Manifold for liquid storage device and module with liquid storage device

Abstract

This manifold for a liquid storage device is a manifold used for a module where a liquid storage device, which separates gas and liquid phases of a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle and stores surplus refrigerant, is assembled, the manifold having a refrigerant flow passage (11) through which the refrigerant flows. The manifold (1) has a lid part (20) and a seal part (30). The lid part is formed so as to cover an opening (41) of a liquid storage container (40) constituting a container for storing the surplus refrigerant in the liquid storage device, and is configured to include an inflow port (12) and an outflow port (13) on a cross-sectional area corresponding to the opening of the liquid storage container. The seal part seals gaps (GA, GB) between the manifold and the liquid storage container around the opening of the liquid storage container.

Description

Manifold for reservoir and module with reservoir CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-008916 filed on January 24, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a reservoir manifold used in a module to which a reservoir that separates gas and liquid refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle and stores excess refrigerant is assembled, and to a module with a reservoir.

[0003] Conventionally, in refrigeration cycle devices, receivers or accumulators are used as liquid storage vessels that separate the gas and liquid refrigerants circulating through the refrigeration cycle and store the surplus refrigerant. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to such liquid storage vessels. The invention related to a refrigerant container disclosed in Patent Document 1 is constructed by fitting a cap having an inlet and an outlet into the opening of a cylindrical casing with a bottom, and then fixing the cap by welding.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-215727

[0005] In recent years, modularization of components in refrigeration cycle devices has been promoted. For example, in the case of vehicle air conditioning devices, space saving through modularization using manifolds is desired due to consideration of the installation space in the vehicle.

[0006] In a refrigeration cycle system, modularization of components including a liquid reservoir is being considered. When a module with a liquid reservoir is constructed using a manifold with refrigerant passages and the technology of the refrigerant container disclosed in Patent Document 1, a cap is interposed between the manifold and the casing. Therefore, when modularizing the components using the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the manifold, cap, and casing are arranged so that they overlap in the height direction, which increases the size of the module in the height direction.

[0007] In addition, in Patent Document 1, the cap has a refrigerant flow path that connects the refrigerant flow path formed in the manifold to the inside of the casing via an inlet and an outlet. This requires a seal structure to seal the gaps between the manifold, cap, and casing. Considering modularization based on the seal structure, this requires additional vertical space. This increases the module's height to ensure the required volume for the receiver.

[0008] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold for a reservoir and a module with a reservoir that suppresses an increase in the size in the height direction when the module with a reservoir is constructed.

[0009] A liquid reservoir manifold according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a manifold used in a module to which a liquid reservoir is attached, which separates gas and liquid refrigerants circulating in a refrigeration cycle and stores excess refrigerant, and has a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows. The manifold has a lid portion and a seal portion.

[0010] The lid is formed to cover the opening of the liquid storage container, which constitutes a container for storing excess refrigerant in the reservoir, and is configured to include an inlet and an outlet on a cross-sectional area corresponding to the opening of the liquid storage container. The inlet constitutes an end of the refrigerant flow path, through which refrigerant flows into the liquid storage container. The outlet constitutes another end of the refrigerant flow path, through which refrigerant flows out of the liquid storage container. The seal seals the gap between the manifold and the liquid storage container around the opening of the liquid storage container.

[0011] According to the liquid reservoir manifold, the lid portion is formed to cover the opening of the liquid reservoir container and is configured to include an inlet and an outlet on a cross-sectional area corresponding to the opening of the liquid reservoir container, thereby ensuring the function as a liquid reservoir while partitioning the internal space of the liquid reservoir container. Furthermore, the seal portion of the liquid reservoir manifold seals the gap between the manifold and the liquid reservoir container around the opening of the liquid reservoir container, thereby sealing off the internal space of the liquid reservoir container except for the inlet and outlet. In other words, the liquid reservoir manifold can realize a module with a liquid reservoir by directly attaching the liquid reservoir container to the liquid reservoir manifold, thereby preventing the module with a liquid reservoir from becoming larger in height while ensuring its function as a liquid reservoir.

[0012] A liquid reservoir module according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a module to which a liquid reservoir is attached that separates refrigerant circulating through a refrigeration cycle into gas and liquid and stores excess refrigerant, and includes a manifold and a liquid reservoir. The manifold has a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows. The liquid reservoir has an opening on one side and serves as a container for storing excess refrigerant.

[0013] The manifold has a lid portion and a seal portion. The lid portion is formed to cover the opening of a liquid storage container that constitutes a container for storing excess refrigerant in the reservoir, and is configured to include an inlet and an outlet on a cross-sectional area corresponding to the opening of the liquid storage container. The inlet constitutes an end of the refrigerant flow path, through which refrigerant flows into the liquid storage container. The outlet constitutes another end of the refrigerant flow path, through which refrigerant flows out of the liquid storage container. The seal portion seals the gap between the manifold and the liquid storage container around the opening of the liquid storage container.

[0014] The reservoir-equipped module is configured such that the manifold lid covers the opening of the reservoir and includes an inlet and an outlet on a cross-sectional area corresponding to the opening of the reservoir. As a result, the reservoir-equipped module can ensure the function of the reservoir while also partitioning the internal space of the reservoir.

[0015] Furthermore, since the seal portion of the manifold seals the gap between the manifold and the liquid storage container around the opening of the liquid storage container, the internal space of the liquid storage container can be sealed off except for the inlet and outlet. That is, the module with a liquid storage container can be realized by directly attaching the liquid storage container to the liquid storage container manifold, which prevents the module with a liquid storage container from becoming too large in the height direction and ensures its function as a liquid storage container.

[0016] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Fig. 1 is a side view of a receiver module according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a top view of a receiver module according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a receiver module according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a bottom view of a manifold according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a side view of a receiver module according to a second embodiment. Fig. 6 is a top view of a receiver module according to the second embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a receiver module according to a third embodiment.

[0017] Hereinafter, several embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in the preceding embodiment may be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only a part of the configuration is described, other previously described embodiments may be applied to the other parts of the configuration. In addition to combinations of parts that are specifically specified as being combinable in each embodiment, it is also possible to partially combine embodiments even if not specified, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0018] A reservoir manifold according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is a manifold for modularizing components of a refrigeration cycle, including a reservoir.

[0019] Here, the term "liquid storage vessel" refers to a component of a refrigeration cycle that separates the gas and liquid phases of the refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle and stores the excess refrigerant. Typical examples include a receiver and an accumulator. The receiver is a high-pressure side liquid storage vessel that separates the gas and liquid phases of the high-pressure refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle and stores the separated liquid phase refrigerant as the excess refrigerant in the cycle. The accumulator is a low-pressure side liquid storage vessel that separates the gas and liquid phases of the low-pressure refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle and stores the separated liquid phase refrigerant as the excess refrigerant in the cycle.

[0020] For example, if the refrigeration cycle is composed of a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing section, and an evaporator, the receiver is connected to the outlet side of the condenser and the inlet side of the pressure reducing section. Similarly, if the refrigeration cycle is composed of a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing section, and an evaporator, the accumulator is connected to the outlet side of the evaporator and the suction side of the compressor.

[0021] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, a case where a receiver is used as a reservoir of a reservoir-equipped module and a reservoir-use manifold will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] The receiver module 100 according to the first embodiment is a modularized receiver serving as a reservoir, using a manifold 1, which is an example of a reservoir manifold. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the receiver module 100 is configured by assembling the manifold 1 and a reservoir container 40 one above the other.

[0023] In the following description, the up-down direction corresponds to the direction of gravity, and the arrangement of each component is defined based on the state in which the liquid storage container 40 is positioned below the manifold 1. In Fig. 1, the internal structures of the manifold 1 and the liquid storage container 40 are indicated by dashed lines. In Fig. 2, the components positioned on the lower surface side of the manifold 1 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0024] The manifold 1 according to the first embodiment is configured with a main body 10 formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped block. Refrigerant flow paths 11 through which a refrigerant for a refrigeration cycle flows are formed inside the main body 10. The refrigerant flow paths 11 formed in the main body 10 include a refrigerant flow path 11 whose end is connected to an inlet 12 and a refrigerant flow path 11 whose end is connected to an outlet 13.

[0025] The inlet 12 is an opening that constitutes one end of a certain refrigerant flow path 11, and when the manifold 1 and the liquid storage container 40 are assembled to form the receiver module 100, the refrigerant that has flowed through the refrigerant flow path 11 flows into the internal space 42 of the liquid storage container 40. The other end of the refrigerant flow path 11 connected to the inlet 12 is connected to another component in the refrigeration cycle (for example, the outlet side of a condenser).

[0026] The outlet 13 is an opening that constitutes one end of a refrigerant flow path 11 separate from the refrigerant flow path 11 extending from the inlet 12, and when the receiver module 100 is constructed, the outlet 13 allows the refrigerant to pass through when flowing out of the liquid storage container 40 to the outside of the receiver module 100. The other end of the refrigerant flow path 11 connected to the outlet 13 is connected to another component in the refrigeration cycle (for example, the inlet side of the pressure reducing section).

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 are arranged side by side in the center of the lower surface of the main body 10, which is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0028] A lid portion 20 is formed on the underside of the main body portion 10 of the manifold 1. The lid portion 20 is formed by the underside of the manifold 1 and is configured to cover an opening 41 of a cylindrical liquid storage container 40 with a bottom. By covering the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40, the lid portion 20 separates an internal space 42 of the liquid storage container 40 from the outside of the receiver module 100.

[0029] As described above, the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 are arranged side by side in the center of the lower surface of the manifold 1. For this reason, as shown in Fig. 2 and other figures, the lid 20 is configured to include the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 on the lower surface of the manifold 1 in a cross-sectional area corresponding to the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40 (i.e., within the area that closes the opening of the liquid storage container 40).

[0030] A step 21 is formed in the lid 20 at a portion corresponding to the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40. The step 21 forms a step with respect to the lower surface of the manifold 1 by vertically displacing the lower surface of the manifold 1 along the portion of the lower surface of the manifold 1 that contacts the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40.

[0031] The step portion 21 in the first embodiment is configured to protrude vertically from the lower surface of the manifold 1 in the inner region of the portion of the lower surface of the manifold 1 that comes into contact with the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40.

[0032] In the first embodiment, the outer side surface of the cylindrical stepped portion 21 is referred to as the side surface 22. As shown in Fig. 3 and other figures, in the first embodiment, when the manifold 1 and the liquid storage container 40 are assembled, the side surface 22 of the stepped portion 21 is disposed so as to face the inner side surface of the liquid storage container 40.

[0033] Furthermore, a recess 23 is formed in the center of the lid portion 20 and the step portion 21. The recess 23 is formed by depressing upward a circular area that includes the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 within one surface that constitutes the lower surface of the step portion 21. In other words, by forming the recess 23 on the inside, the step portion 21 according to the first embodiment is configured into a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter that can contact the inner side surface of the liquid storage container 40.

[0034] In the first embodiment, a seal portion 30 is disposed around the base end of the stepped portion 21 that protrudes into a cylindrical shape. The seal portion 30 seals a gap formed between the manifold 1 and the liquid storage container 40 when the liquid storage container 40 is assembled to the manifold 1. This seals the gap formed between the manifold 1 and the liquid storage container 40 when the receiver module 100 is constructed, preventing refrigerant from leaking from the internal space 42 of the liquid storage container 40 through the gap.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, when a receiver module 100 is constructed by assembling a liquid storage container 40 to a manifold 1, the gap formed between the manifold 1 and the liquid storage container 40 includes a first gap GA and a second gap GB.

[0036] When the liquid storage container 40 is assembled to the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment, the lower surface of the manifold 1, which constitutes the outer portion of the base end of the stepped portion 21, is in close proximity to the upper end surface of the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40. In the first embodiment, the gap formed by the outer portion of the base end of the stepped portion 21 and the upper end surface of the opening 41 is referred to as a first gap GA.

[0037] When the liquid storage container 40 is assembled to the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment, the side surface located on the outside of the cylindrical stepped portion 21 faces closely to the inner side surface of the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40. In the first embodiment, the gap formed by the side surface 22 of the stepped portion 21 and the inner side surface of the opening 41 is referred to as the second gap GB.

[0038] 3 and other figures, the seal portion 30 of the manifold 1 has a first seal portion 31 and a second seal portion 32. The first seal portion 31 according to the first embodiment is disposed around the entire circumference of the cylindrical stepped portion 21 on the underside of the manifold 1 that constitutes the outer portion at the base end of the stepped portion 21. For example, an O-ring made of ethylene propylene diene rubber can be used as the first seal portion 31.

[0039] The second seal portion 32 in the first embodiment is disposed on the side surface 22 located radially outward of the cylindrical stepped portion 21. The second seal portion 32 is disposed around the entire circumference of the cylindrical stepped portion 21. As with the first seal portion 31, an O-ring made of ethylene propylene diene rubber can be used as the second seal portion 32.

[0040] Although O-rings made of ethylene propylene diene rubber are used to configure the first seal portion 31 and the second seal portion 32, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Various materials can be used as the constituent material of the first seal portion 31 and the like, as long as they can prevent refrigerant leakage through the gap formed between the manifold 1 and the liquid storage container 40. For example, synthetic resins or metals that have sealing properties that can suppress refrigerant leakage can also be used as the constituent material of the first seal portion 31 and the like. Furthermore, the shape of the first seal portion 31 and the like is not limited to O-rings, and seal washers or metal seals can also be used.

[0041] 3 and 4, a plurality of bolt holes 24 are formed in the lower surface of the manifold 1. In the first embodiment, the plurality of bolt holes 24 are arranged evenly in the circumferential direction on the lower surface of the manifold 1 at positions that are outside the cylindrical stepped portion 21.

[0042] When the receiver module 100 is constructed by attaching the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1, a bolt 50 is inserted into each bolt hole 24. In other words, when the receiver module 100 is constructed, the liquid storage container 40 is fastened and fixed to the manifold 1 by using the bolt holes 24 and the bolts 50.

[0043] 1 to 3, the liquid storage container 40, together with the manifold 1, constitutes the receiver module 100. The liquid storage container 40 is formed from a continuous material into an integral, bottomed cylindrical shape, and has a cylindrical body, a bottom that is closed at one end, and an opening 41 located at one end of the body. The material that can be used to construct the liquid storage container 40 may be, for example, Al-Mg aluminum (5000 series) or Al-Mg-Si aluminum (6000 series).

[0044] An internal space 42 is formed inside the liquid storage container 40. The internal space 42 is partitioned by a body portion and a bottom portion, and is in communication with the outside via an opening portion 41. When the liquid storage container 40 is assembled to the manifold 1 to form the receiver module 100, the internal space 42 forms a storage space that serves as a receiver and stores the liquid-phase refrigerant separated into gas and liquid.

[0045] 1 to 3, the liquid storage container 40 according to the first embodiment is formed with flange portions 43. The flange portions 43 according to the first embodiment are formed at a plurality of locations on the opening 41 and protrude radially outward from the opening 41. In the liquid storage container 40 according to the first embodiment, the plurality of flange portions 43 each have a through-hole and are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction of the liquid storage container 40.

[0046] The flange portions 43 and through holes are evenly spaced in the circumferential direction in an arrangement corresponding to the bolt holes 24 formed in the underside of the manifold 1. Therefore, when the liquid storage container 40 is attached to the manifold 1 to form the receiver module 100, the through holes of the flange portions 43 are arranged coaxially with the bolt holes 24. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 3 , bolts 50 can be inserted into the bolt holes 24 while passing through the through holes of the flange portions 43, and the liquid storage container 40 can be fastened to the manifold 1 using the bolts 50.

[0047] In the first embodiment, a receiver module 100 configured by assembling a liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0048] The lid 20 of the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment is disposed so as to cover the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40, and has an inlet 12 and an outlet 13 in an area corresponding to the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 41. Therefore, according to the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment, when the receiver module 100 is configured together with the liquid storage container 40, the gas-liquid separation function of the receiver, which is a liquid storage device, can be ensured.

[0049] 3 and 4, the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment has a seal portion 30 that is arranged along the edge of the opening 41 when the liquid storage container 40 is attached. As a result, the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment can suppress refrigerant leakage through the gap between the manifold 1 and the liquid storage container 40 by the seal portion 30, and can fully ensure the liquid storage function as a receiver that is a liquid storage device.

[0050] Furthermore, the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment allows the liquid storage container 40 to be directly assembled to the manifold 1. Therefore, the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment ensures the performance of the receiver as a liquid storage container, and at the same time, it is possible to prevent the size in the height direction from increasing when the receiver module 100 is constructed.

[0051] In the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment, the surface of the lid 20 on which the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 are formed is displaced vertically to form the step 21, thereby forming an area corresponding to the amount of vertical displacement relative to the underside of the manifold 1. Therefore, with the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to use the area corresponding to the amount of vertical displacement to arrange a mechanism for ensuring the function as a reservoir, thereby suppressing an increase in size in the height direction and ensuring the functionality of the reservoir.

[0052] 3, with the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment, when the receiver module 100 is configured by assembling the liquid storage container 40, the outer side surface of the cylindrical step portion 21 can be made to face the inner side surface of the liquid storage container 40. As a result, the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment can utilize the area where the outer side surface of the step portion 21 faces the inner side surface of the liquid storage container 40, thereby suppressing an increase in size in the height direction and ensuring the functionality of the liquid storage container.

[0053] 2 to 4, in the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment, a recess 23 is formed in the center of the lid 20 by vertically recessing the surface on which the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 are formed. When the receiver module 100 is constructed by assembling the liquid storage container 40, the recess 23 is recessed in a direction away from the internal space 42 of the liquid storage container 40.

[0054] Therefore, when the receiver module 100 is configured using the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment, the space formed inside the receiver can be the internal space 42 of the liquid storage container 40 as well as the space inside the recess 23 of the manifold 1. When the receiver module 100 is configured using the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment, an increase in size in the height direction can be suppressed and at the same time, a storage space for the liquid-phase refrigerant in the storage container can be secured.

[0055] As described above, the first seal portion 31 is disposed on the outer portion of the base end of the cylindrical stepped portion 21 on the underside of the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, when the liquid storage container 40 is assembled to the manifold 1, the upper end of the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40 comes into close contact with the first seal portion 31. As a result, in the receiver module 100 according to the first embodiment, the first gap GA formed between the base end of the stepped portion 21 formed on the underside of the manifold 1 and the upper end of the liquid storage container 40 can be sealed with the first seal portion 31.

[0056] 3 , when the liquid storage container 40 is fixed to the manifold 1, the step portion 21 of the manifold 1 is inserted into the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40. That is, the outward-facing side surface 22 of the step portion 21 is disposed so as to face the inner side surface of the liquid storage container 40.

[0057] As described above, in the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment, the second seal portion 32 is disposed on the side surface 22 of the cylindrical stepped portion 21. Therefore, when the liquid storage container 40 is assembled to the manifold 1, the inner side surface of the liquid storage container 40 comes into close contact with the second seal portion 32. As a result, in the receiver module 100 according to the first embodiment, the second gap GB formed between the side surface 22 of the stepped portion 21 in the manifold 1 and the inner side surface of the liquid storage container 40 can be sealed by the second seal portion 32.

[0058] In the first embodiment, when the receiver module 100 is constructed by assembling the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1, the second seal portion 32 and the first seal portion 31 are arranged in this order on the path from the internal space 42 to the outside of the liquid storage container 40.

[0059] In other words, since the gaps that serve as leakage paths for the refrigerant from the internal space 42 to the outside of the receiver module 100 can be doubly sealed, the receiver module 100 of the first embodiment can reliably prevent the refrigerant from leaking from inside the receiver.

[0060] 1 to 3, in the first embodiment, when assembling the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1 to form the receiver module 100, the liquid storage container 40 is fixed using bolts 50 via the bolt holes 24 of the manifold 1 and through holes formed in the flange portion 43. In other words, with the manifold 1 according to the first embodiment, the liquid storage container 40 can be fixed to the manifold 1 by a simple and easy method using the bolts 50, which reduces the workload when assembling the receiver module 100 compared to when the liquid storage container 40 is fixed by welding or the like.

[0061] As described above, the manifold 1 and receiver module 100 according to the first embodiment have the lid portion 20 of the manifold 1, and therefore when the receiver module 100 is constructed, the gas-liquid separation function of the receiver, which is a liquid storage container, can be ensured.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the manifold 1 and receiver module 100 of the first embodiment, the manifold 1 has the seal portion 30. Therefore, when the manifold 1 and the liquid storage container 40 constitute the receiver module 100, leakage of refrigerant from inside the receiver can be suppressed, and the liquid storage function of the receiver can be fully ensured.

[0063] Furthermore, with the manifold 1 and receiver module 100 according to the first embodiment, because they are configured as described above, it is possible to directly assemble the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1. As a result, the manifold 1 and receiver module 100 according to the first embodiment can ensure the performance of the receiver as a liquid storage container, while also preventing the receiver module 100 from becoming too large in height when constructed.

[0064] Furthermore, in the manifold 1 and receiver module 100 according to the first embodiment, a step portion 21 is formed by vertically displacing the surface on which the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 are formed, thereby forming an area corresponding to the amount of vertical displacement relative to the lower surface of the manifold 1. Therefore, with the manifold 1 and receiver module 100 according to the first embodiment, a mechanism for ensuring the function as a reservoir can be disposed using the area corresponding to the amount of vertical displacement, thereby suppressing an increase in size in the height direction and ensuring the functionality of the reservoir.

[0065] In the first embodiment, when the receiver module 100 is constructed by assembling the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1, the outer side surface of the cylindrical step portion 21 can face the inner side surface of the liquid storage container 40. As a result, the manifold 1 and receiver module 100 according to the first embodiment can utilize the area where the outer side surface of the step portion 21 faces the inner side surface of the liquid storage container 40, thereby suppressing an increase in size in the height direction and improving the functionality of the liquid storage container.

[0066] According to the manifold 1 and receiver module 100 of the first embodiment, the recess 23 is formed in the center portion of the lid 20, and therefore, when the receiver module 100 is constructed, the recess 23 is recessed in a direction away from the internal space 42 of the liquid storage container 40. Therefore, according to the manifold 1 and receiver module 100 of the first embodiment, by utilizing the interior of the recess 23 and the internal space 42, it is possible to suppress an increase in size in the height direction and at the same time ensure a storage space for the liquid-phase refrigerant in the liquid storage container.

[0067] Furthermore, with the manifold 1 and receiver module 100 according to the first embodiment, when the receiver module 100 is constructed, the second seal portion 32 and the first seal portion 31 can be arranged in this order on the path from the internal space 42 to the outside of the liquid storage container 40. In other words, at least one seal portion can be arranged in the gap that serves as a leakage path for the refrigerant from the internal space 42 to the outside of the receiver module 100, thereby reliably preventing the refrigerant from leaking from inside the receiver.

[0068] In the first embodiment, when constructing the receiver module 100, the bolts 50 are used to fasten the receiver module 100 via the bolt holes 24 of the manifold 1 and the through holes formed in the flange portion 43. That is, with the manifold 1 and receiver module 100 according to the first embodiment, the liquid storage container 40 can be fastened to the manifold 1 by a simple and easy method using the bolts 50. That is, compared to when fastening the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1 by welding or the like, the workload when constructing the receiver module 100 can be reduced.

[0069] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment, which differs from the above-described embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the positional relationship between the step portion 21 of the manifold 1 and the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40. Therefore, the step portion 21 of the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment and the related configuration will be described in detail. The other configurations of the manifold 1 and the receiver module 100 are the same as those of the first embodiment, so a repeated description will be omitted.

[0070] 5 to 7, the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment has a main body 10, similar to the first embodiment, and refrigerant flow paths 11 are formed inside the main body 10 and are connected to an inlet 12 and an outlet 13. Also, a lid 20 is formed on the lower surface of the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment.

[0071] A step portion 21 is formed on the lower surface of the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment. The step portion 21 according to the second embodiment is formed by recessing a portion of the lower surface of the manifold 1 that comes into contact with the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40 vertically upward from the lower surface of the manifold 1.

[0072] Therefore, the step portion 21 according to the second embodiment is disposed on the lower surface of the manifold 1 in an area outside the portion that contacts the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the inner side surface of the step portion 21 becomes the side surface 22.

[0073] In the manifold 1 of the second embodiment, a recess 23 is formed by recessing the area of ​​the underside of the manifold 1 that is inside the part that comes into contact with the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40 vertically upward from the underside of the manifold 1.

[0074] In the second embodiment, the portion of the lower surface of the manifold 1 that contacts the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40 and the region inside the portion that contacts the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40 are formed to be located on the same plane, but this is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the manifold 1 so that there is a difference in height between the portion that contacts the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40 and the region inside the portion that contacts the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40.

[0075] 7, a manifold 1 according to the second embodiment is provided with a seal portion 30, which includes a first seal portion 31 and a second seal portion 32. The first seal portion 31 according to the second embodiment is provided around the entire periphery of the stepped portion 21 on the underside of the manifold 1 that constitutes the inner portion at the base end of the stepped portion 21. The second seal portion 32 according to the second embodiment is provided around the entire periphery of the stepped portion 21 on the side surface 22 that is located radially inward of the stepped portion 21.

[0076] 6, in the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment, bolt holes 24 are formed at multiple locations on the underside of the stepped portion 21. That is, the bolt holes 24 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction in an area of ​​the underside of the manifold 1 that is outside the portion that contacts the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40. When attaching the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1, bolts 50 are inserted into the bolt holes 24, as in the first embodiment.

[0077] The liquid storage container 40 according to the second embodiment is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment described above, except for the arrangement of the flange portion 43. That is, the liquid storage container 40 according to the second embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and has a cylindrical body portion, a bottom portion that is closed at one end, and an opening 41 located at one end of the body portion.

[0078] A flange portion 43 is formed on the body of the liquid storage container 40 according to the second embodiment. The flange portion 43 according to the second embodiment is formed so as to protrude radially outward from the outer side surface of the liquid storage container 40 at a position spaced from the upper end surface of the opening 41 by an amount corresponding to the height difference of the stepped portion 21 according to the second embodiment. The flange portion 43 is formed around the entire circumference of the liquid storage container 40, which has a bottomed cylindrical shape. Therefore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the liquid storage container 40 is assembled to the manifold 1, the upper surface of the flange portion 43 is positioned so as to be close to the lower surface of the stepped portion 21.

[0079] A plurality of through holes are formed in the flange portion 43 of the liquid storage container 40 of the second embodiment, and are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction of the liquid storage container 40. The through holes formed in the flange portion 43 are arranged corresponding to the bolt holes 24 formed in the lower surface of the manifold 1, and are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0080] Therefore, when the receiver module 100 is constructed by attaching the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1, each through-hole can be arranged coaxially with the bolt hole 24. Therefore, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the bolts 50 can be inserted into the bolt holes 24 while passing through the respective through-holes in the flange portion 43, and the liquid storage container 40 can be fastened and fixed to the manifold 1 using the bolts 50.

[0081] Next, the state in which the receiver module 100 is configured by assembling the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0082] As in the first embodiment, the lid portion 20 of the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment is disposed so as to cover the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40, and has an inlet 12 and an outlet 13 in an area corresponding to the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 41. Therefore, when the receiver module 100 is configured, the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment can ensure the gas-liquid separation function of the receiver, which is a liquid storage container.

[0083] 7, the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment has a seal portion 30 that is arranged along the edge of the opening 41 when the liquid storage container 40 is attached. As a result, the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment can suppress refrigerant leakage through the gap between the manifold 1 and the liquid storage container 40 by the seal portion 30, and can fully ensure the liquid storage function as a receiver that is a liquid storage device.

[0084] Furthermore, in the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment, the liquid storage container 40 can be directly assembled to the manifold 1. Therefore, the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment can ensure the performance of the receiver as a liquid storage container, while suppressing an increase in the height size when the receiver module 100 is constructed.

[0085] In the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment, the surface of the lid 20 on which the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 are formed is displaced vertically to form the step 21, thereby creating an area corresponding to the amount of vertical displacement relative to the underside of the manifold 1. Therefore, with the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to use the area corresponding to the amount of vertical displacement to arrange a mechanism for ensuring the function as a reservoir, thereby suppressing an increase in size in the height direction and simultaneously ensuring the functionality of the reservoir.

[0086] 7, with the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment, when the receiver module 100 is configured by assembling the liquid storage container 40, the inner side surface of the step portion 21 can be made to face the outer side surface of the liquid storage container 40. As a result, the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment can utilize the area where the inner side surface of the step portion 21 faces the outer side surface of the liquid storage container 40, thereby suppressing an increase in size in the height direction and ensuring the functionality of the liquid storage container.

[0087] 5 to 7 , in the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment, a recess 23 is formed in the center of the lid 20 by vertically recessing the surface on which the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 are formed. When the receiver module 100 is constructed by assembling the liquid storage container 40, the recess 23 is recessed in a direction away from the internal space 42 of the liquid storage container 40.

[0088] Therefore, when the receiver module 100 according to the second embodiment is configured, the space formed inside the receiver can be the internal space 42 of the liquid storage container 40 as well as the space inside the recess 23 of the manifold 1. When the receiver module 100 according to the second embodiment is configured, the manifold 1 can suppress an increase in size in the height direction and ensure a storage space for the liquid-phase refrigerant in the storage container.

[0089] As described above, the first seal 31 is disposed on the underside of the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment, at the inner portion of the base end of the stepped portion 21. Therefore, when the liquid storage container 40 is assembled to the manifold 1, the upper end of the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40 comes into close contact with the first seal 31. As a result, in the receiver module 100 according to the second embodiment, the first gap GA formed between the base end of the stepped portion 21 formed on the underside of the manifold 1 and the upper end of the liquid storage container 40 can be sealed with the first seal 31.

[0090] 7 and other figures, when the liquid storage container 40 is fixed to the manifold 1, the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40 is inserted into the inside of the stepped portion 21 of the manifold 1. In other words, the side surface 22 facing inward of the stepped portion 21 is arranged to face the outer surface of the liquid storage container 40.

[0091] As described above, in the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment, the second seal portion 32 is disposed on the side surface 22 of the stepped portion 21. Therefore, when the liquid storage container 40 is assembled to the manifold 1, the outer side surface of the liquid storage container 40 comes into close contact with the second seal portion 32. As a result, in the receiver module 100 according to the second embodiment, the second gap GB formed between the side surface 22 of the stepped portion 21 in the manifold 1 and the outer side surface of the liquid storage container 40 can be sealed by the second seal portion 32.

[0092] In the second embodiment, when a liquid storage container 40 is assembled to the manifold 1 to form a receiver module 100, a first seal portion 31 and a second seal portion 32 are arranged in this order on the path from the internal space 42 to the outside of the liquid storage container 40.

[0093] In other words, since the gaps that serve as leakage paths for the refrigerant from the internal space 42 to the outside of the receiver module 100 can be doubly sealed, the receiver module 100 of the second embodiment can reliably prevent the refrigerant from leaking from inside the receiver.

[0094] 5 to 7 , in the second embodiment, when assembling the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1, the liquid storage container 40 is fixed using bolts 50 via the bolt holes 24 of the manifold 1 and through holes formed in the flange portion 43. In other words, with the manifold 1 according to the second embodiment, the liquid storage container 40 can be fixed to the manifold 1 by a simple and easy method using the bolts 50, which reduces the workload when constructing the receiver module 100 compared to when fixing by welding or the like.

[0095] As described above, according to the manifold 1 and receiver module 100 of the second embodiment, even if the method of assembling the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1 is different, the same functional effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained from the same configuration and operation.

[0096] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment, which differs from the above-described embodiments, will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In the third embodiment, the method of fixing the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1 differs from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the configuration relating to the mutual fixation of the manifold 1 and the liquid storage container 40 according to the third embodiment will be described in detail. Since the other configurations relating to the manifold 1 and the liquid storage container 40 are the same as those of the first embodiment, repeated description will be omitted.

[0097] 8, the manifold 1 according to the third embodiment, like the first embodiment, has a refrigerant flow path 11 connected to an inlet 12 and an outlet 13 inside a main body 10, and has a lid 20 and a seal 30 on its underside. The lid 20 is composed of a stepped portion 21 and a recess 23 formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0098] As in the first embodiment, the seal portion 30 is composed of a first seal portion 31 and a second seal portion 32. As in the first embodiment described above, the first seal portion 31 according to the third embodiment is disposed on the underside of the manifold 1 at the outer portion of the base end of the cylindrical stepped portion 21. As shown in FIG. 8 , when the liquid storage container 40 is assembled to the manifold 1, the upper end of the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40 comes into close contact with the first seal portion 31.

[0099] As a result, the receiver module 100 of the third embodiment can seal the first gap GA formed between the base end of the step portion 21 formed on the underside of the manifold 1 and the upper end of the liquid storage container 40 with the first sealing portion 31.

[0100] The second seal portion 32 according to the third embodiment is disposed on the side surface 22 that constitutes the outer side surface of the cylindrical stepped portion 21. As shown in Fig. 8, when the liquid storage container 40 is fixed to the manifold 1, the stepped portion 21 of the manifold 1 is inserted into the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40, so that the inner side surface of the liquid storage container 40 comes into close contact with the second seal portion 32.

[0101] As a result, the receiver module 100 of the third embodiment can seal the second gap GB formed between the side surface 22 corresponding to the outer side surface of the step portion 21 formed on the underside of the manifold 1 and the inner side surface of the liquid storage container 40 with the second sealing portion 32.

[0102] Here, in the third embodiment, a male thread portion 25 is formed on the side surface 22 of the cylindrical stepped portion 21 in addition to the second seal portion 32. The male thread portion 25 according to the third embodiment is arranged below the second seal portion 32 on the side surface 22 of the cylindrical stepped portion 21. The male thread portion 25 cooperates with a female thread portion 45 of the liquid storage container 40, which will be described later, to form a screw mechanism for attaching the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1.

[0103] The liquid storage container 40 according to the third embodiment is formed with a female thread portion 45. The female thread portion 45 is formed on the inner side surface of the opening 41 of the liquid storage container 40, at a position away from the upper end of the liquid storage container 40. As described above, the female thread portion 45 cooperates with the male thread portion 25 of the manifold 1 to form a screw mechanism for attaching the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1.

[0104] 8, when the receiver module 100 is constructed by assembling the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1 according to the third embodiment, the female thread portion 45 is positioned opposite the male thread portion 25 of the stepped portion 21. At this time, the upper end surface of the liquid storage container 40 is close to the lower surface of the manifold 1 and is in close contact with the first seal portion 31.

[0105] In the third embodiment, when assembling the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1 to form the receiver module 100, the liquid storage container 40 is fixed using a screw mechanism consisting of the male thread portion 25 of the manifold 1 and the female thread portion 45 of the liquid storage container 40. In other words, with the manifold 1 according to the third embodiment, the liquid storage container 40 can be fixed to the manifold 1 by a simple and easy method using a screw mechanism, which reduces the workload when assembling the receiver module 100 compared to when fixing by welding or the like.

[0106] As described above, according to the manifold 1 and receiver module 100 of the third embodiment, even when the liquid storage container 40 is fixed to the manifold 1 with a screw mechanism, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiments can be obtained from the same configuration and operation.

[0107] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made as follows within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, the reservoir of the reservoir manifold and the reservoir-equipped module according to the present disclosure is applied to a receiver that separates gas and liquid from high-pressure refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle and stores the liquid-phase refrigerant, but this is not limited to this embodiment. The reservoir of the reservoir manifold and the reservoir-equipped module according to the present disclosure can be used in various embodiments as long as it is a reservoir that stores liquid-phase refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle. For example, the reservoir manifold and the reservoir-equipped module according to the present disclosure can be applied to an accumulator that separates gas and liquid from low-pressure refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle and stores the liquid-phase refrigerant.

[0109] In the above-described embodiment, the receiver module 100 including a receiver is configured by attaching the liquid storage container 40 to the manifold 1, but this is not limited to this. That is, the object to be attached to the manifold 1 is not limited to a liquid storage container such as a receiver, and various other components of the refrigeration cycle can be attached in addition to a liquid storage container. Examples of other components that can be attached to the manifold 1 include heat exchangers such as a condenser and an evaporator, valve devices such as an expansion valve and an on-off valve, and a compressor.

[0110] In the above-described embodiment, the gap between the manifold 1 and the liquid storage container 40 is sealed by forming the first seal portion 31 and the second seal portion 32 in the first gap GA and the second gap GB of the receiver module 100, respectively, but this is not limited to this. For example, the gap between the manifold 1 and the liquid storage container 40 may be sealed by forming either the first seal portion 31 for sealing the first gap GA or the second seal portion 32 for sealing the second gap GB.

[0111] The features of the liquid reservoir manifold and the liquid reservoir-equipped module disclosed in this specification are as follows: (Item 1) A liquid reservoir manifold used in a module to which a liquid reservoir that separates gas and liquid refrigerants circulating in a refrigeration cycle and stores excess refrigerant is assembled, and having a refrigerant flow path (11) through which the refrigerant flows, the manifold (1) having: a lid portion (20) formed to cover an opening (41) of a liquid reservoir (40) that constitutes a container for storing excess refrigerant in the liquid reservoir, and configured to include, on a cross-sectional area corresponding to the opening of the liquid reservoir, an inlet (12) through which the refrigerant flows into the liquid reservoir and another outlet (13) through which the refrigerant flows out of the liquid reservoir; and a seal portion (30) that seals gaps (GA, GB) between the manifold and the liquid reservoir around the opening of the liquid reservoir. (Item 2) The manifold for a liquid reservoir according to Item 1, wherein the manifold (1) has a step portion (21) formed by vertically displacing a surface of the lid portion (20) on which the inlet (12) and the outlet (13) are formed. (Item 3) The manifold for a liquid reservoir according to Item 2, wherein the step portion (21) has a side surface (22) extending perpendicular to the surface of the lid portion (20) on which the inlet (12) and the outlet (13) are formed, the side surface facing a side surface of the liquid storage container (40) when the manifold (1) and the liquid storage container (40) are assembled. (Item 4) The manifold for a liquid reservoir according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the lid portion (20) has a recess (23) formed by recessing the surface on which the inlet (12) and the outlet (13) are formed in a direction away from the interior of the liquid storage container when assembled to the liquid storage container (40).(Item 5) The manifold for a liquid reservoir according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein, when the manifold (1) and the liquid storage container (40) are assembled, a gap formed between an opening edge of the liquid storage container and the lid portion (20) of the manifold is defined as a first gap (GA), and when the manifold and the liquid storage container are assembled, a gap formed between a side surface of the liquid storage container and the manifold is defined as a second gap (GB), the sealing portion (30) seals the gap between the manifold and the liquid storage container in at least one of the first gap and the second gap. (Item 6) The manifold for a liquid reservoir according to any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein the manifold (1) is fixed to the liquid storage container (40) using bolts (50) when the manifold and the liquid storage container (40) are assembled. (Item 7) A module (100) with a liquid reservoir assembled thereto, which separates gas and liquid refrigerants circulating in a refrigeration cycle and stores excess refrigerant, comprising: a manifold (1) having a refrigerant flow path (11) through which the refrigerant flows; and a liquid reservoir (40) having an opening (41) open on one side and constituting a container for storing excess refrigerant, wherein the manifold has: a lid portion (20) formed to cover the opening of the liquid reservoir constituting a container for storing excess refrigerant in the liquid reservoir, and configured to include, on a cross-sectional area corresponding to the opening of the liquid reservoir, an inlet (12) through which the refrigerant flows into the liquid reservoir and an outlet (13) through which the refrigerant flows out of the liquid reservoir; and a seal portion (30) around the opening of the liquid reservoir that seals gaps (GA, GB) between the manifold and the liquid reservoir.

[0112] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and equivalent modifications. In addition, various combinations and forms, including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A manifold used in a module to which a liquid receiver for separating the gas and liquid of a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle and storing surplus refrigerant is assembled, the manifold for the liquid receiver having a refrigerant flow path (11) through which the refrigerant flows, wherein the manifold (1) is formed to cover an opening (41) of a liquid storage container (40) that constitutes a container for storing surplus refrigerant in the liquid receiver, and on a cross-sectional area corresponding to the opening of the liquid storage container, an end portion of the refrigerant flow path is formed, and the manifold includes an inlet (12) through which the refrigerant flows into the liquid storage container, and another end portion of the refrigerant flow path, and an outlet (13) through which the refrigerant flows out of the liquid storage container, and a lid portion (20) configured to include them; and a seal portion (30) that seals a gap (GA, GB) between the manifold and the liquid storage container around the opening of the liquid storage container. A manifold for a liquid receiver having these.

2. The manifold for a liquid receiver according to claim 1, wherein the manifold (1) has a stepped portion (21) configured by displacing in a vertical direction a surface on which the inlet (12) and the outlet (13) in the lid portion (20) are formed.

3. The stepped portion (21) has a side surface (22) extending in a direction perpendicular to a surface on which the inlet (12) and the outlet (13) in the lid portion (20) are formed, and the side surface faces a side surface of the liquid storage container when the manifold (1) and the liquid storage container (40) are assembled. The manifold for a liquid receiver according to claim 2.

4. The lid portion (20) has a recess (23) in which a surface on which the inlet (12) and the outlet (13) are formed is recessed in a direction away from the inside of the liquid storage container when assembled to the liquid storage container (40). The manifold for a liquid receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When the manifold (1) and the liquid storage container (40) are assembled, the gap formed between the opening edge of the liquid storage container and the lid portion (20) in the manifold is defined as a first gap (GA), and when the manifold and the liquid storage container are assembled, the gap formed between the side surface of the liquid storage container and the manifold is defined as a second gap (GB). In this case, the seal portion (30) seals the gap between the manifold and the liquid storage container in at least one of the first gap and the second gap. The manifold for a liquid storage device according to claim 1.

6. The manifold (1) is fixed to the liquid storage container using bolts (50) when assembling the manifold and the liquid storage container (40). The manifold for a liquid storage device according to claim 1.

7. A module (100) with a liquid storage device, in which a liquid storage device for separating the gas and liquid of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle and storing the excess refrigerant is assembled. The module includes a manifold (1) having a refrigerant flow path (11) through which the refrigerant flows, and a liquid storage container (40) having an opening (41) with one side open and constituting a container for storing the excess refrigerant. The manifold is formed to cover the opening of the liquid storage container that constitutes the container for storing the excess refrigerant in the liquid storage device, and on the cross-sectional area corresponding to the opening of the liquid storage container, it constitutes the end portion of the refrigerant flow path. It includes an inlet (12) through which the refrigerant flows into the liquid storage container and an outlet (13) that constitutes another end portion of the refrigerant flow path and through which the refrigerant flows out of the liquid storage container. The manifold also has a lid portion (20) configured as such, and a seal portion (30) that seals the gap (GA, GB) between the manifold and the liquid storage container around the opening of the liquid storage container. The module with a liquid storage device.

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