EP1890091A2

EP1890091A2 - Modular air conditioner support assembly

Info

Publication number: EP1890091A2
Application number: EP07113957A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Moshe Lavi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-08-09
Filing date: 2007-08-07
Publication date: 2008-02-20
Also published as: EP1890091A3; CN101122416A

Abstract

The invention relates to the installation of air conditioners. More particularly, the invention provides a platform for the external support of an air conditioner unit of a split air conditioner. The invention provides a support assembly (10) for the compressor (12) of a split air conditioner comprising a rigid adjustable-size frame (14) connectable to at least two structural components for supporting the frame from a rigid surface. The support assembly being storable and transportable in a compact manner as individual elements and being arranged for easy assembly at the point of use.

Description

Field and Background to the Invention

The present invention relates to the installation of air conditioners.
More particularly, the invention provides a platform for the external support of an air conditioner unit of a split air conditioner.
In the past few decades the split air conditioner has become very widely used. Among the important advantages of the split unit compared to combined unit still in use for very small installation is that the noisy compressor can be positioned on the outside of a building. No large building aperture is required to connect the external compressor to the internal evaporator. The external unit merely requires a bracket for secure attachment to an exterior wall, roof or floor surface, and has electrical and hydraulic connections to the evaporator. Secure attachment is essential as these units are in service also on high buildings where bracket failure could be disastrous.
Compressor brackets have been in use for many years. The bracket comprises a welded structure having a platform welded to two wall attachment members, sloping tie elements helping in the transfer of stresses from the loaded platform to the wall attachment members, which can be either above or below the platform. Some further improvements have been made by the present inventor mainly in the field of theft protection. After being properly installed the prior art bracket operates quite satisfactorily.
Present day installation methods are however far from satisfactory. The welded bracket assembly is bulky and inconvenient for transport in vehicles. On site, there are often further difficulties in maneuvering the structure up or down a narrow staircase. A third problem is that due to the many different sizes of compressor housings the technician responsible for installation may not know in advance the dimensions of the particular compressor unit requiring installation, and may bring to the site an unsuitable bracket. Furthermore, metal goods manufacturers need to produce and store several different size brackets to suit the various compressor sizes being marketed, thereby raising production costs.
In view of the wide and stable market for such brackets it is surprising that very few patents were found which directly relate to this item.
US Patents Nas. 5,112,015 to Williams . 5,636,816 to Gurton et al ., and Re. 35,677 all refer to the combined type of small air conditioner and are unsuitable for support of the external compressor.
Prawl discloses a solid design in Des 267.699. The use of solid plates, both in the horizontal and vertical planes will result in a very low strength/weight ratio.
The bracket assembly proposed by Cougan in US Patent No. 4,817,907 is intended for shelving and would support an A/C compressor only if the brackets were made of thick steel. A major problem would be attaching the two brackets required to a wall surface at precisely the same height. A further problem is that such brackets are weak in the lateral direction, meaning that any sideways force such as a strong wind would tend to detach the brackets from the vertical wall.
Zhao et al. describe a resilient mounting in US Patent No. 5,810,322 resilient supports for rotating machinery has long been known (Hoover 1/6 HP single and three-phase motors were commercially available in the 1950s with rubber suspensions). Such suspension is not needed for an externally-mounted compressor unit, as vibration can be abated sufficiently by the use of rubber pads under the four feet of the compressor. In US Patent No. 6,322,029 Sonnenberg et al. describe a rotatable installation bracket which is not intended for use as a rigid support for an external compressor.
Israel Patent No. 101 458 describes the bracket of the type that is in widespread use today.
Israel Patent Application No. 157035 to the same inventor describes a modular support and collapsible to some extent white the present configuration is fully modular and fully collapsible.

Objects of the Invention

It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to obviate the disadvantages of prior art compressor brackets and to provide a non-welded assembly which can be dismantled, eliminating bulky components.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bracket which is size adjustable in both horizontal directions to match the size of the compressor housing.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to reduce production costs by increasing the batch size of components usable in various-size brackets.
Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fully collapsible support which could be easily shipped and transported.

Summary and Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

The present invention achieves the above objects by providing a support assembly for the compressor of a split air conditioner comprising a rigid adjustable-size frame connectable to at least two structural components for supporting said frame from a rigid surface, said support assembly being storable and transportable in a compact manner as individual elements and being arranged for easy assembly at the point of use.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a support assembly wherein said rigid surface lies in the horizontal plane and said structural components for supporting said frame comprise a plurality of leg members attachable to said frame.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a support assembly wherein said rigid surface lies in the vertical plane and said structural components for supporting said frame comprise a plurality of structural members, of which at least one is arranged for rigid attachment to a wall.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided support assembly wherein at least some of the components comprising said frame are provided with extra apertures for adjustable interconnection by means of fasteners.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a support assembly wherein said fasteners are screws and nuts.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a support assembly wherein said fasteners are rivets.
In yet a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a support assembly wherein the assembly is welded on site of use.
It will thus be realized that the novel device of the present invention can be compactly stored and transported and shipped in a most convenient manner. The compact size is particularly important during marketing as it can be stocked in da-it-yaurself stores for those who prefer to themselves carry out at least part of the installation work.
An added benefit of unwelded parts is that such parts can be easily and thoroughly rustproofed by whatever method is chosen, be it galvanization, spray or dip painting or chemical coating. A welded joint requires thorough cleaning to eliminate slag before accepting any finishing process effectively, and means for processing large items such as a complete welded structure are not available in many coating plants.
Attachable feet are provided for use where the compressor unit is to be installed on a platform supported by a horizontal surface such as a flat roof or a ground-level area. There is no need to supply said feet when the bracket is attached to a wail surface.
Size adjustment is provided by a series of alternate holes. Slots could be used in place of multiple round holes seen but the cost thereof is higher and the resulting bracket
The most preferred assembly method is to use hexagon-head or round-head screws and nuts, secured by a any prior art means such as star washers, nylon ring locknuts and the like. However rivets are a lower cost option and have the advantage of remaining unaffected by normal vibrations generated by the compressor.
With further regard to the embodiment where rivets are used as fasteners, or welding is carried out on site, the platform is then no longer adjustable. This is of no practical concern as very rarely will a different-size compressor be installed on an existing bracket.
Users who are accustomed to the traditional welded structure might demand welding on site after assembly of all parts of the bracket. This could be carried out in circumstances where welding equipment is readily at hand. The welded areas are then cleaned of slag and spray painted.

Short Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, which represent by example preferred embodiments of the invention. Structural details are shown only as far as necessary for a fundamental understanding thereof. The described examples, together with the drawings, will make apparent to those skilled in the art how further forms of the invention may be realized.
In the drawings:

F1G. 1 is a perspective partly exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the bracket arranged for floor installation according to the invention;
FIGs. 2A and B are perspective views of an embodiment arranged for wall installation;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the components making up the frame of the bracket;
FIG. 4 is an elevational detail view of a joint between two frame members;
FIGS. 5 and 6 are elevational views of further Joints;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of further embodiments of the sloping tie member; and
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the components providing a frame which is thickness adjustable.

Full Disclosure of the Invention

There is seen in FIG. 1 a partially assembled support assembly 10 for the compressor 12 of a split air conditioner.
A rigid adjustable-size frame 14 is connectable to four structural components for supporting said frame from a rigid surface. In the present embodiment the rigid surface supporting the compressor 12 is horizontal, such as a flat roof or a paved ground-level area. Consequently the seen structural members are leg members 18 which will be attached to the platform frame 14. Attachment will be along axes 20a and 20b, The figure shows two leg members 18 prepared for attachment by a dedicated fastener and the remaining two leg members 18 being prepared for assembly by a further fastener which also serves for assembly of the frame 14. The support assembly 10 is adjustable in both horizontal directions so as to be suitable for any size compressor within its range. The frame components, seen to better effect in FIG.3, are provided with extra apertures 36 for adjustable interconnection.
The support assembly 10 is storable and transportable in a compact manner as individual elements and is arranged for easy assembly at the point of use.
With reference to the rest of the figures, similar reference numerals have been used to identify similar parts.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is seen a support assembly wherein the rigid surface to which the assembly is to be attached lies in the vertical plane, as is common in high-rise buildings. The structural components for supporting the frame comprise two wall-attachment members 38 and two sloping strut members 40.
In some installations it is preferable to position the wall attachment members 38 above the platform frame 14, and in other installations below the platform frame 14. The components 38, 40 provided for each requirement are identical.
The figure shows both arrangements for illustrative purposes. The wall attachment member 38a on the right side of the drawing is disposed below the platform frame 14 while the member 38b seen at the left side of the drawing is disposed above the platform frame 14. In practice such an asymmetric arrangement could be used if obstructions such as external piping, drainage pipes, laundry lines, windows and the like prevent normal installation. The sloping member 40 is designed to be used as a tie rod and as a strut.
FIG. 3 illustrates components of the platform frame 14 of the support assembly 10 seen in FIG. 1.
Six of the components 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 and 34 will comprise the frame 14 when assembled. Each component is provided with extra fastener apertures 36. Thus the platform components seen for adjustable interconnection, allow setting a desired size in both horizontal directions. Preferably two fasteners are to be used at each of the four resulting joints, examples of which will be seen in the following figures.
Turning now to FIG. 4 there is seen a detail of a typical joint where the fasteners comprise screws 46 and nuts 48. A star or teethed washer 50 is used under each nut to prevent unwanted release resulting from vibration.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is depicted a detail of a further typical joint where the fasteners comprise rivets 52. The holes 54 in one face of the frame members 30, 36 are countersunk as is standard procedure for flush-top application.
A commercially available portable riveting device (not shown) can be used on site, such device being hand or electrically powered.
FIG. 6 shows a joint of platform members wherein the assembly is welded on site of use. The joint is similar to that seen in FIG. 5, and welding 58 was carried out on site. The welded area 58 is cleaned and spray painted to prevent corrosion.
FIG. 7 illustrates further embodiments wherein the support structure is arranged so that the wall attachment member 60 is disposed above the platform frame 62. A sloped tie member 64 is pivotably connected to the wall attachment member 60. A slot 66 is cut at each side of the frame 62. The sloped tie member extends through slot 66 and is then pinned to the member 60. An obstruction comprising a welded-on stop element 68 supports the platform frame. In another embodiment 74 the sloping member 70 is provided with a sharply a bent-over extremity 72. Both arrangements save installation time as no fastener is required at the juncture of the sloping member and the platform frame. Tie member 64 may be bent at one or both ends 65 as seen in the drawings.
Seen in FIG. 8 is a simplified embodiment of a platform frame 74. Although the length of the frame is fixed, the frame is adjustable for thickness of the compressor 12 in FIG. 1, to be carried. The platform frame 74 is suitable where the length of the compressor is standardized, while the thickness of the compressor is unknown or variable according to the power rating of the compressor.
Both side bars 76, 80 are pivotally attached to the first longitudinal member 78. During transport and storage both side bars 76, 80 are folded close to the first longitudinal member 78. Two corners 82 of the member 78 are rounded to allow compact storage and transport. In a fully folded configuration. On site the side angles are opened as seen in the figure and the frame is completed by attachment of the second longitudinal member 84 to sidebars 76, 80.
The scope of the described invention is intended to include all embodiments coming within the meaning of the following claims. The foregoing examples illustrate useful forms of the invention, but are not to be considered as limiting its scope, as those skilled in the art will be aware that additional variants and modifications of the invention can readily be formulated without departing from the meaning of the following claims.

Claims

A support assembly for the compressor of a split air conditioner comprising a rigid adjustable-size frame connectable to at least two structural components for supporting said frame from a rigid surface, said support assembly being storable and transportable in a compact manner as individual elements and being arranged for easy assembly at the point of use.
The support assembly as claimed in claim 1. wherein said rigid surface lies in the horizontal plane and said structural components for supporting said frame comprise a plurality of leg members attachable to said frame.
The support assembly as claimed in claim 1. wherein said rigid surface lies in the vertical plane and said structural components for supporting said frame comprise a plurality of structural members, of which at least one is arranged for rigid attachment to said rigid surface.
The support assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least some of the components comprising said frame are provided with extra apertures for adjustable interconnection by means of fasteners.
The support assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fasteners are screws and nuts.
The support assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fasteners are rivets.
The support assembly as claimed in claim 1. wherein the assembly is welded on site of use.