Refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator that comprises a vacuum heat insulation material, and whose production efficiency can be improved.SOLUTION: In a refrigerator, a heat insulation body including a vacuum heat insulation material 21 is arranged in a gap between an inner box in which a storage chamber is arranged, and an outer box. The vacuum heat insulation material 21 is held by a holding member 25. The holding member 25 comprises a strip-shaped belt 26, and an attachment part 27. The belt part 26 is fitted to the vacuum heat insulation member 21 so as to be wrapped around the vacuum heat insulation member 21. The attachment part 27 is provided on the belt part 26, and fixed to the inner box. The attachment part 27 has a function of keeping an interval between the vacuum heat insulation material 21 and the inner box.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to refrigerators. [Background technology]

[0002] In a refrigerator, from the viewpoint of reducing power consumption during cooling operation and ensuring storage capacity, a vacuum insulation panel (VIP: Vacuum Insulation Panel) is arranged in a gap between an inner box and an outer box of the refrigerator together with a foam insulation material such as urethane.

[0003] The thermal conductivity of vacuum insulation material is said to be about one-tenth of that of foam insulation material. Therefore, by combining vacuum insulation material with foam insulation material, it is possible to reduce the thickness of insulation while suppressing the amount of heat penetration, and it is possible to simultaneously reduce the power consumption during cooling operation of the refrigerator and increase the storage capacity of the refrigerator. For this reason, vacuum insulation material has become an essential and important functional component in modern refrigerators.

[0004] A vacuum insulation material is a plate-shaped insulation material in which a core material is wrapped in a packaging material made of a film having barrier properties, and the inside of the packaging material is decompressed. For example, a laminate of glass wool oriented approximately parallel to one plane is used as the core material. For example, a laminate of a resin and a metal such as aluminum in the form of a film is used as the packaging material.

[0005] In vacuum insulation materials, the porosity inside the core material is 90% or more. The degree of vacuum inside the packaging material is about several Pa. If the packaging material is broken during the manufacturing process of a refrigerator, for example, the volume of the vacuum insulation material will increase by about 3 to 4 times from the original volume. For this reason, it is required for vacuum insulation materials to not damage the packaging material.

[0006] Various methods have been proposed for attaching a vacuum insulation material to a refrigerator, such as a method of directly attaching the vacuum insulation material to the refrigerator's metal plate with an adhesive (see Patent Documents 1 to 6). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 111872 / 1983 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-142049 [Patent Document 3] JP 2016-166733 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2017-186041 A [Patent Document 5] JP 2020-173037 A [Patent Document 6] JP 2023-602284 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In conventional refrigerators, the vacuum insulation material is directly attached to the inner box of the refrigerator with an adhesive. Therefore, if the packaging material of the vacuum insulation material is damaged during the manufacturing process, the inner box of the refrigerator must also be discarded, which reduces the production efficiency of refrigerators.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to provide a refrigerator that can improve the production efficiency of refrigerators having vacuum insulation materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A refrigerator according to the present disclosure has an inner box, an outer box, an insulator, and a holding member. A storage chamber is arranged in the inner box. The inner box is housed in the outer box. The outer box is arranged with a gap between it and the inner box. The insulator is arranged in the gap between the inner box and the front box, and includes a vacuum insulation material. The holding member holds the vacuum insulation material. The holding member has a band-shaped belt portion and an attachment portion. The belt portion is attached to the vacuum insulation material in a manner that it is wrapped around the vacuum insulation material. The attachment portion is provided on the belt portion and fixed to the inner box. The attachment portion has a function of maintaining a gap between the vacuum insulation material and the inner box. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the refrigerator of the present disclosure, the vacuum insulation material is held by a holding member, and the holding member holding the vacuum insulation material is fixed to the inner box. As a result, even if the vacuum insulation material is damaged during the manufacturing process of the refrigerator, the vacuum insulation material and the holding member can be replaced, and there is no need to discard the inner box. As a result, the production efficiency of the refrigerator can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view for explaining the structure of the refrigerator according to each embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view including a partial cross section for explaining the structure of the refrigerator according to each embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigeration cycle circuit, an air supply duct, and a return air duct in the refrigerator according to each embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a refrigerator in which a vacuum insulating material is held by a holding member according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an outer box, an inner box, and an insulator including a vacuum insulation material disposed between the outer box and the inner box in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure in which the vacuum insulation material is held by a holding member in the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a front view showing one step of a method for holding vacuum insulation material by a holding member in the embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a front view, partially in cross section, showing a step carried out after the step shown in FIG. 7 in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a front view, partially in cross section, showing a step carried out after the step shown in FIG. 8 in the embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a front view, partially in cross section, showing a step carried out after the step shown in FIG. 9 in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a front view, partially in cross section, showing a step of a method for holding a vacuum insulation material having a width different from that of the vacuum insulation material shown in FIG. 9 by a holding member in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a front view, partially in cross section, showing a step carried out after the step shown in FIG. 11 in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a refrigerator in which a vacuum insulation material is held by a holding member according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure in which the vacuum insulation material is held by a holding member in the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the holding member in a molded state in the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a front view showing one step of a method for holding vacuum insulation material by a holding member in the embodiment. [Figure 17] 17 is a front view, partially in cross section, showing a step carried out after the step shown in FIG. 16 in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] 18 is a front view, partially in cross section, showing a step carried out after the step shown in FIG. 17 in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 19] 18 is a front view, partially in cross section, showing a step of a method for holding a vacuum insulation material having a thickness different from that of the vacuum insulation material shown in FIG. 17 by a holding member in the same embodiment. FIG. [Figure 20]20 is a front view, partially in cross section, showing a step carried out after the step shown in FIG. 19 in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure in which a vacuum insulation material is held by a holding member in a refrigerator according to embodiment 3. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the holding member in a molded state in the embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 4 is a front view showing one step of a method for holding vacuum insulation material by a holding member in the embodiment. [Figure 24] 24 is a front view, partially in cross section, showing a step carried out after the step shown in FIG. 23 in the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 25] 25 is a front view, partially in cross section, showing a step carried out after the step shown in FIG. 24 in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a holding member according to a modified example in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] First, an example of the overall configuration of a refrigerator equipped with a thermal insulator including a vacuum insulation material, which is common to each embodiment, will be described.

[0014] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, refrigerator 1 includes inner box 3 having storage compartment walls 4, and outer box 15 having outer box sheet metal 16 (see Fig. 5). A plurality of storage compartments 5 are arranged in inner box 3. Inner box 3 is housed in outer box 15. As storage compartments 5, refrigerator compartment 7, ice making compartment 8, small freezer compartment 9, vegetable compartment 10, and large freezer compartment 11 are arranged. Refrigerator compartment 7 is arranged at the top of refrigerator 1. Ice making compartment 8 and small freezer compartment 9 are arranged below refrigerator compartment 7. Ice making compartment 8 and small freezer compartment 9 are arranged next to each other. Vegetable compartment 10 is arranged below ice making compartment 8 and small freezer compartment 9. Large freezer compartment 11 is arranged below vegetable compartment 10.

[0015] The storage chamber wall 4 of the inner box 3 and the outer box metal sheet 16 of the outer box 15 are disposed with a gap therebetween, and a gap 17 is provided between the inner box 3 (storage chamber wall 4) and the outer box 15 (outer box metal sheet 16) (see FIG. 5). A heat insulator 19 is disposed in the gap 17. The heat insulator 19 includes a vacuum insulation material 21 and a foam insulation material 23. The heat insulator 19 prevents heat from entering from the outside air and from a condenser (not shown) disposed in the heat insulator 19.

[0016] In addition, in the storage compartments 5, partition members 13 having a heat insulating function are arranged between the storage compartments 5 with different storage temperatures. Partition member 13a is arranged between the refrigerator compartment 7 and the ice making compartment 8 and small freezer compartment 9. Partition member 13b is arranged between the ice making compartment 8 and small freezer compartment 9. Partition member 13c is arranged between the ice making compartment 8 and small freezer compartment 9 and the vegetable compartment 10. Partition member 13d is arranged between the vegetable compartment 10 and large freezer compartment 11. The partition members 13 suppress the transfer of heat between the storage compartments 5.

[0017] On the rear side of the refrigerator 1, a cooler chamber 79, an air supply duct 81, and a return air passage 83 (see FIG. 3) are arranged between the storage chamber 5 and the vacuum insulation material 21. The air supply duct 81 and the return air passage 83 are connected to the cooler chamber 79. A cooler 75 is arranged inside the cooler chamber 79. The cooler 75 is arranged on the rear side of the vegetable chamber 10. A compressor 71 is also arranged on the rear side of the refrigerator 1. Furthermore, a control device 91 is arranged on the upper part of the rear side of the refrigerator 1.

[0018] Next, the refrigeration cycle circuit of the refrigerator 1 and the like will be described. FIG. 3 shows a circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle circuit 70, the blower air duct 81, and the return air duct 83. First, the refrigeration cycle circuit 70 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the refrigeration cycle circuit 70 (refrigerator 1) includes a compressor 71, a condenser 72, a three-way valve 73, a pressure reducing device 74, a cooler 75, an internal fan 76, a header 77, and a piping 80 connecting these. The piping 80 includes a suction pipe 78. The compressor 71 and the like are connected by the piping 80 in the order of the compressor 71, the condenser 72, the three-way valve 73, the pressure reducing device 74, the cooler 75, the internal fan 76, the header 77, the suction pipe 78, and the compressor 71. The refrigeration cycle circuit 70 also includes the internal fan 76.

[0019] The compressor 71 compresses the refrigerant to produce a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The condenser 72 dissipates heat from the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The pressure reducing device 74 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The pressure reducing device 74 includes a capillary tube 74a and a capillary tube 74b. Depending on the load, the three-way valve 73 switches the flow path to either the capillary tube 74a or the capillary tube 74b.

[0020] The cooler 75 cools each storage chamber 5 by exchanging heat with the air flowing in the cooler chamber 79. The suction pipe 78 is disposed along the capillary tube 74a. The temperature of the refrigerant sent to the compressor 71 is increased by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing in the suction pipe 78 and the refrigerant flowing in the capillary tube 74a.

[0021] Next, the air supply air duct 81 and the return air duct 83 will be described. The air cooled by heat exchange in the cooler 75 is sent out from the cooler 75 by the internal fan 76. The sent out air flows through each of the multiple air supply air ducts 81 (81a to 81e) and is sent from the rear side of the refrigerator 1 (see FIG. 2) to each of the storage chambers 5 (7 to 11).

[0022] Damper 85 is provided in air blowing passage 81 except for air blowing passage 81e. Damper 85a is provided in air blowing passage 81a. Damper 85b is provided in air blowing passage 81b. Damper 85c is provided in air blowing passage 81c. Damper 85d is provided in air blowing passage 81d.

[0023] The air that flows through air supply duct 81a is sent to refrigerator compartment 7, where it cools the interior of refrigerator compartment 7. The air that flows through air supply duct 81b is sent to ice-making compartment 8, where it cools the interior of ice-making compartment 8. The air that flows through air supply duct 81c is sent to small freezer compartment 9, where it cools the interior of small freezer compartment 9. The air that flows through air supply duct 81d is sent to vegetable compartment 10, where it cools the interior of vegetable compartment 10. The air that flows through air supply duct 81e is sent to large freezer compartment 11, where it cools the interior of large freezer compartment 11.

[0024] The air that has cooled each of the storage compartments 5 flows through the multiple return air ducts 83 (83a to 83e) and is returned to the cooler 75. The air that has cooled the inside of the refrigerator compartment 7 flows through the return air duct 83a and is returned to the cooler 75. The air that has cooled the inside of the ice-making compartment 8 flows through the return air duct 83b and is returned to the cooler 75. The air that has cooled the inside of the small freezer compartment 9 flows through the return air duct 83c and is returned to the cooler 75. The air that has cooled the inside of the vegetable compartment 10 flows through the return air duct 83d and is returned to the cooler 75. The air that has cooled the inside of the large freezer compartment 11 flows through the return air duct 83e and is returned to the cooler 75.

[0025] In the refrigerator 1, the temperature in each storage compartment 5 is lowered to a target temperature by performing the above-mentioned air circulating operation. Once the target temperature is reached, the temperature in each storage compartment 5 is maintained within the range between the lower limit temperature setting and the upper limit temperature setting. The operation of the refrigerator 1 is controlled based on information from a thermistor 87 (temperature detection unit) installed in each storage compartment 5.

[0026] A thermistor 87a is installed in the refrigerator compartment 7. A thermistor 87b is installed in the ice-making compartment 8. A thermistor 87c is installed in the small freezer compartment 9. A thermistor 87d is installed in the vegetable compartment 10. A thermistor 87e is installed in the large freezer compartment 11.

[0027] In each storage compartment 5 (refrigeration compartment 7, ice-making compartment 8, small freezer compartment 9, vegetable compartment 10) except for the large freezer compartment 11, when the temperature detected by the thermistor 87 reaches the lower limit set temperature, a damper 85 provided in the air supply duct 81 leading to the storage compartment 5 that has reached the lower limit set temperature is closed, temporarily stopping the delivery of cooled air to the storage compartment 5 that has reached the lower limit set temperature.

[0028] On the other hand, when the temperature detected by thermistor 87 reaches the upper limit set temperature, damper 85 provided in ventilation air duct 81 leading to storage compartment 5 whose upper limit set temperature has been reached is opened, and cooled air begins to be sent into storage compartment 5 whose upper limit set temperature has been reached. By repeating this operation, refrigerator 1 controls the temperature in each storage compartment 5 (refrigerator compartment 7, ice-making compartment 8, small freezer compartment 9, vegetable compartment 10) except for large freezer compartment 11 to be within the range between the lower limit set temperature and the upper limit set temperature.

[0029] Of the storage compartments 5, in large freezer compartment 11, when the temperature detected by thermistor 87e reaches a lower limit temperature setting set for large freezer compartment 11, operation of compressor 71 is stopped. On the other hand, when the temperature detected by thermistor 87e reaches an upper limit temperature setting set for large freezer compartment 11, operation of compressor 71 is started. By repeating such operations, refrigerator 1 controls the temperature inside large freezer compartment 11 to be within the range between the lower limit temperature setting and the upper limit temperature setting. A series of operations of refrigerator 1 is controlled by control device 91 (see FIG. 2). The operation of refrigerator 1 is controlled as described above.

[0030] In the refrigerator 1, in order to reduce power consumption and ensure the storage capacity of the storage chamber 5, a heat insulator 19 including a vacuum heat insulating material 21 is used as the heat insulator 19. The heat insulator 19 is disposed in the gap 17 between the inner box 3 and the outer box 15 (see FIG. 5). The manner in which the vacuum heat insulating material 21 is attached will be specifically described below.

[0031] Embodiment 1 An example of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, a heat insulator 19 is disposed in a gap 17 between an inner box 3 (storage chamber wall 4) and an outer box 15 (outer box metal sheet 16) in the refrigerator 1. The gap 17 is, for example, about several centimeters. The heat insulator 19 includes a vacuum heat insulating material 21 and a foam heat insulating material 23. The heat insulator 19 includes, as the vacuum heat insulating material 21, a vacuum heat insulating material 21 disposed at a distance from each of the inner box 3 and the outer box 15. The thickness of the vacuum heat insulating material 21 is, for example, several mm to several centimeters. The vacuum heat insulating material 21 is attached to the inner box 3 by a holding member 25. The holding member 25 includes a belt portion 26 and an attachment portion 27. The foam heat insulating material 23 is filled in a gap 17a between the vacuum heat insulating material 21 and the inner box 3. The foam heat insulating material 23 is filled in a gap 17b between the vacuum heat insulating material 21 and the outer box 15.

[0032] Next, the holding member 25 for attaching the vacuum insulation material 21 to the inner box 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the belt portion 26 of the holding member 25 is strip-shaped, and is attached to the vacuum insulation material 21 in a manner that it is wrapped around the vacuum insulation material 21. The attachment portion 27 is provided on the belt portion 26. The attachment portion 27 has a function of maintaining the distance between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the inner box 3. The attachment portion 27 is fixed to the inner box 3 by attachment screws 28 (see FIG. 8). The holding member 25 is, for example, a resin molded body, and is manufactured by injecting resin into a mold and cooling it.

[0033] The retaining member 25 will be described in more detail. The belt portion 26 is formed of a first divided belt portion 29 divided into a first divided belt portion first portion 29a and a first divided belt portion second portion 29b. The first divided belt portion first portion 29a and the first divided belt portion second portion 29b are disposed to face each other in a direction (width direction) intersecting the thickness direction of the vacuum insulation material 21, and are attached to the vacuum insulation material 21.

[0034] The vacuum insulation material 21 to which the belt portion 26 (first divided belt portion 29) is attached has a first main surface 21a and a second main surface 21b that face each other in the thickness direction of the vacuum insulation material 21. The vacuum insulation material 21 has a first end surface 21c and a second end surface 21d that face each other in a direction (width direction) that intersects with the thickness direction of the vacuum insulation material 21. The first end surface 21c and the second end surface 21d are connected to the first main surface 21a and the second main surface 21b, respectively.

[0035] The first divided belt portion first portion 29a has a first portion 30, a second portion 31, and a third portion 32. The first portion 30 is disposed along the first main surface 21a of the vacuum insulation material 21. The second portion 31 is connected to the first portion 30 and disposed along the first end surface 21c of the vacuum insulation material 21. The third portion 32 is connected to the second portion 31 and disposed along the second main surface 21b of the vacuum insulation material 21.

[0036] A first hinge 36 having a thin wall thickness is formed at a portion where the second part 31 and the third part 32 are connected. A first locking part 33 is formed in the first part 30. A first attachment part 27a (attachment part 27) is also formed in the first part 30. A second locking part 34 is formed in the third part 32.

[0037] The first divided belt portion second portion 29b has a fourth portion 37, a fifth portion 38, and a sixth portion 39. The fourth portion 37 is disposed along the first main surface 21a of the vacuum insulation material 21. The fifth portion 38 is connected to the fourth portion 37 and disposed along the second end surface 21d of the vacuum insulation material 21. The sixth portion 39 is connected to the fifth portion 38 and disposed along the second main surface 21b of the vacuum insulation material 21.

[0038] A second hinge 43 having a thin wall thickness is formed at a portion where the fifth portion 38 and the sixth portion 39 are connected. A first locked portion 40 that locks the first locking portion 33 is formed at the fourth portion 37. A second attachment portion 27b (attachment portion 27) is also formed at the fourth portion 37. A second locked portion 41 that locks the second locking portion 34 is formed at the sixth portion 39.

[0039] The first engaging portion 33 is formed with a first folded portion 33a. The second engaging portion 34 is formed with a second folded portion 34a. The first engaged portion 40 is formed with a first opening 40a into which the first folded portion 33a is inserted. The second engaged portion 41 is formed with a second opening 41a into which the second folded portion 34a is inserted. Note that in FIG. 6, the first folded portion 33a, the second folded portion 34a, the first opening 40a, and the second opening 41a are shown in an exaggerated manner as an image.

[0040] When the first turned portion 33a is inserted into the first opening 40a, the first turned portion 33a cannot be removed from the first opening 40a. When the second turned portion 34a is inserted into the second opening 41a, the second turned portion 34a cannot be removed from the second opening 41a. Since the first turned portion 33a cannot be removed from the first opening 40a and the second turned portion 34a cannot be removed from the second opening 41a, the vacuum insulation material 21 is held by the belt portion 26 (holding member 25).

[0041] Next, a process of holding the vacuum insulation material 21 using the holding member 25 having the first divided belt portion 29 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, a first divided belt portion first part 29a and a first divided belt portion second part 29b are prepared. The first divided belt portion first part 29a is formed by injecting resin into one mold (not shown) and cooling it. The first divided belt portion second part 29b is formed by injecting resin into another mold (not shown) and cooling it.

[0042] The first split belt portion first portion 29a is formed so that the second portion 31 is bent relative to the first portion 30, and the second portion 31 and the third portion 32 extend in one direction. A first hinge 36 having a thin wall thickness is formed at the joint between the second portion 31 and the third portion 32. The first split belt portion second portion 29b is formed so that the fifth portion 38 is bent relative to the fourth portion 37, and the fifth portion 38 and the sixth portion 39 extend in one direction. A second hinge 43 having a thin wall thickness is formed at the joint between the fifth portion 38 and the sixth portion 39.

[0043] 8, the first divided belt portion first part 29a and the first divided belt portion second part 29b are opposed to each other, and the first folded portion 33a (first engaging portion 33) is inserted into the first opening 40a (first engaged portion 40) until the length L1 (distance) between the second part 31 and the fifth part 38 corresponds to the width W1 between the first end face 21c and the second end face 21d of the vacuum insulation material 21. By inserting the first folded portion 33a into the first opening 40a, the first engaging portion 33 is engaged with the first engaged portion 40.

[0044] After the first locking portion 33 is locked to the first locked portion 40, the first folded portion 33a (first locking portion 33) will not come out of the first opening 40a (first locked portion 40). Next, with the first locking portion 33 locked to the first locked portion 40, the first attachment portion 27a and the second attachment portion 27b are fixed to the inner box 3 with the attachment screws 28.

[0045] Next, as shown in Fig. 9, the vacuum insulation material 21 is arranged so that the vacuum insulation material 21 is sandwiched between the second portion 31 of the first divided belt portion first portion 29a and the fifth portion 38 of the first divided belt portion second portion 29b. Next, the third portion 32 of the first divided belt portion first portion 29a is folded toward the vacuum insulation material 21 at the first hinge 36. Also, the sixth portion 39 of the first divided belt portion second portion 29b is folded toward the vacuum insulation material 21 at the second hinge 43 (see Fig. 10).

[0046] 10, the second returning portion 34a (second locking portion 34) is inserted into the second opening 41a (second locked portion 41). By inserting the second returning portion 34a into the second opening 41a, the second locking portion 34 is locked to the second locked portion 41. After the second locking portion 34 is locked to the second locked portion 41, the second returning portion 34a (second locking portion 34) will not come out of the second opening 41a (second locked portion 41).

[0047] In this way, the vacuum insulation material 21 is held by the holding members 25. The vacuum insulation material 21 is fixed to the inner box 3 by the first attachment portion 27a and the second attachment portion 27b in a manner that maintains the distance (gap) between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the inner box 3. In order to maintain the distance (gap) between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the inner box 3, it is desirable for the vacuum insulation material 21 to be held by multiple holding members 25 according to the size of the vacuum insulation material 21 (see FIG. 4).

[0048] In addition, in the holding member 25 of the refrigerator 1 described above, the first locking portion 33 (first folded portion 33a) and the first locked portion 40 (first opening 40a), and the second locking portion 34 (second folded portion 34a) and the second locked portion 41 (second opening 41a) function as a length adjustment portion 44 that can change the length L1 (distance) between the second portion 31 and the fifth portion 38 in accordance with the width W1 of the vacuum insulation material 21. As a result, for example, even in the case of a vacuum insulation material 21 having a width W2 (see FIG. 11) that is longer than the width W1, the holding member 25 can be attached to the vacuum insulation material 21 and fixed to the inner box 3 in the same manner as in the case of a vacuum insulation material 21 having the width W1.

[0049] 11, the first folded portion 33a (first locking portion 33) is inserted into the first opening 40a (first locked portion 40) until the length L2 (distance) between the second portion 31 and the fifth portion 38 corresponds to the width W2 of the vacuum insulation material 21, and then the vacuum insulation material 21 is positioned. Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the second folded portion 34a (second locking portion 34) is inserted into the second opening 41a (second locked portion 41), whereby the vacuum insulation material 21 is held by the holding member 25.

[0050] In the above-described refrigerator 1, the vacuum insulation material 21 is held by the holding member 25, and the holding member 25 holding the vacuum insulation material 21 is fixed to the inner box 3. This can improve the production efficiency of the refrigerator 1. This will be explained in comparison with a refrigerator according to a comparative example.

[0051] In the refrigerator according to the comparative example, the vacuum insulation material is attached to the inner box. Therefore, if the packaging material of the vacuum insulation material is damaged during the manufacturing process of the refrigerator after the vacuum insulation material is attached to the inner box, the inner box must be discarded together with the vacuum insulation material. As a result, the production yield of the refrigerator is reduced, and the production efficiency of the refrigerator is reduced.

[0052] In contrast, in the above-described refrigerator 1, the vacuum insulation material 21 is held by the holding member 25. Moreover, the vacuum insulation material 21 is fixed to the inner box 3 by the first attachment portion 35 and the second attachment portion 42 of the holding member 25 in such a manner that the distance (gap) between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the inner box 3 is maintained.

[0053] As a result, even if damage occurs to the packaging material of the vacuum insulation material 21 during the manufacturing process of the refrigerator 1 after the vacuum insulation material 21 is held by the holding member 25, the holding member 25 made of resin can be cut, the damaged vacuum insulation material 21 can be discarded, and replaced with new vacuum insulation material 21. As a result, there is no need to discard the inner box 3, and the production yield of the refrigerator 1 can be increased, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0054] Furthermore, in the refrigerator according to the comparative example, the vacuum insulation material is attached to the inner box, which requires additional processing such as grooves for placing the refrigerant piping (condensation pipe) that serves as the condenser, which is a factor in reducing the production yield of the refrigerator.

[0055] In contrast, in the above-described refrigerator 1, the vacuum insulation material 21 is fixed to the inner box 3 by the holding member 25 in such a manner that the gap 17a between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the inner box 3 is maintained. Also, the gap 17b between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the outer box 15 is maintained. This makes it possible to ensure a space for arranging the condensation pipe. Also, additional processing is not required, and production efficiency can be improved.

[0056] Moreover, the gaps 17a and 17b are filled with the foam insulation material 23. This allows the refrigerator 1 to maintain the insulation performance of the insulator 19 including the foam insulation material 23 and the vacuum insulation material 21.

[0057] In addition, in the refrigerator according to the comparative example, the vacuum insulation material is attached to the inner box or the like by an adhesive generally called hot melt. The hot melt is stored in a thermal insulation tank or the like under a state in which it has an appropriate viscosity. An appropriate amount of hot melt is applied to the attached portion of the vacuum insulation material or the inner box or the like by a dispenser or the like.

[0058] When using hot melt, it is very important to select the hot melt to be applied, and to control the temperature and amount of hot melt applied in order to ensure the necessary adhesive strength. For example, when using a hot melt with high viscosity, it is necessary to control it at a higher temperature in order to ensure the amount applied from the dispenser, etc.

[0059] High-temperature hot melts are expected to cause thermal stress to the vacuum insulation packaging material. If the temperature exceeds about 100°C, which is the heat resistance temperature of general packaging materials, the resin film of the packaging material may break down, allowing outside air and moisture to enter, and the vacuum level may no longer be maintained, resulting in a significant loss of insulation effectiveness.

[0060] On the other hand, with low-temperature hot melts, when the foaming temperature of the foam insulation (urethane) reaches or exceeds the melting point of the hot melt, the adhesive strength of the hot melt may decrease, and as the foam insulation flows, the vacuum insulation may shift from its original position.

[0061] If the vacuum insulation material shifts, the vacuum insulation material may come into contact with other parts of the refrigerator, which may destroy the packaging material. Also, voids may occur inside the insulation material. If an attempt is made to expand the area to which the hot melt is applied in order to prevent the vacuum insulation material from shifting, the amount of hot melt used will increase, which may cause problems such as an increase in production costs.

[0062] In addition, the vacuum insulation material may peel off due to an increase in the condensation temperature caused by the operation of the refrigerator. If the vacuum insulation material peels off from, for example, the outer box, the metal sheet of the outer box may shrink depending on the relationship between the condensation temperature and the temperature of the outside air, causing an abnormal noise. In addition, if the vacuum insulation material continues to be in a state where it has peeled off from the outer box, the metal sheet of the outer box may become distorted, causing a loss of appearance.

[0063] When attaching a vacuum insulation material to the outer box of a refrigerator, there is a risk of being restricted in arranging a condensation pipe (condenser) with a sufficient length in the foam insulation material such as urethane filled between the outer box and the inner box. Therefore, in order to ensure the length of the condensation pipe, a method is adopted in which the surface of the vacuum insulation material is pressed to form a groove in which the condensation pipe is to be arranged. However, pressing the vacuum insulation material itself is highly likely to damage the packaging material of the vacuum insulation material.

[0064] In contrast to the refrigerator according to the comparative example, in refrigerator 1 according to embodiment 1, vacuum insulation material 21 is held by holding member 25, and holding member 25 holding vacuum insulation material 21 is fixed to inner box 3. As a result, the above-mentioned problems that occur when vacuum insulation material is attached to the inner wall or outer box of a refrigerator by hot melt do not occur in refrigerator 1 according to embodiment 1.

[0065] In addition, the method of fixing the vacuum insulation material 21 in the refrigerator 1 described above is different from each of the methods described in the prior art documents. That is, in Patent Document 1, a method is adopted in which a vacuum insulation material having a screw hole is fixed by a screw. In Patent Document 2, a method is adopted in which the vacuum insulation material is fixed by a wire. In Patent Document 3, a method is adopted in which the vacuum insulation material is fixed by an adhesive. In Patent Document 4, a method is adopted in which an inner box containing contents is enclosed in a bag. In Patent Document 5, a method is adopted in which the width direction of the vacuum insulation material is restricted by a positioning member. In Patent Document 6, a method is adopted in which the width direction of the vacuum insulation material is restricted by a rib. Therefore, it can be seen that the method of fixing the vacuum insulation material 21 to the inner box 3 with a gap therebetween by the holding member 25 is different from the methods described in each of the prior art documents.

[0066] Embodiment 2 An example of a refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. Here, an example of a variation of the retaining member 25 will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, a thermal insulator 19 including a vacuum insulating material 21 is disposed in the gap between the inner box 3 and the outer box 15 of the refrigerator 1. The vacuum insulating material 21 is attached to the inner box 3 by the retaining member 25. The vacuum insulating material 21 is disposed with a gap between each of the inner box 3 and the outer box 15 (see FIG. 5).

[0067] As shown in FIG. 14, the holding member 25 has a belt portion 26 and an attachment portion 27. The belt portion 26 is strip-shaped, and is attached to the vacuum insulation material 21 in a manner that it is wrapped around the vacuum insulation material 21. The attachment portion 27 is provided on the belt portion 26. The attachment portion 27 has a function of maintaining the distance between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the inner box 3. The attachment portion 27 is fixed to the inner box 3 by an attachment screw 28 (see FIG. 16). The holding member 25 is a resin molded body, and is manufactured by injecting resin into a mold and cooling it.

[0068] The retaining member 25 will be described in more detail. As shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, the belt portion 26 is formed of a second divided belt portion 45 divided into a second divided belt portion first portion 45a and a second divided belt portion second portion 45b. The second divided belt portion first portion 45a and the second divided belt portion second portion 45b are disposed to face each other in the thickness direction of the vacuum insulation material 21, and are attached to the vacuum insulation material 21.

[0069] The second split belt portion first portion 45a has a seventh portion 46, an eighth portion 47, and a ninth portion 48. The seventh portion 46 is disposed along the first main surface 21a of the vacuum insulation material 21. The eighth portion 47 is connected to the seventh portion 46 and disposed along the first end surface 21c. The ninth portion 48 is connected to the seventh portion 46 and disposed along the second end surface 21d. The eighth portion 47 is formed with a third locking portion 49. The third locking portion 49 is formed with a third folded portion 49a. The ninth portion 48 is formed with a fourth locking portion 50. The fourth locking portion 50 is formed with a fourth folded portion 50a. The seventh portion 46 is formed with an attachment portion 27. In FIG. 14, the third folded portion 49a and the fourth folded portion 50a are exaggerated as an image. Further, the third folded portion 49a and the fourth folded portion 50a are each formed in a plurality of portions, not just one.

[0070] The second split belt portion second portion 45b has a 10th portion 52, an 11th portion 53, and a 12th portion 54. The 10th portion 52 is disposed so as to be aligned along the second main surface 21b of the vacuum insulation material 21. The 11th portion 53 is connected to the 10th portion 52 and disposed so as to be aligned along the first end surface 21c. The 12th portion 54 is connected to the 10th portion 52 and disposed so as to be aligned along the second end surface 21d. The 11th portion 53 is formed with a third locked portion 55 that locks the third locking portion 49. The 12th portion 54 is formed with a fourth locked portion 56 that locks the fourth locking portion 50. The third locked portion 55 is formed with a third opening 55a into which the third folded portion 49a is inserted. The fourth locked portion 56 is formed with a fourth opening 56a into which the fourth folded portion 50a is inserted. In FIG. 14, the third opening 55a and the fourth opening 56a are shown in an exaggerated manner.

[0071] When the third turned portion 49a is inserted into the third opening 55a, the third turned portion 49a cannot be removed from the third opening 55a. When the fourth turned portion 50a is inserted into the fourth opening 56a, the fourth turned portion 50a cannot be removed from the fourth opening 56a. Since the third turned portion 49a cannot be removed from the third opening 55a and the fourth turned portion 50a cannot be removed from the fourth opening 56a, the vacuum insulation material 21 is held by the belt portion 26 (holding member 25).

[0072] Next, a process of holding the vacuum insulation material 21 using the holding member 25 having the second divided belt portion 45 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 15, the second divided belt portion first portion 45a and the second divided belt portion second portion 45b are prepared. Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the mounting portion 27 of the second divided belt portion first portion 45a is fixed to the inner box 3 by the mounting screw 28. Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the vacuum insulation material 21 is arranged so that the vacuum insulation material 21 is sandwiched between the eighth portion 47 of the second divided belt portion first portion 45a and the ninth portion 48 of the second divided belt portion first portion 45a.

[0073] Next, as shown in FIG. 18, the second divided belt portion second portion 45b is opposed to the second divided belt portion first portion 45a, and the third turned portion 49a is inserted into the third opening 55a and the fourth turned portion 50a is inserted into the fourth opening 56a until the tenth portion 52 of the second divided belt portion first portion 45a contacts the second main surface 21b of the vacuum insulation material 21. By inserting the third turned portion 49a into the third opening 55a, the third locking portion 49 is locked to the third locked portion 55. By inserting the fourth turned portion 50a into the fourth opening 56a, the fourth locking portion 50 is locked to the fourth locked portion 56. After the third locking portion 49 is locked to the third locked portion 55, the third turned portion 49a does not come out of the third opening 55a. After the fourth locking portion 50 is locked to the fourth locked portion 56, the fourth folded portion 50a will not come out of the fourth opening 56a.

[0074] In this way, the vacuum insulation material 21 is held by the holding members 25. The vacuum insulation material 21 is fixed to the inner box 3 by the attachment parts 51 in a manner that maintains the distance (gap) between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the inner box 3. In order to maintain the distance (gap) between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the inner box 3, it is desirable for the vacuum insulation material 21 to be held by multiple holding members 25 according to the size of the vacuum insulation material 21 (see FIG. 13).

[0075] In addition, in the holding member 25 of the refrigerator 1 described above, the third locking portion 49 (third folded portion 49a) and the third locked portion 55 (third opening 55a), and the fourth locking portion 50 (fourth folded portion 50a) and the fourth locked portion 56 (fourth opening 56a) function as a length adjustment portion 57 that can change the distance between the seventh portion 46 and the tenth portion 52 in accordance with the thickness of the vacuum insulation material 21 (see FIG. 18). As a result, for example, even in the case of a vacuum insulation material 21 having a thickness T2 (see FIG. 19) that is thinner than the thickness T1, the holding member 25 can be attached to the vacuum insulation material 21 and fixed to the inner box 3 in the same manner as in the case of the vacuum insulation material 21 having the thickness T1.

[0076] 19, the vacuum insulation material 21 having a thickness T2 thinner than the thickness T1 is placed on the second divided belt portion first part 45a. Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the third turned portion 49a is inserted into the third opening 55a until the tenth part 52 of the second divided belt portion first part 45a contacts the second main surface 21b of the vacuum insulation material 21, and the fourth turned portion 50a is inserted into the fourth opening 56a, so that the vacuum insulation material 21 is held by the holding member 25.

[0077] In the above-described refrigerator 1, the vacuum insulation material 21 is held by the holding member 25. Moreover, the vacuum insulation material 21 is fixed to the inner box 3 by the attachment portion 51 of the holding member 25 in such a manner that the distance (gap) between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the inner box 3 is maintained.

[0078] As a result, similarly to the first embodiment, when damage occurs to the packaging material of the vacuum insulation material 21, the holding member 25 made of resin can be cut, the damaged vacuum insulation material 21 can be discarded, and replaced with new vacuum insulation material 21, eliminating the need to discard the inner box 3. As a result, the production yield of the refrigerator 1 can be increased, and production efficiency can be improved.

[0079] As described in the first embodiment, the vacuum insulation material 21 is fixed to the inner box 3 by the retaining member 25 in such a manner that the gap 17a between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the inner box 3 is maintained. Also, the gap 17b between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the outer box 15 is maintained. This makes it possible to ensure a space for arranging the condensation pipe. Also, no additional processing is required, and production efficiency can be improved.

[0080] Furthermore, the pair of second divided belt portion first part 45a and second divided belt portion second part 45b can hold vacuum insulation materials 21 of different thicknesses. This makes it easy to apply thinner vacuum insulation materials 21 from the standpoint of reducing production costs, for example, and eliminates the need to separately prepare belt portions 26 according to the thickness.

[0081] Embodiment 3 A description will be given of an example of the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment 3. Here, another example of the variation of the holding member 25 will be described.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 21, the holding member 25 has a belt portion 26 and an attachment portion 27. The belt portion 26 is strip-shaped, and is attached to the vacuum insulation material 21 in a manner that it is wrapped around the vacuum insulation material 21. The attachment portion 27 is provided on the belt portion 26. The attachment portion 27 has a function of maintaining the distance between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the inner box 3. The attachment portion 27 is fixed to the inner box 3 by an attachment screw 28 (see FIG. 23). The holding member 25 is a resin molded body, and is manufactured by injecting resin into a mold and cooling it.

[0083] The holding member 25 will be further described. As shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the belt portion 26 has a 13th portion 60, a 14th portion 61, a 15th portion 62, a 16th portion 63, and a 17th portion 64. The 13th portion 60 is disposed along the first main surface 21a of the vacuum insulation material 21. The 14th portion 61 is connected to the 13th portion 60 and disposed along the first end surface 21c. The 15th portion 62 is connected to the 13th portion 60 and disposed along the second end surface 21d. The 16th portion 63 is connected to the 15th portion 62 and disposed along the second main surface 21b. The 17th portion 64 is connected to the 16th portion 63 and disposed along the first end surface 21c.

[0084] The 14th section 61 is formed with a fifth locking section 65. The 5th locking section 65 is formed with a fifth folded section 65a. The 17th section 64 is formed with a fifth locked section 66. The 5th locked section 66 is formed with a fifth opening 66a. In FIG. 21 and other drawings, the 5th folded section 65a and the 5th opening 66a are exaggerated as an image. The 13th section 60 is formed with an attachment section 27. A third hinge 68 is formed at the joint between the 15th section 62 and the 16th section 63. When the 5th folded section 65a is inserted into the 5th opening 66a, the 5th folded section 65a does not come out of the 5th opening 66a. When the 5th folded section 65a does not come out of the 5th opening 66a, the vacuum insulation material 21 is held by the belt section 26 (holding member 25).

[0085] Next, a process of holding the vacuum heat insulating material 21 using the holding member 25 including the belt portion 26 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 22, the belt portion 26 including the 13th portion 60 to the 17th portion 64 is prepared. When the belt portion 26 is removed from a mold (not shown), the 14th portion 61, the 13th portion 60, the 15th portion 62, the 16th portion 63, and the 17th portion 64 are connected in this order. The 14th portion 61 and the 15th portion 62 are bent relative to the 13th portion 60. The 17th portion 64 is bent relative to the 15th portion 62. The 15th portion 62 and the 16th portion 63 are connected by a third hinge 68 so as to be foldable.

[0086] 23, the 16th section 63 is pre-folded toward the 13th section 60 at the third hinge 68. Next, the mounting section 51 is fixed to the inner box 3 with the mounting screws 28. Next, the vacuum insulation material 21 is arranged so that the vacuum insulation material 21 is sandwiched between the 14th section 61 and the 15th section 62, as shown in FIG.

[0087] 25, the fifth returning portion 65a is inserted into the fifth opening 66a until the sixteenth portion 63 contacts the second main surface 21b of the vacuum insulation material 21. By inserting the fifth returning portion 65a into the fifth opening 66a, the fifth locking portion 65 is locked to the fifth locked portion 66. After the fifth locking portion 65 is locked to the fifth locked portion 66, the fifth returning portion 65a will not come out of the fifth opening 66a.

[0088] In this way, the vacuum insulation material 21 is held by the holding members 25. The vacuum insulation material 21 is fixed to the inner box 3 by the attachment parts 27 in a manner that maintains the distance (gap) between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the inner box 3. In order to maintain the distance (gap) between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the inner box 3, it is desirable that the vacuum insulation material 21 be held by multiple holding members 25 according to the size of the vacuum insulation material 21, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0089] In the refrigerator 1 described above, the vacuum insulation material 21 is held by the holding member 25 and fixed to the inner box 3 in such a manner that the interval (gap) between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the inner box 3 is maintained. As a result, similar to the case described in the first embodiment, if damage occurs to the packaging material of the vacuum insulation material 21, the holding member 25 can be cut, the damaged vacuum insulation material 21 can be discarded, and it can be replaced with new vacuum insulation material 21, eliminating the need to discard the inner box 3. As a result, the production yield of the refrigerator 1 can be increased, and production efficiency can be improved.

[0090] As described in the first embodiment, the vacuum insulation material 21 maintains the gap 17a between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the inner box 3, and also maintains the gap 17b between the vacuum insulation material 21 and the outer box 15 by the retaining member 25. This makes it possible to ensure a space for arranging the condensation pipe. Also, no additional processing is required, which improves production efficiency.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned holding member 25, by dividing the mold for molding the holding member 25 and forming a nested structure, holding members 25 having different sizes can be molded using the same mold. As shown in Fig. 26, holding member 25 is divided into three parts, a first molded body 26a, a second molded body 26b, and a third molded body 26c. By using a common mold for molding the first molded body 26a and changing the length L5 of the mold for molding the second molded body 26b and the length L6 of the mold for molding the third molded body 26c, holding members 25 having thirteenth portion 60 and sixteenth portion 63 of different sizes can be molded using a single mold.

[0092] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the refrigerator 1 used in a general household has been described as an example. The mounting structure of the vacuum insulation material using the retaining member is not limited to refrigerators used in a general household, but can also be applied to large refrigerators or freezers for commercial use.

[0093] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the vacuum insulation material 21 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape has been described as an example. The cross-sectional shape of the vacuum insulation material 21 is not limited to a rectangle, and the vacuum insulation material 21 may have a cross-sectional shape that includes a curve, for example. By applying a holding member 25 corresponding to the cross-sectional shape and attaching the holding member 25 to the vacuum insulation material 21 so as to wrap the vacuum insulation material 21 around it, the vacuum insulation material 21 can be held.

[0094] Furthermore, although a resin molded body has been described as an example of holding member 25, holding member 25 may include a material other than resin. Also, holding member 25 may be formed from a material other than resin.

[0095] The refrigerators equipped with the vacuum insulation materials described in each embodiment can be combined in various ways as required.

[0096] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and are not limited thereto. The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described scope, but is defined by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

[0097] The present disclosure includes the following aspects.

[0098] [Appendix 1] an inner box in which a storage chamber is disposed; an outer box that houses the inner box and is disposed with a gap between the outer box and the inner box; A heat insulator including a vacuum insulation material, the heat insulator being disposed in the gap between the inner box and the outer box; A holding member for holding the vacuum insulation material; having The holding member is A belt-shaped belt portion attached to the vacuum insulation material in a manner that the belt-shaped belt portion is wrapped around the vacuum insulation material; an attachment portion that is provided on the belt portion and fixed to the inner box and has a function of maintaining a distance between the vacuum insulation material and the inner box; Equipped with a refrigerator.

[0099] [Appendix 2] The vacuum insulation material is A first main surface and a second main surface opposed to each other in a thickness direction of the vacuum insulation material; a first end surface and a second end surface which face each other in a direction intersecting the thickness direction and are connected to the first main surface and the second main surface, respectively; having The first main surface is located on a side on which the inner box is disposed, The second main surface is located on a side where the outer box is arranged, The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the belt portion is attached along the first main surface, the first end surface, the second main surface, and the second end surface.

[0100] [Appendix 3] The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the belt portion is formed from a split belt portion divided into two.

[0101] [Appendix 4] The divided belt portion is A first divided belt portion (first part); 1st split belt part 2nd part and Including, The first divided belt portion first part and the first divided belt portion second part are arranged to face each other in a direction intersecting the thickness direction and are attached to the vacuum insulation material, The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the vacuum insulation material is maintained by engaging the first part of the first divided belt portion with the second part of the first divided belt portion.

[0102] [Appendix 5] The first divided belt portion first portion is A first portion disposed along the first main surface; a second portion connected to the first portion and disposed along the first end surface; a third portion connected to the second portion and disposed along the second main surface; A first locking portion provided on the first portion; A second locking portion provided on the third portion; a first mounting portion provided on the first portion as the mounting portion; Including, The first divided belt portion second portion is A fourth portion disposed along the first main surface; a fifth portion connected to the fourth portion and disposed along the second end surface; a sixth portion connected to the fifth portion and disposed along the second main surface; a first engaged portion provided in the fourth portion and adapted to engage with the first engaging portion; a second engaged portion provided in the sixth portion and adapted to engage with the second engaging portion; a second mounting portion provided in the fourth portion as the mounting portion; and Refrigerator according to claim 4,

[0103] [Appendix 6] The divided belt portion is a first hinge formed at a portion where the second portion and the third portion are connected; a second hinge formed at a portion where the fifth portion and the sixth portion are connected; Refrigerator according to claim 5,

[0104] [Appendix 7] The refrigerator described in Appendix 5 or 6, wherein the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion, and the second engaging portion and the second engaged portion include a first length adjustment portion that adjusts the distance between the second portion and the fifth portion.

[0105] [Appendix 8] The divided belt portion is A first portion of the second divided belt portion; Second split belt section 2nd section and Including, The first part of the second divided belt portion and the second part of the second divided belt portion are arranged to face each other in the thickness direction and are attached to the vacuum insulation material, The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the vacuum insulation material is maintained by engaging the first part of the second divided belt portion with the second part of the second divided belt portion.

[0106] [Appendix 9] The first portion of the second divided belt portion is A seventh portion disposed along the first main surface; an eighth portion connected to the seventh portion and disposed along the first end surface; a ninth portion connected to the seventh portion and disposed along the second end surface; A third locking portion provided on the eighth portion; A fourth locking portion provided on the ninth portion; The mounting portion provided in the seventh portion; Including, The second divided belt portion second portion is A tenth portion disposed along the second main surface; an eleventh portion connected to the tenth portion and disposed along the first end surface; a twelfth portion connected to the tenth portion and arranged along the second end surface; a third engaged portion provided in the eleventh portion and adapted to engage the third engaging portion; a fourth engaged portion provided in the twelfth portion and forming the fourth engaging portion; 10. A refrigerator as described in claim 8,

[0107] [Appendix 10] The refrigerator described in Appendix 9, wherein the third engaging portion and the third engaged portion, and the fourth engaging portion and the fourth engaged portion include a second length adjustment portion that adjusts the distance between the seventh portion and the tenth portion.

[0108] [Appendix 11] The belt portion is A thirteenth portion disposed along the first main surface; a 14th portion connected to the 13th portion and arranged along the first end surface; a 15th portion connected to the 13th portion and arranged along the second end surface; A sixteenth portion connected to the fifteenth portion and disposed along the second main surface; a 17th portion connected to the 16th portion and arranged along the first end surface; A fifth locking portion provided on the fourteenth portion; a fifth engaged portion provided in the seventeenth portion and adapted to engage the fifth engaging portion; The mounting portion provided in the thirteenth portion; Including, The refrigerator described in Appendix 3, wherein the vacuum insulation material is retained by engaging the fifth engaging portion with the fifth engaged portion.

[0109] [Appendix 12] The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the belt portion includes a third hinge formed at a portion where the 15th portion and the 16th portion are connected.

[0110] [Appendix 13] The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the insulator includes a foam insulating material filled in the gap between the inner box and the outer box.

[0111] [Appendix 14] The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the holding member is a resin molded body. [Industrial Applicability]

[0112] The present disclosure is effectively applied to refrigerators equipped with insulation including vacuum insulation material. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1 refrigerator, 3 inner box, 4 storage compartment wall, 5 storage compartment, 7 refrigerator compartment, 8 ice making compartment, 9 small freezer compartment, 10 vegetable compartment, 11 large freezer compartment, 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d partition member, 15 outer box, 16 outer box sheet metal, 17, 17a, 17b gap, 19 heat insulator, 21 vacuum heat insulator, 21a first main surface, 21b second main surface, 21c first end surface, 21d second end surface, 23 foam heat insulator, 25 holding member, 26 belt portion, 26a first molded body, 26b second molded body, 26c third molded body, 27 mounting portion, 27a first mounting portion, 27b second mounting portion, 28 mounting screw, 29 first split belt portion, 29a first split belt portion first part, 30 first part, 31 Part 2, 32 Part 3, 33 First locking portion, 33a First folded portion, 34 Second locking portion, 34a Second folded portion, 36 First hinge, 29b Part 2 of first split belt portion, 37 Part 4, 38 Part 5, 39 Part 6, 40 First locked portion, 40a First opening, 41 Second locked portion, 41a Second opening, 43 Second hinge, 44 Length adjustment portion, 45 Second split belt portion, 45a Part 1 of second split belt portion, 46 Part 7, 47 Part 8, 48 Part 9, 49 Third locking portion, 49a Third folded portion, 50 Fourth locking portion, 50a Fourth folded portion, 45b Part 2 of second split belt portion, 52 Part 10, 53 Part 11, 54 Part 12, 55 Third locked portion, 55a 3rd opening, 56 4th latching portion, 56a 4th opening, 57 Length adjustment portion, 60 13th portion, 61 14th portion, 62 15th portion, 63 16th portion, 64 17th portion, 65 5th latching portion, 65a 5th return portion, 66 5th latching portion, 66a 5th opening, 67 Mounting portion, 68 3rd hinge, 70 Refrigeration cycle circuit, 71 Compressor, 72 Condenser, 73 Three-way valve, 74 Pressure reducing device, 74a, 74b Capillary tube, 75 Cooler, 76 Internal fan, 77 Header, 78 Suction pipe, 79 Cooler chamber, 80 Piping, 81, 81a, 81b, 81c, 81d, 81e Air supply duct, 83, 83a, 83b, 83c, 83d, 83e Return duct, 85 Damper, 85a Refrigerator damper, 85b Ice-making damper, 85c Small freezer damper, 85d Vegetable compartment damper, 87 Thermistor, 87a Refrigerator thermistor, 87b Ice-making thermistor, 87c Small freezer thermistor, 87d Vegetable compartment thermistor, 87eLarge refrigeration thermistor, 89 Air passage, 91 Control device, W1, W2 width, T1, T2 thickness, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6 length.

Claims

1. an inner box in which a storage chamber is disposed; an outer box that houses the inner box and is disposed with a gap between the outer box and the inner box; A heat insulator including a vacuum insulation material, the heat insulator being disposed in the gap between the inner box and the outer box; A holding member for holding the vacuum insulation material; having The holding member is A belt-shaped belt portion attached to the vacuum insulation material in a manner that the belt-shaped belt portion is wrapped around the vacuum insulation material; an attachment portion that is provided on the belt portion and fixed to the inner box and has a function of maintaining a distance between the vacuum insulation material and the inner box; Equipped with a refrigerator.

2. The vacuum insulation material is A first main surface and a second main surface opposed to each other in a thickness direction of the vacuum insulation material; a first end surface and a second end surface which face each other in a direction intersecting the thickness direction and are connected to the first main surface and the second main surface, respectively; having The first main surface is located on a side on which the inner box is arranged, The second main surface is located on a side where the outer box is arranged, The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the belt portion is attached so as to extend along the first main surface, the first end surface, the second main surface, and the second end surface.

3. 3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the belt portion is formed from a divided belt portion divided into two.

4. The divided belt portion is A first portion of the first divided belt portion; First divided belt section, second section, and Including, The first divided belt portion first part and the first divided belt portion second part are arranged to face each other in a direction intersecting the thickness direction and are attached to the vacuum insulation material, 4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the vacuum insulation material is held by engaging the first portion of the first divided belt portion with the second portion of the first divided belt portion.

5. The first divided belt portion first portion is A first portion disposed along the first main surface; a second portion connected to the first portion and disposed along the first end surface; a third portion connected to the second portion and disposed along the second main surface; A first locking portion provided on the first portion; A second locking portion provided on the third portion; a first mounting portion provided on the first portion as the mounting portion; Including, The second portion of the first divided belt portion is A fourth portion disposed along the first main surface; a fifth portion connected to the fourth portion and disposed along the second end surface; a sixth portion connected to the fifth portion and disposed along the second main surface; a first engaged portion provided in the fourth portion and adapted to engage with the first engaging portion; a second engaged portion provided in the sixth portion and adapted to engage with the second engaging portion; a second mounting portion provided in the fourth portion as the mounting portion; and The refrigerator of claim 4 .

6. The divided belt portion is a first hinge formed at a portion where the second portion and the third portion are connected; a second hinge formed at a portion where the fifth portion and the sixth portion are connected; The refrigerator of claim 5 .

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion, and the second engaging portion and the second engaged portion include a first length adjustment portion that adjusts the distance between the second portion and the fifth portion.

8. The divided belt portion is A first portion of the second divided belt portion; Second divided belt portion second portion Including, The first portion of the second divided belt portion and the second portion of the second divided belt portion are disposed so as to face each other in the thickness direction and are attached to the vacuum insulation material, 4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the vacuum insulation material is held by engaging the first portion of the second divided belt portion with the second portion of the second divided belt portion.

9. The first portion of the second divided belt portion is A seventh portion disposed along the first main surface; an eighth portion connected to the seventh portion and disposed along the first end surface; a ninth portion connected to the seventh portion and disposed along the second end surface; A third locking portion provided on the eighth portion; A fourth locking portion provided on the ninth portion; The mounting portion provided in the seventh portion; Including, The second divided belt portion second portion is A tenth portion disposed along the second main surface; an eleventh portion connected to the tenth portion and disposed along the first end surface; a twelfth portion connected to the tenth portion and disposed along the second end surface; a third engaged portion provided in the eleventh portion and adapted to engage the third engaging portion; a fourth engaged portion provided in the twelfth portion and forming the fourth engaging portion; The refrigerator of claim 8 .

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9 , wherein the third engaging portion and the third engaged portion, and the fourth engaging portion and the fourth engaged portion include a second length adjustment portion that adjusts a distance between the seventh portion and the tenth portion.

11. The belt portion is A thirteenth portion disposed along the first main surface; a fourteenth portion connected to the thirteenth portion and disposed along the first end surface; a fifteenth portion connected to the thirteenth portion and disposed along the second end surface; A sixteenth portion connected to the fifteenth portion and disposed along the second main surface; a 17th portion connected to the 16th portion and arranged along the first end surface; A fifth locking portion provided on the fourteenth portion; a fifth engaged portion provided in the seventeenth portion and adapted to engage the fifth engaging portion; The mounting portion provided in the thirteenth portion; Including, The refrigerator according to claim 3 , wherein the vacuum insulation material is held by engaging the fifth engaging portion with the fifth engaged portion.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11 , wherein the belt portion includes a third hinge formed at a portion where the fifteenth portion and the sixteenth portion are connected to each other.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insulator includes a foam insulating material filled in the gap between the inner box and the outer box.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holding member is a resin molded body.

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