US2130327A - Air conditioning apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 13, l38. H. GALSON 2,130,327

AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 24, 1932 11 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 13, 1938. H. 1.. GALSON 2,130,327

AIR QONDITIONING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 24, 1932 ll Shegts-Sheet 2 Sept. 13, '1938. H. GALSON AIR conmnonme APPARATLKS Filed Dec. 24, 1932 11 Sheets-Sheet 3 Sept. 13, 1938. H. GALSON AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 24, 1.932

11 Sheets-Sheet 4 P 1938. H. L. GALSON 2,130,327

AIR CONDITI ONING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 24, 1932 11 Sheets-Sheets Sept. 13, 1938. H L, GALSON 2,130,327

AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 24, 1952 ll Sheets-Sheet 6 H. L. GALSON Sept. 13, 1938.

Sept. 13, 1938. H. 1.. GALSON AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 24, 1932 11 Sheets-Sheet 8 Sept. 13, 1938. H. GALSON AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS ll Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Dec. 24, 1952 Sept. 13, 1938. GALSON 2,130,327

AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS Filed Dec. -24, 1932 ll Sheets-SheetlO L L i L E L L 277 ,zaa

caMeefssve Marae Sept. 13, 1938. H. GALSON 2,130,327

AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 24, 1932 ll Sheets-Sheet 11 Patented Sept. 13, 1938 I UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS Henry L. Galson, Philadelphia, Pa., assignor to Baldwin-Southwark Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application December 24, 1932, Serial No. 648,772

72 Claims. (01. 62-129) This invention relates generally to air condimanner to adequately and efliciently take care of tioning apparatus and more particularly to an the eliminated humidity. In my invention the improved room cooler and ventilator for oflices unit is so constructed and the parts so arranged and homes. that mechanically it may be economically manu- In my present invention I have provided a selffactured in quantity production while maintaincontained portable room cooling unit employing ing high quality of workmanship and operation a refrigerating system, the unit being so contogether with the utmost reliability when in the structed and arranged that it may be convenhands of the users. iently placed in a room ready for immediate op- It is one object of my invention to accomplish o eration and will efficiently operate with utthe foregoing and other results in a room cooler most quiet and eifectiveness so that occupants which is relatively inexpensive for a piece of apof the room will not be annoyed either from paratus of this character and yet will have an noises or drafts. I have also provided in one improved combination of elements so arranged specific embodiment of the invention as shown and related that the unit has a high degree of herein an air cooled condenser contained withcompactness and simplicity of construction, dein the unit, the unit and condenser being sign and arrangement of parts, and has improved so arranged that the condenser heat may he means for effecting exterior atmospheric comadequately taken care of without affecting the munication with the refrigerating equipment inroom temperature. In a more specific aspect cluding the refrigerant condenser, although there m of the invention I have arranged the unit in an are various features of the room cooler as disimproved manner so that it will be highly comclosed herein that are applicable either to a water pact and require minimum floor space wherecooled condenser or to a room cooler employing by it may be placed adjacent a suitable opening refrigerating systems other than the compressorin a wall of the room such as a window and at the condenser-expander circuit which is a specific same time insure that a large volume of outside form shown. It is also an object of my invention 5 air may be efliciently conducted into and out of to have the elements of the unit highly adapted the unit with full eifectiveness in cooling the confor manufacture and assembly in quantity prodenser. This improved arrangement necessiduction while at the same time permitting them tates blowers of only moderate size and the to be readily accessible and easily dismantled or blowers and passages are so functionally related removed in case of the necessity of repair or re- 0 so as to obtain maximum volumetric capacity for placement. the outside condenser cooling air even though Another object is to provide improved means the unit is compact and extends outwardly from for collecting condensate resulting from the elimthe room wall for only a mimimum distance. In ination of humidity which condenses on the evap- 85 addition to obtaining proper flow of the outside orator and of ejecting or discharging this con- 85 ns r c n ir in a c mpact unit, I am densate to the atmosphere outside of the room, also able to insure proper and eflicient flow of this being accomplished specifically by collecting m r through h unit y pr viding an imthe condensate in a pan or trough beneath the proved structural and functional relation between evaporator and conducting the condensate to an the various elements embodied in my unit. Irreejector pan beneath the condenser, whereby the 40 spective of the type of condenser cooling system nd r cooling air in blowing upwardly employed there are other improved features assothrough eject penings muses t t to be mated with my particular condenser cooling sysentrained in the stream of air and to be distem as to effectively adapt the unit for use charged to the exterior atmosphere although in in a home or office without unsightly appearance being so discharged the moisture will be blown 45 or mechanical complications.

against the condenser to assist in cooling the In addition I have provided a unit that is not same by rewvamrationonly compact so as to require minimum space but is also adapted to have an attractive exterior A further obJect is to provide an improved design and from a mechanical standpoint to have room cooler adapted to effect positive ventilation 50 a relatively large refrigeration capacity to effect by introducing into the room a of P the desired degree of humidity control and air ereblr fi cooled and dehumldified Outside cooling. Inasmuch as the elimination or control air; pref ably u d Pressure and to either of humidity is an essential factor in air conditionrectly or indirectly exhaust a proportional l8 ns. th m c oler is arranged in an improved amount or devitalized room air to the outside, and u to accomplish such ventilating or other air circulation without draft within the room.

Other objects and advantages will be more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective of the room cooler unit shown principally from the rear side thereof, the unit being partially broken away to show details of the arrangement of elements;

Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse section taken substantially on the line 22 of Figs. 1 and 3, parts being broken away to show details of construction;

Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of the unit with parts broken away to show the air filters, fans and path of flow for the condenser cooling air;

Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view similar to Fig. 3 but showing only the fan for the room air and the path of flow thereof;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the unit;

Fig. 6 is a rear view perspective of the cabinet alone;

Fig. 6a is-a section of a dummy control button shown relative to the actual switch buttons, the section being taken on line 66 of Fig. 6;

Figs. 7 and 8 are sections of cabinet details respectively taken on lines 1--'l and 8-8 of Figs. 1 and 6, except Fig. 6 omits the back panel;

Fig. 9 is a perspective of the main frame of the unit with the rear side of the frame in the foreground;

Fig. 10 is a perspective of the joints for the duct-supporting members;

Fig. 11 is a perspective of the base joint for the intermediate standards;

Fig. 12 is a perspective of the base joint for the end standards, looking up at the bottom thereof;

Figs. 13, 13a and 13b are perspectives, respectively, of the evaporator and its associated frame, and the intermediate and lower air ducts, these three elements when assembled forming a unit or sub-assembly conduit for room air;

Fig. 14 is a vertical section through one side of the sub-assembly unit of Figs. 13, 13a and 13b;

Figs. 15, 15a. and 15b are perspectives, respectively, of the condenser and its frame, the ejector pan for accumulating and discharging water condensed from the cooled room air, and a duct communicating directly with the cooling fan, the condenser, pan and duct normally being assembled to form an assembly unit, hereinafter also called a condenser assembly;

Fig. 16 is a vertical section through one side of the condenser assembly of Figs. 15, 15a and 15b;

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary perspective of the supporting frame for the fan motor;

Fig. 18 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line i8-l8 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 19 is a perspective of a modified form of support for the fan motor;

Fig. 20 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section, somewhat similar to the right end of Fig. 3, showing the ventilator and filter support more in detail;

Fig. 21 is a partial end view of the cooler unit showing the air filter in elevation;

Fig. 22 is a horizontal section on line 22-22 of Fig. 21 with parts omitted;

Fig. 23 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section showing the rods for removably holding the air fllter in position;

Fig. 24 is a wiring diagram for eflecting an improved coordinated compressor and fan control;

Figs. 25-27 are diagrammatic views of different arrangements for the condenser cooling air;

Fig. 28 is a horizontal section on line 28-28 of Fig. 3 showing the relation of the evaporator, condenser and end plates with the contacting faces thereof secured together by rivets, sheet metal screws or welding.

For purposes of illustrating one specific form which the invention may take, among possible others, I will describe in detail the component parts of the unit although for a comprehensive view of the unit reference should be had to Fig. 1 which is a perspective taken primarily from the rear side thereof.

Main frame.--The main frame of the unit, Fig. 9, comprises preferably two horizontal substantially parallel structural channel members i and 2 with the channel flanges facing outwardly. Structural angle irons 3 and 4, connecting the ends of the channel members, have a corner of their horizontal leg (Fig. 12) cut out as at 5 thus permitting the vertical leg to have an overhanging portion 5' fit against the full depth of the end of the channels while the cut out corner 5 allows the horizontal leg to have butt engagement with the channel web, flush-with the lower channel flange. These various joints may be suitably welded together, preferably by a welded seam along any or all of the lines of juncture of the structural members. All four frame corners are of the same construction. Three uprights or standards 6, l and 8, provided at three corners of the base frame, are in the form of angle irons which, as shown in Fig. 12, extend down over the corner portion of the flanges of the channels i and 2 and also over the portion 6 of the end angle irons 3 and 4, all of these members being secured preferably by welding along any or all of their lines of juncture. It will be understood that the details shown in Fig. 12 also apply to standards 6 and 8. Intermediate standards 9 and ID are likewise formed of angle iron but in I this case the lower ends thereof merely rest on the top flanges of channels I and 2 and are provided with an angle clip I l shown more clearly in Fig. 11, all of these members being preferably welded together along any or all' of their lines of juncture to form a rigid construction.

The standards 8, 9 and I0 define the space or compartment for the motor-compressor unit to be described later, the fourth corner of this space not being provided with a standard thus facilitating assembly or removal of the motor-compressor in the cooler unit.

To support an evaporator and a condenser, and ducts therefor, there is provided an upper horizontal frame work. This includes transverse end angle irons l2 and i3. As shown more clearly in Fig. 10 angle irons i2 and i3 have their vertical legs as at I 4 disposed on the inside with their ends fitting in the corners of standards 6, 1, Band i8 and secured thereto as by welding along any or all of the lines of juncture. Longitudinal angle irons i5 and I6 have their vertical legs disposed on the inside while the ends of these vertical legs are cut out as at i! to provide a butt joint with the vertical legs of angle irons l2 and I3. The overhanging portions l8 of the longitudinal angle irons l5 and I6 rest upon the transverse angle irons and these are all secured together preferably by a welded seam at any or all of the lines of juncture. Itwill of course be 75 a I 8,180,887 understood that the enlarged view of Fig. 10 is representative of the joints at the other standards 5, 9 and I0. An intermediate longitudinal support in the form of a relatively wide channel iron 20 has its ends preferably in butt engagement with the vertical legs of the end angle irons l2 and I3 and are secured thereto preferably by welding along the lines of juncture. If desired the various frame members can be secured together by bolts or other suitable means, it being understood however that the particular arrangement of parts as shown herein is best adapted for welding.

The members l5 and 20 define the space in which the evaporator and ducts therefor are d sposed while the members 20 and I6 define the space in which the condenser and air ducts thereof are disposed.

Evaporator and air ducts therefor.-The evaporator as shown in Fig. 13 and generally indicated at 24 comprises a series of horizontal tubes 25 whose ends are secured in rectangular headers 28 and 21. Heat radiating fins 28 of the outline preferably similar to headers 25, 21 are secured to or suitably mounted on pipes 25 to increase the heat transfer surface therefor. Side plates 29 and 30, made preferably of sheet metal, have their top and end edges bent outwardly to form flanges 3| and 32 and are secured to the sides of headers 26 and 21 to form what is herein referred to as the evaporator. The lower edges of side plates 29 and 30 are not bent outwardly thus permitting insertion of the side plates with n slots of an intermediate air duct to be now described.

As shown in Fig. 13a, the intermediate air duct generally indicated at 34 comprises preferably sheet metal endwalls 35 with their lower edges bent outwardly to form flanges 36. Sheet metal side plates 31, provided with flanges 38, are welded, soldered or otherwise suitably secured to end walls 35. Moisture deflecting bailies 38 are formed, as shown more clearly in Fig. 14, by reversely bending the top edge portion of side plates 31, as at 40, and then slanting the baflle portions 39 inwardly but leaving a space between their free edges to permit upward flow of air. While the lower ends of these baflles are spaced apart, yet they-overlap a lower V-shaped combined battle and drip trough 4| which is secured by welding, soldering, riveting or otherwise to the sheet metal end walls 35. This intermediate duct member 34 is provided with a series of slots 42 to removably receive the lower unflanged edges of side plates 28 and 30 of the evaporator these slots being disposed inwardly, from sides 31, as close as possible to permit the outer side of plates 30 to be flush with inner sides of plates 31. The intermediate duct member is permanently secured in a lower duct member generally indicated at 45 in Fig. 13b.

The lower duct member 45, Fig. 13?). is made of a sheet metal front plate or wall 46 and a rear inclined wall 41 joined by end walls 48. The rear inclined wall 41 is turned into a short vertical wall 49. The top edges of walls 46, 48 and 49 are bent outwardly to provide a hori zontal shoulder 5|] and are then bent upwardly to provide vertical legs 5| prior to assembly with the intermediate duct 34. The corners of the vertical legs are cut out as indicated at 52 to permit them to be bent over the horizontal flanges 36 and 38 of the intermediate duct when the latter is placed upon the horizontal shoulders 5|l, this assembled relation being shown in Fig. 14. The bottom of, lower duct .44 is entirely closed by a bottom plate 52'. All of the end, side and bottom plates are secured together by welding,jsoidering or other suitable means. An air inlet opening 53, adapted for communication with a fan to be described later, is located at the right end of the duct and isprovided with a flange 54 extending around the opening. A pipe 55 extends through a suitable opening in one of the sides 31 to allowcondensate, which drips from the evaporator, to be transferred to an accumulator and ejector pan to he presently described.

As shown in Fig. 14, the intermediate and lower ducts 34 and 35 form a permanent unitary structure adapted to support evaporator 24 all of which, however, forms a unit that is herein termed an evaporator assembly which projects downwardly between and is supported upon longitudinal members I5, 20, |2 and i3 of Fig. 9, the shoulders 5|], Figs. 13b and 14, resting upon the top surfaces of these members.

Condenser, air ducts and comb ned accumulater-ejector pan.--The condenser, Fig. 15, generally indicated at is constructed in a manner similar to evaporator 24 and is approximately of the same dimensions and heat transfer capacity thereof. The condenser tubes 6| are connected into headers 62 and 63 while heat radiating fins 64 of the same general outline as the headers are secured to the condenser tubes. A front sheet metal side plate 65 has its vertical and top edges bent outwardly to form flanges 66 although the lower edge is unfianged while a rear sheet metal side plate 61 has only its ends bent outwardly to provide flanges 68. The sides 55 and 51 are permanently secured to the condenser headers to form the condenser unit.

A combined accumulator and ejector-pan generally indicated at 59 comprises preferably a bottom 10 whose edge portions are bent upwardly to form sides H and are then bent backwardly upon itself as at 12 and then outwardly to form flanges 13. The ends 14 may be part of the sheet metal of bottom 10 or may be formed separately and soldered or otherwise secured with a water tight fit to the sides II and bottom 10. The entire bottom 10 has a series of staggered openings 15 formed as by pressing portions of the bottom upwardly to provide four sides 15 around each opening. The juncture of these sides and the bottom being slightly curved to assist in providing an ejector action to entrain condensate accumulated in this pan by an upwardly flowing draft of air. End slots 11 are formed to receive the lower unflanged edges of side plates 65 and 51 of the condenser.

Pipe 55 which leads from drip pan 4| is removably inserted through the side of ejector pan 58 to conduct thereto the condensate from the evaporator.

A lower duct I8 comprises vertical sides 18 and ends 80 formed of separate pieces of sheet metal secured together and bent outwardly as at 8| to provide a horizontal shoulder or flange and then bent upwardly as at 82. This vertical flange 82 is later bent over the horizontal flange 13 of the ejector pan 69 of Fig. 15a. The corners of flanges 82 are cut out as at 83 to facilitate such bending over operation. Duct I8 is closed over the largest portion of its bottom as by a. sheet metal plate 84 which it will be noted is slightly inclined upwardly from a horizontal portion in which an air inlet 85 is provided with a suitable downwardly extending flange 86.

When the elements 69 and I8 are secured together, Fig. 16, as by bending flanges or lips 82 over flanges 13, in the manner previously mentioned, and the lower edges of condenser sides 66 and 81 are set within the slots TI of Fig. 150,, these three elements then form a unit, having the horizontal flange 80 which rests upon frame members I6, 20, I2 and I3, Fig. 9.

The condenser and evaporator assemblies are positioned beside each other in substantially parallel vertical relation and are at least partially suspended from the upper frame in spaced relation to the bottom of the main frame thus providing, what might be termed, a blower compartment or space 88, Figs. 1 and 3.

Fans and motor therefor.To efiect the necessary air circulation through the condenser and evaporator assemblies, there is disposed in the blower compartment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, electric power means for driving rotatable air circulating means, specifically shown herein as an electric motor 90 whose shaft extends longitudinally of the unit in opposite directions, Fig. 3, to carry at one end a centrifugal rotor 9| of a room air or evaporator blower generally indicated at 92 while the other end of the motor shaft carries a rotor 93 of a condenser cooling blower generally indicated at 94, the motor in the speciflc form of the invention shown being common to the two blowers which thus have the same speed and hence under certain conditions may be considered as a single blower with a dividing partition. The room air fan 92 is located beneath the upwardly inclined bottom 84 of condenser air duct 18 thus enabling, Fig. 2, the tangential fan outlet 96 of the fan scroll case to have inclined preferably direct communication with the flanged opening 53 of the evaporator duct 45. The condenser cooling fan 94 is disposed immediately below the vertical inlet 85 of the condenser duct 18 thus permitting vertical preferably direct communication with the tangential outlet 91. The two fan outlets are preferably slightly spaced from the edges of the inlets of the respective ducts and are connected thereto as by a suitable strip of rubber or fabric 98, Fig. 1, extending around the joint between the fan outlets and duct inlets. This strip not only provides the necessary air-tight joint but the presence of the space prevents transmission of vibration from the fan scroll to the metallic ducts by obviating any metal to metal contact.

As shown in Fig. 3 and others, the motor and fans are longitudinally disposed within a central zone of the unit frame, specifically with their common shaft and axis substantially on the longitudinal center plane of the unit frame, although the fan outlets extend in difierent tangential or angular directions with respect to said axis, so that the condenser and evaporator assemblies may be preferably directly connected to the fans without disturbing in any way the balanced relation of said assemblies on substantially each side of the longitudinal center line or vertical plane of the unit. This arrangement provides a well-balanced unit having the highly desirable features of compactness and accessibility.

As shown more clearly in Fig. 17 the motor 90 and blower rotors carried thereby are supported upon a sub-frame having a pair of transverse angle irons 99 and I which have bent up ends IOI welded or secured by any suitable means to longitudinal angle irons I02 and I03. These longitudinal angle irons, one of which is shown more clearly in Fig. 18 as illustrative of the remaining structure, are normally fixed to bolts I04 whose heads are imbedded or vulcanized in a solid, relatively resilient; preferably cylindrical rubber pad I05 while other bolts I06, having heads also imbedded in said pad, project downwardly through the upper flange of channels I and 2. The upper bolt I04 with its two nuts permits vertical adjustment of the sub-frame with the blower motor and rotors relative to the fan casings. It will be seen from Fig. 17 that there are four of the rubber supports for the motor thus insuring a non-metallic support which will reduce to a minimum the transmission of vibration to the room cooler unit. It will also be noted that the sub-frame extends considerably to the left beyond motor 90, this being for the purpose of insuring a proper support for the elongated condenser cooling blower which has approximately twice the capacity of the room air blower 92 as shown in Fig. 1, the casings of fans 92 and 94 having suitably curved spring supports I08 and I09 disposed on each side of the respective fan casings secured to the top side of the base channels I and 2, said spring supports being welded or otherwise suitably secured to the fan casings and base channels.

In the modified form of motor support shown in Fig. 19 the transverse motor brackets 99 and I00 are connected by cross members I02 and I03, this sub-frame in turn being supported upon longitudinal pieces of rubber IIO secured by bolts to the base channels I and 2. Notches III formed in the rubber permit bolts II2 to secure the sub-frame to the rubber strip without having metallic contact with the main frame, although if desired pads such as I05, Fig. 18, may be used.

Compressor.-To obtain utmost compactness in the unit and also to effect a desired degree of weight distribution and minimum vibration I provide as shown in Fig. 1 a self-contained vertical axis motor-compressor unit of the piston and cylinder type generally indicated at i I3. For purposes of the invention herein disclosed it will suflice to state that the compressor has a vertical axis motor disposed within a suitable cylindrical housing I I4 while a compressor casing generally indicated at I I5 has horizontal opposed cylinders, the head of one cylinder being shown at I I 6. The compressor crankshaft and the motor armature shaft are a single piece thus providing a direct drive for the compressor. This motor-compressor unit is supported by a series of four legs lI'i formed preferably integral with and extending outwardly from a lower casing II 8 of the unit. Two of the legs II! are supported upon a suitable transverse angle iron II6 which have cutout corners to permit the horizontal leg of the angle iron to rest on, and preferably be welded to, the top of each of the two base channels I and 2 while the other two legs II I (not shown in Fig. 1, but shown in Figs. 3 and others), are mounted on a transverse angle iron similar to H6. The connections between each of the legs and transverse angle irons are preferably through rubber pads and bolts I05 identical to I05 in Fig. 18.

To secure proper cooling of the motor with as simplified arrangement as possible, I employ in my improved combination the condenser cooling fan 92 to cool the motor. To accomplish this I have provided a cooling coil II9 which specifically is connected to the lubrication system of the motor-compressor unit. As the motor-comamass? pressor is of the sealed type. a coil II8 constitutes the primary source of heat radiation for the motor, this coil being disposed over the top of the motor-compressor unit and provided with fins to increase the heat radiating surface. The outlet from the motor casing to the coil is at I28 while the return is at I2l in the top center of motor casing II4.

Although the lubricating cooling system shown employs a cooling coil III as the specific embodiment of the apparatus used for effecting motor and compressor heat radiation, any other suitable radiator may be employed, and the same located in any part of either the condenser or room air streams so that the motor-compressor cooling may be effected.

The compressor-condenser-expander circuit for the apparatus may be of any suitable type used in a compression system and hence thepiping connections therefor are not shown herein.

Internal top cover, end walls andback plate defining internal ducts and compartments-Referring to Fig. l a sheet metal internal top cover plate I28 extends over the entire top of the main frame and mechanism contained therein. The rear and end edges of this plate are bent upwardly to form a flange I28 while a room air opening I38, provided in the vcover, substantially conforms to the space in which the evaporator fins 28 are disposed. The edges of plate I28 around all four sides of the opening I38 are bent upwardly to provide suitable flanges I3I. It is thus seen that top plate I28 is in the nature of a shallow pan, particularly if the front edge of the plate should be bent up to provide a flange similar to flanges I28. Suitable insulating material I 32 of either loose or molded form may be thus placed entirely over the surface of plate I28 within the confines of the outer edge flanges I28 and the air passage flanges I3I. If the insulation is of molded material, it may be suitably fastened to the plate. In Fig. 1, plate I28 and insulation I32 have been appreciably broken away in order to see other details of construction although from the description herein and particularly as shown in Fig. 2 the continuity of the pan-shaped top piece and insulating material can be more easily seen. The plate is preferably supported on the top edges of the various elements of the unit such as the corner standards of the main frame and the flanges 3I and 66 of the evaporator and condenser, the plate beng secured thereto as by soldering or sheet metal screws. As a further modification plate I28 and insulation I32 may also be secured by any suitable means to the top of cabinet I53 (to be described later) forming a unitary construction with the cabinet and resting on the top of standards of the main frame when the cabinet is in place. In any event it is seen that a relatively simple and compact insulating top piece is provided together with a suitable room air opening.

To form a partition of the compartments in which the condenser and evaporator are disposed there is provided as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, an end partition plate I34 which preferably is disposed inside of and rests against the transverse leg of angle iron standards 8 and I8, the upper edge of this partition abutting against the underside of top plate I28 while the lower edge of the partition I34 rests upon the transverse angle iron I2, Fig. 9. This sheet metal partition I34 is held in close contact with angle irons 8 and I8 as by sheet metal screws or bolts so as to permit independent insertion or removal of the evaporator and condenser units without hindrance from the plate I34. The other end of the evaporator and condenser compartments is similarly provided, Fig. 3, with a sheet metal end wall I38 corresponding in every way as to its structure and manner of being held in position except of course its relation is in respect to end standards 8 and I I and angle iron I3.

There is thus provided a space, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 13a and 15a, defined at the ends by walls I34 and "Eat the sides by the adjacent sides of the evaporator and condenser and at the bottom by the supporting flanges I8 and II which rest upon the center frame member 28, Fig. 9. Heat insulation I26, Fig. 2, of loose or molded form is disposed in said space although for purposes of clarity this insulation is not shown in the perspective of Fig.1. Heat insulation is placed between end walls I34, I36 and the headers of the evaporator, and is also secured on the front side of the evaporator in space I26. Fig. 2.

A back plate I36, Fig. 1, covers substantially the entire rear side of the unit extending from the base channel 2, up to a point near or in contact with top piece I28, and is secured to the rear standards 8, I8 and 8 as by any suitable means such as sheet metal screws or bolts. If desired strips of rubber or other suitable noise insulating material may be interposed between the standards and the sheet metal back I36. As shown in Fig. 7 the upper edge of back plate I36 is bent slightly inwardly at I31 while a horizontal elongated opening I38 permits atmospheric communication in a manner and for a purpose to be described presently. The inside surface of back plate I36 is provided with any suitable sound insulating material I38 which, in addition, serves as heat insulation between the relatively cool room air and the relatively hot condenser cooling air. This back plate or the insulation secured thereto snugly fits against the edge of angle iron I6, Fig. 9, and also against the edge of flange 8I of the condenser.

From the foregoing it is seen that back plate I36, end walls I34 and I36, condenser plate 66 and top cover I 28, define a closed space or passage I48 leading from the top of the condenser fins out to the opening I38, thereby definitely confining the condenser cooling air in its path of fiow from fan 82, through duct I8, ejector pan 68 and over condenser 68 to opening I38.

End walls I34 and I35 and top cover I28, resting on evaporator flanges 3 I definitely confine the flow of room air as it passes from fan 82 through the evaporator assembly to the outlet opening I38.

Due to the well defined passages for the flow of condenser and evaporator air, it is seen that the flow controlling walls of the motor-compressor compartment I4I, Fig. 1, can be formed partly by the cabinet to be described presently, while the remaining walls are formed by the top cover I28 and back plate I36. Thus there is the advantage of having a definitely formed motorcompressor compartment through which flow of air may be positively guided and yet at the same time by merely removing the cabinet the equipment in the compartment is rendered conven iently accessible. If desired, under certain circumstances, the compartment for the motor compressor or equivalent compression or refrigerating mechanism, may be closed at the front and end by insulated sheet metal secured to standards 8 and 8.

Cabinet.--In order to facilitate not only the manufacture and assembly of the unit as just pointed out above, but also to permit handling of the unit during transportation or installation without danger of marring or injuring the cabinet in any way, and further to permit relatively easy inspection of or repair work to the unit while at the same time definitely forming a compartment for refrigerating mechanism, I have provided an improved cabinet so constructed and arranged that it may be brought into full cooperation with the unit with minimum efl'ort and without involving any special assembling with the mechanical features of the unit or the air ducts. To accomplish this the cabinet is provided with only three sides and a top, and is arranged so that it has no metal contact with the unit frame or mechanism therein, and in addition has a pleasing appearance from any view within the room, this being possible by having the unit arranged so as to necessitate placing of the back against the wall of the room.

As shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 6 the cabinet includes a front I50, ends I5I and I52, and a top I53, the rear corners terminating in vertical edges I54 and I55 while the rear top horizontal edge terminates at the edge I56 of the curved horizontal corner or molding. While various designs of cabinets may be used so as to please individual aesthetic tastes and allow harmonizing with the interior decoration of oifices or homes, yet in most of the designs it is preferred that as shown in Fig. 6 the lower edge I51 should be plain to permit it to fit within a suitably grooved portion I58, Fig. 20, formed around the top edge of a foot molding I59. If desired the groove may be sufficiently large to permit felt or other sound insulating material to be interposed between the edge of the cabinet and the walls of the groove. It will of course be understood that while the cabinet has been described as being made preferably of sheet metal, yet the principles herein outlined are equally applicable to a wood cabinet but in any event it is preferable that the foot molding I59 may be secured to the frame. This is accomplished, as shown in Fig. 4 and others, by the provision of a pan I62 having the molding I 59 integral therewith. It will be observed that the top edge of the foot molding lies a substantial distance away from the edges of the base channels I and 2 and end angles 9 and 4 or from any part oi the frame that might tend to obstruct the eating of the cabinet within the bottom pan I62. The pan and frame are then preferably secured together as by bolts passing through the pan and flanges of channels I and 2 or other suitable means. There is preferably placed in the bottom of pan I62 a sheet of suitable insulation I62 upon which the frame rests.

As shown in Fig. 7 the rear top corner I56 of the cabinet is adapted to overlie the top inclined edge I31 of back plate I36, there being preferably a small longitudinal strip of insulating material I64 interposed between the adjacent edges. As shown in Fig. 8 in horizontal section the rear vertical corners also slightly overlap the back plate I36 along its vertical edges while vertical insulating strips I65 are interposed between the adjacent edges.

With the cabinet in position over the unit an air opening I10 provided in the cabinet top will register, Fig. 1, with room air opening I30 of top plate I26 while a horizontal flange of grille I ll will rest upon the cabinet top and a vertical flange of the grille will project through opening "I and.

have a relatively close sliding ilt with the inside of flange I 3| extending around opening I30.

A room air inlet opening I12, Fig. 6, is provided in one end of the cabinet to receive, Fig. 20, a grille I13 to be described later in detail. The other end of the cabinet may be provided if desired with a room air exhaust opening I14 to receive, Fig. 1, a grille I15 although under certain circumstances as will be described hereinafter this grille and opening may be omitted. A small opening I90 is preferably provided in the end of the cabinet at the lower rear corner thereof to permit an electrical plug to extend therethrough for insertion within an electrical socket.

To further facilitate the flexible assembly of the cabinet and unit I have provided as shown in Fig. 6a a dummy button arrangement for starting and stopping the unit. While the electrical equipment, per se, does not constitute a part of my present invention, yet the starting buttons and coordinated motor controls for the compressor and blowers do form a part thereof insofar as the general unit is concerned and partially to that end it will be noted that I have diagrammatically shown a switch element I16 mounted on a suitable bracket I11 secured to and projecting inwardly from the corner standard I0. A push button I18 projects outwardly for axial actuation by a dummy push button I19 carried by the end of the cabinet. This dummy button may be of any usual construction such as is employed for devices of this type, so that it will sufllce to state that the button is normally pressed outwardly by a spring I80 and guided in a suitable plate I6I. It will be noted that the adjacent ends of buttons or stems I 18, I19 are spaced apart thus insuring that the cabinet may be easily placed in position without any obstruction between these buttons and yet their relation is such that the unit may be properly started and stopped. Four buttons have been shown, two of the same being used for starting and stopping the fan motor and the other two for starting and stopping the compressor-motor.

Atmospheric ducts.-To properly cool the condenser while maintaining proper conditioning of the room air'it is necessary that the condenser heat be conducted to the exterior of the room. To accomplish this with the utmost ease and simplicity of construction for an air cooled condenser, together with high emciency of operation, the unit is placed preferably adjacent a window or other suitable opening whereby my improved arrangement of passages and connections therefor will allow, in a simple and effective manner positive flow of exterior atmosphere into the unit, over the condenser and back to the exterior.

As diagrammatically shown in Fig. 2, the wall 200 of a room has a window ledge 2M and vertically movable window 202. The window is shown in slightly raised position with a sealing insert 203 held in place between the window and sill and extending across the entire width of the window opening so that the window is in effect closed. The sealing insert is provided with an opening of just sufficient size to permit, Fig. 5, inlet and outlet ducts 204 and 205 to pass therethrough for communication with the exterior atmosphere, these ducts being hereinafter referred to as atmospheric passages or equivalent terminology. These passages may assume various shapes to conform to the particular style of window or other opening and may be constructed from metal or other suitable material although in the specific emb diment of the invention herein shown the I I38, Fig. 1, of back plate I36.

of the casing thus preventing rain or the like from being drawn directly into the inlet duct, this difliculty not being present with the discharge duct 205 due to the appreciable quantity of air being discharged during operation although where heavy winds prevail it may be desirable to have the outlet open downwardly to prevent unnecessary back pressure against the discharged air. Also if discharge duct 20! is sloped or turned down, or otherwise suitably covered, it will prevent admission of rain when the unit is not in operation, and it may also be desired to have suitable screens, filters or the like over either or both atmospheric passage openings to prevent ingress of undesirable objects or living organisms such as flies and the like.

As shown in Fig. 2 the atmospheric casing 2I0 extends through the proper size opening 203' in sealing insert 203 and thence through opening The atmospheric casing has a relatively snug fit with opening I38 and projects only a slight distance inside thereof although if desired the casing around its perimeter may carry a flange 2II fitting against back plate I36.

Path of condenser air.--As shown in Fig. 5, partition 206 preferably will abutt against the intermediate standard I so as to positively directinflow of air, from opening 209 and passage 204, (Figs. 1, 3 and down over the lubricant cooling coil H9 and motor casing Ill of the motor-compressor unit and thence into inlet 2I3 of condenser fan 94 up through the condenser assembly and out, Fig. 6, through the atmospheric passage 205which has communication as shown in Fig. 3 with either part of or the major length of opening I38 in back plate I36. Air is also admitted to the other end of the opposed inlet type of rotor 03 by virtue of the air flowing down over the compressor and passing around the outside of the fan casing and thence entering the other inlet 2 I4 which is axially opposed to inlet '2I3. The air can pass around the fan casing due to the clearance between the casing and cabinet such as shown in Fig. 2 at spaces such as 2I5, 2I8 and 2H. If desired the atmospheric inlet and outlet both may be within that portion of the opening I38 extending between the standards 6 and 8, but in this case, as diagrammatically indicated in Fig. 25, the condenser is divided in the center by a transverse vertical partition 204 extending from one side of a fan 94' upwardly to internal top cover I28. A partition 206' in theatmospheric duct casing which projects through the window will coincide with the condenser partition thus causing exterior air to be drawn in by fan 94' and down over one-half of the condenser, thence through the fan and up over the other half of the condenser to be expelled to the outside.

The sealing insert is made preferably of wood or other non-metallic material that may be readily hand-shaped to fit difierent'sizes of windows, thus permitting the manufacturerto supply a standard size insert which may be cut down to fit any particular window, the insert being originally provided with its preferably fixed size opening for i '7 receiving the atmospheric, duct of preferably fixed size Modified condenser cooling air passages-In the modifications of Figs. 5, 25-27 the motor-compressor, evaporator assembly and blower, and general structural features are the same as shown in the preferred form and are accordingly given the same reference characters. However, the condenser cooling air flows over the condenser in difl'erent manners so as to obtain various advantages including, for example, a relatively short atmospheric duct that does not extend for the full length of the unit.

In Fig. 25 the condenser is substantially equally divided by a vertical partition 2I8 which extends from the internal top cover I20 down to the inlet 2I8a of a single inlet condenser fan 2I0b. End walls 2I0c and 2| 8d and suitable front and back walls form closed passages leading to'the faninlet and away from the fan discharge. An oil cooling radiator 2 lie corresponding to coil I I0 and connected by pipes 2I0j to the compressor, is placed preferably near the inlet side of the fan 2I8b. This fan is driven my motor 90 which also drives room air fan 9| for circulating room air over the evaporator, the structure and operation thereof being identical to the preferred form.

.This modified condenser arrangement operates by having outside air fiow inwardly through an opening 2I8g, thence downwardly and over the lubricant cooler 2I8e, into fan 2I8b from which the air is propelled upwardly through a'condensate ejector pan 2I8h (corresponding to but shorter than pan 69 of the preferred form) and over the remaining half of the condenser to be discharged to the outside through an opening 2I8i. A suitable atmospheric duct casing projectlng through a window is associated with openings 2| 8g and 2 I81, these openings of course being formed in the back plate of the unit corresponding to I36 of the preferred form.

In Fig. 26 the condenser is divided by a longitudinal vertical partition I20 which turns outwardly at I20a, to form inlet and outlet atmospherical ducts I20!) and I200. Partition I20 in combination with front and back walls I20d and I20e and suitable end walls form closed passages I20) and I20g leading respectively to the inlet of a fan I20h (similar to 2I8b) and from the tangential outlet thereof. These passages in elevation are inclined upwardly to provide a space beneath the condenser for the evaporator fan and common driving motor. The operation of this arrangement is believed to be clear in that outside condenser cooling air will be drawn in through passage I20b which extends through a suitable opening in a back'plate of the unit, this opening being about equal to the combined length of openings 2 I8g and 2i 82 of Fig. 25. The air thence flows downwardly over the forward half of the condenser to the fan inlet and is discharged from the tangential outlet of the fan upwardly past the condensate ejector pan I20i and thence up over the rear portion of the condenser to be disditional width of the room cooler unit. Passage I221; communicates with the inlet of a fan |22c which is similar to the fan 2|8b of Fig. 25, the air discharging from the tangential fan outlet upwardly through a passage |22d and past a condensate ejector pan |22e (identical to ejector pan 69) and over the lower group of condenser tubes to discharge the condenser heat to the outside air through a passage I22f. In elevation the passages |22b and |22d are inclined upwardly, similar to the corresponding passages in the other forms, to provide a space beneath the condenser for the evaporator fan and common driving motor. In the modifications of Figs. 26 and 27 the lubricant cooling coil is disposed preferably adjacent the single inlet of the fans |20h and |22c in the manner generally shown in Fig. 25.

Room air passages and filter.--Reverting again to the preferred form as shown in Fig. 4 and particularly in the enlarged view of Fig. 20 the grille "3 which fits within opening I12, Fig. 6, has an inwardly projecting flange 225 of rectangular form extending around the grille for telescopic engagement with a rectangular flange 226, the side edge being open as at 221 while the inner side 228 is entirely closed except for a circular opening 230 into which is received an annular flange 23| of room fan 9|. The bottom of rectangular flange 226 has an upwardly offset portion 232 extending entirely across the width of flange 226. The flange is supported at its lower side by an angle iron 233 secured in the corner of the offset portion 232 as by sheet metal screws, soldering or other suitable means and this angle iron in turn as shown in Fig. 21 is secured to the corner standards 6 and l as by suitable bolts 234. The top portion of the flange 226 is similarly provided with a transverse angle iron 235 which is also secured to standards 6 and I as by bolts 236.

A filter generally indicated at 231 comprises a frame preferably in the form of a sheet metal pan having a perforated vertically disposed back or bottom portion 238 turned at its edges to provide sides 239, these sides thence being turned inwardly to provide, Fig. 21, a rim 240. As shown in Figs. 20 and 21 the lower outer corner of the frame is pivotally supported on the offset portion 232 as by a pair of hinges MI. The filter proper may be of any material suitable for filtering purposes such as metallic wool, preferably non-corrosive, although fibrous or cellulose filters may likewise be employed, any of which are herein diagrammatically indicated at 243. The filter material is removably held in position preferably by a series of vertical rods or bars 244 whose lower ends as shown more clearly in Fig. 23 are bent outwardly as at 245 to be received in suitable openings in the lower rim 240 while the upper ends of the rods are offset as shown at 246 to provide a hinge joint in suitable openings in the upper horizontal rim 240. Hence in this construction with the rods in their holding position as shown, if it is desired to remove the filter a person may merely press inwardly on the lower ends of rods 244 to free the bent ends 245 from their openings thereby permitting the holding rods 244 to be swung vertically about the axis of the offset upper ends 246 to permit the filter material to be easily and directly removed. The holding rods 244 are preferably slightly bowed inwardly along their length so as to provide a spring effect in holding the filter material firmly and also for holding the rods in position.

To facilitate periodic cleaning of the filter and thus avoid too long continued use thereof with consequent reduced efficiency, it is preferable that the filter be adapted to be moved into a position having at least a horizontal component of direction along its face without necessarily completely removing the filter from the unit. To accomplish the foregoing I have in one aspect of the invention as illustrated herein, Fig. 20, shown the hinges 2 previously described. These hinges will permit the filter to be swung outwardly to the dotted line position 231' whereupon by merely striking or tapping the filter frame, dirt or other foreign matter will be dislodged to fall into a suitable receptacle placed beneath which a person may desire to use. The filter may be held in its normal position by a suitable spring held latch 246 for engagement with any suitable projection such as a rivet head or the like, and if desired, the spring latch may be provided with a finger engaging portion to facilitate release of the latch.

Path of room aim-From the foregoing description it is seen, particularly from Figs. 4, 20 and 2 that the path of flow of the room air is from the room through the room air grille I13, thence through filter 231 into inlet 23|' to be discharged upwardly by the room fan motor 9|, through the spiral fan casing 92 which communicates with the right rear side of the plenum chamber in lower duct 45 of the evaporator assembly, the air passing upwardly around the sides of the drip pan 4| and thence between condensate deflectors 39 to then pass upwardly through the evaporator to be cooled thereby and thence discharged into the room through grille 1|.

In Fig. 4 and others it will be noted that the motor side of fan casing 92' is completely closed, with the exception of a circular hole to receive the shaft of fan motor for attachment to the fan rotor 9|, by a plate 90'. The motor side of fan rotor 9| may also be of a solid plate 9| located with as little clearance as is mechanically feasible adjacent to plate 90. This construction of the fan casing and rotor tends effectually to prevent any condenser air, which may surround the motor side of the evaporator 24 to be discharged into the room.

It will further be seen that the location of the various elements comprising the condenser and evaporator air ducts and passages, in the manner previously described, lend themselves to the creation of what amounts to a pocket" of comparatively motionless air surrounding the outside of fan casing 92, with the obvious exception of the fan intake 23l'. Since the coefiicient of heat transfer from metal to air decreases greatly with the velocity of the air surrounding the metal, the constructional creation of the aforementioned pocket of nearly motionless air obliterates the need for insulating the fan casing.

Ventilator.--Ventilation for the room may be effected if desired by adding to the room a controlled quantity of fresh, filtered, dehumidified and cooled airwithout interfering with the normal operation of the unit and without necessitating usual cumbersome methods of bypassing a portion of the room air. To accomplish this in one specific aspect of the invention as shown herein, there is provided as shown in Figs. 3 and 20-22 a relatively narrow and short slot 256 having a valve 25| preferably of the balanced butterfiytype pivotally adjusted on a horizontal axis by a shaft 252 journalled in end brackets amass? the valve for adjusting the quantity of air flow therethrough.

The fresh ventilating air is diverted, Fig. 20. from the flow of condenser cooling air in lowerduct 84 before passing over condenser 80 and being heated thereby. As shown more fully in Fig. 20 the air enters what might be termed a filter space or chamber 280 where the fresh air mixes with the returned room air to be passed through filter 231 for circulation over the evaporator 24 by fan 8|.

Coordinated Ian and compressor operation.- As shown diagrammatically in Fig. 24, I have provided improved electrical circuits for controlling the compressor and fans so that the fans must be started before operation of the compressor thus insuring minimum possibility of excessive refrigerant pressure being built up in the compressor system, as would otherwise occur in the event the compressor was started and run unknowingly for an appreciable period of time without operation of the fan and yet it is desirable to be able to operate the fan without necessarily operating the compressor in order to have positive air circulation in the room if desired. To accomplish the above, fan motor starting button 215' is pushed inwardly to simultaneously connect the three sets of contacts 218 whereupon current may flow from supply lines 211 to fan motor 80. Connected to any two of the fan motor lead wires 218 is a circuit including wire 218, a pilot or solenoid relay 288, a wire 28l in which are connected in series an air vane relay generally indicated at 282, a pressure switch 283, a thermostat 284 and a thermostat or humidostat 285 all diagrammatically indicated. It will be noted that these switches are in the form of a pilot circuit for the compressor motor or motor starter and that accordingly any of the same may be omitted or if desired there may be inserted any additional switches functioning in response to any predeter-' mined conditions such as temperature, humidity, air flow, abnormal temperatures in the elements of the unit or abnormal pressures in the refrigerating cycle or other various conditions or abnormal temperatures or humidity conditions of the internal or external air. With the four switches as shown, however, it is assumed that the air vane relay 282 is disposed either in the flow of the condenser cooling air, or in the flow of room air before it leaves the unit, so that the switch closes only when fan motor 90' starts circulation of the condenser or room air, thereby permitting the compressor motor to operate only if the fan ducts are free of any obstructions to the flow. For instance, a person might accidentally or in-. tentionally cover the outlet grille I'll for the room air, or the atmospheric ducts might also have been accidentally covered or by chance after long Switch 284 is assumed to be controlled by a thermostat responsive to the temperature of the condenser cooling air so that if this temperature is below a predetermined value this switch .wlll be closed whereas if the condenser air rises to a danger point the switch will automatically open.

Switch 285 is assumed to be responsive to room temperature adapted to be closed when the temperature is above a predetermined value and to open when below that value thereby to permit automatic starting and stopping of the compressor in response to room temperature conditions. Switch 285 may also be assumed as a combined humidostat and thermostat designed to be open only when the conditions of humidity and temperature are agreeable to the person or persons utilizing this air conditioning unit. It is also preferable that the other switches 282, 283 and 284 automatically open and close their contacts in response to their respective controlling. conditions.

With the various controlling conditions normally adapted to have switches 282-285 in their closed position as above described, it is seen that the compressor motor may now be manually started by pressing push button 286 to simultaneously close the three sets of contacts 281, whereupon current flows through leads 288, thence across pilot contacts 288 to the compressor motor I I4.

To stop the fan and compressor motors simultaneously it is only necessary to press the other push button 215', thus simultaneously disconnecting the three sets of contacts 218 to break the circuit toboth the fan and compressor motors. However, if it is desired to stop only the compressor motor and allow the fan motor to continue operating, push button 28l' is pressed in to disconnect the three sets of contacts 28! thereby stopping only the compressor motor.

General operation.--From the immediately foregoing description of the fan and compressor motor controls, it will be-assumed that the various elements of the unit are normally'functioning, in which case lubricating oil is being circulated by a suitable pump, not'shown, from within the motor casing I I4 upwardly through its center outlet HI and through the finned coil or other suitable radiator Il9 to be returned at I20 to the motor-compressor unit. This coil H9 is cooled by atmospheric air entering, Figs. 2 and 5, through inlet 209, and thence flowing through duct 204 and, Fig. 3, downwardly over the motor-compressor unit and coil H9 to be admitted to fan inlet 2", Fig. 3, and also admitted to the other inlet of said fan by flowing through ducts 2l5, 2l6 and 2", Fig. 2, around fan casing 92 to said other inlet 2, the air thence flowing upwardly from the fan rotor through the lower duct 84 of the condenser assembly and upwardly through ejector openings 15, Figs. 2 and 15a, to entrain by an ejector action any condensate which has accumulated therein from the evaporator to be presently referred to. The air thence flows upwardly through the condenser 60 and out to the atmosphere through duct 205 to discharge condenser heat.

Room air is circulated over evaporator 24, Figs. 1, 2 and 20, as by having the room air enter grille I13, see particularly Fig. 20, and thence flow through filter 231 and into inlet 23! of fan 96, from which. the air is discharged as shown in Figs. 4 and 13b into a side inlet opening 53 of a lower duct 45 and thence flows upwardly as shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 13a around a drip or col-

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