BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Refrigerators typically include an insulated cabinet structure, an electrically powered cooling system, and one or more doors that are movably mounted to the cabinet structure to provide user access to the refrigerated space within the refrigerator. Known cabinet structures may include a sheet metal outer wrapper and a polymer inner liner. Closed-cell foam or other suitable insulating material is disposed between the metal wrapper and the polymer liner. Refrigerator doors often have a similar construction and include a sheet metal outer wrapper, polymer inner liner, and foam disposed between the sheet metal wrapper and polymer liner.
Refrigerator doors may include one or more shelves that are configured to hold food and/or other items such as jugs of milk and/or other types of cans, jars, and the like. These items may be quite heavy, and refrigerator doors and hinges are typically therefore rigid and structurally sound to support the loads.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is a refrigerator including an insulated cabinet structure defining a refrigerated interior space having an access opening that permits user access to the refrigerated interior space. A cooling system cools the refrigerated interior space. A door assembly selectively closes off at least a portion of the access opening. The door assembly includes a perimeter structure that is movably mounted to the insulated cabinet structure for movement between open and closed positions. The perimeter structure defines an outer perimeter and a door opening through a central portion of the perimeter structure. At least one shelf is supported by the perimeter structure in the door opening. The door assembly further includes a vacuum insulated outer door that is movably mounted to the perimeter structure whereby the outer door can be moved between open and closed positions relative to the perimeter structure when the perimeter structure is in its closed position. The outer door thereby selectively closes off the door opening without moving the perimeter structure or the shelf. The vacuum insulated outer door includes inner and outer layers that are spaced apart to define a vacuum cavity. Porous core material may be disposed in the vacuum cavity.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a refrigerator according to one aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partially fragmentary isometric view of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 showing an outer door in an open position;
FIG. 3 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the refrigerator of FIG. 2 taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator of FIG. 2 taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is fragmentary cross-sectional view of the outer door of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a partially fragmentary isometric view of a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention taken along the line 7-7 in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator of FIG. 7 taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a partially fragmentary isometric view of a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention taken along the line 10-10 in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator of FIG. 10 taken along the line 11-11 in FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a vacuum insulated door according to another aspect of the present disclosure;
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the door of FIG. 12 taken along the line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the door of FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is a partially fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of the door of FIG. 12 taken along the line XV-XV in FIG. 12;
FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a vacuum insulated door according to another aspect of the present disclosure;
FIG. 17 is a partially fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of the door of FIG. 16 taken along the line XVII-XVII in FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a projection or nut according to another aspect of the present disclosure;
FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the nut of FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a nut according to another aspect of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the nut of FIG. 20 taken along the line XXI-XXI in FIG. 20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator 1A according to one aspect of the present invention includes an insulated cabinet structure 5 including upright side walls 6A and 6B, rear side wall 8 (see also FIGS. 3 and 4), and a generally horizontal lower side wall 10. The cabinet structure defines a refrigerated space or compartment 12 having an access opening 14 to provide user access to the refrigerated compartment 12. Insulated cabinet structure 5 may include a metal outer wrapper or skin 7, a polymer inner liner 9, and a foam core 11. The polymer inner liner may comprise a multilayer thermoformed structure or it may comprise an injection molded structure with high barrier properties. This type of cabinet construction is known in the art, and the details of this construction are therefore not described in detail herein. The insulated cabinet structure 5 may include a divider panel 16 (FIG. 3) that forms a freezer compartment 18 having an opening 20. In the illustrated example, the refrigerated compartment 12 is disposed above the freezer compartment 18. However, it will be understood that insulated cabinet structure 5 may be configured such that the freezer compartment is above the refrigerated compartment 12 or alongside the refrigerated compartment 12. The access opening 14 is selectively closed off by one or more door assemblies 24A, and the opening 20 to freezer compartment 18 is selectively closed off by a freezer door 26. Freezer door 26 may have a conventional construction including a sheet metal outer wrapper 27, a polymer liner 29, and a closed cell foam core 31 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
The refrigerator 1A includes a cooling system 22 that selectively cools the refrigerated compartment 12 and freezer compartment 18. The cooling system 22 may comprise a conventional electrically powered refrigeration system including a controller, sensors, compressor, condenser, and evaporator. Alternatively, the cooling system 22 may comprise thermoelectric cooling elements or other suitable devices.
With reference to FIGS. 1-4, refrigerator 1A includes one or more door assemblies 24A that are configured to close off the access opening 14 of refrigerated compartment 12. Each door assembly 24A includes a perimeter structure 30A, each of which includes a horizontal upper section 34 (FIG. 3), a horizontal lower section 36, and upright side sections 38 and 40 that extend between and interconnect horizontal upper and lower sections 34 and 36, respectively. The horizontal upper and lower sections 34 and 36 and upright side sections 38 and 40 form a quadrilateral outer perimeter 42. Door openings 44 through perimeter structures 30A may also be generally quadrilateral in shape. Perimeter structures 30A have a generally ring-like or hoop-like shape. The shape of perimeter structures 30A may also be somewhat similar to a picture frame when viewed from the front. However, it will be understood that the size, shape, and configuration of perimeter structures 30A may vary as required for a particular application.
The perimeter structures 30A are mounted to the insulated cabinet structure 5 by hinges 28 or other suitable structures for rotation about vertical axes between open and closed positions. The perimeter structures 30A may include a metal outer wrapper or skin 46 and a polymer liner 48 that form a ring-shaped cavity that is at least partially filled with closed-cell polyurethane foam insulation 50 or other suitable insulating material that is disposed between the metal outer wrapper 46 and the polymer inner liner 48. The perimeters of the outer wrapper 46 and the polymer inner liner 48 may be joined/connected utilizing known techniques. One or more supports such as shelves 52A-52C extend horizontally between the upright side portions or sections 38 and 40 in or across door opening 44. Opposite ends 53 of shelves 52A-52C (FIG. 2) may removably/adjustably engage the perimeter structure 30A to permit removal of shelves 52A-52C and/or adjustment of the vertical position of shelves 52A-52C. Alternatively, the opposite ends 53 of shelves 52A-52C may be fixed to perimeter structure 30A. The shelves 52A-52C may be configured to support jugs of milk or other items. The perimeter structure 30A preferably comprises a rigid structure having sufficient strength to support significant amounts of weight on shelves 52.
Outer doors 32A are movably mounted to the perimeter structure 30A for rotation about vertical axes by hinges 54 (FIG. 1). The outer doors 32A have an inner side face 56 that may include a resilient seal 58 that sealingly engage outer side faces 60 (FIG. 1) of perimeter structures 30A. Perimeter structures 30A include ring-shaped inner side faces 62 (FIG. 2) that sealingly engage a resilient seal 64 secured to outer face 65 of cabinet structure 5 when perimeter structures 30A are in their closed positions. It will be understood that seals 64 may alternatively be secured to inner faces 65 of perimeter structures 30A.
With further reference to FIG. 5, outer doors 32A comprise an outer skin or wrapper 66 that may comprise sheet metal (e.g. steel) or other suitable material. An inner liner 68 is made of a polymer material that may be thermoformed, molded, or otherwise fabricated to provide the required shape/configuration. A perimeter 70 of outer skin 66 may be in the form of a flange that is connected to a perimeter 72 of inner liner 68 that may also comprise a flange. Perimeter 70 may have a quadrilateral shape corresponding to door openings 44. A cavity 74 is defined between the outer skin 66 and inner liner 68. A vacuum core panel 76 is disposed in the cavity 74. The vacuum core panel 76 comprises a porous filler material whereby the cavity 74 can be subject to a vacuum without collapsing the outer skin 66 and inner liner 68.
The vacuum insulated outer doors 32A may be constructed in various ways. For example, the core panel 76 may comprise porous filler material 80 that is disposed inside of a gas impermeable wrapper or envelope 78. Envelope 78 may comprise polymer and/or metal layers that are impermeable to gas. Various suitable envelopes are known in the art, such that the details of envelope 78 are not described in detail. The porous filler 80 may be positioned inside of the envelope 78 prior to assembly of door 32, and the filler 80 may be subject to a vacuum prior to sealing the envelope 78. The core panel 76 can then be positioned between the outer skin 66 and inner liner 68 during assembly, and the outer skin 66 and inner liner 68 can be secured along the perimeters 70 and 72, respectively utilizing adhesives, mechanical connectors, or other suitable means. In this configuration, the envelope 78 provides an airtight, gas-impermeable layer such that the outer skin 66 and inner liner 68 do not necessarily need to be impermeable, and a seal along the perimeters 70 and 72 of outer skin 66 and inner liner 68, respectively, is not necessarily required.
Door 32A may also be constructed by placing solid filler material 80 between the outer skin 66 and inner liner 68. According to this aspect of the present invention, the porous filler material 80 comprises a solid block of material that is preformed (e.g. pressed) into a shape corresponding to cavity 74, and a wrapper or envelope 78 is not required. After the solid block of porous filler 80 is positioned between the outer skin 66 and inner liner 68, the perimeters 70 and 72 are sealed together utilizing adhesive, heat-sealing processes, or the like. The cavity 74 is then subject to a vacuum to remove the air through a vacuum port such as opening 82 in liner 68. The opening 82 is then sealed using a plug or the like (not shown) such that the cavity 74 forms a vacuum.
An outer door 32A according to another aspect of the present invention may be fabricated by first assembling the outer skin or wrapper 66 with the inner liner 68, and forming an airtight seal at the perimeters 70 and 72, respectively utilizing adhesives/sealants, a heat sealing process, or other suitable process/means. Porous filler 80 in the form of loose powder such as fumed silica or other suitable material is then deposited into the cavity 74 through opening 82 or through a feeder port on the wrapper (not shown). The opening 82 is then subject to a vacuum to remove the air from cavity 74, and the opening 82 is then sealed.
Referring again to FIG. 4, the perimeter structures 30A of door assemblies 24A have a thickness “T1” that is significantly greater than the thickness “T2” of the vacuum insulated outer doors 32. The vacuum insulated outer doors 32A may be constructed without shelves or the like such that the vacuum insulated outer doors 32A are not subjected to significant loading. Because beverages and other items are stored on the shelves 52A-52C of perimeter structure 30A, the weight of these items is carried by the perimeter structure 30A and hinges 28, not the vacuum insulated outer doors 32A. Because the perimeter structure 30A includes metal outer wrapper 46, polymer inner liner 48, and polyurethane foam or the like 50, the perimeter structure 30 may be very rigid and structurally sound. Also, this construction does not create issues with respect to potential leakage of vacuum panels in perimeter structure 30A. Because the vacuum insulated outer doors 32A are not subject to significant loading, the integrity of the outer doors 32 is maintained and potential leakage with respect to the vacuum cavities is avoided.
In use, a user can grasp the handles 33A of outer doors 32A to thereby open the outer doors 32A without moving the perimeter structure 30A relative to the insulated cabinet structure 5. A user can then remove items positioned on shelves 52A-52C without moving perimeter structure 30A relative to the insulated cabinet structure 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the door opening 44 may be significantly smaller than the access opening 14 whereby opening outer door 32A reduces the amount of cold air lost from refrigerated compartment 12 (FIG. 3) relative to opening a conventional refrigerator door to thereby open the entire access opening 14. If a user needs to gain access to the refrigerated compartment 12, the user can open the entire door assembly 24 by grasping handle 35A on perimeter structure 30A and rotating perimeter structure 30A about hinges 28. The outer doors 32A may remain in a closed position relative to the perimeter structure 30A while perimeter structure 30A is opened. Shelves 52A-52C can be accessed from the inner side 25A of door assemblies 24A when perimeter structure 30A is rotated to an open position. Thus, outer doors 32A can be left in a closed position, and door assemblies 24A can be opened and used in substantially the same manner as conventional refrigerator doors if a user so chooses. Seals 64 (FIG. 3) between perimeter structures 30A and cabinet 5 may include magnets that retain perimeter structures 30A in a closed position. Similarly, seals 58 of outer doors 32A may also include elongated magnets tending to retain outer doors 32A in a closed position relative to perimeter structures 30A. The magnetic forces of the seals 58 and 64 can be selected such that perimeter structures 30A remain closed when outer doors 32A are opened.
With further reference to FIGS. 6-8, a refrigerator 1B according to another aspect of the present invention includes a refrigerated cabinet structure 5 that is substantially the same as the cabinet structure 5 described in more detail above in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4. Refrigerator 1B includes at least one door assembly 24B that includes a perimeter structure 30B having substantially the same construction as the perimeter structure 30A described in more detail above. Door openings 44B formed in perimeter structures 30B are selectively closed off by vacuum insulated outer doors 32B. Outer doors 32B are movably mounted to the perimeter structures 30B for rotation about a horizontal axis by hinges 84 positioned along or at lower edges of outer doors 32B. A plurality of racks or shelves 86 extend across the openings 44B of perimeter structures 30B. The racks 86 may include upwardly-facing cylindrical surfaces 87 that are configured to support cans or other beverages on their sides. Alternatively, racks 86 may be in the form of shelves that are configured to support jugs of milk or the like as described above in connection with FIG. 2. Beverages on racks 86 can be accessed by pulling on handle 33B to open the outer door 32B, without opening perimeter structure 30B. The outer door 32B comprises a vacuum insulated structure that may be constructed as discussed in more detail above in connection with FIG. 3A. Handles 35B may be mounted to ring-shaped vertical outer side faces 37 of perimeter structures 30B whereby a user can pull on handles 35B to open perimeter structures 30B. As perimeter structures 30B are opened, outer doors 32B move with perimeter structure 30B, such that door assemblies 24B can operate in a manner that is similar to conventional refrigerator doors. When perimeter structure 30B is opened, racks 86 can be accessed.
With further reference to FIGS. 9-11, a refrigerator 1C according to another aspect of the present invention includes a pair of door assemblies 24C. The door assemblies 24C include perimeter structures 30C that are substantially similar to the perimeter structure 30A described in more detail above in connection with FIGS. 1A, 2 and 3. Handles 35C are disposed on outer side faces 37C of perimeter structures 30C. Each door assembly 24C includes a pair of outer doors 32C that are movably mounted to the perimeter structure 30C by hinges 88 for rotation about vertical axes. A plurality of racks or shelves 90A-90E extend across the openings 44C to thereby support beverages or other items on perimeter structure 30C. The outer doors 32C may comprise vacuum insulated structures that are constructed in substantially the same manner as outer doors 32A as described above in connection with FIGS. 3-5.
In use, one or more of the outer doors 32C may be opened using handles 33C without moving perimeter structure 30C relative to the insulated cabinet structure 5 if a user needs to access items on shelves 90A-90E. Alternatively, a user can move the perimeter structure 30C relative to the insulated cabinet structure 5 by grasping handles 35C and rotating the perimeter structure 30C about hinges 28.
With further reference to FIG. 12, a vacuum insulated door 100 according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an outer layer 102 that is secured to an inner layer 104 to form a vacuum cavity 106 (FIG. 13). The outer layer 102, inner layer 104, and vacuum cavity 106 may be constructed in substantially the same manner as the corresponding components described in more detail above in connection with FIGS. 1-11. In particular, the outer layer 102 may comprise sheet metal, and the inner layer 104 may comprise a polymer material as discussed in more detail above in connection with FIG. 5. Vacuum insulated door 100 may include a vacuum core panel 76 that is disposed in the vacuum cavity 106. The core panel 76 may comprise porous filler material 80 (FIG. 5) in the form of powder or a solid material.
The vacuum insulated door 100 includes a handle assembly 108 and hinge attachments 110A and 110B that are sealingly connected to the door in a manner that ensures that air and/or other gasses do not enter the vacuum cavity 106. Handle assembly 108 includes an elongated central portion 112 that may comprise a tube or other suitable construction. Upper and lower ends 114A, 114B, of central portion 112 are press fit into upper and lower brackets 116A and 116B by connectors 118A and 118B. As discussed in more detail below, set screws 120A and 120B engage projections such as a nut 122 (FIG. 13) that is secured to outer layer 102 of door 100 by an insert 124. The nuts 122 have a shape that is substantially identical to the head of existing screws (not shown) utilized in conventional (non vacuum-insulated) refrigerator doors. Thus, the central portion 112 of handle assembly 108, brackets 116A, 116B, connectors 118A, 118B, and set screws 120A and 120B may be substantially identical to known handle assemblies utilized in conventional (non vacuum-insulated) refrigerator doors.
With reference to FIGS. 13, 16, and 17, nut 122 includes a threaded opening 126 that threadably engages a threaded boss 128 of insert 124. Insert 124 also includes an inner portion 130 that may be substantially disc-shaped with an inner side 132 and an outer side 134. A resilient seal material 136 is disposed between inner side 132 of inner portion 130 of insert 124. The resilient seal material 136 may be in the form of a preformed flat washer or ring that is made of a resilient rubber or polymer material. Alternatively, resilient seal material 136 may also be in the form of flowable (high viscosity) adhesive sealant that is applied between the two surfaces which hardens in order to form the seal. Insert 124 may include a hex cavity 140 or other suitable feature that permits torque to be applied to the insert 124 during assembly.
During assembly, the boss 128 of insert 124 is inserted through an opening 142 in outer layer 102 of door 100, and threaded boss 128 is threadably engaged with threaded opening 126 of nut 122. Nut 122 and insert 124 are then rotated relative to one another, thereby clamping the resilient seal 136 tightly between inner side 132 of inner portion 130 of insert 124 and inner surface 138 of outer layer 102 to thereby seal the opening 142 in outer layer 102. Nut 122 includes a cylindrical inner portion 144 and a tapered outer portion 146. The tapered outer portion 146 is preferably conical in shape. The shapes and sizes of portions 144 and 146 are substantially identical to corresponding surfaces of nuts utilized in conventional (non vacuum-insulated) doors. However, it will be understood that nuts utilized in conventional refrigerator doors do not provide an airtight seal, and these prior nuts are therefore typically not suitable for use in vacuum insulated doors. During assembly, after nuts 122 and inserts 124 are installed in upper and lower openings 142 of outer layer 102 (FIG. 16), brackets 116A and 116B are then positioned over the nuts 122 in cavities 148 of brackets 116A and 116B. When brackets 116A and 116B are in the installed position, end surfaces 150 of brackets 116A and 116B bear against outer surface 152 of outer layer 102. The set screws 120A and 120B are then tightened, such that the ends 154 of the set screws 120 bear against tapered surface 146 of nut 122, thereby generating a force tending to draw the brackets 116A and 116B towards the outer layer 102 of door 100. Ends 154 of set screws 120A and 120B may also engage cylindrical inner surface portion 144 of nuts 122.
With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the outer layer 102 of vacuum insulated door 100 includes flanges 164 that form transverse edge portions 190A-190D of door 100. The hinge attachments 110A and 110B are connected to upper and lower edge portions 190A and 190C, respectively, of door 100 at openings 166 in flange 164. Upper hinge attachment 110A includes a cup-shaped metal inner member 156 (FIG. 15) having a hollow construction with a tubular portion 158, an end 160, and a flange 162. Flanges 162 are welded to an inner surface of flange 164 at opening 166 to form a sealed connection therewith. An insert 170 is received in cavity 168 of inner member 156. Insert 170 is made of a suitable material such as a low friction polymer material, and includes a flange 174 that slidably engages flange 164 of outer layer 102 of door 100. Insert 172 also includes an inner surface 176 having a plurality of flat surfaces 178 that rotatably engage a pin 180 that is secured to the main refrigerator cabinet by a bracket 182. The pin 180 and bracket assembly 182 may be substantially similar to the hinges 28 (FIGS. 1 and 2), or other suitable shape/configuration as required for a particular application. Referring again to FIG. 14, inner members 156 may be welded to the upper edge 190A and lower edge 190B of door 100 in substantially the same manner to provide pivoting interconnection with upper and lower pins and brackets 180 and 182.
Referring again to FIG. 15, outer layer 102 may comprise sheet metal that is formed to include a flange 164 forming edges 190A-190D. The outer member 102 may also include an edge flange 192 that is received in a channel 194 of inner layer or member 104. The channel 194 may be filled with an adhesive/sealant (not shown) to provide an airtight seal between outer layer 102 and inner layer 104. An inner seal assembly 196 may be secured to the inner layer or member 104 to provide an airtight seal around the peripheral edge of door 100 at the surface where door 100 contacts the opening in the parameter structure of the door assembly.
It will be understood that the vacuum insulated door 100 may comprise an outer door assembly (e.g. outer doors 32A of FIG. 1) that are mounted to perimeter structures 30A (FIG. 1), or the vacuum insulated door 100 may comprise a main refrigerator door that is pivotably connected directly to a refrigerator cabinet structure.
With further reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, a nut 184 according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a cylindrical outer surface 144A and a conical surface 146A that have substantially the same size and configuration as the surfaces 144 and 146, respectively, of nut 122. End 186 of nut 184 includes raised portions 188A, 188B, and 188C. Raised portions 188A, 188B, and 188C may be dome-shaped or other suitable shape. During assembly, the nut 184 is positioned against outer layer 102 of door 100, and the nut 184 is welded to the outer layer 102 such that the raised portions 188A-188C at least partially melt and join to the outer layer 102. The nut 184 and outer layer 102 are preferably made of substantially the same material (e.g. steel), such that the welding process results in the nut 184 joining with the outer layer 102 to provide a substantially one-piece construction.
With further reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, a nut 198 according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes outer surfaces 144B and 146B that are substantially similar to the outer surfaces 144 and 146 of nut 122. The nut 198 is formed of metal (e.g. steel), and includes a raised ridge 202 at an end 200 of nut 198. The nut 198 is assembled to outer layer 102 of door 100 by welding the raised ridge 202 to the outer layer 102 to form a one piece welded member or assembly.
During assembly of vacuum insulated door 100, the handle 108 is assembled by positioning the brackets 116A and 116B over a nut 184 or a nut 198 in substantially the same manner as discussed above in connection with the nuts 122 of FIG. 13. One or more set screws 120A, 120B are then tightened to engage the tapered surface 146A of a nut 184, or a tapered surface 146B of a nut 198.
It will be understood that the features described in connection with the various embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, a refrigerator having an insulated cabinet 5 could include combinations of perimeter structures 10A-10C and outer doors 32A-32C as required for a particular application.
Patent Application
20230324106
