US20150322937A1 - Oil-free compressor crankcase cooling arrangement - Google Patents

Oil-free compressor crankcase cooling arrangement Download PDF

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Publication number
US20150322937A1
US20150322937A1 US14/705,319 US201514705319A US2015322937A1 US 20150322937 A1 US20150322937 A1 US 20150322937A1 US 201514705319 A US201514705319 A US 201514705319A US 2015322937 A1 US2015322937 A1 US 2015322937A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
crankcase
compressor crankcase
compressor
air
inlet valve
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Abandoned
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US14/705,319
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English (en)
Inventor
Jeffrey Hritz
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Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp
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Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp
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Publication date
Application filed by Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp filed Critical Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp
Priority to US14/705,319 priority Critical patent/US20150322937A1/en
Priority to BR112016025935A priority patent/BR112016025935B8/pt
Priority to PCT/US2015/030154 priority patent/WO2015172145A1/en
Priority to JP2016567178A priority patent/JP2017516014A/ja
Priority to AU2015255673A priority patent/AU2015255673A1/en
Priority to CA2947306A priority patent/CA2947306C/en
Priority to MX2016013961A priority patent/MX2016013961A/es
Assigned to WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION reassignment WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HRITZ, JEFFREY
Publication of US20150322937A1 publication Critical patent/US20150322937A1/en
Priority to AU2019200087A priority patent/AU2019200087B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
    • F04B39/06—Cooling; Heating; Prevention of freezing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B37/00—Pumps having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B35/00
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
    • F04B39/0005—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00 adaptations of pistons
    • F04B39/0022—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00 adaptations of pistons piston rods
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
    • F04B39/0094—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00 crankshaft
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
    • F04B39/06—Cooling; Heating; Prevention of freezing
    • F04B39/066—Cooling by ventilation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
    • F04B39/08—Actuation of distribution members
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
    • F04B39/10—Adaptations or arrangements of distribution members
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
    • F04B39/12—Casings; Cylinders; Cylinder heads; Fluid connections
    • F04B39/128—Crankcases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
    • F04B39/16—Filtration; Moisture separation

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to the field of air compressors adapted for use on rail vehicles for supplying compressed air to pneumatic units associated with the rail vehicle and, in particular, to an oil-free compressor crankcase cooling arrangement for maintaining a safe operating temperature within the crankcase.
  • an oil-free compressor utilizes specially designed bearings and composite sealing materials to allow the air compressor to operate without lubrication.
  • An example of one such oil-free air compressor for a rail vehicle is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/030,588 to Kapadia et al. filed on Sep. 18, 2013, incorporated herein in its entirety. While the specialized components and materials allow the bearing surfaces to survive the internal loading within the air compressor without lubrications, they do not benefit from the cooling effects that are provided by a large sump of oil included in an oil-flooded air compressor. Therefore, internal cooling must be provided by alternative means.
  • the first method is to not seal the crankcase and allow air to naturally move into and out of the crankcase.
  • the second method is to draw the compressor inlet air through the crankcase prior to being introduced into the low pressure cylinders for compression.
  • the air compressor utilizes head unloaders that are a common means to operate an air compressor in an idle mode (not compressing air). In this cycle, the head unloaders typically act to mechanically hold the inlet valves open. By holding the inlet valves open, the air compressor continues to rotate but will not compress air, as the atmospheric air pulled in during the intake stroke is pushed back to atmosphere through the inlet valves during what is normally the compression stroke.
  • the temperature of the air increases during the unloaded cycle. If the cylinder inlet air is routed through the crankcase prior to the atmospheric connection, then the air in the crankcase will be pulled into the first stage cylinder then pushed back into the case during the unloaded cycle. Therefore, the air temperature within the case will increase in temperature during the unloaded cycle similar to the air at the cylinder inlet that increases during the unloaded cycle in any common reciprocating air compressor with head unloaders. Lastly, pulling the inlet air through the crankcase prior to introducing the air into the first stage cylinder may result in contamination from the crankcase being spread into the first stage cylinder. This includes wear debris from the piston rings and excess grease released from the sealed bearings that are both typical occurrences in an oil-free compressor. This contamination will wear on the valves of the air compressor and reduce the life span of the valves.
  • an oil-free compressor crankcase cooling arrangement for a rail vehicle includes a compressor crankcase, at least one piston cylinder supported in the compressor crankcase, a crankshaft assembly supported by the compressor crankcase and linked to a piston of the at least one piston cylinder by a connecting rod, at least one inlet valve supported on and in fluid communication with the compressor crankcase, and at least one outlet valve supported on and in fluid communication with the compressor crankcase.
  • a cooling cross-flow of air is established between the at least one inlet valve and the at least one outlet valve to cool the compressor crankcase.
  • the at least one inlet valve and the at least one outlet valve may include check valves.
  • a first nozzle may be positioned on the at least one inlet valve, and a second nozzle may be positioned on the at least one outlet valve.
  • An inlet air filter may be positioned on the at least one inlet valve. The inlet air filter may protect the compressor crankcase from contamination and debris.
  • An inlet air filter may be positioned on the first nozzle of the at least one inlet valve. The inlet air filter may protect the compressor crankcase from contamination and debris.
  • the compressor crankcase may define a cavity for housing the crankshaft assembly. The cooling cross-flow of air may be directed through the cavity of the compressor crankcase from a first side of the compressor crankcase to an opposing, second side of the compressor crankcase.
  • the at least one inlet valve may be supported on a first side of the compressor crankcase and the at least one outlet valve may be supported on an opposing, second side of the compressor crankcase.
  • the at least one inlet valve may be opened as air is pulled into the compressor crankcase during an upstroke of the at least one piston cylinder.
  • the at least one outlet valve may be opened as air is pushed out of the compressor crankcase during a downstroke of the at least one piston cylinder.
  • An inloader valve assembly may be positioned on the at least one piston cylinder and may be configured to exhaust pressurized fluid from the at least one piston cylinder.
  • a method of cooling an oil-free compressor crankcase of a rail vehicle includes the steps of providing an oil-free compressor including a compressor crankcase, at least one piston cylinder supported in the compressor crankcase, a crankshaft assembly supported by the compressor crankcase and linked to a piston of the at least one piston cylinder by a connecting rod, at least one inlet valve supported on and in fluid communication with the compressor crankcase, and at least one outlet valve supported on and in fluid communication with the compressor crankcase; pulling air into the compressor crankcase via the at least one inlet valve; directing the air through the compressor crankcase; and pushing the air out of the compressor crankcase via the at least one outlet valve.
  • a further step of the method may include opening the at least one inlet valve during an upstroke of the at least one piston cylinder. Air may be pulled into the compressor crankcase through the open inlet valve.
  • a further step of the method may include opening the at least one outlet valve during a downstroke of the at least one piston cylinder. Air may be pushed out of the compressor crankcase through the open outlet valve.
  • a further step of the method may include establishing a cooling cross-flow of air that is directed from a first side of the compressor crankcase, over the crankshaft assembly, and out of an opposing, second side of the compressor crankcase.
  • the at least one inlet valve may be supported on the first side of the compressor crankcase.
  • the at least one outlet valve may be supported on the opposing, second side of the compressor crankcase.
  • a first nozzle may be positioned on the at least one inlet valve and a second nozzle may be positioned on the at least one outlet valve. Still further steps of the method may include providing an inlet air filter on the at least one inlet valve; and filtering the air that is pulled into the compressor crankcase via the at least one inlet valve using the inlet air filter. Further steps of the method may include providing an inlet air filter on the first nozzle of the at least one inlet valve; and filtering the air that is pulled into the compressor crankcase via the at least one inlet valve using the inlet air filter.
  • the at least one inlet valve and the at least one outlet valve may include check valves.
  • the at least one inlet valve may be supported on the compressor crankcase on a first side of the at least one piston cylinder.
  • the at least one outlet valve may be supported on the compressor crankcase on an opposing second side of the at least one piston cylinder.
  • a further step of the method may include providing an unloader valve assembly on the at least one piston cylinder.
  • Still a further step of the method may include exhausting fluid from the at least one piston cylinder via the unloader valve assembly.
  • FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an oil-free air compressor including a crankcase cooling arrangement in accordance with this disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the oil-free air compressor of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an oil-free air compressor including a crankcase cooling arrangement in accordance with another embodiment of this disclosure.
  • FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional view of the oil-free air compressor of FIG. 3 in which a piston cylinder is on a downstroke.
  • the present disclosure is directed to, in general, an oil-free compressor crankcase cooling arrangement and, in particular, to an oil-free compressor crankcase cooling arrangement including at least two valves used to create a cross-flow of cooling air through the compressor crankcase. Certain preferred and non-limiting embodiments of the components of the cooling arrangement are illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 .
  • the air compressor 10 is a multi-cylinder air compressor 10 including a first piston cylinder 20 , a second piston cylinder 30 , a third piston cylinder 40 , and a fourth piston cylinder 50 .
  • the air compressor 10 is an oil-free air compressor for a rail vehicle (not shown).
  • the first piston cylinder 20 , the second piston cylinder 30 , the third piston cylinder 40 , and the fourth piston cylinder 50 are supported by a compressor housing or crankcase 12 and each are driven by a crankshaft assembly 60 disposed within the compressor crankcase 12 and rotationally supported by the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • the compressor crankcase 12 may define a cavity 14 therein for housing the crankshaft assembly 60 .
  • the foregoing components of the air compressor 10 are described in detail herein.
  • a method of cooling the compressor crankcase 12 is described in further detail hereinbelow.
  • the air compressor 10 may have a pentagonal-shaped cross-section.
  • a support member 13 may be fastened to a bottom surface of the air compressor 10 .
  • the support member 13 may be used to mount the air compressor 10 on a locomotive or rail vehicle (not shown).
  • the first piston cylinder 20 , the second piston cylinder 30 , the third piston cylinder 40 , and the fourth piston cylinder 50 may be of substantially similar construction with the first piston cylinder 20 operating as the first cylinder, the second piston cylinder 30 operating as the second cylinder, the third piston cylinder 40 operating as the third cylinder, and the fourth piston cylinder 50 operating as the fourth cylinder in the multi-cylinder air compressor 10 .
  • the first piston cylinder 20 , the second piston cylinder 30 , the third piston cylinder 40 , and the fourth piston cylinder 50 may be radially configured about a longitudinal axis of the air compressor 10 .
  • the piston cylinders 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 may interface with an outer circumference of the air compressor 10 .
  • the first piston cylinder 20 includes a cylindrical housing 21 that has a first end 22 a adapted to be inserted into a corresponding opening, as described herein, in the compressor crankcase 12 and a second end 22 b.
  • the cylindrical housing 21 is formed with a flange 23 located proximal the first end 22 a for interfacing with the exterior of the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • Heat-dissipating fins 24 may be provided about the cylindrical housing 21 , and the cylindrical housing 21 may be formed of any suitable material providing sufficient strength and heat-dissipating characteristics such as aluminum.
  • a cylinder head 25 is secured to the second end 22 b of the cylindrical housing 21 .
  • the cylinder head 25 generally comprises an air connecting unit 26 and an unloader cap 29 mechanically fastened to a top surface of the air connecting unit 26 .
  • the air connecting unit 26 includes a first air channel 27 and a second air channel 28 .
  • the air connecting unit 26 may be formed of any suitable material providing sufficient strength and heat transfer characteristics such as aluminum.
  • the unloader cap 29 houses an unloader piston (not shown) that mechanically holds the inlet side of the valve assembly (not shown) open when a pneumatic signal is piloted to the valve assembly. It is also to be understood that an electric signal may be used to pilot the valve assembly. When activated, the air compressor 10 will continue to operate without compressing air, thereby cooling the cavity 14 of the air compressor 10 .
  • the first piston cylinder 20 may further include a first piston 70 that is reciprocally operable within the cylindrical housing 21 .
  • the piston 70 includes a first end 72 a and a second end 72 b, and is made of any suitable material providing sufficient strength and heat transfer characteristics such as aluminum.
  • the piston 70 is operatively connected to the crankshaft assembly 60 via a connecting rod 74 .
  • a cavity 76 may be defined in the cylindrical housing 21 to hold the piston 70 .
  • the piston 70 operates in a reciprocating movement which is generated via rotation of the crankshaft assembly 60 . Air is drawn into the cavity 76 of the cylindrical housing 21 of the first piston cylinder 20 via one of the air channels 27 , 28 as a result of the downward movement of the piston 70 .
  • a valve assembly (not shown) may be associated with the cylinder head 25 and includes a portion that is opened during the downward movement of the piston 70 , drawing air into the cylindrical housing 21 , and closes during the upward movement. Further, the valve assembly may include another portion that closes during the downward movement of the piston 70 and opens during the upward movement of the piston 70 , whereby air in the cylindrical housing 21 is compressed and is guided out of the cylindrical housing 21 .
  • the second piston cylinder 30 , the third piston cylinder 40 , and the fourth piston cylinder 50 have a substantially similar construction to the first piston cylinder 20 .
  • a first inlet valve 80 and a second inlet valve 82 are supported on a first side of the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • a first outlet valve 90 and a second outlet valve 92 may be supported on an opposing, second side of the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • the first inlet valve 80 , the second inlet valve 82 , the first outlet valve 90 , and the second outlet valve 92 may be in fluid communication with the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • the first inlet valve 80 , the second inlet valve 82 , the first outlet valve 90 , and the second outlet valve 92 may be check valves.
  • first inlet valve 80 , the second inlet valve 82 , the first outlet valve 90 , and the second outlet valve 92 may be ball-type check valves.
  • first inlet valve 80 , the second inlet valve 82 , the first outlet valve 90 , and the second outlet valve 92 may include an elastomer valve element (not shown) positioned between a seat (not shown) and guide member (not shown).
  • This type of check valve is commonly known as a “flapper” style check valve. It is to be understood, however, that the use of alternative types of check valves are contemplated, such as a diaphragm check valve, a swing check valve, and a lift check valve, among others.
  • the first inlet valve 80 , the second inlet valve 82 , the first outlet valve 90 , and the second outlet valve 92 may be used to establish a cooling cross-flow of air 16 between one another to cool the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • the first inlet valve 80 and the second inlet valve 82 may be positioned parallel to one another, and the first outlet valve 90 and the second outlet valve 90 may be positioned parallel to one another.
  • first inlet valve 80 and the second inlet valve 82 may be positioned in series with one another, and the first outlet valve 90 and the second outlet valve 92 may be positioned in series with one another.
  • the configuration of the valves may be used according to the capacity needed in the air compressor 10 and to provide redundancy.
  • first inlet valve 80 and the second inlet valve 82 may be supported on a lower portion of the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • the first outlet valve 90 and the second outlet valve 92 may be supported on an opposing, lower portion of the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • the first inlet valve 80 and the second inlet valve 82 may be supported on the compressor crankcase 12 adjacent the first piston cylinder 20 .
  • the first outlet valve 90 and the second outlet valve 92 may be supported on the compressor crankcase 12 adjacent the fourth piston cylinder 50 .
  • the cooling cross-flow of air 16 may be directed through the cavity 14 of the compressor crankcase 12 from the first side of the compressor crankcase 12 to the opposing, second side of the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • the cooling cross-flow of air 16 is directed over the crankshaft assembly 60 to provide cooling for the components of the crankshaft assembly 60 and the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • air is pulled into the compressor crankcase 12 via the first inlet valve 80 and the second inlet valve 82 .
  • the first inlet valve 80 and the second inlet valve 82 are opened by the air that is pulled into the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • the first inlet valve 80 and the second inlet valve 82 may be selected and/or adjusted according to the desired amount of air pressure that is necessary to open the first inlet valve 80 and the second inlet valve 82 .
  • the first outlet valve 90 and the second outlet valve 92 are kept closed. In one embodiment, the cooling cross-flow of air 16 is then directed diagonally through the cavity 14 of the crankcase assembly 12 towards the first outlet valve 90 and the second outlet valve 92 .
  • the cooling cross-flow of air 16 is pushed out of the first outlet valve 90 and the second outlet valve 92 to atmosphere.
  • the first inlet valve 80 and the second inlet valve 82 are kept closed.
  • the first outlet valve 90 and the second outlet valve 92 may be selected and/or adjusted according to the desired amount of air pressure that is necessary to open the first outlet valve 90 and the second outlet valve 92 .
  • the total change of volume in the air compressor 10 is a summation of all of the piston movement within the air compressor 10 .
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 depict the use of two inlet valves 80 , 82 and two outlet valves 90 , 92 , it is also to be understood that only one inlet valve 80 and one outlet valve 90 may be used, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
  • a first nozzle 100 may be positioned on the first inlet valve 80 and/or the second inlet valve 82 .
  • the first nozzle 100 may be used to direct the flow of air into the first inlet valve 80 and/or the second inlet valve 82 during the upstroke of the piston 70 in the cylindrical housing 21 of the first piston cylinder 20 .
  • a second nozzle 110 may be positioned on the first outlet valve 90 and/or the second outlet valve 92 .
  • the second nozzle 110 may be used to direct the flow away from the compressor crankcase 12 to avoid directing the exhausted hot air back towards the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 only depict the use of the first inlet valve 80 and the first outlet valve 90 , it is to be understood that the second inlet valve 82 and the second outlet valve 92 may be used as well. Nozzles may also be positioned on these valves as well.
  • an inlet air filter 120 may be operatively connected to the first inlet valve 80 and/or the second inlet valve 82 .
  • the inlet air filter 120 may be any standard inlet air filter commercially available that provides a screening function to remove contamination and debris from the air that is pulled into the compressor crankcase 12 through the first inlet valve 80 and/or the second inlet valve 82 .
  • the inlet air filter 120 provides filtering capabilities to the air compressor 10 by removing debris and other contamination that may create wear on the crankshaft assembly 60 and components of the piston cylinders 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 .
  • the inlet air filter 120 may be positioned on an end of the first nozzle 100 . During use of the air compressor 10 , air is pulled into the cavity 14 of the compressor crankcase 12 first through the inlet air filter 120 , then through the first nozzle 100 , and finally through the first inlet valve 80 and/or the second inlet valve 82 .
  • first inlet valve 80 and the first outlet valve 90 may also be operatively positioned at different positions on the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • the first inlet valve 80 and the first outlet valve 90 may be operatively positioned with another piston cylinder 30 , 40 , 50 .
  • the first inlet valve 80 and the first outlet valve 90 may be positioned adjacent the first piston cylinder 20 and the fourth piston cylinder 50 , respectively.
  • the arrangement of the inlet valve 80 and the outlet valve 90 would be substantially similar to the arrangement described above in connection with the first piston cylinder 20 .
  • a method of cooling the compressor crankcase 12 is also described herein with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 .
  • this method includes the step of providing an air compressor 10 as described hereinabove.
  • air from atmosphere is pulled into the cavity 14 of the compressor crankcase 12 via the first inlet valve 80 .
  • the air is used as a cooling cross-flow of air 16 that is directed from the first inlet valve 80 to the first outlet valve 90 .
  • the cooling cross-flow of air 16 is directed through the cavity 14 of the compressor crankcase 12 , thereby flowing over the components of the crankshaft assembly 60 and the piston cylinders 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 .
  • the air is pushed out of the compressor crankcase 12 via the first outlet valve 90 .
  • the first inlet valve 80 and the first outlet valve 90 may be check valves, as described hereinabove.
  • the first inlet valve 80 may be supported on a first side of the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • the first outlet valve 90 may be supported on an opposing, second side of the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • the first inlet valve 80 is opened during an upstroke of the piston 70 in the cylindrical housing 21 of the first piston cylinder 20 .
  • the pressure exerted by the air that is pulled into the compressor crankcase 12 pushes open the first inlet valve 80 .
  • air may be pulled into the compressor crankcase 12 via the first inlet valve 80 until a maximum volume of the compressor crankcase 12 is filled.
  • the first outlet valve 90 may be opened during a downstroke of the piston 70 in the cylindrical housing 21 of the first piston cylinder 20 .
  • the pressure exerted by the air that is pushed through and out of the cavity 14 of the compressor crankcase 12 pushes open the first outlet valve 90 , thereby allowing the air to vent to atmosphere.
  • air is pushed out of the compressor crankcase 12 via the first outlet valve 90 until a minimum volume of the compressor crankcase 12 remains.
  • the cooling cross-flow of air 16 may be directed from a first side of the compressor crankcase 12 , over the crankshaft assembly 60 , and out of an opposing, second side of the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • the first inlet valve 80 is supported on the first side of the compressor crankcase 12 and the first outlet valve 90 is supported on the opposing, second side of the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • the cooling method is a cumulative effect of the reciprocating movement of all of the piston cylinders 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 that creates the cooling cross-flow of air 16 .
  • the second piston cylinder 30 , the third piston cylinder 40 , and the fourth piston cylinder 50 operating in a similar manner to the first piston cylinder 20 to create the cross-flow of air 16 .
  • the first inlet valve 80 and the first outlet valve 90 may be positioned near one of the second piston cylinder 30 , the third piston cylinder 40 , or the fourth piston cylinder 50 to provide the same cooling effect in the air compressor 10 .
  • the first nozzle 100 may be positioned on the first inlet valve 80 and the second nozzle 110 may be positioned on the first outlet valve 90 .
  • the first nozzle 100 may be configured to direct the air from atmosphere into the first inlet valve 80 .
  • the second nozzle 110 may be configured to direct the air from the first outlet valve 90 to atmosphere.
  • the second nozzle 110 directs the air, whose temperature has risen due to the heat transferred from the compressor crankcase 12 components, away from the compressor crankcase 12 to atmosphere.
  • the inlet air filter 120 may be operatively connected to the first inlet valve 80 .
  • the air that is pulled into the first inlet valve 80 may be filtered by the inlet air filter 120 to remove any contamination or debris from the air, so as not to contaminate or wear the inner components of the air compressor 10 .
  • the inlet air filter 120 may also be positioned on an end of the first nozzle 100 connected to the first inlet valve 80 .
  • first inlet valve 80 and the first outlet valve 90 may be operatively positioned with another piston cylinder 30 , 40 , 50 .
  • first inlet valve 80 and the first outlet valve 90 may be positioned adjacent to the first piston cylinder 20 and the fourth piston cylinder 50 , respectively.
  • second inlet valve 82 and the second outlet valve 92 may be used to create a larger cooling cross-flow of air 16 through the compressor crankcase 12 .
  • the arrangement and operation of the inlet valve 80 and the outlet valve 90 would be substantially similar to the arrangement described above in connection with the first piston cylinder 20 .
  • the first inlet valve 80 and the first outlet valve 90 are able to provide a directed positive flow through the compressor crankcase 12 without reducing the overall efficiency of the air compressor 10 , unlike if the inlet air was first routed through the compressor crankcase 12 . Further, the air at the first inlet valve 80 will not be pre-heated upon entering the compressor crankcase 12 , resulting in lower first stage temperatures.
  • the air compressor 10 described hereinabove includes a multi-cylinder arrangement that maximizes the total change in the compressor crankcase 12 volume per revolution of the crankshaft assembly 60 , without sacrificing the dynamic balance of the air compressor 10 . In addition, the total crankshaft assembly 60 torque pulse per each revolution is reduced, while still maintaining a small overall size envelope for the air compressor 10 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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US14/705,319 2014-05-09 2015-05-06 Oil-free compressor crankcase cooling arrangement Abandoned US20150322937A1 (en)

Priority Applications (8)

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US14/705,319 US20150322937A1 (en) 2014-05-09 2015-05-06 Oil-free compressor crankcase cooling arrangement
BR112016025935A BR112016025935B8 (pt) 2014-05-09 2015-05-11 Arranjo e método de arrefecimento de cárter para um compressor livre de óleo para um veículo ferroviário
PCT/US2015/030154 WO2015172145A1 (en) 2014-05-09 2015-05-11 Oil-free compressor crankcase cooling arrangement
JP2016567178A JP2017516014A (ja) 2014-05-09 2015-05-11 無給油コンプレッサクランクケース冷却装置
AU2015255673A AU2015255673A1 (en) 2014-05-09 2015-05-11 Oil-free compressor crankcase cooling arrangement
CA2947306A CA2947306C (en) 2014-05-09 2015-05-11 Oil-free compressor crankcase cooling arrangement
MX2016013961A MX2016013961A (es) 2014-05-09 2015-05-11 Dispositivo refrigerante del carter del compresor sin lubricacion.
AU2019200087A AU2019200087B2 (en) 2014-05-09 2019-01-08 Oil-free compressor crankcase cooling arrangement

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CN112065683A (zh) * 2019-06-11 2020-12-11 卡特彼勒公司 多缸空气压缩机的冷却块
US11396868B2 (en) * 2020-03-09 2022-07-26 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Linear actuator pumping system
EP4144989A1 (en) * 2021-09-06 2023-03-08 Gardner Denver Ltd. An improved reciprocating compressor

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AU2015255673A1 (en) 2016-12-15
BR112016025935B1 (pt) 2022-10-04
WO2015172145A1 (en) 2015-11-12
JP2017516014A (ja) 2017-06-15
AU2019200087B2 (en) 2020-04-23
CA2947306A1 (en) 2015-11-12
BR112016025935A2 (es) 2017-08-15
CA2947306C (en) 2023-01-17
AU2019200087A1 (en) 2019-01-31
BR112016025935B8 (pt) 2022-11-29

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