Combination of refrigerant accumulator and internal heat exchanger for refrigerant, connecting component

Abstract

To provide an efficient combination refrigerant accumulator and internal heat exchanger that can be produced in a cost-effective manner. [Solution] The combination (10) of a refrigerant accumulator (14) and an internal heat exchanger (16) includes a core (12) having fluid portions (24, 26) to which the accumulator (14) and the heat exchanger (16) can be attached, and the connecting part includes at least four fluid ports (24, 26) so that components of the refrigerant circuit, in particular the accumulator (14) and / or the heat exchanger (16), can be attached to the connecting part on at least two opposing sides.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a combination of a refrigerant accumulator and an internal heat exchanger for a refrigerant, a connecting component, an internal heat exchanger, and an accumulator. More specifically, the present invention relates to providing an efficient combination of a refrigerant accumulator and an internal heat exchanger that can be produced in a cost-effective manner.

Background Art

[0002] In particular, when using a modern refrigerant such as R744, it is necessary to provide an internal heat exchanger in a vehicle air conditioning system. Here, it is particularly difficult to limit or prevent unwanted heat transfer from the heat exchanger to the storage area of the accumulator, as this reduces efficiency. Such combined components are also considerably extended in the longitudinal direction, which may cause problems related to assembly and compatibility due to limitations in the installation space. Finally, such components must be manufactured as cost-effectively as possible. For example, the combined components known from Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3 are cited.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention with respect to such background art is to provide an efficient combination of a refrigerant accumulator and an internal heat exchanger that can be produced in a cost-effective manner.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] This problem is solved by the combination described in claim 1 of the patent. The combination is characterized by a fluid port and a central part having two ends, one configured as an accumulator and the other configured as a heat exchanger. As will be described in more detail below, individual parts, in particular, the end caps or cup-shaped parts of the ends, can be attached to the central part, and in particular, can be welded, which is possible in a particularly simple manner by a single fillet weld. In any case, the central part ensures that the two functions of accumulation and heat transfer are spatially separated from each other, significantly limiting the undesired heat transfer from the heat exchanger to the storage area of the accumulator and increasing efficiency. According to the present invention, all of the fluid ports can be concentrated in the central part, and only the central part can be worked in a suitable manner, for example, by machining, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, the central part can also include any fastening device, eliminating the need for a corresponding device at the end, and simplifying the fastening device. Advantageously, the central part can be formed as a single part. The central part can also be referred to as a central flange and can be formed as an extruded part in a particularly efficient manner. Alternatively, it can be formed as a cast part, in which case the two half parts of the central part can be tapered at a predetermined angle for easy separation from the mold. The fastening device concentrated in the central part also simplifies the assembly. Finally, the accumulator and the heat exchanger can be configured independently of each other in terms of size.

[0006] The outer shell of the aforementioned combined component constitutes a pressure vessel. Inside the pressure vessel, the pressure level of the accumulator part is dominant, corresponding to the low pressure of the refrigerant circuit. In the idle state, the entire low-pressure side volume of the accumulator and the internal heat exchanger serves as a compensation volume for the refrigerant contained in the refrigerant circuit, preventing an unacceptable high idle pressure. To compensate for refrigerant loss due to unavoidable leakage at the compressor shaft and circuit interface, there is slightly more refrigerant in the system (accumulator) than is required for operation. The greater the amount of additional refrigerant, the longer the service cycle of the air conditioning system. The amount that can flow in as additional refrigerant is ultimately determined by the size of the compensation volume. In the case of small pressure vessels such as assembled parts, strive not to exceed a spare internal volume of 1 liter in order to avoid special requirements of pressure vessel regulations. Advantageously, it is mentioned that the need for annual maintenance is avoided under the 1-liter limit.

[0007] Therefore, assembled parts according to the prior art definitely do not exceed 1 liter of spare internal volume. Requirements for more additional refrigerant or a longer service cycle are here subject to technical limitations. A second pressure vessel serving only as a compensation volume is contradictory in all aspects of economy, cost, installation space, and weight. Due to the design or structure, the outer shell of the assembled part according to the present invention already constitutes a series connection of two pressure vessels, so a spare volume of up to approximately 2 liters is available as a compensation volume for additional refrigerant, and in fact, it greatly increases flexibility in meeting, for example, the requirements of automobile manufacturers without any significant extra effort. The accumulator part and the heat exchanger part constitute independent pressure vessels and are connected in series with each other through an internal tube connection (28 in the drawing) instead of external piping. At the same time, the accumulator and the heat exchanger are each maintained to be less than 1 liter in size.

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the assembly according to the present invention are described in the additional claims. Preferably, at least one end includes an integral cap or an integral cup. In particular, the caps or cups at both ends can have the same design to reduce component diversity. This also contributes to utilization reduction because a separate container for the described part can be removed. In relation to the required pressure resistance, it is preferred that at least one cap or at least one cup includes a hemispherical or semi-elliptical portion. In that the central part further includes a cyclone for separating the liquid phase from the gas phase at the inlet of the accumulator, the number of individual parts is also advantageous and can be reduced in a cost - reducing manner. For the sake of efficiency in the manufacturing process and ease of assembly, as described above, it is preferable that the central part further includes at least one fastening device. This can be accommodated in a particularly simple manner in the opening of the central part. Also advantageously, the fluid ports can be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the assembly, for example, to predetermine the flow direction for entry into the cyclone.

[0009] From the meaning of the symmetrical design, the fluid ports can be provided in the center of the central part, but can be provided off - center or eccentric from the center if required by the installation situation. To minimize the unwanted heat transfer from the heat exchanger to the accumulator, there is an additional advantage if the heat exchanger is arranged above the accumulator in the installed state. The present invention is further evident in the connecting part formed by the aforementioned central part. The connecting part includes at least four fluid ports on at least two opposite sides where the parts of the refrigerant circuit can be mounted. The central part or the connecting part can also advantageously include at least one connecting part between the ends or the parts to which they are attached. Finally, the present invention also consists of an internal heat exchanger or a refrigerant accumulator where the fluid ports can be mounted to face additional parts such as an accumulator or an internal heat exchanger, which is not a conventional external line with separate parts. In relation to the combined parts, the fact that two parts, namely the internal heat exchanger and the refrigerant accumulator, are provided on opposite sides of the central part to achieve the aforementioned advantages applies.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings,

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the combination (10) according to the present invention is substantially composed of a central part (12), an accumulator (14), and an internal heat exchanger (16). Only the external cup-shaped containers of the accumulator (14) and the internal heat exchanger (16) having substantially hemispherical ends are clearly shown in the overall perspective view of FIG. 1. In the case of illustration, these have the same shape in order to reduce component diversity and are respectively connected to the central part (12) through a welding seam (18). The fluid port and fastening device (20) shown on the central part (12) in FIG. 1 are shown in more detail in FIG. 2. The fastening device (20) can include a block (22) formed of a soft material suitable for damping and can be inserted by a pin into a hole or opening (44) in the central part (12). Two high-pressure ports (24) connected to the heat exchanger (16) and two low-pressure ports (26) connected to the accumulator are formed in the central part (12), which is the only part that requires machining. Also, the central part (12) includes a passage (28) in the center here for connection between the heat exchanger (16) and the accumulator (14). As is clear in FIG. 2, the central part is configured substantially cylindrically and, as can be additionally seen from FIG. 1, can be configured to have a flat part in the region where the fluid port is provided.

[0012] As is clear in FIG. 3, in the case of the high-pressure inlet (24), advantageously, it is not configured as a separate tube, and the line connecting the inlet to the spiral part (30) of the heat exchanger (16) configured as an internal line in the form of a bore or channel can be inclined relative to the vertical axis (vertical in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5). This also applies to the high-pressure outlet (24.2), the low-pressure side outlet (center left in FIG. 3), and further to the supply channel to the low-pressure side cyclone (32), which can advantageously be integrated into the central part (12) as shown in FIG. 3. Although not shown, this channel can be opened tangentially in particular in the cyclone (32) so as to provide an advantageous flow direction in an efficient manner. The inclined channel can be produced with an acceptable amount of force through machining and can also provide the advantage that the central part (12) can thereby be configured to be more compact and lightweight. However, in particular, when the central part (12) is formed as an extruded part or a casting, so that ports that are raised relative to the cylindrical shell surface can be formed in an economical manner, the cited supply line can also extend substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis.

[0013] Further, the accumulator (14) includes a deflector (34), a desiccant container (36) which is in the form of a non-woven bag but can be located within the region of the heat exchanger (16), and a suction tube (40) which surrounds the central connection part (28) and has an oil discharge port at its lower stage, although not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The liquid refrigerant falls into the storage volume of the accumulator (14) through the annular gap between the outer walls of the deflector (34) and the cyclone (32). The gaseous refrigerant is sucked in through the annular gap between the central connection part (28) and the suction tube (40) described later. The inlet is located above the deflector (34). First, the gas phase flows downward from within the aforementioned annular gap, picks up a dosage of oil through so-called oil sniffing holes, and flows into a so-called sump of the accumulator that conveys it. Thereafter, the gas phase is converted into the central connection part (28) together with the oil and flows upward into the heat exchanger (16) as shown in the drawing.

[0014] Accordingly, the connection part (28) is extended upward within the upper region of the heat exchanger (16) where the spiral part (30) is located in the outer region and the flow guide (38) is located radially inward. The spiral part (30) is formed as a substantially smooth tube, but preferably includes radial ribs on the outside to increase efficiency. In relation to the deflector, it is specified that the deflector is not configured as a conventional thin disk in the prior art, but forms an annular channel from the upper part which is not an annular gap to the bottom. This prevents a part of the gas phase from flowing into the accumulator volume and agitating the separated liquid inside. Reference is made in this connection to an application filed on November 20, 2020 under the name of "Deflector for Refrigerant Accumulator" by the same applicant, and the disclosure thereof in this connection forms the gist of the present application. Nevertheless, in order to reduce costs, if the size or volume of the accumulator (14) of the present invention is sufficient or the deflector can also be removed entirely, a deflector configured as a flat disk can also be used. Also, FIG. 3 corresponds to cross-section I-I, FIG. 4 corresponds to cross-section H-H, and FIG. 5 corresponds to cross-section G-G of FIG. 2.

[0015] The high-pressure outlet (24.2) and the line inclined in the direction of the spiral part are thereby apparent in Figure 4. In all other aspects, the illustration substantially corresponds to the illustration of Figure 3. This is similarly applied to Figure 5, which additionally illustrates all the components in the area of the accumulator (14) and the connecting part (28) passing through the external suction tube (40) surrounding it. It is also mentioned that O-rings can be provided for sealing in the areas of the connecting parts at the inlet and outlet of the spiral part (30) and in the area of the continuous connecting part (28) with the central part (12). The embodiment of Figure 6 is substantially hemispherical or elliptical in overall shape and is essentially different from the previously described embodiments in the substantially elongated central part (12) that generates the pressure seal of the accumulator (14) and the heat exchanger (16) provided by a very short cap having only a relatively short cylindrical part facing the welding seam (18). The fluid ports are substantially the same as those illustrated in the previous drawings, but are formed at axially different positions when illustrated. As is more apparent in Figure 6, additional fastening devices selectively having blocks formed of soft material can be provided on the upper and / or lower sides.

[0016] As is apparent in Figure 7, in this case the high-pressure ports (24) are configured to be particularly radially opposed to each other and to be slightly offset upward within the central part in the direction of the heat exchanger (16), i.e., as shown in Figure 6. As is apparent in Figure 8, all the illustrated low-pressure ports (26) are formed in the lower half of the central part according to Figure 8. In particular, the low-pressure inlet on the right side of Figure 8 can be inclined downward, i.e., in the direction of the cyclone apparent in Figure 8. The tangential opening into the cyclone (32) is also apparent in Figure 8. The central connecting part (28) is shown at the center of each of Figures 7 and 8. Generally, since the holes, lines, and channels extend mainly orthogonally to the central axis, all four ports can be arranged at arbitrary angles relative to each other. As is apparent in FIGS. 7 and 8, the flat portion facilitating machining for forming the fluid ports (24, 26) can extend from the outside of the cylindrical shape forming the basic shape of the central portion (12), as is apparent in FIG. 6. Also, according to FIGS. 6, 9 to 11, although it is mentioned that the fluid ports are provided substantially at the center of the central portion (12), they can be arranged at an off-center position.

[0017] FIG. 9 corresponds to section E-E of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 corresponds to section D-D, and FIG. 11 corresponds to section C-C of FIG. 7. The internal structure substantially corresponds to the internal structure of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the specific configuration of FIG. 10 makes the two connection parts between the high-pressure port (24) and the spiral (30) apparent. Also, in the drawings, the filter is indicated by reference numeral 42. Thus, the overall refrigerant and oil mass flow can be filtered in an advantageous manner, and the individual filter at the oil sniffling hole can be removed. Also, the arrangement at the outlet (FIG. 9) can prevent the discharge of inherent contamination.

Claims

1. comprising a central portion (12) to which an accumulator (14) and a heat exchanger (16) can be attached at opposite ends, two high-pressure ports (24) leading to the heat exchanger (16) and two low-pressure ports (26) leading to the accumulator (14) are formed within the central portion (12), the central portion (12) includes a central connection portion (28) for connection between the heat exchanger (16) and the accumulator (14), and a combination (10) of a refrigerant accumulator (14) and an internal heat exchanger (16), characterized in that.

2. The combination (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one end includes an integral cap or an integral cup.

3. The combination (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one cap or at least one cup includes a hemispherical or semi-elliptical portion.

4. The combination (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the central portion (12) further includes a cyclone (32).

5. The central portion (12) further includes at least one fastening device (20), the fastening device (20) is a component for attaching the combination (10) to other devices or components, and may include a block (22) formed of a soft material suitable for damping, and is inserted into a hole or opening (44) of the central portion (12). The combination (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that.

6. The combination (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the fastening device (20) is housed within the opening (44) of the central portion (12).

7. The combination (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one fluid port is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the combination (10).

8. The combination (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the high-pressure port (24) and the low-pressure port (26) are provided at the vertical center of the central portion (12).

9. The combination (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in the installed state, the heat exchanger (16) is disposed above the accumulator (14).

10. Two high-pressure ports (24) leading to the heat exchanger (16) and two low-pressure ports (26) leading to the accumulator (14) are formed in the central portion (12). The central portion (12) includes a central connection portion (28) for connection between the heat exchanger (16) and the accumulator (14). A connecting component, characterized in that the accumulator (14) and the heat exchanger (16) can be mounted on at least two opposite sides.

11. The connecting component further includes at least one of the central connection portions (28) between components attachable thereto. The central connection portion (28) connects the accumulator (14) and the heat exchanger (16), and the gas phase flows into the central connection portion (28) together with oil and flows in the heat exchanger (16). The connecting component according to claim 10, characterized in that.

Images