refrigerator

Abstract

This invention provides a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet and a sealing structure. The sealing structure includes a first support, a second support, and a heating assembly. The first and second supports are movable towards each other to clamp a packaging bag. The heating assembly is disposed within the first support. The heating assembly includes a heating element and a thermal protection device; the heating element is used to heat and seal the packaging bag. The thermal protection device is electrically connected to the heating element to form a heating circuit. When the temperature of the thermal protection device reaches a threshold, the thermal protection device disconnects, causing the heating circuit to be open-circuited. This refrigerator can independently seal food items, preventing cross-contamination and providing high safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a household appliance, and more particularly to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator is a device that maintains low temperatures to prevent food or other items from spoiling. As people's living standards improve, their demand for food preservation is also increasing.

[0003] Refrigerators typically store a variety of foods, such as vegetables, fruits, cooked food, and pasta. Different foods often emit certain odors or produce volatile substances, which can contaminate the inside of the refrigerator. Therefore, placing multiple foods in the refrigerator simultaneously can lead to cross-contamination. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a refrigerator that can prevent cross-contamination between food items.

[0005] A refrigerator includes: a cabinet and an encapsulation structure disposed within the cabinet;

[0006] The packaging structure includes a first support, a second support, and a heating component; the first support and the second support can move toward each other to clamp the packaging bag;

[0007] The heating component is disposed within the first support; the heating component includes a heating element and a thermal protection device; the heating element is used to heat and seal the packaging bag; the thermal protection device is electrically connected to the heating element to form a heating circuit, and when the temperature of the thermal protection device reaches a threshold, the thermal protection device disconnects, thereby breaking the heating circuit.

[0008] In one embodiment, the thermal protection device is exposed to the environment, and the temperature of the thermal protection device is the same as the ambient temperature.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first support has a heating cavity, the heating element extends out of the heating cavity and is exposed on the outside of the first support, and the thermal protection device is disposed in the heating cavity facing the heating element.

[0010] In one embodiment, the heating assembly further includes a heat insulation plate disposed between the heating element and the first support.

[0011] In one embodiment, the heat insulation board is an insulating board.

[0012] In one embodiment, the heating assembly includes a power cord, and the heating element and the thermal protection device are connected in series to the power cord.

[0013] In one embodiment, when the temperature of the thermal protection device is less than the threshold, the thermal protection device can also be restored to conduction, thus enabling the heating circuit to continue.

[0014] In one embodiment, the thermal protection device is a fuse.

[0015] In one embodiment, the heating element has an insulating layer on its outer side facing the first support, and the insulating layer covers the outer side of the heating element.

[0016] In one embodiment, the packaging structure is a vacuum packaging structure, which includes a vacuuming component and a driving component. The driving component drives the first support and the second support to move towards or away from each other, and the first support and the second support can dock with each other to form a vacuum chamber. The vacuuming component is used to vacuum the packaging bag located in the vacuum chamber.

[0017] The refrigerator described above is equipped with a sealing structure. This structure allows for the sealing of packaging bags, enabling the independent packaging of various food items. When multiple food items are stored in the refrigerator, they are sealed within their packaging bags, preventing them from affecting each other. Therefore, this refrigerator can prevent cross-contamination between food items.

[0018] In the aforementioned refrigerator enclosure, the heating circuit includes a heating element and a thermal protection device. This thermal protection device conducts the ambient temperature around the heating element. If the heating element continues to operate abnormally, causing the ambient temperature to rise to the threshold temperature of the thermal protection device, the device will trip, breaking the heating circuit and preventing the heating element from continuing to operate, thus protecting the refrigerator.

[0019] Furthermore, the packaging structure is a vacuum sealing structure. This vacuum sealing structure can evacuate and seal the packaging bag, thus achieving independent, vacuum packaging of various foods. Therefore, when multiple vacuum-sealed foods are kept fresh in the refrigerator, they will not affect each other, and there will be no need for multiple vacuuming processes. Therefore, compared to traditional refrigerators, the vacuum preservation space of the above refrigerator is not limited to the size of the vacuum drawer, expanding the range of vacuum preservation and improving the efficiency of vacuum preservation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the refrigerator according to this embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The exploded view of the refrigerator door shown;

[0022] Figure 3for Figure 2 The sectional view of the door shown;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of part A of the door shown;

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the vacuum packaging structure shown;

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 5 An exploded view of the vacuum packaging structure shown.

[0026] Figure 7 for Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the vacuum packaging structure.

[0027] The reference numerals in the attached drawings are explained as follows: 1. Refrigerator; 2. Cabinet; 22. Door; 222. Sealing port; 3. Vacuum sealing structure; 31. First support; 311. First cavity; 312. First sealing ring; 313. First seat; 314. Limiting rib; 315. First cover; 317. Heating chamber; 32. Second support; 321. Second cavity; 322. Second sealing ring; 323. Support platform; 325. Buffer; 33. Heating assembly; 331. Heating element; 332. Power cord; 333. Support piece; 3331. Arc-shaped part; 3332. Limiting groove; 3333. Hook; 334. Heat insulation plate; 335. Elastic element; 3351. Ring; 336. Thermal protection device; 34. Drive assembly; 35. Vacuum assembly; 36. Vacuum chamber; 4. Display and control board; 80. Packaging bag; 9. Screw. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the present invention can have various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the descriptions and illustrations herein are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the present invention.

[0029] Vacuum preservation technology has been applied to refrigerators to address the issue of food preservation. Currently, refrigerators use vacuum drawers to create a vacuum zone, which preserves the food within that zone. However, due to the space limitations of the vacuum drawer, users typically need to place all the food requiring vacuum preservation into it before vacuuming to create a relative vacuum. Then, when a specific food item needs to be used, the drawer must be opened, breaking the vacuum. To continue vacuum preservation, the drawer must be vacuumed again. Therefore, traditional refrigerators using vacuum drawers have low vacuum preservation efficiency, hindering the widespread application of this technology.

[0030] For refrigerators equipped with vacuum sealing equipment, the packaging bag needs to be heated and sealed to maintain a vacuum seal. Since most of the internal components of a refrigerator are made of plastic or similar materials, if the heating temperature of the vacuum sealing equipment malfunctions during the heating process, it can cause the refrigerator components to deform due to heat, or even overheat and cause a fire, seriously affecting the safety of the refrigerator.

[0031] This application provides a refrigerator 1. The refrigerator can be a double-door, multi-door, French door, or French door refrigerator, etc. The type of refrigerator is not limited here.

[0032] Please see Figure 1 The refrigerator 1 includes a cabinet 2. The cabinet 2 is generally rectangular. The cabinet 2 includes a door 22 and a storage compartment for storing food. The storage compartment has an opening on one side. The door 22 has an opening for the storage compartment and can close the storage compartment. The interior of the storage compartment forms the storage space of the refrigerator 1. The interior of the cabinet 2 can be divided into multiple independent functional spaces according to different uses, including a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, a quick-freeze compartment, and a defrost compartment, etc.

[0033] For the arrangement of multiple functional spaces, the refrigerator compartment is typically located at the top of cabinet 2, and the freezer compartment is located at the bottom of cabinet 2. It is understandable that for other types of refrigerators, the distribution of each space on cabinet 2 can be in other ways; this is not limited here.

[0034] Each functional space can be separated by an independent door 22 to seal off that functional space. Alternatively, multiple functional spaces can share a single door 22 to seal off all of them simultaneously. The correspondence between the door 22 and the functional spaces is not limited here.

[0035] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3The refrigerator 11 of this embodiment also includes a sealing structure disposed on the cabinet 2. This sealing structure can be disposed on the inner or outer side wall of the door 22 of the cabinet 2, or on the inner or outer side wall of the storage compartment. To meet the usage habits of most users, the sealing structure is disposed on the outer side wall of the door 22 of the cabinet 2. A mounting groove 221 for installing the sealing structure is provided on the outer side wall of the door 22. The sealing structure is fixedly installed in the mounting groove 221 by screws 9, expansion screws, etc. Furthermore, since the mounting groove 221 is located in the upper middle part of the door 22, the sealing structure is located in the middle of the refrigerator 1. Users can directly face the sealing structure, and the operating height of the sealing structure also meets ergonomic design requirements.

[0036] The encapsulation structure includes a first support 31, a second support 32, and a heating component 33. The first support 31 and the second support 32 form the main frame structure of the encapsulation structure. The first support 31 and the second support 32 can move towards each other to clamp the packaging bag 80. By clamping and fixing the packaging bag 80, the encapsulation structure seals the packaging bag 80. After the packaging bag 80 is sealed, the first support 31 and the second support 32 can separate, allowing the packaging bag 80 to be removed from the encapsulation structure, thus completing the sealing process. The type of encapsulation structure is not limited here, as long as it can achieve the sealing of food ingredients.

[0037] The movement relationship between the first support 31 and the second support 32 can be as follows: the first support 31 moves toward or away from the second support 32; or the second support 32 moves toward or away from the first support 31; or both the first support 31 and the second support 32 move toward or away from each other. The movement mode between the first support 31 and the second support 32 is not limited here, as long as they can move closer to each other and separate from each other. Specifically, in this embodiment, the encapsulation structure also includes a drive component 34. The drive component 34 drives the first support 31 and the second support 32 to move toward or away from each other. The drive component 34 can control the automatic lifting and lowering movement of the first support 31 and / or the second support 32 to achieve automatic vacuum sealing, improving the automation performance of the refrigerator 1. In other embodiments, the drive component 34 can be omitted. Then the first support 31 or the second support 32 can be manually driven, and the movement mode of the first support 31 or the second support 32 is not limited here.

[0038] The placement of the first support 31 and the second support 32 can be determined based on user habits and the spatial division of the refrigerator door 22. The first support 31 and the second support 32 can be positioned vertically opposite each other on the door 22; alternatively, they can be positioned horizontally opposite each other on the door 22; and even, both can be tilted onto the door 22. Here, "vertical," "left," and "right" refer to the orientation of the refrigerator when it is upright and placed vertically, directly facing the refrigerator.

[0039] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first support 31 is positioned above the second support 32. Furthermore, the first support 31 moves downward relative to the second support 32, causing the first support 31 and the second support 32 to engage with each other. This vertical arrangement of the first support 31 and the second support 32 better suits user habits. The first support 31 presses down on the packaging bag 80 on the second support 32, making it easier for the user to hold the left and right ends of the packaging bag 80 and preventing the food inside the packaging bag 80 from tipping over.

[0040] The heating assembly 33 includes a heating element 331. The heating element 331 is used to heat-seal the packaging bag 80. The heating assembly 33 is mounted on a first support 31, and the packaging bag 80 is placed on a second support 32. When the first support 31 moves downward, the heating assembly 33 moves with the first support 31, pressing the first support 31 against the second support 32, and the heating element 331 presses against the packaging bag 80. The heating element 331 then heat-seals the opening of the packaging bag 80.

[0041] This packaging structure allows for independent packaging of food items. When multiple food items are stored in refrigerator 1, the items are sealed within their packaging bags 80, preventing them from affecting each other. Therefore, refrigerator 1 can prevent cross-contamination between food items.

[0042] Specifically, in this embodiment, the packaging structure can be a vacuum packaging structure 3. The vacuum packaging structure 3 is used to vacuum the packaging bag 80. The vacuum packaging structure 3 can further vacuum the food before sealing it for preservation, thus improving the freshness of the food.

[0043] Please see Figure 4 Specifically, in this embodiment, the first support 31 is provided with a first cavity 311, and the second support 32 is provided with a second cavity 322. The shapes of the first support 31 and the second support 32 are adapted to each other. When the first support 31 and the second support 32 move towards each other and dock with each other, the first cavity 311 and the second cavity 322 form a sealed vacuum chamber 36.

[0044] A sealing opening 222 is provided on the door body 22. This sealing opening 222 is opposite to the vacuum chamber 36. The end of the packaging bag 80 with an opening can extend into the sealing opening 222 and can directly enter the vacuum chamber 36 from the outside of the door body 22. Thus, the opening of the packaging bag 80 is located inside the vacuum chamber 36, and the internal space of the packaging bag 80 is connected to the vacuum chamber 36 through the opening, forming a complete sealed cavity.

[0045] A limiting part is provided in the first cavity 311 or the second cavity 321 to restrict the insertion position of the packaging bag 80 inserted into the vacuum chamber 36, preventing the opening of the packaging bag 80 from protruding from the vacuum chamber 36. Specifically, the limiting part is a limiting rib 314 provided in the first cavity 311, and the height of the limiting rib 314 is greater than the depth of the first cavity 311. When the user inserts the packaging bag into the vacuum chamber 36, the limiting rib 314 can prevent the packaging bag from being inserted further inward. In addition, there is a gap between the limiting rib 314 and the bottom of the second cavity 322 to maintain unobstructed airflow.

[0046] In other embodiments, the vacuum chamber 36 may also be equipped with a positioning detection device. Specifically, a microwave sensor or an infrared sensor may be used to detect whether a packaging bag has been inserted into the vacuum chamber 36, send a signal indicating whether the packaging bag is in position, and control the vacuuming operation.

[0047] The vacuum sealing structure 3 includes a vacuum pumping assembly 35. The vacuum pumping assembly 35 is connected to the vacuum pumping chamber 36. The vacuum pumping assembly 35 performs a vacuum pumping operation on the vacuum pumping chamber 36, thereby evacuating the entire sealed chamber and realizing the vacuum pumping operation on the packaging bag 80.

[0048] Please see Figure 4 The first support 31 has a first sealing groove on the outer periphery of the first cavity 311, and a first sealing ring 312 is provided in the first sealing groove. The second support 32 has a second sealing groove on the outer periphery of the second cavity 322. A second sealing ring 322 is also provided in the second sealing groove. The first support 31 and the second support 32 are connected in a sealed manner through the first sealing ring 312 and the second sealing ring 322, thereby improving the sealing performance of the vacuum chamber 36.

[0049] When the first support 31 moves downward, the heating element 33 moves with the first support 31, pressing the first support 31 onto the second support 32. The heating element 331 presses the packaging bag 80, forming a closed vacuum chamber 36. The vacuuming component 35 performs a vacuuming operation on the vacuum chamber 36, and simultaneously vacuums the packaging bag 80. When the packaging bag 80 completes the vacuuming operation, the heating element 331 begins to heat up, increasing its temperature, and heats and seals the sealing position of the packaging bag 80.

[0050] Therefore, compared to traditional refrigerators with vacuum drawers, the refrigerator 1 in this embodiment uses a vacuum sealing structure 3 to vacuum and seal the packaging bags 80, thereby achieving independent vacuum packaging of various foods. Thus, multiple foods will not interfere with each other during vacuum preservation, and there will be no cross-contamination. Furthermore, when retrieving food, the packaging bag containing the corresponding food can be removed separately. Breaking the vacuum state of one packaging bag will not affect the vacuum state of other packaging bags. Packaging bags containing other foods can maintain a vacuum state, eliminating the need for multiple vacuuming processes. Therefore, compared to traditional refrigerators, the vacuum preservation space of the refrigerator in this embodiment is not limited to the size of the vacuum drawer, expanding the range of vacuum preservation and improving its efficiency.

[0051] In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing structure 3's vacuuming component 35 and heating component 33 can be controlled independently. That is, the vacuuming component 35 may not perform a vacuuming operation on the packaging bag 80, while the heating component 33 directly seals the packaging bag 80. This vacuum sealing structure 3 can also independently separate various food items, preventing cross-contamination between them.

[0052] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 Specifically, in this embodiment, the first support 31 has a heating cavity 317 for mounting the heating component 33. The first support 31 includes a first base 313 and a first cover 315. The heating cavity 317 is formed between the first base 313 and the first cover 315. The heating element 311 extends out of the heating cavity 317, and the heating element 331 is exposed on the outside of the first base 313 to contact the packaging bag 80.

[0053] The heating assembly 33 includes a power cord 332. The power cord is laid flat on the first base. Both ends of the power cord 332 are provided with metal terminals. Both ends of the heating element 331 are connected to the metal terminals to achieve electrical connection with the power cord 332.

[0054] Since the heating element 331 operates at a high temperature, heat insulation measures are required between the heating element 331 and the first seat 313 to prevent the plastic first seat from deforming due to heat. The heating assembly 33 also includes a support plate 333 and a heat insulation plate 334.

[0055] Support plates 333 are located at both ends of the power cord 332. Screws 9 pass through the metal terminals of the power cord 332 and the hole structure on the support plate 333 and are fixedly connected to the first base 313.

[0056] A support plate 333 extends along the bottom of the heating cavity 317. A heating element 331 is disposed along the support plate 333. The support plate 333 isolates the heating element 331 from the first base 313, preventing overheating and deformation of the first base 313. Specifically, the support plate 333 has an arc-shaped portion 3331 that facilitates the bending of the heating element 331. This arc-shaped portion 3331 covers the bottom of the heating cavity 317 and is clamped to the first base 313. The heating element 331 forms bends at both ends of the power cord 332. The bends correspond to the bending of the arc-shaped portion 3331. Furthermore, the arc-shaped portion 3331 has a limiting groove 3332 for accommodating the heating element 331. This limiting groove 3332 prevents the heating element 331 from sliding on the arc-shaped portion 3331, thus preventing displacement of the heating element 331 and affecting the sealing effect of the packaging bag 80.

[0057] Furthermore, the heating element 331 is elongated. Both ends of the heating element 331 are elastically connected to the first base 313 via elastic elements 335 to ensure that the heating element 331 remains straight and stretched. The heating element 331 can be a heating wire or heating strip, etc., and the elastic element 335 can be a tension spring or spring, etc.

[0058] Specifically, the support plate 333 is provided with a hook 3333. One end of the elastic member 335 is connected to the heating member 331, and the other end is hung on the hook 3333 via a ring 3351. Furthermore, since the support plate 333 is a conductive plate, the heating member 331 is electrically connected to the power cord 332 through the support plate 333, forming a circuit.

[0059] Please see Figure 7 Specifically, in this embodiment, the middle portion of the heating element 331 is exposed outside the first base 313 and faces the second support 32. This portion of the heating element 331 is used to contact the packaging bag 80 and heat-seal the opening of the packaging bag 80. The length of the middle portion of the heating element 331 is the maximum sealing length of the heating element 331.

[0060] The heating assembly 33 also includes a heat insulation plate 334. The heat insulation plate 334 is disposed between the heating element 331 and the first base 313. The heat insulation plate 334 serves to isolate the heating element 331. The heat insulation plate 334 can prevent the high-temperature heating element 331 from directly contacting the first base 313, avoiding overheating and deformation of the first base 313. The first base 313 maintains its shape stability, which can ensure the airtightness of the vacuum chamber 36 of the vacuum sealing device 3 and maintain the vacuuming effect of the vacuum sealing device 3.

[0061] Specifically, the heat insulation plate 334 can be clamped to the first base 313 by the heating element 331. In other embodiments, the heat insulation plate 334 can also be fixed to the first base 313 by means of bonding, snap-fit ​​connection, etc. The method of fixing the heat insulation plate 334 is not limited here. As long as the heat insulation plate 334 can be confined between the heating element 331 and the first base 313, it is acceptable.

[0062] The heat insulation plate 334 ensures complete coverage of the contact area between the heating element 331 and the first seat 313. The heat insulation plate 334 is also elongated in shape. Furthermore, the width of the heat insulation plate 334 is greater than the width of the heating element 331, and its length is adapted to the maximum sealing length of the heating element 331.

[0063] The heat insulation plate 334 can be an insulating plate to prevent current from being transferred from the heating element 331 to the heat insulation plate 334. The heat insulation plate 334 can be a mica sheet, heat-insulating glass sheet, etc.

[0064] Please also refer to Figure 4 A support platform 323 may be provided at the position opposite to the heating element 331 on the second support 32. This support platform 323 is used to support the packaging bag 80. The sealing position of the packaging bag 80 is arranged vertically corresponding to the heating element 331 and the support platform 323. When the heating element 331 moves downward and contacts the packaging bag 80, the support platform 323 provides a supporting force to the packaging bag 80.

[0065] Furthermore, a buffer element 325 is provided on the support platform 323. This buffer element 325 has a hollow structure. When the heating element 331 presses down on the packaging bag 80, the buffer element 325 deforms under pressure, causing the heating element 331 to be embedded within the deformation zone of the buffer element 325. While the heating element 331 heats the sealing area of ​​the packaging bag 80, the buffer element 325 provides cushioning force to the packaging bag 80, ensuring sufficient contact between the heating element 331 and the packaging bag 80, ultimately guaranteeing a good seal on the packaging bag 80.

[0066] Furthermore, the buffer 325 can also be a heat insulation component. The buffer 325 provides heat insulation protection for the second support 32, preventing heat from the heating element 331 from being transferred to the second support 32. Prolonged high temperatures could cause the second support 32 to overheat and deform. Maintaining the shape stability of the second support 32 ensures the airtightness of the vacuum chamber 36 of the vacuum sealing device 3, thus maintaining the vacuuming effect of the vacuum sealing device 3.

[0067] Specifically, in this embodiment, the support platform 323 and the buffer member 325 are an integral structure. The buffer member 325 is made of plastic heat-insulating material.

[0068] The heating assembly also includes a thermal protection device 336. The thermal protection device 336 is located inside the heating chamber 317. The thermal protection device 336 and the heating element 331 are connected in series on the power supply line, thus forming a heating circuit. When the temperature of the thermal protection device 336 reaches a threshold, the thermal protection device 336 disconnects, breaking the heating circuit and causing the heating element 331 to stop heating.

[0069] The temperature of the thermal protection device 336 can be ambient temperature. If the heating element 331 malfunctions and continues to heat, its high temperature will cause the overall ambient temperature to rise. This higher ambient temperature poses a risk of thermal deformation to the first support 31, the second support 32, etc. Therefore, the thermal protection device 336 is also affected by the ambient temperature. The threshold temperature is the rated temperature at which the thermal protection device 336 will melt. This rated temperature is related to the material of the thermal protection device.

[0070] When the temperature of the thermal protection device 336 exceeds the threshold, the thermal protection device 336 will break, causing the entire circuit to be disconnected. Therefore, when the temperature of the heating element 331 rises abnormally, the circuit can be quickly and promptly cut off, thus preventing a fire.

[0071] Furthermore, the thermal protection device 336 is positioned directly opposite the heating element 331 and close to the side of the heating element 331. The thermal protection device 336 can transmit the heating temperature to the heating element 331 more promptly and accurately.

[0072] Specifically, in this embodiment, the thermal protection device 336 can be a fuse-type thermal protector. This fuse-type thermal protector contains heat-sensitive particles; when these particles overheat, the metal casing will cut off, thereby disconnecting the circuit. Furthermore, the threshold temperature can be between 73°C and 90°C.

[0073] In the second embodiment, when the temperature of the thermal protection device 336 is less than the threshold, the thermal protection device 336 can also be restored to conduction, so that the heating circuit can be connected.

[0074] Thermal protection device 336 may include a bimetallic strip for temperature sensing. The bimetallic strip includes an active layer and a passive layer. The active layer and the passive layer have different coefficients of thermal expansion. When the temperature changes, the deformation of the active layer is greater than that of the passive layer, causing the bimetallic strip to bend towards the passive layer. The change in curvature between the active and passive layers causes deformation of the bimetallic strip, thereby controlling the flow of current in the circuit. Thermal protection device 336 may also be a temperature control switch, a thermal switch, or a temperature controller.

[0075] When the refrigerator is working normally, the bimetallic strip is in a free state and the contacts are in a closed state. When the ambient temperature rises to the threshold, the bimetallic element is heated and generates internal stress, causing it to quickly open the contacts and cut off the heating circuit, thus providing thermal protection. When the ambient temperature drops below the threshold, the contacts automatically close, reconnecting power and restoring the heating circuit to conduction.

[0076] In the third embodiment, when a short circuit occurs in the heating circuit, the thermal protection device 336 blows. The thermal protection device 336 may also be a fuse.

[0077] The thermal protection device 336 includes a resistance wire for conducting current. The thermal protection device 336 can determine the current flowing through it; if the current generated in the circuit is too large, exceeding a threshold, the heat generated by the device itself will cause the resistance wire to melt, thus breaking the circuit. This threshold is the rated current that the resistance wire of the thermal protection device 336 can pass through. The aforementioned thermal protection device 336 can prevent risks such as short circuits that could damage the entire vacuum-sealed structure. The thermal protection device 336 can be a fuse or a resettable fuse, etc.

[0078] In the vacuum sealing setup of the refrigerator described above, its heating circuit includes a heating element 331 and a thermal protection device 336. The thermal protection device 336 can conduct the ambient temperature around the heating element 331. If the heating element 331 continues to operate abnormally, causing the ambient temperature to rise to the threshold temperature of the thermal protection device 336, the thermal protection device 336 will disconnect, breaking the heating circuit and preventing the heating wire from continuing to operate, thereby protecting the refrigerator's safety. The refrigerator 1 also includes a display control board 4. The heating element 331 is electrically connected to the display control board 4. The operating status of the heating element 331 can be displayed on the display control board 4. Furthermore, the heating process of the heating element 331 can be controlled by touching or pressing the display control board 4.

[0079] Furthermore, the vacuum pumping assembly 35 can also be electrically connected to the display and control board 4. The display and control board 4 can then display and control the operating status of the vacuum pumping assembly 35.

[0080] Specifically, in this embodiment, the display and control board 4 is installed on the door 22. The sealing port 222 is opened on the display and control board 4. When the user holds the packaging bag 80 to perform vacuum sealing through the sealing port 222, the operating status of the heating element 331 can be viewed and controlled in a timely manner through the display and control board 4, which facilitates operation.

[0081] Although the invention has been described with reference to several typical embodiments, it should be understood that the terminology used is illustrative and exemplary, and not restrictive. Since the invention can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the invention, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims. Therefore, all variations and modifications falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The application relates to a packaging structure. The packaging structure comprises a box body and a packaging structure arranged in the box body. The packaging structure comprises a first support, a second support and a heating assembly. The first support and the second support can move towards each other to clamp a packaging bag. The heating assembly is arranged in the first support. The heating assembly comprises a heating element and a thermal protection device.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element is used for heating and sealing the packaging bag.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal protection device is electrically connected with the heating element to form a heating circuit.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the temperature of the thermal protection device reaches a threshold value, the thermal protection device is disconnected to make the heating circuit open.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the temperature of the thermal protection device is lower than the threshold value, the thermal protection device is restored to be conductive to make the heating circuit closed.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal protection device comprises a bimetallic strip for temperature sensing.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bimetallic strip comprises an active layer and a passive layer.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The thermal expansion coefficients of the active layer and the passive layer are different. When the temperature changes, the deformation of the active layer is greater than that of the passive layer. The thermal protection device is exposed to the environment, and the temperature of the thermal protection device is the same as the temperature of the environment. The first support is provided with a heating cavity. The heating element penetrates through the heating cavity and is exposed to the outside of the first support. The thermal protection device is arranged in the heating cavity and faces the heating element. The heating assembly further comprises an insulating plate arranged between the heating element and the first support. The insulating plate is an insulating plate. The heating assembly comprises a power line. The heating element and the thermal protection device are connected in series with the power line. The heating element is provided with an insulating layer on the side facing the outside of the first support. The insulating layer covers the outside of the heating element. The packaging structure is a vacuum packaging structure. The vacuum packaging structure comprises a vacuumizing assembly and a driving assembly. The driving assembly drives the first support and the second support to move towards or away from each other. The first support and the second support are in abutment with each other to form a vacuumizing cavity. The vacuumizing assembly is used for vacuumizing the packaging bag in the vacuumizing cavity.

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