Refrigerator and method for manufacturing refrigerator

Abstract

To inject an appropriate amount of foam insulation into the inside of a partition member and a space part sandwiched between an inner box and an outer box.SOLUTION: A refrigerator 100 comprises: an inner box 130 for forming the inside of the refrigerator; a partition member 121 for partitioning the inside of the refrigerator; an outer box 140 for covering the lateral sides of the inner box; urethane filled in a first space between the outer box and the inner box and a second space inside the partition member; and a shielding member 151 for narrowing a hole communicating the first space and the second space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to refrigerator technology. [Background technology]

[0002] Refrigerators in which foam insulation material is injected into a partition member between a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment have been known for some time. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-329454 discloses an insulated box and a method for manufacturing the insulated box. According to Patent Document 1, holes are provided in a groove of the inner box and on both side and rear surfaces of the partition wall, and the holes on both sides are used as inlet holes for the foam insulation material, and the hole on the rear surface is used as an air vent hole, so that the inside of the partition wall and the space formed between the outer box and the inner box are filled with the foam insulation material, and the inner box and the partition wall are joined together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-329454 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to make it possible to inject an appropriate amount of foam insulation into the interior of the partition member and into the space between the inner box and the outer box. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator comprising an inner box for forming a refrigerator interior, a partition member for dividing the refrigerator interior, an outer box for covering the sides of the inner box, urethane filled in a first space between the outer box and the inner box and a second space inside the partition member, and a shielding member for narrowing a hole connecting the first space and the second space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, an appropriate amount of foam insulating agent can be injected into the interior of the partition member and into the space between the inner box and the outer box. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a side view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment with a door of a refrigerating compartment open. [Figure 3] 1 is a front perspective view showing a heat-insulating box according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the inner box according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the outer box according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 3 is a side view of the inner box showing the periphery of the communication hole according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a side view of the inner box showing the periphery of the communication hole according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a side view of the inner box showing the periphery of the communication hole according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is a side view of the inner box showing the periphery of the communication hole according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 3 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a heat-insulating box according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side view of the inner box showing the periphery of the communication hole according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side view of the inner box showing the periphery of the communication hole according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a side view of the inner box showing the periphery of the communication hole according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a side view of the inner box showing the periphery of the communication hole according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a side view of the inner box showing the periphery of the communication hole according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16]FIG. 11 is a side view of the inner box showing the periphery of the communication hole according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a side view of the inner box showing the periphery of the communication hole according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a side view of the inner box showing the periphery of the communication hole according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of these components are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. [First embodiment] <Overall configuration of the refrigerator>

[0009] First, the overall configuration of a refrigerator 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0010] The exterior of refrigerator 100 is mainly composed of insulated box 110. This insulated box 110 forms the storage space of refrigerator 100. The storage space formed by insulated box 110 is divided into, for example, from the top down, a refrigeration compartment 111, a freezer compartment 112, and a vegetable compartment 117 by a plurality of horizontally extending partitions. In this embodiment, freezer compartment 112 includes a first freezer area 113, an ice making and storage area 114, and a second freezer area 115.

[0011] Refrigerating compartment 111 is provided with refrigerator compartment door 111X. Vegetable compartment 117 is provided with a drawer-type vegetable compartment door 117X. First freezing area 113 is provided with a drawer-type freezer compartment door 113X. Ice making and storage area 114 is provided with a drawer-type ice making compartment door 114X. Second freezing area 115 is provided with a drawer-type freezer compartment door 115X.

[0012] In the following, the surface on which the door is provided will be referred to as the front or front surface of the refrigerator. Using the front surface as a reference, the surfaces of refrigerator 100 will be referred to as the top, side, back, and bottom surfaces based on the positions where refrigerator 100 would be when installed in a normal state. When refrigerator 100 is placed on an installation surface, the left-right direction (the horizontal direction perpendicular to the up-down direction) of refrigerator 100 as viewed from the front will be referred to as the left-right direction of refrigerator 100. When refrigerator 100 is placed on an installation surface, the up-down direction (the vertical direction perpendicular to the left-right direction) of refrigerator 100 will be referred to as the up-down direction of refrigerator 100. When refrigerator 100 is placed on an installation surface, the side located on the left side as viewed from the front side will be referred to as the left side of refrigerator 100, and the side located on the right side as viewed from the front side of refrigerator 100 will be referred to as the right side of refrigerator 100.

[0013] 3, refrigerator 100 is provided with an upper partition shelf 121 for separating refrigerator compartment 111 from freezer compartment 112, approximately in the vertical center inside insulated box body 110. Urethane is injected inside upper partition shelf 121 to improve the insulation performance between refrigerator compartment 111 and freezer compartment 112. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a first communication hole 131 is formed in the front part of a position on the side surface of inner box 130 that overlaps with upper partition shelf 121, and a second communication hole 132 is formed in the middle part of a position on the side surface of inner box 130 that overlaps with upper partition shelf 121.

[0014] Furthermore, a lower partition shelf 122 is provided at the bottom inside the insulated box body 110 to separate the freezer compartment 112 from the vegetable compartment 117. Urethane is injected inside the lower partition shelf 122 to improve the thermal insulation performance between the freezer compartment 112 and the vegetable compartment 117. In this embodiment, a third communication hole 133 is formed in the front part of the side surface of the inner box 130 at a position overlapping with the lower partition shelf 122.

[0015] 5, when urethane is injected through the injection holes 141, 141... on the back surface of the outer box 140, the urethane fills the space between the side surface of the outer box 140 and the side surface of the inner box 130, flows into the interior of the upper partition shelf 121 through the first communication hole 131 and the second communication hole 132, and flows into the interior of the lower partition shelf 122 through the third communication hole 133. Then, as the urethane foams, the space between the side surface of the outer box 140 and the side surface of the inner box 130, the interior space of the upper partition shelf 121, and the interior space of the lower partition shelf 122 are finally filled with urethane. <Configuration for adjusting urethane>

[0016] In particular, in this embodiment, to prevent too much urethane from flowing through first communication hole 131 into upper partition shelf 121, a shielding seal 151M is attached to block part of first communication hole 131, as shown in Fig. 6. For example, if too much urethane flows into upper partition shelf 121, first communication hole 131 is blocked with a larger shielding seal 151L, as shown in Fig. 7. Conversely, if there is not much urethane in upper partition shelf 121, first communication hole 131 is blocked with a smaller shielding seal 151S, as shown in Fig. 8.

[0017] If it is determined that the amount of urethane filled in the upper partition shelf 121 is even less, the shielding seal 151 itself may not be used, as shown in FIG.

[0018] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, urethane is injected from the back of outer box 140 with the opening of inner box 130 facing downward, i.e., with the openings of refrigerator compartment 111 and freezer compartment 112 facing downward.

[0019] In order to adjust the amount of urethane flowing through first communication hole 131 by adjusting the size of shielding seal 151, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 , a positioning reference mark 135 is formed near first communication hole 131 and behind first communication hole 131. Reference mark 135 is realized by a rib formed on side surface 130L of inner box 130. During assembly, the worker determines whether to attach a shielding seal or determines the size of shielding seals 151L, 151M, and 151S based on the amount of urethane filled in the previous assembly of insulating box 110, and then attaches the shielding seal to left side surface 130L of inner box 130 with the rear end of the shielding seal aligned with reference mark 135.

[0020] Because urethane foaming is caused by a chemical reaction, the degree of foaming varies depending on the ambient temperature and humidity, the type and amount of foaming agent, etc. Therefore, when changing to a different lot of urethane raw material or when the ambient temperature and humidity change, it is recommended to check the degree of foaming by conducting foaming tests using prototypes or test foaming, and adjust the shielding amount of the shielding seal accordingly.

[0021] It is preferable that such a configuration of first communication hole 131, second communication hole 132, and third communication hole 133, and a configuration for attaching shielding seals 151L, 151M, and 151S, be provided on both the left and right sides of inner box . <Assembly Instructions>

[0022] The manufacturing process of the heat-insulating box 110 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. Note that the following process is preferably performed on a heat-insulating box that is not intended as a product, such as a prototype or test item.

[0023] The worker prepares the inner box 130 (step S102).

[0024] The worker attaches the upper partition shelf 121 to the inner box 130 (step S104).

[0025] The worker attaches the lower partition shelf 122 to the inner box 130 (step S106).

[0026] The worker selects the shielding seals 151L, 151M, and 151S of the specified size (step S108). At this time, the worker may decide not to use the shielding seals 151L, 151M, and 151S.

[0027] The worker attaches the shielding stickers 151 to the reference positions of the left and right first communication holes 131 (step S110).

[0028] The worker fixes the outer box 140 to the outside of the inner box 130 (step S112).

[0029] With the heat-insulating box 110 placed so that the back surface of the outer box 140 faces upward, the worker injects urethane through the injection holes 141, 141... on the back surface of the outer box 140 (step S114).

[0030] After the urethane foaming (if the answer is YES in step S118), the worker checks whether the inner box 130, outer box 140, upper partition shelf 121, and lower partition shelf 122 are filled with the appropriate amount of urethane by visually inspecting, touching, and cutting them as necessary (step S120).

[0031] For example, if there is an area in the upper partition shelf 121 that is not filled with urethane, such as if the upper partition shelf 121 is recessed, the worker determines that the amount of urethane filled in the upper partition shelf 121 is insufficient (YES in step S122), and changes the subsequent shielding seals 151 to smaller sizes (step S124). Alternatively, the worker decides not to use the shielding seals 151 from next time.

[0032] Conversely, if the upper partition shelf 121 is bulging, the worker determines that too much urethane has been filled into the upper partition shelf 121 (if YES in step S126), and changes the subsequent shielding seals 151 to larger sizes (step S128).

[0033] It is also possible to prepare a test foaming box separate from the prototype, pour the urethane concentrate into the test foaming box, and check the foaming state. In this case, a reference line or the like may be provided on the test foaming box, and the type of shielding seal 151 may be determined based on whether the foaming state exceeds the reference line after a predetermined time has elapsed since the urethane concentrate was poured in. [Second embodiment]

[0034] In the above embodiment, the case where the shielding seal 151 is attached to the first communication hole 131 has been described, but the configuration of adjusting the amount of urethane entering with the shielding seal 151 can also be applied to the third communication hole 133, as shown in Fig. 11. For example, by changing the size of the shielding seals 151L, 151M, 151S attached to the third communication hole 133, it is possible to supply an appropriate amount of urethane to the lower partition shelf 122.

[0035] 12, the above technique can also be applied to the second communication hole 132. For example, by changing the size of the shielding seals 151L, 151M, and 151S attached to the second communication hole 132, it is possible to supply a more appropriate amount of urethane to the rear of the upper partition shelf 121. [Third embodiment]

[0036] In the above embodiment, the amount of urethane flowing into upper partition shelf 121 through first communication hole 131 is adjusted by changing the size of shielding seal 151. However, this is not limited to this embodiment. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the size of shielding seal 151 is fixed, and the amount of urethane flowing into upper partition shelf 121 through first communication hole 131 is adjusted by changing the position where shielding seal 151 is attached.

[0037] 13, in this embodiment, a plurality of reference positions 136X, 136Y, and 136Z are formed near the first communication hole 131. The plurality of reference positions 136X, 136Y, and 136Z are realized by ribs formed on the side surface 130L of the inner box 130.

[0038] To prevent too much urethane from flowing through the first communicating hole 131 into the upper dividing shelf 121, a shielding seal 151 for shielding a portion of the first communicating hole 131 is attached so as to shield from the rear end of the first communicating hole 131 to a predetermined reference position 136Y. If too much urethane flows into the upper dividing shelf 121, the shielding seal 151 will block from the rear end of the first communicating hole 131 to the front reference position 136X, as shown in Figure 14. Conversely, if there is not much urethane in the upper dividing shelf 121, the shielding seal 151 will block from the rear end of the first communicating hole 131 to the rear reference position 136Z, as shown in Figure 15.

[0039] In this embodiment, after the urethane foaming, the position where the subsequent shielding seal 151 is attached is changed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0040] In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 16, a plurality of reference positions 136X, 136Y, and 136Z are formed behind the first communication hole 131. A shielding seal 151 for shielding a portion of the first communication hole 131 is attached forward from the reference position 136Y behind the first communication hole 131 to prevent excessive urethane from flowing through the first communication hole 131 into the upper partition shelf 121. For example, if too much urethane flows into the upper partition shelf 121, the rear end of the shielding seal 151 is attached so as to align with the reference position 136X of the first communication hole 131, as shown in Fig. 17. Conversely, if there is not much urethane in the upper partition shelf 121, the rear end of the shielding seal 151 is attached so as to align with the reference position 136Z of the first communication hole 131, as shown in Fig. 18.

[0041] It is preferable that such a configuration regarding the reference positions of first communication hole 131, second communication hole 132, and third communication hole 133, and a configuration for attaching shielding seal 151, etc. be provided on both the left and right sides of inner box 130.

[0042] This configuration can also be applied to the third communication hole 133 and the second communication hole 132. [summary]

[0043] In the above embodiment, a refrigerator is provided that includes an inner box for forming the interior of the refrigerator, a partition member for dividing the interior of the refrigerator, an outer box for covering the sides of the inner box, urethane filled in a first space between the outer box and the inner box and a second space inside the partition member, and a shielding member for narrowing a hole connecting the first space and the second space.

[0044] Preferably, the shielding member is attached in a position that shields the rear of the hole.

[0045] Preferably, a mark for aligning the shielding member is formed near the hole.

[0046] In the above embodiment, there is provided a method for manufacturing a refrigerator, which includes the steps of: attaching a partition member for dividing the interior of the refrigerator to an inner box for forming the interior of the refrigerator; attaching a shielding member to a hole that connects a first space between the inner box and the outer box that covers the side of the inner box and a second space inside the partition member; and injecting and foaming urethane into the first space and the second space.

[0047] Preferably, the manufacturing method further comprises, before the step of attaching the shielding member, the step of determining whether or not to attach the shielding member.

[0048] Preferably, the manufacturing method further includes, before the step of attaching the shielding member, a step of determining an attachment position of the shielding member or a size of the shielding member to be attached. The step of determining the attachment position or the size of the shielding member includes a step of making the determination based on a result of foaming urethane in a box prepared separately from the refrigerator to be manufactured.

[0049] Preferably, the step of attaching the shielding member includes attaching the shielding member in a position to shield the rear of the aperture.

[0050] Preferably, the step of injecting and foaming the urethane includes the step of injecting the urethane from the rear direction of the inner box with the front face of the inner box facing downward.

[0051] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. Furthermore, configurations obtained by combining the configurations of different embodiments described in this specification are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 100: Refrigerator 110: Insulated box 111: Refrigerator 111X: Refrigerator door 112: Freezer 113: First freezer area 113X: Freezer door 114: Ice making and storage area 114X: Ice compartment door 115: Second freezer area 115X: Freezer door 117: Vegetable compartment 117X: Vegetable compartment door 121: Upper partition shelf 122: Lower partition shelf 130: Inner box 131: First communication hole 132: Second communication hole 133: Third communication hole 135:Reference mark 135X: Reference position 135Y: Reference position 135Z: Reference position 136X: Reference position 136Y: Reference position 136Z: Reference position 140: Outer box 141: Injection hole 151: Shielding seal 151L: Shielding seal 151M: Shielding seal 151S: Shielding seal

Claims

1. an inner box for forming the interior of the storage; A partition member for dividing the interior of the storage space; an outer box that covers the sides of the inner box; urethane filled in a first space between the outer box and the inner box and a second space inside the partition member; a shielding member for narrowing a hole that communicates the first space and the second space.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the shielding member is attached at a position that shields the rear portion of the hole.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein a mark for aligning the shielding member is formed near the hole.

4. Attaching a partition member for dividing the interior of the storage compartment to an inner box for forming the interior of the storage compartment; a step of attaching a shielding member to a hole that communicates a first space between the inner box and an outer box that covers a side surface of the inner box with a second space inside the partition member; A method for manufacturing a refrigerator, comprising the steps of injecting and foaming urethane into the first space and the second space.

5. The method for manufacturing a refrigerator according to claim 4 , further comprising, before the step of attaching the shielding member, a step of determining whether or not to attach the shielding member.

6. The method further includes a step of determining a mounting position of the shielding member or a size of the shielding member to be mounted before the step of mounting the shielding member; 5. The method for manufacturing a refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the step of determining the mounting position or size of the shielding member is based on a result of foaming the urethane in a box prepared separately from the refrigerator to be manufactured.

7. The method for manufacturing a refrigerator according to claim 4 , wherein the step of attaching the shielding member includes the step of attaching the shielding member at a position where the shielding member shields a rear portion of the hole.

8. 5. The method for manufacturing a refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the step of injecting and foaming the urethane includes the step of injecting the urethane from a rear surface direction of the inner box with the front surface of the inner box facing downward.

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