Suspension Element for Linear Compressor

Abstract

In a refrigeration compressor a pair of suspension elements support a linear compressor within a hermetic shell. Each suspension element includes a hub component is fixed to one of the compressor or shell. A substantially rigid ring is secured to the other of the compressor or shell, an elastic membrane extends across the area of the ring and is secured to the ring around its periphery. The hub component is secured to the membrane at the centre of the ring.

1 . A suspension element for use in supporting a linear compressor within a hermetic shell, said element comprising: 
 a hub component adapted for fixing to a first object,    a substantially rigid ring, and    an elastic membrane extending across the area of said ring and secured to said ring around its periphery,    said hub component being secured to said membrane at the centre of said ring.    
   
   
       2 . A suspension element as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said membrane is moulded over said ring, and is moulded over at least a part of said hub component.  
   
   
       3 . A suspension element as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said membrane comprises an artificial rubber or polyurethane material.  
   
   
       4 . A suspension element as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said membrane comprises an artificial rubber or polyurethane material.  
   
   
       5 . A refrigeration system compressor comprising a hermetic housing, a linear compressor within said hermetic housing, said compressor including at least two relatively reciprocating parts, with one part typically being much greater mass than the other part, the relative reciprocation of the centre of mass of each part occurring along an axis of reciprocation, and 
 at least a pair of suspension elements each comprising:    a hub component adapted for fixing to a first object,    a substantially rigid ring, and    an elastic membrane extending across the area of said ring and secured to said ring around its periphery,    said hub component being secured to said membrane at the centre of said ring,    the hub portion of each said suspension element being connected with said compressor part of greater mass, such that the centre of said hub at least substantially coincides with said axis of reciprocation, and the ring portion of each said element being fixed to at least one part of said hermetic housing.    
   
   
       6 . A refrigeration system compressor as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said membrane is moulded over said ring, and is moulded over at least a part of said hub component.  
   
   
       7 . A refrigeration system compressor as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said membrane comprises an artificial rubber or polyurethane material.  
   
   
       8 . A refrigeration system compressor as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said membrane comprises an artificial rubber or polyurethane material.