Linear compressor

Abstract

An elastomer and a linear compressor including the same are provided. The linear compressor of one aspect of this specification includes: a cylinder; a piston that reciprocates axially inside the cylinder; a drive unit disposed outside the cylinder; a stator cover coupled to the rear of the drive unit; a spring support including a main body and a mounting portion, the main body being coupled to the rear of the piston, the mounting portion extending outward from the main body and disposed behind the stator cover; a rear plate disposed behind the mounting portion; a plurality of first elastomers disposed between the stator cover and the mounting portion; and a plurality of second elastomers disposed between the mounting portion and the rear plate, the plurality of first elastomers and the plurality of second elastomers each forming a sealed space for containing gas on their inner sides.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to linear compressors. More specifically, it relates to a linear compressor that uses the linear reciprocating motion of a piston to compress a refrigerant. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a compressor is a device that receives power from a power-generating device such as a motor or turbine and compresses working fluids such as air or refrigerant. Specifically, compressors are widely used in industrial and household products, especially in vapor compression refrigeration cycles (hereinafter referred to as "refrigeration cycles").

[0003] Based on the way the refrigerant is compressed, such compressors can be divided into reciprocating compressors, rotary compressors, and scroll compressors.

[0004] Reciprocating compressors compress fluids by creating a compression space between the piston and cylinder and by the piston performing linear reciprocating motion. Rotary compressors compress fluids by using eccentrically rotating rollers inside the cylinder. Scroll compressors compress fluids by using a pair of spirally formed scrolls that mesh and rotate.

[0005] Recently, the use of linear compressors, which utilize linear reciprocating motion instead of a crankshaft, has been gradually increasing among reciprocating compressors. Linear compressors have fewer mechanical losses in converting rotary motion into linear reciprocating motion, thus offering advantages such as increased compressor efficiency and a simpler structure.

[0006] A linear compressor mechanism consists of a cylinder located inside a housing that forms a sealed space and creates a compression chamber. A piston covering the compression chamber reciprocates inside the cylinder. The linear compressor repeats the process of drawing fluid from the sealed space into the compression chamber as the piston moves to the bottom dead center (BDC), and compressing and expelling the fluid from the compression chamber as the piston moves to the top dead center (TDC).

[0007] The linear compressor contains a compression unit and a drive unit (motor). The compression unit compresses and discharges the refrigerant by performing axial reciprocating motion through the movement generated in the drive unit.

[0008] The piston of a linear compressor repeatedly performs a series of processes: while resonating with a resonant spring, it reciprocates at high speed inside the cylinder, drawing refrigerant into the housing through the suction pipe; then, the forward movement of the piston discharges the refrigerant from the compression space and moves it to the condenser through the discharge pipe.

[0009] At this point, the resonant spring can effectively compress the refrigerant by amplifying the vibrations generated by the reciprocating motion of the mover and piston. Specifically, the resonant spring is tuned to a frequency corresponding to the piston's natural frequency, allowing the piston to resonate. In existing linear compressors, helical springs are typically used as the resonant spring.

[0010] On the other hand, the piston of a linear compressor reciprocates while suspended inside the cylinder by gas bearings or similar components. If a lateral force is generated by the resonant spring supporting the piston at the rear, tilting and / or eccentricity occur, leading to friction between the mover and stator, thus causing a decrease in the efficiency of the linear compressor.

[0011] In existing linear compressors, the helical springs used as resonant springs are formed into a spiral shape that is wound in one direction, which limits their ability to reduce lateral forces.

[0012] Furthermore, existing linear compressors incorporate multiple helical springs. To minimize the lateral force problem described above, an additional step is required to align these springs in the appropriate direction. This results in increased manufacturing time and decreased production efficiency.

[0013] Furthermore, the coil spring is typically made of a resilient metal material, as are the stator cover, spring support, and rear cover that house it. Such contact between metal components can generate significant noise during linear compressor operation.

[0014] Furthermore, to reduce such noise, existing linear compressors use additional plastic components in the helical spring housing. This leads to an increase in the number of components and manufacturing costs, and also results in a decrease in production efficiency due to the use of more components.

[0015] In addition, the helical spring is formed to be relatively long along the axial direction, which increases the axial length of the body of the linear compressor. As a result, there is also the problem of reduced space efficiency inside the linear compressor. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0017] The problem this specification aims to solve is to minimize the lateral force generated in a resonant spring.

[0018] In addition, simplifying the assembly process of the resonant spring can shorten the manufacturing time of the linear compressor and improve production efficiency.

[0019] In addition, the drive noise of the linear compressor is reduced by using a resonant spring made of a non-metallic elastic material.

[0020] In addition, manufacturing costs are reduced and production efficiency is improved by decreasing the number of parts required when installing resonant springs in linear compressors.

[0021] In addition, the space efficiency inside the linear compressor can be improved by reducing the volume occupied by the resonant spring.

[0022] Technical solutions to the problem

[0023] The elastic body of one aspect of this specification for achieving the above-described objectives may include: a cylinder; a piston that reciprocates axially inside the cylinder; a drive unit disposed outside the cylinder; a stator cover coupled to the rear of the drive unit; a spring support member including a main body and a mounting portion, the main body being coupled to the rear of the piston, the mounting portion extending outward from the main body and disposed behind the stator cover; a rear plate disposed behind the mounting portion; a plurality of first elastic bodies disposed between the stator cover and the mounting portion; and a plurality of second elastic bodies disposed between the mounting portion and the rear plate.

[0024] At this time, the plurality of first elastic bodies and the plurality of second elastic bodies can respectively form a sealed space on the inside to contain gas.

[0025] This allows the lateral force generated in the resonant spring to be minimized.

[0026] In addition, it simplifies the assembly process of the resonant spring, thereby shortening the manufacturing time of the linear compressor and improving production efficiency.

[0027] In addition, the use of resonant springs made of non-metallic elastic materials reduces the drive noise of the linear compressor.

[0028] In addition, it can reduce the number of parts required when installing resonant springs in linear compressors, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving production efficiency.

[0029] In addition, it can reduce the volume occupied by the resonant spring, thereby improving the space efficiency inside the linear compressor.

[0030] Additionally, a plurality of the first elastomers can be pressed between the back side of the stator cover and the front side of the mounting portion, and a plurality of the second elastomers can be pressed between the back side of the mounting portion and the front side of the rear plate.

[0031] In addition, a plurality of the first elastomers may be spaced apart from the main body portion.

[0032] Additionally, the device includes a plurality of bridging portions that extend forward from a portion of the rear plate and engage with the back of the stator cover. The plurality of bridging portions are arranged radially around an axis. The plurality of first elastomers and the plurality of second elastomers can be arranged in circumferential pairs between the plurality of bridging portions.

[0033] In addition, the plurality of the first elastomers and the plurality of the second elastomers can each be formed into a spherical shape.

[0034] Additionally, at least one of the back side of the stator cover and the front side of the mounting portion, and at least one of the back side of the mounting portion and the front side of the rear plate, may include a mounting groove formed in the portion that contacts the plurality of first elastomers and the plurality of second elastomers.

[0035] In addition, the curvature of the mounting groove can be less than the curvature of the plurality of the first elastic bodies and the plurality of the second elastic bodies.

[0036] Additionally, the plurality of first elastic bodies may each include: a first elastic member forming a sealed space on its inner side; a first front fixing member disposed in front of the first elastic member; and a first rear fixing member disposed in front of the first elastic member. The plurality of second elastic bodies may each include: a second elastic member forming a sealed space on its inner side; a second front fixing member disposed in front of the second elastic member; and a second rear fixing member disposed in front of the second elastic member.

[0037] In addition, the first elastic member and the second elastic member may be formed of elastic material, and the first front fixing member, the first rear fixing member, the second front fixing member and the second rear fixing member may be formed of non-elastic material respectively.

[0038] Additionally, a first protrusion may be formed on one side of the front of the first front fixing member and the back of the stator cover, and a first fixing groove for the first protrusion may be formed on the other side. A second protrusion may be formed on one side of the back of the first rear fixing member and the front of the mounting portion, and a second fixing groove for the second protrusion may be formed on the other side. A third protrusion may be formed on one side of the front of the second front fixing member and the back of the mounting portion, and a third fixing groove for the third protrusion may be formed on the other side. A fourth protrusion may be formed on one side of the back of the second rear fixing member and the front of the rear plate, and a fourth fixing groove for the fourth protrusion may be formed on the other side.

[0039] In addition, the first protrusion, the second protrusion, the third protrusion, and the fourth protrusion can overlap in the axial direction.

[0040] In addition, the front end of the first front fixing member, the rear end of the first rear fixing member, the front end of the second front fixing member, and the rear end of the second rear fixing member can be formed flat.

[0041] In addition, the cross-sections of the first elastic member and the second elastic member taken radially can be circular.

[0042] The elastomer of one aspect of this specification for achieving the above-described objectives may include: a cylinder; a piston that reciprocates axially inside the cylinder; a drive unit disposed outside the cylinder; a stator cover coupled to the rear of the drive unit; a spring support including a main body and a mounting portion, the main body being coupled to the rear of the piston, the mounting portion extending outward from the main body and coupled to the rear of the stator cover; a rear plate disposed behind the mounting portion; a first elastomer disposed between the stator cover and the mounting portion; and a second elastomer disposed between the mounting portion and the rear plate.

[0043] At this time, the first elastic body surrounds the main body and is integrally formed in the circumferential direction, the shape of the second elastic body corresponds to the shape of the first elastic body, the second elastic body overlaps with the first elastic body in the axial direction, and the first elastic body and the second elastic body can respectively form a sealed space for containing gas on the inner side.

[0044] In addition, the first elastomer can be compressed and positioned axially between the stator cover and the mounting portion, and the second elastomer can be compressed and positioned axially between the mounting portion and the rear plate.

[0045] Additionally, at least one of the back side of the stator cover and the front side of the mounting portion, as well as at least one of the back side of the mounting portion and the front side of the rear plate, may include a mounting groove formed in the portion that contacts the first elastomer and the second elastomer.

[0046] In addition, the curvature of the mounting groove can be less than the curvature of the first elastomer and the second elastomer.

[0047] In addition, the first elastomer can be separated from the main body portion.

[0048] Additionally, a bridging portion is included, which extends forward from a portion of the rear plate and engages with the back of the stator cover. The bridging portion may be disposed radially outside the first elastomer and the second elastomer.

[0049] Additionally, the stator cover includes a protruding joint portion that protrudes outward from the stator cover, and the bridging portion can be joined to the protruding joint portion.

[0050] Technical effect

[0051] This instruction manual enables the minimization of lateral forces generated in resonant springs.

[0052] In addition, it simplifies the assembly process of the resonant spring, thereby shortening the manufacturing time of the linear compressor and improving production efficiency.

[0053] In addition, the use of resonant springs made of non-metallic elastic materials reduces the drive noise of the linear compressor.

[0054] In addition, it can reduce the number of parts required when installing resonant springs in linear compressors, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving production efficiency.

[0055] In addition, it can reduce the volume occupied by the resonant spring, thereby improving the space efficiency inside the linear compressor. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a linear compressor according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a linear compressor according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0058] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a portion of a linear compressor according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0059] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a linear compressor according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a linear compressor according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0061] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a portion of a linear compressor according to another embodiment of this specification.

[0062] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a linear compressor according to another embodiment of this specification.

[0063] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a linear compressor according to another embodiment of this specification.

[0064] Figure 9 It is magnification Figure 8 Partial sectional view of section A.

[0065] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a portion of a linear compressor according to another embodiment of this specification.

[0066] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a linear compressor according to another embodiment of this specification.

[0067] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a linear compressor according to another embodiment of this specification. Detailed Implementation

[0068] The embodiments disclosed in this specification will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar structural elements will be given the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0069] In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a structural element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another structural element, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or coupled to that other structural element, but there may also be other structural elements in between.

[0070] In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that the specific description of related well-known technologies makes the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification unclear, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. The accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of helping to understand the embodiments disclosed in this specification. The technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited to the drawings and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and even substitutions within the scope of the ideas and technologies of this specification.

[0071] In addition, the terminology disclosure can be replaced by terms such as document, specification, and description.

[0072] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a linear compressor 100 according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0073] Reference Figure 1 A linear compressor 100 according to one embodiment of this specification may include a housing 110. The housing 110 may include an outer shell 111 and outer shell covers 112, 113 coupled to the outer shell 111. In a broad sense, the outer shell covers 112, 113 can be understood as a configuration of the outer shell 111.

[0074] A support leg 20 may be attached to the underside of the housing 111. The support leg 20 may be attached to a base of a product on which the linear compressor 100 is mounted. For example, the product may include a refrigerator, and the base may include a refrigerator's mechanical compartment base. As another example, the product may include an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, and the base may include a base for the outdoor unit.

[0075] The outer casing 111 has a generally cylindrical shape and can be arranged in a horizontally horizontal or axially horizontal configuration. Figure 1 Based on this, the outer casing 111 extends relatively long in the lateral direction and can have a slightly lower height in the radial direction. That is, the linear compressor 100 can have a lower height, for example, when the linear compressor 100 is installed in the mechanical compartment base of the refrigerator, it has the advantage of being able to reduce the height of the mechanical compartment.

[0076] In addition, the longitudinal central axis of the outer casing 111 coincides with the central axis of the main body of the linear compressor 100, which will be described later, and the central axis of the main body of the linear compressor 100 coincides with the central axis of the cylinder 140 and piston 150 that constitute the main body of the linear compressor 100.

[0077] Terminals 30 may be provided on the outer surface of housing 111. Terminals 30 can transmit external power to the drive unit 130 of linear compressor 100. Specifically, terminals 30 can be connected to the leads of coil 132b.

[0078] A bracket 31 may be provided on the outside of the terminal 30. The bracket 31 may include a plurality of brackets surrounding the terminal 30. The bracket 31 may perform the function of protecting the terminal 30 from external impacts, etc.

[0079] The outer casing 111 has open sides. Outer casing covers 112 and 113 can be attached to the open sides of the outer casing 111. Specifically, the outer casing covers 112 and 113 can include: a first outer casing cover 112, attached to one side of the opening of the outer casing 111; and a second outer casing cover 113, attached to the other side of the opening of the outer casing 111. The outer casing covers 112 and 113 can seal the internal space of the outer casing 111.

[0080] by Figure 1 Based on this, the first housing cover 112 can be located on the right side of the linear compressor 100, and the second housing cover 113 can be located on the left side of the linear compressor 100. In other words, the first housing cover 112 and the second housing cover 113 can be configured facing each other. Furthermore, it can be understood that the first housing cover 112 is located on the refrigerant suction side, and the second housing cover 113 is located on the refrigerant discharge side.

[0081] The linear compressor 100 may also include a plurality of pipes 114, 115, 40, which are disposed in the housing 111 or housing cover 112, 113 for refrigerant intake, discharge or injection.

[0082] The plurality of pipes 114, 115, 40 may include: a suction pipe 114 for drawing refrigerant into the interior of the linear compressor 100; a discharge pipe 115 for discharging compressed refrigerant from the linear compressor 100; and a replenishment pipe 40 for replenishing refrigerant to the linear compressor 100.

[0083] For example, the suction pipe 114 can be attached to the first housing cover 112. Refrigerant can be drawn axially into the interior of the linear compressor 100 via the suction pipe 114.

[0084] The discharge pipe 115 can be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the housing 111. The refrigerant drawn in through the suction pipe 114 can be compressed while flowing axially. The compressed refrigerant can be discharged through the discharge pipe 115. The discharge pipe 115 can be positioned closer to the second housing cover 113 than the first housing cover 112.

[0085] The replenishment pipe 40 can be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the housing 111. The operator can inject refrigerant into the interior of the linear compressor 100 through the replenishment pipe 40.

[0086] To avoid interference with the discharge pipe 115, the supplementary pipe 40 can be attached to the housing 111 at a different height than the discharge pipe 115. Here, height can be understood as the distance from the vertical direction of the outrigger 20. The discharge pipe 115 and the supplementary pipe 40 are attached to the outer circumference of the housing 111 at different heights, which helps to facilitate operation.

[0087] At least a portion of the second outer casing 113 may be disposed adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the outer casing 111 corresponding to the portion connected to the replenishment pipe 40. In other words, at least a portion of the second outer casing 113 may act as a barrier to the refrigerant injected via the replenishment pipe 40.

[0088] Therefore, the flow path of the refrigerant flowing in through the replenishment pipe 40 is narrowed by the second housing cover 113 as it enters the internal space of the housing 111, and then widens again as it passes through the second housing cover 113. During this process, the refrigerant pressure decreases, allowing for refrigerant vaporization, and in this process, the oil contained in the refrigerant can be separated. Therefore, the refrigerant with the separated oil flows into the interior of the piston 150, thereby improving the refrigerant's compressibility. The oil can be understood as the working oil present in the cooling system.

[0089] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a linear compressor 100 according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0090] The compressor described below will be a linear compressor 100 as an example. The linear compressor 100 performs the action of drawing in fluid and compressing it while the piston 150 is performing linear reciprocating motion, and then discharging the compressed fluid.

[0091] A linear compressor 100 according to one embodiment of this specification may include: cylinder 140, piston 150, muffler unit 160, elastomer 118, spring support 119 and rear cover 123, but some of these components may be removed and implemented, and additional components are not excluded.

[0092] This can be understood as, unless otherwise stated below Figures 3 to 1 3. Detailed configuration of the linear compressor 100 in this instruction manual and Figure 2 The detailed configuration is the same as that of the linear compressor 100 described in this manual.

[0093] The linear compressor 100 can be a structural element of a refrigeration cycle, and the fluid compressed in the linear compressor 100 can be a refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle. In addition to the compressor, the refrigeration cycle may also include a condenser, an expansion unit, and an evaporator. Furthermore, the linear compressor 100 can be used as a component of a refrigerator's cooling system, but is not limited to this; it can be widely applied throughout industry.

[0094] Reference Figure 2The linear compressor 100 may include a housing 110 and a main body housed within the housing 110. The main body of the linear compressor 100 may include: a frame 120; a cylinder 140 fixed to the frame 120; a piston 150 that performs linear reciprocating motion within the cylinder 140; and a drive unit 130 fixed to the frame 120 that provides driving force to the piston 150. Here, the cylinder 140 and piston 150 may also be referred to as compression units 140 and 150.

[0095] The compressor 100 may include a bearing unit for reducing friction between the cylinder 140 and the piston 150. The bearing unit may be an oil bearing or a gas bearing. Alternatively, a mechanical bearing may be used as the bearing unit.

[0096] The main body of the compressor 100 can be elastically supported by support springs 116 and 117 disposed at both ends of the inner side of the housing 110. The support springs 116 and 117 may include a rear support spring 116 supporting the rear of the main body and a front support spring 117 supporting the front of the main body. The support springs 116 and 117 may include leaf springs. While supporting the internal components of the compressor 100 main body, the support springs 116 and 117 can absorb vibrations and impacts generated by the reciprocating motion of the piston 150.

[0097] The housing 110 can form a sealed space. The sealed space may include: a receiving space 101 for receiving the drawn-in refrigerant; a suction space 102 filled with the refrigerant before compression; a compression space 103 for compressing the refrigerant; and a discharge space 104 filled with the refrigerant after compression.

[0098] The refrigerant drawn in from the suction pipe 114 connected to the rear side of the housing 110 fills the receiving space 101. The refrigerant in the suction space 102, which is connected to the receiving space 101, is compressed in the compression space 103 and discharged into the discharge space 104. It can also be discharged to the outside through the discharge pipe 115 connected to the front side of the housing 110.

[0099] The housing 110 may include: an outer shell 111, open at both ends, formed into a generally transversely elongated cylindrical shape; a first outer shell cover 112, attached to the rear side of the outer shell 111; and a second outer shell cover 113, attached to the front side of the outer shell 111. Here, "front side" can be interpreted as the direction in which the compressed refrigerant is discharged on the left side of the drawing, and "rear side" as the direction in which the refrigerant flows in on the right side of the drawing. Furthermore, the first outer shell cover 112 or the second outer shell cover 113 may be integrally formed with the outer shell 111.

[0100] The housing 110 can be formed of a thermally conductive material. This allows heat generated inside the housing 110 to be quickly dissipated to the outside.

[0101] The first outer cover 112 is attached to the outer cover 111 to seal the rear side of the outer cover 111, and an inhalation tube 114 can be inserted into the center of the first outer cover 112.

[0102] The rear side of the compressor body 100 can be elastically supported radially by a rear support spring 116 on the first housing cover 112.

[0103] The rear support spring 116 may include a circular leaf spring. The rear cover 123 may be axially elastically supported by a rear cover support member 124 formed at the edge of the rear support spring 116. The central portion of the opening of the rear support spring 116 may be coupled to the suction guide 116a and axially elastically supported.

[0104] The suction guide 116a may have a through flow path formed internally. The suction guide 116a may be cylindrical. The suction guide 116a has a central opening that connects to the rear support spring 116 on its front outer peripheral surface, and its rear end may be supported by the first outer casing 112. At this time, an additional suction-side support member 116b may also be provided between the suction guide 116a and the inner surface of the first outer casing 112.

[0105] The rear side of the intake guide 116a is connected to the intake pipe 114, and the refrigerant drawn in through the intake pipe 114 can flow smoothly into the muffler unit 160 described later through the intake guide 116a.

[0106] A damping member 116c may be disposed between the intake guide 116a and the intake-side support member 116b. The damping member 116c may be formed of a rubber material or the like. This prevents vibrations that may occur during the intake of refrigerant through the intake pipe 114 from being transmitted to the first outer casing 112.

[0107] The second outer cover 113 is attached to the outer cover 111 to seal the front side of the outer cover 111, and the discharge pipe 115 can be inserted and attached via the circulation pipe 115a. The refrigerant discharged from the compression space 103 can be discharged into the refrigeration cycle via the circulation pipe 115a and the discharge pipe 115 after passing through the discharge cover assembly 180.

[0108] The front side of the compressor 100 body can be elastically supported radially on the outer casing 111 or the second outer casing cover 113 by a front support spring 117.

[0109] The front support spring 117 may include a circular leaf spring. The central portion of the opening of the front support spring 117 may be supported in the rearward direction by the first support guide 117b relative to the ejector cap assembly 180. The edge portion of the front support spring 117 may be supported in the forward direction by the support bracket 117a relative to the inner side of the housing 111 or the inner peripheral surface of the housing 111 adjacent to the second housing cover 113.

[0110] and Figure 2 In contrast, the edge of the front support spring 117 can also be supported in the front direction relative to the inner side of the housing 111 or the inner peripheral surface of the housing 111 adjacent to the second housing cover 113 by an additional bracket (not shown) attached to the second housing cover 113.

[0111] The first support guide 117b can be formed in a cylindrical shape. The cross-section of the first support guide 117b can include a plurality of diameters. The front side of the first support guide 117b can be inserted into the central opening of the front support spring 117, and the rear side can be inserted into the central opening of the ejector cap assembly 180. The support cap 117c can be attached to the front side of the first support guide 117b through the front support spring 117. A second support guide 117d, which is cup-shaped and recessed forward, can be attached to the front side of the support cap 117c. A third support guide 117e, which is cup-shaped and recessed rearward, corresponding to the second support guide 117d, can be attached to the inner side of the second outer cover 113. The second support guide 117d is inserted into the inner side of the third support guide 117e and can be supported axially and / or radially. At this time, a gap can be formed between the second support guide 117d and the third support guide 117e.

[0112] The frame 120 may include: a main body 121 that supports the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 140; and a first flange 122 that is connected to one side of the main body 121 and supports the drive unit 130. The frame 120, the drive unit 130, and the cylinder 140 may be elastically supported relative to the housing 110 by a rear support spring 116 and a front support spring 117.

[0113] The main body 121 may surround the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 140. The main body 121 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The first flange 122 may be formed extending radially from the front end of the main body 121.

[0114] A cylinder 140 may be attached to the inner circumferential surface of the main body 121. An inner stator 134 may be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the main body 121. For example, the cylinder 140 may be press-fitted to the inner circumferential surface of the main body 121, and the inner stator 134 may be fixed using an additional retaining ring (not shown).

[0115] An outer stator 131 may be attached to the rear side of the first flange portion 122, and a discharge cap assembly 180 may be attached to the front side. For example, the outer stator 131 and the discharge cap assembly 180 may be fixed by a mechanical coupling unit.

[0116] A bearing inlet groove 125a, which forms part of the gas bearing, can be formed on one side of the front surface of the first flange portion 122. A bearing communication hole 125b, which penetrates the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion 121, can be formed in the bearing inlet groove 125a. A gas groove 125c, which communicates with the bearing communication hole 125b, can be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion 121.

[0117] The bearing inlet groove 125a is formed with an axial recess at a predetermined depth, and the bearing connecting hole 125b, being a hole with a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the bearing inlet groove 125a, can be formed obliquely toward the inner circumferential surface of the main body 121. Furthermore, the gas groove 125c can be formed as an annular shape having a predetermined depth and axial length on the inner circumferential surface of the main body 121. In contrast, the gas groove 125c can be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 140, which is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the main body 121, or it can be formed on both the inner circumferential surface of the main body 121 and the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 140.

[0118] Additionally, a gas inlet 142 corresponding to the gas groove 125c can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 140. The gas inlet 142 constitutes a nozzle portion in the gas bearing.

[0119] On the other hand, the frame 120 and the cylinder 140 can be formed of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0120] The cylinder 140 can be formed as a cylindrical shape open at both ends. The piston 150 can be inserted through the rear end of the cylinder 140. The front end of the cylinder 140 can be closed by the discharge valve assembly 170. A compression space 103 can be formed between the cylinder 140, the front end of the piston 150, and the discharge valve assembly 170. Here, the front end of the piston 150 can be referred to as the head 151. The volume of the compression space 103 increases as the piston 150 retracts and decreases as the piston 150 advances. That is, the refrigerant flowing into the compression space 103 is compressed during the advance of the piston 150 and can be discharged through the discharge valve assembly 170.

[0121] The cylinder 140 may include a second flange 141 disposed at its front end. The second flange 141 may be bent outward of the cylinder 140. The second flange 141 may extend along the outer periphery of the cylinder 140. The second flange 141 of the cylinder 140 may be coupled to the frame 120. For example, the front end of the frame 120 may have a flange groove corresponding to the second flange 141 of the cylinder 140, into which the second flange 141 of the cylinder 140 may be inserted and coupled by a coupling member.

[0122] Alternatively, a gas bearing unit can be provided, which supplies exhaust gas to the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the piston 150 and the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 140 to provide gas lubrication between the cylinder 140 and the piston 150. The exhaust gas between the cylinder 140 and the piston 150 provides a levitation force to the piston 150, thereby reducing the friction generated between the piston 150 and the cylinder 140.

[0123] For example, the cylinder 140 may include a gas inlet 142. The gas inlet 142 may communicate with a gas groove 125c formed on the inner circumferential surface of the body portion 121. The gas inlet 142 may extend radially through the cylinder 140. The gas inlet 142 may direct the compressed refrigerant flowing into the gas groove 125c between the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder 140 and the outer circumferential surface of the piston 150. Alternatively, for ease of manufacturing, the gas groove 125c may also be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 140.

[0124] The inlet of the gas inlet 142 can be relatively wide, and the outlet can be formed as micropores to function as a nozzle. A filter (not shown) to block the inflow of foreign objects can be added to the inlet of the gas inlet 142. The filter can be a metal filter screen or formed by winding a component such as a fine wire.

[0125] A plurality of independent gas inlets 142 can be formed, or the inlets can be formed as annular grooves, and a plurality of outlets can be formed along the annular grooves at predetermined intervals. The gas inlets 142 can be formed only on the front side with reference to the axial center of the cylinder 140. In contrast, considering the downward movement of the piston 150, the gas inlets 142 can also be formed on the rear side with reference to the axial center of the cylinder 140.

[0126] The piston 150 is inserted into the open end behind the cylinder 140, behind the sealed compression space 103.

[0127] The piston 150 may include a head 151 and a guide portion 152. The head 151 may be formed in a circular plate shape. The head 151 may be partially open. The head 151 may divide a compression space 103. The guide portion 152 may extend rearward from the outer periphery of the head 151. The guide portion 152 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The interior of the guide portion 152 is hollow, and its front can be partially sealed by the head 151. The rear opening of the guide portion 152 may be connected to the muffler unit 160. The head 151 may be an additional component combined with the guide portion 152. Alternatively, the head 151 and the guide portion 152 may be formed integrally.

[0128] Piston 150 may include a suction port 154. Suction port 154 may extend through head 151. Suction port 154 may connect suction space 102 and compression space 103 inside piston 150. For example, refrigerant flowing from receiving space 101 into suction space 102 inside piston 150 may be drawn into compression space 103 between piston 150 and cylinder 140 through suction port 154.

[0129] The intake port 154 may extend along the axial direction of the piston 150. The intake port 154 may be formed obliquely to the axial direction of the piston 150. For example, the intake port 154 may extend obliquely in a direction away from the central axis as it moves further back from the piston 150.

[0130] The cross-section of the suction port 154 can be circular. The suction port 154 can be formed with a constant inner diameter. Alternatively, the suction port 154 can be formed as an elongated hole with its opening extending radially along the head 151, or it can be formed with its inner diameter increasing towards the rear.

[0131] The suction port 154 may be formed in a plurality of directions in one or more of the radial and circumferential directions of the head 151.

[0132] A suction valve 155, which selectively opens and closes the suction port 154, can be installed on the head 151 of the piston 150 adjacent to the compression chamber 103. The suction valve 155 actuates by elastic deformation, thereby opening or closing the suction port 154. That is, the suction valve 155 can be elastically deformed by the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the compression chamber 103 through the suction port 154, thereby opening the suction port 154.

[0133] Piston 150 can be connected to magnet frame 136. Piston 150 can reciprocate in the back-and-forth direction as magnet frame 136, on which magnet 135 is mounted, moves. Inner stator 134 and cylinder 140 can be disposed between magnet 135 and piston 150. Magnet frame 136 and piston 150 can be connected to each other by magnet frame 136 with cylinder 14 and inner stator 134 retracting rearward.

[0134] The muffler unit 160 is attached to the rear of the piston 150, thereby attenuating the noise generated during the refrigerant intake process of the piston 150. The refrigerant drawn in through the intake pipe 114 can flow through the muffler unit 160 into the intake space 102 inside the piston 150.

[0135] The muffler unit 160 may include: an intake muffler 161 communicating with the receiving space 101 of the housing 110; and an internal guide 162 connected to the front of the intake muffler 161 and guiding refrigerant to the intake port 154.

[0136] The intake muffler 161 is located behind the piston 150, with its rear opening adjacent to the intake pipe 114 and its front end capable of being attached to the rear of the piston 150. The intake muffler 161 forms an axial flow path, which can guide the refrigerant in the receiving space 101 to the intake space 102 inside the piston 150.

[0137] The interior of the intake muffler 161 can form a plurality of silencing spaces divided by baffles. The intake muffler 161 can be formed by combining two or more components together; for example, a plurality of silencing spaces can be formed when a second intake muffler is pressed into and combined with the interior of the first intake muffler. Furthermore, considering weight and insulation, the intake muffler 161 can be made of plastic material.

[0138] One side of the internal guide 162 can communicate with the silencing space of the intake muffler 161, while the other side can be inserted deeply into the interior of the piston 150. The internal guide 162 can be formed in a pipe shape. Both ends of the internal guide 162 can have the same inner diameter. The internal guide 162 can also be formed in a cylindrical shape. In contrast, the inner diameter of the front end, which is the discharge side, can be larger than the inner diameter of the rear end, which is the opposite side.

[0139] The intake muffler 161 and the internal guide 162 can have various shapes, thereby allowing for the regulation of the refrigerant pressure passing through the muffler unit 160. The intake muffler 161 and the internal guide 162 can also be integrally formed.

[0140] The discharge valve assembly 170 may include: a discharge valve 171; and a valve spring 172 disposed on the front side of the discharge valve 171, elastically supporting the discharge valve 171. The discharge valve assembly 170 can selectively discharge refrigerant compressed in the compression space 103. Here, the compression space 103 refers to the space formed between the suction valve 155 and the discharge valve 171.

[0141] Discharge valve 171 can be configured to be supported on the front of cylinder 140. Discharge valve 171 can selectively open and close the front opening of cylinder 140. Discharge valve 171 can be actuated by elastic deformation, thereby opening or closing compression space 103. Discharge valve 171 can be elastically deformed by the pressure of refrigerant flowing into discharge space 104 through compression space 103, thereby opening compression space 103. For example, when discharge valve 171 is supported on the front of cylinder 140, compression space 103 remains closed; when discharge valve 171 is separated from the front of cylinder 140, compressed refrigerant in compression space 103 can be discharged through the open space.

[0142] A valve spring 172 is disposed between the discharge valve 171 and the discharge cover assembly 180, thereby providing an axial elastic force. The valve spring 172 may also be a compression coil spring, or, considering space and reliability, a leaf spring.

[0143] If the pressure in the compression space 103 reaches or exceeds the discharge pressure, the valve spring 172 deforms forward while opening the discharge valve 171, allowing refrigerant to be discharged from the compression space 103 and into the first discharge space 104a of the discharge cover assembly 180. Once the refrigerant has been completely discharged, the valve spring 172 can provide a restoring force to the discharge valve 171 to close it.

[0144] The following describes the process by which refrigerant flows into the compression space 103 through the suction valve 155, and the refrigerant in the compression space 103 is discharged into the discharge space 104 through the discharge valve 171.

[0145] During the reciprocating linear motion of piston 150 inside cylinder 140, if the pressure in compression space 103 falls below a preset suction pressure, refrigerant is drawn into compression space 103 when suction valve 155 opens. On the other hand, if the pressure in compression space 103 exceeds the preset suction pressure, the refrigerant in compression space 103 is compressed when suction valve 155 is closed.

[0146] On the other hand, if the pressure in the compression space 103 reaches or exceeds the preset discharge pressure, the valve spring 172 deforms forward while opening the discharge valve 171 connected to it, and the refrigerant is discharged from the compression space 103 into the discharge space 104 of the discharge cover assembly 180. Once the refrigerant has been completely discharged, the valve spring 172 provides a restoring force to the discharge valve 171, and the discharge valve 171 is closed, sealing the front of the compression space 103.

[0147] The discharge cap assembly 180 is disposed in front of the compression space 103, forming a discharge space 104 that accommodates refrigerant discharged from the compression space 103, and is coupled to the front of the frame 120, thereby reducing noise generated during the discharge of refrigerant from the compression space 103. The discharge cap assembly 180 accommodates the discharge valve assembly 170 and can be coupled to the front of the first flange portion 122 of the frame 120. For example, the discharge cap assembly 180 can be coupled to the first flange portion 122 by a mechanical coupling member.

[0148] Furthermore, a gasket 165 for heat insulation and an O-ring 166 for suppressing refrigerant leakage in the discharge space 104 can be provided between the discharge cap assembly 180 and the frame 120.

[0149] The discharge cap assembly 180 can be formed of a thermally conductive material. Therefore, if hot refrigerant flows into the discharge cap assembly 180, the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the housing 110 through the discharge cap assembly 180, thereby dissipating heat to the outside of the compressor.

[0150] The dispensing cap assembly 180 can be formed from a single dispensing cap or configured as a plurality of dispensing caps connected in sequence. When the dispensing cap assembly 180 is configured as a plurality of dispensing caps, the dispensing space can include a plurality of spatial portions divided by each dispensing cap. These plurality of spatial portions are arranged in a front-back direction and can communicate with each other.

[0151] For example, when there are three dispensing caps, the dispensing space 104 may include: a first dispensing space 104a, formed between the first dispensing cap 181 attached to the front side of the frame 120 and the frame 120; a second dispensing space 104b, communicating with the first dispensing space 104a, formed between the second dispensing cap 182 attached to the front side of the first dispensing cap 181 and the first dispensing cap 181; and a third dispensing space 104c, communicating with the second dispensing space 104b, formed between the third dispensing cap 183 attached to the front side of the second dispensing cap 182 and the second dispensing cap 182.

[0152] Furthermore, the first discharge space 104a can be selectively connected to the compression space 103 via the discharge valve 171, the second discharge space 104b can be connected to the first discharge space 104a, and the third discharge space 104c can be connected to the second discharge space 104b. Thus, the refrigerant discharged from the compression space 103 passes sequentially through the first discharge space 104a, the second discharge space 104b, and the third discharge space 104c, thereby attenuating the discharge noise and allowing it to be discharged to the outside of the housing 110 via the circulation pipe 115a and the discharge pipe 115 connected to the third discharge cover 183.

[0153] The drive unit 130 may include: an outer stator 131 that surrounds the main body 121 of the frame 120 between the housing 111 and the frame 120; an inner stator 134 that surrounds the cylinder 140 between the outer stator 131 and the cylinder 140; and a magnet 135 disposed between the outer stator 131 and the inner stator 134.

[0154] The outer stator 131 can be attached to the rear of the first flange portion 122 of the frame 120, and the inner stator 134 can be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 121 of the frame 120. Furthermore, the inner stator 134 is disposed at a distance from the outer stator 131, and the magnet 135 can be disposed in the space between the outer stator 131 and the inner stator 134.

[0155] The outer stator 131 may be fitted with a winding coil, and the magnet 135 may include a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet may consist of a single magnet with one pole, or it may consist of a combination of multiple magnets with three poles.

[0156] The outer stator 131 may include: a coil winding body 132, which surrounds the axial direction circumferentially; and a stator core 133, which is stacked around the coil winding body 132. The coil winding body 132 may include a hollow cylindrical winding shaft 132a and a coil 132b wound circumferentially along the winding shaft 132a. The cross-section of the coil 132b may be circular or polygonal; for example, it may have a hexagonal shape. The stator core 133 may be formed by radially stacking a plurality of lamination sheets or by circumferentially stacking a plurality of lamination blocks.

[0157] The front side of the outer stator 131 can be supported by the first flange 122 of the frame 120, and the rear side can be supported by the stator cover 137. For example, the stator cover 137 is formed into a hollow circular plate shape, the outer stator 131 can be supported on the front side, and the elastomer 118 can be supported on the rear side.

[0158] The inner stator 134 can be formed by stacking a plurality of laminates circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 121 of the frame 120.

[0159] One side of the magnet 135 can be supported by a magnet frame 136. The magnet frame 136 has a generally cylindrical shape and can be inserted into the space between the outer stator 131 and the inner stator 134. Furthermore, the magnet frame 136 is attached to the rear side of the piston 150 and can move together with the piston 150.

[0160] As an example, the rear end of the magnet frame 136 is bent radially inward and extends to form a first connecting portion 136a, which can engage with a third flange portion 153 formed at the rear of the piston 150. The first connecting portion 136a of the magnet frame 136 and the third flange portion 153 of the piston 150 can be engaged by a mechanical connecting member.

[0161] Furthermore, a fourth flange 161a formed in front of the intake muffler 161 can be provided between the third flange 153 of the piston 150 and the first joint 136a of the magnet frame 136. Therefore, the piston 150, the muffler unit 160, the magnet 135, and the magnet frame 136 can move linearly and reciprocally together in an integrally connected state.

[0162] When current is applied to the drive unit 130, a magnetic flux is formed in the winding coil. Electromagnetic force is generated through the interaction between the magnetic flux formed in the winding coil of the outer stator 131 and the magnetic flux formed by the magnet 135, thereby allowing the magnet 135 to move. Furthermore, while the magnet 135 is moving axially, the piston 150 connected to the magnet frame 136 can also move axially in conjunction with the magnet 135.

[0163] On the other hand, the drive unit 130 and the compression units 140, 150 can be axially supported by the support springs 116, 117 and the elastomer 118.

[0164] The elastomer 118 achieves efficient refrigerant compression by amplifying the vibrations generated by the reciprocating motion of the magnet 135 and the piston 150. Specifically, the elastomer 118 is tuned to a frequency corresponding to the natural frequency of the piston 150, thereby enabling the piston 150 to resonate. Furthermore, the elastomer 118 can reduce vibration and noise generation by inducing stable movement of the piston 150.

[0165] The elastomer 118 can form a sealed space P on its inner side to contain gas. At least one of the front end and the rear end of the elastomer 118 can be connected to the mover, and the other can be connected to the stator. For example, the elastomer 118 can include a first elastomer 118a and a second elastomer 118b. The first elastomer 118a can be disposed between the stator cover 137 and the mounting portion 119c of the spring support member 119, and the second elastomer 118b can be disposed between the mounting portion 119c of the spring support member 119 and the rear plate 123a. In this case, the front end of the first elastomer 118a can be connected to the stator cover 137, which is the stator, and the rear end can be connected to the spring support member 119, which is the mover. In addition, the rear end of the second elastomer 118b can be connected to the rear plate 123a, which is the stator, and the front end can be connected to the spring support member 119, which is the mover.

[0166] In other words, the first elastic body 118a and the second elastic body 118b are arranged between the stator cover 137 and the rear plate 123a, which serve as the stator, and the mounting portion 119c of the spring support member 119, which serves as the mover, is disposed between the first elastic body 118a and the second elastic body 118b. Through the elastic deformation of the first elastic body 118a and the second elastic body 118b, the elastic body 118 can transmit the elastic force to the spring support member 119.

[0167] The natural frequency of the elastomer 118 is designed to match the resonant frequency of the mover and piston 150 when the linear compressor 100 is running, thereby increasing the reciprocating motion of the piston 150. However, here, the rear cover 123, which serves as the stator, can be elastically supported on the housing 110 by the rear support spring 116, so it is not strictly fixed.

[0168] The spring support 119 may include: a main body 119a, which is coupled to the rear of the piston 150; a mounting portion 119c, which extends outward from the main body 119a and is disposed behind the stator cover 137; and a second coupling portion 119b, which is bent radially inward from the front of the main body 119a. In this case, the main body 119a can surround the intake muffler 161.

[0169] The front of the second joint 119b of the spring support 119 can be supported by the first joint 136a of the magnet frame 136. The inner diameter of the second joint 119b of the spring support 119 can surround the outer diameter of the intake muffler 161. For example, the second joint 119b of the spring support 119, the first joint 136a of the magnet frame 136, and the third flange 153 of the piston 150 can be integrally joined by mechanical components after being arranged in sequence. At this time, as mentioned above, the fourth flange 161a of the intake muffler 161 can be provided between the third flange 153 of the piston 150 and the first joint 136a of the magnet frame 136 and fixed together.

[0170] The linear compressor 100 may include a rear cover 123. The rear cover 123 may include a rear plate 123a and a plurality of bridges 123b. The rear plate 123a may be disposed behind the mounting portion 119c of the spring support 119. The plurality of bridges 123b may extend forward from a portion of the rear plate 123a and engage with the back surface of the stator cover 137. The plurality of bridges 123b may be arranged radially about an axis. Additionally, the plurality of bridges 123b may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumference.

[0171] In one and another embodiment of the linear compressor 100 of this specification, a first elastic body 118a and a second elastic body 118b may be disposed in the space between each of the plurality of bridging portions 123b. However, unlike this, in yet another embodiment of the linear compressor 100 of this specification, the plurality of bridging portions 123b are disposed radially outside the first elastic body 118a and the second elastic body 118b, so the space between each of the plurality of bridging portions 123b may not be provided with an elastic body 118a.

[0172] The compressor 100 may include a plurality of sealing members, which may increase the bonding force between the frame 120 and its surrounding components.

[0173] For example, the plurality of sealing members may include: a first sealing member, clamped at the junction of the frame 120 and the discharge cap assembly 180, inserted into a mounting groove provided at the front end of the frame 120; and a second sealing member, provided at the junction of the frame 120 and the cylinder 140, inserted into a mounting groove provided on the outer surface of the cylinder 140. The second sealing member prevents refrigerant in the gas groove 125c formed between the inner circumferential surface of the frame 120 and the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 140 from leaking to the outside, thereby increasing the bonding force between the frame 120 and the cylinder 140. Furthermore, the plurality of sealing members may also include: a third sealing member, provided at the junction of the frame 120 and the inner stator 134, inserted into a mounting groove provided on the outer surface of the frame 120. Here, the first to third sealing members may have an annular shape.

[0174] The operation of the linear compressor 100 described above is as follows.

[0175] First, if current is applied to the drive unit 130, the current flowing through the coil 132b can create a magnetic flux in the outer stator 131. The magnetic flux formed in the outer stator 131 generates an electromagnetic force, and the magnet 135, which has permanent magnetism, can reciprocate linearly by the generated electromagnetic force. This electromagnetic force can alternately generate an electromagnetic force in the direction of the piston 150 towards the top dead center (TDC) (forward direction) during the compression stroke and in the direction of the piston 150 towards the bottom dead center (BDC) (rearward direction) during the intake stroke. That is, the drive unit 130 can generate a pushing force (thrust) that propels the magnet 135 and the piston 150 along the direction of movement.

[0176] The piston 150, which reciprocates linearly inside the cylinder 140, can repeatedly increase or decrease the volume of the compression space 103.

[0177] If piston 150 moves in the direction of increasing the volume of compression space 103 (rearward direction), the pressure in compression space 103 can decrease. Therefore, the suction valve 155, installed in front of piston 150, opens, allowing refrigerant retained in suction space 102 to be drawn into compression space 103 via suction port 154. During this suction stroke, piston 150 can maximize the volume of compression space 103 until it reaches bottom dead center.

[0178] The piston 150, upon reaching bottom dead center, reverses its direction of movement, allowing it to perform a compression stroke while moving in the direction of decreasing volume (forward direction) of the compression chamber 103. During the compression stroke, the pressure in the compression chamber 103 increases, thereby compressing the drawn-in refrigerant. If the pressure in the compression chamber 103 reaches a set pressure, the discharge valve 171 is pushed open by the pressure in the compression chamber 103, thereby opening the cylinder 140 and allowing the refrigerant to be discharged through the separated space into the discharge space 104. This compression stroke can continue until the piston 150 moves to the top dead center, where the volume of the compression chamber 103 reaches its minimum.

[0179] During the repeated intake and compression strokes of piston 150, refrigerant flowing into the containment space 101 inside linear compressor 100 via intake pipe 114 passes sequentially through intake guide 116a, intake muffler 161, and internal guide 162 into intake space 102 inside piston 150. During the intake stroke of piston 150, the refrigerant in intake space 102 can flow into compression space 103 inside cylinder 140. During the compression stroke of piston 150, a flow occurs where refrigerant in compression space 103 is compressed and discharged into discharge space 104, then discharged to the outside of linear compressor 100 via circulation pipe 115a and discharge pipe 115.

[0180] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a portion of a linear compressor 100 according to an embodiment of this specification. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a linear compressor 100 according to an embodiment of this specification. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a linear compressor 100 according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0181] This can be understood as the following not being stated Figures 3 to 5 The detailed structure of the linear compressor 100 described in this manual is as follows: Figure 2 The detailed configuration of the linear compressor 100 of one embodiment of this specification is the same.

[0182] The elastomer 118 may include a plurality of first elastomers 118a and a plurality of second elastomers 118b. The plurality of first elastomers 118a and the plurality of second elastomers 118b may each form a sealed space P on its inner side to contain gas. In this case, the plurality of first elastomers 118a and the plurality of second elastomers 118b may each be formed of an elastic material.

[0183] That is, the first elastic body 118a and the second elastic body 118b respectively fill the sealed space P formed inside the outer skin made of elastic material with gas. If the shape of the first elastic body 118a and the second elastic body 118b is deformed, an elastic force can be generated by the restoring force that wants to return to the initial state. The elastic body 118 in this specification can be referred to as a gas spring.

[0184] The outer skin of the elastomer 118 can be formed of an elastic material. For example, the elastomer 118 can be formed of a rubber material that has excellent elasticity to pressure changes and high durability. Therefore, the elastomer 118 of the linear compressor 100 of one embodiment of this specification can be understood as a rubber ball filled with pressurized gas. However, it is not limited to this, and the elastomer 118 can be formed of a variety of materials that are elastic and capable of forming a closed space P on the inside. The elastomer 118 can be formed of a soft elastic material, thus reducing noise generated by metal-to-metal contact.

[0185] Furthermore, in the existing linear compressor 100, the helical spring used as a resonant spring is made of metal, and the stator cover 137, spring support 119, rear plate 123a, etc., which are connected to such a helical spring, are also made of metal. In this case, in order to reduce the noise that may be generated when the metals come into contact, additional plastic parts are used at the connection points of the helical spring. However, the elastomer 118 used in the linear compressor 100 of this specification is made of a soft elastic material, so additional plastic parts are not required, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving production efficiency.

[0186] The elasticity of the elastomer 118 can be adjusted by the pressure of the gas filling the sealed space P. For example, if the pressure of the gas filling the sealed space P is high, the elasticity of the elastomer 118 can be increased; if the pressure is low, the elasticity of the elastomer 118 can be decreased. As described above, the frequency of the elastomer 118 of the linear compressor 100 of this specification can be set by adjusting the pressure of the gas inside the sealed space P without replacing an additional spring, thereby making it easy to control the drive frequency of the linear compressor 100. In addition, frequency-related defects of the linear compressor 100 can be easily addressed.

[0187] The outer skin of the elastomer 118 can be formed to a predetermined thickness. If the outer skin of the elastomer 118 is too thick, it may be difficult to adjust the frequency of the elastomer 118 caused by changes in gas pressure. Conversely, if the outer skin of the elastomer 118 is too thin, its durability against gas pressure may decrease.

[0188] The thickness of the outer skin of the elastomer 118 can be formed uniformly. If the thickness of the outer skin of a certain portion of the elastomer 118 is too thin or too thick, the elasticity corresponding to the gas pressure in the confined space P may be irregularly formed in that particular portion, which may induce lateral forces. Therefore, if it is desirable to form the same elasticity in all portions corresponding to the gas pressure in the confined space P, it may be preferable that the thickness of the outer skin of the elastomer 118 is formed uniformly.

[0189] The gas filling the sealed space P can be nitrogen. Nitrogen has a small volume change due to temperature changes; therefore, if nitrogen is filled in the sealed space P, the pressure change inside the sealed space P due to temperature changes can be reduced. As a result, the elasticity of the elastomer 118 can be maintained constant, thereby making it easy to control the linear compressor 100.

[0190] When the gas spring is compressed or stretched, the pressure of the gas filling the inside acts evenly on all surfaces, thus minimizing the lateral force generated by each of the first elastic body 118a and the second elastic body 118b.

[0191] Furthermore, since each elastomer 118 generates almost no lateral force, the assembly angle process for aligning the plurality of first elastomers 118a and the plurality of second elastomers 118b is unnecessary. Therefore, the assembly process can be simplified, thereby reducing manufacturing time and improving production efficiency.

[0192] Furthermore, the elastomer 118 of the linear compressor 100 of this specification can sufficiently generate axial elastic force by adjusting the pressure of the gas filling the sealed space P, without having to extend it axially. This reduces the axial length of the rear portion of the main body and improves the space efficiency of the internal space of the linear compressor 100.

[0193] The elastomer 118 may include a plurality of first elastomers 118a. The plurality of first elastomers 118a may be disposed between the stator cover 137 and the mounting portion 119c. The plurality of first elastomers 118a may be pressed between the back side of the stator cover 137 and the front side of the mounting portion 119c.

[0194] It can be understood that, in the linear compressor 100 of one embodiment of this specification, a plurality of first elastic bodies 118a are inserted and fixed between the stator cover 137 and the mounting portion 119c without the need for additional connecting members. Therefore, the axial length of the plurality of first elastic bodies 118a in the state of being coupled to the linear compressor 100 can be less than the axial length in the state before being coupled to the linear compressor 100. As described above, the plurality of first elastic bodies 118a can be coupled to the linear compressor 100 without additional connecting members, thus facilitating assembly, improving production efficiency, and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0195] A plurality of first elastic bodies 118a may be spaced apart from the main body 119a of the spring support 119. The radius of the middle portion of the elastic body 118 may increase when axially compressed and decrease when axially stretched. As described above, the radius of the middle portion of the elastic body may change repeatedly when the linear compressor 100 is driven.

[0196] At this time, if the first elastic body 118a is in contact with the main body 119a of the spring support 119, the middle portion of the first elastic body 118a cannot increase uniformly, but may increase radially outward with weight bias around the axis. Such bias may generate lateral force. Furthermore, if the first elastic body 118a is in contact with the main body 119a of the spring support 119, the process can be repeated: when the first elastic body 118a is axially stretched, its side is separated from the main body 119a, and then it contacts the main body 119a again during axial compression. This repeated separation and contact between the first elastic body 118a and the main body 119a may cause noise. Therefore, if the first elastic body 118a is separated from the main body 119a of the spring support 119, the problems of lateral force and noise caused by bias can be solved.

[0197] The elastomer 118 may include a plurality of second elastomers 118b. The plurality of second elastomers 118b may be disposed between the mounting portion 119c and the rear plate 123a. The plurality of second elastomers 118b may be pressed between the back side of the mounting portion 119c and the front side of the rear plate 123a.

[0198] It can be understood that, in the linear compressor 100 of one embodiment of this specification, a plurality of second elastic bodies 118b are inserted and fixed between the mounting portion 119c and the rear plate 123a without the need for additional connecting members. Therefore, the axial length of the plurality of second elastic bodies 118b in the state of being coupled to the linear compressor 100 can be less than the axial length in the state before being coupled to the linear compressor 100. As described above, the plurality of second elastic bodies 118b can be coupled to the linear compressor 100 without additional connecting members, thus facilitating assembly, improving production efficiency, and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0199] A plurality of first elastic bodies 118a and a plurality of second elastic bodies 118b can each be formed into a spherical shape. This can be understood as a spherical shape in which a closed space P inside the outer skin of the elastic material is filled with gas. If the elastic body 118 is formed into a spherical shape, the pressure of the gas filling the closed space P acts uniformly on all surfaces, so the force acting in the lateral direction can be completely canceled out. Therefore, the lateral force generated by the elastic body 118 can be significantly reduced.

[0200] At least one of the back side of the stator cover 137 and the front side of the mounting portion 119c, and at least one of the back side of the mounting portion 119c and the front side of the rear plate 123a, may include a mounting groove 190, which may be formed in the portion that contacts a plurality of first elastic bodies 118a and a plurality of second elastic bodies 118b. To stably fix the spherical elastic body 118 without additional connecting members, a groove may be formed at the location where the elastic body 118 is mounted. In this case, it may be preferable that the mounting groove 190 is formed on the back side of the stator cover 137, the front side of the mounting portion 119c, the back side of the mounting portion 119c, and the front side of the rear plate 123a.

[0201] Reference Figure 4 When viewed axially, the mounting groove 190 can be formed as a circle. Additionally, refer to... Figure 5 When viewed in cross-section, the shape of the mounting groove 190 can be concave and curved.

[0202] The curvature of the mounting groove 190 can be less than the curvature of the plurality of first elastic bodies 118a and the plurality of second elastic bodies 118b. When the elastic body 118 is under axial tension, the curvature of the front and rear ends of the elastic body 118 can be less than the curvature of the elastic body 118 when the linear compressor 100 is not operating. In this case, if the curvature of the mounting groove 190 is less than the curvature of the elastic body 118, the elastic body 118 can be stably mounted even under axial tension.

[0203] However, with Figure 5Unlike the diagram, the curvature of the mounting groove 190 can be formed to correspond to the curvature of the elastomer 118. In this case, the clearance between the elastomer 118 and the mounting groove 190 can be reduced, thereby eliminating the influence of lateral forces generated by the clearance.

[0204] Not limited to this, the mounting groove 190 may not be formed in a curved shape. As long as grooves or holes for mounting the elastomer 118 are formed on the back of the stator cover 137, the front of the mounting groove 190, the back of the mounting groove 190, and the front of the rear plate 123a, the shape of the mounting groove 190 can be formed in various ways.

[0205] The plurality of first elastic bodies 118a can be arranged circumferentially. Specifically, the plurality of first elastic bodies 118a can be arranged in pairs circumferentially between each of the plurality of bridging portions 123b arranged at predetermined intervals in the plurality of circumferential directions. For example, when three of the plurality of bridging portions 123b are formed, the plurality of bridging portions 123b can be arranged at intervals of 120 degrees from each other, and the plurality of first elastic bodies 118a can be arranged in pairs between each of the plurality of bridging portions 123b, so a total of six can be formed.

[0206] In the space between each of the plurality of bridging portions 123b, the spacing between the plurality of first elastic bodies 118a formed in pairs can be constant. In addition, each pair of the plurality of first elastic bodies 118a can be arranged circumferentially with a predetermined angle between them and each other about an axis.

[0207] In this case, the mounting portion 119c of the spring support 119 can extend radially outward in a position where the plurality of bridging portions 123b are not disposed. That is, it can be understood that the plurality of bridging portions 123b are arranged radially around an axis, and the mounting portion 119c extends radially outward in the space between each of the bridging portions 123b, and two first elastic bodies 118a can be disposed on the front side of each extended mounting portion 119c.

[0208] Specifically, it can be understood that the first elastic bodies 118a arranged on one side of each of the plurality of first elastic bodies 118a formed in pairs are arranged circumferentially with respect to their axes and separated by a predetermined angle (120 degrees in the case of three bridging portions 123b), and the first elastic bodies 118a arranged on the other side are arranged circumferentially with respect to their axes and separated by a predetermined angle (120 degrees in the case of three bridging portions 123b).

[0209] As described above, when viewed from the axial front, the plurality of first elastic bodies 118a can be arranged symmetrically about the axis. Therefore, the sum of the lateral forces generated by the plurality of first elastic bodies 118a can be minimized.

[0210] The plurality of second elastic bodies 118b can be arranged circumferentially. Specifically, the plurality of second elastic bodies 118b can be arranged in pairs circumferentially between each of the plurality of bridging portions 123b arranged at predetermined intervals in the plurality of circumferential directions. For example, when three of the plurality of bridging portions 123b are formed, the plurality of bridging portions 123b can be arranged at intervals of 120 degrees from each other, and the plurality of second elastic bodies 118b can be arranged in pairs between each of the plurality of bridging portions 123b, thus a total of six can be formed.

[0211] In the space between each of the plurality of bridging portions 123b, the spacing between the plurality of pairs of second elastic bodies 118b can be constant. In addition, each pair of the plurality of second elastic bodies 118b can be arranged circumferentially with a predetermined angle between them and each other about an axis.

[0212] In this case, the mounting portion 119c of the spring support 119 can extend radially outward at a position where the plurality of bridging portions 123b are not provided, which is the same as the plurality of first elastic bodies 118a described above. It can be understood that two of the plurality of second elastic bodies 118b are respectively provided on the back side of each of the extended mounting portions 119c.

[0213] Specifically, it can be understood that the second elastic bodies 118b arranged on one side of each of the plurality of second elastic bodies 118b formed in pairs are arranged circumferentially with respect to their axes at a predetermined angle (120 degrees in the case of three bridging portions 123b), and the second elastic bodies 118b arranged on the other side are arranged circumferentially with respect to their axes at a predetermined angle (120 degrees in the case of three bridging portions 123b).

[0214] A plurality of second elastic bodies 118b may overlap with a plurality of first elastic bodies 118a in the axial direction. This can be understood as the plurality of second elastic bodies 118b being positioned in the same location as the plurality of first elastic bodies 118a when viewed from the axial direction.

[0215] As described above, when viewed from the axial front, the plurality of second elastic bodies 118b can be arranged symmetrically about the axis. This minimizes the sum of the lateral forces generated by the plurality of second elastic bodies 118b.

[0216] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a portion of a linear compressor 100 according to another embodiment of this specification. Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a linear compressor 100 according to another embodiment of this specification. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a linear compressor 100 according to another embodiment of this specification. Figure 9 It is magnification Figure 8 Partial sectional view of section A.

[0217] This can be understood as the following not being stated Figures 6 to 9 The detailed structure of the linear compressor 200 described in this manual is as follows: Figures 2 to 5 The detailed configuration of the linear compressor 100 of one embodiment of this specification is the same.

[0218] Reference Figures 6 to 9 Each of the plurality of first elastic bodies 218a may include: a first elastic member 218aa, forming a closed space P on the inner side; a first front fixing member 218ab, disposed in front of the first elastic member 218aa; and a first rear fixing member 218ac, disposed behind the first elastic member 218aa.

[0219] The plurality of second elastic bodies 218b may each include: a second elastic member 218ba forming a closed space P on the inner side; a second front fixing member 218bb disposed in front of the second elastic member 218ba; and a second rear fixing member 218bc disposed behind the second elastic member 218ba.

[0220] Hereinafter, the first elastic member 218aa and the second elastic member 218ba can be referred to as elastic members 218aa and 218ba, and the first front fixing member 218ab, the first rear fixing member 218ac, the second front fixing member 218bb, and the second rear fixing member 218bc can be referred to as fixing members 218ab, 218ac, 218bb, and 218bc.

[0221] The first elastic member 218aa may be formed of an elastic material, while the first front fixing member 218ab and the first rear fixing member 218ac may be formed of a non-elastic material. For example, the first elastic member 218aa may be formed of a rubber material as a soft elastic material, while the first front fixing member 218ab and the first rear fixing member 218ac may be formed of a plastic material.

[0222] The second elastic member 218ba can be formed of an elastic material, while the second front fixing member 218bb and the second rear fixing member 218bc can be formed of a non-elastic material. For example, the second elastic member 218ba can be formed of a rubber material as a soft elastic material, while the second front fixing member 218bb and the second rear fixing member 218bc can be formed of a plastic material.

[0223] The fixing members 218ab, 218ac, 218bb, and 218bc can perform the function of stably placing the elastic members 218aa and 218ba, which are made of soft elastic material, between the back of the stator cover 237 and the front of the mounting portion 219c, and between the back of the mounting portion 219c and the front of the rear plate 223a, and uniformly transmitting the elastic force generated in the elastic members 218aa and 218ba to the spring support member 219.

[0224] The outer skins of the elastic members 218aa and 218ba can be formed to a predetermined thickness. However, if the outer skins of the elastic members 218aa and 218ba are too thick, it may be difficult to adjust the frequency of the elastomer 218 based on changes in gas pressure. Conversely, if the outer skins of the elastic members 218aa and 218ba are too thin, their durability against gas pressure may decrease.

[0225] The outer skin of elastic members 218aa and 218ba can be formed with a uniform thickness. If the outer skin of a certain portion of the elastomer 218 is too thin or too thick, the elasticity corresponding to the gas pressure in the confined space P may be irregularly formed in that particular portion, which may induce lateral forces. Therefore, if it is desirable to form the same elasticity in all portions corresponding to the gas pressure in the confined space P, it may be preferable that the outer skin of elastic members 218aa and 218ba be formed with a uniform thickness.

[0226] and Figures 6 to 9 Unlike the previous configuration, the first elastic member 218aa is formed with openings at the front and rear ends. A first front fixing member 218ab is configured to block the front end of the opening of the first elastic member 218aa, and a first rear fixing member 218ac is configured to block the rear end of the opening of the first elastic member 218aa. Similarly, the second elastic member 218ba is formed with openings at the front and rear ends. A second front fixing member 218bb is configured to block the front end of the opening of the second elastic member 218ba, and a second rear fixing member 218bc is configured to block the rear end of the opening of the second elastic member 218ba. In other words, elastic members 218aa and 218ba can form the sides of the sealed space P, and fixing members 218ab, 218ac, 218bb, and 218bc can form the front and back sides of the sealed space P.

[0227] In this case, in order to ensure the airtightness of the sealed space P, additional sealing members (not shown) can be formed at the joint of the elastic members 218aa, 218ba and the fixed members 218ab, 218ac, 218bb, 218bc.

[0228] Reference Figures 6 to 9A first protrusion 291a may be formed on one side of the front of the first front fixing member 218ab and the back of the stator cover 237, and a first fixing groove 292a may be formed on the other side for receiving the first protrusion 291a. Additionally, a second protrusion 291b may be formed on one side of the back of the first rear fixing member 218ac and the front of the mounting portion 219c, and a second fixing groove 292b may be formed on the other side for receiving the second protrusion 291b.

[0229] A third protrusion 291c may be formed on one side of the front of the second front fixing member 218bb and the back of the mounting portion 219c, and a third fixing groove 292c for mounting the third protrusion 291c may be formed on the other side. In addition, a fourth protrusion 291d may be formed on one side of the back of the second rear fixing member 218bc and the front of the rear plate 223a, and a fourth fixing groove 292d for mounting the fourth protrusion 291d may be formed on the other side.

[0230] Hereinafter, the first protrusion 291a, the second protrusion 291b, the third protrusion 291c, and the fourth protrusion 291d may be referred to as protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, and 291d, and the first fixing groove 292a, the second fixing groove 292b, the third fixing groove 292c, and the fourth fixing groove 292d may be referred to as fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, and 292d.

[0231] In another embodiment of the linear compressor 100 of this specification, the portions that contact the back of the stator cover 237, the front of the mounting portion 219c, the back of the mounting portion 219c, and the front of the rear plate 223a are fixed members 218ab, 218ac, 218bb, and 218bc made of non-elastic material. Therefore, it may be necessary to fix structural elements that move laterally in the plurality of first elastic bodies 218a and the plurality of second elastic bodies 218b. Therefore, protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, 291d or fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, 292d can be formed on the fixing members 218ab, 218ac, 218bb, 218bc. Fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, 292d corresponding to the protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, 291d or protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, 291d corresponding to the fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, 292d can be formed on the portions that contact the elastic body 218. If the protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, 291d and the fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, 292d engage with each other, the lateral movement of the elastic body 218 can be prevented.

[0232] Furthermore, by assembling the elastomer 218 into the linear compressor 100 by placing protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, and 291d in the fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, and 292d, the method does not require additional connecting components, thus improving manufacturing costs and facilitating assembly, thereby increasing production efficiency.

[0233] Reference Figure 8 Protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, and 291d may be formed on the front and back sides of the stator cover 237, the mounting portion 219c, and the rear plate 223a. Fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, and 292d may be formed on the fixing members 218ab, 218ac, 218bb, and 218bc. However, this is not a limitation; fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, and 292d may also be formed on the stator cover 237, the front and back sides of the mounting portion 219c, and the rear plate 223a, and protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, and 291d may also be formed on the fixing members 218ab, 218ac, 218bb, and 218bc.

[0234] Furthermore, it can also be formed in a way that combines the two methods described above. For example, a second protrusion 291b can be formed in the first rear fixing member 218ac, a second fixing groove 292b for accommodating the second protrusion 291b can be formed on the front side of the mounting part 219c, a third protrusion 291c can be formed on the back side of the mounting part 219c, and a third fixing groove 292c can be formed in the second front fixing member 218bb. In this case, fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, and 292d are formed on the front side of the mounting portion 219c, and protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, and 291d are formed on the back side of the mounting portion 219c. Therefore, when manufacturing the mounting portion 219c, if the portions on the front side of the mounting portion 219c with the fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, and 292d are punched or pushed, the corresponding protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, and 291d can be formed on the back side of the mounting portion 219c. This simplifies the manufacturing process. The same applies when the protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, and 291d are formed on the front side of the mounting portion 219c, and the fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, and 292d are formed on the back side of the mounting portion 219c.

[0235] However, uniformly manufacturing the fixing components 218ab, 218ac, 218bb, and 218bc may be beneficial to improving production efficiency. Therefore, it may be preferable that the first front fixing component 218ab, the first rear fixing component 218ac, the second front fixing component 218bb, and the second rear fixing component 218bc uniformly form fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, and 292d or protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, and 291d.

[0236] On the other hand, when the fixing members 218ab, 218ac, 218bb, and 218bc form protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, and 291d, the stator cover 237, the mounting portion 219c, and the rear plate 223a may have fixing holes (not shown) formed at positions corresponding to the protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, and 291d.

[0237] For example, instead of forming the fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, and 292d on the front and back sides of the mounting portion 219c, a fixing hole can be formed extending from the front to the back side of the mounting portion 219c. When forming the fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, and 292d, it may be necessary to separately provide portions of the fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, and 292d in the mold during the casting of the spring support 219. However, when forming the fixing hole (not shown), after casting using the mold used to manufacture the existing spring support 219, stamping and / or drilling can be performed at the location where the fixing hole (not shown) is formed to create the fixing hole (not shown).

[0238] Therefore, when fixing the elastomer 218 through a fixing hole (not shown), existing molds can still be used, and the fixing hole (not shown) can be formed through simple processes such as stamping and / or drilling, thereby improving production efficiency. This effect occurs not only in the mounting portion 219c of the spring support 219, but also in the processes of manufacturing the stator cover 237 and the rear plate 223a.

[0239] The cross-sections of the first elastic member 218aa and the second elastic member 218ba, taken radially, can be circular. To minimize lateral forces in each elastic body 218, the lateral forces generated by the enclosed space P formed inside the first elastic member 218aa and the second elastic member 218ba need to be canceled out. If the cross-sections of the first elastic member 218aa and the second elastic member 218ba, taken radially, are circular, then the lateral forces can be canceled out, thus minimizing the lateral forces generated in each elastic body 218.

[0240] The plurality of first elastic bodies 218a and the plurality of second elastic bodies 218b can each be formed in a barrel shape. Specifically, the fixing members 218ab, 218ac, 218bb, and 218bc can be formed in the shape of a circular plate with a predetermined thickness along the axial direction, and the elastic members 218aa and 218ba can be formed in the shape of a large cylinder with a radius of the middle portion larger than the radii of the front and rear ends. If the elastic members 218aa and 218ba are formed in the shape of a cylinder with a constant radius or with a radius of the middle portion smaller than the radii of the front and rear ends, the middle portion may bend in a certain direction when the elastic body 218 is compressed. This may become a factor in generating lateral forces. Therefore, it may be preferable that the plurality of first elastic bodies 218a and the plurality of second elastic bodies 218b are each formed in the shape of a barrel with a larger radius of the middle portion.

[0241] Reference Figure 9 The first protrusion 291a, the second protrusion 291b, the third protrusion 291c, and the fourth protrusion 291d can be formed in a position where they overlap axially. This can be understood as the same situation where the first fixing groove 292a, the second fixing groove 292b, the third fixing groove 292c, and the fourth fixing groove 292d overlap axially. If the protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, and 291d are not aligned axially, torque and / or rotational torque acting on the spring support 219 may generate lateral forces. Therefore, the protrusions 291a, 291b, 291c, and 291d, or the fixing grooves 292a, 292b, 292c, and 292d, need to be aligned axially to minimize the occurrence of lateral forces.

[0242] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a portion of a linear compressor 100 according to another embodiment of this specification. Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a linear compressor 100 according to another embodiment of this specification. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a linear compressor 100 according to another embodiment of this specification.

[0243] This can be understood as the following not being stated Figures 10 to 12 The detailed structure of the linear compressor 100 described in this manual is as follows: Figures 2 to 5 The detailed configuration of the linear compressor 100 of one embodiment of this specification is the same.

[0244] The elastic body 318 may include a first elastic body 318a and a second elastic body 318b. The first elastic body 318a may be disposed between the stator cover 337 and the mounting portion 319c. The second elastic body 318b may be disposed between the mounting portion 319c and the rear plate 323a. The first elastic body 318a surrounds the main body 319a of the spring support member 319 and may be integrally formed circumferentially. The shape of the second elastic body 318b may correspond to the shape of the first elastic body 318a. The second elastic body 318b may overlap with the first elastic body 318a in the axial direction. That is, the first elastic body 318a and the second elastic body 318b can be understood as tube shapes formed circumferentially around an axis. The first elastic body 318a and the second elastic body 318b may be respectively formed in a sealed space P that contains gas on the inner side.

[0245] The outer skin of the elastomer 318 can be formed of an elastic material. For example, the elastomer 318 can be formed of a rubber material that has excellent elasticity to pressure changes and high durability. Therefore, the elastomer 318 of the linear compressor 100 of another embodiment of this specification can be understood as a rubber tube filled with pressurized gas inside. However, it is not limited to this, and the elastomer 318 can be formed of various materials that are elastic and capable of forming a closed space P on the inside. As mentioned above, the elastomer 318 can be formed of a soft elastic material, thus reducing noise generated by metal-to-metal contact.

[0246] The first elastic body 318a can be axially compressed and positioned between the stator cover 337 and the mounting portion 319c. This can be understood as the first elastic body 318a being inserted and fixed between the stator cover 337 and the mounting portion 319c without the need for additional connecting members. The first elastic body 318a needs to be engaged in an axially compressed state to be stably positioned between the stator cover 337 and the mounting portion 319c due to restoring force. The axial length of the linear compressor 100 in the state of engagement with the first elastic body 318a can be less than the axial length of the linear compressor 100 in its previous state. As described above, the first elastic body 318a can be engaged with the linear compressor 100 without additional connecting members, thus facilitating assembly, increasing production efficiency, and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0247] The first elastic body 318a can be separated from the main body 319a of the spring support 319. When the elastic body 318 is axially compressed, the axially intermediate portion of the first elastic body 318a can expand radially, and when it is axially stretched, the axially intermediate portion can contract. As described above, when the linear compressor 100 is driven, the radial dimension of the intermediate portion of the elastic body 318 can be repeatedly changed.

[0248] At this time, if the first elastic body 318a is in contact with the main body 319a of the spring support 319, the middle portion of the first elastic body 318a cannot increase uniformly, but may increase radially outward with weight distribution around the axis. Such weight distribution may generate lateral forces. Furthermore, if the first elastic body 318a is in contact with the main body 319a of the spring support 319, this process can be repeated: when the first elastic body 318a is axially stretched, its side is temporarily separated from the main body 319a, and then it comes into contact with the main body 319a again during axial compression. Such repeated separation and contact between the first elastic body 318a and the main body 319a may cause noise. Therefore, it is probably preferable that the first elastic body 318a is spaced apart from the main body 319a of the spring support 319.

[0249] The second elastomer 318b can be axially compressed and positioned between the mounting portion 319c and the rear plate 323a. This can be understood as the second elastomer 318b being inserted and fixed between the mounting portion 319c and the rear plate 323a without additional connecting members. The second elastomer 318b needs to be engaged in an axially compressed state to be stably positioned between the mounting portion 319c and the rear plate 323a due to restoring force. The axial length of the linear compressor 100 in the state with the second elastomer 318b engaged can be less than the axial length of the linear compressor 100 in its previous state with the second elastomer 318b engaged. As described above, the second elastomer 318b can be engaged with the linear compressor 100 without additional connecting members, thus facilitating assembly, increasing production efficiency, and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0250] The elastomer 318 may include a second elastomer 318b. The second elastomer 318b may be disposed between the mounting portion 319c and the rear plate 323a. The second elastomer 318b may be positioned by being compressed axially.

[0251] It can be understood that, in another embodiment of the linear compressor 100 of this specification, the second elastomer 318b is inserted and fixed between the mounting portion 319c and the rear plate 323a without the need for additional connecting members. Therefore, the axial length of the second elastomer 318b in the state of being connected to the linear compressor 100 can be less than the axial length in the state before being connected to the linear compressor 100. As described above, the second elastomer 318b can be connected to the linear compressor 100 without additional connecting members, thus facilitating assembly, improving production efficiency, and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0252] The mounting portion 319c of the spring support 319 can extend radially outward from the main body portion 319a. In this case, it can extend in all directions in a plane perpendicular to the axis. That is, the mounting portion 319c can be a circular plate shape integrally formed circumferentially.

[0253] In order for the mounting portion 319c to receive uniform elastic force from the elastomer 318, the mounting portion 319c and the elastomer 318 need to be in uniform contact. That is, the rear end of the first elastomer 318a needs to be in contact with the front end of the mounting portion 319c, and the front end of the second elastomer 318b needs to be in uniform contact with the back end of the mounting portion 319c. In another embodiment of the linear compressor 100 of this specification, the elastomer is a tubular shape extending circumferentially. Therefore, it is preferable that the mounting portion 319c is integrally formed circumferentially with a shape corresponding to that of the elastomer 318. This prevents lateral forces that would occur due to the elastic force concentrating on a portion of the mounting portion 319c.

[0254] At least one of the back side of the stator cover 337 and the front side of the mounting portion 319c, and at least one of the back side of the mounting portion 319c and the front side of the rear plate 323a, may include mounting grooves 390 formed in the portions that contact the first elastic body 318a and the second elastic body 318b. To stably fix the tubular elastic body 318 without additional connecting members, it may be preferable to form grooves at the locations where the elastic body 318 is mounted. In this case, it may be preferable to form mounting grooves 390 on the back side of the stator cover 337, the front side of the mounting portion 319c, the back side of the mounting portion 319c, and the front side of the rear plate 323a.

[0255] Reference Figure 11 When viewed from the axial direction, the mounting groove 390 can be formed into a ring shape corresponding to the shape of the elastomer 318. Additionally, refer to... Figure 12 When viewed in cross-section, the shape of the mounting groove 390 can be concave and curved.

[0256] The curvature of the mounting groove 390 can be less than the curvature of the first elastic body 318a and the second elastic body 318b. When the elastic body 318 is under axial tension, the curvature of the front and rear ends of the elastic body 318 can be less than the curvature of the elastic body 318 when the linear compressor 100 is not operating. In this case, if the curvature of the mounting groove 390 is less than the curvature of the elastic body 318, the elastic body 318 can still be stably mounted even when under axial tension.

[0257] However, with Figure 12 Unlike the diagram, the curvature of the mounting groove 390 can be formed to correspond to the curvature of the elastomer 318. In this case, the clearance between the elastomer 318 and the mounting groove 390 can be eliminated, thereby eliminating the influence of lateral forces generated by the clearance.

[0258] Not limited to this, the mounting groove 390 may not be formed in a curved shape. As long as a groove or hole for mounting the elastomer 318 is formed on the back of the stator cover 337, the back of the mounting groove 390, and the front of the rear plate 323a, the shape of the mounting groove 390 can be formed in various ways.

[0259] The rear cover 323 may include: a rear plate 323a disposed behind the mounting portion 319c of the spring support 319; and a bridging portion 323b extending forward from a portion of the rear plate 323a and engaging with the back surface of the stator cover 337. In this case, the bridging portion 323b may be disposed radially outside the first elastic body 318a and the second elastic body 318b. Additionally, the bridging portion 323b may be disposed radially outside the mounting portion 319c.

[0260] In another embodiment of the linear compressor 100 of this specification, the stator cover 337 and the rear plate 323a can be stators, and the mounting portion 319c of the spring support 319 can be a mover that receives elastic force from the first elastic body 318a and the second elastic body 318b and reciprocates axially. The rear plate 323a can be connected to the stator cover 337 by a bridging portion 323b extending forward from a portion of the rear plate 323a. In this case, to prevent interference between the bridging portion 323b and the mounting portion 319c, it is preferable that the bridging portion 323b is disposed radially outside the first elastic body 318a, the second elastic body 318b, and the mounting portion 319c.

[0261] The stator cover 337 may include a protruding joint portion 337a protruding outward from the stator cover 337. A bridging portion 323b may be engaged with the protruding joint portion 337a. The front end of the bridging portion 323b is bent radially outward, and a connecting member may be engaged through the bent portion. Thus, the bridging portion 323b can be engaged with the stator cover 337. In this case, in the linear compressor 100 of another embodiment of this specification, the bridging portion 323b is disposed radially outward from the first elastic body 318a, the second elastic body 318b, and the mounting portion 319c. Therefore, the portion of the stator cover 337 where the bridging portion 323b is disposed at the outer end can have a protruding joint portion 337a for engaging the bridging portion 323b.

[0262] The foregoing embodiments or other embodiments of this specification are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Various configurations or functions of the foregoing embodiments or other embodiments of this specification may be used in combination or together.

[0263] For example, this means that configuration A as illustrated in a specific embodiment and / or the drawings can be combined with configuration B as illustrated in other embodiments and / or the drawings. That is, it means that even if the combination between the configurations is not directly described, they can be combined except where it is stated that they cannot be combined.

[0264] The detailed description above should not be construed as limiting in all respects, but should be considered exemplary. The scope of this specification should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of this specification are included within its scope.

Claims

1. A linear compressor, wherein, include: Cylinder; The piston reciprocates axially inside the cylinder. A drive unit is disposed on the outside of the cylinder. The stator cover is attached to the rear of the drive unit; A spring support includes a main body and a mounting portion, the main body being coupled to the rear of the piston, and the mounting portion extending outward from the main body and disposed at the rear of the stator cover; The rear plate is located behind the mounting section; A plurality of first elastic bodies are disposed between the stator cover and the mounting portion; and A plurality of second elastic bodies are disposed between the mounting portion and the rear plate. A plurality of the first elastic bodies and a plurality of the second elastic bodies each form a sealed space on the inner side to contain gas; At least one of the back side of the stator cover and the front side of the mounting portion, and at least one of the back side of the mounting portion and the front side of the rear plate, includes a mounting groove formed in the portion that contacts the plurality of first elastomers and the plurality of second elastomers; The curvature of the mounting groove is less than the curvature of the plurality of the first elastic bodies and the plurality of the second elastic bodies.

2. The linear compressor according to claim 1, wherein, A plurality of the first elastic bodies are pressed between the back side of the stator cover and the front side of the mounting portion. A plurality of the second elastomers are pressed between the back side of the mounting portion and the front side of the rear plate.

3. The linear compressor according to claim 1, wherein, A plurality of the first elastomers are separated from the main body portion.

4. The linear compressor according to claim 1, wherein, include: A plurality of bridging portions extend forward from a portion of the rear plate and engage with the back of the stator cover. The plurality of the aforementioned bridging portions are arranged radially about the axis. A plurality of the first elastic bodies and a plurality of the second elastic bodies are respectively arranged in circumferential pairs between the plurality of the bridging portions.

5. The linear compressor according to claim 1, wherein, A plurality of the first elastic bodies and a plurality of the second elastic bodies are each formed into a spherical shape.

6. A linear compressor, wherein, include: Cylinder; The piston reciprocates axially inside the cylinder. A drive unit is disposed on the outside of the cylinder. The stator cover is attached to the rear of the drive unit; A spring support includes a main body and a mounting portion, the main body being coupled to the rear of the piston, and the mounting portion extending outward from the main body and being coupled to the rear of the stator cover; The rear plate is located behind the mounting section; A first elastic body is disposed between the stator cover and the mounting portion; as well as A second elastic body is disposed between the mounting portion and the rear plate. The first elastomer surrounds the main body and is integrally formed in the circumferential direction. The shape of the second elastomer corresponds to the shape of the first elastomer. The second elastic body overlaps the first elastic body in the axial direction. The first elastomer and the second elastomer each form a sealed space for containing gas on their inner sides; at least one side of the back of the stator cover and the front of the mounting portion, and at least one side of the back of the mounting portion and the front of the rear plate, include a mounting groove, which is formed in the portion that contacts the plurality of the first elastomers and the plurality of the second elastomers. The curvature of the mounting groove is less than the curvature of the plurality of the first elastic bodies and the plurality of the second elastic bodies.

7. The linear compressor according to claim 6, wherein, The first elastomer is positioned by being compressed axially between the stator cover and the mounting portion. The second elastomer is compressed axially and positioned between the mounting portion and the rear plate.

8. The linear compressor according to claim 6, wherein, The first elastomer is separated from the main body portion.

9. The linear compressor according to claim 6, wherein, include: The bridging portion extends forward from a portion of the rear plate and engages with the back of the stator cover. The bridging portion is disposed radially outside the first elastomer and the second elastomer.

10. The linear compressor according to claim 9, wherein, The stator cover includes a protruding joint portion that protrudes outward from the stator cover. The bridging portion is coupled to the protruding coupling portion.

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