Linear Compressor and Drive Unit Therefor

Abstract

A drive unit for a linear compressor having a frame and a body configured for reciprocating movement connected to the frame by at least one diaphragm spring and means for guiding the body to allow linear reciprocating movement with respect to the frame, the drive unit including a coil spring for action on the reciprocating body and the frame, the coil spring being configured for extension and compression in a direction of movement.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . A drive unit for a linear compressor having a frame and a body configured for reciprocating movement connected to the frame by at least one diaphragm spring and means for guiding the body to allow linear reciprocating movement with respect to the frame, the drive unit comprising a coil spring for action on the reciprocating body and the frame, the coil spring being configured for extension and compression in a direction of movement. 
   
   
       13 . The drive unit according to  claim 12  wherein the coil spring is configured to extend around a straight line along which the center of gravity of the reciprocating body can move in reciprocating manner. 
   
   
       14 . The drive unit according to  claim 13  wherein the straight line is coincident with a longitudinal axis of the coil spring. 
   
   
       15 . The drive unit according to  claim 13  wherein the straight line is at least a part of an axis of symmetry of the diaphragm spring. 
   
   
       16 . The drive unit according to  claim 12  and further comprising a spring plate wherein one end of the coil spring acts on the circumference thereof, and wherein a center of the spring plate presses against the reciprocating body. 
   
   
       17 . The drive unit according to  claim 12  wherein the diaphragm spring comprises a plurality of bent arms wherein one end of each arm is fixed to the frame and another end of each arm is fixed to the reciprocating body. 
   
   
       18 . The drive unit according to  claim 17  wherein each arm includes two sections bent in different directions. 
   
   
       19 . The drive unit according to  claim 12  and further comprising at least a second diaphragm spring, wherein the first and the second diaphragm springs act on areas of the reciprocating body that are set apart in the direction of the reciprocating movement. 
   
   
       20 . A linear compressor having a working chamber, a piston configured for reciprocating movement in the working chamber in order to compress a working fluid, and a drive unit having a frame and a reciprocating body connected to the frame by at least one diaphragm spring; and means for guiding the reciprocating body in a linear reciprocating movement with respect to the frame, the drive unit comprising a coil spring for action on the reciprocating body and the frame, the coil spring being configured for extension and compression in the direction of movement, wherein the drive unit is coupled to the piston to drive the reciprocating movement. 
   
   
       21 . The linear compressor according to  claim 20  and further comprising a piston rod extending between the piston and the reciprocating body along a straight line. 
   
   
       22 . The linear compressor according to  claim 20  wherein the working chamber is at least partially surrounded by the coil spring.