US1930225A - Refrigerating system - Google Patents

Description

Oct M, T1933. A. c. DENSLOW 1,930,225

' REFRIGERATING SYSTEM Filed Dec. 22. 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 gmoemtoz @1491 6. W 33313 a f tom;

Oct. 10, 1933. A. c. DENSLOW 1,930,225

REFRIGERATING SYSTEM Filed Dec. 22, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Svwemboz LOW ' Oct. 10, 1933.

Patented Oct. 10, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE REFRIGERATING SYSTEM Application December 22, 1928 Serial No. 327,809

2 Claims.

The present improvements relate, in general, to refrigeration and more particularly to the field thereof relating to domestic units adapted to cool beverages, manufacture ice, preserve perishable goods, etc.

A primary object, among others, of the present' improvements is to provide a novel beverage cooler as well as an artificial ice manufacturing unit which is of rugged and durable construction, automatic and economical in its operation and which not only has a minimum of parts but also affords constant and great length of service without attention or addition of materials.

A further object is to provide a novel and efficient refrigerating. system which is devoid of certain moving parts such as valves, regulators, etc. in common use with known devices.

Another object is to provide a novel combination of a refrigerant and another fluid medium, one of which may serve as a vehicle for the other, the fluid medium serving as a lubricant for the mechanical parts as well as a non-mechanical regulator or liquid valve.

A further object is to provide a novel method or process of refrigeration as well as a method of concurrent refrigeration and lubrication and a novel method of regulating the conversion of a liquid'under high pressure to a vapor. Means for practicing these and other methods constitute another object of the improvements.

A still further object is to provide a valveless refrigeration cycle which will be automatic and dependable in its operation.

Other objects include the provision of a novel form of compressor for compressing a gas in combinatlon with a refrigerating area, novel lubrieating means for both the compressor and motor therefor, improved beverage supply means as well as a novel service reservoir, an improved discharge outlet for a compressed refrigerant, novel shaft packing means and numerous others.

In general, an object is to generally improve and increase the efliciency of refrigerating de-- vices as a whole, of all parts thereof and to reduce vibration and noise of such units.

Other objects and advantages of the present improvements will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the accompanying specification and drawings in which Figure 1 a side view of a beverage cooler embodying the present improvements, some parts in section, others in elevation and others broken away-for convenience in illustration.

- Figure 2 is a partially diagrammatic plan view of a portion of the refrigerating system looking in the direction of the arrows on Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a layout of the organization embodied in Figure 1, illustrating diagrammatically, the arrangement of parts and method of operation.

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the expansion chamber and connected parts.

Figure 5 illustrates a modified form of orifice member.

Figure 6 is a modified form of overflow connection.

Figure 7 is a modified detail.

Figure 8 is a longitudinal vertical section of the compressor with shaft and pistons removed.

Figure 9 is a view of the shaft and piston assembly.

Figure 10 is a lateral vertical section through a cylinder of the compressor with operative parts in position.

Figure 11 is a view of the improved packing member.

Figure 12 is a partial view of an ice manufacturing unit.

Referring to the drawings, wherein one embodiment of the present improvements is illustrated, the cabinet 10 is preferably formed of metal or other durable material and may be suitably coated or otherwise ornamented to preserve the material thereof, as well as to provide a neat article of furniture. A sturdy bottom is provided for the cabinet by the base boards 11 and 12 separated by a layer of hair felt or other insulation, said boards being suitably held together in the illustrated position in any manner, as by screw bolts. Superposing board 12, is a cushion ply 13 of any suitable material, but preferably comprising a layer of rubber hose upon which rests the base or foundation 14 of the motor and other parts. Such base 14 is bolted as illustrated, to base 12 by suitable bolts, rubber sleeves and other cushion members. The foregoing construction properly insulates the motor and other parts from the cabinet base thereby substantially insuring isolation of the cabinet from the vibration of the power unit.

The lower front and rear portions of the cabinet are open, the former being provided with a hinged closure 15 having suitably located air outlets for promoting the circulation of air through the lower chamber 16 of the cabinet. A partition 17, comprising a stout board, is conveniently supported in the cabinet 10 and apertured as illustrated. Disposed on said partition is a heavy cork mat 18, upon which rests an earthenware or no stone jar 19 and surrounding these members and between them and the cabinet walls, a body of hair felt 20 is tightly packed. The cabinet top includes a removable closure or lid 21 for affording access to the receptacle 19.

A beverage conduit 22 extends through the receptacle 19, being in liquid tight relationship with the walls thereof, and after passing through the front wall of cabinet 10, terminates in a, service faucet 23. That portion 22a of conduit 22, within receptacle 19, is suitably coiled and disposed adjacent the inner periphery of the receptacle, although any other convenient manner of exposing the conduit 22 to a thermal medium in the jar 19 may be employed. A three-way valve 24 having a port 25, is interposed in conduit 22, whereby the beverage may be tapped through faucet 23 either from the coil 22a or from the well 26, as hereinafter described.

As illustrated, the partition 17, cork mat 18 and base of jar 19 are suitably apertured in alignment whereby to accommodate certain parts of the refrigerating system. A refrigerating surface in the form of a sturdy metal dome 27 is disposed within jar 19 and over the apertured portion thereof, being in liquid tight relation therewith. The cavity between the dome base and retaining member 28 is suitably packed in any manner, as by hair felt 29.

A suitable drain 30 and drain pipe 31 is provided, as illustrated. The inlet to conduit 22 may be connected with any desirable beverage supply, whereby such beverage is led through coils 22a to outlet 23. In the present embodiment, a connection adapted for ready connection with a domestic or municipal service water supply, is provided in form of conduit 32, filter 33 and pipe 34 terminating in the inlet connection 35.

The automatic refrigerating system, a major portion of which is supported on foundation 14 and within the cabinet 10, comprises the expansion or refrigerating chamber 40 defined by dome 2'7, an overflow or outlet conduit 41 leading to the intake or suction side of compressor 42, a discharge conduit 43 connecting the discharge or pressure side of said compressor with a condenser 44, which latter is connected to chamber 40 in dome 27, by means of conduit 45, storage reservoir 46 and conduit 47. A fluid supply connection 56 is provided in suction line 41, and screens or strainers are disposed in the system at convenient points, as for example, at the compressor intake and in advance of the discharge from conduit 47 into chamber 40.

Energy for driving the compressor is provided in the form of motor 48, having one end of its armature equipped with a fan or other cooling means 49 for the condenser 44, while the other end of said armature is suitably connected to the shaft 50 of the compressor. Said shaft is journaled in bearing 51 which is lubricated, as hereinafter described, through pipe 52 connected with conduit 43. Current for driving the motor is supplied through wire 53 extending to the thermostatically operated switch 54, which is disposed in chamber 40 of dome 27, and thence to the motor. The free end of wire 53 has a service plug55 for ready attachment to any convenient electric power line, as for example a wall socket.

It is notable that the system-above described provides an air-tight circulatory system for a fluid medium, is devoid of valves, regulators and other movable mechanical-parts, as clearly seen in the diagram of Figure 3, and that free communication exists between the expansion chamber 40 and both sides of the compressor 42.

Referring more particularly to Figure 4, it is notable that the high pressure line from the compressor 42 terminates within chamber 40 in a nozzle 57 having a pin hole orifice 58. Preferably a rose 59, with lateral and longitudinal apertures, is disposed over such orifice as illustrated in Figure 5. The high pressure line terminates with the orifice body 57 disposed in the lower portion of chamber 40, while the low pressure line extends well into said chamber having the overflow or suction inlet 41a disposed in the upper portion thereof. If desired, the member 410 may be replaced by the positive feed overflow pipe 41b, illustrated in Figure 6, wherein conduit 41 extends well into chamber 40 and is surrounded by pipe 60 defining an annular channel or well 61 therebetween.. Said channel 61, houses one or more wicks 62, extending from the bottom thereof, upward through the channel, over the top of pipe 60 and down along the sides thereof, as illustrated. Communication between the well 61 and conduit 41 is afforded through lateral port 63 in the latter.

Referring more particularly to the refrigerating system, the present improvements preferably contemplate the employment of a medium to be circulated, possessing the qualities of heat extraction as well as lubricating qualities. The former characteristic obviously is utilized for cooling, preserving or freezing purposes, while the latter provides an automatic lubricating service for the moving parts of the system, and at the same time serves to regulate the inception of and most effectively apply the refrigerating characteristics. The medium devised for carrying this unique combination of purposes consists of an intimate mixture of methyl chloride and a lubricating oil of prescribed viscosity.

A quantity of this mixture is supplied to the system, through port 56, under the suction influence of the compressor 42 and obtains throughout all the communicating parts of the system. When the motor and compressor are operating the level of the medium in chamber 40 is substantially flush with the end of pipe 41a, while that level recedes somewhat at the time the motor and compressor are idle and the system is inert.

Upon reference to Figure 3, the cycle through which the medium is directed and the novel methods practiced will be more apparent. Upon operation of the motor and compressor, suction is established on the low side of the compressor, whereby a low pressure region is set up in conduits 41, 41a and space 65 above the surface of the medium in chamber 40. As the methyl chloride has a boiling point of less than 20 0., this low pressure line contains the oil, and the chemical in a. vaporized or gaseous state. The medium obtaining in these pipes is impelled into the compressor where it is highly compressed, heated and discharged through conduit 43, in which the oil and vapor are in heated condition and under high pressure, preferably eightly-five pounds.

Thence the oil and vapor are led to condenser 44, where the latter is condensed and the resulting liquid chemical and oil are conveyed under pressure to reservoir 46 and conduit 47. In this state the liquids are discharged through orifice 58 into expansion chamber 40.

It is notable that at the time of such discharge, that the chamber 40 is under very low pressure, with a sub atmospheric area obtaining in space 65. The liquid in the chamber 40 is therefore boil- I ing or in a state of violent ebullition causing its;

level to foam and reach the outlet at 41a. The sudden release of the liquid chemical from a state under pressure to the low pressure chamber 40, through orifice 58, obviously causes same to change its state. This conversion from the liquid state to the vapor or gaseous state obviously is accomplished by great surrender of heat from the surrounding oil in chamber 40 as well as from the walls of dome 2'1.

The foregoing vaporization of the methyl chloride takes place in the presence of the oil, which latter serves as a blanket or deterent as well as a diffuser. The oil body obtaining above and about orifice 58, compels the nascent vapor-to be discharged thereinto, and primarily said oil serves to regulate the emission of the oncoming medium from conduit 47 with the attendant result that the vaporization is controlled and regulated by the presence of the more dense liquid. The body of oil therefore, capping orifice 58, insures only a predetermined discharge into the expansion chamber and acts, in a sense, as a liquid regulator or valve, insuring a uniform flow with the attendant uniform vaporization and refrigerating effect.

Obviously, the oncoming supply of oil through orifice 58, provides a supply of that liquid at all times within the chamber 40 and the provision of the reservoir 46 constantly insures a required volume therein.

The uniformity with which the walls of dome 2'7 are cooled is ascribed to the dissipation or distribution of the chemical within the oil, the "blanket of oil causing the chemical to be directed laterally throughout its body. The rose 59 is preferably utilized to increase this lateral dissipation through the chamber. Obviously, therefore, the vaporization of those globules of liquid chemical, not already converted to vapor, may take place at distributed points in the chamber 40, with the attendant distribution of the heat extraction;

Due to the pressure differential between the high and low sides of the system and for other reasons, the nascent vapor molecules ascend through the oil in chamber 40 and emerge through the surface into space whence they are drawn off through pipes 41a and 41. Concurrently with this result, the oil is foaming over and also drawn down said conduits to the compressor. The theory of operation just described is assumed, since no opportunity is afforded for observing the action. However, as the chosen chemical is very soluble, it may exist in solution with the oil, in which event the oil with the vapor in solution is drawn off into the low pressure line. In any case, the oil and vapor having served thepreviously ascribed functions. return to the compressortobegin a new cycle.

The foregoing cycle is repeated indefinitely so long as the motor operates, the usual pressure at- 27 raises sufliciently to cause the thermostat to connect the current and incept the circulating cycle, which automatically continues, as described, until cut 08.

The application of this refrigerating function to the chosen beverage is illustrated also in Figure 3., Water or any other good thermal conductor is placed in the well 26 of receptacle 19 until the dome 2'7 and coils 22a are completely submerged. The conduit 22 is attached to the desired source of supply, as illustrated, to a city water supply whereby water obtains throughout coils 22a up to faucet 23. Plug 55 is connected to the electric line and the refrigerating system functions as described, with the consequent vaporization of the chemical in dome 27 and the attendant surrender of heat by the oil, dome walls, water in well 26 and water in coils 22a.

When the desired temperature is attained, the v Referring more particularly to some other novel details of construction, it is notable that the modified form of suction inlet 41a illustrated in Figure 6 may be employed in dome 27. When this member is used, the oil is positively carried over from chamber 40 by wicks 62 into well 61 whence it is sucked through port 63 to the compressor, while the vapor may be drawn therethrough as well as through the top of conduit 41.

Although some other liquid regulator may be employed in practicing the improved method, oil has preferably been chosen due to its lubricating characteristics. It is apparent, therefore, that concurrently with the refrigerating cycle described, the moving and bearing parts of the compressor as well as the entire system is bathed in lubricant whereby the system is automatically lubricated by a circulating system of oil. This feature is of distinct advantage in raising the efficiency and prolonging the life of the compressorand system. The bearing 51 in which, the terminal of shaft 50 is journaled is also automatically lubricated, by the pipe 52, through which a small portion of the circulating oil of the system may be tapped from the pressure line.

Although not essential to the valveless cycle heretofore described, a check valve 66 may be disposed in pressure line 43 adjacent the compressor 42, as seen in Figure '7. This'provision retards the action'of thermostat 54, by preventing the transfer of heat from the pressure line back through the suction line. In this manner the action of thermostat is not disturbed by abnormal heat.

A novel feature of the present improvements resides in the compressor 42 which has a reciprocating piston functioning with a rotary motion, the latter taken from the armature of member '12, between which member 72 and each end bearing are plates 73, '74 defining cylinders 75 and 76. The suction inlet port 141 connects with the cylinder chambers 75, 76 through port 77 in bearing '12, while the pressure outlet port 143 communicates withsaidchambersthrough port '78. The shaft 50, journaled in the bearings, supports cylindrical pistons 79 and 80, located in said chambers, the peripherial diameters of said pistons being less than the interior diameter of their respective chambers, so that they will be permitted to oscillate therein.

While pistons '79 and 80 are axially bored to receive shaft 50, the latter is provided with eccentric cranks 81 which are journaled in the bores. Accordingly rotary motion of shaft 50, imparts a rotary as well as reciprocating motion to said pistons. The toggle 82 has at one-end an enlarged head 83 journaled in a recess in the valve body, while at its other end a similar head 84 is journaled in a recess in the piston 79. A toggle member of this type'is provided for each piston so that as the shaft 50 and cranks 81 are rotated, said toggles will hold or guide the pistons so that they will be reciprocated or oscillated in their respective chambers.

It is notable that in each instance the piston, its toggle and the plate defining the chamber for housing same are of substantially the same width, so that the piston and toggle have a substantially air-tight fit with the adjacent chamber walls. Accordingly the toggle members serve as movable partitions to preserve the isolation of the suction area 141a from the pressure area As the motor turns shaft 50, the cranks 81 cause the pistons to shift their positions in the chambers, during which movement the outer peripheries contact at some point with the chamber walls and because of the different diameters of the pistons and chambers as well as the eccentric movement of the former, said pistons will contact progressively at points throughout the 360 of the chamber walls. The arrangement of these members is such that a circumferentially traveling pocket 85, simulating an almost closed crescent in shape, results in each piston chamber. The combined reciprocating and rotating movement of the pistons causes these pockets to travel in advance thereof, at one time communicating with suction area 141a, from which it is out off subsequently by the progressing contact points, whence the pocket comes into communication with pressure outlet 143a.

Accordingly the oil and vapor are drawn into said pockets, compressed and discharged with each 360 rotation of the shaft 50. For obvious reasons, the pistons are oppositely disposed so that one cylinder is inhaling while the other isexhaling and vice versa. The efiiciency and durability of this novel compressor for gaseous products cannot be over-emphasized, since it embodies a minimum of movable parts, elminates troublesome valves, and is constantly automatically lubricated. It is notable that the air-tight relation of the parts is supplemented by a film of oil which is onmipresent, to serve as a seal wherever required.

In employing this improved compressor, the present improvements further insure long life and efficiency of the system, which is taxed frequently and under varying conditions, by providing a durable and leak proof packing for the shaft 50. This novel feature, illustrated in Figure 11, comprises a diaphragm packing including a fluted or corrugated cylindrical metal body-"90, with the open ends thereof suitably soldered or otherwise secured to annular face members 91, 92. A coil spring 93 housed within these elements engages the members 91 and 92,

separates same and affords a resilient relative oscillation of said members.

The application of this diaphragm seal is illustrated in Figure 2, wherein this member is shown disposed in operative position. The bore of face member 92 is suitably formed to have a frictional and gripping contact with the shaft 50 and is conveniently located thereon so as to maintain the bearing face of member 91 resiliently in sealing relation with the adjacent compressor shaft bearing. It is notable that this diaphragm seal rotates with the shaft, while spring 93 urges and maintains member 91 in intimate contact with the compressor member surrounding the shaft. The frictional engagement of member 92 and shaft 50 permits adjustment of the former longitudinally of the shaft whereby to appropriately adjust the sealing relation. A fixed sleeve 94, attached to the compressor, serves to shield and protect the diaphragm packing.

In Figure 12, the improvements are illustrated in conjunction with compartments 96 for the manufacture of ice. This commodity may accordingly be produced by the disclosed system with slight modifications, such as altering the character and amount of the oil regulator and/or increasing the proportion of chemical.

It is apparent that the herein described methods may be practiced in various ways, the illustrated means being but one application or embodiment for practicing same. For example, the refrigerating function may be regulated in various ways by altering the character and amount of the oil in chamber 40, or by employing a medium other than that set forth. Although found preferable, applicant does not wish to limit himself to the use of any beverages, fluids, liquids, etc. mentioned,.since same are catalogued as exemplary. The present improvements are adapted, as is obvious, for the cooling of circulating brine, and may be employed in numerous other relations.

Although the compressor 42 has been illustrated and described as having the inlet 141 and outlet 143 disposed in the end block 70, the present improvements contemplate the location of said port members in the intermediate bearing plate designated 72. The suction inlet 141 would accordingly communicate directly with port 77, while the pressure outlet 143 would communicate directly with port 78. The major portion of plate '70, in that event would be formed like present plate 71, and, being intermediate the cylinders, the inlet and outlet of the compressor would communicate directly with the cylinder chambers. This provision increases the efiiciency of the outboard cylinder 76 more than thirty per cent.

The modification of the orifice 58, dome 27, liquid regulator, receptacle 19, and each and all parts of the system may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present improvements. Accordingly changes resorted to in the form, construction and arrangement of parts, as well as in the methods herein disclosed, are deemed within the purview of the inventive concepts set forth, and it is understood that the invention is not restricted to the particular construction shown and described herein.

I claim:

1. In a refrigerating system having a compressor, an expansion chamber comprising a vessel, an inlet conduit for said vessel communicating with said compressor, an overflow conduit for said vessel communicating withsaid compressor,

said conduit having a plurality of spaced inlets, a pipe surrounding said conduit and defining an annular channel with which one of said inlets communicates, and wick means establishing communication between said channel, its communieating inlet and said expansion chamber.

2. In a refrigerating system having a compressor, an expansion chamber comprising a vessel, an inlet conduit for said vessel communicating with said compressor, an overflow conduit for

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