Heat dissipation structure, defrosting assembly and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model provides a heat dissipation structure, a defrosting assembly and a refrigerator, the heat dissipation structure is applied to a heater, the heat dissipation structure comprises a base and heat dissipation fins, the heat dissipation fins are connected with the base, and the base can be connected with the heater. The heat dissipation area is greatly increased through the fin structure, compared with a traditional design, heat generated in the defrosting process of the heater can be more effectively dispersed and guided out, and therefore the maximum working temperature of the heater is remarkably reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and in particular to a heat dissipation structure, a defrosting component, and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, air-cooled refrigerators use finned evaporators as the refrigeration component, typically located in the freezer compartment. During continuous evaporation and refrigeration, frost gradually accumulates on the surface of this evaporator. To address this issue, aluminum tubes or a periodic defrosting mechanism integrated into the evaporator are commonly used. Household refrigerators are generally equipped with electric heating steel tube heaters for defrosting. During defrosting, the refrigeration cycle is paused, and only the electric heating steel tube heater operates, causing its surface temperature to rise significantly. According to industry standards, the upper limit of the abnormal dry-burning temperature of the heater is set at 360℃, which places stringent requirements on the heater design and correspondingly increases design and material costs.

[0003] Of particular note is the impact of voltage standard differences across regions on heater performance. For example, a heater designed to meet the domestic 220V voltage standard may pass an abnormal dry-burning test, but if used in a 240V environment, its power will increase by 19%, potentially failing to meet the established test standards. This would necessitate a redesign or the use of materials with higher radiation efficiency, undoubtedly further increasing costs.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an additional device that is low in cost, easy to install, and capable of meeting various standard test requirements without changing the basic structure of the existing heater, while also bringing design convenience and significant cost savings. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a heat dissipation structure, a defrosting component, and a refrigerator. The heat dissipation structure can ensure that it meets various standard test requirements without changing the basic structure of the existing heater, while bringing design convenience and significant cost savings.

[0006] This application provides a heat dissipation structure applied to a heater, the heat dissipation structure comprising:

[0007] Fixed base;

[0008] Heat dissipation fins are connected to the fixed base.

[0009] This application embodiment also provides a defrosting component, including:

[0010] heater;

[0011] A heat dissipation structure is provided, which is detachably connected to the heater, and the heat dissipation structure is the aforementioned heat dissipation structure.

[0012] This application also provides a refrigerator, including:

[0013] Evaporator;

[0014] A defrosting assembly, wherein the defrosting assembly is the aforementioned defrosting assembly, and the defrosting assembly is disposed on one side of the evaporator.

[0015] The heat dissipation structure, defrosting assembly, and refrigerator provided in this application embodiment are applied to a heater. The heat dissipation structure includes a base and heat dissipation fins, with the fins connected to the base, which in turn connects to the heater. The fin structure significantly increases the heat dissipation area, and compared to traditional designs, it can more effectively disperse and dissipate the heat generated by the heater during defrosting, thereby significantly reducing the heater's maximum operating temperature. Therefore, this heat dissipation structure can ensure that various standard testing requirements are met without changing the basic structure of the existing heater, while also bringing design convenience and significant cost savings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the heat dissipation structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the defrosting assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] In the conventional configuration of existing air-cooled refrigerator evaporative refrigeration systems, the evaporator is typically located at the top of the system, while a defrost steel pipe heater is located at the bottom. The standard operating procedure for this system includes periodic defrosting 3 to 4 times daily, performed by the steel pipe heater. Given the flammable and explosive properties of the refrigerant used in the refrigerator, strict limits are set for the surface temperature of the heater to ensure safety; the current industry standard generally adheres to an upper limit of 360°C.

[0022] In the domestic market, refrigerators are typically compatible with AC220V voltage, and the rated resistance of the heater is determined accordingly to be R. 220 According to safety standards, a dry-burn test must be performed, which involves the heater operating continuously until the fuse connected in series with it trips, at which point the highest temperature T reached on the heater surface is measured. 220 Must satisfy T 220 Safety standard <360°C. Due to considerations of both cost control and performance optimization, heater design (including its surface dimensions and material selection) typically does not allow for excessive safety margins.

[0023] However, when the same model is exported to foreign markets, the rated voltage range is typically AC220-240V. In this case, the dry-burn test must be conducted with 240V as the reference voltage (the actual test voltage is 1.1 times the reference voltage). According to the power calculation formula P=U² / R... 220 The power of the heater will be increased by 19% accordingly. If the maximum temperature of the heater in the original design is already close to the safety limit, it may not be able to meet the qualification standard under the new test conditions.

[0024] Theoretically, solutions to this problem include extending the heater or replacing it with a material with higher thermal conductivity. However, for refrigerators with fixed installation structures and evaporator layouts, adjusting the heater size (such as lengthening or thickening it) would involve significant modifications and could affect the overall design and performance of the refrigerator. On the other hand, while using higher-performance materials could solve the problem, it would introduce new components, inevitably increasing material costs.

[0025] This application provides a heat dissipation structure, a defrosting component, and a refrigerator. This heat dissipation structure ensures that various standard testing requirements are met without altering the basic structure of the existing heater, while also offering design convenience and significant cost savings. The following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the heat dissipation structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] This application provides a heat dissipation structure 22, which is typically used to ensure that equipment maintains a stable operating temperature under prolonged operation or high load conditions. The heat dissipation structure 22 is applied to a heater 21, which is a device or component capable of generating heat and is typically used to provide warmth, melt ice and snow, or perform defrosting operations.

[0028] The heat dissipation structure 22 includes a fixed base 221 and heat dissipation fins 222, with the heat dissipation fins 222 connected to the fixed base 221.

[0029] The mounting base 221 is used to support and fix the heat dissipation fins 222, and also provides an installation interface for the heater 21. The mounting base 221 typically has a stable structure that ensures a stable connection between the heat dissipation fins 222 and the heater 21.

[0030] Heat dissipation fins 222 are typically designed as thin sheets to increase the heat dissipation area and improve heat dissipation efficiency. Heat dissipation fins 222 transfer heat from heater 21 to the surrounding environment through thermal conduction and convection.

[0031] The heat dissipation structure 22 provided in this application, when applied to the heater 21, can significantly improve heat dissipation efficiency and ensure that the heater 21 maintains a stable operating temperature under long-term operation or high load conditions.

[0032] The tight fit between the heat dissipation fins 222 and the mounting base 221 ensures efficient heat transfer. Precision connection processes, such as welding, riveting, or bolting, are used between the heat dissipation fins 222 and the mounting base 221 to ensure a close fit. This tight fit not only reduces thermal resistance during heat transfer but also improves the stability and durability of the heat dissipation fins 222. In some cases, the heat dissipation fins 222 and the mounting base 221 are integrally formed.

[0033] The mounting base 221 can be made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy, to have good mechanical properties and thermal stability, and to withstand large thermal and mechanical stresses. Furthermore, the structural design of the mounting base 221 also fully considers stability and durability, such as adding reinforcing ribs and optimizing the cross-sectional shape, to ensure that the heat dissipation structure 22 maintains stable performance during long-term use.

[0034] For the heat dissipation fins 222, changing the number of fins 222, altering their shape and size, and optimizing their layout can significantly increase the heat dissipation area. Simultaneously, special processing techniques can be applied to the surface of the heat dissipation fins 222, such as increasing roughness or applying a heat-dissipating coating, to improve heat dissipation efficiency. These designs enable the heat dissipation structure 22 to transfer more heat within the same volume, thereby reducing the temperature of the heater 21.

[0035] A groove 2211 is provided on the side of the fixed base 221 away from the heat dissipation fins 222. The groove 2211 increases the contact area between the fixed base 221 and the heater 21, and the groove 2211 design provides a precise positioning function.

[0036] By providing a groove 2211 on the mounting base 221, the mounting portion of the heater 21 can be accommodated, thereby increasing the contact area between the two. A larger contact area means better heat conduction, as heat can be transferred more efficiently from the heater 21 to the mounting base 221 and then to the heat dissipation fins 222 through a larger area. This helps to improve the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the heat dissipation structure 22.

[0037] The shape and size of the groove 2211 can precisely match the mounting part of the heater 21, ensuring that the heater 21 can be accurately positioned during installation. This precise positioning not only helps to ensure smooth heat transfer, but also prevents the heater 21 from shifting or loosening during installation.

[0038] The total area of ​​the heat dissipation fins 222 is more than five times the area of ​​the groove wall of the recess 2211. The heat dissipation fins 222 are the core component of the heat dissipation structure 22, and their size directly affects the rate of heat dissipation. When the total area of ​​the heat dissipation fins 222 is much larger than the area of ​​the groove wall of the recess 221, the fins can more effectively capture and disperse heat from the fixed base 221 (and indirectly from the heater 21). A larger heat dissipation area means that heat can be transferred to the surrounding environment more quickly, thereby reducing the overall temperature of the heater 21 and the heat dissipation structure 22. This design ensures that the heat dissipation structure 22 maintains efficient operation even under high temperature or high load conditions.

[0039] When the total area of ​​the heat dissipation fins 222 is more than five times the area of ​​the groove wall 2211, an optimal balance is achieved between heat conduction efficiency and heat dissipation efficiency. This ratio ensures that heat can be rapidly transferred from the heater 21 to the heat dissipation fins 222, while also ensuring that the fins can efficiently dissipate heat to the surrounding environment. This design strategy avoids heat accumulation inside the heat dissipation structure 22, reduces thermal resistance, and improves overall heat dissipation performance.

[0040] The efficiency of the heat dissipation structure 22 directly affects the operating temperature and stability of the equipment. When the total area of ​​the heat dissipation fins 222 is large enough, it can more effectively reduce the operating temperature of the equipment, reducing thermal stress and thermal fatigue caused by high temperatures. This helps to extend the service life of the equipment and reduce failures and maintenance costs caused by overheating.

[0041] The heat dissipation fins 222 are made of aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight metal with excellent thermal conductivity. This means that the aluminum fins can quickly absorb and disperse heat from the fixed base 221 (and indirectly from the heater 21). The high thermal conductivity of aluminum ensures that heat can be efficiently transferred to the fin surface and dissipated into the surrounding environment through convection and radiation.

[0042] Aluminum has a density approximately one-third that of copper, which allows aluminum fins to provide the same heat dissipation performance while being lighter. In the design of the heat dissipation structure 22, weight reduction not only lowers manufacturing costs but also improves the portability and installation flexibility of the device. The use of aluminum fins is particularly important in devices such as the air-cooled refrigerator 100, where overall weight and space are critical considerations.

[0043] Aluminum exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in natural environments, resisting oxidation and corrosion. This allows aluminum fins to maintain stable heat dissipation performance during long-term use, extending the lifespan of equipment. Furthermore, aluminum has good machinability, allowing it to be manufactured into complex shapes through various processes such as casting, extrusion, and stamping.

[0044] Furthermore, the fixing base 221 can also be made of aluminum, which has the same technical effects as described above, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0045] In some practical applications, steel, especially stainless steel, is often chosen as the material for heater 21 due to its strength and corrosion resistance. However, in the evaporation system of refrigerator 100, the high-temperature points of heater 21 require efficient heat dissipation to ensure stable system operation. According to simulation and experimental test results, the thermal conductivity of aluminum is at least 10 times higher than that of stainless steel. Therefore, cleverly incorporating heat dissipation structure 22 at these high-temperature points becomes an effective heat dissipation solution.

[0046] Specifically, the contact area between the heater 21 and the heat dissipation structure 22 is denoted as S1. The surface area of ​​the heat dissipation structure 22 is greater than 5S1, meaning the heat dissipation area of ​​the heater 21 is increased by more than five times. Furthermore, since aluminum has a thermal conductivity 10 times that of steel, this design strategy allows the temperature of the heater 21 to be significantly and reliably reduced. Simultaneously, heat from other secondary high-temperature areas on the heater 21 is indirectly conducted to the heat dissipation structure 22, effectively dispersing heat and preventing localized overheating. These improvements enable the maximum temperature of the heater 21 to be stably reduced below the safety standard threshold, such as 360°C, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the refrigerator 100.

[0047] There are multiple heat dissipation fins 222, arranged parallel to each other on the fixed base 221. As the number of heat dissipation fins 222 increases, the total heat dissipation area also increases, thus more effectively capturing and dispersing heat from the fixed base 221 (and indirectly from the heater 21). The design of multiple heat dissipation fins 222 ensures that heat can be rapidly transferred to the surrounding environment, reducing the overall temperature of the heater 21 and the heat dissipation structure 22. The parallel arrangement of the heat dissipation fins 222 on the fixed base 221 ensures that heat is evenly distributed among the fins, avoiding heat accumulation and localized overheating. The parallel arrangement also helps improve the convective heat transfer efficiency between the heat dissipation fins 222 and the surrounding air, because the parallel fins can more effectively guide airflow, increasing the contact area and time between the air and the fin surface. Furthermore, the parallel heat dissipation fins 222 can provide a larger heat dissipation area, further improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0048] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the defrosting component provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0049] This application embodiment also provides a defrosting assembly 20, which is a device for removing frost from refrigeration equipment (such as a refrigerator 100). In refrigeration equipment, water vapor condenses into frost due to the low temperature environment, and long-term accumulation can affect the refrigeration efficiency and performance of the equipment. The defrosting assembly 20 melts the frost layer by heating or other means, thereby maintaining the normal operation of the refrigeration equipment.

[0050] The defrosting assembly 20 includes a heater 21 and a heat dissipation structure 22 as described in the above embodiment, with the heat dissipation structure 22 detachably connected to the heater 21. This detachable connection design between the heat dissipation structure 22 and the heater 21 allows for easy separation and reassembly when needed. This design not only facilitates cleaning and maintenance of the defrosting assembly 20, extending its service life, but also improves its overall flexibility and adaptability. For example, when the heat dissipation structure 22 needs to be replaced, the user does not need to disassemble the entire refrigeration system; they can simply disconnect the connection and replace the corresponding component.

[0051] The heater 21 includes a heating tube, and the fixed base 221 of the heat dissipation structure 22 has a groove 2211 on the side away from the heat dissipation fins 222. The groove 2211 is snapped onto the heating tube.

[0052] The mounting base 221 of the heat dissipation structure 22 has a groove 2211 on the side away from the heat dissipation fins 222. This design allows the heating tube to be tightly engaged in the groove 2211, achieving a seamless connection between the heating tube and the heat dissipation structure 22. This close contact greatly reduces the thermal resistance during heat transfer and improves the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating tube to the heat dissipation structure 22, thereby ensuring a fast and efficient defrosting process.

[0053] The groove 2211 snap-fit ​​design in this embodiment greatly simplifies the process. During installation, simply align the heating element with the groove 2211 and gently push it in to achieve a tight connection; during maintenance, there is no need to disassemble complex connecting parts, simply pull out the heating element for inspection or replacement. This design not only improves the efficiency of installation and maintenance but also reduces the difficulty and cost of operation, bringing users a more convenient user experience.

[0054] The precise dimensions and shape of the groove 2211 ensure that the heating element can be tightly engaged within it, preventing it from loosening or falling off. At the same time, this design reduces the number and complexity of connecting parts, lowering the risk of heater 21 failure due to connecting part malfunctions, thereby improving the overall stability and durability of heater 21.

[0055] The cross-section of the groove 2211 is arc-shaped, and the diameter of the circle corresponding to the arc is smaller than the diameter of the heating tube.

[0056] Understandably, the arc-shaped groove 2211 design achieves an interference fit between the heating tube and the heat dissipation structure 22, enhancing the connection strength. An interference fit utilizes the dimensional difference between two parts (i.e., the bore diameter of one part is slightly smaller than the shaft diameter of the other) to generate prestress, thereby achieving a tight, gapless fit. In this example, the cross-section of the groove 2211 is designed to be arc-shaped, and its corresponding circular diameter is smaller than the diameter of the heating tube, perfectly satisfying the interference fit condition. When the heating tube is inserted into the groove 2211, due to the diameter difference, the heating tube experiences a certain radial pressure, which creates a tight contact between the heating tube and the wall of the groove 2211. This tight contact not only enhances the connection strength between the heating tube and the heat dissipation structure 22 but also reduces thermal resistance during heat transfer, improving heat transfer efficiency.

[0057] During the operation of refrigeration equipment, the heater 21 may be subjected to vibration and impact from components such as the compressor and fan. Traditional connection methods, such as bolted connections or welding, while providing a certain degree of connection strength, are prone to loosening or fatigue fracture under long-term vibration. The interference fit design, however, uses pre-stress to create a more robust connection between the heating element and the heat dissipation structure 22. This connection not only resists vibration and impact but also reduces noise and wear caused by vibration to a certain extent, improving the overall shock resistance and stability of the heating assembly.

[0058] Traditional connection methods, such as bolted connections, require tightening each bolt individually to ensure a tight fit. This is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also prone to loosening or damage due to improper operation. The interference fit design, however, simplifies the installation process; a tight connection is achieved simply by gently pushing the heating element into the groove 2211. This installation method not only saves time and effort but also reduces assembly errors and quality problems caused by improper operation, thus improving assembly efficiency.

[0059] There are two or more heat dissipation structures 22, which are spaced apart and connected to the heater 21. When there are two or more heat dissipation structures 22, and they are spaced apart and connected to the heater 21, these heat dissipation structures 22 can form a larger heat dissipation area, thereby more effectively dissipating the heat generated by the heater 21 to the surrounding environment. Compared with a single heat dissipation structure 22, multiple heat dissipation structures 22 not only increase the heat dissipation area, but also reduce the accumulation of heat between the heat dissipation structures 22 through their spaced arrangement, thus improving heat dissipation efficiency. At the same time, if it is necessary to increase the heat dissipation area or optimize the heat dissipation performance, additional heat dissipation structures 22 can be easily added, improving the maintainability of the defrosting assembly 20.

[0060] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0061] This application also provides a refrigerator 100, which is a household appliance used to store food and keep it fresh by reducing the internal temperature through a refrigeration system.

[0062] The refrigerator 100 includes an evaporator 10 and a defrosting assembly 20. The evaporator 10 is a key component in the refrigeration system of the refrigerator 100. Liquid refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat at the evaporator 10, thereby lowering the temperature of the surrounding environment.

[0063] The defrosting assembly 20 is the same as the defrosting assembly 20 in the above embodiment, and it is disposed on one side of the evaporator 10. Through an efficient and intelligent defrosting mechanism, the defrosting assembly 20 can periodically or as needed remove frost or ice from the evaporator 10, thereby maintaining the cleanliness and efficient operation of the evaporator 10. This not only improves the overall cooling efficiency of the refrigerator 100 but also reduces energy consumption, providing users with a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly user experience.

[0064] In the heat dissipation structure 22, defrosting assembly 20, and refrigerator 100 provided in this application embodiment, the heat dissipation structure 22 is applied to the heater 21. The heat dissipation structure 22 includes a base and heat dissipation fins 222, which are connected to the base, which in turn can be connected to the heater 21. The fin structure significantly increases the heat dissipation area, and compared to traditional designs, it can more effectively disperse and conduct the heat generated by the heater 21 during the defrosting process, thereby significantly reducing the maximum operating temperature of the heating element. Therefore, this heat dissipation structure 22 can ensure that the heater 21 meets various standard test requirements without changing its basic structure, while also bringing design convenience and significant cost savings.

[0065] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0066] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features.

[0067] The heat dissipation structure, defrosting components, and refrigerator provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application, and the descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this application, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A heat dissipation structure, characterized in that, The heat dissipation structure, applied to a heater, includes: Fixed base; Heat dissipation fins, which are connected to the fixed base; The mounting base has a groove on the side away from the heat dissipation fins to match the mounting portion of the heater.

2. The heat dissipation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The total area of ​​the heat dissipation fins is more than five times the area of ​​the groove wall.

3. The heat dissipation structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, There are multiple heat dissipation fins, which are arranged parallel to each other on the fixed base.

4. The heat dissipation structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The heat dissipation fins are made of aluminum.

5. A defrosting component, characterized in that, include: heater; A heat dissipation structure, wherein the heat dissipation structure is detachably connected to the heater, and the heat dissipation structure is the heat dissipation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The defrosting assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heater includes a heating tube, and the fixed base of the heat dissipation structure has a groove on the side away from the heat dissipation fins, and the groove is engaged with the heating tube.

7. The defrosting assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The groove has an arc-shaped cross-section, and the diameter of the circle corresponding to the arc is smaller than the diameter of the heating tube.

8. The defrosting assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of heat dissipation structures is two or more, and the heat dissipation structures are connected to the heater at intervals.

9. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: Evaporator; A defrosting assembly, wherein the defrosting assembly is the defrosting assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 8, and the defrosting assembly is disposed on one side of the evaporator.

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