ES2835879T3 - Base unit for mounting a crankcase of a reciprocating compressor - Google Patents

Abstract

Base unit (1) for mounting a crankcase (101) of a reciprocating compressor, comprising a casing (2) configured to contain at least part of a crankshaft (100), said casing (2) having a first (2a) and a second (2b) ends opposite each other and substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis (A) and defining an orientation for said crankshaft (100); an access hole (3) arranged in said casing (2) and configured to contain a connecting rod for a piston; wherein the base unit (1) has two interface zones (4) arranged respectively at the first (2a) and at the second (2b) ends of said casing (2), each interface zone (4) being arranged in a transverse plane with respect to said longitudinal axis (A), each interface zone (4) being configured for connection to another interface zone (4) of another base unit (1) to mount said casing (101), said base unit (1) characterized in that said casing (2) is substantially U-shaped to have an open-sided face (17) from which said at least a part of a crankshaft (100) can be inserted by moving it in a transverse direction with respect to said axis longitudinal (A).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Base unit for mounting a crankcase of a reciprocating compressor

The present invention relates to a base unit for mounting a crankcase of a reciprocating compressor.

A crankcase for a reciprocating compressor is known in the art. Said crankcase is designed to contain the crankshaft, which is arranged along a predefined orientation. The orientation of the crankshaft defines a longitudinal axis of the crankcase. Said crankcase comprises a casing, which has the function of containing the crankshaft. The housing has two side walls, which extend substantially parallel to each other and with respect to the longitudinal axis of the crankcase.

A plurality of access openings are arranged in the side walls. Each access opening allows a respective connecting rod, which in turn is connected to a piston, to be attached to the crankshaft. The access opening is arranged in the side walls so as to allow balancing the load on the crankshaft itself during normal operation of the compressor.

A drawback of the known crankcase is that it is manufactured by molding and custom made for the specific application. This also happens with very large crankcases, which can accommodate, for example, a crankshaft with up to ten pistons. Therefore, faulty molding can cause the entire crankcase to be wasted, with associated productivity and economic losses.

A crankcase according to the state of the art is described in prior art US-4,714,060 A.

Summary

Therefore, a first aspect of the invention is a base unit for mounting a crankcase of a reciprocating compressor. This base unit comprises a casing configured to contain at least part of a crankshaft. An access opening is provided in the housing, and is configured to contain a connecting rod attached to a piston. The base unit has at least one interface area, also located in the housing, which is configured for connection to another interface area of another base unit to mount the crankcase.

An advantage of the base unit is that it allows a modular approach to mounting a crankcase, since it is possible to assemble numerous base units to produce a crankcase to specification. In turn, this enables higher productivity of the manufacturing process.

A second aspect of the invention is a kit for mounting a crankcase comprising a plurality of base units. At least one connecting device is provided to link the base units together at the respective interface areas. This makes it possible to optimize the assembly procedure for reciprocating compressors.

A third aspect of the invention is a crankcase comprising at least one base unit as described above.

Therefore, a fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for mounting the crankcase. The method comprises the steps of arranging at least two base units and joining the base units together at the respective interface areas.

Therefore, a fifth aspect of the invention relates to a method for updating a crankcase. This method comprises the step of providing an additional base unit. This additional base unit can be attached to the crankcase, in particular by bringing an interface area of the new base unit into contact with the interface area of a base unit that is already part of the crankcase. This has the advantage of being able to upgrade an already produced crankcase rather than having to produce a new one.

Other details and specific embodiments will be illustrated in the attached figures, in which:

Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of a first embodiment of a base unit for mounting a crankcase of a reciprocating compressor; Y

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a detail of a second embodiment of a base unit for mounting a crankcase of a reciprocating compressor.

Detailed description

The following description of illustrative embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify identical or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

In the specification, references to "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the described object. Therefore, the use of the term "in one embodiment" in various parts of the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular elements, structures, or features can be combined in any suitable way in one or more embodiments.

Therefore, a base unit for mounting a crankcase 101 of a reciprocating compressor will be described, also making reference to the attached figures, in which it will be indicated with the number 1.

The base unit 1 comprises a housing 2, which is configured to contain at least part of a crankshaft 100. In fact, the housing 2 has a longitudinal axis "A" that defines an orientation for the crankshaft 100. The housing 2 has a first 2a and a second 2b ends, opposite each other and substantially aligned along the longitudinal axis "A". The longitudinal axis "A" is arranged in a longitudinal plane that is transverse with respect to the first 2a and the second 2b ends.

The casing 2 is substantially U-shaped and has an open side from where it is possible to insert the crankshaft 100. Once the crankshaft 2 has been arranged in the casing 2, pluralities of cross members 17 are installed in the casing 2 to increase rigidity. structural of the carcass itself 2.

In more detail, the housing 2 comprises a support plate 11. The support plate 11 is preferably rectangular in shape and is configured to rest on a support surface (not shown).

Preferably, the casing 2 has two end walls 8 which are arranged at the ends 2a, 2b of the casing 2. The end walls 8 are substantially perpendicular to the aforementioned longitudinal plane. More preferably, the end walls 8 are substantially parallel to each other. In use, the end walls 8 are oriented substantially in a vertical direction and therefore transverse and preferably perpendicular to the support plate 11.

In more detail, each end wall 8 has a seat 9 configured to accept a crankshaft 100 of suitable size. In particular, the seat 9 has a concave shape, preferably semicircular, so that it can receive bearings (not shown). It is possible to arrange a lock 12 on the seat 9 to lock the shaft 100 on the seat 9.

The housing 2 also comprises two side walls 10, arranged transversely and preferably perpendicular to the end walls 8 mentioned above. The side walls 10 are substantially parallel to each other. Said side walls 10 are each joined to a further casing 13, which is designed to contain a crosshead for a piston (not shown in the drawings). According to various embodiments of the invention, the additional housings 13 can be manufactured as a single piece with the housing 2 or they can be manufactured separately and then joined to the housing 2 at a later stage.

In more detail, an access opening 3 is located in the housing 2. Said access opening 3 is configured to contain a connecting rod for a piston (not shown in the drawings). Specifically, the access opening 3 is arranged in the side wall 10, so that the aforementioned connecting rod can join the crosshead to the shaft 100 within the base unit 1. In the embodiments shown in the figures, each side wall 10 it has a single access opening 3. In different embodiments, not shown, each side wall can have more than one access opening 3.

According to the embodiments shown in the attached figures, the base unit 1 has at least one interface zone 4 in the housing 2. Preferably, the interface zone 4 is arranged in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis "A" of the housing 2. In detail, the interface zone 4 is configured for connection to another interface zone 4 of the base unit 1 for mounting the case 101. In other words, two base units 1 can be joined together to mount a case 101. Details about the method for mounting a crankcase 101 will be described in a later part of the present description.

The base unit 1 has two interface zones 4, which are arranged respectively at the first 2a and the second 2b ends of the housing 2. In fact, the interface zones 4 are parallel to each other. Advantageously, this allows an arbitrary number of base units 1 to be chained together. In greater detail, each interface zone 4 is arranged on a respective end wall 8. In particular, each interface zone 4 is arranged on an outer surface 8a of the end walls 8. The base units are arranged so that their open side faces are on the same side.

In more detail, the interface area 4 is provided with at least one cavity 5, which is configured to receive a connecting device (not shown). The connection device has the function of fixing the interface zone 4 to another base unit 1. Preferably, the interface zone 4 includes at least two cavities 5, arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal plane of the casing 2. In fact, in In the embodiments shown in the figures, the interface zone 4 includes a plurality of cavities 5, arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal plane.

In greater detail, the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 is provided with twelve cavities 5. Specifically, the cavities 5 are arranged so that there are six cavities 5 on each side of the longitudinal plane.

Similarly, the embodiment of figure 3 is provided with four cavities 5. These cavities 5 are arranged so that two cavities 5 are arranged on each side of the longitudinal plane.

In further embodiments, not shown in the drawings, it is possible to use any number of cavities 5. Preferably, the number of cavities 5 and their arrangement are the same in each interface zone 4 of the base unit 1. Alternatively, if justified For design considerations, the number of cavities 5 and their arrangement may differ between two interface zones 4.

According to the embodiments shown in the attached figures, each cavity 5 is a hole 6. Advantageously, it is possible to install a pin or a centering bolt (both not shown in the figures) in the holes 6.

An embodiment of the present invention also refers to a kit for mounting a crankcase 101. Said kit comprises one or more base units 1, as described above. An adequate number of connecting devices are used so that base units 1 can be linked together. In particular, the base units 1 can be joined at their respective interface areas 4, as explained above.

Optionally, it is possible to insert a separating device 15 between two base units 1. Said separating device is used if the cylinders to be connected to the crankcase 101 are especially large. In fact, if that is the case, a suitable spacer device 15 is used to recover a sufficient space between two base units 1. Specifically, the spacer device 15 has two ends 15a, which are opposite and can be joined to a unit. 1 respective base, as will be explained in a later part of the present description.

In greater detail, the separating device 15 comprises at least one perimeter wall 14. During use, said perimeter wall 14 extends around the crankshaft 100. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the separating device 15 comprises only one perimeter wall 14 which It is U-shaped. This particular shape of the spacer device 15 allows the intake of the crankshaft from the open side of the spacer device 15. The spacer device 15 and the base unit 1 have the open-side faces on the same side in order to allow the inlet of the crankshaft 100. In alternative embodiments, not shown, the spacer device 15 may comprise any number of perimeter walls 14 that may be arranged differently.

In detail, the separator device 15 is configured for connection to the base units 1 in the respective interface zones 4. In fact, the separator device 15 itself has a pair of interface zones 16. These interface areas 16 are opposite each other. In other words, each of the interface zones 16 are arranged at a respective end 15a of the spacer device 15. The interface zones 16 are configured to be attached to respective interface zones 4 of respective base units 1. For this reason, the interface zones 16 are substantially similar to the interface zones 4 of the base unit 1, so they will not be further detailed in the present description.

Although it is possible to use a known crankshaft with the crankcase 101 according to the embodiment of the invention described above, the kit may also comprise a crankshaft 100 configured for insertion into the housing 2 of the base unit 1. In detail, the crankshaft 100 comprises a plurality of segments 102. Each segment 102 is configured to be housed in a respective base unit 1 and to be attached to at least one other segment 102 to define the crankshaft 101. In other words, the crankshaft 100 is also modular and consists of a variable number of segments 102. Advantageously, each segment 102 has a length substantially equal to the length of its respective base unit 1 along the longitudinal axis "A". Furthermore, the number of segments 102 is preferably the same as the number of base units 1 in the crankcase. Preferably, each segment 102 is configured to be attached to two connecting rods.

Furthermore, the crankshaft may comprise one or more additional segments 103. Each additional segment 103 is configured to be attached to two segments 102. Preferably, each additional segment 103 has the same length along the longitudinal axis "A" as the spacer device. 15. In fact, during use, each additional segment 103 is arranged inside the spacer device 15.

Preferably, in each kit according to the embodiments of the present invention the base units 1 all have the same length along the longitudinal axis "A". Advantageously, this allows for better modularity of the crankcase 101 produced by using the kit described above. Of course, this length can vary depending on the design specification. Furthermore, if necessary, a single kit can comprise base units 1 with a different length or size.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for mounting the crankcase 101 described above. Two or more of the base units 1 are provided with the appropriate number of separator devices 15.

These base 1 units are linked together. Optionally, if the separator devices 15 are used, each of them is inserted between two base units 1. The interface zones 4, 16 are joined. In particular, pins (not shown) are inserted into a subassembly of receptacles 5. Remaining receptacles 5 of adjacent interface zones 4, 16 are subsequently secured with bolts. A crankshaft is inserted into the seats 9 of the base units 1. If necessary, a crankshaft 100 is mounted by any required number of segments 102 and additional segments 103, which are joined by means known to those skilled in the art.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for updating a crankcase 101, for example, if an additional pair of pistons (with respective connecting rods) is deemed necessary. In this case, another base unit 1 is attached to a base unit 1 that is already part of the casing 101, in particular at one end of the casing 101. If necessary, a spacer device 15 can be inserted between the front casing 101 and the new base unit 1. Also, if a known one-piece crankshaft was installed in the old crankcase 101, its replacement is necessary. In another case, if the crankshaft 100 described above was used, this can be adjusted by adding a new segment 102 and, if necessary, a new additional segment 103. In this way, it is possible to add any number of base units 1.

Claims (15)

i. Base unit (1) for mounting a crankcase (101) of a reciprocating compressor, comprising a casing (2) configured to contain at least part of a crankshaft (100), said casing (2) having a first (2a) and a second (2b) ends opposite each other and substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis (A) and defining an orientation for said crankshaft (100); an access hole (3) arranged in said casing (2) and configured to contain a connecting rod for a piston; wherein the base unit (1) has two interface zones (4) arranged respectively at the first (2a) and at the second (2b) ends of said casing (2), each interface zone (4) being arranged in a transverse plane with respect to said longitudinal axis (A), each interface zone (4) being configured for connection to another interface zone (4) of another base unit (1) to mount said casing (101), said base unit (1) characterized in that said casing (2) is substantially U-shaped to have an open-sided face (17) from which said at least a part of a crankshaft (100) can be inserted by moving it in a transverse direction with respect to said axis longitudinal (A). Base unit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said interface areas (4) are parallel to each other. Base unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said interface zone (4) includes at least one receptacle (5) configured to receive a connection device to fix said interface zone (4) to another base unit (1). Base unit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said receptacle (5) comprises a hole (6) adapted to receive a screw or a pin. Base unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing (2) has two end walls (8), which are arranged at the ends (2a, 2b) of the casing (2) in said transverse planes, each end wall (8) having a seat (9) configured to accept a crankshaft (100) of suitable size, wherein the seat (9) of each end wall (8) has a concave, preferably semicircular shape , so that it is capable of receiving bearings. Kit for assembling a casing (101) comprising a plurality of base units (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one connection device configured to join two of said base units (1) to each other in the respective interface zones (4). Kit according to the preceding claim, further comprising a separating device (15) that can be inserted between two base units (1) and configured for connection to said base units (1) in the respective interface areas (4). Kit according to the preceding claim, wherein said separating device (15) has two interface zones (16) opposite each other and configured to be joined to respective interface zones (4) of respective base units (1). Kit according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said separating device (15) comprises at least one perimeter wall (14) to extend around a part of the crankshaft (100), said perimeter wall (14) having a U-shape to allow the admission of the crankshaft (100) from the open side of the spacer device (15), wherein the spacer device (15) and the base units (1) have the open side face on the same side to allow the crankshaft entry (100). Kit according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising a crankshaft (100) configured for insertion in said casing (2). Kit according to the preceding claim, wherein said crankshaft (100) comprises a plurality of segments (102) for mounting said crankshaft (100), each crankshaft segment (102) being configured for housing in a base unit (1) respective and for its attachment to at least one other crankshaft segment (102) to define said crankshaft (100). Kit according to the preceding claim, wherein each segment (102) has a length substantially equal to the length of its respective base unit (1) along said longitudinal axis (A). 13. Crankcase (101) comprising a plurality of base units (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A method for assembling a crankcase (101) according to claim 13, comprising the steps of providing at least two of said base units (1); joining said base units (1) to each other in the respective interface areas (4). A method for updating a crankcase (101) according to claim 13, comprising the steps of providing an additional base unit (1), attaching said additional base unit (1) to said crankcase (101).