U.S. patent application number 16/674222 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-05 for two-parts telescopic connecting rod for alternative compressors and method of assembling two-parts telescopic connecting rod in .
The applicant listed for this patent is WHIRLPOOL S.A.. Invention is credited to GERSON DE ARA JO, JO O VICTOR LINDROTH, ADILSON LUIZ MANKE, MOISES ALVES DE OLIVEIRA, OSIMAR APARECIDO DE OLIVEIRA.
Application Number | 20200072208 16/674222 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57614286 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200072208 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LINDROTH; JO O VICTOR ; et
al. |
March 5, 2020 |
Two-Parts Telescopic Connecting Rod for Alternative Compressors and
Method of Assembling Two-Parts Telescopic Connecting Rod in
Alternative Compressors
Abstract
The connecting rod comprises a first portion of the connecting
rod to be mounted on the eccentric pin of a crankshaft of the
compressor and a second portion of the connecting rod to be
articulated in a reciprocating piston within a cylinder. One of the
first and second portions of the connecting rod comprises a tubular
stem portion that receives, telescopically and loosely, and
retains, by radial inward deformation, a portion of the engagement
stem of the other portion of the connecting rod, said stem portions
being held together, in an axial and rotational alignment
condition, before being attached by a fixation mean in a relative
axial positioning, which results in a portion of the compression
chamber and a respective portion of dead volume in the condition of
upper dead point of the piston.
Inventors: |
LINDROTH; JO O VICTOR;
(JOINVILLE, BR) ; MANKE; ADILSON LUIZ; (JOINVILLE,
BR) ; OLIVEIRA; MOISES ALVES DE; (JOINVILLE, BR)
; OLIVEIRA; OSIMAR APARECIDO DE; (JOINVILLE, BR) ;
ARA JO; GERSON DE; (JOINVILLE, BR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WHIRLPOOL S.A. |
SAO PAULO |
|
BR |
|
|
Family ID: |
57614286 |
Appl. No.: |
16/674222 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15392442 |
Dec 28, 2016 |
|
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16674222 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16C 7/06 20130101; F04B
39/14 20130101; F04B 39/0022 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04B 39/00 20060101
F04B039/00; F16C 7/06 20060101 F16C007/06; F04B 39/14 20060101
F04B039/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 29, 2015 |
BR |
10 2015 032840 0 |
Claims
1. Method of assembling two-parts telescopic connecting rod in
alternative compressors, said connecting rod comprising a first
portion of the connecting rod to be mounted on the eccentric pin of
a crankshaft of the compressor and a second portion of the
connecting rod to be articulated in a piston having a top face and
to be moved, in alternative movement, within a cylinder having an
opened front-end face, to be closed by a confronting face of a
valves plate, the method being characterized by the fact that it
comprises the steps of: (i) providing one of the first and second
portions of the connecting rod with a tubular stem portion and
provide the other portion of the connecting rod with a engagement
stem portion having cross-section with outer contour, smaller than
the inner contour of the cross-section of the tubular stem portion;
(ii) engaging, telescopically and loosely, the engagement stem
portion in the interior of the tubular stem portion; (iii)
conducting the tubular and engaging stem portions to a
predetermined condition of axial and rotational alignment between
them and of relative axial and preliminary positioning, defining a
connecting rod length greater than that required to provide a
desired compression chamber portion and a respective portion of
minimal dead volume in the condition of upper dead point of the
piston; (iv) subjecting the tubular stem portion to a shaping
operation, to form therein circumferential alignments of radial
deformations facing inwardly and seated, with predetermined
mechanical interference against the engagement stem portion,
retaining the latter to the tubular stem portion in said axial and
rotational alignment conditions and relative axial and preliminary
positioning therebetween; (v) being the eccentric pin in the lower
dead point condition, with the first portion of the connecting rod
mounted thereon and the piston mounted in the second portion of the
connecting rod and in the interior of the cylinder, rotate the
crankshaft to make the eccentric pin going to the upper dead point
condition, seating the piston against a stop provided along the
front-end face of the cylinder and compressing, axially and
telescopically, the tubular and engagement stem portions until the
eccentric pin reach the upper dead point position, providing an
adjustment of the relative axial positioning of the tubular and
engagement stem portions, to a condition in which the top face of
the piston defines, with the confronting face of the valves plate,
the desired portion of the compression chamber and the respective
portion of dead volume at the upper dead point condition of the
eccentric pin; and (vi) securing, mutually and in definitive
manner, by a fixation mean, defined among welding, adhesion and
brazing, surface portions of the tubular and engagement stem
portions.
2. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the
mutual and definitive fixation of the surface portions of the
tubular and engagement stem portions is carried out after the
crankshaft being rotated to return the eccentric pin to the lower
dead point condition.
3. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the
piston is mounted in the second portion of the connecting rod and
in the interior of the cylinder, before the step of telescopically
engaging, the engagement stem portion in the interior of the
tubular stem portion.
4. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the
piston is mounted in the second portion of the connecting rod,
prior to the step of engaging the engagement stem portion in the
interior of the tubular stem portion, being this latter and the
further step of conducting the tubular and engaging stem portions
to a predetermined condition of the axial and rotational alignment
and relative axial and preliminary positioning, performed with said
stem portions and piston outside of the compressor, wherein the
method further comprises the subsequent steps of: separate the
first portion of the connecting rod of the second portion of the
connecting rod; mounting the second portion of the connecting rod
and the piston in the cylinder of the compressor and the first
portion of the connecting rod on the eccentric pin of the
crankshaft; and engaging, telescopically and with predefined
interference, the engagement stem portion in the interior of the
tubular stem portion, maintaining the eccentric pin of the
crankshaft in the lower dead point condition, prior to the step of
rotating the crankshaft of the compressor to bring the eccentric
pin to the upper dead point condition, seating the piston against
the stop and the step of fixing, mutually and in definitive manner,
the portions of the surface of the tubular and engagement stem
portions.
5. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the
step of engaging the engagement stem portion in the interior of the
tubular stem portion and the further step of conducting the tubular
and engagement stem portions to a predetermined condition of the
axial and rotational alignment and relative axial and preliminary
positioning, being performed with said stem portions outside of the
compressor, wherein the method further comprises, after the step of
shaping the tubular stem portion: mounting the first and second
portion of the connecting rod on the eccentric pin and into the
cylinder of the compressor, respectively, with the eccentric pin
held in the lower dead point condition; and attaching the piston,
already inserted in the cylinder, in the second portion of the
connecting rod prior to the step of rotating the crankshaft of the
compressor to bring the eccentric pin to the upper dead point
condition, seating the piston against the stop and the step of
fixing, mutually and in definitive manner, the surface portions of
the portions of the tubular and engagement stem portions.
6. Method, according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the
assembly of the second portion of the connecting rod, in the
interior of the cylinder of the compressor, is carried out by its
radial displacement through a longitudinal slot, laterally and
superiorly provided in the cylinder.
7. Method, according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the
second portion of the connecting rod incorporates a smaller eye
that is attached to the piston by means of a pin inserted through
the longitudinal slot of the cylinder.
8. Method, according to claim 1, and the cylinder formed by a liner
fixed to a respective hole of the block of the compressor,
characterized by the fact that the piston is mounted in the second
portion of the connecting rod prior to the step of engaging the
engagement stem portion in the interior of the tubular stem
portion, being said step of engaging and the further step of
conducting the tubular and engagement stem portions to a
predetermined condition of axial and rotational alignment and
relative axial and preliminary positioning performed with said stem
portions and piston outside of the compressor, wherein the method
further comprises, after the step of shaping the tubular stem
portion the steps of: mounting the first portion of the connecting
rod and the second portion of the connecting rod, already fixed to
the piston on the eccentric pin and in the interior of the hole of
the block, respectively, with the eccentric pin held in the lower
dead point condition; inserting the liner into the hole of the
block, wearing it on the piston prior to the step of rotating the
crankshaft of the compressor to bring the eccentric pin to the
upper dead point condition, seating the piston against the stop and
the step of engaging, mutually and in definitive manner, the
surface portions of the tubular and engagement stem portions.
9. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the
first portion of the connecting rod comprises an larger eye to be
mounted on the eccentric pin of the crankshaft of the compressor,
and one of the tubular and engagement stem portions, wherein the
second portion of the connecting rod comprises, the other of said
tubular and engagement stem portions and one of the elements
defined by a smaller eye and a spherical joint for coupling to the
piston.
10. Method, according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that
the outer contour of the engagement stem portion and the inner
contour of the tubular stem portion are circular, defining
together, an annular space at least partially filled with the
fixation mean.
11. Method, according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that
the radial deformations, the tubular stem portion, are angularly
spaced from each other in each circumferential alignment.
12. Method, according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that
it includes the additional step of providing at least one of the
parts of the engagement stem portion and tubular stem portion with
the fixation mean prior to the telescopic and definitive fixation
between said stem portions.
13. Method, according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that
the tubular and engagement stem portions have surface portions
thereof, adhered to each other, in definitive manner, defined in at
least part of at least one of the regions defined between said stem
portions.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application is a divisional application of
copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/392,442, filed on
Dec. 28, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention refers to a two-parts telescopic
connecting rod and a method of assembling of the two-parts
telescopic connecting rod for domestic and commercial application
in alternative compressors of the type used in refrigeration
machines of small size, such as refrigerators, freezers, water
coolers, displays, refrigerated counters, etc.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Alternative compressors used in refrigeration systems have a
connecting rod mounted, at one side, to an eccentric pin of a
crankshaft which is journaled in a bearing block and, on the other
side, to a alternative piston within a cylinder, which is
orthogonal to the geometrical axis of the eccentric pin, between a
lower dead point condition and a upper dead point condition,
respectively, defined by a maximum and a minimum linear spacing
between a front-end face of the piston and a valve plate, seated
and fixed against a front-end of the cylinder and defining the
inner face of a head assembly which forms suction and discharge
chambers of the compressor.
[0004] In these constructions, at the upper dead point condition,
the piston should be within a certain distance from a confronting
face of the valves plate, defining, in this region, a portion of
the compression chamber and, consequently, a portion of the minimum
dead volume, previously determined to avoid that, during normal
operation of the compressor, any impacts of the piston against the
valve plate occur.
[0005] As to avoid compromising the compressor performance, the
portion of the compression chamber in which is defined a
corresponding portion of the dead volume, originated in the
adjacent region to the valve plate of the head, it must have a
small value as possible to avoid the loss of efficiency of the
compressor.
[0006] Due to the reduced size of the components and the small
space for mounting the piston-connecting rod-eccentric pin
assembly, different alternatives have been proposed for
constructing a connecting rod, aiming to facilitate mounting of
this assembly in the compressor. Among the many alternatives, it
can be cited those using connecting rod with two-parts, as occurs
in solutions U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,930,405 and 6,551,067, of the same
Applicant. Also, solutions of two-parts connecting rod as described
in documents KR2008-0017214 and JP5584880 are known. The
construction of the two-parts connecting rod has the advantage of
facilitating the mounting of the connecting rod assembly to the
parts of the eccentric pin and the piston in the compressor.
[0007] Although facilitating the mounting in the compressor, the
two-parts connecting rod require that its final mounting is made to
provide: [0008] the correct axial alignment (or longitudinal
parallelism) between the geometrical axis of the larger and the
smaller eye (or perpendicularism between the major geometrical axis
of the larger eye and the two-parts connecting rod in the case of a
spherical joint); [0009] the correct cross-parallelism (rotational
alignment) between the axis of the larger and the smaller eye, and
further; [0010] the correct total connecting rod length (or
relative axial positioning between the geometrical axis of the
larger and the smaller eye, wherein the axial direction is relative
to the connecting stem between the two eyes) to produce a
corresponding portion of dead volume as small as possible for each
compressor to be mounted. For avoiding the specification of
extremely low tolerances and expensive in each compressor being
mounted, it is commonly used the artifice of providing different
groups of sealing gasket to be positioned between the front-end
face of the cylinder and the confronting face of the valves plate,
for providing the final adjustment of the dead volume. However, the
use of different types and groups of the gasket to achieve the
correct dimensioning of the compression chamber and, consequently,
the respective portion of dead volume in each compressor unit being
manufactured, is highly undesirable, since it requires cumbersome
operations of measuring the protrusion of the piston, the provision
of different groups of gasket and further, the selection of said
elements for mounting each compressor unit.
[0011] Some of the solutions of the prior art which use the
two-parts connecting rod do not produce a final attachment between
the two stem portions, capable of allowing a continuous variation
of the total final connecting rod length, specifically and properly
sized to provide the same pattern of portion of dead volume in the
compression chamber, regardless of the use or not of a single group
of sealing gasket between the front-end face of the cylinder and
the valve plate. This occurs with the solutions of the type
described in documents U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,405, KR2008-0017214 and
JP55-84880.
[0012] In another prior art solution, which allows a continuous
adjustment by telescopic engagement, the two portions of the
connecting rod, as described in document U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,067B1,
results from the fact that the telescopic engagement is made with
an interference in necessary degree and sufficient to hold the two
stem portions in a telescopic positioning determined by the axial
compression of the two parts, generally obtained by seating of the
front-end face of the piston against a mounting shim, having
predetermined sizing and which is held seated against the front-end
face of the cylinder, when the crankshaft is rotated until it
reaches the upper dead point of the piston.
[0013] A major problem which has limited and even prevented the
effective use of this solution with two-parts telescopic connecting
rod, as described in document U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,067B1, results
from the difficulty and even the impracticality to produce, in the
construction of the two portions of the stem, a dimensional
accuracy that leads to a degree of mechanical interference in the
telescopic engagement, sufficient to ensure a proper axial force
range, defined:
[0014] (a) By a minimum axial force of insertion, in order to keep
the two portions of the stem in the correct telescopic positioning,
defined at the upper dead point of the piston, until the final
fixation is produced between the two portions;
[0015] (b) By a maximum axial force of insertion which is
insufficient for the compressive forces, for adjustment of the
telescopic engagement provided between the eccentric pin of the
crankshaft and the mounting shim, do not produce deformations in
the assembly of block-cylinder-connecting rod-axis capable of
impairing the proper sizing of the dead volume to be obtained in
each compressor, using a single group or minimized variation for
the sealing gasket to be provided between the valve plate and the
front-end face of the cylinder.
[0016] Due to the difficulties in obtaining, in an economically
feasible manner, the suitable degree of mechanical interference
between the two stem portions, to be telescopically engaged
together, it is common to provide a degree of insufficient
interference to ensure the maintenance of the telescopic
positioning defined at the upper dead point of the piston, when the
crankshaft is rotated to bring the piston-connecting rod assembly
to the lower dead point, facilitating the final fixation of the two
portions by different solutions, such as by welding, brazing,
adhesive, and the like. On the other hand, when the degree of
interference is excessive, the compressive force between the two
portions of the connecting rod, for the adjustment of the
telescopic positioning, produces elastic deformations in the
involved parts, capable of producing deviations of sizing of the
desired dead volume, in sufficient degree to require the
resizing/replacement of the sealing gasket, for obtaining a
compression chamber portion that defines the desired respective
portion of dead volume.
[0017] Due to the difficulties of obtaining a suitable degree of
mechanical interference in the telescopic engagement and the
dimensional variations present in the components of the compressor
and which can modify the relative position between the parts of the
eccentric pin and the piston, generally, the mounting of the
connecting rod to the latter determines a length that differs from
that optimal desired and which requires final settings by using
different groups of sealing gasket between the valve plate and the
front-end face of the cylinder.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Due to the difficulties presently encountered to enable the
use of two-parts connecting rods with telescopic engagement, the
present invention has as an object to provide a connecting rod of
the type herein contemplated and having, in addition to the
advantages of assemblage in the compressor, inherent to its own
two-parts and telescopic attributes, a preliminary retention
between the two stem portions in a condition of axial and
rotational alignment between them, in the condition of the
connecting rod being mounted in the compressor, before the final
and definitive mutual attachment of said stem portions, in a
relative axial positioning corresponding to a desired portion of
the compression chamber with the consequent portion of minimal dead
volume at upper dead point of the piston, for a given thickness of
sealing gasket between the front-end face of the cylinder and the
valve plate.
[0019] The invention further has the objective of providing a
method of mounting a connecting rod, having two-parts and
telescopic engagement in an alternative compressor, which enables a
preliminary retention between the two portions in a condition of
axial and rotational alignment between them and with a degree of
mutual interference which allows the achievement of an easy and
precise adjustment of the relative axial positioning between said
stem portions, already in the condition of the connecting rod
mounted in the compressor, before the final and definitive mutual
attachment of said stem portions, allowing a more precise control
of compression chamber portion, that defines a respective portion
of dead volume in the cylinder.
[0020] The connecting rod in question is of the type that comprises
a first portion of the connecting rod to be mounted on the
eccentric pin of a compressor crankshaft and a second portion of
the connecting rod to be articulated in a reciprocating piston
within a cylinder having an open front-end face, which is closed by
a valve plate.
[0021] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, one of
the portions of the connecting rod comprises a tubular stem
portion, while the other portion of the connecting rod comprises an
engagement stem portion which is telescopic and loosely fitted into
the interior of the tubular stem portion.
[0022] The tubular stem portion incorporates at least two
circumferential alignments of inward facing radial deformations and
seated, with predetermined mechanical interference, against the
engagement stem portion, retaining the latter to the tubular stem
portion, in a predetermined condition of axial and rotational
alignment between them.
[0023] The tubular and engagement stem portions have portions of
its surface, fixed one to another, in a definitive manner by an
adhesion fixation mean, in a relative axial positioning, in a
condition in which the top face of the piston maintains a
predetermined distance relative to the confronting face of the
valves plate, to provide a desired compression chamber portion,
that forms a respective portion of dead volume, the lowest
possible, in the condition of upper dead point of the piston.
[0024] The method of assembly of the connecting rod in question
comprises, a basic initial step of providing one of the first and
second portions of the connecting rod with a tubular stem portion
and provide the another portion of the connecting rod with an
engagement stem portion presenting cross-section with the outer
contour smaller than the inner contour of the cross-section of the
tubular stem portion.
[0025] In certain embodiments, the method comprises the step of
mounting the piston to one of said portions of the connecting rod,
and then, the step of providing the loose and telescopic engaging,
of the engagement stem portion in the interior of the tubular stem
portion, with the assembly of said portions of the connecting rod
and piston maintained of the compressor, in a mounting device, or
with the first portion of the connecting rod already mounted to the
eccentric pin and with the second portion of the connecting rod and
the piston mounted in the cylinder of the compressor.
[0026] Then, it is performed the step of engaging, telescopic and
loosely, the engagement stem portion in the interior of the tubular
stem portion, by maintaining the eccentric pin in the lower dead
point condition and conducting the portions of tubular and
engagement stem to a predetermined condition of axial and
rotational alignment between them both and relative axial and
preliminary positioning, defining a connecting rod length greater
than that required to provide a desired compression chamber portion
and a respective portion of minimal dead volume at the upper dead
point condition of the eccentric pin and of the piston.
[0027] Having the two portions of the connecting rod already
aligned and axially positioned together, in the assembled
condition, in the compressor or outside of it, and in a mounting
device, the tubular stem portion is subjected to a shaping
operation, as to form circumferential alignments therein, inwardly
facing radial and seated deformations, with predetermined
mechanical interference against the engagement stem portion,
retaining the latter to tubular stem portion, in said axial and
rotational alignment conditions and relative axial and preliminary
positioning between them.
[0028] If the telescopic engagement operations, alignment and
relative axial positioning and shaping have been performed outside
of the compressor, in any suitable mounting device, the connecting
rod can be disassembled or maintained in assembled condition and
already shaped, to be then assembled in the compressor, with the
first portion of the connecting rod being adapted to the eccentric
pin and with the second portion of the connecting rod, generally
already coupled to the piston, being mounted in the cylinder of the
compressor. In the event of the piston has not been previously
mounted to the second portion of the connecting rod, it is then
inserted into the cylinder and coupled to the second portion of the
connecting rod.
[0029] Having the connecting rod and the piston already assembled
in the compressor, the crankshaft of the compressor is rotated
causing the eccentric pin to pass through the upper dead point
condition, seating the piston against a stop provided near to the
front-end face of the cylinder and compressing, axially and
telescopically, the portions of the tubular and engagement stem
until the eccentric pin reaches the upper dead point position, by
providing an adjustment of the relative axial positioning of the
tubular and engagement stem portions, to a condition in which the
top face of the piston starts to define, with the confronting face
of the valves plate, the desired portion of the compression chamber
and the respective portion of dead volume in the condition of upper
dead point of the eccentric pin.
[0030] The crankshaft can then be rotated to return the eccentric
pin to the lower dead point condition.
[0031] Then, it is performed the operation of fixing, mutually and
in definitive mode, by a fixing means, defined among welding,
adhesion and brazing, surface portions of the tubular and
engagement stem portions.
[0032] The constructive solution proposed by the present invention
enables, in a relatively simple and accurate manner, that the
preliminary telescopic engagement between the tubular and
engagement stem portions having a predetermined degree of
mechanical interference, generating an narrow range of resistance
force to the axial displacement between the portions of the
connecting rod, that allows axially retaining said portions against
the compression forces, when said parts are telescopically
compressed together while adjusting the axial dimension of the
connecting rod, during the displacement of the eccentric pin of the
crankshaft, to the upper dead point position of the piston and
still withstand to the tensile forces when the displacement of the
connecting rod to the condition of the lower dead point of the
eccentric pin, in which has its portions definitely fixed to each
other.
[0033] In the event of the cylinder being defined by a liner
mounted in a hole in the compressor block, the shaping operation is
generally performed outside of the compressor, in a mounting
device, with the assembly defined by the two portions of the
connecting rod, already preliminarily held together by the
conformation of the tubular stem portion against the engagement
stem portion and carrying the larger eye and the piston, thus
mounted in the compressor, with the first portion of the connecting
rod being adapted to the eccentric pin and with the second portion
of the connecting rod, normally already coupled to the piston,
being mounted within the hole of the block. Thereafter, the liner
is inserted into the hole of the block and pulled over the
piston.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The invention will now be described regarding the enclosed
drawings, in which:
[0035] FIG. 1 represents, schematically and in longitudinal
section, part of the bearing block carrying a crankshaft and
incorporating a cylinder, still being illustrated in exploded
condition, a piston coupled to one of the portions of the
connecting rod, the other portion of the connecting rod to be
coupled to the eccentric pin of the crankshaft in the lower dead
point condition and a valves plate for closing the front-end face
of the cylinder;
[0036] FIG. 1A is a similar view to that of FIG. 1, but
illustrating a compressor construction in which the cylinder is
formed by a liner in a separate piece of the bearing block and the
piston attached to one of the portions of the connecting rod by a
spherical joint;
[0037] FIG. 2 represents, schematically, and in exploded and
enlarged perspective view, the connecting rod of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 3 represents, schematically and enlarged perspective
view, the connecting rod of FIG. 2 with its connecting rod portions
telescopically engaged within each other;
[0039] FIG. 4 represents, schematically and in longitudinal
section, the assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, with the connecting
rod mounted in the compressor with the eccentric pin of the
crankshaft in upper dead point condition and with the top face of
the piston seated against a stop positioner that, in the
illustrated example, is seated and retained in the front-end face
of the cylinder;
[0040] FIG. 5 represents a longitudinal sectional view, on an
enlarged scale, of the connecting rod in the finished condition,
but detached from the compressor, for better visualization of the
clamping arrangement between the two portions of the connecting
rod;
[0041] FIG. 5A represents a similar view to that of FIG. 5, but
illustrating a constructive variant that uses one of the fixation
means in the form of an adhesive load provided in the inner end
region of the tubular stem portion;
[0042] FIG. 6 represents a cross-sectional view of the connecting
rod taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 5; and
[0043] FIG. 7 represents a cross-sectional view of the connecting
rod, taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 5 and sectioning a
circumferential alignment of internal radial projections of the
tubular stem portion.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT
[0044] The present invention is described for a two-parts
telescopic connecting rod, of the type that operates in an
alternative compressor used in refrigeration systems.
[0045] According to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the alternative compressor is
of the type that comprises, in the interior of a not illustrated
housing, a bearing block 1 incorporating a cylinder 2 having an
open front-end face 2a and a bearing hub 3 carrying a crankshaft 4
provided with an eccentric pin 5. The cylinder 2, when formed
directly in the block 1, can present, laterally and superiorly, a
longitudinal slot 2b, wherein the function of which will be defined
later.
[0046] The connecting rod in question comprises a first portion of
the connecting rod 10 to be mounted on the eccentric pin 5 of the
crankshaft 4 and a second portion of the connecting rod 20 to be
articulated in a piston 6 having a top face 6a and to be displaced,
in alternative movement within the cylinder 2. The opened front-end
face 2a of the cylinder 2 is closed by a confronting face section
7a of a valves plate 7, of any suitable construction.
[0047] In the construction illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the
second portion of the connecting rod 20 is articulated by a smaller
eye 21 and by an articulating pin 23, to the piston 6. However, it
should be understood that the second portion of the connecting rod
20 can be articulated to the piston 6 by an articulated or a
spherical joint 21a. In both constructions illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 1A, the first portion of the connecting rod 10 is articulated
to the eccentric pin 5 of the crankshaft 4, by a larger eye 11.
[0048] In the compressor of FIG. 1, the cylinder 2 is defined in
the bearing block 1 itself, while in FIG. 1A, the block 1 is
provided with a hole 1a in which a liner 8 is adapted, defining the
cylinder 2, and into which the piston 6 is moved in alternative
movement. It should be noted that the liner 8 can be used with
other configurations for mounting the smaller eye 21 to the piston
6, different from which uses the spherical joint 21a. In the same
way, the spherical joint 21a can be used in other constructions of
the cylinder lacking the liner 8, such as the one illustrated in
FIG. 1.
[0049] As it is known about the alternative compressors, the piston
6 is subjected to an alternative movement within the cylinder 2 (or
of the liner 8) in orthogonal course to the geometrical axis of the
eccentric pin 5, between a lower dead point condition of the
eccentric pin 5 (FIGS. 1 and 1A) and an upper dead point condition
(FIG. 4), respectively defined by a maximum and a minimum linear
spacing between the top face 6a of the piston 6 and the confronting
face 7a of the valves plate 7, which is normally seated in the
front-end face 2a of the cylinder 2 with the interposition of at
least one joint 9, which can be replaced by an adhesive.
[0050] According to the invention, one of the first and second
portions of the connecting rod 10, 20 comprises a tubular stem
portion 12, while the other portion of the connecting rod 20, 10
comprises an engagement stem portion 22 that is telescopically and
loosely engaged in the interior of the tubular stem portion 12.
[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular stem portion 12
radially protrudes, preferably in a single piece, outside of the
larger eye 11 of the first portion of the connecting rod 10, while
the engagement stem portion 22 projects radially, preferably in a
single piece, outside of the smaller eye 21 of the second portion
of the connecting rod 20. However, it should be understood that the
tubular stem portion 12 can be incorporated into the smaller eye 21
of the second portion of the connecting rod 20 or even to the
spherical articulation of the latter, when the smaller eye 21 is
replaced by a spherical joint 21a (shown in FIG. 1A). In this case,
the engagement stem portion 22 is incorporated into the larger eye
11 of the first portion of the connecting rod 10.
[0052] In accordance with the invention, the tubular stem portion
12 incorporates at least two circumferential alignments of radial
deformations 13 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) inwardly faced and configured
to be seated with a predetermined mechanical interference, against
the engagement stem portion 22, holding the latter to the tubular
stem portion 12, in a predetermined condition of axial and
rotational alignment between them, with a resistive force which is
proportional to said mechanical interference.
[0053] The radial deformations 13 of the tubular stem portion 12
are preferably obtained by means of a mechanical shaping operation
as, for example, by crimping, carried out in a suitable equipment
capable of holding the two portions of the connecting rod 10, 20,
in a certain relative telescopic positioning, while the tubular
stem portion 12 is shaped to be retained to the engagement stem
portion 22 by means of the radial deformations 13, as further
discussed below, relative to the connecting rod assembly
methodology in question.
[0054] The outer contour of the cross-section of the engagement
stem portion 22 and the inner contour of the cross-section of the
tubular stem portion 12 are preferably circular to facilitate the
provision of radial deformations 13 on each circumferential
alignment, since the circular cross-sections of the two stem
portions allow that they define together a continuous annular
space, defined along the longitudinal length of the overlap of the
tubular stem portion 12 relative to the engagement stem portion 22
and which is independent of relative rotational positioning
(indexing) between the two stem portions for the formation of the
connecting rod.
[0055] The preference for a geometry of circular cross-sections of
the two stem portions is also due to the greater easiness and lower
processing cost to achieve this geometry, as by drawing operations,
extrusion, turning, drilling and finishing operations such as
enlargement, honing and grinding, among others.
[0056] The radial deformations 13 of the tubular stem portion 12
are arranged angularly spaced from each other in each respective
circumferential alignment transverse to the longitudinal
geometrical axis of the connecting rod.
[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, each circumferential
alignment has three radial deformations 13, disposed in respective
regions equally spaced from each other, wherein these radial
deformations, generated preferably by a forming tool acting on the
outer surface of the tubular stem portion 12, radially extend from
the inner surface of the tubular stem portion 12, due to the low
wall thickness of the tubular stem portion 12. However, the radial
deformations 13 can have different configurations, for example, in
the form of predefined axial length or circumferential ribs or even
circumferentially continuous, protruding to the inner circular
contour of the tubular stem portion 12. Said radial deformations 13
(or ribs) can be extended in cross-sectional or longitudinal
directions to the tubular stem portion 12.
[0058] The construction herein proposed allows, after shaping the
tubular stem portion 12 and the correct dimensional adjustment of
the connecting rod, the tubular 12 and engagement 22 stem portions
can have surface portions adhered to each other, in definitive
manner and by a fixation mean 30, in a relative axial positioning,
in a condition in which the top face 6a of the piston 6 maintains a
predetermined distance from the confronting face 7a of the valves
7, to provide a desired compression chamber portion which forms a
respective portion of dead volume in the condition of upper dead
point of the eccentric pin 5 and the piston 4.
[0059] The fixation mean 30 can be defined, for example, from weld,
adhesive and brazing and can fill the annular space defined between
the portions of the tubular 12 and engaging stem 22 along at least
a portion of the longitudinal length of the overlap of the tubular
stem portion 12 relative to the engaging stem 22.
[0060] Alternatively, the same radial deformations 13 can be used
for the definitive fixation, without the use of additional material
such as, for example, by capacitive or laser welding.
[0061] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fixation mean 30 can
also comprise a cord or weld spots provided between said stem
portions, in at least one of the regions of the bottom of the
tubular stem portion 12 and at one end of the length of the overlap
between them, adhering in definitive manner, the portion of the
outer telescopic stem, i.e., the tubular stem portion 12, the
peripheral circumferential adjacent region of the inner portion of
the telescopic stem, defined by the portion of the engagement stem
22.
[0062] However, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the definitive fixation
between the tubular stem portion 12 and the engagement stem portion
22 can further include the provision of other fixation mean 30a, in
the form of a welded ring of addition, opened or closed, having in
one of the regions defined by the free-end portion 22a of the
engagement stem portion 22 and at the bottom of the tubular stem
portion 12, welding said parts together when molten.
[0063] The welded ring of addition, when applied to the free end
portion 22a of the engagement stem portion 22, can be loosely
engaged, for example, in a circumferential recess 24 provided
around the engagement stem portion 22 and with clearance relative
to the tubular stem portion 12.
[0064] Thus, the portions of the tubular 12 and engagement stem 22
have their surface portions adhered together, in definitive manner,
defined in at least one of the regions disposed between said stem
portions, in at least part of the length of overlapping between
them, and can further include a fixation mean 30 in the form of a
weld bead applied against the free-end portion 12a of the tubular
stem portion 12 and surrounding the adjacent peripheral region of
the engagement stem portion 22 and further, optionally, another
fixation mean 30a in the form of a weld bead of addition provided
between the free-end portion 22a of the engagement stem 22 and the
adjacent region of the base end portion 12b of the tubular stem
portion 12.
[0065] In another constructive possibility, illustrated in FIG. 5A,
the tubular 12 and engagement 22 stem portions have their surface
portions adhered together, in definitive manner, by other fixation
mean 30b, in the form of an adhesive load provided in the interior
of the tubular stem portion 12, non-overlapped to the engagement
stem portion 22, and filling the inner end region of the tubular
stem portion 12, not occupied by engagement stem portion 22, and at
least part of the length of overlapping between them. This fixation
mean 30b can be normally used for substituting the fixation mean
30, in the form of a weld bead, and substituting the other fixation
mean 30a in the form of welded ring of addition.
[0066] The method of mounting the connecting rod, which is the
object of the present invention, is carried out by steps
hereinafter described and which can undergo some variations, in
function of the constructive features of the compressor,
particularly its cylinder 2 and further from the second portion of
the connecting rod 20.
[0067] Independently of the construction of the cylinder 2, the
mounting method of the invention comprises a first step defined by
the formation, by any suitable constructive means, of a first and a
second portion of the connecting rod 10, 20, with one of them
having a tubular stem portion 12 and the other portion of the
connecting rod being provided with an engagement stem portion 22
having cross-section with outer contour smaller than the inner
contour of the cross-section of the tubular stem portion 12.
[0068] The first and the second connecting rod portion 10, 20, can
be obtained in any suitable material, for example, by means of
extrusion or drawing, cold forming a lower carbon content steel or
sintering a metallurgical composition of particulate material.
[0069] In the constructive form illustrated in the drawings, the
first portion of the connecting rod 10 comprises, preferably in a
single piece, a larger eye 11, to be mounted on the eccentric pin 5
of the crankshaft 4 of the compressor and the tubular stem portion
12, while the second portion of the connecting rod 20 comprises,
the engagement stem portion 22 and one of the elements defined by a
smaller eye 21 (FIG. 1) and a spherical joint 21a (FIG. 1A) for
coupling to the piston 6. However, it should be understood that the
positioning of the portions of tubular stem 12 and engagement stem
22 can be inverted in relation to the eyes of the connecting rod,
i.e., the engagement stem portion 22 can be the one incorporated to
the larger eye 11 while the tubular stem portion 12 would be
incorporated to the smaller eye 21 or to the spherical joint
21a.
[0070] In a first variant of the method of the invention, when
applied to a compressor with cylinder 2 defined in bearing block 1
itself, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the method of assembly includes
the steps of:
[0071] (a) providing one of the first and second portions of the
connecting rod 10, 20 with a tubular stem portion 12 and provide
the other portion of the connecting rod 20, 10 with an engagement
stem portion 22 having cross-section with outer contour smaller
than the inner contour of the cross-section of the tubular stem
portion 12 and further the piston assembly 6 in the second portion
of the connecting rod 20;
[0072] (b) mounting the assembly formed by the second portion of
the connecting rod 20 and the piston 6, in the cylinder 2 of the
compressor, preferably from the end face of the cylinder 2 opposite
to the front face 2a, mainly when the cylinder 2 has a conical
shape due to the greater clearance in this region of the face
opposite to the front face 2a, facilitating the insertion
process;
[0073] (c) mounting the first portion of the connecting rod 10 on
the eccentric pin 5 of the crankshaft 4;
[0074] (d) engaging, telescopically and loosely, the engagement
stem portion 22 in the interior of the tubular stem portion 12,
maintaining the eccentric pin 5 in the lower dead point condition,
aligning the tubular 12 or engagement 22 stem portions with the
geometrical axis of the cylinder 2;
[0075] (e) conducting the tubular 12 and engagement 22 stem
portions 22 to a predetermined condition of both axial and
rotational alignment between them and relative axial and
preliminary positioning, defining a connecting rod length greater
than that required to provide a desired portion of the compression
chamber and a respective portion of minimal dead volume at the
upper dead point condition of the eccentric pin 5 and piston 6;
[0076] (f) subjecting the tubular stem portion 12 to a shaping
operation, to form therein circumferential alignments of radial
deformations 13 facing inward and seated, with predetermined
mechanical interference, against the engagement stem portion 22,
holding the latter to the tubular stem portion 12, in said axial
and rotational alignment conditions and relative axial and
preliminary positioning therebetween;
[0077] (g) rotating the crankshaft 4 of the compressor to make the
eccentric pin 5 going to the upper dead point condition, seating
the piston 6 against a stop 40 provided near the front-end face 2a
of the cylinder 2 and compressing, axial and telescopically, the
tubular 12 and the engagement 22 stem portions until the eccentric
pin 5 reaching the upper dead point position, providing an
adjustment of the relative axial positioning of the tubular 12 and
the engagement 22 stem portions, for a condition in which the top
face 6a of the piston 6 passes to define, with the confronting face
7a of the valves plate 7, the desired portion of the compression
chamber and the respective portion of dead volume in the condition
of upper dead point of the eccentric pin 5;
[0078] (h) rotating the crankshaft 4 to return the eccentric pin 5
to the lower dead point condition; and
[0079] (i) fixing, mutually and in definitive manner, by an
fixation mean 30, 30a, 30b, defined among welding, adhesion and
brazing, surface portions of the tubular 12 and the engagement 22
stem portions.
[0080] It should be noted that it can exist variations of this
sequence of assembly, depending on the particular characteristics
of the compressor mechanism, as discussed below.
[0081] The relative positioning between the two portions of the
connecting rod 10, 20, described above, being already mounted in
the compressor or separate therefrom, as a variation of the method,
described below, is achieved by means of a suitable positioning
device (not shown), which is operatively associated with both
portions of the connecting rod, to hold them in said desired
positioning, with the necessary axial and rotational alignments (if
necessary) and further with the preliminary relative axial
positioning that provides to the connecting rod a securely length
greater than the desired final one.
[0082] In the embodiment of the method described above, the action
of the positioning device over both portions of the connecting rod
10, 20, is made with these latter that are already respectively
mounted to the eccentric pin 5 and to the piston 6 and the cylinder
2 of the compressor.
[0083] The shaping operation of the tubular stem portion 12 can be
accomplished, for example, by a crimping device, not illustrated,
which must, in this embodiment of the method, be operatively
associated to the positioning device. The shaping operation is
performed to form, on the tubular stem portion 12, at least two
circumferential alignments of radial deformations 13 facing inward
and seated, with predetermined mechanical interference, against the
engagement stem portion 22, holding the latter to the tubular stem
portion 12, in said axial and rotational alignment conditions and
relative axial positioning between them.
[0084] The proposal that all said assembly steps should be
performed with the eccentric pin 5 and piston 6 positioned at the
lower dead point is because, at this position, the major portion of
the connecting rod is uncovered of the cylinder 2, facilitating the
access of the positioning device and the shaping device
(crimping)
[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the radial deformations 13 of the
tubular stem portion 12 are generally angularly spaced from each
other in each circumferential alignment. In the illustrated
exemplary embodiment, three radial deformations 13 equally spaced
from each other, enabling secure retention between the two portions
of the stem 12, 22 are provided in each circumferential
alignment.
[0086] FIG. 4 illustrates, in a simplified and schematic manner,
the provision of a stop 40 seated against the front-end face 2a of
the cylinder 2. However, it is preferred that between the stop 40
and the front face 2a of the cylinder 2, the provision of a sealing
gasket 9, so that, in this case, the stop 40 is provided with a
protrusion 41 of suitable height to compensate for the thickness of
the sealing gasket 9 and to ensure the formation of the desired
compression chamber portion. The sealing gasket 9 can present any
thickness and be a joint of a predetermined group (average), which
could be further adjusted (one group above or below) in order to
generate an even more accurate chamber (less variability).
[0087] The joint 9 can also be eliminated and replaced by an
adhesive with specific function of sealing gasket, without
detriment to the forming process of the desired compression chamber
portion, as described above. The fixation mean 30 used in the
method of assembly can be defined in the manner as previously
described and illustrated in the definition of the connecting rod
in question.
[0088] Depending on the used fixation mean 30, it can be provided
in the annular space defined between the engagement stem portion 22
and the tubular stem portion 12 and/or between the end edge 12a of
the latter and the adjacent outer surface of the engagement stem
portion 22, by means of points or a single weld bead, brazing or
adhesive complementar or alternative to the fixation mean 30
provided in said annular space.
[0089] Depending on the annular clearance specified, it can also be
used the fixation mean 30b, already previously described, and that
can take the shape of a filling adhesive load of the confined space
at the bottom of the tubular stem portion 12, wherein the excess of
adhesive is expelled through this annular clearance during the
process of adjusting the final connecting rod length, by passing
the piston 6 to the condition of upper dead point of the eccentric
pin 5.
[0090] In a second variant of the method of assembly of the
invention, still when applied to a compressor with cylinder 2
defined in bearing block 1 itself, as illustrated in FIG. 1,
comprises the basic steps of the method described above, i.e., the
steps of providing the tubular 12 and engagement 22 stem portions
in the respective, first and second connecting rod portions 10, 20,
and assembling the second portion of the connecting rod 20 to the
piston 6.
[0091] However, in this second form of assembly, telescopic and
loose engaging operations of the tubular 12 and engagement 22 stem
portions, of alignment and axial positioning between the tubular 12
and engagement 22 stem portions and the shaping operation of the
tubular stem portion 12 against the engagement stem portion 22 are
made outside of the compressor, that is, prior to the assembly of
the respective connecting rod portions 10, 20 in the compressor. In
this case, the steps of engaging, telescopically and loosely, the
engagement stem portion 22 in the interior of the tubular stem
portion 12, and conducting said stem portions 12, 22 to the
predetermined condition of alignment and relative axial
positioning, are carried out in a positioning device away from the
compressor, wherein the shaping step of the tubular portion 12
against the engagement stem portion 22 carried out in a crimp
forming device (crimping) also away from the compressor, said steps
giving to the connecting rod, as already described above, a safely
length larger than the desired final one, i.e., a connecting rod
length capable of positioning the top face of the piston 6 at a
distance from the confronting face 7a of the valves plate 7
inferior than the predetermined distance to provide a desired
compression chamber portion, which forms a respective portion of
minimal dead volume at the upper dead point condition of the
eccentric pin 5 and piston 6.
[0092] After performing the step of shaping, outside of the
compressor, by providing the desired degree of mechanical
interference between the tubular stem portion 12 and the engagement
stem portion 22, the following steps are performed: [0093]
separating the first portion of the connecting rod 10 of the second
portion of the connecting rod 20; [0094] mounting the second
portion of the connecting rod 20 and the piston 6 in the cylinder 2
of the compressor and the first portion of the connecting rod 10 to
the eccentric pin 5 of the crankshaft 4; [0095] engaging,
telescopically and with predefined interference, the engagement
stem portion 22 in the interior of the tubular stem portion 12, by
maintaining the eccentric pin 5 of the crankshaft 4 in the lower
dead point condition.
[0096] Thereafter, in this second variant of the method of
assembly, the same steps (g), (h) and (i) of rotation of the
crankshaft 4 and mutual and definitive fixation of the tubular 12
and engagement 22 stem portions, previously described in the first
variant of the method, are performed.
[0097] In a third variant of the method of assembly of the
invention, still when applied to a compressor with cylinder 2
defined in the bearing block 1 itself, as illustrated in FIG. 1,
the step of providing the tubular 12 and engagement 22 stem
portions in the respective, first and second connecting rod
portions 10, 20, is the same as that described in the first and
second variants of the method.
[0098] However, in this third variant of assembly, the piston 6 is
not coupled to the second portion of the connecting rod 20 in this
phase of the assembly and thus, it occurs later, as described
below. Also in this third variant of the method, the steps of
telescoping and loose engaging the tubular 12 and the engagement 22
stem portions, of alignment and axial positioning between the
tubular 12 and engagement 22 stem portions and the shaping
operation of the tubular stem portion 12 against the engagement
stem portion 22 are carried out outside of the compressor, that is,
prior to the assembly of the respective connecting rod portions 10,
20, in the compressor. In this case, the steps of engaging,
telescopically and loosely, the engagement stem portion 22 in the
interior of the tubular stem portion 12, and conducting said stem
portions 12, 22 to the predetermined condition of alignment and
relative axial positioning, are carried out in a positioning device
away from the compressor, being the shaping step of the tubular
portion 12 against the engagement stem portion 22 carried out in a
shaping device (crimping) also away from the compressor, said steps
by giving to the connecting rod, as already described above, a
safely length larger than the desired one.
[0099] After performing the step of shaping, outside of the
compressor, by providing the desired degree of mechanical
interference between the tubular stem portion 12 and the engagement
stem portion 22, the following steps are performed: [0100] mounting
the first and second portion of the connecting rod 10, 20, on the
eccentric pin 5 and in the cylinder 2 of the compressor,
respectively and through the longitudinal slot 2b, with the
eccentric pin 5 held in the lower dead point condition; and [0101]
inserting the piston 6 in the cylinder 2 and fixing it to the
second portion of the connecting rod 20. It should be understood
that the piston 6 can be inserted in the cylinder 2 prior to the
assembly of the first and the second portion of the connecting rod
in the compressor.
[0102] Thereafter, in this third variant of the method of assembly,
the same steps (g), (h) and (i) of rotation of the crankshaft 4 and
mutual and definitive fixation of the tubular 12 and engagement 22
stem portions, previously described in the first variant of the
method, are performed.
[0103] Further, according to the third variant of the method of the
invention, the assembly of the second portion of the connecting rod
20, in the interior of the cylinder 2 of the compressor, is carried
out by means of its radial displacement through a longitudinal slot
2b, laterally and superiorly provided in the cylinder 2, wherein
the second portion of the connecting rod 20 incorporates a smaller
eye 21 that it is fixed to the piston 6 by means of a pin 23
inserted through the same longitudinal slot 2b of the cylinder
2.
[0104] In a fourth variant of the assembly method of the invention,
it is applied to a compressor whose cylinder 2 is formed by a liner
8 fixed to a respective hole 1a of the bearing block 1 of the
compressor, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, wherein the step of
providing the tubular 12 and engagement 22 stem portions in the
respective, first and second connecting rod portions 10, 20, is the
same as already described into the first, second and third variants
of the method.
[0105] In this fourth variant of the assembly, the piston 6 is
coupled to the second portion of the connecting rod 20 before or
after performing the steps of telescopically and loosely engaging
the engagement stem portion 22 in the tubular stem portion 12, of
alignment and axial positioning between the tubular 12 and
engagement 22 stem portions and of the step of shaping the tubular
stem portion 12 against the engagement stem portion 22, which are
also carried out outside of the compressor, in a positioning device
and a shaping device away from the compressor, said steps giving to
the connecting rod, as previously described, a length securely
greater than the final one desired.
[0106] The coupling of the piston 6 to the second portion of the
connecting rod 20, before or after this sequence of operations,
depends on the configuration of the used smaller eye 21 or the
spherical joint 21a.
[0107] After performing the step of shaping, outside of the
compressor, by providing the desired degree of mechanical
interference between the tubular stem portion 12 and the engagement
stem portion 22, the following steps are performed: [0108] mounting
the first portion of the connecting rod 10 and the second portion
of the connecting rod 20 fixed to the piston 6, on the eccentric
pin 5 and into the hole 1a of the bearing block 1, respectively,
with the eccentric pin 5 held in the lower dead point condition;
and [0109] inserting the linen 8 into the hole 1a of the bearing
block 1, wearing it on the piston 6.
[0110] Hereinafter, in this fourth variant of the method of
assembly, the same steps (g), (h) and (i) of rotation of the
crankshaft 4 and mutual and definitive fixation of the tubular 12
and engagement 22 stem portions, previously described in the first
variant of the method, are performed.
[0111] It should be understood that the constructive possibilities
and the method of assembly described herein can be individually
presented in particular embodiments or also partially or fully
combined together.
* * * * *