Axial multi-piston compressor having rotary suction valve

Abstract

A compressor includes first and second cylinder blocks having cylinder bores and surrounding a drive shaft, and the bores of the first block are aligned and registered with the bores of the second block, respectively, the blocks being arranged to define a suction chamber therebetween. First and second housings are associated with the first and second blocks to define first and second discharge chambers therebetween, which are in communication with each other through a central passage of the drive shaft. Double-headed pistons are slidably received in the pairs of aligned bores, respectively, and a conversion mechanism is disposed within the suction chamber for converting a rotation of the shaft into a reciprocation of each piston in the corresponding aligned cylinder bores such that suction and compression strokes are alternately executed. A rotary valve introduces fluid into the bores just after the suction stroke is initiated, and the introduction of fluid is continued until the suction stroke is finished.