MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mount assembly for engineering services. In a particular form, the present disclosure relates to a mount assembly for an air handling unit (AHU) of a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system.

[0002] DE 2012258 U1 discloses a damping element for supporting an air channel. The support for the damping element comprises a metal bracket on which the damping element is fixed. The damping element comprises two parts attached from two opposite sides to the bracket and engaged with one another via a thread. A bar for fixing an air channel is fixed to a metal disc embedded into one part of the damping element. Both parts of the damping element are made from a resilient material to achieve the resilient connection of the bar to the described bracket. US 6,267,347 B1 discloses an acoustic mount consisting of a clip having an opening. Into that opening a sound absorbing insert is inserted. The sound absorbing insert has a through hole into which a bush is inserted. JPS54108885U discloses a known mount assembly.

[0003] An AHU of a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is one example of engineering services for a building. AHU's are commonly mounted in elevated positions, such as on rooves or walls, or in or above ceilings.

[0004] In the event of seismic activity such as a tremor or an earthquake, it is known for engineering services to be dislodged from their mountings, with potentially disastrous consequences, such as falling from elevated mounting positions onto people below.

[0005] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.

[0006] It is the object of the invention to provide an improved mount assembly allowing a secure mounting of a device with a sufficient damping. This object is achieved by a mount assembly having the features defined in claim 1 or in claim 2. Preferred embodiments are defined in the depended subclaims.

[0007] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a mount assembly for an engineering services item, the mount assembly comprising a base comprising a body, the body comprising an aperture therein, the aperture comprising an internal screw thread, wherein the base is made from a rigid material and comprises a collar which encircles the aperture, and which comprises at least a portion of the internal thread, the mount assembly further comprises a resilient element comprising a solid body of a resilient material and an item attachment point, wherein the item attachment point comprises an attachment member comprising a nut for a fastener embedded in the solid body of resilient element, and thus held captive by the resilient element, the resilient element further comprising a bore which extends through the resilient element to receive with a clearance fit, a shank of a bolt when this is threaded into the nut, and the solid body of the resilient element comprises a cylindrical portion comprising an external screw thread adapted for threadable engagement with the female thread of the base, so that the resilient element is screwed into the base, and interposes the item attachment point and the base.

[0009] According to a second aspect, there is provided a mount assembly for an engineering services item, the mount assembly comprising a base comprising a body, the body comprising an aperture therein, the aperture comprising an internal screw thread, wherein the base is made from a rigid material and comprises a collar which encircles the aperture, and which comprises at least a portion of the internal thread, the mount assembly further comprises a resilient element comprising a solid portion of a resilient material and comprising an item attachment point, the item attachment point comprises an attachment member, which item attachment member comprises a bolt embedded by its head in the resilient element, and the resilient element comprising an external screw thread adapted for threadable engagement with the female thread of the base, so that the resilient element is screwed into the base, and interposes the item attachment point and the base. The base preferably comprises a flange which extends outwardly from the collar, and which substantially encircles the collar.

[0010] For the purpose of this specification, the term 'item attachment point' should be considered to encompass any part designed to carry an external load.

[0011] The resilient element comprises a solid body of a resilient material.

[0012] In one form, the mount assembly further comprises a carriage depending from the base, and which is adapted to slide with respect to a support rail.

[0013] In one form, the carriage is adapted to slidably engage the rail.

[0014] In one form, the carriage comprises a solid portion of a resilient material.

[0015] In one form, the resilient material comprises an elastomeric material.

[0016] In one form, the resilient material comprises a moldable material.

[0017] In one form, the carriage of elastomeric material is formed by a molding process.

[0018] In one form, the carriage is molded to the base during the carriage's forming process. To this end, the carriage base will comprise features (male and female) about which the moldable resilient material can form to secure the carriage with respect to the base.

[0019] In one form, the resilient element of elastomeric material is formed by a molding process.

[0020] In one form, the attachment member is molded into the resilient element during the resilient element's forming process.

[0021] In one form, the resilient element is cylindrical, and the collar is cooperatively shaped.

[0022] In one form, in an alternative, the resilient element is conical.

[0023] In one form, the rail comprises a channel comprising a slot. In one form, both the channel and slot extend in a direction of elongation of the rail.

[0024] In one form, the rail comprises a floor, a pair of opposing sides, and an inwardly directed lip depending from each of the opposing sides.

[0025] In one form, the carriage comprises a body of resilient material, where the body is generally cuboid, comprising a pair of sides and a pair of ends.

[0026] In one form, wherein each of the pair of opposing sides of the body of the carriage comprises a guide slot adapted to slidably receive one of the channel lips therein.

[0027] In one form, the rail comprises a metal channel.

[0028] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.

[0029] In order to further understand the invention, preferred embodiments, will now be described. However, it will be realised that the scope of the invention is not be confined or restricted to the details of the embodiments described below. The scope of protection is defined by the appended claims.

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a mounting assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the mounting assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through the mounting assembly of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is an isometric cross-sectional view through the mounting assembly of Figures 1 through 3; Figure 5 is an isometric cross-sectional view through a base from the mounting assembly of Figures 1 through 4; Figure 6 is an isometric view of a resilient element from the mounting assembly of Figures 1 through 5; Figure 7 is an isometric view of a mounting assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is an end view of the mounting assembly of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional end view of the mounting assembly of Figures 7 and 8; Figure 10 is an isometric view of a mount from the mounting assembly of Figures 7 through 9; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken through the mount of Figure 10;

[0031] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

[0032] Referring now to Figures 1 through 6, there is shown a mount assembly 1 for an engineering services item, such as an AHU of an HVAC system.

[0033] The mount assembly 1 comprises a base 2, an item attachment point 4 for the item (i.e. the AHU), and a resilient element 6 interposing the base 2 and the item attachment point 4, from which resilient element 6 the item attachment point 4 depends.

[0034] The base 2 comprises a body 8 of a rigid material such as a metal or a rigid plastic material, the base body 8 comprising a collar 10 with an internal (or female) screw thread 14 (see Figures 3 and 4) encircling an aperture (a circular bore) 12, and a flange 16 which encircles the collar 10. The flange 16 comprises a plurality of bolt holes 18, via which, in use, the base body 8 can be bolted to a ground / floor surface or a plinth. A rubber seal 19 (optional depending on the application) can be placed beneath the flange 16.

[0035] The resilient element 6 comprises a solid body 20 of a resilient, elastomeric material such as rubber, a synthetic rubber or a thermoplastic vulcanisate. With reference to Figure 6, it can be seen that the solid body 20 comprises a cylindrical portion comprising an external (male) screw thread 22, where both the cylindrical portion and the external screw thread 22 are adapted for threadable engagement with (i.e. to screw into) the internal thread 14 of the collar 10.

[0036] Because they are moulded into the body 20, the screw threads 22 are coarse threads, with some clearance provided between the male and female threads 22 and 14 respectively.

[0037] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, it can be seen that the item attachment point 4 comprises an item attachment member 24 in the form of, in this embodiment, a nut 24 for a fastener embedded in the solid body 20 of resilient element 6, and thus held captive by the resilient element 6. A bore 26 extends through the resilient element 6 to receive with a clearance fit, a shank of a bolt 28 when this is threaded into the nut 24. Using a captive nut 24 as opposed to a captive bolt allows the bolt length to be selected to accommodate different air conditioning units.

[0038] A conventional outdoor unit of a split cycle air conditioner (one example of an AHU) comprises an elongate body provided with four feet, which are arranged into two pairs positioned at or towards opposing ends of the unit.

[0039] In use, the flange 16 of the base 2 is bolted to one of a ground / floor / frame and a shank of a mounting bolt 28 is passed through a hole provided in each of the feet, and that bolt 28 is then screwed into the captive nut 24 of the resilient element 6.

[0040] The extent to which the resilient element 6 is screwed into the collar 10 can be selected as necessary to assist in levelling the outdoor unit. Optionally, a pair of opposing flat surfaces could be created on the resilient element 6 to facilitate its rotation with a spanner or wrench. In this way, each mount assembly 1 comprises a means for adjusting a height of a support level for the AHU.

[0041] In addition to facilitating height adjustment, the rigid collar 10 encircles and provides lateral support for the resilient element 6, and thus supports the resilient element 6 against premature failure of due to sideways loads of the type created in an earthquake, while not diminishing the vibration dampening of the resilient element 6.

[0042] In the event of seismic activity causing vibration of the ground and the base 2 in turn, the resilient element 6 will elastically deform without failing, while absorbing at least some of this vibration, so that not all is transmitted to the attachment point 4, and the AHU in turn. In this way, the likelihood of the AHU breaking free of its mounts and being damaged, or possibly even injuring others, is decreased. Moreover, during normal use, the resilient element 6 will absorb noise and vibration created by the rotating components of the AHU, such as a motor and a fan, and reduce transmission of these vibrations to the base 2.

[0043] Referring now to Figures 7 through 11, where there is shown a mount assembly 100 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Those parts of the mount assembly 100 which are identical (or near- identical) to corresponding parts shown in the mount assembly 1 of Figures 1 through 6, will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

[0044] With reference to Figures 9 and 11, it can be seen that the item attachment point 4 of mount assembly 100 comprises an item attachment point 4 in the form of a bolt 102 embedded head first (i.e. with its shank directed outward) in the resilient element 6, and thus held captive by the resilient element 6. A washer 103 is welded to the head of the bolt 102 to aid in resisting rotation.

[0045] It should be understood however, that the item attachment point 4 of mount assembly 100 may be the same as that of mount assembly 1 (described above), and vice versa.

[0046] The base 2 is secured with respect to a carriage 110, which is adapted for a sliding engagement with a support rail 120. This securement may be by way of any suitable method, including adhesive, co-moulding or fasteners.

[0047] The carriage 110 comprises a generally cuboid solid body 112 of resilient material such as rubber or a thermoplastic vulcanisate, comprising a pair of sides 114, a pair of ends 116, a top surface, and a bottom surface. Each side 114 of the body comprises a guide slot 118 which extends between the ends 116.

[0048] The support rail 120 comprises a channel 122 comprising a slot 124, and a substantially constant cross-sectional shape throughout its length. This cross-sectional shape comprises a floor 126, a pair of opposing sides 128, and an inwardly directed and downwardly curled lip 130 depending from each of the opposing sides 128. There are a plurality of through apertures 132 (slots in this embodiment) in the floor of the support rail. These apertures 132 permit drainage of any water that might be caught in the channel.

[0049] The guide slots 118 create a neck portion N for the carriage 110, which sits between a head portion H and a tail portion T of the carriage 110.

[0050] In use, the mount assembly 100 slidably engages the support rail 120. In doing so, the lips 130 of the support rail 120 locate in the guide slots 118, which undercut the tail portion T so that this (i.e. the tail portion) becomes captured by the support rail 120, while the head portion H of the carriage sits proud of the support rail 2.

[0051] So it is that the mount assembly 100 is slidably retained by the support rail 120, and in this way its position along the support rail 120 can be quickly and easily adjusted as required. As was the case with the embodiment of Figures 1 through 6, the extent to which the resilient element 6 is screwed into the collar 10 can be selected as necessary to assist in levelling the outdoor unit. In this way, each mount assembly 100 comprises a means for adjusting a height of a support level for the AHU.

[0052] In use, support rail 120 is secured (eg. bolted or welded) to one of a ground / floor / frame, and the carriage 110 is slidably retained by the support rail 120. The position of the mount assembly 100 along the support rail 120 can then be quickly and easily adjusted as required, and the AHU secured to the bolt 102.

[0053] In the event of seismic activity causing vibration of the ground and the support rail 120 in turn, both the resilient element 6 and the carriage 110 will elastically deform without failing, while absorbing at least some of this vibration, so that not all is transmitted to the attachment point 102, and the AHU. In this way, the likelihood of the AHU breaking free of its mounts and being damaged, or possibly even injuring others, is decreased. Moreover, during normal use, both the resilient element 6 and the carriage 110 will absorb noise and vibration created by the rotating components of the AHU, such as a motor and a fan, and reduce transmission of these vibrations to the support rail 120.

[0054] Although the foregoing description describes use of the mount assembly as a mount for an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning system, its application is not so limited. For example, the base could be used for pumps, motors or other appliances that require anti vibration and support levelling, hence the use of the term "engineering services".

[0055] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0056] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0057] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and / or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A mount assembly (1) for an engineering services item, the mount assembly (1) comprising a base (2) comprising a body (8), the body comprising an aperture (12) therein, the aperture (12) comprising an internal screw thread (14), characterized in that the base (2) is made from a rigid material and comprises a collar (10) which encircles the aperture (12), and which comprises at least a portion of the internal thread (14), the mount assembly further comprises a resilient element (6) comprising a solid body (20) of a resilient material and an item attachment point (4), wherein the item attachment point comprises an attachment member comprising a nut (24) for a fastener embedded in the solid body (20) of resilient element (6), and thus held captive by the resilient element (6), the resilient element (6) further comprising a bore (26) which extends through the resilient element (6) to receive with a clearance fit, a shank of a bolt (28) when this is threaded into the nut (24), and the solid body (20) of the resilient element comprises a cylindrical portion comprising an external screw thread (22) adapted for threadable engagement with the female thread (14) of the base (2), so that the resilient element (6) is screwed into the base, and interposes the item attachment point (4) and the base (2).

2. A mount assembly (1) for an engineering services item, the mount assembly (1) comprising a base (2) comprising a body, the body comprising an aperture (12) therein, the aperture (12) comprising an internal screw thread (14), characterized in that the base (2) is made from a rigid material and comprises a collar (10) which encircles the aperture (12), and which comprises at least a portion of the internal thread (14), the mount assembly further comprises a resilient element (6) comprising a solid portion (20) of a resilient material and comprising an item attachment point (4), the item attachment point comprises an attachment member (24), which item attachment member (24) comprises a bolt (28) embedded by its head in the resilient element (6), and the resilient element comprising an external screw thread (22) adapted for threadable engagement with the female thread (14) of the base (2), so that the resilient element (6) is screwed into the base, and interposes the item attachment point (4) and the base (2).

3. The mount assembly (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mount assembly (1) further comprises a carriage (110) depending from the base (2), and which is adapted to slide with respect to a support rail (120).

4. The mount assembly (1) of claim 3, wherein the carriage (110) is adapted to slidably engage the rail (120).

5. The mount assembly (1) as in either of claims 3 or 4, wherein the carriage (110) comprises a solid portion (112) of a resilient material.

6. The mount assembly (1) as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient material comprises an elastomeric material.

7. The mount assembly (1) of claim 3, wherein the carriage (110) is formed by a molding process.

8. The mount assembly (1) of claim 7, wherein the carriage (110) is molded to the base (2) during the carriage's forming process.

9. The mount assembly (1) as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient element (6) is formed by a molding process.

10. The mount assembly (1) of claim 9, wherein the attachment member (24) is molded into the resilient element during the resilient element's forming process.

11. The mount assembly (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the base (2) comprises a flange which extends outwardly from the collar (10), and which substantially encircles the collar (10).

12. The mount assembly (1) of claim 11, wherein the flange (16) comprises a plurality of bolt holes (18).

13. The mount assembly (1) as in claim 2, or in any one of claims 3-12 when depending directly or indirectly on claim 2, wherein a washer (103) is welded to the embedded head of the bolt (102) to aid in resisting rotation.

14. The mount assembly (1) as in claim 2, or in any one of claims 3-13 when depending directly or indirectly on claim 2, wherein the bolt (102) with its head embedded in the solid body (20) of resilient element (6) comprises a shank directed outward from the resilient element (6).