Refrigeration compressor with flexible discharge conduit

Abstract

A refrigeration compressor includes a housing having a wall, a suction gases inlet and a compressed gases outlet. A linear compressor is supported for operation within the housing. A hollow tubular body extends from the compressed gases outlet and is adapted for attachment to a refrigerant circuit. A compressed gases discharge conduit extends from the linear compressor, and to the hollow tubular body to form a seal at a point of direct contact therewith.

The invention is claimed as follows: 
     
         1 . A refrigeration compressor comprising:
 a housing having a wall, a suction gases inlet and a compressed gases outlet;   a linear compressor supported for operation within the housing;   a hollow tubular body extending from the compressed gases outlet and adapted for attachment to a refrigerant circuit; and   a compressed refrigerant discharge conduit extending from the linear compressor, and to the hollow tubular body to form a seal at a point of direct contact therewith.   
     
     
         2 . A refrigeration compressor as claimed in  claim 1  wherein an inside surface of the hollow tubular body is crimped or swaged outside said housing against an outside surface of said discharge conduit to form the seal. 
     
     
         3 . A refrigeration compressor as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the hollow tubular body extends through the wall of the housing and protrudes from an inside surface of the wall such that a protruding end of the hollow tubular body is defined. 
     
     
         4 . A refrigeration compressor as claimed in  claim 3  where the protruding end has an inner edge, the inner edge of said protruding end diverging from an outside surface of the discharge conduit. 
     
     
         5 . A refrigeration compressor as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the hollow tubular body and the discharge conduit are locked together inside the housing to prevent relative rotation between said discharge conduit and the hollow tubular body. 
     
     
         6 . A refrigeration compressor as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the discharge conduit is constructed from one of a polymer and plastic material. 
     
     
         7 . A refrigeration compressor as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the hollow tubular body is a metal pipe brazed to the housing.