Electric Compressor Sealed Connector for Contamination Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hermetic electric compressors are prone to contamination from lubricant and refrigerant liquids, which can impair electrical connections and lead to soiling and leakage currents due to metallic particles and contaminants, particularly in applications like heat pumps and refrigeration systems.
Innovation Solution
A sealed connector system is introduced, comprising sockets, a cable housing, and a sealing element that forms a sealed accommodation for the terminal pins, preventing contamination and leakage by separating the connection from the compression assembly and using a cable seal to prevent ingress of contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the terminal pins are exposed in the hermetic accommodation, then electrical connection is simplified, but contamination from lubricant and refrigerant liquids impairs electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The hermetic accommodation is segmented into two separate spaces: a first space containing the compression assembly and terminal pins, and a second space containing the motor. The sealing element creates a physical barrier between these spaces, isolating the electrical connections from contaminants while maintaining electrical connectivity through the terminal pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary component between the terminal pins and the motor windings. It provides electrical insulation while allowing the terminal pins to extend through it and maintain electrical connection to the motor terminals, thus mediating both electrical connectivity and contamination protection.
2Reliability
If the terminal holder is welded into the housing wall, then hermetic sealing is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal holder is pre-assembled with the sealing element and terminal pins before being installed in the housing. This preliminary assembly simplifies the final installation step, as the entire terminal assembly can be installed as a single unit, reducing the complexity of the welding and assembly procedures while maintaining hermetic sealing integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector is placed outside the hermetic accommodation, then assembly is simplified, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is nested within the hermetic accommodation, specifically positioned in the first space alongside the compression assembly. This nesting arrangement ensures that the electrical connections are protected from external contaminants while still allowing for relatively simple assembly within the sealed environment.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric hermetic compressor comprising a hermetic terminal with terminal pins for electrical connection of a motor inside a hermetic housing. The hermetic terminal forms a cavity, and the compressor further comprises a non-conductive sealing element which defines an enclosed space in the cavity. The sealing element forms part of a connector which defines a separate cable space isolated from the electric compression assembly in the hermetic accommodation.