Refrigerator and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: an insulation panel, which has an inner layer, an outer layer and an insulation material between the inner layer and the outer layer, has a cut part forming a cut groove, and is folded with the cut groove as the center thereof such that the insulation panel forms a main wall; a rear wall, which is coupled to the rear side of the main wall and forms, together with the main wall, a main body having storage chambers; doors for opening / closing the storage chambers; and an evaporator for cooling the storage chambers.

Description

Refrigerator and method of manufacturing the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a refrigerator including a body formed by folding an insulating panel and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that has a main body having a storage compartment, a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment, and a door configured to open and close the storage compartment to keep food fresh.

[0003] Typically, the body of a refrigerator is manufactured by foaming and curing a foam between an inner case made of injection molded resin material and an outer case made of metal material placed on the outside of the inner case.

[0004] This method suffers from the inconvenience of having to mold, transport, and store the internal and external components separately, as well as the difficulty of foaming due to the complex shape of the internal component. Furthermore, there are limitations in freely modifying the size, shape, and material of the main body.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a simple and easy method for manufacturing a refrigerator and a refrigerator manufactured thereby.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a method for manufacturing a body of a refrigerator by folding an insulating panel and a refrigerator manufactured thereby.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator having improved insulation performance in which an insulation panel is folded or assembled (combined).

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator comprises: an insulating panel having an inner skin, an outer skin, and an insulating material between the inner skin and the outer skin, the insulating panel having a cut portion forming the cut groove, the insulating panel being folded around the cut groove so as to form a main wall; a rear wall coupled to the rear side of the main wall, the rear wall and the main wall forming a body having a storage compartment; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; and an evaporator for cooling the storage compartment.

[0010] The above-mentioned incision can be formed through a portion of the lining and a portion of the insulating material.

[0011] The insulation material between the inner surface and the outer surface of the first part of the above-mentioned insulation panel and the insulation material between the inner surface and the outer surface of the second part of the above-mentioned insulation panel folded around the cut groove can be bonded to each other.

[0012] The inner skin of the first part of the above-mentioned insulation panel and the inner skin of the second part of the above-mentioned insulation panel folded around the above-mentioned cut groove can be adhered to each other.

[0013] The outer skin of the first part of the above-mentioned insulation panel and the outer skin of the second part of the above-mentioned insulation panel folded around the above-mentioned cut groove may be integral.

[0014] A first cut surface of a first part of the insulation panel forms a first part of the cut groove, a second cut surface of a second part of the insulation panel forms a second part of the cut groove, and the first part and the second part can be folded with the cut groove as the center.

[0015] The first cut surface includes a first inner skin cut surface formed on the inner skin of the first part of the insulation panel; and a first insulation material cut surface formed on the insulation material between the inner surface and the outer surface of the first part of the insulation panel; and the second cut surface includes a second inner skin cut surface formed on the inner skin of the second part of the insulation panel; and a second insulation material cut surface formed on the insulation material between the inner surface and the outer surface of the second part of the insulation panel; and the first inner skin cut surface and the second inner skin cut surface are bonded, and the first insulation material cut surface and the second insulation material cut surface can be bonded.

[0016] The above outer shell may include a side portion forming at least one of the upper surface, lower surface, left surface, and right surface of the main body; a front portion forming at least a portion of the front edge of the main body; and a rear portion arranged to be coupled with the rear wall.

[0017] The above outer skin may be formed of a metal material, and the above inner skin may be formed of a non-woven material.

[0018] The above insulation may be polyurethane foam.

[0019] The folded insulation panel may further include a liner formed of a resin material and bonded to the inner surface thereof.

[0020] The above outer skin and the above inner skin can each be formed of a metal material.

[0021] A guide joining hole may be formed in the above inner skin so that a shelf guide supporting the shelf can be joined to the above inner skin.

[0022] The above refrigerator may further include a machine room unit coupled to the lower side of the main body and including a compressor and a condenser.

[0023] A refrigerant pipe connecting the machine room unit and the evaporator may be provided on the rear wall.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a refrigerator includes transferring an inner skin and an outer skin, injecting and curing a foaming liquid between the inner skin and the outer skin to form an insulating material, cutting an insulating panel including the inner skin, the outer skin, and the insulating material to a predetermined length, cutting a portion of the insulating panel to form a cut groove, and folding the insulating panel around the cut groove.

[0025] Forming the above incision may include cutting off a portion of the lining and a portion of the insulation.

[0026] The method of manufacturing the above refrigerator may further include forming a main wall by bonding a liner to an inner surface of the above insulating panel.

[0027] The method for manufacturing the above refrigerator may further include forming a main body by joining a rear wall to the rear side of the main wall.

[0028] The method for manufacturing the above refrigerator may further include arranging an evaporator in a storage chamber formed in the main body and combining a machine room unit including a compressor and a condenser to the main body.

[0029] According to the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a refrigerator can be made simple and easy.

[0030] According to the present disclosure, the body of a refrigerator can be easily manufactured by using a method of folding an insulating panel.

[0031] According to the present disclosure, the insulation performance of a refrigerator can be improved by folding or assembling (combining) insulation panels.

[0032] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an insulation panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an insulating panel having a cut groove formed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I of the insulation panel of Fig. 4.

[0038] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of the insulation panel of Fig. 4.

[0039] Figure 7 is a drawing illustrating an operation of folding the insulation panel of Figure 4.

[0040] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the dotted line portion of Figure 5.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the insulation panel of Fig. 4 in a folded state.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a method for manufacturing a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating an insulating panel and liner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a state in which the insulation panel and liner of Fig. 11 are combined.

[0045] Fig. 13 is a drawing illustrating an operation of folding the insulation panel of Fig. 12.

[0046] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an insulation panel and a liner bonded through polyurethane foam according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an insulation panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating an insulating panel having a cut groove formed therein according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a plurality of insulating panels coupled to each other according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0052] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0053] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0054] In this disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0055] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0056] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0057] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0058] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0059] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0060] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0061] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0062] The body may include insulation. The insulation may insulate the interior and exterior of the storage compartment so that the temperature inside the storage compartment can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment of the storage compartment. In one embodiment, the insulation may include a foam insulation, such as polyurethane foam. In another embodiment, the insulation may additionally include a vacuum insulation in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation instead of the foam insulation.

[0063] A storage room can store various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room can be formed so that at least one side is open for taking items in and out.

[0064] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator includes two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To achieve this, each storage compartment may be separated from the others by a partition wall containing insulation.

[0065] The storage room may be designed to maintain an appropriate temperature range depending on its intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished by their intended use and / or temperature range. A refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and a freezer may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them frozen, and for example, a freezer may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. A variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer, at the user's option or not.

[0066] In addition to names such as "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room," a storage room may also be called by various other names such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice room." The terms "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room" used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0067] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the main body in a pivotal or sliding manner.

[0068] The door may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the back of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided on the interior of these.

[0070] The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by contacting the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0071] In one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

[0072] Depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment, refrigerators can be classified into French door type, side-by-side type, bottom mounted freezer (BMF), top mounted freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerator.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0074] The cold air supply device may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool the storage room.

[0075] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

[0077] The machine room may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be connected to the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0078] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to a user without having to open the door.

[0079] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0081] The control unit may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0082] Memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. Memory can store temporary data generated during the generation of control signals for controlling components within the refrigerator. Memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0083] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The processor may generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cooling system based on the temperature information.

[0084] Additionally, the processor may process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and / or data stored / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor may transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0085] The processor and memory may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0086] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components within the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories that individually control the components within the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cooling device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0087] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0088] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0089] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0090] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0091] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10) having a storage compartment (20), a door (30) configured to open and close the storage compartment (20), and a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment (20). The cold air supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor (26), a condenser (27), an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator (24).

[0093] The evaporator (24) may be placed inside the storage room (20). An evaporator cover (23) may be coupled to the inner surface of the storage room (20) to cover the evaporator (24). The storage room (20) may be divided into a cooling space in which the evaporator (24) is placed by the evaporator cover (23) to generate cold air, and a storage space in which items are stored. A cold air discharge hole (23a) may be formed in the evaporator cover (23) to guide cold air from the cooling space to the storage space.

[0094] The refrigerator (1) may include a machine room unit (25) including a compressor (26), a condenser (27), and a machine room housing (29). The compressor (26) and the condenser (27) may be arranged inside the machine room housing (29). The machine room unit (25) may further include a blower fan (28) provided to dissipate heat generated from the condenser (27). As shown in the drawing, the machine room unit (25) may be coupled to the lower side of the main body (10). However, alternatively, the machine room unit (25) may be coupled to another side of the main body (10), such as the upper side or the rear side of the main body (10).

[0095] Inside the storage room (20), a shelf (not shown) for supporting food and a storage container (21) for containing food may be provided.

[0096] The door (30) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (10). The door (30) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (10) via a hinge (33). A door shelf (31) for storing food can be provided on the door (30). A door gasket (32) can be provided on the back surface of the door (30) so as to be in close contact with the front edge of the main body (10) when the door (30) is closed. The door gasket (32) can be formed of a rubber material. The storage compartment (20) can be sealed by the door gasket (32) being in close contact with the front edge of the main body (10).

[0097] The main body (10) may include a main wall (11) and a rear wall (16) coupled to the rear side of the main wall (11). That is, when the main wall (11) and the rear wall (16) are coupled, the main body may have a storage compartment (20) formed therein. The main body (10) may be referred to as a cabinet in another term. The main wall (11) may have a square frame shape that is open to the front and rear. That is, the main wall (11) may include a left wall (12), a lower wall (13), a right wall (14), and an upper wall (15). The rear wall (16) may be coupled to the rear side of the main wall (11) to cover the rear opening of the main wall (11).

[0098] The main wall (11) and the rear wall (16) can be joined through various joining methods. For example, the surface of the main wall (11) and the surface of the rear wall (16) can be bonded using an adhesive. Alternatively, the main wall (11) and the rear wall (16) can be joined through a separate fixing member (not shown) such as a screw. Alternatively, a fitting portion may be formed on each of the main wall (11) and the rear wall (16) so that the main wall (11) and the rear wall (16) can be fitted together.

[0099] The rear wall (16) may include insulation to insulate the storage room (20). A refrigerant pipe (17) connecting the evaporator (24) and the machine room unit (25) may be installed in the rear wall (16). The refrigerant pipe (17) may guide refrigerant between the evaporator (25) and the machine room unit (25). At least a portion of the refrigerant pipe (17) may be embedded in the insulation of the rear wall (16).

[0100] The main wall (11) may include at least one insulation panel (40). In FIG. 2, the main wall (11) is illustrated as including one insulation panel (40), but this is not limited thereto, and the main wall (11) may include two or more insulation panels (see FIG. 18).

[0101] The insulation panel (40) may include an inner skin (50), an outer skin (60), and an insulation material (70, FIG. 3) provided between the inner skin (50) and the outer skin (60). The insulation panel (40) may be folded around at least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C, FIG. 4) described later. The insulation panel (40) may be folded into a square frame shape so that the inner skin (50) is positioned on the inside and the outer skin (60) is positioned on the outside.

[0102] A liner (90), which will be described later, may be combined with the inner skin (50). The outer skin (60) may form the exterior of the main body (10). The outer skin (60) may form the upper surface, lower surface, left surface, and right surface of the main body (10). In addition, a portion (62) of the outer skin (60) may form the front edge of the main body (10).

[0103] The insulation panel (40) may include a first portion (41A), a second portion (41B), a third portion (41C), and a fourth portion (41D). Adjacent portions of the first portion (41A), the second portion (41B), the third portion (41C), and the fourth portion (41D) may be folded. The first portion (41A), the second portion (41B), the third portion (41C), and the fourth portion (41D) may be integral.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the first portion (41A) may form the left wall (12) of the main wall (11). The second portion (41B) may form the lower wall (13) of the main wall (11). The third portion (41C) may form the right wall (14) of the main wall (11). The fourth portion (41D) may form the upper wall (15) of the main wall (11).

[0105] The main wall (11) may include a liner (90) that is joined to the inner surface of the folded insulation panel (40). The liner (90) may be joined to the inner casing (50). The liner (90) may be bonded to the inner casing (50) via an adhesive. However, the liner (90) may also be joined to the inner casing (50) via a separate fastening member such as a screw. The liner (90) may include a shelf guide (91) that can support a shelf or storage container (21). The shelf guide (91) may be formed to protrude toward the storage room (20). The liner (90) may be injection molded from a resin material.

[0106] Hereinafter, the structure, forming method, and folding method of the insulation panel (40) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described.

[0107] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an insulation panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an insulation panel having a cut groove formed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of the insulation panel of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of the insulation panel of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an operation of folding the insulation panel of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a dotted line portion of FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the insulation panel of FIG. 4 in a folded state. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a method of manufacturing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the insulation panel (40) may include an insulation material (70) provided between the inner skin (50) and the outer skin (60). The insulation material (70) may include a foam insulation material such as polyurethane foam. The insulation material (70) may be formed by filling, foaming, and curing a polyurethane foam liquid between the inner skin (50) and the outer skin (60). However, the insulation material (70) may additionally include a vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation material.

[0109] The inner skin (50) may be formed of a non-woven material to provide flexibility, processability, and heat retention. The outer skin (60) may be formed of a metal material to provide strength and aesthetic appeal, such as gloss.

[0110] The insulation panel (40) can be continuously formed through a continuous foam sandwich panel forming process. Specifically, the inner skin (50) and the outer skin (60) are conveyed toward a foaming device via a double belt, and a foaming agent can be injected between the inner skin (50) and the outer skin (60) through the foaming device. The foaming agent injected between the inner skin (50) and the outer skin (60) can be cured to form the insulation panel (40). The insulation panel (40) can be cut to a predetermined length through a cutting process.

[0111] The outer shell (60) may include side portions (61) forming the upper surface, lower surface, left surface, and right surface of the main body (10). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the outer shell (60) may include a front portion (62) that is bent and extended from the side portion (61) to form at least a portion of the front edge of the main body (10). The outer shell (60) may include a rear portion (63) that is bent and extended from the side portion (61) to be coupled with the rear wall (16).

[0112] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, a portion of the insulation panel (40) may be cut out to form at least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C) in the insulation panel (40). In the present embodiment, three cut grooves are formed in the insulation panel (40), but this is not limited to the present invention, and one or two cut grooves may be formed. At least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C) may be formed on the inner skin (50) side of the insulation panel (40).

[0113] At least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C) may be formed by cutting out a portion of the inner skin (50) and a portion of the insulation material (70). The depth of the at least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C) may be substantially equal to the sum of the thickness of the inner skin (50) and the thickness of the insulation material (70). The at least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C) may be formed long in the width direction of the insulation panel (40). The cross section of the at least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C) may be substantially V-shaped, and the angle of the opening may be substantially 90 degrees. The insulation panel (40) can be divided into the first part (41A), the second part (41B), the third part (41C), and the fourth part (41D) described above, centered on at least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C).

[0114] The longitudinal ends of the insulation panel (40) can be cut to form cut ends (46A, 46B).

[0115] The insulation panel (40) can be folded around at least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C). In the present embodiment, since three cut grooves (45A, 45B, 45C) are formed in the insulation panel (40), the insulation panel (40) can be folded three times.

[0116] In this way, the insulation panel (40) can be folded easily and smoothly due to the cut groove formed on one side of the insulation panel (40). In addition, the shape of the insulation panel (40) can be prevented from being deformed or damaged when folding the insulation panel (40).

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the incision groove (45A) and the folding structure of the insulation panel centered around the incision groove (45A) will be described in detail. The following description can be equally applied to other incision grooves.

[0118] The insulation panel (40) may include a first portion (41A) and a second portion (41B) arranged on both sides with a cut groove (45A) as the center. The first portion (41A) and the second portion (41B) may be folded with the cut groove (45A) as the center. When the first portion (41A) and the second portion (41B) are unfolded, the first portion (41A) and the second portion (41B) may be substantially parallel. When the first portion (41A) and the second portion (41B) are folded, the first portion (41A) and the second portion (41B) may be substantially perpendicular.

[0119] When the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, the insulation material (70A) of the first part (41A) and the insulation material (70B) of the second part (41B) can be adjacent to or in contact with each other. When the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, the insulation material (70A) of the first part (41A) and the insulation material (70B) of the second part (41B) can be bonded to each other by an adhesive.

[0120] When the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, the inner skin (50A) of the first part (41A) and the inner skin (50B) of the second part (41B) can be adjacent to or in contact with each other. When the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, the inner skin (50A) of the first part (41A) and the inner skin (50B) of the second part (41B) can be adhered to each other by an adhesive.

[0121] A cut groove (45A) may not be formed in the outer skin (60) of the insulation panel (40). Therefore, when the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, the outer skin (60) of the first part (41A) and the outer skin (60) of the second part (41B) may be integral.

[0122] In this way, when the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, no other layer other than the air insulation layer or adhesive layer may be formed between the insulation material (70A) of the first part (41A) and the insulation material (70B) of the second part (41B). That is, when the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, a part of the inner skin (50) may not intervene between the insulation material (70A) of the first part (41A) and the insulation material (70B) of the second part (41B). Since the air insulation layer or adhesive layer has lower thermal conductivity than the inner skin, the insulation performance of the insulation panel (40) is improved and external heat can be prevented from flowing into the storage compartment (20).

[0123] When an adhesive layer is formed between the insulation material (70A) of the first part (41A) and the insulation material (70B) of the second part (41B) when the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, the adhesive layer may be provided only on a part of the surface where the insulation material (70A) of the first part (41A) and the insulation material (70B) of the second part (41B) come into contact. For example, the adhesive layer may be formed only on the edge of the surface where the insulation material (70A) of the first part (41A) and the insulation material (70B) of the second part (41B) come into contact, and a sealed air insulating layer may be formed on the remaining portion.

[0124] As described above, since the air insulation layer or adhesive layer has lower thermal conductivity than the inner skin, heat leakage can be minimized and condensation due to heat leakage can be prevented compared to the case where the inner skin is interposed between the insulation material (70A) of the first part (41A) and the insulation material (70B) of the second part (41B) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the first part (41A) can include a first cut surface (80A) forming a part of the cut groove (45A). The second part (41B) can include a second cut surface (80B) forming another part of the cut groove (45A). The first cut surface (80A) and the second cut surface (80B) can be formed by cutting the insulation panel (40). When the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are unfolded, the first cutting surface (80A) and the second cutting surface (80B) can be arranged substantially perpendicular to each other. When the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, the first cutting surface (80A) and the second cutting surface (80B) can be positioned substantially on the same plane.

[0125] When the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are unfolded, an adhesive can be applied to at least one of the first cut surface (80A) and the second cut surface (80B).

[0126] Alternatively, the first cut surface (80A) and the second cut surface (80B) can be joined by mechanical or physical joining simply by folding without an adhesive.

[0127] When the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, the first cut surface (80A) and the second cut surface (80B) can be adjacent to or in contact with each other. When the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, an air insulating layer can be formed between the first cut surface (80A) and the second cut surface (80B). When the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, the first cut surface (80A) and the second cut surface (80B) can be adhered to each other by an adhesive.

[0128] More specifically, the first cut surface (80A) may include a first inner skin cut surface (81A) formed in the inner skin (50A) of the first portion (41A). The first cut surface (80A) may include a first insulation material cut surface (82A) formed in the insulation material (70A) of the first portion (41A).

[0129] The second cut surface (80B) may include a second inner skin cut surface (81B) formed in the inner skin (50B) of the second portion (41B). The second cut surface (80B) may include a second insulation material cut surface (82B) formed in the insulation material (70B) of the second portion (41B).

[0130] When the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, the first endothelium cut surface (81A) and the second endothelium cut surface (81B) can be adjacent to or in contact with each other. When the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, the first endothelium cut surface (81A) and the second endothelium cut surface (81B) can be adhered to each other by an adhesive.

[0131] When the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, the first insulation material cut surface (82A) and the second insulation material cut surface (82B) can be adjacent to or in contact with each other. When the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, the first insulation material cut surface (82A) and the second insulation material cut surface (82B) can be bonded to each other by an adhesive.

[0132] In this way, when the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, no other layer other than the air insulation layer or adhesive layer may be formed between the first cut surface (80A) and the second cut surface (80B). That is, when the first part (41A) and the second part (41B) are folded, a part of the inner skin (50) may not intervene between the first cut surface (80A) and the second cut surface (80B). Accordingly, the insulation performance of the insulation panel (40) can be improved, and external heat can be prevented from flowing into the storage compartment (20).

[0133] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a method for manufacturing a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 10, a method for manufacturing a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is briefly described.

[0135] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an insulating panel (40) can be continuously formed through a continuous foam sandwich panel forming process.

[0136] A method for manufacturing a refrigerator may include preparing an inner shell (50) and an outer shell (60). The inner shell (50) may be formed of a non-woven material, and the outer shell (60) may be formed of a metal material. The outer shell (60) may be formed through an extrusion method.

[0137] A method for manufacturing a refrigerator may include transporting an inner skin (50) and an outer skin (60) (S10). The inner skin (50) and the outer skin (60) may be transported toward a foaming device via a double conveyor belt.

[0138] A method for manufacturing a refrigerator may include forming the shape of the inner skin (50) and the outer skin (60) while transporting the inner skin (50) and the outer skin (60). For example, while transporting the inner skin (50) and the outer skin (60), the shape of the outer skin (60) may be formed so that the outer skin (60) includes a side portion (61), a front portion (62), and a rear portion (63) (Fig. 6).

[0139] A method for manufacturing a refrigerator may include forming an insulating material (70) by injecting and curing a foaming agent between an inner skin (50) and an outer skin (60) (S20). By forming the insulating material (70) between the inner skin (50) and the outer skin (60), an insulating panel (40) may be formed.

[0140] A method of manufacturing a refrigerator may include cutting a continuous insulating panel (40) into a predetermined length through a cutting process (S30).

[0141] A method for manufacturing a refrigerator may include cutting out a portion of an insulating panel (40) to form at least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C) on one side of the insulating panel (40) (S40). A method for manufacturing a refrigerator may include cutting out both longitudinal ends of the insulating panel (40) to form a pair of cut ends (46A, 46B). Forming at least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C) and forming a pair of cut ends (46A, 46B) may be performed in the same process.

[0142] A method for manufacturing a refrigerator may include folding an insulating panel (40) around at least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C) (S50). The method for manufacturing a refrigerator may include applying an adhesive to at least one cut surface and at least one cut end before folding the insulating panel (40) around at least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C).

[0143] Applying adhesive to at least one cut surface may include applying adhesive to a portion of at least one cut surface. For example, applying adhesive to at least one cut surface may include applying adhesive to a perimeter of at least one cut surface.

[0144] A method of manufacturing a refrigerator may include bonding a liner (90, FIG. 2) to the inner surface of a folded insulation panel (40) (S60). By bonding the liner (90) to the inner surface of the insulation panel (40) when the insulation panel (40) is in a folded state, a main wall (11) may be formed.

[0145] A method of manufacturing a refrigerator may include joining a rear wall (16) to the rear side of a main wall (11) (S70). The main wall (11) and the rear wall (16) may be joined to form a main body (10).

[0146] A method for manufacturing a refrigerator may include arranging an evaporator (24) in a storage compartment (20) of a main body (10) and combining a machine room unit (25) with the main body (10) (S70).

[0147] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating an insulation panel and a liner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a state in which the insulation panel and liner of FIG. 11 are combined. FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating an operation of folding the insulation panel of FIG. 12.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, an insulating panel and liner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Components identical to those in the aforementioned embodiment are assigned the same drawing numbers and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0149] A method of manufacturing a refrigerator may include joining a liner (290) to an inner lining (50A, 50B, 50C, 50D) of an insulating panel (40) before folding the insulating panel (40) around at least one cutout (45A, 45B, 45C) (S50, FIG. 10).

[0150] The insulation panel (40) may include a plurality of portions separated by at least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C). The insulation panel (40) may include a first portion (41A), a second portion (41B), a third portion (41C), and a fourth portion (41D) separated by the cut grooves (45A, 45B, 45C).

[0151] The liner (290) may include a first part liner (290A), a second part liner (290B), a third part liner (290C), and a fourth part liner (290D) that are respectively coupled to the inner skin (50A) of the first part (41A), the inner skin (50B) of the second part (41B), the inner skin (50C) of the third part (41C), and the inner skin (50D) of the fourth part (41D).

[0152] Partial liners (290A, 290B, 290C, 290D) are injection molded from a resin material and may include protruding shelf guides (291) to guide shelves or storage containers.

[0153] As described above, the method of joining the partial liners (290A, 290B, 290C, 290D) to the inner surface (50A, 50B, 50C, 50D) of the insulation panel (40) before folding the insulation panel (40) around at least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C) may make it easier to assemble the liner (290) compared to the method of joining the liner to the inner surface (or inner surface) of the insulation panel after folding the insulation panel around at least one cut groove (S60, FIG. 10).

[0154] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an insulation panel and a liner bonded through polyurethane foam according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 14, a structure in which an insulating panel and a liner are bonded using polyurethane foam according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Components identical to those in the aforementioned embodiment will be assigned the same drawing numbers and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0156] A method of manufacturing a refrigerator may include bonding a liner (390) to an inner skin (50) of an insulating panel (40) before cutting out a portion of the insulating panel (40) to form at least one cut-out groove (45A, 45B, 45C) on one side of the insulating panel (40) (S40, FIG. 10).

[0157] To bond the liner (390) to the inner skin (50) of the insulation panel (40), a foaming agent may be foamed between the inner skin (50) of the insulation panel (40) and the liner (390). The inner skin (50) of the insulation panel (40) and the liner (390) may be bonded by the adhesive force of the foaming agent. The liner (390) may be injection molded from a resin material. The liner (390) may include a protruding shelf guide (391) to guide a shelf or storage container.

[0158] In this way, not only can the liner (390) be bonded to the inner skin (50) of the insulation panel (40), but additional insulation (392) is provided between the inner skin (50) of the insulation panel (40) and the liner (390), so that the insulation performance and rigidity of the main body (10) can be increased.

[0159] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an insulation panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a view of an insulation panel with a cut-out formed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, an insulation panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Components identical to those in the aforementioned embodiment are assigned the same drawing reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0161] Unlike the above-described embodiment, the insulation panel (440) may have both the inner skin (450) and the outer skin (60) formed of a metal material.

[0162] In this case, when the inner casing (450) is formed of a metal material, a separate liner may not be attached to the inner casing (450). This is because, if the inner casing (450) is formed of a metal material, it has sufficient rigidity, and if a liner is attached, the wall thickness may unnecessarily increase. However, since there is no liner, a shelf guide (452) that guides the shelf or storage container is provided separately, and the shelf guide (452) may be attached to the inner casing (450) made of a metal material.

[0163] For this purpose, a guide coupling hole (451) may be formed in the metal material inner casing (450) so that a shelf guide (452) can be coupled thereto.

[0164] Specifically, the insulation panel (440) may include a plurality of portions defined by at least one cut-out groove (45A, 45B, 45C). The plurality of portions may include a first portion (441A), a second portion (441B), a third portion (441C), and a fourth portion (441D). The first portion (441A), the second portion (441B), the third portion (441C), and the fourth portion (441D) may each include an inner skin (450A, 450B, 450C, 450D) made of a metallic material.

[0165] A method for manufacturing a refrigerator may include forming an insulating panel (40) by injecting and curing a foaming liquid between an inner skin (50) and an outer skin (60) (S30, FIG. 10), and then forming a guide joining hole (451) so that a shelf guide (452) is joined to an inner skin (450) made of a metal material.

[0166] Forming a guide joining hole (451) so that a shelf guide (452) is joined to the metal material inner skin (450) can be performed before folding the insulation panel (40) around at least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C) (S50, Fig. 10).

[0167] Forming a guide coupling hole (451) to couple a shelf guide (452) to the metal material inner skin (450) can be performed in the same process as forming at least one cut groove (45A, 45B, 45C) and forming a pair of cut ends (46A, 46B).

[0168] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a plurality of insulating panels coupled to each other according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0169] Unlike the embodiments described above, the main wall (11) may include two or more insulation panels. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the main wall (11) may include a plurality of insulation panels (540A, 540B).

[0170] The first insulation panel (540A) may include a plurality of parts (541A, 541B) folded around the cut groove. The second insulation panel (540B) may include a plurality of parts (541C, 541D) folded around the cut groove.

[0171] A pair of cut ends (546A, 546B) of the first insulation panel (540A) and a pair of cut ends (546C, 546D) of the second insulation panel (540B) can be bonded to each other.

[0172] However, it is not necessary for the plurality of insulation panels to each include multiple sections, and it is also possible for only one insulation panel among the plurality of insulation panels to include multiple sections. That is, one insulation panel among the plurality of insulation panels may be folded twice to form a substantially U-shape, and the other insulation panel may be formed into a flat shape.

[0173] While the technical concept of the present invention has been described above through specific examples, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples. Various embodiments that can be modified or altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims are also within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An insulating panel having an inner skin, an outer skin, and an insulating material between the inner skin and the outer skin, the insulating panel having a cut portion forming the cut groove, and the insulating panel being folded around the cut groove so that the insulating panel forms a main wall; A rear wall coupled to the rear side of the main wall, wherein the rear wall and the main wall form a body having a storage room; A door for opening and closing the above storage room; and A refrigerator comprising an evaporator for cooling the storage compartment.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the above-mentioned cut-out is formed through a portion of the lining and a portion of the insulation.

3. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the insulation material between the inner surface and the outer surface of the first part of the above-mentioned insulation panel and the insulation material between the inner surface and the outer surface of the second part of the above-mentioned insulation panel folded around the above-mentioned cut groove are bonded to each other.

4. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the inner skin of the first part of the above-mentioned insulation panel and the inner skin of the second part of the above-mentioned insulation panel folded around the above-mentioned cut groove are bonded to each other.

5. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the outer skin of the first part of the above-mentioned insulation panel and the outer skin of the second part of the above-mentioned insulation panel folded around the above-mentioned cut groove are integral.

6. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein a first cut surface of a first portion of the insulating panel forms a first portion of the cut groove, a second cut surface of a second portion of the insulating panel forms a second portion of the cut groove, and the first portion and the second portion are folded with the cut groove as the center.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first section is, A first inner skin cut surface formed on the inner skin of the first part of the above insulation panel; and Including a first insulation material cut surface formed in the insulation material between the inner surface and the outer surface of the first part of the above insulation panel; The above second section is, A second inner skin cut surface formed on the inner skin of the second part of the above insulation panel; and Including a second insulation material cut surface formed in the insulation material between the inner surface and the outer surface of the second part of the above insulation panel; The first endothelium incision surface and the second endothelium incision surface are adhered, A refrigerator in which the first insulation material cut surface and the second insulation material cut surface are bonded.

8. In paragraph 1, The above outer shell, A side portion forming at least one of the upper surface, lower surface, left surface, and right surface of the main body; a front portion forming at least a portion of the front edge of the main body; and A refrigerator comprising a rear portion configured to be coupled with the rear wall.

9. In paragraph 1, The above outer shell is formed of a metal material, A refrigerator in which the above lining is formed of non-woven material.

10. In paragraph 1, The above insulation material is a refrigerator made of polyurethane foam.

11. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator further comprising a liner formed of a resin material and bonded to an inner surface of the folded insulation panel.

12. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the outer skin and the inner skin are each formed of a metal material.

13. In paragraph 12, A refrigerator in which a guide joining hole is formed in the inner lining so that a shelf guide supporting a shelf can be joined to the inner lining.

14. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator further comprising a machine room unit coupled to the lower side of the main body and including a compressor and a condenser.

15. In paragraph 14, A refrigerator having a refrigerant pipe connecting the machine room unit and the evaporator on the rear wall.

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