Refrigerator having vacuum insulation structure supported by structure support and substrate welded to vacuum insulation structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising: (a) a vacuum insulation structure comprising: (i) an inner liner defining a refrigerating compartment or freezing compartment, (ii) an outer enclosure at least partially enclosing the inner liner, the outer enclosure comprising a bottom wall disposed below the inner liner, the bottom wall having a bottom surface facing downward; (b) a substrate oriented horizontally and welded to a bottom surface of the bottom wall; and (c) a side panel coupled to the substrate, extending downward from the substrate, and structurally supporting the vacuum insulation structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator having a vacuum insulation structure and a structural support welded to the vacuum insulation structure to support its weight. Background Art

[0002] A refrigerator can be built-in (where the refrigerator is designed to be recessed into a cabinet) rather than free-standing. Additionally, the refrigerator can have an equipment room (e.g., a "bottom-mounted" equipment room below the freezer and / or refrigerator compartment) for housing mechanical components of a refrigeration system (e.g., a compressor and a condenser) below the (one or more) refrigeration compartments. In such a case, the refrigerator includes a support structure that both houses the equipment room and supports the refrigerator compartment above the equipment room. Further, the refrigerator can include a vacuum insulation structure that defines the (one or more) refrigeration compartments above the equipment room. The vacuum insulation structure generally includes an outer shell that at least partially encapsulates one or more inner liners that define the (one or more) refrigeration compartments, where the space between the outer shell and the (one or more) inner liners is maintained at a pressure below atmospheric pressure (e.g., "vacuum" or "negative" pressure).

[0003] However, there is a problem that the vacuum insulation structure generally cannot be fastened to the support structure with fasteners extending through the outer shell of the vacuum insulation structure because doing so would break the negative pressure within the vacuum insulation structure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: (a) a vacuum insulation structure including (i) an inner liner defining a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment and (ii) an outer shell at least partially encapsulating the inner liner, the outer shell including a bottom wall disposed below the inner liner, the bottom wall having a bottom surface facing downward; (b) a substrate horizontally oriented and welded to the bottom surface of the bottom wall; (c) a side plate coupled to the substrate, extending downward from the substrate, and structurally supporting the vacuum insulation structure; and (d) a cross member attached to the side plate.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: (a) a vacuum insulation structure including (i) a liner defining a refrigerating chamber or a freezing chamber and (ii) an outer shell at least partially enclosing the liner, the outer shell including a bottom wall disposed below the liner, the bottom wall having a bottom surface facing downward; (b) a substrate horizontally oriented and welded to the bottom surface of the bottom wall; (c) a pair of side plates opposite to each other, the pair of side plates extending downward from side edges of the substrate, each side plate of the pair of side plates including (i) a transverse wall having an inner surface, (ii) a top lip extending inward from the transverse wall, and (iii) a bottom lip extending inward from the transverse wall below the top lip in height; and (d) a leg support at each side plate of the pair of side plates, the leg support welded to (i) the top lip of the side plate, (ii) the inner surface of the transverse wall of the side plate, and (iii) the bottom lip of the side plate; wherein the leg support at least partially bears the weight of the vacuum insulation structure.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: (a) a vacuum insulation structure, the vacuum insulation structure including (i) a liner defining a refrigerating chamber or a freezing chamber, (ii) an outer shell at least partially enclosing the liner, the outer shell including a bottom wall disposed below the liner, the bottom wall having a downward-facing bottom surface; (b) a substrate horizontally oriented and welded to the bottom surface of the bottom wall of the outer shell, the substrate including (i) a flange extending downward relative to the top surface of the substrate, (ii) riveting studs disposed on the transverse inner side of the flange and close to the flange, and (iii) tabs disposed on the transverse inner side of the flange and facing the flange, one of the flanges being disposed at each of the two transverse sides of the substrate, the riveting studs extending downward from the bottom surface of the substrate, the tabs extending downward from the bottom surface of the substrate; (c) a pair of side plates extending downward from the substrate and opposite to each other, each side plate of the pair of side plates including (i) a top wall, (ii) an outer side wall, and (iii) an inner side wall, the top wall being disposed below the substrate at one side of the substrate, the outer side wall extending downward from the top wall and facing the flange of the substrate also disposed at the one side of the substrate, the inner side wall extending downward from the top wall inside the outer side wall and facing the tab of the substrate also disposed at the one side of the substrate, such that the side plate is sandwiched between the flange of the substrate disposed at the one side of the substrate and the tab of the substrate; and (d) fasteners extending through a plurality of aligned holes to fasten the pair of side plates to the substrate, the plurality of holes including holes through the flange of the substrate, holes through the outer side walls of the pair of side plates, holes through the inner side walls of the pair of side plates, and holes through the tab of the substrate, wherein the pair of side plates at least partially bears the weight of the vacuum insulation structure.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will further understand and appreciate these and other features, advantages, and purposes of the present disclosure by referring to the following specification, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the refrigerator of the present disclosure in a kitchen, with the doors and drawers of the refrigerator in a closed position, the closed position separating the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber from the external environment respectively;

[0010] Figure 2 is Figure 1 another perspective view of the refrigerator, but this time one of the doors and drawers is in an open position, the open position allowing access to the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber from the external environment respectively;

[0011] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a side elevation view of a refrigerator, showing that the refrigerator includes a cabinet supported by a support structure;

[0012] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a front elevation view of a cross-section of the refrigerator taken along line Figure 3 IV-IV, showing that the cabinet includes a vacuum insulation structure having an outer shell that at least partially encloses a first inner liner and a second inner liner;

[0013] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a front perspective exploded view of a cross-section of the refrigerator taken along line Figure 3 IV-IV, showing that the outer shell has a bottom wall and the structural support member has a base plate that faces and supports the bottom wall of the outer shell;

[0014] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a front elevation view of the refrigerator without doors and drawers, showing a first inner liner that defines a refrigerating compartment and a second inner liner that defines a freezing compartment;

[0015] Figure 7 is Figure 1 a side elevation view of a cross-section of the refrigerator taken along line Figure 6 VII-VII, showing a decorative partition coupled to all of the first inner liner, the second inner liner, and the outer shell to maintain the space between the first inner liner, the second inner liner, and the outer shell at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure;

[0016] Figure 8 is Figure 7 an enlarged view of region VIII, showing a structural support member that defines a machine room below the vacuum insulation structure;

[0017] Figure 9 is a partial exploded perspective view of the refrigerator without doors and drawers Figure 1 showing a structural support member on the bottom surface of the bottom wall of the outer shell that supports the vacuum insulation structure of the cabinet;

[0018] Figure 10 is a front top perspective view of an embodiment of the structural support member of the present disclosure for a Figure 1 refrigerator, showing that the structural support member includes a single metal plate that forms a base plate welded to the bottom surface of the bottom wall of the outer shell of the vacuum insulation structure and opposing side plates vertically disposed below the base plate;

[0019] Figure 11 is Figure 10Another front top perspective view of an embodiment of the structural support member, showing the leg support member welded to the inner surface of the side plate and the side plate disposed near the machine room housing the compressor and condenser;

[0020] Figure 12 is Figure 10 Rear elevation view of the structural support member, showing that the structural support member further includes a cross member disposed below the base plate and attached to two opposite side plates;

[0021] Figure 13 is Figure 10 Bottom top perspective view of a cross-section taken along line XIII-XIII of an embodiment of the structural support member of Figure 12 , showing the leg support member welded to the bottom surfaces of the side plate and the base plate and the leg support member including a rear wall, a transverse wall, and a top welded to the bottom surface of the base plate;

[0022] Figure 14 is Figure 10 Top perspective view of a cross-section taken along line XIV-XIV of an embodiment of the structural support member of Figure 12 , showing that the leg support member includes a front wall and a bottom wall opposite to the rear wall;

[0023] Figure 15 is Figure 10 Top perspective view of a cross-section taken along line XV-XV of an embodiment of the structural support member of Figure 12 , showing that the leg support member forms a C-shaped channel, wherein the transverse wall of the leg support member faces the inner surface of the side plate, and the transverse widths of the front wall and the rear wall decrease from the top to the bottom of the leg support member;

[0024] Figure 16 is for Figure 1 Front top perspective view of another embodiment of the structural support member of the present disclosure for a refrigerator of

[0025] Figure 17 is Figure 16 Another front top perspective view of an embodiment of the structural support member, showing the leg support member welded to the inner surface of the side plate and the side plate disposed near the machine room housing the compressor and condenser;

[0026] Figure 18 is Figure 16 Side elevation view of the structural support member, showing a carriage having wheels disposed below the side plate;

[0027] Figure 19 isFigure 16 Along the structural support Figure 18 A rear elevation view of a section taken along line XIX-XIX of , showing a top portion of the leg support welded to a top lip of the side panel and a bottom portion of the leg support welded to a bottom lip of the side panel;

[0028] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 an enlarged perspective view of area XX of the slide, showing fasteners extending through aligned holes through the base plate and through the top lip of the side plate to secure them together, and fasteners extending through aligned holes through the bottom lip of the side plate and through the horizontal section of the carriage to secure them together;

[0029] Figure 21 yes Figure 19 an enlarged perspective view of area XXI of FIG. 1 showing a base plate defining a ceiling of the machine room;

[0030] Figure 22 yes Figure 16 The structural support member is an embodiment of the Figure 18 A top plan view of a section taken along line XXII-XXII of FIG. 1 showing that the structural support further includes a cross member connected to the rear of the opposing side panels;

[0031] Figure 23 is used for Figure 1 A rear top perspective view of another embodiment of the disclosed structural support member of a refrigerator of the present invention, showing the structural support member including opposing side panels supporting a base panel, wherein a lip of the base panel extends laterally above a top wall of the side panel;

[0032] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 Another rear top perspective view of an embodiment of a structural support member of , showing that the structural support member further includes a cross member attached to the side panel below the base panel;

[0033] Figure 25 yes Figure 23 a side elevation view of an embodiment of a structural support member of showing fasteners extending through a lip of a base plate and a side panel to fasten them together;

[0034] Figure 26 yes Figure 23 Along the structural support Figure 25 A bottom view of a section taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 1 , showing that the base plate includes a rivet stud extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the base plate, and the side plate includes a tab having a hole for receiving the rivet stud to further attach the side plate and the base plate together;

[0035] Figure 27 and Figure 28Respectively are Figure 26 Enlarged perspective views of regions XXVII and XXVIII of Figure 26 , showing a lip extending through a substrate, an outer sidewall of a side plate, an inner sidewall of the side plate, and a tab of the substrate (opposite the lip of the substrate) for a fastener that fastens the substrate and the side plate together;

[0036] Figure 29 Is Figure 23 Rear elevation view of a cross-section taken along line XXIX - XXIX of a structural support of Figure 23 , showing that the side plate includes a space between its inner sidewall and outer sidewall; and Figure 25

[0037] Figure 30 Is Figure 29 Enlarged perspective view of region XXX of Figure 29 , showing foam disposed within the space of the side plate.

[0038] The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather emphasis is placed on illustrating the principles described herein. Detailed Description

[0039] The presently illustrated embodiments mainly relate to combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a refrigerator. Accordingly, where appropriate, the apparatus components and method steps are represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art benefited by the description herein. Further, the same reference numerals in the specification and drawings denote the same elements.

[0040] For the purposes described herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall relate to the disclosure oriented as per Figure 1 Unless otherwise indicated, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of an element that is closer to an intended observer, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of an element that is farther from the intended observer. However, it should be understood that unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations. It should also be understood that the specific apparatus and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, unless the claims otherwise explicitly state, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0041] ​The term "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a series of elements does not consist only of those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article or apparatus. Elements followed by "comprising..." do not, in the absence of further limitations, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus that comprises such element.

[0042] Referring Figures 1 to 2 , refrigerator 10 includes a cabinet 12 and one or more of a door 14 and a drawer 16 associated with the cabinet 12. The cabinet 12 houses one or more of a refrigerating compartment 18 and a freezing compartment 20. Any one of the door 14 and the drawer 16 associated with the cabinet 12 is movable to a closed position 22( Figure 1 ) and an open position 24( Figure 2 ), is movable away from the closed position 22( Figure 1 ) and the open position 24( Figure 2 ), and is movable between the closed position 22 and the open position 24. In the closed position 22, the door 14 and / or the drawer 16 (as the case may be) prevents entry into one or more of the refrigerating compartment 18 and the freezing compartment 20 from the external environment 26. In the open position 24, the door 14 and / or the drawer 16 (as the case may be) allows entry into one or more of the refrigerating compartment 18 and the freezing compartment 20 from the external environment 26. The external environment 26 may be an external environment provided within a kitchen 28. As shown, the refrigerator 10 may be an integrated type, in which the cabinet 12 is recessed into a cabinet 30. However, the refrigerator 10 may be a freestanding type. In addition, the refrigerator 10 may adopt any one of a variety of configurations, such as a French door configuration (as shown), a side-by-side configuration (wherein the refrigerating compartment 18 and the freezing compartment 20 are side by side), and the like.

[0043] Also referring Figures 3 to 9, the refrigerator 10 includes a vacuum insulation structure 32. The vacuum insulation structure 32 at least includes an inner liner 34 and an outer shell 36. In an embodiment such as shown, the vacuum insulation structure 32 includes a first inner liner 34a (as the inner liner 34) and a second inner liner 34b. The first inner liner 34a defines the refrigerating compartment 18. The second inner liner 34b disposed below the first inner liner 34a defines the freezing compartment 20. In an embodiment that only includes the first inner liner 34a (as the inner liner 34), the first inner liner 34a defines either the refrigerating compartment 18 or the freezing compartment 20. In use, the refrigerating compartment 18 can be maintained at a temperature higher than the freezing point of water but lower than the ambient temperature. The refrigerating compartment 18 can be used to store fresh food. In use, the freezing compartment 20 can be maintained at a temperature lower than the freezing point of water so as to keep the food in a frozen state. In the embodiment shown, the first inner liner 34a is disposed above the second inner liner 34b. However, in other embodiments, the first inner liner 34a and the second inner liner 34b can be disposed side by side.

[0044] In any case, the outer shell 36 at least partially encloses the first inner liner 34a and the second inner liner 34b (if included). For example, the outer shell 36 can include a top wall 37, a bottom wall 38, a rear wall 40 and opposite side walls 42, 44. Similarly, the first inner liner 34a can include a top wall 46, a bottom wall 48, a rear wall 50 and opposite side walls 52, 54. Likewise, the second inner liner 34b can include a top wall 56, a bottom wall 58, a rear wall 60 and opposite side walls 62, 64. The rear wall 40 of the outer shell 36 is disposed behind 90 the rear wall 50 of the first inner liner 34a and the rear wall 60 of the second inner liner 34b. The top wall 37 of the outer shell 36 is disposed above the top wall 46 of the first inner liner 34a and the top wall 56 of the second inner liner 34b. The bottom wall 38 of the outer shell 36 is disposed below the bottom wall 48 of the first inner liner 34a and the bottom wall 58 of the second inner liner 34b. The side walls 52, 54 of the first inner liner 34a and the side walls 62, 64 of the second inner liner 34b are disposed between the side walls 42, 44 of the outer shell 36. The bottom wall 38 of the outer shell 36 has a bottom surface 66 facing downward 68.

[0045] The space 70 separates the outer shell 36 from the first inner lining 34a and the second inner lining 34b and separates the first inner lining 34a from the second inner lining 34b. The vacuum insulation structure 32 may further include decorative partitioners 72 coupled to all of the first inner lining 34a, the second inner lining 34b, and the outer shell 36. The decorative partitioners 72 seal the space 70. The decorative partitioners 72 may be disposed in front 74 of the first inner lining 34a, the second inner lining 34b, and the outer shell 36. The decorative partitioners 72 define an opening 76 into the refrigerating chamber 18 defined by the first inner lining 34a and an opening 78 into the freezing chamber 20 defined by the second inner lining 34b. When the door 14 is in the closed position 22, the door 14 covers the opening 76 into the refrigerating chamber 18, but when the door 14 is in the open position 24, the door 14 exposes the opening 76 to the external environment 26. When the drawer 16 is in the closed position 22, the drawer 16 covers the opening 78 into the freezing chamber 20, but when the drawer 16 is in the closed position 22, the drawer 16 exposes the opening 78 to the external environment 26.

[0046] The refrigerator 10 further includes structural supports 100, 200, or 300. Each of the structural supports 100, 200, or 300 supports at least a portion of the weight of the cabinet 12 and defines a machine compartment 80. Components of the refrigerator 10 for maintaining the refrigerating chamber 18 and the freezing chamber 20 at their desired respective temperatures, such as a compressor 82 and a condenser 84, are housed in the machine compartment 80, but other components may also be included in the machine compartment 80. Several embodiments of the structural supports 100, 200, or 300 are further described herein.

[0047] Now referring to Figures 10 to 15 , in an embodiment, the structural support 100 includes a base plate 102. The base plate 102 is horizontally oriented. For example, the base plate 102 includes a top surface 104 facing upward 86 and a bottom surface 106 facing downward 68. At least a portion of the top surface 104 may form a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane formed by at least a portion of the bottom surface 106 may be slightly lower than the horizontal plane formed by the top surface 104. The base plate 102 is welded to the bottom surface 66 of the bottom wall 38 of the outer shell 36. The top surface 104 of the base plate 102 faces and may contact the bottom surface 66 of the bottom wall 38 of the outer shell 36. The base plate 102 may be formed of a weldable metal sheet.

[0048] The structural support 100 further includes side plates 108a, 108b. The side plate 108a is disposed laterally outside the base plate 102 in one lateral direction 87, while the side plate 108b is disposed laterally outside the base plate 102 in another lateral direction 88. Thus, the side plates 108a, 108b are opposite each other. For the features described herein, the side plates 108a, 108b are mirror images of each other. Thus, only the side plate 108a will be specifically discussed, but any feature discussed for the side plate 108a equally applies to the side plate 108b.

[0049] The side plate 108a includes a transverse wall 110 having an inner surface 112. The inner surface 112 of the transverse wall 110 of the side plate 108a faces the inner surface 112 of the transverse wall 110 of the side plate 108b. The transverse wall 110 of the side plate 108a extends downward 68 from the base plate 102. The side plate 108a is coupled to the base plate 102. For example, the side plate 108a may be adjacent to the base plate 102, such as when the side plate 108a and the base plate 102 are formed from a single metal plate 114. The side plate 108a structurally supports the cabinet 12 and thus supports the vacuum insulation structure 32 of the cabinet 12. To help provide such structural support, the side plate 108a may include a C-shaped channel section 116 that extends vertically upward 86 from the bottom 118 of the side plate 108a to the top 120 (see Figure 15 ). The C-shaped channel section 116 may be formed from a single metal plate 114, from which the transverse wall 110 of the side plate 108a and the base plate 102 are formed. The C-shaped channel section 116 helps the side plate 108a bear the weight of the cabinet 12. The C-shaped channel section 116 may provide the rear surface 122 of the side plate 108a.

[0050] The structural support 100 further includes a cross member 124. The cross member 124 is disposed below the base plate 102. The cross member 124 may contact the bottom surface 106 of the base plate 102. The cross member 124 extends laterally between the side plates 108a, 108b, such as between the C-shaped channel sections 116 of the side plates 108a, 108b. The cross member 124 may be disposed flush with the rear surfaces 122 of the side plates 108a, 108b. The cross member 124 is attached to the side plates 108a, 108b. For example, the first end 126 of the cross member 124 may be attached to the C-shaped channel section 116 of the side plate 108a, and the second end 128 of the cross member 124 may be attached to the C-shaped channel section 116 of the side plate 108b. The cross member 124 may be a tube having a rectangular cross section and may be made of metal.

[0051] The structural support 100 may further include leg supports 126. Each leg support 126 is welded to the inner surface 112 of one of the side plates 108a, 108b and the bottom surface 106 of the base plate 102. In the illustrated embodiment, three leg supports 126 are welded to the transverse wall 110 of the side plate 108a, and another three leg supports 126 are welded to the transverse wall 110 of the side plate 108b. Each leg support 126 includes a front wall 128, a transverse wall 130, and a rear wall 132. The front wall 128 is opposite the rear wall 132. The transverse wall 130 extends between the front wall 128 and the rear wall 132. Each leg support 126 further includes a top 134 (see Figure 13) and a bottom 136. The front wall 128, the transverse wall 130, and the rear wall 132 all extend from the top 134 to the bottom 136. The top 134 is welded (see weld 138) to the bottom surface 106 of the base plate 102. The front wall 128 and the rear wall 132 are welded to the inner surfaces 112 of the transverse walls 110 of the side plates 108a, 108b. Thus, each leg support 126 can form a C-shaped channel 140 (see Figure 15 ). In an embodiment, both the front wall 128 and the rear wall 132 have transverse widths 142a, 142b, and the transverse widths 142a, 142b are substantially the same. The transverse widths 142a, 142b decrease from the top 134 toward the bottom 136. Like the side plates 108a, 108b, the leg supports 126 help support the weight of the cabinet 12.

[0052] Now referring to Figures 16 to 22 , in other embodiments, the structural support 200 also includes a base plate 202 (the same reference numerals represent the same elements), which is horizontally oriented and welded to the bottom surface 66 of the bottom wall 38 of the outer shell 36. The structural support 200 also includes a pair of side plates 208a, 208b and leg supports 226.

[0053] A pair of side plates 208a, 208b face each other. The pair of side plates 208a, 208b extend downward 68 from the side edges 244a, 244b of the base plate 202. For example, the side plate 208a extends downward 68 from the side edge 244a of the base plate 202 and is disposed below the side edge 244a of the base plate 202, while the side plate 208b extends downward 68 from the side edge 244b of the base plate 202 and is disposed below the side edge 244b of the base plate 202. The side plate 208b is a mirror image of the side plate 208a in the manner described herein, and thus only the side plate 208a will be specifically discussed.

[0054] The side plate 208a includes a transverse wall 210 having an inner surface 212. The inner surface 212 can be vertical. The side plate 208a also includes a top lip 246 and a bottom lip 248. The top lip 246 extends inward (e.g., horizontally) from the transverse wall 210. The bottom lip 248 also extends inward (e.g., horizontally) from the transverse wall 210, but is below the top lip 246 in height.

[0055] The top lip 246 includes a hole 250 therethrough. The base plate 202 also includes a hole 252 therethrough, and the hole 252 is aligned with the hole 250 through the top lip 246 of a pair of side plates 208a, 208b. For example, at the side edge 244a, the holes 252a - 252c through the base plate 202 are aligned with the holes 250a - 250c through the top lip 246 of the side plate 208a. The fasteners 254 extend through the holes 250 through the top lip 246 of a pair of side plates 208a, 208b and the holes 252 through the base plate 202 to fasten the base plate 202 and the pair of side plates 208a, 208b together. For example, the fastener 254a extends through the hole 252a through the base plate 202 and through the hole 250a through the top lip 246 of the side plate 208a.

[0056] The structural support 200 may further include a carriage 256. The carriage 256 has wheels 258. The carriage 256 is vertically disposed below a pair of side plates 208a, 208b. The carriage 256 includes a pair of horizontal sections 260a, 260b, where each horizontal section is disposed below a different one of the pair of side plates 208a, 208b. For example, the horizontal section 260a is disposed below the side plate 208a, and the horizontal section 260b is disposed below the side plate 208b. The horizontal sections 260a, 260b extend from the front end 262 to the rear end 264 in a backward direction. The front end 262 and the rear end 264 are at least substantially vertically aligned with the front part 266 and the rear part 268 of the side plates 208a, 208b below which the horizontal sections 260a, 260b are disposed.

[0057] Each of the horizontal sections 260a, 260b includes a hole 270 therethrough. The bottom lip 248 also includes a hole 272 therethrough. The hole 272 is aligned with the hole 270 through the horizontal sections 260a, 260b of the carriage 256. For example, the hole 272a through the bottom lip 248 is aligned with the hole 270a through the horizontal section 260a of the carriage 256. The fasteners 274 extend through the aligned holes 270, 272 to fasten the carriage 256 and the pair of side plates 208a, 208b together. For example, the fastener 274a extends through the hole 272a through the bottom lip 248 and through the hole 270a through the horizontal section 260a of the carriage 256. The horizontal sections 260a, 260b may be made of bent metal plates.

[0058] As described above, the structural support member 200 further includes leg support members 226. The leg support members 226 are provided at each of a pair of side plates 208a, 208b. For example, the leg support members 226a - 226c are welded to the side plate 208a, and the leg support members 226d - 226f are welded to the side plate 208b. Each leg support member 226 is welded to the top lip 246, the inward surface 212 of the transverse wall 210, and the bottom lip 248 of the side plate 208a or 208b on which the leg support member 226 is provided. More specifically, each leg support member 226 includes a front wall 228 welded (see weld 238) to the transverse wall 210, a transverse wall 230 facing the transverse wall 210, and a rear wall 232 welded to the transverse wall 210, where the transverse wall 210 is the transverse wall of the side plate 208a or 208b associated with the leg support member 226. In addition, each leg support member 226 includes a top 234 welded to the top lip 246 of the side plate 208a or 208b associated with the leg support member 226 and a bottom 236 welded to the bottom lip 248 of the side plate 208a or 208b associated with the leg support member 226. The front wall 228 and the rear wall 232 each include transverse widths 242a, 242b (see Figure 22 ). The transverse widths 242a, 242b decrease from the top 234 towards the bottom 236. The leg support members 226 may include any of the features discussed above for the leg support members 126 of the structural support member 100. The leg support members 226 at least partially carry the weight of the cabinet 12 and thus the weight of the vacuum insulation structure 32.

[0059] The base plate 202 and one or more of the pair of side plates 208a, 208b may be at least partially constrained within the machine room 80 of the structural support member 200. For example, the base plate 202 may define the top plate 89 of the machine room 80. The side plate 208a may define the side wall 91 of the machine room 80.

[0060] Similar to the structural support member 200, the structural support member 200 may also include cross members 224. The cross members 224 are attached to both of the pair of side plates 208a, 208b. The cross members 224 are provided behind the leg support members 226. The cross members 224 may be the same as the cross members 124, and each of the pair of side plates 208a, 208b may include C - shaped channels similar to the pair of side plates 108a, 108b of another structural support member 100 described above.

[0061] Now refer to Figures 23 to 30, in other embodiments, the structural support 300 also includes a substrate 302 (the same reference numerals again denote the same elements). The substrate 302 is horizontally oriented. For example, the substrate 302 includes a top surface 304 that faces upward 86 and is at least partially coplanar with the horizontal plane. The substrate 302 is welded to the bottom surface 66 of the bottom wall 66 of the outer housing 36. The substrate 302 also includes a bottom surface 306. The bottom surface 308 faces downward 68, while the top surface 304 faces upward 86. The substrate 302 can be formed of a metal plate.

[0062] The substrate 302 includes lateral sides 376a, 376b. The lateral side 376a faces the lateral direction 87. The other lateral side 376b faces the lateral direction 88 opposite to the lateral direction 87. The substrate 302 includes lips 380a, 380b that extend downward 68 relative to the top surface 304 of the substrate 302. The lip 380a is provided at the lateral side 376a, while the other lip 380b is provided at the other lateral side 376b. Each of the lips 380a, 380b includes an inward-facing surface 382 (see Figure 30 ).

[0063] In addition, the substrate 302 includes riveting studs 384. The riveting studs 384 extend downward 68 from the bottom surface 306 of the substrate 302. The riveting studs 384 are welded to the substrate 302. The riveting studs 384 are disposed laterally inward of the lips 380a, 380b but close to the lips 380a, 380b (e.g., within a few inches of the lips 380a, 380b). For example, the riveting studs 384a - 384c are disposed near the lip 380a, while the riveting studs 384d - 384f are disposed near the lip 380b. The riveting studs 384 are aligned from forward 74 to backward 90.

[0064] In addition, the substrate 302 includes tabs 386. The tabs 386 are disposed transversely inward of the lips 380a, 380b of the substrate 302 and face the lips 380a, 380b of the substrate 302. More specifically, the tabs 386 include outward-facing surfaces 388 that face the lips 380a, 380b of the substrate 302. The tabs 386 extend downward 68 from the bottom surface 306 of the substrate 302. For example, tabs 386a, 386b are disposed near the transverse side 376a of the substrate 302, and tabs 386c, 386d are disposed near the other transverse side 376b of the substrate 302. In an embodiment, at both transverse sides 376a, 376b of the substrate 302, at least one of the tabs 386 is disposed in front 74 of the riveting studs 384, and at least one of the tabs 386 is disposed behind 90 the riveting studs 384. For example, at the transverse side 376a of the substrate 302, tab 386a is disposed in front 74 of the riveting studs 384a - 384c, and tab 386b is disposed behind 90 the riveting studs 384a - 384c.

[0065] The structural support 300 further includes a pair of side plates 308a, 308b. The pair of side plates 308a, 308b face each other. The pair of side plates 308a, 308b extend downward 68 from the substrate 302. Side plate 308a is disposed at the transverse side 376a of the substrate 302. The other side plate 308b is disposed at the other transverse side 376b of the substrate 302. For the purposes of the discussion herein, the side plates 308a, 308b are mirror images of each other. Thus, only side plate 308a will be specifically discussed, and any such discussion will equally apply to the other side plate 308b.

[0066] Side plate 308a includes a top wall 390. The top wall 390 is disposed below the bottom surface 306 of the substrate 302. The top wall 390 may contact the bottom surface 306 of the substrate 302.

[0067] Side plate 308a further includes an outer side wall 392. The outer side wall 392 extends downward 68 from the top wall 390 of the side plate 308a. The outer side wall 392 faces and may contact the lip 380a of the substrate 302 that is also disposed at the transverse side 376a of the substrate 302. The inward-facing surface 382 of the lip 380a faces and may contact the outer side wall 392 of the side plate 308a.

[0068] The side plate 308a further includes an inner side wall 394. The inner side wall 394 extends downward 68 from the top wall 390 of the side plate 308a. The inner side wall 394 is disposed inside the outer side wall 392. The inner side wall 394 is opposite to the outer side wall 392. The inner side wall 394 faces and can contact the outward-facing surface 388 of the tab 386 of the substrate 302 that is also disposed at the lateral side 376a of the substrate 302 and is the same as the side plate 308a. Thus, the side plate 308a is sandwiched between the flange 380a of the substrate 302 and the tab 386 of the substrate 302 that is disposed at the same lateral side 376a of the substrate 302 as the side plate 308a.

[0069] The side plate 308a may further include a tab 396. The tab 396 extends inward from the top wall 390 of the side plate 308a. The tab 396 may be flush (e.g., coplanar) with the top wall 390 of the side plate 308a. Each tab 396 includes a hole 398 (see Figure 30 ). Each hole 398 receives a different one of the riveting studs 384 of the substrate 302. A nut 400 may be applied to the riveting stud 384 to fix the side plate 308a and the substrate 302 together.

[0070] Each of the side plates 308a, 308b further includes a front wall 402 and a rear wall 404. The front wall 402 is disposed in front 74 of the rear wall 404. The front wall 402 extends laterally between the outer side wall 392 and the inner side wall 394. The rear wall 404 also extends laterally between the outer side wall 392 and the inner side wall 394. A space 406 separates the front wall 402 from the rear wall 404 and separates the outer side wall 392 from the inner side wall 394. Heat-insulating and / or sound-insulating materials such as foam 408 may be disposed in the space 406.

[0071] The structural support 300 further includes a fastener 410 that fastens the pair of side plates 308a, 308b and the substrate 302 together. The fastener 410 extends through the aligned holes through the flanges 380a, 380b of the substrate 302, through the holes in the outer side walls 392 of the pair of side plates 308a, 308b, through the holes in the inner side walls 394 of the pair of side plates 308a, 308b, and through the holes in the tabs 386 of the substrate 302 to fasten the pair of side plates 308a, 308b to the substrate 302. For example, at the lateral side 376a of the substrate 302, the flanges 380a of the substrate 302, the outer side walls 392 of the side plate 308a, the inner side walls 394 of the side plate 308a, and the tabs of the substrate 302 all include aligned holes, and the fastener 410 extends through these holes.

[0072] Like other structural supports 100, 200, the pair of side plates 308a, 308b of the structural support 300 at least partially bear the weight of the cabinet 12 and thus the weight of the vacuum insulation structure 32. In addition, the structural support 300 further includes a cross member 324. The cross member 324 is disposed below the rear portion 412 of the base plate 302. The cross member 324 extends in the lateral direction 87 to a first end 426 and further extends in the lateral direction 88 to a second end 428. The first end 426 is attached to the side plate 308a, for example, by a fastener 430 that extends through the outer side wall 392, the space 406, and the inner side wall 394 of the side plate 308a and into the cross member 324. The second end 428 is attached to the other side plate 308a, such as by another fastener 432 that extends through the outer side wall 392, the space 406, and the inner side wall 394 of the outer side plate 308b. The cross member 324 can also be a tubular member having a rectangular cross section.

[0073] In addition, the structural support 300 can further include a wheel assembly 434. The wheel assembly 434 is attached to the side plates 308a, 308b. For example, the wheel assembly 434a is attached to the side plate 308a, and another wheel assembly 434b is attached to the other side plate 308b. At least a portion of the wheel assembly 434a is disposed laterally inside the outer side wall 392 of the side plate 308a.

[0074] Furthermore, at least one of the base plate 302 and the pair of side plates 308a at least partially defines the machine room 80 of the refrigerator 10. For example, the bottom surface 306 of the base plate 302 can define the top plate 89 of the machine room 80, and the inner side wall 394 of the side plate 308a can laterally define the machine room 80.

[0075] The structural supports 100, 200, 300 solve the problems described in the background art because the structural supports 100, 200, 300 support the weight of the cabinet 12 and thus the weight of the vacuum insulation structure 32 without using fasteners that extend through the outer shell 36 of the vacuum insulation structure 32. Instead, the structural supports 100, 200, 300 each include a base plate 102, 202, 302 that is welded to the bottom wall 38 of the outer shell 36 of the vacuum insulation structure 32. The structural supports 100, 200, 300 each include side plates 108a, 108b, 208a, 208b, 308a, 308b, and in some embodiments, include leg supports 126, 226 that support the weight of the vacuum insulation structure 32. The base plates 102, 202, 302 and 108a, 108b, 208a, 208b, 308a, 308b further define the machine room 80, thereby providing additional benefits.

[0076] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: (a) a vacuum insulation structure including (i) a liner defining a refrigerating chamber or a freezing chamber and (ii) an outer shell at least partially enclosing the liner, the outer shell including a bottom wall disposed below the liner, the bottom wall having a bottom surface facing downward; (b) a substrate horizontally oriented and welded to the bottom surface of the bottom wall; (c) side plates coupled to the substrate, extending downward from the substrate, and structurally supporting the vacuum insulation structure; and (d) a cross member attached to the side plates.

[0077] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the refrigerator of the first aspect, wherein (a) the side plates are adjacent to the substrate, and (b) a single metal plate includes the side plates and the substrate.

[0078] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the refrigerator of any one of the first to second aspects further includes a leg support welded to the side plates and the substrate, the leg support extending downward from the substrate and inward from the side plates.

[0079] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the refrigerator of the third aspect, wherein (i) the side plates include a transverse wall having an inner surface, (ii) the substrate has a bottom surface, and (iii) the leg support is welded to the inner surface of the transverse wall of the side plates and the bottom surface of the substrate.

[0080] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: (a) a vacuum insulation structure including (i) a liner defining a refrigerating chamber or a freezing chamber and (ii) an outer shell at least partially enclosing the liner, the outer shell including a bottom wall disposed below the liner, the bottom wall having a bottom surface facing downward; (b) a substrate horizontally oriented and welded to the bottom surface of the bottom wall; (c) a pair of side plates opposite to each other, the pair of side plates extending downward from side edges of the substrate, each side plate of the pair of side plates including (i) a transverse wall having an inner surface, (ii) a top lip extending inward from the transverse wall, and (iii) a bottom lip extending inward from the transverse wall below the top lip in height; and (d) a leg support at each side plate of the pair of side plates, the leg support being welded to (i) the top lip of the side plate, (ii) the inner surface of the transverse wall of the side plate, and (iii) the bottom lip of the side plate; wherein the leg support at least partially bears the weight of the vacuum insulation structure.

[0081] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator according to the fifth aspect, wherein (i) the top lip of each of the pair of side plates includes a hole therethrough, (ii) the base plate includes a lateral edge and a hole therethrough in the lateral edge, the hole being aligned with the hole through the top lip of the pair of side plates, and (iii) a fastener extends through the hole through the top lip of the pair of side plates and the hole through the base plate to fasten the base plate and the pair of side plates together.

[0082] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the refrigerator according to any one of the fifth to sixth aspects further includes: a carriage having wheels disposed below the pair of side plates in height, the carriage including a pair of horizontal sections, wherein each horizontal section is disposed below a different one of the pair of side plates, and wherein each horizontal section includes a hole therethrough, wherein (i) the bottom lip of each of the pair of side plates includes a hole therethrough, the hole being aligned with the hole through the pair of horizontal sections of the carriage, and (ii) the refrigerator further includes a fastener that extends through the hole through the horizontal section of the carriage and the hole through the bottom lip of the pair of side plates to fasten the pair of side plates to the carriage.

[0083] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, wherein (i) each leg support includes a front wall welded to the lateral wall of the side plate associated with the leg support, a lateral wall facing the lateral wall of the side plate associated with the leg support, a rear wall welded to the lateral wall of the side plate associated with the leg support, a top welded to the top lip of the side plate associated with the leg support, and a bottom welded to the bottom lip of the side plate associated with the leg support, and (ii) the front wall and the rear wall each include a lateral width that decreases from the top towards the bottom.

[0084] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, wherein the base plate defines a top plate of the machine room of the refrigerator.

[0085] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator according to the ninth aspect, wherein one or more of a compressor or a condenser is disposed in the machine room.

[0086] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator according to any one of the fifth to tenth aspects, wherein a cross member is attached to both of the pair of side plates, the cross member being disposed behind the leg support.

[0087] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: (a) a vacuum insulation structure, the vacuum insulation structure including (i) a liner defining a refrigerating chamber or a freezing chamber and (ii) an outer shell at least partially encapsulating the liner, the outer shell including a bottom wall disposed below the liner, the bottom wall having a downward-facing bottom surface; (b) a substrate horizontally oriented and welded to the bottom surface of the bottom wall of the outer shell, the substrate including (i) a flange extending downward relative to the top surface of the substrate, (ii) riveting studs disposed laterally inside the flange and adjacent to the flange, and (iii) tabs disposed laterally inside the flange and facing the flange, one of the flanges being disposed at each of the two lateral sides of the substrate, the riveting studs extending downward from the bottom surface of the substrate, the tabs extending downward from the bottom surface of the substrate; (c) a pair of side plates extending downward from the substrate and opposite to each other, each side plate of the pair of side plates including (i) a top wall, (ii) an outer side wall, and (iii) an inner side wall, the top wall being disposed below the substrate at one side of the substrate, the outer side wall extending downward from the top wall and facing the flange of the substrate also disposed at the one side of the substrate, the inner side wall extending downward from the top wall inside the outer side wall and facing the tab of the substrate also disposed at the one side of the substrate, such that the side plate is sandwiched between the flange of the substrate disposed at the one side of the substrate and the tab of the substrate; and (d) a fastener extending through aligned holes passing through the flange of the substrate, holes passing through the outer side walls of the pair of side plates, holes passing through the inner side walls of the pair of side plates, and holes passing through the tab of the substrate to fasten the pair of side plates to the substrate, wherein the pair of side plates at least partially bears the weight of the vacuum insulation structure.

[0088] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the refrigerator of the twelfth aspect, wherein at both sides of the substrate, at least one of the tabs is disposed in front of the riveting stud, and at least one of the tabs is disposed behind the riveting stud.

[0089] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the refrigerator of any one of the twelfth aspect to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the flange of the substrate disposed at one side of the substrate includes an inward-facing surface, and the inward-facing surface contacts the outer side wall of the side plate also disposed at the one side.

[0090] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects, wherein each of the tabs in the substrate on the same side of the substrate as the side plate includes an outward-facing surface that contacts the inner wall of the side plate.

[0091] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects, wherein each of the pair of side plates further includes a tab that extends inward from the top wall and is flush with the top wall, and each tab includes a hole that receives a different one of the riveting studs of the substrate.

[0092] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator according to any one of the twelfth to sixteenth aspects, wherein (a) each of the pair of side plates further includes (i) a front wall that extends laterally between the outer wall and the inner wall and (ii) a rear wall that is disposed behind the front wall and extends laterally between the outer wall and the inner wall, and (b) a space separates the front wall from the rear wall and separates the outer wall from the inner wall.

[0093] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator according to any one of the twelfth to seventeenth aspects further includes a cross member fastened to two of the pair of side plates.

[0094] According to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator according to any one of the twelfth to eighteenth aspects further includes a wheel assembly, wherein each wheel assembly is attached to a different one of the pair of side plates.

[0095] According to a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator according to any one of the twelfth to nineteenth aspects, wherein the substrate and at least one of the pair of side plates at least partially define a machine room of the refrigerator.

[0096] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the described disclosure and the construction of other components are not limited to any specific material. Unless otherwise specified herein, other exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein may be formed of a variety of materials.

[0097] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are directly or indirectly connected to each other. Such a connection can be fixed or movable in nature. Such a connection can be achieved through two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members, which are integrally formed as a single entity with each other or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such a connection can be permanent in nature or can be removable or releasable.

[0098] It should also be noted that the structures and arrangements of the elements of the present disclosure shown in the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who read this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications can be made without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the described subject matter (e.g., changes in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, an element shown as being formed integrally may be composed of multiple parts, or an element shown as multiple parts may be formed integrally, the operation of the interface may be reversed or otherwise changed, the length or width of the structure and / or components or connectors or other elements of the system may be changed, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may 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 that provide sufficient strength or durability, having any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications should be included within the scope of the present invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made to the design, operating conditions and arrangements of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0099] It should be understood that any of the processes described or any steps in the described processes can be combined with other processes or steps disclosed 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 construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: A vacuum insulation structure comprising (i) an inner liner defining a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment and (ii) an outer shell at least partially enclosing the inner liner, the outer shell comprising a bottom wall disposed below the inner liner, the bottom wall having a bottom surface facing downward; a base plate oriented horizontally and welded to the bottom surface of the bottom wall; as well as A pair of side panels are coupled to the base plate, extend downwardly from the base plate, and structurally support the vacuum insulation structure.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The pair of side plates are adjacent to the base plate, A single piece of metal plate includes the pair of side plates and the base plate, and The refrigerator further includes a leg support welded to the pair of side plates and the base plate, the leg support extending downward from the base plate and extending inward from the pair of side plates.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein: The pair of side panels include a transverse wall having an inwardly facing surface; The substrate has a bottom surface; and The leg supports are welded to the inwardly facing surfaces of the transverse walls of the pair of side plates and to the bottom surface of the base plate.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The pair of side panels are opposite to each other and extend downward from the side edges of the base plate, each pair of side panels comprising: (i) a transverse wall having an inwardly facing surface, (ii) a top lip extending inwardly from the transverse wall, and (iii) a bottom lip extending inwardly from the transverse wall at a height below the top lip; At each of the pair of side panels, the refrigerator further includes a leg support welded to (i) the top lip of the side panel, (ii) the inward surface of the transverse wall of the side panel, and (iii) the bottom lip of the side panel; and The leg supports at least partially bear the weight of the vacuum insulation structure.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein: The top lip of each side panel of the pair of side panels includes a hole extending therethrough, The base plate includes a side edge and a hole extending therethrough, the hole being aligned with a hole extending through the top lip of the pair of side panels, and Fasteners extend through holes through the top lips of the pair of side panels and through holes through the base panel to fasten the base panel and the pair of side panels together.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 4, further comprising: a carriage having wheels disposed at a height below the pair of side panels, the carriage comprising a pair of horizontal sections, wherein each horizontal section is disposed below a different one of the pair of side panels, and wherein each horizontal section comprises a hole extending therethrough, wherein the bottom lip of each of the pair of side panels includes a hole extending therethrough that is aligned with the holes extending through the pair of horizontal sections of the carriage, and The refrigerator further comprises a fastener extending through a hole passing through the horizontal section of the slide and a hole passing through the bottom lip of the pair of side panels to fasten the pair of side panels to the slide.

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: Each of the leg supports comprises a front wall welded to the transverse wall of the side panel associated with the leg support, a transverse wall facing the transverse wall of the side panel, a rear wall welded to the transverse wall of the side panel, a top welded to the top lip of the side panel, and a bottom welded to the bottom lip of the side panel, and The front wall and the rear wall each include a lateral width that decreases from the top toward the bottom.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The base plate includes: (i) a lip extending downward relative to the top surface of the base plate, one of the lips being disposed at each of two lateral sides of the base plate; (ii) a rivet stud disposed laterally inwardly of the lip and adjacent to the lip, the rivet stud extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the base plate; and (iii) a tab disposed laterally inwardly of the lip and facing the lip, the tab extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the base plate; Each of the pair of side panels includes: (i) a top wall, which is disposed below the base plate on one side of the base plate; (ii) an outer side wall, which extends downward from the top wall and faces the lip of the base plate, which is also disposed on the one side of the base plate; and (iii) an inner side wall, which extends downward from the top wall inside the outer side wall and faces the tab of the base plate, which is also disposed on the one side of the base plate, so that the side panel is sandwiched between the lip of the base plate, which is disposed on the one side of the base plate, and the tab of the base plate. The refrigerator further includes a fastener extending through aligned holes extending through the lip of the base, the outer side walls of the pair of side panels, the inner side walls of the pair of side panels, and the tab of the base to fasten the pair of side panels to the base, and The pair of side panels at least partially bears the weight of the vacuum insulation structure.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein: At both sides of the base plate, at least one of the tabs is disposed in front of the rivet stud, and at least one of the tabs is disposed behind the rivet stud.

10. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein: The lips of the base plate disposed at the lateral sides of the base plate each include an inwardly facing surface, and the inwardly facing surface contacts the outer side wall of the side panel disposed closest to the lip, Each of the tabs of the base plate at the same side of the base plate as the side plate includes an outwardly facing surface that contacts the inner side wall of the side plate, and Each of the pair of side panels further includes a tab extending inwardly from the top wall and flush with the top wall, each tab including a hole that receives a different one of the rivet studs of the base plate.

Images