Vacuum port cap and alignment configuration

Abstract

A vacuum insulated door for a cooling apparatus includes a housing defining a vacuum insulated cavity. A vacuum port is in fluid communication with the vacuum insulated cavity through the housing. A vacuum inlet housing is connected to the vacuum port and extends from the housing. The vacuum port cover assembly includes a bracket connected to the housing, the bracket including a first slot for positioning the vacuum inlet housing. The cover is connected to the bracket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a vacuum port cover assembly having an alignment configuration for use with a cooling device. Background Art

[0002] Cooling devices such as refrigeration units and freezers have employed vacuum insulation. For example, a cooling device body or door may include a vacuum insulated cavity. Air is typically removed from the vacuum insulated cavity, which has been shown to prevent heat loss by conduction. Cooling devices incorporating vacuum insulation have demonstrated benefits of constant temperature, energy efficiency, and space savings. However, the arrangement of components associated with maintaining the vacuum insulated cavity can be complex. Therefore, packaging and other considerations should be made in order to maintain a long operating life and allow for servicing of the vacuum insulation. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum insulated door for a cooling device includes a housing defining a vacuum insulated cavity. A vacuum port passes through the housing and is in fluid communication with the vacuum insulated cavity. A vacuum inlet housing is connected to the vacuum port and extends from the housing. A vacuum port cover assembly includes a bracket connected to the housing, the bracket including a first slot for positioning the vacuum inlet housing. The cover is connected to the bracket.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum insulated door for a cooling device includes a housing defining a vacuum insulated cavity, at least one of a tab or a stud coupled to the housing. A vacuum port passes through the housing and is in fluid communication with the vacuum insulated cavity. A vacuum inlet housing is connected to the vacuum port and extends from the housing. A vacuum port cover assembly includes a bracket coupled to the housing, the bracket including a first slot for positioning the vacuum inlet housing. The bracket also includes at least one of a slot engaged with the tab or an eyelet engaged with the stud.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum insulated door for a cooling device includes a housing defining a vacuum insulated cavity. At least one stud is coupled to the housing. A vacuum port is in fluid communication with the vacuum insulated cavity through the housing. A vacuum inlet housing is coupled to the vacuum port and extends from the housing. A vacuum port cover assembly includes a bracket having at least one eyelet for receiving at least one stud. The bracket also includes a first slot for positioning the vacuum inlet housing. The cover is coupled to the bracket such that the bracket is enclosed between the cover and the housing.

[0006] These and other features, advantages and objects of the present disclosure 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

[0007] In the attached picture:

[0008] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a cooling device according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of a cooling device according to an aspect of the present disclosure with an outer layer removed;

[0010] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of an interior rear surface of a vacuum insulated door having a vacuum port cover assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 4 is a partial enlarged rear perspective view of an interior rear surface of a vacuum insulated door according to an aspect of the present disclosure, with a vacuum port cover assembly removed;

[0012] Figure 5 is a front elevational view of a front bracket face of a bracket according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 6 is a rear elevational view of a rear bracket face of a bracket according to an aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the front bracket face is connected to the outer shell of the vacuum insulation door;

[0014] Figure 7 is a front elevational view of a front cover surface of a cover according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 8 is a rear elevational view of a rear cover surface of a cover according to an aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the front cover surface is connected to a bracket; and

[0016] Fig. 9 is a front elevational view of a cover connected to a bracket according to an aspect of the present disclosure, with various portions of the cover exaggerated or shown in cross-section.

[0017] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The presently illustrated embodiments are primarily concerned with the combination of method steps and apparatus components associated with a vacuum port cover assembly having an alignment configuration for cooling equipment. Therefore, where appropriate, apparatus components and method steps are represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that would be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art having benefited from the description herein. In addition, the same reference numerals in the specification and drawings represent the same elements.

[0019] For the purpose of this description, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall be used in the same manner as described herein. Figure 1The disclosure herein is related to the disclosure of orientation. Unless otherwise specified, 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 away from the intended observer. However, it should be understood that the disclosure may take various alternative orientations unless expressly stated 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.

[0020] The terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element followed by "comprises..." does not, without more limitations, preclude the presence of more of the same element in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0021] Reference Figures 1 to 9 , reference numeral 10 generally refers to a vacuum insulated door for use with a cooling device 12. The vacuum insulated door 10 includes a housing 14 defining a vacuum insulated cavity 16. A vacuum port 18 passes through the housing 14 and is in fluid communication with the vacuum insulated cavity 16. A vacuum inlet housing 20 is connected to the vacuum port 18 and extends from the housing 14. A vacuum port cover assembly 22 includes a bracket 24 connected to the housing 14, the bracket 24 including a first slot 26 for positioning the vacuum inlet housing 20. A cover 28 is connected to the bracket 24.

[0022] Now refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the cooling device 12 can be configured as a refrigeration device, a freezing device, or a combination of a refrigeration device and a freezing device. The cooling device 12 may include one, two or more vacuum insulated doors 10. The vacuum insulated door 10 includes an outer layer 30, which wraps at least a portion of the vacuum insulated door 10. The cooling device 12 may include a body 32 connected to the vacuum insulated door 10 via a hinge 34. The vacuum insulated door 10 may include a handle 36, which facilitates the movement of the vacuum insulated door 10 between an open position and a closed position. The vacuum insulated door 10 includes an outer periphery defined by an upper edge 38 and a bottom edge 38, and the upper edge 38 and the bottom edge 38 are vertically separated by side edges 40. The vacuum insulated door 10 includes a front surface 42 facing the handle 36 and a rear surface 44 facing the body 32.

[0023] Now refer to Figure 3, the vacuum port 18 can be defined by the rear surface 44. For example, the vacuum port 18 can be located on the rear surface 44 near the bottom edge 38. The sensor 46 can be in fluid communication with the vacuum insulation cavity 16 through the housing 14 for measuring the internal pressure of the vacuum insulation cavity 16. In some embodiments, the bracket 24 also includes a second slot 48 for positioning the sensor 46. The bracket 24 includes an outer peripheral frame 50 defining an opening and a central support 52, the central support 52 extending through the opening between opposite sides of the outer peripheral frame 50 to divide the opening into a first slot 26 and a second slot 48. The vacuum inlet housing 20 and the sensor 46 are horizontally aligned along the bottom edge 38 of the housing 14. A vacuum inlet tube 54 can be connected to the vacuum inlet housing 20. The vacuum inlet tube 54 can include a section 56 extending along the housing 14 and the first slot 26, and the first slot 26 is sized to accommodate the section 56. In this way, the first slot 26 can be larger than the second slot 48. More specifically, the first slot 26 may extend further in the horizontal direction (eg, in the direction between the opposing side edges 40 ) than the second slot 48 .

[0024] Now refer to Figure 4 , the outer perimeter frame 50 of the bracket 24 includes a pair of longitudinal edges 58 (e.g., a top longitudinal edge and a lower longitudinal edge), which are separated by a pair of side edges 60 (e.g., a left edge and a right edge). A pair of wings 62 are located on diametrically opposite sides of the bracket 24 (e.g., on two opposing side edges 60). The bracket 24 includes a front bracket face 64 configured to face the housing 14 and a rear bracket face 66 configured to face the cover 28. The front bracket face 64 of the bracket 24 and the rear surface 44 of the housing 14 may include matching profiles. For example, the front bracket face 64 and the rear surface 44 may both be substantially planar. The rear bracket face 66 may include an outer lip 68 extending around the outer perimeter frame 50 and the wings 62. The rear bracket face 66 may also include an inner peripheral lip 70 extending around the first slot 26 and the second slot 48. The outer lip 68 and the inner lip 70 provide rigidity to the bracket 24 and facilitate the connection between the bracket 24, the housing 14 and the cover 28.

[0025] Now refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6, the bracket 24 further includes a plurality of slots 72, and the vacuum insulation door 10 includes a plurality of tabs 74 engaged with the slots 72. More specifically, the vacuum insulation door 10 may include an outer edge 76 extending at least partially around the outer periphery (e.g., the entire outer periphery or bottom edge 38). The plurality of tabs 74 may be aligned with the lower longitudinal edge 58 and the wing 62 of the bracket 24. The plurality of tabs 74 may include two or more tabs 74, four or more tabs 74, or six or more tabs 74. In the example shown, the vacuum insulation door 10 includes eight tabs 74 along the bottom edge 38 and the portion of the side edge 40 near the bottom edge 38. The bracket 24 may define a number of slots 72 equal to the number of tabs 74. The tab 74 may be L-shaped with an interface portion 77 interlocked with the outer lip 68.

[0026] Continue to refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the bracket 24 may also include a plurality of spring fingers 78 that bias the bracket 24 relative to the housing 14 and facilitate alignment between the housing 14 and the bracket 24. The spring fingers 78 may include a group of two or more spring fingers 78, wherein each group is located on an opposing wing 62. The spring fingers 78 may interlock the outer edge 76 (e.g., a portion of the outer edge 76 associated with the side edge 40). A plurality of studs 80 may extend from the housing 14, and the bracket 24 may define a plurality of holes 82 for receiving the studs 80. In some embodiments, the plurality of studs 80 are welded directly to the housing 14. The plurality of studs 80 may each define a threaded body that receives one of a plurality of nuts 84 that lock the bracket 24 to the plurality of studs 80.

[0027] Now refer to Figures 7 to 9 , the cover 28 may include a plurality of hooks 86, and the bracket 24 may define a plurality of engagement portions 88 configured to engage the hooks 86 after linear movement between the bracket 24 and the cover 28 ( Figure 8). More specifically, the cover 28 may include a front cover surface 90 defining a plurality of hooks 86 and a rear cover surface 92 defining a rear surface visible to a user. The rear cover surface 92 may be substantially planar and lead to a skirt 93 that extends in a direction toward the housing 14. In this manner, the cover 28 is connected to the bracket 24 so that the bracket 24 is enclosed (e.g., not visible to the user) between the cover 28 and the housing 14. Each hook 86 may include an L-shape having a leg 94 that extends in a direction toward the bracket 24. The engagement portion 88 on the bracket 24 may be defined by recesses along the longitudinal edge 58 that interlock with the leg 94 by overlapping the leg 94 on the engagement portion 88. The legs 94 of the plurality of hooks 86 may each face in substantially the same direction to facilitate a linear connection between the bracket 24 and the cover 28. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of hooks 86 are further aligned with the opposing side edges 60 (e.g., wings 62), and a plurality of hooks 86 are aligned along the top longitudinal edge 58 of the bracket 24. In some embodiments, the wings 62 can each define a hook slot 96, wherein the engagement portion 88 on the perimeter of the hook slot 96 is used to connect to additional hooks 86.

[0028] Now refer to Fig. 9 , the cover 28 may also include a protrusion 98 that centers and aligns the cover 28 relative to the bracket 24. The protrusion 98 may extend between a ramp side 100 and a locking side 102. The ramp side 100 may facilitate connection between the bracket 24 and the cover 28, while the locking side 102 facilitates a static connection after connection between the bracket 24 and the cover 28. The vacuum port cover assembly 22 may also include a center guide 104 that centers and aligns the cover 28 relative to the bracket 24 during connection. More specifically, the center guide 104 may include a first mark 106 (e.g., a slot or groove) on the bracket 24 and a second mark 108 (e.g., a slot or groove) on the cover 28 that, when aligned, indicate that the cover 28 and the bracket 24 can be connected by linear movement. During assembly, the bracket 24 may be initially connected to the housing 14, and after the bracket 24 is connected, the cover 28 may be connected to the bracket.

[0029] The disclosure herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is also characterized by any and all combinations of the various aspects described therein.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum insulated door for a cooling device includes a housing defining a vacuum insulated cavity. A vacuum port passes through the housing and is in fluid communication with the vacuum insulated cavity. A vacuum inlet housing is connected to the vacuum port and extends from the housing. A vacuum port cover assembly includes a bracket connected to the housing, the bracket including a first slot for positioning the vacuum inlet housing. The cover is connected to the bracket.

[0031] According to another aspect, a sensor is in fluid communication with the vacuum insulation cavity through the housing for measuring an internal pressure of the vacuum insulation cavity.

[0032] According to yet another aspect, the bracket further comprises a second slot for positioning the sensor.

[0033] According to yet another aspect, a bracket includes an outer perimeter frame defining an opening and a central support extending through the opening between opposite sides of the outer perimeter frame to divide the opening into a first slot and a second slot.

[0034] According to another aspect, the vacuum inlet housing and the sensor are horizontally aligned along a bottom edge of the housing.

[0035] According to yet another aspect, a vacuum inlet tube is connected to the vacuum inlet housing, the vacuum inlet tube including a segment extending along the housing and a first slot sized to receive the segment.

[0036] According to yet another aspect, a plurality of tabs are coupled to the housing, and the bracket defines a plurality of slots that engage the tabs.

[0037] According to another aspect, an outer rim extends along a bottom edge of the vacuum insulated door, the outer rim defining a plurality of tabs.

[0038] According to yet another aspect, a plurality of studs extend from the housing, and the bracket defines a plurality of apertures for receiving the studs.

[0039] According to yet another aspect, a plurality of studs are welded to the housing.

[0040] According to another aspect, a plurality of nuts and a plurality of studs each defining a threaded body that receives a nut of the plurality of nuts to lock the bracket to the plurality of studs.

[0041] According to yet another aspect, the bracket defines a plurality of spring fingers that bias the bracket relative to the housing and facilitate alignment between the housing and the bracket.

[0042] According to another aspect, the bracket defines a pair of wings located on diametrically opposite sides of the bracket, and the plurality of spring fingers are located on the wings.

[0043] According to yet another aspect, the cover includes a plurality of hooks, and the bracket defines a plurality of engagement portions configured to engage the hooks upon linear movement between the bracket and the cover.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum insulated door for a cooling device includes a housing defining a vacuum insulated cavity, and at least one of a tab or a stud is coupled to the housing. A vacuum port is in fluid communication with the vacuum insulated cavity through the housing. A vacuum inlet housing is connected to the vacuum port and extends from the housing. A vacuum port cover assembly includes a bracket coupled to the housing, the bracket including a first slot for positioning the vacuum inlet housing. The bracket also includes at least one of a slot engaged with the tab or an eyelet engaged with the stud.

[0045] According to another aspect, a cover is coupled to the bracket, the cover including a protrusion that engages the bracket to statically fix a position of the cover relative to the bracket.

[0046] According to yet another aspect, a center guide centers and aligns the cover relative to the bracket.

[0047] According to yet another aspect, the cover includes a plurality of hooks, and the bracket defines a plurality of engagement portions configured to engage the hooks upon linear movement between the bracket and the cover.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum insulated door for a cooling device includes a housing defining a vacuum insulated cavity. At least one stud is coupled to the housing. A vacuum port is in fluid communication with the vacuum insulated cavity through the housing. A vacuum inlet housing is coupled to the vacuum port and extends from the housing. A vacuum port cover assembly includes a bracket having at least one eyelet for receiving at least one stud. The bracket also includes a first slot for positioning the vacuum inlet housing. The cover is coupled to the bracket such that the bracket is enclosed between the cover and the housing.

[0049] According to another aspect, the bracket defines a pair of wings located on diametrically opposite sides of the bracket, and a plurality of spring fingers are located on the wings. The plurality of spring fingers bias the bracket relative to the housing and promote alignment between the housing and the bracket.

[0050] Those 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 specified herein, other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials.

[0051] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (and all its forms) generally refers to the connection of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such connection may be fixed or removable in nature. Such connection may be achieved by the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate components that are integrally formed as a single unit with each other or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such connection may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0052] It is also important to note that the structure and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure shown in the exemplary embodiments are only illustrative. Although only several embodiments of the present invention are described in detail in the present disclosure, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art who read the present disclosure that many modifications (e.g., the size, size, structure, shape and ratio, parameter value, installation arrangement, use of materials, color, orientation, etc. of various elements) can be made without substantially departing from the novel teaching and advantages of the narrated subject. For example, the element represented as being formed as a whole can be composed of multiple parts, or the element represented as multiple parts can be formed as a whole, 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 components of the system can be made of any of a variety of materials providing sufficient strength or durability, with any of a variety of colors, textures and combinations. Therefore, all these modifications are intended to 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 arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments.

[0053] It should be understood that any process described or any step in the process described can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting.

Claims

1. A vacuum insulation door for cooling equipment, comprising: an outer shell defining a vacuum insulation cavity; a vacuum port passing through the housing and in fluid communication with the vacuum insulation cavity; a vacuum inlet housing connected to the vacuum port and extending from the housing; as well as A vacuum port cover assembly, the vacuum port cover assembly comprising: a bracket connected to the housing, the bracket including a first slot for positioning the vacuum inlet housing; as well as A cover is connected to the bracket.

2. The vacuum insulated door according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor in fluid communication with the vacuum insulated cavity through the outer shell for measuring the internal pressure of the vacuum insulated cavity. 3 . The vacuum insulation door according to claim 2 , wherein the bracket further comprises a second groove for positioning the sensor.

4. The vacuum insulated door of claim 3, wherein the bracket includes an outer peripheral frame defining an opening and a central support member extending across the opening between opposite sides of the outer peripheral frame to divide the opening into the first slot and the second slot.

5. The vacuum insulated door according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the vacuum inlet housing and the sensor are horizontally aligned along a bottom edge of the housing.

6. The vacuum insulated door according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a vacuum inlet pipe connected to the vacuum inlet housing, the vacuum inlet pipe comprising a section extending along the outer shell and the first slot, the first slot being sized to accommodate the section.

7. The vacuum insulated door of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a plurality of tabs coupled to the housing, and wherein the bracket defines a plurality of slots that engage the tabs.

8. The vacuum insulated door of claim 7, further comprising an outer rim extending along a bottom edge of the vacuum insulated door, the outer rim defining the plurality of tabs.

9. The vacuum insulated door of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a plurality of studs extending from the housing, and wherein the bracket defines a plurality of apertures for receiving the studs.

10. The vacuum insulated door of claim 9, wherein the plurality of studs are welded to the outer shell.

11. The vacuum insulated door of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of nuts, and wherein each of the plurality of studs defines a threaded body that receives one of the plurality of nuts to lock the bracket to the plurality of studs.

12. The vacuum insulated door of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bracket defines a plurality of spring fingers that bias the bracket relative to the housing and facilitate alignment between the housing and the bracket.

13. The vacuum insulated door of claim 12, wherein the bracket defines a pair of wings on diametrically opposite sides of the bracket, and the plurality of spring fingers are located on the wings.

14. The vacuum insulated door of claim 1, wherein the cover includes a plurality of hooks, and the bracket defines a plurality of engagement portions configured to engage the hooks upon linear movement between the bracket and the cover.

15. A vacuum insulation door for cooling equipment, comprising: an outer shell defining a vacuum insulation cavity; at least one of a tab or a stud coupled to the housing; a vacuum port passing through the housing and in fluid communication with the vacuum insulation cavity; a vacuum inlet housing connected to the vacuum port and extending from the housing; as well as A vacuum port cover assembly, the vacuum port cover assembly comprising: A bracket is connected to the housing, the bracket including a first slot for positioning the vacuum inlet housing, the bracket further including at least one of a slot engaged with the tab or an eyelet engaged with the stud.

16. The vacuum insulated door of claim 15, further comprising a cover connected to the bracket, the cover including a protrusion that engages the bracket to statically fix a position of the cover relative to the bracket.

17. The vacuum insulated door of claim 16, further comprising a center guide that centers and aligns the cover relative to the bracket.

18. The vacuum insulated door according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the cover includes a plurality of hooks, and the bracket defines a plurality of engagement portions configured to engage the hooks upon linear movement between the bracket and the cover.

19. A vacuum insulation door for cooling equipment, comprising: an outer shell defining a vacuum insulation cavity; at least one stud coupled to the housing; a vacuum port passing through the housing and in fluid communication with the vacuum insulation cavity; a vacuum inlet housing connected to the vacuum port and extending from the housing; as well as A vacuum port cover assembly, the vacuum port cover assembly comprising: a bracket including at least one eyelet for receiving the at least one stud, the bracket further including a first slot for positioning the vacuum inlet housing; as well as A cover is connected to the bracket such that the bracket is enclosed between the cover and the housing.

20. The vacuum insulated door of claim 19, wherein the bracket defines a pair of wings located on diametrically opposite sides of the bracket, and a plurality of spring fingers are located on the wings, wherein the plurality of spring fingers bias the bracket relative to the housing and facilitate alignment between the housing and the bracket.

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