Heat insulation structure of refrigeration unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat insulation structure of a refrigeration unit. At least one bracket coupled to the outer envelope and having at least one dowel pin extending outwardly therefrom; an inner liner; and a trim partition coupled to the outer envelope and the liner and extending between the outer envelope and the liner such that the outer envelope, the liner, and the trim partition cooperate to define an interior volume for receiving an insulating material therein. The decorative partition includes at least one alignment tab that defines a receiving portion therein that receives the at least one positioning pin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a thermal insulation structure for a refrigeration unit. More particularly, the present invention relates to a thermal insulation structure including an outer shell, an inner liner and a trim breaker. Summary of the invention

[0002] According to one aspect of the present invention, a heat insulation structure of a refrigeration unit includes: an outer shell; at least one bracket, the at least one bracket is coupled to the outer shell and has at least one locating pin extending outwardly therefrom; an inner liner; and a decorative partition piece, the decorative partition piece is coupled to the outer shell and the inner liner and extends between the outer shell and the inner liner, so that the outer shell, the inner liner and the decorative partition piece cooperate to define an internal volume body for receiving a heat insulating material therein. The decorative partition piece includes at least one alignment tab, the at least one alignment tab defines a receiving portion in which the at least one locating pin is received.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present invention, a heat insulation structure of a refrigeration unit includes: an outer shell; an inner liner; at least one bracket, the at least one bracket is coupled to at least one of the outer shell and the inner liner, and has a first locating pin and a second locating pin extending outwardly therefrom; and a decorative partition piece, the decorative partition piece is coupled to the outer shell and the inner liner and extends between the outer shell and the inner liner, so that the outer shell, the inner liner and the decorative partition piece cooperate to define an internal volume body for receiving a heat insulating material therein. The decorative partition piece includes a first alignment tab, a second alignment tab and a reference tab, the first alignment tab defines a receiving portion for receiving the first locating pin, the second alignment tab defines a receiving portion for receiving the second locating pin, and the reference tab does not define a receiving portion for receiving the locating pin therein. The reference tab is aligned with the first alignment tab in a first direction and aligned with the second alignment tab in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present invention, a thermal insulation structure of a refrigeration unit includes: an outer shell; an inner liner; at least one bracket, the at least one bracket is coupled to at least one of the outer shell and the inner liner and has at least one alignment feature extending outwardly therefrom; and a decorative partition piece, the decorative partition piece is coupled to the outer shell and the inner liner and extends between the outer shell and the inner liner, so that the outer shell, the inner liner and the decorative partition piece cooperate to define an internal volume body for receiving thermal insulation material therein. The decorative partition piece includes at least one corresponding alignment feature that engages with the at least one alignment feature.

[0005] These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] In the attached picture:

[0007] Figure 1 is a front elevation view of the refrigeration unit including a door;

[0008] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the refrigeration unit showing the door in an open position;

[0009] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of a heat insulation structure of a refrigeration unit, the heat insulation structure comprising an outer shell, an inner lining, a decorative partition and a plurality of brackets;

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of an insulation structure showing an outer shell, an inner liner, a plurality of brackets including a plurality of alignment features, and a decorative partition including a plurality of corresponding alignment features;

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 an enlarged view of area V of the thermal insulation structure showing a locating pin extending from a bracket coupled to an outer shell of the thermal insulation structure and an alignment tab coupled to the decorative partition and defining a receiving portion therein for receiving the locating pin;

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 an enlarged view of area VI of the embodiment of the present invention, showing a locating pin coupled to the bracket and received within a receiving portion defined by an alignment tab coupled to the trim partition piece, and a reference tab adjacent to the alignment tab and not defining a receiving portion;

[0013] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of an insulation structure showing an alignment feature in the form of a locating pin coupled to a bracket of the insulation structure and a corresponding alignment feature in the form of an alignment tab defining a receiving portion coupled to a trim partition piece and positioned such that the locating pin is disposed within the receiving portion;

[0014] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of an insulation structure of a refrigeration unit showing an alignment tab coupled to a bracket of the insulation structure defining a receiving portion and a corresponding alignment feature in the form of a locating pin coupled to a trim partition piece of the insulation structure and received within the receiving portion defined by the alignment tab; and

[0015] Fig. 9is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary insulation structure illustrating an interior volume of the insulation structure and insulation material disposed within the interior volume.

[0016] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The presently illustrated embodiment pertains primarily to a combination of device components associated with the thermal insulation structure of a refrigeration unit. Therefore, where appropriate, device components are represented by conventional symbols in the accompanying drawings, which show only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the invention, so as to avoid obscuring the invention by details that would be obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. In addition, the same reference numerals in the specification and the accompanying drawings represent the same elements.

[0018] For the purpose of the description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall be used in the same manner as described above. Figure 1 Unless otherwise indicated, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the element that is closer to the intended observer and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the element that is farther from the intended observer. However, it should be understood that the present invention can take various alternative orientations unless expressly indicated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless the claims expressly state otherwise, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0019] The terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or device that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to the article or device. An element followed by "comprises..." does not, without more limitations, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the article or device that includes the element.

[0020] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used in a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items may be taken alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be taken. For example, if a composition is described as comprising components A, B, and / or C, the composition may comprise A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0021] In this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second", "top" and "bottom", etc. are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between these entities or actions.

[0022] For purposes of the present invention, the term "coupled" (and all its forms) generally refers to the connection of two components (electrically or mechanically) directly or indirectly to one another. Such connection may be fixed or removable in nature. Such connection may be achieved through the two (electrical or mechanical) components and any additional intermediate components. Such connection may include components that are integrally formed (i.e., integrally coupled) with one another as a single unitary body, or may refer to the connection of two components. Unless otherwise specified, such connection may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0023] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "substantially," and variations thereof are intended to indicate that a described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. Additionally, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" can mean values ​​that are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other or within about 2% of each other.

[0024] As used herein, the terms "the", "an" and "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one" unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] Reference Figures 1 to 9 , reference numeral 10 generally designates an insulation structure 10 of a refrigeration unit 12. The insulation structure 10 includes an outer shell 14, at least one bracket 16, an inner liner 20, and a decorative partition piece 22, wherein the at least one bracket 16 is coupled to the outer shell 14 and has at least one locating pin 18 extending outwardly therefrom. The decorative partition piece 22 is coupled to and extends between the outer shell 14 and the inner liner 20, such that the outer shell 14, the inner liner 20, and the decorative partition piece 22 cooperate to define an interior volume 24 for receiving an insulating material 26 therein. The decorative partition piece 22 includes at least one alignment tab 28 defining a receiving portion 30, which receives the at least one locating pin 18 therein.

[0026] Now refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a refrigeration unit 12 is shown. The refrigeration unit 12 includes a cabinet 32. The cabinet 32 ​​defines a storage compartment 34 that is configured to receive perishable items therein for refrigeration. In various implementations, the cabinet 32 ​​defines a plurality of storage compartments 34, such as Figure 2 A refrigerated compartment 36 and a freezer compartment (not shown) are shown.

[0027] Still refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the refrigeration unit 12 includes a door 38. The door 38 of the refrigeration unit 12 is operably coupled to the cabinet 32 ​​and is configured to selectively cover an opening to the storage compartment 34 of the cabinet 32. In some implementations, the door 38 of the refrigeration unit 12 can be pivotally coupled to the cabinet 32 ​​via a hinge 40. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the door 38 can be pivotally coupled to the cabinet 32 ​​via a plurality of hinges 40. The door 38 can be operable to pivot between a closed position and an open position, in which the closed position is such that the cabinet 32 ​​is opened. Figure 1 As shown, the door 38 conceals the storage compartment 34 of the refrigeration unit 12 and, in the open position, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, access to the storage compartment 34 is provided. In various implementations, the refrigeration unit 12 may include multiple doors 38. For example, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the refrigeration unit 12 includes two doors 38 that are configured to selectively provide access to the refrigeration compartment 36 and the freezer compartment of the refrigeration unit 12 .

[0028] Now refer to Figures 1 to 4 and Fig. 9 , the refrigeration unit 12 includes an insulating structure 10. The insulating structure 10 can be and / or form a part of various components of the refrigeration unit 12. For example, the insulating structure 10 can be a cabinet 32 ​​of the refrigeration unit 12 and / or a part of the cabinet 32. In various implementations, the insulating structure 10 can be a door 38 of the refrigeration unit 12 and / or a part of the door 38. For example, in some implementations, the insulating structure 10 can be a door panel 42 of the refrigeration unit 12. It is contemplated that in various embodiments, the refrigeration unit 12 can include a plurality of insulating structures 10. The insulating structure 10 defines an interior volume 24 that is configured to receive an insulating material 26 therein, such as a heat shield. Fig. 9 As shown. Various types of insulating materials 26 are contemplated (e.g., powders, foams, etc.). In various embodiments, the insulating structure 10 is a vacuum insulating structure 10. Thus, the interior volume 24 of the insulating structure 10 is filled with the insulating material 26 and then evacuated to form a sealed environment having exemplary insulating qualities. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the insulating structure 10 is a vacuum insulated door panel 42 of a refrigeration unit 12 .

[0029] Now refer to Figures 3 to 8The insulation structure 10 includes an outer shell 14, an inner liner 20, and a decorative partition 22, wherein the decorative partition 22 extends between the outer shell 14 and the inner liner 20 and is coupled to the outer shell 14 and the inner liner 20. Figure 4 As shown, the outer shell 14 includes a first side 44, a second side 46 opposite the first side 44, a top side 48, and a bottom side 50 opposite the top side 48. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first side 44 and the second side 46 are lateral sides of the outer enclosure 14 , and the top side 48 and the bottom side 50 extend between the first side 44 and the second side 46 of the outer enclosure 14 .

[0030] Still refer to Figures 3 to 8 The thermal insulation structure 10 further includes at least one bracket 16. The at least one bracket 16 may be coupled to at least one of the outer shell 14 and the liner 20 of the thermal insulation structure 10. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, at least one bracket 16 is coupled to the outer shell 14 of the insulation structure 10. It is contemplated that the outer shell 14 and the at least one bracket 16 may be coupled to each other in a variety of ways. In some implementations, the at least one bracket 16 is welded to the outer shell 14 of the insulation structure 10.

[0031] In some implementations, at least one bracket 16 is coupled to the top side 48 of the outer enclosure 14. For example, at least one bracket 16 may include a top bracket 52 coupled to the top side 48 of the outer enclosure 14. Figure 4 As shown, the top bracket 52 may include an attachment feature 54 to which the hinge 40 of the door 38 of the refrigeration unit 12 is configured to be attached. In some implementations, the hinge 40 may be configured to pivotally couple the insulating structure 10 to the refrigeration unit 12. The bottom bracket 56 of the insulating structure 10 may alternatively or additionally include an attachment feature 54 for attaching the hinge 40 to the insulating structure 10. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, at least one bracket 16 includes a top bracket 52 including an attachment feature 54 and a bottom bracket 56 opposite the top bracket 52 coupled to the bottom side 50 of the outer enclosure 14 and including the attachment feature 54 .

[0032] In various implementations, the at least one bracket 16 of the insulation structure 10 includes a plurality of brackets 16. Figure 3 and Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the insulation structure 10 includes a top bracket 52 coupled to the top side 48 of the outer envelope 14, a bottom bracket 56 coupled to the bottom side 50 of the outer envelope 14, a first side bracket 58 coupled to the first side 44 of the outer envelope 14, and a second side bracket 60 coupled to the second side 46 of the outer envelope 14. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the top bracket 52, the bottom bracket 56, the first side bracket 58, and the second side bracket 60 are welded to the outer envelope 14 of the insulation structure 10.

[0033] Now refer to Figures 3 to 5 , at least one bracket 16 may include at least one alignment feature 62. The at least one alignment feature 62 is configured to engage with at least one corresponding alignment feature 64 of the decorative partition member 22 in the assembled state of the insulation structure 10, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in and further described herein. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one alignment feature 62 coupled to the at least one bracket 16 includes at least one locating pin 18 extending outwardly from the at least one bracket 16. Various types of alignment features 62 coupled to the at least one bracket 16 are contemplated.

[0034] Still refer to Figures 3 to 5 In some implementations, the at least one alignment feature 62 coupled to the bracket 16 includes a plurality of alignment features 62. For example, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one alignment feature 62 includes a first locating pin 66 extending outwardly from the first side bracket 58, a second locating pin 68 extending outwardly from the second side bracket 60, a third locating pin 70 extending outwardly from the top bracket 52, and a fourth locating pin 72 extending outwardly from the bottom bracket 56. The plurality of locating pins 18 can be configured to be received within the receiving portion 30 defined by the plurality of corresponding alignment features 64 of the trim partition 22, as shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown in, and further described herein.

[0035] Now refer to Figures 3 to 6 , the decorative partition piece 22 of the insulation structure 10 is configured to be coupled to the outer shell 14 and the liner 20. The decorative partition piece 22 includes at least one corresponding alignment feature 64, which is configured to engage with at least one alignment feature 62 of at least one bracket 16 coupled to the insulation structure 10. In various implementations, the at least one corresponding alignment feature 64 of the decorative partition piece 22 includes at least one alignment tab 28. Figure 5As shown, the at least one alignment tab 28 defines a receiving portion 30 configured to receive therein at least one locating pin 18 extending outwardly from at least one bracket 16. In various implementations, the at least one corresponding alignment feature 64 may include a plurality of corresponding alignment features 64. For example, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, at least one corresponding alignment feature portion 64 includes a first alignment tab 74, a second alignment tab 76, a third alignment tab 78 and a fourth alignment tab 80, the first alignment tab 74 defines a receiving portion 30 for receiving the first locating pin 66, the second alignment tab 76 defines a receiving portion 30 for receiving the second locating pin 68, the third alignment tab 78 defines a receiving portion 30 for receiving the third locating pin 70, and the fourth alignment tab 80 defines a receiving portion 30 for receiving the fourth locating pin 72.

[0036] Now refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the alignment feature 62 of at least one bracket 16 can be configured to cooperatively engage with at least one corresponding alignment feature 64 of the decorative partition piece 22. In some implementations, the alignment feature 62 of at least one bracket 16 is a locating pin 18 extending outwardly from the at least one bracket 16, and the corresponding alignment feature 64 of the decorative partition piece 22 is an alignment tab 28 defined in a receiving portion 30 in which the locating pin 18 is received, such as Figure 7 In some implementations, the alignment feature 62 of at least one bracket 16 is an alignment tab 28 that defines a receiving portion 30 and extends outwardly from the at least one bracket 16, and the corresponding alignment feature 64 of the trim partition 22 is a locating pin 18 that extends outwardly from the trim partition 22 and is received in the receiving portion 30 defined by the alignment tab 28, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 Various types of alignment features 62 and corresponding alignment features 64 are contemplated.

[0037] Now refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6In some implementations, the trim partition piece 22 may include a reference tab 82. The reference tab 82 may be positioned adjacent to at least one alignment tab 28 of the trim partition piece 22 and may not define a receiving portion 30 configured to receive a locating pin 18 extending outwardly from at least one bracket 16. In various implementations, the reference tab 82 may be used as a reference point to help orient the trim partition piece 22 with the outer enclosure 14 and / or the liner 20 during assembly of the insulation structure 10. For example, in various implementations, the trim partition piece 22 has a shape with symmetrical halves (e.g., a rectangle), which may cause the trim partition piece 22 to be incorrectly assembled to the outer enclosure 14 in an orientation that is rotated 180° relative to the correct orientation of the trim partition piece 22 of the insulation structure 10. When the trim partition piece 22 is incorrectly assembled in this manner, the reference tab 82 extending outwardly from the trim partition piece 22 may interfere with the at least one locating pin 18 extending outwardly from the at least one bracket 16 coupled to the outer enclosure 14. The at least one locating pin 18 interfering with the reference tab 82 is configured to be received within the receiving portion 30 defined by the at least one alignment tab 28 of the trim partition piece 22 during proper assembly of the insulation structure 10 .

[0038] In various embodiments where the decorative partition piece 22 includes a reference tab 82, the decorative partition piece 22 includes a first alignment tab 74, a second alignment tab 76, and a reference tab 82, wherein the first alignment tab 74 defines a receiving portion 30 for receiving the first locating pin 66, the second alignment tab 76 defines a receiving portion 30 for receiving the second locating pin 68, and the reference tab 82 does not define a receiving portion 30 configured to receive the locating pin 18 therein in a properly assembled state of the insulation structure 10. In various implementations, the reference tab 82 is aligned with the first alignment tab 74 in a first direction and is aligned with the second alignment tab 76 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. For example, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the first and second alignment tabs 28 are vertically offset from each other, and the reference tab 82 is adjacent to and aligned with the first alignment tab 74 in the vertical direction and is aligned with the second alignment tab 76 in the horizontal direction. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the trim partition 22 includes a plurality of reference tabs 82 .

[0039] According to one aspect of the present invention, a heat insulation structure of a refrigeration unit includes: an outer shell; at least one bracket, the at least one bracket is coupled to the outer shell and has at least one locating pin extending outwardly therefrom; an inner liner; and a decorative partition piece, the decorative partition piece is coupled to the outer shell and the inner liner and extends between the outer shell and the inner liner, so that the outer shell, the inner liner and the decorative partition piece cooperate to define an internal volume body for receiving a heat insulating material therein. The decorative partition piece includes at least one alignment tab, the at least one alignment tab defines a receiving portion in which the at least one locating pin is received.

[0040] According to another aspect, the insulating structure includes a vacuum insulated door panel.

[0041] According to another aspect, the at least one bracket includes a top bracket coupled to a top side of the outer enclosure and having an attachment feature, a hinge configured to pivotally couple the insulation structure to a cabinet of the refrigeration unit being configured to be mounted on the attachment feature.

[0042] According to another aspect, at least one bracket further comprises a first side bracket coupled to a first side of the outer enclosure, a second side bracket coupled to a second side of the outer enclosure opposite the first side, and a bottom bracket coupled to a bottom side of the outer enclosure.

[0043] According to another aspect, the at least one locating pin includes a first locating pin extending outwardly from the first side bracket, a second locating pin extending outwardly from the second side bracket, a third locating pin extending outwardly from the top bracket, and a fourth locating pin extending outwardly from the bottom bracket.

[0044] According to another aspect, the at least one alignment tab includes: a first alignment tab, which defines a receiving portion for receiving the first positioning pin; a second alignment tab, which defines a receiving portion for receiving the second positioning pin; a third alignment tab, which defines a receiving portion for receiving the third positioning pin; and a fourth alignment tab, which defines a receiving portion for receiving the fourth positioning pin.

[0045] According to another aspect, the first alignment tab is vertically offset from the second alignment tab.

[0046] According to another aspect, the decorative partition further includes a reference tab adjacent to the first alignment tab and not defining a receiving portion. The reference tab is vertically aligned with the second alignment tab and the second locating pin.

[0047] According to another aspect, the at least one bracket is welded to the outer envelope.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present invention, a heat insulation structure of a refrigeration unit includes: an outer shell; an inner liner; at least one bracket, the at least one bracket is coupled to at least one of the outer shell and the inner liner, and has a first locating pin and a second locating pin extending outwardly therefrom; and a decorative partition piece, the decorative partition piece is coupled to the outer shell and the inner liner and extends between the outer shell and the inner liner, so that the outer shell, the inner liner and the decorative partition piece cooperate to define an internal volume body for receiving a heat insulating material therein. The decorative partition piece includes a first alignment tab, a second alignment tab and a reference tab, the first alignment tab defines a receiving portion for receiving the first locating pin, the second alignment tab defines a receiving portion for receiving the second locating pin, and the reference tab does not define a receiving portion for receiving the locating pin therein. The reference tab is aligned with the first alignment tab in a first direction and aligned with the second alignment tab in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0049] According to another aspect, the insulating structure includes a vacuum insulated door panel.

[0050] According to another aspect, the at least one bracket includes a first side bracket coupled to a first side of the outer enclosure and a second side bracket coupled to a second side of the outer enclosure.The first locating pin extends outwardly from the first side bracket, and the second locating pin extends outwardly from the second side bracket.

[0051] According to another aspect, the first side of the outer envelope is positioned opposite the second side of the outer envelope.

[0052] According to another aspect, the first side and the second side of the outer envelope are lateral sides of the outer envelope.

[0053] According to another aspect, the at least one bracket further comprises a top bracket coupled to a top side of the outer enclosure, and a bottom bracket coupled to a bottom side of the outer enclosure opposite the top side, the top bracket extending between the first side and the second side of the outer enclosure, the bottom bracket extending between the first side and the second side of the outer enclosure. The top bracket comprises a third locating pin received in a receiving portion defined by a third alignment tab extending outwardly from the decorative partition piece, and the bottom bracket comprises a fourth locating pin received in a receiving portion defined by a fourth alignment tab extending outwardly from the decorative partition piece.

[0054] According to another aspect, the top bracket includes an attachment feature on which a hinge configured to pivotally couple the insulating structure to a cabinet of the refrigeration unit is configured to be mounted.

[0055] According to another aspect of the present invention, a thermal insulation structure of a refrigeration unit includes: an outer shell; an inner liner; at least one bracket, the at least one bracket is coupled to at least one of the outer shell and the inner liner and has at least one alignment feature extending outwardly therefrom; and a decorative partition piece, the decorative partition piece is coupled to the outer shell and the inner liner and extends between the outer shell and the inner liner, so that the outer shell, the inner liner and the decorative partition piece cooperate to define an internal volume body for receiving thermal insulation material therein. The decorative partition piece includes at least one corresponding alignment feature that engages with the at least one alignment feature.

[0056] According to another aspect, the at least one alignment feature of the at least one bracket matingly engages the at least one corresponding alignment feature of the trim partition.

[0057] According to another aspect, the at least one alignment feature of the at least one bracket is a locating pin extending outwardly from the at least one bracket, and the at least one corresponding alignment feature of the trim partition piece is an alignment tab defining a receiving portion therein to receive the locating pin.

[0058] According to another aspect, the at least one alignment feature of the at least one bracket is an alignment tab, which defines a receiving portion and extends outward from the at least one bracket, and the at least one corresponding alignment feature of the decorative partition piece is a locating pin, which extends outward from the decorative partition piece and is received in the receiving portion defined by the alignment tab.

[0059] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the described disclosure and other components of construction are not limited to any particular material. Unless otherwise described herein, other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials.

[0060] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present invention shown in the exemplary embodiments are only illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention are described in detail in the present disclosure, those skilled in the art who read the present disclosure will readily understand that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, the value of parameters, the installation arrangement, the use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) can be made without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the narrated subject matter. For example, the elements represented as being integrally formed can be composed of multiple parts or the elements represented as multiple parts can be integrally formed, the operation of the interface can be reversed or otherwise changed, the length or width of the structure and / or member or connector or other elements of the system can be changed, and the nature or quantity of the adjustment position provided between the elements can be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system can be made of any of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, with any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Therefore, all of these modifications should be included within the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention, other replacements, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the desired and other exemplary embodiments.

[0061] It should be understood that any process described or any step in a process described can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting.

Claims

1. A heat insulation structure of a refrigeration unit, comprising: Outer shell; at least one bracket coupled to the outer enclosure and having at least one locating pin extending outwardly therefrom; Lining; as well as a decorative partition piece coupled to the outer shell and the inner liner and extending between the outer shell and the inner liner so that the outer shell, the inner liner and the decorative partition piece cooperate to define an interior volume for receiving insulating material therein, the decorative partition piece including at least one alignment tab, the at least one alignment tab defining a receiving portion, the receiving portion receiving the at least one locating pin therein.

2. The thermal insulation structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one bracket comprises: A top bracket is coupled to a top side of the outer enclosure and has an attachment feature on which a hinge configured to pivotally couple the insulation structure to a cabinet of the refrigeration unit is configured to be mounted.

3. The thermal insulation structure according to claim 2, wherein the at least one bracket further comprises: a first side bracket coupled to a first side of the outer enclosure; a second side bracket coupled to a second side of the outer enclosure opposite the first side; as well as A bottom bracket is coupled to a bottom side of the outer enclosure.

4. The thermal insulation structure of claim 3, wherein the at least one locating pin comprises: a first locating pin extending outwardly from the first side bracket; a second locating pin extending outwardly from the second side bracket; a third locating pin extending outwardly from the top bracket; as well as A fourth locating pin extends outwardly from the bottom bracket.

5. The insulating structure of claim 4, wherein the at least one alignment tab comprises: a first alignment tab defining a receiving portion for receiving the first locating pin; a second alignment tab defining a receiving portion for receiving the second locating pin; a third alignment tab defining a receiving portion for receiving the third locating pin; as well as A fourth alignment tab defines a receiving portion for receiving the fourth locating pin.

6. The insulating structure of claim 5, wherein the first alignment tab is vertically offset from the second alignment tab.

7. The thermal insulation structure according to claim 6, wherein the decorative partition member further comprises: A reference tab is adjacent the first alignment tab and does not define a receiving portion, wherein the reference tab is vertically aligned with the second alignment tab and the second locating pin.

8. The thermal insulation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one bracket is welded to the outer envelope.

9. The insulating structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the insulating structure comprises a vacuum insulating door panel.

10. A heat insulation structure of a refrigeration unit, comprising: Outer shell; Lining; at least one bracket coupled to at least one of the outer enclosure and the inner liner and having a first locating pin and a second locating pin extending outwardly therefrom; as well as A decorative partition piece, which is coupled to the outer shell and the inner liner and extends between the outer shell and the inner liner, so that the outer shell, the inner liner and the decorative partition piece cooperate to define an internal volume body for receiving an insulating material therein, the decorative partition piece includes a first alignment tab, a second alignment tab and a reference tab, the first alignment tab defines a receiving portion for receiving the first locating pin, the second alignment tab defines a receiving portion for receiving the second locating pin, and the reference tab does not define a receiving portion for receiving the locating pin, wherein the reference tab is aligned with the first alignment tab in a first direction and aligned with the second alignment tab in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

11. The thermal insulation structure of claim 10, wherein the at least one bracket comprises: a first side bracket coupled to a first side of the outer enclosure; as well as A second side bracket is coupled to a second side of the outer enclosure, wherein the first locating pin extends outwardly from the first side bracket and the second locating pin extends outwardly from the second side bracket.

12. The insulating structure of claim 11, wherein the first side of the outer envelope is positioned opposite the second side of the outer envelope.

13. The insulating structure of claim 12, wherein the first side and the second side of the outer envelope are lateral sides of the outer envelope.

14. The thermal insulation structure of claim 13, wherein the at least one bracket further comprises: a top bracket coupled to a top side of the outer enclosure, the top bracket extending between the first side and the second side of the outer enclosure; as well as a bottom bracket coupled to a bottom side of the outer shell opposite the top side, the bottom bracket extending between the first side and the second side of the outer shell, wherein the top bracket includes a third locating pin received in a receiving portion defined by a third alignment tab extending outwardly from the decorative partition piece, and the bottom bracket includes a fourth locating pin received in a receiving portion defined by a fourth alignment tab extending outwardly from the decorative partition piece.

15. The insulating structure of claim 14, wherein the top bracket includes an attachment feature on which a hinge configured to pivotally couple the insulating structure to a cabinet of the refrigeration unit is configured to be mounted.

16. The insulating structure of any one of claims 10-15, wherein the insulating structure comprises a vacuum insulated door panel.

17. A heat insulation structure for a refrigeration unit, comprising: Outer shell; Lining; at least one bracket coupled to at least one of the outer containment shell and the inner liner and having at least one alignment feature extending outwardly therefrom; as well as a trim partition piece coupled to and extending between the outer shell and the inner liner so that the outer shell, the inner liner and the trim partition piece cooperate to define an interior volume for receiving insulating material therein, the trim partition piece including at least one corresponding alignment feature that engages with the at least one alignment feature.

18. The insulating structure of claim 17, wherein the at least one alignment feature of the at least one bracket matingly engages the at least one corresponding alignment feature of the trim partition.

19. The thermal insulation structure of claim 17 or 18, wherein the at least one alignment feature of the at least one bracket is a locating pin extending outwardly from the at least one bracket, and the at least one corresponding alignment feature of the decorative partition piece is an alignment tab defined in a receiving portion for receiving the locating pin therein.

20. An insulating structure according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the at least one alignment feature of the at least one bracket is an alignment tab, which defines a receiving portion and extends outward from the at least one bracket, and the at least one corresponding alignment feature of the decorative partition piece is a locating pin, which extends outward from the decorative partition piece and is received in the receiving portion defined by the alignment tab.

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