Abstract:
The present invention relates to an input/output pipe reinforcing device for a vehicle compressor, whereby it is possible to prevent a linking area between the compressor and the input/output pipe from becoming damaged or deformed due to vehicle engine vibration and loads transmitted from the outside. The invention relates to a reinforcing device which is provided in the linking area between a compressor linked to the vehicle engine and an input/output pipe for the inflow or outflow of a coolant compressed in the compressor, wherein the reinforcing device comprises: a body part which surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the input/output pipe and comprises a first body formed to support the outer circumferential surface of the input/output pipe, and a second body formed corresponding to the first body; a hinge shaft which is provided on one side in the length direction of the body part, and which secures the first body and the second body in a mutually rotatable fashion; and a flange which is joined to the compressor and comprises a first expanded part formed expanding towards the outer circumferential edge of the first body at one end in the length direction of the first body, a second expanded part formed in the second body so as to correspond to the first expanded part, and a securing part formed in the portion where the first expanded part and second expanded part touch in order to secure the first body and the second body.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device of a compressor for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to an inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device of a compressor for a vehicle, which enables a connection portion between a compressor and an inlet/outlet pipe to be encircled by a body unit pivotally rotated about a hinge shaft and then to be securely fixed to the compressor so that the connection portion can be prevented from being damaged or deformed due to a load transmitted from the outside and a vibration of a vehicle engine. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In general, a compressor driven by an engine mounted on a vehicle is a device that compresses a low-pressure refrigerant to a high-pressure refrigerant. The high-pressure refrigerant is transferred to a condenser and then is re-circulated in the compressor via an evaporator to cause air to be cooled. 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a state in which a compressor and an inlet/outlet pipe are connected to each other in accordance with the prior art. 
         [0004]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a compressor  3  is configured such that it is connected to an inlet/outlet pipe  5  to allow a compressed refrigerant to be transferred to an air-conditioning system (not shown). 
         [0005]    Such a compressor  3  is often installed in close proximity to a vehicle engine to allow a refrigerant to be compressed by a driving force of the engine. In this case, the inlet/outlet pipe  5  is directly coupled to a body of the compressor  3  by a coupling method such as welding or the like. However, this coupling method entails a problem in that it is susceptible to a great vibration caused by the drive of the engine. 
         [0006]    In other words, a vibration of the engine and an external relative load, which are transferred to the compressor  3  and the inlet/outlet pipe  5 , respectively, act as shearing forces to the connection portion C between the compressor  3  and the inlet/outlet pipe  5 . When the external load and the vibration caused by the drive of the engine continue to be accumulated in the connection portion C, damage and deformation of the connection portion C are caused, leading to a problem such as a leakage of the refrigerant. Particularly, this problem becomes more serious when a great working load occurs as in heavy construction equipment and the vibration of the engine is severe. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Problems 
       [0007]    Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the aforementioned problem occurring in the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device of a compressor for a vehicle, which enables the connection portion between the compressor and an inlet/outlet pipe to be encircled by a body unit pivotally rotated about a hinge shaft and then to be securely fixed to the compressor so that the connection portion can be prevented from being damaged or deformed due to a vibration of a vehicle engine. 
       Technical Solution 
       [0008]    To accomplish the above object, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device of a compressor connected to a vehicle engine, the inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device being provided at a connection portion between the compressor and an inlet/outlet pipe through which a refrigerant compressed in the compressor flows in or out, the device including: a body unit including a first body configured surroundingly to support the outer periphery of the inlet/outlet pipe and a second body having a shape corresponding to that of the first body; a hinge shaft fixedly mounted at one longitudinal side of the body unit so as to extend in a longitudinal direction of the body unit to cause the first body and the second body to be pivotally rotated with respect to each other thereabout; and a flange including a first extension portion formed to extend outwardly radially from one circumferential end of the first body, a second extension portion formed on the second body to correspond to the first extension portion, and a fixing portion formed at a joint where the first extension portion and the second extension portion abuts against each other to securely fix the first body and the second body, so that the flange is coupled to the compressor. 
         [0009]    In addition, the fixing portion may include: a first hook provided at one end of the joint where the first extension portion and the second extension portion abuts against with each other; and a second hook provided at the other end of the joint where the first extension portion and the second extension portion abuts against with each other, the second hook having a shape corresponding to the first hook so as to be fastened to the first hook. 
         [0010]    In addition, the first extension portion and the second extension portion may further include a projection formed protrudingly outwardly from a portion where the fixing portion is positioned, the first hook may have a first groove formed on the inner surface thereof along a longitudinal direction of the body unit, the second hook has a second groove formed on the inner surface thereof to have a shape corresponding to that of the first groove, and the compressor and the flange may be fastened to each other by a bolt through a hole that is defined by the first groove and the second groove. 
         [0011]    Further, each of the first body and the second body may further include a vibration absorption member provided on the inner peripheral surface thereof to abut against the inlet/outlet pipe  5 . 
         [0012]    Also, each of the first body  110  and the second body  120  may have a tapered face formed at the other circumferential end thereof so as to be inwardly inclined. 
         [0013]    Moreover, each of the projection of the first extension portion and the projection of the second extension portion may have a coupling recess formed on one side thereof; and a washer is provided between the bolt and the projection, the washer having coupling protrusions formed on the underside thereof so as to be inserted into the coupling recesses. 
       Advantageous Effect 
       [0014]    The inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device of a compressor for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as constructed above has the following advantages. 
         [0015]    According to the present invention, the connection portion between the compressor and the inlet/outlet pipe are encircled by the body unit pivotally rotated about the hinge shaft and are securely fixed to the compressor so that the connection portion can be prevented from being damaged or deformed due to a vibration of a vehicle engine, thereby improving durability of the compressor and the inlet/outlet pipe. 
         [0016]    In addition, the inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device is implemented in a comparatively simple configuration so that it can be applied to compressors of a variety of kinds of vehicles, including a heavy vehicle, and the like. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The above objects, other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a state in which a compressor and an inlet/outlet pipe are connected to each other in accordance with the prior art; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a state in which an inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device of a compressor for a vehicle is mounted on the compressor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an assembled perspective view showing an inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device of a compressor for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view showing an inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device of a compressor for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is an assembled perspective view showing a modification of an inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device of a compressor for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0000]    
         
           
                 
               
                 
                 
               
                 
                 
                 
               
                 
                 
               
             
                 
                     
                 
                 
                   *Explanation on reference numerals of main elements in the drawings* 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
               
                 
                     
                 
               
            
             
                 
                     
                    1: inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device of compressor for vehicle 
                 
               
            
             
                 
                     
                    3: compressor 
                    5: inlet/outlet pipe 
                 
                 
                     
                   100: body unit 
                   110: first body 
                 
                 
                     
                   112, 122: receiving groove 
                   120: second body 
                 
                 
                     
                   130: vibration absorption member 
                   140: tapered face 
                 
                 
                     
                   200: flange 
                   210: first extension portion 
                 
                 
                     
                   220: second extension portion 
                   230: fixing portion 
                 
                 
                     
                   232: first hook 
                   234: second hook 
                 
                 
                     
                   240: projection 
                   250: hole 
                 
                 
                     
                   260: coupling recess 
                   242: first groove 
                 
                 
                     
                   244: second groove 
                   300: hinge shaft 
                 
                 
                     
                   400: bolt 
                   500: washer 
                 
                 
                     
                   510: coupling protrusion 
                 
               
            
             
                 
                     
                   C: connection portion C between compressor and inlet/outlet pipe 
                 
                 
                     
                     
                 
               
            
           
         
       
       
    
    
     PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The matters defined in the description, such as the detailed construction and elements, are nothing but specific details provided to assist those of ordinary skill in the art in a comprehensive understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed hereinafter. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a state in which an inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device of a compressor for a vehicle is mounted on the compressor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 3  is an assembled perspective view showing an inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device of a compressor for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view showing an inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device of a compressor for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device  1  in accordance with the present invention is provided at a connection portion C between a compressor connected to a vehicle engine (not shown) and an inlet/outlet pipe  5  through which a refrigerant compressed in the compressor  3  flows in or out, and serves to prevent the connection portion C from being damaged by a shearing force accumulated in the connection portion C due to a vibration of the vehicle engine and an external load. In this case, the size and shape of each element of the inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device  1  may vary variously depending on the size and shape of a compressor  3  for a vehicle, on which the inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device is to be mounted. 
         [0026]    As shown  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device  1  in accordance with the present invention roughly includes a body unit  100 , a flange  200 , and a hinge shaft  300 . 
         [0027]    First, the body unit  100  is configured surroundingly to support the outer periphery of the inlet/outlet pipe  5 . The body unit  100  includes a first body  110  and a second body  120 , which generally correspond to each other in shape. 
         [0028]    The first body  110  is an element that is configured to surroundingly support one side of the outer periphery of the inlet/outlet pipe  5 . The first body  110  has a receiving groove  112  formed to a predetermined length on the inner peripheral surface thereof along the longitudinal direction thereof to have a shape corresponding to that of the outer peripheral surface of the inlet/outlet pipe  5  so that a part of the outer peripheral surface of the inlet/outlet pipe  5  can be surroundingly seated on the receiving groove  112  in such a manner as to be brought into tight contact with the surface of the receiving groove  112 . 
         [0029]    The second body  120  is an element that is coupled to the first body  110  to surroundingly support the other side of the outer periphery of the inlet/outlet pipe  5 . Since the second body  120  is formed in a shape corresponding to that of the first body  110 , it has a receiving groove  122  formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof to confront the receiving groove  112  of the first body  110  and has the same length as that of the first body  110 . 
         [0030]    The coupled body of the first body  110  and the second body  120 , i.e., the body unit  100  is formed in a shape in which the inlet/outlet pipe  5  is surroundingly received on the inner peripheral surface thereof in such a manner as to be brought into tight contact with the inner peripheral surface thereof. 
         [0031]    The body unit  100  can be made of the same material as that of the compressor  3  or the inlet/outlet pipe  5   m  and may be manufactured by injection-molding a material such as a synthetic resin that is not deformed even by a great temperature change, is lightweight, and has a high strength. 
         [0032]    Meanwhile, the first body  110  and the second body  120  may further include a thin vibration absorption member  130  provided on the inner peripheral surfaces thereof, i.e., on the receiving grooves  112  and  122 . The vibration absorption member  130  is formed of a material such as rubber, cork, wood, synthetic resin, or the like. The vibration absorption member  130  can reduce a vibration transferred to the inlet/outlet pipe  5 . 
         [0033]    The hinge shaft  300  is an element that is fixedly mounted at one longitudinal side of the body unit  100  so as to extend in a longitudinal direction of the body unit  100  to cause the first body  110  and the second body  120  to be pivotally rotated with respect to each other about the hinge shaft  300 . The hinge coupling method using the hinge shaft  300  corresponds to a coupling method typically used in the art. 
         [0034]    In an embodiment of the present invention, in a state in which one longitudinal side of the first body  110  and one longitudinal side of the second body  120  are engaged into each other, the hinge shaft  300  is fixedly inserted into the engagement portion of the first body  110  and the second body  120  to form a hinge, so that the other side of the first body  110  and the other side of the second body  120  are pivotally rotated about the hinge shaft  300  to cause the first body and the second body to be opened or closed. Thus, the first body  110  and the second body  120  can be mounted on the outer periphery of the inlet/outlet pipe  5 . 
         [0035]    The flange  200  is an element that is formed to extend outwardly radially from one circumferential end of the first body  110  so as to be coupled to the main body of the compressor  3 . The flange  200  can roughly include a first extension portion  210 , a second extension portion  220 , and a fixing portion  230 . The flange  200  is preferably made of the same material as that of the body unit  100  to protect the connection portion C. In addition, the flange  200  may be made of a metal material or may be injection-molded integrally with the body unit  100  using a material such as a synthetic resin that is lightweight and has a high strength. 
         [0036]    In this case, the first extension portion  210  is formed to extend outwardly radially from one circumferential end of the first body  110 , and the second extension portion  220  is formed on the second body  120  to have a shape corresponding to that of the first extension portion  210 . 
         [0037]    Thus, the coupling body of the first extension portion  210  and the second extension portion  220  serves to form one end of the reinforcement device  1  according to the present invention to cause the coupling body to be coupled to the main body of the compressor  3  over a wide area so that the inlet/outlet pipe  5  can be more firmly fixed to the compressor  3 . 
         [0038]    Meanwhile, the extension length, shape and thickness of the first extension portion  210  and the second extension portion  220  can vary properly in consideration of the shape of the fixing portion  230  which will be described later, a load transmitted from the outside, and a magnitude of a vibration of the engine. 
         [0039]    The fixing portion  230  is an element that is configured to fix the first body  110  and the second body  120  in a state in which the first body  110  and the second body  120  encircle the inlet/outlet pipe  5 . The fixing portion  230  is formed at a joint where the first extension portion  210  and the second extension portion  220  abut against each other in such a manner as to be positioned at the other longitudinal side of the body unit  100 , which is opposite to one longitudinal side of the body unit  100  where the hinge shaft  300  is provided. The fixing portion  230  can be configured by any fixing method as long as the first body  110  and the second body  120  can be maintained in a state of abutting against each other so as to be in tight contact with each other. 
         [0040]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the fixing portion  230  may include a first hook  232  provided at one end of a joint where the first extension portion  210  and the second extension portion  220  abuts against with each other; and a second hook  234  provided at the other end of a joint where the first extension portion  210  and the second extension portion  220  abuts against with each other. That is, when the first hook  232  is provided at one end of the first extension portion  210 , the second hook  234  is provided at one end of the second extension portion  220 . 
         [0041]    The first hook  232  is formed in a concavo-convex or crooked shape, and the second hook  234  is formed in a concavo-convex or crooked shape corresponding to that of the first hook  232 , so that when a lateral pressure of more than a certain strength is applied to the first extension portion  210  and the second extension portion  220 , the first hook  232  and the second hook  234  are fittingly coupled to each other in a state of being in tight contact with each other. As a result, the first body  110  and the second body  120  are fixedly mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the inlet/outlet pipe  5 . 
         [0042]    As such, the fixed body unit  100  is securely fixed to the main body of the compressor  3  by a coupling method such as welding, bolt fastening or the like over a wide area through the flange  200  formed to extend at one circumferential end of the body unit  100 , so that the connection portion C between the compressor  3  and the inlet/outlet pipe  5  can be reinforcingly supported by the body unit  100 . 
         [0043]    The reinforcement device  1  in accordance with the present invention is configured such that the connection portion between the compressor  3  and the inlet/outlet pipe  5  is encircled by the body unit pivotally rotated about a hinge shaft to allow the compressor  3  and the inlet/outlet pipe  5  to be vibrated integrally and to reinforcingly support the connection portion C, so that a shearing force on the connection portion C caused by a vibration of the engine and an external load can be effectively reduced. For this reason, the durability of the compressor  3  and the inlet/outlet pipe  5  can be remarkably improved. 
         [0044]    Furthermore, the fixing portion  230  in accordance with the present invention may further include a projection  240 , a first groove  242 , and a second groove  244 . 
         [0045]    The projection  240  is an element that provides a space to allow the reinforcement device  1  to be fasteningly fixed to the compressor  3  by means of a bolt  400 . The projection  240  is formed by allowing the first extension portion  210  and the second extension portion  220  to be protruded outwardly from a portion where the first hook  232  and the second hook  234 , i.e., the fixing portion  230  is positioned. 
         [0046]    At this time, the first groove  242  is a groove that is formed on the inner surface of the first hook  232  along the longitudinal direction of the body unit  100 , and the second groove  244  is groove that is formed on the inner surface of the second hook  234  to have a shape corresponding to that of the first groove  242 . 
         [0047]    A bolt  400  is inserted into a hole  250  defined by the first groove  242  and the second groove  244  that confront each other to cause the reinforcement device  1  to be bolt-coupled to the compressor so that the main body of the compressor  3  and the flange  200  are securely fixed to each other. 
         [0048]    This bolt coupling additionally performs a function of fixing the first body  110  and the second body  120  since a head portion of the bolt  400  is fixed onto a projection  240   a  of the first extension portion  210  and a projection  240   b  of the second extension portion  220 . 
         [0049]    Since a method of fixedly coupling the reinforcement device  1  in accordance with the present invention to the compressor  3  by bolt coupling is performed in a simple and easy manner, the reinforcement device  1  can be easily applied to the compressor  3  for a variety of kinds of vehicles, including a heavy vehicle and the like. 
         [0050]      FIG. 5  is an assembled perspective view showing a modification of an inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device of a compressor for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , each of the first body  110  and the second body  120  may have a tapered face  140  formed at the other circumferential end thereof, which is opposite to one circumferential end thereof where the flange  200  is formed, so as to be inwardly inclined. 
         [0052]    The connection portion C of the compressor  3  and the inlet/outlet pipe  5 , which is coupled by welding through the reinforcement device  1  in accordance with the present invention, is protected from a vibration of a vehicle engine and an external load. On the other hand, an inner edge of the other circumferential end (which is opposite to a position where the flange is formed) of the first body  110  and the second body  120  and one side of the inlet/outlet pipe  5  abutting against the inner edge may be damaged due to the vibration of the engine. 
         [0053]    Thus, the tapered face  140  is formed at the inner edge of the other circumferential end of the first body  110  and the second body  120  by a chamfering process. 
         [0054]    The tapered face  140  prevents the contact by a vibration between the inner edge of other circumferential end of the first and second bodies  110  and  120  and one side of the inlet/outlet pipe  5  abutting against the inner edge so that damage and deformation such as flexure (or bending) of the inlet/outlet pipe  5  can be prevented. 
         [0055]    In addition, coupling recesses  260   a  and  260   b  are respectively formed at one side of the top surface of the projection  240   a  of the first extension portion  210  and at one side of the top surface of the projection  240   b  of the second extension portion  220 , which abut against the head portion of the bolt  400 . A washer  500  having coupling protrusions  510   a  and  510   b  formed on the underside thereof is provided between the bolt  400  and the projection  240  so as to be inserted into the coupling recesses  260   a  and  260   b.    
         [0056]    The coupling protrusions  510   a  and  510   b  of the washer  500  are respectively inserted into the coupling recesses  260   a  and  260   b  formed in the projection  240  so that the first extension portion  210  of the first body  110  and the second extension portion  220  of the second body  120  more securely fix the outer periphery of the inlet/outlet pipe  5  in such a manner as to surround the outer periphery of the inlet/outlet pipe  5 . 
         [0057]    The inlet/outlet pipe  5  abutting against the inner edge of the other circumferential end of the first body  110  and the second body  120  is prevented from being damaged and broken by the tapered face  140  as a modification of the reinforcement device  1  in accordance with the present invention as described above. In addition, the coupling protrusions  510   a  and  510   b  formed on the washer  500  are fixedly inserted into the coupling recesses  260   a  and  260   b  formed in the projections  240  so that the first extension portion  210  of the first body  110  and the second extension portion  220  of the second body  120  can be more securely fixed. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0058]    As described above, according to the inlet/outlet pipe reinforcement device of a compressor for a vehicle of the present invention as constructed above, the connection portion between the compressor and the inlet/outlet pipe are encircled by the body unit pivotally rotated about the hinge shaft and then are securely fixed to the compressor so that the connection portion can be prevented from being damaged or deformed due to a vibration of a vehicle engine and a load transmitted from the outside.