Device for Decoupling and for Vibration Control

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a device in the form of a connecting pipe for use in heat pump devices for decoupling as well as for vibration control. The device includes a pipe section as well as a connecting element arranged at each end. The device further includes two non-metallic, spaced, staggered bellows assemblies for vibration compensation, the pipe section having a constant material thickness between the connecting elements, apart from any individual stabilizing rings. In addition, the bellows arrangements includes of one or more annularly closed foldings, each extending 360°.

Claims

1. A device for use in heat pumps for decoupling and vibration control, the device comprising: a pipe section; and a connecting element arranged at each end; and wherein the device further comprises two non-metallic, spaced, staggered bellows assemblies configured to compensation for vibration; wherein the pipe section comprises a constant material thickness between the connecting elements, apart from any individual stabilizing rings or reinforcing ribs, and wherein the bellows arrangements comprises one or more annularly closed folds each running through 360°.

2. The device according to claim 1; wherein the pipe section is bent; and further comprising two legs arranged at an angle and upon the bellows assembly is arranged.

3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting element arranged such that the bellows assembly is arranged in direct contact with the connecting element such that the distance from an end of the device to the bellows assembly is less than two foldings.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pipe section comprises one piece configured for decoupling and for vibration control; and the bellows assembly is arranged integrated in one piece into the pipe.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the bellows assembly comprises between one and three foldings.

6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of stabilizing rings fitted between the bellows assemblies.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element is a flange connection, a press system, a screw connection or a groove connection.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the foldings, in a longitudinal section, comprise center line within forming spherical segments of a same radius.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the radius is of an order of magnitude of a material thickness of the pipe section.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pipe section comprises an elastomer.

11. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a carcass reinforcement.

12. A system comprising a heat pump; a device for use in heat pumps for decoupling and vibration control, the device comprising a pipe section and a connecting element arranged at each end; wherein the device further comprises two non-metallic, spaced, staggered bellows assemblies configured to compensation for vibration; wherein the pipe section comprises a constant material thickness between the connecting elements, apart from any individual stabilizing rings or reinforcing ribs; and wherein the bellows arrangements comprises one or more annularly closed folds each running through 360°, and wherein the device is configured for a fluidic connection and for decoupling and vibration control with respect to at least one of a vibration generator, the pump, and a compressor.

13. The device according to claim 2, wherein the angle is between 75 degrees and 120 degrees.

14. The device according to claim 2, wherein the angle is about 90 degrees.

15. The device according to claim 2, wherein the pipe section comprises one piece configured for decoupling and for vibration control; and the bellows assembly is arranged integrated in one piece into the pipe.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the bellows assembly comprises two foldings.

17. The device according to claim 1, further comprising six stabilizing rings fitted between the bellows assemblies.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Further advantages, features, and details of the various embodiments of this disclosure will become apparent from the ensuring description of a preferred exemplary embodiment and with the aid of the drawings. The features and combinations of features recited below in the description, as well as the features and feature combination shown after that in the drawing description or in the drawings alone, may be used not only in the particular combination received, but also in other combinations on their own, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0041] A preferred embodiment of the subject matter of the invention is described below in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention for decoupling as well as for vibration control with a connecting element in the form of a connecting flange;

[0043] FIG. 2 shows a second preferred embodiment of the device for decoupling and vibration control according to the invention with a connecting element in the form of a screw connection;

[0044] FIG. 3A shows a longitudinal section through the first preferred embodiment with a connecting element in the form of a connecting flange and with a plurality of stabilizing rings;

[0045] FIG. 3B shows a detailed view of an area B of the first preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention of the connecting element designed as a connecting flange;

[0046] FIG. 3C shows a front view of the first preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention with a connecting element in the form of a connecting flange;

[0047] FIG. 4A shows a longitudinal section through the first preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention for decoupling and vibration control with a connecting element in the form of a connecting flange;

[0048] FIG. 4B shows a detailed view of the connecting element in the form of a screw connection of the second preferred embodiment of the device for decoupling and vibration control according to the invention;

[0049] FIG. 4C shows a detailed view of the connecting element in the form of a press system of a third preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention;

[0050] FIG. 5A shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention for decoupling and vibration control with a connecting element in the form of a groove connection;

[0051] FIG. 5B shows a section C-C through the fourth preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention with a connection element in the form of a groove connection.

[0052] FIG. 6A shows a fifth preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention for decoupling and for vibration control with a connecting element in the form of a further screw connection;

[0053] FIG. 6B shows a section D-D through the further screw connection of the fifth preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention; and

[0054] FIG. 7 shows an HVAC compressor system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] As used throughout the present disclosure, unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “or” encompasses all possible combinations, except where infeasible. For example, the expression “A or B” shall mean A alone, B alone, or A and B together. If it is stated that a component includes “A, B or C”, then, unless specifically stated otherwise or infeasible, the component may include A, or B, or C, or A and B, or A and C, or B and C, or A and B and C. Expressions such as “at least one of” do not necessarily modify an entirety of the following list and do not necessarily modify each member of the list, such that at least one of “A, B, and C” should not be understood as including only one of A, only one of B, only one of C, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0056] FIG. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of the device 2 according to the invention for decoupling as well as for vibration control with a first and second connecting flange 10; 11 attached at the end in each case as connecting element.

[0057] This first preferred embodiment of the device 2 for decoupling and vibration control according to the invention comprises here a pipe section R, which is bent and thereby spans two legs S. The device 2 comprises at least two connecting flanges 10; 11 as connecting elements.

[0058] The device 2 here comprises at least two spaced, offset bellows assemblies F for vibration compensation.

[0059] The device 2 comprises a non-metallic bellows arrangement F in a region towards each of the end connection elements. A bellows assembly F here has, by way of example, two foldings 16 in each case, although one folding 16 or three foldings 16 are also possible in each case. Particularly preferably, the two foldings 16 of the bellows assembly F are made of a rubber material or elastomer, in particular ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR), butyl rubber, silicone or any combination thereof. Very preferably, the inner surface of the pipe section R of the device 2 may be provided with a water-repellent coating, for example a Teflon coating.

[0060] From here on and in the following, identical reference signs denote identical components in the figures.

[0061] FIG. 2 shows a second preferred embodiment of the device 2 according to the invention for decoupling as well as for vibration control with a connecting element in the form of a screw connection 21; 22, here in each case in three parts, as explained again in detail in FIG. 4B. The screwed connections 21; 22 of the union nuts 23 and the connecting nut 28; 28′ are designed here as a polygon nut.

[0062] The screw connection 21; 22 can be made of metal. According to a preferred further development of the present invention, it is also conceivable that the screw connection is made of a non-metallic material, i.e. in particular of a plastic such as (PE) or PVC, plastic being advantageous for applications in the food and chemical sector.

[0063] Preferably, the device 2, i.e. in particular the pipe section R, can be made of a vulcanized unit elastomer such as ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), butyl rubber, nitrile rubber (NBR), silicone. The choice of such an elastomer has the advantage of low diffusion or low gas permeability.

[0064] FIG. 3A shows a longitudinal section through the first preferred embodiment with a connecting element in the form of a connecting flange 10 and with a plurality of stabilizing rings 15.

[0065] As can be seen in FIG. 3A, the pipe section R of the device 2 according to the invention for decoupling and for vibration control is formed in one piece, whereby the bellows arrangement F is integrated in one piece in the pipe section R of the device 2.

[0066] Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 3A that the pipe section R of the device 2 integrally forms a first and a second sealing ring 12; 13, respectively, at each end, the sealing rings 12; 13 preferably being provided with a corrugation Ri.

[0067] As can be seen in FIG. 3A, the pipe section R is bent and two legs S are clamped with an angle α of between 75° and 120°, more preferably an angle of about 90°, and thus two legs S are formed which are at an angle to one another and on which the bellows assembly F is arranged. Particularly preferably, an angle α formed between the two legs S is essentially at right angles.

[0068] It has been shown advantageously that the attachment of additional stabilizing rings 15 in an area between the bellows assemblies F is particularly suitable for applications of higher pressure levels. As shown in FIG. 3A, five stabilizing rings 15 are arranged here as an example. In addition or alternatively, the pipe section R can also be reinforced with a carcass.

[0069] The decisive factor is that the material thickness in the pipe section R between the connecting elements is constant, except where necessary in the area of the stabilizing rings 15 or reinforcing ribs, where bulges can occur. Areas of lower material thickness would inevitably lead to breakthroughs, since the pressures in the above-mentioned application area are very high. The best dimensional and compressive stability with minimum material usage can be achieved with a uniform material thickness. Additional support ribs or stabilizing rings can still be fitted.

[0070] As can be seen from the figures, the bellows assemblies F consist of one or more annularly closed folds 16, each running 360° around. The individual folds 16 of the bellows assemblies F are designed in such a way that in a longitudinal section, as shown in FIG. 3a, the centerline within the material replicates approximately spherical segments with the same radii. Generally, these are approximately hemispherical segments which are lined up, with quarter spherical segments attached at the ends. The radii are constant but extending in different directions, so that approximately sinusoidal shapes of the foldings 16 are formed. There are no straight sections in between. The radii correspond approximately to the material thickness, although a deviation of a factor of 1.5 is permissible.

[0071] FIG. 3B shows a detailed view of an area B shown in FIG. 3A of the first preferred embodiment of the device 2 according to the invention of the connecting element designed as a connecting flange. The distance from the end of the device 2, where the corrugation Ri is also shown, to the bellows assembly F should be kept as small as possible. In this illustration, this distance is less than a folding. In other arrangements, where the connecting element takes up more space, this distance can be as wide as two foldings. This distance should be kept as small as possible so that the pipe section R between the bellows assemblies F is maximized. It has been shown that this can reduce sound transmission.

[0072] FIG. 3C shows a front view of the first preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention with a connecting element in the form of connecting flanges 12; 13.

[0073] FIG. 4A shows a longitudinal section A-A through the first preferred embodiment of the device 2 according to the invention for decoupling as well as for vibration control with a connecting element in the form of a connecting flange 10. Here, too, the distance from the end of the pipe section R to the first folding is smaller than the width of a folding.

[0074] As an alternative to the connecting flanges shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B shows a detailed view of the connecting element in the form of a screw connection 21 of the second preferred embodiment of the device 2 according to the invention shown in FIG. 2 for decoupling as well as for vibration control. The screw connection 21 is here in three parts and comprises a ring-shaped connection support element 24, which can, for example, be fastened in a material-locking manner to the outer wall of the pipe section R, for example by bonding or welding. The connection support element 24 here shows an external thread. A union nut 23 here has an internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the connection support element 24 and surrounds a projecting nose N of a polygonal connecting nut 28 for establishing a connection between the tube section R of the device 2 according to the invention and the connecting nut 28 provided with an internal thread.

[0075] FIG. 4C shows a detailed view of the connection element in the form of a press system or a press connection 25 of a third preferred embodiment of the device 2 according to the invention.

[0076] The press system or press connection 25 comprises a connection support element 24′, a union nut 23′ provided with an internal thread, and a sealing ring 12″. At the end of the tube section R of the device 2, a sealing ring 12″ is formed in one piece at each end.

[0077] The connection support element 24′ can, for example, be fastened to the outer wall of the pipe section R by adhesive bonding or welding.

[0078] By means of the union nut 23′, a press connection is made here between the connection support element 24′ and a second pipe connection 29, in that an internal thread of the union nut 23′ interacts with an external thread of the connection support element 24′. Furthermore, the union nut 23′ encloses a nose N′ of the pipe connection 29 for establishing a fluid-tight connection between the pipe section R of the device 2 according to the invention and the pipe connection 29.

[0079] FIG. 5A shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the device 2 according to the invention for decoupling and for vibration control with a connection element in the form of a groove connection 30.

[0080] FIG. 5B shows a section C-C through the fourth preferred embodiment of the device 2 according to the invention with a connection element in the form of a groove connection, whereby a connection with a connection pipe not shown here can be made preferably with a pipe coupling.

[0081] A connection support element 24″ is here exemplarily materially fastened to the outer wall of the pipe section R, for example by gluing or welding, and is provided with an external thread. Here, a sealing ring 12″ is formed integrally with the pipe section Rat the end. In this arrangement, the distance from the end of the pipe section R to the first folding is slightly greater than the width of a fold.

[0082] FIG. 6A shows a fifth preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention for decoupling as well as for vibration control with a connection element in the form of a third screw connection 32.

[0083] FIG. 6B shows a section D-D through the further screw connection 29 of the fifth preferred embodiment of the device 2 according to the invention. The third screw connection 32 shown here comprises a union nut 23′″ as well as a connection support element 24′″ which is connected to the pipe section R by a material bond.

[0084] The union nut 23′″ here has an internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the connection support element 24- and surrounds a projecting nose N′″ of a second pipe connection 29″ for establishing a connection between the pipe section R of the device 2 according to the invention and the second pipe connection 29″.

[0085] Preferably, the union nut 23″ and the second pipe connection 29″ of the third screw connection 32 are made of a non-metallic material, i.e. in particular of a plastic such as polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic being advantageous for applications in the food and chemical sectors.

[0086] For the purposes of the present invention, any combination of the arrangements shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 6B at the two ends of the pipe section R is conceivable. In this arrangement, the distance from the end of the pipe section R to the first folding 16 corresponds approximately to the width of a fold.

[0087] FIG. 7 shows an HVAC compressor system, on which a heat pump device is also based, which can comprise the device 2 according to the invention. The HVAC compressor system/heat pump device 1 comprises a compressor 7, a condenser 6, an expansion device, for example an expansion valve 8, and an evaporator 5. The compressor 7, the condenser 6, the expansion device and the evaporator 5 are fluidically connected in sections a) to d) for transferring a heat transfer fluid. In the case of air as the gaseous heat transfer fluid, this is typically an air conditioning system or a heat pump system. The device 2 according to the invention can preferably be arranged in a section b) between compressor 7 and condenser 6.

[0088] Since the devices and methods described in detail above are examples of embodiments, they can be modified to a wide extent by the skilled person in the usual manner without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the mechanical arrangements and the proportions of the individual elements with respect to each other are merely exemplary. Some preferred embodiments of the apparatus according to the invention have been disclosed above. The invention is not limited to the solutions explained above, but the innovative solutions can be applied in different ways within the limits set out by the claims.