Water inlet pipe structure for refrigerator

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of refrigerator parts, and provides a water inlet pipe structure for a refrigerator, which comprises a pipe body and a heating unit arranged outside the pipe body, the pipe body comprises an inner lining layer and a heat conduction layer from inside to outside in sequence, and the heating unit comprises a heating wire wound outside the heat conduction layer and a heat insulation layer wrapped outside the heating wire. The application has the beneficial effect of reducing the icing blockage of the pipeline before water in the water inlet pipe flows into an ice making system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of refrigerator components, and in particular to a water inlet pipe structure for a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerators, as indispensable appliances in modern homes, have seen their functions continuously expanded and improved. The ice-making system is one of the key functional components of a refrigerator, providing users with ice to meet various needs, such as refrigerating beverages and making cold drinks, greatly enhancing users' quality of life and convenience. With the increasing demand for ice-making functions in refrigerators, higher requirements are being placed on the stability and reliability of the ice-making system. In refrigerator ice-making systems, to address the problem of water condensation and blockage in the inlet pipe at low temperatures, existing technologies typically employ heating wires wrapped around the outer wall of the inlet pipe for antifreeze purposes. This method can alleviate icing in the inlet pipe to some extent, ensuring the normal operation of the ice-making system. Some technologies further wrap the heating wires to reduce heat loss. Other technologies place insulation material around the inlet pipe to assist the heating wires in heating.

[0003] However, existing technology has significant drawbacks. The method of wrapping heating wire around the outer wall of the water inlet pipe results in poor contact between the heating wire and the pipe wall, leading to low heat transfer efficiency and high energy consumption. Furthermore, the exposed or simply wrapped heating wire poses a safety hazard in the humid refrigerator environment, and condensation generated on the outer wall of the water pipe due to heating may drip, causing other malfunctions and affecting the normal use and lifespan of the refrigerator. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the above problems, this application provides a water inlet pipe structure for a refrigerator.

[0005] This application provides a refrigerator water inlet pipe structure, which adopts the following technical solution: A refrigerator water inlet pipe structure includes a pipe body and a heating unit disposed outside the pipe body. The pipe body includes an inner lining layer and a heat-conducting layer from the inside out. The heating unit includes a heating wire wound around the heat-conducting layer and a heat insulation layer covering the heating wire.

[0006] By adopting the above technical solution, the pipe body is equipped with an inner lining layer and a heat-conducting layer. The inner lining layer can directly contact the water, ensuring that the water quality is not affected. The heat-conducting layer can effectively transfer the heat generated by the heating wire to the water inside the pipe. The heating wire of the heating unit is wound around the heat-conducting layer, which can heat the pipe body and prevent the water inside the pipe from freezing and clogging the pipe in low-temperature environments. The insulation layer covering the heating wire can reduce heat loss, improve heat transfer efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and also reduce the direct exposure of the heating wire to the humid refrigerator environment, eliminating safety hazards and preventing other malfunctions caused by condensation dripping from the outer wall of the water pipe due to heating.

[0007] Preferably, the device further includes two mounting plates respectively disposed at both ends of the pipe body. The pipe body includes a straight pipe and two bends respectively disposed at both ends of the straight pipe. The mounting plate has a first through hole for the bends to pass through. A limiting member is provided between the mounting plate and the pipe body to restrict the rotation of the bends. The bends are mounted to the mounting plate by means of a fixing member.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, mounting plates are installed at both ends of the pipe body. The pipe body consists of a straight pipe and bends at both ends. A first through hole is provided on the mounting plate for the bends to pass through, providing a stable installation support structure for the pipe body. Limiting components are installed between the mounting plate and the pipe body to restrict the rotation of the bends, reducing unnecessary rotation during use, ensuring the stability and reliability of the pipe connection, and reducing problems such as loosening and leakage caused by bend rotation. Furthermore, for mounting plates with irregular shapes, the use of limiting components ensures efficient subsequent installation.

[0009] Preferably, the limiting member includes a limiting block fixedly connected to the outside of the bend, and the mounting plate has a slot for the limiting block to be inserted into the inner wall of the first perforation, and the slot extends to one side of the mounting plate near the straight pipe.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the rotation of the tube is restricted through the cooperation between the limiting block and the slot.

[0011] Preferably, the bend includes a first segment parallel to the straight pipe, a curved segment connected to the first segment, and a second segment connected to the curved segment. The axes of the first segment and the second segment are staggered. The limiting member includes a limiting plate fixedly connected to the surface of the mounting plate near the straight pipe. The limiting plate is an arc-shaped plate that extends to the curved segment. The axis of the limiting plate is parallel to the axis of the second segment.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, since the limiting plate is arc-shaped and extends to the bending section, partially covering the bending section, it restricts the rotation of the tube body, and then fixes it by fasteners.

[0013] Preferably, the fastener includes an adhesive layer fixedly connected to the mounting plate and an adhesive cover layer bonded to the adhesive layer. The fastener has a second through hole for the straight pipe to pass through. A limiting groove is formed on the outer surface of the bent pipe. The adhesive layer is elastic and is embedded in the limiting groove.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, an adhesive layer and an adhesive covering layer are set on the mounting plate to form a fastener, and a second through hole is opened on the fastener for the straight pipe to pass through. At the same time, a limiting groove is opened on the outer surface of the bent pipe. The elastic adhesive layer is embedded in the limiting groove, which enables the bent pipe to be stably installed with the mounting plate.

[0015] Preferably, the adhesive layer is fixedly connected to an elastic ring on the inner wall of the second perforation, and the elastic ring is engaged in the limiting groove.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, and by setting an elastic ring, it is relatively easier to fit into the limiting groove, reducing the difficulty of bending the pipe in the process of passing it through the adhesive layer.

[0017] Preferably, the two ends of the tube are the inlet and the outlet, respectively, and the distribution density of the heating wire gradually increases towards the outlet; correspondingly, the distribution density of the insulating tape gradually increases or decreases towards the outlet.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, since the temperature near the ice maker is lower, the distribution density of the heating wire can be changed accordingly, so that the tube body near the water outlet can obtain more heat, effectively preventing the water in this part from freezing and clogging the pipe.

[0019] Preferably, the distribution density of the insulating heat strip gradually increases or decreases towards the water outlet pipe.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solutions, increasing the density of heat insulation distribution can reduce heat loss and improve energy utilization efficiency.

[0021] In summary, this application has the following beneficial effects: The pipe body consists of an inner lining and a heat-conducting layer. The heating wire is wound around the outside of the heat-conducting layer, which can effectively heat the water inlet pipe and reduce the risk of water freezing and clogging the pipe before flowing into the ice-making system. The heating wire is covered with a heat insulation layer, which can reduce heat loss, improve heat transfer efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and reduce the risk of other malfunctions caused by condensation dripping from the outer wall of the water pipe due to heating. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the heating wire structure in Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view of the tube body in Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 4 This is a side view of the tube structure in Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the limiting member in Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic ring structure in Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting component in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Pipe body; 11. Inner lining layer; 12. Heat-conducting layer; 13. Straight pipe; 14. Bend; 141. First section; 142. Bent section; 143. Third section; 15. Limiting groove; 2. Heating unit; 21. Heating wire; 22. Heat insulation layer; 3. Mounting plate; 31. First perforation; 32. Slot; 4. Limiting component; 41. Limiting block; 42. Limiting ring; 43. Limiting plate; 5. Fixing component; 51. Adhesive layer; 52. Adhesive covering layer; 53. Elastic ring. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 7 This application will be described in further detail below.

[0025] This application discloses a water inlet pipe structure for a refrigerator.

[0026] Example 1: A refrigerator water inlet pipe structure, reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 It includes a pipe body 1, a heating unit 2 disposed outside the pipe body 1, and two mounting plates 3 respectively disposed at both ends of the pipe body 1. The heating unit 2 is wrapped around the outside of the pipe body 1 and can heat the pipe body 1 to prevent the water inside the pipe body 1 from freezing and blocking the pipe in a low-temperature environment. This setting improves the heat transfer efficiency, and the setting of the heat insulation layer 22 also increases the safety of use.

[0027] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3The tube body 1 comprises, from the inside out, an inner lining layer 11 and a heat-conducting layer 12. The inner lining layer 11 is typically made of a smooth, corrosion-resistant material, such as food-grade plastic, but other materials like rubber can also be used, as long as they meet the requirements of smoothness and corrosion resistance. The heat-conducting layer 12 is generally made of a metal material with good thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. Copper has a high thermal conductivity, enabling it to quickly transfer the heat generated by the heating unit 2 to the water inside the tube body 1, effectively preventing the water from freezing. Alloy materials such as aluminum alloys can also be used, as they have the advantages of being lightweight and having good thermal conductivity. The inner lining layer 11 and the heat-conducting layer 12 are tightly bonded together, connected by integral molding or bonding to ensure good heat transfer.

[0028] The heating unit 2 includes a heating wire 21 wound around the heat-conducting layer 12 and a heat-insulating layer 22 covering the heating wire 21. The heating wire 21 can be a resistance wire; when current passes through the resistance wire, it heats up, thereby heating the tube 1. The resistance wire can be made of nickel-chromium alloy, which has high resistivity and good high-temperature resistance. Other materials such as iron-chromium-aluminum alloy can also be used. The heating wire 21 is tightly wound around the heat-conducting layer 12 to increase the contact area and improve heat transfer efficiency.

[0029] The insulation layer 22 is a heat insulation zone, which can be made of heat insulation materials such as glass fiber and asbestos. Glass fiber has good heat insulation performance and chemical stability, and can effectively reduce heat loss.

[0030] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 Regarding the connection between the mounting plate 3 and the pipe body 1, the pipe body 1 specifically includes a straight pipe 13 and two bends 14 respectively disposed at both ends of the straight pipe 13. The mounting plate 3 has a first through hole 31 for the bends 14 to pass through. A limiting member 4 is provided between the mounting plate 3 and the pipe body 1 to restrict the rotation of the bends 14. A fixing member 5 is provided between the bends 14 and the fixing plate. The bends 14 are installed with the mounting plate 3 through the fixing member 5.

[0031] The limiting component 4 includes a limiting block 41 fixedly connected to the outside of the bent pipe 14. The mounting plate 3 has a slot 32 on the inner wall of the first through hole 31 for the limiting block 41 to be inserted. The slot 32 extends to one side of the mounting plate 3 near the straight pipe 13. The limiting block 41 can be square, round, or other shapes. When the bent pipe 14 is inserted into the first through hole 31, the limiting block 41 is inserted into the slot 32, thereby restricting the rotation of the bent pipe 14.

[0032] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5The fastener 5 has a second through hole for the straight tube 13 to pass through. The fastener 5 specifically includes an adhesive layer 51 fixedly connected to the mounting plate 3 and an adhesive cover layer 52 bonded to the adhesive layer 51. A limiting groove 15 is formed on the outer surface of the bent tube 14. The adhesive layer 51 is elastic and is fitted into the limiting groove 15. The adhesive layer 51 can be made of a viscous and elastic material such as rubber glue. When the bent tube 14 is inserted into the second through hole, the adhesive layer 51 is fitted into the limiting groove 15, thus fixing the bent tube 14 to the mounting plate 3. The adhesive cover layer 52 is release paper.

[0033] Reference Figure 6 Furthermore, an elastic ring 53 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the second perforation of the adhesive layer 51. The elastic ring 53 is embedded in the limiting groove 15. The elastic ring 53 can further enhance the fixing effect and reduce the loosening of the bend 14.

[0034] Furthermore, the two ends of the pipe body 1 are the inlet and outlet, respectively. The distribution density of the heating wire 21 gradually increases towards the outlet, while the distribution density of the insulating tape gradually increases or decreases towards the outlet. This is because the water at the outlet is more susceptible to freezing due to the low temperature environment. Increasing the distribution density of the heating wire 21 and the insulating tape can better heat and insulate the outlet, thus improving the anti-freezing effect.

[0035] The implementation principle of the water inlet pipe structure for a refrigerator in this application embodiment is as follows: the inner lining layer 11 of the pipe body 1 ensures smooth water flow and corrosion resistance of the pipe body 1, the heat-conducting layer 12 quickly transfers heat, the heating wire 21 of the heating unit 2 heats the pipe body 1, and the heat insulation layer 22 reduces heat loss, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency and energy utilization. Compared with the prior art, it effectively solves the problem of water inlet pipe freezing and blockage, improves the stability and reliability of the refrigerator ice-making system, reduces safety hazards, and extends the service life of the refrigerator.

[0036] Example 2: Reference Figure 7 The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the bend 14 includes a first segment 141 parallel to the straight pipe 13, a curved segment 142 connected to the first segment 141, and a second segment connected to the curved segment 142. The axes of the first segment 141 and the second segment are staggered. The limiting member 4 includes a limiting plate 43 fixedly connected to the surface of the mounting plate 3 near the straight pipe 13. The limiting plate 43 is arc-shaped and extends to the curved segment 142. The axis of the limiting plate 43 is parallel to the axis of the second segment. The limiting plate 43 can limit the curved segment 142 and reduce the rotation of the bend 14.

[0037] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A water inlet pipe structure for a refrigerator, characterized in that: It includes a tube body (1) and a heating unit (2) disposed outside the tube body (1). The tube body (1) includes an inner lining layer (11) and a heat-conducting layer (12) from the inside to the outside. The heating unit (2) includes a heating wire (21) wound around the heat-conducting layer (12) and a heat insulation layer (22) covering the heating wire (21).

2. The water inlet pipe structure for a refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes two mounting plates (3) respectively disposed at both ends of the pipe body (1). The pipe body (1) includes a straight pipe (13) and two bends (14) respectively disposed at both ends of the straight pipe (13). The mounting plate (3) has a first through hole (31) for the bends (14) to pass through. A limiting member (4) is provided between the mounting plate (3) and the pipe body (1) to restrict the rotation of the bends (14). The bends (14) are installed with the mounting plate (3) by means of a fixing member (5).

3. The water inlet pipe structure for a refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The limiting member (4) includes a limiting block (41) fixedly connected to the outside of the bend (14). The mounting plate (3) has a slot (32) for the limiting block (41) to be inserted on the inner wall of the first through hole (31). The slot (32) extends to one side of the mounting plate (3) near the straight pipe (13).

4. The water inlet pipe structure for a refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bend (14) includes a first section (141) parallel to the straight pipe (13), a curved section (142) connected to the first section (141), and a second section connected to the curved section (142). The axes of the first section (141) and the second section are intersected. The limiting member (4) includes a limiting plate (43) fixedly connected to the surface of the mounting plate (3) near the straight pipe (13). The limiting plate (43) is an arc-shaped plate. The limiting plate (43) extends to the curved section (142). The axis of the limiting plate (43) is parallel to the axis of the second section.

5. The water inlet pipe structure for a refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fastener (5) includes an adhesive layer (51) fixedly connected to the mounting plate (3) and an adhesive covering layer (52) bonded to the adhesive layer (51). The fastener (5) has a second through hole for the straight pipe (13) to pass through. The outer surface of the bent pipe (14) has a limiting groove (15). The adhesive layer (51) is elastic and is embedded in the limiting groove (15).

6. The water inlet pipe structure for a refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The adhesive layer (51) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the second perforation with an elastic ring (53), and the elastic ring (53) is embedded in the limiting groove (15).

7. The water inlet pipe structure for a refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two ends of the tube (1) are the inlet and outlet, respectively, and the distribution density of the heating wire (21) gradually increases towards the outlet.

8. The water inlet pipe structure for a refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The distribution density of the insulation layer (22) gradually increases or decreases towards the water outlet pipe.

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