WO2015163816A1

WO2015163816A1 - Compressor or suction muffler

Info

Publication number: WO2015163816A1
Application number: PCT/SG2015/000113
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takayuki Okamoto; San Haw CHONG; Ching Khoon Yeoh; Kok How Wan; Kai Wei Kevin TEO
Original assignee: Panasonic Corporation; Panasonic Appliances Refrigeration Devices Singapore
Priority date: 2014-04-21
Filing date: 2015-04-06
Publication date: 2015-10-29
Also published as: SG10201401663VA

Abstract

The present invention describes suction hoods (120, 120a, 120b) for external mounting at an inlet port (112, 112a) of a suction muffler (100, 100a, 1000b, 100c) for a refrigeration system. The suction hoods (120, 120a, etc) are securely located at the inlet port by a clamping member (154, 116a, 118) and a locking mechanism disposed across the inlet port from the clamping member. In an embodiment, the clamping member (154, 116a) goes through an upper hoop (124) on the suction hood (120, etc) and may contact or cooperate with an extension member (116, 154c). The locking mechanism includes a peg-and-hoop (114,126) or pin-and-hole (162-128, 166-129) configuration.

Description

Compressor or Suction Muffler

Field of Invention

[001] The present invention relates generally to suction mufflers for a hermetic compressor. In particular, it relates to suction hoods for mounting at an inlet port of the suction muffler.

Background

[002] Hermetic compressors are commonly used in refrigeration machines, such as, refrigerators, freezers, water fountains and air-conditioners. The compressor may employ an electric motor to reciprocate a piston in a cylinder block to draw, compress and discharge refrigerant in a refrigeration system. To reduce vibration during operation, the compressor and electric motor assembly is suspended on springs inside a hermetic shell. Connected through the hermetic shell are a suction pipe, a discharge pipe and an electric connector for supplying power to the electric motor.

[003] FIG. 1 shows parts of a known hermetic compressor 10, including an electric motor 70 and an associated electric connector 60. As can be seen from FIG. 1, refrigerant 20 is drawn from a condenser (not shown) located outside the hermetic shell 12 through a suction pipe 30 into a suction muffler 40 before the refrigerant is compressed in a cylinder block 50 and then discharged through a discharge pipe 32. Due to friction between the moving parts and dynamic flow of the refrigerant during operation, the internal components of the compressor 10 vibrate with respect to the hermetic shell. The suction muffler 40 has a hollow cavity and is provided, at least, to attenuate noises in the refrigerant and generally in the compressor 10. In addition, to avoid knocking of the internal components due to vibration of the compressor 10, a space is provided between the internal components of the compressor 10 and the hermetic shell 12, in particular, between the end of the suction pipe 30 and the suction muffler 40. To improve the flow of the refrigerant 20 from the suction pipe 30 into the suction muffler 40, the inlet 42 at the suction muffler is funnel shaped. The funnel-shaped inlet 42 is usually provided with a separate hood that is attached or mounted onto the suction muffler 40. Due to the small space between the hermetic shell 12 and suction muffler 40 and intermittent starting- stopping of the electric motor 70 coupled to the compressor, the funnel-shaped inlet or hood 42 comes into periodic contact with the hermetic shell 12 during operation.

Patent literature:

[004] Korean patent publication no. KRl 00816827, assigned to LG Electronics Inc., discloses a suction hood that is attachable onto a protrusion formed around an inlet port of a suction muffler. The protrusion is square in section and has a circumferential groove in which a ridge on the suction hood snaps in with to hold the suction hood in position.

[005] Korean patent publication no. KR2010084067, also assigned to LG Electronics Inc., discloses a suction muffler consisting of two halves and a suction hood. The suction hood is clamped between the two halves when the two halves are fitted and adhesively joined together.

[006] Korean patent publication no. KR100857130, assigned to Daewoo Electronics Corp., discloses a flexible bellow connected between a suction pipe and a muffler.

[007] Korean patent publication no. KR100857128, assigned also to Daewoo Electronics Corp., discloses a trumpet-shaped coil spring connected between a suction pipe and a muffler.

[008] Korean patent publication no. KRl 00816829, assigned to LG Electronics Inc., discloses a flexible sleeve that is fitted into a suction hole of a suction muffler.

[009] Korean patent publication no. WO2007/0839905, assigned to Samsung, discloses a suction hood that is coupled or insert moulded between two halves of a muffler body.

Objective of Invention:

[0010] As can be realized, the mounting of the suction hood must be positive, secure and reliable. Preferably, the mounting is simple and does not introduce additional parts, processes and costs. From the limitations of the known suction hood, it can thus be seen that there exists a need to provide other types of suction hoods at the inlet port of the suction muffler. Summary of Invention

[0011] The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of the present invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention, and is not intended to identify key features of the invention. Rather, it is to present some of the inventive concepts of this invention in a generalised form as a prelude to the detailed description that is to follow.

Technical Problems:

[0012] Refrigerant in a compressor is heated up as it travels from the suction pipe into and through the suction muffler. This reduces the efficiency of the compressor. To solve this problem, a suction hood is conventionally located between the suction muffler and the hermetic shell. Some prior art documents suggest ways of attaching the suction hood at the inlet port of the suction muffler. Some of these conventional suction hoods drop off from the suction muffler during operation. Others require additional components, machines or processes for attaching the suction hoods to the suction mufflers, thus increasing the manufacturing costs.

Solutions to Problems:

[0013] For solving the above problems, the present invention provides a compressor employing suction hoods according to several embodiments, as follow:

[0014] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a compressor comprising: a suction muffler having a body that comprises two hollow cooperating halves, with the hollow body having an inlet port and an outlet port; and a suction hood for mounting onto an exterior surface at the inlet port by a clamping member, wherein the clamping member is integrally formed on one of the two cooperating halves, such that after the two cooperating halves are fitted and fused together, the suction hood is positively and securely located by the clamping member, and the suction hood cannot be removed without tearing the suction hood or breaking the clamping member. [0015] In another embodiment, the two cooperating halves of the suction muffler comprise an upper half and a lower half with respect to the compressor in its substantially upright position, wherein the inlet port is located at a bottom portion of the lower muffler half and the clamping member is L-shaped, with a long limb of the L-shaped clamping member extending in a substantially downward direction from the upper muffler half and directing to the inlet port. In another embodiment, the two cooperating halves comprise an upper half and a lower half with respect to the compressor in its substantially upright position, wherein the inlet port is located at a bottom portion of the lower half and the clamping member is L-shaped, with a long limb of the L-shaped clamping member extending in a substantially upward direction from the lower half pointing away from the inlet port. In yet another embodiment, the two cooperating halves comprise lateral left and right muffler halves with respect to the compressor in its substantially upright position, where the inlet and outlet ports are disposed on the same lateral half.

[0016] Preferably, the suction hood comprises a hoop disposed on an upper surface, and the clamping member is operable to go through a space formed by the hoop, so that the suction hood is positively and securely located at the inlet port. The muffler body may comprise an extension member which may contact or cooperate with the clamping member. The contacting ends of the clamping member and extension member may comprise a male- female, hook-catch or interlocking hook-hook connection.

[0017] In another embodiment, the suction muffler comprises a locking mechanism disposed substantially across the inlet port from the clamping member. The locking mechanism includes: a hoop and a cooperating peg or a pin and cooperating hole that are separately located on the suction hood and muffler body.

Advantageous Effects of Invention:

[0018] The present invention is directed to compressors employing new designs of suction mufflers. In particular, each of these suction mufflers uses a new suction hood mounted onto an exterior surface at an inlet port. Each suction hood is located by a clamping member and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is disposed across the inlet port from the clamping member. Employing the clamping and locking mechanisms disposed separately on opposite sides of the inlet port ensures that the mounting of the suction hood at the inlet port is positive, secure and reliable. Advantageously, in use, the suction hood cannot drop off or be removed without tearing the suction hood or breaking the clamping member. The process of attaching the suction hoods of the present invention around the inlet ports is simple and does not require any additional member, tool or modification to existing manufacturing equipment, thus avoiding any increase in costs of manufacturing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] This invention will be described by way of non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates parts of a known hermetic compressor;

[0021] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a suction muffler according to an embodiment of the present invention; whilst FIG. 2B is a section view of the suction hood at the inlet port of the suction muffler shown in FIG. 2 A and FIG. 2C illustrates the mounting of the suction hood akthe inlet port;

[0022] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate a suction muffler according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 4A illustrates a suction muffler according to another embodiment of the present invention; whilst FIGs. 4B and 4C are exploded views of the suction muffler shown in FIG. 4 A; FIG. 4D illustrates a front view of the suction muffler and FIG. 4E illustrates a sectional view of the suction hood at the inlet port of the muffler; and

[0024] FIGs. 5A-5E illustrate a suction muffler according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments [0025] One or more specific and alternative embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings. It shall be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that this invention may be practised without such specific details. Some of the details may not be described at length so as not to obscure the invention. For ease of reference, common reference numerals or series of numerals will be used throughout the figures when referring to the same or similar features common to the figures.

Embodiment 1 :

[0026] FIG. 2 A shows an exploded view of a suction muffler 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2 A, the suction muffler 100 is made up of a lower half 110 and an upper half 150. When assembled, the lower and upper halves are fitted and fused together to form a substantially hollow body for reducing noise in the refrigerant 20 and generally in the compressor 10. The suction muffler 100 is made of a plastic material that is chemically resistant to both the refrigerant 20 and lubricating oil in the compressor 10 and is designed to withstand a temperature of substantially about 170 degreeC. Preferably, the plastic material has low heat conductivity to minimise heat from being conducted to the refrigerant 20 during its passage through the suction muffler 100.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2 A, the lower half 110 of the suction muffler 100 has an inlet port 112 whilst an outlet port 152 is located on the upper half 150. A generally funnel-shaped suction hood 120 is fitted externally to the inlet port 112 to direct refrigerant 20 into the suction muffler 100. The funnel-shaped suction hood 120 is made of a pliable material, such as rubber, and serves to reduce the gap between the inlet port 112 and the end of the suction pipe 30 without restraining vibration of the internal components of the compressor during operation.

[0028] FIG. 2B shows a section view of the suction hood 120 and the parts of the lower muffler half 110 at the inlet port 112, whilst FIG. 2C shows an exploded view of the suction hood 120 from the inlet port 112. As shown in FIGs. 2 A and 2B, the suction hood 120 has a hoop 124 disposed on an upper surface 121 of the suction hood and a rear hoop 126 disposed on a rear surface 122. When the suction hood 120 is mounted on the exterior surface at the inlet port 112, the rear hoop 126 is engaged with a peg 114 that projects from the lower half 110 of the muffler body. Preferably, the hoop 124 and the rear hoop 126 are disposed on opposite sides of an aperture 123 on the suction hood that corresponds to the inlet port 112.

[0029] Referring to FIGs. 2A and 2C, when the suction hood 120 is mounted at the inlet port 112, the hoop 124 straddles across an extension member 116 that extends laterally out of a sidewall of the lower muffler half 110 at a position above the inlet port 112. The extension member 116 is longer than a width of the hoop 124 so that the extension member 116 projects out at the other side of the hoop 124 as seen in FIG. 2 A. Also as seen in FIG. 2 A, the upper half 150 of the muffler body has an integrally formed L-shaped clamping member 154. The clamping member 154 has a short limb 154a and a long limb 154b. The short limb 154a is connected to a rim portion of the upper muffler half 150 and dimensioned so that the long limb 154b is spaced away from the upper muffler half and extends downwards along a side of the lower muffler half 110 to butt with the extension member 116. When the upper and lower halves 110, 150 of the suction muffler are fitted together in the direction of arrows YY as seen in FIG. 2A, a tip 156 of the long limb 154b contacts with the extension member 116 to form a hoop to securely locate the suction hood 120 in position at the inlet port 112. In a variation, the extension member 116 has a receiving end 117, which is shaped and dimensioned to receive or engage with the tip 156 of the long limb 154b. The receiving end 117 may be closed, or open as shown in FIG. 2 A or 2C. Once the upper and lower halves 110, 150 of the suction muffler are fused together, for example, by high frequency electromagnetic induction to a wire 170 disposed at the interface between the upper and lower halves, the suction hood 120 can no longer be removed from the suction muffler 100 without tearing the suction hood 120 itself or breaking the L-shaped clamping member 154.

[0030] The mounting of the suction hood 120 in the present invention is distinguished from those in the prior art in that the L-shaped clamping member 154 extending from the upper muffle half 150 is contiguous or connected to the extension member 116 located on the lower muffler half 110 in a plastic-to-plastic joint; in this way, after the upper and lower muffler halves are fused together, the suction hood 120 cannot be displaced or removed from the inlet port 112 without tearing the suction hood 120 or breaking the L-shaped clamping member 154. The rear hoop 126 and peg 114 serve as an additional locking mechanism to securely locate the suction hood 120 at the inlet port 112. An advantage of this embodiment is that there is no additional tool or component required for attaching the suction hood 120 to the suction muffler 100. To attach the suction hood 120 on the suction muffler 100, it is easy for an operator to engage the rear hoop 126 of the suction hood with the peg 114 on the lower muffler half 110, and then fits the suction hood around the inlet port 112 and at the same time ensures the hoop 124 goes over the extension member 116.

Embodiment 2:

[0031] In another embodiment of the suction muffler (not shown in the figures), the positions of the L-shaped clamping member 154 and the associated extension member 116 are reversed with respect to the above embodiment; in other words, the L-shaped clamping member 154 is located on the lower muffler half 110 whilst the extension member 116 is located on the rim portion of the upper muffler half 150. The sequence in the steps for attaching the suction hood 120 is different from the sequence employed in the above embodiment. For example, due to the length of the clamping member 154, the hoop 124 is first threaded over the clamping member 154 before the suction hood 120 is fitted around the inlet port 112 and the rear hoop 126 is stretched over the peg 114.

Embodiment 3:

[0032] In another embodiment (not shown in the figures), the peg 114 on the lower muffler half in the above embodiments is formed as a hoop, whilst the rear hoop 126 on the suction hood is formed as a peg to cooperate with the hoop on the lower muffler half.

Embodiment 4:

[0033] FIGs, 3 A and 3B shows a suction muffler 100a according to another embodiment of the present invention. The suction muffler 100a is similar to embodiment 2 in that the member 116a on the lower muffler half 110 is L- or hook-shaped and the member 154c on the upper muffler half 150 is a simple elongation for contact or engagement with the reshaped member 116a. However, for suction muffler 100a, the inlet port 112 is closer to the rim portion of the lower muffler half 110 when compared with the above suction muffler 100; the vertically extending limb of the L-shaped lower clamping member 116a is thus shorter than that of the above suction muffler TOO. As shown in FIG. 3B, when the upper and lower muffler halves 110, 150 are fitted together, the lower member 116a contacts or engages with the upper member 154c. In a variation, the end of the upper member 154c has a locking element to cooperate with the lower member 116a, for example, in a male-female connection, an interlocking hook connection or a hook-catch connection. As in the above embodiments, when the upper and lower muffler halves 110, 150 are fitted together, the lower member 116a contacts or engages with the upper member 154c to securely locate the suction hood 120 at the inlet port 112 so that the suction hood 120 cannot be removed from the inlet port without tearing the suction hood or breaking the clamping member 116a. In addition, the suction hood is easy to fit around the inlet port as in the above embodiments.

Embodiment 5:

[0034] FIG. 4A shows a suction muffler 100b according to another embodiment of the present invention. The suction muffler 100b is made up of 2 parts, a lateral left 110a and lateral right hand 150a, as seen in FIG 4 A. As in the above embodiments, the suction muffler 100b also has an inlet port 112a and an outlet port 152a, but both the inlet and outlet ports are now located on the lateral right hand 150a part. The lateral left hand 110a part has a clamping member 118 disposed adjacent the inlet port 112a to locate a suction hood 120a at the inlet port 112a when the two lateral parts are fitted together.

[0035] FIGs. 4B and 4C show exploded views of the suction muffler 100b; as seen in the figures, the inlet port 112a has a flow guide 160 formed partially around the inlet port. The flow guide 160 is C-shaped and has a partly cylindrical surface. In one embodiment, the clamping member 118 has a straight edge 119 for contact with a corresponding straight portion of the suction hood 120a. When the suction muffler 100b is assembled, the suction hood 120a is fitted over the flow guide 160 and the straight edge 119 of the clamping member 118 holds the suction hood 120a in position at the inlet port 112a. In addition, on an exterior cylindrical surface of the flow guide 160, there are two projecting pins 162 (which are more clearly seen in FIG 4E). Cooperating with the pins 162 are two corresponding holes 128 on the suction hood 120a. Depending on the lengths of the pins 162, the holes 128 may be blind holes or through holes. In use, the pin-and-hole mechanism serves as an additional locking mechanism to ensure that the mounting of the suction hood 120a at the inlet port 112a is secure. As in the above embodiments, after the lateral parts of the suction muffler 100b are fused, the suction hood 120a cannot be displaced or removed from the inlet port 112a without tearing, or breaking the clamping member 118. Embodiment 6:

[0036] FIG. 5 A shows a suction muffler 100c according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Suction muffler 100c is similar to the above embodiment 100b except that on a flat portion 164 of the flow guide 160b, there is a pin 166 projecting out of the flat portion 164. In cooperating with the pin 166, the suction hood 120b has a corresponding aperture 129. Preferably, the length of the pin 166 is equal or slightly shorter than the thickness of the suction hood 120b that is contiguous with the flat portion 164 so that the suction hood 120b is securely located in position at the inlet port 112a by the clamping member 118.

[0037] The suction mufflers 100, 100a, 100b, 100c of the present invention differ from known suction mufflers in that there is no need to use additional elements or tools for assembly; for example, some known suction mufflers may use a screw to fix a clamping member onto the muffler to secure the suction hood, or may use an additional clip to hold the suction hood onto the flow guide or muffler body. The use of additional elements for assembling the suction muffler or suction hood creates a reliability concern, besides increasing the number of parts and adding material and process costs. Further, the suction hoods 120, 120a, 120b cannot be dismantled from the inlet port after the two parts of the suction muffler 100a - 100c are fused together. In addition, the locking mechanisms disposed on the side of the inlet port opposite from the extension or clamping member are provided to positively and securely locate the suction hood 120, 120a, 120b at the inlet port 112, 112a.

[0038] While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, it is understood that many changes, modifications, variations and combinations thereof could be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the inlet port may be of a different shape, and the suction hoods are shaped accordingly.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A compressor comprising:

a suction muffler having a body that comprises two hollow cooperating halves, with the hollow body having an inlet port and an outlet port; and

a suction hood for mounting onto an exterior surface at the inlet port by a clamping member, wherein the clamping member is integrally formed on one of the two cooperating halves, such that after the two cooperating halves are fitted and fused together, the suction hood is positively and securely located by the clamping member, and the suction hood cannot be removed without tearing the suction hood or breaking the clamping member.

2. A compressor according to claim 1, wherein the two cooperating halves comprise an upper half and a lower half with respect to the compressor in its substantially upright position, wherein the inlet port is located at a bottom portion of the lower muffler half and the clamping member is L-shaped, with a long limb of the L-shaped clamping member extending in a substantially downward direction from the upper muffler half and directing to the inlet port.

3. A compressor according to claim 2, wherein the suction hood comprises a hoop disposed on an upper surface, and the lower muffler half further comprises an extension member projecting from a sidewall near the inlet port and extending through a space formed by the hoop to contact with a tip of the long limb of the L-shaped clamping member, so that the suction hood is positively and securely located at the inlet port.

4. A compressor according to claim 1, wherein the two cooperating halves comprise an upper half and a lower half with respect to the compressor in its substantially upright position, wherein the inlet port is located at a bottom portion of the lower half and the clamping member is L-shaped, with a long limb of the L-shaped clamping member extending in a substantially upward direction from the lower half pointing away from the inlet port. ^*

5. A compressor according to claim 4, wherein the suction hood comprises; a hoop disposed on an upper surface, and the clamping member is operable to go through a space formed by the hoop, so that the suction hood is positively and securely located at the inlet port.

6. A compressor according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the upper muffler half further comprises an extension member projecting from a rim portion and dimensioned to contact a tip of the long limb of the L-shaped clamping member.

7. A compressor according to claim 3 or 6, wherein the contacting ends of the extension member and long limb of the L-shaped clamping member comprise a male- female, a hook-catch or an interlocking hook-hook plastic-to-plastic connection.

8. A compressor according to any one of claims 3-7, wherein a short limb of the L- shaped clamping member is connected to the upper or lower muffler half, with the short limb being dimensioned so that ends of the long limb of the L-shaped clamping member and the extension member contact and engage with one another.

9. A compressor according to any one of claims 1-8, further comprising a locking mechanism, such that the clamping member and the locking mechanism are disposed substantially across each other over the inlet port.

10. A compressor according to claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a peg extending in a substantially downward direction from the lower muffler half and a cooperating hoop disposed on a rear surface of the suction hood.

11. A compressor according to claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a hoop disposed on the lower muffler half and a cooperating peg extending from a rear surface of the suction hood.

12. ' A compressor according to claim 1, wherein the two cooperating halves comprise lateral left and right muffler halves with respect to the compressor in its substantially upright position, where the inlet and outlet ports are disposed on the same lateral half.

13. A compressor according to claim 12, wherein the inlet port has a flow guide that extends out of the hollow body.

14. A compressor according to claim 13, wherein the suction hood is fitted over the flow guide.

15. A compressor according to claim 14, wherein the clamping member has a straight edge, such that the suction hood and flow guide also have corresponding straight edges.

16. A compressor according to claim 15, wherein an exterior cylindrical surface of the flow guide that is opposite the straight edge has an extending pin to cooperate with a hole disposed on an inside surface of the suction hood.

17. A compressor according to claim 16, wherein the pin-and-hole locking mechanism comprises two or more pin-hole locking mechanisms.

18. A compressor according to claim 16. or 17, wherein the hole comprises an aperture.

19. A compressor according to any one of claims 15-18, wherein an exterior surface on the straight edge of the flow guide has an extending pin to cooperate with a hole or aperture

< on the suction hood.

20. A compressor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow body is made of a plastic material of low heat conductivity and the suction hood is made a pliable material. ■ ^' . ·^■ · _ ^{" '}

21. A suction muffler comprising:

a muffler body comprising two hollow cooperating halves, with the hollow muffler body having an inlet port and an outlet port; and '

a suction hood for mounting onto an exterior surface at the inlet port by a clamping member, wherein the clamping member is integrally formed on one of the . two cooperating halves.

22. A suction muffler according to claim 21, wherein the two cooperating muffler halves are as defined by any one of claims 1-20.

23. A suction muffler according to claim 22, wherein the suction hood is defined by any one of claims 1-20.