Dryer and refrigeration cycle apparatus including same

Abstract

This dryer comprises: a dryer body connected to a refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant circulates; a moisture absorbent provided inside the dryer body; a baffle provided inside the dryer body and fixing the moisture absorbent; and a screen filter which is provided inside the dryer body and prevents leakage of the moisture absorbent. The moisture absorbent includes a first moisture absorbent which absorbs moisture in the refrigerant and a second moisture absorbent onto which a fluorescent material dissolved in compressor oil circulating through the refrigerant pipe is adsorbed and / or coated.

Description

Dryer and refrigeration cycle device including the same

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a dryer capable of checking for leakage of refrigerant circulating in a refrigerant pipe, and a refrigeration cycle device including the same.

[0002] Generally, a refrigeration cycle can be configured by connecting a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator in sequence via refrigerant pipes. The compressor can draw in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas, compress it to high temperature and high pressure, and then discharge it to the condenser. The condenser can convert the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas into liquid refrigerant through heat exchange. The refrigerant discharged as liquid from the condenser passes through the expansion valve, causing a pressure drop to become low-pressure, low-temperature liquid refrigerant; this low-temperature refrigerant then evaporates into a gaseous state while passing through the evaporator, absorbing heat from the surroundings to perform the refrigeration function.

[0003] The refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle contains a certain amount of moisture. If the refrigerant contains a large amount of moisture, internal corrosion of refrigerant pipes and compressors is accelerated. Furthermore, during the repeated circulation of the refrigerant, iron impurities resulting from this corrosion may enter the closed circuit of the refrigeration cycle, thereby hindering refrigerant circulation.

[0004] In a refrigeration cycle, a dryer may be provided between the condenser and the expansion valve to remove moisture contained in the circulating refrigerant.

[0005] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a dryer capable of checking for leakage of refrigerant circulating in a refrigerant pipe, and a refrigeration cycle device including the same.

[0006] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a dryer and a refrigeration cycle device including the same, wherein a desiccant with a fluorescent material adsorbed and / or coated thereon is provided inside the dryer to easily check for leakage of refrigerant circulating in a refrigerant pipe.

[0007] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a dryer having no restrictions on size or shape, in which a hygroscopic agent having a fluorescent material adsorbed and / or coated thereon is provided internally, and a refrigeration cycle device including the same.

[0008] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a dryer and a refrigeration cycle device including the same, wherein a desiccant on which a fluorescent material is adsorbed and / or coated can be positioned anywhere inside a refrigerant pipe so that an installer and repair technician can easily access it.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] A dryer according to the concept of the disclosed invention comprises a dryer body connected to a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant circulates, a desiccant provided inside the dryer body, a baffle provided inside the dryer body for fixing the desiccant, and a screen filter provided inside the dryer body for preventing leakage of the desiccant. The desiccant comprises a first desiccant that absorbs moisture in the refrigerant and a second desiccant in which a fluorescent substance soluble in the compressor oil circulating in the refrigerant pipe is adsorbed and / or coated.

[0011] A refrigeration cycle device according to the concept of the disclosed invention comprises a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant circulates, a dryer including a first absorbent provided in the refrigerant pipe to absorb moisture in the refrigerant, a fixed member provided in the refrigerant pipe, and a second absorbent fixed to the fixed member and having a fluorescent substance adsorbed and / or coated thereon that dissolves in the compressor oil circulating in the refrigerant pipe.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a refrigeration cycle device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a dryer connected to a refrigerant pipe according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first absorbent according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second absorbent according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a second absorbent fixed to a screen filter provided in a refrigerant pipe according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a second absorbent fixed to a baffle provided in a refrigerant pipe according to one embodiment.

[0018] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0019] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0020] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] In the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0022] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0023] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0024] Additionally, terms such as 'front,' 'rear,' 'top,' 'bottom,' 'side,' 'left,' 'right,' 'top,' and 'bottom' used in this disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0025] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0026] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0027] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a refrigeration cycle device according to one embodiment.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle device may include a compressor (10), a condenser (20), an expansion valve (30), an evaporator (40), and a refrigerant pipe (50) through which the refrigerant circulates, connecting the compressor (10), the condenser (20), the expansion valve (30), and the evaporator (40).

[0031] The compressor (10) can compress the refrigerant. The compressor (10) can suck in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas, compress it to high temperature, high pressure, and then discharge it to the condenser (20).

[0032] The condenser (20) can condense the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (10). The condenser (20) can convert the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas compressed by the compressor (10) into a liquid refrigerant through heat exchange.

[0033] The expansion valve (30) can expand the refrigerant condensed in the condenser (20). The refrigerant discharged in liquid form from the condenser (20) passes through the expansion valve (30), causing a pressure drop so that it can become a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid refrigerant.

[0034] The evaporator (40) can generate cold air by evaporating the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve (30). The low-temperature refrigerant passing through the expansion valve (30) can perform a refrigeration action by absorbing heat from the surroundings as it evaporates into a gaseous state while passing through the evaporator (40).

[0035] The refrigerant can circulate through the compressor (10), the condenser (20), the expansion valve (30), and the evaporator (40) via the refrigerant pipe (50).

[0036] The refrigeration cycle device may include a dryer (100). The dryer (100) may be provided in a refrigerant pipe (50). The dryer (100) may be provided in a refrigerant pipe (50) between a condenser (20) and an expansion valve (30). The dryer (100) may absorb moisture in the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant pipe (50).

[0037] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a dryer connected to a refrigerant pipe according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first desiccant according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second desiccant according to one embodiment.

[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, the dryer (100) may include a dryer body (110). The dryer body (110) may be formed to have a cylindrical shape. The dryer body (110) may be connected to a refrigerant pipe (50). Inside the dryer body (110), a desiccant (140) may be provided to absorb moisture contained in the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant pipe (50). The dryer body (110) may include an inlet (111) and an outlet (113). The inlet (111) and the outlet (113) of the dryer body (110) may be formed to have a closed shape by spinning. The inlet (111) and the outlet (113) formed to have a closed shape may be connected to the refrigerant pipe (50).

[0039] The refrigerant that has passed through the condenser (20, see FIG. 1) can be introduced into the dryer body (110) through the inlet (111) of the dryer body (110). Moisture contained in the refrigerant introduced into the dryer body (110) can be absorbed and removed by the desiccant (140). The refrigerant that has flowed out through the outlet (113) of the dryer body (110) can enter the expansion valve (30).

[0040] The dryer (100) may include a baffle (120). The baffle (120) may be provided inside the dryer body (110). The baffle (120) may be provided inside the dryer body (110) adjacent to the outlet (113). The baffle (120) may distribute the flow rate of the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant pipe (50). The baffle (120) may secure a desiccant (140) provided inside the dryer body (110). For example, after installing the baffle (120) inside the dryer body (110), the desiccant (140) may be placed on the upper part of the baffle (120) so that the desiccant (140) is secured by the baffle (120).

[0041] The dryer (100) may include a screen filter (130). The screen filter (130) may be provided inside the dryer body (110). The screen filter (130) may be provided inside the dryer body (110) adjacent to the inlet (111). The screen filter (130) can filter out foreign substances contained in the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant pipe (50). A desiccant (140) may be provided in the space between the baffle (120) and the screen filter (130) inside the dryer body (110). The screen filter (130) can prevent leakage of the desiccant (140) provided inside the dryer body (110). For example, after installing a baffle (120) inside a dryer body (110), a desiccant (140) is placed on top of the baffle (120) so that the desiccant (140) is fixed by the baffle (120), and then a screen filter (130) is installed on top of the baffle (120) so that the desiccant (140) provided in the space between the baffle (120) and the screen filter (130) can be prevented from leaking.

[0042] The dryer (100) may include a desiccant (140). The desiccant (140) may be provided inside the dryer body (110). The desiccant (140) may be provided in the space between the baffle (120) and the screen filter (130) inside the dryer body (110). The desiccant (140) may be formed as a porous material (Molecular Sieve) having a plurality of pores (151, 161) formed inside. The desiccant (140) can remove moisture from the refrigerant by absorbing moisture contained in the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant pipe (50) through the plurality of pores (151, 161) formed inside. Since the desiccant (140) is formed as a porous material, it can absorb moisture contained in the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant pipe (50).

[0043] The desiccant (140) may include a first desiccant (150). The first desiccant (150) may be provided in multiple quantities. The first desiccant (150) may be formed of a porous material. The first desiccant (150) can remove moisture from the refrigerant by absorbing moisture contained in the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant pipe (50) through multiple pores (151) formed inside.

[0044] The desiccant (140) may include a second desiccant (160). At least one second desiccant (160) may be provided. Although the drawing shows one second desiccant (160), it is not limited thereto. For example, two or more second desiccant (160) may be provided. The second desiccant (160) may be located upstream with respect to the direction in which the refrigerant circulates. The first desiccant (150) may be located downstream with respect to the direction in which the refrigerant circulates. The second desiccant (160) may be located adjacent to the inlet (111) of the dryer body (110). The first desiccant (150) may be located adjacent to the outlet (113) of the dryer body (110).

[0045] The second absorbent (160) may be formed from a porous material. The second absorbent (160) may be formed by adsorbing and / or coating a fluorescent material (170). The fluorescent material (170) may be adsorbed into a plurality of pores (161) formed inside the second absorbent (160). The fluorescent material (170) may be coated on the surface of the second absorbent (160).

[0046] The fluorescent material (170) may be composed of a fluorescent material (170) dye that is completely dissolved by the compressor oil circulating through the refrigerant pipe (50). The fluorescent material (170) may absorb ultraviolet light having a short wavelength of 400 nm or less and emit visible light having a wavelength of 380 to 750 nm. For example, the fluorescent material (170) may be a cadmium sulfide compound, a zinc sulfide compound, or a copper sulfide compound.

[0047] Since the fluorescent material (170) is adsorbed not only on the surface of the second absorbent (160) but also in the internal pores (161), the second absorbent (160) may contain more fluorescent material (170) as its volume increases. The second absorbent (160) may have a larger volume than the first absorbent (150). The second absorbent (160) may be formed with a diameter approximately 1.5 to 2 times larger than that of the first absorbent (150). The amount of the second absorbent (160) between 1 and 50% of the mass or volume of the first absorbent (150) may be provided inside the dryer body (110).

[0048] The fluorescent material (170) adsorbed and / or coated on the second absorbent (160) can be dissolved by the compressor oil circulating through the refrigerant pipe (50) and circulate through the refrigerant pipe (50). If a refrigerant leak occurs in the refrigerant pipe (50), the fluorescent material (170) can flow out through the leaked part of the refrigerant pipe (50). Since the fluorescent material (170) flows out through the leaked part of the refrigerant pipe (50), if a UV lamp is shone on the part suspected of leaking, the fluorescent material (170) emits light, making it easy to detect the leaked part of the refrigerant pipe (50). When the fluorescent material (170) is completely dissolved by the compressor oil, the second absorbent (160) can absorb moisture contained in the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant pipe (50) in the same way as the first absorbent (150), thereby removing moisture from the refrigerant.

[0049] The amount of desiccant (140) provided inside the dryer (100) is maintained at the same level, and since the desiccant (140) includes a second desiccant (160) on which a fluorescent material (170) is adsorbed and / or coated, there may be no restrictions on the size or shape of the dryer (100). In addition, since costs can be reduced, it may be applicable not only for service use but also for mass production. Furthermore, since the fluorescent material (170) is completely dissolved by the compressor oil, there may be no concern about clogging due to foreign matter.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a second absorbent fixed to a screen filter provided in a refrigerant pipe according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a second absorbent fixed to a baffle provided in a refrigerant pipe according to one embodiment.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 5, a fixing member (200) may be provided inside the refrigerant pipe (50). The fixing member (200) may include a screen filter (210) that filters out foreign substances in the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant pipe (50). The second absorbent (160) may be fixed to the screen filter (210) provided inside the refrigerant pipe (50) rather than inside the dryer (100). For example, the second absorbent (160) may be located anywhere inside the refrigerant pipe (50) rather than inside the dryer (100) provided between the condenser (20) and the expansion valve (30). Since the second absorbent (160) may be located anywhere inside the refrigerant pipe (50), the second absorbent (160) may be provided in an easily accessible part of the refrigerant pipe (50). Since the second absorbent (160) can be located anywhere inside the refrigerant pipe (50) rather than inside the dryer (100), the leaked part of the refrigerant pipe (50) can be easily detected through the second absorbent (160) even in situations where the dryer (100) cannot be replaced or where there is no need to replace the dryer (100). (See FIG. 1)

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 6, a fixing member (200) may be provided inside the refrigerant pipe (50). The fixing member (200) may include a baffle (220) that distributes the flow rate of the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant pipe (50). The second absorbent (160) may be fixed to the baffle (220) provided inside the refrigerant pipe (50) rather than inside the dryer (100). Except for the part where the second absorbent (160) is fixed to the baffle (220), the second absorbent (160) may function in the same way as the second absorbent (160) illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0053] A dryer according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises a dryer body (110) connected to a refrigerant pipe (50) through which a refrigerant circulates, a desiccant (140) provided inside the dryer body, a baffle (120) provided inside the dryer body and fixing the desiccant, and a screen filter (130) provided inside the dryer body and preventing leakage of the desiccant. The desiccant comprises a first desiccant (150) that absorbs moisture in the refrigerant and a second desiccant (160) on which a fluorescent substance (170) that dissolves in the compressor oil circulating in the refrigerant pipe is adsorbed and / or coated.

[0054] The second absorbent may have a larger volume than the first absorbent.

[0055] The first absorbent is provided in multiple numbers, and at least one second absorbent may be provided inside the dryer body.

[0056] The fluorescent material may be adsorbed into the pores (161) inside the second absorbent and may be coated on the surface of the second absorbent.

[0057] The above second absorbent can absorb moisture in the refrigerant after the fluorescent material is dissolved by the compressor oil.

[0058] The first absorbent and the second absorbent may be positioned upstream and downstream, respectively, based on the direction in which the refrigerant circulates.

[0059] The above fluorescent material may consist of a fluorescent dye that is completely soluble in the compressor oil.

[0060] The above fluorescent material can absorb ultraviolet light having a short wavelength of 400 nm or less and emit visible light having a wavelength of 380 to 750 nm.

[0061] The above fluorescent material may be a cadmium sulfide compound, a zinc sulfide compound, or a copper sulfide compound.

[0062] The above second absorbent may contain a larger amount of the fluorescent material as its volume increases.

[0063] The second absorbent may be formed with a diameter 1.5 to 2 times larger than that of the first absorbent.

[0064] The above second absorbent may be provided inside the dryer body in an amount between 1% and 50% based on the mass or volume of the above first absorbent.

[0065] A refrigeration cycle device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises a refrigerant pipe (50) through which a refrigerant circulates, a dryer (100) including a first absorbent (150) provided in the refrigerant pipe to absorb moisture in the refrigerant, a fixing member (200) provided in the refrigerant pipe, and a second absorbent (160) fixed to the fixing member and having a fluorescent material (170) that dissolves in the compressor oil circulating in the refrigerant pipe adsorbed and / or coated thereon.

[0066] The above fixed member may be a screen filter (210) that filters out foreign substances in the refrigerant.

[0067] The above fixed member may be a baffle (220) that distributes the flow rate of the refrigerant.

[0068] It may include a compressor (10) that compresses the refrigerant, a condenser (20) that condenses the refrigerant compressed by the compressor, an expansion valve (30) that expands the refrigerant condensed in the condenser, and an evaporator (40) that evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve to generate cold air.

[0069] The above dryer may be provided in the refrigerant pipe between the condenser and the expansion valve.

[0070] The second absorbent may have a larger volume than the first absorbent.

[0071] The second absorbent may be formed with a diameter 1.5 to 2 times larger than that of the first absorbent.

[0072] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily check whether there is a leak of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant pipe.

[0073] According to the present disclosure, there may be no restrictions on the size or shape of the dryer while a hygroscopic material adsorbed and / or coated thereon is provided inside.

[0074] According to the present disclosure, the cost of a device capable of easily checking for refrigerant leakage is reduced, making it applicable not only to service use but also to mass production.

[0075] According to the present disclosure, even if a desiccant with adsorbed and / or coated fluorescent material is provided inside a dryer, the fluorescent material is completely dissolved in the compressor oil, thereby preventing the refrigerant pipe from being clogged by foreign matter.

[0076] According to the present disclosure, a desiccant on which a fluorescent material is adsorbed and / or coated can be positioned anywhere inside the refrigerant tube.

[0077] According to the present disclosure, a desiccant with adsorbed and / or coated fluorescent material can be positioned anywhere inside the refrigerant tube, so that refrigerant leakage can be easily detected even in situations where the dryer cannot be replaced or where the dryer does not need to be replaced.

[0078] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0079] In describing the dryer and the refrigeration cycle device including it with reference to the attached drawings above, the description has focused on specific shapes and directions; however, various modifications and changes are possible by a person skilled in the art, and such modifications and changes should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the disclosed invention.

Claims

1. A dryer body connected to a refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant circulates; A desiccant provided inside the above dryer body; A baffle provided inside the dryer body and securing the moisture absorbent; and It includes a screen filter provided inside the dryer body and preventing leakage of the absorbent agent; The above moisture absorbent is, A first absorbent that absorbs moisture in the above refrigerant; and A second absorbent having a fluorescent substance adsorbed and / or coated thereon that dissolves in the compressor oil circulating in the refrigerant pipe; A dryer including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above second absorbent is a dryer having a larger volume than the above first absorbent.

3. In Paragraph 1, A dryer in which the first absorbent is provided in multiple quantities, and at least one second absorbent is provided inside the dryer body.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above second absorbent is a dryer in which the fluorescent material is adsorbed into the pores inside the second absorbent and the fluorescent material is coated on the surface of the second absorbent.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above second absorbent is a dryer that absorbs moisture in the refrigerant after the above fluorescent material is dissolved by the compressor oil.

6. In Paragraph 1, A dryer in which the first absorbent and the second absorbent are located upstream and the first absorbent is located downstream based on the direction in which the refrigerant circulates.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above fluorescent material is a dryer composed of a fluorescent dye that is completely soluble in the compressor oil.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above fluorescent material is a dryer that absorbs ultraviolet light having a short wavelength of 400 nm or less and emits visible light having a wavelength of 380 to 750 nm.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above fluorescent material is a dryer that is a cadmium sulfide compound, a zinc sulfide compound, or a copper sulfide compound.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above second absorbent is a dryer containing a larger amount of the above fluorescent material as the volume increases.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above second absorbent is a dryer formed with a diameter at least 1.5 to 2 times larger than that of the above first absorbent.

12. In Paragraph 1, A dryer in which the second absorbent is provided in an amount between 1% and 50% based on the mass or volume of the first absorbent inside the dryer body.

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