초록 ▼

A pressure reducing assembly is provided for managing refrigerant flow in a reversible HVAC system. Refrigerant lines from the system heat exchangers connect to bi-directional ports of a pressure reducing assembly which converts the high pressure refrigerant flowing from one heat exchanger into pres

A pressure reducing assembly is provided for managing refrigerant flow in a reversible HVAC system. Refrigerant lines from the system heat exchangers connect to bi-directional ports of a pressure reducing assembly which converts the high pressure refrigerant flowing from one heat exchanger into pressure reduced refrigerant that flows to the other heat exchanger. The pressure reducing assembly converts bi-directional refrigerant flow from the heat exchangers into unidirectional refrigerant flow through a pressure reducing device. Refrigerant emitted from the pressure reducing device flows out of the pressure reducing assembly to the other heat exchanger. The invention simplifies the interconnection of reversible HVAC systems by eliminating the complex plumbing and extra valves associated with conventional systems. In addition, the invention can further integrate the receiver/drier function into the pressure reducing assembly providing a centralized device for filtering refrigerant flow and ensuring a continuous supply of liquid refrigerant to the pressure reducing device. Also, outlets can be added to the receiver portion of the pressure reducing assembly to provide a source of high pressure liquid refrigerant for secondary heat exchangers.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A flow management system for controlling the flow of refrigerant in a vehicle heating and cooling system, the flow management system comprising:a compressor for compressing the refrigerant;a first heat exchanger for transferring heat between the refrigerant and the vehicl

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A flow management system for controlling the flow of refrigerant in a vehicle heating and cooling system, the flow management system comprising:a compressor for compressing the refrigerant;a first heat exchanger for transferring heat between the refrigerant and the vehicle;a second heat exchanger for transferring heat between the refrigerant and an outside environment;a flow switching device in communication with the compressor for switching the direction of refrigerant flow towards the first heat exchanger in a heating mode and towards the second heat exchanger in a cooling mode;a pressure reducing assembly for receiving high pressure, liquid refrigerant from either the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger and emitting pressure reduced refrigerant to the heat exchanger from which the high pressure, liquid refrigerant was not received;wherein, during the heating mode refrigerant flows from the first heat exchanger, through the pressure reducing assembly, and into the second heat exchanger before returning to the flow switching device; andduring the cooling mode refrigerant flows from the second heat exchanger, through the pressure reducing assembly, and into the first heat exchanger before returning to the flow switching device.