Compact discharge device for the refrigeration compressor of an appliance

Abstract

A discharge device for a refrigeration compressor is provided. The device can include a discharge tube connected with the discharge of the refrigeration compressor. A bellows surrounds a perforated portion of the discharge tube. The length of the discharge tube can be minimized to decrease pressure loss. The discharge can be insulated to prevent the distribution of heat to the compressor and/or to allow for the recovery of heat energy later in the refrigeration cycle.

1 . A discharge device for a refrigeration unit, the refrigeration unit having a compressor with a discharge for the output of pressurized refrigerant, the device comprising:
 a discharge tube in fluid communication with the discharge from the compressor, the discharge tube having an exterior wall, said discharge tube comprising:
 a first portion having a plurality of apertures positioned about the exterior wall of said discharge tube, the apertures configured for the flow of refrigerant through the exterior wall of said discharge tube; 
 a second portion connected to said first portion and configured to feed refrigerant away from said first portion; and, 
   a dampening device is positioned around the first portion of said discharge tube and is configured for the capture of refrigerant flowing through the apertures in the first portion of said discharge tube.   
     
     
         2 . A discharge device for a refrigeration unit as in  claim 1 , wherein said dampening device and the exterior wall of said discharge tube define an expansion chamber for the receipt of refrigerant. 
     
     
         3 . A discharge device for a refrigeration unit as in  claim 1 , wherein said dampening device comprises a bellows attached to the exterior wall of said discharge tube. 
     
     
         4 . A discharge device for a refrigeration unit as in  claim 3 , wherein said dampening device is welded to the exterior wall of said discharge tube. 
     
     
         5 . A discharge device for a refrigeration unit as in  claim 1 , wherein said discharge tube is connected to a muffler that is attached to the compressor. 
     
     
         6 . A discharge device for a refrigeration unit as in  claim 5 , further comprising insulation positioned about the exterior of said muffler. 
     
     
         7 . A discharge device for a refrigeration unit as in  claim 1 , wherein said discharge tube extends through the wall of a casing surrounding the refrigeration unit. 
     
     
         8 . A discharge device for a refrigeration unit as in  claim 7 , wherein a portion of the discharge tube is routed through an oil reservoir used to lubricate the refrigeration unit. 
     
     
         9 . A discharge device for a refrigeration unit as in  claim 1 , further comprising insulation surrounding at least a part of said discharge tube. 
     
     
         10 . A discharge device for a refrigeration unit as in  claim 1 , further comprising insulation enclosing the second portion of said discharge tube. 
     
     
         11 . A hermetically sealed refrigeration unit, comprising:
 a compressor for pressuring refrigerant, the compressor having an outlet for the discharge of pressurized refrigerant;   a motor connected to said compressor by a shaft;   a casing enclosing the motor and the compressor;   a suction tube for feeding refrigerant into said casing;   a discharge tube in fluid communication with the outlet of said compressor, said discharge comprising:
 a perforated section of tubing configured for the passage of refrigerant in and out of said discharge tube; 
 a non-perforated section in fluid communication with said perforated section and configured for transferring refrigerant to the exterior of said casing; and, 
   a stress-dissipating device surrounding said perforated section of tubing, said stress-dissipating device configured to capture refrigerant passing from said perforated section.   
     
     
         12 . A hermetically sealed refrigeration unit as in  claim 11 , wherein said stress-dissipating device and said perforated section of tubing define a chamber for the receipt of refrigerant. 
     
     
         13 . A hermetically sealed refrigeration unit as in  claim 11 , further comprising a muffler connected to the outlet of said compressor, and wherein said discharge tube is connected to said muffler. 
     
     
         14 . A hermetically sealed refrigeration unit as in  claim 13 , wherein said first section of said discharge tube is connected to said muffler. 
     
     
         15 . A hermetically sealed refrigeration unit as in  claim 13 , further comprising insulation positioned about the exterior of said muffler. 
     
     
         16 . A hermetically sealed refrigeration unit as in  claim 13 , further comprising fins positioned on said casing to provide additional heat transfer from said casing. 
     
     
         17 . A hermetically sealed refrigeration unit as in  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a condenser in fluid communication with said discharge tube; and   
       a heat exchanger connected between said discharge tube and said condenser so as to allow for the dissipation, recovery, or both, of heat energy from the refrigerant before it is fed to said condenser. 
     
     
         18 . A hermetically sealed refrigeration unit as in  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a condenser in fluid communication with said discharge tube; and   
       wherein portions of said discharge tube are provided with cooling fins to help dissipate heat from refrigerant in said discharge tube.