Connector block having at least one protrusion, for a terminal assembly

A hermetically sealed compressor comprising:

• a sealed metal chamber;
• a compressor mounted within the sealed metal chamber;
• a motor connected to the compressor to drive the compressor;
• a terminal assembly electrically connected to the motor, the terminal assembly comprising a cup-shaped body extending through and sealed along the peripheral rim thereof to an aperture in the wall of the sealed metal chamber, the cup-shaped body having an open end and a plurality of electrical conductor pins extending from inside the cup-shaped body, the electrical conductor pins providing end portions which extend into the inside of the sealed metal chamber;
• and
• a connector block adapted to engage with the terminal assembly, wherein the connector block comprises:
• a substantially flat surface defining a plurality of holes adapted to receive the end portions of the plurality of electrical conductor pins when the connector block is engaged with the terminal assembly, wherein at least one of the holes is at least partially encircled by a protrusion located on the substantially flat surface, the substantially flat surface further defining a connector lip extended around the perimeter of the substantially flat surface, the connector lip adapted to overlap at least a portion of an outer peripheral side wall of the cup-shaped body, such that at least of portion of the pins are surrounded by both the lip and an inner peripheral side wall of the cup-shaped body.

A method of minimizing electrical arcing inside a cup-shaped body of a terminal assembly of a hermetically sealed compressor during operation of the compressor, wherein the cup-shaped body extends through and is sealed along the peripheral rim thereof to an aperture in the wall of the hermetically sealed compressor, the method comprising:

• mounting a plurality of electrical conductor pins inside an open end of the cup-shaped body of the terminal assembly, the electrical conductor pins providing end portions which extend into the inside of the compressor;
• providing a connector block adapted to couple with the terminal assembly, wherein the connector block defines a substantially flat surface on one side of the connector block, the substantially flat surface being adapted to engage with the open end of the cup-shaped body of the terminal assembly, wherein the substantially flat surface defines a plurality of holes adapted to accommodate the end portions of the plurality of electrical conductor pins, at least one of the holes at least partially circumscribed by a protrusion located on the substantially flat surface, and wherein the substantially flat surface further defines a connector lip around the perimeter of the substantially flat surface;
• and
• coupling the terminal assembly with the connector block such that the connector lip overlaps and covers the open end of the cup-shaped body of the terminal assembly, the connector lip adapted to overlap at least a portion of an outer peripheral side wall of the cup-shaped body, such that at least of portion of the pins are surrounded by the lip, by an inner peripheral side wall of the cup-shaped body, and by a protrusion.

A connector block adapted to engage with a terminal assembly of a hermetically sealed compressor having a motor and a compressor mounted therein, wherein the terminal assembly defines a cap having an open end and a plurality of electrical conductor pins extending therefrom, the connector block comprising:

• a first open end;
• wherein the first open end defines a substantially flat surface;
• and
• wherein the substantially flat surface defines a plurality of holes adapted to receive the plurality of electrical conductor pins when the connector block is engaged with the terminal assembly, wherein there is employed a protrusion located on the substantially flat surface, the protrusion at least partially surrounding the circumference of at least one of the holes, and wherein the substantially flat surface further defines a connector lip extending around the perimeter of the substantially flat surface.

A connector block adapted to engage with a terminal assembly of a hermetically sealed compressor having a motor and a compressor mounted therein, wherein the terminal assembly defines a cap having an open end and a plurality of electrical conductor pins extending therefrom, the connector block comprising:

• an open end;
• wherein the open end defines a substantially flat surface;
• and
• wherein the substantially flat surface defines means for receiving the plurality of electrical conductor pins when the connector block is engaged with the terminal assembly, wherein the substantially flat surface further defines means for circumscribing the receiving means, and wherein the substantially flat surface further defines means for covering the open end of the cap of the terminal assembly.

An assembly for use in a hermetically sealed compressor, the assembly comprising:

• a terminal assembly comprising a cup-shaped body adapted to extend through and be sealed along its peripheral rim to an aperture in a wall of the hermetically sealed compressor, the cup-shaped body having an open end and a plurality of electrical conductor pins extending therefrom, the electrical conductor pins providing end portions which extend into a low pressure (suction) side of the hermetically sealed compressor;
• and
• a connector block comprising (i) a first open end defining a substantially flat surface including a plurality of holes adapted to receive the end portions of the plurality of electrical conductor pins;
• (ii) a connector lip extending around the perimeter of the substantially flat surface, wherein the connector lip is adapted to cover the open end of the cup-shaped body of the terminal assembly, to overlap at least a portion of an outer peripheral side wall of the cup-shaped body, and to surround the plurality of electrical conductor pins, such that at least of portion of the pins are surrounded by both the lip and an inner peripheral side wall of the cup-shaped body;
• (iii) a protrusion extending from the substantially flat surface and at least partially surrounding the circumference of at least one of the holes;
• (iv) a second open end defining a plurality of parallel passageways adapted to accommodate lead wires electrically connectable to the plurality of electrical conductor pins through the first open end of the connector block and electrically connectable to a motor within the hermetically sealed compressor through the second open end of the connector block.