Linear compressor

Abstract

A linear compressor having a compressor chamber with an end wall that includes a recess; a piston that moves in an oscillating manner in the compressor chamber; and a proximity sensor that is disposed on the end wall of the compressor chamber to detect an approach of the piston to the end wall. The proximity sensor is adjacent to the recess in the end wall and the piston has a projection which engages in the recess at a top dead center of the piston movement.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A linear compressor, comprising:
 a compressor chamber having an end wall, the end wall having a recess;   a piston that moves in an oscillating manner in the compressor chamber; and   a proximity sensor disposed on the end wall of the compressor chamber to detect an approach of the piston to the end wall;   wherein the proximity sensor is adjacent to the recess in the end wall; and   wherein the piston has a projection which engages in the recess at a top dead center of the piston movement.   
     
     
         13 . The linear compressor of  claim 12 , wherein the proximity sensor is an inductive sensor. 
     
     
         14 . The linear compressor of  claim 12 , wherein the recess and the projection have a respective side face that is parallel to an axial movement direction of the piston. 
     
     
         15 . The linear compressor of  claim 12 , wherein the proximity sensor is disposed on a side of the end wall that faces the compressor chamber. 
     
     
         16 . The linear compressor of  claim 15 , wherein the end wall is made of metal. 
     
     
         17 . The linear compressor of  claim 12 , wherein the proximity sensor comprises a coil that encloses the recess. 
     
     
         18 . The linear compressor of  claim 12 , wherein the compressor is cylindrical and has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the recess is located on the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical compressor chamber. 
     
     
         19 . The linear compressor of  claim 12 , wherein the recess is a passage for fluid circulated by the linear compressor. 
     
     
         20 . The linear compressor of  claim 19 , wherein the passage is an outlet opening of the compressor chamber. 
     
     
         21 . The linear compressor of  claim 19 , wherein a valve body made of dielectric material is assigned to the passage. 
     
     
         22 . A refrigerator, comprising:
 a linear compressor, the linear compressor having:
 a compressor chamber having an end wall, the end wall having a recess; 
 a piston that moves in an oscillating manner in the compressor chamber; and 
 a proximity sensor disposed on the end wall of the compressor chamber to detect an approach of the piston to the end wall; 
 wherein the proximity sensor is adjacent to the recess in the end wall; and 
 wherein the piston has a projection which engages in the recess at a top dead center of the piston movement. 
   
     
     
         23 . The refrigerator of  claim 22 , wherein the refrigerator is a household refrigerator.