Refrigerant distributor for a refrigerant circuit, refrigerant circuit, and machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigerant distributor (100) for a refrigerant circuit (200), comprising a material block (101), the material block (101) being designed to be rigidly mechanically coupled to a compressor (210) and to at least one heat exchanger (220, 221) of the refrigerant circuit (200), the material block (101) having one or more fastening points (120, 140) which are designed to mechanically fasten the material block (101) to an external frame, and a refrigerant reservoir (110) in the form of a bore being provided in the material block (101). The invention also relates to a refrigerant circuit (200) comprising such a refrigerant distributor (100) and to a machine, in particular a vehicle, comprising such a refrigerant circuit (200).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Refrigerant distributor for a refrigerant circuit, refrigerant circuit and machine

[0004] The present invention relates to a refrigerant distributor for a refrigerant circuit, as well as a corresponding refrigerant circuit and a machine, in particular a vehicle, with such a refrigerant circuit.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Typical refrigerant circuits comprise, in addition to a compressor for compressing a suitable refrigerant, a first heat exchanger (e.g., air-cooled and / or liquid-cooled) for dissipating the heat of compression and for at least partially condensing the compressed refrigerant, and a second heat exchanger for heating and re-evaporating the refrigerant before it is returned to the compressor. An expansion valve is typically located between the first and second heat exchangers to expand the compressed (and possibly partially condensed) refrigerant. Depending on the specific application, such a refrigerant circuit can be used as a heat source and / or a heat sink. Useful heat can be extracted from the first heat exchanger and / or waste heat can be supplied to the second heat exchanger (or "useful cooling" can be extracted).The various components (first heat exchanger, expansion valve, second heat exchanger, compressor) can be fluidically connected to each other via pipes.

[0007] The first and / or second heat exchanger can be mounted separately from the compressor and connected to it via pipes or hoses. Typically, the compressor can be vibration-isolated from other components of the refrigerant circuit and / or any apparatus in which the refrigerant circuit is used, for example, by means of dedicated damping elements (e.g., rubber feet).

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] According to the invention, a refrigerant distributor for a refrigerant circuit, as well as a refrigerant circuit and a machine with such a refrigerant distributor, are proposed, having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0010] The refrigerant distributor according to the invention comprises a material block designed to be rigidly mechanically coupled to the compressor and to at least one heat exchanger. The material block has one or more mounting points designed to mechanically attach the refrigerant distributor to an external frame. Furthermore, a refrigerant reservoir in the form of a bore is provided in the material block.

[0011] By combining different functions in the refrigerant distributor—namely, a mounting function and at least one refrigerant storage function—components can be saved, thus significantly simplifying the assembly of the refrigerant circuit compared to conventional individual components. At the same time, hose lines become at least partially obsolete, allowing the required volume of refrigerant to be reduced or minimized to an absolute minimum. This is particularly advantageous when using refrigerants that pose a potential hazard. For example, propane (R290) or propane-based refrigerants can be used, which are highly flammable and therefore represent a fire hazard in the event of a leak, for example, in the automotive sector.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, a filter and / or dryer is integrated into the refrigerant storage tank, designed to remove impurities, particularly water, from the refrigerant. This allows the quality of the refrigerant and thus the functionality of the cooling circuit to be maintained for a longer period. Further integration of a filter function into the refrigerant distributor allows for the elimination of additional components and connections, as well as a reduction in volume and leakage.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the material block features a first through-hole, which serves as an inlet for the refrigerant storage. This allows for the particularly efficient elimination of one or more hose connections, which in turn reduces the required refrigerant volume and / or leakage.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the material block features a second through-hole designed as a valve seat for an expansion valve. The direct integration of the expansion valve into the refrigerant distributor represents an even deeper integration, which in turn reduces the required refrigerant volume and / or leakage.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the material block has a third bore, which is designed as a valve outlet for the expansion valve, which in turn reduces the required refrigerant volume and / or leakage.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, a vibration damper is integrated into one or more of the mounting points. This allows for easy assembly of the entire refrigerant circuit, as it can essentially be attached to the frame as a whole using the mounting points, enabling the refrigerant circuit to be pre-assembled and supplied as a single unit. The direct integration of the vibration dampers allows them to be specifically tuned to the vibration characteristics of the compressor.

[0017] In particular, the vibration damper can comprise or consist essentially of an elastomer. This allows for effective vibration damping. In at least one embodiment, the one or more mounting points each have a sleeve-shaped receptacle. In particular, the one or more mounting points and / or the vibration damper can be designed, for example, with a central opening, to receive a fastener (e.g., a bolt or screw) for mounting the refrigerant distributor to the external frame. The vibration damper can be arranged within the sleeve-shaped receptacle(s) (or within the one or more mounting points). In particular, the vibration damper can prevent direct contact between the fastener and the mounting point.This enables precise positioning while simultaneously decoupling vibrations, thus further simplifying assembly.

[0018] In particular, the vibration damper can have one or more damping elements concentric with the respective sleeve-shaped receptacle of the mounting point, which can be hollow cylindrical in shape. This is a particularly cost-effective solution to manufacture and install.

[0019] Regardless of its specific design, a vibration damper can incorporate a centrally located (e.g., metallic) guide sleeve to accommodate the fastener, such as a bolt or screw. This reduces wear on the vibration damper and stabilizes the position of the fastener.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the vibration damper is crimped to one or more mounting points. This ensures the vibration damper is fixed in place and therefore cannot slip or fall out during installation.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the one or more mounting points include at least one mounting point that is axially aligned with respect to the direction of rotation of the compressor. Alignment here refers to the direction of the force exerted on the mounting point when the refrigerant distributor and the external frame are connected. If a mounting sleeve serves as the mounting point, this also corresponds to a mounting direction (e.g., the central axis of the sleeve).

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the one or more mounting points include at least one mounting point that is radially and / or tangentially oriented with respect to the compressor's direction of rotation. This means that the direction of force or mounting direction (e.g., the central axis of a mounting sleeve) is perpendicular to the compressor's axis of rotation. In particular, the mounting direction of the radially or tangentially oriented mounting point is also perpendicular to a principal plane of extension of the refrigerant distributor.

[0023] This allows compressor vibrations to be dampened in the most relevant directions, with the vibration dampers primarily subjected to compression and extension, while shear and / or torsional loads are reduced. This enables a particularly precise design of the vibration dampers and increases their service life.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, one or more fastening points each have a bore in the material block, or the sleeve-shaped receptacle is formed by such a bore.

[0025] In particular, the material block can consist entirely or partially of a metal or metal alloy, for example, containing aluminum, copper, or steel. This allows the refrigerant distributor to be precisely adapted to the geometry of the components it is to support and the corresponding stability requirements.

[0026] The refrigerant circuit according to the invention comprises a compressor, at least one heat exchanger, and a refrigerant distributor according to the invention, wherein the refrigerant distributor is rigidly mechanically coupled to the compressor and the at least one heat exchanger. Thus, the refrigerant circuit benefits analogously from the advantages of the refrigerant distributor.

[0027] To attach the compressor and / or at least one heat exchanger to the refrigerant distributor, the refrigerant distributor has compressor mountings and / or heat exchanger mountings. These may include threaded holes or sleeves designed to accommodate appropriate fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, or the like) for securing the respective component (compressor or at least one heat exchanger) to the refrigerant distributor. This allows for a mechanically rigid connection between the refrigerant distributor and the compressor or heat exchanger. This has a particularly positive effect on the leak tightness of the refrigerant circuit, as existing sealing points are subjected to only minimal relative vibrations, while the refrigerant circuit as a whole can vibrate relative to its surroundings, since the vibration dampers possess a certain degree of predetermined flexibility.

[0028] It is also advantageous to mount other components, e.g. expansion valve, dryer and / or filter, on the refrigerant distributor.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, the center of mass of the refrigerant circuit lies within a plane that passes through one or more mounting points. This plane can, in particular, be identical to the main extension plane of the refrigerant distributor mentioned above. As a result, the vibration dampers are essentially only subjected to the mass of the refrigerant circuit and its vibrations, and not additionally to a leverage effect, as would be the case with an off-center mounting.

[0030] A machine according to the invention, which may in particular be designed as a vehicle, has a refrigerant circuit according to the invention and at least one component to be tempered, which is connected to the at least one heat exchanger, such as a battery or a cabin, wherein the refrigerant circuit is attached to a frame of the machine in a vibration-damped manner by means of one or more attachment points of the refrigerant distributor.

[0031] The machine's frame can, for example, be a structural component that provides the machine with mechanical stability. For instance, in a vehicle application, the refrigerant circuit might be attached to a part of the vehicle's frame, such as the chassis or the undercarriage.

[0032] For such fastening, non-destructive reversible connection techniques, such as screw connections, can be used. A bolt or screw can be inserted through each of the fastening points and screwed to the machine frame. The vibration damper is positioned in such a way as to prevent direct contact between the refrigerant distributor and the machine frame. Specifically, all mechanical forces acting between the refrigerant distributor (or refrigerant circuit) and the machine frame are transmitted via the vibration dampers to achieve the most complete possible decoupling of vibrations.

[0033] This allows for simple integration of the refrigerant circuit into the machine. Specifically, this only requires an arrangement of fixing points on a machine frame corresponding to the spatial arrangement of the one or more mounting points, as well as a corresponding connection of the at least one component to be cooled to the at least one heat exchanger.

[0034] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawing.

[0035] The invention is schematically illustrated in the drawing using an exemplary embodiment and is described below with reference to the drawing. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] Figure 1a schematically shows a refrigerant distributor according to an embodiment of the invention based on a sketch from a first perspective.

[0037] Figure 1b shows the refrigerant distributor from Fig. 1a with internal structure from a side view.

[0038] Figure 1c shows the refrigerant distributor from Fig. 1a with internal structure from a frontal view.

[0039] Figure 2 schematically shows the refrigerant distributor from Figure 1a based on a sketch in a sectional view.

[0040] Figure 3 schematically shows an embodiment of a refrigerant circuit according to the invention based on a perspective exploded view from a first direction.

[0041] Figure 4 schematically shows the design of the refrigerant circuit from Figure 3 from a different direction.

[0042] embodiment(s) of the invention

[0043] Figures 1 and 2 schematically depict a refrigerant distributor according to an embodiment of the invention in different views, collectively designated 100. Figure 1a shows the refrigerant distributor 100 in a perspective view, Figure 1b shows its internal structure from a side view, Figure 1c shows its internal structure from a frontal view, and Figure 2 shows the refrigerant distributor 100 in a sectional view along lines AA in Figure 1a.

[0044] Figures 3 and 4 schematically depict a refrigerant circuit according to an embodiment of the invention, collectively designated as 200, with each figure showing an exploded view of the refrigerant circuit 200 from different directions. The figures are described together below.

[0045] The refrigerant circuit 200 comprises a refrigerant distributor 100, a compressor 210 for compressing a refrigerant, in particular one containing propane, a first heat exchanger 220, a second heat exchanger 221, one or more sensors 240, which are designed, for example, as temperature and / or pressure sensors and serve to provide data for controlling the refrigerant circuit, and an expansion valve 400. The compressor 210, the first heat exchanger 220, and the second heat exchanger 221 are supported by the refrigerant distributor 100 and are rigidly connected to it mechanically.

[0046] The compressor 210 is fluidly connected on the pressure side 210a to a refrigerant inlet 220a of the first heat exchanger 220 and on the suction side 210b to a refrigerant outlet (not visible) of the second heat exchanger 221. The first heat exchanger can also be referred to as a liquid-cooled condenser (LCC), while the second heat exchanger is also referred to as a chiller.

[0047] A refrigerant outlet (not visible) of the first heat exchanger 220 leads into an inlet connection 111a of the refrigerant distributor 100, which in turn leads directly into a refrigerant storage tank 110 for condensed refrigerant, so that in the operation of the refrigerant circuit 200, refrigerant from the first heat exchanger 220, in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 210 is cooled against a temperature control medium, e.g. water, oil or air and thereby at least partially condensed, is directed into the refrigerant storage tank 110.

[0048] The refrigerant distributor 100 is designed as a monolithic component, for example as a material block 101 (e.g., a metal block) with functional bores. The material block 101 forms a base body of the refrigerant distributor 100. The material block 101 can consist entirely or partially of a metal or a metal alloy, such as copper, iron, or aluminum, or an alloy of one or more of these metals, such as aluminum alloy, brass, bronze, steel, or the like.

[0049] The material block 101 has the refrigerant storage medium 110 in the form of a bore 110a. This can be, for example, a blind bore that is sealed on the surface, for example by a (e.g., metallic) plug 113, which can be welded to the material block 101. This prevents any potential leakage. The bore 110a runs parallel to a main extension plane of the material block 101, which in turn runs parallel to the section plane of Figure 2.

[0050] A filter and / or dryer 114 is installed in the refrigerant storage tank 110, which is designed to remove impurities, especially water, from the refrigerant.

[0051] Furthermore, at least one initial branch bore 111 is provided, which opens into bore 110a and forms the inlet connection 111a for the refrigerant storage tank 110. In the example shown, the first branch bore 111 runs perpendicularly, or substantially (within existing tolerances), to bore 110a.

[0052] It should be noted that within the scope of this description, geometric relationships are only to be understood as precisely as is necessary for the intended purpose and may lie within the range of usual or necessary tolerances.

[0053] A second pilot bore 170 is designed as a valve seat 170a for the expansion valve 400. The second pilot bore 170 has a decreasing diameter along its central axis, in particular in steps, which allows for the simple realization of a sealing seat for the expansion valve 400.

[0054] A third branch bore 171 is designed as a valve outlet 171a for the expansion valve 400. The second and third branch bores run perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to bore 110a.

[0055] A connecting bore 112 connects the refrigerant storage 110 to the valve seat 170a and is closed by the expansion valve 400.

[0056] By also implementing the inlet and outlet lines for the expansion valve 400 as bores in the material block 101, further sealing points and resulting leakage are avoided.

[0057] Another bore 115, which can also be part of the connecting bore 112, can be closed, for example, by means of a service port 410, which can be used to fill the refrigerant circuit 200 with refrigerant, for example propane (R290), and / or to replace the refrigerant or to adjust a suitable amount of refrigerant.

[0058] Downstream of the valve outlet 171a, an inlet 221a of the second heat exchanger 221 is connected, in which the refrigerant, expanded by means of the expansion valve 400, which can in particular be an expansion valve that can be controlled electrically or electronically, is heated against a (further) temperature control medium, e.g. water and / or a thermal oil, and is at least partially evaporated in the process, before it is directed from the second heat exchanger 221 back to the compressor 210.

[0059] The material block 101 also has integrated fastening points 120, 140. Each fastening point 120, 140 has a sleeve- or hollow-cylindrical receptacle (hereinafter also referred to as receptacle) 122 into which a vibration damper 130, for example a damping element in the form of an elastomer sleeve 131 concentric with the respective receptacle 122, is pressed. The receptacles 122 are designed as through-holes in the material block 101.

[0060] In the example shown, a guide sleeve 132 is arranged inside the elastomer sleeve 131. This guide sleeve can accommodate a bolt for attachment to an external frame (not shown), such as a vehicle chassis. A retaining sleeve can also be arranged outside the elastomer sleeve 131 within the receptacle 122.

[0061] As already mentioned, the compressor 210, the first heat exchanger 220, and the second heat exchanger 221 are supported by the refrigerant distributor 100. For this purpose, the material block 101 has compressor mountings 160 and heat exchanger mountings 150, which are designed to attach the compressor 210 and the first and second heat exchangers 220, 221, respectively, to the refrigerant distributor 100, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0062] In particular, the compressor mountings 160 and heat exchanger mountings 150 can have internal threads designed to receive corresponding screws 250, 260, by means of which the compressor 210 or the at least one heat exchanger 220 (or the heat exchanger unit) can be screwed to the refrigerant distributor 100. This places the refrigerant distributor, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, between the compressor 210 and the heat exchanger unit, so that the refrigerant distributor 100 is located at least near a center of mass of the refrigerant circuit 200. For example, the center of mass can lie within a plane defined by or passing through the three mounting points 120, 140 shown in this example. This is particularly advantageous because, in such a configuration, the vibration dampers 130 are loaded as symmetrically as possible and are subjected to minimal shear forces.This increases the service life of the 130 vibration dampers and improves the overall vibration damping.

[0063] In the example shown here, one of the mounting points 140 is aligned axially with respect to the direction of rotation of the compressor 210, while two mounting points 120 are aligned radially and tangentially with respect to the direction of rotation. As explained above, alignment refers to the direction of the force exerted on the mounting point when the refrigerant distributor and the external frame are connected. An axial alignment therefore means that a central axis of the hollow cylindrical mounting point 140 runs parallel to the axis of rotation of the compressor 210. In contrast, a radial or tangential alignment is rotated by 90 degrees; that is, the central axis of the hollow cylindrical mounting points 120 runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the compressor 210 and, in particular, also perpendicular to the plane spanned by the mounting points 120 and 140 (the principal extension plane of the refrigerant distributor).

[0064] This is advantageous because there is sufficient space in the relevant (axial and radial or tangential) directions for mounting the refrigerant circuit 200, for example in a vehicle, and moreover, the main vibrations of the compressor 210 during its operation are to be expected in these directions.

[0065] The refrigerant circuit 200 can be used in particular for temperature control of one or more components of a vehicle, such as a battery, a cabin, etc. In particular, heat can be extracted from the first heat exchanger 220, for example to heat a component of the vehicle, and / or heat can be supplied to the second heat exchanger 221, for example to cool a component of the vehicle.

[0066] It should be expressly emphasized here that the features of the refrigerant distributor 100 and the refrigerant circuit 200 described above can be used not only in the combination explained here, but also advantageously in other combinations and possibly even on their own. The combinations described here are therefore to be understood merely as examples for a better understanding of the invention, but are not intended to further restrict its design beyond the limitations specified in the claims.

[0067] The refrigerant can be, in particular, propane (R290), CO2 (R744), R-1234yf, or a refrigerant blend, preferably comprising propane. Preferably, it is a propane-containing refrigerant consisting, for example, of at least 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% propane.

Claims

Claims 1. Refrigerant distributor (100) for a refrigerant circuit (200), comprising a material block (101), wherein the material block (101) is configured to be rigidly mechanically coupled to a compressor (210) and to at least one heat exchanger (220, 221) of the refrigerant circuit (200), wherein the material block (101) has one or more attachment points (120, 140) which are configured to mechanically attach the material block (101) to an external frame, wherein a refrigerant storage element (110) in the form of a bore is provided in the material block (101).

2. Refrigerant distributor (100) according to claim 1, wherein a vibration damper (130) is integrated into each of the one or more mounting points (120, 140).

3. Refrigerant distributor (100) according to claim 2, wherein the one or more attachment points (120, 140) each have a sleeve-shaped receptacle (122) and wherein the vibration damper (130) is arranged inside the sleeve-shaped receptacle (122).

4. Refrigerant distributor (100) according to claim 3, wherein the vibration damper (130) has one or more damping elements (131) concentric with the sleeve-shaped receptacle (122) of the respective mounting point (120, 140).

5. Refrigerant distributor (100) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the one or more attachment points (120, 140) and / or the vibration damper (130), in particular each with a central opening, are designed to receive a fastening means for mounting the refrigerant distributor (100) on the external frame.

6. Refrigerant distributor (100) according to claim 5, wherein the vibration damper (130) has a centrally arranged guide sleeve (132) for the fastening means.

7. Refrigerant distributor (100) according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the vibration damper (130) is pressed onto the respective mounting point (120, 140).

8. Refrigerant distributor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more mounting points (120, 140) comprise at least one mounting point (140) which is axially aligned with respect to a direction of rotation of the compressor (210), and / or wherein the one or more mounting points (120, 140) comprise at least one mounting point (120) which is radially and / or tangentially aligned with respect to a direction of rotation of the compressor (210).

9. Refrigerant distributor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more attachment points (120, 140) each have a bore in the material block (101).

10. Refrigerant distributor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a filter and / or dryer (114) is installed in the refrigerant storage (110) which is designed to remove impurities, in particular water, from the refrigerant.

11. Refrigerant distributor (100) according to claim 10, wherein the material block (101) has a first puncture bore (111) which is configured as an inlet bore (111a) for the refrigerant storage (110).

12. Refrigerant distributor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the material block (101) has a second bore (170) configured as a valve seat (170a) for an expansion valve (400), and / or has a third bore (171) which is designed as a valve outlet (171a) for the expansion valve (400).

13. Refrigerant circuit (200) comprising a compressor (210), at least one heat exchanger (220, 221) and a refrigerant distributor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the refrigerant distributor (100) is mechanically rigidly coupled to the compressor (210) and the at least one heat exchanger (220, 221).

14. Refrigerant circuit (200) according to claim 13, wherein a center of mass of the refrigerant circuit (200) lies within a plane passing through one or more attachment points (120, 140).

15. Machine, in particular vehicle, with a refrigerant circuit (200) according to claim 13 or 14 and at least one component to be tempered, which is connected to the at least one heat exchanger (220, 221), wherein the refrigerant circuit (200) is attached to a frame of the machine in a vibration-damped manner by means of one or more attachment points (120, 140) of the refrigerant distributor (100).

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