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, 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 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] Nevertheless, it is noticed that the support base plates described in the patent document JP 3722149 provide for attachment to the lower portion of the compressor housing; however, they are limited thereto. There is no alternative location for attachment of said base plates, which may restrict the use of base plates in configurative variants of the refrigeration apparatus wherein, for example, the space for compressor allocation is reduced.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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

[0012] 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.

[0013] Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment capable of attachment to the electrical part protective support (fence) of the housing of said compressor.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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.

[0017] According to the fundamental premises of the present invention, the arrangement for supporting compressor 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, and at least one damping element capable of being arranged on the accommodation surface of the refrigeration equipment; said arrangement wherein the damping element comprises at least one upper support surface; the base plate comprises at least one support surface and at least one coupling surface; the support surface of the base plate is supported by the upper support surface of the damping element, and at least one anchoring point disposed in the lower region of the compressor housing is coupled to the coupling surface of the base plate.

[0018] Additionally, an arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment is provided, wherein the coupling surface defines an angle f of 90° with the support surface.

[0019] Furthermore, in the present invention an arrangement for supporting compressor in a refrigeration equipment is proposed, wherein the support surface defines a single and continuous plane.

[0020] In addition, according to the present invention, the coupling surface is coupled to the protective support of the housing of the reciprocating compressor. [0021] Additionally, in the present invention, the coupling surface of the base plate comprises at least one opening capable of receiving the protective support of the housing.

[0022] In addition, according to the present invention, the coupling surface of the base plate comprises at least one contact point adapted to be fixed to the anchoring point of the hermetic housing of the reciprocating compressor.

[0023] In the arrangement proposed herein, additionally, the support surface of the base plate comprises at least one hole capable of receiving the damping element.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the arrangement of the present invention, the damping element defines a body provided with at least one constricted region and at least one circular extension.

[0025] Also, in the arrangement proposed herein, the damping element comprises at least one lower support surface.

[0026] In addition, in accordance with the proposed arrangement, 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.

[0027] Finally, the present invention includes an arrangement wherein 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.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail based on the figures listed, which:

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates, in perspective, the hermetic compressor, more especially its housing, mounted on the support arrangement endowed with a first configuration of the base plate.

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates, in perspective, the hermetic compressor, more especially its housing, mounted on the support arrangement endowed with a first configuration of the base plate.

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates the component parts of a first configuration of the base plate.

[0032] Figure 4 illustrates, in perspective, the hermetic compressor, more especially its housing, mounted on the support arrangement endowed with a second configuration of the base plate.

[0033] Figure 5 illustrates, in perspective, the hermetic compressor, more especially its housing, mounted on the support arrangement endowed with a second configuration of the base plate.

[0034] Figure 6 illustrates the component parts of a second configuration of the base plate.

[0035] Figure 7 illustrates, in perspective, the hermetic compressor, more especially its housing, mounted on the support arrangement endowed with a third configuration of the base plate.

[0036] Figure 8 illustrates, in perspective, the hermetic compressor, more especially its housing, mounted on the support arrangement endowed with a third configuration of the base plate.

[0037] Figure 9 illustrates the component parts of a third configuration of the base plate.

[0038] Figure 10 illustrates the component parts of the damping element. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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). [0041 ] 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.

[0042] Figures 1 to 10 illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention in question. Thus, 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).

[0043] More particularly, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 10, it is proposed herein an 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 (not particularly illustrated), said arrangement of the type comprising at least one base plate 2 which, in turn, comprises at least one surface capable of being attached to the lower region of the hermetic housing 1 of the reciprocating compressor.

[0044] Preferably, at least one damping element 3 is provided, which is capable of being arranged on the accommodation surface 4 of the refrigeration equipment, said damping element 3 comprising at least one upper support surface 31;

[0045] Wherein, in the arrangement of the present invention, said base plate comprises at least one support surface 21 and at least one coupling surface 22; the support surface 21 being supported by the upper support surface 31 of the damping element 3 and at least one anchoring point 11 disposed in the lower region of the housing 1 of the housing being coupled to the coupling surface 22 of the base plate 2

[0046] Initially, it is important to notice that in the arrangement for supporting a compressor, proposed herein, there are three possible configuration of base plate 2. [0047] The first possible configuration can be seen in Figures 1 , 2 and 3; said configuration has a support surface 21 and two coupling surfaces 22 comprising a substantially rectangular shape with a semicircular end. In this first configuration, each coupling surface 22 comprises a contact point 24 adapted to be fixed to an anchoring point 11 of the hermetic housing 1 of the reciprocating compressor. [0048] Furthermore, it is noticed from this first configuration of the base plate 2 that the support surface 21 comprises at least one hole 23 (in this example, two holes 23) capable of receiving a damping element 3 that will be detailed below in the text. [0049] In turn, Figures 4, 5 and 6 show a second possible configuration for the base plate 2. In this second configuration, the coupling surface 22 is defined as a “breaking point” on the base plate 2; in other words, the coupling surface 22 in the second configuration does not define an extension or extension region. Such a configuration is especially advantageous as it makes the base plate compact and lightweight.

[0050] In addition, in relation to the second possible configuration, it is important to note that said “breaking point” may vary in position and shape. Reference is made to Figure 6, in which one can clearly see variants of the “breaking point” on the base plate 2 (see circle highlighted).

[0051] Now, by looking at Figures 7, 8 and 9, it is noticed the third possible configuration for the base plate 2. In this third configuration, the coupling surface 22 is defined as a substantially square-shaped extension and provided with an opening 25, wherein the coupling surface 22, as proposed herein, is for coupling to a protective support 12 of the housing 1 of the reciprocating compressor. Said protective support 12 is also commonly known to those skilled in the art as fence. In general terms, protective support 12 is a metal support for the protection of electrical parts externally positioned in the housing 1 of the compressor, and it is usually fixed around the hermetic terminal. In addition to the base plate, in this protective support 12, electrical components and thermal protectors can also be attached.

[0052] It is important to notice that in the first possible configuration for the base plate 2, the coupling surface 22 defines an extension towards the base of the housing 1, that is, towards the accommodation surface 4. In turn, in the third possible configuration, the coupling surface 22 defines an extension towards the upper part of the housing 1, that is, opposite the accommodation surface 4.

[0053] In the three configurations described above for the base plate, the coupling surface 22 is preferably positioned at the opposite end to the hole 23. In addition, it is essential to notice that in cases where more than one base plate 2 is used for mounting the arrangement, any of the three configurations presently proposed may be used in combination and/or together. As in Figures 3, 6 and 9, wherein the variants of the base plate 2 are applied together or in combination.

[0054] In particular, and as can be seen in Figures 3 and 9, in the arrangement proposed herein, the coupling surface 22 defines an angle “cp” with the support surface 21. In preferred embodiment, the angle “cp” has 90°, that is, the coupling surface 22 is positioned perpendicular to the support surface 21. It is noteworthy that there may be slight variations in the angle “cp”. More specifically, when mounting the arrangement, the support surface 21 will be parallel to the accommodation surface 4 and the coupling surface 22 will be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 1, which results in stability for the assembly and aids in the absorption of normal vibrations of compressor operation by damping elements 3.

[0055] Furthermore, by looking at Figures 3, 6 and 9, it is noticed that the support surface 21 defines a single and continuous plane, that is, the support surface

21 has no inclined planes or series of planes at different levels.

[0056] With regard to the materials for making the arrangement components, preferably, the base plates 2 are made of metallic material by means of the mechanical stamping process. Alternatively, the base plates 2 could be made of polymer by known industrial processes. In turn, the damping element 3 is made of flexible material, since it aims to absorb/cancel the vibrations of the compressor operation.

[0057] Specifically with regard to the function of the support surface 22, it is noticed that it receives the lower region of the housing 1 of the compressor and there may be 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.

[0058] It should also be noticed that the contact point 24 on the support surface

22 may vary in position, shape or size according to mounting requirements. 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Finally, it is valid to say that not only one, but also several contact points 24 may be provided on the support surface 22, if so required.

[0061] Referring now to the damping elements 3, as illustrated in Figure 10, 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. Furthermore, it is noticed that the damping element 3 comprises two surfaces, at least one lower support surface 32 and one upper support surface 31. It is further 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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, 6 and 9, the hole 23 is developed to be juxtaposed to the constricted region 34 so that the support surface 21 rests on the upper support surface 31. [0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Based on the above, 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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. [0069] 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.