JP7304518B2 - Refrigerant circulation system with gas-liquid separator and gas-liquid separator - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a gas-liquid separator and a refrigerant circulation system with the gas-liquid separator.

2. Description of the Related Art A gas-liquid separator that separates a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into a gas phase and a liquid phase is used in, for example, a refrigerant circulation system in an air conditioner that performs cooling and heating operation by circulating the refrigerant. In gas-liquid separators, gas-liquid separation using centrifugal force due to swirling flow and gas-liquid separation using surface tension are used.

International Publication No. 2012/108149 pamphlet

In a gas-liquid separator used in a refrigerant circulation system, separating as much of the gas-phase refrigerant as possible from the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is an important factor in improving the cooling and heating capacity. In addition, devices using a refrigerant circulation system equipped with a gas-liquid separator are required to be smaller and less expensive. This is an important issue.

The present disclosure is a gas-liquid separator that achieves simplification and miniaturization of the structure of the gas-liquid separator and can perform efficient gas-liquid separation, and a refrigerant circulation system equipped with the gas-liquid separator. It is intended to provide

A gas-liquid separator according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
a container for discharging the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and separating it into a liquid-phase refrigerant and a gas-phase refrigerant, and discharging the separated liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant;
A first refrigerant pipe introduced into the lower side of the container for discharging gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the container or discharging liquid-phase refrigerant separated inside the container refrigerant piping;
A second refrigerant pipe introduced into the lower side of the container for discharging the liquid-phase refrigerant separated inside the container or for discharging the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the inside of the container. and,
a third refrigerant pipe introduced to the upper side of the container for discharging vapor-phase refrigerant separated inside the container.

In one aspect of the refrigerant circulation system according to the present disclosure,
at least the gas-liquid separator
a container for discharging the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and separating it into a liquid-phase refrigerant and a gas-phase refrigerant, and discharging the separated liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant;
A first refrigerant pipe introduced into the lower side of the container for discharging gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the container or discharging liquid-phase refrigerant separated inside the container refrigerant piping;
A second refrigerant pipe introduced into the lower side of the container for discharging the liquid-phase refrigerant separated inside the container or for discharging the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the inside of the container. and,
a third refrigerant pipe introduced to the upper side of the container, the third refrigerant pipe for discharging gas-phase refrigerant separated inside the container;
The first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe are connected to a refrigeration cycle in which refrigerant circulates in a reversible manner, and the third refrigerant pipe is connected to a bypass pipe to the compressor.

According to the present disclosure, a gas-liquid separator capable of achieving efficient gas-liquid separation by achieving simplification and miniaturization of the structure of the gas-liquid separator, and a refrigerant circulation provided with the gas-liquid separator system can be provided.

A vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the gas-liquid separator of Embodiment 1 according to the present disclosure Refrigerant circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation system using the gas-liquid separator of Embodiment 1 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first opening of the first refrigerant pipe and the second opening of the second refrigerant pipe in the gas-liquid separator of the first embodiment; Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modification of the gas-liquid separator of Embodiment 1 according to the present disclosure ((a) during cooling operation, (b) during heating operation) A longitudinal sectional view showing an internal configuration of a gas-liquid separator according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure The side view which shows the 1st refrigerant|coolant piping (2nd refrigerant|coolant piping) in the gas-liquid separator of Embodiment 2 Longitudinal sectional view showing a modification of the gas-liquid separator of Embodiment 2 A vertical cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of a gas-liquid separator according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure The side view which shows the 1st refrigerant|coolant piping (2nd refrigerant|coolant piping) in the gas-liquid separator of Embodiment 3 A longitudinal sectional view showing an internal configuration of a gas-liquid separator according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure Cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid separator cut along the XI-XI line in FIG. A longitudinal sectional view showing an internal configuration of a gas-liquid separator according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure A longitudinal sectional view showing an internal configuration of a gas-liquid separator according to Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure Longitudinal sectional view showing a modification of the gas-liquid separator of Embodiment 6 A longitudinal sectional view showing a further modification of the gas-liquid separator of the sixth embodiment A longitudinal sectional view showing a further modification of the gas-liquid separator of the sixth embodiment A diagram showing a gas-liquid separator according to Embodiment 7 of the present disclosure

Hereinafter, a gas-liquid separator used in a refrigerant circulation system provided in an air conditioner will be described as a specific embodiment of the gas-liquid separator of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the gas-liquid separator and the refrigerant circulation system of the present disclosure are not limited to the configurations of the gas-liquid separator and the refrigerant circulation system described in the following embodiments, and the technology described in the following embodiments. It includes the configuration of the gas-liquid separator based on the technical idea having the characteristic features and the equivalent technology. The refrigerant circulation system in the present disclosure includes a refrigeration cycle configuration in an air conditioner that can perform cooling and heating by reversing the refrigerant circulation direction.

First, various aspects of the gas-liquid separator of the present disclosure are illustrated.
The gas-liquid separator of the first aspect according to the present disclosure includes:
a container for discharging the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and separating it into a liquid-phase refrigerant and a gas-phase refrigerant, and discharging the separated liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant;
A first refrigerant pipe introduced into the lower side of the container for discharging gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the container or discharging liquid-phase refrigerant separated inside the container refrigerant piping;
A second refrigerant pipe introduced into the lower side of the container for discharging the liquid-phase refrigerant separated inside the container or for discharging the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the inside of the container. and,
a third refrigerant pipe introduced to the upper side of the container for discharging vapor-phase refrigerant separated inside the container.

A gas-liquid separator according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the first aspect, wherein the first refrigerant pipe has a first opening, and switching between cooling operation and heating operation causes the configured to discharge the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the container from the first opening, or discharge the liquid-phase refrigerant separated inside the container from the first opening,
The second refrigerant pipe has a second opening, and by switching between cooling operation and heating operation, the separated liquid-phase refrigerant is discharged from the second opening, or the gas-liquid refrigerant is discharged from the second opening. It may be configured to discharge a phase refrigerant into the interior of the container.

A gas-liquid separator according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the second aspect, is arranged such that the first opening and the second opening face the inner wall of the container,
The first opening may be configured not to face the second opening.

In the gas-liquid separator of the fourth aspect according to the present disclosure, the first refrigerant pipe is introduced in the vertical direction inside the container in the second or third aspect, and the side surface of the first refrigerant pipe The first opening is formed in and the introduction end of the first refrigerant pipe is closed,
The second refrigerant pipe may be vertically introduced into the container, the second opening may be formed in a side surface of the second refrigerant pipe, and the introduction end of the second refrigerant pipe may be closed. .

A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a gas-liquid separator according to the fourth aspect, wherein a plurality of the first openings formed in the first refrigerant pipe are formed to separate the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. an upper opening for discharging into the interior of said vessel and a lower opening for discharging separated liquid refrigerant and defining a liquid storage level in said vessel;
The plurality of second openings formed in the second refrigerant pipe includes an upper opening for discharging a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the container and a plurality of second openings for discharging the separated liquid-phase refrigerant. and a lower opening for defining a liquid phase reservoir level in said vessel.

A gas-liquid separator according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the fifth aspect, the height of the lower opening formed in the first refrigerant pipe and the lower opening formed in the second refrigerant pipe The openings may be configured to have different heights.

A gas-liquid separator according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the fifth aspect, wherein each opening of the upper opening formed in the first refrigerant pipe extends vertically on the side surface of the first refrigerant pipe. arranged in a row,
Each opening of the upper opening formed in the second refrigerant pipe may be arranged in a vertical line on a side surface of the second refrigerant pipe.

An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a gas-liquid separator according to the fifth aspect, wherein each opening of the upper opening formed in the first refrigerant pipe spirals on the side surface of the first refrigerant pipe. are arranged in the shape of
Each opening of the upper opening formed in the second refrigerant pipe may be spirally arranged on a side surface of the second refrigerant pipe.

A gas-liquid separator according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the gas-liquid separator of any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein each of the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe inside the container The angle formed by the central axis of the introduction portion may be set within the range of 5° to 30° with respect to the vertical line.

A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a gas-liquid separator according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, wherein the direction facing the outside of the first opening of the first refrigerant pipe; An angle between the two refrigerant pipes and the outward direction of the second opening may be set within a range of 90° to 270° on a horizontal plane.

An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a gas-liquid separator according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, wherein the total opening area of the first openings formed in the first refrigerant pipe is The cross-sectional area of the passage of the first refrigerant pipe is formed larger than that of the second refrigerant pipe, and/or the total opening area of the second openings formed in the second refrigerant pipe is formed larger than the cross-sectional area of the passage of the second refrigerant pipe. may be

A gas-liquid separator according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the interior of the container in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, each of the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe A liquid phase adsorption section may be provided above the introduction end.

A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a gas-liquid separator according to the second aspect, wherein the first opening of the first refrigerant pipe extends above the container at an introduction end to the inside of the container. arranged to face
The second opening of the second refrigerant pipe may be arranged so as to face upward of the container at an introduction end portion into the inside of the container.

A gas-liquid separator of a fourteenth aspect according to the present disclosure is the thirteenth aspect, wherein the position of the first opening of the first refrigerant pipe and the position of the second opening of the second refrigerant pipe are It may be configured differently.

In the gas-liquid separator of the fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the thirteenth aspect, a third opening may be formed in at least one side surface of the first refrigerant pipe or the second refrigerant pipe.

A refrigerant circulation system according to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes the gas-liquid separator according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects,
The first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe of the gas-liquid separator are connected to a refrigeration cycle in which refrigerant circulates in a reversible manner, and the third refrigerant pipe of the gas-liquid separator is connected to a bypass pipe to the compressor. ing.

Hereinafter, each embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted. In addition, the drawings schematically show each constituent element as a subject for easy understanding.

It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below is a specific example of the present disclosure. Numerical values, shapes, configurations, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples and do not limit the present invention. Among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in independent claims indicating the highest concept will be described as optional constituent elements. The configuration of the modification of one embodiment can be similarly applied to other embodiments, and the configurations described in each modification can be applied in combination.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, a gas-liquid separator according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure and a refrigerant circulation system using the gas-liquid separator will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration of the gas-liquid separator of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation system using the gas-liquid separator of Embodiment 1. FIG. Embodiment 1 shows an example in which the refrigerant circulation system is used as a refrigeration cycle in an air conditioner.

As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigeration cycle includes a compressor 1, a four-way valve 2, a first heat exchanger 3, a first expansion device 4, a gas-liquid separator 5, a second expansion device 6, and a second heat exchanger. 7 are connected by piping. Moreover, the gas-liquid separator 5 and the compressor 1 are connected by a bypass pipe (10). Since the refrigerating cycle of Embodiment 1 is used in an air conditioner, for example, the first heat exchanger 3 is provided in the indoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger 7 is provided in the outdoor heat exchanger. In the refrigerant circuit diagram shown in FIG. 2, the solid-line arrow indicates the direction of refrigerant flow during cooling operation, and the broken-line arrow indicates the direction of refrigerant flow during heating operation.

In the main circuit of the refrigeration cycle of Embodiment 1, the gas-liquid separator 5 is provided between the first expansion device 4 and the second expansion device 6 . In the description of Embodiment 1, the first refrigerant pipe 8 leading out from the gas-liquid separator 5 is connected to a pipe leading to the second expansion device 6, and the second refrigerant pipe 9 leading out from the gas-liquid separator 5 is connected to It is a pipe connected to the first expansion device 4 . A third refrigerant pipe 10 leading out from the gas-liquid separator 5 is connected to a bypass pipe leading to the compressor 1 . A bypass pipe to which the third refrigerant pipe 10 is connected is provided with a device (for example, an on-off valve or a flow control valve) (not shown) for controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant.

As described above, the first refrigerant pipe 8 and the second refrigerant pipe 9 derived from the gas-liquid separator 5 in Embodiment 1 are connected to the main circuit of the refrigeration cycle, and the third refrigerant pipe 10 is connected to the compressor 1 connected to a bypass line to The gas-liquid separator 5 according to Embodiment 1 includes a vertically elongated substantially cylindrical container 11, a first refrigerant pipe 8 introduced below the container 11, and the first refrigerant pipe 8 below the container 11. It includes a second refrigerant pipe 9 introduced to the side and a third refrigerant pipe 10 introduced to the upper side of the container 11 . The container 11 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction is the vertical direction, and the first refrigerant pipe 8 and the second refrigerant pipe 9 introduced from below and the third refrigerant pipe 10 introduced from above are joined. It is an airtight container.

As shown in FIG. 1, the introduction ends of the first refrigerant pipe 8 and the second refrigerant pipe 9 inside the container 11 are formed into substantially hemispherical surfaces and closed. The lengths (heights) of the introduction portions of the first refrigerant pipe 8 and the second refrigerant pipe 9 into the interior of the container 11 are substantially the same, and the introduction portions extend in the vertical direction and are arranged side by side. . An opening (first opening 80 ) is formed in the side surface of the first refrigerant pipe 8 that faces the inner wall of the container 11 . An opening (second opening 90 ) is formed in the second refrigerant pipe 9 on the side surface facing the inner surface of the container 11 .

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the positional relationship in the horizontal plane between the first opening 80 of the first refrigerant pipe 8 and the second opening 90 of the second refrigerant pipe 9 provided inside the container 11. It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing that it is formed in the. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the first opening 80 of the first refrigerant pipe 8 is positioned so as not to face the second refrigerant pipe 9, and the second opening 90 of the second refrigerant pipe 9 faces the first refrigerant pipe 8. It is a position that does not. Further, the angle θ between the perpendicular line from the center of the first opening 80 to the central axis P8 of the first refrigerant pipe 8 and the perpendicular line from the center of the second opening 90 to the central axis P9 of the second refrigerant pipe 9 is the horizontal plane. is within the range of 90° to 270°. That is, the angle θ between the outward direction of the first opening 80 of the first refrigerant pipe 8 and the outward direction of the second opening 90 of the second refrigerant pipe 9 is within the range of 90° to 270° on the horizontal plane. is set to Each opening (80, 90) is arranged to satisfy the above conditions. The positions in the vertical direction (vertical direction) of the first opening 80 of the first refrigerant pipe 8 and the second opening 90 of the second refrigerant pipe 9 are formed at substantially the same position (height).

Each opening (80, 90) of the first refrigerant pipe 8 and the second refrigerant pipe 9 in Embodiment 1 is formed one above the other. In the first refrigerant pipe 8 and the second refrigerant pipe 9, the flow of the refrigerant is reversed between the cooling operation and the heating operation, but one discharges the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the container 11, and the other is separated. Discharge the liquid phase refrigerant. In the first refrigerant pipe 8 and the second refrigerant pipe 9, substantially, the upper openings 80, 90 discharge the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, and the lower openings 80, 90 discharge the separated liquid-phase refrigerant. defines the position of the liquid surface level (liquid phase storage level) of the liquid phase refrigerant accumulated inside the container 11 .

On the other hand, the introduction end (lower end) of the third refrigerant pipe 10 is open, and the third refrigerant pipe 10 sucks the gas-phase refrigerant separated inside the container 11, and the sucked gas-phase refrigerant bypasses. It is supplied to the compressor 1 through piping. That is, the third refrigerant pipe 10 is a gas vent pipe for the container 11 . The opening of the introduction end of the third refrigerant pipe 10 may be formed at the upper end portion of the container 11, and is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, it is sufficient that the opening at the introduction end of the third refrigerant pipe 10 is formed integrally with the container 11 so that the vapor-phase refrigerant separated inside the container 11 can be efficiently and smoothly discharged.

In the gas-liquid separator 5 of Embodiment 1, the first refrigerant pipe 8, the second refrigerant pipe 9, and the third refrigerant pipe 10, which are three thin pipes, are joined in advance to the container 11, and these thin pipes are connected to corresponding connecting pipes in the refrigerant circuit. The diameters of the first refrigerant pipe 8 and the second refrigerant pipe 9 are equal to or greater than the diameter of the connecting pipes to which they are connected. This is achieved by suppressing the flow velocity of the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant when passing through the inside of the first refrigerant pipe 8 or the second refrigerant pipe 9, and by reducing the inertial force of the liquid-phase refrigerant acting upward. This is because the flow velocities of the two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flowing out from the openings (80, 90) of are equalized, and the configuration enables efficient gas-liquid separation.

[Gas-liquid separation operation]
In the gas-liquid separator 5 according to Embodiment 1 configured as described above, for example, during cooling operation, gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is discharged from the upper first opening 80 of the first refrigerant pipe 8 . The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant discharged from the first opening 80 collides with the inner wall of the container 11 facing the first opening 80 and is separated (collision separation) into a liquid-phase refrigerant and a gas-phase refrigerant. The separated liquid-phase refrigerant drops down due to gravity along the inner wall, and the vapor-phase refrigerant rises inside the container 11 . In the gas-liquid separator 5 according to Embodiment 1, the first opening 80 of the first refrigerant pipe 8 and the second opening 90 of the second refrigerant pipe 9 are arranged so as to face the inner wall of the container 11. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant discharged from these openings (80/90) collides with the inner wall of the container 11 without fail.

As described above, the configuration of the gas-liquid separator 5 in Embodiment 1 achieves the simplification and miniaturization of the structure of the gas-liquid separator 5, and efficient gas-liquid separation can be performed. Also, in the refrigerant circulation system of the refrigeration cycle using the gas-liquid separator 5 of Embodiment 1, highly efficient heat conversion can be constructed with a small and simple structure.

[Modification of gas-liquid separator of Embodiment 1]
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a modification of the gas-liquid separator 5 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 4(b) indicates the flow of the refrigerant during the heating operation with an arrow.

In the modification of the gas-liquid separator 5 shown in FIG. 4, two first openings (upper openings) 80A are formed above the first refrigerant pipe 8 inside the container 11, and one opening is formed below. It is a configuration in which a first opening (lower opening) 80B is formed. In addition, in this modification, two second openings (upper openings) 90A are formed above the second refrigerant pipe 9 inside the container 11, and one second opening (lower opening) is formed below. ) 90B is formed. In this modification, an example in which there are two upper openings and one lower opening will be described, but the present invention is not limited to these numbers, and the gas-liquid separator is used. The number is appropriately changed according to the specifications of the air conditioner or the like.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the first refrigerant pipe 80 and the second refrigerant pipe 90, the positions of the upper openings (80A, 90A) inside the container 11 are formed at the same height. On the other hand, the positions of the lower openings (80B, 90B) inside the container 11 are different in height.

In the refrigeration cycle shown in FIG. 2, refrigerant accumulates on the outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) side during cooling operation, and accumulates on the indoor heat exchanger (condenser) side during heating operation. Since the outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) has a larger capacity than the indoor heat exchanger (condenser), the optimum refrigerant amount during heating operation is smaller than the optimum refrigerant amount during cooling operation. The gas-liquid separator of the present disclosure is also used as a receiver for storing the differential amount of refrigerant.

As shown in FIG. 4A, during cooling operation, the liquid-phase refrigerant is discharged from the lower opening 90B of the second refrigerant pipe 90 inside the container 11, and the lower opening 90B is formed. defines the position of the liquid surface level (liquid phase storage level) of the liquid phase refrigerant accumulated inside the container 11 .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, during heating operation, the liquid-phase refrigerant is discharged from the lower opening 80B of the first refrigerant pipe 80 inside the container 11. The formation position defines the position of the liquid surface level (liquid phase storage level) of the liquid phase refrigerant accumulated inside the container 11 . Since the formation position of the lower opening 80B is formed higher than the formation position of the lower opening 90B, the liquid surface level (liquid phase storage level) of the liquid-phase refrigerant accumulated inside the container 11 is high. As a result, a larger amount of refrigerant accumulates inside the container 11 during the heating operation than during the cooling operation. As described above, the modified example of the gas-liquid separator 5 shown in FIG. 4 has a function as a refrigerant receiver as well as a gas-liquid separation function. Quantities have different configurations.

(Embodiment 2)
A gas-liquid separator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure and a refrigerant circulation system using the gas-liquid separator will be described below with reference to the drawings. Regarding the gas-liquid separator of the second embodiment, the explanation will focus on the differences from the gas-liquid separator of the first embodiment. In the description of Embodiment 2, elements having the same actions, configurations, and functions as those of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions may be omitted to avoid duplicate descriptions. .

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration of the gas-liquid separator 5A of Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the introduction ends of the first refrigerant pipe 8A and the second refrigerant pipe 9A inside the container 11 are formed into substantially hemispherical surfaces and closed. The lengths (heights) of the introduction portions of the first refrigerant pipe 8A and the second refrigerant pipe 9A into the interior of the container 11 are substantially the same, and the introduction portions extend in the vertical direction and are arranged side by side. . A plurality of first openings 80 are formed in the side surface facing the inner wall of the container 11 in the first refrigerant pipe 8A. A plurality of second openings 90 are also formed in the side surface of the second refrigerant pipe 9</b>A facing the inner surface of the container 11 .

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the first refrigerant pipe 8A (the second refrigerant pipe 9A) provided inside the container 11 in the gas-liquid separator 5A of the second embodiment. In FIG. 6, since the first refrigerant pipe 8A and the second refrigerant pipe 9A have the same configuration, both reference numerals are given. As shown in FIG. 6, the first opening 80 formed on the side surface of the first refrigerant pipe 8A has an upper opening 81 formed of a plurality of (four in FIG. 6) openings near the introduction end. , and a lower opening 82 formed of a plurality of (two in FIG. 6) openings in the vicinity of the bottom of the container 11 . Similarly, the second opening 90 formed on the side surface of the second refrigerant pipe 9A includes an upper opening 91 configured with a plurality of (four in FIG. 6) openings near the introduction end, and a lower opening 92 formed of a plurality of (two in FIG. 6) openings in the vicinity of the bottom.

As shown in FIG. 6, the upper opening 81 (91) and the lower opening 82 (92) are arranged in a vertical line on each side surface, and each opening 80 (90) is located on the inner wall of the container 11. They are opposite positions. The relationship between the opening positions of the upper opening portion 81 and the lower opening portion 82 in the first refrigerant pipe 8A and the opening positions of the upper opening portion 91 and the lower opening portion 92 in the second refrigerant pipe 9A is the same as in the above embodiment. 1 has the relationship described using FIG. That is, it is a position where each first opening 80 of the first refrigerant pipe 8A does not face the second refrigerant pipe 9A, and a position where each second opening 90 of the second refrigerant pipe 9A does not face the first refrigerant pipe 8A. Further, the angle θ between the perpendicular from the center of each first opening 80 to the central axis of the first refrigerant pipe 8A and the perpendicular from the center of each second opening 90 to the central axis of the second refrigerant pipe 9A is 90. ° to 270°. The positional relationship between the respective openings (80, 90) is defined inside the container 11 so as to satisfy the above conditions.

In the first refrigerant pipe 8A and the second refrigerant pipe 9A, substantially each opening (80, 90) of the upper openings 81, 91 discharges the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, and each of the lower openings 82, 92 The openings (80, 90) discharge the separated liquid-phase refrigerant and define the position of the liquid level (liquid-phase storage level) of the liquid-phase refrigerant accumulated inside the container 11 .

Also in the configuration of the gas-liquid separator 5A of Embodiment 2, as shown in FIG. 4 described above, each opening (80 , 90) may be configured differently. With this configuration, the amount of refrigerant stored differs between the cooling operation and the heating operation, and the function as a receiver during the heating operation is further exhibited.

[Gas-liquid separation operation]
In the gas-liquid separator 5A according to Embodiment 2 configured as described above, for example, during cooling operation, gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is discharged from the upper opening 81 of the first refrigerant pipe 8A. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant discharged from the upper opening 81 collides with the inner wall of the container 11 facing the opposite side, and is separated into a liquid-phase refrigerant and a gas-phase refrigerant. The separated liquid-phase refrigerant drops down due to gravity along the inner wall, and the separated gas-phase refrigerant rises inside the container 11 . In the gas-liquid separator 5A in Embodiment 2, each first opening 80 of the upper opening 81 of the first refrigerant pipe 8A and each second opening 90 of the upper opening 91 of the second refrigerant pipe 9A are connected to the container 11 The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant discharged from each opening (80/90) of each upper opening (81/91) is surely on the inner wall of the container 11. collide.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modification of the gas-liquid separator 5A of the second embodiment. In the gas-liquid separator 5Aa of the modified example shown in FIG. The eliminator 12 prevents the third refrigerant pipe (gas vent pipe) 10 from sucking the liquid phase portion of the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that has not been completely separated by collision separation with the inner wall of the container 11 . That is, the eliminator 12 has the function of adhering the liquid phase portion inside the container. In the eliminator 12, the first refrigerant pipe 8A and the second refrigerant pipe 9A are arranged to adsorb the liquid phase portion of the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that has not been completely separated and adhere the liquid phase portion scattered inside the container. It is arranged in the space above the lead-in end. The eliminator 12 may have a function of adsorbing the liquid phase in the upper space of the container 11. For example, the eliminator 12 may be formed in a layer shape having a thickness by configuring a material having a liquid adsorption function in a net shape. good. In addition, in the configuration of the gas-liquid separator 5Aa as a modified example, the configuration other than the eliminator (liquid phase adsorption section) 12 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the embodiments described later. The configuration is applied, and is not specified to the configuration of the gas-liquid separator 5Aa shown in FIG.

The gas-liquid separator 5A in Embodiment 2 can perform efficient gas-liquid separation while achieving simplification and miniaturization of the structure. Also in the refrigerant circulation system of the refrigeration cycle using the gas-liquid separator 5A of the second embodiment, it is possible to construct efficient heat conversion with a small and simple structure.

(Embodiment 3)
A gas-liquid separator according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure and a refrigerant circulation system using the gas-liquid separator will be described below with reference to the drawings. Regarding the gas-liquid separator of the third embodiment, the differences from the gas-liquid separators of the first and second embodiments will be mainly described. In the description of the third embodiment, elements having the same actions, configurations, and functions as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description. Description may be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration of the gas-liquid separator 5B of Embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the introduction ends of the first refrigerant pipe 8B and the second refrigerant pipe 9B inside the container 11 are formed into substantially hemispherical surfaces and closed. The lengths (heights) of the introduction portions of the first refrigerant pipe 8B and the second refrigerant pipe 9B into the interior of the container 11 are substantially the same, and the introduction portions extend in the vertical direction and are arranged side by side. . Further, the first refrigerant pipe 8B and the second refrigerant pipe 9B are formed with a plurality of openings (80, 90) on the side surface facing the inner wall of the container 11. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing the first refrigerant pipe 8B (second refrigerant pipe 9B) provided inside the container 11 in the gas-liquid separator 5B of the third embodiment. In FIG. 9, since the first refrigerant pipe 8B and the second refrigerant pipe 9B have the same configuration, both reference numerals are given. As shown in FIG. 9, the openings (80, 90) formed in the side surface of the first refrigerant pipe 8B (the second refrigerant pipe 9B) have a plurality of (four in FIG. 9) openings near the introduction end. and a lower opening 82 (92) consisting of a plurality of (two in FIG. 9) openings near the bottom of the container 11 .

In the gas-liquid separator 5B of Embodiment 3, as shown in FIG. 9, each opening of the upper opening portion 81 (91) spirally (spirals) the side surface of the first refrigerant pipe 8B (second refrigerant pipe 9B). ) are arranged at regular intervals. In addition, the openings of the lower opening 82 (92) are arranged in a vertical line. Each opening of the upper opening 81 ( 91 ) and the lower opening 82 ( 92 ) is positioned to face the inner wall of the container 11 .

Also, the opening position of each opening 80 of the upper opening 81 and the lower opening 82 in the first refrigerant pipe 8B and the opening position of each opening 90 of the upper opening 91 and the lower opening 92 in the second refrigerant pipe 9B The relationship has the positional relationship described using FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 in the first embodiment. That is, the openings 80 of the openings (81, 82) of the first refrigerant pipe 8B are positioned so as not to face the second refrigerant pipe 9B, and the openings (91, 92) of the second refrigerant pipe 9B is a position where the opening 90 of is not opposed to the first refrigerant pipe 8B. In addition, regarding the openings of the same height, the vertical line from the center of each opening 80 of each opening (81, 82) with respect to the central axis in the first refrigerant pipe 8B and each opening with respect to the central axis in the second refrigerant pipe 9B The angle θ formed between each of (91, 92) and a vertical line from the center of the opening 90 is within the range of 90° to 270°. Each opening (80, 90) in each opening (81, 82, 91, 92) is formed on the side surface of the first refrigerant pipe 8B and the second refrigerant pipe 9B so as to satisfy the above conditions. . In the gas-liquid separator 5B, the lower openings (82, 92) may be formed at different positions so that the amount of refrigerant stored differs between cooling operation and heating operation.

As described above, the openings (80, 90) of the same height in the first refrigerant pipe 8B and the second refrigerant pipe 9B are formed so that the respective angles θ are within the range of 90° to 270°. It is In addition, each opening (80, 90) in the upper opening 81 of the first refrigerant pipe 8B and the upper opening 91 of the second refrigerant pipe 9B has a spiral shape (spiral shape) on each side at a constant interval. Because of the arrangement, the vertical positions of the openings in the respective upper openings (81, 91) are twisted. That is, in the upper openings (81, 91) of the first refrigerant pipe 8B and the second refrigerant pipe 9B, the outward directions of the vertically aligned openings are different.

In the configuration of Embodiment 3, the angle deviation in the outward direction of each upper opening (81, 91) with respect to the opening (80, 90) directly above or below is within the range of 5° to 180°. More preferably, a plurality of the angles are formed within the range of 10° to 90°. In addition, the angle toward the outside with respect to the opening directly above or directly below means that the first refrigerant pipe 8B or the second refrigerant pipe 9B is perpendicular to the center axis of the first refrigerant pipe 8B or the second refrigerant pipe 9B from the center of each opening. Assuming that the line pointing to the inner wall of the opening is an outward line, it refers to the angle formed by the outward lines of each opening directly above or directly below.

[Gas-liquid separation operation]
In the gas-liquid separator 5B according to Embodiment 3 configured as described above, for example, during cooling operation, gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is discharged from each opening 80 of the upper opening 81 of the first refrigerant pipe 8B. . The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant discharged from each opening 80 of the upper opening portion 81 collides with the inner wall of the container 11 facing the other, and is separated into a liquid-phase refrigerant and a gas-phase refrigerant. At this time, the portions of the inner surface wall of the container 11 that collide with each other are also displaced to the left and right because the respective opening positions are displaced to the left and right. Disturbance due to collision is suppressed. As described above, in the configuration of the gas-liquid separator 5B according to Embodiment 3, since the position of the inner wall of the container 11 with which the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant collides is shifted left and right, the gas-liquid separation operation becomes faster. The scattering of the liquid phase portion on the inner wall of the container 11 is suppressed, and efficient gas-liquid separation can be performed.

The structure of the gas-liquid separator 5B in Embodiment 3 achieves the simplification and size reduction of the structure of the gas-liquid separator 5B, and can perform gas-liquid separation efficiently. Also, in the refrigerant circulation system of the refrigeration cycle using the gas-liquid separator 5B of Embodiment 3, it is possible to construct highly efficient heat conversion with a small and simple structure.

(Embodiment 4)
A gas-liquid separator according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure and a refrigerant circulation system using the gas-liquid separator will be described below with reference to the drawings. Regarding the gas-liquid separator according to the fourth embodiment, differences from the gas-liquid separators according to the first to third embodiments will be mainly described. In the description of the fourth embodiment, elements having the same actions, configurations, and functions as those in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals to avoid duplicate descriptions. Description may be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration of a gas-liquid separator 5C of Embodiment 4. As shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid separator 5C cut along line XI-XI in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a gas-liquid separator 5C of Embodiment 4 has a configuration in which a partition plate 13 is provided between a first refrigerant pipe 8A and a second refrigerant pipe 9A inside a container 11. is. In the configuration of the gas-liquid separator 5C of Embodiment 4, the configuration described in Embodiments 1 to 3 above is applied to the configuration other than the partition plate 13, and is shown in FIG. The configuration of the gas-liquid separator 5C is not specified.

The partition plate 13 in the gas-liquid separator 5C of the fourth embodiment is configured to separate the gas discharged from one opening (80/90) of the lower opening 82 of the first refrigerant pipe 8A and the lower opening 92 of the second refrigerant pipe 9A. It suppresses the liquid two-phase refrigerant from being directly sucked into the other opening (90/80).

In the gas-liquid separator 5C, most of the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is discharged from the upper opening 81 or 91 of the first refrigerant pipe 8A or the second refrigerant pipe 9A. It is discharged from the lower opening 82 or 92 . The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant discharged from the lower opening 82 or 92 is discharged to the bottom of the container 11, but may be partially mixed with the stored liquid-phase refrigerant. However, since the partition plate 13 is provided at the bottom between the first refrigerant pipe 8A and the second refrigerant pipe 9A, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant discharged from one of the lower openings 82 or 92 to the bottom is It becomes a path bypassing the partition plate 13 without being directly sucked into the other lower opening 92 or 82 . As a result, the vapor-phase refrigerant is separated in this detour path, and the refrigerant sucked into the lower opening 92 or 82 becomes a refrigerant with reduced vapor-phase refrigerant.

The height of the partition plate 13 provided inside the container 11 of the gas-liquid separator 5C is set higher than the positions of the upper end openings of the lower openings 82 and 92 of the first refrigerant pipe 8A and the second refrigerant pipe 9A. is preferred. Moreover, the height of the partition plate 13 may be lower than the positions of the openings at the lower ends of the respective upper openings 81 and 91 .

The gas-liquid separation operation in the gas-liquid separator 5C of the fourth embodiment configured as described above is the same as the gas-liquid separation operation described in the first to third embodiments. In form 4, description of the gas-liquid separation operation is omitted.

5 C of gas-liquid separators in Embodiment 4 have achieved the simplification and size reduction of a structure, and can perform gas-liquid separation with good efficiency. Also in the refrigerant circulation system of the refrigeration cycle using the gas-liquid separator 5C of Embodiment 4, it is possible to construct efficient heat conversion with a small and simple structure.

(Embodiment 5)
A gas-liquid separator according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure and a refrigerant circulation system using the gas-liquid separator will be described below with reference to the drawings. Regarding the gas-liquid separator of the fifth embodiment, the explanation will focus on the differences from the gas-liquid separator of the second embodiment. In the description of the fifth embodiment, elements having the same actions, configurations, and functions as those of the second embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted to avoid duplicate descriptions. There is

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration of a gas-liquid separator 5E of Embodiment 5. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the introduction ends of the first refrigerant pipe 8E and the second refrigerant pipe 9E inside the container 11 are formed into substantially hemispherical surfaces and are closed. The lengths of the introduction portions of the first refrigerant pipe 8E and the second refrigerant pipe 9E into the interior of the container 11 are substantially the same.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the configuration of the gas-liquid separator 5E of Embodiment 5, the introduction portions of the first refrigerant pipe 8E and the second refrigerant pipe 9E into the container 11 are obliquely arranged. ing. That is, the first refrigerant pipe 8E and the second refrigerant pipe 9E are arranged inside the container 11 in a V shape. A plurality of openings 80, 90 are formed at positions facing the inner wall of the container 11 on the respective side surfaces of the introduction portions of the first refrigerant pipe 8E and the second refrigerant pipe 9E arranged in a V shape. .

The angle (introduction angle) between the first refrigerant pipe 8E and the second refrigerant pipe 9E, which are arranged in a V-shape, that is, the angle formed by the central axes of the respective introduction portions ranges from 5° to 30°. Within the range is preferred.

A plurality of openings 80, 90 formed in the side surfaces of the first refrigerant pipe 8E and the second refrigerant pipe 9E of the gas-liquid separator 5E have the same configuration as in the second embodiment described above. That is, the openings 80 formed on the side surface of the first refrigerant pipe 8E include an upper opening 81 formed of a plurality of (for example, four) openings near the introduction end, and a plurality of (for example, four) openings near the bottom of the container 11 ( and a lower opening 82 consisting of, for example, two openings. Similarly, the openings 90 formed on the side surface of the second refrigerant pipe 9E include an upper opening 91 formed of a plurality of (for example, four) openings near the introduction end, and a plurality of openings near the bottom of the container 11. and a lower opening 92 composed of (for example, two) openings.

The upper opening 81 (91) and the lower opening 82 (92) are arranged in a vertical line on the side along the central axis of the first refrigerant pipe 8E and the second refrigerant pipe 9E. Each opening 80 (90) is formed so as to be oriented obliquely downward with respect to the inner wall of the container 11 . The relationship between the opening positions of the upper opening portion 81 and the lower opening portion 82 of the first refrigerant pipe 8E and the opening positions of the upper opening portion 91 and the lower opening portion 92 of the second refrigerant pipe 9E is the same as in the above embodiment. 1 has the positional relationship described using FIG. 3 or FIG. That is, it is a position where each opening 80 of the first refrigerant pipe 8E does not face the second refrigerant pipe 9E, and a position where each opening 90 of the second refrigerant pipe 9E does not face the first refrigerant pipe 8E. Further, the angle θ between the perpendicular line from the center of each opening 80 to the central axis of the first refrigerant pipe 8E and the perpendicular line from the center of each opening 90 to the central axis of the second refrigerant pipe 9A is 90° to 270°. is within the range of The positional relationship between the openings 80 and 90 located at the same height inside the container 11 is defined so as to satisfy the above conditions.

In the first refrigerant pipe 8E and the second refrigerant pipe 9E, substantially each opening 80, 90 of the upper openings 81, 91 discharges gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, and each opening 80 of the lower openings 82, 92 , 90 define the position of the liquid surface level (liquid storage level) of the liquid-phase refrigerant that is discharged from the separated liquid-phase refrigerant and accumulated inside the container 11 . In the gas-liquid separator 5E, the lower openings (82, 92) may be formed at different positions so that the amount of refrigerant stored differs between cooling operation and heating operation.

[Gas-liquid separation operation]
In the gas-liquid separator 5E according to Embodiment 5 configured as described above, for example, during cooling operation, gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is discharged obliquely downward from the upper opening 81 of the first refrigerant pipe 8E. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant discharged from the opening 80 of the upper opening 81 collides obliquely with the inner wall of the container 11 and is separated into a liquid-phase refrigerant and a gas-phase refrigerant. The separated liquid-phase refrigerant drops down along the inner wall due to impact force and gravity, and the separated gas-phase refrigerant rises inside the container 11 . In the gas-liquid separator 5E according to Embodiment 5, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant discharged from each opening (80/90) of each upper opening (81/91) is applied to the inner wall of the container 11. It is a configuration in which collisions are made obliquely from above, and collision separation is performed. As a result, the liquid-phase refrigerant separated on the inner wall of the container 11 flows vigorously downward and is stored at the bottom of the container 11 .

As described above, the gas-liquid separator 5E according to Embodiment 5 achieves simplification and miniaturization, and is configured to perform efficient gas-liquid separation inside the container. Also in the refrigerant circulation system of the refrigeration cycle using the gas-liquid separator 5E of Embodiment 5, it is possible to construct efficient heat conversion with a small and simple structure.

In addition, in the configuration of the gas-liquid separator 5E in Embodiment 5, the introduction portion inside the container 11 of the first refrigerant pipe 8E and the second refrigerant pipe 9E is configured in a V shape, and other configurations , each of the configurations described in the first to fourth embodiments and the embodiments described later is applied, and is specified by the configuration of the gas-liquid separator 5E shown in FIG. isn't it.

(Embodiment 6)
A gas-liquid separator according to Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure and a refrigerant circulation system using the gas-liquid separator will be described below with reference to the drawings. Regarding the gas-liquid separator according to the sixth embodiment, differences from the gas-liquid separators according to the first to fifth embodiments will be mainly described. In the description of the sixth embodiment, elements having the same actions, configurations, and functions as those of the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid duplicate descriptions. Description may be omitted.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration of a gas-liquid separator 5D according to Embodiment 6. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the introduction ends of the first refrigerant pipe 8D and the second refrigerant pipe 9D inside the container 11 are positioned near the bottom of the container 11 and open upward. (first opening 83 and second opening 93) are formed. In other words, the first opening 83 of the first refrigerant pipe 8D and the second opening 93 of the second refrigerant pipe 9D are arranged so as to face upward of the container 11 at the introduction ends into the inside of the container 11. . The introduction portions of the first refrigerant pipe 8D and the second refrigerant pipe 9D into the container 11 have substantially the same length, and the introduction portions extend vertically and are arranged side by side. The shapes of the first openings 83 and 93 formed at the introduction ends of the first refrigerant pipe 8D and the second refrigerant pipe 9D are set according to the specifications of the refrigerant circulation system in which the gas-liquid separator 5D is used. be done.

[Gas-liquid separation operation]
In the gas-liquid separator 5D of Embodiment 6 configured as described above, for example, during cooling operation, gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is discharged from the first opening 83 at the introduction end of the first refrigerant pipe 8D. be. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant discharged from the first opening 83 is blown upward and separated (gravitational separation) into a heavy-mass liquid-phase refrigerant and a light-mass gas-phase refrigerant. The separated liquid-phase refrigerant falls and is stored at the bottom of the container 11 . On the other hand, the separated vapor-phase refrigerant rises inside the container 11 and is discharged from the third refrigerant pipe 10 .

As described above, the gas-liquid separator 5D of Embodiment 6 can achieve efficient gas-liquid separation with a simple and compact configuration. Therefore, the refrigerant circulation system of the refrigeration cycle using the gas-liquid separator 5D of Embodiment 6 can construct a compact, simple structure, and efficient system.

[Modification of Gas-Liquid Separator of Embodiment 6]
FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modification of the gas-liquid separator 5D of the sixth embodiment. In the gas-liquid separator 5Da of the modified example shown in FIG. 14, the position of the first opening 83 at the introduction end of the first refrigerant pipe 8Da is higher than the position of the second opening 93 at the introduction end of the second refrigerant pipe 9Da. placed in a high position.

In the refrigeration cycle shown in FIG. 2 described above, refrigerant accumulates on the outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) side during cooling operation, and accumulates on the indoor heat exchanger (condenser) side during heating operation. Since the outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) has a larger capacity than the indoor heat exchanger (condenser), the optimum refrigerant amount during heating operation is smaller than the optimum refrigerant amount during cooling operation. The gas-liquid separator 5Da shown in FIG. 14 is also used as a receiver for storing the differential amount of the refrigerant. In this way, the gas-liquid separator 5Da shown in FIG. 14 has a function as a refrigerant receiver as well as a gas-liquid separation function. have.

During cooling operation, the gas-liquid separator 5Da shown in FIG. This is the case of the configuration incorporated in the refrigeration cycle so that the second opening 93 at the introduction end of 9 Da sucks and discharges the liquid-phase refrigerant. On the other hand, during heating operation, the second opening 93 at the introduction end of the second refrigerant pipe 9Da discharges the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, and the first opening 83 at the introduction end of the first refrigerant pipe 8Da discharges the liquid-phase refrigerant. is sucked in and discharged. Therefore, during the heating operation, the amount of refrigerant stored inside the container 11 of the gas-liquid separator 5Da is larger than that during the cooling operation. In the interior of the container 11, the length of the introduction portion of the first refrigerant pipe 8Da that discharges the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant during cooling operation (the height of the first refrigerant pipe 8Da) and the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant during heating operation is set according to the difference between the optimum refrigerant amounts during cooling operation and during heating operation.

In the gas-liquid separator 5Da shown in FIG. 14, efficient gas-liquid separation can be achieved with a simple and compact device, and since it has a function as a receiver, the refrigerant circulation system of the refrigeration cycle is It is possible to construct a refrigerant circulation system that has a small size and a simple structure, and is a reversible type refrigerating cycle that can reverse the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerating cycle and that is highly versatile.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a further modification of the gas-liquid separator 5D of Embodiment 6. As shown in FIG. In the gas-liquid separator 5Db of the modified example shown in FIG. 15, the position of the first opening 83 at the introduction end of the first refrigerant pipe 8Db and the position of the second opening 93 at the introduction end of the second refrigerant pipe 9Db are different. substantially the same height. A characteristic configuration of the gas-liquid separator 5Db is that a third opening 94 is formed on the side surface of the introduction portion of the second refrigerant pipe 9Db that discharges the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the container during heating operation.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the gas-liquid separator 5Db, an opening 94 is provided on the side of the introduction portion of the refrigerant pipe (second refrigerant pipe 9Db) that discharges the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the container during heating operation. is formed. During heating operation, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is discharged into the container from the first opening 93 at the introduction end of the second refrigerant pipe 9Db and the third opening 94 on the side surface, and is discharged from the introduction end of the first refrigerant pipe 8Db. Liquid-phase refrigerant is discharged from the first opening 83 . On the other hand, during cooling operation, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is discharged into the container from the first opening 83 at the introduction end of the first refrigerant pipe 8Db, and the third opening 94 formed on the side surface of the second refrigerant pipe 9Db. The liquid phase refrigerant is discharged from.

In the gas-liquid separator 5Db shown in FIG. 15, efficient gas-liquid separation can be achieved with a simple structure, and since it has a function as a receiver, the refrigerant circulation system of the refrigeration cycle can be small and simple. It is possible to construct a reversible type refrigerant circulation system with high versatility that is capable of cooling and heating operation.

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a further modification of the gas-liquid separator 5D of the sixth embodiment. In the gas-liquid separator 5Dc of the modified example shown in FIG. 16, the position of the first opening 83 at the introduction end of the first refrigerant pipe 8Dc and the position of the second opening 93 at the introduction end of the second refrigerant pipe 9Dc are different. are the same height. A characteristic configuration of the gas-liquid separator 5Dc is that the third openings 84 and 94 for discharging the liquid-phase refrigerant stored inside the container 11 are connected to the respective refrigerant pipes ( 8Dc, 9Dc) is formed on the side surface of the introduction portion. For example, during cooling operation, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is discharged into the container from the first opening 83 at the introduction end of the first refrigerant pipe 8Dc, and the second refrigerant pipe formed on the side surface of the introduction portion of the second refrigerant pipe 9Dc. The liquid phase refrigerant is discharged from the 3 openings 94 . On the other hand, during heating operation, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is discharged into the container from the second opening 93 at the introduction end of the second refrigerant pipe 9Dc, and the second refrigerant pipe formed on the side surface of the introduction portion of the first refrigerant pipe 8Dc. The liquid phase refrigerant is discharged from the 3 openings 84 .

As described above, in the configuration of the gas-liquid separator 5Dc of the modified example shown in FIG. 16, the position of the first opening 83 for discharging the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the container and It has a predetermined distance from the position of the liquid surface level (liquid phase storage level) (the position of the opening formed on the side surface of the introduction portion). Therefore, in the gas-liquid separator 5Dc, gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is discharged into the container, and efficient gas-liquid separation is possible.

Note that the positional relationship of the third openings 84 and 94 formed in the side surfaces of the introduction portions of the first refrigerant pipe 8Dc and the second refrigerant pipe 9Dc is the position described using FIG. 3 in the first embodiment. have That is, the third opening 84 formed on the side surface of the first refrigerant pipe 8Dc is positioned not to face the second refrigerant pipe 9Dc, and the third opening 94 formed on the side surface of the second refrigerant pipe 9Dc is located at the first refrigerant pipe. It is a position not facing 8Dc. Further, the angle θ between the perpendicular line from the center of the opening 84 to the central axis of the first refrigerant pipe 8Dc and the perpendicular line from the center of the opening 94 to the central axis of the second refrigerant pipe 9Dc is between 90° and 270°. Within range. Openings (84, 94) are formed in the side surfaces of the first refrigerant pipe 8Dc and the second refrigerant pipe 9Dc so as to satisfy the above conditions. The openings (84, 94) may be formed at different positions so that the amount of refrigerant stored differs between cooling operation and heating operation.

In the gas-liquid separator 5Dc shown in FIG. 16, efficient gas-liquid separation can be achieved with a simple structure, and since it has a function as a receiver, the refrigerant circulation system of the refrigeration cycle is small and simple. It is possible to construct a reversible type refrigerant circulation system with high versatility that is capable of cooling and heating operation.

(Embodiment 7)
A gas-liquid separator according to Embodiment 7 of the present disclosure and a refrigerant circulation system using the gas-liquid separator will be described below with reference to the drawings. Regarding the gas-liquid separator according to the seventh embodiment, differences from the gas-liquid separators according to the first to sixth embodiments will be mainly described. In the description of Embodiment 7, elements having the same actions, configurations, and functions as those in Embodiments 1 to 6 are given the same reference numerals to avoid duplicate descriptions. Description may be omitted.

FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing a gas-liquid separator 5F according to the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 17, (a) is a perspective view of the gas-liquid separator 5F, (b) is a front view of the gas-liquid separator 5F, (c) is a side view of the gas-liquid separator 5F, ( d) is a cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid separator 5F shown in (b) taken along line DD.

As shown in FIG. 17, the shape of the container 11 constituting the appearance of the gas-liquid separator 5F of Embodiment 7 is not cylindrical, but has an elliptical cross section. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the container 11 is elliptical (see FIG. 17(d)). Since the cross section of the container 11 is elliptical in this way, the width of the container 11 can be narrowed. can also be handled. In addition, in the configuration in which the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant collides with the inner wall inside the container 11 to separate the gas and liquid, it is possible to set a short distance from the discharge port (opening) of the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant to the inner wall surface. This makes it possible to achieve efficient gas-liquid separation.

In Embodiments 1 to 7, the total opening area of the first openings formed in the first refrigerant pipe is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first refrigerant pipe. Further, the total opening area of the second openings formed in the second refrigerant pipe is larger than the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the second refrigerant pipe. By configuring in this way, the flow velocity of the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing out from the first opening or the second opening can be suppressed, and the inertial force when the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant collides with the inner wall of the container 11 can be reduced. , the structure enables efficient gas-liquid separation.

In Embodiments 1 to 6, the case where the cross-sectional shape of the container 11 is circular has been described, but the shape of the container 11 is not limited to a circular shape. Any shape may be used as long as the collision separation type and the gravity separation type are efficiently exhibited and the gas-liquid separator has an excellent effect. Regarding the container shape in the gas-liquid separator 5F of Embodiment 7 described as an example, the configuration is applicable to any of the configurations of the gas-liquid separators of Embodiments 1 to 6 described above, and the same effect can be obtained. It plays.

As described above, the embodiment has been described as an example of the technique of the present disclosure. To that end, the detailed description and accompanying drawings have been disclosed. Therefore, the components described in the detailed description and the attached drawings may include components that are not essential for solving the problem. Accordingly, the inclusion of such non-essential elements in the detailed description and accompanying drawings should not immediately be construed as essential to those non-essential elements.

Since the above embodiment is for illustrating the technology in the present disclosure, it is possible to make various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof.

By using the gas-liquid separator of the present disclosure, for example, in the refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner, it is possible to achieve simplification and miniaturization of the system and reduce manufacturing costs, and it is highly versatile with high utility value. It is an expensive device.

1 Compressor 2 Four-Way Valve 3 First Heat Exchanger 4 First Expansion Device 5 Gas-Liquid Separator 6 Second Expansion Device (Indoor Heat Exchanger)
7 Second heat exchanger (outdoor heat exchanger)
8 first refrigerant pipe 9 second refrigerant pipe 10 third refrigerant pipe 11 container 12 eliminator (liquid phase adsorption part)
13 partition plate 80, 90 opening

Claims (10)

a container for discharging the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and separating it into a liquid-phase refrigerant and a gas-phase refrigerant, and discharging the separated liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant;
A first refrigerant pipe introduced into the lower side of the container for discharging gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the container or discharging liquid-phase refrigerant separated inside the container refrigerant piping;
A second refrigerant pipe introduced into the lower side of the container for discharging the liquid-phase refrigerant separated inside the container or for discharging the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the inside of the container. and,
a third refrigerant pipe introduced to the upper side of the container, the third refrigerant pipe for discharging gas phase refrigerant separated inside the container ;
The first refrigerant pipe has a plurality of first openings on the side surface of the first refrigerant pipe, and by switching between cooling operation and heating operation, gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is supplied from the first openings to the container. It is configured to discharge inside or to discharge the liquid phase refrigerant separated inside the container from the first opening, and the introduction end of the first refrigerant pipe is closed,
The second refrigerant pipe has a plurality of second openings on the side surface of the second refrigerant pipe, and discharges the separated liquid-phase refrigerant from the second openings by switching between cooling operation and heating operation. Alternatively, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is discharged into the container from the second opening, and the introduction end of the second refrigerant pipe is closed,
The total opening area of the plurality of first openings in the first refrigerant pipe is formed larger than the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the first refrigerant pipe, and/or the openings of the plurality of second openings in the second refrigerant pipe A gas -liquid separator having a total area larger than the cross-sectional area of the second refrigerant pipe . The first opening and the second opening are arranged to face the inner wall of the container,
2. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1 , wherein said first opening is configured not to face said second opening. The plurality of first openings formed in the first refrigerant pipe includes an upper opening for discharging a plurality of gas-liquid two-phase refrigerants formed into the container, and an upper opening for discharging the separated liquid-phase refrigerant. a lower opening for defining a liquid phase reservoir level in the vessel;
The plurality of second openings formed in the second refrigerant pipe includes an upper opening for discharging the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the container, and an upper opening for discharging the separated liquid-phase refrigerant. and a lower opening for defining a liquid phase reservoir level in the vessel. 4. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 3 , wherein the height of the lower opening formed in the first refrigerant pipe and the height of the lower opening formed in the second refrigerant pipe are different. Each opening of the upper opening formed in the first refrigerant pipe is arranged in a vertical line on the side surface of the first refrigerant pipe,
4. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 3 , wherein each opening of said upper opening formed in said second refrigerant pipe is arranged in a vertical line on a side surface of said second refrigerant pipe. Each opening of the upper opening formed in the first refrigerant pipe is spirally arranged on the side surface of the first refrigerant pipe,
4. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 3 , wherein each opening of said upper opening formed in said second refrigerant pipe is spirally arranged on a side surface of said second refrigerant pipe. 3. The angle formed by the central axes of the introduction portions of the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe inside the container is set within the range of 5° to 30° with respect to a vertical line. 7. Gas-liquid separator according to any one of 1 to 6 . An angle formed by a direction of the first refrigerant pipe facing the outside of the first opening and a direction of the second refrigerant pipe facing the outside of the second opening is set within a range of 90° to 270° on a horizontal plane. A gas-liquid separator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . 9. The gas-liquid gas-liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein a liquid phase adsorption part is provided above the introduction end of each of the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe in the interior of the container. separator. A gas-liquid separator according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
The first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe of the gas-liquid separator are connected to a refrigeration cycle in which refrigerant circulates in a reversible manner, and the third refrigerant pipe of the gas-liquid separator is connected to a bypass pipe to the compressor. and refrigerant circulation system.

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