Refrigerator heating pipe fixing structure and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of refrigerator manufacturing, in particular to a refrigerator heating pipe fixing structure and a refrigerator. The refrigerator heating pipe fixing structure comprises a mounting plate and two elastic arms, the side edge of the mounting plate is provided with a clamping hole with an opening, the two sides of the opening are each provided with one elastic arm, the two elastic arms are both connected with the mounting plate and define a throat, the throat communicates with the opening, and the caliber of the throat is smaller than that of the opening; and in response to extrusion of the heating pipe, the two elastic arms can move back to back and elastically deform, so that the necking opening is opened, and the heating pipe is clamped into the clamping hole through the opening. The two elastic arms respond to extrusion to automatically deform so that the necking opening can be opened or reset, fixing of the heating pipe is achieved, manual operation is not needed in the fixing process, installation is more convenient, the fixing effect of the fixing device cannot be affected, and the problems that the installation position deviates, loosens and even falls off can be avoided; and during disassembly, the fixing structure or peripheral components cannot be damaged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigerator manufacturing technology, and in particular to a refrigerator heating tube fixing structure and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] As a crucial component of the refrigerator's defrosting system, the stability and ease of installation of the heating element directly impact the refrigerator's reliability and production efficiency. Currently, heating elements are typically secured using a metal sheet structure. This involves manually prying open the sheet to insert the heating element, then manually repositioning it to achieve fixation.

[0003] However, this fixing method has low installation efficiency, and the iron plate is prone to plastic deformation during repeated prying and resetting, making it impossible to fix tightly. This may cause problems such as the heating tube shifting in installation position, loosening, or even falling off, affecting the heat transfer effect and defrosting performance of the heating tube. In addition, when disassembling, the iron plate needs to be pried open again. Due to the limited operating space, this operation is prone to damaging the iron plate or surrounding parts, increasing maintenance costs and time. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a heating tube fixing structure and refrigerator that will not undergo plastic deformation, has high reliability, is easier to install, and can simplify the maintenance and replacement process.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A refrigerator heating tube fixing structure is provided for fixing the heating tube. The refrigerator heating tube fixing structure includes a mounting plate and two elastic arms. The side of the mounting plate is provided with a snap-fit ​​hole with an opening. One elastic arm is provided on each side of the opening. The two elastic arms are connected to the mounting plate and close together to form a constricted opening. The constricted opening is connected to the opening and the diameter of the constricted opening is smaller than the diameter of the opening.

[0007] In response to the compression of the heating tube, the two elastic arms can move in opposite directions and elastically deform to open the constriction and allow the heating tube to be inserted into the snap-fit ​​hole through the opening.

[0008] Understandably, this application utilizes a mounting plate and two elastic arms. The two elastic arms are positioned on either side of the snap-fit ​​hole opening on the mounting plate, forming a constricted opening that communicates with the opening. When the heating tube enters through this constricted opening, the two elastic arms, compressed by the heating tube, undergo elastic deformation and move in opposite directions, causing the constricted opening to open. This allows the heating tube to smoothly snap into the snap-fit ​​hole, achieving fixation. In this way, the automatic deformation of the two elastic arms in response to compression opens or resets the constricted opening, securing the heating tube. The fixing process eliminates the need for manual prying and resetting by the operator, making the operation simpler and faster. Furthermore, the elastic deformation of the two elastic arms during this process ensures automatic reset, tightly fixing the heating tube and preventing issues such as misalignment, loosening, or even detachment. Simultaneously, during disassembly, simply pushing the heating tube towards the constricted opening causes the elastic arms to deform in response to compression, automatically opening the constricted opening without damaging the fixing structure or surrounding components. This facilitates easy disassembly of the heating tube and saves maintenance time and costs.

[0009] In one embodiment, each of the elastic arms has an expansion section at the end away from the mounting plate, and two expansion sections form a flared opening, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the constricted opening.

[0010] Understandably, the expansion section has a certain guiding effect on the heating tube. The flared design improves the alignment rate of the heating tube during insertion, thus increasing assembly efficiency. Furthermore, when the heating tube is squeezed into the constriction, the expansion section can distribute the force, preventing the elastic arm from deforming or breaking due to excessive local stress, thereby improving the durability of the structure.

[0011] In one embodiment, the flare is trumpet-shaped, and the trumpet-shaped flare has a small-diameter end and a large-diameter end that are disposed opposite to each other, the small-diameter end being in communication with the constricted end.

[0012] Understandably, the small-diameter end of the flared section is connected to the constricted section, which allows the flared section to exert an inward force on the constricted section. This improves the reliability of the constricted section's contraction and makes it less likely for the heating tube to come out in the reverse direction after it is inserted into the locking hole, thereby increasing the reliability of the fixation.

[0013] In one embodiment, the surface of the mounting plate is provided with a baffle that protrudes from the surface of the mounting plate and surrounds the circumference of the snap-fit ​​hole.

[0014] Understandably, the baffle bar restricts the radial displacement of the heating element, preventing it from shaking or shifting after being snapped in place, thus improving the reliability of its fixation.

[0015] In one embodiment, along the axial direction of the snap-fit ​​hole, the height of the stop bar above the surface of the mounting plate is h, where 1mm ≤ h ≤ 3mm.

[0016] Understandably, if the height of the baffle is too low, it will affect its ability to restrict the heating element. The heating element needs to dissipate heat to ensure its safety during operation, so the height of the baffle cannot be too high either. Therefore, the height of the baffle is set between 1mm and 3mm, which ensures stability and safety without affecting other components.

[0017] In one embodiment, the inner wall surface of the stop bar is spaced apart from the wall of the snap-fit ​​hole along the radial direction of the snap-fit ​​hole.

[0018] It is understandable that the heating element will expand due to heat during operation, increasing its radial dimension. The space between the inner wall of the baffle and the wall of the snap-fit ​​hole allows the heating element to expand in the radial direction, preventing it from being damaged by the pressure of the baffle after expansion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the wall of the snap-fit ​​hole and / or the inner wall of the elastic arm are provided with protruding bumps.

[0020] It is understandable that setting protrusions on the wall of the snap-fit ​​hole allows the heating tube to have a certain amount of heat dissipation space after it is fixed, so as to avoid heat accumulation and damage to the heating tube. During the fixing process, the heating tube will pass through the elastic arm and rub against the inner wall of the elastic arm. Setting protrusions at this position can reduce the contact area between the elastic arm and the heating tube, thereby reducing the frictional resistance of the elastic arm on the heating tube and making the installation of the heating tube smoother.

[0021] In one embodiment, the number of the protrusions is set to a plurality, and the plurality of the protrusions are spaced apart circumferentially along the snap-fit ​​hole.

[0022] Understandably, multiple protrusions can increase the dispersion of the force between the snap-fit ​​hole and the heating element, thereby increasing the reliability of the heating element's fixation.

[0023] In one embodiment, the bump is set as a rubber bump.

[0024] Understandably, the rubber bumps have a certain buffering effect, which can prevent rigid contact between the snap-fit ​​hole and / or the elastic arm and the heating tube, thus preventing damage to the surface coating of the heating tube.

[0025] This application also provides a refrigerator, including the refrigerator heating tube fixing structure described in any of the above embodiments.

[0026] Compared with existing technologies, this application features a mounting plate and two elastic arms. The two elastic arms are positioned on either side of the snap-fit ​​hole opening on the mounting plate, forming a constricted opening that communicates with the opening. When the heating tube enters through this constricted opening, the two elastic arms, compressed by the heating tube, undergo elastic deformation and move in opposite directions, causing the constricted opening to open. This allows the heating tube to smoothly snap into the snap-fit ​​hole, achieving fixation. This method utilizes the automatic deformation of the two elastic arms in response to compression to open or reset the constricted opening, thus securing the heating tube. The fixing process eliminates the need for manual prying and resetting by the operator, making the operation simpler and faster. Furthermore, the elastic deformation of the two elastic arms during this process ensures automatic reset, tightly fixing the heating tube and preventing issues such as misalignment, loosening, or even detachment. Simultaneously, during disassembly, simply pushing the heating tube towards the constricted opening causes the elastic arms to deform in response to compression, automatically opening the constricted opening without damaging the fixing structure or surrounding components. This facilitates easy disassembly of the heating tube and saves maintenance time and costs. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology 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.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator heating tube fixing structure after installation, as provided in this application.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the refrigerator heating tube fixing structure provided in this application.

[0030] Figure 3 Provided for this application Figure 2 A magnified structural diagram of point A in the middle.

[0031] The component labels are as follows:

[0032] 100. Refrigerator heating element fixing structure; 10. Mounting plate; 11. Baffle; 111. Inner wall surface; 12. Fixing hole; 20. Elastic arm; 21. Narrowing; 22. Expanding section; 23. Flaring; 231. Small diameter end; 232. Large diameter end; 24. Inner side wall; 30. Snap-fit ​​hole; 31. Opening; 32. Hole wall; 40. Protrusion; 200. Heating element. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0034] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0035] Furthermore, 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, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] Please see Figure 1This application provides a refrigerator heating tube fixing structure 100, which is used to fix the heating tube 200 inside the refrigerator. It mainly makes the installation and disassembly of the heating tube 200 convenient and avoids problems such as position displacement, loosening or falling off of the heating tube, which would affect the heat transfer efficiency and defrosting performance of the heating tube.

[0039] For details, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The refrigerator heating tube fixing structure 100 includes a mounting plate 10 and two elastic arms 20. The side of the mounting plate 10 is provided with a snap-fit ​​hole 30 with an opening 31. An elastic arm 20 is provided on both sides of the opening 31. The two elastic arms 20 are connected to the mounting plate 10 and form a constriction 21. The constriction 21 is connected to the opening 31 and the diameter of the constriction 21 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 31. In response to the compression of the heating tube 200, the two elastic arms 20 can move in opposite directions and elastically deform, so that the constriction 21 opens and the heating tube 200 is snapped into the snap-fit ​​hole 30 through the opening 31.

[0040] It should be explained that this application sets up a mounting plate 10 and two elastic arms 20. By setting the two elastic arms 20 on both sides of the opening 31 of the snap-fit ​​hole 30 on the mounting plate 10, and forming a constriction 21 that communicates with the opening 31, when the heating tube 200 enters from the constriction 21, the two elastic arms 20 will undergo elastic deformation and move in opposite directions due to the compression of the heating tube 200, so that the constriction 21 opens, and the heating tube 200 can be smoothly snapped into the snap-fit ​​hole through the opening to achieve fixation. In this way, the two elastic arms 20 can automatically deform in response to compression to open or reset the constriction 21, thereby fixing the heating tube 200. The fixing process does not require the operator to manually pry it open and then manually reset it, making the operation simpler and faster. Moreover, the two elastic arms 20 deform elastically and automatically reset during this process, so that the heating tube 200 is tightly fixed, avoiding problems such as installation position displacement, loosening, or even falling off. At the same time, during disassembly, simply push the heating tube 200 towards the constriction 21. The elastic arms 20 deform in response to compression, causing the constriction 21 to open automatically, thus preventing damage to the refrigerator heating tube fixing structure 100 or its surrounding components. This allows for easy disassembly of the heating tube 200 and saves maintenance time and costs.

[0041] Here, depending on the installation of the heating tube 200, a mounting plate 10 can be provided with multiple snap-fit ​​holes 30 with openings 31 on its side. The opening orientation of these snap-fit ​​holes 30 is adapted to the position of the heating tube 200 relative to the mounting plate 10, and elastic arms 20 are provided on both sides of the opening 31 of each snap-fit ​​hole 30 to make the heating tube more securely fixed.

[0042] Meanwhile, multiple snap-fit ​​holes 30 can be provided for fixing the same heating tube 200, and the openings 31 of the multiple snap-fit ​​holes 30 have different orientations. For example, one opening 31 faces the width direction of the mounting plate 10, and another opening 31 faces the length direction of the mounting plate 10. In this way, the heating tube 200 can be fixed in different directions, improving the stability of the installation.

[0043] Furthermore, the mounting plate 10 can be made of aluminum alloy, and the plate can be rectangular in shape. The thickness of the mounting plate 10 is typically 2mm. Of course, it is not limited to this; the material, overall shape, and thickness of the mounting plate 10 can be customized according to the layout of the evaporator and heating tube 200, etc.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, a baffle 11 is provided on the surface of the mounting plate 10. The baffle 11 protrudes from the surface of the mounting plate 10 and surrounds the circumference of the snap-fit ​​hole 30. In this way, after the heating tube 200 is snapped into the snap-fit ​​hole 30, the peripheral side of the heating tube 200 will also abut against the baffle 11. That is, the baffle 11 can increase the contact area between the heating tube 200 and the mounting plate 10, thereby limiting the radial displacement of the heating tube 200, preventing it from shaking or shifting after snapping, and improving the reliability of its fixation.

[0045] In one embodiment, along the axial direction of the snap-fit ​​hole 30, the height of the baffle 11 above the surface of the mounting plate 10 is h, where 1mm ≤ h ≤ 3mm. It is understood that if the height of the baffle 11 is too low, it will affect its ability to restrict the heating element, while the heating element 200 needs to dissipate heat to ensure its operational safety, so the height of the baffle 11 cannot be too high either. Therefore, here, h is set to 1mm ≤ h ≤ 3mm, which ensures stability and safety without affecting other components.

[0046] Here, the value of h can be 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, etc., and of course, the value of h is not limited to these. The specific value of h can be determined according to the actual situation. In this embodiment, the value of h is 2mm.

[0047] In one embodiment, the inner wall surface 111 of the baffle 11 is spaced apart from the hole wall 32 of the snap-fit ​​hole 30 along the radial direction of the snap-fit ​​hole 30. In this way, space can be provided for the radial expansion of the heating tube 200 during operation, and the heating tube 200 is prevented from being damaged by the pressure of the baffle 11 after it expands due to heat.

[0048] In one embodiment, the mounting plate 10 is further provided with fixing holes 12 for fixing the mounting plate 10 to the position of the evaporator.

[0049] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 2 and Figure 3Each elastic arm 20 has an expansion section 22 at the end furthest from the mounting plate 10. Two expansion sections 22 form a flared opening 23, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the constricted opening 21. The expansion sections 22 provide a guiding function for the heating tube 200. The flared opening 23 formed by the two expansion sections 22 improves the alignment rate of the heating tube 200 during insertion and increases assembly efficiency. Furthermore, when the heating tube 200 is squeezed into the constricted opening 21, the expansion sections 22 can distribute the force, preventing the elastic arm 20 from excessively deforming or breaking due to excessive local stress, thus improving the durability of the structure.

[0050] Furthermore, the flared end 23 is trumpet-shaped, and the trumpet-shaped flared end 23 has a small-diameter end 231 and a large-diameter end 232 that are arranged opposite to each other, with the small-diameter end 231 communicating with the constricted end 21. In this way, the expanding section 22 can exert an inward force on the constricted end 21, which can improve the reliability of the constricted end 21's contraction, making it less likely for the heating tube 200 to fall out in the reverse direction after being inserted into the snap-fit ​​hole 30, thereby increasing the reliability of the fixation.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the snap-fit ​​hole 30 is set in a "C" shape or a "U" shape. In this way, the shape of the snap-fit ​​hole 30 can be adapted to and match the shape of the heating tube 200, thereby further improving the stability of the installation of the heating tube 200.

[0052] In one embodiment, the wall 32 of the snap-fit ​​hole 30 and / or the inner wall 24 of the elastic arm 20 are provided with protruding bumps 40. It is understood that providing bumps 40 on the wall 32 of the snap-fit ​​hole 30 allows the heating tube 200 to have sufficient space for heat dissipation after fixation, preventing heat accumulation and damage to the heating tube 200. During the fixation process, the heating tube 200 passes through the elastic arm 20 and rubs against the inner wall 24 of the elastic arm 20. Providing bumps 40 at this location reduces the contact area between the elastic arm 20 and the heating tube 200, thereby reducing the frictional resistance of the elastic arm 20 to the heating tube 200 and making the installation of the heating tube 200 smoother.

[0053] Here, the protrusion height of the protrusion 40 relative to the hole wall 32 of the snap-fit ​​hole 30 and / or the inner sidewall 24 of the elastic arm 20 can be set to 0.3mm, so as to minimize the contact area between the heating tube and the hole wall 32 of the snap-fit ​​hole 30 and / or the inner sidewall 24 of the elastic arm 20 without affecting the fixation of the heating tube 200. Of course, this is not the only limitation, and the actual protrusion height of the protrusion can be determined according to the specific situation.

[0054] Furthermore, the number of protrusions 40 is set to multiple, and the multiple protrusions 40 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the snap-fit ​​hole 30. It can be understood that the multiple protrusions 40 can increase the dispersion of the interaction force between the snap-fit ​​hole 30 and the heating tube 200, and increase the reliability of the fixing of the heating tube 200.

[0055] Here, the number of bumps 40 can be three, six, or eight. Of course, it is not limited to this; the specific number of bumps 40 can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0056] Preferably, the protrusion 40 is a rubber protrusion. It is understood that the rubber material has a certain cushioning effect, and setting the protrusion 40 as a rubber protrusion can prevent rigid contact between the snap hole 30 and / or the elastic arm 20 and the heating tube 200, thus preventing damage to the surface coating of the heating tube 200.

[0057] This application also provides a refrigerator, including the refrigerator heating tube fixing structure 100 in any of the above embodiments.

[0058] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0059] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator heating element fixing structure for fixing a heating element (200), characterized in that, The refrigerator heating tube fixing structure includes a mounting plate (10) and two elastic arms (20). The mounting plate (10) has a snap-fit ​​hole (30) with an opening (31) on its side. Each side of the opening (31) has an elastic arm (20). Both elastic arms (20) are connected to the mounting plate (10) and enclose to form a constriction (21). The constriction (21) is connected to the opening (31) and the diameter of the constriction (21) is smaller than the diameter of the opening (31). In response to the compression of the heating tube (200), the two elastic arms (20) can move in opposite directions and deform elastically, so that the constriction (21) opens and the heating tube (200) is inserted into the snap-fit ​​hole (30) through the opening (31).

2. The refrigerator heating tube fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the elastic arms (20) has an expansion section (22) at one end away from the mounting plate (10), and two expansion sections (22) form a flared opening (23), the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the constricted opening (21).

3. The refrigerator heating tube fixing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flared opening (23) is horn-shaped, and the horn-shaped flared opening (23) has a small diameter end (231) and a large diameter end (232) arranged opposite to each other. The small diameter end (231) is connected to the constricted opening (21).

4. The refrigerator heating tube fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the mounting plate (10) is provided with a baffle (11), which protrudes from the surface of the mounting plate (10) and surrounds the circumference of the snap-fit ​​hole (30).

5. The refrigerator heating tube fixing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, Along the axial direction of the snap-fit ​​hole (30), the height of the stop bar (11) above the surface of the mounting plate (10) is h, 1mm≤h≤3mm.

6. The refrigerator heating tube fixing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, Along the radial direction of the snap-fit ​​hole (30), the inner wall surface (111) of the stop bar (11) is spaced apart from the hole wall (32) of the snap-fit ​​hole (30).

7. The refrigerator heating tube fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hole wall (32) of the snap-fit ​​hole (30) and / or the inner sidewall (24) of the elastic arm (20) are provided with protruding bumps (40).

8. The refrigerator heating tube fixing structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The number of the protrusions (40) is set to multiple, and the multiple protrusions (40) are arranged at circumferential intervals along the snap-fit ​​hole (30).

9. The refrigerator heating tube fixing structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The protrusion (40) is set as a rubber protrusion.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Includes the refrigerator heating tube fixing structure (100) as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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