A refrigerator

Abstract

This invention provides a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes an inner liner, an air duct cover installed on the inner liner, and a snap-fit ​​device disposed on the air duct cover. The air duct cover faces the storage compartment of the refrigerator and defines an air duct between itself and the inner liner. The snap-fit ​​device includes multiple snap-fit ​​structures distributed along multiple different edges of the air duct cover. Each snap-fit ​​structure is configured to extend in a controlled manner beyond the edge of the air duct cover or retract into the edge of the air duct cover. The multiple snap-fit ​​structures are configured to engage with the inner liner when extending beyond the edge of the air duct cover. In this invention, the controlled snap-fit ​​process can be observed by the installer, thereby improving the installation quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigerators, and in particular to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, refrigerators widely use glass air duct covers in their inner liner. These covers, combined with surface light sources and metal air ducts, achieve excellent results in both function and appearance. However, the inventors discovered that as refrigerator air ducts become larger and heavier, the existing glass air duct cover fixing clips are prone to scratching the inner liner during installation. Furthermore, because the clip positions are not visible during installation, assembly difficulties, clip breakage, and damage to the liner edges from the clips are common quality issues. Moreover, during after-sales repairs, replacing the air duct can easily lead to inner liner cracking and clip breakage, resulting in product scrapping. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator with an easy-to-install glass duct cover.

[0004] A further objective of this invention is to make the snap-fit ​​mechanism of the glass duct cover visible during installation in order to reduce installation accidents.

[0005] In particular, the present invention provides a refrigerator, including an inner liner, an air duct cover plate installed on the inner liner of the refrigerator, and a snap-fit ​​device disposed on the air duct cover plate, the air duct cover plate facing the storage compartment of the refrigerator and defining an air duct between the air duct cover plate and the inner liner.

[0006] The snap-fit ​​device includes multiple snap-fit ​​structures distributed along multiple different edges of the duct cover. Each snap-fit ​​structure is configured to extend out of the edge of the duct cover in a controlled manner or retract into the edge of the duct cover. The multiple snap-fit ​​structures are configured to snap into the inner liner when extending out of the edge of the duct cover.

[0007] Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​device also includes:

[0008] Drive components;

[0009] Multiple ejector components extend toward different edges of the duct cover and are all connected to the drive component. Each ejector component has at least one latching structure near the edge of the corresponding duct cover. The multiple ejector components are configured to move toward the corresponding edge under the action of the drive component, so that the corresponding latching structure extends out of the edge or retracts into the edge.

[0010] Furthermore, the plurality of ejector members are arranged around the drive member;

[0011] The contours of the plurality of ejector parts and the driving member abut each other. The driving member is pivotally connected to the air duct cover plate. The driving member is configured to be rotatable, and when rotated, the plurality of ejector parts move synchronously, so that all the snap-fit ​​structures extend or retract synchronously.

[0012] Furthermore, the periphery of the drive member has a plurality of protrusions, and the end of each ejector has a recess that mates with the protrusions of the drive member;

[0013] The drive member is configured such that when the snap-fit ​​structure retracts into the edge of the duct cover, the end of the ejector is located at the contour between two adjacent protrusions of the drive member.

[0014] The drive member is configured such that when the snap-fit ​​structure extends out of the edge of the duct cover, the plurality of protrusions of the drive member are respectively located in the recesses corresponding to the plurality of ejector members.

[0015] Furthermore, the end of the ejector has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion and the second protrusion defining the recess;

[0016] The first protrusion is configured to abut against the contour when the end of the ejector is located at the contour between two adjacent protrusions of the drive member.

[0017] The second protrusion is configured to have a gap with the contour when the end of the ejector is located at the contour between two adjacent protrusions of the drive member.

[0018] Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​structure is a protrusion provided at the second end of the ejector.

[0019] Furthermore, the protrusion is right-angled.

[0020] Furthermore, the ejector is rod-shaped and includes at least one bend, with an elastic element provided between the bend and the air duct.

[0021] Furthermore, the ejector includes a first rod portion and a second rod portion, the first rod portion being vertically connected to the second rod portion, and an elastic element being provided between the first rod portion and the air duct.

[0022] Furthermore, the inner end of the ejector includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and a groove is formed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion for engaging the protrusion of the drive member.

[0023] The first protrusion is arc-shaped to allow the protrusion to pass through the first protrusion, and the second protrusion has a pointed tip to impede the movement of the protrusion.

[0024] In this invention, the snap-fit ​​device includes multiple snap-fit ​​structures distributed on multiple different edges of the duct cover. Each snap-fit ​​structure is configured to extend out of the edge of the duct cover in a controlled manner or retract into the edge of the duct cover. The multiple snap-fit ​​structures are configured to snap into the inner liner when extending out of the edge of the duct cover. Therefore, this controlled snap-fit ​​can be seen by the installer during the installation process, thereby improving the installation quality.

[0025] Furthermore, in this invention, by setting each snap-fit ​​structure to extend out of the edge of the duct cover in a controlled manner or retract into the edge of the duct cover, the elastic interference fixing method is changed to a telescopic fixing snap-fit ​​method, which makes installation convenient and labor-saving, reduces quality risks, facilitates disassembly, simplifies the assembly process, and reduces difficulties in duct installation.

[0026] Other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional view of the inner liner of the refrigerator shown.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic top perspective view of the refrigerator's air duct cover and snap-fit ​​device;

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of the snap-fit ​​device shown, which illustrates the columnar groove of the first rod;

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic top view of the drive unit and ejector unit of the duct cover shown;

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the first cover plate in the shown air duct cover plate;

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A schematic perspective view of the second cover plate in the duct cover plate shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the inner liner 4 of the refrigerator 100 shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 1The diagram shows a schematic top perspective view of the refrigerator's air duct cover and locking device. The refrigerator 100 includes an inner liner 4, an air duct cover 1 mounted on the inner liner 4, and a locking device disposed on the air duct cover 1. The air duct cover 1 faces the storage compartment of the refrigerator 100 and defines an air duct between itself and the inner liner 4. The locking device includes multiple latches 36 distributed along multiple different edges of the air duct cover 1. Each latch 36 is configured to extend out of or retract into the edge of the air duct cover 1 in a controlled manner. The multiple latches 36 are configured to engage with the inner liner 4 when extending out of the edge of the air duct cover 1. Furthermore, the refrigerator 100 also includes a refrigerator body 5, within which the inner liner 4 is installed. In this embodiment, considering that glass duct cover plates 1 are commonly used to construct the air duct of the refrigerator 100 in the inner liner 4, and that as the size of the refrigerator 100 air duct becomes larger and the duct cover plate 1 becomes heavier, the center of gravity of the duct cover plate 1 is prone to shift during installation, and the buckles 36 around the duct cover plate 1 can easily scratch the inner liner 4 of the refrigerator 100. The buckles 36 around the duct cover plate 1 may also break or fall off. In this embodiment, the snap-fit ​​device includes multiple buckles 36 distributed on multiple different edges of the duct cover plate 1. Each buckle 36 is configured to extend out of the edge of the duct cover plate 1 in a controlled manner or retract into the edge of the duct cover plate 1. The multiple buckles 36 are configured to snap into the inner liner 4 when extending out of the edge of the duct cover plate 1. Therefore, the controlled buckles 36 can be seen by the installer during the installation process, thereby improving the installation quality. It should be noted that in the description of this embodiment, the terms "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "periphery," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of the inner liner 4 of the refrigerator 100. According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner liner 4 refers to the structure inside the refrigerator 100 that contacts the items stored inside. The inner liner 4 is typically box-shaped, and an air duct cover 1 is mounted on the bottom surface of the inner liner 4. Specifically, the bottom surface inside the inner liner 4 serves as the mounting base for the air duct cover 1, which is then mounted on this mounting base. The air duct cover 1 is engaged with the inner side wall of the inner liner 4 via clips 36, thus the air duct cover 1 does not contact the mounting base, but leaves a certain gap. An air duct is formed between the air duct cover 1 and the mounting base.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the duct cover 1 is made of metal or glass. As is well known, objects with smooth surfaces are less likely to accumulate dirt. By utilizing the characteristics of metal or glass, the surface of the duct cover 1 can achieve a relatively smooth surface, so as to reduce the chance of contamination of the objects after contact with the objects that need to be refrigerated.

[0039] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the first cover plate in the duct cover plate shown. Figure 7 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of the second cover plate in the duct cover plate. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the duct cover plate 1 is rectangular and comprises two layers. For ease of description, in this embodiment, the two layers of duct cover plate 1 are respectively named the first cover plate 11 and the second cover plate 12. The first cover plate 11 is made of glass, and the second cover plate 12 is made of steel. The second cover plate 12 is slightly larger than the first cover plate 11. The periphery of the second cover plate 12 is provided with snap-fit ​​protrusions 125, and the first cover plate 11 is fixed to the second cover plate 12 via the snap-fit ​​protrusions 125. During installation, the second cover plate 12 faces the bottom plate of the inner liner 4.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned snap-fit ​​device is provided between the first cover plate 11 and the second cover plate 12. Specifically, both the side of the first cover plate 11 close to the second cover plate 12 and the side of the second cover plate 12 close to the first cover plate 11 are provided with elongated grooves to accommodate the snap-fit ​​device. The grooves on the first cover plate 11 and the second cover plate 12 correspond to each other. After the first cover plate 11 and the second cover plate 12 are installed, a groove for installing the snap-fit ​​device is formed in the duct cover plate 1.

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 1The diagram shows a schematic top perspective view of the refrigerator's air duct cover and the snap-fit ​​device. According to one embodiment of the invention, the snap-fit ​​device includes a driving member 2 and three ejector members 3. The three ejector members 3 extend towards the left, right, and top directions of the air duct cover 1, respectively. Each ejector member 3 is connected to the driving member 2. A latch 36 is provided at a position near the corresponding edge of the air duct cover 1 for each ejector member 3. The three ejector members 3 are configured to move towards their respective edges under the action of the driving member 2, so that the corresponding latch 36 extends out of or retracts into the edge.

[0042] In another embodiment, the number of ejector pieces 3 can be two, with each ejector piece 3 extending towards the left and right directions of the duct cover 1, or towards the up and down directions of the duct cover 1. In this structure, the left and right / up and down directions are symmetrical, providing a more balanced locking force. Preferably, two ejector pieces 3 can be used, extending towards the up and down directions of the duct cover 1. In another embodiment, the number of ejector pieces 3 can be four, extending towards the up, down, left, and right directions of the duct cover 1, thus providing an all-around locking effect for the duct cover 1. In another embodiment, the number of ejector pieces 3 can be a multiple of 2, 3, or 4, so that multiple ejector pieces 3 can be provided on each edge where an ejector piece 3 is provided. In yet another embodiment, the number of ejector pieces 3 can be any number, as long as it can achieve the locking effect.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latch 36 at the end of the ejector 3 is a component capable of engaging with the latch 36 mounting position on the inner liner 4. Specifically, the bottom of the inner wall of the inner liner 4 (i.e., the area on the inner wall of the inner liner 4 near the bottom plate of the inner liner 4) is provided with a snap-fit ​​opening, which is rectangular. The latch 36 at the end of the ejector 3 includes a latch 36 body and a protrusion, wherein the protrusion has a certain elasticity, and / or the snap-fit ​​opening has a certain elasticity. The latch 36 body extends along the direction of extension of the ejector 3, while the protrusion extends in a direction perpendicular to or inclined to the latch 36 body. The height of the protrusion gradually increases from the latch 36 body to the ejector 3, and its maximum height is greater than the width of the snap-fit ​​opening, so that the vertical cross-section of the protrusion is triangular. Because the protrusion or snap-fit ​​opening has a certain degree of elasticity, the buckle 36 can be inserted into the snap-fit ​​opening. Since the height of the protrusion gradually increases from the buckle 36 body to the ejector 3, when the buckle 36 is inserted into the snap-fit ​​opening, the buckle 36 and the snap-fit ​​opening are relatively fixed. In daily use, this connection can make the air duct cover 1 and the inner liner 4 form a stable air duct.

[0044] Figure 5 yes Figure 3The diagram shows a schematic top view of the drive component and ejector component of the duct cover. According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive component 2 is a block-shaped or plate-shaped component with multiple protrusions. The outer contour of the drive component 2 has multiple protrusions, and the distances of each protrusion from the geometric center of the drive component 2 are s1, s2, ..., s... n The distances from the outer contour of the driving component 2 between two adjacent protrusions to the geometric center of the driving component 2 are l1, l2, ..., l, respectively. n Then any s n All are greater than any l n In this type of drive member 2, the protruding part on the contour can push out the ejector 3, and the part between two adjacent protrusions on the contour can cause the ejector 3 to retract. That is, when the ejector 3 of the buckle 36 retracts into the edge of the air duct cover 1, the inner end of the ejector 3 is located between two adjacent protrusions on the contour of the drive member 2. When the ejector 3 of the buckle 36 extends out of the edge of the air duct cover 1, the multiple protruding parts of the drive member 2 are respectively located in the corresponding recesses of the multiple ejector 3.

[0045] Specifically, in this embodiment, the driving component 2 has four protrusions, three of which are right-angled. For ease of description, these three protrusions are named the first protrusion 211, the second protrusion 212, and the third protrusion 213, respectively. The first protrusion 211 and the second protrusion 212 have a straight profile, as do the second protrusion 212 and the third protrusion 213. The third protrusion 213 and the second protrusion 212 form a rounded protrusion 214. It can be understood that the distances of the first protrusion 211, the second protrusion 212, and the third protrusion 213 from the geometric center of the driving component 2 are greater than the distances of other locations on the contour of the driving component 2 from its geometric center.

[0046] In another embodiment, the contours of the driving member 2 between the first protrusion 211 and the second protrusion 212, and between the first protrusion 211 and the third protrusion 213, are both inwardly concave arc shapes, so that the inner end of the ejector 3 can move on the inwardly concave arc-shaped contours between adjacent protrusions. It is understood that the contours of the driving member 2 between adjacent protrusions should be such that they facilitate the movement of the inner end of the ejector 3.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the presence of the rounded protrusion 214 makes the drive member 2 have obvious identifiable features. The rounded protrusion 214 is clearly distinguishable from the other three right-angled protrusions. During installation, the rounded protrusion 214 has a directional function, so the position of the protrusion can be used to determine whether the buckle 36 at the end of the ejector 3 retracts into the edge of the air duct cover 1 or extends out of the edge of the air duct cover 1.

[0048] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic top perspective view of the refrigerator's air duct cover and locking device. According to one embodiment of the invention, the ejector 3 includes a first rod 31, a second rod 32, a third rod 33, and a fourth rod 34. The first rod 31 is vertically connected to the middle portion of the second rod 32, and the third rod 33 and the fourth rod 34 are vertically connected to the ends of the second rod 32. The grooves on the first cover plate 11 and the second cover plate 12 also have the same shape as the ejector 3. It can be understood that the second rod 32, the third rod 33, and the fourth rod 34 can be considered as a U-shaped rod. In actual use, the movement distance of the ejector 3 is adapted to the length of the latch 36 at the top of the ejector 3; therefore, the grooves on the first cover plate 11 and the second cover plate 12 are also equipped with features to accommodate this movement. Specifically, taking the groove on the first cover plate 11 as an example, the first cover plate 11 is provided with a first long groove corresponding to the first rod 31, a second long groove corresponding to the second rod 32, a third long groove corresponding to the third rod 33 and a fourth long groove corresponding to the fourth rod 34. Since the second rod 32 needs to move in the radial direction, the width of the second long groove is equal to the length of the buckle 36.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a spring 35 is provided between the ejector 3 and the upper first cover plate 11 and / or the second cover plate 12. Specifically, one end of the spring 35 is connected to the first cover plate 11 and / or the second cover plate 12 beside the second elongated groove, and the other end is connected to the second rod 32. Specifically, in order to save space, the spring 35 is sleeved on the second rod 32, and the second rod 32 is provided with a blocking part for limiting the movement of the spring 35, and the other end of the spring 35 abuts against the blocking part.

[0050] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a partial enlarged view of the locking device, illustrating the columnar groove of the first rod. According to one embodiment of the invention, for a more secure connection to the second rod 32, a columnar groove 311 for accommodating a spring 35 is provided on the first rod 31 near the second rod 32. The diameter of the columnar groove 311 is slightly larger than that of the spring 35, allowing the spring 35 to pass through the second rod 32 and into the first rod 31. In this embodiment, the end of the spring 35 applies a spring force to the first rod 31, thereby applying a spring force to the entire ejector 3, providing the ejector 3 with a retracting force.

[0051] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the first cover plate in the duct cover plate shown. Figure 7 yes Figure 3The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of the second cover plate in the duct cover plate. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first rod 31, the second rod 32, the third rod 33, and the fourth rod 34 are all elongated, wherein the vertical cross-sectional shape of the second rod 32, the third rod 33, and the fourth rod 34 is rectangular. The grooves on the first cover plate 11 and the second cover plate 12 corresponding to the first rod 31, the second rod 32, the third rod 33, and the fourth rod 34 also have corresponding shapes. Specifically, the vertical cross-sections of the second, third, and fourth elongated grooves of the first cover plate 11 are also rectangular, and correspondingly, the vertical cross-sections of the second, third, and fourth elongated grooves of the first cover plate 11 are also rectangular. More specifically, the first cover plate 11 is provided with a first cover plate first elongated groove 111, a first cover plate second elongated groove 112, a first cover plate third elongated groove 113, and a first cover plate fourth elongated groove 114. In another embodiment, the first cover plate 11 is only provided with a first cover plate first elongated groove 111 and a first cover plate recess 116, wherein the first cover plate recess 116 is a recess defined by the shape enclosed by the first cover plate second elongated groove 112, the first cover plate third elongated groove 113, and the first cover plate fourth elongated groove 114. The second cover plate 12 is provided with a second cover plate first elongated groove 121, a second cover plate second elongated groove 122, a second cover plate third elongated groove 123, and a second cover plate fourth elongated groove 124.

[0052] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a schematic top view of the drive member and ejector of the duct cover. According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner end of the first rod 31 has a predetermined shape to engage with the drive member 2, such that the inner end of the first rod 31 can slide partially between protrusions and adjacent protrusions on the contour of the drive member 2. Specifically, the inner end of the first rod 31 has a first protrusion 321 and a second protrusion 322, which define a recess 323 that can engage partially between protrusions and adjacent protrusions on the contour of the drive member 2. The first protrusion 321 and the second protrusion 322 have different heights. Specifically, the first protrusion 321 abuts against the contour of the driving member 2 when the inner end of the first rod 31 is located at the contour between two adjacent protrusions. The second protrusion 322 is spaced apart from the contour when the inner end of the first rod 31 is located at the contour between two adjacent protrusions of the driving member 2. That is, with the recess 323 as a reference, the second protrusion 322 is lower than the first protrusion 321, so that the protrusion of the driving member 2 can enter the recess 323 through the second protrusion 322 and be blocked by the first protrusion 321. It can be understood that as the protrusion of the driving member 2 moves closer to the protrusion, the first rod 31 is driven by the driving member 2 to move outward toward the edge of the air duct cover 1.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in order to facilitate manual operation, the front side of the drive member 2 (that is, the surface of the drive member 2 defined by the outline of the drive member 2) is provided with a protrusion for twisting by the finger. Specifically, the protrusion is an elongated protrusion 23 protruding from the front side of the drive member 2, and the entire drive member 2 can be twisted by the finger using the elongated protrusion 23, thereby driving the drive member 2 to rotate.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in order to fix the driving member 2 to the duct cover plate 1 and enable the driving member 2 to rotate, a structural hole 126 is provided on the first cover plate 11 or the second cover plate 12. The driving member 2 is provided with a cylindrical protrusion 22 that fits into the structural hole 126. The cylindrical protrusion 22 is inserted into the structural hole 126, so that the driving member 2 can rotate about the cylindrical protrusion 22 as an axis. A rectangular groove 115 for accommodating the driving member 2 is provided on the cover plate without the structural hole 126, and the driving member 2 is placed in the rectangular groove 115.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the driving member 2 is close to a square, with one corner of the square being rounded. The diameter of the inscribed circle of the rectangular groove 115 is greater than or equal to the diagonal of the square, allowing the driving member 2 to rotate within the rectangular groove 115. It is understood that because the rectangular groove 115 and the cylindrical protrusion restrict the driving member 2, the end of the first rod 31 needs to repeatedly enter and exit the rectangular groove 115 during actual operation.

[0056] In another embodiment, the drive member 2 does not have a cylindrical protrusion, and the first cover plate 11 or the second cover plate 12 correspondingly does not have a structural hole 126. In this embodiment, the drive member 2 is limited only by the rectangular groove 115. Compared with limiting the drive member 2 by the cylindrical protrusion and the structural hole 126, this embodiment can further simplify the structure of the entire device and also meets the usage requirements.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the snap-fit ​​device, when in use, includes the following steps:

[0058] S1. Adjust the drive component 2 to retract multiple ejector components 3 into the edge of the air duct cover plate 1.

[0059] S2. Insert the air duct cover 1 into the installation area inside the bottom plate of the inner liner 4.

[0060] S3. Adjust the drive component 2 to extend multiple ejector components 3 out of the edge, thereby completing the installation.

[0061] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, It includes an inner liner, an air duct cover plate installed on the inner liner of the refrigerator, and a snap-fit ​​device provided on the air duct cover plate, wherein an air duct is defined between the air duct cover plate and the inner liner; The snap-fit ​​device includes: Multiple snap-fit ​​structures are distributed on multiple different sides of the air duct cover. Each snap-fit ​​structure is configured to extend out of the edge of the air duct cover in a controlled manner or retract into the edge of the air duct cover. The multiple snap-fit ​​structures are configured to engage with the inner liner when extending out of the edge of the air duct cover. Drive components; Multiple ejector members are arranged around the drive member and extend toward different edges of the duct cover, and all abut against the contour of the drive member; each ejector member is provided with at least one latching structure near the edge of the corresponding duct cover, and the multiple ejector members are configured to move toward the corresponding edge under the action of the drive member, so that the corresponding latching structure extends out of the edge or retracts into the edge; The drive component is pivotally connected to the air duct cover plate, and when rotated, it causes the plurality of ejector components to move synchronously, so that all the snap-fit ​​structures extend or retract synchronously. The driving member has a plurality of protrusions on its periphery, and each ejector has a recess at its end that mates with the protrusions of the driving member. The drive member is configured such that when the snap-fit ​​structure retracts into the edge of the duct cover, the end of the ejector is located at the contour between two adjacent protrusions of the drive member. The drive member is further configured such that when the snap-fit ​​structure extends out of the edge of the duct cover, the plurality of protrusions of the drive member are respectively located in the recesses corresponding to the plurality of ejector members.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the ejector has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion and the second protrusion defining the recess; The first protrusion is configured to abut against the contour when the end of the ejector is located at the contour between two adjacent protrusions of the drive member. The second protrusion is configured to have a gap with the contour when the end of the ejector is located at the contour between two adjacent protrusions of the drive member.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first protrusion is arc-shaped to allow the protrusion to pass through it, and the second protrusion has a pointed tip to impede the movement of the protrusion.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buckle structure is a protrusion located at the second end of the ejector.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion is right-angled.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ejector is rod-shaped and includes at least one bend. An elastic element is provided between the bend of the ejector and the air duct.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ejector includes a first rod and a second rod, the first rod being vertically connected to the second rod, and an elastic element being provided between the first rod and the air duct.

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