Connection structure of a heater and air conditioner

Abstract

This application provides a heater connection structure and an air conditioner. The heater connection structure includes a support member, a heater, and fasteners. The support member includes a first fastening hole and a limiting part. The heater includes a second fastening hole. Fasteners pass through the first and second fastening holes to securely connect the heater and the support member. The limiting part abuts against the heater and is used to prevent rotation of the heater during the connection process. The heater connection structure provided in this application allows for a secure connection between the heater and the support member by first abutting against the limiting part, thereby improving production and assembly efficiency while increasing the pass rate of the heater-support member connection. Furthermore, it facilitates the use of automated equipment, increasing the level of automation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more particularly to a connection structure for a heater and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Taking an air conditioner as an example, the indoor unit of an air conditioner contains an evaporator for heat exchange, and an evaporator bracket is provided at the end of the evaporator. The air conditioner also includes a heater, which is fixed to the evaporator bracket. In related technologies, during the process of fixing the heater to the evaporator bracket, the operator needs to hold the heater with one hand and hold a tool to fix the screws with the other hand, which is inconvenient for assembly and results in low assembly efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a connection structure for a heater and an air conditioner, which helps improve assembly efficiency.

[0004] The embodiments of this application are implemented through the following technical solutions.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a connection structure for a heater, including:

[0006] The support member includes a first fastening hole and a limiting part;

[0007] Heater, the heater including a second fastening hole;

[0008] Fasteners, which pass through the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole, to securely connect the heater and the support member;

[0009] The limiting part abuts against the heater, and the limiting part is used to prevent the heater from rotating during the process of the fastener connecting the heater and the support.

[0010] In some embodiments, the limiting part is provided with a pre-installation position. When the heater is placed in the pre-installation position, the first fastening hole is aligned with the second fastening hole, and the limiting part is engaged with the heater to prevent rotation.

[0011] In some embodiments, a portion of the support is recessed to form a groove, the pre-installation position includes the groove, and a portion of the heater extends into the groove.

[0012] In some embodiments, the limiting portion includes a perimeter, at least a portion of which surrounds the edge of the groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, a portion of the sidewall of the heater protrudes to form a foolproof protrusion, and the pre-installed position is provided with a foolproof groove adapted to the foolproof protrusion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the limiting portion includes a perimeter, at least a portion of which surrounds the pre-installed position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pre-installation position includes a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other along a first direction, and the surrounding edge includes a first sub-edge, which constitutes a sidewall of the first side of the pre-installation position.

[0016] The heater moves along the first direction to the pre-installed position and abuts against the first sub-side, the first direction being perpendicular to the extension direction of the heater.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pre-installation position includes a third side and a fourth side disposed opposite to each other along a second direction, and the surrounding edge includes two second sub-sides disposed spaced apart along the second direction. The two second sub-sides respectively form the sidewalls of the third side and the fourth side of the pre-installation position, and one end of the two second sub-sides along the first direction is respectively connected to one end of the first sub-side along the second direction, and the other end forms a notch. The heater moves to the pre-installation position through the notch, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the extension direction of the heater.

[0018] In some embodiments, the depth of the pre-installed position in the extension direction of the heater is in the range of 5 mm to 30 mm.

[0019] In some embodiments, the limiting part is a first snap-fit ​​part, the heater is provided with a second snap-fit ​​part, and the heater and the support member are engaged through the first snap-fit ​​part and the second snap-fit ​​part.

[0020] The first aspect of this application provides an air conditioner, including:

[0021] The connection structure of the heater described above;

[0022] An evaporator, wherein the support is disposed at the end of the evaporator.

[0023] The heater connection structure provided in this application embodiment features a support member with a first fastening hole and a limiting part, and a heater with a second fastening hole. During the connection process, the heater first abuts against the limiting part, and then the limiting part engages with the heater to prevent rotation during the fastening process. This allows the operator to install the fasteners with only one hand, achieving a secure connection between the heater and the support member. This improves production and assembly efficiency while increasing the pass rate of the heater-support member connection. Furthermore, it facilitates the use of automated equipment, enhancing the level of automation. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure and evaporator assembly of some embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the support member according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the support member according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0031] 10. Heater; 20. Support; 21. Limiting part; 211. Groove; 212. Surrounding edge; 213. First sub-edge; 214. Second sub-edge; 215. Anti-fooling groove; 216. Notch; 22. First fastening hole; 100. Connecting structure; 200. Evaporator. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification and the foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0035] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all embodiments and optional embodiments of this application may be combined with each other to form new technical solutions. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand, explicitly and implicitly, that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, all technical features and optional technical features of this application may be combined with each other to form new technical solutions.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, operated or used in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0038] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0039] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be interpreted broadly, and can be direct contact, contact through an intermediate medium layer, contact between two contacting parties with substantially no interaction force, or contact between two contacting parties with interaction force.

[0040] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical term "projection" refers to an orthographic projection in which parallel projection lines are perpendicular to the projection plane.

[0041] The following is a detailed description of this application.

[0042] This application provides an air conditioner. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The air conditioner includes a connection structure 100 for an evaporator 200 and a heater 10 in any embodiment of this application. A support member 20 is disposed at the end of the evaporator 200.

[0043] It is understandable that air conditioners can come in many forms. An air conditioner can be the indoor unit of a split air conditioner, an outdoor unit of a split air conditioner, or an integrated air conditioner, etc. There are no specific restrictions on the types of air conditioners that can be applied to the connection structure 100.

[0044] The air conditioner includes a housing with a mounting cavity inside. The connection structure 100 of the evaporator 200 and the heater 10 in any embodiment of this application is disposed in the mounting cavity.

[0045] For example, the housing includes a frame and a bottom shell, which enclose an installation cavity, and the frame is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet.

[0046] This application provides a connection structure 100 for a heater 10. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The connection structure 100 of the heater 10 includes a support member 20, the heater 10, and fasteners. The support member 20 includes a first fastening hole 22 and a limiting portion 21. The heater 10 includes a second fastening hole. Fasteners pass through the first fastening hole 22 and the second fastening hole to securely connect the heater 10 and the support member 20. The limiting portion 21 abuts against the heater 10 and is used to prevent rotation of the heater 10 during the connection of the heater 10 and the support member 20 by the fasteners.

[0047] Here, the support 20 can also be referred to as the evaporator 200 bracket, which is located at the end of the evaporator 200.

[0048] For example, fasteners can be bolts, screws, rivets, etc.

[0049] Heater 10 could refer to the PTC electric auxiliary heating technology in an air conditioner. Theoretically, it uses additional electric heating to increase heating capacity, resulting in a significantly better effect. PTC can be a type of semiconductor heating ceramic; when the ambient temperature decreases, the resistance of the PTC decreases, and the heat generation increases accordingly.

[0050] The limiting part 21 is used to prevent the heater 10 from rotating during the process of fastening the heater 10 and the support member 20. In other words, during the installation of the fastener, it prevents the heater 10 from rotating on its own, which would cause the fastener to be not completely fixed, resulting in the heater 10 rotating and falling off during transportation.

[0051] In related technologies, during the process of fixing the heater to the evaporator bracket, the operator needs to hold the heater with one hand and use a tool (screwdriver, pneumatic screwdriver, electric screwdriver, etc.) to tighten the screws with the other hand. This is inconvenient for assembly, resulting in low assembly efficiency. The only connection between the support and the heater is a pre-lapped structure for the heater, which only serves to temporarily attach the heater to the support in actual production. After attaching the heater to the support, the operator usually needs to remove their hand, use one hand to hold the fastener and the other hand to hold the tool, and then use the other hand to hold the fastener to prevent the heater from rotating with the fastener during the fastening process. This operation method is inefficient and cannot be adapted to the use of automated equipment.

[0052] The connection structure 100 for the heater 10 provided in this embodiment of the application has a support member 20 with a first fastening hole 22 and a limiting part 21, and the heater 10 with a second fastening hole. During the connection process between the heater 10 and the support member 20, the heater 10 first abuts against the limiting part 21, and then the limiting part 21 engages with the heater 10 to prevent rotation during the connection process using fasteners. Thus, the operator only needs one hand to hold the tool to complete the fastener installation, achieving a secure connection between the heater 10 and the support member 20. This improves production and assembly efficiency while increasing the pass rate of the connection between the heater 10 and the support member 20. Furthermore, it facilitates the use of automated equipment, thereby increasing the level of automation.

[0053] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The limiting part 21 is provided with a pre-installation position. When the heater 10 is placed in the pre-installation position, the first fastening hole 22 is aligned with the second fastening hole, and the limiting part 21 is engaged with the heater 10 to prevent rotation.

[0054] When installing the heater 10 and the support 20, the heater 10 is first placed in the pre-installation position to pre-fix the heater 10 so that the heater 10 cannot rotate. When installing the fasteners, this prevents the heater 10 from rotating on its own, thereby improving the situation where the fasteners are not fully fixed, the heater 10 rotates, and the heater 10 falls off during transportation.

[0055] By providing a pre-installation position for the limiting part 21, the heater 10 can be pre-fixed, which helps to further improve assembly efficiency.

[0056] It should be noted that there are several ways to form a pre-installed slot.

[0057] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 4 to 5 A portion of the support member 20 is recessed to form a groove 211, the pre-installation position includes the groove 211, and a portion of the heater 10 extends into the groove 211.

[0058] In other words, a portion of the pre-installed area is recessed to form a groove 211.

[0059] For example, the heater 10 extends into the groove 211 at one end near the support 20.

[0060] In this embodiment, by setting the pre-installation position to include the groove 211, a portion of the heater 10 can extend into the groove 211 during the process of pre-installing the heater 10 onto the support member 20, thereby achieving rapid pre-fixation of the heater 10 and further improving assembly efficiency and pass rate.

[0061] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 4 to 6 The limiting part 21 includes a perimeter 212, at least a portion of which surrounds the edge of the groove 211.

[0062] The edge 212 may be partially surrounded by the edge of the groove 211, or the entire edge 212 may be surrounded by the edge of the groove 211.

[0063] Here, by setting the perimeter 212, the height of the limiting part 21 can be increased, thereby improving the situation where the fastener pushes the heater 10 out of the range of the limiting part 21 during the process of connecting the heater 10 and the support member 20 by fastener, resulting in the limiting part 21 and the heater 10 not being able to abut. In other words, the setting of the perimeter 212 is conducive to further improving the reliability of the limiting part 21 in preventing the heater 10 from rotating.

[0064] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 A portion of the sidewall of the heater 10 protrudes to form a foolproof protrusion, and a foolproof groove 215 adapted to the foolproof protrusion is provided in the pre-installation position.

[0065] For example, the pre-installation position may be a partial sidewall recess forming a foolproof groove 215.

[0066] In this embodiment, the heater 10 is provided with a foolproof protrusion, and the pre-installation position is provided with a foolproof groove 215. The foolproof protrusion and the foolproof groove 215 cooperate to prevent the heater 10 and the support member 20 from being installed backwards, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the heater 10 and the support member 20.

[0067] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 4 to 5 The limiting part 21 includes a perimeter 212, at least a portion of which is surrounded to form a pre-installation position.

[0068] The pre-installation position can be formed by partially surrounding the perimeter 212, or by surrounding the entire perimeter 212.

[0069] Here, by setting a perimeter 212 and forming a pre-installation position by at least part of the perimeter 212, when the heater 10 is placed in the pre-installation position, the first fastening hole 22 is aligned with the second fastening hole, and the heater 10 and the perimeter 212 are anti-rotationally engaged.

[0070] Here, the height of the rim 212 can be set so that the heater 10 can effectively abut against the rim 212 during the process of connecting the heater 10 and the support 20 by fasteners.

[0071] For example, a groove 211 is formed by recessing the sidewall of the pre-installed position along the extension direction of the heater 10, and one end of the heater 10 extends into the groove 211.

[0072] By setting the groove 211, the depth of the pre-installation position in the extension direction of the heater 10 is the sum of the depth of the groove 211 and the height of the surrounding edge 212. This helps to increase the depth of the pre-installation position in the extension direction of the heater 10, thereby improving the situation where the fastener pushes the heater 10 out of the range of the limiting part 21 during the process of connecting the heater 10 and the support member 20 by fasteners, resulting in the limiting part 21 and the heater 10 not being able to abut. In other words, the setting of the surrounding edge 212 helps to further improve the reliability of the limiting part 21 in preventing the heater 10 from rotating.

[0073] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 4 to 5 The pre-installation position includes a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other along a first direction. The surrounding edge 212 includes a first sub-edge 213, which forms the sidewall of the first side of the pre-installation position. The heater 10 moves to the pre-installation position along the first direction and abuts against the first sub-edge 213. The first direction is perpendicular to the extension direction of the heater 10.

[0074] At least a portion of the anti-misfit groove 215 is formed on the first sub-edge 213. Exemplarily, in an embodiment where the groove 211 and the surrounding edge 212 together constitute a pre-installation position, a portion of the anti-misfit groove 215 is formed on the groove wall of the groove 211, and another portion is formed on the first sub-edge 213; in an embodiment where only the surrounding edge 212 constitutes a pre-installation position, the entire anti-misfit groove 215 is formed on the first sub-edge 213.

[0075] During the assembly process, the evaporator 200 is first connected to the support member 20, and then one end of the heater 10 is inserted into the evaporator 200. The other end of the heater 10 is rotated toward the direction close to the evaporator 200 to move to the pre-installation position along the first direction and abut against the first sub-side 213, thereby achieving the pre-fixation of the heater 10.

[0076] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 4 to 6 The pre-installation position includes a third side and a fourth side arranged opposite to each other along the second direction. The surrounding edge 212 includes two second sub-edges 214 arranged at intervals along the second direction. The two second sub-edges 214 respectively form the sidewalls of the third side and the fourth side of the pre-installation position. One end of the two second sub-edges 214 along the first direction is connected to one end of the first sub-edge 213 along the second direction, and the other end forms a notch 216. The heater 10 moves to the pre-installation position through the notch 216. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the extension direction of the heater 10.

[0077] Here, the extension direction of heater 10 is represented by X in 5, the first direction is represented by Y in 5, and the second direction is represented by Z in 5.

[0078] The perimeter 212 includes a first sub-side 213 and two second sub-sides 214 connected to the first sub-side 213, thereby enclosing and forming a pre-installation position. In addition, the gap between the two second sub-sides 214 can also form a guide channel, through which the heater 10 enters the guide channel via the notch 216 and is guided to the pre-installation position.

[0079] In some embodiments, the depth H of the pre-installed position in the extending direction of the heater 10 is in the range of 5 mm to 30 mm.

[0080] The depth of the pre-installed position in the extension direction of the heater 10 can be any one of 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 22mm, 23mm, 25mm, 26mm, 27mm, 28mm, 29mm, 30mm, or any value between two of them.

[0081] It can be understood that the greater the depth of the pre-installed position in the extension direction of the heater 10, the better it is to improve the situation where the fastener pushes the heater 10 out of the range of the limiting part 21 during the process of connecting the heater 10 and the support 20 by fastener, resulting in the limiting part 21 and the heater 10 not being able to abut. However, it may affect the air volume of the air conditioner.

[0082] Thus, by setting the depth of the pre-installed position in the extension direction of the heater 10 to 5mm-30mm, it is beneficial to improve the situation where the fastener pushes the heater 10 out of the range of the limiting part 21 during the process of connecting the heater 10 and the support 20 by fastener, resulting in the limiting part 21 and the heater 10 not being able to abut. At the same time, it can minimize the impact on the air volume of the air conditioner.

[0083] In some embodiments, the limiting part 21 is a first snap-fit ​​part, the heater 10 is provided with a second snap-fit ​​part, and the heater 10 and the support member 20 are engaged through the first snap-fit ​​part and the second snap-fit ​​part.

[0084] In other words, the heater 10 and the support member 20 are pre-fixed by engaging the first and second engaging parts. During the process of connecting the heater 10 and the support member 20 with fasteners, the limiting part 21 can engage with the heater 10 to prevent rotation. This can improve production efficiency and assembly efficiency while increasing the pass rate of the connection between the heater 10 and the support member 20.

[0085] In the description of this application, the references to terms such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in yet another embodiment," or "exemplary," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this application, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine the different embodiments or examples described in this application, as well as the features of the different embodiments or examples.

[0086] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A connection structure for a heater, applied in an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The support member includes a first fastening hole and a limiting part; Heater, the heater including a second fastening hole; Fasteners, which pass through the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole, to securely connect the heater and the support member; The limiting part abuts against the heater, and the limiting part is used to prevent the heater from rotating during the process of the fastener connecting the heater and the support.

2. The connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting part is provided with a pre-installation position. When the heater is placed in the pre-installation position, the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole are aligned, and the limiting part is engaged with the heater to prevent rotation.

3. The connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that A portion of the support member is recessed to form a groove, the pre-installation position includes the groove, and a portion of the heater extends into the groove.

4. The connection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that The limiting portion includes a surrounding edge, at least a portion of which surrounds the edge of the groove.

5. The connection structure according to claim 2, wherein A portion of the heater's sidewall protrudes to form a foolproof protrusion, and the pre-installation position is provided with a foolproof groove that matches the foolproof protrusion; and / or, The limiting part includes a perimeter, and at least a portion of the perimeter surrounds the pre-installed position.

6. The connection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pre-assembly position includes a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other along a first direction, and the surrounding edge includes a first sub-edge, which constitutes the sidewall of the first side of the pre-assembly position. The heater moves along the first direction to the pre-installed position and abuts against the first sub-side, the first direction being perpendicular to the extension direction of the heater.

7. The connection structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pre-installation position includes a third side and a fourth side arranged opposite to each other along a second direction. The surrounding edge includes two second sub-sides arranged at intervals along the second direction. The two second sub-sides respectively form the sidewalls of the third side and the fourth side of the pre-installation position. One end of the two second sub-sides along the first direction is connected to one end of the first sub-side along the second direction, and the other end forms a notch. The heater moves to the pre-installation position through the notch. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the extension direction of the heater.

8. The connection structure according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The depth of the pre-installed position in the extension direction of the heater is in the range of 5 mm to 30 mm.

9. The connection structure according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The limiting part is a first snap-fit ​​part, and the heater is provided with a second snap-fit ​​part. The heater and the support member are engaged through the first snap-fit ​​part and the second snap-fit ​​part.

10. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: include: The connection structure of the heater according to any one of claims 1-9; An evaporator, wherein the support is disposed at the end of the evaporator.

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