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.

1 . A hermetically sealed compressor, comprising:
 a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface, said inner surface substantially defining a hermetically sealed chamber;   a motor and compressor unit driven thereby supported within said housing;   a vent aperture extending between said outer surface of said housing and said inner surface of said housing; and   a pressure release device having a flange portion and a rupture portion, said flange portion positioned against and secured to said inner surface of said housing, said rupture portion extending at least partially across said vent aperture, whereby excessive pressure of the fluid within said housing causes said rupture portion to open.   
   
   
       2 . The hermetically sealed compressor of  claim 1 , wherein said rupture portion extends at least partially within said vent aperture. 
   
   
       3 . The hermetically sealed compressor of  claim 1 , wherein said rupture portion includes a connecting portion between said flange portion and said rupture portion, said connecting portion forming an S-curve. 
   
   
       4 . The hermetically sealed compressor of  claim 1 , wherein said flange portion of said pressure release device is secured to said inner surface of said housing by welding. 
   
   
       5 . The hermetically sealed compressor of  claim 1 , further comprising a multi-pin terminal cluster, said multi-pin terminal cluster positioned substantially opposite said pressure release device. 
   
   
       6 . The hermetically sealed compressor of  claim 1 , wherein said pressure release device is formed of tin plated carbon steel. 
   
   
       7 . The hermetically sealed compressor of  claim 1 , wherein said vent aperture is in fluid communication with the environment. 
   
   
       8 . The hermetically sealed compressor of  claim 1 , wherein said pressure release device is formed as a disk. 
   
   
       9 . The hermetically sealed compressor of  claim 1 , wherein said rupture portion of said pressure release device is substantially defined by a groove. 
   
   
       10 . The hermetically sealed compressor of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of said housing surrounding said vent aperture is flattened. 
   
   
       11 . A hermetically sealed compressor, comprising:
 a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface, said inner surface substantially defining a hermetically sealed chamber;   a motor and compressor unit driven thereby supported within said housing;   a vent aperture formed in a first sidewall of said housing and extending between said outer surface and said inner surface of said housing;   a multi-pin terminal cluster positioned on a second sidewall of said housing substantially opposite said vent aperture; and   a pressure release device having a flange portion and a rupture portion, said flange portion positioned against and secured to said inner surface of said housing, said rupture portion extending at least partially across said vent aperture, whereby excessive pressure of the fluid within said housing causes said rupture portion to open and release the excessive pressure through the first sidewall of the housing.   
   
   
       12 . The hermetically sealed compressor of  claim 11 , wherein said rupture portion extends at least partially within said vent aperture. 
   
   
       13 . The hermetically sealed compressor of  claim 11 , wherein said rupture portion includes a connecting portion between said flange portion and said rupture portion, said connecting portion forming an S-curve. 
   
   
       14 . The hermetically sealed compressor of  claim 11 , wherein said flange portion of said pressure release device is secured to said inner surface of said housing by welding. 
   
   
       15 . The hermetically sealed compressor of  claim 11 , wherein said second sidewall is adjacent said first sidewall. 
   
   
       16 . The hermetically sealed compressor of  claim 11 , wherein a portion of said housing surrounding said vent aperture is flattened. 
   
   
       17 . The hermetically sealed compressor of  claim 11 , wherein said pressure release device is formed as a disk.