NZ619643B2 - Arrangement of components of a linear compressor - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an arrangement of components comprised in a linear compressor (1). The linear compressor is fundamentally composed by at least one resonant oscillating mechanism, at least one intermediate element (5), at least one flat spring (6), at least one shell (7), and at least one attaching means (8). The resonant oscillating mechanism comprises at least one resonant spring (2), at least one magnet, and at least one piston (4). The resonant spring defines at least one attaching region of the neutral point (21), the neutral point tends to not present oscillation and/or vibration while the linear compressor is operating. The intermediate element (5) defines an axially flexible surface (51), this surface is attached to the attaching region of the neutral point by an attaching means (8). The flat spring (6) defines at least one binding structure (62). The flat spring is arranged in a manner such that at least one binding structure (62) aligns axially with at least one attaching means (8) to help reduce vibration, or avoid non-operation. s (8). The resonant oscillating mechanism comprises at least one resonant spring (2), at least one magnet, and at least one piston (4). The resonant spring defines at least one attaching region of the neutral point (21), the neutral point tends to not present oscillation and/or vibration while the linear compressor is operating. The intermediate element (5) defines an axially flexible surface (51), this surface is attached to the attaching region of the neutral point by an attaching means (8). The flat spring (6) defines at least one binding structure (62). The flat spring is arranged in a manner such that at least one binding structure (62) aligns axially with at least one attaching means (8) to help reduce vibration, or avoid non-operation.

Description

“ARRANGEMENT OF COMPONENTS OF A LINEAR COMPRESSOR” Field of the Invention The present invention refers to the arrangement of components that compose a linear compressor. Thus, more specifically, the present invention deals with the alignment of certain means of support of a linear compressor that is based on a resonant oscillating mechanism.

Background of the Invention According to the skilled in the art, linear compressors comprise at least one arrangement wherein the piston is onally ated with a linear electrical , wherein the objective of this arrangement consists of axially moving the piston in the interior of a cylinder, ing the compression of a working fluid.

Thus, the skilled in the art y known linear compressors based on resonant oscillating mechanisms, wherein the piston (which glides in the interior of a cylinder, promoting the compression of a working fluid) and the linear engine (fundamentally composed by a fixed stator and a movable magnet) have their motion dynamics defined by means of a body with resilient es and which is susceptible of resonant linear vibration (which comprises the ing element between the piston and the magnet of the linear engine).

Some functional examples of linear compressors based on resonant oscillating mechanisms are described in document BR 0601645. One of these functional examples comprises a compressor wherein the magnet of the linear engine is attached to the piston by means of a resilient element as a resonant helical spring, wherein said piston (together with corresponding attaching elements thereof) is arranged in one of the ends of the resilient element, while the magnet (together with ponding ing elements thereof) is arranged in its opposed end. This arrangement enables that the movement between the opposed ends of the resilient element presents a difference of 180° (a hundred and eighty degrees). In this arrangement, the resilient element further presents a region in which the axial oscillation (or axial movement) tends to zero, wherein said region — which ses all the region located the s of the resilient element (or resonant spring) — is known as neutral point. Furthermore, in accordance with document BR 0601645, the mechanical attachment between the external shell of the ssor (normally cylindrical and tubular) and the resilient element shall be effectuated through said neutral point, aiming not modifying the oscillation conditions of the already mentioned elastic element. gh the concepts and constructiveness observed in document BR 0601645 meet all the intended objectives (in ideal operating situations), it shall be noted the lack of axial stiffness necessary for maintaining the positioning of the resonant oscillating mechanism in the or of the shell in situations wherein it is noted the unbalance of mass or stiffness (neutral point with oscillation different from zero), which may occur due to several reasons (non-ideal ions).

To overcome this unfavorable aspect, the current state of the art r es an arrangement of linear compressor (based on a resonant oscillating mechanism) wherein it is included an intermediate element among the ssor shell and the resilient element.

This arrangement including an intermediate element is defined, in detail, in the Brazilian document (not published yet) No. 018100049527 (filing number) of December 27‘“, 2010, which is also applied to the same author of the present application.

Thus, it is defined an intermediate element composed by an integrated tubular body, at least a group of rips (which defines an axially flexible surface), and at least one attaching point for the resilient element or resonant . Specifically, it is provided two symmetrically—arranged attaching points, wherein each one of the attaching points comprises a thru hole defined in the axially flexible surface. According to said document, the intermediate element is arranged in the or of the compressor shell, and the resonant spring is arranged in the interior of the intermediate element. This arrangement is fixed with bolts and similar tools, which pass through the axially flexible e of the intermediate element and the neutral point of the resonant, spring.

The ian document No. 018100049527 further discloses the presence of flat leaf springs assembled together with the side faces of the intermediate element. Said flat springs have the on of increasing the transverse stiffness between the resonant oscillating assembly and the compressor shell and r guaranteeing that occasional concentricity errors (of the resonant ating assembly) will be reduced.

If said flat leaf springs do not have an angular indexing related to the 3O resilient element that connects the magnet to the piston, the transverse vibration of the compressor, measured in two transverse directions, one direction on the base plan of the ssor (bottom) orthogonally to the ion of the piston motion and the other direction on the vertical plan orthogonally to the piston motion, will also have a variability that will follow the position of spring legs. Considering the indexing, the forces transmitted to the shell by the spring legs will have a fixed position.

Consequently, the vibration caused by said forces will have a lower variability.

The lack of indexing can also result in a rence (coincidence) between the frequencies of some vibration modes and some harmonicas of functioning, resulting in the increase of compressor vibration, or even its non-operation.

In view of the foregoing, it remains obvious the need of developing a linear compressor based on a resonant oscillating mechanism not containing the disadvantages described above.

The reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of tion that the prior art forms part of the common l knowledge in New Zealand.

Objectives of the Invention Thus, one of the objectives of the present invention is the disclosure of a linear compressor based on a resonant oscillating mechanism whose alignment of their means of t is capable of mitigating the vibration level of the compressor. In this sense, it is another objective of the present invention the ent of the means of support being capable of reducing the variability of the vibration level of the compressor.

Furthermore, it is another objective of the t invention the disclosure of a linear compressor based on a resonant oscillatingmechanism whose alignment of their means of support is capable of avoiding the ence of coincidences related to some frequencies and some harmonicas of functioning.

It is an object of the invention to provide an arrangement of ents of a linear compressor reciprocating compressor provided with leaf springs apparatus and/or a method which mes or at least ameliorates one or more disadvantages of the prior art, or alternatively to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Summa[y of the Invention These and other objectives of the instant revealed invention are completely achieved by the arrangement of components of a linear compressor, which is fundamentally composed by at least one resonant spring, which defines at least one attaching region of neutral point, at least one magnet and at least one piston, at least one flat spring, which defines at least one binding structure, at least one shell and at least one attaching means.

The arrangement of components of a linear ssor is different due to the fact that: at least one y flexible surface of the intermediate element is physically attached to at least one region of neutral point of the nt spring by means of an ing means; at least one flat spring is mechanically attached to at least one end of the intermediate element; at least one axially flexible surface of the intermediate element is aligned, in a radial way, with at least one attaching means of at least one neutral point of the resonant spring; at least one binding structure between the flexible region and the external er (which characterizes the “leg” of the flat spring) of at least one flat spring is axially aligned with at least one attaching means.

Preferably, the arrangement of components of a linear compressor includes at least two diametrically-opposed physical attachments between the axially flexible surfaces of the intermediate element and at least one neutral point of the resonant spring. ing to the preferred concepts of the present invention, each end of the intermediate element es the ical attachment of at least one flat . In this sense, the flat springs arranged in the ends of the intermediate element have their binding structures axially aligned.

In a first aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist in an arrangement of components of a linear compressor, wherein said linear compressor is composed by at least one resonant oscillating mechanism sing at least one resonant spring which defines at least one attaching region of neutral point, at least one magnet and at least one piston; at least one intermediate element which defines an y flexible surface; at least one flat spring which defines at least one binding structure; at least one shell; and at least one attaching means; wherein at least one axially le surface of the intermediate element is physically attached to at least one region of the neutral point of the resonant spring by means of an attaching means; at least one flat spring is mechanically attached to at least one of the ends of the ediate element, and; at least one g structure of at least one flat spring is aligned relative to the radial direction of the at least one ing means, said arrangement of components of a linear compressor, wherein: at least one axially flexible surface of the intermediate element is aligned, in a radial way, with at least one attaching region of the neutral point of the nt spring.

Preferably it provides at least two physical attachments between the at least one axially flexible surface of the intermediate element and the at least one neutral point of the resonant spring.

Preferably each end of the intermediate element provides the mechanical attachment of at least one flat spring.

Preferably said flat s arranged in the ends of the ediate element have their binding structures aligned in substantially the same radial direction.

Concise Description of the Drawings The present invention will be detailed with basis on the figures described as follows: Figure 1 illustrates, in a tic manner, a perspective view of a linear compressor, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2.1 illustrates, in a schematic manner, an exploded ctive view of a linear compressor, in ance with the present invention; Figure 2.2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of movable elements of a linear compressor; Figure 3.1 rates a cut view of the linear compressor assembled in accordance with a red embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3.2 illustrates an enlarged cut view of the movable elements of the compressor represented in Figure 3.1.

Detailed Description of the Invention As previously mentioned, the present ion refers to an arrangement of components comprised in a linear compressor capable of optimizing the functioning thereof, reducing vibrations and avoiding the occurrence of eventual functional problems caused by specifically undesired vibrations.

Thus, the arrangement of components that e a linear compressor provides several radial and axial alignments of their components, ally an alignment related to the location of the attaching means of neutral point of the resonant spring, n the intermediate t and the flat s.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in figures 1, 2, and 3.

In said figures it is illustrated a movable mechanical assembly of a linear compressor 1 based on a resonant oscillating mechanism.

The linear compressor 1 is composed by a resonant spring 2, which includes a magnet 3 of an electrical engine arranged in one of the ends thereof, and a piston 4 arranged in the other end. The magnet 3 and the piston 4 are provided with other support and connection elements.

The resonant spring 2 ses a metallic and substantially helical body, further presenting a neutral point 21 (which tends to not present oscillations and/or vibrations when the linear compressor 1 is working).

The electrical engine comprises a linear electrical engine embodied by a fixed portion (in relation to the resonant oscillating ly) and a e magnet 3 (capable of presenting an axial shift from the interior of the compressor 1).

The piston 4 comprises a half—passing cylindrical body and also other support and connection elements (such as, for example, a connecting rod, a guide, and others).

The resonant oscillating assembly formed by a resonant spring 2, a magnet 3, and a piston 4, is already known by the skilled in the art; in other words, it is already sed in prior art documents.

The resonant oscillating assembly of the linear compressor 1 is arranged in the interior of the intermediate body 5, which preferably comprises a body that is similar to the object described in the Brazilian document No. 018100049527; in other words, it has at least one axially flexible surface 51.

The attachment between the resonant ating ly (specially, the resonant spring 2) and the ediate body 5 results from the connection (supported by an attaching means 8) of the axially flexible surface 51, of the intermediate body 5, to the attaching region of the neutral point of the resonant spring 2. This type of attachment enables that all the resonant oscillating ly presents a certain degree of axial movement.

The linear compressor 1 further includes two flat springs 6 (or even assemblies or leaf springs analogous to said springs 6), which are fundamentally composed by an external n 61, binding structures 62, and an internal portion 63.

Preferably, the al 61 and internal 63 portions are defined by circumferential rings having dimensions that are analogous to the dimensions of the respective ends 52 of the ediate element 5 and to the attaching elements (not detailed) of the magnet 3 and piston 4. in this sense, the al portion 61 of each flat spring 6 is attached to one of the ends 52 of the intermediate element 5, preferably, by means of a mechanical ing.

The internal portion 63 of each flat spring 6 is attached to either the ing elements of the magnet 3 or the attaching elements of the piston 4.

Notably, the binding structures 62 have the objective of connecting the al portion 61 to the internal portion 63.

The linear compressor 1 is further composed by a shell 7, which —- fundamentally — comprises a tube dedicated for positioning the intermediate element 5.

Taking into consideration the conceptual point of view, the majority of such constructive features is already defined in the Brazilian documents (also property of the instant Applicant) BR 0601645 e No. 049527 (filing number).

According to the present invention, the arrangement of components that compose a linear compressor provides the physical attachment between axially flexible surfaces 51 of the intermediate element 5 and the attaching region of neutral point 21 of the resonant spring 2 by means of at least one attaching means 8 (preferably, a bolt). In this case, the axially flexible surfaces 51 of the intermediate element 5 are d, in a radial way, with the neutral point 21 of the nt spring 2.

Moreover, and also in accordance with the present invention, the arrangement of components that compose a linear compressor provides the mechanical attachment of a flat spring 6 (or flat leaf springs) and the ends 52 of an intermediate element 5. In this case, one of the binding structures 62 of a flat spring 6 (or flat leaf springs) is axially aligned with an attaching means 8, and, consequently, aligned with the attaching region of the neutral point 21 of the resonant spring 2 and with the axially flexible surfaces 51 of the intermediate element 5.

Upon considering the axial alignment of the binding structure 62 of a flat spring 6 with an attaching means 8, the forces transmitted to the shell 7 h the legs of the flat springs 6 will have a fixed r position and, consequently, the vibration caused by said forces will present a lower variability.

The lack of the axial alignment may also result in a concurrence (coincidence) n the frequencies of some ion modes and some icas of functioning, resulting in the increase of ssor 1 vibration, or even its non- operation.

The above-mentioned refers to an e of a preferred embodiment.

Thus, it shall be noted that the scope of the invention includes other possible modifications, being only restricted by the content of the claims, therein considered possible equivalent means.

Unless the context clearly requires othenNise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be ued in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to".

Claims (5)

1. An ement of components of a linear compressor, wherein said linear compressor is composed by at least one resonant oscillating mechanism comprising at least one resonant spring which defines at least one attaching region of neutral point, at least one magnet and at least one piston; at least one intermediate element which defines an axially flexible surface; at least one flat spring which defines at least one binding structure; at least one shell; and at least one attaching means; wherein at least one axially flexible surface of the intermediate t is 10 physically attached to at least one region of the neutral point of the resonant spring by means of an attaching means; at least one flat spring is mechanically attached to at least one of the ends of the intermediate element, and; at least one binding structure of at least one flat spring is aligned relative 15 to the radial direction of the at least one attaching means, said arrangement of components of a linear compressor, wherein—: at least one axially le surface of the intermediate element is aligned, in a radial way, with at least one attaching region of the neutral point of the resonant spring.

2. An arrangement of components of a linear compressor, in accordance with claim 1, comprising at least two physical ments between the at least one y flexible surface of the ediate element and the at least one l point of the resonant spring.

3. An ement of components of a linear ssor, in accordance with claim 1, wherein each end of the intermediate element provides the mechanical attachment of at least one flat spring. 3O

4. An arrangement of components of a linear compressor, in accordance with claim 1 or 3, wherein said flat springs arranged in the ends of the ediate element have their binding structures aligned in substantially the same radial direction.

5. An arrangement of components of a linear compressor substantially. 35 as herein described, with reference to any one of more of the accompanying drawings. WO 03922 PCTIBR