Linear Compressor And Corresponding Drive Unit

Abstract

A drive unit for a linear compressor comprising a frame and an oscillating body. The oscillating body is mounted in the frame via at least one diaphragm spring and can be moved back and forth in one direction. The diaphragm spring comprises a plurality of limbs, fastened with one end to the frame and with the other end to the oscillating body. Two limbs each have inversely curved sections between the two ends.

1 - 12 . (canceled)  
   
   
       13 . A drive unit for a linear compressor comprising a frame and an oscillating body mounted in the frame by means of at least one diaphragm spring and moving back and forth, the diaphragm spring having a plurality of limbs engaging the frame with a first end and the oscillating body with a second end, and a curved path between the two ends, wherein two of the limbs have inversely curved sections.  
   
   
       14 . The drive unit according to  claim 13 , wherein each limb has two sections curved in different directions.  
   
   
       15 . The drive unit according to  claim 13 , further comprising a second diaphragm spring, the first and second diaphragm springs engaging on regions of the oscillating body that are spaced in the direction of the oscillating movement.  
   
   
       16 . The drive unit according to  claim 13 , wherein the limbs of the same diaphragm spring are integrally joined together at their ends engaging on the oscillating body.  
   
   
       17 . The drive unit according to  claim 13 , wherein the limbs of the same diaphragm spring are integrally joined together at their ends engaging on the frame.  
   
   
       18 . The drive unit according to  claim 17 , wherein the ends engaging on the frame are connected by a frame integral with the limbs.  
   
   
       19 . The drive unit according to  claim 13 , further comprising a readjusting spring assigned to each limb and counteracting deformation of the limb.  
   
   
       20 . The drive unit according to  claim 19 , wherein the stiffness of the diaphragm spring is lower in the direction of deformation than that of the readjusting spring.  
   
   
       21 . The drive unit according to  claim 19 , wherein an effective spring constant of the combination of diaphragm spring and readjusting spring is adjustable.  
   
   
       22 . The drive unit according to  claim 19 , wherein the readjusting spring includes a helical spring.  
   
   
       23 . The drive unit according to  claim 13 , wherein the mass of the oscillating body is greater than the mass of all the springs.  
   
   
       24 . A linear compressor comprising: 
 a working chamber;    a piston being movable back and forth in the working chamber for compressing a working fluid; and    a drive unit coupled to the piston for driving the back and forth movement and comprising a frame and an oscillating body mounted in the frame by means of at least one diaphragm spring and moving back and forth, the diaphragm spring having a plurality of limbs engaging the frame with a first end and the oscillating body with a second end, and a curved path between the two ends, wherein two of the limbs have inversely curved sections.