Hermetic compressor motor terminal

Abstract

A hermetic electrical terminal construction adapted for connection to the outer housing of a hermetic motor compressor unit so that current may be carried to the compressor motor from an external source. The terminal comprises a body member welded or otherwise secured to the compressor outer housing and a plurality of conductor pins secured to and extending through the body member. Each of the conductor pins, which may be made of stainless steel, copper or other suitable material, comprises a first segment disposed within the housing, a second segment disposed outside the housing, and an intermediate segment connecting the first and second segments, the intermediate segment being disposed primarily within the body member. Electrical insulating and sealing material, such as glass or epoxy potting, surrounds the pin intermediate segment and forms a hermetic seal between the pin intermediate segment and the body member. The intermediate segment has a larger transverse cross-sectional area than the segment disposed outside the compressor housing with a concomitant larger current carrying capacity so that under irreversible overcurrent conditions, the normal diameter external segment will melt thereby interrupting the supply of current. Since the intermediate portion is of a greater current carrying capacity, it will remain intact and the seal between the potting material and pin will not be disturbed so that the pressurized refrigerant within the compressor housing will not be discharged.