U.S. patent application number 14/684143 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-06 for device for adding refrigerant into automobile air conditioning system.
This patent application is currently assigned to AEROSPACE COMMUNICATION HOLDINGS, CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is Da Ming BI, Hong Bo CHEN. Invention is credited to Da Ming BI, Hong Bo CHEN.
Application Number | 20160290695 14/684143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53646252 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160290695 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BI; Da Ming ; et
al. |
October 6, 2016 |
Device For Adding Refrigerant Into Automobile Air Conditioning
System
Abstract
A device for adding refrigerant into automobile air conditioning
system, said device comprising: an air passage, a refrigerant port,
and an air conditioning port; the air passage communicates the
refrigerant port and the air conditioning port; wherein, a valve
and a T-shape connector are provided along the air passage, the
valve controls the opening of the air passage; the first end of the
T-shape connector communicates with the valve, the second end of
the T-shape connector communicates with the air conditioning port,
and the third end of the T-shape connector communicates with a
pressure gauge. While adding refrigerant, users can read the
pressure of the automobile air conditioning system through the
pressure gauge.
Inventors: |
BI; Da Ming; (Hangzhou,
CN) ; CHEN; Hong Bo; (Hangzhou, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BI; Da Ming
CHEN; Hong Bo |
Hangzhou
Hangzhou |
|
CN
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
AEROSPACE COMMUNICATION HOLDINGS,
CO., LTD.
Zhejiang
CN
|
Family ID: |
53646252 |
Appl. No.: |
14/684143 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 2345/001 20130101;
F25B 45/00 20130101; F25B 2345/006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25B 45/00 20060101
F25B045/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 1, 2015 |
CN |
201510152681.8 |
Claims
1. A device for adding refrigerant into automobile air conditioning
system, said device comprising: an air passage, a refrigerant port,
and an air conditioning port; the air passage communicates the
refrigerant port and the air conditioning port; wherein, a valve
and a T-shape connector are provided along the air passage, the
valve controls the opening of the air passage; the first end of the
T-shape connector communicates with the valve, the second end of
the T-shape connector communicates with the air conditioning port,
and the third end of the T-shape connector communicates with a
pressure gauge; the refrigerant port further comprises a first end
and a second end, which communicates with each other via a center
hole; the first end communicates with a refrigerant storage
canister; the second end communicates with the valve; a piercing
member, a spring, and a rubber seal are disposed in the refrigerant
port; the spring bias the rubber seal; the piercing member
comprises a sharp end and a flanging cap; the sharp end of piercing
member is disposed in the first end of the refrigerant port and
points toward the refrigerant storage canister; the flanging cap
contacts the edge of the center hole; the sharp end is used to
pierce through the sealing of the refrigerant storage canister; an
hallow end cap is disposed in the second end of the refrigerant
port; the end cap contacts the inner surface of the second end and
engages the flanging cap of the piercing member.
2. A device for adding refrigerant into automobile air conditioning
system according to claim 1, wherein, the valve further comprises a
valve body, a charging end, and a supply end; the supply end
connects to the refrigerant port, and the charging end connects to
the T-shape connector; the angle between the charging end and the
valve body is an acute angle.
3. A device for adding refrigerant into automobile air conditioning
system according to claim 2, wherein, the angle between the
charging end and the valve body is between 25 and 75 degree.
4. A device for adding refrigerant into automobile air conditioning
system according to claim 3, wherein, the angle between the
charging end and the valve body is 43 degree.
5. A device for adding refrigerant into automobile air conditioning
system according to claim 2, wherein, the valve body further
comprises a plunger seat, a plunger disposed in the plunger seat,
and a driving unit; the driving unit includes a trigger connected
to the plunger, and a spring biasing the trigger.
6. A device for adding refrigerant into automobile air conditioning
system according to claim 1, wherein, a plate is disposed between
the first end and the second end of the refrigerant port; threads
are formed on the outer surface of the second end; and a sealing
ring engaging the plate is provided on the outer surface.
7. A device for adding refrigerant into automobile air conditioning
system according to claim 1, wherein, the end cap and the inner
surface of the second end are connected by stress.
8. A device for adding refrigerant into automobile air conditioning
system according to claim 1, wherein, threads are formed on the
outer surface of the end cap and the inner surface of the second
end; the end cap threads on the outer surface of the end cap
connects to the threads on the inner surface of the second end.
9. A device for adding refrigerant into automobile air conditioning
system according to claim 1, wherein, at least one reinforcing
strip is formed along the longitudinal direction of the flanging
cap; and at least one corresponding groove is formed on the edge of
the center hole.
10. A device for adding refrigerant into automobile air
conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein, a layer of
copper is electroplated on the flanging cap; and the flanging cap
is soldered to the edge of the center hole.
11. A device for adding refrigerant into automobile air
conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein, a pin is
disposed in the center of the air conditioning port; while adding
refrigerant, the pin engages with the automobile air conditioner
servicing port.
12. A device for adding refrigerant into automobile air
conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein, the device
further comprises a housing, the refrigerant port and the valve are
disposed in the housing; the T-shape connector connects to the
housing by tubes; the air conditioning port connects to the T-shape
connector by tubes.
Description
[0001] CLAIM OF FOREIGN PRIORITY, 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
[0002] The present invention claims its foreign priority filing,
pursuant to the provision of 35 U.S.C. section 119 et seq, based
upon the application filed by the same inventors in China, having
application number ZL201510152681.8 filed on Apr. 1, 2015.
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a device for servicing
automobile, in particular, it relates to a device for adding
refrigerant into an automobile air conditioning system.
[0004] In an automobile, the air conditioning system provides the
comfort to the driver, especially in the summer. However, the
automobile air conditioner uses chemicals called refrigerant or
coolant to cool air. The amount of refrigerant decreases as the air
conditioner continues to operate. Accordingly, maintenance of an
automobile air conditioning system requires periodic monitoring
refrigerant pressure levels and re-charging of the refrigerant. The
check of refrigerant pressure and addition of refrigerant may be
attended by a professional mechanic. However, there is no need for
a professional to carry out these functions. A growing number of
automobile owners choose to perform the monitoring and adding
refrigerant by themselves, which is also known as "Do-It-Yourself"
consumers. Targeting the "Do-It-Yourself" consumers, refrigerant
stored in canisters and tools for adding the refrigerant have been
introduced.
[0005] The tools existing on the market have a few problems, first
of all, the refrigerant used in air conditioning system damages the
environment. While adding the refrigerant, the connection between
the canister, the adding tool, and the air conditioner port must be
sealed. Misconducts may cause the refrigerant leaking to the air.
Secondly, there is no pressure gauge provided on the current tool;
the user cannot know how much refrigerant has been added into the
air conditioning system. The user often adds too little or too much
refrigerant, which increases the workload of the air conditioners'
compressor. Thirdly, the current tool uses a pin to pierce through
the sealing of the refrigerant canister; thus causing the
refrigerant flows from the canister into the air conditioning
system. Typically, the sealing of the canister is made of metal or
metal alloys, which possesses certain strength, stiffness, and
hardness. The piercing pin also requires such hardness.
[0006] The piercing pin is typically moveable within the port.
After the port connects with the canister, the user needs to rotate
a handle connected to the piercing pin in order to drive the
piercing pin to pierce the canister. And after piercing through the
canister, the user has to rotate the handle to drive the piercing
pin to its original position. Such structure is complicate to
operate and not user friendly. The structure also increases the
sealing difficulty due to its complexity. Furthermore, the pierced
hole is relatively small, which slows the flow rate of the
refrigerant.
[0007] Since the refrigerant port needs to be screwed on to the
canister, securing the piercing pin with the refrigerant port is a
simpler design, and easier to seal. The operation for piercing
through the canister is simpler as well. As the refrigerant port
rotates, the piercing pin not only pierces through, but also cut a
circular hole on the canister seal. Thus the refrigerant flows much
smoother. However, after using the tool several times, the piecing
pin starts to loosen. The loosen pin may not be able to pierce
through the canister; or the piercing hole is too small, and the
refrigerant cannot flow out the canister smoothly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Responsive to the foregoing challenges, the objective of the
present invention is to develop an air conditioner refrigerant
adding device which can prevent refrigerant from leaking, and
directly illustrate the amount being added.
[0009] The present invention has shown a device for adding
refrigerant into automobile air conditioning system, said device
comprising:
[0010] an air passage, a refrigerant port, and an air conditioning
port; the air passage communicates the refrigerant port and the air
conditioning port; wherein, a valve and a T-shape connector are
provided along the air passage, the valve controls the opening of
the air passage;
[0011] the first end of the T-shape connector communicates with the
valve, the second end of the T-shape connector communicates with
the air conditioning port, and the third end of the T-shape
connector communicates with a pressure gauge;
[0012] the refrigerant port further comprises a first end and a
second end, which communicates with each other via a center hole;
the first end communicates with a refrigerant storage canister; the
second end communicates with the valve; a piercing member, a
spring, and a rubber seal are disposed in the refrigerant port; the
spring bias the rubber seal;
[0013] the piercing member comprises a sharp end and a flanging cap
; the sharp end of piercing member is disposed in the first end of
the refrigerant port and points toward the refrigerant storage
canister; the flanging cap contacts the edge of the center hole;
the sharp end is used to pierce through the sealing of the
refrigerant storage canister;
[0014] An hallow end cap is disposed in the second end of the
refrigerant port; the end cap contacts the inner surface of the
second end and engages the flanging cap of the piercing member.
[0015] The present invention also has the following features:
[0016] The valve further comprises a valve body, a charging end,
and a supply end; the supply end connects to the refrigerant port,
and the charging end connects to the T-shape connector; the angle
between the charging end and the valve body is an acute angle.
[0017] The angle between the charging end and the valve body is
between 25 and 75 degree.
[0018] The angle between the charging end and the valve body is 43
degree.
[0019] The valve body further comprises a plunger seat, a plunger
disposed in the plunger seat, and a driving unit; the driving unit
includes a trigger connected to the plunger, and a spring biasing
the trigger.
[0020] A plate is disposed between the first end and the second end
of the refrigerant port; threads are formed on the outer surface of
the second end; and a sealing ring engaging the plate is provided
on the outer surface.
[0021] The end cap and the inner surface of the second end are
connected by stress.
[0022] Threads are formed on the outer surface of the end cap and
the inner surface of the second end; the end cap threads on the
outer surface of the end cap connects to the threads on the inner
surface of the second end.
[0023] At least one reinforcing strip is formed along the
longitudinal direction of the flanging cap; and at least one
corresponding groove is formed on the edge of the center hole.
[0024] A layer of copper is electroplated on the flanging cap; and
the flanging cap is soldered to the edge of the center hole.
[0025] A pin is disposed in the center of the air conditioning
port; while adding refrigerant, the pin engages with the automobile
air conditioner servicing port.
[0026] The device further comprises a housing, the refrigerant port
and the valve are disposed in the housing; the T-shape connector
connects to the housing by tubes; the air conditioning port
connects to the T-shape connector by tubes.
[0027] In the present device, a pin is disposed in the center of
the air conditioning port. Once the user properly connects the
device to the air conditioner servicing port, the pin engages with
the serving port, and opens an air passage for the refrigerant to
flow into the air conditioner. The risk of leaking the refrigerant
into the atmosphere is lowered. Secondly, a T-shape connector and a
pressure gauge are provided. During the adding process, the user
can directly read the automobile air conditioner's pressure, and
determine the amount of refrigerant to be added based on the
pressure. Thus, the user will not add too little or too much
refrigerant into the automobile air conditioner. Thirdly, the
refrigerant stored in the canister is in liquid form, whereas the
refrigerant in the air conditioning system is in gas form; by
setting the angle between the charging end and the valve body as an
acute angle prevents liquid refrigerant entering into the air
conditioning system. The liquid refrigerant must be transformed
into air form in order to pass the acute angle, thus making the
adding process more smooth and efficient. After conducting multiple
examinations, the applicant finds that the refrigerant adding
process is the most efficient by setting the angle as 43 degrees.
Furthermore, two rubber sealing members are disposed on the
refrigerant port; further lowers the risk of refrigerant leaking An
end cap is also disposed in the refrigerant port, engaging with the
piercing member preventing the piercing member from shifting and
rotating. The end cap thus solves the problem of slow refrigerant
flow rate caused by the piercing member not completely piercing
through the seal of the refrigerant canister.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a refrigerant adding
device.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the pressure gauge in the
said device.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the valve in the said
device.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the air conditioning port in
the said device.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the refrigerant port in the
said device.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the end cap in the said
device.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the piercing member in the
said device.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a top view of the piercing member in the said
device.
[0036] FIG. 9 is a top view of the center hole in the said
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. With reference to FIG. 1, a device for
adding refrigerant into an automobile air condition system
comprises: a refrigerant port 1 connecting to the refrigerant
storage means, an air conditioning port 2 connecting to the
automobile air conditioning system, and an air passage formed
between the refrigerant port 1 and the air conditioning port 2.
Typically, the refrigerant storage means are refrigerant canisters.
A piercing member 13 is providing in the refrigerant port. As the
refrigerant port 1 connects to the refrigerant canister, the
piercing member 13 will pierce through the sealing of the
refrigerant canister; thus letting the refrigerant flow into the
air passage from the canister. A valve 3 and a T-shape connector 4
are also provided in the air passage. The first end of the T-shape
connector 4 connects to the valve 3; the second end of the T-shape
connector 4 connects to the air conditioning port 2; and the third
end of the T-shape connector 4 connects to a pressure gauge 5. The
pressure gauge measures the pressure within the automobile air
conditioning system. In a preferred embodiment, the refrigerant
adding device also includes a housing 6, the refrigerant port 1 and
the valve 3 are disposed in the housing 6. The T-shape connector 4
connects to the housing 6 with tubes 7, and the air conditioning
port 2 connects to the T-shape connector 4 with tubes 7. For each
automobile, the location of the air conditioning system servicing
port is different. In some automobiles, the servicing port is
located in narrow spaces. The tube 7 is resilient and can form into
any shape, which makes it easier for the user to connect the
refrigerant adding device to the air conditioner's servicing
port.
[0038] FIG. 2 has illustrated an embodiment of the pressure gauge
5. In this embodiment, the pressure gauge is an analog pressure
gauge with pointers. While adding the refrigerant, the user can
directly read the automobile air conditioner's pressure through the
pressure gauge 5; thus preventing from adding too much or too
little refrigerant into the air conditioning system.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 3, the valve 3 comprises a valve
body, a charging end connected to the refrigerant port 1, and a
supply end connected to the T-shape connector 4. The valve body
further comprises a plunger seat 33, a plunger 34 disposed in the
plunger seat 33, and a driving unit. The user moves the plunger 34
by operating the driving unit, thus controlling the opening of the
air passage. In a preferred embodiment, the angle between the valve
body and the supply end 32 is an acute angle within 25-75 degree
range. The refrigerant stored in the canister is in liquid form,
whereas the refrigerant flowing in the air conditioning system is
in gas form. After conducting many experiments, the applicant finds
that, by limiting the angle within 25-75 degree range, most of the
liquid refrigerant stored in the canister will transform into gas
while passing through the valve body and entering the supply end
32. The refrigerant flow rate is increased by limiting the angle.
And after conducting many experiments, the applicant finds that the
efficiency for adding the refrigerant is the highest when the angle
between the valve body and the supply end 32 is limited to 43
degrees.
[0040] Furthermore, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the driving
unit consists of a handle 31 connected to the plunger 34, and a
spring 82 disposed between the valve 3 and the handle 81. The user
controls the opening of the valve 3 by pressing the handle 81.
Certainly, the driving unit 8 can also be rotating wheel or handle
provided on a tap valve; and the user controls the opening of the
valve 3 by rotating the wheel or handle.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 4, a pin 21 is provided in the air
conditioning port 2. Once the user properly connects the air
conditioning port 2 to the air conditioner servicing port, the pin
21 engages with the serving port, and opens an air passage for the
refrigerant to flow into the air conditioner. In a specific
embodiment, threads are formed on the inner wall of the air
conditioning port 2 in order to have a more rigid connection with
the air conditioner's servicing port.
[0042] With reference to FIG. 5, the refrigerant port 1 can be
divided into a first end 11, which connects to the refrigerant
storing means, and a second end 12, which connects to the valve 3.
The first end 11 communicates with the second end 12 through a
center hole. A typical refrigerant storing mean is a sealed
canister. Threads are usually formed on the inner wall of the first
end 11 to have a more rigid connection with the canister. A hollow
piercing member 13, a spring 16, and a sealing member 14 is
provided within the refrigerant port 1. One end of the piercing
member 13 is a sharp end, which is used for piercing through the
sealing of the canister; the other end of the piercing member 13 is
a flanging cap 18, which engages with the center hole. When the
user connects the refrigerant port 1 with the canister by rotating
the first end 11, the piercing member 13 firstly pierces through
the canister's sealing; then it rotates along with the first end
11, and cuts a circular hole on the canister's sealing. The
refrigerant flows into the charging end 32 of the valve 3 through
the hollow center of the piercing member 11. The spring 16 engages
with the sealing member 14, and the sealing member prevents the
refrigerant from leaking Furthermore, a plate 19 is formed between
the first end 11 and the second end 12. Threads are formed on the
outer wall of the second end 12, which is used for connecting the
refrigerant port 1 to the valve 3. A sealing ring 15 is provided at
the end of the threads on the outer wall of the second end 12. The
sealing ring 15 also engages with the plate 19 to further prevents
refrigerant leaking through the valve 3 and the port 1.
[0043] With reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, an end cap 17 engages
with the flanging end 18 of the piercing member 13. A hole is
formed in the center of the end cap 17, thus communicating with the
air passage. The outer surface of the end cap 17 engages with the
inner surface of the refrigerant port 1. When the user drives the
piercing member 13 to pierce the canister's sealing, the piercing
member 13 experiences a reaction form. However, the end cap 17
engages the end of the piercing member 13, and secures the piercing
member 13 from loosening. Therefore, the end cap 17 solves the
problem of slow refrigerant flow rate caused by the piercing member
not completely piercing through the seal of the refrigerant
canister. Typically, the end cap 17 engages with the inner surface
of the refrigerant port 1 by friction and stress. However, this
connection requires high precision on manufacturing the end cap 17
and the refrigerant port 1. If the size of the end cap 17 is too
small, there would not be sufficient friction between the end cap
17 and the inner wall of the refrigerant port 1 to secure the
piercing member 13. On the other hand, if the size of the end cap
17 is too large, the end cap 17 may not fit into the refrigerant
port 1, or burst the refrigerant port 1 open.
[0044] Therefore, with reference to FIG. 6, in a preferred
embodiment, outer threads 171 are formed on the outer wall of the
end cap 12, and inner threads are formed on the inner wall of the
second end 17. In this embodiment, the end cap 12 is screwed onto
the second end 12; and the precision requirement is lowered.
[0045] Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 1, 5 7-9, in a prior
art, the piercing member 13 only moves longitudinally to pierce
through the canister's sealing. The size of pierced hole highly
depends on the following factors: the force applied by the user,
the sharpness of the piercing member 13, and whether the piercing
member 13 is loosen. For every canister, the size of pierced hole
is different, which means the refrigerant flow rate is also
different. On the other hand, in the present invention, when the
user connects the refrigerant port 1 with the canister by rotating
the first end 11, the piercing member 13 firstly pierces through
the canister's sealing; then it rotates along with the first end
11, and cuts a circular hole on the canister's sealing. For each
canister, the size of the hole is consistent. However, the present
invention not only requires an end cap 17 to prevent the piercing
member 13 from loosening in the longitudinal direction, but also
needs to prevent the piercing member 13 from loosening in the
circumferential direction. Therefore, with reference to FIG. 7-9,
at least one protrusion is formed on the flanging end 18 of the
piercing member 13. Preferably, the protrusion is a reinforcing
strip 181 formed along the longitudinal direction by pressing. At
least one recess is respectively formed on the inner wall of the
refrigerant port 1. Preferably, the recess is a groove 191 matching
with the reinforcing strip 181.
[0046] In another embodiment, the flanging end 18 of the piercing
member 13 is soldered to the inner wall of the refrigerant port 1.
However, the piercing member 13 is typically made of steel to
possess a certain degree of stiffness and hardness, so that it can
pierce through the canister's sealing. Whereas the refrigerant port
1 is typically made of brass. It is difficult to solder steel onto
brass. Before soldering, a layer of copper is electroplated onto
the flanging end 18 of the piercing member 13. Thus, the piercing
member 13 is securely connected to the refrigerant port 1.
* * * * *