tank

Abstract

The present invention provides a tank that makes it difficult for air bubbles to reach the foreign matter collection section, thereby improving gas-liquid separation performance. [Solution] The tank comprises a cylindrical body having an opening at one end, a header provided at the opening having an inlet for introducing fluid into the body and an outlet for releasing the fluid from the body to the outside, an outlet pipe connected to the outlet and positioned inside the body, extending toward the other end of the body, a foreign matter collection section provided on the end of the outlet pipe opposite to the header for collecting foreign matter in the fluid, and a partition section connected to the foreign matter collection section, extending toward the inner circumferential surface of the body, defining a flow path for the fluid between itself and the inner circumferential surface, and separating the header side from the foreign matter collection section in the axial direction of the body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank.

Background Art

[0002] Tanks such as receiver tanks and accumulators are used to perform gas-liquid separation treatment and store the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle.

[0003] In the refrigeration cycle, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the condenser, where it exchanges heat with the outside air and is cooled and condensed. The liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser is subjected to gas-liquid separation treatment in the receiver tank, and then is depressurized by an expansion valve to become a misty gas-liquid state. The refrigerant after depressurization absorbs heat from the blown air of the air conditioner blower in the evaporator and evaporates, and heat exchange is performed. The refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator is subjected to gas-liquid separation treatment in the accumulator and then sucked into the compressor.

[0004] In the header of the receiver tank, a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet communicating with the inside of the receiver tank are formed. The refrigerant inlet is connected to the condenser via a pipe, and the refrigerant outlet is connected to the expansion valve via a pipe.

[0005] In the receiver tank disclosed in Patent Document 1, the lower end of the supply pipe attached to the header is disposed below the liquid level in the receiver tank so that the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant inlet can be supplied into the receiver tank via the supply pipe. According to such a configuration, by supplying the refrigerant from below the lower end of the supply pipe at a position below the liquid level, foaming of the refrigerant can be suppressed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In tanks such as receiver tanks, there is a need to further improve gas-liquid separation performance.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a tank that can improve gas-liquid separation performance by making it difficult for air bubbles to reach the foreign matter collection section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the tank according to the present invention is A cylindrical body having an opening at one end, A header provided in the opening, having an inlet for allowing fluid to flow into the fuselage and an outlet for allowing the fluid inside the fuselage to flow out of the fuselage, An outflow pipe connected to the outflow hole and positioned within the body, extending toward the other end of the body, A foreign matter collection section is provided on the end of the outlet pipe opposite to the header, for collecting foreign matter in the fluid, The invention is characterized by comprising: a partition portion connected to the foreign matter collection portion and extending toward the inner circumferential surface of the body, defining a flow path for the fluid between itself and the inner circumferential surface, and separating the header side from the foreign matter collection portion in the axial direction of the body.

[0010] The tank according to the present invention is A cylindrical body having an opening at one end, A header provided in the opening, having an inlet for allowing fluid to flow into the fuselage and an outlet for allowing the fluid inside the fuselage to flow out of the fuselage, An outflow pipe connected to the outflow hole and positioned within the body, extending toward the other end of the body, A foreign matter collection section is provided on the end of the outlet pipe opposite to the header, for collecting foreign matter in the fluid, The invention is characterized by comprising a covering portion provided inside the body and covering the entire outer surface of the foreign matter collection portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tank that makes it difficult for air bubbles to reach the foreign matter collection section and improves the gas-liquid separation performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a receiver tank according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of section AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a receiver tank according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of the BB cross section in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a receiver tank according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view of the CC cross section shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the area around the lower end of the receiver tank according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described using a receiver tank as an example of a tank, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0014] Generally, a refrigeration cycle includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, in addition to a receiver tank and an accumulator. In the refrigeration cycle, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the condenser where it exchanges heat with the outside air and is cooled and condensed. The liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser is subjected to gas-liquid separation treatment in the receiver tank and then depressurized by the expansion valve to become a mist-like gas-liquid state. The refrigerant after depressurization absorbs heat from the blown air of the air conditioner blower in the evaporator and evaporates, thereby performing heat exchange. The refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator is subjected to gas-liquid separation treatment in the accumulator and then sucked into the compressor. Such a refrigeration cycle is configured as a part of, for example, a vehicle air conditioner.

[0015] In the refrigeration cycle, the amount of the liquid-phase refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle may vary depending on its operating state. For example, when the refrigeration cycle has a plurality of evaporators, if the number of evaporators to be operated varies, the amount of the liquid-phase refrigerant circulating accordingly also varies. Also, for example, when the refrigeration cycle is mounted on an electric vehicle and configured to also realize a heating function, the variation in the refrigerant circulation amount becomes even greater.

[0016] When the circulation amount of the liquid-phase refrigerant decreases due to the above variation, the surplus refrigerant is stored in the receiver tank. Also, when the circulation amount of the liquid-phase refrigerant increases due to the above variation, the insufficient refrigerant is supplied from the receiver tank. Thus, in addition to the function of separating the gas and liquid of the refrigerant, the receiver tank also has a function of absorbing the variation in the refrigerant circulation amount.

[0017] In view of the latter function, it has been demanded to further increase the capacity of the receiver tank. However, for example, under in-vehicle conditions, it is often difficult to increase the outer diameter of the receiver tank. Therefore, increasing the length of the receiver tank to increase its capacity has been considered. The following embodiments are suitable for a receiver tank with an increased length.

[0018] (First Embodiment) The specific configuration of the receiver tank will be described below. Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receiver tank 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view of the cross-section AA in Figure 1, but the bag 11 is omitted from the illustration. The receiver tank 1 includes a tank body 2, an inlet pipe 7 and an outlet pipe 6 located inside the tank body 2, a bag 11 containing a desiccant (hygroscopic agent) DA, a partition member 16, and a strainer 20.

[0019] The tank body 2 comprises a main body 3 and a header 4. Here, the side of the header 4 relative to the bottom surface 3a of the main body 3 is considered upward, and the side of the main body 3 relative to the header 4 is considered downward. In this embodiment, the "partition" refers to a component that divides the inside of the main body 3 into an upper space on the header 4 side and a lower space on the bottom surface 3a side, and refers to a configuration that forms a flow path through which refrigerant can pass between at least the upper space and the lower space.

[0020] A bag 11 containing the desiccant DA is placed between the inlet pipe 7 and the outlet pipe 6 and the inner surface of the body 3.

[0021] The body 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape with at least its upper end open, and is formed in a closed-bottom cylindrical shape as an example. Here, when referring to a closed-bottom cylindrical shape, it includes a cylindrical shape with only one end open, and a cylindrical shape with both ends open, with one end closed by a separate member.

[0022] On the bottom surface 3a within the body 3, the area facing the inlet pipe 7 and outlet pipe 6 in the vertical direction, and the surrounding area, is, for example, a plane perpendicular to the axis of the body 3. Here, a perpendicular plane means a plane that is strictly perpendicular, and also includes a plane that is approximately perpendicular due to manufacturing tolerances. In this embodiment, as an example, the bottom wall 3b of the body 3 has a shape that bulges downward in a frustoconical shape. The center of the bottom surface 3a within the body 3 and the surrounding area are formed on a plane perpendicular to or perpendicular to the axis of the body 3. On the bottom surface 3a, the area outside the plane perpendicular to or approximately perpendicular to the axis of the body 3 is a conical surface. As another example of the bottom surface 3a of the body 3, the entire bottom surface 3a may be a plane perpendicular to the axis of the body 3, or the entire bottom surface 3a may be a curved surface (including a sphere) that is axially symmetric with respect to the axis of the body 3.

[0023] The header 4 shields the opening at the upper end of the fuselage 3. The header 4 is joined to the fuselage 3 by a circumferential joint, for example, via a welded joint 10, to shield the opening of the fuselage 3. Both the fuselage 3 and the header 4 are formed from a metal such as an aluminum alloy.

[0024] For example, a header 4, which is formed in a roughly disc shape, has a refrigerant inlet hole 8 and a refrigerant outlet hole 9 that penetrate vertically. The upper end of the inlet pipe 7 is attached to the refrigerant inlet hole 8 by press-fitting and expanding its diameter. The means of fixing the inlet pipe 7 to the refrigerant inlet hole 8 does not have to be the press-fitting and expanding method described above; other examples include fixing by crimping or fixing with adhesive. The upper end of the outlet pipe 6 is attached to the refrigerant outlet hole 9 by press-fitting and expanding its diameter. The means of fixing the outlet pipe 6 to the refrigerant outlet hole 9 does not have to be the press-fitting and expanding method described above; other examples include fixing by crimping or fixing with adhesive.

[0025] The inlet pipe 7 and outlet pipe 6 extend parallel to the axis of the body 3 to the vicinity of the bottom wall of the body 3. The inlet pipe 7 has a curved portion 7a near its lower end, which is bent in an arc shape. The curved portion 7a faces, for example, away from the outlet pipe 6. However, the curved portion 7a may face in a direction other than the opposite side of the outlet pipe 6. The inlet pipe 7 above the curved portion 7a (excluding the curved portion 7a) constitutes a first portion that extends along the axial direction of the body 3, and the curved portion 7a constitutes a second portion that protrudes from the first portion toward the inner circumferential surface of the body 3. Here, extending along the axial direction includes examples where it extends parallel or approximately parallel to the axial direction. The curved portion 7a may be bent at a right angle, for example, instead of being arc-shaped. In the configuration where the curved portion 7a is not arc-shaped but has a curved shape, the bending angle (the angle of intersection between the extension of the axis of the first portion and the extension of the axis of the second portion) may be an angle other than 90 degrees as described above. Another example of a bending angle is 120 degrees.

[0026] The outflow pipe 6 is positioned vertically opposite to the bottom surface of the body 3, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the body 3.

[0027] A cylindrical strainer 20 is provided near the bottom surface inside the body 3. The strainer 20, which serves as a foreign matter collection unit, consists of a bottomed cylindrical case 21 with a window (not shown) on its side wall, and a filter 22 arranged around the entire circumference inside the case 21. The filter 22 has the function of collecting foreign matter contained in the refrigerant inside the body 3 and allowing the refrigerant and oil to pass through. The oil is used to lubricate the equipment included in the refrigeration cycle and flows through the refrigeration cycle together with the refrigerant. The filter 22 is, for example, a mesh-like material. When referring to a foreign matter collection unit, it includes units composed of multiple members and units composed of a single member.

[0028] Partition members 16 are attached near the lower end of the inlet pipe 7 and the lower end of the outlet pipe 6. The partition member 16 is molded from, for example, resin, and consists of a top-opening cylindrical cup portion 16a and a holding portion 16b provided on the upper surface of the cup portion 16a. The partition member 16 may also be made of, for example, metal.

[0029] The cup portion 16a has a disc-shaped upper wall 16c with a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the body 3, a peripheral wall 16d extending downward from the outer edge of the upper wall 16c, and a hollow cylindrical mounting portion 16e protruding downward from the lower surface of the upper wall 16c. The partition member 16 is attached to the outlet pipe 6 by fitting the lower end of the outlet pipe 6, which penetrates the upper wall 16c, into the mounting portion 16e. The partition member 16 is positioned so as not to be in contact with the bottom wall 3b of the body 3. This is to ensure a flow path for the refrigerant between the partition member 16 and the bottom wall 3b. The cup portion 16a is connected to the strainer 20 and extends toward the inner circumferential surface of the body 3, defining a flow path for the refrigerant between it and the inner circumferential surface, and constitutes a partition portion that separates the flow path from the strainer 20 in the axial direction of the body 3.

[0030] Furthermore, an annular projection 16k is formed on the lower surface of the upper wall 16c around the mounting portion 16e. The annular projection 16k can be fitted onto the outer circumference of the upper end of the case 21 of the strainer 20, and the case 21 is attached to the cup portion 16a via the annular projection 16k.

[0031] In the center of the upper wall 16c, a vertically penetrating hole 16h is formed between the holding portion 16b and the strainer 20. The upper wall 16c abuts against the lower end of the bag 11, preventing the bag 11 from descending and covering the strainer 20. In this embodiment, the gap between the peripheral wall 16d and the inner surface of the body 3 is narrower than the thickness of the bag 11. Therefore, the bag 11 does not fall into the gap between the peripheral wall 16d and the inner surface of the body 3.

[0032] The holding portion 16b has a pair of flat plate portions 16f and a semi-cylindrical portion 16g that connects the radially inner edges of the bodies 3 of the flat plate portions 16f. The flat plate portions 16f are arranged substantially parallel to the plane containing the axis of the inlet pipe 7 and the axis of the outlet pipe 6, and their spacing is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the inlet pipe 7. The radius of curvature of the inner surface of the semi-cylindrical portion 16g is approximately equal to half the outer diameter of the inlet pipe 7. The holding portion 16b constitutes a support portion that prevents rotation of the inlet pipe 7 around its axis by contacting the bent portion 7a, and a clamping portion that sandwiches the bent portion 7a from both sides, sandwiching the axis of the inlet pipe 7.

[0033] The outer surface of the inlet pipe 7 above the bent portion 7a (the first portion) is positioned to abut against the inner surface of the semi-cylindrical portion 16g, and the bent portion 7a of the inlet pipe 7 is positioned to abut against the inner opposing surface of the flat plate portion 16f. As a result, the bent portion 7a of the inlet pipe 7 is held by the holding portion 16b and positioned to face radially outward from the body 3.

[0034] Furthermore, a slope may be provided at least near the upper end of each of the pair of flat plate sections 16f such that the distance between them increases as they move upward. By using such a slope as a guide, the inlet pipe 7 can be easily positioned between the flat plate sections 16f while guiding the bent section 7a when assembling it to the holding section 16b.

[0035] When assembling the receiver tank 1, the upper ends of the inlet pipe 7 and outlet pipe 6 are attached to the refrigerant inlet hole 8 and refrigerant outlet hole 9 of the header 4. The attachment is carried out according to the fixing of the inlet pipe 7 and outlet pipe 6 to the refrigerant inlet hole 8 and refrigerant outlet hole 9, as described above. For example, if the inlet pipe 7 and outlet pipe 6 are fixed to the refrigerant inlet hole 8 and refrigerant outlet hole 9 by press-fitting and diameter expansion, the inlet pipe 7 and outlet pipe 6 are press-fitted into the refrigerant inlet hole 8 and refrigerant outlet hole 9, and then their diameter is expanded.

[0036] Next, the strainer 20 is attached to the partition member 16. At this time, the mounting portion 16e is located inside the filter 22. Then, the lower end of the outlet pipe 6 is inserted into the mounting portion 16e of the partition member 16, and the lower end is brought into contact with its bottom wall, while the lower end of the inlet pipe 7 and its vicinity are held by the holding portion 16b. This forms an assembly consisting of the header 4, the inlet pipe 7, the outlet pipe 6, the partition member 16, and the strainer 20.

[0037] Next, this assembly is inserted into the body 3 from the strainer 20 and partition member 16 side through the opening in the body 3. Furthermore, the outer surface of the header 4 is fitted to the inner surface of the body 3, and the body 3 is welded to the entire circumference of the header 4. The inside of the body 3 communicates with the outside through the inlet pipe 7 and the refrigerant inlet hole 8 of the header 4, and also communicates with the outside through the strainer 20, the outlet pipe 6, and the refrigerant outlet hole 9 of the header 4.

[0038] In the receiver tank 1 having the above configuration, a condenser is connected to the refrigerant inlet hole 8 via piping, and an expansion valve is connected to the refrigerant outlet hole 9 via piping. During the operation of the refrigeration cycle, the gas-liquid mixture refrigerant supplied from the condenser enters the body 3 through the inlet pipe 7, and is ejected from the end opening of the bent portion 7a through the flat plate portion 16f towards the inner circumferential surface of the body 3, below the liquid level of the refrigerant and above the upper wall 16c of the partition member 16. At this time, the gaseous refrigerant contained in the refrigerant floats to the liquid level due to buoyancy and moves further into the space above the liquid level. In particular, the gas bubbles contained in the refrigerant are prevented from entering the cup portion 16a by the upper wall 16c and the peripheral wall 16d, so that they are not sucked in by the strainer 20, thereby promoting the gas-liquid separation of the refrigerant.

[0039] Furthermore, since the bent portion 7a is bent such that its end opening is separated from the strainer 20, the refrigerant containing air bubbles flowing out from the end opening can be kept away from the strainer 20. Also, when the refrigerant enters through the inlet pipe 7, the flow direction of the refrigerant when it enters the bent portion 7a is different from the flow direction of the refrigerant when it is discharged from the bent portion 7a. As a result, the flow velocity of the refrigerant when it is discharged is lower than when it enters the inlet pipe 7, and this rectifying effect promotes gas-liquid separation.

[0040] Furthermore, the refrigerant on the outside of the cup portion 16a enters the cup portion 16a by passing through an annular flow path defined between the inner circumferential surface of the body 3 and the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 16d. As gas-liquid separation is promoted during this process, refrigerant with fewer bubbles enters the cup portion 16a. Even if refrigerant containing bubbles enters the cup portion 16a, the bubbles rise towards the upper wall 16c and escape to the outside of the cup portion 16a through the escape hole 16h.

[0041] The liquid-phase refrigerant in the cup section 16a passes through the strainer 20 and enters the inside of the outlet pipe 6, and then flows out to the outside through the outlet pipe 6. Therefore, only liquid-phase refrigerant flows into the outlet pipe 6, and no gaseous refrigerant flows in. As a result, only liquid-phase refrigerant flows to the downstream expansion valve.

[0042] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the upper end of the inlet pipe 7 is attached to the header 4, and the lower end of the inlet pipe 7 is held by a partition member 16 fixed to the outlet pipe 6. In other words, since the inlet pipe 7 is supported at two points in the longitudinal direction, and similarly the outlet pipe 6 is also supported at two points in the longitudinal direction, vibration of the inlet pipe 7 and outlet pipe 6 can be suppressed, and even if the body 3 is made longer in order to increase the capacity of the receiver tank 1, and the inlet pipe 7 and outlet pipe 6 are made longer accordingly, the vibration resistance of the inlet pipe 7 and outlet pipe 6 can be improved.

[0043] (Second embodiment) Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receiver tank 1A according to the second embodiment. Figure 4 is a plan view of the BB cross-section in Figure 3, but the bag 11 is omitted from the illustration. In this embodiment, only the configuration of the inlet pipe 7A, outlet pipe 6A, and partition member 16A differs; the other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, so redundant explanations are omitted. Also, the definition of the partition is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0044] The outlet pipe 6A has a shorter overall length compared to the first embodiment. The inlet pipe 7A does not have a bend at its lower end and has a straight pipe shape, sharing the same shape as the outlet pipe 6A. The same inlet pipe 7A as the outlet pipe 6A can be used.

[0045] The partition member 16A is molded from, for example, resin, and consists of a cup portion 16Aa and a holding portion 16Ab provided on the upper surface of the cup portion 16Aa.

[0046] The cup portion 16Aa is connected to a disc-shaped upper wall 16c, which has a smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the body 3; a peripheral wall 16d extending downward from the outer edge of the upper wall 16c; a cylindrical mounting portion 16Ae extending upward from the upper surface of the upper wall 16c; and a lower cylindrical portion 16Af extending downward from the lower surface of the upper wall 16c, opposite the mounting portion 16Ae. The mounting portion 16Ae and the lower cylindrical portion 16Af are internally connected. The partition member 16A is attached to the outflow pipe 6A by fitting the lower end of the outflow pipe 6A into the mounting portion 16Ae.

[0047] Furthermore, the upper wall 16c, similar to the first embodiment, has an annular projection 16k formed around the lower cylindrical portion 16Af and a hole 16h formed in the center of the upper wall 16c.

[0048] The support portion, comprising the holding portion 16Ab, has a pair of flat plate portions 16f, a semi-cylindrical portion 16g connecting the radially inner edges of the body 3 of the flat plate portions 16f, and a build-up portion 16Ai having a roughly triangular cross-section when viewed in the direction of Figure 3. The flat plate portions 16f and the semi-cylindrical portion 16g are the same as in the first embodiment except for the part to which the build-up portion 16Ai is connected, so a redundant explanation is omitted.

[0049] The built-up portion 16Ai is formed to be integrated with the inner surface of the flat plate portion 16f and the semi-cylindrical portion 16g and the upper wall 16c of the cup portion 16Aa, and has an arc-shaped surface 16Aj on its upper surface that approaches the cup portion 16Aa as it moves from the axial side of the body 3 toward the inner circumferential surface side of the body 3. A part of the arc-shaped surface 16Aj faces the lower end of the inlet pipe 7A and is sandwiched between a pair of flat plate portions 16f. The space between the arc-shaped surface 16Aj, which is a guide portion, and the flat plate portions 16f is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow. The arc-shaped surface 16Aj may also be a slope facing toward the inner circumferential surface side of the body 3.

[0050] The lower end of the outflow pipe 6A is fitted into the mounting portion 16Ae, thereby attaching the partition member 16A to the outflow pipe 6A. The annular projection 16k can be fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the case 21 of the strainer 20, and the case 21 is attached to the partition member 16A via the annular projection 16k. At this time, the lower cylindrical portion 16Af is located inside the filter 22.

[0051] In the receiver tank 1A having the above configuration, when the refrigeration cycle is in operation, the gas-liquid mixture refrigerant supplied from the condenser enters the body 3 through the inlet pipe 7A, is discharged from the lower end of the inlet pipe 7A toward the arc-shaped surface 16Aj, passes along the arc-shaped surface 16Aj between the flat plate portions 16f toward the inner circumferential surface of the body 3.

[0052] Similar to the first embodiment, the gaseous refrigerant contained in the refrigerant floats to the liquid surface due to buoyancy and moves further into the space above the liquid surface. Furthermore, since the arc-shaped surface 16Aj is a curved surface that separates its lower end from the strainer 20, the refrigerant containing air bubbles flowing out from the lower end can be kept away from the strainer 20. Also, when the refrigerant enters through the inlet pipe 7A, the flow direction of the refrigerant entering the arc-shaped surface 16Aj is different from the flow direction of the refrigerant being discharged from the arc-shaped surface 16Aj, and the flow velocity decreases, promoting gas-liquid separation. The refrigerant that has passed through the annular flow path defined between the inner circumferential surface of the body 3 and the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 16d and reached the cup portion 16Aa enters the case 21 of the strainer 20, passes through the filter 22, and then passes through the lower cylindrical portion 16Af and the mounting portion 16Ae before being sucked to the outside via the outlet pipe 6A.

[0053] Even if refrigerant containing air bubbles enters the cup portion 16Aa, the bubbles will rise towards the upper wall 16c and escape above the upper wall 16c through the vent hole 16h.

[0054] According to this embodiment, since the inlet pipe 7A and the outlet pipe 6A have a common shape, common parts can be used, thereby reducing costs.

[0055] (Third embodiment) Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receiver tank 1B according to the third embodiment. Figure 6 is a plan view of the CC cross-section of Figure 5, but the bag 11 is omitted from the illustration. In this embodiment, only the configuration of the partition member 16B is different; the other configurations are the same as in the second embodiment, so redundant explanations are omitted. Also, the definition of the partition is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0056] The partition member 16B is molded from, for example, resin, and consists of a partition portion 16Ba that replaces the cup portion and a holding portion 16Ab provided on the upper surface of the partition portion 16Ba. The holding portion 16Ab is the same as in the second embodiment, so a redundant explanation is omitted.

[0057] The partition portion 16Ba is connected to a circular plate-shaped base portion 16Bb with a holding portion 16Ab formed on its upper surface, a plurality (four in this case) of protrusions 16Bc projecting radially outward from the outer edge of the base portion 16Bb, a cylindrical mounting portion 16Be extending upward from the upper surface of the base portion 16Bb, and a lower cylindrical portion 16Bf extending downward from the lower surface of the base portion 16Bb opposite the mounting portion 16Be. The mounting portion 16Be and the lower cylindrical portion 16Bf are internally connected. The partition member 16B is attached to the outflow pipe 6A by fitting the lower end of the outflow pipe 6A into the mounting portion 16Be.

[0058] Multiple (in this case, four) protrusions 16Bc are arranged circumferentially, for example, at equal intervals. In this embodiment, each of the multiple protrusions 16Bc abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the body 3. Note that the multiple protrusions 16Bc may not be arranged at equal intervals; for example, all of the multiple protrusions 16Bc may be arranged at uneven intervals, or some of the multiple protrusions 16Bc may be arranged at equal intervals and others at uneven intervals. The contact of the protrusions 16Bc with the inner circumferential surface of the body 3 suppresses the vibration of the inlet pipe 7A and outlet pipe 6A via the partition 16Ba, thereby improving vibration resistance. The vibration referred to here is the displacement of the inlet pipe 7 originating from the refrigerant inlet hole 8 in the header 4, and the displacement of the outlet pipe 6 originating from the refrigerant outlet hole 9.

[0059] Furthermore, the vibration resistance of components housed within the body 3, such as the partition member 16B, bag 11, and strainer 20, is also improved. The projection 16Bc adjacent to the holding portion 16Ab has a circumferential length greater than the spacing between the flat plate portions 16f, and as shown in Figure 6, it abuts the inner circumferential surface of the body 3 in a range exceeding the distance between one flat plate portion 16f and the other flat plate portion 16f. A refrigerant flow path is formed by the space SP surrounded by the two adjacent projections 16Bc, the base portion 16Bb, and the inner circumferential surface of the body 3. In other examples, the multiple protrusions 16Bc may be sized so that they do not contact the inner surface of the fuselage 3. In this configuration, when the partition 16Ba moves within the fuselage 3, the protrusions 16Bc come into contact with the inner surface of the fuselage 3, thereby securing space SP. In this configuration, where there is a gap between the multiple protrusions 16Bc and the inner surface of the fuselage 3, this gap is small enough to allow for, for example, the operation of arranging the partition 16Ba within the fuselage 3.

[0060] Furthermore, the base portion 16Bb has an annular projection 16k formed around the lower cylindrical portion 16Bf and a hole 16h formed in the center of the base portion 16Bb. The base portion 16Bb abuts against the lower end of the bag 11, preventing the bag 11 from descending and covering the strainer 20.

[0061] The lower end of the outflow pipe 6A is fitted into the mounting portion 16Be, thereby attaching the partition member 16B to the outflow pipe 6A. The annular projection 16k can be fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the case 21 of the strainer 20, and the case 21 is attached to the partition portion 16Ba via the annular projection 16k. At this time, the lower cylindrical portion 16Bf is located inside the filter 22.

[0062] According to this embodiment, since the partition member 16B is provided with a flat partition portion 16Ba instead of a cup portion, cost reduction and weight reduction can be achieved by reducing the amount of material used. Furthermore, as the projection portion 16Bc abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the body 3, vibration of the inlet pipe 7A and outlet pipe 6A is suppressed via the partition portion 16Ba, thereby improving vibration resistance.

[0063] In the receiver tank 1B having the above configuration, when the refrigeration cycle is in operation, the gas-liquid mixture refrigerant supplied from the condenser enters the body 3 through the inlet pipe 7A, is discharged from the lower end of the inlet pipe 7A toward the arc-shaped surface 16Aj, passes along the arc-shaped surface 16Aj between the flat plate portions 16f toward the inner circumferential surface of the body 3.

[0064] Similar to the first embodiment, the gaseous refrigerant contained in the refrigerant floats to the liquid surface due to buoyancy and moves further into the space above the liquid surface. Furthermore, since the arc-shaped surface 16Aj is a curved surface that separates its outlet end from the strainer 20, the refrigerant containing gas bubbles flowing out from the outlet end can be kept away from the strainer 20. Moreover, because the arc-shaped surface 16Aj is a curved surface, when the refrigerant enters through the inlet pipe 7A, the flow direction of the refrigerant entering the arc-shaped surface 16Aj is different from the flow direction of the refrigerant discharged from the arc-shaped surface 16Aj, and the flow velocity decreases, which promotes gas-liquid separation.

[0065] The refrigerant, having passed through the flat plate portion 16f along the arc-shaped surface 16Aj, travels along the upper surface of the projection 16Bc to the inner circumferential surface of the body 3, and thereafter curves around in the circumferential direction along the upper surface of the projection 16Bc and the inner circumferential surface of the body 3, passing over the circumferential end of the projection 16Bc, and passing through the space SP between the base portion 16Bb and the inner circumferential surface of the body 3 to reach the lower side of the partition portion 16Ba.

[0066] According to this embodiment, the refrigerant flowing along the arc-shaped surface 16Aj does not immediately flow around to the lower side of the partition portion 16Ba, but travels along a relatively long path (including space SP) to the lower side of the partition portion 16Ba, allowing air bubbles in the refrigerant to escape along the way and achieving gas-liquid separation. Furthermore, the refrigerant that reaches the lower side of the partition portion 16Ba enters the case 21 of the strainer 20, passes through the filter 22, then passes through the lower cylindrical portion 16Bf and the mounting portion 16Be, and is then sucked to the outside via the outlet pipe 6A. Foreign matter in the refrigerant that enters the interior of the case 21 through a window (not shown) to access the outlet pipe 6 is collected when it passes through the filter 22, which is the part of the strainer 20 that collects foreign matter.

[0067] Even if refrigerant containing air bubbles enters the lower side of the partition 16Ba, the bubbles will rise towards the partition 16Ba and escape to the upper side of the partition 16Ba through the vent hole 16h.

[0068] In the configuration having an inlet pipe 7, an outlet pipe 6, and a strainer 20 as described in the first embodiment, the partition member 16 may not be cup-shaped, but may have a shape with a projection 16Bc as in the third embodiment.

[0069] (Fourth embodiment) Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the area around the lower end of the receiver tank 1C according to the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, only the configuration of the partition member 16C and the strainer 20C differs, and the other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, so redundant explanations are omitted. In this embodiment, the definition of the partition differs from that of the first to third embodiments. The partition is provided inside the body, covers the entire outer surface of the strainer, and separates the area around the strainer from the area outside that area, and in this case, the partition member 16C corresponds to this.

[0070] The partition member 16C is cup-shaped and opens toward the bottom of the body 3. It has a small-diameter cylindrical portion 16Ca, a large-diameter cylindrical portion 16Cb with a larger diameter than the small-diameter cylindrical portion 16Ca, and an intermediate portion 16Cc connecting the lower end of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 16Ca and the upper end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 16Cb. The intermediate portion 16Cc has one or more holes 16Cd formed therein for releasing air from the refrigerant. The partition member 16C is attached to the outlet pipe 6 by fitting the portion spaced apart from the lower end of the outlet pipe 6 into the small-diameter cylindrical portion 16Ca. In the attached state, as shown in Figure 7, the large-diameter cylindrical portion 16Cb, acting as a cover, covers the entire outer surface of the strainer 20C in the axial direction of the body 3.

[0071] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a portion of the partition member 16C faces the conical surface of the base 3a in the vertical direction, while the other portion faces a plane perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the axis of the body 3. For this reason, a portion of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 16Cb may be in contact with the portion of the base 3a of the body 3 that forms the cone. Even if a portion of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 16Cb is in contact with the conical surface, the large-diameter cylindrical portion 16Cb is spaced apart from the plane of the base 3a, so the flow of the refrigerant is not obstructed.

[0072] The lower end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 16Cb is located at least at the same vertical position as the lower end of the portion that collects foreign matter in the strainer 20C, or below the lower end of the portion that collects foreign matter. The portion that collects foreign matter is the filter 22C of the strainer 20C, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the lower end of the portion that collects foreign matter in the strainer 20C is, in other words, the lower end of the window (not shown) of the case 21C, which will be described later. Also in this embodiment, the lower end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 16Cb is located below the strainer 20.

[0073] The strainer 20C, which serves as a foreign matter collection unit, consists of a bottomed cylindrical case 21C with a window (not shown) on its side wall, and a filter 22C arranged around the entire circumference inside the case 21C. Foreign matter in the refrigerant that enters the interior of the case 21C through the window (not shown) toward the outlet pipe 6 is collected when it passes through the filter 22C, which is the part of the strainer 20C that collects foreign matter. The case 21C is attached to the outer surface of the outlet pipe 6 within the partition member 16C. In this embodiment, the strainer 20C is not connected to the partition member 16C.

[0074] The bent portion 7a of the inlet pipe 7 serves as a guide that directs the refrigerant discharged from the inlet pipe 7 toward the inner surface of the body 3. In this configuration, the lower end of the bent portion 7a faces the inner surface of the body 3 across the outlet pipe 6, but it may also face directly toward the inner surface of the body 3, as in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the inlet pipe 7 may be made into a straight pipe shape, as in the second embodiment, without providing a bent portion.

[0075] In the receiver tank 1C having the above configuration, when the refrigeration cycle is in operation, the gas-liquid mixture refrigerant supplied from the condenser enters the body 3 through the inlet pipe 7 and is supplied below the liquid level of the refrigerant from the lower end of the inlet pipe 7. According to this embodiment, since the large-diameter cylindrical portion 16Cb of the partition member 16C covers the entire outer surface of the strainer 20C, the refrigerant coming out of the inlet pipe 7 flows around the lower end surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 16Cb and enters the interior of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 16Cb, thereby promoting gas-liquid separation.

[0076] Furthermore, as a modification of the receiver tank 1C of the fourth embodiment, there is a configuration based on the receiver tank 1 described in the first embodiment with the following changes. To explain these changes, the first change is that in the receiver tank 1 of the first embodiment, the strainer 20 is separated from the partition member 16, that is, the strainer 20 is not connected to the partition member 16.

[0077] The second modification is to make the vertical length of the cup portion 16a long enough to cover at least the outer circumference of the part of the strainer 20 that collects foreign matter. The part of the strainer 20 that collects foreign matter is the filter 22. Making the vertical length of the cup portion 16a long enough to cover at least the outer circumference of the filter 22 means that the lower end of the cup portion 16a is positioned at the same vertical position as the lower end of the filter 22, or lower than the lower end of the filter 22. In a preferred configuration, the lower end of the cup portion 16a is positioned lower than the lower end of the strainer 20. In this modification, the lower end of the filter 22 is, in other words, the lower end of the window (not shown) in the case 21 of the strainer 20.

[0078] Even in this modified form, since the cup portion 16a of the partition member 16 covers the entire outer surface of the strainer 20, the refrigerant coming out of the inlet pipe 7 flows around the lower end surface of the cup portion 16a and enters the interior of the cup portion 16a, thereby promoting gas-liquid separation.

[0079] Furthermore, as another variation of the receiver tank 1C of the fourth embodiment, there is a configuration based on the receiver tank 1A described in the second embodiment, with the following changes. To explain these changes, the first change is that in the receiver tank 1A of the second embodiment, the strainer 20 is separated from the partition member 16A, that is, the strainer 20 is not connected to the partition member 16A.

[0080] As a second modification, the vertical length of the cup portion 16Aa is made long enough to cover at least the outer circumference of the filter 22 of the strainer 20. In other words, the lower end of the cup portion 16Aa is positioned at the same vertical position as the lower end of the filter 22, or below the lower end of the filter 22. In a preferred configuration, the lower end of the cup portion 16Aa is positioned below the lower end of the strainer 20. In this modified example, the lower end of the filter 22 is, in other words, the lower end of the window (not shown) in the case 21 of the strainer 20.

[0081] Even in this modified form, since the cup portion 16Aa of the partition member 16A covers the entire outer surface of the strainer 20, the refrigerant coming out of the inlet pipe 7 flows around the lower end surface of the cup portion 16Aa and enters the interior of the cup portion 16a, thereby promoting gas-liquid separation.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the "tank" may be an accumulator placed between the evaporator and the compressor, in addition to the receiver tank described above.

[0083] This specification includes disclosures of the following inventions. (First aspect) A cylindrical body having an opening at one end, A header provided in the opening, having an inlet for allowing fluid to flow into the fuselage and an outlet for allowing the fluid inside the fuselage to flow out of the fuselage, An outflow pipe connected to the outflow hole and positioned within the body, extending toward the other end of the body, A foreign matter collection section is provided on the end of the outlet pipe opposite to the header, for collecting foreign matter in the fluid, The foreign matter collection section is connected to the foreign matter collection section and extends toward the inner circumferential surface of the body, defining a flow path for the fluid between itself and the inner circumferential surface, and comprising a partition section that separates the header side and the foreign matter collection section in the axial direction of the body, A tank characterized by the following features.

[0084] (Second aspect) A cylindrical body having an opening at one end, A header provided in the opening, having an inlet for allowing fluid to flow into the fuselage and an outlet for allowing the fluid inside the fuselage to flow out of the fuselage, An outflow pipe connected to the outflow hole and positioned within the body, extending toward the other end of the body, A foreign matter collection section is provided on the end of the outlet pipe opposite to the header, for collecting foreign matter in the fluid, It is provided within the body and covers the entire outer surface of the foreign matter collection section, and includes a partition section that separates the area around the foreign matter collection section from the area outside that area. A tank characterized by the following features.

[0085] (Third aspect) It comprises an inlet pipe connected to the inlet hole and located inside the body, The inlet pipe has a first portion that extends along the axial direction of the body from the header toward the bottom of the body, and a second portion that protrudes from the first portion toward the inner circumferential surface of the body and forms the bottom portion, which has an end opening for discharging the fluid. A tank according to the first or second embodiment, characterized by the above.

[0086] (Fourth aspect) The partition portion includes a support portion that abuts against the second portion to prevent rotation of the inlet pipe around its axis. A tank according to the third embodiment, characterized by the following:

[0087] (Fifth aspect) The support portion is a clamping portion that holds the second portion from both sides, straddling the axis of the inlet pipe. A tank according to the fourth embodiment, characterized by the following:

[0088] (Sixth aspect) It comprises an inlet pipe connected to the inlet hole and located inside the body, The partition portion includes a guide portion that directs the fluid discharged from the inlet pipe toward the inner circumferential surface of the body. A tank according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, characterized by the above.

[0089] (Seventh aspect) The partition is cup-shaped and opens toward the bottom of the body. A tank according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, characterized by the above.

[0090] (Eighth aspect) A portion of the partition portion abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the body. A tank according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, characterized by the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Receiver Tank 2 Tank body 3 Torso 4 Header 6, 6A outflow pipe 7, 7A inflow pipe 16, 16A, 16B, 16C Partition members 16a, Cup part 16b, 16Ab holding part 16Ba partition section 20, 20C Strainer 21, 21C case 22, 22C filter

Claims

1. A cylindrical body having an opening at one end, A header provided in the opening, having an inlet for allowing fluid to flow into the fuselage and an outlet for allowing the fluid inside the fuselage to flow out of the fuselage, An outflow pipe connected to the outflow hole and positioned within the body, extending toward the other end of the body, A foreign matter collection section is provided on the end of the outlet pipe opposite to the header, for collecting foreign matter in the fluid, The foreign matter collection section is connected to the foreign matter collection section and extends toward the inner circumferential surface of the body, defining a flow path for the fluid between itself and the inner circumferential surface, and comprising a partition section that separates the header side and the foreign matter collection section in the axial direction of the body, A tank characterized by the following features.

2. A cylindrical body having an opening at one end, A header provided in the opening, having an inlet for allowing fluid to flow into the fuselage and an outlet for allowing the fluid inside the fuselage to flow out of the fuselage, An outflow pipe connected to the outflow hole and positioned within the body, extending toward the other end of the body, A foreign matter collection section is provided on the end of the outlet pipe opposite to the header, for collecting foreign matter in the fluid, It is provided within the body and covers the entire outer surface of the foreign matter collection section, and includes a partition section that separates the area around the foreign matter collection section from the area outside that area. A tank characterized by the following features.

3. It comprises an inlet pipe connected to the inlet hole and located inside the body, The inlet pipe has a first portion that extends along the axial direction of the body from the header toward the bottom of the body, and a second portion that protrudes from the first portion toward the inner circumferential surface of the body and forms the bottom portion, which has an end opening for discharging the fluid. The tank according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The partition portion includes a support portion that abuts against the second portion to prevent rotation of the inlet pipe around its axis. The tank according to feature 3.

5. The support portion is a clamping portion that holds the second portion from both sides, straddling the axis of the inlet pipe. The tank according to feature 4.

6. It comprises an inlet pipe connected to the inlet hole and located inside the body, The partition portion includes a guide portion that directs the fluid discharged from the inlet pipe toward the inner circumferential surface of the body. A tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the features described above.

7. The partition is cup-shaped and opens toward the bottom of the body. A tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the features described above.

8. A portion of the partition portion abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the body. A tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the features described above.

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