Electrical generator or motor structure – Dynamoelectric – Rotary
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-22
2001-10-09
Ramirez, Nestor (Department: 2834)
Electrical generator or motor structure
Dynamoelectric
Rotary
C310S089000, C310S091000, C439S045000, C439S568000, C439S572000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06300698
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally relates to hermetic compressors and, particularly, to a compressor having an internal hermetic chamber with a connector block inside the chamber for providing motor power connections without the need for a cluster block and leads arrangement.
A compressor is generally provided with a can-type outer shell or case that defines an internal hermetic chamber. A motor resiliently mounted to the shell inside the chamber drives the compressor. As is well known in the art, the stator of the compressor motor has at least one winding of magnet wire, for example, that is adapted for excitation when the motor is energized. Depending on the desired operating characteristics of the hermetic compressor, the stator winding(s) have various different electrical and physical configurations. A set of conductor leads integral with the windings extend from the stator. In a typical compressor, a connection block or plug extends into the shell for connection with the motor via the leads extending from the stator. The plug also protrudes from the shell for connection with a power source for energizing the motor. The plug has a set of electrical connectors or pins for this purpose. A Fusite® plug, for example, is a hermetically sealed connection block used in conjunction with can-type closures. It is adapted to be welded to the compressor's shell to allow the stator leads inside the shell to be connected to the power leads outside the shell.
In presently available compressors, a cluster block is attached to the ends of the stator leads. An assembler connects the cluster block in circuit relation with the part of the plug inside the shell for connection to the power leads. Unfortunately, it is difficult for the assembler to connect the cluster block to the plug. Often, the assembler must strike the cluster block with a hammer to connect the block to the plug. This can damage the block, leading to cracks or breaks that are only detected after the compressor shell is hermetically sealed.
The cluster block is also susceptible to having the ends of the stator leads pulling out. Moreover, an assembler will often lift the motor by the stator leads and cluster block arrangement causing undue stress on the connections.
For these reasons, directly connecting the stator winding to the plug without leads and a cluster block is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention meets the above needs and overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing an improved connector block for use in a hermetic compressor. Among the several objects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of a compressor that permits easy connection of its terminal plug and motor windings; the provision of such compressor that provides a durable and rugged connection between its terminal plug and motor windings; the provision of such compressor that permits easy connection of its motor windings; the provision of such compressor that provides a durable and rugged connection of its motor windings; the provision of such compressor that permits directly connecting the motor windings to the plug without leads and a cluster block; and the provision of such compressor that is economically feasible and commercially practical.
Briefly described, a hermetic compressor embodying aspects of the invention includes a shell defining an internal chamber of the compressor and a motor for driving the compressor. The motor is positioned inside the shell within the internal chamber and has a stator assembly including at least one winding. A hermetic terminal plug connects the winding to a power supply to energize the motor. The plug has at least one internal conductor pin electrically connected to at least one corresponding external conductor pin. The internal conductor pin protrudes into the internal chamber for connection to the winding and the external conductor pin extends away from the shell for connection to the power supply for energizing the motor. The compressor also includes a terminal block mounted on the stator assembly for supporting an end portion of the winding to be connected to the internal conductor pin. A first section of the terminal block has a notch aligned with the internal conductor pin for receiving the internal conductor pin when the motor is positioned inside the shell. In this manner, the internal conductor pin is electrically connected to the end portion of the winding supported by the terminal block.
In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a terminal block for use in a hermetic compressor. The compressor has a shell defining an internal chamber and a motor positioned inside the shell within the internal chamber for driving the compressor. The motor has a stator assembly including at least one winding. The compressor also has a hermetic terminal plug for connecting the winding to a power supply to energize the motor. The plug has at least one internal conductor pin electrically connected to at least one corresponding external conductor pin. The internal conductor pin protrudes into the internal chamber for connection to the winding and the external conductor pin extends away from the shell for connection to the power supply for energizing the motor. The terminal block includes an electrically insulative body mounted on the stator assembly for supporting portions of the winding. A first section of the body has a first notch aligned with the internal conductor pin for receiving an end portion of the winding and the internal conductor pin when the motor is positioned inside the shell. This electrically connects the internal conductor pin to the end portion of the winding in the first notch. The terminal block also includes a second section having a second notch for receiving another portion of the winding in an electrically connected relationship.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of constructing a hermetic compressor. The compressor has a shell defining an internal chamber. When constructed, a motor inside the shell drives the compressor. The motor has a stator assembly including at least one winding. The method includes the step of installing a hermetic terminal plug in a side wall of the shell. The plug connects the winding to a power supply for energizing the motor. The plug has at least one internal conductor pin that protrudes into the internal chamber for connection to the winding and at least one corresponding external conductor pin that extends away from the shell for connection to the power supply for energizing the motor. The internal and external conductor pins are electrically connected to each other. The method also includes mounting a terminal block on a top surface of the stator assembly adjacent an outer edge of the top surface and positioning an end portion of the winding in a notch in the terminal block. The method further includes the steps of aligning the notch with the internal conductor pin and inserting the motor into the shell while maintaining the alignment of the notch with the internal conductor pin. The method further includes mounting the motor in position within the internal chamber so that the notch in the terminal block receives the internal conductor pin. In doing so, the internal conductor pin is electrically connected to the end portion of the winding positioned in the notch.
Alternatively, the invention may comprise various other methods and systems.
Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
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patent:
Fargo Vincent P.
Hussey John H.
Rose J. Scott
White Kent L.
Emerson Electric Co.
Lam Thanh
Ramirez Nestor
Senniger Powers Leavitt & Roedel
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