U.S. patent application number 15/117292 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-01 for base unit for assembling a crankcase of a reciprocal compressor.
The applicant listed for this patent is NUOVO PIGNONE SRL. Invention is credited to Fulvio D'URSO, Elena GALLINA, Federico SORGONA', Andrea TENZE.
Application Number | 20160348664 15/117292 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50486961 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160348664 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SORGONA'; Federico ; et
al. |
December 1, 2016 |
BASE UNIT FOR ASSEMBLING A CRANKCASE OF A RECIPROCAL COMPRESSOR
Abstract
A base unit for assembling a crankcase of a reciprocal
compressor comprises a housing configured to hold at least part of
a crankshaft; an access port placed onto the housing and configured
to hold a connecting rod for a piston; the base unit having at
least an interface zone on the housing, configured to be coupled
with another interface zone of another base unit for assembling the
crankcase.
Inventors: |
SORGONA'; Federico;
(Firenze, IT) ; TENZE; Andrea; (Firenze, IT)
; GALLINA; Elena; (Firenze, IT) ; D'URSO;
Fulvio; (Firenze, IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NUOVO PIGNONE SRL |
Florence |
|
IT |
|
|
Family ID: |
50486961 |
Appl. No.: |
15/117292 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
February 11, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2015/052886 |
371 Date: |
August 8, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 27/02 20130101;
F04B 39/128 20130101; F04B 27/0538 20130101; F04B 27/0404 20130101;
F04B 39/0094 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04B 39/12 20060101
F04B039/12; F04B 27/02 20060101 F04B027/02; F04B 39/00 20060101
F04B039/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 12, 2014 |
IT |
CO2014A000003 |
Claims
1. A base unit for assembling a crankcase of a reciprocal
compressor, comprising: a housing configured to hold at least part
of a crankshaft; and an access port placed onto the housing and
configured to hold a connecting rod for a piston; wherein the base
unit has at least one interface zone on the housing, and the at
least one interface zone being configured to be coupled with
another interface zone of another base unit for assembling the
crankcase.
2. The base unit according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a
longitudinal axis defining an orientation for the crankshaft, and
the at least one interface zone laying on a plane transversal to
the longitudinal axis.
3. The base unit according to claim 2, wherein the housing has a
first end and a second end opposite to each other and substantially
aligned along the longitudinal axis, wherein the at least one
interface zone comprises two interface zones placed respectively
onto the first end and onto the second end of the housing.
4. The base unit according to claim 3, wherein the two interface
zones are parallel to each other.
5. A base unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
interface zone is provided with at least a socket configured to
receive a connecting device for fixing the at least one interface
zone to another base unit.
6. The base unit according to claim 5, wherein the socket comprises
a hole adapted to receive either a screw or a pin.
7. A base unit according to claim 1, wherein the housing has an
open side configured to admit the crankshaft.
8. A kit for assembling a crankcase comprising: a plurality of base
units according to claim 1; and at least a connecting device
configured to attach two of the base units to each other onto the
respective interface zones.
9. The kit according to claim 8, further comprising a spacer device
insertable between two base units and configured to be connected to
the base units onto the respective interface zones.
10. The kit according to claim 9, wherein the spacer device has two
interface zones opposite to each other and configured to be
attached to respective interface zones of respective base
units.
11. The kit according to claim 8, further comprising a crankshaft
configured to be inserted into the housing.
12. The kit according to claim 11, wherein the crankshaft comprises
a plurality of segments for assembling the crankshaft, and each
crankshaft segment being configured to be housed into a respective
base unit and to be joined with at least another crankshaft segment
in order to define the crankshaft.
13. The kit according to the claim 12, wherein each segment has a
length substantially equal to the length of its respective base
unit along the longitudinal axis.
14. The kit according to claim 8, wherein the base units have all
the same length along the respective longitudinal axis.
15. A crankcase comprising at least a base unit according to claim
1.
16. The crankcase according to claim 15, the crankcase being
assembled from a kit comprising: a plurality of base units
according to claim 15; and at least a connecting device configured
to attach two of the base units to each other onto the respective
interface zones.
17. A method for assembling a crankcase according to claim 15,
comprising the steps of: providing at least two of the base units;
and attaching the base units to each other onto the respective
interface zones.
18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step
of inserting a spacer device between the base units.
19. The method for upgrading a crankcase according to claim 15,
comprising the steps of: providing a further base unit, and
attaching the further base unit to the crankcase.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the step of attaching
the further base unit to the crankcase is performed by placing an
interface zone of the further base unit into contact with an
interface zone of a base unit already part of the crankcase.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present embodiments relate to a base unit for assembling
a crankcase of a reciprocal compressor.
[0002] A crankcase for a reciprocating compressor is known in the
art. Such a crankcase is designed to hold the crankshaft, which is
placed along a predefined orientation. The orientation of the
crankshaft defines a longitudinal axis of the crankcase. Such a
crankcase includes a housing, which has the function of holding the
crankshaft. The housing has two sidewalls, which develop
substantially parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis
of the crankcase.
[0003] A plurality of access ports are located on the side walls.
Each access port allows a respective connecting rod, which is in
turn connected to a piston, to attach to the crankshaft. The access
ports are arranged on the side walls in such a way as to balance
the load on the crankshaft itself during the normal functioning of
the compressor.
[0004] A disadvantage of the known crankcase is that it is
manufactured by casting and it is tailor-made for the specific
application. This also applies to very big crankcases, which can
house, for example, a crankshaft with up to ten pistons. Therefore,
a faulty cast has the consequence of wasting an entire crankcase,
with corresponding productivity and economic losses.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0005] A first aspect is therefore a base unit for assembling a
crankcase of a reciprocal compressor. Such a base unit includes a
housing configured to hold at least part of a crankshaft. An access
port is placed onto the housing, and is configured to hold a
connecting rod attached to a piston. The base unit has at least an
interface zone, also placed on the housing, which is configured to
be coupled with another interface zone of another base unit in
order to assemble the crankcase.
[0006] The base unit may allow a modular approach to the assembling
of a crankcase, since many base units can be assembled in order to
build a crankcase according to the specifications. In turn, this
allows an increased productivity of the fabrication process.
[0007] A second aspect is a kit for assembling a crankcase
including a plurality of base units. At least a connecting device
is provided in order to attach the base units to each other onto
the respective interface zones. This allows for optimization of the
assembly procedure for the reciprocating compressors.
[0008] A third aspect is a crankcase including at least a base unit
as described above.
[0009] A fourth aspect is therefore directed to a method for
assembling the crankcase. The method includes the steps of
providing at least two base units and attaching the base units to
each other onto the respective interface zones.
[0010] A fifth aspect is therefore directed to a method for
upgrading a crankcase. This method includes the step of providing a
further base unit. This further base unit can be attached to the
crankcase, in particular by placing an interface zone of the new
base unit into contact with the interface zone of a base unit
already part of the crankcase. This has the feature of being able
to update an already built crankcase instead of having to build a
new one.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Further details and specific embodiments will refer to the
attached drawings, in which:
[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a first embodiment of
a base unit for assembling a crankcase of a reciprocal compressor;
and
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a detail of a second
embodiment of a base unit for assembling a crankcase of a
reciprocal compressor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The following description of exemplary embodiments refers to
the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different
drawings identify the same or similar elements. The following
detailed description does not limit the embodiments. Instead, the
scope of the application is defined by the appended claims.
[0015] Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter
disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment"
or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout the
specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.
Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may
be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0016] Therefore, a base unit for assembling a crankcase 101 of a
reciprocal compressor will be described, also referring the
attached figures in which it will be indicated with the number
1.
[0017] The base unit 1 includes a housing 2, which is configured to
hold at least part of a crankshaft 100. Indeed, the housing 2 has a
longitudinal axis "A", which defines an orientation for the
crankshaft 100. The housing 2 has a first end 2a and a second end
2b, opposite to each other and substantially aligned along the
longitudinal axis "A". The longitudinal axis "A" lays on a
longitudinal plane which is transversal with respect to both the
first end 2a and the second end 2b.
[0018] The housing 2 is substantially U-shaped and has an open side
from which the crankshaft 100 can be inserted. Once the crankshaft
2 has been placed in the housing 2, a plurality of crosspieces 17
are installed on the housing 2 in order to increase the structural
rigidity of the housing 2 itself.
[0019] With additional detail, the housing 2 includes a support
plate 11. In an embodiment, the support plate 11 is rectangular in
shape, and is configured to rest onto a support surface (not
shown).
[0020] In an embodiment, the housing 2 has two end walls 8, which
are placed on the ends 2a, 2b of the housing 2. The end walls 8 are
substantially perpendicular to the above mentioned longitudinal
plane. In another embodiment, the end walls 8 are substantially
parallel to each other. In use, the end walls 8 are oriented
substantially in a vertical direction, and thus are transversal,
and, in an embodiment, perpendicular, to the support plate 11.
[0021] With more detail, each end wall 8 has a seat 9 configured to
accept a crankshaft 100 of suitable size. In particular, the seat 9
has a concave, semicircular shape so that it is able to receive
bearings (not shown). A closure 12 can be placed onto the seat 9 in
order to lock the shaft 100 in the seat 9.
[0022] In an embodiment, the housing 2 also includes two side walls
10, placed transversally and perpendicularly to the above mentioned
end walls 8. The side walls 10 are substantially parallel to each
other. Such side walls 10 are each attached to a further housing
13, which is designed to hold a crosshead for a piston (not shown
in the drawings). According to different embodiments, the further
housings 13 can either be made as a single piece with the housing 2
or they can be built separately and then attached to the housing 2
in a later phase.
[0023] With more detail, an access port 3 is placed onto the
housing 2. Such an access port 3 is configured to hold a connecting
rod for a piston (not shown in the drawings). Specifically, the
access port 3 is placed onto the side wall 10, so that the above
mentioned connecting rod can link the crosshead to the shaft 100
inside the base unit 1. In the embodiments shown in the figures
each side wall 10 has a single access port 3. In different
embodiments, not shown, each side wall can have more than one
access port 3.
[0024] According to the embodiments shown in the attached figures,
the base unit 1 has at least an interface zone 4 on the housing 2.
In an embodiment, the interface zone 4 lays on a plane transversal
to the longitudinal axis "A" of the housing 2. In detail, the
interface zone 4 is configured to be coupled with another interface
zone 4 of the base unit 1 for assembling the crankcase 101. In
other words, two base units 1 can be joined together in order to
assemble a crankcase 101. Details on the method for assembling a
crankcase 101 will be given in a following portion of the present
disclosure.
[0025] The base unit 1 has two interface zones 4, which are placed
respectively onto the first end 2a and onto the second end 2b of
the housing 2. Indeed, the interface zones 4 are parallel to each
other. In an embodiment, this allows to chain-link an arbitrary
number of base units 1. With additional detail, each interface zone
4 is placed onto a respective end wall 8. In particular, each
interface zone 4 is placed onto an outer surface 8a of the end
walls 8. The base units are arranged so that their open sides face
on the same side.
[0026] With additional detail, the interface zone 4 is provided
with at least a socket 5, which is configured to receive a
connecting device (not shown). The connecting device has the
function of fixing the interface zone 4 to another base unit 1. In
an embodiment, the interface zone 4 is provided with at least two
sockets 5, placed on opposite sides of the longitudinal plane of
the housing 2. Indeed, in the embodiments shown in the figures the
interface zone 4 is provided with a plurality of sockets 5, placed
substantially symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal
plane.
[0027] With greater detail, the embodiment from FIGS. 1 and 2 is
provided with twelve sockets 5. Specifically, the sockets 5 are
arranged so that there are six sockets 5 on each side of the
longitudinal plane.
[0028] Similarly, the embodiment from FIG. 3 is provided with four
sockets 5. These sockets 5 are arranged so that there are two
sockets 5 on each side of the longitudinal plane.
[0029] In further embodiments, not shown in the drawings, there can
be any number of sockets 5. In an embodiment, the number of the
sockets 5 and their arrangement are the same on each interface zone
4 of the base unit 1. Alternatively, if justified by design
considerations, the number of the sockets 5 and their arrangement
can differ between the two interface zones 4.
[0030] According to the embodiments shown in the attached figures,
each socket 5 is a hole 6. In an embodiment, either a centering pin
or a bolt (both are not shown in the figures) can be installed in
the holes 6.
[0031] An embodiment also relates to a kit for assembling a
crankcase 101. Such a kit includes one or more base units 1, such
as the one described above. A suitable number of connecting devices
is provided, so that the base units 1 can be attached together. In
particular, the base units 1 can be attached on their respective
interface zones 4, as explained above.
[0032] Optionally a spacer device 15 can be inserted between two
base units 1. Such a spacer device is used in case the cylinders
that have to be attached to the crankcase 101 are particularly
large. Indeed, if that is the case, a suitable spacer device 15
used so that enough space is restored between two base units 1.
Specifically, the spacer device 15 has two ends 15a, which are
opposite and which can be attached to a respective base unit 1 as
will be explained in a following part of the present
disclosure.
[0033] With greater detail, the spacer device 15 includes at least
a perimetral wall 14. In use, such a perimetral wall 14 extends
around the crankshaft 100. In the embodiment shown in the figures,
the spacer device 15 includes just one perimetral wall 14 which is
U-shaped. This particular shape of the spacer device 15 allows the
admittance of the crankshaft from the open side of spacer device
15. Both the spacer device 15 and the base unit 1 have the open
sides face on the same side in order to allow the entry of the
crankshaft 100. In alternative embodiments, not shown, the spacer
device 15 can include any number of perimetral walls 14 which can
be arranged differently.
[0034] In detail, the spacer device 15 is configured to be
connected to the base units 1 onto the respective interface zones
4. Indeed, the spacer device 15 has a pair of interface zones 16
itself. These interface zones 16 are opposite to each other. In
other words, the interface zones 16 are each placed onto a
respective end 15a of the spacer device 15. The interface zones 16
are configured to be attached to respective interface zones 4 of
respective base units 1. For this reason, the interface zones 16
are substantially similar to the interface zones 4 of the base unit
1, therefore they will not be further detailed in the present
disclosure.
[0035] Although a known crankshaft can be used with the crankcase
101 according to the above described embodiment, the kit can also
include a crankshaft 100 configured to be inserted into the housing
2 of the base unit 1. In detail, the crankshaft 100 includes a
plurality of segments 102. Each segment 102 is configured to be
housed into a respective base unit 1 and to be joined with at least
another segment 102 in order to define the crankshaft 101. In other
words, the crankshaft 100 is also modular, being composed by a
variable number of segments 102. In an embodiment, each segment 102
has a length substantially equal to the length of its respective
base unit 1 along the longitudinal axis "A". Furthermore, in an
embodiment, the number of segments 102 is the same as the number of
base units 1 in the crankcase. In an embodiment, each segment 102
is configured to be attached to two connecting rods.
[0036] Additionally, the crankshaft may include one or more further
segment 103. Each further segment 103 is configured to be attached
to two segments 102. In an embodiment, each further segment 103 has
the same length along the longitudinal axis "A" as the spacer
device 15. Indeed, in use, each further segment 103 is placed
inside the spacer device 15.
[0037] In an embodiment, in each kit the base units 1 have all the
same length along the longitudinal axis "A". This may enable a
better modularity for the crankcase 101 built using the above
described kit. Of course such length can vary depending on design
specification. Furthermore, if necessary a single kit can include
base units 1 of different length or size.
[0038] Another embodiment relates to a method for assembling the
above described crankcase 101. Two or more of the base units 1 are
provided with the appropriate number of spacer device 15.
[0039] These base units 1 are attached to each other. Optionally,
if the spacer devices 15 are used, they are each inserted between
two base units 1. The interface zones 4, 16 are joined. In
particular, pins (not shown) are inserted inside a subset of
sockets 5. The remaining sockets 5 of adjacent interface zones 4,
16 are then secured with bolts. A crankshaft is inserted in the
seats 9 of the base units 1. If necessary, a crankshaft 100 is
assembled by any required number of segments 102 and further
segments 103, which are joined by means known to the person skilled
in the art.
[0040] Another embodiment relates to a method of upgrading a
crankcase 101, for example if an additional pair of pistons (with
respective connecting rods) is deemed necessary. In this case,
another base unit 1 is attached to a base unit 1 already part of
the crankcase 101, in particular at one end of the crankcase 101.
If necessary, a spacer device 15 can be inserted between the
previous crankcase 101 and the new base unit 1. Also, if a known
single-piece crankshaft was installed in the previous crankcase 101
it has to be replaced. Otherwise, if the above discussed crankshaft
100 was used, it can be adjusted by adding a new segment 102 and,
if required, a new further segment 103. Any number of base units 1
can be added this way.
[0041] It is to be understood that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of various embodiments have been set
forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the
structure and functions of various embodiments, this disclosure is
illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in
matters of structure and arrangement of parts within the principles
of the embodiments to the full extent indicated by the broad
general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are
expressed. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
the teachings disclosed herein can be applied to other systems
without departing from the scope and spirit of the application.
* * * * *