Suction and discharge mechanisms for an appliance refrigerant compressor

Abstract

Suction and discharge mechanisms for the compressor of a refrigeration cycle are provided. Two discharge ports for the removal of refrigerant from a compressor are described. Additionally, the present invention can provide a suction valve having an aperture for the flow of refrigerant around and through the suction valve when it is in an open position. As such, the present invention can provide a refrigerant compressor having an improved coefficient of discharge and increased efficiency.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A refrigerant compressor, comprising:
 a cylinder for receipt of refrigerant to be compressed;   a piston received within said cylinder and configured for reciprocating movement;   a suction port for the receipt of refrigerant into said cylinder;   a suction valve positioned at said suction port and configured for opening to allow refrigerant through said suction port and into said cylinder;   a first discharge port for the discharge of refrigerant from said cylinder;   a second discharge port for the discharge of refrigerant from said cylinder; and   at least one discharge valve configured for opening to allow refrigerant out of said cylinder through said first and second discharge ports.   
     
     
         2 . A refrigerant compressor as in  claim 1 , wherein said first and second discharge ports are located on different sides of said suction valve. 
     
     
         3 . A refrigerant compressor as in  claim 1 , wherein said suction valve includes an aperture positioned along said suction valve at a location that is offset from said suction port, whereby refrigerant is blocked from passing through the aperture when said suction valve is in a closed position and refrigerant is allowed to pass through the aperture when said suction valve in an open position. 
     
     
         4 . A refrigerant compressor as in  claim 1 , wherein at least one discharge valve further comprises:
 a first discharge valve positioned at said first discharge port and configured for opening to a allow refrigerant out of said cylinder through said first discharge port when said first discharge valve is an open position and is configured for blocking refrigerant from discharging from said cylinder when said first discharge valve is in a closed position.   a second discharge valve positioned at said second discharge port and configured for opening to a allow refrigerant out of said cylinder through said second discharge port when said second discharge valve is an open position and is configured for blocking refrigerant from discharging from said cylinder when said second discharge valve is in a closed position.   
     
     
         5 . A refrigerant compressor as in  claim 1 , wherein said suction valve comprises a metal reed positioned so as to cover said suction port when said suction valve is in a closed position. 
     
     
         6 . A refrigerant compressor as in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one discharge valve comprises a metal reed positioned so as to cover said first and second discharge ports when said discharge valve is in a closed position. 
     
     
         7 . A refrigerant compressor as in  claim 1 , wherein said suction valve comprises:
 a plate portion for blocking said suction port when said suction valve is in a closed position, said plate portion defining an aperture for the flow of refrigerant only when said suction valve is in an open position; and,   a stem portion.   
     
     
         8 . A refrigerant compressor as in  claim 7 , wherein said suction valve further comprises a metal reed. 
     
     
         9 . A refrigerant compressor as in  claim 1 , wherein said first and second discharge ports are defined by a suction valve plate received at an opening at one end of said cylinder. 
     
     
         10 . A valve mechanism for a refrigerant compressor, the compressor having a cylinder defining an opening along one end, the valve mechanism comprising:
 a suction valve plate for positioning at the opening of the cylinder, said suction valve plate comprising:
 a first discharge port configured for the discharge of refrigerant from the cylinder; 
 a second discharge port configured for the discharge of refrigerant from the cylinder; and, 
 a suction valve for positioning proximate to a suction port and configured for opening under suction to allow refrigerant through the suction port and into the cylinder. 
   
     
     
         11 . A valve mechanism for a refrigerant compressor as in  claim 10 , wherein said suction valve comprises an aperture for the flow of refrigerant when said suction valve is in an open position. 
     
     
         12 . A valve mechanism for a refrigerant compressor as in  claim 11 , wherein said suction valve is positioned between said first and second discharge ports. 
     
     
         13 . A valve mechanism for a refrigerant compressor as in  claim 10 , wherein said suction valve comprises a metal reed positioned so as to block the suction port when said suction valve is in a closed position. 
     
     
         14 . A valve mechanism for a refrigerant compressor as in  claim 10 , wherein said suction valve further comprises:
 a plate portion for blocking the suction port when said suction valve is in a closed position, said plate portion defining an aperture for the flow of refrigerant only when said suction valve is in an open position; and,   a stem portion.   
     
     
         15 . A valve mechanism for a refrigerant compressor as in  claim 14 , wherein said suction valve further comprises a metal reed. 
     
     
         16 . A valve mechanism for a refrigerant compressor as in  claim 10 , further comprising a discharge valve plate that comprises:
 a discharge valve configured for opening to a allow refrigerant out of the cylinder through said first and second discharge ports.   
     
     
         17 . A valve mechanism for a refrigerant compressor as in  claim 10 , wherein said discharge valve further comprises a metal reed. 
     
     
         18 . A valve mechanism for a refrigerant compressor as in  claim 10 , wherein said discharge valve plate is mounted onto said suction valve plate.