Panel assembly and ice maker

Abstract

The utility model discloses a panel assembly and an ice maker, wherein the panel assembly comprises a shell, one side of the shell is provided with a first hole, the shell is provided with a side fixing edge at the inner side position of the first hole, the side fixing edge is provided with a first clamping hole, and the bottom side of the shell is provided with a bearing section protruding out of the first hole; a first clamping hole is formed in the shell, a first clamping buckle is arranged at the position, right facing the first clamping hole, of the surface cover, the first clamping buckle is downwards buckled to the first clamping hole, a limiting protruding block is arranged at the position, facing the first hole, of the surface cover, and the limiting protruding block abuts against the top side of the bearing section. By means of installation limiting provided by the side fixing edges and supporting provided by the bearing sections, the stability of connection of the whole structure can be improved, structure exposure is reduced, the whole appearance is improved, and practicability is higher.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an ice-making device, and more particularly to a panel assembly and an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] In the casing of electrical appliances such as ice makers, to facilitate the installation and maintenance of the internal components, the casing is typically designed with multiple detachable parts. For example, the casing may have a removable panel. Currently, some panel mounting methods use screws or other connectors to fix the panel to the casing, but this results in a large number of exposed screws, affecting the overall appearance. Other panel mounting methods use clips to connect the panel to the casing, but this method has poor structural stability and the panel is prone to loosening. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a panel mounting structure that better balances structural stability and aesthetics. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a panel assembly and an ice maker to solve one or more technical problems existing in the prior art, and at least provide a beneficial option or create conditions.

[0004] The solution to the technical problem of this utility model is:

[0005] A panel assembly includes: a housing having a first opening on one side, a side fixing edge located inside the first opening, a first snap-fit ​​hole on the side fixing edge, and a support section protruding from the first opening on the bottom side of the housing; a cover having a first buckle located opposite the first snap-fit ​​hole, the first buckle being snapped downwards into the first snap-fit ​​hole, and a limiting protrusion located on the cover facing the first opening, the limiting protrusion abutting against the top side of the support section.

[0006] This technical solution has at least the following beneficial effects: After the cover is connected to the housing, the cover closes the first opening on the housing. The internal space formed by the two can be used to install electrical components. When maintenance of the internal electrical components is required, the cover can be moved upward relative to the housing, causing the first buckle to disengage upward from the first snap-fit ​​hole, thereby opening the first opening. When the cover needs to be reinstalled into the housing, the cover is pressed against the side fixing edge of the housing located inside the first opening. The side fixing edge limits the installation position of the cover, and the first buckle is snapped downward into the first snap-fit ​​hole. The cooperation of the two can limit the cover from falling out of the housing. The limiting protrusion can press against the top side of the support section, limiting the cover from moving downward and providing support for the bottom of the cover. This allows for a quick connection between the cover and the housing. The installation limitation provided by the side fixing edge and the support provided by the support section can improve the stability of the overall structural connection, reduce exposed structure, improve the overall appearance, and enhance practicality.

[0007] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the housing is provided with an upper support edge at the top side of the first opening, and a positioning hole is provided on the top side of the upper support edge. A positioning block is provided on the inner top side of the face cover, directly opposite the positioning hole, and the positioning block is engaged with the positioning hole. When the face cover is installed into the housing, the upper support edge on the top side of the housing can support and limit the face cover, restricting the downward movement of the face cover at the top position. After the face cover is installed in place on the housing, the positioning block on the inner top side of the face cover is engaged with the positioning hole on the top side of the upper support edge, preventing the face cover from directly detaching outward and improving the stability of the face cover when installed into the housing.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a connector is provided through the bottom side of the support section, and the connector is fitted into the limiting protrusion. After the cover is installed into the housing, a connector can also be provided through the bottom side of the support section to further lock the cover onto the support section, preventing the cover from falling out directly.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the first snap-fit ​​hole includes a pre-installation section, a narrowing section, and a positioning section arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The lateral width of the pre-installation section is greater than the lateral width of the positioning section, and the lateral width of the narrowing section gradually decreases downwards. The first snap-fit ​​is located within the positioning section, and the end of the first snap-fit ​​extending into the positioning section has a downwardly protruding snap-fit ​​portion. When connecting the first snap-fit ​​on the faceplate to the first snap-fit ​​hole on the side fixing edge, the first snap-fit ​​is first inserted into the pre-installation section. Due to the larger lateral width of the pre-installation section, the first snap-fit ​​can easily engage with the first snap-fit ​​hole, thereby pre-positioning the faceplate on the housing. Then, the faceplate is moved downwards, causing the first snap-fit ​​to enter the positioning section along the narrowing section, which gradually decreases in lateral width. The smaller lateral width of the positioning section restricts the left and right movement of the first snap-fit, and the downwardly protruding snap-fit ​​portion of the first snap-fit ​​restricts the faceplate from directly detaching from the housing, improving the stability of the connection between the faceplate and the housing.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the cover is provided with a second opening, and a decorative panel is detachably connected to the cover at the position of the second opening. The cover also has a detachable decorative panel; after the decorative panel is removed from the cover, some electrical components inside the cover can be adjusted and maintained through the second opening, thereby improving the overall ease of use.

[0011] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the cover is provided with a side limiting edge located inside the second opening. The top of the side limiting edge extends obliquely away from the housing, and a second snap-fit ​​hole is provided on the side limiting edge. The top of the decorative panel extends obliquely away from the housing, and a second buckle is provided on the decorative panel directly opposite the second snap-fit ​​hole. The decorative panel abuts against the side limiting edge, and the second buckle snaps upward into the second snap-fit ​​hole. When the decorative panel is installed into the cover, it is inserted from bottom to top, so that the second buckle snaps upward into the second snap-fit ​​hole. At this time, the obliquely extended part of the top of the decorative panel abuts against the obliquely extended part of the top of the side limiting edge, limiting the upward movement of the decorative panel. By utilizing the mutual cooperation between the second buckle and the second snap-fit ​​hole, the decorative panel is securely installed on the cover.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, there are multiple second buckles and multiple second snap-fit ​​holes. In at least one cooperating second buckle and second snap-fit ​​hole, a positioning protrusion is provided on one side of the second buckle, and a positioning groove is provided on one side of the second snap-fit ​​hole. The positioning protrusion is engaged with the positioning groove. One second buckle and one second snap-fit ​​hole cooperate to form a snap-fit ​​assembly. Multiple snap-fit ​​assemblies are provided between the decorative panel and the cover, which can form connection constraints at different positions. In at least one snap-fit ​​assembly, the second buckle is also provided with a positioning protrusion, and the second snap-fit ​​hole is also provided with a positioning groove. Through the cooperation of the positioning protrusion and the positioning groove, the second buckle is kept engaged with the second snap-fit ​​hole, making the decorative panel more securely installed on the cover.

[0013] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a slot is provided on the bottom side of the cover away from the housing, and an anti-detachment cap is provided at the top of the slot. An insert is provided on the bottom side of the decorative panel facing the housing. The insert passes through the slot and is inserted into the anti-detachment cap. When the decorative panel is connected to the cover from bottom to top, the insert at the bottom of the decorative panel passes through the slot at the bottom of the cover and is inserted into the anti-detachment cap, thereby limiting the position of the bottom of the decorative panel. This helps prevent the bottom of the decorative panel from separating from the bottom of the cover, further improving the stability of the connection between the decorative panel and the cover.

[0014] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a limiting post is provided on the side of the decorative panel facing the housing, and a limiting plate is provided inside the housing facing the second opening. The limiting plate is provided with a limiting hole extending in the vertical direction, and the limiting post is inserted into the limiting hole. When the decorative panel and the cover plate are connected to the housing as a whole, the limiting post is inserted into the limiting hole. The cooperation between the limiting post and the limiting hole can limit the middle position of the decorative panel. When the first buckle is engaged downwards to connect with the first snap-fit ​​hole, the limiting post also moves downwards into place within the limiting hole. At this time, the downward movement of the limiting post can be limited, thereby ensuring that the first buckle and the first snap-fit ​​hole are limited in their respective travels after they are engaged.

[0015] An ice maker includes the aforementioned panel assembly.

[0016] This technical solution has at least the following beneficial effects: In this ice maker, since the top cover and the shell can be quickly connected, the installation limit provided by the side fixing edge and the support provided by the support section can improve the stability of the overall structural connection, reduce the exposed structure, improve the appearance of the entire ice maker, and make it more practical. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly explained below. Obviously, the described drawings are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Those skilled in the art can obtain other design schemes and drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the assembled panel assembly of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the faceplate and shell of this utility model after they are separated.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of A.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the decorative panel and the cover of this utility model after they are separated.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified schematic diagram of part B.

[0023] In the attached diagram: 1-shell, 11-side fixing edge, 111-first snap-fit ​​hole, 1111-pre-assembly section, 1112-narrowing section, 1113-positioning section, 12-supporting section, 13-upper support edge, 131-positioning hole, 14-limiting plate, 141-limiting hole, 2-face cover, 21-first buckle, 22-limiting protrusion, 23-positioning block, 24-side limiting edge, 241-second snap-fit ​​hole, 2411-positioning slot, 25-slot, 3-decorative panel, 31-second buckle, 311-positioning protrusion, 32-limiting post. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following will clearly and completely describe the concept, specific structure, and technical effects of this utility model in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, features, and effects of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are all within the scope of protection of this utility model. Furthermore, all connection relationships mentioned herein do not simply refer to direct connection of components, but rather to the ability to form a better connection structure by adding or reducing connecting accessories according to specific implementation conditions. The various technical features in this invention can be combined interactively without contradicting each other.

[0025] Reference Figures 1 to 4A panel assembly includes: a housing 1 having a first opening on one side, a side fixing edge 11 located inside the first opening, a first snap-fit ​​hole 111 on the side fixing edge 11, and a support section 12 protruding from the first opening on the bottom side of the housing 1; a face cover 2 having a first buckle 21 positioned opposite the first snap-fit ​​hole 111, the first buckle 21 being snapped downwards into the first snap-fit ​​hole 111, and a limiting protrusion 22 positioned facing the first opening on the face cover 2, the limiting protrusion 22 abutting against the top side of the support section 12.

[0026] In this panel assembly, after the face cover 2 is connected to the housing 1, the face cover 2 closes the first opening on the housing 1. The internal space formed by the two can be used to install electrical components. When maintenance of the internal electrical components is required, the face cover 2 can be moved upward relative to the housing 1, so that the first latch 21 disengages upward from the first latching hole 111, thereby opening the first opening. When it is necessary to reinstall the face cover 2 into the housing 1, the face cover 2 is pressed against the side fixing edge 11 of the housing 1 located inside the first opening, and the side fixing edge 11 is used to limit the insertion position of the face cover 2. The first buckle 21 is then snapped downward into the first snap-fit ​​hole 111. The cooperation between the two restricts the cover 2 from falling out of the housing 1. The limiting protrusion 22 abuts against the top side of the supporting section 12, restricting the cover 2 from moving further downward and providing support for the bottom of the cover 2. This allows for a quick connection between the cover 2 and the housing 1. The installation limit provided by the side fixing edge 11 and the support provided by the supporting section 12 can improve the stability of the overall structural connection, reduce structural exposure, improve the overall appearance, and enhance practicality.

[0027] To ensure a tighter connection between the top of the face cover 2 and the top of the housing 1, in this embodiment, the housing 1 has an upper support edge 13 located on the top side of the first opening. A positioning hole 131 is provided on the top side of the upper support edge 13. A positioning block 23 is provided on the inner top side of the face cover 2, directly opposite the positioning hole 131, and the positioning block 23 is fitted into the positioning hole 131. When the face cover 2 is installed into the housing 1, the upper support edge 13 on the top side of the housing 1 supports and limits the face cover 2, restricting its downward insertion stroke at the top. After the face cover 2 is properly installed into the housing 1, the positioning block 23 on the inner top side of the face cover 2 is fitted into the positioning hole 131 on the top side of the upper support edge 13, preventing the face cover 2 from directly detaching and improving the stability of the face cover 2 when installed into the housing 1.

[0028] After the first buckle 21 and the first snap-fit ​​hole 111 are fastened together, the cover 2 and the housing 1 can be further secured together. Specifically, a connector is provided on the bottom side of the supporting section 12, and the connector is fitted into the limiting protrusion 22. In practical applications, the connector can be a screw or bolt. After the cover 2 is installed into the housing 1, a connector can also be provided on the bottom side of the supporting section 12 to further lock the cover 2 onto the supporting section 12, preventing the cover 2 from falling out directly.

[0029] The first snap-fit ​​hole 111 can be a rectangular or elliptical opening. In order to facilitate the connection and mutual stabilization of the first buckle 21 and the first snap-fit ​​hole 111, in this embodiment, the first snap-fit ​​hole 111 includes a pre-installation section 1111, a narrowing section 1112 and a positioning section 1113 arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The lateral width of the pre-installation section 1111 is greater than the lateral width of the positioning section 1113. The lateral width of the narrowing section 1112 gradually decreases downward. The first buckle 21 is located inside the positioning section 1113. The end of the first buckle 21 that extends into the positioning section 1113 has a downwardly protruding buckle portion. When connecting the first buckle 21 on the faceplate 2 to the first snap-fit ​​hole 111 on the side fixing edge 11, the first buckle 21 is first inserted into the pre-installation section 1111. Since the pre-installation section 1111 has a large lateral width, the first buckle 21 can easily engage with the first snap-fit ​​hole 111, thereby pre-positioning the faceplate 2 on the housing 1. Then, the faceplate 2 is moved downward, so that the first buckle 21 enters the positioning section 1113 along the narrowing section 1112 that gradually narrows downward along the lateral width. The positioning section 1113 with a smaller lateral width restricts the left and right movement of the first buckle 21, and the buckle part of the first buckle 21 that protrudes downward restricts the faceplate 2 from directly detaching from the housing 1, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the faceplate 2 and the housing 1.

[0030] The cover 2 can be a single piece of material, or it can be further designed as a split structure with detachable panels. Specifically, the cover 2 has a second opening, and a decorative panel 3 is detachably connected to the cover 2 at the location of the second opening. The cover 2 also has a detachable decorative panel 3. After the decorative panel 3 is removed from the cover 2, some electrical components inside the cover 2 can be adjusted and maintained through the second opening, thereby improving the overall ease of use.

[0031] In this embodiment, as the decorative panel 3 is detachably connected to the cover 2, the cover 2 is provided with a side limiting edge 24 located inside the second opening. The top of the side limiting edge 24 extends obliquely away from the housing 1. A second snap-fit ​​hole 241 is provided on the side limiting edge 24. The top of the decorative panel 3 extends obliquely away from the housing 1. A second buckle 31 is provided on the decorative panel 3 opposite the second snap-fit ​​hole 241. The decorative panel 3 abuts against the side limiting edge 24, and the second buckle 31 snaps upward into the second snap-fit ​​hole 241. When the decorative panel 3 is installed into the cover 2, the decorative panel 3 is installed into the cover 2 from bottom to top, so that the second buckle 31 is engaged with the second snap-fit ​​hole 241. At this time, the inclined extension of the top of the decorative panel 3 abuts against the inclined extension of the top of the side limiting edge 24, limiting the upward movement of the decorative panel 3. The mutual cooperation between the second buckle 31 and the second snap-fit ​​hole 241 is used to connect and thus the decorative panel 3 is securely installed on the cover 2.

[0032] In practical applications, there are multiple first buckles 21 and multiple first snap-fit ​​holes 111, forming a connection group. Multiple connection groups can be provided between the cover 2 and the housing 1, thereby improving the connection stability between the cover 2 and the housing 1. Similarly, as... Figure 5 As shown, there are multiple second buckles 31 and second snap-fit ​​holes 241. In at least one cooperating second buckle 31 and second snap-fit ​​hole 241, a positioning protrusion 311 is provided on one side of the second buckle 31, and a positioning groove 2411 is provided on one side of the second snap-fit ​​hole 241. The positioning protrusion 311 is engaged and connected in the positioning groove 2411. In application, since the second buckle 31 is a protruding structural component on the cover 2, it can undergo a certain elastic deformation along the width direction of the second snap-fit ​​groove, so that the positioning protrusion 311 can enter and exit the positioning groove 2411. A second snap-fit ​​31 and a second snap-fit ​​hole 241 cooperate with each other to form a snap-fit ​​assembly. Multiple snap-fit ​​assemblies are provided between the decorative panel 3 and the cover 2, which can form connection constraints at different positions. In at least one snap-fit ​​assembly, the second snap-fit ​​31 is also provided with a positioning protrusion 311, and the second snap-fit ​​hole 241 is also provided with a positioning groove 2411. Through the cooperation of the positioning protrusion 311 and the positioning groove 2411, the second snap-fit ​​31 is kept in the state of being connected to the second snap-fit ​​hole 241, so that the decorative panel 3 is more securely installed on the cover 2.

[0033] Furthermore, a slot 25 is provided on the bottom side of the cover 2 away from the housing 1, and an anti-detachment cap is provided at the top of the slot 25. An insert is provided on the bottom side of the decorative panel 3 facing the housing 1. The insert passes through the slot 25 and is inserted into the anti-detachment cap. When the decorative panel 3 is connected to the cover 2 from bottom to top, the insert at the bottom of the decorative panel 3 passes through the slot 25 at the bottom of the cover 2 and is inserted into the anti-detachment cap, thereby limiting the position of the bottom of the decorative panel 3. This helps prevent the bottom of the decorative panel 3 from separating from the bottom of the cover 2, further improving the stability of the connection between the decorative panel 3 and the cover 2.

[0034] In some embodiments, a limiting post 32 is provided on the side of the decorative panel 3 facing the housing 1, and a limiting plate 14 is provided inside the housing 1 facing the second opening. The limiting plate 14 is provided with a limiting hole 141 extending in the vertical direction, and the limiting post 32 is inserted into the limiting hole 141. When the decorative panel 3 and the cover plate are connected to the housing 1 as a whole, the limiting post 32 is inserted into the limiting hole 141. The cooperation between the limiting post 32 and the limiting hole 141 can limit the middle position of the decorative panel 3. When the first buckle 21 is engaged downward to connect to the first snap-fit ​​hole 111, the limiting post 32 also moves downward into place within the limiting hole 141. At this time, the downward movement of the limiting post 32 can be limited, thereby ensuring that the first buckle 21 and the first snap-fit ​​hole 111 are limited in their respective movements after engagement.

[0035] An ice maker includes the aforementioned panel assembly.

[0036] The technical solution has at least the following beneficial effects: In this ice maker, since the top cover 2 and the housing 1 can be quickly connected, the installation limit provided by the side fixing edge 11 and the support provided by the support section 12 can improve the stability of the overall structural connection, reduce the exposed structure, improve the appearance of the entire ice maker, and make it more practical.

[0037] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A panel assembly, characterized in that: include: The housing (1) has a first opening on one side. The housing (1) has a side fixing edge (11) located inside the first opening. The side fixing edge (11) has a first snap-fit ​​hole (111). The bottom side of the housing (1) has a support section (12) protruding from the first opening. The cover (2) has a first buckle (21) positioned opposite the first snap-fit ​​hole (111), the first buckle (21) snaps downward into the first snap-fit ​​hole (111), and the cover (2) has a limiting protrusion (22) positioned facing the first opening, the limiting protrusion (22) abutting against the top side of the supporting section (12).

2. A panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) is provided with an upper support edge (13) at the top side of the first opening. The top side of the upper support edge (13) is provided with a positioning hole (131). The top side of the cover (2) is provided with a positioning block (23) directly opposite the positioning hole (131). The positioning block (23) is connected to the positioning hole (131).

3. A panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom side of the supporting section (12) is provided with a connecting piece extending upwards, and the connecting piece is connected to the limiting protrusion (22).

4. A panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first snap-fit ​​hole (111) includes a pre-installation section (1111), a narrowing section (1112), and a positioning section (1113) arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The lateral width of the pre-installation section (1111) is greater than the lateral width of the positioning section (1113). The lateral width of the narrowing section (1112) gradually decreases downward. The first buckle (21) is located inside the positioning section (1113). The end of the first buckle (21) that extends into the positioning section (1113) has a downwardly protruding buckle portion.

5. A panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover (2) is provided with a second opening, and the cover (2) is detachably connected to a decorative panel (3) at the position of the second opening.

6. A panel assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cover (2) is provided with a side limiting edge (24) located inside the second opening. The top of the side limiting edge (24) extends obliquely away from the housing (1). A second snap-fit ​​hole (241) is provided on the side limiting edge (24). The top of the decorative panel (3) extends obliquely away from the housing (1). A second buckle (31) is provided on the decorative panel (3) directly opposite the second snap-fit ​​hole (241). The decorative panel (3) abuts against the side limiting edge (24), and the second buckle (31) snaps upward into the second snap-fit ​​hole (241).

7. A panel assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: There are multiple second buckles (31) and second snap-fit ​​holes (241). In at least one cooperating second buckle (31) and second snap-fit ​​hole (241), a positioning protrusion (311) is provided on one side of the second buckle (31), and a positioning slot (2411) is provided on one side of the second snap-fit ​​hole (241). The positioning protrusion (311) is connected to the positioning slot (2411).

8. A panel assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom of the cover (2) is provided with a slot (25) on the side away from the housing (1), and the top of the slot (25) is provided with an anti-slip cap. The bottom of the decorative panel (3) is provided with an insert on the side facing the housing (1), and the insert passes through the slot (25) and is inserted into the anti-slip cap.

9. A panel assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The decorative panel (3) has a limiting post (32) on the side facing the housing (1). A limiting plate (14) is provided inside the housing (1) facing the second opening. The limiting plate (14) has a limiting hole (141) extending in the vertical direction. The limiting post (32) is inserted into the limiting hole (141).

10. An ice maker, characterized in that: Includes the panel assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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