Coolant Collection Comprising a Filterdryer Unit

Abstract

Disclosed is a coolant collector ( 1 ) comprising a filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) and an elongate, vertically oriented interior space which is subdivided into an upper area ( 38 ) and a lower area ( 39 ) by means of the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ). A flowing coolant is delivered to the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) via a pipe ( 7 ). The outlet windows of the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) are located on the outer circumference thereof which delimits a relatively narrow gap along with the wall ( 3 ) of the receptacle ( 2 ) of the coolant collector ( 1 ). Liquid components drip downwards and accumulate below the filter/dryer unit while gaseous components accumulate primarily above the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ).

1 . Coolant collector ( 1 ) comprising
 a pressure-resistant upright receptacle ( 2 ) having a wall ( 3 ), a bottom ( 5 ) and an upper closure ( 6 ) which enclose an interior space ( 9 );   a pipe ( 7 ) leading into an interior space ( 9 ), said pipe having an end ( 12 ) located in the interior space ( 9 );   a filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) that is connected to the end ( 12 ) of the pipe ( 7 ) leading into the interior space ( 9 ), said end being located in the interior space ( 9 ); and,   a pipe ( 8 ) leading out of the interior space ( 9 ), said pipe having an open end located above the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) accommodated in the interior space ( 9 ).   
   
   
       2 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the pipe ( 8 ) leading out of the interior space ( 9 ) extends from its open end to a pipe bend ( 35 ) located on the bottom ( 5 ) and, ascending therefrom, from the receptacle ( 2 ), whereby the pipe bend ( 35 ) is provided with at least one suction opening ( 37 ). 
   
   
       3 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the wall ( 3 ) of the receptacle ( 2 ) is cylindrical. 
   
   
       4 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the bottom ( 5 ) of the receptacle ( 2 ) is rounded. 
   
   
       5 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the upper closure ( 4 ) of the receptacle ( 2 ) is flat, and that the two pipes ( 7 ,  8 ) lead next to each other into or out of the receptacle ( 2 ). 
   
   
       6 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) takes up the entire cross-section of the interior space ( 9 ) and defines an annular gap with the wall. 
   
   
       7 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the pipe ( 8 ) leading out of the interior space ( 9 ) is guided—as it ascends, as well as it descends—between the wall ( 3 ) and the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ). 
   
   
       8 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) comprises a housing ( 11 ) having a flat surface ( 13 ) and having an approximately cylindrical outer circumference ( 14 ), from which extend spacer projections ( 15 ) toward the wall in order to abut against said wall. 
   
   
       9 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) has a conical bottom ( 26 ). 
   
   
       10 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) has, on its upper side ( 13 ), a central connection which is connected to the pipe ( 7 ) that leads into the interior space ( 24 ). 
   
   
       11 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 10 , characterized in that the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) encloses a receiving space ( 24 ) in which an inlet basket ( 31 ) having inlet openings ( 32 ,  33 ) is arranged, said inlet basked directly adjoining the central connection. 
   
   
       12 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 11 , characterized in that, referring to the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ), the inlet openings are configured as holes ( 33 ) or as slits ( 32 ) having a width that is not greater than the grain size of the dryer granulate. 
   
   
       13 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) has outlet windows ( 19 ,  20 ,  21 ,  22 ,  23 ) on its outer circumference. 
   
   
       14 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 13 , characterized in that, referring to the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ), the outlet windows ( 19 ,  20 ,  21 ,  22 ,  23 ) take up almost the entire outer circumference of the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ). 
   
   
       15 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 13 , characterized in that the outlet windows ( 19 ,  20 ,  21 ,  22 ,  23 ) of the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) are provided with a filter ( 30 ). 
   
   
       16 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the filter ( 30 ) of the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) consists of a fine-mesh stainless steel net. 
   
   
       17 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) comprises a housing ( 11 ) made of plastic material. 
   
   
       18 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 17 , characterized in that the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) has a bottom that is locked to the remaining housing ( 11 ). 
   
   
       19 . Coolant collector in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the filter/dryer unit ( 10 ) is arranged at approximately half the height of the interior space ( 9 ) or above. 
   
   
       20 . Coolant collector in accordance with claim  21 , characterized in that the suction opening ( 37 ) is located on the underside of the pipe bend ( 35 ) facing the bottom ( 5 ).