US 12,352,255 B2
Linear compressor with intake muffler coupling arrangement
Sangjin Song, Seoul (KR); Chulgi Roh, Seoul (KR); and Geonwoo Kim, Seoul (KR)
Assigned to LG Electronics Inc., Seoul (KR)
Filed by LG Electronics Inc., Seoul (KR)
Filed on May 26, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/202,538.
Claims priority of application No. 10-2022-0124994 (KR), filed on Sep. 30, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0110553 A1, Apr. 4, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. F04B 39/00 (2006.01); F04B 35/04 (2006.01)
CPC F04B 39/0061 (2013.01) [F04B 35/045 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A linear compressor comprising:
a cylinder;
a piston configured to axially reciprocate in the cylinder;
a back cover spaced apart from the piston, the back cover defining an opening at a central area thereof in a radial direction;
a first muffler unit coupled to the piston, the first muffler unit comprising (i) an inner guide disposed in the piston and (ii) a first intake muffler disposed between the inner guide and the back cover;
a second muffler unit coupled to the opening, the second muffler unit comprising (i) a second intake muffler that is in fluid communication with the first intake muffler and is coupled to the opening and (ii) a muffler body that surrounds the second intake muffler,
wherein the second intake muffler comprises a coupling portion that defines a rear portion of the second intake muffler and has a shape corresponding to the opening,
wherein the coupling portion passes through the opening and is seated on a rear surface of the back cover, the coupling portion being configured to rotate relative to the back cover,
wherein the second intake muffler further comprises a first cylindrical portion and a first flange, the first flange extending radially outward from the first cylindrical portion,
wherein the muffler body comprises a second cylindrical portion disposed radially outside the second intake muffler, the second cylindrical portion comprising (i) a front side surface that faces the second intake muffler, (ii) an inner circumferential surface that defines a central opening axially through the front side surface, and (iii) an outer circumferential surface that surrounds the inner circumferential surface and is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface,
wherein the front side surface of the second cylindrical portion blocks a front of a space between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface,
wherein a rear side of the second cylindrical portion is open to a rear of the space between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface,
wherein the muffler body further comprises a second flange extending inward from the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion, and
wherein a rear surface of the first flange contacts a front surface of the second flange.