Pressure limiter

Abstract

A hermetically sealed compressor including a pressure release device. In one exemplary embodiment, the pressure release device includes a flange portion and a rupture portion. The flange portion is positioned against and secured to the inner surface of the housing of a hermetically sealed compressor. In this embodiment, the rupture portion extends at least partially within a vent aperture extending through the compressor housing. When the interior pressure of the housing exceeds a predetermined limit, the rupture portion of the pressure release device opens allowing the fluid within the compressor housing to escape. In another exemplary embodiment, the pressure release device further includes a connecting portion positioned between the flange portion and the rupture portion. In one exemplary embodiment, the connecting portion forms an S-curve.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention.[0002]The present invention relates to a pressure release device, particularly to a pressure release device for use with hermetically sealed compressors.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art.[0004]During operation of a hermetically sealed compressor, fluid, such as refrigerant, is compressed by a compressor mechanism positioned within a housing. In a “high side” compressor, the fluid is discharged into the housing, increasing the pressure therein to equal the discharge pressure of the fluid. To ensure effective operation of the compressor in adverse conditions, the housing of a hermetically sealed compressor is designed to withstand internal pressures substantially greater than the discharge pressure of the fluid. However, when a fan is blocked or when a substance having a lower boiling point than the fluid, such as water, is introduced into the system, the pressure within the housing may rise to a pressure exceeding the upper pressure lim...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Advantageously, the present pressure release device provides for the release of fluid at a predetermined pressure irrespective of the thickness of the compressor housing. Thus, the pressure release device can be used interchangeably with compressors having varying housing thicknesses. This eliminates the need to modify the size or shape of the pressure release device for different compressor housings. Additionally, the flange of the pressure release device is positioned adjacent the interior of the compressor housing, which, due to the pressure within the housing, forces the flange against the inner surface of the housing. In the event the rupture portion of the pressure release device opens, the interaction between the flange of the pressure release device and the inner surface of the housing secures the pressure release device to the housing. Moreover, by positioning the pressure release device over and / or in an aperture in the compressor housing, the pressure release device cannot be bypassed by the user. Thus, once the rupture portion of the pressure release device has opened, allowing the release of fluid from the compressor housing, the pressure release device cannot be closed and the compressor housing must be replaced.

[0008]In one exemplary embodiment, the present pressure release device is positioned on a sidewall of the compressor housing opposite the electric terminal cluster. Advantageously, this allows the excess pressure to be released to a single side of the compressor typically away from someone servicing the compressor. In contrast, prior art devices would often release excess pressure either upward or downward. When released upward, the excess pressure would force working fluid upward, toward any person standing at or near the compressor. Alternatively, when released downward, the excess pressure would force working fluid into a support or base upon which the compressor was mounted, causing the working fluid to be deflected in any or all directions. Additionally, in another exemplary embodiment, the pressure release device is configured to be attached to a flattened portion of the compressor housing. This allows the pressure release device to evenly distribute pressure encountered during operation of the compressor and prevents expansion and contraction of the compressor housing from impairing the function of the pressure release device.

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, by positioning the pressure release device over and / or in an aperture in the compressor housing, the pressure release device cannot be bypassed by the user.

Thus, once the rupture portion of the pressure release device has opened, allowing the release of fluid from the compressor housing, the pressure release device cannot be closed and the compressor housing must be replaced.

In contrast, prior art devices would often release excess pressure either upward or downward.

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