fig. 9]. Detailed description of the invention

[0057] Figure 1 illustrates an example of an air conditioning circuit 1. The air conditioning circuit 1 is specifically for a vehicle, for example, a car, or for an aircraft. The air conditioning circuit 1 can be implemented in any type of installation requiring an air conditioning circuit.

[0058] The air conditioning circuit 1 is a closed circuit comprising a high-pressure circuit 2 and a low-pressure circuit 3. The air conditioning circuit 1 further comprises a compressor 4, a condenser 5, optionally an expansion valve 6, an evaporator 7 and an accumulator 8 mounted between the evaporator 7 and the compressor 4.

[0059] The compressor 4 is connected to the condenser by the high-pressure circuit 2 and the accumulator 8 is connected to the evaporator 7 and to the compressor 4 by the low-pressure circuit 3.

[0060] A refrigerant gas G is compressed within the compressor 4 and then discharged to the condenser 5 through the high-pressure circuit 2. The refrigerant gas G is then condensed in the condenser 5 to form a refrigerant liquid L. The refrigerant liquid L resulting from the condensation of the refrigerant gas G is expanded in the expansion valve 6 and then conveyed to the evaporator 7. Within the evaporator 7, the refrigerant liquid L is partially evaporated, and a refrigerant fluid F comprising a mixture of refrigerant gas G and refrigerant liquid L is conveyed to the accumulator 8. In the accumulator 8, the refrigerant liquid L is separated from the refrigerant gas G, and the refrigerant gas G is returned to the compressor 4 through the low-pressure circuit 3, while the refrigerant liquid L is accumulated in the accumulator 8.

[0061] The refrigerant gas G is preferably a carbon dioxide, in particular the gas R744.

[0062] With reference, for example, to [Fig. 2] illustrating a first embodiment of The accumulator 8 according to the invention, it comprises a housing 9, advantageously a cover 10, an inlet port 11 for the refrigerant fluid F, an outlet port 12 for the refrigerant gas G, and a suction tube 13.

[0063] The enclosure 9 extends around and along a first axis XL

[0064] In the following description, the terms "lower" and "upper" are understood relative to the direction of circulation of the refrigerant fluid F, and in particular of the refrigerant liquid L, in the enclosure 9 along the first axis XL. In [Fig.2], the liquid phase L circulates from top to bottom.

[0065] The terms "interior" and "exterior" are understood in relation to the distance from the first axis XI of the enclosure 9 along a radial axis perpendicular to the first axis XL

[0066] The terms "longitudinal" and "longitudinally" are understood with respect to the first axis XL

[0067] The enclosure 9 extends along the first axis XI between an upper end 14 and a lower end 15. The enclosure 9 is advantageously cylindrical. The upper and lower ends 14, 15 of the enclosure 9 are connected by a cylindrical wall 16 centered on the first axis XL. The cylindrical wall 16 has an external cylindrical face 16a and an internal cylindrical face 16b.

[0068] The lower end 15 of the enclosure 9 is closed by a bottom wall 17 opposite the upper end 14.

[0069] The enclosure 9 is hollow and includes an internal space 18 delimited by the cylindrical wall 16 and an enclosure bottom 19 defined by the bottom wall 17.

[0070] The enclosure 9 is, for example, made of polymeric, composite, or metallic material.

[0071] The cover 10 is arranged on the upper end 14 of the enclosure 9. The cover 10 is annular and centered on the first axis XL. The cover 10 closes the upper end 14 of the enclosure 9. The cover 10 is fixed to the upper end 14 of the enclosure. It is fixed, for example, by welding.

[0072] The cover 10 comprises an upper annular portion 10a and a lower annular portion 10b connected by a shoulder 10c. The lower annular portion 10b has a smaller diameter than the upper annular portion 10a. The lower annular portion 10b extends into the internal space 18 of the enclosure 9, and the shoulder 10c rests against the upper end 14 of the enclosure 9. This configuration of the cover 10 ensures the sealing of the enclosure 9.

[0073] The inlet and outlet ports 11, 12 are advantageously provided in the cover 10. The inlet and outlet ports 11, 12 are advantageously axial. They therefore each have an axis extending parallel to the first axis XL. The axis of the inlet or outlet port 11, 12 can be aligned or offset with respect to the first axis XL.

[0074] In the embodiment of [Fig. 2], the axis of the input port 11 is aligned with the first axis XI and the axis of the output port 12 is offset from the first axis XL

[0075] The inlet port 11 opens into the enclosure 9 and therefore into the internal space 18. It is connected to the evaporator 7 by the low pressure circuit 3.

[0076] The output port 12 is connected to the compressor 4 by the low pressure circuit 3.

[0077] The suction tube 13 is located in the enclosure 9, therefore in the internal space 18 of The enclosure 9. The suction tube 13 includes a gas inlet 20 for gas G and a refrigerant gas outlet 21 for gas G connected to the outlet port 12 of the accumulator 8. Preferably, the outlet 21 of the suction tube 13 extends into the outlet port 12. The outlet port 12 and the outlet 21 of the suction tube 13 are coaxial. The outlet 21 thus has an axis parallel to the first axis XL. The refrigerant gas outlet 21 for gas G is oriented towards the top of the enclosure 9.

[0078] The gas inlet 20 of the suction tube 13 is located in the enclosure 9, therefore in the internal space 18. The gas inlet 20 is advantageously axial and thus has an axis extending parallel to the first axis XL. The inlet 20 advantageously has a flared shape towards the upper end 14 of the enclosure 9. This facilitates the passage of the gas G into the suction tube 13.

[0079] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2], the suction tube 13 is U-shaped or In this configuration, the suction tube 13 comprises a first conduit 22 connected to the inlet 20, a second conduit 23 connected to the outlet 21, and an elbow 24 connecting the first and second conduits 22 and 23. The first and second conduits 22 and 23, and the elbow 24, have an internal diameter, for example, smaller than the internal diameters of the inlets and outlets 20 and 21 of the suction tube 13.

[0080] According to an alternative embodiment of the suction tube 13 illustrated in [Fig. 3], the suction tube 13 is of the coaxial type. It comprises an internal conduit 25 advantageously centered on the first axis XI and an external conduit 26 arranged coaxially around the internal conduit 25.

[0081] The external conduit 26 extends axially between a lower end 26a and an upper end 26b. The upper end 26b is located axially between the cover 10 and the lower end 15 of the enclosure 9. The inlet 20 is provided on the external conduit 26, at the level of its upper end 26b.

[0082] The internal conduit 25 extends axially between a lower axial end 25a and an upper axial end 25b passing through the outlet port 12. The lower and upper axial ends 25a, 25b of the internal conduit 25 are open to allow the entry and exit of the refrigerant gas G. The outlet 21 is provided on the external conduit 26, in particular at its upper axial end 25b.

[0083] Suspended oil particles can be mixed with the refrigerant gas G. For this purpose, the suction tube 13 may include an orifice 13a for the recovery and circulation of oil within the suction tube. The orifice 13a is provided in the elbow 24 or in the lower end 26a of the external conduit 26.

[0084] In addition, the accumulator 8 advantageously includes an oil filtration device 27 connected to the suction tube 13 and the compressor 4. The filtration device 27 is located in the internal space 18 of the enclosure 9 opposite the first end 14 of the enclosure 9. The filtration device 27 is connected to the suction tube 13 by a fastening means such as a hose clamp or by screwing.

[0085] The filtration device 27 includes an oil filter 27a for filtering the oil before it circulates in the suction tube 13. The oil present in the bottom of the enclosure 19 and mixed with the refrigerant liquid L is thus drawn in by the refrigerant gas G circulating in the suction tube 13 via the port 13a to be returned to the compressor 4. This makes it possible to maintain an optimal lubrication level of the refrigerant gas G.

[0086] The accumulator 8 further includes a deflector 28. The deflector 28 is mounted in the housing 8, i.e., in the internal space 18. The deflector 28 is arranged axially between the cover 10 and the refrigerant gas inlet 20 G of the suction tube 20. The deflector 28 diverts the flow of the refrigerant F towards the inner face 16b of the cylindrical wall 16 of the housing 9. This allows protect the gas inlet 20 of the suction tube 13 from the liquid phase to prevent the return of this liquid phase into the compressor 4. The deflector 28 thus promotes the separation of the liquid and gaseous phases of the refrigerant F.

[0087] The deflector 28 has the shape of an inverted bowl, a bell, or a dome centered on a second axis X2. The deflector 28 thus has, in longitudinal section, a general shape of an inverted U.

[0088] The second axis X2 is parallel to the first axis XL. The second axis X2 can be offset from the first axis XI or aligned with the first axis XI as shown in [Fig. 2]. Alignment of the first and second axes XI and X2 promotes uniform flow of the refrigerant F around the deflector 2.

[0089] The deflector 28 comprises a deflecting wall 29. The deflecting wall 29 has the shape of an inverted U, an inverted bowl, a bell, or a dome centered on the second axis X2. The deflecting wall 29 is, for example, made of a metallic material such as stainless steel or of a polymeric material.

[0090] The deflector 28 is connected to the cover 10 and the suction tube 13. They are generally pre-assembled to facilitate the assembly and maintenance of the accumulator 8.

[0091] The deflecting wall 29 comprises an upper annular portion 30 centered on the second axis X2 and a lower annular portion 31 extending around and along the second axis X2 towards the lower end 15 of the enclosure 9 from the upper annular portion 30.

[0092] The upper annular portion 30 can be frustoconical as illustrated in [Fig. 2] or circular. The upper annular portion 30 is fixed to the cover 10.

[0093] According to this embodiment, the deflecting wall 29 has blades 29' regularly distributed around the second axis X2. The blades 29' are located, for example, on the upper annular portion 30 of the deflecting wall 29. They facilitate the separation of the gaseous and liquid phases of the refrigerant F in the enclosure 9. The blades 29' can extend down to the lower annular portion 31. Preferably, the blades 29' extend in a spiral on the deflecting wall 29.

[0094] The lower annular portion 31 has a lower annular end 32 centered on the second axis X2.

[0095] In the embodiment of [Fig.2], the lower annular portion 31 rests on the inner face 16b of the enclosure 9.

[0096] The deflector 28 advantageously comprises a sleeve 28a extending coaxially around the suction tube 13 and connected to the cover 10. The sleeve 28a extends axially in the first passage 33.

[0097] The deflector 28 advantageously includes a first passage 33 of the suction tube 13. The first passage 33 is axially aligned with the outlet port 12. The first passage 33 can thus be centered on the second axis X2, particularly when the suction tube 13 is coaxial or axially offset with respect to the second axis X2 as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. The first passage 33 is provided in the upper portion 33 of the deflecting wall 29.

[0098] The deflector 28 further comprises at least one first internal cavity 35 in which the gas inlet 20 is located. The first internal cavity 35 is delimited by the deflecting wall 29.

[0099] According to the invention, the deflector 28 further comprises a filter wall 36 which closes the first internal cavity 35.

[0100] The filter wall 36 is connected to the deflector wall 29 of the deflector 28. Thanks to such a feature, the size of the accumulator 8 is reduced since the filter wall 36 is directly integrated into the deflector 28.

[0101] In particular, the filter wall 36 is connected to the lower portion 31 of this deflector wall 29. According to yet another example, the filter wall 36 is fixed to the lower end 32 of the lower portion 31 of the deflector 28.

[0102] As more clearly seen in [Fig.4], the filtration wall 36 comprises at least one filter 37 and advantageously a plurality of filters 37. Advantageously, the filtration wall 36 comprises between one and ten filters 37, preferably between four and six filters 37.

[0103] Each filter 37 comprises a filter medium. Each filter medium comprises fibers and optionally a matrix in which the fibers are embedded. The fibers are, for example, selected from metallic, carbon, polyester, polyamide, glass fibers, or a mixture thereof. The fibers have a diameter of between 0.01 mm and 1 mm and a length, for example, of between 0.1 mm and 10 mm. The fibers are, for example, thermally bonded, braided, or woven.

[0104] The matrix is ​​for example a polymeric matrix chosen from polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyamides, fluorinated polymers.

[0105] Each filter 37 is permeable to gases. Each filter 37 thus has pores having, for example, a size between 0.1 pm and 100 pm, preferably between 80 pm and 100 pm. Each filter 37 has a substantially polygonal shape, for example, triangular or trapezoidal. In the embodiment of [Fig. 2], each filter 37 has a triangular shape.

[0106] According to this embodiment, the filtration wall 36 is annular and centered on the second axis X2. According to this embodiment, the filters 37 are distributed around the second axis X2 and are in particular four in number.

[0107] The filtration wall 36 is flat.

[0108] The filtration wall 36 further comprises a second passage 36a of the tube suction 13 to allow the passage of gas from the suction tube 13 to the inlet 20 in the internal cavity 35.

[0109] The filter wall 36 is thus permeable to gases to allow the passage of refrigerant gas G into the suction tube 13 while filtering out contaminants such as particulate matter. The refrigerant gas G drawn in by the suction tube 13 is therefore free of contaminants, limiting damage to the suction tube 13 or the compressor 4.

[0110] In order to further limit the return of the liquid phase of the refrigerant into the compressor 4, the accumulator 8 further includes a desiccant bag 38 connected to the suction tube 13. The desiccant bag 38 includes, for example, a container 38a and a desiccant material arranged in the container 38a.

[0111] The container 38a is connected to the suction tube 13 by a fastening means 38b such as a hose clamp. The container 38a can be connected to the elbow 24 or to the second conduit 23 of the suction tube 13, for example, or to the external conduit 26 of the suction tube 13. The container 38a can also be located between the first and second conduits 22, 23.

[0112] The desiccant material includes, for example, a gel or beads. The desiccant material includes, for example, silica or clay.

[0113] Preferably, but not shown, the accumulator 8 further comprises an internal heat exchanger. The internal heat exchanger is located in the internal space 18 of the enclosure 9.

[0114] Advantageous embodiments of the accumulator 8 will now be described. Only the differences are described for each of the following embodiments. Unless otherwise indicated, the entire description of the embodiment in [Fig. 2] applies.

[0115] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a second embodiment of the accumulator 8. In this embodiment, the deflector 28 is centered on the first axis XL

[0116] According to this second embodiment, the deflector 28 further comprises fins 39 regularly distributed around the second axis X2. The fins 39 are located on an external periphery of the deflecting wall 29, in particular on the lower portion 31 of the deflecting wall 29. The fins 39 bear against the enclosure 9. The fins 39 extend, for example, radially from this deflecting wall 29 and cooperate in a sealed manner with the cylindrical wall 16 of the enclosure 9. The fins 39 have, for example, a substantially triangular shape.

[0117] The refrigerant F can flow between the fins 39. The fins 39 thus allow the flow of the refrigerant F to slow down in the enclosure 9 in order to promote the separation of the liquid and gaseous phases of this refrigerant F.

[0118] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a third embodiment which is a variant of the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6. In this variant, the tube Suction 13 is of coaxial type as described with reference to [Fig.3].

[0119] According to this variant, the filters 37 are regularly distributed around the second axis X2. The filters 37 are for example six in number and have a substantially trapezoidal shape.

[0120] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the accumulator 8. This third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the deflector 28 includes a second internal cavity 40. The desiccant bag 38 is arranged in the second cavity 42.

[0121] The first and second internal cavities 35, 40 are adjacent. They are separated by an axial partition 41 passing through the second axis X2. The axial partition 41 extends axially from the deflecting wall 29 towards the lower end 15 of the enclosure 9.

[0122] According to this embodiment, the filter wall 36 has a general semi-circular shape centered on the second axis X2. By centered on the second axis X2, it is understood that the center of the circle in which the semi-circular filter wall 36 is inscribed passes through the second axis X2.

[0123] According to this embodiment, the deflecting wall 29 has holes 29a opening into the second cavity 40. The holes 29a are regularly distributed on the deflecting wall 29. They have a general circular or elliptical shape and have, for example, a diameter between 0.01 mm and 1 mm.

[0124] The deflecting wall 29 further has a third passage 43 of the suction tube 13, in particular of the second conduit 23. The third passage 43 is axially aligned with the first passage 33.

[0125] According to this embodiment, the deflector 28 further comprises ribs 44 connected to the deflecting wall 29, in particular to the lower end 32 of the deflecting wall 29, and closing the second internal cavity 40. The ribs 44 extend radially with respect to a longitudinal axis parallel to the first axis XL. The ribs 44 mechanically reinforce the deflector 28 and retain the desiccant bag in the second internal cavity 40.

[0126] The alternative embodiment of [Fig.3] can also be applied to this fourth embodiment.

[0127] The filter wall 36 filters the refrigerant gas G which enters the first cavity 35 before being drawn in by the suction tube 13. Thanks to such a filter wall 36, the refrigerant gas G drawn in by the suction tube 13 is thus free of contaminants limiting damage within the suction tube 13 or the compressor 4.

[0128] This filter wall 36 is integrated into the deflector 8, which reduces the size of the accumulator 8.

Claims

Demands

1. Accumulator (8) for an air conditioning circuit (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, the accumulator (8) comprising: - a housing (9) extending around and along a first axis (XI), - an inlet port (11) for a refrigerant fluid (F), and - an outlet port (12) for a refrigerant gas (G), - a suction tube (13) for a refrigerant gas (G) arranged in the housing (9) and having an inlet (20) for a refrigerant gas (G) located in the housing (9) and an outlet (21) for a refrigerant gas (G) connected to the outlet port (12) and directed upwards in the housing (9), the inlet (20) and the outlet (21) each having an axis extending parallel to the first axis (XI), and - a deflector (28) mounted in the housing (9),the deflector (28) comprising a deflecting wall (29) having a general shape of an inverted bowl or bell centered on a second axis (X2) parallel to the first axis (XI) and defining at least one first internal cavity (35) in which the inlet (20) of the suction tube (13) is located, the deflecting wall (29) further having a first passage (33) of the suction tube (13), characterized in that the deflector (28) further comprises a filtering wall (36) closing the first internal cavity (35) and having a second passage (36a) of the suction tube (13).

2. Accumulator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the filter wall (36) is connected to the deflector wall (29).

3. Accumulator according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the filter wall (36) comprises at least one filter (37) and advantageously a plurality of filters (37).

4. Accumulator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the filter or each filter (37) comprises a filtering medium comprising fibers.

5. Accumulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter wall (36) is annular and centered on the second axis (X2), the filters (37) being distributed around the second axis (X2).

6. Accumulator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the filter wall (36) has a semi-circular shape centered on the second axis (X2).

7. Accumulator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the deflecting wall (29) defines a second internal cavity (40) adjacent to the first internal cavity (35), this second internal cavity (40) being intended to receive a desiccant bag (38).

8. Accumulator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the deflecting wall (29) has orifices (42a) opening into the second internal cavity (40).

9. Accumulator according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the deflector (28) comprises an axial partition (41) passing through the second axis (X2) and separating the first and second internal cavities (35, 40).

10. Accumulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflector (28) comprises ribs (44) connected to the deflecting wall (29) and extending radially from a longitudinal axis parallel to the first axis (XI).

11. Accumulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflector (28) comprises fins (39) regularly distributed around the second axis (X2).

12. Accumulator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fins (39) are arranged on an external periphery of the deflecting wall (29) and are supported on the enclosure (9).

13. Accumulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction tube (13) is J-shaped or U-shaped.

14. Accumulator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the suction tube (13) comprises an internal conduit (25) on which the outlet (21) of refrigerant gas (G) is provided and an external conduit (26) on which the inlet (20) of refrigerant gas (G) is provided, the external conduit (26) being arranged coaxially around the internal conduit (25).

15. Accumulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second axis (X2) is aligned with the first axis (XI), or is offset from the first axis (XI).

16. Accumulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a cover (10) fixed to an upper end (14) of the enclosure (9), the outlet port (12) being provided in the cover (10) and the deflector (28) being connected to the cover (10).

17. Accumulator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the deflector (28) comprises a sleeve (28a) extending coaxially around the suction tube (13) and connected to the cover (10).

18. Accumulator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sleeve (28a) extends axially in the first pass (33).

19. Accumulator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflector (28) comprises vanes (29') located on an upper annular portion (30) of the deflecting wall (29).

20. Air conditioning circuit (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises an accumulator (8) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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