KR100483107B1 - Receiver / dryer and assembly method - Google Patents

Abstract

The receiver / dryer 10 includes a canister 12 having a cylindrical sidewall 13, an integral lower end 14 and an upper open end 16. Pickup tube 18 is disposed centrally in the canister. According to one aspect, the lower end 19 of the pickup tube has a wedge shape and is supported by the lower end of the canister. The upper end 20 of the pickup tube has an annular groove 21 to which an O-ring seal 22 is attached. The lower partition 23 and the lower filter pad 40 are received over the pickup tube and the lower partition is in close contact with the pickup tube. The crumb desiccant 24 is introduced into the canister and supported by the lower partition and the filter pad. The upper filter pad 50 and the upper partition 44 are then received over the pick up tube and the upper partition is slip fit with the pick up tube. The upper end cap 60 is then secured to the open end of the canister, the pickup tube is received in the discharge passage 64 in the upper end cap and the fluid tight seal is between the pickup tube 70 and the end cap by an O-ring seal. Is provided. According to another aspect, the desiccant tube is disposed in a fluid tight relationship around the pickup tube and extends between the lower and upper partitions. The lower partition is in fluid tight fit with the desiccant tube and preferably has an annular bead 72 and an annular flange 74 on the desiccant tube that holds the septum in the tube. In another aspect, the pickup tube may be eccentrically connected to the end cap and then bent to align with the desiccant tube. In each aspect, the desiccant material may be a loose filler that reduces the total cost of the receiver / dryer.

Description

Receiver / dryer and assembly method

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to refrigeration receivers / dryers and air conditioners, and methods of assembling such receivers / dryers.

The receiver / dryer is a common component of a refrigeration or air conditioner, receives excess coolant in the cooling cycle, separates the vapor coolant from the liquid coolant and removes water and particulates.

One form of receiver / dryer includes a cylindrical canister with inlet and outlet fittings that allow coolant to flow into and out of the canister at one end. One of the auxiliary parts (usually the exhaust auxiliary part) is connected at its inner end via a canister to a pick-up tube extending downward to the lower end. A layer of filter and desiccant material surrounds the pickup tube along its length. The coolant is led into the inlet auxiliary component and flows through the filter pad and the desiccant material to the base of the canister. The filter pad and desiccant material remove particulates and other impurities from the coolant. The coolant then flows upward through the pick-up tube to the exhaust auxiliary component.

One form of desiccant material for such a receiver / dryer is provided in a fabric bag that holds the desiccant and allows the desiccant to be easily placed in the canister during assembly. Designs for such desiccant bags are in the form of pouches, saddle bags or donuts, for example US Pat. No. 5,245,842 to Seafoss et al., US Pat. No. 4,496,378 to Kish et al. US Pat. No. 5,179,780 to Wintersteen et al., US Pat. No. 5,191,775 to Shiina et al., And US Pat. No. 5,215,660 to Mosher et al. It is.

The desiccant bag facilitates the assembly of the desiccant bag itself in a receiver / dryer, in particular with the lower end wall of the canister formed in one piece (or at least integrally) on the sidewall of the canister. The lower end wall can be formed by drawing, impacting, or spin forming a side wall of the canister with one end closed. While all series of components must be inserted from the upper open end of the canister, it can be seen that such canisters are economical to produce for certain applications.

In a receiver / dryer with an integral lower end wall, the desiccant bag, any filter, and septum, etc. are introduced into the canister from the upper end. The pickup tube is then preassembled with the upper end cap and inserted into the canister. The desiccant bag may also be initially placed around the pickup tube and introduced into the canister simultaneously with the pickup tube. The upper end cap is then fluidly sealed to the sidewall of the canister by suitable means, such as welding, soldering and soldering, and the receiver / dryer is connected in the refrigerating device. By using such a desiccant bag, it is relatively easy to introduce the pick-up tube downward through the canister when the desiccant is embedded in the bag and does not randomly disperse throughout the canister.

The above receivers / dryers are subject to some repairs on the market, but enclosing the desiccant in the bag adds labor and material costs to the receiver / dryer and does not allow flexibility in using the bag for a wide variety of uses. In one example, each bag is designed for a specific use and has a predetermined volume, porosity, material and desiccant composition. In order to change the structure, material or composition of the desiccant bag for other uses, it is generally necessary to make a new bag. This requires tool changes and ordering of new fabrics and desiccant materials, all of which are time consuming and expensive. In addition, different sizes and types of inventory of desiccant bags usually need to be managed directly, thereby increasing storage and inventory costs, thus increasing the total cost of the receiver / dryer.

As above, the Applicant believes that it is desirable to use a crumbly desiccant material in the receiver / dryer in certain applications. Such crumb desiccant materials are economical at the time of purchase and readily adaptable to a variety of applications (ie, are not limited in form or composition). Desiccant can be added directly into the canister by any amount without additional labor or material costs.

However, in the use of loose desiccant material, it may be difficult to assemble the receiver / dryer when an integral lower end is formed in the canister. First, the pick-up tube is usually pre-assembled with the upper end cap and secured thereto, for example by coining, crimping or swaging to ensure fluid tight connection. In doing so, the desiccant must flow into the canister before the pick-up tube is inserted, or alternatively the end cap prevents the easy filling of the canister as well as the introduction of a series of components such as the upper bulkhead and the filter pad. However, it may be difficult (or even impossible) to bring the pickup tube into the canister when the loose desiccant is optionally dispersed in the canister. Specifically, it is not desirable to press the pick up tube through the rugged layer of desiccant material. The desiccant may also flow through the pickup tube opening in the lower septum before the pickup tube is inserted into the canister, allowing it to enter the lower fixing area of the receiver / dryer.

In addition, the Applicant believes that the pick-up tube has been formed so as to be straight and vertical so far to allow the pick-up tube to be inserted through the various pads and filter pads in the canister. In doing so, the upper end of the pickup tube is necessarily connected to the upper end cap along the centerline of the canister. However, in some applications it may be desirable to mount multiple components to the top surface of the end cap. If the pick-up tube is to be connected along a center line, this may limit the ability to attach additional external components to the end caps, thereby limiting the practicality of the receiver / dryer for some applications. It is known to form an outlet passage off center on the end cap, but the cross hole must then be drilled transversely through the end cap connecting the outlet passage to the pick-up tube, thus machining steps and labor costs and consumption materials. To increase.

As such, Applicant believes that the market demand for receivers / dryers includes an integrated lower end of the receiver / dryer, but is simple to assemble and is particularly suitable for the receipt of loose desiccant material to reduce the total cost of the receiver / dryer. I think it exists. The Applicant also believes there is a need for a receiver / dryer that allows an eccentric connection between the pick-up tube and the end cap so that external components are flexible in attaching to the end cap.

The present invention provides a new single receiver / dryer, and a method of assembling such a dryer that allows the loose desiccant to be filled from the top of the receiver / dryer. According to one aspect, the curved pick-up tube can be used to obtain an eccentric connection to the upper end cap. The receiver / dryer is simple to assemble, economical in production and flexible in attaching external components to the top cap of the receiver / dryer.

According to the invention, the receiver / dryer preferably has an end cap or wall which is formed in one piece on the sidewall of the canister. The canister may be drawn, impacted or spin processed, or alternatively, the canister may have a lower closed end. The pickup tube is then inserted through the open upper end of the canister. According to one aspect of the invention, the base end of the pick-up tube has a notched or wedged shape and is fixed relative to the lower closed end of the canister. The notch allows coolant to flow into (or from) the pick up tube. The upper end of the pickup tube has an outer annular groove or channel for receiving the O-ring seal.

The lower bulkhead and filter pad, all of which have a central opening, are then disposed over the pickup tube and towards the lower closed end of the canister. The septum is preferably slip fit into the pick up tube, slip fit into the inner wall of the canister, and may be provided to the pick up tube and canister if desired. Preferably, the perimeter of the partition wall is supported by a tapered shoulder in the canister that is formed between the sidewall and the lower closed end of the canister and forms the actual fluid tight fit. The loose desiccant is then poured into the canister by a predetermined amount and supported by the lower partition and the filter pad.

The upper filter pad and the septum, both of which also have a central opening, are then received above the pickup tube and support the upper end of the desiccant material. The upper partition is also preferably fitted with the pick up tube and canister and may be provided in the pick up tube and the canister. Upper and lower bulkheads (and filter pads) suppress vibration or movement of the desiccant material.

An upper end cap with inlet and outlet passages is then placed over the upper open end of the canister. The upper end of the pick-up tube is received in the discharge passage of the end cap and is preferably fitted with the discharge passage. The support of the pickup tube on the lower end of the canister presses the upper end of the tube into the discharge passage. The O-ring on the top end of the pickup tube provides a fluid tight seal in the top end cap. The upper end cap is then secured to the canister with a fluid tight seal such as soldering, welding, soldering or the like.

According to another aspect of the invention, a desiccant tube is provided around the pick up tube and is press-fitted fluid tightly sealed to the pick up tube. The desiccant tube extends at least between the lower and upper partition walls and is surrounded by the desiccant material. Lower and upper bulkheads can be slip fit into and provided to the desiccant tube. The lower partition is preferably held between the annular bead and the outwardly projecting flange on the lower end of the desiccant tube. The beads and flanges on the desiccant tube can be controlled while one (or both) is shaped to form a press fit with the pick up tube when the pick up tube is later inserted into the desiccant tube. Alternatively, the lower partition can be formed in one piece in the desiccant tube, and the tube can be roll shaped to form a press fit with the pick up tube.

In this aspect, the desiccant tube together with the lower septum and filter pad can first be inserted into the receiver / dryer canister, the loose desiccant can then be poured into the canister and the lower septum and filter pad support the lower end of the desiccant material. . The upper filter pad and the upper partition can then be placed over the desiccant tube to support the upper end of the desiccant material. The pickup tube is then preassembled with the top end cap and inserted through the desiccant tube. The pick up tube may be connected to the top end cap by crimping or coining the pick up tube to the end cap. In this case, the pickup tube may be spaced apart from the lower closed end of the canister. Alternatively, the pick-up tube can be connected as in the first aspect of the invention, ie by sliding fit in the discharge passage of the end cap and the O-ring provides a fluid tight seal.

In another aspect of the invention, the pickup tube may be curved or bent such that the lower end of the pickup tube is aligned with the desiccant tube and the upper end is connected in an eccentric relationship to the discharge passageway in the end cap. This allows for flexibility in connecting external components to the end caps.

In each of the aspects described above, the present invention provides a simple and economical receiver / dryer and a method of assembling such a receiver / dryer. A desiccant desiccant material rather than a desiccant bag can be used in the receiver / dryer, reducing the total cost of the receiver / dryer and providing flexibility in tailoring the amount, composition, etc. of desiccant material to a particular application. In addition, an eccentric connection to the end cap is provided which improves flexibility in attaching the external component to the end cap of the receiver / dryer.

Still other features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the following specification and accompanying drawings.

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, a receiver / dryer constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 10. The receiver / dryer includes a cylindrical canister 12 having a sidewall 13 with a lower closed end 14 and an upper open end 16. The canister 12 is preferably formed of a suitable material, such as aluminum (of type 6061), and the lower closed end 14 is formed in one piece on the sidewall by drawing, impacting or spin forming the lower end of the sidewall. It is. The lower end 14 may also be welded, soldered, soldered or attached to the side wall 13 in some other manner such that the lower end wall is at least integrally formed with the side wall (ie, not detachable). Canisters may also be formed from other materials, such as steel. However, the present invention is particularly suitable for aluminum canisters in which the lower end cap or wall is formed in one piece. Techniques for forming aluminum (or other metals) by the above method are well known to those skilled in the art. In any case, the sealing operation preferably forms an annular tapered shoulder 17 between the side wall 13 and the lower end 14 which will be described in more detail herein.

Receiver / dryer 10 includes a pickup tube 18 disposed within canister 16 and extending along its central longitudinal axis. The pickup tube 18 is also preferably formed from aluminum (of type 3003) and has a downstream lower end 19 in the form of a wedge or notch. The lower end 19 of the pick-up tube 18 and in particular the "points" of the wedges or notches are arranged opposite the lower end 14 of the canister. The wedge or notch shaped design allows fluid to enter or exit the cavity central bore of the pickup tube. The upper end 20 of the pick-up tube has an annular channel or groove 21 formed, for example, by roll forming and surrounding the tube adjacent end 20. The groove 21 has a depth sufficient to receive the elastomeric O-ring seal 22, which seal 22 projects slightly outward from the groove in its original or relaxed state.

As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the receiver / dryer also includes a lower or downstream annular partition 23 supporting the desiccant material 24. The lower partition 23 has a flat annular body 25, the inner annular collar or flange 26 forms a central opening 27, and the outer annular collar or flange 28 extends around its periphery. Both the inner flange 26 and the outer flange 28 extend downstream from the body 25. The outer flange 28 is preferably precisely matched to the inner diameter of the canister side wall 13 such that the outer flange is fixed at least by slip-fitting (possibly press fit) to the side wall. The inner flange 26 is also precisely matched to the outer diameter of the pick up tube 18 such that the inner flange is also secured to the pick up tube 18 by slip-fitting (possibly a press fit). Alternatively, the lower partition 23 can be preassembled with the pick-up tube 18 and coined or crimped the inner flange 26 to the pick-up tube, or on the pick-up tube to hold the partition in the defined position. It can be more firmly attached by providing one or more closely spaced annular beads to the. The partition wall can also be formed without the inner and outer flanges 26 and 28 and has only the inner and outer diameters of the body 25 which hold the body between the pick-up tube and the canister. In any case, partition walls may be provided in the pick-up tube and canister, if necessary, to keep the partitions more firmly between these components. Finally, as shown by reference numeral 36, for example, a number of perforations or openings are formed in the flat body 25 of the partition wall 23 to allow the passage of the fluid therethrough. The partition 23 is formed from a suitable material, for example aluminum, using conventional metal forming techniques such as dies and stamps or well known to those skilled in the art.

The lower annular filter pad 40 extends between the inner flange 26 and the outer flange 28 against the upstream side of the partition 23. The filter pad 40 includes a central opening 46 corresponding to the central opening 27 of the partition 23. The filter pad 40 blocks the penetration of the desiccant material 24 through the lower partition 23 and provides filtration of the through coolant stream. As shown in more detail in FIG. 4, the lower filter pad preferably includes a multi-porous (less dense) upstream layer 42 in contact with the downstream side of the partition 23 and pores facing away from the partition 23. It has a lesser (less dense) downstream layer 44. The filter pad 40 is formed of a suitable porous material, for example glass fiber, and the lower partition 23 may also be formed from such material to filter the coolant, in which case the lower filter pad is not necessary.

Desiccant material 24 is preferably a common desiccant available from several sources. In one example, suitable desiccant materials are prepared under the trade names XH7 and XH9 by UOP. Of course, other types of desiccant materials may be used, and the present invention is primarily a "loose-fill" desiccant, i.e. it is not embedded in any bag and remains crumbly and only the sidewalls and top and bottom of the canister. It is understood that the present invention relates to a desiccant bound by a partition (filter pad). Such crumbly filled desiccants are more economical than the desiccant materials available in the form of bags, but it can be appreciated that bag forms of desiccants can, of course, be used in the present invention. The amount of desiccant required for the receiver / dryer depends on the particular application and can be readily determined by one skilled in the art. The present invention has the flexibility to utilize different volumes or compositions of desiccant material in a simple and easy manner by simply filling the canister to a desired level. The receiver / dryer is not limited to the specific volume or composition of the desiccant and can be used for different purposes without the need to order or stock desiccant bags having different volumes, sizes or compositions.

The upper annular bulkhead 44 is similar to the lower bulkhead 23 and is perforated preferably preferably on its interior by an inner annular flange or collar 46 and on its periphery by an outer annular flange or collar 48. The flat body 45 is included. The inner and outer flanges 46, 48 again extend downstream from the body 45. The partition 44 may also be formed without the inner flange 46 and the outer flange 48, such as the lower partition 23. The upper annular filter pad 54 has a central opening and prevents penetration of the desiccant material through the partition and is provided against the upstream surface of the partition 44 for filtration of the through coolant flow. The upper partition 44 and the filter pad 54 preferably have the same shape and are made of the same material as the lower partition 23 and the filter pad 40 shown in Figs. 3 to 5 to support the upper end of the desiccant material. Is formed. The outer annular collar 48 is preferably fixed to the inner diameter of the canister 12 by at least a slip fit, while the inner annular collar 46 is fixed to the pickup tube 18 by at least a slip fit. Inner and outer flanges of the upper partition can also be provided in the pick-up tube and canister if desired. The upper and lower bulkheads (and filter pads) hold the desiccant material firmly to prevent undesirable movement or vibration.

The upper annular end cap 60 surrounds the upper open end 16 of the canister 12. The end cap 60 preferably has an actual flat outer surface 62 with mounting holes 63 for mounting the external components. The outlet passage 64 and the inlet passage 66 extend through the end cap. In this aspect of the invention, the discharge passage 64 preferably receives the upper end 20 of the pick-up tube when placed and assembled around the longitudinal centerline of the canister. The outlet passages and the inlet passages can also be conducted in special applications, ie the inlet passages can be connected to the pick-up tube, and the invention is not limited to each passage for "inlet" or "outlet" coolant flow. In most applications, however, the discharge passage is connected to the pickup tube to direct coolant out of the lower end of the receiver / dryer. In any case, the pickup tube 18 is received in the passage 64 as a slip fit. The O-ring 22 at the end of the tube does not require any mechanical seal (such as by coining, crimping, etc.) to the end cap when the end cap is assembled to the canister, between the pick-up tube and the end cap. Provide a fluid tight seal. The end cap is then fluidically sealed to the sidewall 13 of the canister by welding, soldering, soldering, or the like as indicated at 70.

In assembling the receiver / dryer, the canister 12 is initially provided with a lower end cap 14 which is formed in one piece and preferably in one piece. The pickup tube 18 is inserted into the canister 12, and the lower end 19 of the pickup tube comes into contact with the lower closed end 14 of the canister. Next, the lower partition 23 and the lower filter pad 40 are received around the pickup tube and slide downward toward the lower end 19. The lower partition 23 may be attached to the pickup tube by sliding fit, or may be preassembled with the pickup tube as otherwise described and attached thereto by coining or crimping, or one or more annular beads. . The lower partition 23 is preferably supported by an inwardly tapered shoulder 17 formed at the intersection of the canister 13 and the lower end 14 around it. Contact between the periphery of the lower partition and the shoulders creates a canister and fluid tight seal. The lower surface of the partition wall 23 faces the lower end of the receiver drier and together with the lower end forms a fixed chamber 67.

Next, the loose desiccant material 24 is loaded through the open end of the canister 12 to fill the appropriate portion of the canister. The lower partition 23 supports the lower end of the desiccant material, while the lower filter pad 40 blocks the desiccant from penetrating the opening in the lower partition.

Next, the upper filter pad 50 and the upper partition 44 are received around the pickup tube 18 and slide downward to support the upper end of the desiccant material. The upper filter pad 50 prevents the desiccant from penetrating the opening in the upper partition, while both the upper and lower partitions (and the filter pad) block undesirable movement or vibration of the desiccant material.

The upper end cap 60 is then disposed above the upper open end 16 of the canister, and the upper end 20 of the pickup tube 18 is received in the discharge passage 64. By supporting the lower end 19 of the pickup tube 18 against the lower end 14 of the canister, the pickup tube is urged into the passage 64 and the O-ring 22 provides a fluid tight seal therebetween. do. The fluid tight seal formed by the O-ring 22 can be provided anywhere along the length of the passageway 64, which makes the tolerance between these components larger. The upper end cap is then fluidically sealed to the canister in a suitable manner by soldering, welding and soldering or the like. The outlet and inlet passages 64, 66 are then fluidly connected in the cooling apparatus in a conventional manner, and the coolant passes through the inlet passages (usually from the condenser) and removes the septum, filter pad and desiccant to remove water and particulates. It enters the downward fixation chamber via the material. The coolant is then sucked up through the pick-up tube and led to the cooling device (usually to the expansion device) via the discharge passage.

According to a second aspect of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the receiver / dryer 10 includes a coaxial desiccant tube 70 and can be received around the pickup tube 18, the desiccant tube. 70 extends between the lower partition 23 and the upper partition 44. The lower partition 23 will have at least a slip fit (possibly a press fit) with the desiccant tube 70. Desiccant tube 70 preferably has an annular bead 72 and an annular flange 74 bent outwardly at the lower end of the desiccant tube. The beads 72 and the flanges 74 are closely spaced from each other and come into contact with both sides of the lower partition 23. Specifically, the beads 72 contact the radially extending upper end face of the flange 28 on the partition wall 23, while the flange 74 on the desiccant tube 70 is connected to the bend of the flange 28 and the partition wall The main body 25 is supported along the inner diameter on the upstream lower surface of the, and the partition wall is fixed to the desiccant tube.

The inner diameter of the desiccant tube can be easily and precisely controlled when the beads and flanges are formed on the desiccant tube. End forming or flange roll forming machines can form beads or flanges and at the same time reduce the inner diameter of the tube at the position of the beads or flanges. When the pick up tube is inserted, a press fit and a fluid tight seal are provided between the desiccant tube and the pick up tube at the position of the bead or flange.

Alternatively, the inner flange 26 on the lower partition wall may be roll shaped to engage the desiccant tube 70, or a pair of closely spaced beads may be formed in the desiccant tube rather than the beads and flanges. The desiccant tube 70 and the lower partition 23 may also be formed in one piece with each other. In this case, the desiccant tube can be roll molded and the inner diameter can be precisely controlled to provide a press fit to the pickup tube when the pickup tube is later inserted into the desiccant tube. In any case, end forming, flange roll forming and roll forming machines forming such beads and flanges are conventional machinery and are well known to those skilled in the art. It can also be seen that the remainder of the desiccant tube can only be slip fit into the pickup tube, reducing tolerances and reducing the manufacturing costs of the desiccant tube and the pickup tube.

According to another aspect of the invention, the lower partition 23 and the desiccant tube 70 are preferably first inserted into the canister 12. The lower partition 23 is preferably supported by shoulders 17 formed between the canister sidewall 13 and the lower end 14 around it. The lower filter pad 40 is then assembled to the lower partition 23. Desiccant 24 is then introduced into the canister and supported by the partition 23 (and lower filter pad 40) at its lower end. The upper filter pad 50 and the upper partition 44 are then introduced into the canister and received above the desiccant tube 70 to support the other end of the desiccant material 24. The upper partition 44 is fitted with the desiccant tube 70 and may also be provided in the desiccant tube if desired. Due to the tight fit between the lower bulkhead 23 and the desiccant tube 70 (or these elements are formed in one piece) and the press fit between the desiccant tube 70 and the pick up tube 18, in fact, A fluid tight seal is provided throughout the lower bulkhead and the pickup tube without any additional sealing elements such as rings. As in the first aspect, the outer periphery of the lower partition 23 is at least slidingly fitted (possibly press fit) to the canister 12, and the upper partition 44 is slidingly fitted to the canister 12.

The pickup tube 18 can then be preassembled with the end cap 60 and inserted through the desiccant tube 70. Preferably, the pick-up tube has a bead 78 received in a collar 80 that surrounds the passage 64 at its upper end. The collar is then cast or crimped around the beads to provide fluid tightness between the pick up tube and the top cap. O-rings (not shown) may be provided in the collar (on the upper or lower side of the beads 79) to enhance fluid tight connections. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the pick-up tube 18 may be connected off-center to the end cap 60 and then bent to align with the desiccant tube 70 along the centerline of the canister. This provides flexibility when placing the outlet passage 64 in an eccentric relationship on the end cap and when mounting additional components to the outer surface of the end cap. End cap 60 is then secured to canister sidewall 13 by welding, soldering, soldering, and the like as described above.

Once the pick-up tube 18 is secured to the end cap 60 by the above method (ie, crimping or coining), the lower end 19 of the pick-up tube will then be spaced apart from the lower end 14 of the canister. It can be seen that. This is because the upper end of the pickup tube is attached to the end cap, which does not occur in the first aspect of the present invention. Alternatively, if the pick-up tube can be secured to the upper end cap as in the first aspect, ie by sliding fit, the O-ring provides a fluid tight seal. In this case, the pick-up tube can be extended downward and supported by the bottom end 14 of the canister to be pushed up through the discharge passage in the top end cap when the top end of the pick-up tube is assembled.

Thus, as described above, the present invention provides a new and unique receiver / dryer and a method for assembling such a receiver / dryer that is simple and inexpensive. The receiver / dryer should be loaded from the top and particularly useful for the crumbly desiccant that can be used even if the receiver / dryer has an integral lower end. The receiver / dryer can also easily accommodate the composition of the desiccant material for different volumes or for different uses, without additional labor, material or cost, and has the flexibility to allow eccentric connection of the pick-up tube to the end cap.

The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention are described in the foregoing specification. However, the present invention, which is intended to be protected herein, is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive and should not be construed as limited to the specific forms set forth. Modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims by those skilled in the art.

1 is a cross-sectional side view of a receiver / dryer constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view showing an upper end and an upper end cap of the pickup tube;

3 is a plan view of a partition of the receiver / dryer of FIG.

4 is a sectional view of the partition of FIG. 3;

5 is a side cross-sectional view of the filter pad of the receiver / dryer of FIG.

Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a receiver / dryer made in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.

7 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the receiver / dryer of FIG. 6 showing certain components of the receiver / dryer in an initial assembly step;

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the receiver / dryer similar to FIG. 6 showing a curved or curved pick up tube; FIG.

<Description of the code | symbol about the principal part of drawing>

12: canister

13: sidewalls

14: lower closed end

16: upper open end

18: pickup tube

22: O-ring seal

23: lower bulkhead

40: lower filter pad

44: upper bulkhead

50: upper filter pad

Claims (34)

A canister having a longitudinally extending cylindrical sidewall, a first end cap integral with one end of the sidewall, and an opening at the other end of the sidewall; Extend longitudinally within the canister, the first end being in contact with the first end cap and the second end spaced away from the first end cap, the first end and the first end cap being the first end A pick-up tube having a cooperative structure allowing fluid flow thereinto and out of it, the second end having an annular channel surrounding it and an elastic annular sealing element received within the channel; A first annular partition wall having a peripheral opening that is precisely matched to the inner dimensions of the sidewalls and a central opening for receiving the pickup tube, the first annular partition wall being disposed in the canister and received around the pickup tube near the first end cap; A second annular partition wall having a peripheral dimension precisely matched to the inner dimensions of the sidewalls and a central opening fluidly sealed to the pickup tube, the second annular partition wall disposed in the canister and received around the pickup tube away from the first end cap; A desiccant material disposed in the canister and surrounding the pickup tube between the first and second partition walls; First and second passages extending therethrough to allow coolant to flow into and out of the canister, surrounding the open end of the sidewall and receiving a second end of the pickup tube in one of the passages And a second end cap to allow the sealing element at the second end of the tube to be fluidly sealed with it in one of the passages. The receiver / dryer of claim 1, wherein the desiccant material is a loose filler. 3. The receiver / dryer of claim 2 wherein the desiccant material is supported directly against the inner surface of the canister sidewalls. 4. The receiver / dryer of claim 3 wherein the first end cap is formed in one piece on the side wall. 4. The receiver / dryer of claim 3 wherein the second end of the pickup tube and the second end cap are slip fit and a fluid tight seal is provided without mechanical sealing means. 4. The receiver / dryer of claim 3 wherein the first end of the pick up tube has a wedge shape and one point of the wedge is in contact with the first end cap. 4. The receiver / dryer of claim 3 wherein the first bulkhead and the canister sidewall have an intimate seal therebetween. 8. The receiver / dryer of claim 7, wherein the first partition wall is fixed to the side wall. The receiver / dryer of claim 8, wherein the second partition wall is fixed to the pickup tube and the canister sidewall. 10. The receiver / dryer of claim 9 wherein the first partition and the pickup tube are at least slip fitted therebetween. 10. The receiver / dryer of claim 9, wherein the first partition and the sidewall are at least slip fitted therebetween. 12. The receiver / dryer of claim 11, wherein the second partition wall is at least fitted to the side wall and the pickup tube. A canister having a longitudinally extending cylindrical sidewall, a first end cap integral with one end of the sidewall, and an opening at the other end of the sidewall; A pickup tube extending longitudinally within the canister, the first end of which is adjacent to the first end cap and whose second end is spaced apart from the first end cap; A desiccant tube disposed in a fluid tight relationship around the pick-up tube, the pick-up tube having a mechanically deformed cooperating structure defining a pick-up tube and a fluid tight seal therebetween; A first annular bulkhead having a peripheral dimension that is precisely matched to the internal dimension of the sidewall, fluidly sealed to the desiccant tube, and disposed in the canister near the first end cap; A second annular partition wall having a peripheral opening that is precisely matched to the inner dimensions of the sidewalls and a central opening for receiving the desiccant tube, the second annular partition being disposed in the canister and received around the desiccant tube away from the first end cap; A desiccant material disposed within the canister and surrounding the desiccant tube between the first and second partition walls; A first and second passages extending therethrough to allow the coolant to flow into and out of the canister, surrounding the other end of the sidewall and in a fluid-tight manner in the passage of one of the passages; And a second end cap for receiving the two ends. 15. The receiver / dryer of claim 13 wherein the desiccant tube is press fit to the pickup tube. 15. The receiver / dryer of claim 14, wherein the first partition has a central opening to receive the desiccant tube and is slip fit at least into the desiccant tube. 16. The receiver / dryer of claim 15, wherein the desiccant tube includes an annular bead that maintains the first partition on the desiccant tube. 17. The desiccant tube of claim 16 further comprising an annular flange, wherein the annular flange and the annular bead are spaced along the desiccant tube and in contact with both surfaces of the first septum to maintain the first partition on the desiccant tube. Receiver / dryer characterized in that. 18. The receiver / dryer of claim 17, wherein one of the annular beads and the annular flange has an inner diameter that is press fit into the pick up tube, and the remaining portion of the desiccant tube is slip fit into the pick up tube. 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the first partition comprises an annular radially extending body, the first surface and the collar extending longitudinally in the canister surrounding a central opening in the first partition and away from the second surface of the body, The collar has a radially extending annular end face, the annular beads of the desiccant tube engage with the annular end face of the desiccant tube, and the annular flange engages with the first surface of the body to secure the first partition wall to the desiccant tube. Receiver / dryer characterized in that. 20. The receiver / dryer of claim 19, wherein the first partition wall is fixed to the side wall. 21. The receiver / dryer of claim 20 wherein the second partition is secured to the desiccant tube and the sidewalls. 21. The receiver / dryer of claim 20, wherein the first partition wall and the side wall slide-fit each other. 23. The receiver / dryer of claim 22, wherein the second partition wall is fitted with the desiccant tube and the sidewalls. The receiver / dryer of claim 13, wherein the first end cap is formed in one piece on the side wall. The receiver / dryer of claim 24, wherein the desiccant material is a crumb filler. 27. The receiver / dryer of claim 25 wherein the desiccant material is supported directly against the inner surface of the canister sidewalls. The receiver / dryer of claim 13, wherein the pickup tube is coaxial with the desiccant tube along the longitudinal axis of the canister and then received in the second end cap at a position bent away from the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis. Providing a canister having a longitudinally extending cylindrical sidewall, a first end cap integral with one end of the sidewall, and an opening at the other end of the sidewall; Inserting the pickup tube through the open end of the canister so that the first end of the pickup tube contacts the first end cap of the canister; The second end of the pickup tube is provided with a first partition wall with a central opening such that the pickup tube is received within the opening in the first partition wall and is fluidly sealed with the opening and the first surface of the first partition wall faces the first end cap. Inserting it up, Placing the crumb desiccant in the canister such that the crumb drier is supported by the second surface of the first partition wall; Inserting a second partition with a central opening over the second end of the pickup tube such that the pickup tube is received within the opening in the second partition and the first surface of the second partition supports the crumbly desiccant material; A second end with at least one fluid flow passage extending through the end cap such that the pickup tube is received in the at least one passage and a fluid tight seal is provided between the pick up tube and the second end cap in the at least one passage; Attaching the cap to the open end of the canister. 29. The pickup tube of claim 28, wherein a groove is formed near the second end of the pickup tube and the O-ring seal is disposed in the groove, wherein the O-ring seal is picked up when the pickup tube is received in the passage of the second end cap. Providing a fluid tight seal between the second end cap and the second end cap. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the pickup tube is received in at least one passageway by sliding fit. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the sidewalls of the canister directly support the friable desiccant between the first and second partitions. Providing a canister having a longitudinally extending cylindrical sidewall, a first end cap integral with one end of the sidewall, and an opening at the other end of the sidewall; Providing a first partition in an airtight relationship around the desiccant tube; Inserting the desiccant tube and the first partition into the canister such that the first surface of the partition faces the first end cap of the canister and the perimeter of the first partition is precisely received in the canister; The crumb desiccant is placed in the canister so that the crumb desiccant is supported by the second surface of the first partition wall, the desiccant tube is received within the opening in the second partition wall and the first surface of the second partition wall supports the crumb desiccant material. Inserting a second partition with a central opening over the desiccant tube such that the perimeter of the second partition is precisely received in the container; Inserting the pickup tube through the open end of the canister into the desiccant tube such that the desiccant tube and the pickup tube have a mechanically deformed cooperating structure forming a fluid tight seal between the desiccant tube and the pickup tube; Attaching a second end cap to the opening of the canister, the second end cap having at least one fluid flow opening extending through the end cap, such that the pick up tube is received within the opening and a fluid tight seal is provided between the pick up tube and the second end cap. Method of assembling the receiver / dryer, comprising the step. 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising pre-assembling the first septum and the desiccant tube such that the desiccant tube has a pair of mechanically deformable portions that cooperate with each other to maintain the first septum on the desiccant tube. How to. 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising forming a desiccant tube to provide an inner diameter that is press fit to the outer diameter of the pickup tube.