WO2021187061A1

WO2021187061A1 - Refrigerant flow divider

Info

Publication number: WO2021187061A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/007540
Authority: WO
Inventors: 濱本　浩; 山口　博志; 太照岩成
Original assignee: 株式会社日本クライメイトシステムズ
Priority date: 2020-03-17
Filing date: 2021-02-26
Publication date: 2021-09-23
Also published as: JP2021148340A; JP7444656B2

Abstract

This refrigerant flow divider comprises: a first outflow-side pipe connection hole 20c into which a first refrigerant outflow pipe 100f having a larger diameter than a first flow division path 25 is inserted; and a second outflow-side pipe connection hole 20d into which a second refrigerant outflow pipe 100g having a larger diameter than a second flow division path 26 is inserted. The downstream end of the first outflow-side pipe connection hole 20c and the downstream end of the second outflow-side pipe connection hole 20d open to a side surface 1a corresponding to one radial side of a refrigerant stirring chamber 22 in the refrigerator flow divider.

Description

Refrigerant shunt

The present invention relates to a refrigerant shunt that divides the inflowing refrigerant into a plurality of flow paths.

Conventionally, for example, a heat exchanger used as a refrigerant evaporator in a refrigeration cycle may be provided with a plurality of heat transfer tubes. In this case, a refrigerant shunt for dividing the refrigerant flowing from the inflow pipe into each heat transfer pipe may be used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The refrigerant shunt of Patent Document 1 includes a first body in which a refrigerant supply path and a throttle portion are formed, and a second body in which a refrigerant flow collision portion and first and second shunts are formed. It is configured by fitting and integrating with each other. The throttle portion is formed by reducing the flow path diameter at the downstream end of the refrigerant supply path via the tapered surface. On the other hand, the refrigerant flow collision portion of the second body is arranged so as to face the downstream end opening of the refrigerant supply path, and is composed of a hemispherical concave surface. The first and second branch channels are open to the outside of the refrigerant flow collision portion. Then, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant supply path passes through the throttle portion, collides with the refrigerant flow collision portion, and then diverges into the first and second branch flow paths and flows.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-257801

By the way, in the refrigerant shunt of Patent Document 1, the first and second shunts are provided on both the left and right sides of the refrigerant agitation chamber, respectively. Therefore, in order to secure a sufficient volume of the refrigerant agitation chamber, the first , The interval between the second shunts becomes wider. This leads to an increase in the dimensions of the refrigerant shunt, which in turn results in deterioration of the layout of the refrigerant shunt.

The present invention has been made in view of this point, and an object of the present invention is to suppress the expansion of the dimensions of the refrigerant shunt and improve the layout of the refrigerant shunt.

In order to achieve the above object, the first invention comprises a supply path to which the refrigerant supply pipe is connected in a refrigerant diversion device that divides the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant supply pipe into the first and second refrigerant outflow pipes. A refrigerant stirring chamber that extends linearly from the downstream end of the supply path and has a diameter smaller than that of the supply path, communicates with the downstream end of the throttle, and agitates the refrigerant that has flowed in from the throttle. The refrigerant collision surface is arranged so as to face the downstream end portion of the throttle portion at a predetermined distance, and the refrigerant flowing out of the throttle portion collides with the refrigerant collision surface, and the upstream end opens on the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber. On the other hand, the downstream end opens in the first branch flow path communicating with the first refrigerant outflow pipe, and the upstream end opens in a portion of the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber away from the upstream end of the first refrigerant flow path, while the downstream end opens. A second branch flow path communicating with the second refrigerant outflow pipe, and a first outflow side pipe connection hole into which the upstream end of the first refrigerant outflow pipe formed having a diameter larger than that of the first branch flow path is inserted. It is provided with a second outflow side pipe connection hole into which the upstream end of the second refrigerant outflow pipe formed having a diameter larger than that of the second branch flow path is inserted, and the downstream end of the first outflow side pipe connection hole and the said. The downstream end of the second outflow side pipe connection hole is characterized by opening on a side surface corresponding to one side in the radial direction of the refrigerant stirring chamber in the refrigerant diversion device.

According to this configuration, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant supply pipe flows into the supply path and then into the throttle portion. Since the throttle portion extends linearly, the refrigerant not only increases the flow velocity by flowing through the throttle portion, but also controls the outflow direction when the refrigerant flows out from the throttle portion. In particular, by controlling the outflow direction of the refrigerant in a state where the flow velocity is high, the controllability of the outflow direction is improved. Then, the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant stirring chamber from the throttle portion vigorously collides with the refrigerant collision surface, so that the liquid phase refrigerant and the vapor phase refrigerant are satisfactorily agitated in the refrigerant stirring chamber. After being agitated, the refrigerant in the refrigerant stirring chamber is divided into the first refrigerant outflow pipe and the second refrigerant outflow pipe via the first branch flow path and the second branch flow path, respectively.

Further, the first outflow side pipe connection hole into which the first refrigerant outflow pipe is inserted and the second outflow side pipe connection hole into which the second refrigerant outflow pipe is inserted are in the radial direction of the refrigerant agitation chamber with reference to the refrigerant agitation chamber. It will open on the side surface of the refrigerant diversion device corresponding to one side. Further, both the first branch flow path communicating with the first outflow side pipe connection hole and the second branch flow path communicating with the second outflow side pipe connection hole are open to the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber, and the first, Since the diameter is smaller than that of the second outflow side pipe connection hole, the first branch flow path and the second branch flow path can be brought close to each other. As a result, the dimensional expansion of the refrigerant shunt in the refrigerant flow direction is suppressed.

In the second invention, the first outflow side pipe connection hole extends in a direction intersecting the extension line of the axis of the first branch flow path, and the second outflow side pipe connection hole is the second branch flow path. It is characterized in that it extends in a direction intersecting the extension line of the axis of.

According to this configuration, the diameters of the first outflow side pipe connection hole and the second outflow side pipe connection hole are set to the diameters of the first outflow side pipe connection hole and the second outflow side pipe connection hole while keeping the first branch flow path and the second branch flow path close to each other. It can be larger than the diameter of the road.

In the third invention, the extension line of the axis of the first branch flow path is located in the opening of the first outflow side pipe connection hole, and the extension line of the axis line of the second branch flow path is the first. 2 It is characterized in that it is located in the opening of the outflow side pipe connection hole.

That is, it is conceivable that the first branch flow path is formed by drilling with a rotary tool or the like. In this case, first, the first outflow side pipe connection hole can be formed, and then the first branch flow path can be formed by a rotary tool. At this time, since the extension line of the axis of the first branch flow path is located in the opening of the first outflow side pipe connection hole, the rotary tool is connected to the first outflow side pipe through the opening of the first outflow side pipe connection hole. By inserting it into the hole and proceeding in that state, the first branch flow path can be easily formed. Similarly, the second branch channel can be easily formed.

The fourth invention is characterized in that the first branch flow path and the second branch flow path are formed in a straight line.

According to this configuration, the first branch flow path and the second branch flow path can be easily formed by a rotary tool.

The fifth invention is characterized in that the refrigerant collision surface is arranged on an extension line of the axis of the throttle portion from the downstream end portion of the throttle portion and has a circular shape.

According to this configuration, the refrigerant flowing out from the throttle portion collides with the center of the refrigerant collision surface, so that the flow is less likely to be biased, and the liquid phase refrigerant and the gas phase refrigerant can be satisfactorily agitated.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the cross section of the refrigerant stirring chamber is circular, and the diameter of the refrigerant stirring chamber is set to be larger than the diameters of the first branch flow path and the second branch flow path. ..

According to this configuration, a sufficient volume of the refrigerant stirring chamber can be secured.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the upstream ends of the first branch flow path and the second branch flow path are open between the downstream end portion of the throttle portion and the refrigerant collision surface on the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber. It is characterized by.

In the eighth invention, the upstream ends of the first branch flow path and the second branch flow path are opened closer to the throttle portion than the central portion between the downstream end portion of the throttle portion and the refrigerant collision surface. It is characterized by doing.

According to this configuration, the upstream ends of the first branch flow path and the second branch flow path are separated from the refrigerant collision surface, so that the refrigerant in a state of colliding with the refrigerant collision surface and sufficiently agitated is used in the first branch flow path and It can flow into the upstream end of the second branch flow path.

According to the present invention, the first outflow side pipe connection hole into which the first refrigerant outflow pipe is inserted and the second outflow side pipe connection hole into which the second refrigerant outflow pipe is inserted are located on one side in the radial direction of the refrigerant stirring chamber. Since it is open to the corresponding side surface and can communicate with the refrigerant stirring chamber in a state where the first and second branch flow paths having a diameter smaller than that of the first and second outflow side pipe connection holes are close to each other, the refrigerant split flow can be performed. It is possible to suppress the expansion of the dimensions of the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow direction of the vessel, and it is possible to improve the layout of the refrigerant diversion device.

It is a circuit block diagram of the battery cooling device provided with the refrigerant shunt which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the refrigerant shunt. It is sectional drawing which shows the state before fixing the 1st shunt component to the 2nd shunt component. It is a top view of the 2nd shunt component. It is a side view of the 2nd shunt component. It is a rear view of the 2nd shunt component. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description of the preferred embodiment is essentially merely an example and is not intended to limit the present invention, its application or its use.

FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of a battery cooling device 100 provided with a refrigerant shunt 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The battery cooling device 100 is a device for cooling the battery 200 mounted on, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle (including a plug-in type), and the like. Although not shown, the battery 200 is for supplying electric power to a traveling motor of an automobile. In the case of a hybrid vehicle, the battery 200 can be charged by regenerative control of a traveling motor or driving a generator by an engine. In the case of an electric vehicle and a plug-in type hybrid vehicle, the battery 200 can be charged from a commercial power source (not shown) or the like, or the battery 200 can be charged by regenerative control of a traveling motor. The temperature of the battery 200 rises during charging and discharging. The battery 200 can be cooled by the battery cooling device 100 in order to suppress this temperature rise.

(Configuration of 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. In this embodiment, the battery cooling device 100 is configured to also perform air conditioning in the vehicle interior. Therefore, the battery cooling device 100 includes an evaporator 107 as a cooling heat exchanger for cooling the air conditioning air and air conditioning. It is provided with an expansion valve 108 for use.

The compressor 101 is composed of an electric compressor. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 101 flows into the condenser 102. External air is blown to the condenser 102 by a fan 102a. After flowing into the receiver tank 103, the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 102 flows into one or both of the bypass pipe 100a and the battery cooler side pipe 100b.

The battery cooler side piping 100b is provided with a battery cooler side sluice valve 100c. The battery cooler side sluice valve 100c is a valve for opening and closing the battery cooler side pipe 100b. A battery cooler expansion valve 104 is provided on the downstream side of the battery cooler side sluice valve 100c in the battery cooler side pipe 100b. The refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 104 for the battery cooler is depressurized. The shunt 1 according to the present invention is provided on the downstream side of the battery cooler expansion valve 104 in the battery cooler side pipe 100b.

The shunt shunt 1 is for shunting the refrigerant flowing from the battery cooler side pipe (refrigerant supply pipe) 100b into the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100f and the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100g. That is, the battery cooler 105 is composed of a heat exchanger (evaporator) that supplies cold heat for cooling the battery 200 to the battery 200. The battery cooler 105 has a plurality of tubes (not shown). It is provided. A shunt shunt 1 is provided in each tube to shunt the refrigerant. In this example, the case where the refrigerant is divided into two will be described, but the refrigerant can be divided into three or more. Further, in the shunt shunt 1, the refrigerant may be evenly diverted into the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100f and the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100g, and the shunt flow rate to one side is larger than the shunt flow rate to the other side. You may divide the flow as follows.

The battery cooler side pipe 100b, the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100f, and the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100g may all have the same diameter or may have different diameters. The battery cooler side pipe 100b, the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100f, and the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100g are made of, for example, aluminum alloy piping members. Further, the cross section of the battery cooler side pipe 100b, the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100f, and the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100g is substantially circular.

The bypass pipe 100a is provided with a bypass side sluice valve 100d. The bypass side sluice valve 100d is a valve for opening and closing the bypass pipe 100a. The bypass pipe 100a is connected to the evaporator 107. An air conditioning expansion valve 108 is provided on the downstream side of the bypass side sluice valve 100d in the bypass pipe 100a. The refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator 107 flows into the accumulator 106 and then is sucked into the compressor 101. Air conditioning air is blown to the evaporator 107 by the blower 120. After the air conditioning air is cooled by the evaporator 107, it is supplied to the vehicle interior.

Therefore, by opening and closing the battery cooler side sluice valve 100c and the bypass side sluice valve 100d, the mode in which the refrigerant flows only to the battery cooler 105, the operation of flowing the refrigerant only to the evaporator 107, and the operation of flowing the refrigerant only to the battery cooler 105 and the evaporator 107 You can switch to any mode among the modes that flow to both.

(Structure of Refrigerant Shunt 1)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the refrigerant shunt 1 includes a first shunt component 10 and a second shunt component 20, and has four side surfaces, an upper surface and a bottom surface. There is. The first shunt component 10 and the second shunt component 20 are made of, for example, a block material made of an aluminum alloy. The first shunt component 10 includes a base 11 and a protruding tubular portion 12 projecting from the base 11. The cross-sectional shape of the protruding cylinder portion 12 is circular. The base portion 11 and the protruding cylinder portion 12 may be integrally molded, or the base portion 11 and the protruding cylinder portion 12 may be formed of separate members and then combined and integrated.

The base portion 11 is formed with a supply-side pipe connection hole 11a to be connected with the downstream end of the battery cooler-side pipe 100b inserted. The cross-sectional shape of the supply-side pipe connection hole 11a is circular. The outer peripheral surface of the battery cooler side pipe 100b is brazed to the inner peripheral surface of the supply side pipe connection hole 11a over the entire circumference.

The base 11 is provided with a supply path 11b that communicates with the back side (downstream side in the refrigerant flow direction) of the supply side pipe connection hole 11a. The supply-side pipe connection hole 11a is open on the upper surface of the base 11. The cross-sectional shape of the supply path 11b is a circle smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the supply-side pipe connection hole 11a. The supply path 11b extends straight, and the axis of the supply path 11b coincides with the axis of the supply-side pipe connection hole 11a. A step portion 11c is formed at a boundary portion between the supply path 11b and the supply side pipe connection hole 11a. The insertion depth is set by contacting the downstream end of the battery cooler side pipe 100b with the step portion 11c while being inserted into the supply side pipe connection hole 11a. The battery cooler side pipe 100b is connected to the supply path 11b in a state of being inserted into the supply side pipe connection hole 11a.

The downstream end of the supply path 11b is composed of a tapered surface 11d. The tapered surface 11d is formed so as to reduce its diameter toward the downstream side in the refrigerant flow direction. The axis of the tapered surface 11d and the axis of the supply path 11b coincide with each other.

The first shunt component 10 is provided with a throttle portion 12a extending linearly from the downstream end portion of the supply passage 11b and having a diameter smaller than that of the portion other than the tapered surface 11d in the supply passage 11b. Specifically, a throttle portion 12a is provided inside the protruding cylinder portion 12 of the first shunt component 10. The downstream end of the throttle portion 12a is open to the central portion of the tip surface of the protruding cylinder portion 12. The cross-sectional shape of the throttle portion 12a is circular, and the downstream end of the throttle portion 12a that opens to the tip surface of the protruding cylinder portion 12 is also circular. The diameter of the throttle portion 12a is set equally from the upstream end to the downstream end thereof. The length of the throttle portion 12a is set to be longer than the length including the tapered surface 11d of the supply path 11b. As a result, the throttle portion 12a has a shape in which the same inner diameter is continuous over a predetermined length.

Comparing the length dimension of the drawing portion 12a with the diameter of the drawing portion 12a, the length dimension is longer. The length of the throttle portion 12a can be set to, for example, 7 mm or more, preferably 10 mm or more. Further, the inner diameter of the throttle portion 12a can be set so that, for example, the refrigerant flow rate per unit area is in ^{the range of 1.0 to 4.0 g / s · mm 2.} By setting this range, the mixture of the liquid-phase refrigerant and the gas-phase refrigerant in the refrigerant stirring chamber described later can be improved, and the pressure loss can be reduced. A part of the throttle portion 12a may be formed inside the base portion 11.

An annular groove 12b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protruding cylinder portion 12. An O-ring 13 as a sealing material made of rubber or the like is fitted in the annular groove 12b.

The second shunt component 20 has a fitting hole 21 into which the protruding cylinder portion 12 is fitted. The fitting hole 21 is opened on the upper surface of the second shunt component 20, and its cross-sectional shape is circular. The length of the fitting hole 21 is set to be substantially equal to the protruding length of the protruding cylinder portion 12. Therefore, when the protruding cylinder portion 12 is inserted into the fitting hole 21 and fitted, the lower surface of the base portion 11 of the first shunt constituent member 10 comes into contact with the upper surface of the second shunt constituent member 20. In this state, although not shown, the first shunt component 10 and the second shunt component 20 can be fastened with bolts or the like. FIG. 4 shows a screw hole 20a into which the bolt is screwed. When the protruding cylinder portion 12 is inserted into the fitting hole 21, the O-ring 13 seals between the two.

The second shunt component 20 is provided with a refrigerant stirring chamber 22 behind the fitting hole 21. The refrigerant stirring chamber 22 communicates with the inner side of the fitting hole 21. The cross-sectional shape of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 is a circle smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the fitting hole 21. Therefore, the diameter of the fitting hole 21 is set to be larger than the diameter of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22, and the step portion 20b is formed at the boundary portion between the fitting hole 21 and the refrigerant stirring chamber 22. The step portion 20b can be formed of a tapered surface. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, since the cross-sectional shape of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 is smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the fitting hole 21, when forming the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 and the fitting hole 21, for example, a rotary tool is used. The refrigerant stirring chamber 22 can be formed first and the fitting hole 21 can be formed later, or the fitting hole 21 can be formed first and the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 can be formed later.

By fixing the first shunt component 10 to the second shunt component 20, the downstream end of the throttle portion 12a and the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 communicate with each other. The refrigerant stirring chamber 22 forms a space for stirring the refrigerant flowing in from the throttle portion 12a. The length of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 in the axial direction can be set to be about the same as the length of the throttle portion 12a, but may be longer or shorter than the length of the throttle portion 12a. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the axial length B of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 can be set to 10 mm or more, preferably 15 mm or more.

The diameter of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 is set sufficiently larger than the diameter of the throttle portion 12a so that a sufficient space necessary for stirring the refrigerant flowing in from the throttle portion 12a can be secured in the refrigerant stirring chamber 22. It has become. Since the refrigerant flowing in from the throttle portion 12a flows through the expansion valve 104 for the battery cooler, it may be a gas-liquid two-layer refrigerant in which a liquid-phase refrigerant and a gas-phase refrigerant are mixed. By stirring the gas-liquid two-layer refrigerant in the refrigerant stirring chamber 22, the liquid-phase refrigerant and the gas-phase refrigerant can be mixed.

The second shunt component 20 is provided with a refrigerant collision surface 24 on which the refrigerant flowing out from the throttle portion 12a collides. The refrigerant collision surface 24 is arranged so as to face the downstream end portion of the throttle portion 12a at a predetermined distance. The refrigerant collision surface 24 has a circular shape. The refrigerant collision surface 24 is arranged on an extension of the axis of the throttle portion 12a from the downstream end portion of the throttle portion 12a. The downstream end of the throttle portion 12a is arranged so that an extension of the axis of the throttle portion 12a passes through the center of the refrigerant collision surface 24. The refrigerant collision surface 24 may be formed of a flat surface or a curved surface. When the refrigerant collision surface 24 is a flat surface, the refrigerant collision surface 24 and the extension line of the axis of the throttle portion 12a are substantially orthogonal to each other.

The second shunt component 20 is provided with a first shunt 25 and a second shunt 26. The first branch flow path 25 and the second branch flow path 26 extend linearly. Therefore, the first branch flow path 25 and the second branch flow path 26 can be formed by a rotary tool such as a drill. The diameter of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 is set to be larger than the diameter of the first branch flow path 25 and the second branch flow path 26. This makes it possible to secure a sufficient volume of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22. The first branch flow path 25 and the second branch flow path 26 have substantially the same diameter.

Further, the upstream ends of the first branch flow path 25 and the second branch flow path 26 communicate with each other in the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 away from the refrigerant collision surface 24. That is, the upstream ends of the first branch flow path 25 and the second branch flow path 26 are open between the downstream end portion of the throttle portion 12a on the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 and the refrigerant collision surface 24. More specifically, the upstream ends of the first branch flow path 25 and the second branch flow path 26 are opened closer to the throttle portion 12a than the central portion between the downstream end portion of the throttle portion 12a and the refrigerant collision surface 24. doing. As a result, the refrigerant collision surface 24 can be separated from the upstream ends of the first branch flow path 25 and the second branch flow path 26. As shown in FIG. 2, the separation distance A between the refrigerant collision surface 24 and the central portion of the upstream end of the first branch flow path 25 and the second branch flow path 26 can be set to 9 mm or more and 13.5 mm or less. The upstream ends of the first branch flow path 25 and the second branch flow path 26 may be opened in the central portion between the downstream end portion of the throttle portion 12a and the refrigerant collision surface 24, and the refrigerant may be opened more than the central portion. It may be opened on the side closer to the collision surface 24.

The upstream ends of the first branch flow path 25 and the second branch flow path 26 are arranged on the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 at intervals around the extension line of the axis of the throttle portion 12a. That is, the upstream end of the first branch flow path 25 and the upstream end of the second branch flow path 26 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22, and are separated by a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction. ing. As shown in FIG. 7, the upstream ends of the first branch flow path 25 and the second branch flow path 26 are closest to each other, and the distance between them becomes longer as they approach the downstream end. By bringing the upstream ends of the first shunt 25 and the second shunt 26 closer to each other in this way, the size of the refrigerant shunt 1 can be reduced.

The second shunt component 20 is formed with a first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c that is connected with the upstream end of the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100f inserted. The cross-sectional shape of the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c is circular. The axis X1 of the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c and the axis X2 of the first branch flow path 25 intersect each other. Further, the downstream end of the first branch flow path 25 communicates with a portion of the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c that is radially separated from the axis X1. The outer peripheral surface of the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100f is brazed to the inner peripheral surface of the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c over the entire circumference. As a result, the downstream end of the first branch flow path 25 and the upstream end of the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100f communicate with each other. The outer diameter of the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100f is set to be larger than that of the first branch flow path 25. That is, the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100f is composed of a pipe formed having a diameter larger than that of the first branch flow path 25.

The extension line of the axis X2 of the first branch flow path 25 is located in the downstream end opening of the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c. That is, the first branch flow path 25 can be formed by drilling using a rotary tool or the like. In this case, first, the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c can be formed by a rotary tool, and then the first branch flow path 25 can be formed by another rotary tool. The rotary tool forming the first branch flow path 25 has a smaller diameter than the rotary tool forming the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c.

When the first branch flow path 25 is formed by the rotary tool, the extension line of the axis X2 of the first branch flow path 25 is located in the downstream end opening of the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c. The first branch flow path 25 can be easily formed by inserting the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c through the downstream end opening of the outflow side pipe connection hole 20c and proceeding in that state. That is, the diameter, position, angle, etc. of the first branch flow path 25 are set so that the rotary tool forming the first branch flow path 25 does not come into contact with the peripheral edge of the downstream end opening of the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c. There is.

Further, the second shunt component 20 is formed with a second outflow side pipe connection hole 20d to be connected with the upstream end of the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100 g inserted. The cross-sectional shape of the second outflow side pipe connection hole 20d is circular. The axis X3 of the second outflow side pipe connection hole 20d and the axis X4 of the second branch flow path 26 intersect each other. Further, the downstream end of the second branch flow path 26 communicates with a portion of the second outflow side pipe connection hole 20d that is radially separated from the axis X3. 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 20d over the entire circumference. As a result, the downstream end of the second branch flow path 26 and the upstream end of the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100 g communicate with each other. The outer diameter of the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100 g is set to be larger than that of the second branch flow path 26. That is, the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100 g is composed of a pipe formed having a diameter larger than that of the second branch flow path 26.

The extension line of the axis X4 of the second branch flow path 26 is located in the downstream end opening of the second outflow side pipe connection hole 20d. As a result, the second branch flow path 26 can be easily formed as in the case of forming the first branch flow path 25.

Further, the axis X1 of the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c and the axis X3 of the second outflow side pipe connection hole 20d are parallel to each other and are arranged on the same surface. Further, the axis X2 of the first branch flow path 25 and the axis line X4 of the second branch flow path 26 have a positional relationship of intersecting each other and are arranged on the same surface. The downstream end opening of the first branch flow path 25 and the downstream end opening of the second branch flow path 26 are located between the axis X1 of the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c and the axis X3 of the second outflow side pipe connection hole 20d. doing.

The downstream end of the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c and the downstream end of the second outflow side pipe connection hole 20d are open on the side surface of the refrigerant shunt 1 corresponding to one side in the radial direction of the refrigerant agitation chamber 22. .. That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, since the cross section of the refrigerant shunt 1 is rectangular, it has four

side surfaces

1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. Of the four

side surfaces

1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, the side surface 1a located above FIG. 7 is a side surface corresponding to one side in the radial direction of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22. The side surface 1c is a side surface corresponding to the other side in the radial direction of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22.

On the side surface 1a of the refrigerant shunt 1, a downstream end opening of the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c and a downstream end opening of the second outflow side pipe connection hole 20d are formed at intervals from each other. By opening the downstream end of the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c and the downstream end of the second outflow side pipe connection hole 20d on the same side surface 1a in this way, the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100f and the second refrigerant Since 100 g of the outflow pipe can be assembled to the refrigerant shunt 1 from the same direction, the assembly workability is improved.

(Action and effect of the embodiment)
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when the gas-liquid two-layer refrigerant flows into the supply path 11b from the battery cooler side pipe 100b, the gas-liquid two-layer refrigerant can flow into the throttle portion 12a. Since the throttle portion 12a extends linearly and has a predetermined length, not only the flow velocity of the refrigerant is increased by flowing through the throttle portion 12a, but also the outflow direction when the refrigerant flows out from the throttle portion 12a is Be controlled. In particular, by controlling the outflow direction of the refrigerant in a state where the flow velocity is high, the controllability of the outflow direction is improved. Then, the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 from the throttle portion 12a vigorously collides with the refrigerant collision surface 24, so that the liquid phase refrigerant and the gas phase refrigerant are satisfactorily agitated in the refrigerant stirring chamber 22. After being agitated, the refrigerant in the refrigerant stirring chamber 22 is uniformly divided into the first refrigerant outflow pipe 100f and the second refrigerant outflow pipe 100g via the first branch flow path 25 and the second branch flow path 26, respectively.

Further, when the pipe located immediately upstream of the refrigerant shunt 1 is bent, the flow velocity distribution of the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant shunt 1 is biased, but in this embodiment, the throttle portion 12a is straight. Since it has a shape, it is possible to reduce the deviation of the flow velocity distribution of the refrigerant while flowing inside the throttle portion 12a. As a result, the refrigerant shunt can be made uniform regardless of the shape of the pipe located immediately upstream of the refrigerant shunt 1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c and the second outflow side pipe connection hole 20d correspond to one side in the radial direction of the refrigerant agitation chamber 22 with reference to the refrigerant agitation chamber 22. It will open on the side surface 1a of the shunt 1. Further, the first branch flow path 25 communicating with the first outflow side pipe connection hole 20c and the second branch flow path 26 communicating with the second outflow side pipe connection hole 20d are both opened on the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber 22. Since the diameter is smaller than the first and second outflow side pipe connection holes 20c and 20d, the first branch flow path 25 and the second branch flow path 26 can be brought close to each other. As a result, the dimension expansion of the refrigerant shunt 1 in the refrigerant flow direction is suppressed.

The above embodiment is merely an example in every respect and should not be construed in a limited way. Furthermore, all modifications and modifications that fall within the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. The refrigerant shunt 1 can be applied not only to the battery cooling device 100 but also to a case where the refrigerant is diverted to a tube constituting a heat exchanger of an air conditioner. Further, the extending direction of the first branch flow path 25, the second branch flow path 26, the third branch flow path 27, and the fourth branch flow path 28 can be any direction. Further, the number of branch channels may be three or five or more.

As described above, the refrigerant shunt according to the present invention can be used, for example, in a battery cooling device or an air conditioner.

1 Refrigerant shunt 10 1st shunt component 11b Supply path 12 Overhanging cylinder 12a Squeezing 20 2nd shunt component 21 Fitting hole 22 Refrigerant stirring chamber 24 Refrigerant collision surface 25 1st shunt 26 2nd shunt 100b Battery cooler side piping (refrigerant supply pipe)
100f 1st refrigerant outflow pipe 100g 2nd refrigerant outflow pipe

Claims

In the refrigerant shunt that divides the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant supply pipe into the first and second refrigerant outflow pipes.
The supply path to which the refrigerant supply pipe is connected and
A throttle portion extending linearly from the downstream end of the supply path and having a diameter smaller than that of the supply path.
A refrigerant stirring chamber that communicates with the downstream end of the throttle portion and stirs the refrigerant that has flowed in from the throttle portion.
A refrigerant collision surface that is arranged so as to face the downstream end of the throttle portion at a predetermined distance and that the refrigerant flowing out of the throttle portion collides with.
The upstream end opens to the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber, while the downstream end communicates with the first refrigerant outflow pipe.
An upstream end opens in a portion of the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber away from the upstream end of the first branch flow path, while a downstream end communicates with the second refrigerant outflow pipe.
A first outflow side pipe connection hole into which the upstream end of the first refrigerant outflow pipe, which is formed to have a diameter larger than that of the first branch flow path, is inserted.
It is provided with a second outflow side pipe connection hole into which the upstream end of the second refrigerant outflow pipe, which is formed to have a diameter larger than that of the second branch flow path, is inserted.
The downstream end of the first outflow side pipe connection hole and the downstream end of the second outflow side pipe connection hole are open on the side surface corresponding to one side in the radial direction of the refrigerant agitation chamber in the refrigerant shunt. A refrigerant shunt characterized by.
In the refrigerant shunt according to claim 1,
The first outflow side pipe connection hole extends in a direction intersecting the extension line of the axis of the first branch flow path.
The refrigerant shunt is characterized in that the second outflow side pipe connection hole extends in a direction intersecting with an extension line of the axis of the second branch flow path.
In the refrigerant shunt according to claim 1,
The extension of the axis of the first branch flow path is located in the opening of the first outflow side pipe connection hole.
A refrigerant shunt characterized in that an extension of the axis of the second branch flow path is located in the opening of the second outflow side pipe connection hole.
In the refrigerant shunt according to claim 3,
A refrigerant shunt characterized in that the first shunt and the second shunt are formed in a straight line.
In the refrigerant shunt according to claim 1,
The refrigerant shunt is characterized in that the refrigerant collision surface is arranged on an extension of the axis of the throttle portion from the downstream end portion of the throttle portion and has a circular shape.
In the refrigerant shunt according to claim 1,
The cross section of the refrigerant stirring chamber is circular.
A refrigerant shunt whose diameter is set to be larger than the diameters of the first shunt and the second shunt.
In the refrigerant shunt according to claim 1,
The refrigerant diversion flow is characterized in that the upstream ends of the first shunt and the second shunt are open between the downstream end of the throttle portion and the refrigerant collision surface on the wall surface of the refrigerant stirring chamber. vessel.
In the refrigerant shunt according to claim 7.
The first shunt and the upstream end of the second shunt are characterized by opening closer to the throttle than the central portion between the downstream end of the throttle and the refrigerant collision surface. Refrigerant shunt.