COMPRESSOR MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR A REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances, and more particularly to systems and methods for mounting a compressor within a refrigerator appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food articles for storage. Typically, one or more doors are rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in the chilled chamber. Further, refrigerator appliances commonly include ice making assemblies mounted within an icebox on one of the doors or in a freezer compartment. The ice is stored in a storage bin and is accessible from within the freezer chamber or may be discharged through a dispenser recess defined on a front of the refrigerator door.

Conventional refrigerator appliances include a sealed system that includes a compressor for circulating refrigerant to facilitate a cooling process within the refrigerator compartments. However, mounting and installing conventional compressors is a physically difficult and time-consuming task. For example, compressors are typically installed by an operator who manually manipulates the compressor to get it in the proper position before installing fasteners. These compressors are typically very heavy and installing the fasteners may be difficult or impossible without precisely positioning the compressor in the proper mounting location.

Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with improved features for installing the compressor or other components would be desirable. More particularly, a compressor mounting assembly that permits easy alignment and installation of the compressor with minimal costs and complexity would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction, including a cabinet defining a chilled chamber, a mechanical compartment defined within the cabinet, a sealed system comprising a compressor positioned within the mechanical compartment, the compressor comprising a mounting bracket defining a plurality of compressor mounting holes, and a compressor support assembly mounted within the mechanical compartment for supporting the compressor. The compressor support assembly includes a compressor tray defining a plurality of compressor mounting bosses and one or more locator features for engaging the compressor to align the compressor mounting holes with the compressor mounting bosses and a plurality of mechanical fasteners that pass through the compressor mounting holes and engage the compressor mounting bosses to secure the compressor to the compressor tray.

In another exemplary embodiment, a compressor support assembly for supporting a compressor of a refrigerator appliance is provided, including a compressor tray defining a plurality of compressor mounting bosses and one or more locator features for engaging the compressor to align compressor mounting holes with the compressor mounting bosses and a plurality of mechanical fasteners that pass through the compressor mounting holes and engage the compressor mounting bosses to secure the compressor to the compressor tray.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a front view of the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1, with the doors of the fresh food chamber and freezer chamber shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a mechanical compartment and sealed system of the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of the example sealed system and a compressor support assembly according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of a compressor tray according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 provides a close-up, perspective view of the example compressor tray of FIG. 5 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of the compressor support assembly of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 8 provides a side, cross-sectional view of the compressor support assembly of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 9 provides a schematic view of a compressor support assembly according to another example embodiment of the present subject matter.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising. ” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The term “at least one of” in the context of, e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C” refers to only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C. In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration. ” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to system and method for locating a refrigerator compressor, including an integrated locator bridge lance configuration (no additional part cost) that is located between the compressor tray and the compressor isolators. During assembly, the bridge lance may align the compressor in position so that the fasteners can be driven without the risk of hole eclipsing. The operator can simply set the compressor in place and drive the fasteners. This solution may also be accomplished using an emboss configuration.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

Housing 102 defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing 102 defines fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent second side 110 of housing 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent first side 108 of housing 102. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a side-by-side refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance, a bottom mount refrigerator appliance, or a single door refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular refrigerator chamber configuration.

A refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 are shown in the closed configuration in FIG. 1. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other chamber and door configurations are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides a front view of refrigerator appliance 100 shown with refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 in the open position. As shown in FIG. 2, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components may include bins 134 and shelves 136. Each of these storage components are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As illustrated, bins 134 may be mounted on refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 or may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamber 122 or freezer chamber 124. It should be appreciated that the illustrated storage components are used only for the purpose of explanation and that other storage components may be used and may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations.

Referring now generally to FIG. 1, a dispensing assembly 140 will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Dispensing assembly 140 is generally configured for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Although an exemplary dispensing assembly 140 is illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to dispensing assembly 140 while remaining within the present subject matter.

Dispensing assembly 140 and its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recess 142 defined on freezer door 130. In this regard, dispenser recess 142 is defined on a front side 112 of refrigerator appliance 100 such that a user may operate dispensing assembly 140 without opening freezer door 130. In addition, dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

Dispensing assembly 140 includes an ice dispenser 144 including a discharging outlet 146 for discharging ice from dispensing assembly 140. An actuating mechanism 148, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet 146 for operating ice or water dispenser 144. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser 144. For example, ice dispenser 144 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Discharging outlet 146 and actuating mechanism 148 are an external part of ice dispenser 144 and are mounted in dispenser recess 142.

Referring again to FIG. 2, inside refrigerator appliance 100, freezer door 130 may include an ice dispensing system 150 that generally includes one or more icemakers and ice storage bins 152 that are configured to form ice. In this regard, for example, ice dispensing system 150 may define an ice making chamber 154 for housing ice making assemblies, storage mechanisms, and dispensing mechanisms. According to the illustrated embodiment, ice dispensing system 150 may include dispensing assembly 140 and may have a main icemaker 156. In addition, ice dispensing system 150 may include an icemaker for forming “craft ice” that is commonly large, clear cubes or spheres of ice for alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. For example, a user may access this craft ice by opening freezer door 130 and accessing storage bin 152 directly.

A control panel 160 is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel 160 includes one or more selector inputs 162, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc., such as a water dispensing button and an ice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. In addition, inputs 162 may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly 140. In this regard, inputs 162 may be in communication with a processing device or controller 164. Signals generated in controller 164 operate refrigerator appliance 100 and dispensing assembly 140 in response to selector inputs 162. Additionally, a display 166, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel 160. Display 166 may be in communication with controller 164 and may display information in response to signals from controller 164.

As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate refrigerator appliance 100 and dispensing assembly 140. The processing device may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitory storage media). In some such embodiments, the memory elements include electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Generally, the memory elements can store information accessible processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions and/or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.

Referring again briefly to FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment, cabinet 102 also defines a mechanical compartment 170 at or near the bottom 106 of the cabinet 102 for receipt of a hermetically sealed cooling system 172. In general, sealed cooling system 172 is configured for transporting heat from the inside of refrigerator appliance 100 to the outside (e.g., by executing a vapor-compression cycle or another suitable refrigeration cycle). As is generally understood by those of skill in the art, the hermetically sealed system 172 contains a working fluid, e.g., refrigerant, which flows between various heat exchangers of the sealed system 172 where the working fluid changes phases while transferring thermal energy.

In this regard, as understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, sealed system 172 may include a compressor 174, a condenser 176, an expansion device, and one or more evaporators connected in series by a fluid conduit that is charged with a refrigerant. Within sealed system 172, refrigerant flows into the compressor 174, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by passing the refrigerant through the condenser 176. Within the condenser 176, heat exchange with ambient air takes place so as to cool the refrigerant. A condenser fan 178 may be used to pull air across the condenser 176, so as to provide forced convection for a more rapid and efficient heat exchange between the refrigerant within the condenser 176 and the ambient air. Thus, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, increasing air flow across the condenser 176 can, e.g., increase the efficiency of the condenser 176 by improving cooling of the refrigerant contained therein.

An expansion device (e.g., an electronic expansion valve, capillary tube, or other restriction device) receives refrigerant from the condenser 176. From the expansion device, the refrigerant enters the evaporator. Upon exiting the expansion device and entering the evaporator, the refrigerant drops in pressure. Due to the pressure drop and/or phase change of the refrigerant, the evaporator is relatively cool. An evaporator fan is typically provided at each the evaporator, e.g., to force air across and around the at least one evaporator to transfer thermal energy from the air to the evaporator (and more particularly, to the working fluid or refrigerant therein).

In this manner, a flow of cooling air exits the evaporator and may be distributed to one or more of the chilled chambers 122 and/or 124. Specifically, one or more ducts may extend between the mechanical compartment 170 and the chilled chambers 122 and/or 124 to provide fluid communication therebetween, e.g., to provide the chilled air from the hermetically sealed cooling system 172, e.g., from an evaporator thereof, to one or more of the chilled chambers 122 and/or 124.

The sealed system 172 described herein is provided by way of example only. Thus, it is within the scope of the present subject matter for other configurations of the refrigeration system to be used as well. For example, according to alternative embodiments, sealed system 172 may include additional components, e.g., at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, and/or condenser. For example, refrigerator appliance 100 may have two or more split evaporators, e.g., one dedicated primarily to cooling fresh food chamber 122 and one dedicated primarily to cooling freezer chamber 124. In addition, alternative plumbing configurations, valves, and flow regulators may be used to route refrigerant throughout sealed system 172.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 3 through 8, a compressor support assembly 200 will be described in detail according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, compressor support assembly 200 is designed to support compressor 174 for the lifetime of the component or appliance itself. In addition, as described below, compressor support assembly 200 is designed to simplify installation of compressor 174 and other components of sealed system 172. Although described as facilitating installation of compressor 174, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter are equally applicable to the installation of other sealed system components in other appliances and compressors having alternate geometries or configurations.

According to the illustrated embodiment, compressor 174 may include one or more mounting brackets 202 positioned on a bottom side of compressor 174 for supporting compressor 174. More specifically, a compressor tray 204 may be positioned within mechanical compartment 170 for supporting compressor 174 and other components of sealed system 172 or refrigerator appliance 100. In general, compressor tray 204 may be formed by rolling, stamping, punching, or otherwise manipulating sheet metal or any other suitably rigid material. Compressor tray 204 may also be configured for collecting condensate from the operation of sealed system 172.

According to the illustrated example embodiment, compressor 174 may include two mounting brackets 202 that each define two compressor mounting holes 210. In addition, compressor tray 204 may define a plurality of compressor mounting bosses 212 that are configured to receive mechanical fasteners 214 to secure compressor 174 to compressor tray 204. In this regard, mechanical fasteners 214 may pass through compressor mounting holes 210 and engage compressor mounting bosses 212 (e.g., via threaded engagement) to secure compressor 174 to compressor tray 204.

As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, compressor support assembly 200 may further include a plurality of vibration isolators 220 that are positioned between compressor 174 and compressor tray 204. These vibration isolators 220 may positioned around compressor mounting holes 210, compressor mounting bosses 212, and mechanical fasteners 214, e.g., on a bottom of mounting brackets 202 to provide separation between compressor 174 and compressor tray 204, e.g., to reduce transmission of vibrations and noise while firming supporting compressor 174. Vibration isolators 220 may be formed from any suitably resilient material, e.g., such as rubber or any other suitable material. According to the illustrated embodiment, compressor support assembly 200 may further include an upper gasket 222 or an O-ring that is positioned around mechanical fasteners 214, e.g., to further isolate compressor 174 from compressor tray 204.

Notably, as explained above, installation of typical compressors is very difficult. Compressors are heavy and difficult to manipulate, particularly within the confines of a small mechanical compartment. Technicians often have difficulty lining up the compressor in the proper position to install fasteners or otherwise secure the compressor. Accordingly, aspects of the present subject matter are directed to a compressor support assembly 200 that includes features to facilitate easy compressor positioning and installation.

In this regard, compressor tray 204 may define one or more locator features 230 that are configured to engage compressor 174, mounting bracket 202, vibration isolators 220, or other components to properly positioned compressor 174 relative to compressor tray 204. For example, locator features may be configured to align compressor mounting holes 210 with compressor mounting bosses 212, e.g., such that mechanical fasteners may be dropped directly into compressor mounting bosses 212. In this manner, an installation technician need not struggle to align these holes and install compressor 174.

Although example locator features 230 are described herein, it should be appreciated that these are only examples intended to facilitate discussion of the present subject matter. Other locator features 230 are possible and considered to be within the scope of the present subject matter. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 8, locator features may include a plurality of protruding features 232 defined on a top surface 234 of compressor tray 204. These protruding features 232 may be formed as part of compressor tray 204 or may be attached thereto (e.g., via welding, adhesive, etc.). According to an example embodiment, protruding features 232 may be formed by bridge lancing compressor tray 204, e.g., using conventional sheet metal stamping procedures. Protruding features 232 extend upward along the vertical direction V for engaging vibration isolators 220, such that vibration isolators 220 contact and align with protruding features 232 to properly position compressor 174. According to the illustrated embodiment, locator features 230 may be defined on a raised platform 236. In this manner, compressor 174 is spaced apart from compressor tray 204 and is positioned above collected condensate.

Referring now briefly to FIG. 9, an alternative locator feature 230 will be described. As shown locator feature 230 may be a recess 240 stamped into compressor tray 204. In this regard, vibration isolators 220 may be designed for secure receipt within recesses 240, e.g., such that simply placing compressor 174 on compressor tray 204 will align compressor mounting holes 210 and compressor mounting bosses 212, simply using the force of gravity. As illustrated, recess 240 defines a complementary geometry 242 to vibration isolators 220. For example, recesses 240 and vibration isolators 220 may both have a conical geometry, resulting in improved alignment between compressor 174 and compressor tray 204.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.