Freon Refilling Apparatus for Vehicles

Abstract

The present Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles comprises a tube fitting and a refilling duct. The tube fitting is connected to the refilling duct. The lower end of the tube fitting has a connection port to connect with gas cylinders. A pushrod is movably inserted into the tube fitting in its axial direction. Between the tube fitting and the upper end of the pushrod, there is an operating mechanism which can push the pushrod down to the lower end of the tube fitting. When the pushrod moves downwards, its lower end can make the gas cylinder connected to the tube fitting. The present Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles is applicable to different types of gas cylinders storing Freon. This provides a more convenient way to refill Freon for automobile air conditioners, with a lower cost.

Claims

1. A Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles comprising: a tube fitting (3); a refilling duct (4) capable of connecting to automobile air conditioners, the tube fitting (3) connected to the refilling duct (4); a lower end of the tube fitting (3) with a connection port (353) capable of connecting with gas cylinders; and a pushrod (5) movably inserted into the tube fitting (3) in an axial direction; wherein between the tube fitting (3) and an upper end of the pushrod (5), there is an operating mechanism (6) capable of pushing the pushrod (5) down to the lower end of the tube fitting (3); and wherein when the pushrod (5) moves downwards, a lower end of the pushrod (5) causes the gas cylinder to connect with the tube fitting (3).

2. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 1 wherein the lower end of the pushrod (5) is acute, there is an air passage hole (57) designed at the lower end of the pushrod (5), there is a vent hole (58) designed at a side wall of the pushrod (5), and the vent hole (58) is connected to an upper end of the air passage hole (57).

3. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles as claimed in claim 2 wherein the lower end of the pushrod (5) is a slope structure or a cone structure.

4. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 1 wherein there is a sealing cone (38) on an inside wall of the tube fitting (3), the sealing cone (38) is located between the refilling duct (4) and the connection port (353), an end with a bigger diameter of the sealing cone (38) is facing downward, an annular sealing block (54) is secured to the pushrod (5), a reset spring (55) is installed over the pushrod (5), a first end of the reset spring (55) presses against the tube fitting (3), a second end presses against the pushrod (5), and when the pushrod (5) is no longer subjected to the force from the operating mechanism (6), the pushrod (5) is reset under a force from the reset spring (55) and drives the sealing block (54) to press against the sealing cone (38).

5. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 4 wherein from top to bottom, the tube fitting (3) consecutively comprises a guide segment (31), a block segment (32) and a connection segment (33); wherein an inner diameter of the block segment (32) is bigger than that of the guide segment (31); and wherein in between the block segment (32) and the guide segment (31), the sealing cone (38) is formed.

6. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 5 wherein an annular sealing groove (51) is designed on an outer wall of the pushrod (5) in the circumferential direction, a sealing ring (52) is installed in the sealing groove (51), and the sealing ring (52) presses against an inner wall of the guide segment (31).

7. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 5 wherein there is an air passage clearance (37) between an outer wall of the pushrod (5) and an inner wall of the guide segment (31), the air passage clearance (37) is connected to the block segment (32), there is radially a tube-connecting part (39) on an outer wall of the tube fitting (3), the tube-connecting part (39) is connected to the air passage clearance (37), and an end of the refilling duct (4) is secured on the tube-connecting part (39).

8. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 1 wherein the operating mechanism (6) comprises an operating handle (61), there is a connection part (34) on an outer wall of the tube fitting (3), a first end of the operating handle (61) is hinged to the connection part (34), a second end is bent to a side of the tube fitting (3), there is a push part (62) on the operating handle (61), there is an active push slope (63) on the push part (62), an upper end of the pushrod (5) stretches out of the tube fitting (3), there is a passive push slope (53) on the upper end of the pushrod (5), and the active push slope (63) presses against the passive push slope (53).

9. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 8 wherein an exterior of the tube fitting (3) is secured with an outer shell (7), a first avoidance opening (71) is designed on the outer shell (7), a free end of the operating handle (61) passes through the first avoidance opening (71), a second avoidance opening (611) is designed on the operating handle (61), the refilling duct (4) passes through the second avoidance opening (611) and the first avoidance opening (71), the operating handle (61) is hinged with a confining plate (612), a confining cavity (613) is designed at an edge on a free end of the confining plate (612) in the lengthwise direction, an edge of the first avoidance opening (71) that is next to the tube fitting (3) is a confining edge (72), and the confining cavity (613) of the confining plate (612) can clamp on the confining edge (72).

10. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 5 wherein a connection bushing (35) is secured inside the connection segment (33), an inner wall of the connection bushing (35) has an upper threaded segment (351) and a lower threaded segment (352), a connection port (353) is the lower threaded segment (352), a confining bushing (36) is screwed into the upper threaded segment (351), and an inner diameter of the confining bushing (36) is less than that of the block segment (32), an end of the reset spring (55) presses against an end face of the confining bushing (36), a sealing washer (361) is secured to the connection bushing (35) between the upper threaded segment (351) and the lower threaded segment (352).

11. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 2 wherein there is a sealing cone (38) on an inside wall of the tube fitting (3), the sealing cone (38) is located between the refilling duct (4) and the connection port (353), an end with a bigger diameter of the sealing cone (38) is facing downward, an annular sealing block (54) is secured to the pushrod (5), a reset spring (55) is installed over the pushrod (5), a first end of the reset spring (55) presses against the tube fitting (3), a second end presses against the pushrod (5), and when the pushrod (5) is no longer subjected to the force from the operating mechanism (6), the pushrod (5) is reset under a force from the reset spring (55) and drives the sealing block (54) to press against the sealing cone (38).

12. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 11 wherein from top to bottom, the tube fitting (3) consecutively comprises a guide segment (31), a block segment (32) and a connection segment (33); wherein an inner diameter of the block segment (32) is bigger than that of the guide segment (31); and wherein in between the block segment (32) and the guide segment (31), the sealing cone (38) is formed.

13. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 12 wherein an annular sealing groove (51) is designed on an outer wall of the pushrod (5) in the circumferential direction, a sealing ring (52) is installed in the sealing groove (51), and the sealing ring (52) presses against an inner wall of the guide segment (31).

14. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 12 wherein there is an air passage clearance (37) between an outer wall of the pushrod (5) and an inner wall of the guide segment (31), the air passage clearance (37) is connected to the block segment (32), there is radially a tube-connecting part (39) on an outer wall of the tube fitting (3), the tube-connecting part (39) is connected to the air passage clearance (37), and an end of the refilling duct (4) is secured on the tube-connecting part (39).

15. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 3 wherein there is a sealing cone (38) on an inside wall of the tube fitting (3), the sealing cone (38) is located between the refilling duct (4) and the connection port (353), an end with a bigger diameter of the sealing cone (38) is facing downward, an annular sealing block (54) is secured to the pushrod (5), a reset spring (55) is installed over the pushrod (5), a first end of the reset spring (55) presses against the tube fitting (3), a second end presses against the pushrod (5), and when the pushrod (5) is no longer subjected to the force from the operating mechanism (6), the pushrod (5) is reset under a force from the reset spring (55) and drives the sealing block (54) to press against the sealing cone (38).

16. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 15 wherein from top to bottom, the tube fitting (3) consecutively comprises a guide segment (31), a block segment (32) and a connection segment (33); wherein an inner diameter of the block segment (32) is bigger than that of the guide segment (31); and wherein in between the block segment (32) and the guide segment (31), the sealing cone (38) is formed.

17. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 16 wherein an annular sealing groove (51) is designed on an outer wall of the pushrod (5) in the circumferential direction, a sealing ring (52) is installed in the sealing groove (51), and the sealing ring (52) presses against an inner wall of the guide segment (31).

18. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 16 wherein there is an air passage clearance (37) between an outer wall of the pushrod (5) and an inner wall of the guide segment (31), the air passage clearance (37) is connected to the block segment (32), there is radially a tube-connecting part (39) on an outer wall of the tube fitting (3), the tube-connecting part (39) is connected to the air passage clearance (37), and an end of the refilling duct (4) is secured on the tube-connecting part (39).

19. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 2 wherein the operating mechanism (6) comprises an operating handle (61), there is a connection part (34) on an outer wall of the tube fitting (3), a first end of the operating handle (61) is hinged to the connection part (34), a second end is bent to a side of the tube fitting (3), there is a push part (62) on the operating handle (61), there is an active push slope (63) on the push part (62), an upper end of the pushrod (5) stretches out of the tube fitting (3), there is a passive push slope (53) on the upper end of the pushrod (5), and the active push slope (63) presses against the passive push slope (53).

20. The Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles of claim 3 wherein the operating mechanism (6) comprises an operating handle (61), there is a connection part (34) on an outer wall of the tube fitting (3), a first end of the operating handle (61) is hinged to the connection part (34), a second end is bent to a side of the tube fitting (3), there is a push part (62) on the operating handle (61), there is an active push slope (63) on the push part (62), an upper end of the pushrod (5) stretches out of the tube fitting (3), there is a passive push slope (53) on the upper end of the pushrod (5), and the active push slope (63) presses against the passive push slope (53).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of one preferred embodiment of the first gas cylinder.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of one preferred embodiment of the second gas cylinder.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the present Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of one preferred embodiment of the present Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of Section A in FIG. 4.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of Section B in FIG. 4.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of Section C in FIG. 4.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of Section C in FIG. 4 after the pushrod is pushed.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a detailed view after the diaphragm of first gas cylinder is pierced.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a detailed view after the valve core of second gas cylinder is pushed by the pushrod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below and the technical proposals of the invention will be further illustrated in connection with the accompanying figures. However, the present invention shall not be limited to these embodiments.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10, a Freon refilling apparatus for vehicles comprises a refilling duct (4) and a tube fitting (3). One end of the refilling duct (4) is connected to the automobile air conditioner, and the other end is connected to the tube fitting (3). On one end of the tube fitting (3), there is a connection port (353) that can connect with both outlets of the first gas cylinder (1) and the second gas cylinder (2). Namely, the connection flanges of the first gas cylinder (1) and the second gas cylinder (2) have the same structure and dimensions, therefore; the connection port (353) of the tube fitting (3) fits the connection flanges of both of the first gas cylinder (1) and the second gas cylinder (2). A pushrod (5) is movably inserted into the tube fitting (3) in its axial direction. One end of the pushrod (5) stretches out of the other end of the tube fitting (3). There is an operating mechanism (6) which can push the pushrod (5) in the direction to the connection port (353) of the tube fitting (3) at the end of the tube fitting (3). When the first gas cylinder (1) is connected to the connection port (353) of the tube fitting (3), the pushrod (5) is coaxial with the first gas cylinder (1); however, since there is a clearance between the end of the pushrod (5) and the diaphragm (11) of the first gas cylinder (1), the first gas cylinder (1) will not be opened. By handling the operating mechanism (6) by hand, the pushrod (5) moves towards the first gas cylinder (1), till the end of pushrod (5) pierces the diaphragm (11) of the first gas cylinder (1). Hence, the first gas cylinder (1) is opened. The gas in the first gas cylinder enters into the tube fitting (3) through the tear in the diaphragm (11), passes through the refilling duct (4), and gets into the automobile air conditioner. Similarly, when the second gas cylinder (2) is connected to the connection port (353) of the tube fitting (3), the pushrod (5) is coaxial with the second gas cylinder (2); however, since there is a clearance between the end of the pushrod (5) and the valve core (21) of the second gas cylinder (2), the second gas cylinder (2) will not be opened. By handling the operating mechanism by hand, the pushrod (5) moves towards the second gas cylinder (2), till the end of pushrod (5) presses against the valve core (21) of the second gas cylinder (2), to detach the valve core (21) from the valve core seal (22). Hence, the second gas cylinder (2) is opened. The gas in the gas cylinder (2) enters into the tube fitting (3) through the clearance between the valve core (21) and the valve core seal (22), passes through the refilling duct (4), and gets into the automobile air conditioner. After the refilling is complete, by releasing the operating mechanism (6), the valve core (21) gets back to its original position under the action of the sealing spring and seals the cylinder again. Therefore, the present refilling apparatus are applicable to not only the first gas cylinder (1) with the diaphragm (11), but also the second gas cylinder (2) with the valve core (21), which provides a more convenient way to refill Freon for automobile air conditioners with a lower cost.

[0039] Specifically, the lower end of the pushrod (5) is acute. There is an air passage hole (57) designed at the lower end of the pushrod (5), and there is a vent hole (58) designed at the side wall of the pushrod (5). The vent hole (58) is connected to the upper end of the air passage hole (57). It is easier for an acute lower end to pierce into the diaphragm (11) of the first gas cylinder (1). Of course, in actual operations, when the pushrod (5) pierces into the diaphragm (11), the operating mechanism (6) shall be released appropriately to allow the pushrod (5) to move upward a little, so that there is a clearance between the acute lower end and the rim of the tear in the diaphragm (11), which is better for the gas in the first gas cylinder (1) to enter into the tube fitting (3). On the other hand, when the acute lower end presses against the valve core (21) of the second gas cylinder (2), the small contact area between the acute lower end and the valve core (21) can prevent the pushrod (5) from clogging the outlet of the second gas cylinder (2), and allows the gas to flow more smoothly from the second gas cylinder (2). The acute lower end of the pushrod (5) is a slope, and the air passage hole (57) penetrates through the slope. The lower end of the pushrod (5) may also be a cone, and the air passage hole (57) penetrates through the conical surface. When the lower end of the pushrod (5) presses against the valve core (21) of the second gas cylinder (2), there is a clearance between the slope and the valve core (21), and the air passage hole (57) is connected to the second gas cylinder (2) through that clearance. This allows Freon in the second gas cylinder (2) to quickly flow and enter into the tube fitting (3), and the refilling efficiency is improved. When the pushrod (5) pierces the diaphragm of the first gas cylinder (1), the clearance between the pushrod (5) and the diaphragm (11) is small, and the air passage velocity is small. Therefore, Freon in the first gas cylinder (1) can more quickly flow and enter into the tube fitting (3), through the proposed air passage hole (57) and the vent hole (58), and hence the refilling efficiency is improved. Furthermore, in the practical machining process, after the air passage hole (57), at the lower end of the pushrod (5), is fabricated, the air passage hole (57) may be machined into a thin-walled structure, so that it is easier to pierce the diaphragm (11).

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, the tube fitting (3) comprises the guide segment (31), the block segment (32) and the connection segment (33). The block segment (32) is located between the guide segment (31) and the connection segment (33). The guide segment (31) provides the movement of the pushrod (5) with restrictions and guide. One end of the pushrod (5) stretches out of the guide segment (31). The connection port (353) is located in the connection segment (33), and used to connect to the first gas cylinder (1) or the second gas cylinder (2). The other end of the pushrod (5) inserts into the connection segment (33). The block segment (32) can block the tube fitting (3) when the pushrod moves to its original location, so as to prevent Freon backflow from the air conditioner. An annular sealing groove (51) is designed on the outer wall of the pushrod (5), in the circumferential direction, and a sealing ring (52) is installed in the sealing groove (51). The sealing ring (52) presses against the inner wall of the guide segment (31). The end of the pushrod (5) needs to stretch out of the guide segment (31) of the tube fitting (3), to connect with the operating mechanism (6). Hence, a sealing ring (52) is installed on the pushrod (5), to achieve the seal between the outer wall of the pushrod (5) and the inner wall of the guide segment (31), so as to avoid the leakage of Freon from the guide segment (31) of the tube fitting (3). A connection bushing (35) is secured inside the connection segment (33). The inner wall of the connection bushing (35) has the upper threaded segment (351) and the lower threaded segment (352). The confining bushing (36) is screwed into the upper threaded segment (351), and the inner diameter of the confining bushing (36) is less than that of the block segment (32). One end of the reset spring (55) presses against the end face of the confining bushing (36), to limit the reset spring (55). Also, the preload force of the reset spring (55) can be adjusted by the confining bushing (36). A sealing washer (361) is secured to the connection bushing (35), between the upper threaded segment (351) and the lower threaded segment (352). The connection port (353) is the lower threaded segment (352), and it is used to connect to the connection flanges of the first gas cylinder (1) or the second gas cylinder (2) by means of thread. After the first gas cylinder (1) and the second gas cylinder (2) are screwed tightly, the connection flange can press against the sealing washer (361), and hence seal between the tube fitting (3) and the first gas cylinder (1) or the second gas cylinder (2). There is an air passage clearance (37) between the outer wall of the pushrod (5) and the inner wall of the guide segment (31). The air passage clearance (37) is connected to the block segment (32). There is, radially, a tube-connecting part (39) on the outer wall of the tube fitting (3), and the tube-connecting part (39) is connected to the air passage clearance (37). One end of the refilling duct (4) is secured on the tube-connecting part (39). The gas enters into the tube-connecting part (39) through the connection segment (33) and the block segment (32) and through the air passage clearance (37), so that the gas flows smoothly even after the pushrod (5) is installed onto the tube fitting (3).

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the inner diameter of the block segment (32) is bigger than that of the guide segment (31), and, in between the block segment (32) and the guide segment (31), the sealing cone (38) is formed. An annular sealing block (54) is secured to the pushrod (5), and a reset spring (55) is installed over the pushrod (5). One end of the reset spring (55) presses against the tube fitting (3), and the other end presses against the pushrod (5). When the pushrod (5) is no longer subjected to the force from the operating mechanism (6), the sealing block (54) will press against the sealing cone (38) under the action of the reset spring (55). The sealing block (54) is located between the connection segment (33) and the air passage clearance (37). After the refilling process of the automotive air conditioner completes, the operating mechanism (6) is reset. Under the action of the reset spring (55), the pushrod (5) moves to its original position, and drives the sealing block (54) to press against the sealing cone (38). Hence, the connection between the connection segment (33) and the air passage clearance (37) is blocked, which prevents Freon backflow from the air conditioner after the refill completes. On the outer wall of the pushrod (5), there are two circular confining flanges (56), and the sealing block is located between the two confining flanges (56). One end of the locating spring presses against the end face of one of the confining flanges (56). The confining flanges locate the sealing block (54), and the side of the confining flanges presses against the sealing block (54), which prevents the gas from leaking from the area between the sealing block (54) and the guide rod. Meanwhile, the reset spring (55) affects the pushrod (5) by pressing against the confining flanges (56). The structure is simplified. The air passage hole (57) is designed on the end of the pushrod (5) facing the connection port (353), in the axial direction. The vent hole (58) is designed on the wall of the pushrod (5), connected to the air passage hole (57). The end face of the pushrod (5) facing the connection port (353) is a slope, and the inlet of the air passage hole (57) penetrates through the slope at the end of the pushrod (5). When the pushrod (5) pierces the diaphragm (11) of the first gas cylinder (1), the vent hole (58) is outside of first gas cylinder (1). When the connection port (353) is connected to the first gas cylinder (1), the pushrod (5) pierces the diaphragm (11) of the first gas cylinder (1). Meanwhile, the clearance between the pushrod (5) and the diaphragm (11) is small, and the air passage velocity is small. Therefore, Freon in the first gas cylinder (1) can more quickly flow and enter into the connection segment (33), through the proposed air passage hole (57) and the vent hole (58), and hence the refilling efficiency is improved.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the operating mechanism (6) comprises the operating handle (61), and there is a connection part (34) on the outer wall of the tube fitting (3). One end of the operating handle (61) is hinged to the connection part (34), and the other end is bended to the side of the tube fitting (3). There is a push part (62) on the operating handle (61) and there is the active push slope (63) on the push part (62). The upper end of the pushrod (5) stretches out of the tube fitting (3), and there is the passive push slope (53) on this end. The active push slope (63) presses against the passive push slope (53). One end of the operating handle (61) is hinged to the connection part (34) of the tube fitting (3). The other end of the operating handle (61) and the push part (62) are both located on the same side of hanged joint. When the other end of the operating handle (61) is pressed in the direction toward the tube fitting (3), the push part (62) moves downward. Meanwhile, the active push slope (63) presses against the passive push slope (53) and drives the pushrod (5). The operation is convenient. The exterior of the tube fitting (3) is secured with an outer shell (7). The first avoidance opening (71) is designed on the outer shell (7), and the free end of the operating handle (61) passes through the first avoidance opening (71). The second avoidance opening (611) is designed on the operating handle (61), and the refilling duct (4) passes through the second avoidance opening (611) and the first avoidance opening (71). The confining plate (612) is also hinged to the operating handle (61). A confining cavity (613) is designed at the edge on the free end of the confining plate (612), in the lengthwise direction. The edge of the first avoidance opening (71) that is next to the tube fitting (3) is the confining edge (72), and the confining cavity (613) of the confining plate (612) can clamp on the confining edge (72). The outer shell (7) covers the tube fitting (3), the tube-connecting part (39) and part of the operating handle (61). Besides, both of the operating handle (61) and the refilling duct (4) are located in the same side of the tube fitting (3), which achieves a more compact structure. When the present refilling apparatus is not in use, the confining plate (612) clamps on the confining edge (72) of the first avoidance opening (71), to prevent the end of the operating handle (61) from swinging toward the tube fitting (3). Namely, this avoids opening the first gas cylinder (1) and the second gas cylinder (2) by mistake.

[0043] The description of the preferred embodiments thereof serves only as an illustration of the spirit of the invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes or supplements in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0044] Although the terms of first gas cylinder (1), diaphragm (11), second gas cylinder (2) and etc. are often used herein, it does not exclude the possibility to use any other terms. Using such terms is only to describe or explain the nature of the present invention more conveniently. Any additional restrictions are contrary to the spirit of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0045] 1 First Gas Cylinder [0046] 11 Diaphragm [0047] 2 Second Gas Cylinder [0048] 21 Valve Core [0049] 22 Valve core seal [0050] 3 Tube Fitting [0051] 31 Guide Segment [0052] 32 Block Segment [0053] 33 Connection Segment [0054] 34 Connection Part [0055] 35 Connection Bushing [0056] 351 Upper Threaded Segment [0057] 352 Lower Threaded Segment [0058] 353 Connection Port [0059] 36 Confining Bushing [0060] 361 Sealing Washer [0061] 37 Air Passage Clearance [0062] 38 Sealing Cone [0063] 39 Tube-connecting Part [0064] 4 Refilling Duct [0065] 5 Pushrod [0066] 51 Sealing Groove [0067] 52 Sealing Ring [0068] 53 Passive Push Slope [0069] 54 Sealing Block [0070] 55 Reset Spring [0071] 56 Confining Flange [0072] 57 Air Passage Hole [0073] 58 Vent Hole [0074] 6 Operating Mechanism [0075] 61 Operating Handle [0076] 611 Second Avoidance Opening [0077] 612 Confining Plate [0078] 613 Confining Cavity [0079] 62 Push Part [0080] 63 Active Push Slope [0081] 7 Outer Shell [0082] 71 First Avoidance Opening [0083] 72 Confining Edge