Refrigerant flow management center for automobiles
US6094930A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B30/70
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flow management device is provided for managing refrigerant flow in a reversible HVAC system. Refrigerant lines from the system heat exchangers connect to bi-directional ports on the flow management device which converts the high pressure refrigerant flowing in one bi-directional port into pressure reduced refrigerant that flows out of the other bi-directional port. The flow management device has multiple bi-directional ports and a flow path for refrigerant extending between the ports. Flow sensitive valves are positioned within the flow path to prevent high pressure refrigerant from flowing between the ports. A pressure reducing device is arranged so that high pressure refrigerant flowing into one of the ports flows through one of the flow sensitive valves and then into the pressure reducing device. Pressure reduced refrigerant emitted from the pressure reducing device flows through a multi-function valve and out the other port. The invention can further integrate the receiver/drier function into the flow management device providing a centralized device for filtering refrigerant flow and ensuring a continuous supply of liquid refrigerant to the pressure reducing device. Also, ou…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.