Spring configuration for a hermetic compressor discharge valve

Abstract

A hermetic compressor for use in refrigeration systems is provided. The hermetic compressor includes a compressor unit disposed within an enclosed compressor casing. The compressor unit has a compression chamber and a valve assembly having an inlet port arranged to introduce refrigerant into the compression chamber and an outlet port for discharging the refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber. The valve assembly includes a valve plate, a single outlet reed valve, and a spring member. The valve plate has formed therein a recessed portion in which the outlet port is formed. The outlet reed valve has a supporting portion and a valve portion for selectively opening and closing the outlet port according to a pressure level of the refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber. The recessed portion has protrusions to define an outlet reed valve housing in which the supporting portion of the valve portion of the outlet reed valve is secured. The spring member has a plate portion and a plurality of legs, extending from the plate portion, designed to engage the protrusions of the recessed portion to retain the outlet reed valve in the outlet reed valve housing and to provide a spring force serving to restrict opening motion of the valve portion of the outlet reed valve.