US20060210396A1 - Evaporator fan/motor assembly support bracket - Google Patents
Evaporator fan/motor assembly support bracket Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060210396A1 US20060210396A1 US11/358,804 US35880406A US2006210396A1 US 20060210396 A1 US20060210396 A1 US 20060210396A1 US 35880406 A US35880406 A US 35880406A US 2006210396 A1 US2006210396 A1 US 2006210396A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bracket
- fan
- legs
- motor
- extending outwardly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/60—Mounting; Assembling; Disassembling
- F04D29/601—Mounting; Assembling; Disassembling specially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D5/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, using the cooling effect of natural or forced evaporation
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B17/00—Pumps characterised by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M1/00—Frames or casings of engines, machines or apparatus; Frames serving as machinery beds
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
- F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/065—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air return
- F25D2317/0651—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air return through the bottom
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/066—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply
- F25D2317/0661—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply from the bottom
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/068—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the fans
- F25D2317/0681—Details thereof
Definitions
- the present invention relates to supporting a fan and motor assembly in general and, more particularly, to a bracket for supporting an evaporator fan and its associated motor in a limited flow passage of a refrigerated merchandiser.
- Refrigerated merchandisers have a refrigeration system associated therewith for providing the cooled environment within a refrigerated interior product space defined within the cabinet of the refrigerated merchandiser.
- the refrigeration systems of such refrigerated merchandisers commonly employ a conventional refrigeration cycle and include an evaporator and an evaporator fan operatively associated with the refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet, as well as a condenser, a condenser fan, and compressor.
- the compressor, condenser and condenser fan are housed in an equipment compartment separate from and insulated from the refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet.
- a refrigerant is circulated by a compressor through refrigerant lines connecting the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator in a conventional manner to form a closed circuit.
- Air within the insulated refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet is circulated by the evaporator fan through the evaporator in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant so as to cool the air.
- the evaporator and evaporator fan may be disposed within the cooled interior of the refrigerated cabinet, for example in the upper region thereof.
- the evaporator and evaporator fan may also be housed in the equipment compartment in a section of the equipment compartment insulated from the compressor, condenser and condenser fan.
- refrigerated merchandisers of this type may be used as product display cabinets for refrigerated or frozen foods, as vending machines, and as cold beverage merchandisers in supermarkets, grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, and other retail establishments.
- cold beverages such as soft drinks, beer, wine coolers, etc. are commonly in refrigerated merchandisers for self-service purchase by customers.
- beverage merchandisers of this type include an insulated cabinet defining a refrigerated interior product display space having one or more glass doors that provide access to that product display space.
- the beverage product typically in cans or bottles, single or in six-packs, is stored on shelves within the refrigerated display zone of the cabinet.
- the customer opens one of the doors and reaches into the refrigerated cabinet to retrieve the desired product from the shelf.
- Refrigerated merchandisers equipped with refrigeration units disposed beneath the refrigerated cabinet are disclosed, for example, by Rudick et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,347,827; 5,402,654; 5,417,079; and 5,417,081.
- the refrigerated air from the refrigeration unit flows up from the equipment compartment through a flow duct along the back wall of the cabinet, along the top wall of the cabinet toward the front of the cabinet and down the front of the cabinet to the floor, also referred to as the bottom deck, of the product display zone.
- Refrigerated air may also enter the product display zone from the rear flow duct through a plurality of openings in the panel separating the flow duct from the product display zone.
- the refrigerated air from the product display zone returns to the refrigeration unit through an air return inlet opening through the cabinet floor.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,421, Maynard et al. discloses a refrigerated merchandiser having a modular refrigeration unit that may be removed from a compartment in the bottom of the cabinet for ease of servicing.
- the condenser and its associated fan are mounted to the forward end of a bottom tray.
- the evaporator and its associated fan are mounted to the aft side of an upright bulkhead that is mounted to the rearward end of the tray aft of the condenser/condenser fan assembly.
- the motor driving the evaporator fan is mounted to the bulkhead by means of a generally U-shaped plate having side flanges which are bolted to the bulkhead.
- a plate bracket presents a relatively high drag to air flowing into the evaporator fan. Further, the air flowing past such a relatively large plate mounting bracket may generate an undesirable level of noise.
- a bracket is provided for mounting a multi-bladed fan and its associated motor to a support member.
- the bracket has a body having a plurality of legs extending outwardly therefrom.
- the legs are disposed in an asymmetrical relationship with respect to the plurality of blades on the multi-bladed fan.
- the legs may also be unequal in number to the plurality of fan blades.
- the bracket includes a generally T-shaped body having a longitudinally extending member and a cross-member extending laterally to the longitudinally extending member, a first leg extending outwardly from an end of the longitudinally extending member, a second leg extending outwardly from a first end of the cross-member, and a third leg extending outwardly from a second end of the cross-member laterally opposite the first end of the cross- member.
- Each leg may have a foot extending outwardly therefrom, each foot having a hole therethrough for receiving a fastener for mounting said bracket to said support member
- a fan, motor and bracket assembly including a motor having a drive shaft, a fan having a plurality of blades disposed circumferentially about and extending outwardly from a central fan hub mounted to the drive shaft of the motor, and a bracket having body adapted for mounting the motor thereto.
- the bracket has a body having a plurality of legs extending outwardly therefrom, each leg adapted to be mounted to a support structure. The legs are disposed in an asymmetrical arrangement with respect to the plurality of fan blades and are unequal in number to the number of fan blades.
- the bracket includes a generally T-shaped body having a longitudinally extending member and a cross-member extending laterally to the longitudinally extending member, a first leg extending outwardly from an end of the longitudinally extending member, a second leg extending outwardly from a first end of the cross-member, and a third leg extending outwardly from a second end of the cross-member laterally opposite the first end of the cross- member.
- At least one hole is provided in the body for receiving a fastener for mounting the motor to the body.
- Each leg has a foot extending therefrom and having a hole therethrough for receiving a fastener for mounting the bracket to the support member.
- FIG. 1 is a sectioned side elevation view of a refrigerated merchandiser equipped with a bottom-mounted refrigeration unit cassette;
- FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevation view taken along line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the refrigeration unit cassette of FIG. 1 showing a pair of evaporator fan/motor assemblies mounted therein;
- FIG. 4 is a side elevation view, partly in section, of a fan, motor and bracket assembly in accord with the invention
- FIG. 5 is an end elevation view taken along line 5 — 5 of FIG. 4 with the motor removed for clarity of illustration;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing of the embodiment of the support bracket of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing of another embodiment of the support bracket of the present invention.
- a refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser designated generally by the reference numeral 10 , including an interior product display space 100 for holding product 110 to be purchased, such as for example bottled or canned soda, milk, water, juices, fruit drinks, beer and other beverages.
- product 110 such as for example bottled or canned soda, milk, water, juices, fruit drinks, beer and other beverages.
- refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser for displaying perishable and frozen comestibles and beverages, including for example meats, poultry, fish, diary products, prepackaged frozen foods, and other products that need to be maintained in a controlled environment.
- the beverage merchandiser 10 includes a cabinet 20 defining a refrigerated interior product display space 100 and a separate equipment compartment 55 disposed separate from, and may be heat transfer insulated from, the refrigerated interior product display space 100 .
- the cabinet 20 has a top wall 22 and a surrounding side wall structure including a rear wall 34 , a front wall 32 , and opposed generally vertically extending side walls 36 and 38 .
- the cabinet also includes a lower wall 24 disposed between the refrigerated interior product display space 100 located thereabove and the equipment compartment 55 located there beneath.
- the interior product display space 100 may be accessed from exteriorly of the cabinet 20 through an access opening, which in the depicted embodiment is an open area at the front of the cabinet.
- This open area may be open to the environment or be covered, as in the depicted embodiment, by at least one door 40 mounted to the cabinet 20 .
- the door 40 extends across the open area and has a transparent viewing area, for example a glass panel, through which at least a portion of the interior product display space 100 can be viewed.
- the door 40 is selectively positionable between a closed position covering the open area and an open position in which consumers may access the interior product display space 100 to remove a product for purchase.
- the embodiment of the display merchandiser 10 depicted in the drawing has only one door 40 , it is to be understood that the display merchandiser may have one, two, three or more doors that collectively cover the open area when in the closed position.
- the door or doors 40 may be mounted to the cabinet 20 in a conventional manner, for example on hinges for pivotal movement or on a track for sliding movement between an open and closed position.
- the top wall 22 , the lower wall 24 , rear wall 34 and the side walls 36 and 38 are heat transfer insulated for insulating the refrigerated interior product display space 100 , from the environment exterior of the interior product display space 100 .
- a plurality of shelves 112 are disposed within the interior product display space 100 .
- the shelves 112 are adapted as appropriate to support the particular product 100 being displayed for purchase.
- the specific number, arrangement and configuration of the shelves 112 is not germane to the invention and is within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select for the particular product 100 being displayed.
- a rear panel 134 is provided spaced inwardly of the rear side wall 34 to establish, in part, a refrigerated air supply duct 104 between the rear side wall 34 and a rear panel 134 .
- the interior product display space 100 within the refrigerated interior of the display cabinet 20 is bounded by the top wall 22 , the lower wall 24 , the side walls 36 , 38 , and in part by each of the rear wall 34 and the rear panel 134 .
- refrigerated air enters into the product display space 100 to cool product displayed therein in part through an air outlet 109 at the upper end of the air supply duct 104 and in part through a plurality of openings 135 provided in the rear panel 134 .
- Refrigerated air exits the product display space 100 through an opening 102 provided in the lower wall 24 .
- the equipment compartment 55 is located within the cabinet 20 beneath the lower wall 24 and is separated by the lower wall 24 from the refrigerated interior product display space 100 of the cabinet 20 .
- the lower wall 24 forms a common wall separating the refrigerated interior space and the equipment compartment.
- the lower wall has a top surface that forms the floor or deck of the interior product display space 100 and has an under surface that faces the refrigeration cassette 50 housed within the equipment compartment.
- the refrigeration unit 15 includes an evaporator 60 and at least one associated evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 , a condenser 70 and at least one associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72 , and a compressor 74 .
- the evaporator 60 and its associated evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 are housed within a first section 53 of a refrigeration unit cassette 50 which is separated by division wall 68 from a second section 57 of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 wherein the condenser 70 , its associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72 and the compressor 74 are housed.
- the evaporator 60 , the condenser 70 and the compressor 74 are coupled in a closed-loop refrigerant circulation circuit (not shown) in a conventional manner for refrigerating air from the interior product display space 100 .
- the condenser fan/motor assembly 72 typically a single fan and motor, is operative, typically only when the compressor 74 is in operation, to draw air from outside the refrigerated merchandiser 10 , such as for example from the ambient environment external thereof through the front grille 12 provided in the lower front of the cabinet 20 and through the condenser 70 .
- the refrigerant is cooled and the air heated. Having traversed the condenser 70 , this air is exhausted out of the compartment 55 through an opening at the rear of the cabinet to return to the external environment.
- a portion of the ambient air drawn into the equipment compartment passes over the compressor 74 to assist in cooling the compressor.
- the cooled refrigerant passes from the condenser 70 through the closed-loop refrigerant circulation circuit (not shown) to the evaporator 60 .
- An evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 or a plurality of evaporator fan/motor assemblies operate to draw air into the evaporator compartment of the refrigeration cassette 50 from the interior product display space 100 through the air return inlet opening 102 in the lower wall 24 and thence pass the air through the evaporator 60 to and through the refrigerated air supply duct 104 to return to the product display space 100 .
- the air As the circulating air passes through the evaporator 60 , the air is cooled as it passes in heat exchange relationship with the chilled refrigerant passed through the evaporator 60 by the compressor 74 and the refrigerant is heated and evaporated.
- the evaporator fan 62 circulates refrigerated air having traversed the evaporator 60 from the evaporator compartment 53 back into the refrigerated interior product display space 100 through a return air outlet 108 located in the aft portion of the lower wall 24 at the rear of the compartment and opening into refrigerated air supply duct 104 .
- a cover plate 120 may be disposed over the return air inlet 102 in spaced relationship with and superadjacent the lower wall 24 thereby forming flow passage between the cover plate 120 and the lower wall 24 through which refrigerated air returning from the product display space 100 flows into the air return inlet 102 .
- the cover plate 120 covers the air return inlet 102 , thereby preventing spills or leaks from product in the product display space 100 from flowing into the evaporator compartment of the refrigeration unit 15 and fouling the evaporator and/or evaporator fan assembly.
- the cover plate 120 causes the downwardly directed refrigerated air to flow outwardly toward the surrounding walls of the cabinet as the refrigerated air approaches the lower region of the product display space 100 in order to pass beneath the cover plate 120 into the air return inlet 102 in the lower wall 24 . In doing so, the refrigerated air passes through the product on the lower shelves to more evenly cool that product and to block the refrigerated air from funneling downwardly directly into the return air return inlet 102 .
- the cover plate 120 includes a circumferential flange 126 extending generally vertically downwardly therefrom to the lower wall 24 for supporting the cover plate 120 over the air return inlet 102 in the lower wall 24 .
- a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings 125 are provided in the circumferential flange 126 to form the air flow passage connecting the refrigerated product display space 100 in flow communication with the air return inlet 102 .
- the refrigeration unit cassette 50 comprises a generally rectangular box-like structure having a top flange 52 , a base plate 54 , and a surrounding structure of side plates 56 extending generally vertically between the top flange 52 and the base plate 54 , including a front plate 56 A, a back plate 56 B, and opposed side plates 56 C.
- the division wall 68 extends between the opposed side plates 56 C from an upper, forward region of the interior of the refrigeration cassette 50 to the back plate 56 B to separate the interior of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 into the aforementioned first section 53 , i.e. the evaporator compartment, and second section 57 , i.e. the condenser/compressor compartment.
- An opening 51 A opens in air flow communication with the air return inlet 102 in the lower wall 24 through which air returning from the product display space 100 passes into the evaporator compartment 53 .
- One or more evaporator fan/motor assemblies 62 are disposed within the evaporator compartment 53 upstream of the evaporator 60 for drawing air from the product display space 100 into the evaporator compartment 53 and passing that air through the evaporator 60 .
- the condenser 70 , its associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72 , and the compressor 74 are mounted to a common support plate that is adapted to be mounted to the base plate 54 which forms the floor of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 .
- An opening 59 is provided in the front plate 56 A through which ambient air is drawn by the condenser fan 72 from the store environment through the grille 12 in the lower front wall of the cabinet and passed through the condenser 70 .
- the base plate 54 may be slidably mounted within the compartment 55 to facilitate disposition into and out of the compartment 55 in order to facilitate servicing of the refrigeration equipment mounted thereon.
- a condensate tray 76 may be provided beneath the evaporator 60 to collect condensate dripping from the condenser 70 and the evaporator 60 and draining the collected condensate to a waste line.
- the condensate tray 76 serves as a condensate evaporative tray wherein condensate collecting therein is evaporated by hot air exhausted from the condenser as the hot air passes over the condensate tray 76 .
- a sealing member 58 is positioned between the lower wall 24 and the refrigeration unit cassette 50 and a lifting apparatus 150 for placing the refrigeration unit cassette 50 into sealing relationship with the lower wall 24 , which separates the refrigerated interior product display space 100 from the equipment compartment 55 .
- Sealing member 58 may be mounted to the under surface of the lower wall 24 about the opening 102 in the lower wall 24 , or may be mounted or simply carried, as illustrated, upon to the upper surface of the top flange 52 of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 .
- the sealing member 58 extends at least about the opening 51 in the top flange 52 , which is substantially commensurate with the opening 102 in the lower wall 24 , and also extends about the opening 108 in the lower wall 24 disposed rearward of the opening 51 .
- the sealing member 58 prevents refrigerated air returning to the refrigeration unit 15 from the product display space 100 from bypassing the evaporator 60 and instead flowing directly into the inlet 108 to the air supply duct 104 from the air return inlet 102 .
- the sealing member 58 also prevents ambient air from externally of the cabinet, such as the ambient air that has been drawn through the front grille 12 to pass through the condenser 70 , from being drawn into the refrigerated air returning to the refrigeration unit 15 through the air return inlet 102 in the lower wall 24 and the inlet opening in the top flange 52 of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 .
- each evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 includes a fan 63 , a motor 90 and a support bracket 80 .
- the fan 63 has a plurality of blades 61 disposed circumferentially at spaced intervals about a central hub 64 , for example four blades disposed at spaced intervals of ninety degrees about the circumference of the hub.
- the motor 90 may be any conventional fan motor having a drive shaft 92 extending along a central longitudinal axis 91 .
- the central hub 64 is mounted as in conventional practice to a drive shaft 92 of an associated motor 90 .
- the motor 90 is mounted to support bracket 80 , which is mounted to a suitable support member, such as the fan shroud 96 .
- the bracket 80 is a three-legged structure having a generally T-shaped body 82 having a longitudinal member 84 and a cross-member 86 extending laterally across a proximal end of the longitudinal member 84 , a leg 85 extending outwardly from a distal end of the longitudinal member 84 , and a pair of legs 87 and 89 extending outwardly from the opposite ends of the cross-member 86 .
- Each of the legs 85 , 87 and 89 has a foot 98 extending outwardly from its distal end.
- Each foot 98 has a mounting hole 99 therethrough.
- the support bracket 80 is mounted to the evaporator housing 96 by fasteners inserted through the mounting holes 99 and secured to the evaporator fan shroud, such as for example by bolts 92 threaded into the manifold.
- the longitudinal member 84 of the support bracket 80 has a pair of mounting holes 93 extending therethrough.
- the evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 is mounted to the longitudinal member 84 by means of fasteners inserted through the mounting holes 93 and secured to the casing of the motor 90 , such as for example by bolts 92 threaded into the motor casing.
- the motor 90 is mounted to the underside of the longitudinal member 84 whereby the fan 63 , which is mounted to the drive shaft of the motor 90 in a conventional manner, is properly positioned within a respective opening 65 in the evaporator fan shroud 64 for passing air flow through the evaporator 60 .
- the fan/motor assembly support bracket 80 of the invention presents a very limited profile to air flow being drawn into the evaporator 60 . Therefore, the support bracket 80 creates little drag and does not significantly distribute the air flowing past the bracket. Additionally, the legs 85 , 87 and 89 of the bracket 80 are disposed in an asymmetrical arrangement with respect to the plurality of blades 61 on the fan 63 . In the embodiment of the bracket 80 depicted in FIG. 6 , the two legs 87 and 89 extend perpendicularly outwardly from the body 82 of the bracket at the opposite ends of the cross-member 86 . In the embodiment of the bracket 80 depicted in FIG.
- the two legs 87 and 89 extend outwardly from the body 82 of the bracket, but not perpendicularly therewith, from the opposite ends of the cross-member 86 . Additionally, in the embodiment of the bracket 80 depicted in FIG. 7 , the two legs 87 and 89 are connected at their distal end by an additional cross-member adding further structural rigidity to the bracket.
- the three legs of the support bracket 80 are disposed in a generally T-shaped arrangement, while the four blades 61 of the fan 63 are arranged in a conventional manner at equal intervals, i.e. ninety degrees apart, about the central longitudinal axis 91 through the motor 90 .
- the number of legs is not equal to the number of fan blades 61
- the three legs 85 , 87 and 89 of the support bracket 80 are disposed asymmetrically with respect to the four blades 61 of the fan 63 . Therefore, the potential for cyclic harmonics, and consequent increased noise, being generated as the fan blades simultaneously rotate past a corresponding number of legs, for example as would be the case with a four bladed fan and a symmetrical four legged support bracket, is avoided.
- the support bracket 80 has been described herein with reference to the three-legged embodiment and a four-bladed fan 63 as depicted in the drawings for purposes of illustration and to facilitate understanding of the invention. Those skilled in the art will realize that modifications, some of which may have been alluded to hereinbefore, may be made to the depicted embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- a T-shaped, three-legged support bracket or a cross-shaped, four legged bracket could be used in accord with the invention as not only would the number of legs in either case not be equal to the number of fan blades, the positioning of the bracket legs would be asymmetrical with respect to the blades of a five bladed fan.
- a T-shaped, three-legged support bracket could even be used in accord with the invention to support a fan/motor assembly having a fan with three circumferentially symmetrically spaced blades since the three support legs 85 , 87 , 89 of the T-shaped support bracket 80 would be asymmetrically positioned with respect to the three fan blades.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/663,409, filed Mar. 18, 2005, and entitled EVAP MOTOR MOUNTING BRACKET, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
- This application is related to the following applications subject to assignment to the common assignee of this application and filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the same date as this application:
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 210—817NP), entitled “REFRIGERATED MERCHANDISER”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 210—816NP), entitled “SEALING SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERATION CASSETTE”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 210—820NP), entitled “MODULAR REFRIGERATION CASSETTE”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 210—879NP), entitled “MODULAR REFRIGERATION CASSETTE WITH CONDENSATE EVAPORATIVE TRAY”; and
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 210—818NP), entitled “BOTTOM DECK ASSEMBLY FOR REFRIGERATED MERCHANDISER”.
Each of the afore-listed patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. - The present invention relates to supporting a fan and motor assembly in general and, more particularly, to a bracket for supporting an evaporator fan and its associated motor in a limited flow passage of a refrigerated merchandiser.
- Refrigerated merchandisers have a refrigeration system associated therewith for providing the cooled environment within a refrigerated interior product space defined within the cabinet of the refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigeration systems of such refrigerated merchandisers commonly employ a conventional refrigeration cycle and include an evaporator and an evaporator fan operatively associated with the refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet, as well as a condenser, a condenser fan, and compressor. In stand alone cabinets, the compressor, condenser and condenser fan are housed in an equipment compartment separate from and insulated from the refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet. A refrigerant is circulated by a compressor through refrigerant lines connecting the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator in a conventional manner to form a closed circuit. Air within the insulated refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet is circulated by the evaporator fan through the evaporator in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant so as to cool the air. The evaporator and evaporator fan may be disposed within the cooled interior of the refrigerated cabinet, for example in the upper region thereof.
- However, it is well-known that the evaporator and evaporator fan may also be housed in the equipment compartment in a section of the equipment compartment insulated from the compressor, condenser and condenser fan. Among other uses, refrigerated merchandisers of this type may be used as product display cabinets for refrigerated or frozen foods, as vending machines, and as cold beverage merchandisers in supermarkets, grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, and other retail establishments. For example, cold beverages, such as soft drinks, beer, wine coolers, etc. are commonly in refrigerated merchandisers for self-service purchase by customers. Conventional beverage merchandisers of this type include an insulated cabinet defining a refrigerated interior product display space having one or more glass doors that provide access to that product display space. The beverage product, typically in cans or bottles, single or in six-packs, is stored on shelves within the refrigerated display zone of the cabinet. To purchase a beverage, the customer opens one of the doors and reaches into the refrigerated cabinet to retrieve the desired product from the shelf.
- Refrigerated merchandisers equipped with refrigeration units disposed beneath the refrigerated cabinet are disclosed, for example, by Rudick et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,347,827; 5,402,654; 5,417,079; and 5,417,081. In these refrigerated merchandisers, the refrigerated air from the refrigeration unit flows up from the equipment compartment through a flow duct along the back wall of the cabinet, along the top wall of the cabinet toward the front of the cabinet and down the front of the cabinet to the floor, also referred to as the bottom deck, of the product display zone. Refrigerated air may also enter the product display zone from the rear flow duct through a plurality of openings in the panel separating the flow duct from the product display zone. The refrigerated air from the product display zone returns to the refrigeration unit through an air return inlet opening through the cabinet floor.
- It has been recognized that mounting the components of the refrigeration unit on a common platform that may be slid into and out of the equipment compartment disposed in the bottom of the display cabinet renders the refrigeration unit more accessible for cleaning and other servicing. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,421, Maynard et al., discloses a refrigerated merchandiser having a modular refrigeration unit that may be removed from a compartment in the bottom of the cabinet for ease of servicing. The condenser and its associated fan are mounted to the forward end of a bottom tray. The evaporator and its associated fan are mounted to the aft side of an upright bulkhead that is mounted to the rearward end of the tray aft of the condenser/condenser fan assembly. The motor driving the evaporator fan is mounted to the bulkhead by means of a generally U-shaped plate having side flanges which are bolted to the bulkhead. Although effective for supporting the evaporator fan and motor assembly, a plate bracket presents a relatively high drag to air flowing into the evaporator fan. Further, the air flowing past such a relatively large plate mounting bracket may generate an undesirable level of noise.
- It is an object of one aspect the invention to provide a relatively low profile bracket for supporting a motor driving an evaporator fan.
- It is an object of one aspect of the invention to provide a bracket for supporting a motor driving an evaporator fan having a relatively low drag characteristic.
- It is an object of one aspect of the invention to provide a bracket for supporting a motor driving an evaporator fan having a relatively low noise characteristic.
- It is an object of a further aspect of the invention to provide a fan, motor and improved mounting bracket assembly.
- A bracket is provided for mounting a multi-bladed fan and its associated motor to a support member. The bracket has a body having a plurality of legs extending outwardly therefrom. The legs are disposed in an asymmetrical relationship with respect to the plurality of blades on the multi-bladed fan. The legs may also be unequal in number to the plurality of fan blades.
- In an embodiment, the bracket includes a generally T-shaped body having a longitudinally extending member and a cross-member extending laterally to the longitudinally extending member, a first leg extending outwardly from an end of the longitudinally extending member, a second leg extending outwardly from a first end of the cross-member, and a third leg extending outwardly from a second end of the cross-member laterally opposite the first end of the cross- member. Each leg may have a foot extending outwardly therefrom, each foot having a hole therethrough for receiving a fastener for mounting said bracket to said support member
- In a further aspect of the invention, a fan, motor and bracket assembly is provided including a motor having a drive shaft, a fan having a plurality of blades disposed circumferentially about and extending outwardly from a central fan hub mounted to the drive shaft of the motor, and a bracket having body adapted for mounting the motor thereto. The bracket has a body having a plurality of legs extending outwardly therefrom, each leg adapted to be mounted to a support structure. The legs are disposed in an asymmetrical arrangement with respect to the plurality of fan blades and are unequal in number to the number of fan blades.
- In one embodiment of the fan, motor and bracket assembly, the bracket includes a generally T-shaped body having a longitudinally extending member and a cross-member extending laterally to the longitudinally extending member, a first leg extending outwardly from an end of the longitudinally extending member, a second leg extending outwardly from a first end of the cross-member, and a third leg extending outwardly from a second end of the cross-member laterally opposite the first end of the cross- member. At least one hole is provided in the body for receiving a fastener for mounting the motor to the body. Each leg has a foot extending therefrom and having a hole therethrough for receiving a fastener for mounting the bracket to the support member.
- For a further understanding of these and objects of the invention, reference will be made to the following detailed description of the invention which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawing, where:
-
FIG. 1 is a sectioned side elevation view of a refrigerated merchandiser equipped with a bottom-mounted refrigeration unit cassette; -
FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevation view taken along line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the refrigeration unit cassette ofFIG. 1 showing a pair of evaporator fan/motor assemblies mounted therein; -
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view, partly in section, of a fan, motor and bracket assembly in accord with the invention; -
FIG. 5 is an end elevation view taken alongline 5—5 ofFIG. 4 with the motor removed for clarity of illustration; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing of the embodiment of the support bracket of the present invention depicted inFIGS. 4 and 5 ; and -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing of another embodiment of the support bracket of the present invention. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, there is depicted a refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser, designated generally by thereference numeral 10, including an interiorproduct display space 100 for holdingproduct 110 to be purchased, such as for example bottled or canned soda, milk, water, juices, fruit drinks, beer and other beverages. Although the invention will be described herein with reference to the depicted embodiment of a refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser, it is to be understood that that invention may be applied to other refrigerated display merchandisers for displaying perishable and frozen comestibles and beverages, including for example meats, poultry, fish, diary products, prepackaged frozen foods, and other products that need to be maintained in a controlled environment. - The
beverage merchandiser 10 includes acabinet 20 defining a refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100 and aseparate equipment compartment 55 disposed separate from, and may be heat transfer insulated from, the refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100. Thecabinet 20 has atop wall 22 and a surrounding side wall structure including arear wall 34, afront wall 32, and opposed generally vertically extendingside walls lower wall 24 disposed between the refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100 located thereabove and theequipment compartment 55 located there beneath. The interiorproduct display space 100 may be accessed from exteriorly of thecabinet 20 through an access opening, which in the depicted embodiment is an open area at the front of the cabinet. This open area may be open to the environment or be covered, as in the depicted embodiment, by at least onedoor 40 mounted to thecabinet 20. Thedoor 40 extends across the open area and has a transparent viewing area, for example a glass panel, through which at least a portion of the interiorproduct display space 100 can be viewed. Thedoor 40 is selectively positionable between a closed position covering the open area and an open position in which consumers may access the interiorproduct display space 100 to remove a product for purchase. Although the embodiment of thedisplay merchandiser 10 depicted in the drawing has only onedoor 40, it is to be understood that the display merchandiser may have one, two, three or more doors that collectively cover the open area when in the closed position. The door ordoors 40 may be mounted to thecabinet 20 in a conventional manner, for example on hinges for pivotal movement or on a track for sliding movement between an open and closed position. - In the depicted embodiment, the
top wall 22, thelower wall 24,rear wall 34 and theside walls product display space 100, from the environment exterior of the interiorproduct display space 100. A plurality ofshelves 112 are disposed within the interiorproduct display space 100. Theshelves 112 are adapted as appropriate to support theparticular product 100 being displayed for purchase. The specific number, arrangement and configuration of theshelves 112 is not germane to the invention and is within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select for theparticular product 100 being displayed. - A
rear panel 134 is provided spaced inwardly of therear side wall 34 to establish, in part, a refrigeratedair supply duct 104 between therear side wall 34 and arear panel 134. The interiorproduct display space 100 within the refrigerated interior of thedisplay cabinet 20 is bounded by thetop wall 22, thelower wall 24, theside walls rear wall 34 and therear panel 134. In the depicted embodiment, refrigerated air enters into theproduct display space 100 to cool product displayed therein in part through anair outlet 109 at the upper end of theair supply duct 104 and in part through a plurality ofopenings 135 provided in therear panel 134. Refrigerated air exits theproduct display space 100 through anopening 102 provided in thelower wall 24. - The
equipment compartment 55 is located within thecabinet 20 beneath thelower wall 24 and is separated by thelower wall 24 from the refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100 of thecabinet 20. Thelower wall 24 forms a common wall separating the refrigerated interior space and the equipment compartment. The lower wall has a top surface that forms the floor or deck of the interiorproduct display space 100 and has an under surface that faces therefrigeration cassette 50 housed within the equipment compartment. Therefrigeration unit 15 includes anevaporator 60 and at least one associated evaporator fan/motor assembly 62, acondenser 70 and at least one associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72, and acompressor 74. Theevaporator 60 and its associated evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 are housed within afirst section 53 of arefrigeration unit cassette 50 which is separated bydivision wall 68 from asecond section 57 of therefrigeration unit cassette 50 wherein thecondenser 70, its associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72 and thecompressor 74 are housed. - The
evaporator 60, thecondenser 70 and thecompressor 74 are coupled in a closed-loop refrigerant circulation circuit (not shown) in a conventional manner for refrigerating air from the interiorproduct display space 100. The condenser fan/motor assembly 72, typically a single fan and motor, is operative, typically only when thecompressor 74 is in operation, to draw air from outside therefrigerated merchandiser 10, such as for example from the ambient environment external thereof through thefront grille 12 provided in the lower front of thecabinet 20 and through thecondenser 70. As the external air passes through thecondenser 70 in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant being passed therethrough by thecompressor 74, the refrigerant is cooled and the air heated. Having traversed thecondenser 70, this air is exhausted out of thecompartment 55 through an opening at the rear of the cabinet to return to the external environment. A portion of the ambient air drawn into the equipment compartment passes over thecompressor 74 to assist in cooling the compressor. - The cooled refrigerant passes from the
condenser 70 through the closed-loop refrigerant circulation circuit (not shown) to theevaporator 60. An evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 or a plurality of evaporator fan/motor assemblies operate to draw air into the evaporator compartment of therefrigeration cassette 50 from the interiorproduct display space 100 through the air return inlet opening 102 in thelower wall 24 and thence pass the air through theevaporator 60 to and through the refrigeratedair supply duct 104 to return to theproduct display space 100. As the circulating air passes through theevaporator 60, the air is cooled as it passes in heat exchange relationship with the chilled refrigerant passed through theevaporator 60 by thecompressor 74 and the refrigerant is heated and evaporated. Theevaporator fan 62 circulates refrigerated air having traversed the evaporator 60 from theevaporator compartment 53 back into the refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100 through areturn air outlet 108 located in the aft portion of thelower wall 24 at the rear of the compartment and opening into refrigeratedair supply duct 104. - A
cover plate 120 may be disposed over thereturn air inlet 102 in spaced relationship with and superadjacent thelower wall 24 thereby forming flow passage between thecover plate 120 and thelower wall 24 through which refrigerated air returning from theproduct display space 100 flows into theair return inlet 102. Thecover plate 120 covers theair return inlet 102, thereby preventing spills or leaks from product in theproduct display space 100 from flowing into the evaporator compartment of therefrigeration unit 15 and fouling the evaporator and/or evaporator fan assembly. Further, thecover plate 120 causes the downwardly directed refrigerated air to flow outwardly toward the surrounding walls of the cabinet as the refrigerated air approaches the lower region of theproduct display space 100 in order to pass beneath thecover plate 120 into theair return inlet 102 in thelower wall 24. In doing so, the refrigerated air passes through the product on the lower shelves to more evenly cool that product and to block the refrigerated air from funneling downwardly directly into the returnair return inlet 102. In one embodiment, thecover plate 120 includes a circumferential flange 126 extending generally vertically downwardly therefrom to thelower wall 24 for supporting thecover plate 120 over theair return inlet 102 in thelower wall 24. A plurality of circumferentially spacedopenings 125 are provided in the circumferential flange 126 to form the air flow passage connecting the refrigeratedproduct display space 100 in flow communication with theair return inlet 102. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 in particular, therefrigeration unit cassette 50 comprises a generally rectangular box-like structure having atop flange 52, abase plate 54, and a surrounding structure ofside plates 56 extending generally vertically between thetop flange 52 and thebase plate 54, including afront plate 56A, a back plate 56B, and opposedside plates 56C. Thedivision wall 68 extends between theopposed side plates 56C from an upper, forward region of the interior of therefrigeration cassette 50 to the back plate 56B to separate the interior of therefrigeration unit cassette 50 into the aforementionedfirst section 53, i.e. the evaporator compartment, andsecond section 57, i.e. the condenser/compressor compartment. Anopening 51 A opens in air flow communication with theair return inlet 102 in thelower wall 24 through which air returning from theproduct display space 100 passes into theevaporator compartment 53. One or more evaporator fan/motor assemblies 62 are disposed within theevaporator compartment 53 upstream of theevaporator 60 for drawing air from theproduct display space 100 into theevaporator compartment 53 and passing that air through theevaporator 60. Thecondenser 70, its associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72, and thecompressor 74 are mounted to a common support plate that is adapted to be mounted to thebase plate 54 which forms the floor of therefrigeration unit cassette 50. Anopening 59 is provided in thefront plate 56A through which ambient air is drawn by thecondenser fan 72 from the store environment through thegrille 12 in the lower front wall of the cabinet and passed through thecondenser 70. Thebase plate 54 may be slidably mounted within thecompartment 55 to facilitate disposition into and out of thecompartment 55 in order to facilitate servicing of the refrigeration equipment mounted thereon. Acondensate tray 76 may be provided beneath theevaporator 60 to collect condensate dripping from thecondenser 70 and theevaporator 60 and draining the collected condensate to a waste line. Thecondensate tray 76 serves as a condensate evaporative tray wherein condensate collecting therein is evaporated by hot air exhausted from the condenser as the hot air passes over thecondensate tray 76. - A sealing
member 58 is positioned between thelower wall 24 and therefrigeration unit cassette 50 and alifting apparatus 150 for placing therefrigeration unit cassette 50 into sealing relationship with thelower wall 24, which separates the refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100 from theequipment compartment 55. Sealingmember 58 may be mounted to the under surface of thelower wall 24 about theopening 102 in thelower wall 24, or may be mounted or simply carried, as illustrated, upon to the upper surface of thetop flange 52 of therefrigeration unit cassette 50. The sealingmember 58 extends at least about the opening 51 in thetop flange 52, which is substantially commensurate with theopening 102 in thelower wall 24, and also extends about theopening 108 in thelower wall 24 disposed rearward of the opening 51. The sealingmember 58 prevents refrigerated air returning to therefrigeration unit 15 from theproduct display space 100 from bypassing theevaporator 60 and instead flowing directly into theinlet 108 to theair supply duct 104 from theair return inlet 102. The sealingmember 58 also prevents ambient air from externally of the cabinet, such as the ambient air that has been drawn through thefront grille 12 to pass through thecondenser 70, from being drawn into the refrigerated air returning to therefrigeration unit 15 through theair return inlet 102 in thelower wall 24 and the inlet opening in thetop flange 52 of therefrigeration unit cassette 50. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , each evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 includes afan 63, amotor 90 and asupport bracket 80. Thefan 63 has a plurality ofblades 61 disposed circumferentially at spaced intervals about acentral hub 64, for example four blades disposed at spaced intervals of ninety degrees about the circumference of the hub. Themotor 90 may be any conventional fan motor having adrive shaft 92 extending along a centrallongitudinal axis 91. Thecentral hub 64 is mounted as in conventional practice to adrive shaft 92 of an associatedmotor 90. Themotor 90 is mounted to supportbracket 80, which is mounted to a suitable support member, such as the fan shroud 96. - Referring now to
FIGS. 6 and 7 , in the exemplary embodiments of the invention depicted, thebracket 80 is a three-legged structure having a generally T-shapedbody 82 having alongitudinal member 84 and a cross-member 86 extending laterally across a proximal end of thelongitudinal member 84, aleg 85 extending outwardly from a distal end of thelongitudinal member 84, and a pair oflegs legs foot 98 extending outwardly from its distal end. Eachfoot 98 has a mountinghole 99 therethrough. Thesupport bracket 80 is mounted to the evaporator housing 96 by fasteners inserted through the mountingholes 99 and secured to the evaporator fan shroud, such as for example bybolts 92 threaded into the manifold. - The
longitudinal member 84 of thesupport bracket 80 has a pair of mountingholes 93 extending therethrough. The evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 is mounted to thelongitudinal member 84 by means of fasteners inserted through the mountingholes 93 and secured to the casing of themotor 90, such as for example bybolts 92 threaded into the motor casing. Themotor 90 is mounted to the underside of thelongitudinal member 84 whereby thefan 63, which is mounted to the drive shaft of themotor 90 in a conventional manner, is properly positioned within a respective opening 65 in theevaporator fan shroud 64 for passing air flow through theevaporator 60. - The fan/motor
assembly support bracket 80 of the invention presents a very limited profile to air flow being drawn into theevaporator 60. Therefore, thesupport bracket 80 creates little drag and does not significantly distribute the air flowing past the bracket. Additionally, thelegs bracket 80 are disposed in an asymmetrical arrangement with respect to the plurality ofblades 61 on thefan 63. In the embodiment of thebracket 80 depicted inFIG. 6 , the twolegs body 82 of the bracket at the opposite ends of the cross-member 86. In the embodiment of thebracket 80 depicted inFIG. 7 , the twolegs body 82 of the bracket, but not perpendicularly therewith, from the opposite ends of the cross-member 86. Additionally, in the embodiment of thebracket 80 depicted inFIG. 7 , the twolegs - In either embodiment of the
bracket 80, the three legs of thesupport bracket 80 are disposed in a generally T-shaped arrangement, while the fourblades 61 of thefan 63 are arranged in a conventional manner at equal intervals, i.e. ninety degrees apart, about the centrallongitudinal axis 91 through themotor 90. Thus, the number of legs is not equal to the number offan blades 61, and the threelegs support bracket 80 are disposed asymmetrically with respect to the fourblades 61 of thefan 63. Therefore, the potential for cyclic harmonics, and consequent increased noise, being generated as the fan blades simultaneously rotate past a corresponding number of legs, for example as would be the case with a four bladed fan and a symmetrical four legged support bracket, is avoided. - The
support bracket 80 has been described herein with reference to the three-legged embodiment and a four-bladed fan 63 as depicted in the drawings for purposes of illustration and to facilitate understanding of the invention. Those skilled in the art will realize that modifications, some of which may have been alluded to hereinbefore, may be made to the depicted embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, with if the fan/motor assembly included a five bladed fan, a T-shaped, three-legged support bracket or a cross-shaped, four legged bracket could be used in accord with the invention as not only would the number of legs in either case not be equal to the number of fan blades, the positioning of the bracket legs would be asymmetrical with respect to the blades of a five bladed fan. A T-shaped, three-legged support bracket could even be used in accord with the invention to support a fan/motor assembly having a fan with three circumferentially symmetrically spaced blades since the threesupport legs support bracket 80 would be asymmetrically positioned with respect to the three fan blades.
Claims (12)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/358,804 US20060210396A1 (en) | 2005-03-18 | 2006-02-21 | Evaporator fan/motor assembly support bracket |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US66340905P | 2005-03-18 | 2005-03-18 | |
US11/358,804 US20060210396A1 (en) | 2005-03-18 | 2006-02-21 | Evaporator fan/motor assembly support bracket |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060210396A1 true US20060210396A1 (en) | 2006-09-21 |
Family
ID=37024252
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/358,804 Abandoned US20060210396A1 (en) | 2005-03-18 | 2006-02-21 | Evaporator fan/motor assembly support bracket |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060210396A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1859218A2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20070114204A (en) |
CN (1) | CN101203724A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005329414A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0520127A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2600676A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2007011448A (en) |
RU (1) | RU2007138610A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006101512A2 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100224726A1 (en) * | 2009-03-04 | 2010-09-09 | B/E Aerospace, Inc. | Wall-mounted point-of-use air chiller for aircraft galley cart compartment |
US8011201B2 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2011-09-06 | Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc | Refrigeration system mounted within a deck |
WO2013000968A3 (en) * | 2011-06-27 | 2013-06-06 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | A refrigerator comprising a machine room |
US20150206373A1 (en) * | 2012-08-24 | 2015-07-23 | Supercooler, Inc. | Beverage vending machine and method for controlling temperature of vending machine |
WO2016050294A1 (en) * | 2014-10-01 | 2016-04-07 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | Refrigeration appliance having a fan assembly |
CN110375506A (en) * | 2018-04-13 | 2019-10-25 | 青岛海尔股份有限公司 | The refrigerator to radiate from bottom |
US20190350136A1 (en) * | 2018-05-21 | 2019-11-21 | Deere & Company | Fan support arm |
AU2016200095B2 (en) * | 2015-01-07 | 2020-10-08 | Trainnorman Assets Pty Ltd | Removable refrigeration package |
EP3929513A4 (en) * | 2019-02-26 | 2022-05-04 | Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator with air blower located upstream of lateral side of evaporator |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN110375483A (en) * | 2018-04-13 | 2019-10-25 | 青岛海尔股份有限公司 | The refrigerator of front return air |
CN109084134A (en) * | 2018-09-30 | 2018-12-25 | 柳州市和润电子科技有限责任公司 | Multifunctional display support is used in a kind of exploitation of computer software |
Citations (35)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US953929A (en) * | 1908-11-28 | 1910-04-05 | Crosse Plow Company | Seeder. |
US1975066A (en) * | 1931-11-04 | 1934-09-25 | Humidi Cooler Corp | Refrigerating unit |
US2115527A (en) * | 1936-10-08 | 1938-04-26 | Airmaster Corp | Mounting for exhaust fans |
US2643053A (en) * | 1950-06-07 | 1953-06-23 | Opal W Chase | Combination fan and awning construction |
US3230733A (en) * | 1962-04-10 | 1966-01-25 | Emhart Corp | Refrigeration system and elements thereof |
US3287820A (en) * | 1964-05-11 | 1966-11-29 | G M Gibson Corp | Clothes support means for blower type dryer |
US3712078A (en) * | 1971-11-22 | 1973-01-23 | Krispin Eng Ltd | Refrigeration unit |
US3847135A (en) * | 1974-02-04 | 1974-11-12 | Gen Electric | Hinged adapter duct for oven vent |
US3888091A (en) * | 1974-04-04 | 1975-06-10 | Clark Equipment Co | Air distribution means for a refrigerated meat case |
US4036292A (en) * | 1975-10-21 | 1977-07-19 | Westinghouse Electric Corporation | Refrigeration condenser |
US4185688A (en) * | 1977-12-22 | 1980-01-29 | General Electric Company | Cooler fan noise suppressor |
US4253634A (en) * | 1978-09-05 | 1981-03-03 | Emerson Electric Co. | Electric motor mounting system |
US4394111A (en) * | 1981-09-11 | 1983-07-19 | Snyder General Corporation | Top cover, motor, fan and fan shroud assembly for an air conditioning unit |
US4457140A (en) * | 1982-05-21 | 1984-07-03 | Leitner Corporation | Modular refrigeration unit and cabinet systems therewith |
US4502291A (en) * | 1982-12-16 | 1985-03-05 | Carrier Corporation | Combination fan motor and orifice support assembly |
US4572472A (en) * | 1982-06-02 | 1986-02-25 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Electric motor flexible mounting system and method of assembly |
US4608776A (en) * | 1982-07-29 | 1986-09-02 | Hermen Kooy | Cabinet for cut-off flowers |
US4680942A (en) * | 1982-06-16 | 1987-07-21 | Hermen Kooy | Cabinet for cut-off flowers |
US4845957A (en) * | 1988-04-15 | 1989-07-11 | Richardson James E | In-store refrigerated display system |
US5086627A (en) * | 1990-11-19 | 1992-02-11 | Margaret Platt Borgen | Removable cooling unit for display case and method for using same |
US5347827A (en) * | 1992-07-01 | 1994-09-20 | The Coca-Cola Company | Modular refrigeration apparatus |
US5482432A (en) * | 1990-07-09 | 1996-01-09 | Deco-Grand, Inc. | Bearingless automotive coolant pump with in-line drive |
US5492456A (en) * | 1994-08-29 | 1996-02-20 | Rheem Manufacturing Company | Fan motor/impeller mounting system |
US5502979A (en) * | 1993-02-12 | 1996-04-02 | Renard; Andre | Collapsible refrigerated cabinets |
US5660367A (en) * | 1995-04-20 | 1997-08-26 | Premier Manufacturing Corp. | Knock down motor mount |
US5678421A (en) * | 1995-12-26 | 1997-10-21 | Habco Beverage Systems Inc. | Refrigeration unit for cold space merchandiser |
US5966958A (en) * | 1998-07-17 | 1999-10-19 | Habco Beverage Systems Inc. | Condensate tray in a refrigeration assembly |
US6070424A (en) * | 1998-05-11 | 2000-06-06 | Victory Refrigeration Company, L.L.C. | Modular refrigeration unit |
US6234894B1 (en) * | 2000-03-13 | 2001-05-22 | Mark A. Goracke | Forced air vent register |
US6443714B1 (en) * | 1999-12-27 | 2002-09-03 | General Electric Company | Methods and apparatus for preventing moisture in fan motor housings |
US6638037B2 (en) * | 2002-01-16 | 2003-10-28 | Alan Peter Grant | Mounting bracket for fan motor |
US6701739B2 (en) * | 2002-06-12 | 2004-03-09 | Tecumseh Products Company | Modular refrigeration system for refrigeration appliance |
US6701736B1 (en) * | 2002-12-31 | 2004-03-09 | Gamon Plus, Inc. | Refrigerated merchandising apparatus |
US20040134221A1 (en) * | 2002-10-18 | 2004-07-15 | Habco Beverage Systems Inc. | Modular refrigeration unit and refrigerator |
US6948324B2 (en) * | 2003-06-30 | 2005-09-27 | Fortune Resources Enterprise, Inc. | Refrigerator cooler and housing cabinet and an improved method of insertion of the refrigerator compressor unit |
-
2005
- 2005-09-16 CN CNA2005800497738A patent/CN101203724A/en active Pending
- 2005-09-16 WO PCT/US2005/033078 patent/WO2006101512A2/en active Application Filing
- 2005-09-16 EP EP05798119A patent/EP1859218A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-09-16 BR BRPI0520127-6A patent/BRPI0520127A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-09-16 CA CA002600676A patent/CA2600676A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-09-16 AU AU2005329414A patent/AU2005329414A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-09-16 KR KR1020077022758A patent/KR20070114204A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-09-16 MX MX2007011448A patent/MX2007011448A/en unknown
- 2005-09-16 RU RU2007138610/12A patent/RU2007138610A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2006
- 2006-02-21 US US11/358,804 patent/US20060210396A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (38)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US953929A (en) * | 1908-11-28 | 1910-04-05 | Crosse Plow Company | Seeder. |
US1975066A (en) * | 1931-11-04 | 1934-09-25 | Humidi Cooler Corp | Refrigerating unit |
US2115527A (en) * | 1936-10-08 | 1938-04-26 | Airmaster Corp | Mounting for exhaust fans |
US2643053A (en) * | 1950-06-07 | 1953-06-23 | Opal W Chase | Combination fan and awning construction |
US3230733A (en) * | 1962-04-10 | 1966-01-25 | Emhart Corp | Refrigeration system and elements thereof |
US3287820A (en) * | 1964-05-11 | 1966-11-29 | G M Gibson Corp | Clothes support means for blower type dryer |
US3712078A (en) * | 1971-11-22 | 1973-01-23 | Krispin Eng Ltd | Refrigeration unit |
US3847135A (en) * | 1974-02-04 | 1974-11-12 | Gen Electric | Hinged adapter duct for oven vent |
US3888091A (en) * | 1974-04-04 | 1975-06-10 | Clark Equipment Co | Air distribution means for a refrigerated meat case |
US4036292A (en) * | 1975-10-21 | 1977-07-19 | Westinghouse Electric Corporation | Refrigeration condenser |
US4185688A (en) * | 1977-12-22 | 1980-01-29 | General Electric Company | Cooler fan noise suppressor |
US4253634A (en) * | 1978-09-05 | 1981-03-03 | Emerson Electric Co. | Electric motor mounting system |
US4394111A (en) * | 1981-09-11 | 1983-07-19 | Snyder General Corporation | Top cover, motor, fan and fan shroud assembly for an air conditioning unit |
US4457140A (en) * | 1982-05-21 | 1984-07-03 | Leitner Corporation | Modular refrigeration unit and cabinet systems therewith |
US4572472A (en) * | 1982-06-02 | 1986-02-25 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Electric motor flexible mounting system and method of assembly |
US4680942A (en) * | 1982-06-16 | 1987-07-21 | Hermen Kooy | Cabinet for cut-off flowers |
US4608776A (en) * | 1982-07-29 | 1986-09-02 | Hermen Kooy | Cabinet for cut-off flowers |
US4502291A (en) * | 1982-12-16 | 1985-03-05 | Carrier Corporation | Combination fan motor and orifice support assembly |
US4845957A (en) * | 1988-04-15 | 1989-07-11 | Richardson James E | In-store refrigerated display system |
US5482432A (en) * | 1990-07-09 | 1996-01-09 | Deco-Grand, Inc. | Bearingless automotive coolant pump with in-line drive |
US5086627A (en) * | 1990-11-19 | 1992-02-11 | Margaret Platt Borgen | Removable cooling unit for display case and method for using same |
US5347827A (en) * | 1992-07-01 | 1994-09-20 | The Coca-Cola Company | Modular refrigeration apparatus |
US5402654A (en) * | 1992-07-01 | 1995-04-04 | The Coca-Cola Company | Modular refrigeration apparatus |
US5417079A (en) * | 1992-07-01 | 1995-05-23 | The Coca-Cola Company | Modular refrigeration apparatus |
US5417081A (en) * | 1992-07-01 | 1995-05-23 | The Coca-Cola Company | Modular refrigeration apparatus |
US5502979A (en) * | 1993-02-12 | 1996-04-02 | Renard; Andre | Collapsible refrigerated cabinets |
US5492456A (en) * | 1994-08-29 | 1996-02-20 | Rheem Manufacturing Company | Fan motor/impeller mounting system |
US5660367A (en) * | 1995-04-20 | 1997-08-26 | Premier Manufacturing Corp. | Knock down motor mount |
US5678421A (en) * | 1995-12-26 | 1997-10-21 | Habco Beverage Systems Inc. | Refrigeration unit for cold space merchandiser |
US6070424A (en) * | 1998-05-11 | 2000-06-06 | Victory Refrigeration Company, L.L.C. | Modular refrigeration unit |
US5966958A (en) * | 1998-07-17 | 1999-10-19 | Habco Beverage Systems Inc. | Condensate tray in a refrigeration assembly |
US6443714B1 (en) * | 1999-12-27 | 2002-09-03 | General Electric Company | Methods and apparatus for preventing moisture in fan motor housings |
US6234894B1 (en) * | 2000-03-13 | 2001-05-22 | Mark A. Goracke | Forced air vent register |
US6638037B2 (en) * | 2002-01-16 | 2003-10-28 | Alan Peter Grant | Mounting bracket for fan motor |
US6701739B2 (en) * | 2002-06-12 | 2004-03-09 | Tecumseh Products Company | Modular refrigeration system for refrigeration appliance |
US20040134221A1 (en) * | 2002-10-18 | 2004-07-15 | Habco Beverage Systems Inc. | Modular refrigeration unit and refrigerator |
US6701736B1 (en) * | 2002-12-31 | 2004-03-09 | Gamon Plus, Inc. | Refrigerated merchandising apparatus |
US6948324B2 (en) * | 2003-06-30 | 2005-09-27 | Fortune Resources Enterprise, Inc. | Refrigerator cooler and housing cabinet and an improved method of insertion of the refrigerator compressor unit |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100224726A1 (en) * | 2009-03-04 | 2010-09-09 | B/E Aerospace, Inc. | Wall-mounted point-of-use air chiller for aircraft galley cart compartment |
US9062909B2 (en) * | 2009-03-04 | 2015-06-23 | B/E Aerospace, Inc. | Wall-mounted point-of-use air chiller for aircraft galley cart compartment |
US8011201B2 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2011-09-06 | Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc | Refrigeration system mounted within a deck |
WO2013000968A3 (en) * | 2011-06-27 | 2013-06-06 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | A refrigerator comprising a machine room |
US20150206373A1 (en) * | 2012-08-24 | 2015-07-23 | Supercooler, Inc. | Beverage vending machine and method for controlling temperature of vending machine |
WO2016050294A1 (en) * | 2014-10-01 | 2016-04-07 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | Refrigeration appliance having a fan assembly |
AU2016200095B2 (en) * | 2015-01-07 | 2020-10-08 | Trainnorman Assets Pty Ltd | Removable refrigeration package |
CN110375506A (en) * | 2018-04-13 | 2019-10-25 | 青岛海尔股份有限公司 | The refrigerator to radiate from bottom |
US20190350136A1 (en) * | 2018-05-21 | 2019-11-21 | Deere & Company | Fan support arm |
US10806087B2 (en) * | 2018-05-21 | 2020-10-20 | Deere & Company | Fan support arm |
EP3929513A4 (en) * | 2019-02-26 | 2022-05-04 | Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator with air blower located upstream of lateral side of evaporator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR20070114204A (en) | 2007-11-29 |
BRPI0520127A2 (en) | 2009-08-18 |
MX2007011448A (en) | 2007-10-15 |
RU2007138610A (en) | 2009-04-27 |
WO2006101512A3 (en) | 2006-11-09 |
EP1859218A2 (en) | 2007-11-28 |
WO2006101512A2 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
AU2005329414A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
CA2600676A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
CN101203724A (en) | 2008-06-18 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20060210396A1 (en) | Evaporator fan/motor assembly support bracket | |
US20060207277A1 (en) | Modular refrigeration cassette | |
US20060207279A1 (en) | Refrigerated merchandiser | |
US20060207280A1 (en) | Bottom deck assembly for refrigerated merchandiser | |
US5458407A (en) | Merchandising display | |
US20060207276A1 (en) | Sealing system for refrigeration cassette | |
US4977754A (en) | Next-to-be-purchased cold beverage merchandiser |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CARRIER CORPORATION, CONNECTICUT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MEAD, BRIAN J.;DANIELS, MARK A.;DADDIS, EUGENE DUANA JR.;REEL/FRAME:017920/0650;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060419 TO 20060427 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BA ACQUISITION, INC., SOUTH CAROLINA Free format text: LICENSE;ASSIGNORS:CARRIER CORPORATION;CARRIER COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION, INC.;REEL/FRAME:021085/0345 Effective date: 20080515 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BEVERAGE-AIR CORPORATION, SOUTH CAROLINA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:BA ACQUISITION, INC.;REEL/FRAME:021423/0992 Effective date: 20080516 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |