David Victor Cleveland

US Patent:

60821280, Jul 4, 2000

Filed:

Nov 12, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/190925

Inventors:

Barry J. Lake - Troy MI
David Cleveland - Azle TX
David A. Barwin - Troy MI
Robert Bandeen - Dallas TX
Arthur A. Naujock - Livonia MI

Assignee:

DaimlerChrysler Corporation - Auburn Hills MI

International Classification:

F25B 1300

US Classification:

623246

Abstract:

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.