Patent Description:
Conventional air conditioning system, for example, air conditioning system for a vehicle cabin includes a condenser, an evaporator, an expansion device, a compressor and a heater. Generally, the conventional air conditioning system configured with an expansion valve is also configured with a receiver drier that is disposed in a high-pressure section of the air conditioning system/ air conditioning loop. The receiver drier is usually located between a condenser and the expansion valve in the air conditioning loop. Generally, the condenser is configured with the receiver drier along an outlet side of the condenser, particularly, along a length of an outlet collector of a pair of collectors of the condenser. The receiver drier includes a tubular casing in the form of an airtight container referred to as receiver drier bottle with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet receives liquid refrigerant along with some uncondensed refrigerant, debris and incompressible moisture, if any, from a first pass defining a condensing section of the condenser via a first portion of the outlet collector. The outlet delivers the liquid refrigerant from which incompressible moisture and debris are removed, to a second pass defining the subcooling section of the condenser via a second section of the outlet collector, or to the rest of the refrigerant circuit.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a condenser may be connected to the inlet and the outlet of the receiver drier via connecting pipes that configure fluid communication between the receiver drier and the outlet side of the condenser. Document <CIT> discloses a receiver drier bottle assembly comprising a receiver drier bottle cover with a plug opening formed on said receiver drier bottle cover; a plug formed with a plug cutout that has first threads; a screw opening formed with second threads; a screw with external threads formed thereon.

Generally, a receiver drier bottle assembly <NUM> includes a cover <NUM> closing an end of the receiver drier bottle "b" and a connecting block <NUM> mounted on the cover <NUM>. The connecting block <NUM> is mounted on the cover <NUM> using a bolt or screw <NUM>. The connecting block <NUM> forms a connection and a fluid communication between the connecting pipe and the interior of the receiver drier bottle "b". The connecting block <NUM> includes a plug portion 3a and a flange portion 3b for configuring connection between the connecting block <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. The plug portion 3a is plugged into a counter bore 2c extending from a plug opening 2a formed on the cover <NUM> and the flange portion 3b rests over the cover <NUM>. In particular, a substantial portion of the connecting block <NUM> is disposed outside the receiver driver bottle "b".

The flange portion 3b includes a bolt-receiving hole 3c and a counter bore 3d. The bolt-receiving hole 3c is aligned with a corresponding complementary bore 2b formed on the cover <NUM> and the bolt <NUM> passes through the bolt-receiving hole 3c and the bore 2b aligned to each other to mount the flange portion 3b to the cover <NUM>. The counter bore 3d forms connection and fluid communication between the connecting pipe "p" and an interior of the receiver drier bottle "b". Particularly, a large diameter bore 3e of the counter bore 3d receives the connecting pipe "p" while a small diameter bore 3f of the counter bore 3d extends through the plug portion 3a and is in fluid communication with the interior of the receiver drier bottle "b". However, with such configuration of the connecting block <NUM>, substantial portion of the connecting block <NUM>, i.e. the flange portion 3b is disposed outside the cover <NUM> and occupies substantial area of the cover <NUM>. Accordingly, there is limited space on the cover <NUM> for mounting of other elements on the cover <NUM>. Further, flange portion 3b mounted on the cover <NUM> intrudes into operating space of adjacent elements mounted on the cover <NUM>, thereby resulting in packaging issues. Further, such configuration of the connecting block <NUM> increases overall mass of connecting pipe-cover assembly of the receiver drier bottle assembly <NUM> and involves notable machining, thereby increasing the overall cost. Further, such configuration involves aligning the cover and the connecting block that cause inconvenience in assembly. Also, with such configuration of the connecting pipe-cover assembly of the receiver drier bottle assembly, the connecting pipe "p" is comparatively far from a screw axis of the bolt <NUM>, thereby resulting in mechanical failures due to the connecting pipe "p" exerting comparatively higher torque on the connecting block <NUM>. Further, for mounting the connecting block <NUM> on the cover two separate holes, one bore 2b and one counter bore 2c are required to be formed on the cover <NUM>, thereby causing stress concentrations and weakening of the cover <NUM>.

Accordingly, there is a need for a receiver drier bottle assembly that obviates the problems faced by the conventional receiver drier bottle assembly. Particularly, there is a need for a receiver drier bottle assembly, wherein a connecting block forming connecting pipe-cover assembly addresses the mechanical failure issues by reducing torque exerted by a connecting pipe on the connecting block. Further, there is a need for a receiver drier bottle assembly that is comparatively inexpensive as a connecting block forming connecting pipe-cover assembly involves comparatively less material and less machining compared to the conventional connecting block. Furthermore, there is a need for a receiver drier bottle assembly, wherein a connecting block mounted on a cover of a receiver drier bottle is of compact configuration, thereby enabling mounting of additional elements on the cover. Further, there is a need for a receiver drier bottle assembly that is simple in construction and convenient to assemble.

An object of the present invention is to provide a receiver drier bottle assembly that obviates the problems faced by the conventional receiver drier bottle assembly. This objective is achieved by a receiver drier bottle assembly having the features of claim <NUM>.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a receiver drier bottle assembly, wherein a connecting block forming connecting pipe-cover assembly addresses the mechanical failure issues by reducing torque exerted by a connecting pipe on the connecting block.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a receiver drier bottle assembly that is comparatively inexpensive as a connecting block forming connecting pipe-cover assembly involves comparatively less material and less machining compared to the conventional connecting block.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a receiver drier bottle assembly, wherein a connecting block mounted on a cover of a receiver drier bottle is of compact configuration, thereby enabling mounting of additional elements on the cover.

Further object of the the present invention is to provide a receiver drier bottle assembly, wherein a connecting block mounted on a cover of a receiver drier bottle is of compact configuration and accordingly does not interfere with operation of other adjacent elements mounted on the cover.

A receiver drier bottle assembly, hereinafter referred to as "assembly" is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The receiver drier bottle assembly includes a plug opening and a screw opening formed on a cover and a plug and a screw received in the plug opening and the screw opening. The plug is formed with a plug cutout that has first threads. The screw opening is partially overlapping the plug opening and extends to a screw-receiving bore. The screw-receiving bore is complementary to the plug cutout and is formed with second threads. The screw with external threads formed thereon is disposed partially on the plug cutout to engage with the first threads and partially on the screw-receiving bore to engage with the second threads. Accordingly, the screw immobilizes the plug when the screw is inserted in the screw-receiving bore through the screw opening.

Preferably, the plug flushes with an external surface of the receiver drier bottle cover when inserted in the plug opening.

Alternatively, at least a portion of the plug remains above the external surface of the receiver drier bottle cover when inserted in the plug opening.

Otherwise, the plug is below the external surface of the receiver drier bottle cover when inserted in the plug opening.

Typically, the plug includes a head portion and a tube portion formed by impact extrusion.

In accordance with an embodiment, a base of the plug cutout and a bottom of the screw supported on the base are flat surfaces.

Alternatively, the bottom of the screw is conical and is supported on the base of the plug cutout that is complementary to the conical bottom of the screw.

Preferably, the bottom of the screw is hemi-spherical and is supported on the base of the plug cutout complementary to the hemi-spherical bottom of the screw.

Generally, the receiver drier bottle assembly includes a plurality of screws inserted in a plurality of the screw-receiving bores through respective screw openings disposed along periphery of the plug opening to immobilize different sides of the plug.

The present invention relates to a receiver drier bottle assembly for a condenser of a vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air-conditioning system, wherein the receiver drier bottle assembly includes a plug opening formed on a receiver drier bottle cover, a plug received in the plug opening, a screw opening formed on a receiver drier bottle cover and a screw. The plug is formed with a plug cutout that has first threads. The screw opening partially overlapping the plug opening and complementary to the plug cutout include second threads. The screw with external threads formed thereon is disposed partially on the plug cutout to engage with the first threads and partially on the screw opening to engage with the second threads. Accordingly, the screw immobilizes the plug with respect to the receiver drier bottle when the screw is inserted in the screw opening. However, the present invention is not limited to receiver drier bottle assembly and is also applicable in any vehicular and non-vehicular applications, wherein a connecting block form connection and fluid communication between elements disposed on different sides of a cover for either element, without protruding out and without occupying much space of the cover.

A conventional receiver drier bottle assembly <NUM> includes a cover - connecting pipe assembly, wherein the cover - connecting pipe assembly includes a connecting block <NUM> mounted on a cover <NUM> of a receiver drier bottle "b". The connecting block <NUM> includes a plug portion 3a and a flange portion 3b. The plug portion 3a is received in the cover <NUM>. The flange portion 3b is disposed outside the cover <NUM> and is mounted on the cover <NUM> by means of the bolt <NUM>. The flange portion 3b occupies substantial area of the cover <NUM>. Accordingly, there is limited space on the cover <NUM> for mounting of other elements on the cover <NUM>. Further, the flange portion 3b of the connecting block <NUM> mounted on the cover <NUM> intrudes into operating space of adjacent elements mounted on the cover <NUM>, thereby resulting in packaging issues. Further, such configuration of the connecting block <NUM> increases overall mass of connecting pipe-cover assembly of the receiver drier bottle assembly <NUM> and involves notable machining, thereby increasing the cost. Further, such configuration involves aligning the cover and the connecting block that cause inconvenience in assembly. Also, with such configuration of the connecting pipe-cover assembly of the receiver drier bottle assembly, the connecting pipe "p" is comparatively far from a screw axis of the bolt <NUM>, thereby resulting in mechanical failures due to the connecting pipe "p" exerting comparatively higher torque on the connecting block <NUM>. Further, for mounting the connecting block <NUM> on the cover two separate holes, one bore 2b and one counter bore 2c are required to be formed on the cover <NUM>, thereby causing stress concentrations and weakening of the cover <NUM>.

The present invention envisages a receiver drier bottle assembly that obviates the problems faced by the conventional receiver drier bottle assembly. The receiver drier bottle assembly of the present invention includes a plug received inside a cover of a receiver drier instead of a connecting block mounted on the cover and accordingly is of a compact configuration. Particularly, the connecting block flushes with an external surface of the receiver drier bottle cover when inserted in the plug opening. Accordingly allows mounting of other elements on the cover and does not interfere with operation of other adjacent elements mounted on the cover.

A receiver drier bottle includes a tubular casing with extreme ends thereof closed by respective covers to define an enclosure. The receiver drier includes a filter element and a desiccant material disposed inside the enclosure. The filter element traps debris that may have entered the air conditioning loop, whereas the desiccant material traps moisture carried with the condensate received from the condenser and prevents the moisture from reaching and harming other critical elements such as for example compressor disposed downstream of the condenser and receiver drier in the air conditioning loop.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric view of a receiver drier bottle assembly <NUM>, hereinafter referred to as assembly <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> illustrates a sectional view of the assembly <NUM> depicting the internal details thereof. <FIG> illustrates another isometric sectional view of the receiver drier assembly. The assembly <NUM> includes a plug opening <NUM> formed on a receiver drier bottle cover <NUM>, hereinafter simply referred to as a cover <NUM>, a plug <NUM>, a screw opening <NUM> again formed on the cover <NUM> and a screw <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> is either integrally formed to the tubular casing of the receiver drier or is threadably engaged to the extreme ends of the tubular casing of the receiver drier. Both inlet pipe for ingress of condensed refrigerant into the receiver drier bottle and the outlet pipe for egress of the condensed refrigerant out of the receiver drier bottle are connected to the cover <NUM>. The plug opening <NUM> is formed on the cover <NUM>. The screw opening <NUM> is also formed on the cover <NUM>. The screw opening <NUM> is at least partially overlapping the plug opening <NUM>. Apart from the plug opening <NUM> for configuring connection of the inlet pipe or the outlet pipe to the cover <NUM> and the screw opening <NUM> for mounting the plug <NUM> to the cover <NUM>, other elements are also mounted on the cover <NUM>. Particularly, the cover <NUM> includes other holes formed thereon to enable mounting of other elements on the cover <NUM>. Considering limited space on the cover <NUM>, all the elements mounted thereon are required to be of compact configuration to enable mounting of other elements without interfering with the adjacent elements. The plug opening <NUM> extends to a first counter bore <NUM> formed on the cover <NUM>. The first counter bore <NUM> formed on the cover <NUM> includes a larger diameter 12a and a smaller diameter 12b.

The plug <NUM> is received in the first counter bore <NUM> through the plug opening <NUM>. Preferably, top of the plug <NUM> flushes with an external surface of the cover <NUM> when the plug <NUM> is inserted into the first counter bore <NUM> through the plug opening <NUM>. The plug opening <NUM> includes a chamfer along the periphery thereof. Further, the plug <NUM> includes a chamfer along periphery of the plug head to facilitate removal of the plug <NUM> from the plug opening <NUM>. Alternatively, at least a portion of the plug <NUM> remains above the external surface of the cover <NUM> when the plug <NUM> is inserted in the counter bore <NUM> through the plug opening <NUM>. More specifically, the plug <NUM> slightly extends above the external surface of the cover <NUM> when the plug <NUM> is inserted in the first counter bore <NUM> through the plug opening <NUM>. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the plug <NUM> is below the external surface of the cover <NUM> when the plug <NUM> is inserted in first counter bore <NUM> through the plug opening <NUM>. The plug <NUM> includes a head portion 30a and a tube portion 30b formed by impact extrusion. The tube portion 30b includes external grooves that receive sealing elements, particularly O-rings to configure leak-proof engagement between the plug <NUM> and the first counter bore <NUM>. The tube portion 30b of the plug <NUM> forms connection with the smaller diameter 12b of the first counter bore <NUM>. More specifically, the plug <NUM> includes a second counter bore <NUM>. The second counter bore <NUM> forms connection and fluid communication between the connecting pipe "P" and an interior of the receiver drier bottle "B". The second counter bore <NUM> includes a large diameter bore 36a and a small diameter through bore 36b. Particularly, the large diameter bore 36a formed on the head portion 30a of the second counter bore <NUM> receives the connecting pipe "P", whereas the small diameter bore 36b of the second counter bore <NUM> extends to and is in fluid communication with the interior of the receiver drier bottle "B". The plug <NUM> is formed with a plug cutout <NUM> that has first threads 32a formed on sidewalls of the plug cutout <NUM>.

The screw opening <NUM> is partially overlapping the plug opening <NUM>. The screw opening <NUM> extends to a screw-receiving bore <NUM> that is complementary to the plug cutout <NUM>. The screw-receiving bore <NUM> includes second threads 42a formed on sidewalls thereof. The second threads 42a formed on sidewalls of the screw-receiving bore <NUM> are complementary to the first threads 32a formed on sidewalls of the plug cutout <NUM>. The screw-receiving bore <NUM> is defined between sidewalls of the plug cutout <NUM> the complementary sidewalls of the screw opening <NUM>. The screw opening <NUM> is provided with a chamfer along periphery thereof to facilitate removal of the screw <NUM> from the screw opening <NUM>.

The screw <NUM> engages with the first and the second threads 32a and 42a on the sidewalls of the plug cutout <NUM> and the screw-receiving bore <NUM> respectively to immobilize the plug <NUM> with respect to the cover <NUM>. Top of the screw <NUM> flushes with an external surface of the cover <NUM>, when the screw <NUM> is received inside the screw-receiving bore <NUM> through the screw opening <NUM>. The screw <NUM> engages with the first and the second threads 32a and 42a on the sidewalls of the plug cutout <NUM> and the screw-receiving bore <NUM> respectively to define deployed configuration of the screw <NUM>. The screw head is flat and do not protrude outside the cover <NUM>, when the screw <NUM> is in the deployed configuration. The screw head is provided with chamfer along periphery of the screw head to facilitate removal of the screw <NUM> from the screw opening <NUM>. Generally, the screw <NUM> is a grub screw that is deployed and un-deployed using an Allen key that interacts with a corresponding hole. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular configuration of the screw and way of deployment and un-deployment of the screw <NUM> until the screw <NUM> remains inside the screw-receiving bore <NUM> formed on the cover <NUM> in the deployed configuration of the screw <NUM>. The screw <NUM> with external threads <NUM> formed thereon is disposed partially on the plug cutout <NUM> to engage with the first threads 32a and partially on the screw-receiving bore <NUM> to engage with the second threads 42a. Accordingly, the screw <NUM> immobilizes the plug <NUM> with respect to the cover <NUM>, when the screw <NUM> is inserted in the screw-receiving bore <NUM> through the screw opening <NUM>. Instead of a single screw for mounting or immobilizing the plug <NUM> with respect to the cover <NUM>, a plurality of screws <NUM> can be inserted in the screw-receiving bore <NUM> through the respective screw openings <NUM> disposed along periphery of the plug opening <NUM> to immobilize different sides of the plug <NUM>. However, instead of the screw <NUM> engaging with the first and the second threads 32a and 42a formed on the sidewalls of the plug cutout <NUM> and the screw-receiving bore <NUM> respectively to immobilize the plug <NUM> with respect to the cover <NUM>, another engagement element engaging with the sidewalls of the plug cutout <NUM> and the screw-receiving bore <NUM> can be used to immobilize the plug <NUM> with respect to the cover <NUM>. More specifically, the present invention is not limited to any particular configuration of the engagement element, number and placement of the engagement element engaging with the sidewalls of the plug cutout <NUM> and the screw-receiving bore <NUM> to immobilize the plug <NUM> with respect to the cover <NUM>.

The screw opening <NUM> is overlapping the plug opening <NUM>. The screw opening extends to the screw-receiving bore <NUM>, wherein the screw-receiving bore <NUM> is at least partially overlapping the first counter bore <NUM>. Accordingly, the connecting pipe "P" received in the large diameter bore 36a of the plug <NUM> received in the plug opening <NUM> is proximal to mounting axis of the screw <NUM> received in the screw-receiving bore <NUM> through the screw opening <NUM> to mount the plug <NUM> to the cover <NUM>. As such the Moment of force, specifically, the distorting torque acting on the plug <NUM> or the cover <NUM> is reduced. Accordingly, the mechanical failure issues arising due to torque exerted by the connecting pipe "P" on the plug <NUM> is reduced or prevented. Also with such configuration of the assembly <NUM>, the stress concentration on the cover <NUM> is comparatively reduced compared to cover of the conventional assembly, wherein two separate holes are required to mount the connecting block to the cover. Also, with such configuration, the plug <NUM> and the screw <NUM> for mounting the plug <NUM> onto the cover <NUM> are disposed close to each other, thereby occupying comparatively lesser space of the cover <NUM> compared to conventional assembly. Accordingly, space is available for mounting additional elements on the cover <NUM> according to customer environment. Further, as the plug of the present invention is compact with respect to the conventional connecting block assembly, mass reduction and cost reducing is achieved. Also, the plug require comparatively less machining and is easier to machine compared to conventional connecting block, thereby further reducing the overall cost. Further, the plug of the present invention require a comparatively smaller screw for mounting the plug to the cover, thereby reducing the screw cost.

Generally, a bottom 50a of the screw <NUM> rests partially on a base 32b of the plug cut out <NUM> and partially on a base 42b of the screw-receiving bore <NUM>. The base 32b of the plug cutout <NUM> and the bottom 50a of the screw <NUM> supported on the base 32b of the plug cut out <NUM> are flat surfaces. More specifically, the bottom 50a of the screw <NUM> rests on a complementary flat surface formed by the base 32b of the plug cutout <NUM> and the base 42b of the bore <NUM>. Alternatively, the bottom 50a of the screw <NUM> is conical and is supported on the base 32b of the plug cutout <NUM> complementary to the conical bottom 50a of the screw <NUM>. More specifically, the bottom 50a of the screw <NUM> rests on a complementary conical surface formed by the base 32b of the plug cutout <NUM> and the base 42b of the bore <NUM> disposed adjacent to each other. Preferably, the bottom 50a of the screw <NUM> is hemi-spherical and is supported on the base 32b of the plug cutout <NUM> complementary to the hemi-spherical bottom 50a of the screw <NUM>. More specifically, the bottom 50a of the screw <NUM> rests on a complementary hemispherical surface formed by the base 32b of the plug cutout <NUM> and the base 42b of the bore <NUM> disposed adjacent to each other. With such configuration, extra material is available to reinforce the connection between the base 32b of the plug cutout <NUM> and sidewalls of the cutout <NUM>, thereby increasing axial load bearing capacity of the base 32b of the plug cutout <NUM> due to axial load acting on the base 32b. Accordingly, the chances of mechanical failure of the plug <NUM> is reduced and service life thereof is increased.

Several modifications and improvement might be applied by the person skilled in the art to the receiver drier bottle assembly as disclosed above and such modifications and improvements will still be considered within the scope of the present invention, if they are included within the subject matter of the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A receiver drier bottle assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
• a receiver drier bottle cover (<NUM>) with a plug opening (<NUM>) formed on said receiver drier bottle cover (<NUM>);
• a plug (<NUM>) adapted to be received in the plug opening (<NUM>), the plug (<NUM>) being formed with a plug cutout (<NUM>) that has first threads (32a);
• a screw opening (<NUM>) partially overlapping the plug opening (<NUM>) and extending to a screw-receiving bore (<NUM>), the screw-receiving bore (<NUM>) being complementary to the plug cutout (<NUM>) and being formed with second threads (42a); and
• a screw (<NUM>) with external threads (<NUM>) formed thereon which is disposed partially on the plug cutout (<NUM>) to engage with the first threads (32a) and partially on the screw-receiving bore (<NUM>) to engage with the second threads (42a), the screw (<NUM>) immobilizing the plug (<NUM>) when the screw (<NUM>) is inserted in the screw-receiving bore (<NUM>) through the screw opening (<NUM>).