U.S. patent application number 15/280037 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-06 for intake valve actuating system, compressors starting method and its uses.
This patent application is currently assigned to Whirlpool S.A.. The applicant listed for this patent is Whirlpool S.A.. Invention is credited to Dietmar Erich Bernhard LILIE, Sergio Koerich LOHN.
Application Number | 20170096996 15/280037 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57042760 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170096996 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LILIE; Dietmar Erich Bernhard ;
et al. |
April 6, 2017 |
Intake Valve Actuating System, Compressors Starting Method and Its
Uses
Abstract
The present invention relates an intake valve actuating system,
specially to reciprocating machines, the use of said system in
compressors and a compressors starting method, promoting advantages
on the compressors starting, minimizing the power needed on said
reciprocating machines. Specially, the present invention includes a
controlled actuating mean actuating an intake valve, by a coil,
while a piston starts its reciprocating movement. The intake valve
can be displaced, at the expense of the reciprocating movement of
the piston, displacing a relief spring, avoiding overloading the
coil. The present invention is situated on field of Mechanical
Engineer, more precisely on the area of Flow Machines.
Inventors: |
LILIE; Dietmar Erich Bernhard;
(Joinville, BR) ; LOHN; Sergio Koerich;
(Florianoplis, BR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Whirlpool S.A. |
Sao Paulo |
|
BR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Whirlpool S.A.
|
Family ID: |
57042760 |
Appl. No.: |
15/280037 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 53/1082 20130101;
F04B 53/108 20130101; F04B 7/0076 20130101; F04B 37/10 20130101;
F04B 49/24 20130101; F04B 49/243 20130101; F04B 53/10 20130101;
F04B 39/08 20130101; F04B 49/03 20130101; F04B 53/1085
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04B 49/03 20060101
F04B049/03; F04B 39/08 20060101 F04B039/08; F04B 53/10 20060101
F04B053/10; F04B 37/10 20060101 F04B037/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 2, 2015 |
BR |
10 2015 025294 3 |
Claims
1. Intake valve actuating system, comprising: a. controlled
actuating mean; b. actuating stem associated to the controlled
actuating mean, the system characterized by: the controlled
actuating means project the actuating stem in an opening direction
sufficient to promote the opening of the intake valve; the
actuating stem, the controlled actuating means, or both comprises
displacement absorption means in a relief direction opposite to the
projection imposed by the controlled actuating means and comprise
actuating stem return in position sufficient to promote the intake
valve reopening.
2. Intake valve actuating system according to claim 1,
characterized by the fact that the controlled actuating means
happens applying a controlled electrical current.
3. Intake valve actuating system according to claim 1,
characterized by the displacement absorption mean is comprised by
at least one of the comprised on the group defined by: elastic
mechanical element; electrical current intensity controller;
spring-gas; fluid compression; balance by controlled mass; or
similar.
4. Intake valve actuating system according to claim 1,
characterized by: a. the actuating mean being a solenoid having a
magnetizable movable plunger housing an actuating stem, the
solenoid being capable of displace the movable plunger in an
opening direction; b. the displacement absorption mean being a
spring associated to the movable plunger and to the actuating stem,
capable of allowing, by means of an elastic deformation, the
actuating stem displacement in a direction contrary to the movable
plunger displacement, when magnetized.
5. Method for starting compressors, in which the compressor uses a
reciprocating piston for compressing a fluid and comprises an
intake valve actuating system as defined in claim 1, the method
being characterized by comprising the steps of controlled actuating
mean actuation for the opening of an intake valve according to the
displacement movement of a piston on the compression direction.
6. Method for starting compressors, according to claim 5,
characterized by actuating the controlled actuation mean during the
compressor starting.
7. Method for starting compressors, according to claim 5,
characterized by comprising the steps of: a. activates a controlled
actuating mean for opening an intake valve; b. start displacement
movement of a piston to the compression direction; c. absorb the
piston displacement movement, when in contact with the intake
valve, the controlled actuating mean being held actuated during all
steps (a) to (b).
8. Method for starting compressors, according to claim 5,
characterized by the fact that controlled actuating mean is
disabled when the compressor reaches pre-defined operation
conditions for maintenance of an operation regimen.
9. Use of the intake valve actuating system, characterized by the
system being as defined in claim 1 and for being used in a
compressor.
10. Use of the intake valve actuating system according to claim 9,
characterized by the compressor being of hermetic type for feeding
cooling cycles.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention describes an intake valve actuating
system and a method for starting compressors. In preferred
embodiments, the present invention may be used in reciprocating
machines such as compressors. The present invention lies in the
field of Mechanical Engineering, specifically the flow machines
area.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Reciprocating machines are mechanical devices widely used
today because they are versatile and have wide applicability in
various sectors of industry.
[0003] An example of reciprocating movements is those promoted from
a set of mechanisms, commonly known as connecting rod and crank,
which transforms the rotation of a shaft into reciprocating motion
(to-and-from) which is intended to reciprocating displace any
device.
[0004] Reciprocating machines enjoy the reciprocating element in a
pressurizer, such as a piston to pressurize fluids within a
chamber. It is further provided a set of valves for the fluid to be
pressurized is directed correctly when leaving the compression
chamber. Due to the reciprocating movement of the pressurizer
element and the performance of directional valves, is knowledge of
the skilled in the art that reciprocating machines need a large
initial torque to the starting of the both the inertia of the
components and, especially, because the pressurizer element already
starts the working cycle by compressing a portion of the fluid to
be pressurized.
[0005] It is also the knowledge of ordinary skill in the art, the
use of an actuating mechanism in the intake valve of reciprocating
machines, which aims to promote the opening of said intake valve
during the first instants after the starting of the reciprocating
machine, in order to reduce the initial starting torque. After the
reciprocating machine supplying the initial inertia and assuming a
constant rotation, the valve is closed, and an effective
pressurization of the fluid is started.
[0006] For construction and performance issues, current
reciprocating machines are built from a pressurizer piston
traveling as much as possible course, coming very close to the top
of the pressurization chamber, part where commonly the intake
valves are housed and discharge. This compact arrangement of the
elements makes pressurizer piston to touch the intake valve, which
in normal operation, should be closed so that would happen the
pressurization of the desired fluid. When this occurs, there is a
direct impact on the device which operated the intake valve so that
it remained open during the starting. If said device to keep the
intake valve open is a solenoid, it will be forced, while
magnetized in the opposite direction to the field you are applying,
which promotes greater energy consumption.
[0007] In the search for prior art in scientific and patent
literature, the following documents related to the matter were
found:
[0008] The PI0806059 discloses a pressure relief system for gas
compressors, so as to reduce the initial starting torque and to
avoid "bumps" of the compressor, while in high-load conditions.
Among the disclosed embodiments can highlight the use of stems and
mechanical devices for actuation of the intake valve in accordance
with the rotation imposed to the compressor. It was also revealed
magnetic media for this function. However, the document PI0806059,
beyond revealing complex mechanisms and susceptible to vibration
and balance of the compressor, does not reveal a safe and effective
way to not damage the intake valve in case the piston will touch
it.
[0009] The US20070272890 discloses a solenoid device used to work
in reciprocating compressor intake valves in order to regulate the
internal pressure of the pressurizing chamber during periods of
time when you want to control said internal pressure in the chamber
of said reciprocating compressor. This document discloses several
means to be made available to the solenoids used, including a
system for compensating the differential pressure. This document,
however, does not reveal an effective way to solve the piston
contact problem in the intake valve, without the solenoid which
acts on said intake valve is damaged.
[0010] Thus, what is clear from the literature, no documents were
found suggesting or anticipating the teachings of the present
invention, so that the solution proposed here has novelty and
inventive activity against the state of the art.
[0011] In view of the above, we see the imminent need for a
mechanism of action of valves that is not damaged or increase the
power consumption of reciprocating machines, at the beginning of
the operation of said reciprocating machine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Thus, the present invention solves the constant problems in
the prior art, from a system and intake valve actuation (13) of
reciprocating machines. More specifically, the present invention
discloses a system capable of keeping the intake valve system (13)
in a pre-set condition for the time of starting a compressor to the
piston and, after stabilization of rotation, according to
pre-defined values, the present invention stops acting on said
intake valve (13).
[0013] It is, therefore, a first object of the present invention to
provide an intake valve opening system (13), comprising:
[0014] a) controlled actuation means (1); and
[0015] b) actuating stem (5) associated to the controlled actuation
means (1),
[0016] the system being defined by the fact that the controlled
actuation means (1) projecting the actuating stem (5) into an
opening direction (OD) sufficient to promote the opening of the
intake valve (13), and in that the actuating stem (5), the
controlled actuation means (1), or both comprise displacement
absorbing means in a sense of relief (RD) opposite the projection
imposed by the controlled actuation means and comprises return
means of the actuating stem (5) in position enough to promote the
reopening of the intake valve (13).
[0017] It is a second object of the present invention to provide a
method for starting compressors, defined by the fact that the
system is as disclosed by the present invention and said method
comprises the actuating steps through controlled actuation means
(1) for opening an intake valve (13) according to the displacement
movement of a piston (12) in the compression direction.
[0018] It is a third and last object of the present invention to
provide the use of intake valve opening system (13), defined by the
fact that the system be as disclosed by the present invention and
be employed in a compressor.
[0019] Further, the common inventive concept to all the claimed
protection context refers to the fact of the present invention to
provide an intake valve opening system (13) in pressurization
chambers (21) for reciprocating machines, so request a lower torque
for the start of this reciprocating machine. Specifically, the
present invention acts on the intake valve (13) of a compressor so
as to not allow during the first instants of starting the
compressor, builds up pressure in the pressurizing chamber. This
measure makes the initial torque required for starting said
compressor lower, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the
need for electrical and electronic components that were used in the
prior art to enable the start with higher torques.
[0020] These and other objects of the invention will be immediately
appreciated by those versed in the art and by companies with
interests in the sector, and will be described in sufficient detail
to reproduce in the description below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0021] In order to better define and clarify the content of this
patent application, these figures are presented:
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the present
invention, where it is possible to see the inner mechanisms to the
outer casing (2) through the controlled actuation (1).
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a sectional elevation of the present invention,
wherein the movable piston (4) is in an upper position and the coil
(7) has just been activated.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates the sequence of operation, where it is
perceived that the moving piston (4) is starting its path towards
the static element (3).
[0025] FIG. 4 shows the moving piston (4) in its final position
with the stem (5) displaced downwards and acting on the valve
element (13).
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates the instant when a piston (12) touches
the intake valve (13), returning the actuating stem (5) and
deforming the relief spring (10).
[0027] FIG. 6 shows a set of pressurizer element (12) and
pressurizing chamber (21) provided with actuation system on the
valve element (13).
[0028] FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 5, but in this image the
pressurizer element (12) is in a top position, after having come
into contact of said element with the valve element (13) and
retracted the valve (13).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] In a first object the present invention provides an intake
valve opening system (13) comprising:
[0030] a) controlled actuation means (1); and
[0031] b) actuating stem (5) associated to the controlled actuation
means (1),
[0032] the system being defined by the fact that the controlled
actuation means (1) projects the actuating stem (5) into an opening
direction (OD) sufficient to promote the opening of the intake
valve (13), and in that the actuating stem (5), the controlled
actuation means (1), or both comprise displacement absorbing means
in a sense of relief (RD) opposite the projection imposed by the
controlled actuation means and comprises return means of the
actuating stem (5) in position enough to promote the reopening of
the intake valve (13).
[0033] In one embodiment, the controlled environment of action is
given by applying electric current.
[0034] In one embodiment, the displacement absorbing means is
comprised of at least one of the group defined by: elastic
mechanical element; electric current intensity controller;
Spring-gas; fluid compression; a calibrated balance masses; or
equivalent.
[0035] As springy mechanical element, we can exemplify in a
non-limiting manner, the plate springs and compression. As for the
embodiment that deals with the calibrated mass use for balance, is
it exemplified not restrictively, that the construction of the
actuating stem (5) and other peripherals associated with this, must
be done accurately, so the actuating stem assembly (5) has total
mass such that it is able to overcome the force imposed to open the
intake valve (13) when the means of controlled operation (1) is
triggered. When the piston (12) comes against the intake valve
(13), the actuating stem (5) is pushed in the opposite direction to
that which the means for controlled actuation (1) imposed by moving
the metered mass and allowing the closure of said intake valve
(13). The actuating stem (5) back to open the intake valve so that
the piston returns.
[0036] In one embodiment, the intake valve actuation system is
defined by the fact that:
[0037] a) actuation means is a solenoid fitted with a magnetizable
movable plunger (4) housing the actuating stem (5), the solenoid
being able to impose displacement of the moving piston (4) into an
opening direction (OD);
[0038] b) means of displacement absorption is a spring (10)
associated to the movable piston (4) and actuating stem (5) able to
allow, through elastic deformation, the displacement of the
actuating stem (5) in a relief direction (RD), otherwise the
displacement of the movable piston (4) when magnetized.
[0039] In a second object, the present invention provides a method
for starting compressors, defined by the fact that the system is as
disclosed by the present invention and said method comprises the
medium controlled actuation trigger steps (1) to open an intake
valve (13) in accordance with the displacement movement of a piston
(12) in the compression direction.
[0040] In one embodiment, the actuating of controlled actuation
means (1) takes place during the compressor start.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the compressor
starting method includes the steps of:
[0042] a) activating a controlled actuation means (1) for opening
an intake valve (13);
[0043] b) initiating displacement movement of a piston (12) in the
compression direction;
[0044] c) absorbing piston displacement movement (12) when in
contact with the intake valve (13),
[0045] controlled actuation means (1) being held actuated during
all steps (a) to (c).
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the controlled actuation means is
disabled when the compressor reaches the pre-defined operating
conditions to maintain an operating system.
[0047] In a third and last object of the present invention, the
system and method described are employed in a compressor.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
hermetic type compressor is used to feed cooling cycles.
Example 1. Preferred Embodiment
[0049] The examples shown herein are intended to illustrate only
one of many ways of performing the invention, but without limiting
the scope thereof.
[0050] FIG. 1 illustrates how controlled actuation means (1) of
intake valves (13) was achieved. In this picture it is clear that
the outer casing (2) is associated with a static element (3) and
the coil (7) of the solenoid. Said coil (7) is responsible for
inducing magnetic force moving piston (4) to promote movement of
said movable piston (4) towards the static element (3). This
movement causes deformation of a return spring (9), which is
responsible for returning the movable piston (4) to its original
position when the coil (7) do not exert more force on said movable
piston (4). The movable plunger (4) is associated with the internal
sleeve (6) by interference fitting between them and the actuating
stem (5) is fixed to the relief spring (10) the locking element
(8). The movement promoted in the movable piston (4) causes the
elements associated with it also having said movement, and it is
this movement that causes the intake valve (13) present at the
inlet of a reciprocating machine, is kept open. During testing,
they showed their advantages for the construction of the inner
sleeve (6) from a material which is electrically insulating. This
prevents the actuating stem (5) to be directly influenced by the
magnetic field generated by the coil (7).
[0051] FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show a sequence of how the controlled
action is taken intake valve (13) in reciprocating compressors.
[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates the initial time of operation of the
controlled actuation means (1). With the induction of electric
current, the coil (7) attracts the movable piston (4) into an
opening direction (OD) by moving the actuating stem (5) and
compressing the return spring (9). When moving, the movable piston
(4) is magnetically attracted by the coil (7) leading from the
relieving spring (10) associated with the actuating stem (5) via
the locking element (8). Once actuated, the actuating stem (5)
opens intake valve (13).
[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates the means for controlled actuation (1) at
an instant that the movable piston (4) is in an intermediate
position of the displacement in opening direction (OD). The return
spring (9) remains depressed, the inner stem (5) continues to move
in the opening direction (OD), once the locking element (8)
associating said inner stem (5) to the relief spring (10) and the
inner sleeve (6) mounted with interference on the movable piston
(4), also follow the movement in the opening direction (OD).
[0054] FIG. 4 illustrates the moment when the piston (4) completes
the displacement in opening direction (OD), with the return spring
(9) fully compressed and the actuating stem (5), the inner sleeve
(6) and the locking element (8) completely displaced to said
opening direction (OD). In this position, an intake valve (13) is
fully open, depending on displacement of actuating stem (5).
[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates the moment when, due to shock from a
piston (12) against the intake valve (13), the displacement of the
actuating stem (5) and the locking element (8) in a direction
relief (RD), tensioning the relief spring (10). The displacement of
the actuating stem (5), according to the relief direction (RD),
allows the return of the intake valve (13) which is displaced by
movement of a piston (12) operating in a reciprocating compressor.
The relief spring (10) has calibration such that deformation is
promoted with less effort than the supportable by the magnetic
field imposed by the coil (7), this ensures that said relief spring
(10) always deform first, avoiding the displacement of the movable
plunger (4). When the piston (12) ceases to have contact with the
intake valve (13), the relief spring (10) is responsible for
displacing the actuating stem (5) and locking element (8) in
opening direction (OD). This movement again opens the intake valve
(13) so as not to allow pressurization to take place in a chamber
(21) of a reciprocating compressor. During the return of the
actuating stem (5), as mentioned above, the inner sleeve (6)
remains fixed in the movable piston (4). It is an opening and
closing cycle of the intake valve (13) in accordance with the
teachings of the present invention, and this cycle of opening and
closing is responsible for not allowing pressure build-up in the
chamber (21), reducing the amount torque required for starting a
compressor containing the teachings disclosed herein. Additional
embodiments for this concept relief intake valve (13) relate to the
use of calibrated weights on the locking element (8) so as to
dispense with the relief spring (10). Said calibrated weights are
adjusted for moving in the opening direction (OD) when the movable
piston (4) moves downwardly, moving the actuating stem (5) so as to
open the intake valve (13). Analogously to the operation of the
relief spring (10) calibrated weights are adjusted for moving
towards relief (RD) when the piston (12) contacting the intake
valve (13).
[0056] FIG. 6 illustrates a set pressurizer (22) comprised of the
pressurizing chamber (21), the piston assembly (12), rod (19) and
handle (20), responsible for pressurization of a fluid in a set
pressurizer (22). The pressurizer said assembly (22) further
comprises intake ducts (17), inlet chamber (15), exhaust ducts (18)
and discharge volume (16). In normal operating conditions, the
discharge valve (14) operates to transfer pressurized fluid from
the pressurizing chamber (21) into the discharge volume (16). The
means controlled actuation (1) is also shown acting in the opening
of the intake valve (13). In this position, the internal housing
elements (2) through the controlled actuation (1) assume a position
similar to that shown in FIG. 4). The crank (20) actuating the rod
(19) performs a movement in the rotation direction (N).
[0057] FIG. 7 illustrates the pressurizer assembly (22) at the
instant that the piston (12) touches the intake valve (13) actuated
by actuation means controlled (1). The moment depicted in FIG. 7,
is analogous to that shown in FIG. 5, with the actuating stem (5)
and displaced deforming the relief spring (10) in the direction of
relief (RD).
[0058] Those skilled in the art will value the knowledge presented
herein, and may play the invention shown in the embodiments, and
other embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *