US20220412620A1 - Refrigerant distributor - Google Patents
Refrigerant distributor Download PDFInfo
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- US20220412620A1 US20220412620A1 US17/898,597 US202217898597A US2022412620A1 US 20220412620 A1 US20220412620 A1 US 20220412620A1 US 202217898597 A US202217898597 A US 202217898597A US 2022412620 A1 US2022412620 A1 US 2022412620A1
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- Prior art keywords
- refrigerant
- reducing portion
- branch channel
- downstream end
- distributor
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
- F25B41/40—Fluid line arrangements
- F25B41/42—Arrangements for diverging or converging flows, e.g. branch lines or junctions
- F25B41/48—Arrangements for diverging or converging flows, e.g. branch lines or junctions for flow path resistance control on the downstream side of the diverging point, e.g. by an orifice
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
- F25B41/40—Fluid line arrangements
- F25B41/42—Arrangements for diverging or converging flows, e.g. branch lines or junctions
- F25B41/45—Arrangements for diverging or converging flows, e.g. branch lines or junctions for flow control on the upstream side of the diverging point, e.g. with spiral structure for generating turbulence
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B39/00—Evaporators; Condensers
- F25B39/02—Evaporators
- F25B39/028—Evaporators having distributing means
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B5/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity
- F25B5/02—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a refrigerant distributor that distributes inflow refrigerant to a plurality of channels.
- a known heat exchanger used as a refrigerant evaporator of a refrigeration cycle includes a plurality of heat transfer pipes in some cases.
- a refrigerant distributor can be used for distributing refrigerant from an inflow pipe to the heat transfer pipes (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
- a refrigerant distributor of Patent Document 1 is constituted by fitting a first body having a refrigerant supply path and a reducing portion and a second body having a refrigerant flow strike portion and first and second branch channels to each other and uniting these bodies together.
- the diameter of the downstream end of the refrigerant supply path is reduced through a tapered surface, thereby forming the reducing portion.
- the refrigerant flow strike portion of the second body faces a downstream end opening of the refrigerant supply path, and is constituted by a semi-spherical concave surface.
- the first and second branch channels are open outward of the refrigerant flow strike portion. Refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant supply path passes through the reducing portion and then strikes the refrigerant flow strike portion, and then is branched into the first and second branch channels.
- the reducing portion is provided only in a tapered shape in the downstream end of the refrigerant supply path, and thus, the length of the reducing portion is short, and it is difficult to control the flow direction of refrigerant by using the reducing portion.
- a pipe communicating with the reducing portion needs to be formed in a straight pipe shape along a predetermined length so that the portion having the straight pipe shape is used to set the refrigerant flow direction to cause refrigerant to strike the refrigerant flow strike portion as intended.
- a pipe layout around the refrigerant distributor might be difficult.
- the length of a reducing portion is made long, and a refrigerant strike surface is provided to face an opening of the reducing portion.
- a refrigerant distributor configured to distribute refrigerant from a refrigerant supply pipe to first and second refrigerant outflow pipes, includes: a supply path to which the refrigerant supply pipe is connected; a reducing portion extending straight from a downstream end of the supply path and having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the supply path; a refrigerant stirring chamber communicating with a downstream end of the reducing portion and configured to stir refrigerant from the reducing portion; a refrigerant strike surface facing the downstream end of the reducing portion with a predetermined interval and configured such that refrigerant from the reducing portion strikes the refrigerant strike surface; a first branch channel having an upstream end and a downstream end, the upstream end communicating with a portion of the refrigerant stirring chamber separated from the refrigerant strike surface, the downstream end communicating with the first refrigerant outflow pipe; and a second branch channel having an upstream end and a downstream end, the upstream end communicating with a portion of the
- refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant supply pipe flows into the supply path and then flows into the reducing portion. Since the reducing portion extends straight, refrigerant has its flow rate increased while flowing in the reducing portion as well as being controlled in the outflow direction when flowing out of the reducing portion. In particular, controllability of the outflow direction is enhanced by controlling the outflow direction of refrigerant at a high flow rate.
- the refrigerant that has flowed from the reducing portion into the refrigerant stirring chamber strikes the refrigerant strike surface violently, and thus, liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant are well stirred in the refrigerant stirring chamber.
- the refrigerant in the refrigerant stirring chamber is stirred and then distributed to the first refrigerant outflow pipe and the second refrigerant outflow pipe through the first branch channel and the second branch channel, respectively.
- the refrigerant strike surface may be disposed on an extension line of an axis of the reducing portion from the downstream end of the reducing portion, and the upstream ends of the first branch channel and the second branch channel may be open at a wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber between the downstream end of the reducing portion and the refrigerant strike surface.
- the upstream ends of the first branch channel and the second branch channel may be open at positions closer to the reducing portion than a center portion between the downstream end of the reducing portion and the refrigerant strike surface.
- the upstream ends of the first branch channel and the second branch channel are separated from the refrigerant strike surface.
- refrigerant that has struck the refrigerant strike surface and has been sufficiently stirred can flow into the upstream ends of the first branch channel and the second branch channel.
- the upstream ends of the first branch channel and the second branch channel may be disposed with an interval along the extension line on the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber.
- the upstream end of the first branch channel can be sufficiently separated from the upstream end of the second branch channel.
- refrigerant that has been sufficiently stirred can flow into these upstream ends.
- the refrigerant distributor may further include: a first distributor component provided with the supply path and the reducing portion; and a second distributor component provided with the refrigerant stirring chamber, the refrigerant strike surface, the first branch channel, and the second branch channel.
- the first distributor component may be provided with the reducing portion disposed inside the first distributor component.
- a front end surface of the first distributor component may have a projecting cylindrical portion at which the downstream end of the reducing portion is open.
- the second distributor component may have a fitting hole to which the projecting cylindrical portion is fitted.
- the refrigerant stirring chamber may communicate with an inner side of the fitting hole.
- the projecting cylindrical portion of the first distributor component in uniting the first distributor component and the second distributor component, is fitted in the fitting hole of the second distributor component so that the first and second distributor components can be thereby united while being positioned relative to each other.
- the projecting cylindrical portion of the first distributor component since the projecting cylindrical portion of the first distributor component has the reducing portion and the second distributor component includes the refrigerant stirring chamber communicating with the fitting hole, refrigerant from the reducing portion can be caused to flow into the refrigerant stirring chamber and be stirred therein.
- the fitting hole may have a diameter larger than a diameter of the refrigerant stirring chamber.
- the diameter of the fitting hole of the second distributor component is increased so that even a large-diameter projecting cylindrical portion of the first distributor component can be thereby fitted in the fitting hole. Accordingly, strength of the first distributor component and strength of the refrigerant distributor in fitting can be enhanced. In addition, since the fitting hole of the second distributor component has a large diameter and the refrigerant stirring chamber has a small diameter, the fitting hole and the refrigerant stirring chamber can be easily processed.
- the supply path may extend in a direction intersecting an extension line of an axis of the reducing portion.
- the direction in which the supply path extends intersects an extension line of the axis of the reducing portion depending on the influence of, for example, arrangement of the refrigerant supply pipe.
- the outflow direction can be controlled by using the reducing portion so that refrigerant strikes the refrigerant strike surface as intended irrespective of the direction in which the supply path extends.
- the supply path may extend coaxially with an extension line of an axis of the reducing portion.
- the refrigerant strike surface may be circular, and the downstream end of the reducing portion may be disposed such that an extension line of an axis of the reducing portion passes through a center of the refrigerant strike surface.
- refrigerant from the reducing portion strikes the center of the refrigerant strike surface so that the refrigerant flow is less likely to be biased, and liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant can be well stirred.
- the refrigerant strike surface may be substantially perpendicular to the extension line of the axis of the reducing portion.
- refrigerant from the reducing portion extending from the downstream end of the supply path to which the refrigerant supply pipe is connected is caused to strike the refrigerant strike surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber so that liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant can be well stirred.
- the refrigerant stirring chamber communicates with the first branch channel and the second branch channel so that refrigerant distribution can be obtained as intended, irrespective of the shape of a pipe upstream of the reducing portion.
- FIG. 1 A circuit configuration diagram of a battery cooling device including a refrigerant distributor according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the refrigerant distributor.
- FIG. 3 A cross-sectional view illustrating a state before a first distributor component is fixed to a second distributor component.
- FIG. 4 A plan view of the second distributor component.
- FIG. 5 A side view of the second distributor component.
- FIG. 6 A rear view of the second distributor component.
- FIG. 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 8 A view corresponding to FIG. 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of a battery cooling device 100 including a refrigerant distributor 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- the battery cooling device 100 is, for example, a device for cooling a battery 200 mounted on an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle (including a vehicle of a plug-in type), or other vehicles.
- the battery 200 is used for supplying electric power to a driving motor of a vehicle.
- the battery 200 can be charged by regenerative control of a driving motor and driving of an electric generator by an engine.
- the battery 200 can be charged from an unillustrated commercial power supply or charged by regenerative control of a driving motor.
- the temperature of the battery 200 rises during charging and discharging. To suppress this temperature rise, the battery 200 is configured to be cooled by a battery cooling device 100 .
- the battery cooling device 100 includes at least a compressor 101 , a condenser 102 , a receiver tank 103 , a battery cooler expansion valve 104 , a battery cooler 105 , and an accumulator 106 .
- the battery cooling device 100 is configured to perform air conditioning on the cabin, and thus, the battery cooling device 100 includes an evaporator 107 as a cooling heat exchanger for cooling air-conditioning air, and an air-conditioning expansion valve 108 .
- the compressor 101 is constituted by an electric compressor. High-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 101 flows into the condenser 102 . Outside air is sent to the condenser 102 by a fan 102 a . Refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 102 flows into the receiver tank 103 , and then flows into one or both of a bypass pipe 100 a and a bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b.
- the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b is provided with a battery-cooler-side gate valve 100 c .
- the battery-cooler-side gate valve 100 c is a valve for opening and closing the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b .
- the battery cooler expansion valve 104 is disposed downstream of the battery-cooler-side gate valve 100 c in the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b . Refrigerant that has passed through the battery cooler expansion valve 104 is decompressed.
- the refrigerant distributor 1 according to the present invention is disposed downstream of the battery cooler expansion valve 104 in the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b.
- the refrigerant distributor 1 is used for distributing refrigerant from the bypass-cooler-side pipe (refrigerant supply pipe) 100 b to a first refrigerant outflow pipe 100 f and a second refrigerant outflow pipe 100 g .
- the battery cooler 105 is constituted by a heat exchanger (evaporator) that supplies cold energy for cooling the battery 200 to the battery 200 , and this battery cooler 105 is provided with a plurality of unillustrated tubes.
- the refrigerant distributor 1 is provided in order to distribute refrigerant to these tubes. Although refrigerant is distributed to two pipes in this example, refrigerant can be distributed to three or more pipes.
- the refrigerant distributor 1 may distribute refrigerant to the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100 f and the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100 g evenly, or may distribute refrigerant such that a fractional flow rate in one pipe is larger than that in the other pipe.
- the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b , the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100 f , and the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100 g may have the same diameter or may have different diameters.
- Each of the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b , the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100 f , and the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100 g is made of a pipe member of an aluminium alloy, for example.
- the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b , the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100 f , and the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100 g have substantially circular cross sections.
- the bypass pipe 100 a is provided with a bypass-side gate valve 100 d .
- the bypass-side gate valve 100 d is a valve for opening and closing the bypass pipe 100 a .
- the bypass pipe 100 a is connected to the evaporator 107 .
- the air-conditioning expansion valve 108 is disposed downstream of the bypass-side gate valve 100 d in the bypass pipe 100 a .
- Refrigerant from the evaporator 107 flows into the accumulator 106 , and then is sucked into the compressor 101 .
- Air-conditioning air is sent to the evaporator 107 by a blower 120 . Air-conditioning air is cooled by the evaporator 107 and then supplied to the cabin.
- opening/closing of the battery-cooler-side gate valve 100 c and the bypass-side gate valve 100 d switches refrigerant among a mode in which refrigerant flows only in the battery cooler 105 , a mode in which refrigerant flows only in the evaporator 107 , and a mode in which refrigerant flows in both the battery cooler 105 and the evaporator 107 .
- the refrigerant distributor 1 includes a first distributor component 10 and a second distributor component 20 .
- Each of the first distributor component 10 and the second distributor component 20 is made of, for example, a block material of, for example, an aluminium alloy.
- the first distributor component 10 includes a base 11 and a projecting cylindrical portion 12 projecting from the base 11 .
- the projecting cylindrical portion 12 has a circular cross section.
- the base 11 and the projecting cylindrical portion 12 may be integrally formed, or may be formed of different materials and then combined and united.
- the base 11 has a supply-side pipe connection hole 11 a to which the downstream end of the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b is inserted and connected.
- the supply-side pipe connection hole 11 a has a circular cross section.
- the outer peripheral surface of the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b is brazed to the inner peripheral surface of the supply-side pipe connection hole 11 a along the entire periphery.
- the base 11 has a supply path 11 b communicating with the inner side (i.e., downstream side in a refrigerant flow) of the supply-side pipe connection hole 11 a .
- the supply-side pipe connection hole 11 a is open at the upper surface of the base 11 .
- the supply path 11 b has a circular cross-sectional shape smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the supply-side pipe connection hole 11 a .
- the supply path 11 b extends straight, and the supply path 11 b and the supply-side pipe connection hole 11 a are coaxial.
- a step 11 c is formed at the boundary between the supply path 11 b and the supply-side pipe connection hole 11 a .
- An insertion depth of a downstream end portion of the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b is defined by contact with the step 11 c with the downstream end portion of the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b inserted in the supply-side pipe connection hole 11 a .
- the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b is connected to the supply path 11 b while being inserted in the supply-side pipe connection hole 11 a.
- the downstream end portion of the supply path 11 b is formed by a tapered surface 11 d .
- the diameter of the tapered surface 11 d gradually decreases toward the downstream side in the refrigerant flow direction.
- the tapered surface 11 d and the supply path 11 b are coaxial.
- the first distributor component 10 has a reducing portion 12 a extending straight from the downstream end of the supply path 11 b and having a diameter smaller than that of a portion of the supply path 11 b except for the tapered surface 11 d .
- the reducing portion 12 a is disposed inside the projecting cylindrical portion 12 of the first distributor component 10 .
- the downstream end of the reducing portion 12 a is open at the center of the front end surface of the projecting cylindrical portion 12 .
- the reducing portion 12 a has a circular cross-sectional shape.
- the downstream end of the reducing portion 12 a that is open at the front end surface of the projecting cylindrical portion 12 also has a circular cross-sectional shape.
- the diameter of the reducing portion 12 a is uniform from the upstream end to the downstream end thereof.
- the length of the reducing portion 12 a is larger than the length of the supply path 11 b including the tapered surface 11 d . Accordingly, the reducing portion 12 a has a shape whose inner diameter is uniform along a predetermined length.
- the length of the reducing portion 12 a is larger than the diameter of the reducing portion 12 a .
- the length of the reducing portion 12 a can be, for example, 7 mm or more, and is preferably 10 mm or more.
- the inner diameter of the reducing portion 12 a can be set such that a refrigerant flow rate per a unit area is within the range from 1.0 g/s ⁇ mm 2 to 4.0 g/s ⁇ mm 2 , for example. With this range, liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant can be well mixed in a refrigerant stirring chamber described later, and a pressure loss can be reduced.
- a part of the reducing portion 12 a may be formed in the base 11 .
- the outer peripheral surface of the projecting cylindrical portion 12 has an annular groove 12 b .
- An O-ring 13 as a sealing member of, for example, rubber is fitted in the annular groove 12 b.
- the second distributor component 20 has a fitting hole 21 in which the projecting cylindrical portion 12 is fitted.
- the fitting hole 21 is open at the upper surface of the second distributor component 20 and has a circular cross-sectional shape.
- the length of the fitting hole 21 is substantially equal to the projection length of the projecting cylindrical portion 12 .
- the first distributor component 10 and the second distributor component 20 can be fastened together with, for example, a bolt.
- FIG. 4 shows a screw hole 20 a in which the bolt is screwed.
- the second distributor component 20 includes a refrigerant stirring chamber 22 at the inner side of the fitting hole 21 .
- the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 communicates with the inner side of the fitting hole 21 .
- the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 has a circular cross-sectional shape smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the fitting hole 21 . Accordingly, the diameter of the fitting hole 21 is larger than that of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 , and the step 20 b is formed at the boundary between the fitting hole 21 and the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 .
- the step 20 b can be formed by a tapered surface. As illustrated in FIG.
- the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 can be formed with, for example, a rotation tool, before the fitting hole 21 is formed, or the fitting hole 21 can be formed before the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 is formed.
- the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 forms space for stirring refrigerant from the reducing portion 12 a .
- the length of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 in the axial direction can be approximately equal to the length of the reducing portion 12 a , but may be larger than or smaller than the length of the reducing portion 12 a .
- a length B of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 in the axial direction can be 10 mm or more, and is preferably 15 mm or more.
- the diameter of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 is sufficiently larger than that of the reducing portion 12 a , and space that is large enough to stir refrigerant from the reducing portion 12 a can be obtained in the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 . Since refrigerant from the reducing portion 12 a flows in the battery cooler expansion valve 104 , this refrigerant can be in the state of gas-liquid two-layer refrigerant as a mixture of liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant. This gas-liquid two-layer refrigerant is stirred in the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 so that the liquid-phase refrigerant and the gas-phase refrigerant can be thereby mixed.
- the second distributor component 20 has a refrigerant strike surface 24 configured to be struck by refrigerant from the reducing portion 12 a .
- the refrigerant strike surface 24 is disposed to face the downstream end of the reducing portion 12 a with a predetermined interval.
- the refrigerant strike surface 24 is circular.
- the refrigerant strike surface 24 is disposed on an extension line of the axis of the reducing portion 12 a extending from the downstream end of the reducing portion 12 a .
- the downstream end of the reducing portion 12 a is disposed such that the extension of the axis of the reducing portion 12 a passes through the center of the refrigerant strike surface 24 .
- the refrigerant strike surface 24 may be flat or curved. In the case where the refrigerant strike surface 24 is flat, the refrigerant strike surface 24 is substantially perpendicular to the extension of the axis of the reducing portion 12 a.
- the second distributor component 20 has a first branch channel 25 and a second branch channel 26 .
- the upstream ends of the first branch channel 25 and the second branch channel 26 communicate with portions of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 separated from the refrigerant strike surface 24 . That is, the upstream ends of the first branch channel 25 and the second branch channel 26 are open at a wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 between the downstream end of the reducing portion 12 a and the refrigerant strike surface 24 . More specifically, the upstream ends of the first branch channel 25 and the second branch channel 26 are open at portions closer to the reducing portion 12 a than the center between the downstream end of the reducing portion 12 a and the refrigerant strike surface 24 .
- the refrigerant strike surface 24 can be separated from the upstream ends of the first branch channel 25 and the second branch channel 26 .
- a separation distance A between the refrigerant strike surface 24 and the center of the upstream ends of the first branch channel 25 and the second branch channel 26 can be 9 mm or more and 13.5 mm or less.
- the upstream ends of the first branch channel 25 and the second branch channel 26 may be open at the center between the downstream end of the reducing portion 12 a and the refrigerant strike surface 24 , or may be open at a position closer to the refrigerant strike surface 24 than the center.
- the upstream ends of the first branch channel 25 and the second branch channel 26 are spaced apart from each other along an extension of the axis of the reducing portion 12 a on the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 . That is, the upstream ends of the first branch channel 25 and the second branch channel 26 are disposed with an interval in the circumferential direction of the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 , and separated from each other by a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction. As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the first branch channel 25 and the second branch channel 26 are closest to each other at the upper ends thereof, and the separation distance between these channels increases toward the downstream ends thereof.
- the second distributor component 20 has a first outflow-side pipe connection hole 20 c to which the upstream end of the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100 f is inserted and connected.
- the first outflow-side pipe connection hole 20 c has a circular cross-sectional shape. In this positional relationship, the axis of the first outflow-side pipe connection hole 20 c and the axis of first branch channel 25 intersect each other.
- the downstream end of the first branch channel 25 communicates with a portion separated from the axis of the first outflow-side pipe connection hole 20 c in the radial direction.
- the outer peripheral surface of the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100 f is brazed to the inner peripheral surface of the first outflow-side pipe connection hole 20 c along the entire periphery. Accordingly, the downstream end of the first branch channel 25 communicates with the upstream end of the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100 f.
- the second distributor component 20 has a second outflow-side pipe connection hole 20 d to which the upstream end of the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100 g is inserted and connected.
- the second outflow-side pipe connection hole 20 d has a circular cross-sectional shape. In this positional relationship, the axis of the second outflow-side pipe connection hole 20 d and the axis of second branch channel 26 intersect each other.
- the downstream end of the second branch channel 26 communicates with a portion separated from the axis of the second outflow-side pipe connection hole 20 d in the radial direction.
- the outer peripheral surface of the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100 g is brazed to the inner peripheral surface of the second outflow-side pipe connection hole 20 d along the entire periphery. Accordingly, the downstream end of the second branch channel 26 communicates with the upstream end of the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100 g.
- the gas-liquid two-layer refrigerant when gas-liquid two-layer refrigerant flows into the supply path 11 b from the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b , the gas-liquid two-layer refrigerant can be caused to flow into the reducing portion 12 a .
- the reducing portion 12 a extends straight and has a predetermined length, refrigerant has its flow rate increased while flowing in the reducing portion 12 a as well as being controlled in the outflow direction when flowing out of the reducing portion 12 a .
- controllability of the outflow direction is enhanced by controlling the outflow direction of refrigerant at a high flow rate.
- Refrigerant that has flowed from the reducing portion 12 a into the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 strikes the refrigerant strike surface 24 violently, and thus, liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant are well stirred in the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 .
- refrigerant in the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 is evenly distributed to the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100 f and the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100 g through the first branch channel 25 and the second branch channel 26 , respectively.
- FIG. 8 is a view according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that refrigerant is distributed to four directions and that the axial directions of the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b and the reducing portion 12 a intersect each other.
- the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference characters and will not be described again, and components different from those of the first embodiment will be described in detail.
- the supply path 11 b extends in a direction intersecting an extension line of the axis of the reducing portion 12 a . That is, as illustrated in FIG. 8 , the supply path 11 b extends in the horizontal direction, whereas the reducing portion 12 a extends in the top-bottom direction. Accordingly, the direction in which the supply path 11 b extends is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the reducing portion 12 a in this positional relationship.
- the second distributor component 20 includes a third branch channel 27 and a fourth branch channel 28 in addition to the first branch channel 25 and the second branch channel 26 .
- the second distributor component 20 has a third outflow-side pipe connection hole 20 e to which the upstream end of a third refrigerant outflow pipe (not shown) is inserted and connected.
- the downstream end of the third branch channel 27 communicates with the third outflow-side pipe connection hole 20 e .
- the second distributor component 20 has a fourth outflow-side pipe connection hole 20 f to which the upstream end of the fourth refrigerant outflow pipe (not shown) is inserted and connected.
- the downstream end of the fourth branch channel 28 communicates with the fourth outflow-side pipe connection hole 20 f.
- refrigerant can be distributed to four directions.
- the flow direction can be controlled by using the reducing portion 12 a so that refrigerant can strike the refrigerant strike surface 24 as intended, irrespective of the direction in which the supply path 11 b extends.
- the refrigerant distributor 1 is applicable not only to the battery cooling device 100 but also to a case where refrigerant is distributed to tubes constituted by a heat exchanger of an air conditioner.
- the first branch channel 25 , the second branch channel 26 , the third branch channel 27 , and the fourth branch channel 28 may extend in any directions.
- the number of branch channels may be three or five or more.
- the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention is applicable to, for example, a battery cooling device and an air conditioner.
Abstract
A refrigerant distributor 1 includes: a reducing portion 12a extending straight from a downstream end of a supply path 11b to which a refrigerant supply pipe 100b is connected and having a diameter smaller than that of the supply path 11b; a refrigerant stirring chamber 22 configured to stir refrigerant from the reducing portion 12a; a refrigerant strike surface 24 to be struck by refrigerant, and first and second branch channels 25 and 26 communicating with the refrigerant stirring chamber 22.
Description
- This is a continuation of PCT International Application PCT/JP2021/007539 filed on Feb. 26, 2021, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-036208 filed on Mar. 3, 2020. The disclosures of these applications including the specifications, the drawings, and the claims are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- The present invention relates to a refrigerant distributor that distributes inflow refrigerant to a plurality of channels.
- A known heat exchanger used as a refrigerant evaporator of a refrigeration cycle includes a plurality of heat transfer pipes in some cases. In such cases, a refrigerant distributor can be used for distributing refrigerant from an inflow pipe to the heat transfer pipes (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
- A refrigerant distributor of
Patent Document 1 is constituted by fitting a first body having a refrigerant supply path and a reducing portion and a second body having a refrigerant flow strike portion and first and second branch channels to each other and uniting these bodies together. The diameter of the downstream end of the refrigerant supply path is reduced through a tapered surface, thereby forming the reducing portion. On the other hand, the refrigerant flow strike portion of the second body faces a downstream end opening of the refrigerant supply path, and is constituted by a semi-spherical concave surface. The first and second branch channels are open outward of the refrigerant flow strike portion. Refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant supply path passes through the reducing portion and then strikes the refrigerant flow strike portion, and then is branched into the first and second branch channels. -
- Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-257801
- In the configuration of
Patent Document 1, since the refrigerant flow strike portion faces the opening of the reducing portion, unless refrigerant from the reducing portion is caused to flow straight, the refrigerant cannot strike the refrigerant flow strike portion as intended. - However, the reducing portion is provided only in a tapered shape in the downstream end of the refrigerant supply path, and thus, the length of the reducing portion is short, and it is difficult to control the flow direction of refrigerant by using the reducing portion. Thus, a pipe communicating with the reducing portion needs to be formed in a straight pipe shape along a predetermined length so that the portion having the straight pipe shape is used to set the refrigerant flow direction to cause refrigerant to strike the refrigerant flow strike portion as intended. When the portion having the straight pipe shape is to be provided along the predetermined length, a pipe layout around the refrigerant distributor might be difficult.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to enable refrigerant distribution as intended irrespective of the shape of a pipe upstream of a reducing portion.
- To achieve the object, according to the present invention, the length of a reducing portion is made long, and a refrigerant strike surface is provided to face an opening of the reducing portion.
- In a first aspect, a refrigerant distributor configured to distribute refrigerant from a refrigerant supply pipe to first and second refrigerant outflow pipes, includes: a supply path to which the refrigerant supply pipe is connected; a reducing portion extending straight from a downstream end of the supply path and having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the supply path; a refrigerant stirring chamber communicating with a downstream end of the reducing portion and configured to stir refrigerant from the reducing portion; a refrigerant strike surface facing the downstream end of the reducing portion with a predetermined interval and configured such that refrigerant from the reducing portion strikes the refrigerant strike surface; a first branch channel having an upstream end and a downstream end, the upstream end communicating with a portion of the refrigerant stirring chamber separated from the refrigerant strike surface, the downstream end communicating with the first refrigerant outflow pipe; and a second branch channel having an upstream end and a downstream end, the upstream end communicating with a portion of the refrigerant stirring chamber separated from the refrigerant strike surface and from the upstream end of the first branch channel, the downstream end communicating with the second refrigerant outflow pipe.
- With this configuration, refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant supply pipe flows into the supply path and then flows into the reducing portion. Since the reducing portion extends straight, refrigerant has its flow rate increased while flowing in the reducing portion as well as being controlled in the outflow direction when flowing out of the reducing portion. In particular, controllability of the outflow direction is enhanced by controlling the outflow direction of refrigerant at a high flow rate. The refrigerant that has flowed from the reducing portion into the refrigerant stirring chamber strikes the refrigerant strike surface violently, and thus, liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant are well stirred in the refrigerant stirring chamber. The refrigerant in the refrigerant stirring chamber is stirred and then distributed to the first refrigerant outflow pipe and the second refrigerant outflow pipe through the first branch channel and the second branch channel, respectively.
- In a second aspect, the refrigerant strike surface may be disposed on an extension line of an axis of the reducing portion from the downstream end of the reducing portion, and the upstream ends of the first branch channel and the second branch channel may be open at a wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber between the downstream end of the reducing portion and the refrigerant strike surface.
- In a third aspect, the upstream ends of the first branch channel and the second branch channel may be open at positions closer to the reducing portion than a center portion between the downstream end of the reducing portion and the refrigerant strike surface.
- In this configuration, the upstream ends of the first branch channel and the second branch channel are separated from the refrigerant strike surface. Thus, refrigerant that has struck the refrigerant strike surface and has been sufficiently stirred can flow into the upstream ends of the first branch channel and the second branch channel.
- In a fourth aspect, the upstream ends of the first branch channel and the second branch channel may be disposed with an interval along the extension line on the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber.
- In this configuration, the upstream end of the first branch channel can be sufficiently separated from the upstream end of the second branch channel. Thus, refrigerant that has been sufficiently stirred can flow into these upstream ends.
- In a fifth aspect, the refrigerant distributor may further include: a first distributor component provided with the supply path and the reducing portion; and a second distributor component provided with the refrigerant stirring chamber, the refrigerant strike surface, the first branch channel, and the second branch channel. The first distributor component may be provided with the reducing portion disposed inside the first distributor component. A front end surface of the first distributor component may have a projecting cylindrical portion at which the downstream end of the reducing portion is open. The second distributor component may have a fitting hole to which the projecting cylindrical portion is fitted. The refrigerant stirring chamber may communicate with an inner side of the fitting hole.
- In this configuration, in uniting the first distributor component and the second distributor component, the projecting cylindrical portion of the first distributor component is fitted in the fitting hole of the second distributor component so that the first and second distributor components can be thereby united while being positioned relative to each other. In addition, since the projecting cylindrical portion of the first distributor component has the reducing portion and the second distributor component includes the refrigerant stirring chamber communicating with the fitting hole, refrigerant from the reducing portion can be caused to flow into the refrigerant stirring chamber and be stirred therein.
- In a sixth aspect, the fitting hole may have a diameter larger than a diameter of the refrigerant stirring chamber.
- In this configuration, the diameter of the fitting hole of the second distributor component is increased so that even a large-diameter projecting cylindrical portion of the first distributor component can be thereby fitted in the fitting hole. Accordingly, strength of the first distributor component and strength of the refrigerant distributor in fitting can be enhanced. In addition, since the fitting hole of the second distributor component has a large diameter and the refrigerant stirring chamber has a small diameter, the fitting hole and the refrigerant stirring chamber can be easily processed.
- In a seventh aspect, the supply path may extend in a direction intersecting an extension line of an axis of the reducing portion.
- Specifically, in a possible case, the direction in which the supply path extends intersects an extension line of the axis of the reducing portion depending on the influence of, for example, arrangement of the refrigerant supply pipe. According to the present invention, however, since the reducing portion extends straight, the outflow direction can be controlled by using the reducing portion so that refrigerant strikes the refrigerant strike surface as intended irrespective of the direction in which the supply path extends.
- In an eighth aspect, the supply path may extend coaxially with an extension line of an axis of the reducing portion.
- In this configuration, refrigerant can flow smoothly from the supply path to the reducing portion.
- In a ninth aspect, the refrigerant strike surface may be circular, and the downstream end of the reducing portion may be disposed such that an extension line of an axis of the reducing portion passes through a center of the refrigerant strike surface.
- In this configuration, refrigerant from the reducing portion strikes the center of the refrigerant strike surface so that the refrigerant flow is less likely to be biased, and liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant can be well stirred.
- In a tenth aspect, the refrigerant strike surface may be substantially perpendicular to the extension line of the axis of the reducing portion.
- In this configuration, since the refrigerant flow is substantially perpendicular to the refrigerant strike surface, distribution performance of a refrigerant flow that has struck the refrigerant strike surface can be enhanced.
- According to the present invention, refrigerant from the reducing portion extending from the downstream end of the supply path to which the refrigerant supply pipe is connected is caused to strike the refrigerant strike surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber so that liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant can be well stirred. In addition, the refrigerant stirring chamber communicates with the first branch channel and the second branch channel so that refrigerant distribution can be obtained as intended, irrespective of the shape of a pipe upstream of the reducing portion.
-
FIG. 1 A circuit configuration diagram of a battery cooling device including a refrigerant distributor according to a first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the refrigerant distributor. -
FIG. 3 A cross-sectional view illustrating a state before a first distributor component is fixed to a second distributor component. -
FIG. 4 A plan view of the second distributor component. -
FIG. 5 A side view of the second distributor component. -
FIG. 6 A rear view of the second distributor component. -
FIG. 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII inFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8 A view corresponding toFIG. 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX inFIG. 8 . - Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely preferred examples in nature, and are not intended to limit the invention, applications, and use of the applications.
-
FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of abattery cooling device 100 including arefrigerant distributor 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Thebattery cooling device 100 is, for example, a device for cooling abattery 200 mounted on an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle (including a vehicle of a plug-in type), or other vehicles. Although not shown, thebattery 200 is used for supplying electric power to a driving motor of a vehicle. In the case of a hybrid vehicle, thebattery 200 can be charged by regenerative control of a driving motor and driving of an electric generator by an engine. In the case of an electric vehicle and a plug-in type hybrid vehicle, thebattery 200 can be charged from an unillustrated commercial power supply or charged by regenerative control of a driving motor. The temperature of thebattery 200 rises during charging and discharging. To suppress this temperature rise, thebattery 200 is configured to be cooled by abattery cooling device 100. - The
battery cooling device 100 includes at least acompressor 101, acondenser 102, areceiver tank 103, a batterycooler expansion valve 104, abattery cooler 105, and anaccumulator 106. In this embodiment, thebattery cooling device 100 is configured to perform air conditioning on the cabin, and thus, thebattery cooling device 100 includes anevaporator 107 as a cooling heat exchanger for cooling air-conditioning air, and an air-conditioning expansion valve 108. - The
compressor 101 is constituted by an electric compressor. High-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from thecompressor 101 flows into thecondenser 102. Outside air is sent to thecondenser 102 by afan 102 a. Refrigerant that has passed through thecondenser 102 flows into thereceiver tank 103, and then flows into one or both of abypass pipe 100 a and a bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b. - The bypass-cooler-
side pipe 100 b is provided with a battery-cooler-side gate valve 100 c. The battery-cooler-side gate valve 100 c is a valve for opening and closing the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b. The batterycooler expansion valve 104 is disposed downstream of the battery-cooler-side gate valve 100 c in the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b. Refrigerant that has passed through the batterycooler expansion valve 104 is decompressed. Therefrigerant distributor 1 according to the present invention is disposed downstream of the batterycooler expansion valve 104 in the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b. - The
refrigerant distributor 1 is used for distributing refrigerant from the bypass-cooler-side pipe (refrigerant supply pipe) 100 b to a firstrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 f and a secondrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 g. That is, thebattery cooler 105 is constituted by a heat exchanger (evaporator) that supplies cold energy for cooling thebattery 200 to thebattery 200, and thisbattery cooler 105 is provided with a plurality of unillustrated tubes. Therefrigerant distributor 1 is provided in order to distribute refrigerant to these tubes. Although refrigerant is distributed to two pipes in this example, refrigerant can be distributed to three or more pipes. Therefrigerant distributor 1 may distribute refrigerant to the firstrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 f and the secondrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 g evenly, or may distribute refrigerant such that a fractional flow rate in one pipe is larger than that in the other pipe. - The bypass-cooler-
side pipe 100 b, the firstrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 f, and the secondrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 g may have the same diameter or may have different diameters. Each of the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b, the firstrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 f, and the secondrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 g is made of a pipe member of an aluminium alloy, for example. The bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b, the firstrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 f, and the secondrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 g have substantially circular cross sections. - The
bypass pipe 100 a is provided with a bypass-side gate valve 100 d. The bypass-side gate valve 100 d is a valve for opening and closing thebypass pipe 100 a. Thebypass pipe 100 a is connected to theevaporator 107. The air-conditioning expansion valve 108 is disposed downstream of the bypass-side gate valve 100 d in thebypass pipe 100 a. Refrigerant from theevaporator 107 flows into theaccumulator 106, and then is sucked into thecompressor 101. Air-conditioning air is sent to theevaporator 107 by ablower 120. Air-conditioning air is cooled by theevaporator 107 and then supplied to the cabin. - Thus, opening/closing of the battery-cooler-
side gate valve 100 c and the bypass-side gate valve 100 d switches refrigerant among a mode in which refrigerant flows only in thebattery cooler 105, a mode in which refrigerant flows only in theevaporator 107, and a mode in which refrigerant flows in both thebattery cooler 105 and theevaporator 107. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , therefrigerant distributor 1 includes afirst distributor component 10 and asecond distributor component 20. Each of thefirst distributor component 10 and thesecond distributor component 20 is made of, for example, a block material of, for example, an aluminium alloy. Thefirst distributor component 10 includes abase 11 and a projectingcylindrical portion 12 projecting from thebase 11. The projectingcylindrical portion 12 has a circular cross section. Thebase 11 and the projectingcylindrical portion 12 may be integrally formed, or may be formed of different materials and then combined and united. - The
base 11 has a supply-sidepipe connection hole 11 a to which the downstream end of the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b is inserted and connected. The supply-sidepipe connection hole 11 a has a circular cross section. The outer peripheral surface of the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b is brazed to the inner peripheral surface of the supply-sidepipe connection hole 11 a along the entire periphery. - The
base 11 has asupply path 11 b communicating with the inner side (i.e., downstream side in a refrigerant flow) of the supply-sidepipe connection hole 11 a. The supply-sidepipe connection hole 11 a is open at the upper surface of thebase 11. Thesupply path 11 b has a circular cross-sectional shape smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the supply-sidepipe connection hole 11 a. Thesupply path 11 b extends straight, and thesupply path 11 b and the supply-sidepipe connection hole 11 a are coaxial. Astep 11 c is formed at the boundary between thesupply path 11 b and the supply-sidepipe connection hole 11 a. An insertion depth of a downstream end portion of the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b is defined by contact with thestep 11 c with the downstream end portion of the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b inserted in the supply-sidepipe connection hole 11 a. The bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b is connected to thesupply path 11 b while being inserted in the supply-sidepipe connection hole 11 a. - The downstream end portion of the
supply path 11 b is formed by a taperedsurface 11 d. The diameter of the taperedsurface 11 d gradually decreases toward the downstream side in the refrigerant flow direction. The taperedsurface 11 d and thesupply path 11 b are coaxial. - The
first distributor component 10 has a reducingportion 12 a extending straight from the downstream end of thesupply path 11 b and having a diameter smaller than that of a portion of thesupply path 11 b except for the taperedsurface 11 d. Specifically, the reducingportion 12 a is disposed inside the projectingcylindrical portion 12 of thefirst distributor component 10. The downstream end of the reducingportion 12 a is open at the center of the front end surface of the projectingcylindrical portion 12. The reducingportion 12 a has a circular cross-sectional shape. Similarly, the downstream end of the reducingportion 12 a that is open at the front end surface of the projectingcylindrical portion 12 also has a circular cross-sectional shape. The diameter of the reducingportion 12 a is uniform from the upstream end to the downstream end thereof. The length of the reducingportion 12 a is larger than the length of thesupply path 11 b including the taperedsurface 11 d. Accordingly, the reducingportion 12 a has a shape whose inner diameter is uniform along a predetermined length. - The length of the reducing
portion 12 a is larger than the diameter of the reducingportion 12 a. The length of the reducingportion 12 a can be, for example, 7 mm or more, and is preferably 10 mm or more. The inner diameter of the reducingportion 12 a can be set such that a refrigerant flow rate per a unit area is within the range from 1.0 g/s·mm2 to 4.0 g/s·mm2, for example. With this range, liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant can be well mixed in a refrigerant stirring chamber described later, and a pressure loss can be reduced. A part of the reducingportion 12 a may be formed in thebase 11. - The outer peripheral surface of the projecting
cylindrical portion 12 has anannular groove 12 b. An O-ring 13 as a sealing member of, for example, rubber is fitted in theannular groove 12 b. - The
second distributor component 20 has afitting hole 21 in which the projectingcylindrical portion 12 is fitted. Thefitting hole 21 is open at the upper surface of thesecond distributor component 20 and has a circular cross-sectional shape. The length of thefitting hole 21 is substantially equal to the projection length of the projectingcylindrical portion 12. Thus, when the projectingcylindrical portion 12 is inserted and fitted in thefitting hole 21, the lower surface of thebase 11 of thefirst distributor component 10 is brought into contact with the upper surface of thesecond distributor component 20. Although not shown, thefirst distributor component 10 and thesecond distributor component 20 can be fastened together with, for example, a bolt.FIG. 4 shows ascrew hole 20 a in which the bolt is screwed. When the projectingcylindrical portion 12 is inserted in thefitting hole 21, a gap between the projectingcylindrical portion 12 and thefitting hole 21 is sealed by the O-ring 13. - The
second distributor component 20 includes arefrigerant stirring chamber 22 at the inner side of thefitting hole 21. Therefrigerant stirring chamber 22 communicates with the inner side of thefitting hole 21. Therefrigerant stirring chamber 22 has a circular cross-sectional shape smaller than the cross-sectional shape of thefitting hole 21. Accordingly, the diameter of thefitting hole 21 is larger than that of therefrigerant stirring chamber 22, and thestep 20 b is formed at the boundary between thefitting hole 21 and therefrigerant stirring chamber 22. Thestep 20 b can be formed by a tapered surface. As illustrated inFIG. 4 , since the cross-sectional shape of therefrigerant stirring chamber 22 is smaller than that of thefitting hole 21, in forming therefrigerant stirring chamber 22 and thefitting hole 21, therefrigerant stirring chamber 22 can be formed with, for example, a rotation tool, before thefitting hole 21 is formed, or thefitting hole 21 can be formed before the refrigerant stirringchamber 22 is formed. - By fixing the
first distributor component 10 to thesecond distributor component 20, the lower end of the reducingportion 12 a communicates with therefrigerant stirring chamber 22. Therefrigerant stirring chamber 22 forms space for stirring refrigerant from the reducingportion 12 a. The length of therefrigerant stirring chamber 22 in the axial direction can be approximately equal to the length of the reducingportion 12 a, but may be larger than or smaller than the length of the reducingportion 12 a. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 2 , a length B of therefrigerant stirring chamber 22 in the axial direction can be 10 mm or more, and is preferably 15 mm or more. - The diameter of the
refrigerant stirring chamber 22 is sufficiently larger than that of the reducingportion 12 a, and space that is large enough to stir refrigerant from the reducingportion 12 a can be obtained in therefrigerant stirring chamber 22. Since refrigerant from the reducingportion 12 a flows in the batterycooler expansion valve 104, this refrigerant can be in the state of gas-liquid two-layer refrigerant as a mixture of liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant. This gas-liquid two-layer refrigerant is stirred in therefrigerant stirring chamber 22 so that the liquid-phase refrigerant and the gas-phase refrigerant can be thereby mixed. - The
second distributor component 20 has arefrigerant strike surface 24 configured to be struck by refrigerant from the reducingportion 12 a. Therefrigerant strike surface 24 is disposed to face the downstream end of the reducingportion 12 a with a predetermined interval. Therefrigerant strike surface 24 is circular. Therefrigerant strike surface 24 is disposed on an extension line of the axis of the reducingportion 12 a extending from the downstream end of the reducingportion 12 a. The downstream end of the reducingportion 12 a is disposed such that the extension of the axis of the reducingportion 12 a passes through the center of therefrigerant strike surface 24. Therefrigerant strike surface 24 may be flat or curved. In the case where therefrigerant strike surface 24 is flat, therefrigerant strike surface 24 is substantially perpendicular to the extension of the axis of the reducingportion 12 a. - The
second distributor component 20 has afirst branch channel 25 and asecond branch channel 26. The upstream ends of thefirst branch channel 25 and thesecond branch channel 26 communicate with portions of therefrigerant stirring chamber 22 separated from therefrigerant strike surface 24. That is, the upstream ends of thefirst branch channel 25 and thesecond branch channel 26 are open at a wall surface of therefrigerant stirring chamber 22 between the downstream end of the reducingportion 12 a and therefrigerant strike surface 24. More specifically, the upstream ends of thefirst branch channel 25 and thesecond branch channel 26 are open at portions closer to the reducingportion 12 a than the center between the downstream end of the reducingportion 12 a and therefrigerant strike surface 24. Accordingly, therefrigerant strike surface 24 can be separated from the upstream ends of thefirst branch channel 25 and thesecond branch channel 26. As illustrated inFIG. 2 , a separation distance A between therefrigerant strike surface 24 and the center of the upstream ends of thefirst branch channel 25 and thesecond branch channel 26 can be 9 mm or more and 13.5 mm or less. The upstream ends of thefirst branch channel 25 and thesecond branch channel 26 may be open at the center between the downstream end of the reducingportion 12 a and therefrigerant strike surface 24, or may be open at a position closer to therefrigerant strike surface 24 than the center. - The upstream ends of the
first branch channel 25 and thesecond branch channel 26 are spaced apart from each other along an extension of the axis of the reducingportion 12 a on the wall surface of therefrigerant stirring chamber 22. That is, the upstream ends of thefirst branch channel 25 and thesecond branch channel 26 are disposed with an interval in the circumferential direction of the wall surface of therefrigerant stirring chamber 22, and separated from each other by a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction. As illustrated inFIG. 7 , thefirst branch channel 25 and thesecond branch channel 26 are closest to each other at the upper ends thereof, and the separation distance between these channels increases toward the downstream ends thereof. - The
second distributor component 20 has a first outflow-sidepipe connection hole 20 c to which the upstream end of the firstrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 f is inserted and connected. The first outflow-sidepipe connection hole 20 c has a circular cross-sectional shape. In this positional relationship, the axis of the first outflow-sidepipe connection hole 20 c and the axis offirst branch channel 25 intersect each other. The downstream end of thefirst branch channel 25 communicates with a portion separated from the axis of the first outflow-sidepipe connection hole 20 c in the radial direction. The outer peripheral surface of the firstrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 f is brazed to the inner peripheral surface of the first outflow-sidepipe connection hole 20 c along the entire periphery. Accordingly, the downstream end of thefirst branch channel 25 communicates with the upstream end of the firstrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 f. - The
second distributor component 20 has a second outflow-sidepipe connection hole 20 d to which the upstream end of the secondrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 g is inserted and connected. The second outflow-sidepipe connection hole 20 d has a circular cross-sectional shape. In this positional relationship, the axis of the second outflow-sidepipe connection hole 20 d and the axis ofsecond branch channel 26 intersect each other. The downstream end of thesecond branch channel 26 communicates with a portion separated from the axis of the second outflow-sidepipe connection hole 20 d in the radial direction. The outer peripheral surface of the secondrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 g is brazed to the inner peripheral surface of the second outflow-sidepipe connection hole 20 d along the entire periphery. Accordingly, the downstream end of thesecond branch channel 26 communicates with the upstream end of the secondrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 g. - Thus, as illustrated in
FIG. 3 , when gas-liquid two-layer refrigerant flows into thesupply path 11 b from the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b, the gas-liquid two-layer refrigerant can be caused to flow into the reducingportion 12 a. Since the reducingportion 12 a extends straight and has a predetermined length, refrigerant has its flow rate increased while flowing in the reducingportion 12 a as well as being controlled in the outflow direction when flowing out of the reducingportion 12 a. In particular, controllability of the outflow direction is enhanced by controlling the outflow direction of refrigerant at a high flow rate. Refrigerant that has flowed from the reducingportion 12 a into therefrigerant stirring chamber 22 strikes therefrigerant strike surface 24 violently, and thus, liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant are well stirred in therefrigerant stirring chamber 22. After the stirring, refrigerant in therefrigerant stirring chamber 22 is evenly distributed to the firstrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 f and the secondrefrigerant outflow pipe 100 g through thefirst branch channel 25 and thesecond branch channel 26, respectively. - In a case where a pipe located immediately upstream of the
refrigerant distributor 1 is bent, flow velocity distribution of refrigerant flowing into therefrigerant distributor 1 is biased. On the other hand, since the reducingportion 12 a is straight in this embodiment, the bias of flow velocity distribution of refrigerant is reduced while the refrigerant flows in the reducingportion 12 a. Accordingly, distribution of refrigerant can be made uniform, irrespective of the shape of the pipe located immediately upstream of therefrigerant distributor 1. -
FIG. 8 is a view according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that refrigerant is distributed to four directions and that the axial directions of the bypass-cooler-side pipe 100 b and the reducingportion 12 a intersect each other. In the following description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference characters and will not be described again, and components different from those of the first embodiment will be described in detail. - In the second embodiment, the
supply path 11 b extends in a direction intersecting an extension line of the axis of the reducingportion 12 a. That is, as illustrated inFIG. 8 , thesupply path 11 b extends in the horizontal direction, whereas the reducingportion 12 a extends in the top-bottom direction. Accordingly, the direction in which thesupply path 11 b extends is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the reducingportion 12 a in this positional relationship. - As illustrated in
FIG. 9 , thesecond distributor component 20 includes athird branch channel 27 and afourth branch channel 28 in addition to thefirst branch channel 25 and thesecond branch channel 26. Thesecond distributor component 20 has a third outflow-sidepipe connection hole 20 e to which the upstream end of a third refrigerant outflow pipe (not shown) is inserted and connected. The downstream end of thethird branch channel 27 communicates with the third outflow-sidepipe connection hole 20 e. Thesecond distributor component 20 has a fourth outflow-sidepipe connection hole 20 f to which the upstream end of the fourth refrigerant outflow pipe (not shown) is inserted and connected. The downstream end of thefourth branch channel 28 communicates with the fourth outflow-sidepipe connection hole 20 f. - In this second embodiment, advantages similar to those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and refrigerant can be distributed to four directions. In a case where the direction in which the
supply path 11 b extends intersects an extension line of the axis of the reducingportion 12 a under the influence of, for example, arrangement of a pipe, since the reducingportion 12 a extends straight, the flow direction can be controlled by using the reducingportion 12 a so that refrigerant can strike therefrigerant strike surface 24 as intended, irrespective of the direction in which thesupply path 11 b extends. - The above-described embodiments are merely an example in all respects, and should not be construed as limiting. Further, all variations and modifications belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. The
refrigerant distributor 1 is applicable not only to thebattery cooling device 100 but also to a case where refrigerant is distributed to tubes constituted by a heat exchanger of an air conditioner. Thefirst branch channel 25, thesecond branch channel 26, thethird branch channel 27, and thefourth branch channel 28 may extend in any directions. The number of branch channels may be three or five or more. - As described above, the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention is applicable to, for example, a battery cooling device and an air conditioner.
-
- 1 refrigerant distributor
- 10 first distributor component
- 11 b supply path
- 12 projecting cylindrical portion
- 12 a reducing portion
- 20 second distributor component
- 21 fitting hole
- 22 refrigerant stirring chamber
- 24 refrigerant strike surface
- 25 first branch channel
- 26 second branch channel
- 100 b bypass-cooler-side pipe (refrigerant supply pipe)
- 100 f first refrigerant outflow pipe
- 100 g second refrigerant outflow pipe
Claims (10)
1. A refrigerant distributor configured to distribute refrigerant from a refrigerant supply pipe to first and second refrigerant outflow pipes, the refrigerant distributor comprises:
a supply path to which the refrigerant supply pipe is connected;
a reducing portion extending straight from a downstream end of the supply path and having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the supply path;
a refrigerant stirring chamber communicating with a downstream end of the reducing portion and configured to stir refrigerant from the reducing portion;
a refrigerant strike surface facing the downstream end of the reducing portion with a predetermined interval and configured such that refrigerant from the reducing portion strikes the refrigerant strike surface;
a first branch channel having an upstream end and a downstream end, the upstream end communicating with a portion of the refrigerant stirring chamber separated from the refrigerant strike surface, the downstream end communicating with the first refrigerant outflow pipe; and
a second branch channel having an upstream end and a downstream end, the upstream end communicating with a portion of the refrigerant stirring chamber separated from the refrigerant strike surface and from the upstream end of the first branch channel, the downstream end communicating with the second refrigerant outflow pipe.
2. The refrigerant distributor according to claim 1 , wherein
the refrigerant strike surface is disposed on an extension line of an axis of the reducing portion from the downstream end of the reducing portion, and
the upstream ends of the first branch channel and the second branch channel are open at a wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber between the downstream end of the reducing portion and the refrigerant strike surface.
3. The refrigerant distributor according to claim 2 , wherein
the upstream ends of the first branch channel and the second branch channel are open at positions closer to the reducing portion than a center portion between the downstream end of the reducing portion and the refrigerant strike surface.
4. The refrigerant distributor according to claim 2 , wherein
the upstream ends of the first branch channel and the second branch channel are disposed with an interval along the extension line on the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber.
5. The refrigerant distributor according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a first distributor component provided with the supply path and the reducing portion; and
a second distributor component provided with the refrigerant stirring chamber, the refrigerant strike surface, the first branch channel, and the second branch channel, wherein
the first distributor component is provided with the reducing portion disposed inside the first distributor component, a front end surface of the first distributor component has a projecting cylindrical portion at which the downstream end of the reducing portion is open,
the second distributor component has a fitting hole to which the projecting cylindrical portion is fitted, and
the refrigerant stirring chamber communicates with an inner side of the fitting hole.
6. The refrigerant distributor according to claim 5 , wherein
the fitting hole has a diameter larger than a diameter of the refrigerant stirring chamber.
7. The refrigerant distributor according to claim 1 , wherein
the supply path extends in a direction intersecting an extension line of an axis of the reducing portion.
8. The refrigerant distributor according to claim 1 , wherein
the supply path extends coaxially with an extension line of an axis of the reducing portion.
9. The refrigerant distributor according to claim 1 , wherein
the refrigerant strike surface is circular, and
the downstream end of the reducing portion is disposed such that an extension line of an axis of the reducing portion passes through a center of the refrigerant strike surface.
10. The refrigerant distributor according to claim 9 , wherein
the refrigerant strike surface is substantially perpendicular to the extension line of the axis of the reducing portion.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2020036208A JP7444641B2 (en) | 2020-03-03 | 2020-03-03 | refrigerant flow divider |
JP2020-036208 | 2020-03-03 | ||
PCT/JP2021/007539 WO2021177191A1 (en) | 2020-03-03 | 2021-02-26 | Refrigerant distributor |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/JP2021/007539 Continuation WO2021177191A1 (en) | 2020-03-03 | 2021-02-26 | Refrigerant distributor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20220412620A1 true US20220412620A1 (en) | 2022-12-29 |
Family
ID=77613382
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/898,597 Pending US20220412620A1 (en) | 2020-03-03 | 2022-08-30 | Refrigerant distributor |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20220412620A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4102156A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP7444641B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN115210514B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021177191A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5920610Y2 (en) * | 1980-09-20 | 1984-06-15 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Refrigeration equipment flow divider |
JPH08296778A (en) * | 1995-04-25 | 1996-11-12 | Nippondenso Co Ltd | Piping connector |
JPH09159320A (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 1997-06-20 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Refrigerant distributor |
JPH11257801A (en) * | 1998-03-16 | 1999-09-24 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Refrigerant distributor |
JP4560939B2 (en) * | 2000-10-20 | 2010-10-13 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Refrigerant shunt and air conditioner using the same |
CN101466986A (en) * | 2006-06-29 | 2009-06-24 | 大金工业株式会社 | Expansion valve with refrigerant flow dividing structure and refrigeration unit utilizing the same |
JP2009002557A (en) * | 2007-06-20 | 2009-01-08 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Refrigerant flow divider and refrigerating device |
JP2014081149A (en) | 2012-10-17 | 2014-05-08 | Hitachi Appliances Inc | Refrigerant distributor and refrigeration cycle device including the same |
JP6667070B2 (en) * | 2016-07-19 | 2020-03-18 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Refrigerant flow divider and refrigeration system using the same |
CN106705513A (en) * | 2017-01-12 | 2017-05-24 | 青岛海尔空调器有限总公司 | Air conditioner and distributor thereof |
-
2020
- 2020-03-03 JP JP2020036208A patent/JP7444641B2/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-02-26 CN CN202180017778.1A patent/CN115210514B/en active Active
- 2021-02-26 EP EP21763817.0A patent/EP4102156A4/en active Pending
- 2021-02-26 WO PCT/JP2021/007539 patent/WO2021177191A1/en unknown
-
2022
- 2022-08-30 US US17/898,597 patent/US20220412620A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN115210514A (en) | 2022-10-18 |
EP4102156A1 (en) | 2022-12-14 |
JP7444641B2 (en) | 2024-03-06 |
CN115210514B (en) | 2024-05-03 |
JP2021139529A (en) | 2021-09-16 |
WO2021177191A1 (en) | 2021-09-10 |
EP4102156A4 (en) | 2023-07-26 |
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