U.S. patent application number 11/021802 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-23 for molded compressor base.
Invention is credited to Caronna, Cosimo, Hill, Joe Todd, Hix, Scott Garrison, Kennedy, Wayne John, Williams, John Robert, Young, Michael Raymond.
Application Number | 20050135943 11/021802 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34738766 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050135943 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kennedy, Wayne John ; et
al. |
June 23, 2005 |
Molded compressor base
Abstract
A molded compressor base (100) is provided for mounting a
compressor without requiring mechanical fasteners. The molded
compressor base (100) can be used to mount the compressor in any
position ranging from a substantially horizontal position to a
substantially vertical position. The molded compressor base (100)
includes a mounting area that is designed and configured to secure
a compressor placed in the mounting area. The mounting area can be
configured for a compressor to be mounted in a substantially
horizontal position, a substantially vertical position or any
position in between. The molded compressor base (100) can also
include one or more isolators to secure the compressor and to
isolate vibrations from the compressor from the molded compressor
base (100). The molded compressor base (100) can damp sound and/or
vibrations generated by the compressor or the molded compressor
base (100) can be coated with a sound and/or vibration damping
coating.
Inventors: |
Kennedy, Wayne John;
(Abingdon, VA) ; Hix, Scott Garrison; (Bristol,
VA) ; Caronna, Cosimo; (Wichita, KS) ;
Williams, John Robert; (Bristol, VA) ; Hill, Joe
Todd; (Bistol, VA) ; Young, Michael Raymond;
(York, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCNEES, WALLACE & NURICK LLC
100 PINE STREET
P.O. BOX 1166
HARRISBURG
PA
17108-1166
US
|
Family ID: |
34738766 |
Appl. No.: |
11/021802 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60532221 |
Dec 23, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/363 ;
417/423.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 39/12 20130101;
F24F 13/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/363 ;
417/423.15 |
International
Class: |
F04B 017/00; F04B
035/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mounting arrangement for a compressor, the mounting
arrangement comprising: a base; and a projection (104) extending
from the base, the projection (104) comprising an outer surface
(106) and an inner surface (108) disposed opposite the outer
surface (106), the inner surface (108) being configured to provide
a cavity in the projection (104) to receive and hold a compressor
in at least one predetermined mounting position.
2. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein the mounting
arrangement is of unitary construction.
3. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 comprises a plurality of
projections (104) extending from the base, each projection (104) of
the plurality of projections (104) being configured to provide a
cavity to receive at least one component operationally associated
with the compressor.
4. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein the predetermined
mounting position is substantially horizontal.
5. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein the predetermined
mounting position is substantially vertical.
6. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein the predetermined
mounting position is any angled position between a substantially
horizontal position and a substantially vertical position.
7. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 comprises at least one
aperture in the inner surface (108) for drainage of accumulating
liquid in the cavity.
8. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein the inner surface
(108) is configured to provide a cavity in the projection (104) to
receive and hold a compressor having at least two different sizes
in at least one predetermined mounting position.
9. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein the base has a
substantially planar surface (102).
10. The mounting arrangement of claim 9 comprises a top surface
(110) which connects the outer surface (106) and the inner surface
(108).
11. The mounting arrangement of claim 10 wherein the top surface
(110) is substantially parallel to the base surface (102).
12. The mounting arrangement of claim 11 wherein between about
one-quarter and about three-quarters of the compressor is disposed
above the top surface ( 10).
13. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein the cavity in the
projection (104) conformally receives and holds a compressor in at
least one predetermined mounting position.
14. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein at least one
aperture (124) in the base receives a fastener to secure the base
to a corresponding structure.
15. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein at least one
extension (126) extends downwardly from the base to be received by
a corresponding aperture in a corresponding structure to secure the
base to the corresponding structure.
16. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein the base is a part
of a corresponding structure.
17. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 comprises at least one
mounting structure (122) disposed on the inner surface (108).
18. The mounting arrangement of claim 17 wherein the at least one
mounting structure (122) frictionally holds the compressor in
position.
19. The mounting arrangement of claim 18 wherein the at least one
mounting structure (122) provides an amount of damping of at least
one of a sound and a vibration emitted by the compressor.
20. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 comprises at least one
supporting rib (112) molded into the outer surface (106) of the
projection (104).
21. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein the thickness of
the base and projection (104) are substantially uniform.
22. The mounting arrangement of claim 21 wherein adjacent mounting
arrangements of a plurality of mounting arrangements can be
disposed together in a nested arrangement.
23. The mounting arrangement of claim 21 wherein the thickness is
between about 0.05 inch and about 0.5 inch.
24. The mounting arrangement of claim 23 wherein the spacing
between corresponding portions of stacked mounting arrangements can
approach zero.
25. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein a portion of the
projection (104) disposed between the inner and outer surface (106)
and the base is substantially composed of a material capable of
damping at least one of sound and vibration.
26. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein a portion of the
projection (104) between the inner and outer surface (106) and the
base is composed of a material substantially identical to the
material comprising the mounting arrangement.
27. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein the mounting
arrangement is composed of a material selected from the group
consisting of a plastic, a composite and a thermoplastic.
28. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein at least one of the
base and projection (104) is at least partially coated with at
least one coating material to damp at least one of noise and
vibration.
29. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 wherein the inner surface
(108) holds the compressor in position using at least one from the
group consisting of an adhesive, a frictional contact between the
inner surface (108) and the compressor, and a mechanical attaching
device.
30. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 comprises: a top surface
(110) which connects the outer surface (106) and the inner surface
(108); and a cover (400) extending over at least a portion of the
compressor and the top surface (110).
31. The mounting arrangement of claim 30 wherein the cover (400) is
secured to the projection (104) by at least one of the group
consisting of a frictional connection between the cover (400) and
the projection (104), at least one mating component to connect the
cover (400) and the projection (104), and mechanical fasteners.
32. The mounting arrangement of claim 30 wherein the cover (400) is
of unitary construction.
33. The mounting arrangement of claim 32 wherein the cover (400) is
composed of a substantially identical material as the projection
(104) and base.
34. The mounting arrangement of claim 32 wherein the cover (400) is
not composed of a substantially identical material as the
projection (104) and base.
35. The mounting arrangement of claim 30 wherein the cover (400) is
at least partially coated with at least one coating material to
damp at least one of noise and vibration.
36. The mounting arrangement of claim 30 wherein the cover (400) is
configured to permit introduction of at least one material between
the compressor and the cover (400).
37. The mounting arrangement of claim 36 wherein the at least one
material can damp at least one of sound and vibration.
38. The mounting arrangement of claim 30 wherein the cover (400)
has at least one protruding portion (402).
39. The mounting arrangement of claim 38 wherein the at least one
protruding portion (402) is usable for at least one of a substitute
to a mounting of a terminal box on the compressor and piping
connections to the compressor.
40. A mounting arrangement for a compressor, the mounting
arrangement comprising: a base having a substantially planar
surface (102); and a projection (104) extending from the surface
(102) of the base, the projection (104) comprising an outer surface
(106) and an inner surface (108) disposed opposite the outer
surface (106), the inner surface (108) being configured to provide
a cavity in the projection (104) to receive and hold a compressor
in at least one predetermined mounting position.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/532,221, filed Dec. 23, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a mounting
arrangement for a compressor. More specifically, the present
invention relates to a molded base for mounting a compressor.
[0003] Compressors used in heating, ventilating, and air
conditioning (HVAC) applications or refrigeration applications are
usually mounted to a structure associated with the HVAC system or
refrigeration system. For example, a compressor can be mounted to
the housing or enclosure of an outdoor unit of an air conditioning
system. Typically, a compressor is mounted to the corresponding
structure, e.g., a base pan used with the housing or enclosure,
through the use of a mounting foot, mounting brackets, mounting
plate, or other similar mounting arrangement. These types of
mounting arrangements require the compressor and its associated
mounting hardware to be attached to the corresponding structure
using mechanical means such as bolts, screws, etc. or by other
means such as by welding or adhesives. One problem with this type
of compressor mounting is that any vibrations or sound emitted from
the compressor as a result of operation of the compressor is
transmitted through the mounting arrangement to the corresponding
structure. This situation can result in a system that is very noisy
and can possibly damage other components of the system due to
excessive vibrations. To address these vibration concerns, mounting
arrangements for compressors have incorporated some vibration
damping features or structures. For example, the use of rubber
materials between the mounting arrangement and the corresponding
mounting structure have been used to provide vibration damping.
However, these additional vibration damping features or structures
are still not effective in eliminating the transmission of
vibrations from the compressor to the corresponding structure.
[0004] One example of this type of mounting arrangement for
compressors can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,478, which is
directed to the construction of the outdoor condensing section of
an air conditioner. The structure for the mounting of the
compressor is part of the lower wall of the lower part of the
outdoor housing. The compressor has a triangular mounting plate
attached thereto. The mounting plate has openings and elastomeric
bushings at each of the three corners thereof to facilitate
attachment to the lower wall through the mounting structure. Three
substantially identical mounting structures are provided, one
associated with each of the openings in the plate. The compressor
is thus mounted through the mounting plate and elastomeric bushings
to studs in a manner such that movement of the compressor in any
direction can be absorbed by or reacted through the elastomeric
bushings. As discussed above, this configuration still has the
problem of transmission of sound and vibration from the compressor
to the outdoor housing because not all of the vibrations can be
removed or eliminated.
[0005] Another technique that has been utilized to limit the sound
and vibration emanating from a compressor has been to enclose the
compressor in a cover or enclosure. The cover typically includes
sound damping materials that can absorb or limit some of the sound
and vibration from the compressor. However, a problem with the
covers is that the compressor is still mounted to the corresponding
structure using the mounting hardware configurations discussed
above. Thus, vibrations can still be transmitted from the
compressor through the mounting arrangement to the corresponding
structure.
[0006] One example of a cover for compressors can be found in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,588,810, which is directed to a sound barrier cover for
a compressor unit. The barrier or cover has a semi-rigid outer
shell provided as two approximate halves or cover sections of
strong material and a resilient sound absorbing cushion adhered to
the inner surface of each half to provide the separate cover
sections. One drawback of this technique of sound and vibration
damping is that the sound and vibrations can still be transmitted
to the structure through the mounting arrangement of the
compressor.
[0007] Therefore, what is needed is a simple and economical
mounting arrangement for a compressor that can assist in limiting
the transmission of sound and vibrations from the compressor to the
surrounding structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
mounting arrangement for a compressor. The mounting arrangement
includes a base and a projection extending from the base. The
projection has an outer surface and an inner surface disposed
opposite the outer surface. The inner surface is configured to
provide a cavity in the projection to receive and hold a compressor
in a predetermined position for mounting of a compressor.
[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
mounting arrangement for a compressor. The mounting arrangement
includes a base having a substantially planar surface and a
projection extending from the substantially planar surface of the
base. The projection has an outer surface and an inner surface
disposed opposite the outer surface. The inner surface is
configured to provide a cavity in the projection to receive and
hold a compressor in a predetermined position for mounting of a
compressor.
[0010] One advantage of the present invention is that the process
of mounting of the compressor is greatly simplified.
[0011] Another advantage of the present invention is that sound and
vibration from the compressor can be damped to limit or prevent
transmission of the sound and vibration to the structure.
[0012] Still another advantage of the present invention is that the
cost for mounting the compressor is reduced.
[0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following more detailed description of the
preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a molded compressor
base of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the molded
compressor base of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates still another alternate embodiment of the
molded compressor base of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a cover to be used with the molded
compressor base of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a mounting arrangement for a
compressor using the molded compressor base of FIG. 1 and the cover
of FIG. 4.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a view of an assembled mounting arrangement of
FIG. 5.
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the molded
compressor base of FIG. 1.
[0021] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the molded compressor base of
the present invention. A molded compressor base or mounting 100
preferably has a base with a substantially planar base surface 102.
The base surface 102 of the molded compressor base 100 is
preferably sized to provide adequate mounting and support for a
compressor (not shown) residing in the molded compressor base 100.
In addition, the base surface 102 is preferably sized for placement
or mounting of the molded compressor base 100 in a corresponding
structure or enclosure requiring the compressor. For example, the
base surface 102 can be sized for placement of the molded
compressor base 100 in the outdoor unit of a HVAC system, in the
outdoor section of a window air conditioning unit or in a
refrigerating unit or refrigerator. The base surface 102 can have
any shape including geometric shapes, e.g., square, rectangular,
circular, oval, elliptical, and triangular, and suitable
non-geometric shapes, that can provide mounting and support for a
compressor while still permitting placement of the molded
compressor base 100 in the corresponding structure.
[0023] The base surface 102 may include one or more means,
structures or areas for connecting the molded compressor base 100
to the corresponding structure or enclosure in or on which the
molded compressor base 100 is to be placed. For example, the base
surface 102 may include one or more apertures or holes 124 (see
FIG. 7) for receiving a bolt or screw or other type of fastener to
connect the molded compressor base 100 to a base pan used in the
corresponding structure or enclosure, or, alternatively, the molded
compressor base 100 may include one or more extensions 126 (see
FIG. 7) from the base surface 104 that mate with apertures or
recesses in a base pan used in the corresponding structure or
enclosure for an interference or frictional connection. The
extensions may be integrally formed from the same material as the
base, but can also be formed from an elastomeric or other material
capable of damping vibration that is inserted into the base to damp
vibration between the base and the corresponding structure.
Furthermore, it is to be understood that the base surface 102 does
not have to include any means, structures or areas for connecting
the molded compressor base 100 to the corresponding structure or
enclosure and may reside in the corresponding structure or
enclosure without being connected to the structure.
[0024] In another embodiment of the present invention, the base
surface 102 of the molded compressor base 100 can be part of the
corresponding structure or enclosure into which the molded
compressor base 100 is to be placed. For example, the base surface
102 of the molded compressor base 100 can be used as a base pan in
an outdoor unit. In this embodiment, the molded compressor base 100
does not have to be connected to any other structure for the
mounting of the compressor, but may be connected to additional
components of the corresponding structure or enclosure of which the
molded compressor base 100 is a part. When the molded compressor
base 100 is part of the corresponding structure or enclosure, the
base surface 102 is sized and shaped to correspond to and interact
with the remaining components of the corresponding structure or
enclosure.
[0025] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the present invention,
the molded compressor base 100 can include additional mounting
structures or arrangements for mounting additional components of
the corresponding structure or enclosure. For example, the molded
compressor base 100 can include appropriate mounting structures for
the mounting of a fan motor used in the corresponding structure or
enclosure. Similarly, the molded compressor base 100 could include
other corresponding mounting structures for other components, e.g.,
an accumulator, a muffler, or other similar device that is
operationally associated with the compressor or the HVAC or
refrigeration system. The additional mounting structures for other
components can be integrally formed in the molded compressor base
100 or alternatively, the additional mounting structures can be
connected to the molded compressor base 100.
[0026] Referring back to FIG. 1, extending from the base surface
102 is a substantially upright projection 104. The upright
projection or cradle 104 has an outer surface 106 and an inner
surface 108. The outer surface 106 can have any suitable geometric
or non-geometric shape, but is preferably shaped similar to the
shape of the compressor positioned inside the upright projection
104. The inner surface or mounting area 108 of the upright
projection 104 provides a cavity or opening in the upright
projection 104 to receive and hold a compressor placed or
positioned inside the upright projection 104. The inner surface 108
of the upright projection 104 can hold any type of compressor
including a reciprocating compressor, a scroll compressor, or a
rotary compressor. The inner surface 108 is generally contoured to
correspond to the housing of the compressor positioned in the
upright projection 104. In one embodiment of the present invention,
the inner surface 108 may have one or more apertures or holes to
permit the drainage of liquids accumulating in the inner surface
108 of the upright projection 104.
[0027] In addition, the upright projection 104 extends to a top
surface 110, which connects, bridges or spans the outer surface 106
and the inner surface 108. The top surface 110 can preferably be a
curved surface to permit easy insertion and positioning of the
compressor in the upright projection 104. However, the top surface
110 can also be a flat or squared surface or an angled or pointed
surface. The outer surface 106 is preferably substantially
perpendicular to the base surface 102. However, the outer surface
106 does not have to be substantially perpendicular and may deviate
from the perpendicular, possibly to simplify the manufacturing
process.
[0028] The upright projection 104 and its inner surface 108 can
receive and hold a compressor in position for the mounting of the
compressor. The upright projection 104 and inner surface 108 can be
configured to receive and hold a compressor oriented in a variety
of different positions. FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the
upright projection 104 for mounting a compressor in a substantially
horizontal position. FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the
upright projection 104 for mounting the compressor in a
substantially vertical position. FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment
of the upright projection 104 for mounting the compressor at a
substantially forty-five degree angle position. In other
embodiments of the present invention, the upright projection 104
can hold and mount the compressor at any angled position between a
substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical
position depending on the requirements of the user of the molded
compressor base 100.
[0029] It is appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art
that the molded compressor base of the present invention requires
minimal height, which likewise lowers the position, and therefore
the center of gravity of the mounted compressor. Lowering the
center of gravity of the mounted compressor improves its
transportability, providing a more inherently stable
installation.
[0030] In another embodiment of the present invention, the upright
projection 104 and the inner surface 108 can be configured for
multiple compressor mounting arrangements that can mount the
compressor in a variety of different positions or orientations in
the upright projection 104. In still another embodiment of the
present invention, the upright projection 104 and the inner surface
108 can be configured for mounting compressors having two or more
different sizes in the upright projection 104 in either same
position or orientation or in different positions and
orientations.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
upright projection 104 mounts a compressor in a horizontal or
substantially horizontal position as shown in FIG. 1. In this
embodiment, the upright projection 104 preferably mounts the
compressor at an angle of between 2 degrees and 12 degrees. More
preferably, the compressor is mounted at an angle of 7 degrees. To
obtain this angled mounting position for the compressor, the inner
surface 108 of the upright projection 104 is angled at an end 114
to raise one end of the compressor when the compressor is
positioned in the upright projection 104. Similarly, as shown in
FIG. 1, the outer surface 106 of the upright projection 104 has an
end 116 corresponding to the raised or angled end 114 of the inner
surface 108, projecting higher or further away from the base
surface 102 than the other portions of the outer surface 106. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the top surface 110 is not
substantially parallel with the base surface 102 because of the
disproportionate heights of the outer surface 106. However, in
another embodiment of the present invention, the top surface 110
can be substantially parallel to the base surface 102 because the
outer surface 106 can have a substantially uniform height without a
raised end 116, while the inner surface 108 still has the raised
end 114 to raise one end of the compressor. In a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the top of the compressor is
preferably positioned at the raised end 114 of the inner surface
108 and the oil sump of the compressor is preferably positioned at
the opposed non-angled end of the inner surface 108.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
upright projection 104 holds and supports a compressor having a
substantially cylindrical shape with curved end caps at each end.
To hold a compressor having a substantially cylindrical shape in
the substantially horizontal position, the inner surface 108 of the
upright projection 104 is preferably a seamless, continuous surface
extending from the top surface 110 to the base surface 102 and is
shaped as a curved or arced channel 118 with rounded or curved ends
120 as shown in FIG. 1. The curved channel 118 with rounded ends
120 of the inner surface 108 cradles and holds the compressor in
position because the compressor conformably resides in the channel
and is held in position by the walls and ends of the channel.
Preferably, between about one-quarter and about three-quarters of
the compressor housing can project or be disposed above the top
surface 110 when the compressor is positioned in the inner surface
108 of the upright projection 104.
[0033] In another embodiment of the present invention, the molded
compressor base 100 may include one or more mounting structures 122
(see FIG. 7) disposed on or in the inner surface 108 to further
hold the compressor in position in the upright projection 104. The
mounting structures 122 are preferably made or formed from an
elastomeric material, rubber material or other similar material
that can frictionally hold a compressor in position that is placed
on the mounting structures 122, and that can provide some damping
of any sound and/or vibration emitted by the compressor. The
mounting structures 122 are preferably located on the curved ends
120 of the inner surface 108, but can be located anywhere on the
inner surface 108.
[0034] The upright projection 104 can also include one or more
supporting ribs 112 (see FIG. 2) that are molded into the outer
surface 106 of the upright projection 104. The supporting ribs 112
are preferably used for providing additional strength, stiffness
and stability to the upright projection 104 to aid in the retaining
of the compressor in the upright projection 104. The supporting
ribs 112 are also used to prevent any folding or warping of the
base surface 102. The supporting ribs 112 are generally wedge
shaped, however, the supporting ribs 112 could also be rectangular
in shape. In addition, the angled surface of the supporting rib 112
could also have a slight curve.
[0035] The bottom of the molded compressor base 100 has a shape
that directly corresponds to the surfaces and projections located
on the top of the molded compressor base 100. In other words, the
material that is used for manufacturing the molded compressor base
100 preferably has a substantially uniform thickness over the
entire surface of the molded compressor base 100. The upright
projections 104 when viewed from the bottom define indented regions
or recesses that have substantially the same shape as the upright
projections 104. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the thickness of the material of the molded compressor
base 100 is between about 0.05 and about 0.5 inches. More
preferably, the thickness of the material of the molded compressor
base 100 can be up to about 0.25 inches. The indented regions in
the bottom of the molded compressor base 100 having a uniform
thickness can permit several molded compressor bases 100 to be
stacked or nested together in a manner that does not require a lot
of space. In other words, the spacing between corresponding
portions of stacked molded compressor bases 20 can approach zero,
since the corresponding portions of the adjacent molded compressor
bases 20 can be conformally fitted together.
[0036] In another embodiment, however, the molded compressor base
100 could have a flat bottom with any spaces between the surfaces
and projections on the top of the molded compressor base 100 being
filled with the same material as the molded compressor base 100. In
other embodiments, the bottom of the molded compressor base 100
could be filled with sound and/or vibration damping materials or
other similar materials that would provide the molded compressor
base 100 with greater sound and vibration damping capabilities.
[0037] The molded compressor base 100 is preferably formed from a
plastic or composite material as a single or unitary, integral
piece. Any suitable material, such as plastic or a composite
material, can be used that is inert, and has adequate strength and
durability to hold a compressor in position during extended
operation of the compressor in any operating environment. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the molded compressor base 100
is formed from a thermoplastic material.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
plastic or composite material used to form the molded compressor
base 100 can inherently have sound and/or vibration damping
properties to damp sound and vibration from the compressor. The
sound and/or vibration damping properties of the plastic or
composite material can be obtained from the incorporation of the
appropriate types and amounts of constituent materials to form the
plastic or composite material of the molded compressor base 100.
These sound and/or vibration damping properties inherent in the
plastic or composite material of the molded compressor base 100 can
be used with other sound and/or vibration damping techniques.
[0039] In another embodiment of the present invention, the molded
compressor base 100 can be at least partially coated with one or
more coating materials that can provide sound and/or vibration
damping for the compressor. The sound and/or vibration damping
coating materials may be used in conjunction with a molded
compressor base 100 made from a material, such as a plastic or
composite material, inherently having sound and/or vibration
damping properties. Alternatively, the sound and/or vibration
damping coating materials may be used in conjunction with a molded
compressor base 100 made from a plastic or composite material that
does not inherently have sound and/or vibration damping properties.
The sound and/or vibration damping coating materials can be applied
to the entire molded compressor base 100 or to predetermined areas
of the molded compressor base 100. For example, the sound and/or
vibration damping coating materials can be applied to the inner
surface 108 or to preselected portions of the inner surface 108 to
provide sound and/or vibration damping for the compressor. The
sound and/or vibration damping material can include a fiberglass
material or a foam material, including open-cell foam or
closed-cell foam.
[0040] While the upright projection 104 and the inner surface 108
of the molded compressor base 100 can adequately hold the
compressor in position, it may be desired to employ or use
additional techniques and/or devices for further holding the
compressor in the upright projection 104. An example of a technique
to further hold the compressor in position in the upright
projection 104 involves the attaching of the compressor to the
inner surface 108 of the upright projection with an adhesive. An
example of a device for further holding a compressor in position
can include a variety of mechanical attaching devices such as
straps extending over the compressor to hold the compressor in
position. The straps can extend across or span opposed sides of the
upright projection 104 to hold the compressor in position. A
further example involves the inner surface 108 having a frictional
contact with the compressor sufficient to hold the compressor in
position.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
compressor is further held in the upright projection 104 by a cover
extending over at least some, and preferably all, of the compressor
and top surface 110 of the upright projection 104. FIG. 4
illustrates one embodiment of a cover 400 that can be used with the
molded compressor base 100 and upright projection 104 of FIG. 1.
The cover 400 preferably has a shape that is substantially similar
to the shape of the compressor to be placed in the upright
projection 104. The cover 400 can be attached to any of the
surfaces of the upright projection 104 by any suitable means,
techniques or devices that can hold the compressor in position in
the upright projection 104, but the cover 400 can also extend over
or cover the entire upright projection 104 and be attached to the
base surface 102. For example, the cover 400 can form an
interference or frictional connection with the upright projection
104 to hold the compressor in place, such as mounting structure 122
as previously discussed which may be secured either to the upright
projection 104 or the cover 400 or both. In another example, the
cover 400 and upright projection 104 can have mating components
that connect the cover 400 to the upright projection 104 to hold
the compressor in position. In still another example, the cover 400
can be connected to the upright projection 104 using mechanical
fasteners such as snaps or clasps.
[0042] The cover 400 is preferably formed from a material, such as
a plastic or composite material, as a single or unitary, integral
piece, which plastic or composite material may or may not be the
same as the plastic or composite material used for the molded
compressor base 100. Any suitable plastic or composite material can
be used that is inert, and has adequate strength and durability to
hold a compressor in position during extended operation of the
compressor in any operating environment. In one embodiment of the
present invention, the cover 400 is formed from a thermoplastic
material.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
plastic or composite material used to form the cover 400 can
inherently have sound and/or vibration damping properties to damp
sound and vibration from the compressor. The sound and/or vibration
damping properties of the plastic or composite material can be
obtained from the incorporation of the appropriate types and
amounts of constituent materials in forming the plastic or
composite material of the cover 400. These sound and/or vibration
damping properties inherent in the plastic or composite material of
the cover 400 can be used with other sound and/or vibration damping
capabilities.
[0044] In another embodiment of the present invention, the cover
400 can be coated with one or more coating materials that can
provide sound and/or vibration damping for the compressor. The
sound and/or vibration damping coating materials may be used in
conjunction with a cover 400 made from a plastic or composite
material inherently having sound and/or vibration damping
properties. Alternatively, the sound and/or vibration damping
coating materials may be used in conjunction with a cover 400 made
from a plastic or composite material that does not inherently have
sound and/or vibration damping properties. The sound and/or
vibration damping coating materials can be applied to the entire
cover 400 or to predetermined areas of the cover 400. The sound
and/or vibration damping material can include a fiberglass material
or a foam material, including open-cell foam or closed-cell
foam.
[0045] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the
cover 400 can be sized and shaped to permit sound and/or vibration
damping materials to be inserted or placed between the compressor
and the cover 400. The sound and/or vibration damping materials
placed between the compressor and the cover 400 can be used in
conjunction with or independent of other sound and/or vibration
damping techniques. One example of a sound and/or vibration damping
material that can be used is a sound damping foam material. In
addition, the sound and/or vibration damping material can be used
to further secure or hold the compressor in the upright projection
104 once the cover 400 is fastened to the upright projection
104.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
cover 400 holds a compressor having a substantially cylindrical
shape with curved end caps at each end in the corresponding upright
projection 104 of the molded compressor base 100. To hold a
compressor having a substantially cylindrical shape in the
substantially horizontal position, the cover 400 preferably has a
corresponding semi-cylindrical shape with rounded or curved ends as
shown in FIG. 4. The cover 400 preferably has a shape and height
that can cover the portions of the compressor that are not covered
or held by the upright projection 104, while still retaining or
holding the compressor in place in the upright projection 104 with
substantially no movement of the compressor in the upright
projection 104.
[0047] The cover 400 preferably permits the passage of suction and
discharge pipes that connect to the compressor. The passage of the
pipes can be between the top surface 110 of the upright projection
and the cover 400 through cutouts or slots formed in the cover 400
at the corresponding location of the pipes. The suction and
discharge pipes can be brazed to corresponding connections on the
compressor and then the cover 400 can be put into position over the
compressor by aligning the slots in the cover 400 with the
corresponding pipes. Alternatively, the pipes can pass through
apertures formed in the cover 400. In still another alternative,
the passage of the pipes can again be between the top surface 110
and the cover 400, but pass through cutouts or slots formed in the
upright projection 104 at the corresponding location of the
pipes.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
cover 400 has at least one protruding portion 402 extending from
the basic semi-cylindrical shape of the cover 400. The protruding
portion 402 extends over and beyond the top surface 110 of the
upright projection 104. The extension of the protruding portion 402
over the upright projection permits electrical connections to be
routed between the protruding portion 402 and the upright
projection 104 for subsequent connection to corresponding terminals
on the compressor. The protruding portion 402 can be used as a
substitute to the mounting of a terminal box on the compressor
because the protruding portion 402 and cover 400 provide adequate
protection of the electrical connections to the compressor. The
protruding portion 402 preferably has a curved or arced shape and
is sized to permit passage of the electrical connections between
the upright projection 104 and the protruding portion 402 for
connection to the terminals on the compressor located substantially
adjacent to the protruding portion. While the protruding portion
402 preferably has a curved shape, it is to be understood that the
protruding portion can have any suitable size or shape. In another
embodiment of the present invention, the cover 400 can have a
second, or further multiple, protruding portions for the piping
connections to the compressor.
[0049] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, indicia
can be molded into the cover 400, such as the name of the
manufacturer. Additionally, indicia relating to safety or other
operational warnings can also be molded into the cover 400, instead
of warning tags or signs applied by adhesive. Therefore, the
indicia is more prominent, and less likely to be lost, since the
cover 400 is preferably of unitary construction.
[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates the assembly process of the molded
compressor base 100 and the cover 400 for a compressor in one
embodiment of the present invention. The compressor is positioned
in the molded compressor base 100 and then the cover 400 is placed
over the compressor in the molded compressor base 100 to secure the
compressor in the molded compressor base 100. If the compressor is
to be finally installed in the molded compressor base 100, the
electrical and piping connections to the compressor have to
preferably be completed before the cover 400 is placed over the
compressor, otherwise, the cover 400 has to be removed to complete
the electrical and piping connections to the compressor. In another
embodiment, the cover 400 and/or the compressor can be designed to
permit electrical and piping connections to be completed after the
cover 400 has been placed over the compressor in the molded
compressor base 100.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates the molded compressor base 100 and the
cover 400 of FIG. 5 in the assembled position. As can be seen in
FIG. 6, the use of the cover 400 and the molded compressor can
provide substantial environmental protection to a compressor
positioned between the cover 400 and molded compressor base 100. In
addition, the cover 400 and molded compressor base 100 can operate
to provide substantial sound and/or vibration damping of sound and
vibrations from the compressor.
[0052] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *