JPH0569572U - Liquid tank - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] In a "liquid tank", it is possible to quickly detect the clogging state in the desiccant filling part from the outside and to make a visual judgment. [Structure] Desiccant filling part The temperature-indicating paint 32, which changes color in response to the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet conduit 17 when clogging occurs at 9, is applied to the label 33, and the label 33 is attached to the surface of the outlet conduit 17.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The present invention relates to a liquid tank incorporated in a cooling cycle of an air conditioner for an automobile, etc., and in particular, it is possible to easily externally determine a clogging state at a desiccant filling section provided in the liquid tank. It is a thing.

[0002]

[Prior Art]

 Generally, a liquid tank is provided in a cooling cycle of an automobile air conditioner and the like, and the liquid tank has the following functions. Function to remove water, dust, etc. contained in the refrigerant Function to store excess refrigerant in the cooling cycle, and to perform gas-liquid separation Function to visually judge the refrigerant amount through the sight glass As shown in FIG. 3, a general liquid tank 1 that exhibits the above-mentioned functions includes a bottomed cylindrical tank body 2 and a head portion that closes an upper opening 3 of the tank body 2. 4 and.

A refrigerant inlet portion 5 and a refrigerant outlet portion 6 are formed in the head portion 4. The refrigerant inlet portion 5 has one end connected to an inlet conduit 16 communicating with a condenser and the other end connected to a tank. It is a passage that communicates with the internal space of the main body 2. Further, the refrigerant outlet portion 6 is an L-shaped passage to which an outlet conduit 17 connected to an expansion valve (not shown) is connected to one end and a refrigerant outlet pipe 7 is attached to the other end. The refrigerant outlet pipe 7 hangs down to near the bottom 2c of the tank main body 2 in order to take out only the liquid refrigerant stored in the bottom 2c of the tank main body 2. Further, a sight glass 8 for visually observing the flow state of the refrigerant in the refrigerant outlet portion 6 is provided above the refrigerant outlet pipe 7, and a drying medium in which the refrigerant flows is provided in an intermediate portion of the refrigerant outlet pipe 7. An agent filling section 9 is provided.

The desiccant filling section 9 has an upper support plate 11 and a lower support plate 12 each having a large number of small holes 10, and a desiccant 14 and a lower support plate 12 are provided between the support plates 11 and 12. A filter 15 made of glass wool or the like is housed so as to be wrapped by the lower support plate 12.

A fusible plug (not shown) that functions as a safety valve that protects the liquid tank 1 when the pressure in the tank body 2 becomes abnormally high is attached to the head 4.

The refrigerant that has flowed into the tank body 2 from the refrigerant inlet portion 5 of the head portion 4 and is in a gas-liquid mixed state is dispersed in the refrigerant by the desiccant 14 while flowing through the desiccant filling portion 9. Water is adsorbed. Further, the filter 15 removes dust and foreign matter contained in the refrigerant circulating in the cooling cycle. At the same time, the refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixed state that has flowed into the tank main body 2 is separated into gas and liquid before flowing into the desiccant filling section 9 or after flowing into the desiccant filling section 9, so that the liquid refrigerant becomes the liquid refrigerant. Is stored at the bottom 2c of the. The liquid refrigerant stored in the lower portion of the tank main body 2 passes through the refrigerant outlet pipe 7 provided through the desiccant filling portion 9, and from the refrigerant outlet 6 of the head portion 4 through the outlet conduit 17. Guided by the expansion valve.

[0007]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 In the cooling cycle, acid caused by thermal decomposition of the refrigerant due to high temperature and hydrolysis caused by the ingress of water cause acid corrosion of aluminum products (e.g., evaporator, condenser, refrigerant conduit, liquid tank, silencer) in the cycle, Corrosion products such as aluminum oxide are generated. The corrosion products, dust mixed in the refrigerant, and abrasion powder on the compressor are removed by the filter 15 of the desiccant filling section 9 and deposited on the filling section 9.

[0008] When the cooling cycle is operated for a long period of time, the desiccant filling portion 9 may be clogged by the deposits. When such a clogging occurs, the pressure loss in the liquid tank 1 increases, Along with this, the problem arises that the evaporation pressure of the refrigerant in the evaporator rises and the cooling capacity decreases. In addition, if the state where the clogging is left as it is is left, the lubricating oil dissolved in the refrigerant will not be sufficiently supplied to the sliding parts of the compressor as the amount of circulating refrigerant decreases, and this compressor may malfunction. There is also a problem that refrigerant may leak from flexible hoses due to abnormally high pressure.

Therefore, the liquid tank needs to have a configuration capable of promptly detecting the occurrence of clogging in the desiccant filling section 9.

However, in the conventional liquid tank 1, since the desiccant filling section 9 cannot be visually inspected from the outside, the clogging state cannot be rapidly and visually detected.

The inventor of the present invention has conducted extensive research to realize a liquid tank capable of quickly detecting a clogging state. As a result, when the drying material filling portion is clogged, the liquid tank acts as a kind of expansion valve. Paying attention to the fact that there is a significant temperature difference between the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet pipe and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet pipe, and based on this temperature difference, the clogging condition at the desiccant filling part can be promptly increased from the outside. They found that they could be detected, and completed the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention has been completed by focusing on the fact that the clogging state at the desiccant filling portion can be detected more easily if the temperature change can be visually determined.

[0012] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid tank capable of quickly detecting the clogging state in the desiccant filling portion from the outside and visually deciding it.

[0013]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 The present invention for achieving the above object has a tank body and a desiccant filling section through which the refrigerant flowing into the tank body passes, and an inlet for guiding the refrigerant into the tank body. In a liquid tank having a conduit and an outlet conduit for discharging the refrigerant filtered by the desiccant filling unit to the outside, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit flowing in the liquid tank. A liquid tank, comprising: a clogging detection means for detecting a clogging state in the desiccant filling portion based on a temperature difference from the temperature of the refrigerant.

Further, the clogging detection means is configured to use at least the outlet of the temperature-indicating paint whose color changes in response to the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet conduit when the desiccant filling portion is clogged. It is recommended to apply it to the conduit to configure it.

[0015]

[Action]

 When the desiccant filling section is clogged, the liquid tank acts as a kind of expansion valve, and a temperature difference occurs between the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet conduit and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet conduit. Since the clogging detection means detects the clogging state based on this temperature difference, the clogging in the desiccant filling section can be quickly detected from the outside. Further, when the temperature-indicating paint is applied to at least the outlet conduit to constitute the clogging detection means, the color of the temperature-indicating paint reacts with the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet conduit when the clogging occurs in the desiccant filling section. Change. As a result, the temperature change of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet conduit due to clogging can be visually determined, and clogging at the desiccant filling section can be visually detected from the outside.

[0016]

【Example】

 An embodiment according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention together with an enlarged view of a main part.

The liquid tank 20 according to the present embodiment has an internal structure similar to that of the liquid tank shown in FIG. 3, and closes the bottomed cylindrical tank main body 2 and the upper opening 3 of the tank main body 2. And a head portion 4 which operates to let the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant flow down from the refrigerant inlet portion 5 of the head portion 4 into the tank main body 2, and the liquid refrigerant stored at the bottom of the tank main body 2 It is configured to flow out from the refrigerant outlet portion 6 of the head portion 4 via the.

An inlet conduit 16 having one end communicating with a condenser (not shown) and the other end communicating with the refrigerant inlet 5 is connected to the head portion 4. Further, adjacent to the inlet conduit 16, an outlet conduit 17 having one end communicating with an expansion valve (not shown) and the other end communicating with the refrigerant outlet portion 6 is connected.

Incidentally, “8” is a sight glass for visually observing the state of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant outlet portion 6, and “30” is a fusible plug functioning as a safety valve. The fusible plug 30 has a passage that communicates with the inside of the tank main body 2, and the passage is filled with a soluble material that can be melted by heat due to abnormally high pressure.

In particular, in the liquid tank 20 of this embodiment, clogging in the desiccant filling section 9 is based on the temperature difference between the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet conduit 16 and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet conduit 17. It has a clogging detection means 31 for detecting the state. The clogging detection means 31 is configured by applying the temperature-indicating paint 32, which changes color in response to the temperature change of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet conduit 17, to the outlet conduit 17.

As is well known, the temperature-indicating paint 32 is a paint using a compound whose color changes at a constant temperature as a pigment, and is widely used to measure the temperature. During normal operation in which the desiccant filling section 9 is not clogged, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet conduit 16 and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet conduit 17 are substantially equal to each other, and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the capacitor is the same. It is about 60 ° C., which is the temperature of the formed refrigerant. If the desiccant filling section 9 is extremely clogged, the liquid tank 20 acts as a kind of expansion valve, so that the refrigerant temperature on the outlet conduit 17 side becomes significantly lower than the refrigerant temperature on the inlet conduit 16 side. It will be about 10 to 15 ° C. Therefore, as the temperature indicating paint 32, one whose color changes in response to the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet conduit 17 when the desiccant filling section 9 is clogged is used. For example, the color change mechanism is reversible, and the color changes during normal operation (refrigerant temperature of about 60 ° C.), and when clogging at the desiccant filling section 9 is extremely advanced, the color is cooled by the refrigerant on the outlet conduit 17 side. An irreversible temperature-indicating paint 32 is used that causes the color to be restored.

In the illustrated embodiment, in consideration of workability, the label 33 coated with the temperature indicating paint 32 is attached to the surface of the outlet conduit 17, and in this case, the temperature indicating paint 32 is It has been applied to the outlet conduit 17 via the label 33. Further, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 1, the label 33 has a color sample 34 when the temperature changes in response to the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet conduit 17 when clogging occurs in the desiccant filling section 9. Is attached. The color change of the temperature indicating paint 32 of the label 33 to the color of the color sample 34 means that it is time to replace the liquid tank 20.

Further, a label 35 to which the same temperature-indicating paint 32 is applied is also attached to the surface of the inlet conduit 16. By doing so, not only the color of the temperature indicating paint 32 applied to the outlet conduit 17 side and the color sample 34 but also the color of the temperature indicating paint 32 applied to the inlet conduit 16 side can be compared. The color change of the temperature indicating paint 32 applied on the outlet conduit 17 side, that is, the temperature change of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet conduit 17, can be easily visually judged. It is preferable that the labels 33 and 35 are attached to the portions of the conduits 16 and 17 which are close to the main body 2.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

When the compressor operates, the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant condensed in the condenser flows into the tank main body 2 through the inlet pipe 16 and the refrigerant inlet 5 of the head 4. This refrigerant flows down in the desiccant filling section 9, the desiccant 14 adsorbs the moisture in the refrigerant, and the filter 15 removes dust and foreign matter in the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant, from which water and foreign substances have been removed and which is stored in the bottom portion 2c, is taken out by the refrigerant take-out pipe 7 and guided from the cooling medium outlet portion 6 through the outlet conduit 17 to the expansion valve. When the cooling cycle reaches a steady state, the temperature of the inlet conduit 16 itself is equal to the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the conduit 16, and the temperature of the outlet conduit 17 itself is equal to the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the conduit 17. It's getting worse.

During operation in which the desiccant filling section 9 is not clogged, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the two conduits 16 and 17 is substantially equal, and the temperature indicating paint 32 applied to the labels 33 and 35 has the same color. ing.

When the operation is continued, powder such as aluminum which is a forming material of the tank main body 2, products associated with corrosion, abrasion powder in equipment such as a compressor which constitutes a cooling cycle, and the like are removed from the desiccant filling portion 9. Will be deposited on the upper surface and inside.

When the desiccant filling section 9 is slightly clogged by the deposit, the pressure loss of the liquid tank 20 causes a temperature drop between the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet conduit 16 and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet conduit 17. Will cause some temperature difference. This state is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature difference between the temperature of the inlet conduit 16 and the temperature of the outlet conduit 17 indicates the clogging condition of the desiccant filling section 9, and when the degree of clogging is relatively small. The temperature difference is also relatively small, and the liquid tank 20 sufficiently exhibits its original function.

However, when the degree of clogging is extremely advanced, as shown in FIG. 2, the liquid tank 20 itself acts as a kind of expansion valve, so that the refrigerant temperature on the inlet conduit 16 side and the refrigerant on the outlet conduit 17 side are increased. The temperature difference to and from the temperature is significantly greater.

In this way, when the clogging in the desiccant filling section 9 progresses, the temperature-indicating paint 32 of the label 33 attached to the outlet conduit 17 is cooled by the temperature of the cooling medium on the outlet conduit 17 side. In response to the change, the color of the color sample 34 attached to the label 33 is changed to almost the same color.

Therefore, the temperature change due to the clogging of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet conduit 17 can be visually judged through the color change of the temperature indicating paint 32, and the clogging state in the desiccant filling section 9 has progressed. Can be detected quickly and visually from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to easily and surely determine whether or not the time to replace the liquid tank 20 has been reached, and with this, the cooling capacity sharply decreases, the compressor malfunctions, the flexible hose, etc. It is possible to prevent problems such as refrigerant leakage from the inside of the building, and it is possible to improve the safety of the entire cooling cycle.

Further, even if such measures are taken, the cost will not soar compared with the conventional one.

The clogging detection means 31 is not limited to the case where it is constituted by the above-mentioned temperature-indicating paint 32, and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet conduit 16 and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet conduit 17 are not limited to each other. It is sufficient that the clogging state in the desiccant filling section 9 can be detected based on the temperature difference. For example, a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple is attached to the surface of each conduit 16, 17 or inside the conduit, the temperature difference between both conduits 16 and 17 or the temperature difference between the refrigerants is directly measured, and the warning light is turned on based on this temperature difference. It can also be configured to do so.

[0034]

[Effect of the device]

 As described above, the liquid tank of the present invention detects clogging in the desiccant filling section based on the temperature difference between the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet conduit and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet conduit. As a result of the provision of the means, the clogging condition in the desiccant filling part is caused through the temperature difference between the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the inlet conduit and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the outlet conduit, which occurs when the clogging of the desiccant filling part progresses. It is possible to detect the progress of the process quickly and easily from the outside.

Further, when the temperature-indicating paint is applied to at least the outlet conduit to constitute the clogging detecting means, the refrigerant temperature on the inlet conduit side and the refrigerant on the outlet conduit side which occur when the clogging progresses in the desiccant filling section. The temperature difference from the temperature can be visually judged through the color change of the temperature-indicating paint that changes in response to the temperature of the refrigerant on the outlet conduit side where the temperature has decreased, and it can be confirmed that the clogging condition at the desiccant filling part has progressed. However, it can be detected quickly and visually from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to easily and surely determine the replacement time of the liquid tank, and it is possible to improve the safety of the entire cooling cycle.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention together with an enlarged view of essential parts.

FIG. 2 is the temperature difference between the inlet conduit temperature and the outlet conduit temperature,
A graph showing that the dry material filling part is clogged.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view showing a general liquid tank.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Tank body 9 ... Desiccant filling section 1
6 ... Inlet conduit 17 ... Outlet conduit 31 ... Clogging detection means
32 ... Indicating paint 33, 35 ... Label

Claims (2)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A tank body (2) and this tank body
(2) An inlet conduit (16) for introducing a refrigerant into the tank body (2) having a desiccant filling section (9) in which the refrigerant flowing into the inside passes, and the desiccant. In a liquid tank (20) in which an outlet conduit (17) for flowing the refrigerant filtered by the filling section (9) to the outside is connected to the tank body (2), a refrigerant flowing through the inlet conduit (16) Temperature of the outlet conduit (1
A liquid tank comprising a clogging detection means (31) for detecting a clogging state in the desiccant filling section (9) based on a temperature difference from the temperature of a refrigerant flowing through the liquid tank. 2. The clogging detection means (31) is provided with the outlet conduit (17) when clogging occurs in the desiccant filling section (9).
The temperature-sensitive paint that changes color in response to the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through it (3
The liquid tank according to claim 1, which is configured by applying 2) to at least the outlet conduit (17).