Gas-liquid separator and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

To provide a gas-liquid separator which achieves high gas-liquid separation efficiency, and to provide a refrigeration cycle device using the gas-liquid separator.SOLUTION: A gas-liquid separator (10a) separates a gas-liquid two phase refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and a gas refrigerant and is attached to a refrigeration cycle device (1) to be used. The gas-liquid separator includes a body (11) having a cylinder part (11a). In the cylinder part, a center axis (o) is orthogonal to a bottom surface of a casing (70) of the refrigeration cycle device in a state that the gas-liquid separator is attached to the refrigeration cycle device. The casing includes a first opening (11d) from which the liquid refrigerant flows out. When the casing is in an inclined attitude where an angle (θ) formed by the center axis of the cylinder part and a vertical direction ranges 10 degrees or higher and 30 degrees or lower, the liquid refrigerant flows out from the first opening.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas-liquid separator and a refrigeration cycle device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication No. 2012-504747) discloses a refrigeration cycle device (refrigerant vapor compression system) equipped with a gas-liquid separator (flash tank).

[0003] The gas-liquid separator has a shell with a plurality of partition walls or spiral members with small openings provided therein, which suppress a decrease in gas-liquid separation efficiency caused by sloshing of the liquid refrigerant inside the shell. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is room for improvement in the gas-liquid separation efficiency of the gas-liquid separator disclosed in Patent Document 1. The present disclosure relates to a gas-liquid separator having high gas-liquid separation efficiency and a refrigeration cycle device using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A gas-liquid separator according to a first aspect is a gas-liquid separator that separates a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and a gas refrigerant, and is attached to a refrigeration cycle apparatus for use. The gas-liquid separator includes a main body having a cylindrical portion. When the gas-liquid separator is attached to the refrigeration cycle apparatus, the central axis of the cylindrical portion is perpendicular to a bottom surface of a casing of the refrigeration cycle apparatus. The main body is formed with a first opening through which the liquid refrigerant flows out, and when the main body is in an inclined position such that an angle θ between the central axis of the cylindrical portion and the vertical direction is 10 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less, the liquid refrigerant flows out from the first opening.

[0006] As a result, even when the main body is in an inclined position, the liquid refrigerant inside the gas-liquid separator can flow out from the first opening, and the gas refrigerant inside is prevented from flowing out from the first opening. This prevents the gas refrigerant from mixing with the liquid refrigerant separated from the gas refrigerant inside the main body downstream of the first opening. Therefore, the gas-liquid separator can achieve high gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0007] A gas-liquid separator according to a second aspect is the gas-liquid separator according to the first aspect, wherein when the main body is in an inclined position, the first opening is located at the lowermost part of the main body in the vertical direction.

[0008] As a result, even when the main body is in an inclined position, the liquid refrigerant inside the gas-liquid separator can flow out from the first opening, and the gas refrigerant inside is prevented from flowing out from the first opening. This prevents the gas refrigerant from mixing with the liquid refrigerant separated from the gas refrigerant inside the main body downstream of the first opening. Therefore, the gas-liquid separator can achieve high gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0009] A gas-liquid separator according to a third aspect is the gas-liquid separator according to the first or second aspect, wherein the main body further includes a first funnel. The tube is a cylindrical member. The first funnel is a tapered member extending from an end of the tube along the longitudinal direction of the tube in a direction away from the tube. The first opening is provided at a tip of the first funnel. When the main body is in an inclined position, the first opening is located vertically below a connection portion where the first funnel is connected to the tube.

[0010] As a result, even when the main body is in an inclined position, the liquid refrigerant inside the gas-liquid separator can flow out from the first opening, and the gas refrigerant inside is prevented from flowing out from the first opening. This prevents the gas refrigerant from mixing with the liquid refrigerant separated from the gas refrigerant inside the main body downstream of the first opening. Therefore, the gas-liquid separator can achieve high gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0011] A gas-liquid separator according to a fourth aspect is the gas-liquid separator according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein the first funnel portion includes any one of a conical shape, a pyramidal shape, and a hemispherical shape.

[0012] A gas-liquid separator according to a fifth aspect is the gas-liquid separator according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein the refrigerant is carbon dioxide refrigerant.

[0013] A gas-liquid separator according to a sixth aspect is a gas-liquid separator that separates a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and a gas refrigerant, and is attached to a refrigeration cycle apparatus for use. The gas-liquid separator includes a main body having a cylindrical portion. When the gas-liquid separator is attached to the refrigeration cycle apparatus, the central axis of the cylindrical portion is perpendicular to a bottom surface of a casing of the refrigeration cycle apparatus. The main body is formed with a second opening through which the gas refrigerant flows out, and when the main body is in an inclined position such that an angle θ between the central axis of the cylindrical portion and the vertical direction is 10 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less, the gas refrigerant flows out from the second opening.

[0014] As a result, even if the main body is in an inclined position, the liquid refrigerant inside the gas-liquid separator can flow out from the second opening, and the liquid refrigerant inside is prevented from flowing out from the second opening. This prevents the liquid refrigerant from mixing with the gas refrigerant separated from the liquid refrigerant inside the main body downstream of the second opening. Therefore, the gas-liquid separator can achieve high gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0015] A gas-liquid separator according to a seventh aspect is the gas-liquid separator according to the sixth aspect, wherein when the main body is in an inclined position, the second opening is located at an uppermost part of the main body in the vertical direction.

[0016] As a result, even if the main body is in an inclined position, the liquid refrigerant inside the gas-liquid separator can flow out from the second opening, and the liquid refrigerant inside is prevented from flowing out from the second opening. This prevents the liquid refrigerant from mixing with the gas refrigerant separated from the liquid refrigerant inside the main body downstream of the second opening. Therefore, the gas-liquid separator can achieve high gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0017] A gas-liquid separator according to an eighth aspect is the gas-liquid separator according to the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the main body further includes a second funnel. The tubular portion is a tubular member. The second funnel is a tapered member extending from an end of the tubular portion along the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion in a direction away from the tubular portion. The second opening is provided at the tip of the second funnel. When the main body is in an inclined position, the second opening is located vertically above a connection portion where the second funnel is connected to the tubular portion. As a result, even if the main body is in an inclined position, the liquid refrigerant inside the gas-liquid separator can flow out from the second opening, and the liquid refrigerant inside is prevented from flowing out from the second opening. This prevents the liquid refrigerant from mixing with the gas refrigerant separated from the liquid refrigerant inside the main body downstream of the second opening. Therefore, the gas-liquid separator can achieve high gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0018] A gas-liquid separator according to a ninth aspect is the gas-liquid separator according to any one of the sixth aspect to the eighth aspect, wherein the second funnel portion includes any one of a conical shape, a pyramidal shape, and a hemispherical shape.

[0019] A gas-liquid separator according to a tenth aspect is the gas-liquid separator according to any one of the sixth aspect to the ninth aspect, wherein the refrigerant is carbon dioxide refrigerant.

[0020] A gas-liquid separator according to an eleventh aspect is the gas-liquid separator according to any one of the first aspect to the tenth aspect, wherein a refrigeration cycle device has the gas-liquid separator and is used in a marine container.

[0021] The refrigeration cycle device can suppress a decrease in gas-liquid separation efficiency even if sloshing of the liquid refrigerant occurs inside the gas-liquid separator due to, for example, the tilting of a ship transporting a marine container.

[0022] A gas-liquid separator according to a twelfth aspect is the gas-liquid separator according to any one of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect, in which the refrigeration cycle device includes the gas-liquid separator and a compressor. The compressor is a two-stage compressor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device 1 including a gas-liquid separator 10a according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gas-liquid separator 10a. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a main body 11 in an inclined position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gas-liquid separator 10b. [Diagram 5] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a main body 11 in an inclined position. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gas-liquid separator 10b according to Modification 2B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] First Embodiment (1) Overall structure FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device 1 including a gas-liquid separator 10a according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The refrigeration cycle device 1 includes a gas-liquid separator 10a, a compressor 20, a radiator 30, an evaporator 40, a first expansion valve 50, a second expansion valve 60, and a casing 70. The gas-liquid separator 10a, the compressor 20, the radiator 30, the evaporator 40, the first expansion valve 50, and the second expansion valve 60 are connected via refrigerant piping as described below to form a refrigerant circuit 100. The refrigerant circuit 100 performs a refrigeration cycle and performs a cooling operation to cool the air in a space to be air-conditioned (not shown). In this embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 100 is filled with carbon dioxide as a refrigerant.

[0026] Although not limited thereto, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is a transport refrigeration apparatus used in a marine container (not shown). Therefore, the space to be air-conditioned by the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is the interior of the marine container.

[0027] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Gas-liquid separator 10a 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid separator 10a. The gas-liquid separator 10a is attached to a refrigeration cycle device 1 and separates a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant into a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant. The gas-liquid separator 10a has a main body 11, an inlet pipe 12a, a first outlet pipe 13a, and a second outlet pipe 14a. The up-down directions referred to in the following description correspond to the up-down directions indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2.

[0028] (2-1-1) Main body 11 The main body 11 includes a cylindrical portion 11a, an upper cover 11b, and a first funnel portion 11c. The main body 11 also has a first opening 11d formed therein.

[0029] The tubular portion 11a is a tubular member. One end of the tubular portion 11a is closed by an upper cover 11b, and the other end is closed by a first funnel portion 11c. In this embodiment, the tubular portion 11a has a cylindrical shape. When the gas-liquid separator 10a is attached to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the central axis o of the tubular portion 11a is perpendicular to a bottom surface 70a (described later) of a casing 70 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1.

[0030] The upper cover 11b is a plate-like member that closes the vertically upper end of the cylindrical portion 11a.

[0031] The first funnel portion 11c closes the end portion on the vertically lower side of the tube portion 11a. The first funnel portion 11c has a tapered shape extending from the end portion on the vertically lower side of the tube portion 11a in the longitudinal direction of the tube portion 11a (in other words, the extension direction of the central axis o) in a direction away from the tube portion 11a. In this embodiment, the first funnel portion 11c has a conical shape.

[0032] The first opening 11d is an opening through which the liquid refrigerant flows out. The first opening 11d is provided at the tip of the first funnel portion 11c. The first opening 11d is provided so as to be located at the lowermost part of the main body portion 11 in the vertical direction when the main body portion 11 is in the inclined position. Specifically, the first opening 11d is provided so as to be located vertically lower than the connection portion 11e at which the first funnel portion 11c is connected to the tube portion 11a when the main body portion 11 is in the inclined position.

[0033] Here, the body portion 11 being in an inclined position refers to a state in which the angle θ formed by the vertical direction and the central axis o of the tube portion 11a is in the range of 10 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main body 11 in an inclined position.

[0035] In this embodiment, since the first funnel portion 11c has a conical shape, the tip of the first funnel portion 11c overlaps with the central axis o. Therefore, the first opening 11d also overlaps with the central axis o.

[0036] (2-1-2) Inflow pipe 12a The inlet pipe 12a is a refrigerant pipe that flows the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the inside of the main body 11. The inlet pipe 12a is fixed in a state in which it penetrates the upper cover 11b. The end of the inlet pipe 12a, where the refrigerant flows in, is located outside the main body 11. The end of the inlet pipe 12a, where the refrigerant flows out, is located inside the main body 11.

[0037] (2-1-3) First outflow pipe 13a The first outflow pipe 13a is a refrigerant pipe that causes the liquid refrigerant to flow out from inside the main body 11. The first outflow pipe 13a has an end portion on the side where the refrigerant flows in fixed to the tip of the first funnel 11c so that the liquid refrigerant that flows out from the first opening 11d flows into the first outflow pipe 13a. The first outflow pipe 13a has an end portion on the side where the refrigerant flows out located outside the main body 11.

[0038] (2-1-4) Second outflow pipe 14a The second outflow pipe 14a is a refrigerant pipe that causes the gas refrigerant to flow out from inside the main body 11. The second outflow pipe 14a is fixed in a state in which it penetrates the upper lid 11b. The end of the second outflow pipe 14a, into which the refrigerant flows, is located inside the main body 11. The end of the second outflow pipe 14a, from which the refrigerant flows out, is located outside the main body 11.

[0039] (2-2) Compressor 20 The compressor 20 compresses a low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle to a high pressure. More specifically, the compressor 20 is a two-stage compressor that draws in a low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle, compresses it to an intermediate pressure in the refrigeration cycle, and then further compresses the intermediate-pressure refrigerant to a high pressure and discharges it.

[0040] The compressor 20 includes a casing 20a, a first compression element 20b, a second compression element 20c, a drive motor 20d, a first suction portion 20e, a second suction portion 20f, and a discharge portion 20g.

[0041] The casing 20a accommodates the first compression element 20b and the second compression element 20c. The first compression element 20b and the second compression element 20c are connected to a single drive shaft (not shown). When the compressor 20 is in operation, the drive motor 20d drives and rotates the first compression element 20b and the second compression element 20c via the drive shaft. In other words, the compressor 20 has a single-shaft two-stage compression structure. The rotation speed of the drive motor 20d is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

[0042] The first suction section 20e draws in low-pressure refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 100. The second suction section 20f draws in intermediate-pressure refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 100. The discharge section 20g discharges high-pressure refrigerant to the refrigerant circuit 100.

[0043] The first compression element 20b compresses the refrigerant sucked by the first suction section 20e to an intermediate pressure and discharges it to the second compression element 20c. The second compression element 20c compresses both the intermediate-pressure refrigerant discharged by the first compression element 20b and the intermediate-pressure refrigerant sucked by the second suction section 20f to a high pressure and discharges it to the discharge section 20g.

[0044] The structure of the compressor 20 is not limited to a single-shaft two-stage compression structure, and may be configured, for example, with a compression element driven by a separate drive motor.

[0045] (2-3) Heat sink 30 The radiator 30 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 100 and the air in the location of the radiator 30. Specifically, the radiator 30 radiates heat from the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 100 to the air in the location of the radiator 30. The radiator 30 has an inlet end 30a and an outlet end 30b.

[0046] The inlet end 30a is an end where the refrigerant flows into the radiator 30. The inlet end 30a is connected to the discharge portion 20g of the compressor 20.

[0047] The outflow end 30b is an end portion through which the refrigerant flows out of the radiator 30. The outflow end 30b is connected to an inflow end 50a (described later) of the first expansion valve 50.

[0048] The heat sink 30 may be, for example and without limitation, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger.

[0049] (2-4) Evaporator 40 The evaporator 40 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 100 and the air in the location where the evaporator 40 is installed. Specifically, the evaporator 40 causes the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 100 to absorb heat from the air in the location where the evaporator 40 is installed. The evaporator 40 is installed in the space to be air-conditioned. The evaporator 40 has an inlet end 40a and an outlet end 40b.

[0050] The inlet end 40a is an end through which the refrigerant flows into the evaporator 40. The inlet end 40a is connected to an outlet end 60b (described later) of a second expansion valve 60.

[0051] The outflow end 40b is an end portion through which the refrigerant flows out of the evaporator 40. The outflow end 40b is connected to the first suction portion 20e of the compressor 20.

[0052] The evaporator 40 may be, for example and without limitation, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger.

[0053] (2-5) First expansion valve 50 The first expansion valve 50 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant passing therethrough to an intermediate pressure. The first expansion valve 50 has an inlet end 50a and an outlet end 50b.

[0054] The inlet end 50a is an end through which the refrigerant flows into the first expansion valve 50. The inlet end 50a is connected to the outlet end 30b of the radiator 30.

[0055] The outflow end 50b is an end portion through which the refrigerant flows out of the first expansion valve 50. The outflow end 50b is connected to the inflow pipe 12a of the gas-liquid separator 10a.

[0056] Although not limited thereto, the first expansion valve 50 is an electrically operated valve whose opening degree is controlled by the control unit.

[0057] (2-6) Second expansion valve 60 The second expansion valve 60 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant passing therethrough to a low pressure. The second expansion valve 60 has an inlet end 60a and an outlet end 60b.

[0058] The inlet end 60a is an end through which the refrigerant flows into the second expansion valve 60. The inlet end 60a is connected to the first outlet pipe 13a of the gas-liquid separator 10a.

[0059] The outflow end 60b is an end portion through which the refrigerant flows out of the second expansion valve 60. The outflow end 60b is connected to the inflow end 40a of the evaporator 40.

[0060] Although not limited thereto, the second expansion valve 60 is an electrically operated valve whose opening degree is controlled by the control unit.

[0061] (2-7) Casing 70 The casing 70 houses the gas-liquid separator 10a, the compressor 20, the radiator 30, the first expansion valve 50, and the second expansion valve 60. The casing 70 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a bottom surface 70a. Although not limited thereto, the casing 70 is placed in a shipping container. As described above, in a state in which the gas-liquid separator 10a is attached to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the central axis o of the cylindrical portion 11a of the main body 11 is perpendicular to the bottom surface 70a of the casing 70 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1.

[0062] (3) Overall operation When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is started, the control unit starts the operation of the compressor 20 and controls the rotation speed of the drive motor 20d. The control unit also controls the opening degrees of the first expansion valve 50 and the second expansion valve 60, respectively.

[0063] When the compressor 20 starts operation, low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is sucked in from the first suction section 20e, and intermediate-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is sucked in from the second suction section 20f. The first compression element 20b pressurizes the low-pressure refrigerant sucked in by the first suction section 20e to an intermediate pressure and discharges it to the second compression element 20c. The second compression element 20c pressurizes both the intermediate-pressure refrigerant discharged by the first compression element 20b and the intermediate-pressure refrigerant sucked in by the second suction section 20f to a high pressure in the refrigeration cycle and discharges them to the discharge section 20g as high-pressure gas refrigerant. The high-pressure gas refrigerant flows into the radiator 30 from the inlet end 30a.

[0064] The refrigerant that flows into the radiator 30 exchanges heat with the air in the location where the radiator 30 is installed, and condenses to become high-pressure liquid refrigerant, which flows out from the outlet end 30b. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the first expansion valve 50 from the inlet end 50a.

[0065] The refrigerant that has flowed into the first expansion valve 50 is reduced in pressure to an intermediate pressure and becomes a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant, and then flows out from the outflow end 50b. The intermediate-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the gas-liquid separator 10a from the inlet pipe 12a.

[0066] The refrigerant that flows into the gas-liquid separator 10a is separated into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant in the main body 11 of the gas-liquid separator 10a. The gas refrigerant flows out from the second outflow pipe 14a and is again sucked into the compressor 20 from the second suction section 20f. The liquid refrigerant flows out from the first outflow pipe 13a and flows into the second expansion valve 60 from the inlet end 60a.

[0067] The liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the second expansion valve 60 is reduced in pressure to a low level, and then flows out from the outflow end 60b. The low-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the evaporator 40 from the inflow end 40a.

[0068] The refrigerant that has flowed into the evaporator 40 evaporates through heat exchange with the air in the location where the evaporator 40 is installed, and becomes a low-pressure gas refrigerant, which flows out from the outlet end 40b. The low-pressure gas refrigerant is again sucked into the compressor 20 from the first suction section 20e.

[0069] (4) Function of the gas-liquid separator 10a when the main body 11 is in an inclined position As described above, the first opening 11d is provided at the tip of the first funnel portion 11c, which has a tapered shape extending from the end of the vertically lower side of the tube portion 11a along the longitudinal direction of the tube portion 11a in a direction away from the tube portion 11a. The first opening 11d is provided so as to be located at the lowermost part of the main body portion 11 in the vertical direction when the main body portion 11 is in an inclined position. Specifically, the first opening 11d is provided so as to be located vertically lower than the connection portion 11e that connects the first funnel portion 11c to the tube portion 11a when the main body portion 11 is in an inclined position. Therefore, even when the main body portion 11 is in an inclined position, the first opening 11d is prevented from being located vertically above the liquid level f1 of the liquid refrigerant inside the main body portion 11. Therefore, in the gas-liquid separator 10a, even if the main body 11 is in an inclined position, the liquid refrigerant inside can flow out from the first opening 11d, and the gas refrigerant inside is prevented from flowing out from the first opening 11d.

[0070] (5) Features (5-1) The gas-liquid separator 10a is a gas-liquid separator that separates a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and a gas refrigerant, and is attached to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 for use. The gas-liquid separator 10a includes a main body 11 having a cylindrical portion 11a. When the gas-liquid separator 10a is attached to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the central axis o of the cylindrical portion 11a is perpendicular to the bottom surface 70a of the casing 70 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1. The main body 11 is formed with a first opening 11d through which the liquid refrigerant flows out, and when the main body 11 is in an inclined position in which the angle θ between the central axis o of the cylindrical portion 11a and the vertical direction is 10 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less, the liquid refrigerant flows out from the first opening 11d.

[0071] As a result, in gas-liquid separator 10a, even when main body 11 is in an inclined position, liquid refrigerant inside can flow out from first opening 11d, and gas refrigerant inside is prevented from flowing out from first opening 11d. This prevents gas refrigerant from mixing with the liquid refrigerant separated from the gas refrigerant inside main body 11 downstream of first opening 11d. Therefore, gas-liquid separator 10a can achieve high gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0072] (5-2) When the main body 11 is in the inclined position, the first opening 11d is located at the lowermost part of the main body 11 in the vertical direction.

[0073] As a result, in gas-liquid separator 10a, even when main body 11 is in an inclined position, liquid refrigerant inside can flow out from first opening 11d, and gas refrigerant inside is prevented from flowing out from first opening 11d. This prevents gas refrigerant from mixing with the liquid refrigerant separated from the gas refrigerant inside main body 11 downstream of first opening 11d. Therefore, gas-liquid separator 10a can achieve high gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0074] (5-3) The main body 11 further includes a first funnel portion 11c. The cylinder portion 11a is a cylindrical member. The first funnel portion 11c is a tapered member extending from an end of the cylinder portion 11a along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder portion 11a in a direction away from the cylinder portion 11a.

[0075] The first opening 11d is provided at the tip of the first funnel portion 11c. When the main body portion 11 is in an inclined position, the first opening 11d is located vertically lower than a connection portion 11e where the first funnel portion 11c is connected to the tube portion 11a.

[0076] As a result, in gas-liquid separator 10a, even when main body 11 is in an inclined position, liquid refrigerant inside can flow out from first opening 11d, and gas refrigerant inside is prevented from flowing out from first opening 11d. This prevents gas refrigerant from mixing with the liquid refrigerant separated from the gas refrigerant inside main body 11 downstream of first opening 11d. Therefore, gas-liquid separator 10a can achieve high gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0077] (5-4) The refrigerant is a carbon dioxide refrigerant.

[0078] (5-5) The refrigeration cycle device 1 has a gas-liquid separator 10a and is used in a shipping container.

[0079] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 can suppress a decrease in gas-liquid separation efficiency even when sloshing of the liquid refrigerant occurs inside the gas-liquid separator 10a due to, for example, tilting of the ship transporting the marine container.

[0080] (5-6) The refrigeration cycle device 1 includes a gas-liquid separator 10a and a compressor 20. The compressor 20 is a two-stage compressor.

[0081] (6) Variations (6-1) Variation 1A The shape of the first funnel portion 11c is not limited to a cone shape, so long as it is a tapered shape extending from the vertically lower end of the tube portion 11a along the longitudinal direction of the tube portion 11a in a direction away from the tube portion 11a. The shape of the first funnel portion 11c may include, for example, a pyramidal shape and a hemispherical shape, or a conical shape, a pyramidal shape, and a hemispherical shape.

[0082] (6-2) Variation 1B The application of the refrigeration cycle device 1 is not limited to marine containers. Since high gas-liquid separation efficiency can be achieved even in a usage environment where the gas-liquid separator 10a is expected to be inclined, the refrigeration cycle device 1 can also be suitably used in marine air conditioners, vehicle containers, car air conditioners, aircraft, trains, spot coolers, and the like.

[0083] <Second embodiment> (1) Overall structure Next, a gas-liquid separator 10b according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. The main differences between the gas-liquid separator 10a and the gas-liquid separator 10b are that the gas-liquid separator 10b has a second funnel portion 11g instead of the first funnel portion 11c, and has an inlet pipe 12b, a first outlet pipe 13b, and a second outlet pipe 14b instead of the inlet pipe 12a, the first outlet pipe 13a, and the second outlet pipe 14a.

[0084] In the following, features that are the same as or correspond to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference symbols and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0085] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Gas-liquid separator 10b 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid separator 10b. The gas-liquid separator 10b has a main body 11, an inlet pipe 12b, a first outlet pipe 13b, and a second outlet pipe 14b. The up-down directions referred to in the following description correspond to the up-down directions indicated by the arrows in FIG. 4.

[0086] (2-1-1) Main body 11 The main body 11 includes a cylindrical portion 11a, a lower cover 11f, and a second funnel portion 11g. The main body 11 also has a second opening 11h formed therein.

[0087] One end of the cylindrical portion 11a is closed by a lower cover 11f, and the other end is closed by a second funnel portion 11g.

[0088] The lower cover 11f is a plate-like member that closes the vertically lower end of the cylindrical portion 11a.

[0089] The second funnel portion 11g closes the vertically upper end of the tube portion 11a. The second funnel portion 11g has a tapered shape extending from the vertically upper end of the tube portion 11a in the longitudinal direction of the tube portion 11a (in other words, the extension direction of the central axis o) in a direction away from the tube portion 11a. In this embodiment, the second funnel portion 11g has a conical shape.

[0090] The second opening 11h is an opening through which the gas refrigerant flows out. The second opening 11h is provided at the tip of the second funnel portion 11g. The second opening 11h is provided so as to be located at the top of the main body portion 11 in the vertical direction when the main body portion 11 is in the inclined position. Specifically, the second opening 11h is provided so as to be located vertically above the connection portion 11i that connects the second funnel portion 11g to the tube portion 11a when the main body portion 11 is in the inclined position. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main body portion 11 in the inclined position.

[0091] In this embodiment, since second funnel portion 11g has a conical shape, the tip of second funnel portion 11g overlaps with central axis o. Therefore, second opening 11h also overlaps with central axis o.

[0092] (2-1-2) Inflow pipe 12b The inflow pipe 12b is a refrigerant pipe that flows the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the inside of the main body 11. The inflow pipe 12b is fixed in a state in which it penetrates the cylindrical portion 11a. The end of the inflow pipe 12b, where the refrigerant flows in, is located outside the main body 11. The end of the inflow pipe 12b, where the refrigerant flows out, is located inside the main body 11.

[0093] (2-1-3) First outflow pipe 13b The first outflow pipe 13b is a refrigerant pipe that causes the liquid refrigerant to flow out from inside the main body 11. The first outflow pipe 13b is fixed in a state in which it penetrates the bottom cover 11f. The end of the first outflow pipe 13b, into which the refrigerant flows, is located inside the main body 11. The end of the first outflow pipe 13b, from which the refrigerant flows out, is located outside the main body 11.

[0094] The end of the first outflow pipe 13b on the side where the refrigerant flows in may or may not protrude from the bottom lid 11f into the inside of the main body 11 (in other words, it may be formed so as to be flush with the inner surface of the bottom lid 11f of the main body 11).

[0095] (2-1-4) Second outflow pipe 14b The second outflow pipe 14b is a refrigerant pipe that causes the gas refrigerant to flow out from inside the main body 11. The second outflow pipe 14b has an end portion on the side where the refrigerant flows in fixed to the tip of the second funnel portion 11g so that the gas refrigerant that flows out from the second opening 11h flows into the second outflow pipe 14b. The second outflow pipe 14b has an end portion on the side where the refrigerant flows out located outside the main body 11.

[0096] (3) Function of the gas-liquid separator 10b when the main body 11 is in an inclined position As described above, the second opening 11h is provided at the tip of the second funnel portion 11g, which has a tapered shape extending from the end of the vertical upper side of the tube portion 11a along the longitudinal direction of the tube portion 11a in a direction away from the tube portion 11a. The second opening 11h is provided so as to be located at the top of the body portion 11 in the vertical direction when the body portion 11 is in the inclined position. Specifically, the second opening 11h is provided so as to be located vertically above the connection portion 11i that connects the second funnel portion 11g to the tube portion 11a when the body portion 11 is in the inclined position. Therefore, even if the body portion 11 is in the inclined position, the second opening 11h is prevented from reaching the liquid level f2 of the liquid refrigerant inside the body portion 11. Therefore, even if the body portion 11 is in the inclined position, the liquid refrigerant inside the gas-liquid separator 10b is prevented from flowing out from the second opening 11h.

[0097] (4) Features (4-1) The gas-liquid separator 10b is a gas-liquid separator that separates a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and a gas refrigerant, and is attached to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 for use. The gas-liquid separator 10b includes a main body 11 having a cylindrical portion 11a. When the gas-liquid separator 10a is attached to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the central axis o of the cylindrical portion 11a is perpendicular to the bottom surface 70a of the casing 70 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1. The main body 11 is formed with a second opening 11h through which the gas refrigerant flows out, and when the main body 11 is in an inclined position in which the angle θ between the central axis o of the cylindrical portion 11a and the vertical direction is 10 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less, the gas refrigerant flows out from the second opening 11h.

[0098] As a result, in the gas-liquid separator 10b, even if the main body 11 is in an inclined position, the liquid refrigerant inside can flow out from the second opening 11h, and the liquid refrigerant inside is prevented from flowing out from the second opening 11h. This prevents the liquid refrigerant from mixing with the gas refrigerant separated from the liquid refrigerant inside the main body 11 downstream of the second opening 11h. Therefore, the gas-liquid separator 10b can achieve high gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0099] (4-2) When the main body 11 is in the inclined position, the second opening 11h is located at the top of the main body 11 in the vertical direction.

[0100] As a result, in the gas-liquid separator 10b, even if the main body 11 is in an inclined position, the liquid refrigerant inside can flow out from the second opening 11h, and the liquid refrigerant inside is prevented from flowing out from the second opening 11h. This prevents the liquid refrigerant from mixing with the gas refrigerant separated from the liquid refrigerant inside the main body 11 downstream of the second opening 11h. Therefore, the gas-liquid separator 10b can achieve high gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0101] (4-3) The main body 11 further includes a second funnel 11g. The cylinder 11a is a cylindrical member. The second funnel 11g is a tapered member that extends from an end of the cylinder 11a along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 11a in a direction away from the cylinder 11a.

[0102] The second opening 11h is provided at the tip of the second funnel portion 11g. When the main body portion 11 is in the inclined position, the second opening 11h is located vertically above the connection portion 11i where the second funnel portion 11g is connected to the tube portion 11a.

[0103] As a result, in the gas-liquid separator 10b, even if the main body 11 is in an inclined position, the liquid refrigerant inside can flow out from the second opening 11h, and the liquid refrigerant inside is prevented from flowing out from the second opening 11h. This prevents the liquid refrigerant from mixing with the gas refrigerant separated from the liquid refrigerant inside the main body 11 downstream of the second opening 11h. Therefore, the gas-liquid separator 10b can achieve high gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0104] (5) Variations (5-1) Variation 2A The shape of second funnel portion 11g is not limited to a cone shape as long as it is a tapered shape extending from the vertical upper end of tube portion 11a along the longitudinal direction of tube portion 11a in a direction away from tube portion 11a. The shape of second funnel portion 11g may include, for example, any of a pyramidal shape and a hemispherical shape, or a conical shape, a pyramidal shape, and a hemispherical shape.

[0105] (5-2) Variation 2B The gas-liquid separator 10b may have a first funnel portion 11c and a first outflow pipe 13a instead of the bottom cover 11f and the first outflow pipe 13b. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid separator 10b according to Modification 2B. The gas-liquid separator 10b according to Modification 2B has the effects of the gas-liquid separator 10a and the gas-liquid separator 10b, and therefore can achieve high gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0106] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1 Refrigeration cycle equipment 10a, 10b Gas-liquid separator 11 Main body 11a Cylinder part 11c First funnel section 11d 1st opening 11e Connection 11g Second funnel part 11h 2nd opening 12 Inflow pipe 13 1st outflow pipe 14 2nd outflow pipe 20 Compressor 30 Heat sink 40 Evaporator 50 Expansion valve 70 Casing 70a Bottom 100 Refrigerant circuit f1, f2: Liquid level of the liquid refrigerant inside the main body 11 o Central axis of main body portion 11 [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0108] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2012-504747

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separator (10a) for use in a refrigeration cycle device, which separates a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and a gas refrigerant, The compressor includes a main body casing (11) having a cylindrical portion (11a) and in which a refrigerant is separated; The cylindrical portion is When the gas-liquid separator is attached to the refrigeration cycle apparatus, a central axis (o) is perpendicular to a bottom surface (70a) of a casing (70) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus, The main body portion is A first opening (11d) is formed through which the liquid refrigerant flows out, When the central axis of the cylindrical portion is in an inclined position such that an angle θ between the central axis and a vertical direction is equal to or greater than 10 degrees and equal to or less than 30 degrees, the liquid refrigerant flows out from the first opening. Gas-liquid separator.

2. When the main body portion is in an inclined position, the first opening is Located at the bottom of the main body in the vertical direction, 2. The gas-liquid separator of claim 1.

3. The main body portion is The cylindrical portion further includes a first funnel portion (11c) having a tapered shape extending from an end of the cylindrical portion along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion in a direction away from the cylindrical portion, The first opening is A nozzle is provided at a tip of the first funnel portion, When the main body portion is in the inclined posture, the first funnel portion is located lower in the vertical direction than a connection portion (11e) that is connected to the cylindrical portion. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 2.

4. The first funnel portion is Cone-shaped, pyramidal, and hemispherical. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 3.

5. The refrigerant is Carbon dioxide is a refrigerant.

2. The gas-liquid separator of claim 1.

6. A gas-liquid separator (10b) for use in a refrigeration cycle device, in which a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is separated into a liquid refrigerant and a gas refrigerant, A main body portion (11) having a cylindrical portion (11a) and in which a refrigerant is separated, The cylindrical portion is When the refrigeration cycle device is attached to the refrigeration cycle device, the central axis (o) is perpendicular to the bottom surface (70a) of the casing (70) of the refrigeration cycle device, The main body portion is A second opening (11h) is formed through which the gas refrigerant flows out, When the central axis of the cylindrical portion is in an inclined position such that an angle θ between the central axis of the cylindrical portion and a vertical direction is equal to or greater than 10 degrees and equal to or less than 30 degrees, the gas refrigerant flows out from the second opening. Gas-liquid separator.

7. When the main body is in an inclined position, The second opening is Located at the top of the main body in the vertical direction, The gas-liquid separator according to claim 6.

8. The main body portion is The cylindrical portion further includes a tapered second funnel portion (11h) extending from an end of the cylindrical portion along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, The second opening is provided at a tip of the second funnel portion, When the main body portion is in an inclined posture, the second funnel portion is located higher in the vertical direction than a connection portion (11i) that is connected to the cylindrical portion. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 7.

9. The second funnel portion is Cone-shaped, pyramidal, and hemispherical. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 8.

10. The refrigerant is Carbon dioxide is a refrigerant. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 6.

11. A gas-liquid separator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is used in a marine container. Refrigeration cycle equipment.

12. A gas-liquid separator according to any one of claims 1 to 10; A compressor (20) Equipped with The compressor includes: It is a two-stage compressor. Refrigeration cycle equipment.

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