Linear compressor

Abstract

A linear compressor is provided. The linear compressor includes a piston. The piston includes a piston cylinder having a head plate. The head plate defines a passage that extends through the head plate. A reed valve is mounted to the head plate and positioned over the passage of the head plate. A valve seat is positioned at and extends about the passage of the head plate.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present subject matter relates generally to linear compressors, e.g., for refrigerator appliances.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Certain refrigerator appliances include sealed systems for cooling chilled chambers of the refrigerator appliance. The sealed systems generally include a compressor that generates compressed refrigerant during operation of the sealed system. The compressed refrigerant flows to an evaporator where heat exchange between the chilled chambers and the refrigerant cools the chilled chambers and food items located therein.[0003]Recently, certain refrigerator appliances have included linear compressors for compressing refrigerant. Linear compressors generally include a piston and a driving coil. The driving coil receives a current that generates a force for sliding the piston forward and backward within a chamber. During motion of the piston within the chamber, the piston compresses refrigerant. However, friction between the pisto...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a linear compressor with a piston and a reed valve. The piston includes a cylindrical segment with a head plate that has a passage. The reed valve is mounted to the head plate and positioned over the passage. The valve seat is positioned at and extends about the passage of the head plate. The inner back iron assembly is positioned in the driving coil and has an outer surface with a magnet mounted thereon. The cylinder assembly defines a chamber with the piston slidably received within it. The piston includes a head plate with a passage that extends through it. The valve seat is positioned at and extends about the passage of the head plate. The driving coil is operable to move the piston assembly along a second axis. The technical effects of the invention include improved compressor performance and efficiency.

Problems solved by technology

However, friction between the piston and a wall of the chamber can negatively affect operation of the linear compressors if the piston is not suitably aligned within the chamber.

In particular, friction losses due to rubbing of the piston against the wall of the chamber can negatively affect an efficiency of an associated refrigerator appliance.

However, multiple air gaps can negatively affect operation of the linear compressor by interrupting transmission of a magnetic field from the driving coil.

In addition, maintaining a uniform air gap between the magnet and the driving coil and / or inner back iron can be difficult.

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