Compressor assembly including a lower cover having a mounting foot surround configured to increase mounting foot stiffness and resistance to crack formation

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of a compressor assembly including a lower cover are disclosed, the lower cover having a mounting foot perimeter configured to increase mounting foot stiffness and provide better resistance to crack formation due to vibration, for example, in mobile and transport applications. The mounting foot perimeter may include a complete, rounded, and / or rounded perimeter provided along the entire end of the mounting foot near a mounting hole (e.g., bolt hole) in the mounting foot or around the entire end of the mounting foot. Using a complete, rounded, and / or rounded perimeter avoids or eliminates sharp corners, such as the rounded corner features of conventional lower covers, which are prone to cracking due to vibration during transport.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is a PCT international application claiming priority and benefit to Indian Patent Application No. 202321088880, filed December 26, 2023, and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 584,133, filed February 22, 2024. The entire contents of these patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a compressor assembly including a lower cover having a mounting foot skirt configured (e.g., a full, rounded, and / or rounded skirt) to increase mounting foot stiffness and provide better resistance to crack formation due to vibration, such as in mobile and transport applications. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides background information in relation to this disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] The overall structure of a scroll compressor includes the internal components of the housing compressor and the mounting portion. Typically, the mounting portion includes a lower cover that attaches to the housing of the scroll compressor. The lower cover includes mounting feet with mounting holes or through-holes, which may or may not have slots. The holes or through-holes in the mounting feet are configured to receive mechanical hardware (e.g., bolts, etc.) for mounting the scroll compressor to the base. The lower cover can serve as the base of the scroll compressor for positioning it in the desired location using a mounting system (e.g., bushings, bolts, rails, etc.).

[0006] For example, Figure 1 A scroll compressor 1 for transportation applications is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 A conventional lower cover 5 of a scroll compressor 1 is shown. The lower cover 5 includes a mounting foot 9 with an end opening, the mounting foot 9 having a mounting hole or through hole 13 with a groove 17. (As shown) Figure 1 As shown, bolts and other mechanical hardware 21 can be used to mount the scroll compressor 1 to the base 25 through the holes or through holes 13 in the mounting feet 9. Figure 4 Another conventional lower cover 105 is shown, which includes an end-closed mounting foot 109 having a mounting hole or through hole 113 without a groove. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to represent all possible implementations, nor are they intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0008] Figure 1A conventional scroll compressor for transportation applications is shown, which includes a lower cover mounted on the base.

[0009] Figure 2 and Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The lower cover of a conventional scroll compressor is shown, wherein the lower cover has an open end foot and a material thickness of 3.2 mm.

[0010] Figure 4 Another conventional bottom cover is shown that can be used to mount a scroll compressor to the base.

[0011] Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 5D This illustrates the challenges of conventional bottom cover mounting designs, including the formation of cracks near mounting feet with sharp angles, close to the mounting holes. Figure 5A The main path of preload force from the washer to the bushing (spacer) is shown. Figure 5B The possible interference of the gasket on the cover is shown. Figure 5C It shows sharp corners and abrupt changes in stiffness. Figure 5D Other possibilities that could cause the component to fail (possible cracks, possible slippage) are shown.

[0012] Figure 6 The complete perimeter mounting feet of the lower cover according to an exemplary embodiment are shown (e.g., a complete, rounded and / or rounded perimeter surrounding the mounting feet near the mounting holes).

[0013] Figure 7 The stochastic fatigue life calculated through simulation is shown, comparing it to the mounting feet of a conventional bottom cover with rounded corners (fillets). Figure 6 The complete perimeter mounting feet of the lower cover shown have a significantly improved overall lifespan.

[0014] Figure 8 The results include comparative simulated stress tests, which demonstrate the benefits of using full, rounded, and / or rounded edges around the mounting feet of the lower cover, rather than using rounded corners near the mounting feet of a conventional lower cover.

[0015] Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 9C This includes conventional bottom covers with rounded corners along their mounting feet. Figure 9A The lower cover has a trimmed rim along its mounting feet. Figure 9B ) and a lower cover with a complete circular rim along its mounting feet ( Figure 9C The random fatigue life results / curve obtained from finite element analysis (FEA) of )

[0016] Figure 10 A scroll compressor according to an optional exemplary embodiment is shown, the scroll compressor including a bracket surrounding the compressor housing, the bracket being attachable to a vertical support or a nearby customer attachment.

[0017] Figure 11 A rectangular lower cover (e.g., a square lower cover with rounded corners, etc.) and a circular lower cover are shown according to optional exemplary embodiments, the circular lower cover being used to mount a scroll compressor to a base.

[0018] In the various views of the accompanying drawings, the corresponding reference numerals may indicate corresponding (although not necessarily the same) features. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 4 A conventional lower cover 105 is shown, which includes an end-closed mounting foot 109 having a slotless mounting hole or through-hole 113. The mounting hole 113 is configured to receive bolts and other mechanical hardware for mounting a scroll compressor to a base. The conventional lower cover 105 does not include a rim extending completely around the end of the mounting foot 109 near the mounting hole 113. Instead, the conventional lower cover 105 includes a simplified rim 117 that terminates before the end of the mounting foot 109 and defines a rounded corner feature 121.

[0021] Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 5D This illustrates the challenges of conventional bottom cover mounting designs, including the formation of cracks near mounting feet with sharp angles, close to the mounting holes. Figure 5A The main path of preload force from the washer to the bushing (spacer) is shown. Figure 5B The possible interference of the gasket on the cover is shown. Figure 5C It shows sharp corners and abrupt changes in stiffness. Figure 5D Other possibilities that could cause a component to fail (possible cracks, possible slippage) are shown.

[0022] During the qualification of some conventional scroll compressors using the improved MIL STD 810g profile, lower cover defects / failures were observed near the mounting feet of the lower cover. For example... Figure 5DAs shown, during transport specifications with random vibration distribution, cracks may form near the mounting feet of the lower cover. High average stress is generated near the bolted joints, followed by a lower overlay frequency close to the excitation frequency, which is the primary driving factor. Sharp features near the bolted joints also act as stress gradients. The operational excitation distribution experienced by the lower cover is severe.

[0023] Having understood the foregoing, exemplary embodiments of a lower cover are developed and / or disclosed herein, the lower cover having a mounting foot rim that is constructed (e.g., a full, rounded, and / or rounded rim, etc.) to increase the rigidity of the mounting foot and provide better resistance to crack formation due to vibration, for example, in mobility and transportation applications (e.g., road, sea, refrigerated trains, trailers, containers used in the mobile transport of refrigerated goods, etc.). The mounting foot rim may include a full, rounded, and / or rounded rim provided along or around the entire end of the mounting foot near a mounting hole (e.g., bolt hole, etc.) in the mounting foot. Using a full, rounded, and / or rounded rim avoids or eliminates sharp corners, such as the rounded corner features of conventional lower covers, which are prone to cracking due to vibration during transportation.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, a complete, rounded, and / or rounded perimeter is configured to reduce dynamic stress caused by random vibrations. A complete, rounded, and / or rounded perimeter replaces, eliminates, or avoids the use of conventional lower covers (e.g., lower cover 5). Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), bottom cover 105 ( Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 The sharp features near the holes or through-holes of the mounting feet in the cover reduce the likelihood of cracks around or near the mounting feet of the lower cover. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can thus solve the problem of lower cover breakage due to random vibrations during transport.

[0025] Figure 6 The illustration shows a complete, rounded and / or rounded perimeter 208 surrounding the mounting foot 212 according to an exemplary embodiment. The perimeter 208 has a mounting hole or through hole 216 for the lower cover 204. The complete, rounded and / or rounded perimeter 208 replaces, eliminates, or avoids... Figure 5C The conventional lower cover shown has a sharp corner near the mounting feet. The addition of a full, rounded, and / or rounded perimeter 208 improves stress near the bolt joint and also increases the natural frequency, which drives the frequency away from the load frequency.

[0026] Figure 7The simulation calculations of random fatigue life demonstrate that the rounded and / or rounded corners of the fully perimeter mounting feet 208, 212 of the lower cover 204 can significantly improve overall lifespan compared to mounting feet 109 with rounded corners 129 of a conventional lower cover 105. Figure 7 From left to right, the first version 105 with sharp edges has a lifespan of less than 96 hours. The second version, with R2.0 (instead of sharp edges), offers a 213% lifespan improvement compared to the first version with sharp edges. The third version 204, with a full, rounded, and / or rounded edge 208, has a lifespan exceeding 272 hours and a lifespan improvement exceeding 10,000%. Therefore, this significant increase in fatigue life indicates that the full, rounded, and / or rounded edge 208 provides a good solution to address the severe vibration problems that could otherwise lead to bottom cover breakage.

[0027] Figure 8 The results include comparative simulated stress tests, demonstrating the benefits of using full, rounded, and / or rounded edges around the mounting feet of the lower cover, rather than using rounded corners near the mounting feet of a conventional lower cover. Typically, Figure 8 This includes a comparison of the relative equivalent stress between different design concepts, including the peak location. During modal analysis, the main peak appears near the notch (location A) and near the rounded corner feature near the mounting foot (location B).

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower cover is manufactured by forming a perimeter mounting foot with full, rounded, and / or rounded corners, thereby avoiding sharp edges present in conventional lower covers. The elimination or avoidance of sharp edges advantageously eliminates or minimizes crack formation caused by sharp edges in conventional lower covers. Although a lower cover with a perimeter mounting foot with full, rounded, and / or rounded corners can be manufactured by forming manufacturing processes, other manufacturing processes can also be used. For example, a lower cover with a perimeter mounting foot with full, rounded, and / or rounded corners can also be manufactured by welding and / or joining metal sheets.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower cover includes a circular skirt mounting foot that provides good stiffness around the bolt joint, which increases the initial natural frequency of the lower cover. The circular skirt mounting foot also eliminates stress gradients that would otherwise appear at sharp corners near the bolt joint in a conventional lower cover. The circular skirt mounting foot significantly reduces the likelihood of random stress and crack formation.

[0030] Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 9C This includes conventional bottom covers with rounded corners along their mounting feet. Figure 9A The lower cover has a trimmed rim along its mounting feet. Figure 9B) and a lower cover with a complete circular rim along its mounting feet ( Figure 9C The random fatigue life results / curves obtained from finite element analysis (FEA) of the sample are shown. Overall, Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 9C This demonstrates or illustrates the significant improvements achievable when using full, rounded, and / or rounded edges along the mounting feet of the lower cover.

[0031] Figure 9A A conventional bottom cover with rounded corners along its mounting feet is shown to have a fatigue life of only 96 hours. Figure 9A In the magnified view, positions 1, 2, and 3 have fatigue lives of less than 96 hours. Gray indicates a lifespan of less than 96 hours (not meeting the 96-hour target requirement), 0 equals 96 hours, and the lifespan in hours equals 10^(x). 96, where x- is the legend. Figure 9B The lower cover, which features a trimmed rim design along its mounting feet, has an improved fatigue life of approximately 120 hours, thus meeting the 96-hour life target. Figure 9C The lower cover, exhibiting a fully circular rim along its mounting feet, demonstrates a significantly higher fatigue life of 85,000 hours. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can contribute to increasing the lifespan of compressors used in transportation applications.

[0032] A complete, rounded, and / or rounded perimeter along the mounting feet of the lower cover can be achieved with relatively minor modifications to existing components and areas near the interface. In exemplary embodiments, the lower cover perimeter angle can be from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, with 90 degrees being a preferred angle in some exemplary embodiments. The material used for the lower cover and its complete rounded perimeter mounting feet can be selected based on or depend on fatigue life requirements.

[0033] Figure 10 A scroll compressor 300 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment is shown, the scroll compressor 300 including a bracket 320 surrounding a compressor housing 324. The bracket 320 can be attached to a vertical support or a nearby customer attachment. The bracket 320 is configured to eliminate resonance of the pitch or tilt pattern of vibrations from the scroll compressor, thus reducing dynamic stress on the scroll compressor 300. Advantageously, the bracket 320 can be added without requiring any changes to the existing lower cover 305. The lower cover 305 is shown mounted to the base 325 via hardware 321 (e.g., bolts, washers, and bushings).

[0034] Figure 10The results also include those from finite element analysis (FEA), which confirms the use of bracket 320. The lower cover 305 has a weld life of approximately 48 hours, which is unsatisfactory or non-compliant with requirements. When bracket 320 is used, the lower cover 305 has a minimum weld life exceeding the required lifespan.

[0035] Figure 11 A circular lower cover 404 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment is shown, which can be used to mount a scroll compressor 400 to a base 425 having hardware 421 (e.g., bolts, washers, bushings, etc.). Figure 11 Also shown is a rectangular lower cover 504 (e.g., a square lower cover with rounded corners, etc.), which can be used to mount a scroll compressor 400 onto a base 425 having hardware 421 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment.

[0036] like Figure 11 The finite element analysis (FEA) results show that the circular and rectangular lower covers 404 and 504 are constructed to increase the natural frequency and thus keep the component away from resonance, thereby reducing the dynamic stresses responsible for fatigue life. Lower cover 305 has a weld life of approximately 48 hours, which is unsatisfactory or non-compliant with requirements. By comparison, the rectangular lower cover 504 has a minimum weld life of approximately 361 hours, exceeding the life requirement. The circular lower cover 404 also exceeds the life requirement.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower cover may be generally rectangular (e.g., square, etc.), with mounting feet extending outward from each of the four corners. The lower cover may also include additional features to help guide and support the housing of the compressor assembly. For example, the lower cover may include a guide portion aligned with the housing of the compressor assembly.

[0038] The lower cover disclosed herein, including the mounting skirt (e.g., a full, rounded, and / or rounded edge, etc.), can be used with a wide range of compressor assemblies, such as scroll compressors, other compressors, etc., used in transportation applications (e.g., road, sea, refrigerated rail, trailers, containers used in the mobile transport of refrigerated goods, etc.). Therefore, aspects of this disclosure should not be limited to use with any particular type of compressor.

[0039] Disclosed is an exemplary embodiment of a lower cover for mounting a compressor to a base. In the exemplary embodiment, the lower cover includes mounting feet extending outwardly from the lower cover. Each mounting foot includes a mounting hole through which hardware for attaching and securing the compressor to the base is received. A full perimeter surrounds the mounting holes in the mounting feet, along or defining the end of each mounting foot. The full perimeter is configured to increase the stiffness of the mounting feet and provide better resistance to cracking due to vibration.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, each complete perimeter extends downward relative to the upper surface of the end of the corresponding mounting foot.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, each complete perimeter extends downward at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the upper surface of the end of the mounting foot.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, each complete perimeter extends along the entire end of the mounting foot.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, each complete perimeter includes a rounded perimeter that generally surrounds the mounting hole in the mounting foot along the end of the mounting foot or defines the end of the mounting foot.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, each complete perimeter includes a circular perimeter that generally surrounds the mounting hole in the mounting foot along the end of the mounting foot or defines the end of the mounting foot.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the complete perimeter is configured to eliminate the sharp corner rounding feature along the end of the mounting foot, which would otherwise be prone to cracking in the mounting foot due to vibration.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower cover includes a perimeter extending downward along the outer periphery of the lower cover between the ends of each adjacent pair of mounting feet. The continuous perimeter along the ends of the mounting feet and the perimeter extending downward along the periphery of the lower cover between the ends of adjacent pairs of mounting feet can be configured to define a continuous perimeter along the outer periphery of the lower cover. The continuous perimeter along the outer periphery of the lower cover can be configured to provide a smooth transition between the continuous perimeter along the ends of the mounting feet and the perimeter extending downward along the periphery of the lower cover between the ends of adjacent pairs of mounting feet, without any sharp corner rounding features.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting feet are arranged at regular intervals along the lower cover.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower cover includes a generally rectangular portion having a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, and a fourth corner. The mounting feet include a first mounting foot, a second mounting foot, a third mounting foot, and a fourth mounting foot extending outward from the corresponding first corner, second corner, third corner, and fourth corner of the generally rectangular portion of the lower cover.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the distance by which each complete edge extends downward relative to the upper surface of the corresponding mounting foot end is greater than the material thickness of the lower cover. For example, the distance by which each complete edge extends downward relative to the upper surface of the corresponding mounting foot end may be at least twice the material thickness of the lower cover.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the compressor assembly includes a compressor and a lower cover as disclosed herein. The compressor assembly may include a housing, a compression mechanism located within the housing, and a motor operable to drive the compression mechanism. The lower cover may be coupled to the housing such that the housing and the lower cover together define a chamber therein housing the compression mechanism and the motor. Mounting feet of the lower cover may extend outwardly along the circumference of the housing at regular intervals. The compressor assembly may include a scroll compressor.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting system for supporting the compressor includes a lower cover as disclosed herein. The mounting system may also include a base and mechanical fasteners configured to be received within mounting holes in mounting feet for attaching and securing the compressor to the base.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, one method includes mounting a compressor to a base using a lower cover as disclosed herein. This method may include attaching and securing the compressor to the base using mechanical fasteners within mounting holes of mounting feet on the lower cover.

[0053] Exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully communicate its scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of particular components, apparatus, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “having,” “comprising,” “having,” and “having” are inclusive and thus specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or shown, unless explicitly identified as such. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0055] When an element or layer is described as “on another element or layer,” “joined to another element or layer,” “connected to another element or layer,” or “attached to another element or layer,” it may be directly on, joined to, or attached to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is described as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to another element or layer,” “directly connected to another element or layer,” or “directly attached to another element or layer,” there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between…” versus “directly between…”, “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0056] When applied to values, the term “about” indicates that a slight inaccuracy in the value is permissible in calculation or measurement (some degree of near-accuracy in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the inaccuracy provided by “about” is not understood in that ordinary sense in the art, then “about” as used herein at least indicates a variation that can be caused by the measurement or common methods of using such parameters. For example, the terms “usually,” “about,” and “substantially” may be used herein to indicate within manufacturing tolerances.

[0057] While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0058] Spatially relative terms, such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “under,” “above,” “above,” etc., may be used herein for the purpose of description of the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations shown in the figures, spatially relative terms may be intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below other elements or features” or “below other elements or features” would be oriented “above other elements or features.” Thus, the exemplary term “below” can include both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0059] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of embodiments has been provided. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention. Individual elements, established or stated uses or features of particular embodiments are generally not limited to the particular embodiment described, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected embodiments, even if not explicitly shown or described. They can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A lower cover for mounting a compressor to a base, the lower cover comprising: Mounting feet, the mounting feet extending outward from the lower cover, the mounting feet including a plurality of mounting holes passing through the mounting feet, the plurality of mounting holes receiving hardware for attaching and securing the compressor to the base; as well as A complete edging, which generally surrounds the mounting hole in the mounting foot along or defines the end of each mounting foot, is configured to increase both the rigidity of the mounting foot and resistance to crack formation due to vibration.

2. The lower cover according to claim 1, wherein, Each complete perimeter extends downward relative to the upper surface of the end of the corresponding mounting foot.

3. The lower cover according to claim 1, wherein, Each complete perimeter extends downward at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the upper surface of the end of the mounting foot.

4. The lower cover according to claim 1, wherein, Each complete perimeter extends along the entire end of the mounting foot.

5. The lower cover according to claim 1, wherein, Each complete perimeter includes a rounded perimeter that generally surrounds the mounting hole in the mounting foot along the end of the mounting foot or defines the end of the mounting foot.

6. The lower cover according to claim 1, wherein, Each complete perimeter includes a circular perimeter that generally surrounds the mounting hole in the mounting foot along the end of the mounting foot or defines the end of the mounting foot.

7. The lower cover according to claim 1, wherein, The complete perimeter is configured to eliminate the sharp corner rounding feature along the end of the mounting foot, which would otherwise be prone to cracking in the mounting foot due to vibration.

8. The lower cover according to claim 1, wherein: The lower cover includes a perimeter extending downward along the outer periphery of the lower cover between the ends of each adjacent pair of mounting feet; as well as The distance by which each complete edging extends downward relative to the upper surface of the corresponding end of the mounting foot is less than the distance by which each edging extends downward along the periphery of the lower cover between the ends of the corresponding adjacent pair of mounting feet.

9. The lower cover according to claim 8, wherein, The complete perimeter along the end of the mounting foot and the perimeter extending downward along the periphery of the lower cover between the ends of adjacent pairs of the mounting feet are configured to define a continuous perimeter that varies in height along the outer periphery of the lower cover.

10. The lower cover according to claim 9, wherein, The continuous edging along the outer periphery of the lower cover is configured to provide a smooth transition without any sharp corner rounding features, the smooth transition adapting to the varying height between the full edging along the ends of the mounting feet and the edging extending downward along the periphery of the lower cover between the ends of adjacent pairs of mounting feet.

11. The lower cover according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting feet are arranged at regular intervals along the lower cover.

12. The lower cover according to claim 1, wherein: The lower cover includes a generally rectangular portion having a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, and a fourth corner; and The mounting feet include a first mounting foot, a second mounting foot, a third mounting foot, and a fourth mounting foot extending outward from corresponding first, second, third, and fourth corners of the generally rectangular portion of the lower cover.

13. The lower cover according to claim 1, wherein, Each complete edging extends downwards from the upper surface of the corresponding mounting foot end by a distance greater than the material thickness of the lower cover.

14. The lower cover according to claim 13, wherein, Each complete edging extends downward from the upper surface of the corresponding mounting foot by a distance that is at least twice the material thickness of the lower cover.

15. A compressor assembly comprising a compressor and a lower cover according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A mounting system for supporting a compressor, the mounting system comprising: The lower cover according to any one of claims 1 to 14; Base; And mechanical fasteners configured to be received within the mounting holes of the mounting feet for attaching and securing the compressor to the base.

17. A method, the method comprising: The compressor is mounted to the base using the lower cover according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

18. A compressor assembly, the compressor assembly comprising: case; A compression mechanism is located within the housing. A motor, which operates to drive the compression mechanism; as well as Lower cover, the lower cover comprising: Mounting feet, extending outward from the lower cover, each mounting foot including a plurality of mounting holes passing through it, the plurality of mounting holes receiving hardware for attaching and securing the compressor to the base; and A complete edging, which generally surrounds the mounting hole in the mounting foot along the end of each mounting foot or defines the end of each mounting foot, is configured to increase both the rigidity of the mounting foot and resistance to crack formation due to vibration. in: The lower cover is coupled to the housing such that the housing and the lower cover cooperate to define a chamber therein, the chamber housing the compression mechanism and the motor; and The mounting feet of the lower cover extend outward at regular intervals along the circumference of the housing.

19. The compressor assembly of claim 18, wherein, The compressor assembly includes a scroll compressor, and wherein: The lower cover includes a perimeter that extends downward along the outer periphery of the lower cover between the ends of each adjacent pair of mounting feet; The distance by which each complete edging extends downward relative to the upper surface of the corresponding end of the mounting foot is less than the distance by which each edging extends downward along the periphery of the lower cover between the ends of the corresponding adjacent pair of mounting feet; The complete perimeter along the end of the mounting foot and the perimeter extending downward along the periphery of the lower cover between the ends of adjacent pairs of mounting feet are configured to define a continuous perimeter that varies in height along the outer periphery of the lower cover; and The continuous edging along the outer periphery of the lower cover is configured to provide a smooth transition without any sharp corner rounding features, the smooth transition adapting to the varying height between the full edging along the ends of the mounting feet and the edging extending downward along the periphery of the lower cover between the ends of adjacent pairs of mounting feet.

20. A mounting system for supporting a compressor, the mounting system comprising: Base; Mechanical fasteners; as well as Lower cover, the lower cover comprising: Mounting feet, extending outward from the lower cover, each mounting foot including a plurality of mounting holes passing through it, the plurality of mounting holes receiving hardware for attaching and securing the compressor to the base; and A complete perimeter, which generally surrounds the mounting holes in the mounting feet along or defines the end of each mounting foot, is configured to increase both the rigidity of the mounting feet and resistance to crack formation due to vibration; and The mechanical fastener is configured to be received within the mounting hole of the mounting foot for attaching and securing the compressor to the base; The lower cover includes a perimeter that extends downward along the outer periphery of the lower cover between the ends of each adjacent pair of mounting feet; and Wherein, the distance by which each complete edging extends downward relative to the upper surface of the corresponding end of the mounting foot is less than the distance by which each edging extends downward along the periphery of the lower cover between the ends of the corresponding adjacent pair of mounting feet.

21. A method, the method comprising: The compressor is mounted to the base using a lower cover, wherein the lower cover includes: Mounting feet, extending outward from the lower cover, each mounting foot including a plurality of mounting holes passing through it, the plurality of mounting holes receiving hardware for attaching and securing the compressor to the base; and A complete edging, which generally surrounds the mounting hole in the mounting foot along or defines the end of each mounting foot, is configured to increase both the rigidity of the mounting foot and resistance to crack formation due to vibration.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The method includes attaching and securing the compressor to the base using mechanical fasteners within the mounting holes of the mounting feet of the lower cover, wherein: The lower cover includes a perimeter that extends downward along the outer periphery of the lower cover between the ends of each adjacent pair of mounting feet; The distance by which each complete edging extends downward relative to the upper surface of the corresponding end of the mounting foot is less than the distance by which each edging extends downward along the periphery of the lower cover between the ends of the corresponding adjacent pair of mounting feet; The complete perimeter along the end of the mounting foot and the perimeter extending downward along the periphery of the lower cover between the ends of adjacent pairs of mounting feet are configured to define a continuous perimeter that varies in height along the outer periphery of the lower cover; and The continuous edging along the outer periphery of the lower cover is configured to provide a smooth transition without any sharp corner rounding features, the smooth transition adapting to the varying height between the full edging along the ends of the mounting feet and the edging extending downward along the periphery of the lower cover between the ends of adjacent pairs of mounting feet.

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