Suction filter for a compressor

Abstract

A suction fitting for a compressor can include screens, filters, and direction control louvers to both filter out particulates and direct higher mass liquid refrigerant downward away from the inlet to the compression chamber. Alternatively, a mesh filter can be place over the opening(s) to the suction plenum to prevent debris and contaminants from entering the suction plenum.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A compressor comprising:
 a shell having an enclosed space;   a compression mechanism positioned within the enclosed space of the shell;   a motor positioned within the enclosed space of the shell and connected to the compression mechanism by a shaft to power the compression mechanism;   a motor cap positioned on the motor opposite the compression mechanism, the motor cap comprising a top surface and a sidewall extending from the top surface toward the motor, the top surface and sidewall defining a plenum between the motor and the motor cap to store refrigerant;   the motor cap comprising at least one opening to provide passage of refrigerant between the enclosed space and the plenum; and   a filter mechanism positioned over the at least one opening.   
     
     
         2 . The compressor of  claim 1  wherein the at least one opening is positioned in the top surface of the motor cap. 
     
     
         3 . The compressor of  claim 2  wherein the at least one opening comprises a plurality of openings. 
     
     
         4 . A compressor comprising:
 a shell having an enclosed space;   a compression mechanism positioned within the enclosed space of the shell;   a motor positioned within the enclosed space of the shell and connected to the compression mechanism by a shaft to power the compression mechanism;   a suction fitting mounted within the shell to provide for passage of refrigerant into the enclosed space, the suction fitting comprising:
 a screen positioned within the suction fitting; and 
 a cover positioned on the end of the suction fitting located within the compressor, the cover comprising a plurality of louvers to direct the refrigerant flow into the enclosed space.