NZ619786B2 - Connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor and process for assembling connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor, comprising using at least an intermediate element capable of associating said connecting rod with the piston, wherein both do not radially contact with one another. A process for assembling said connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor is also disclosed. The connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor comprises at least a piston (1), at least an intermediate element (2) and at least a connecting rod (3), wherein said piston (1) comprises at least a non-through axial channel (1 1); said intermediate element (2) comprises at least a through axial channel (21 ); and said connecting rod (3) comprises at least a connection end (31). In this regard, the intermediate element (2) is securely housed inside the non-through axial channel (11) of piston (1); and said connection end (31) of connecting rod (3) is securely housed inside the through axial channel (21) of intermediate element (2). gement for alternative compressor is also disclosed. The connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor comprises at least a piston (1), at least an intermediate element (2) and at least a connecting rod (3), wherein said piston (1) comprises at least a non-through axial channel (1 1); said intermediate element (2) comprises at least a through axial channel (21 ); and said connecting rod (3) comprises at least a connection end (31). In this regard, the intermediate element (2) is securely housed inside the non-through axial channel (11) of piston (1); and said connection end (31) of connecting rod (3) is securely housed inside the through axial channel (21) of intermediate element (2).

Description

“CONNECTING ROD/PISTON EMENT FOR ALTERNATIVE COMPRESSOR AND S FOR ASSEMBLING CONNECTING ROD/PISTON ARRANGEMENT FOR ALTERNATIVE COMPRESSOR" Field of the Invention The present invention refers to a connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor, more specifically, a linear compressor applied to cooling systems and the like.

The now disclosed ting rod/piston provides for the use of at least an intermediate element capable of associating said connecting rod with the piston, wherein both do not radially contact with one another.

The t invention also refers to a process for assembling said connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor.

Background of the ion Those skilled in the art know that an ative compressor comprises means to move at least a movable assembly, wherein at least a piston is capable of being reciprocating displaced in the axial direction inside a cylinder in order to effect compression on working fluid.

The present state of the art comprises some models of alternative compressor ly, such as, for example, linear compressor.

A linear compressor has its movable ly driven by a linear-type electric engine, wherein a portion of said engine is static (normally secured to a compressor er) and at least a portion is dynamic (normally capable of linear movement and coupled to said movable assembly of the compressor). In this context, the movable assembly of the compressor follows an axial and ocating displacement of the dynamic n of the engine to cause ssion on a working fluid.

According to the present state of the art, a movable assembly of alternative compressor comprises at least a piston and a connecting road, which includes a body responsible for connection between said engine and . Constructions are known where one of the connecting road ends is directly associated with the shaft/dynamic portion of the engine (the other end being associated with the piston). Constructions where one of the connecting rod ends is associated with a series of additional elements which are in turn associated with the shaft/dynamic portion of the engine (the other end being associated with the piston) are also known.

With regard to association of one of the connecting rod ends with the piston, also known are several constructions wherein the simplest construction comprises a direct fixation between a connecting rod and a piston.

The present state of the art also provides for intermediate elements used between an association of a connecting rod and a piston.

An example of using intermediate elements for association of a connecting rod with a piston is described in US Patent 3,263,311. Said US Patent describes an association between a piston in a connecting rod wherein said piston is essentially hollow and receives in its interior a connection insertion which in turn receives a connecting rod end. Said connec- tion insertion is fixed inside the piston through a stop also previously formed inside the piston.

The large drawback of this example of construction resides in the fact that the connection insertion is fixed inside the piston through inner stops (inner grooves) physically existing in the piston itself. That is, in addition to the fact that said stops do not comprise an efficient fixation means, they also cause an increase in the piston manufacture complexity and costs.

Another example of a similar construction is disclosed in US Patent 3,473,444, which refers to a ting rod/piston arrangement consisting of a hollow piston and a connecting rod having a swivel end. In this case, the piston comprises a ting insertion housed in its or, said insertion being formed by two different parts which are led under especial processing conditions. Said insertion is especially suitable for receiving swivel end of the connecting rod.

The large ck relative to this constructional example resides in the fact that said insertion, assembled inside the piston, fulfills all the internal volume thereof, wherein reduction in the piston mass is not possible. Moreover, said insertion is securely associated only with the piston interior while said connecting rod comprises several degrees of freedom of nt when coupling to the insertion. This is not suitable for some specific applications.

Another example of similar construction is described in US Patent 916, which refers, among other elements, to a rigid piston comprising a connection opening and an insertion member housed in said connection opening of the piston. In this case, a ting road functionally connected to said insertion member, and, therefore, associated with the piston is disclosed. Said connecting rod is kept inside the ion member through resilient portions disposed at the insertion member itself.

A large ck concerning this example of construction resides in the fact that said insertion, in addition to being secured to the piston end (being capable of being moved away) fixes said ting through resilient ns, which may undergo deformation and break.

In view of the foregoing, it can be obviously observed that there is a need for devel- oping a solution free of the disadvantageous aspects mentioned above. s of the Invention By this way, one object of the present invention is to provide a new connecting ston arrangement for alternative compressor, which allows for the control (and reduction ) of piston mass.

Another object of the t invention is to provide a connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor, which uses an intermediate element which is capable of associating the connecting rod with the piston, wherein both do not radially t with one another. A further object of the present invention is that said contacting rod and the insertion , as well as the connecting rod and the ion, are securely associated such that they cannot move angularly.

Additionally, an object of the present invention is to provide a simple and effective process for assembling a connecting ston arrangement for ative compressor.

Alternatively, it is also an object of the invention to at least e the public with a useful choice. y of the Invention At least one of these and other objects of the present invention are fully accom- plished by means of a connecting ston arrangement for alternative compressor, as now proposed.

Said connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor comprises at least a piston, at least an intermediate element and at least a ting rod. According to the concept of the present invention, said piston comprises at least a non-through axial l, said intermediate element comprises at least a through axial channel, and said connecting rod comprises at least a connecting end. In addition, the intermediate element is securely housed inside the non-through axial channel of the , and the connecting rod end is securely housed inside the through axial channel of said intermediate t.

Preferably, said non-through axial channel of the piston is cylindrical. Further prefer- ably, said intermediate element is cylindrical. In this aspect, it is observed that inner diameter of non-through axial l of the piston is analogous to outer diameter of the intermediate element. ably, said through axial channel of the intermediate t is cylindrical. Further preferably, the connection end of the connecting rod is cylindrical. In this regard, it is observed that inner diameter of the through axial channel of the intermediate element is analogous to outer diameter of the connection end of the connecting rod.

In accordance with the concept of the present invention, said intermediate element is securely housed in the closed end of the rough axial channel of the piston, wherein same has radial and axial physical contact with the inner face of the non-through channel of the piston.

Further, in accordance with the concept of the present invention, the connection end of the connecting rod has radial physical contract with the inner face of the through axial channel of the intermediate element, and axial physical contact with the inner face of the non-through axial channel of the piston. 40 Preferably, the connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor of the present invention comprises a binder disposed between the outer face of the intermediate element and the inner face of the ediate element of the non-through axial channel of the piston, and a binder disposed between the end of the connection end of the connecting rod and the inner face of the through axial channel of the ediate element. In this sense, the binder preferably ses a polymer resin.

The present invention further provides a ential process for assembling said connecting rod/piston for alternative ssor, wherein said s comprises at least a step in which a piston, at least an intermediate element and at least a connecting rod are simultaneously fixed, wherein the intermediate element is d inside the piston and the connecting rod is secured inside the ediate element. Preferably, said step further comprises at least an application of binder during simultaneous fixation between the piston, intermediate element and connecting rod.

Further ably, the binder used in the preferential process for assembling the connecting rod/assembly arrangement for alternative compressor ses a polymer resin.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and claims the terms “comprise”, “comprising” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense. That is, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

Brief Description of Drawings The present invention will be described in more details on the basis of figures listed below, which: Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic cut of ting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor; and Fig. 2 illustrates a connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor in an exploded view.

Detailed Description of the Invention In accordance with the main embodiment of the present application, a connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative ssor, more specifically for linear compressor used in cooling systems and the like, is disclosed. Said connecting rod/piston comprises at least a piston 1, at least an ediate element 2 and at least a connecting rod 3.

In this , said intermediate element 2 has the function of essentially indirectly connecting an end of the connecting rod 3 to said piston 1 such that a reciprocating axial movement of the opposite end of said connecting rod 3 is directly transmitted to said piston Figs 1 and 2 (although being schematic) illustrate the preferred ment of the connecting rod/piston of the present invention.

[Followed by page 4a] By this way and in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention , said piston 1 comprises a cylindrical body comprising a non-through axial channel 11, that is, an axial channel delimited by the “working end” of the piston, which is closed. The intermediate t comprises a r cylindrical body including, therefore, a through axi- al channel 21. Said connecting rod 3 comprises a rod-type having a connection end 31, [Followed by page 5] WO 74627 which is also cylindrical.

Said intermediate element 2 is securely housed inside the non-through axial channel 11 of said piston 1, and the connection end 31 of the connecting rod 3 is securely housed inside the through axial channel 21 of the intermediate element.

Such a disposition renders the arrangement rigid, and, hence, it is ensured that reciprocating axial movement of the opposite end of the connecting rod is fully transmitted to piston 1.

Furthermore, the t connecting rod/piston arrangement allows for the mass of piston 1 to be relieved since same is hollow and does not provide for its internal volume to be fulfilled by said intermediate element 12 and connecting rod 3. Such a characteristic is extremely important concerning the frequency of functioning and vibration levels of the compressor.

To this effect, and in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, inner diameter of the rough axial channel 11 of piston 1 is analogous to outer diameter of the intermediate element. This permits osition between said elements.

Inner diameter of the through axial channel 21 of intermediate element 2 is also analogous to outer diameter of the connection end 31 of connecting rod 2, and this also permits juxtaposition between said elements.

Optionally, the above-mentioned diameters can present a certain nce etween (on the order of from 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm diametrical clearances). Such clearances are preferably fulfilled with binder.

In this context, the use of a binder disposed between the outer face of the intermediate element 2 and the inner face of the non-through axial channel 11 of said piston 1 is disclosed. It is also contemplated the use of a binder disposed between the end 31 of the connecting rod 3 and the inner face of the through axial channel 21 of the intermediate element 2.

In both cases, the binder preferably ses a polymer resin. More specifically (but not limitative), said polymer resin preferably comprises a monocomponent epoxy resin. 3O In accordance with this ition n said elements, it is observed that intermediate element 2 is ly housed at the closed end of non-through axial channel 11 of the piston 1 so that the referred to intermediate element es radial R1 and axial A1 physical t with the inner face of the axial channel of non-through axial channel 11 of piston 1.

In this context, it can also be noted that the connection end 31 of connecting rod 3 provides for radial al contact R1 with the inner face of the h axial channel 21 of intermediate element 2, and axial physical contact A2 with the inner face of the non-through axial channel 11 of piston 1.

As formerly said, the t invention additionally provides a preferential process for assembling said connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor as above depicted.

Generally, said s comprises a (assembling) step where piston 1, ediate element 2 and connecting rod 3 are simultaneously attached.

As can be noted, the intermediate element 2 is secured inside the piston 1, and the ting rod 3 is secured inside the intermediate element 2. In this assembling step, ation of a binder during simultaneous fixation n said piston 2, intermediate element 2 and connecting rod 3 is also contemplated.

After describing a preferred exemplary embodiment of the connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor, in addition to a preferential process for assembling, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses other variations, which are limited by the contents of the set of claims, including therein possible equivalents.

Claims (14)

1. Connecting ston arrangement for an alternative ssor, comprising at least a piston, at least an intermediate element and at least a connecting rod, wherein said piston comprises at least a non-through axial channel; said intermediate element comprises 5 at least a through axial channel; said connecting rod comprises at least a connection end; said intermediate element is securely housed inside the non-through axial channel of the piston; and said connection end of connecting rod is securely housed inside the through axial l of intermediate element, wherein: the inner er of the non-through axial channel of the piston is analogous to the 10 outer diameter of said intermediate element; the inner er of the through axial channel of the intermediate element is analogous to the outer diameter of the connection end of the connecting rod; and said intermediate t has a radial and axial physical contact with the inner face of the non-through axial channel of the piston. 15

2. Connecting rod/piston arrangement for an alternative compressor, in ance with claim 1, wherein said non-through axial l of the piston is rical.

3. Connecting rod/piston arrangement for an alternative compressor, in accordance with claim 1, wherein said intermediate element is cylindrical.

4. Connecting rod/piston arrangement for an alternative compressor, in accordance 20 with claim 1, wherein said through axial channel of the intermediate element is cylindrical.

5. Connecting rod/piston arrangement for an alternative compressor, in accordance with claim 1, wherein said connection end of the ting rod is cylindrical.

6. Connecting rod/piston arrangement for an ative compressor, in ance with claim 1, wherein said intermediate element is securely housed in the closed end of the 25 non-through axial l of the piston.

7. Connecting rod/piston arrangement for an ative compressor, in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 6, n said connection end of the connecting rod has a radial physical contact with the inner face of the thorough axial channel of the intermediate element , and axial physical contact with the inner face of the non-through axial channel of the 30 piston.

8. Connecting rod/piston arrangement for an alternative compressor, in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a binder disposed between the outer face of the intermediate element and the inner face of the non-through axial channel of the piston.

9. Connecting rod/piston arrangement for an alternative compressor, in accordance 35 with any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a binder disposed between said end of the connect- ing rod and the inner face of the through axial channel of the intermediate element.

10. Connecting rod/piston arrangement for an alternative compressor, in accordance with claim 8 or 9, wherein said binder comprises a polymer resin.

11. Process for assembling a connecting rod/piston arrangement for an alternative 5 compressor as d in any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a step in which at least a piston, at least an ediate element and at least a connecting road are simultaneously attached, wherein said intermediate element is secured inside the piston, and said connecting rod is secured inside the intermediate element and at least an application of binder during simultaneous fixation between said piston, intermediate element and connecting rod. 10

12. Process for assembling the connecting rod/piston arrangement for an ative compressor, in accordance with claim 11, wherein said binder ses a polymer resin.

13. A connecting rod/piston arrangement for an ative compressor substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in the anying drawings. 15

14. A process for assembling the connecting rod/piston arrangement for an alternative compressor ntially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in the anying drawings. WO 74627 A1 \\\\\\\“““‘\\\\\\\\\\ FIG. 2