Compressible Fluid Discharge Muffler

Abstract

A noise reduction device including a tubular body having an open first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a cavity located between the first end and the second end. The second end of the tubular body being disposed opposite the first end. The second end has at least one opening with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the opening in the first end.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to the U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/350,226 filed on Jun. 1, 2010, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of air compressors and particularly to an apparatus and method for reducing the noise of compressed air entering into an air storage tank in a compressor assembly.

2. Description of the Related Art

A compressor assembly normally provides a source of compressible fluid which is temporarily stored in a pressurized fluid tank. Typically, an electric motor or a combustion engine is connected to a compressor unit to activate the compressor. The compressor unit typically includes a piston assembly, or compressor pump, which compresses the fluid and forces it into the fluid pressure tank for temporary storage.

Likewise, an air compressor assembly provides a source of pressurized air to an air storage tank. Many portable air compressors include a compressor mounted to an air storage tank. The compressor compresses air which is then stored in the air storage tank. The compressor unit compresses air from the atmosphere. The pressurized air in the air storage tank can be used for operating air powered tools such as nailing tools, socket driving tools, material shaping tools, sanding tools, spray painting tools, inflation chucks, and inflating tires and the like.

In an air compressor assembly, it is common for water and other liquids to condense from the air inside the air storage tank as a consequence of the pressure and temperature differences inside the tank and outside the tank. Water and other liquids that may accumulate inside the air storage tank may be removed through the installation of a condensate removal device placed near a low point of the air storage tank. However, any tilting of the compressor, for example, during movement from one location to another location, could allow water to enter into the air intake port of the compressor. Check valves are placed in the air intake port of an air storage tank near the top surface to prevent water or liquid condensate from flowing out of the tank toward the compressor. However, check valves can suffer from corrosion due to contact with the condensate.

One long unresolved problem with such air compressor assemblies is that they tend to generate significant noise when compressed air is discharged from the compressor to the air storage tank. Vibrations and noise make the operation of the compressor less comfortable. Specifically, air storage tanks receiving pressurized air from a compressor generate significant vibrations. Vibrations are generated as bursts of high velocity air create shockwaves that hit the inner walls of the air compressor tank. The shockwaves in turn, generate noise outside of the tank. This noise includes ringing and rattling caused by the bursts of high velocity air as the air passes from the compressor through the connecting tube and hits the inner walls of the storage tank. The noise has been compared to metal ball bearings rattling inside of an empty metal tank.

It is Desirable to Provide an Apparatus and Method that Reduces the Noise and vibration from the storage tank during the operation of an air compressor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to an apparatus and method for reducing the noise of a compressed fluid, such as air entering a storage tank. The apparatus and method disclosed herein allow users to effectively reduce the noise and vibration of the air storage tank caused by the air entering the tank.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an air compressor assembly includes an air compressor and an air storage tank suitable for storing pressurized air and having an intake port in an upper surface of the air storage tank. A noise reduction member is disposed between the compressor and the air storage tank and is capable of reducing noise generated by the delivery of pressurized air from the compressor to the air storage tank. The noise reduction member captures the high velocity bursts of pressurized air and discharges the air at a slower velocity and thereby more continuous flow.

Advantages include at least the following: less vibration of the tank caused by the pulses of air coming out of the compressor, resulting in less noise. The pulsing of air is caused by the stop-and-go push of air from the compressor. Reducing air storage tank vibration and noise, makes the operation of the compressor more comfortable and a more positive experience for the user. In addition, environmental noise produced by the air tank is reduced.

Other advantages and features will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The numerous advantages of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a compressor assembly;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the compressible fluid discharge muffler;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the compressible fluid discharge muffler;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the compressible fluid discharge muffler in a first arrangement of an air compressor assembly;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the compressible fluid discharge muffler in a second arrangement of an air compressor assembly;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the compressible fluid discharge muffler in a third arrangement of an air compressor assembly;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the compressible fluid discharge muffler in a fourth arrangement of an air compressor assembly;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the compressible fluid discharge muffler in a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the compressible fluid discharge muffler in a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Referring generally to FIG. 1, an air compressor assembly 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. As shown in FIG. 1, the air compressor assembly 10 includes a compressor 12 mounted to a compressed air storage tank 14, a motor (not shown) and an air discharge tube 11. The air storage tank 14 provides a tank or receiver for storing a fluid, such as air, under pressure.

A discharge port (not shown) is provided in the air storage tank 14 to which a pressure manifold or pipe is fitted allowing compressed air to be drawn from the tank 14 for powering air powered tools such as nailing tools, socket driving tools, material shaping tools, sanding tools, spray painting tools, and tire inflation chucks.

A wide variety of compressor assemblies have storage tanks with walls that are sufficiently flexible to transmit noise. Such compressor assemblies including vertical tank compressors, horizontal tank compressors, twin tank compressors, pancake compressors and the like for pressurizing air from a first pressure to a second higher pressure, may implement the principles of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, the compressed air storage tank 14 of the air compressor assembly 10 may be comprised of a flattened oval or “pancake” style tank. The air storage tank may also take a variety of shapes and positions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

A pressure switch assembly inside of the compressor is mounted to the pressure manifold 13 for regulating pressure within the air storage tank 14 by alternately starting and stopping the compressor 12 to periodically replenish the supply of air in the tank 14. When pressure within the tank 14 reaches a preset low pressure point, or “kickin pressure,” the pressure switch assembly starts the compressor 12 to re-pressurize the tank 14. The compressed air generated by the compressor 12 passes through the air discharge tube 11 into the air storage tank 14. As the pressure within the tank 14 reaches a preset high pressure point, or “kick-out pressure,” the pressure switch assembly stops the compressor 12 to prevent over-pressurization of the tank 14. In this manner, the pressure of the compressed air in the compressed air storage tank 14 is maintained within a range generally suitable for powering one or more air powered tools. In operation, rotation of the motor activates the compressor 12 thereby initiating a supply of compressed air to an intake port 18 located on the storage tank 14.

When the air compressor 12 is operating to replenish the supply of air in the air storage tank 14, noise and vibration are generated by air entering the tank 14 in bursts due to the piston movement. A noise reduction member of the present invention reduces the noise of pressurized air entering the air tank.

FIG. 2 shows a noise reduction member in the form of a compressible fluid discharge muffler 20 comprising a tubular body 22 having an open first end 15 for receiving a compressed fluid and a restricting second end 17 for discharging the compressed fluid. The compressible fluid discharge muffler 20 is connected to the intake port 18 of the air storage tank 14. The intake port 18 receives a fluid, such as air, that is compressed by the compressor 12. The muffler 20 serves to reduce the vibration of pressurized fluid, such as air entering the storage tank, and thereby the noise caused by the vibration. The tubular body 22 of the compressible fluid discharge muffler 20 has a cavity 23 defined by an inlet 24 at a first end and an outlet 26 at a second end opposing the first end. The outlet 26 of the muffler 20 discharges pressurized air into the tank 14.

The inlet 24 of the tubular body 22 in FIG. 2 has a greater diameter than the outlet 26, thereby creating a restricted flow path for air being delivered from the compressor 12 to the interior of the air storage tank 14. As the outlet 26 is smaller than the inlet, the outlet acts as a restricting means downstream of the inlet 24. The volume and outlet of the tubular body 22 forming the muffler 20 are sized to reduce the high velocity air flow pulsations from the compressor 12 into the air storage tank 14 that result in reduced tank wall vibration and tank noise.

The second end of the tubular body 22 can have any shape including, but not limited to, the rounded U-shape shown in the figures. For example, the second end of the tubular body can be flat as shown in FIG. 4. The muffler outlet 26 can also have sidewalls 27 that are parallel to the direction of fluid flow. In addition, although FIG. 2 illustrates a single aperture forming the outlet 26 at the second end of the tubular body, the outlet end of the tubular body 22 can have a plurality of apertures.

The muffler 20 can be made from any material including, but not limited to, aluminum, brass, and plated steel, or be plastic molded. In addition, although the muffler is illustrated as tubular, the muffler can be any shape, including spherical.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, the muffler 20 can also accommodate a non-return or check valve 30 in the first end thereof. The check valve can be in the form of a body having an inlet portion for the entrance of fluid and an outlet portion for the discharge of the fluid. The check valve 30 inhibits air from returning to the compressor 12 from the air storage tank 14. The check valve includes a seat 29 on the body and a disk 28 that is movable toward the seat to contact the seat and thereby close the valve, and away from the seat to open the valve. The disk 28 is biased in a direction toward the seat 29 by a spring 32 to close the valve. The check valve 30 inlet portion disposed within the air discharge tube 11 connecting the compressor 12 and the air storage tank 14. The check valve 30 can be at least partially inserted into the inlet 24 in the first end of the tubular body 22. An outlet portion of the check valve 30 is disposed within the inlet 24 of the tubular body 22. The muffler 20 creates an enclosed air volume around the portion of the check valve 30 that is inserted into the air storage tank 14.

Also, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the muffler 20 can be mounted to the air storage tank 14 through the intake port 18 as follows. A weld flange 34 having a threaded inner surface 35 can be secured to the air storage tank 14 by a weld bead 36. A check valve 30 having a threaded outer surface can be threaded into the weld flange 34. The muffler 20 can be connected to the check valve 30 by press-fitting or crimping a flanged upper end to the surface of the check valve. Other connection methods of the muffler to a check valve include brazing and adhering with an epoxy.

The weld flange 34, 54 can be forged from steel and the weld bead 36, 56 can be made from a steel alloy or any compatible material used to weld a flange to an air storage tank. Alternatively, the weld flange 34, 54 and weld bead 36, 56 can be made from any combination of compatible materials including, but not limited to aluminum, copper, brass, plastic and steel. The weld flange and weld bead can be joined by any compatible joining process.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 3, the muffler 40 can be welded directly to the air storage tank 14. The muffler 40 includes a tubular body 42 having an inlet 44 at a first end and an outlet 46 at a second end opposing the first end. The inlet 44 has a greater diameter than the outlet 46. The muffler 40 is integrally connected to the air storage tank 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the tubular body 42 is welded with weld bead 56 at the intake port 18 on an inner wall of the air storage tank 14. The outlet 46 of muffler 40 restricts the flow of air being delivered from the compressor 12 to the air storage tank 14.

Alternatively, the upper outer surface of the muffler can be a threaded surface that is threaded onto an inner threaded surface of the weld flange. Also, the upper inner surface of the muffler can be a threaded surface that is threaded onto an outer threaded surface of the weld flange 34.

As shown in FIG. 3, the outlet 46 in the second end of the muffler 40 can have a flared opening 52 that extends beyond the bottom surface of the tubular body of the muffler. The flared opening 52 can have any configuration, such as, for example, convex inner sides as shown in FIG. 3. The second end of the muffler 40 can be formed by piercing, drilling, or any suitable method for forming an aperture in the bottom of a tube.

The muffler can be disposed along the path between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet to the air storage tank. For example, the muffler 20 can be formed so that the restriction portion is downstream from the inlet of the tubular body 22 and upstream of the pressurized air inlet into the air storage tank 14. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, for example, the muffler 20 can be fully disposed within the air storage tank 14.

As a further alternative shown in the schematic of FIG. 5, the muffler 520 can be disposed within the head 513 of the compressor 512. In the arrangement of FIG. 5, the muffler 520 has a restricting outlet 526 at the second end of the tubular body 522. The restricting outlet 526 is disposed upstream of or within the inlet of the air discharge tube 511. The air discharge tube 511 carries the compressed air to the air storage tank 514.

In a further alternative arrangement, FIG. 6 illustrates that the muffler 620 can be completely disposed within the air discharge tube 611 connecting the compressor 612 and air storage tank 614. The muffler 620 is outside of both the air storage tank 614 and the head 613 of the compressor 612 and the restricting outlet 626 is immediately upstream of the check valve 630.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the discharge tube 711 serves as the restricting outlet. The muffler 720 is disposed within the head 713 of the compressor 712. In this arrangement, the air discharge tube 711 downstream from the muffler cavity 723 has a diameter significantly smaller than the muffler cavity. As such, the air discharge tube 711 slows the high velocity burst of air from the compressor so that the air enters the air storage tank at a slower or continuous flow thereby reducing the vibrations and noise in the tank 714.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate third and fourth embodiments, respectively, of the present invention wherein a check valve portion of the compressible fluid discharge muffler restricts the high velocity bursts of pressurized air entering the air storage tank. In the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, the check valve serves as a restriction member for the muffler.

In FIG. 8, for example, the check valve 830 is located downstream from the muffler cavity 823 of the muffler 820. The check valve has an inlet 832 and channel 834 in line with the fluid flow. The inlet 832 and channel 834 that are sized to reduce the speed of the high velocity air entering the air storage tank 814. Pressurized air being delivered from the compressor 812 passes through the discharge tube 811 to the muffler 820 enters and is discharged from the muffler/check valve combination, through a restricting outlet 826 in the check valve 830. The pressurized air then enters the air storage tank 814.

In the fourth embodiment of FIG. 9, the muffler 920 serves as the air discharge tube for pressurized air being delivered from the compressor 912 to the air storage tank 914. The muffler cavity 923 extends from the compressor to the check valve 930 serving as the restricting member. Pressurized air is discharged from the muffler/check valve combination through the outlet 926 and enters the air storage tank 914.

More than one muffler of the present invention can be used in series along the path between the compressor and the air storage tank.

The muffler can also protect the check valve from corrosion caused by condensate in the air storage tank. Tilting of the compressor, for example, during movement from one location to another location, could allow water or other condensate to enter into air compressor. The check valve serves to check the flow of fluid from the air storage tank to the compressor. However, if the check valve comes in contact with water or other liquid condensate, over time, the check valve will tend to corrode. In the above-described embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-4, the length of the cavity 23 in the tubular body 22 of the muffler 2, restricts the liquid condensate from entering the check valve 30 from the air storage tank 14.

The mufflers are illustrated as being inserted through a top or upper surface of the air storage tank. The mufflers can also be inserted into the air storage tank through a bottom or lower surface of the tank. In such an arrangement, the mufflers can be inserted above the high water or condensate line.

Although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A noise reduction device comprising:

a tubular body having an open first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a cavity located between the first end and the second end, the second end being opposite the first end and having at least one opening, the at least one opening having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the opening in the first end;

wherein the at least one opening in the second end is opposite from the opening in the first end.

2. The noise reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the tubular body is flat.

3. The noise reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one opening in the second end of the tubular body has a diameter that is at least 50% smaller than the diameter of the opening in the first end.

4. The noise reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one opening in the second end of the tubular body has parallel sidewalls.

5. The noise reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one opening in the second end of the tubular body has flared walls.

6. The noise reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the tubular body has a plurality of openings.

7. A compressor assembly comprising:

a compressor having a head portion mounted thereto, a discharge port in the head portion and a discharge tube connected to the discharge port in the head portion;

a storage tank having an intake port connected to the discharge tube to receive pressurized fluid from the compressor;

a check valve arranged between the compressor and the storage tank; and

a muffler disposed between the compressor and an inner wall of the storage tank, the muffler comprising a tubular body having an opening in a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and cavity located between the first end and the second end, the second end having at least one opening with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the opening in the first end.

8. The noise reduction assembly according to claim 7, wherein the muffler is disposed within the head portion of the compressor.

9. The noise reduction assembly according to claim 7, wherein the muffler is disposed within the discharge tube.

10. The noise reduction assembly according to claim 7, wherein the muffler is disposed between the compressor head and the check valve.

11. The noise reduction assembly according to claim 10, wherein the muffler is disposed between the discharge tube and the check valve.

12. The noise reduction assembly according to claim 7, wherein the intake port of the storage tank is outside of a condensate line.

13. The noise reduction assembly according to claim 7, wherein the muffler is disposed within the storage tank and the opening in a first end circumscribes and is crimped to the fluid outlet portion of the check valve.

14. A method of making a noise reduction assembly in an air compressor, the method comprising:

providing an air compressor operatively connectable to an air storage tank by a discharge tube, the discharge tube having a receiving end for receiving compressed air from the compressor and a discharge end for discharging the compressed air into an intake port in the air storage tank; and

welding a noise reduction device to the intake port in the air storage tank, the noise reduction device including: a tubular body having an open first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a cavity located between the first end and the second end, the second end being opposite the first end and having at least one opening, the at least one opening having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the opening in the first end; wherein the at least one opening in the second end is adjacent to a point directly opposite from the opening in the first end.