WO2021081608A1

WO2021081608A1 - Arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2021081608A1
Application number: PCT/BR2019/050475
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rinaldo Puff; Cristiano STUMPF
Original assignee: Embraco Indústria De Compressores E Soluções Em Refrigeração Ltda.
Priority date: 2019-11-01
Filing date: 2019-11-01
Publication date: 2021-05-06

Abstract

An arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment is disclosed, said arrangement including at least one damping element specially adapted for attaching a reciprocating compressor in a refrigerator and at least one interface element capable of being disposed over the damping element and capable of receiving a base plate fixed to the lower region of the hermetic housing of the reciprocating compressor. The interface element comprising at least one upper limit stop capable of limiting its axial displacement over the damping element and at least one lower limit stop capable of limiting the axial displacement of the base plate.

Description

“ARRANGEMENT FOR SUPPORTING COMPRESSOR IN A REFRIGERATION

EQUIPMENT”

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention refers to an arrangement for supporting compressor in refrigeration equipment and, more particularly, a support arrangement including at least one damping element specially adapted to attach a reciprocating compressor in a refrigerator. The invention in question stands out for presenting a support arrangement with lower manufacturing cost, and it is applicable to a wide range of compressor and refrigerators models.

[0002] Said arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment, object of the invention in question, also allows a better control and dimensioning of the relative vertical positioning between the compressor base and the top of the support surface of the refrigeration equipment, and it also allows, due to the use of higher dampers and different geometries, enabling damping control according to the needs of each application project.

Background of the Invention

[0003] As is well known to those skilled in the art, compressors used in refrigeration systems, usually reciprocating compressors, comprise a plurality of functional elements and systems disposed within a normally hermetic housing.

[0004] In the vast majority of existing applications, the relative vertical positioning between the compressor base and the top of the support surface of the refrigeration equipment does not comprise a highly relevant technical aspect.

[0005] On the other hand, extremely specific applications are known in which the relative vertical positioning between the compressor base and the top of the support surface of the refrigeration equipment comprises an extremely relevant and sometimes impeditive technical aspect. In general terms, these specific applications are related to the space dedicated to the compressor housing inside the refrigeration equipment, which tends to be especially reduced in small refrigeration equipment. Therefore, particularly in these specific applications, it is observed a demand for the compressor to occupy this space as optimally as possible. [0006] To this end, the technical solution described in patent document JP3722149 is highlighted.

[0007] Patent document JP 3722149 describes and illustrates a refrigerator that, among other trivial and traditional features, comprises an upper space especially dedicated to the compressor housing, which is fundamentally reduced. In this regard, the technical solution described in this patent document anticipates the use of support base plates, each of these support base plates being disposed between the base of the hermetic housing of the compressor and the top of the support surface of the upper space of the refrigerator housing and comprising two distinct vertical levels of attachment, the lower level being intended for fixing the base of the hermetic housing of the compressor and the upper level being intended for attachment to a damper disposed at the top of the support surface of the upper space of the refrigerator housing. The configuration of these support base plates allows the base of the hermetic housing of the compressor to be disposed flush with the top of the support surface of the upper space of the refrigerator housing, that is, the configuration of these support base plates allows the vertical distance between the base of the hermetic housing of the compressor and the top of the support surface of the upper space of the refrigerator housing to be less than the height of the damper disposed on the top of the support surface of the upper space of the refrigerator housing.

[0008] Considering that the support base plates described in patent document JP 3722149 are made by means of mechanical stamping processes, it is verified that the distance between the lower level and the upper level of attachment is always standing, that is, not adjustable. This means that a support base plate especially appropriate to a particular damper of a certain height (arranged on top of the support surface of the upper space of the refrigerator housing) cannot be used in conjunction with another damper of another height, after all, the objectives described in patent document JP 3722149 (allowing the base of the hermetic housing of the compressor to be disposed flush with the top of the support surface of the upper space of the refrigerator housing) could no longer be achieved in certain situations. [0009] Thus, it is observed that the support base plate described in patent document JP 3722149 is not versatile, after all, different heights of dampers (arranged on top of the support surface of the upper space of the refrigerator housing) require the manufacture of support base plates of different dimensions, this need being prohibitive in view of the costs of manufacturing different molds to be used in mechanical stamping processes.

[0010] Based on this scenario, in order to mitigate the technical limitations observed in patent document JP 3722149, the present invention arises.

Objects of the Invention

[0011] Thus, the present invention has as its main object to disclose an arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment capable of providing the optimum spacing (according to design and general needs) between the base of the hermetic housing of the compressor and the top of the support surface of the refrigeration equipment regardless of the height of the damper disposed on said top of the support surface of the refrigeration equipment.

[0012] Thus, the present invention aims to disclose a technical solution in which a same support base plate can be applied in different designs of compressors, refrigeration equipment and dampers arranged on top of the support surface of refrigeration equipment.

Summary of the Invention

[0013] All of the abovementioned objects are achieved by means of the arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment, which is of the type supporting the hermetic housing of a reciprocating compressor on an accommodation surface of a refrigeration equipment.

[0014] According to the fundamental premises of the present invention, said arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment comprises at least one base plate comprising an end adapted to be attached to the lower region of the hermetic housing of the reciprocating compressor and at least one damping element disposed on the accommodation surface of the refrigeration equipment, and it stands out for further comprising at least one interface element capable of being disposed over the damping element and capable of receiving the base plate. Said interface element comprises at least one upper limit stop capable of limiting its axial displacement over the damping element, at least one lower limit stop capable of limiting the axial displacement of the base plate.

[0015] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base plate comprises at least one free end, opposite the end adapted to be attached to the lower region of the hermetic housing of the reciprocating compressor, which is provided with at least one hole specially adapted to cooperate with the interface element.

[0016] Also according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interface element comprises a hollow body with a circular profile provided with at least one axial through channel, its upper limit stop comprising an upper edge inwardly facing the general diameter of the hollow profile body, and its lower limit stop comprises a lower edge outwardly facing the general diameter of the hollow profile body. In this embodiment, the damping element comprises a hollow body with a circular profile provided with at least one axial contact region and a support edge. [0017] Also according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the hole of the free end of the base plate and the external diameter of the interface element are equivalent, the diameter of the hole free end of the base plate is smaller than the diametrical extension of the lower limit stop of the interface element and the diameter of the axial contact region of the damping element is equal to or less than the diametrical extension of the upper limit stop of the interface element.

[0018] Eventually, it is further noticed that the physical contact faces defined between the free end of the base plate and the interface element may be attached to each other by a fastening means.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail based on the figures listed, which:

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates, in perspective, the assembly formed by a base plate, an interface component and a damper, in accordance with the present invention; [0021] Figure 2 illustrates the assembly of Figure 1 in exploded perspective; [0022] Figure 3 illustrates, in perspective, a refrigeration compressor associated with the assembly of Figure 1, with a sectional detail; and

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates, in plan view, a refrigeration compressor associated with the assembly of Figure 1, with a sectional detail.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0024] In accordance with the general objectives of the present invention - mitigating the problems and limitations observed in the object of patent document JP 3722149 - a new arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment is presented.

[0025] In general terms, it is noticed that this support arrangement is, like the technical solution described in patent document JP 3722149, of the type supporting the hermetic housing 1 of a reciprocating compressor on an accommodation surface 5 of a refrigeration equipment (not particularly illustrated).

[0026] For purposes of sufficiency of disclosure, the reciprocating compressor of the present invention may be each and every compressor composed of functional elements and systems widely known to those skilled in the art. In this context, it is thus noticed that the compression mechanism (not shown), the electric motor (not shown) and other traditional components that integrate a reciprocating compressor are enclosed within the hermetic housing 1. Also for purposes of sufficiency of disclosure, the refrigeration equipment of the present invention (not shown) may be each and every refrigeration equipment composed of a condenser, an evaporator, a refrigerant expansion valve (or capillary tube), a reciprocating compressor, a thermal chamber and a space for accommodating the reciprocating compressor.

[0027] Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention in question. Thus, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the support arrangement is essentially composed of two base plates 2, four interface elements 3 and four damping elements 4, which are arranged on the accommodation surface 5 of the refrigeration equipment (not particularly illustrated). [0028] More particularly, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is verified that each of the base plates 2 comprises an end 21 adapted to be attached to the lower region of the hermetic housing 1 of the reciprocating compressor and two free ends 22 which, parallel to each other and distally opposed to the end 21, are each provided with a circular hole 23.

[0029] In one possible embodiment, each of the base plates 2 may further comprise an appendix 25 for moving the compressor on an automated production line. Preferably, when present, said appendix 25 is disposed between the two free ends 22.

[0030] Also further, in one possible embodiment, each of the base plates 2 may further comprise two perpendicular projections 24, which are arranged near the free ends 22, and are intended to keep the compressor horizontal in a flat and stable condition before final assembly thereof in the refrigerator.

[0031] Preferably, the base plates 2 are made of metal material by the mechanical stamping process. Alternatively, the base plates 2 could be made of polymer by known industrial processes.

[0032] Also as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is verified that each of the interface elements 3 comprises a hollow body with a circular profile, its lower end being fully open and its upper end having a top provided with a through hole, thus forming a kind of axial through channel within said hollow body with a circular profile, providing for the possibility of inserting a mounting screw (not shown) along the entire axial through channel by the interface element 3. More particularly, the fastening of the interface element 3 takes place by means of the grommet (not shown), which is attached to the refrigerator, and the refrigerator is then attached to the interface element 3.

[0033] Further, each of the interface elements 3 further comprises an upper limit stop 31 capable of limiting its axial displacement over the damping element 4 and a lower limit stop 32 capable of limiting the axial displacement of the base plate 2, wherein the upper limit stop 31 comprises an upper edge inwardly facing the general diameter of the hollow profile body and the lower limit stop 32 comprises a lower edge outwardly facing the general diameter of the hollow profile body. Preferably, the interface elements 3 are made of metal material by the mechanical stamping process.

[0034] Still as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, it is verified that each damping element 4 comprises a hollow body with a circular profile provided with an axial contact region 41 and a support edge 42. Preferably, the damping elements 4 are made of elastomer by compression, transfer or injection process.

[0035] With regard to the interaction and cooperation between the base plates 2, the interface elements 3 and the damping elements 4, it is important to clarify that each interface element 3 is capable of being arranged over its respective damping element 4 and it is capable of receiving its respective base plate 2, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

[0036] To this end, it is noticed that each hole 23 of the free end 22 of the base plate 2 is specially adapted to cooperate with its interface element 3, so that its diameter and the external diameter of the interface element 3 are equivalent. It is also noticed that the diameter of the hole 23 of the free end 22 of the base plate 2 is smaller than the diametrical extension of the lower limit stop 32 of the interface element 3, and the diameter of the axial contact region 41 of the damping element 4 and the diametrical extension of the upper limit stop 31 of the interface element 3 are substantially equivalent.

[0037] Preferably, but never limiting, the physical contact faces defined between the free end 22 of the base plate 2 and the interface element 3 may further be attached to each other by a fastening means, such as for example, by welding.

[0038] As better illustrated in the sectional details of Figures 3 and 4, it is verified that the base plates 2 have physical contact only with protuberances 11 especially arranged in the lower region of the hermetic housing 1 and with the interface elements 3. This means that the base plates 2 do not have any physical contact with the damping elements 4. It is thus emphasized that, as terminology itself induces, the interface elements 3 perform the physical interface between the base plates 2 and the damping elements 4, which is the great merit of the invention in question.

[0039] Thus, a same model of base plate 2 can be used in support arrangements integrated by damping elements 4 of different sizes, after all, any dimensional differences can be remedied directly by minor changes in the interface elements 3.

[0040] If damping elements 4 of different heights need to be used, it is sufficient to make interface elements 3 with different positions of the that positioning of the upper limit stop 31 or the lower limit stop 32, in order to change the contact points between the base plate 2 and the interface elements 3, or between the interface elements 3 and the damping elements 4.

[0041] It is important to highlight that the above description has the sole purpose of describing in an exemplary manner the particular embodiment of the invention in question. It is therefore clear that modifications, variations and constructive combinations of the elements performing the same function in substantially the same manner to achieve the same results, remain within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment, of the type supporting the hermetic housing (1) of a reciprocating compressor on an accommodation surface (5) of a refrigeration equipment, comprising: at least one base plate (2) comprising an end (21) adapted to be attached to the lower region of the hermetic housing (1) of the reciprocating compressor; at least one damping element (4) disposed on the accommodation surface (5) of the refrigeration equipment; said arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment being particularly characterized by the fact that it further comprises: at least one interface element (3) capable of being disposed over the damping element (4) and capable of receiving the base plate (2); said interface element (3) comprising at least one upper limit stop (31) capable of limiting its axial displacement over the damping element (4); and said interface element (3) comprising at least one lower limit stop (32) capable of limiting the axial displacement of the base plate (2).

2. Arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment according to claim 1 , characterized by the fact that: the base plate (2) comprises at least one free end (22) opposite the end (21) adapted to be attached to the lower region of the hermetic housing (1) of the reciprocating compressor provided with at least one hole (23); said hole (23) being specially adapted to cooperate with the interface element (3).

3. Arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment according to claim 1 , characterized by the fact that: the interface element (3) comprises a hollow body with a circular profile provided with at least one axial through channel; the upper limit stop (31) of the interface element (3) comprises an upper edge inwardly facing the general diameter of the hollow profile body; and the lower limit stop (32) of the interface element (3) comprises a lower edge outwardly facing the general diameter of the hollow profile body.

4. Arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment according to claim 1 , characterized by the fact that: the damping element (4) comprises a hollow body with a circular profile provided with at least one axial contact region (41) and a support edge (42).

5. Arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, characterized by the fact that: the diameter of the hole (23) of the free end (22) of the base plate (2) and the external diameter of the interface element (3) are equivalent; the diameter of the hole (23) of the free end (22) of the base plate (2) is smaller than the diametrical extension of the lower limit stop (32) of the interface element (3); the diameter of the axial contact region (41) of the damping element (4) and the diametrical extension of the upper limit stop (31) of the interface element (3) are substantially equivalent.

6. Arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, characterized by the fact that: the physical contact faces defined between the free end (22) of the base plate (2) and the interface element (3) are attached to each other by a fastening means.