EP1464901A2 - Refrigerant condensing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The vertical flow tubes (6) are connected to manifold tubes (4a,4b), the upper of which (4b) has an integral tube (10) comprising two parts (10a,10b) and divider plates to direct the flow in both directions. The upper tube (10) houses a filter or dryer unit.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for condensing a refrigerant, in particular for motor vehicles.

From EP 0 769 666 a condenser is known which comprises a cooling fins block , wherein at the end portions of the cooling fins each one Collecting tube is arranged and parallel to one of the manifolds Collector for the refrigerant. This collector is with the help of a flange attached to one of the manifolds.

This capacitor has the disadvantage that it is relatively expensive and next to it requires a relatively large space.

The object of the present invention is to provide a capacitor to provide, which requires a reduced space.

This is inventively by a device for condensing a Achieved refrigerant, which is a plurality of substantially to each other having parallel flow devices, and two manifolds, which at the respective end portions of the flow devices are arranged such that a flow connection between the flow-through devices and the collecting pipes.

Furthermore, the device has at least one separating device, which the headers substantially gas and liquid-tight in at least divided a first area and at least a second area.

Furthermore, at least one collector is provided which is substantially parallel is arranged to at least one of the manifolds, and at least two Fluid connections to the manifold and essentially a filter device and / or a drying device with at least one hygroscopic Desiccant has. Here are the headers and the Collector arranged substantially horizontally.

Under flow devices according to the present invention Understood means which are suitable from a liquid and / or gaseous medium to be flowed through. Preferred are the Flow devices in the invention on flat tubes. This Flat tubes can one, preferably two or more flow channels respectively. The longitudinal directions of the flow devices are preferred vertically aligned.

Under a fluid connection is used in the context of the present invention in particular understood an opening through which pass through a refrigerant can.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter device and the Drying device so combined to form a unit that the fluid in the collector before entering the drying device Forcibly flows through the filter device.

A filter device is understood to mean a device which suitable for filtering out certain components from the refrigerant, when the refrigerant passes through the filter device.

The drying device serves the purpose of the refrigerant as soon as it passes through the drying device to extract water. there For example, the desiccant may be surrounded by a tissue be, which serves as a filter device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the collector has an im substantial horizontal central area through which the collector in one first upper and a second lower room is shared. At another Embodiment, the upper and lower space substantially be the same size. In other embodiments, this ratio also be such that the upper area is greater than the lower one Area or vice versa. Also, the collector can at least one flow path for the refrigerant in the liquid phase between the fluid connections at least partially through the second lower Room is led.

The central area is a geometric d. H. fictitious Plane in which preferably the central longitudinal axis is included. in the Special case, that the collector is cylindrically shaped, would be the middle area the collector in two half cylinders with each semicircular cross section split and thus a first upper and a second lower To describe space.

Under a flow path is the geometric space segment of Understood by which the refrigerant in its liquid Phase substantially flows through. In contrast, eventual gaseous phase components of the refrigerant other flow paths occupy, which led essentially through the first upper space become. There is therefore a density-related separation between the gaseous and the liquid phase of the refrigerant, and essentially only the liquid phase of the refrigerant back from the collector into the Enter manifold.

In a further preferred embodiment, the collector has a Separating device, which in at least one region of the cross section of the collector has a passage opening, wherein the passage opening is arranged substantially in the lower region of the collector. at This separator may be, for example, a partition plate acting in positive contact with the inner wall of the collector stands and is open at the bottom. The functioning of this Separator will be explained below with reference to the figures.

Preferably, the separator is made of the same material as the collector. However, it is also within the meaning of the present invention that the separator of another material, such as a Elastomer is formed.

In a further embodiment, the collector is opposite to the through Flow-through device spanned plane offset laterally. As mentioned above, If the flow devices are flat tubes. There a plurality of such flat tubes arranged substantially parallel to each other are, by the longitudinal direction of the flat tubes on the one hand, and a direction perpendicular to this, in which the different flow devices are arranged, spanned a plane.

The collector, that is the longitudinal central axis of the collector, is opposite arranged laterally offset from this plane, thereby forming an angle is between 0 and 90 °, preferably between 10 and 45 ° and more preferably between 20 and 30 °.

In a further preferred embodiment, this flows through in the collector Fluid located after exiting the drying device, the filter device forcibly. The term "forcibly" is to understand that the fluid on exiting the drying device no other way than through the filter device can take.

In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, the filter device surrounds the drying device substantially completely. This means that the drying device in each spatial direction of the Filter device is surrounded.

Particularly preferably, the hygroscopic desiccant comprises at least a component of a group of components which Molecular sieves, calcium chloride, calcium oxide, potassium carbonate, copper sulphate, Magnesium chlorate, magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, barium sulfate, blue gel, Silica gel, calcium hydride, magnesia, alumina, sodium-potassium alloys, Montmorillonite, regenerable desiccant, non-regenerable Desiccant etc. contains.

In a further preferred embodiment, the collection tube and / or the collector made in one piece in the longitudinal direction. Under one piece is understood that the manifold and / or the collector, regardless of the inner and outer design in the respective end regions, is in one piece in the longitudinal direction. However, it is also possible, the manifold and / or to carry out the collector in the longitudinal direction in two or more parts, that is, regardless of the design at the ends of the Collecting tube and / or the collector in the longitudinal direction different To provide pipe sections, for example a pipe of larger diameter, in which a second tube of smaller diameter inserted becomes.

Preferably, the manifold is by means of a tack weld with the Combined collector, the tack weld especially as WIGoder Laser weld can be performed. Preferably have the Collection tube and / or the collector a at the the Collector and / or the collecting pipe adjacent page at least one Ahead. A projection may be formed as edge, plate, Profile strip, washer, spacer or the like.

Preferably, the manifold and / or the collector may also have grooves, in which engage the projections.

In a further preferred embodiment, the collector has at least one of its end faces has a lid. This lid can open different way to be connected to the collector, for example, by screwing it into the collector by means of a thread, or on the outer wall of the collector is screwed on. The lid can also Also have sealing devices which are against the inner wall Press the collector into it when inserting. The lid can also be integral with the drying and / or the filter device be connected.

In a further preferred embodiment, after removal the lid, the dryer and / or filter device removed from the collector become. Under the term "after the removal of the Dekkels" is also understood that the dryer and / or filter device to be removed from the collector together with the lid can, if the dryer and / or filter device integral with the lid is trained.

In a further preferred embodiment, the headers and the collector is essentially the same length. It is, however possible that the headers and the collector have different lengths and in particular that the collector is shorter than the two Manifolds.

In a further preferred embodiment, the filter and / or Drying device in its outer contour at least one connecting element, in particular a sealing device.

This sealing device may be, for example, a seal act of elastic material, which is opposite the inner wall supported by the collector. Preferably, the inner wall of the Collector also have inwardly projecting projections, to which the sealing device is supported.

Particularly preferably, the connecting element with the inner wall of the Combiner force and / or positive or materially connected, in particular be soldered. Further advantages of the present invention result from the following description taken in conjunction with the attached Characters.

Fig. 1:

erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum Kondensieren eines Kältemittels in einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 2:

eine Detailansicht eines Sammlers und eines Sammelrohres für eine Vorrichtung zum Kondensieren eines Kältemittels aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 3:

eine Vorrichtung zum Kondensieren eines Kältemittels in einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 4:

eine Detailansicht der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 3; und

Fig. 5:

einen Schnitt durch die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 4 entlang der Linie B-B Fig. 4.

Show:

Fig. 1:

A device according to the invention for condensing a refrigerant in a first embodiment;

Fig. 2:

a detail view of a collector and a manifold for a device for condensing a refrigerant of Fig. 1;

3:

an apparatus for condensing a refrigerant in a second embodiment;

4:

a detailed view of the device of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 5:

a section through the device of FIG. 4 along the line BB Fig. 4th

Fig. 1 shows an inventive device for condensing a Refrigerant in a first embodiment.

The reference numeral 1 refers to a supply line for feeding the Refrigerant in the device. The reference numeral 2 denotes a derivative of the refrigerant. The reference numeral 4a denotes a lower one Collector and the reference numeral 4b, an upper manifold. Between the two manifolds 4a and 4b is a plurality of flow devices 6, 6 'arranged. The reference numeral 8 refers to a Frame device for the device. The reference numeral 10 refers on a collector arranged substantially parallel to the manifold.

In this embodiment, the collector is arranged in two parts, that is, it has a first component 10a and a second component 10b on, wherein the second component 10b has a larger diameter than the first component 10a has and placed on the first component 10a can be.

The arrows illustrate the flow direction of the refrigerant within the device.

Between the individual flow devices cooling fins (not shown). In Fig. 1, the collector is opposite the plane, which is spanned by the flow devices 6, 6 ', etc., laterally offset, that is, the center perpendicular or the central axis S of the collector is outside of the flowed through the flow devices Level. However, it is also possible for the collector within this level provide, so not offset laterally.

Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of a detail of the collector and the Collecting tube for a device for condensing a refrigerant Fig. 1 along the line D-D. The representation takes place in such a way Top view that the ends of the individual flow devices 6, 6 ' etc. are shown. In Fig. 2, the individual flow devices a plurality of flow paths 6a, 6b for the flow of the fluid.

Within the manifold a plurality of partitions 12a to 12d are arranged. The partitions are provided such that the refrigerant not in the longitudinal direction I of the manifold flows through or on can flow past the flow devices. The reference numerals 14a and FIG. 14b relate to fluid connections between the accumulator 10 and the upper header 4b. Within the collector 10 is a filter device 17 provided. Within this filter device 17 is located a drying device (not shown). At the filter device For example, as noted above, it may be a fabric having a predetermined one Pore distribution act in which the drying agent is arranged.

The reference numeral 18 refers to a sealing device which against the inner wall of the collector 10, here against the inner wall of collector component 10b, press. This sealant prevents that refrigerant outside the filter device between the fluid connections 14a and 14b can flow. In this way it is ensured that that substantially all of the refrigerant flows through the filter device and not past this.

The refrigerant flow within the condensing device will now be explained with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

The refrigerant occurs in particular as gaseous fluid initially over the Feed line 1 into the device. As well as the upper manifold 4b also has the lower manifold on separation devices, which the lower Divide collection tube gas- and liquid-tight into several areas.

Starting from the supply line 1 refrigerant passes through the lower manifold and the flow-through device in the region of the upper manifold, which is delimited by the separators 12a and 12b and flows from there again down into the lower manifold 4a. That's where it gets from Refrigerant in the flow devices 6, located between the separation devices 12b and 12c are located and flow up again in the upper Manifold 4b.

From there, the refrigerant enters the collector through the fluid connection 14a 10 on.

Within the collector, the refrigerant flows through the filter device and through the drying device into the area of the collector, the right is arranged by the sealing device 18. By the action of gravity and the differences in density may be present gas components of the refrigerant in the upper region of the collector 10, the means in the area of the collector, which lies above the median plane M.

In contrast, the liquid portion of the refrigerant remains essentially in one Area that lies below the central area and can be accessed via the fluid connection 14 drain in the region of the manifold, between the Separators 12c and 12d is located.

As noted above, the midplane M is not an actual one Device, but only a geometric plane.

From the area between the separators 12c and 12d, the Finally, refrigerant down into the manifold 4a and from there via the derivative 2 drain from the device.

In Fig. 3 is a further embodiment of the device according to the invention shown for condensing a refrigerant.

In contrast to the embodiment described above, here are the Supply line 1 and the discharge line 2 are arranged at the top and the collector is at the bottom.

The collector further has, as shown in Fig. 4, a separating device 15th which, however, does not fill the complete cross-section of the collector. This is in Fig. 5, which is a section through Fig. 4 along the line B-B represents shown. The surface segment 15a is not affected by the Separator 15 is covered and thus provides the fluid connection between the two sections of the collector dar.

Fig. 5 also shows the staggered arrangement of the collector 15 to the manifold 20. In this case, the intersecting center lines 21, 22 tension a Angle, which according to the one preferred embodiment between 0 and 90 °, more preferably between 10 and 45 °, and especially between 20 and 35 °.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the refrigerant enters the Space portion of the manifold, through the separators 12 b and 12c is demarcated, and from here through the fluid connection 14a in the Collectors. Since the collector of this embodiment is located below Any gas components of the refrigerant through the separator 15 essentially prevented from entering the left section of the collector, in which the fluid connection 14b is to flow. Liquid ingredients However, the refrigerant can through the opening portion 15 a the separator into the sub-area 15 penetrate.

The arrows A, B and C illustrate the basic flow path of the fluid from the first fluid connection 14a via the filters and Drying device 17, through the opening portion 15 a and over the second fluid connection 14 b in the subcooling of the capacitor, the is arranged following the second fluid connection 14b.

Claims (18)

Device for condensing a refrigerant, in particular for motor vehicles, with: a plurality of substantially mutually parallel flow means; a pair of header pipes disposed at the respective end portions of the flow-through means such that there is a flow communication between the flow-through means and the header pipes; at least one separating device, which divides the collecting tubes substantially gas- and liquid-tight in at least a first region and at least a second region; at least one collector, which is arranged substantially parallel to at least one of the manifolds and at least two fluid connections to this manifold and in which at least one filter device and / or a drying device is provided with an at least partially hygroscopic desiccant; characterized in that
the headers and the collector are arranged substantially horizontally. Apparatus for condensing a refrigerant according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the filter device and the drying device are combined to form a structural unit in such a way that the fluid in the collector forcibly passes through the filter device before it enters the drying device. Apparatus for condensing a refrigerant according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the collector has a substantially horizontal central area, through which the collector is divided into a first upper and second lower space, which are substantially equal, and
at least one flow path for substantially liquid refrigerant between the fluid connections, which is at least partially guided by the second lower space. Apparatus for condensing a refrigerant according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the collector has a separating device which has a passage opening in at least one region of the cross section of the collector, wherein the passage opening is arranged in this lower space of the collector. Apparatus for condensing a refrigerant according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the collector is offset laterally relative to the plane defined by the flow-through devices. Apparatus for condensing a refrigerant according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the fluid in the collector forcibly flows through the filter device after exiting the drying device. Apparatus for condensing a refrigerant according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the filter device substantially completely surrounds the drying device. Apparatus for condensing a refrigerant according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the hygroscopic desiccant comprises at least one of a group of components comprising molecular sieves, calcium chloride, calic oxide, potassium carbonate, copper sulfate, magnesium perchlorate, magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, barium sulfate, blue gel, silica gel, calcium hydride, magnesium oxide, alumina, sodium-potassium alloys, montmorillonites, regenerable desiccant, non-regenerable desiccant, etc. contains. Apparatus for condensing a refrigerant according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the manifold and / or the collector is designed in one piece in the longitudinal direction. Apparatus for condensing a refrigerant according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the manifold and / or the collector is designed in two parts in the longitudinal direction. Apparatus for condensing a refrigerant according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the collecting tube is connected by means of a tack weld to the collector, wherein the tack weld is designed as a TIG weld or laser weld. Apparatus for condensing a refrigerant according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the collecting pipe and / or the collector has a substantially at the collector and / or collecting pipe adjacent side at least one projection. Apparatus for condensing a refrigerant according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the collector has a removable lid and / or bottom. Apparatus for condensing a refrigerant according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
after removing the lid and / or the floor, the dryer and / or filter device can be removed from the collector. Apparatus for condensing a refrigerant according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the headers and the collector have substantially the same length. Device for condensing a refrigerant,
characterized in that
the headers and the collector have different lengths and in particular the collector is shorter than the headers. Device for condensing a refrigerant,
characterized in that
the structural unit of the filter device and the drying device has at least one connecting element, in particular a sealing device, on its outer contour. Device for condensing a refrigerant,
characterized in that
the connecting element with the inner wall of the collector positively and / or positively and / or materially connected, in particular soldered.

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