US2237690A - Air conditioning apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Aprx l 8, 1941.

R. A. ROBEC 2,237,690

AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS Filed March 15, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet l Inventor f I I,

12 44: 1F 6 .EdjfifiOiilZdJOZZll Attorneys R. ROBIC 2,237,690 AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS I Filed March 15, 1939 s sheets-shed 2 4 I 6 v- ,43 Y 26 242 1 3/ Inventor Attorneys April 8, 1941. R A, R 2,237,690

AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS File d March 15, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Inventor '0 7 i zzjfizaiiig 0322' 5 %W Attorneys fatented Apr. 8, 1941 AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS Raymond A. Robic, Outremont, near Montreal.

Quebec, Canad Application March 15, 1939, Serial No. 262,074

4 Claims.

The present invention relates to improvements in air conditioning apparatus.

In the art of air treating apparatus, particuiarly that type wherein a current of air is forced through a zone containing liquid carrying means,

it has been a desideratum to overcome the defect of loss of efficiency due to fouling, that is, the accumulation of dust and other foreign matter which adheres to the carrying means with the result that the circulation capacity is greatly diminished.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioning apparatus which is constructed so that it may be easily maintained in a high state of eillciency.

Another object of the invention is the provision of air conditioning apparatus designed to permit rapid and convenient cleaning.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of air conditioning apparatus which is equipped with insulating means disposed so as to eliminate corrosion by electrolytic action.

Consequently, the objects of the invention can be stated as follows:

An object of the invention is the provision of an air conditioning apparatus of generally improved design,

Another object of the invention is the provision of air conditioning apparatus which is highly of flolent for use as a humidifier, air washer, cooler or de humidlfier.

A further object of the invention is the provision of air conditioning apparatus constructed to permit relative movement of parts for convenient cleaning and replacement.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of air conditioning apparatus of the aforesaid character which is relatively simple and compact in construction.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description progreases.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which like reference characters are employed to designate correspond ing parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the assembled apparatus,

Figure 2 is a rear end elevational view of the same,

Figure 3 is a vertical longitudinal section through the same,

Figure 4 is a similar view showing an upper section of the device disposed at an angular inclination to the base,

Figure 5 is a top plan view partly in section, Figure 6 is a transverse section taken on the line 6-4 of Figure 3,

Figure '1 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on the line 1-1 of Figure 3, and

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary detail elevation of'the gear mechanism, partly in section.

Referring to the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention, B generally designates the base structure of the apparatus embodying a pair of normally vertical side wall sections it which may be formed of flat sheet metal of rectangular longitudinally elongated shape, each having an inturned flange II at the bottom. These flanges are fastened, as by rivets i2, to a pair of complen mentary sheet metal cross strips I3 arranged in a horizontal plane and extending transversely of r the side walls at the front andrear of the base. To the top and bottom faces of the cross members I3 are connected annular grommets ll of cushioning material, such as s'di't rubber, forced through an aperture of said members it.

In the forward portion oi the base Bis mounted an elongated rectangular shaped tank '1,

open at the top and having the longer vertical side walls It secured against horizontal transversely extending bars I1. These bars extend along the upper margin of the tank walls and the ends are flanged for connection with the sides ill of the base. The forward portionof the tank rests on the upper rubber grommets l4 and the upper edges of the side walls 16 as well as the end walls It are disposed to assume positions level with the top edges of the base walls in.

To the rear wall It of the tank is connected a conventional feed control valve V formed with a horizontal projectingdischarge conduit 20 to the end of which is pivotally connected a vertically movable float arm 2 I. At the free end of the float arm is secured a vertically disposed hollow float drum 22. A feed tube 25 connects the valve V with a pipe coupling 28 mounted horizontally on an angle bracket 21 secured on the rear cross member ii. To the outer end of the coupling 26 is attached an end of a fluid supply pipe 28. Thus, the feed supply regulating mechanism is designed to maintain the water or other liquid in the tank D at a predetermined level, as illustrated at Figure 6, the valve 1) being constructed to admit water through the feed and supply pipes when the level of water in the tank is below the predeterr'nined height and to automatically cut oil. the water feed when this level is reached. With this in mind, the fioatarm 2| is disposed to contact with a valve rod 29 to retract the rod and close the valve when the proper liquid level is attained in the tank and to release the rod which is springactuated to yieldingly open the valve when the water level is below the normal capacity height.

An overflow tube 3| connects an outlet port 32 of the tank with a coupling 33 secured in an angle bracket 34 and making connection, through the coupling, with a drain pipe 35.

On the base section B is movably mounted a frame F supporting the rotary mechanism of the apparatus. This frame structure embodies a support member in the form of a sheet metal trough-shaped device of approximately triangular cross section extending the full width of the base between the side walls I rearwardly of the tank T. This member may consist of a front wall 31 which, in a normal assembly of the apparatus, assumes an arrangement extending transversely of the base and at an inclined plane relative thereto, the lower rear portion being bent to form a relatively narrow horizontal part 38. Formed integral with the front wall 31 and the part 88 is a relatively large rectangular end plate 39 arranged to assume a vertical position at the rear of the apparatus. This end plate is cut out to form a relatively large circular opening 40 and is formed with flanges 4| at the top and side edges for reinforcement thereof. At the ends of the trough-shaped member thus formed are provided approximately triangular shaped vertical end walls 42. This one piece support member is connected to the base by means of tubular rivets 43 extended through apertures in the lower rear portions of the end walls 42 and through aligned apertures in the rear portions of the base side walls It! in such manner as to allow pivotal movement of the support frame in a vertical plane relative to the base. In order to prevent possible noise at this point. caused by wear or looseness. resilient washers 43' of rubber or the like are interposed between the flanges of the rivets and the apertured walls. The connected elements are thus cushioned to eliminate vibration and yet relatively free to move with respect to each other.

The whole pivoted assembly is held fast to the side walls III by means of screws 31' threadedly engaging said walls and passed through apertures in the sides 42. Thus, pivotal movement, for cleaning purposes, is rendered relatively easy and quick (see Figs. and 4) To the upper marginal portion of the inclined wall 31 is secured, by bolts 45, an angular bracket plate 48 having the main body portion thereof arranged vertically while the inclined bottom flange portion is mounted parallel with the wall 31. Through apertures in the plate 48 are extended the outer end portions of a. plurality of studs 41 secured to the front portion of an electric motor M. A complementary bracket plate 48. secured by bolts 49 to the wall 31, connects with the rear of the motor so that the latter is firmly supported above the wall with its axis extending horizontally in the normal arrangement of the apparatus. On a rearwardly projecting section 50 of the motor shaft is fastened a fan having its hub 5| secured on the shaft section by a set screw and its blades 52 dis osed radially of the hub in the opening of the end plate.

A wire screen 53, fastened to the rear of the end plates 49, provides a guard for the outer side of an the front face of the bracket plate 46 is secured a gear housing 55 having a bore 56 truding hub section 89 having through'which a forwardly projecting section I! of the motor shaftextends. In the gear chamber of the housing 55 is journalled a vertical transmission shaft 58 having a worm wheel 59 on its upper part in mesh with a worm 60 on the drive section 51. On the lower part of the shaft 58 is formed or secured a worm 6! adapted to mesh with a worm wheel 62 on a shaft 63 arranged parallel with and offset below the shaft section 51. This shaft 83 is journalled in a bore of a bearing cap 64 threadedly mounted to engage an opening in the lower front portion of the housing. On the projecting end of the shaft 53 is formed a ball joint section 65 provided with a transverse pin engaging bore.

The motor shaft section 63 is adapted to drive an air treating wheel W, of any preferred type, for example embodying a strip of material 6'! coiled to form a plurality of spaced convolutions. mounted about a centre core 68. At one end of the core is provided a tubular rearwardly proslidably fitted therein a. cylindrical insert 10 held in position by a set screw H and formed with an axially projecting socket extension 12. The said insert 10 (Fig. 8) is of insulating material and is used to electrically insulate the wheel W from the electric motor. This is an important feature preventing electrolysis of the wheel metal-due to possible leakage of electric current through a grounded motor, for instance, or due to any other cause. In the bore of this socket I2 is fitted an annular bearing ring 13 adapted to receive the ball joint 55 therein. A pin 14, secured in the ring extends therethrough and through the bore of the ball 65 which is shaped to allow limited angular movement of the latter relative to the sleeve to furnish a flexible shaft connection. At the front end of the wheel core is provided a forwardly projecting spindle 15 adapted to be journalled in a bearing sleeve 16 mounted in-an aperture in the upper part of a vertically arranged bar 11 fastened to the centre of the strip H extending across the top margin of the tank wall 50. In operative assembly the wheel W is adapted to assume a position with its axis extending horizontally, that is, parallel with the tank 'I' and having its bottom portion depending into the tank and the liquid therein, as shown at Figure 3.

Supported on the base B, so as to cover the rotary mechanism, is a hood of arcuate approximately semi-circular transverse curvature essentially concentric with the axis of the wheel W, having its rear edge disposed against the end plate 39 and its forward edge extended beyond the front of the wheel. This hood may be formed of sheet metal and ismainly of uniform dimensions with the exception of a transverse corrugation C shaped therein to project inwardly adjacent the rear face of the wheel. This corrugation is shaped to provide a substantially vertical forward wall portion 8| and a gradually curved rear wall portion 82 and is of greatest depth at the centre-line of the hood with a diminishing taper toward its side edges. At spaced intervals along the longitudinal side margins of the hood are provided a pair of laterally oflset support clips 83 which may be stamped from the sheet material and adapted to slidably fit over the upper margins of the base walls ill for holding the covering hood removably in position on the base.

During operation of the apparatus for humidifying purposes, a supply of water at natural temperature is maintained at a predetermined assacoo substantially constant level in the tank by means at the float controlled valve V and connection of the fuel and drain conduits. Due to the worm gearing in the housing 55, the wheel W is rotated noiselessly and at a predetermined speed greatly reduced in comparison with the rotary speed of the drive motor M and the fan directly driven thereby. Due to adhesion, the wheel carries a film of water upwardly on its convolutions i rom the tank or reservoir and the fan blowsja current of air therethrough, effecting evaporation of the water and thereby liberating moisture into the air stream, as well as cleaning the air. As a result thereof, the air of the room is 311m: difledwashed and cooled. The last efiect, namely: cooling, is a very important characteristic of the present mechanism for humidii'ying air. Due to the well-known physical phenomenon of heatbsorption by evaporating liquids, a considerable quantity of B. t. u.s are withdrawn from the evaporating surfaces, with a great reduction in their temperature. The air blown across said surfaces is correspondingly cooled, sometimes to the extent of 16 F. or

more, below the room. temperature.

Due also to the condensing action of cold surfaces upon liquid-saturated-gases, the present apparatus .can be used to de-humidify excessively damp atmospheres, for instance, by the simple expedient of filling the tank with ice-cold water or units cold anti-freeze mixtures.

us, the water or other liquid having a temperature below that of the atmosphere of the room in. which the apparatus is positioned, the water him on the convolutions of the wheel presents a cool surface which functions to condense moisture from the air blown therethrough to nihstantially reduce the moisture content of the atmosphere. a

The curved ridge formed at the inner side oi the hood by the corrugation C functions to di root the outer portions of the air stream into the outermost spaces between the convolutions of the wheel and obviates passage thereof between the periphery of the wheel and the hood, so as to utilize the air'current with utmost eihcienoy.

it become necessary to clean the tank or repair or replace parts of the apparatus, access thereto is facilitated by swinging the cupport means'F and the rotatlve mechanism.

' mounted thereon upwardly through a vertical are about the axis of the rivets it. A partial ging movement of this superstructure is shown at Figure 4. This is accomplished by flexing the front tank wall It outwardly, as illustrated in dotted lines at Figure 5,-to offset the bearing sleeve 18 and release the wheel spindle "it which allows tilting of the pivoted frame to a position enabling convenient access to all parts at the apparatus.

The provision of spacing rings or washers of rubber or similar yieldable material on the base as well as the motor bracket connection also elinates vibration sound so that the machine operates without noise, and only the blower air current is heard." As stated previously, this insulation also operates .to prevent circulation of undesirable electric currents which, eventually,

' create a corrosive electrolytic action with eventual destruction of the humidifying wheel.

Finally, an out wheel design has a great advantage over other types having wicks,ufabrics or other foraminous elementsv wetted by capillary action only. In such an apparatus, it is clear that a given area of thewet surfaces is charged with air humidifier embodying the preswater remaining stationary until evaporated. Consequently, the dissolved salts and other solid matter that may be present are left as a residue liable to bacterial action and clogging the pores of the element.

Furthermore, after drying up longed shut-down, humidifiers so equipped cannot be restored without a thorough washing, due

the base member upon to the foul smell emitted.

The present wheel eliminates the above disadvantages, since the water film on the wheel surfaces has no time to dry up before said surfaces are again wetted in the tank. Therefore, waterdissolved salts do not remain on the wheel, the solid matter is washed constantly and the water continuously aerated by the movement of the wheel. As a result, bacterial action is lessened to such an extent that a dry wheel can be operated, after complete shut-down, without objectionable smell or dust being emitted.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herein shown and described'is to be takon as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes as to the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subioined claims.

Having thus described my invention,

1. In air conditioning her, a the base member, a motor supported on the ironic member, an air treating wheel having driving connection with the motor, a tan adapted to blow a current of air through the wheel having driving connection with the motor, and a transversely curved hood supported on the base membar and covering the rotary mechanism and havlog a transverse ridge shaped to direct the air from the blower into the wheel and prevent passage thereof between the periphery oi the wheel and the hood.

it. In air conditioning apparatus, a base member, a frame member pivotally connected with the base member, a motor supported on the iranie member, an air treating wheel ving driving connection with the motor, a tan adapted to blow a current of air through the wheel having driving connection with the motor, and a hood of approximately semi-circular cross section supported on the base and covering the motor driven wheel and tau, the said hood having a ridge formed on the interior adjacent the wheel so as to direct the air current from the fan into the wheel and prevent passage thereof between the wheel and the hood.

3. In air conditioning apparatus, a base mornher having opposed vertical side walls, a frame member extending transversely between the said side walls and having end walls disposed adjacent the said side walls of the base, a pivot element plvotally connecting each end wall of the frame with a side wall of the base member, a motor supported on the frame member, an air treating wheel having driving connection with the said motor, and a fan adapted to blow a current of air through the wheel having driving connection with the motor, the axes of the fan and air wheel being adapted to normally extend in a plane parallel with a plane through the base member and being tiltable to vertically inclined angular positions relative to the plane through pivotal movement of the i claim: apparatus, a base mema frame.

4. In air conditioning obparatus, a base member having opposed vertical si walls, a frame member extending transversely between the side due to a proframe member pivotally connected with walls of the base and having a wall at each end pivotally connected with each of the side walls of the base, a plate on said frame member having a circular opening therein, a motor supported on the frame member, an air treating wheel having driving connection with the motor, and a fan adapted to blow a current of air thrmllh the wheel having driving connection with the motor and arranged within the opening-of the frame plate, the said frame being plvotally tiltable to swing the axes of the air wheel and fan from a normal substantially horizontal arrangement to a vertically inclined arrangement.

RAYMOND A. ROBIC.

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