Linear Compressor With Preloaded Spring Piston Rod, and Refrigerating Machine

Abstract

A linear compressor including a piston housing, a compressor piston movable in a reciprocating manner along an axis within the piston housing, a drive mechanism for driving the reciprocating movement, a linkage for connecting the compressor piston to the drive mechanism, and a helical spring operable within the linkage.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . A linear compressor comprising:
 a piston housing;   a compressor piston movable in a reciprocating manner along an axis within the piston housing;   a drive mechanism that drives the reciprocating movement;   a linkage that connects the compressor piston to the drive mechanism; and   a helical spring within the linkage.   
   
   
       12 . The linear compressor according to  claim 11 , wherein the spring is a close coiled helical spring. 
   
   
       13 . The linear compressor according to  claim 11 , wherein the preloading of the spring is greater than any tensile stress which can be produced in the linkage by the drive mechanism. 
   
   
       14 . The linear compressor according to  claim 11 , wherein a preloaded spring is at each of two sections of the linkage. 
   
   
       15 . The linear compressor according to  claim 11 , wherein the linkage comprises the spring. 
   
   
       16 . The linear compressor according to  claim 11 , wherein a section of the linkage with a section of spring has a screwed fixing the linkage to one of the drive mechanism and the compressor piston. 
   
   
       17 . The linear compressor according to  claim 11 , wherein the ratio of axial to transverse rigidity for the spring is at least 20:1, in particular at least 50:1, preferably at least 200:1. 
   
   
       18 . The linear compressor according to  claim 11 , wherein the compressor piston is guided in the piston housing by a housing wall which has openings and a coolant, which enters the housing through the openings. 
   
   
       19 . A refrigerating machine including one of a refrigerator, a freezer and an air conditioning system with the refrigerating machine comprising:
 a linear compressor including a piston housing;   a compressor piston movable in a reciprocating manner along an axis within the piston housing;   a drive mechanism for driving the reciprocating movement;   a linkage that connects the compressor piston to the drive mechanism; and   a helical spring within the linkage.   
   
   
       20 . A method for cooling or freezing a product by the use of a refrigerating machine, the method comprising:
 providing a refrigerating machine having:
 a linear compressor including a piston housing; 
 a compressor piston movable in a reciprocating manner along an axis within the piston housing; 
 a drive mechanism that drives the reciprocating movement; 
 a linkage that connects the compressor piston to the drive mechanism; and 
 a helical spring within the linkage, and 
   exposing the product to the atmosphere within the refrigerating machine for a predetermined time duration.