Overcurrent protection apparatus for refrigeration and air conditioning compressor systems

Abstract

Motor protection for air conditioning and refrigeration compressors includes in a first embodiment a cluster block having a seat for a hermetic motor protector and mounting a combination terminal / fusible link in which the motor protector and combination terminal / fusible link can be exposed to cooling fluid contained in the compressor container and the cluster block is mounted on a lead-through pin of a header in the container wall. In a second embodiment the cluster block is mounted on all three pins of header with pin connectors received in parallel extending channels of the cluster block. In another embodiment the cluster block is irregular in configuration in order to accommodate available space in certain compressor containers and has a lid to enclose the motor protector. In another embodiment a base member is tied directly to the stator winding and has a snap-on member to capture the motor protector in the motor protector seat.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to electric motors and in particular to the use of means for shutting off the responsive current and temperature of the electric motor in the event of a fault. Background technique [0002] In hermetic refrigerator and air conditioner compressor systems, a compressor and an electric motor for operating the compressor within a fluid-filled sealed container are typically installed. Guide pins pass through the vessel wall, are sealed and electrically insulated from the vessel wall and from each other, and electrically connect the motor to an electrical circuit for operating the compressor. Mounted on the inside of the container is a motor protector which is thermally responsive to an increase in temperature of the motor as a result of possible failure of the motor. Typically, the protector is also connected within the motor circuit in such a way that it prevents the motor from overheating by interrupting operation ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The life expectancy of the disc may be reduced due to the higher stress required to form a thermostatic transient action disc with a higher operating temperature

Since the disc must be calibrated at a higher temperature, the thermostatic metal may creep due to fatigue, resulting in soldered contacts

This phenomenon is particularly prone to occur, for example, in the case of a momentary interruption of power supply that occurs when the operation of the compressor may cause the rotor to stall

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