Hold down mechanism for a pivotably mounted motor

Abstract

An improved hold down mechanism for a motor which is pivotably mounted on an upper surface of a base is disclosed. The motor is connected by means of a drive belt to a driven device also mounted on the base. A mounting bracket is rigidly attached to the motor and includes a pair of spaced apart parallel leg portions which extend outwardly therefrom. The base includes a corresponding pair of spaced apart parallel mounting ears. A pivot pin is provided for pivotably connecting the leg portions to the mounting ears. The leg portions have respective projections formed thereon which extend inwardly toward one another. A hold down plate extends between the leg portions and rests upon the projections. The hold down plate is not rigidly attached to the leg portions, and a small amount of free movement is permitted relative thereto. An angled stud is provided to restrict the pivoting movement of the hold down plate and, therefore, of the mounting bracket and the motor. The stud includes a first end which extends through an aperture formed through the hold down plate. An elastomeric damper and a washer are retained on the first end of the stud by a wing nut. The stud further includes a second end which is angled relative to the first end. The second end of the stud is hooked beneath the upper surface of the base so as to limit the movement thereof and thus restrict the pivoting movement of the motor toward the compressor. The elastomeric damper permits a preloading force to be applied on the drive belt and reduces the amount of vibration and noise transmitted from the motor to the base.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.