A fixed wire clip and an air conditioner comprising the same
By designing a symmetrical snap-fit wire clamp, the problem of unreliable fixing of air conditioner wiring harnesses was solved, achieving efficient assembly and waterproofing, and improving electrical safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
- Filing Date
- 2022-02-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
In existing air conditioner structures, the wiring harness is not reliably fixed and is prone to coming loose, leading to electrical safety issues. Assembly efficiency is low and maintenance is inconvenient. Furthermore, when the motor is running in rainy weather, water can easily splash into the side of the electrical box, affecting electrical safety.
Design a wire clamp with a symmetrical snap-fit structure, including a slot and a wire clamping structure, which can be assembled in both directions and fixed on a partition. Combined with a water-blocking structure, it prevents water from splashing in.
It achieves reliable fixing of wire harnesses, improves assembly efficiency, prevents wire harness scratches, enhances the waterproofness of electrical boxes, prevents water from splashing into the sides of electrical boxes, and improves electrical safety.
Smart Images

Figure CN114465175B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more particularly to a wire clamp and an air conditioner including the clamp. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, air conditioner motor wiring typically runs through partitions, usually with a folded groove in the partition. However, this structure isn't completely secure, and the motor wires can easily come loose and get damaged, posing an electrical safety hazard. Alternatively, some wiring structures use injection-molded slots, but these cannot be installed in either direction, resulting in low assembly efficiency. Furthermore, the slots require considerable force to engage, making assembly difficult, and once engaged, they are hard to remove, hindering maintenance. Additionally, the gaps in the partitions used to route the motor wires can cause water to splash into the electrical box during rainy weather, also posing an electrical safety risk. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a wire clamp and an air conditioner including the same, which at least solves the technical problem of unreliable wire harness fixing in the prior art, specifically:
[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a wire clamp for fixing wire harnesses on a partition inside electrical equipment. The wire clamp includes a body, which has a fixing structure and a wire-holding structure.
[0005] The fixing structure includes a slot and a snap-fit structure. The slot has an opening for engaging with the edge of the partition. The snap-fit structure has two sets, which are distributed opposite to each other on the upper and lower sides of the slot along its length, so that the wire clamp can be snapped and fixed to the partition in different installation directions.
[0006] The wire-locking structure is formed on the back side of the slot, and the wire-locking structure includes a wire-passing groove.
[0007] Further optionally, the two sets of locking structures include a first set of locking structures and a second set of locking structures, wherein the first set of locking structures includes a first claw and a first positioning block, and the second set of locking structures includes a second claw and a second positioning block; wherein
[0008] The first positioning block and the second positioning block extend backward along the length of the slot at their upper and lower ends.
[0009] The first and second claws extend backward along the width direction of the slot at their upper and lower ends along the length direction of the slot, and each claw forms a protruding claw at its extended end facing the slot opening direction.
[0010] Further optionally, the first positioning block and the second positioning block, the first claw and the second claw are configured to allow the wire clamp to be installed with the partition in both the forward and backward directions.
[0011] Further optionally, the first positioning block and the second positioning block are centrally symmetrical about the center of the bottom wall of the slot; the first claw and the second claw are centrally symmetrical about the center of the bottom wall of the slot.
[0012] Further optionally, the slot includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed opposite to each other, the slot being formed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall.
[0013] The first sidewall and / or the second sidewall are provided with locking ribs on their inner surfaces within the slot, and the locking ribs extend along the snapping direction of the slot.
[0014] The clamping rib is provided with a clamping slope that increases the height of the clamping rib along the direction towards the bottom of the clamping groove.
[0015] Alternatively, the two ends of the main body are provided with water-blocking structures, which are formed as plate-shaped structures parallel to the sidewalls of the slot.
[0016] Alternatively, the water-blocking structure is centrally symmetrically distributed at both ends of the slot about the center of the bottom wall of the slot, and the extension height of the water-blocking structure is higher than the height of the snap-fit structure.
[0017] Secondly, the present invention provides an air conditioner including the aforementioned wire clamp.
[0018] The air conditioner has a partition inside, which is used to separate the fan and the electrical box. The edge of the partition has a fixing position, and the wire clamp is connected to the fixing position.
[0019] Optionally, the fixing position includes a first folded edge and a second folded edge, the folding directions of the first folded edge and the second folded edge are opposite, and a retaining edge is formed between the first folded edge and the second folded edge.
[0020] The slot engages with the edge of the card, and the two engaging structures at both ends of the slot engage with the first folded edge and the second folded edge, respectively.
[0021] Thirdly, the present invention provides an air conditioner including the aforementioned wire clamp.
[0022] The air conditioner has an internal partition that separates the fan and electrical equipment. The partition has fixed positions along its edges, and the wire clamp is connected to these fixed positions.
[0023] The air conditioner also includes a panel, which is connected to the partition, and the water-blocking structure forms a water-blocking cooperation with the panel.
[0024] Alternatively, a water-retaining mating part is formed on the panel.
[0025] The outer contour of the water-blocking structure is the same as the inner wall contour of the water-blocking mating part.
[0026] This invention redesigns the wire clamp with a symmetrical snap-fit structure, enabling cable positioning in both forward and reverse installations, thus facilitating installation and improving efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0027] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art will be able to obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.
[0028] Figure 1 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the wire clamp according to an embodiment of the present invention (slot side);
[0029] Figure 2 This illustration shows a schematic of the wire clamp according to an embodiment of the present invention (on the wire groove side);
[0030] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the assembly state of the wire clamp and the partition plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the assembly state of the wire clamp, partition, and panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] In the picture:
[0033] 1. Cable clamp; 11. Slot; 12. First claw; 13. First positioning block; 14. First water-blocking structure; 12'. Second claw; 13'. Second positioning block; 14'. Second water-blocking structure; 15. Claw; 16. First side wall; 17. Second side wall; 18. Clamping rib; 2. Partition; 21. First folded edge; 22. Second folded edge; 3. Panel; 31. Water-blocking mating part. Detailed Implementation
[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0035] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “Multiple” generally includes at least two, but does not exclude the inclusion of at least one.
[0036] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.
[0037] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a product or system comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a product or system. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the product or system that includes said element.
[0038] This invention redesigns the cable clamps, incorporating a symmetrical snap-fit structure that enables cable positioning in both forward and reverse installations, simplifying installation and improving efficiency. The cable clamps effectively address the problem of unsecured outdoor unit fan motor cables passing through partitions, leading to easy movement and potential scratches or damage during assembly. Furthermore, the cable routing channel features an axially symmetrical, contoured water-retaining edge, effectively preventing water from splashing into the electrical box during motor rotation, thus enhancing the box's waterproofing reliability. The following detailed description, in conjunction with specific embodiments, further illustrates this invention:
[0039] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, this invention provides a wire clamp 1 for fixing to a partition 2 inside an electrical appliance to secure the wire harness. In this embodiment, it is used in an air conditioner to fix the wire harness and prevent it from moving inside the unit. It also protects the wire harness from scratches at the fixing point. This wire clamp 1 is not limited to air conditioners; it can also be used in other electrical appliances such as dehumidifiers and refrigerators.
[0040] In this embodiment, the wire clamp includes a wire clamp body, on which a fixing structure and a wire holding structure are formed.
[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the fixing structure is used to connect with the partition 2, including a slot 11 for engaging with the edge of the partition 2.
[0042] The fixing structure includes a slot 11 and a snap-fit structure. The slot 11 has an opening for engaging with the edge of the partition. The snap-fit structure has two sets, which are distributed opposite to each other on the upper and lower sides of the slot 11 along its length, so that the wire clamp can be snapped and fixed to the partition in different installation directions. The wire-clamping structure is formed on the back side of the slot 11 and includes a wire-passing groove. The wire-clamping structure is formed on the back side of the slot 11 and includes a wire-passing groove and a wire-passing opening. The width of the wire-passing opening is smaller than the inner width of the wire-passing groove.
[0043] The two sets of snap-fit structures include a first set of snap-fit structures and a second set of snap-fit structures. The first set of snap-fit structures includes a first claw 12 and a first positioning block 13. The second set of snap-fit structures includes a second claw 12' and a second positioning block 13'. The first positioning block 13 and the second positioning block 13' extend backward along the length direction of the slot 11 at the upper and lower ends of the slot 11.
[0044] The first claw 12 and the second claw 12' extend backward along the width direction of the slot 11 at the upper and lower ends of the slot 11 in the length direction, and respectively form a protruding claw at the end of the extension facing the opening direction of the slot 11.
[0045] like Figure 2As shown, the wire-clamping structure slots 11 are located on different sides, and the wire routing direction of the wire-clamping structure is perpendicular to the extension direction of the slots 11. Preferably, the wire-clamping structure includes two teeth 15, which extend towards each other to form a wire-passing groove, and a wire-passing opening is formed between the ends of the two teeth 15 to allow the wire harness to enter the wire-passing groove. Further, the ends of the two teeth 15 are bent towards the inside of the wire-passing groove, forming a guide structure at the wire-passing opening, which facilitates the wire harness being inserted into the wire-passing groove, while protecting the wire harness and preventing the ends of the teeth 15 from directly contacting and scratching the wire harness. In addition, the bent ends of the teeth 15 can also enhance the limiting effect on the wire harness in the wire-passing groove, preventing it from coming out of the wire-passing opening. Preferably, the edges of the wire-passing groove and the teeth 15 are rounded to protect the wire harness.
[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, preferably, the two sets of snap-fit structures are centrally symmetrically distributed at both ends of the slot 11 about the center of the bottom wall of the slot 11, allowing the wire clamp 1 to be installed in both upright and reverse orientations. During installation, the installation state does not need to be considered, and assembly can be performed in any manner, improving assembly efficiency. In other embodiments, the two snap-fit structures can also be configured as an axisymmetric structure, also enabling bidirectional installation. The specific distribution of the snap-fit structures can be selected according to the structure that mates with the partition 2.
[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the first snap-fit structure further includes a first snap-fit claw 12 and a first positioning block 13. The first snap-fit claw 12 and the first positioning block 13 are formed on the end face of the wire clamp 1. The first snap-fit claw 12 extends toward the opening direction of the slot 11, and the first positioning block 13 extends toward the extension direction of the slot 11. The first positioning block 13 is used to position the wire clamp at the installation position, and then snap-fit and fix it by the first snap-fit claw 12. In this embodiment, the first snap-fit claw 12 extends in a direction parallel to the end face, specifically toward the side where the slot 11 is set (away from the wire clamping structure). The end of the first snap-fit claw 12 forms a protrusion higher than the end face, and the snap-fit connection is achieved by the protrusion. The first positioning block 13 protrudes from the end face in a direction perpendicular to the end face.
[0048] Preferably, the slot 11 includes a first sidewall 16 and a second sidewall 17 disposed opposite to each other, and the slot 11 is formed between the first sidewall 16 and the second sidewall 17. Further, at least one of the first sidewall 16 and the second sidewall 17 has the same length as the main body length of the wire clamp 1, and the first sidewall 16 and the second sidewall 17 have a higher height, so that the slot 11 has a certain depth and length, thereby making the engagement of the slot 11 with the edge of the partition 2 more stable and eliminating or reducing the amount of shaking of the wire clamp 1.
[0049] Clamping ribs 18 are formed on the inner wall surface of the first sidewall 16 and / or the second sidewall 17, located on the inner wall of the slot 11. The clamping ribs 18 extend along the insertion direction of the slot 11, and have clamping slopes that increase their height towards the bottom of the slot 11. The clamping ribs 18 allow the slot 11 and the partition 2 to engage tightly, preventing relative movement between them. Furthermore, the clamping ribs 18 create point-to-surface or line-to-surface contact between the slot 11 and the partition 2, reducing the contact area and facilitating quick and easy assembly. Additionally, the clamping ribs 18 also improve the structural strength of the first sidewall 16 and / or the second sidewall 17.
[0050] Preferably, clamping ribs 18 are simultaneously provided on the first sidewall 16 and the second sidewall 17, and the clamping ribs 18 on the first sidewall 16 and the second sidewall 17 are staggered, thereby increasing the number of points where the clamping ribs 18 apply force to the partition 2. Furthermore, the bottom wall of the slot 11 has a hollow structure, that is, the bottom wall of the slot 11 is connected to the wire guide groove, so that the engagement position of the slot 11 and the partition 2 can be seen through the wire guide groove.
[0051] The wire clamp 1 is further provided with a first water-blocking structure 14 and a second water-blocking structure 14' at both ends. The first water-blocking structure 14 and the second water-blocking structure 14' are formed as plate-like structures parallel to the side wall of the slot 11. The first water-blocking structure 14 and the second water-blocking structure 14' are located on the side of the end face of the wire clamp 1 and extend in a direction perpendicular to the end face. Specifically, the first positioning block 13 and the first claw 12 are located on the same side of the first water-blocking structure 14, and the second positioning block 13' and the second claw 12' are located on the same side of the second water-blocking structure 14'. The extension height of the first water-blocking structure 14 is higher than the height of the snap-fit structure. Furthermore, the first water-blocking structure 14 and the second water-blocking structure 14' are located at the edge of the end face of the wire clamp 1.
[0052] The first water-blocking structure 14 and the second water-blocking structure 14' are centrally symmetrically distributed at both ends of the slot 11 about the center of the bottom wall of the slot 11, so that the first water-blocking structure 14 and the second water-blocking structure 14' can be installed in both directions with the two sets of snap-fit structures.
[0053] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, including the aforementioned wire clamp 1. The air conditioner has a partition 2 inside, which is used to separate the fan and the electrical box. Specifically, the fan is located on one side of the partition 2, and the electrical box is located on the side wall of the partition 2 away from the fan. The edge of the partition 2 is provided with a fixing position, and the wire clamp 1 is connected to the fixing position. The power supply and control lines of the fan are routed through the wire clamp 1 to the other side of the partition 2 and electrically connected to the electrical box.
[0054] like Figure 3As shown, the fixed position includes a first folded edge 21 and a second folded edge 22. The folding directions of the first folded edge 21 and the second folded edge 22 are opposite. A locking edge is formed between the first folded edge 21 and the second folded edge 22. The locking groove 11 is engaged on the locking edge. The two locking structures at both ends of the locking groove 11 are engaged with the first folded edge 21 and the second folded edge 22 respectively.
[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, preferably, the air conditioner also includes a panel 3, which is connected to the partition 2, and the first water-blocking structure 14 forms a water-blocking fit with the panel 3. In this embodiment, a connecting hole is formed on the first folded edge 21, and the panel 3 and the first folded edge 21 are fixedly connected by screws or other connectors. At the same time, the inner wall surface of the panel 3 is pressed against the second folded edge 22.
[0056] During installation, the first positioning block 13 is used to position the wire clamp 1 against the second folded edge 22. Then, the wire clamp 1 is rotated around the contact area between the second folded edge 22 and the wire clamp 1, causing the slot 11 to engage with the edge. Finally, the first claw 12 at the other end engages with the first folded edge 21, thus completing the installation of the wire clamp 1. Since the engagement structure at both ends is symmetrical, both forward and reverse installations first involve positioning the wire clamp 13 against the second folded edge 22, and then rotating the wire clamp 1 to complete the installation.
[0057] A water-blocking mating part 31 is formed on the panel 3. The water-blocking mating part 31 is formed at the position where it connects with the first folded edge 21. In order to cooperate with the installation of the first folded edge 21, a bent part is formed on the panel 3. The bent part constitutes the water-blocking mating part 31. The outer edge contour of the first water-blocking structure 14 is the same as the inner wall contour of the water-blocking mating part 31. After the panel 3 is installed, the first water-blocking structure 14 at the end where the wire clamp 1 is connected to the first folded edge 21 abuts against the water-blocking mating part 31, preferably forming a tight contact, thereby playing the role of blocking water. This effectively solves the problem of short circuit caused by water falling into the electrical box side due to centrifugal force when the air conditioner fan blades rotate during rainy weather.
[0058] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been specifically shown and described above. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the detailed structures, arrangements, or implementations described herein; rather, this disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements contained within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A wire clamp for fixing wire harnesses on a partition inside electrical equipment, characterized in that, The wire clamp includes a body, which has a fixing structure and a wire-holding structure. The fixing structure includes a slot and a snap-fit structure. The slot has an opening for engaging with the edge of the partition. The snap-fit structure has two sets, which are distributed opposite to each other on the upper and lower sides of the slot along its length, so that the wire clamp can be snapped and fixed to the partition in different installation directions. The wire-locking structure is formed on the back side of the slot, and the wire-locking structure includes a wire-passing groove; The two sets of snap-fit structures are axially symmetrical or symmetrically distributed at both ends of the slot with respect to the center of the bottom wall of the slot, so that the wire clamp can be installed in both forward and backward directions. The two sets of locking structures include a first set of locking structures and a second set of locking structures, wherein the first set of locking structures includes a first claw and a first positioning block, and the second set of locking structures includes a second claw and a second positioning block; wherein The first positioning block and the second positioning block extend backward along the length of the slot at their upper and lower ends. The first and second claws extend backward along the width direction of the slot at their upper and lower ends along the length direction of the slot, and each claw forms a protruding claw at its extended end facing the slot opening direction.
2. The wire clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first positioning block and the second positioning block, the first claw and the second claw are configured to allow the wire clamp to be installed with the partition in both the forward and backward directions.
3. The wire clamp according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first positioning block and the second positioning block are centrally symmetrical about the center of the bottom wall of the slot; the first claw and the second claw are centrally symmetrical about the center of the bottom wall of the slot.
4. The wire clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slot includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed opposite to each other, and the slot is formed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The first sidewall and / or the second sidewall are provided with locking ribs on their inner surfaces within the slot, and the locking ribs extend along the snapping direction of the slot. The clamping rib is provided with a clamping slope that increases the height of the clamping rib along the direction towards the bottom of the clamping groove.
5. The wire clamp according to claim 4, characterized in that, The two ends of the main body are also provided with water-blocking structures, which are formed as plate-shaped structures parallel to the side wall of the slot.
6. The wire clamp according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water-blocking structure is centrally symmetrically distributed at both ends of the slot about the center of the bottom wall of the slot, and the extension height of the water-blocking structure is higher than the height of the snap-fit structure.
7. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Including the wire clamp as described in any one of claims 1-6, The air conditioner has a partition inside, which is used to separate the fan and the electrical box. The edge of the partition has a fixing position, and the wire clamp is connected to the fixing position.
8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fixing position includes a first folded edge and a second folded edge, the folding directions of the first folded edge and the second folded edge are opposite, and a retaining edge is formed between the first folded edge and the second folded edge. The slot engages with the edge of the card, and the two engaging structures at both ends of the slot engage with the first folded edge and the second folded edge, respectively.
9. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Including the wire clamp as described in claim 6, The air conditioner has an internal partition that separates the fan and electrical equipment. The partition has fixed positions along its edges, and the wire clamp is connected to these fixed positions. The air conditioner also includes a panel, which is connected to the partition, and the water-blocking structure forms a water-blocking cooperation with the panel.
10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that, A water-retaining mating part is formed on the panel. The outer contour of the water-blocking structure is the same as the inner wall contour of the water-blocking mating part.