WO2021081609A1

WO2021081609A1 - Arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2021081609A1
Application number: PCT/BR2019/050476
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rodrigo Kremer; 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

The present invention refers to an arrangement for supporting compressor in a 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, being applicable to a wide range of compressor and refrigerators models. Said arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment 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, damping control according to the need of each application project.

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 a refrigeration equipment and, more particularly, a support arrangement including at least one damping element and a base plate specially adapted to attach a reciprocating compressor of a refrigerator. The invention in question stands out for presenting a support arrangement with lower manufacturing cost, being 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, damping control according to the need 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 the 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, 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 the 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 fixed, that is, not adjustable. This means that a support base plate especially appropriate to a particular damper of a certain height (arranged on the 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 the 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 noticed that the support base plate described in patent document JP 3722149 is not versatile, after all, different heights of dampers (arranged on the 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 the 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 accommodation surface of the refrigeration equipment regardless of the height of the damping element.

[0012] Furthermore, 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 the top of the support surface of refrigeration equipment.

[0013] In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a support arrangement with low manufacturing cost being applicable to a wide range of compressor and refrigerator models.

Summary of the Invention

[0014] All of the abovementioned objectives 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.

[0015] 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 at least one surface capable of being attached to the lower region of the hermetic housing of the reciprocating compressor; at least one damping element arranged on the accommodation surface of the refrigeration equipment; said arrangement for supporting compressor, wherein the damping element is endowed with at least one upper support surface;. The base plate, in turn, comprises at least one support surface and at least one inclined surface. In particular, in the arrangement for supporting compressor, presently proposed, the support surface of the base plate is supported by the upper support surface of the damping element and the lower region of the compressor housing is supported by the inclined surface of the base plate.

[0016] Additionally, an arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment is provided, wherein the inclined surface of the base plate comprises at least one contact point adapted to be fixed to the lower region of the hermetic housing of the reciprocating compressor.

[0017] Furthermore, in the present invention an arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment is proposed, wherein the support surface of the base plate comprises at least one hole capable of receiving the damping element.

[0018] Also, according to the present invention, the damping element defines a body provided with at least one constricted region and at least one circular extension. [0019] Additionally, in the present invention, the damping element comprises at least one lower support surface.

[0020] In addition, according to the present invention, the diameter of the hole of the support surface of the base plate is smaller than the diameter of the upper support surface of the damping element.

[0021] In the arrangement proposed herein, in addition, the diameter of the hole of the support surface of the base plate is equal to the diameter of the constricted region and smaller than the diameter of the circular extension.

[0022] Finally, in the present invention the damping element is made of flexible material.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail based on the figures listed, which:

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates, in perspective, the hermetic compressor, more especially its housing, mounted on the support arrangement endowed with a base plate and damping element.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates, laterally, the hermetic compressor, more particularly its housing, mounted on the support arrangement endowed with a base plate and damping element.

[0026] Figure 3 illustrates, in detail, two damping elements and the base plate endowed with two support surfaces.

[0027] Figure 4 illustrates the mounting between the damping elements and the base plate.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0028] 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.

[0029] In general terms, it is noticed that this support arrangement is, such as 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 4 of a refrigeration equipment (not particularly illustrated). [0030] 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 make part of 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.

[0031] Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention in question. Thus, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the support arrangement is essentially composed of two base plates 2, and four damping elements 3, which are arranged on the accommodation surface 4 of the refrigeration equipment (not particularly illustrated).

[0032] More particularly, as illustrated in Figures 1 , 2, 3 and 4, it is verified that each of the base plates 2 (commonly, two plates are applied) comprises a support surface 21 adapted to receive the damping element 3, and an inclined surface 22 adapted to receive or support the lower region of the housing 1 of a compressor. Furthermore, it is noticed from Figure 2 that the inclined surface 22 extends to the accommodation surface 4 of the assembly, thus also having the function of “support leg” for the base plate. It is noteworthy that this function “support leg” only exists when the dampers 3 are not mounted.

[0033] In addition, each of the base plates 2 further comprises an appendix 25 for moving the compressor on an automated production line. Preferably, said appendix 25 is disposed between the two support surfaces 21 (see Figure 3).

[0034] Preferably, the base plates 2 are made of metallic material by the mechanical stamping process. Alternatively, the base plates 2 could be made of polymer by known industrial processes.

[0035] Additionally, it is noted that the base plate 2 comprises, in its support surface 21, at least one hole 23 that defines a circular opening in said surface.

[0036] Specifically, with regard to the inclined surface 22, it is noticed that it receives the lower region of the housing 1 of the compressor; there is at least one contact point 24 (see Figure 3) capable of supporting the housing 1. This contact point 24 defines an attachment point, preferably by welding. The contact point 24 is created to generate a preferred contact region where there will be adhesion by spot welding.

[0037] It should also be noticed that the contact point 24 on the inclined surface 22 may vary in position, shape or size according to the assembly. More precisely, the contact point 24 may be located lower, near the accommodation surface 4 of the compressor, or it may be located higher, near the support surface 21. Such a change of configuration, for sure, will vary the positioning height of the housing and this is only possible because the base plate 2 comprises at least one inclined surface 22. [0038] In other words, the arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment can be applied in different designs and conditions, since the distance between the lower level and the upper level of attachment of the compressor housing is not always fixed, being adjustable by varying the location of the contact point 24.

[0039] Finally, it is valid to say that not only one, but also several contact points 24 may be provided on the inclined surface 22.

[0040] Also referring to the constructiveness of the base plate 2, it should also be noticed that the inclined surface 22 has a slope angle “m” relative to the accommodation surface 4 (see Figure 2), wherein this angle, obviously, defines the slope of the inclined surface 22. In a preferred embodiment, the angle m may vary between 1° and 89°, more preferably the angle m is between 30° and 60°.

[0041] Still as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, it is verified that each damping element 3 comprises a body 33, preferably cylindrical and hollow, but which may not restrictively be of other geometrical shapes and be solid (a sectional view of the damping element 3 can be seen in Figures 1 and 2). In addition, it is noticed that the damping element 3 comprises two surfaces, at least one lower support surface 32 and one upper support surface 31. Furthermore, it is noticed that the damping element 3 comprises a constricted region 34 which, as the name suggests, has a diameter smaller than the body 33 of the damping element 3. Finally, there is a circular extension 35, which is arranged over the constricted region 34.

[0042] Flere it is important to notice that, as stated above, the constricted region has a diameter smaller than the body 33; however, the circular extension 35 has an intermediate diameter to these two, being larger than that of the constricted region 34 and smaller than that of the body 33. Such a configuration is of particular importance for understanding the mounting of the base plate 2 on the damping element 3. [0043] As already mentioned, the base plate 2 comprises a support surface 21 adapted to receive the damping element 3; more specifically, as can be seen from Figures 3 and 4, the hole 23 is juxtaposed to the constricted region 34 so that the support surface 21 rests on the upper support surface 31.

[0044] It is worth mentioning that the diameter of the hole 23 in the support surface 21 is substantially equal to the diameter of the constricted region 34. However, the diameter of the hole 23 is substantially smaller than the diameter of the circular extension 35.

[0045] Thus, for the hole 23 to access the constricted region 34, there are two applicable possibilities or embodiments: - the circular extension 35 is made of flexible material, allowing its diameter to vary to be received by the hole 23 and/or - the circular extension 35 is detachable, allowing its removal to fit the base plate 2 and, later, its replacement to the original position.

[0046] Based on the above, and as shown in Figures 3 and 4, when mounting the base plate 2 with the damping element 3, the support surface 21 is supported on the upper support surface 31, the hole 23 is juxtaposed to the constricted region 34 and the circular extension 35 is juxtaposed over part of the support surface 21, making the assembly tight and secure. It can be further stated that the upper support surface 31 and the lower portion of the circular extension 35 operate as stops for the support surface 21, restricting its movement in the axial direction. Moreover, as the hole 23 is juxtaposed to the constricted region 34, the tendency of radial movement, is also extremely reduced.

[0047] Obviously, but it is worth mentioning, the tendency of axial and radial movement of the whole assembly (damping element, base plate and housing) is caused by the normal vibrations of compressor operation, which are then damped by the damping element 3.

[0048] Finally, it is important to notice that the arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment, proposed herein, allows the use of higher dampers and different geometries, that is, the damping element 3 may vary in size and geometry according to the design or damping conditions that will be imposed on it. This allows damping control according to the need of each application project. [0049] 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 (4) of a refrigeration equipment, comprising: at least one base plate (2) comprising at least one surface capable of being attached to the lower region of the hermetic housing (1) of the reciprocating compressor; at least one damping element (3) capable of being arranged on the accommodation surface (4) of the refrigeration equipment; said arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment being particularly characterized by the fact that: the damping element (3) comprises at least one upper support surface

(31 ); the base plate (2) comprises at least one support surface (21) and at least one inclined surface (22); the support surface (21) of the base plate (2) is supported by the upper support surface (31) of the damping element (3), and the lower region of the housing (1) of the compressor is supported by the inclined surface (22) of the base plate (2).

2. Arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment according to claim 1 , characterized by the fact that the inclined surface (22) of the base plate (2) comprises at least one contact point (24) adapted to be fixed to the lower region of the hermetic housing (1 ) of the reciprocating compressor.

3. Arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the support surface (21) of the base plate (2) comprises at least one hole (23) capable of receiving the damping element (3).

4. Arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the damping element (3) defines a body (33) provided with at least one constricted region (34) and at least one circular extension (35).

5. Arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the damping element (3) comprises at least one lower support surface (32).

6. Arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment according to claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the diameter of the hole (23) of the support surface (21) of the base plate (2) is smaller than the diameter of the upper support surface (31 ) of the damping element (3).

7. Arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment according to claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the diameter of the hole (23) of the support surface (21) of the base plate (2) is equal to the diameter of the constricted region (34) and smaller than the diameter of the circular extension (35).

8. Arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment according to claim 1 , characterized by the fact that the damping element (3) is made of flexible material.