Abstract: An accumulator is provided for use with a vehicle air conditioning system. The accumulator comprises a housing, an inlet tube, an outlet tube, and an outlet tube shield. The housing includes first and second end portions and a cylindrical body portion which are joined together to define an interior chamber. An inlet opening is provided through which refrigerant in an inlet tube enters the interior chamber. The inlet tube directs the incoming flow of refrigerant against the first end portion of the housing. The outlet tube shield is attached to the inlet tube, and prevents the direct passage of refrigerant between the inlet tube and free end of the outlet tube.