Refrigerator and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator comprises: a main body having a storage compartment; and a door configured to open and close the storage compartment, wherein the door includes: a front panel; a rear panel coupled to a rear side of the front panel; and a vacuum insulation panel disposed between the front panel and the rear panel, a first gap between the front panel and the rear panel at a center portion of the door being smaller than a second gap between the front panel and the rear panel at an edge portion of the door, and wherein the vacuum insulation panel includes: a base portion having a first thickness corresponding to the first gap; and a bending portion protruding from the base portion and formed in a closed shape so as to have a second thickness corresponding to the second gap.

Description

Refrigerator and method of manufacturing the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator including a vacuum insulation panel and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device that keeps food fresh by being equipped with a main body having a storage compartment and a cold air supply system that supplies cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment that refrigerates food by maintaining it at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius, and a freezer compartment that freezes food by maintaining it at approximately -17 to -23 degrees Celsius. The storage compartment is designed so that the front opens to allow for the retrieval and retrieval of food.

[0003] A refrigerator repeats a cooling cycle in which the refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated using a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator. At this time, both the freezer and refrigerator compartments can be cooled by a single evaporator installed on the freezer side, or cooling can be achieved independently by installing evaporators in the freezer and refrigerator compartments, respectively.

[0004] The temperature of the storage room needs to be maintained within a certain range required to keep food fresh. The storage room is designed so that its front is open, and the open front is normally closed by a door to maintain the temperature of the storage room.

[0005] A refrigerator of one aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator that combines a vacuum insulation panel to a door with an adhesive without foaming polyurethane.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator comprising a refrigerator door including an insulating panel having a bending portion formed on the edge portion of the door.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator that minimizes the non-insulating portion on the inner side of the door.

[0008] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] A refrigerator according to the concept of the present invention comprises a main body having a storage compartment and a door provided to open and close the storage compartment, wherein the door comprises a front panel, a rear panel coupled to the rear side of the front panel, and a vacuum insulation panel provided between the front panel and the rear panel, wherein a first gap between the front panel and the rear panel at the center of the door is smaller than a second gap between the front panel and the rear panel at the edge of the door, and the vacuum insulation panel comprises a base portion having a first thickness corresponding to the first gap and a bending portion protruding from the base portion and provided in a closed shape having a second thickness corresponding to the second gap.

[0010] A method for manufacturing a refrigerator according to the concept of the present invention comprises preparing a front panel, a rear panel, an upper cap, and a lower cap, preparing a vacuum insulation panel including a bending portion that is bent along the edge and protrudes, attaching the upper cap to the top of the front panel, attaching the lower cap to the bottom of the front panel, attaching the vacuum insulation panel to the rear of the front panel using an adhesive, and attaching the rear panel to the rear of the vacuum insulation panel using an adhesive.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the storage compartment of the refrigerator shown in Figure 1 in an open state.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a door according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 is a disassembled view of the door shown in Figure 3.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of area B of Figure 5.

[0017] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A' of Figure 3.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the manufacturing process of a vacuum insulation panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating the core material of a vacuum insulation panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 10 is a drawing illustrating the core material of Figure 9 wrapped in an outer skin material.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating the operation of compressing the outer shell material and the core material of FIG. 10.

[0022] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 11.

[0023] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 11.

[0024] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 11.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a vacuum insulation panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0027] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0028] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] In the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “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.

[0030] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0031] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0032] Additionally, terms such as 'front,' 'rear,' 'top,' 'bottom,' 'side,' 'left,' 'right,' 'top,' and 'bottom' used in this disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0033] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0034] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0035] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0036] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0037] The "main body" may include an inner body, an outer body positioned on the outside of the inner body, and an insulating material provided between the inner body and the outer body.

[0038] The "inner body" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage chamber. The inner body may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. The "outer body" may form the exterior of the main body and may be coupled to the outer side of the inner body so that an insulating material is disposed between the inner body and the outer body.

[0039] The "insulating material" can insulate the interior and exterior of the storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room is maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the external environment. According to one embodiment, the insulating material may include a foamed insulating material. The foamed insulating material can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, which is a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the insulation material may additionally include a vacuum insulation material in addition to a foam insulation material, or the insulation material may consist solely of a vacuum insulation material instead of a foam insulation material. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation material or vacuum insulation material described above and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0041] The "storage room" may include a space defined by an internal structure. The storage room may further include an internal structure defining a space corresponding to the storage room. Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics may be stored in the storage room, and the storage room may be formed so that at least one side is open to allow for the retrieval and retrieval of items.

[0042] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in a refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different use and may be maintained at a different temperature. To this end, each storage compartment may be partitioned from one another by a partition containing insulation.

[0043] The storage room may be provided to be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to its intended use and may include a "refrigeration room," "freezing room," or "variable temperature room" distinguished according to its intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for refrigerated storage of goods, and the freezer room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for frozen storage of goods. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling goods to a temperature that does not freeze them; for example, the refrigerator room may be maintained within a range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling goods to freeze them or to maintain them in a frozen state; for example, the freezer room may be maintained within a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, with or without the user's choice.

[0044] Storage rooms may be referred to by various names, such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice-making room," in addition to terms like "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room." The terms "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room" used below should be understood as encompassing storage rooms with corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close one side of the storage compartment. The door may be provided to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed to be rotatable or sliding on the front of the main body.

[0046] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage room when the door is closed. The door may include insulation material, similar to the main body, to insulate the storage room when the door is closed.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door and facing the storage room, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation material provided inside the same.

[0048] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the door inner panel to seal the storage compartment by adhering to the front of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be mounted.

[0049] According to 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 a door insulation material provided inside them.

[0050] Refrigerators can be classified into French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer), TMF (Top Mounted Freezer), or 1-door refrigerators depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device arranged to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0052] The "cold air supply device" may include a machine, apparatus, electronic device, and / or a system combining these that can generate cold air and guide cold air to cool a storage room.

[0053] According to one embodiment, a cold 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 supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to one embodiment, the cold supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage chamber through heat generation and cooling action via the Peltier effect.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room arranged to accommodate at least some parts belonging to a cold air supply device.

[0055] The "machine room" may be configured to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components placed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed inside the machine room.

[0056] According to 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 opening the door.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to generate ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-removing device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket that stores the ice generated from the ice-making tray.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0059] The "control unit" may include a memory that stores or remembers a program and / or data for controlling a refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc., according to the program and / or data stored in the memory.

[0060] The memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc., necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated while generating control signals to control the components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0061] 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 operation of an artificial intelligence model. Additionally, the processor may include a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the cold air supply unit. For example, the processor can receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply unit based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0062] Additionally, the processor can process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface according to programs and / or data stored in memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor can transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface to display an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0063] 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 sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memory units.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories that individually control the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cold air supply device according to the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately provide a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface according to user input.

[0065] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through nearby Access Points (APs). The Access Point (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 be connected to the server through the Wide Area Network (WAN).

[0066] The input interface may include keys, touchscreens, microphones, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0067] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0068] Meanwhile, terms such as "front-back direction," "left-right direction," "upper side," and "lower side" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0069] For example, the X direction can be defined as the forward-backward direction. For example, the Y direction can be defined as the lateral direction. For example, the Z direction can be defined as the up-down direction. For example, the +X direction can be defined as forward and the -X direction as backward. For example, the +Y direction can be defined as left and the -Y direction as right. For example, the +Z direction can be defined as upward and the -Z direction as downward.

[0070] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0071] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the storage compartment of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 in an open state.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10), a storage room (20) provided inside the main body (10), a plurality of doors (100, 31, 32, 33) provided to open and close the storage room (20), and a cold air supply device (not shown) for supplying cold air to the storage room (20).

[0073] The main body (10) may include an inner body (11) forming a storage room (20), an outer body (12) coupled to the outer side of the inner body (11) to form an outer body, and a main body insulation material (13, see FIG. 5) provided between the inner body (11) and the outer body (12) to insulate the storage room (20).

[0074] The storage room (20) can be divided into multiple sections by a horizontal partition (15) and a vertical partition (16). Specifically, the storage room (21, 22, 23) can be divided into an upper storage room (21) and a lower storage room (22, 23) by the horizontal partition (15), and the lower storage room (22, 23) can be divided into a right lower storage room (22) and a left lower storage room (23) by the vertical partition (16).

[0075] The upper storage room (21) can be used as a refrigerator, and the lower storage rooms (22, 23) can be used as a freezer. However, the division and use of the storage rooms (21, 22, 23) as described above are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0076] According to the embodiment, the refrigerator may be an SBS (Side By Side) type in which the storage compartment is divided into left and right sides by a vertical partition, an FDR (French Door Refrigerator) type in which the storage compartment is divided into an upper refrigerator compartment and a lower refrigerator compartment by a horizontal partition, or a 1-door type having one storage compartment and one door.

[0077] The refrigerator (1) may include a shelf (24) for placing food and a storage container (25) for storing food. Each of the shelf (24) and the storage container (25) may be provided inside the storage room (20). Each of the shelf (24) and the storage container (25) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0078] The cold air supply device can generate cold air by using a cooling circulation cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates the refrigerant, and can supply the generated cold air to the storage room (20).

[0079] The refrigerator (1) may include a first door (100) and a second door (31). The upper storage compartment (21) can be opened and closed by the first door (100) and the second door (31).

[0080] Each of the first door (100) and the second door (31) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (10). For example, each of the first door (100) and the second door (31) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (10) by means of an upper hinge (36) and an intermediate hinge (37).

[0081] In either the first door (100) or the second door (31), a filler (not shown) may be provided to prevent cold air from the upper storage room (21) from leaking out between the first door (100) and the second door (31) when the first door (100) and the second door (31) are closed.

[0082] The refrigerator (1) may include a third door (32) and a fourth door (33). The right lower storage compartment (22) can be opened and closed by the third door (32), and the left lower storage compartment (23) can be opened and closed by the fourth door (33).

[0083] Each of the third door (32) and the fourth door (33) can be rotatably connected to the main body (10). For example, each of the third door (32) and the fourth door (33) can be rotatably connected to the main body (10) by an intermediate hinge (37) and a lower hinge (38).

[0084] Each of the plurality of doors (100, 31, 32, 33) may include a front and a rear. The front of each of the plurality of doors (100, 31, 32, 33) may be a surface exposed to the outside of the refrigerator (1) when each of the plurality of doors (100, 31, 32, 33) is closed. The rear of each of the plurality of doors (100, 31, 32, 33) may be a surface exposed to the storage room (20) when each of the plurality of doors (100, 31, 32, 33) is open.

[0085] The refrigerator (1) may include a gasket (40). The gasket (40) may be provided on the rear of each of the plurality of doors (100, 31, 32, 33). Specifically, the gasket (40) may be provided along the edge of each of the plurality of doors (100, 31, 32, 33). The gasket (40) may include an elastic material.

[0086] When each of the multiple doors (100, 31, 32, 33) is closed, the gasket (40) can be in close contact with the front of the main body (10). Through this configuration, the gasket (40) can seal the space between each of the multiple doors (100, 31, 32, 33) and the front of the main body (10).

[0087] The refrigerator (1) may include a door basket (50). The door basket (50) may form a storage space for storing items.

[0088] A door basket (50) may be provided on the rear of each of the plurality of doors (100, 31, 32, 33). In other words, a door basket (50) may be mounted on the rear of each of the plurality of doors (100, 31, 32, 33). The door basket (50) may be supported by a dike (not shown).

[0089] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a door according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating the door illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of area B of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' of FIG. 3.

[0090] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7, a first door (100), which is one of a plurality of doors (100, 31, 32, 33), will be described. However, the configuration and structure of the first door (100) described below may be applied to any one of the second door (31), the third door (32), and the fourth door (33). Also, the first door (100) may be referred to as door (100) below.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 7, the door (100) may include a door frame (110). The door frame (110) may form the exterior of the door (100). For example, the front of the door frame (110) may form the front of the door (100), the rear of the door frame (110) may form the rear of the door (100), and the side of the door frame (110) may form the side of the door (100). Additionally, the door frame (110) may form a receiving space for accommodating various components of the door (100). In this case, the receiving space formed by the door frame (110) may be referred to as the interior space of the door (100).

[0092] The door (100) may include a vacuum insulation panel (120). The vacuum insulation panel (120) may be provided to insulate the storage room (20, see FIG. 1).

[0093] The vacuum insulation panel (120) can be placed inside the door frame (110). That is, the door frame (110) can accommodate the vacuum insulation panel (120). In other words, the vacuum insulation panel (120) can be provided in the interior space of the door (100).

[0094] The door frame (110) may include a front panel (111). The front panel (111) may form the front of the door frame (110).

[0095] A front panel (111) may be provided at the front of the vacuum insulation panel (120) to cover the front of the vacuum insulation panel (120). At least one portion of the rear of the front panel (111) may be in contact with the front of the vacuum insulation panel (120).

[0096] The door frame (110) may include a rear panel (112). The rear panel (112) may form the rear of the door frame (110).

[0097] A rear panel (112) may be provided at the rear of the vacuum insulation panel (120) to cover the rear of the vacuum insulation panel (120). At least one portion of the front of the rear panel (112) may be in contact with the rear of the vacuum insulation panel (120).

[0098] The door frame (110) can form the side of the door (100). According to one example, the front panel (111) may include a side portion (113) that is folded backward to form the side of the door (100).

[0099] In an embodiment of the invention, the side portion (113) of the front panel (111) forming the side of the door frame (110) and the front panel (111) forming the front of the door frame (110) are shown as being integrally formed, but the concept of the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a separate side panel forming the side of the door frame (110) may be provided and configured in a shape that is combined with the front panel.

[0100] A side portion (113) may be provided on the side of the vacuum insulation panel (120) to cover the side of the vacuum insulation panel (120). The side portion (113) may cover the side of the vacuum insulation panel (120) while being spaced apart from the side of the vacuum insulation panel (120).

[0101] The upper cap (114) can be attached to the upper edge of the front panel (111) and the upper edge of the rear panel (112). The lower cap (115) can be attached to the lower edge of the front panel (111) and the lower edge of the rear panel (112).

[0102] The side portion (113) of the front panel (111) can be joined to the side edge of the rear panel (112). In other words, the side portion (113) can extend between one end of the upper cap (114) and one end of the lower cap (115).

[0103] The vacuum insulation panel (120) may include a base portion (121) and a bending portion (122). The base portion (121) may be provided at a position corresponding to the center (100a) of the door (100). The bending portion (122) may be provided at a position corresponding to the edge portion (100b) of the door (100). The base portion (121) may be provided in a roughly rectangular shape. The bending portion (122) may be provided protruding rearward from the base portion (121). The bending portion (122) may be provided at the edge of the base portion (121). Specifically, the bending portion (122) may be formed along the perimeter of the base portion (121). In other words, the bending portion may be provided to protrude in a closed shape. Accordingly, the vacuum insulation panel (120) may be provided in a roughly box shape.

[0104] The bending portion (122) can be extended along the edge of the vacuum insulation panel (120). In other words, the bending portion (122) can be extended along the edge of the door (100). In other words, the bending portion (122) can be extended along the edge of the door frame (110).

[0105] The door (100) may include a foam member (130). The foam member (130) may be located between the vacuum insulation panel (120) and the side portion (113) of the front panel (111). The foam member (130) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the side portion (113).

[0106] The foam member (130) can protect the vacuum insulation panel (120) from sharp parts of the side portion (113). The foam member (130) can be provided to fill the unfilled portion where the vacuum insulation panel (120) cannot be accommodated by the formation of the side portion (113) on the front panel (111). The foam member (130) can be provided to provide an additional insulation effect by being positioned on the side of the vacuum insulation panel (120).

[0107] As described above, at least one part of the rear surface of the front panel (111) can be in contact with the front surface of the vacuum insulation panel (120), and at least one part of the front surface of the rear panel (112) can be in contact with the rear surface of the vacuum insulation panel (120).

[0108] Specifically, the front panel (111) may be provided to be in contact with the front of the vacuum insulation panel (120) to cover the front of the vacuum insulation panel (120).

[0109] The rear panel (112) may be in contact with the rear of the vacuum insulation panel (120) to cover the rear of the vacuum insulation panel (120). Specifically, the rear panel (112) may include a recess (112a) in contact with the base portion (121) of the vacuum insulation panel (120) and an outer portion (112c) in contact with the bending portion (122) of the vacuum insulation panel (120). Additionally, the rear panel (112) may include a protrusion (112b).

[0110] The protrusion (112b) may be formed by protruding and bending from the portion where the rear panel (112) and the vacuum insulation panel (120) come into contact. For example, the protrusion (112b) may protrude from the recess (112a) or the outer portion (112c). For example, the protrusion (112b) may be provided between the recess (112a) and the outer portion (112c). For example, the protrusion (112b) may be provided so as to connect the recess (112a) and the outer portion (112c).

[0111] The protrusion (112b) may not come into contact with the vacuum insulation panel (120). That is, the protrusion (112b) may be spaced apart from the vacuum insulation panel (120). Specifically, the protrusion (112b) may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the vacuum insulation panel (120) and the rear surface of the vacuum insulation panel (120). The protrusion (112b) may be provided along the edge of the vacuum insulation panel (120).

[0112] An insulating space (112d) may be formed between the protrusion (112b) and the vacuum insulating panel (120). In other words, the protrusion (112b) may form an insulating space (112d) together with the vacuum insulating panel (120). The insulating space (112d) may be provided along the edge of the vacuum insulating panel (120).

[0113] The length of the protrusion (112b) protruding from the outer portion (112c) of the rear panel (112) may be arranged to be smaller than the length of the recess (112a) of the rear panel (112). In other words, in the rear panel (112), the distance of the recess forward from the protrusion (112b) may be arranged so that the recess (112a) is greater than the outer portion (112c). In other words, the recess (112a) of the rear panel (112) may be located further forward than the outer portion (112c). Accordingly, the distance between the front panel (111) and the rear panel (112) may be arranged to be different from each other at the recess (112a) and the outer portion (112c) of the rear panel (112). Accordingly, a difference in thickness of the internal space of the door (100) may occur at the center (100a) and the edge (100b) of the door (100).

[0114] A vacuum insulation panel (120) may be provided to be accommodated in the interior space of the door (100) to reduce heat exchange with the outside. The vacuum insulation panel (120) may be provided to effectively prevent cold air leakage between the front panel (111) and the rear panel (112) of the door (100). The vacuum insulation panel (120) may include a base portion (121) and a bending portion (122) provided to correspond to the thickness difference between the center (100a) and the edge portion (100b) of the door (100).

[0115] The vacuum insulation panel (120) can be provided to minimize the unfilled space formed by the difference in thickness between the center (100a) and the edge (100b) of the door (100) inside the door (100).

[0116] For example, the front panel (111) and the rear panel (112) may be arranged so as to be spaced apart by a first gap (d1) from the center (100a) of the door (100). The front panel (111) and the rear panel (112) may be arranged so as to be spaced apart by a second gap (d2) from the edge portion (100b) of the door (100). The first gap (d1) may be arranged to be smaller than the second gap (d2).

[0117] For example, the base portion (121) of the vacuum insulation panel (120) may be provided to have a first thickness (w1) corresponding to a first gap (d1) in the center of the door (100a). The bending portion (122) of the vacuum insulation panel (120) may be provided to have a second thickness (w2) corresponding to a second gap (d2) in the edge portion (100b) of the door (100). Accordingly, the vacuum insulation panel (120) may be provided to minimize the unfilled space inside the door.

[0118] The bending portion (122) of the vacuum insulation panel (120) may be arranged to be in contact with the outer portion (112c) of the rear panel (112). The base portion (121) of the vacuum insulation panel (120) may be arranged to be in contact with the center of the rear panel (112). Accordingly, the vacuum insulation panel (120) may be arranged to maximize heat blocking performance in response to the thickness difference between the center (100a) and the edge portion (100b) of the door (100).

[0119] The bending portion (122) of the vacuum insulation panel (120) may be provided along the perimeter of the base portion (121). The bending portion (122) may be provided to protrude so as to extend to the edge portion (100b) of the door (100). Additionally, the bending portion (122) may be provided to have a thickness equal to the side thickness of the door (100). Accordingly, the vacuum insulation panel (120) may be provided to reduce heat leakage to the side as well as to the front of the door (100).

[0120] A foam member (130) may be positioned between the side portion (113) of the front panel (111) and the bending portion (122) of the vacuum insulation panel (120). The foam member (130) may be provided to fill the interior space of the door (100) to increase the heat blocking effect. The foam member (130) may be positioned in the uneven area of ​​the side portion (113) to reduce the unfilled space where the vacuum insulation panel (120) cannot be accommodated. The thickness of the foam member (130) may be provided to be the same as the thickness of the bending portion (122) of the vacuum insulation panel (120).

[0121] Accordingly, the vacuum insulation panel (120) can improve the insulation performance of the door (100) of the refrigerator (1). Specifically, the vacuum insulation panel (120), which is provided in a roughly box shape, can be provided to separate the storage room (20) provided behind the door from the outside in all directions, including the front of the door (100) where the door (100) contacts the outside and the side perimeter of the door (100), except for the rear of the door (100) facing the storage room (20).

[0122] The vacuum insulation panel (120) may be provided such that the perimeter of the base portion (121) protrudes. The vacuum insulation panel (120) may be provided to provide optimal insulation performance at the center (100a) and the edge portion (100b) of the refrigerator (1) door (100) by including a bending portion (122). The structure of the base portion (121) and the bending portion (122) of the vacuum insulation panel (120) may be provided to precisely correspond to the thickness difference between the center (100a) and the edge portion (100b) of the door (100). Specifically, by combining the bending portion (122) with the outer portion (112c) of the rear panel (112), the insulation performance of the refrigerator (1) may be increased as heat leakage at the edge portion (100b) of the door (100) is reduced.

[0123] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of a vacuum insulation panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a core material of a vacuum insulation panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating the core material of FIG. 9 wrapped with an outer skin material. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating the operation of compressing the outer skin material and the core material of FIG. 10.

[0124] With reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, a method for manufacturing a vacuum insulation panel (120) provided on the inner side of the door (100) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is described. Additionally, a method for manufacturing a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is briefly described.

[0125] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum insulation panel (120) with four side surfaces bent and edges protruding backward can be manufactured to be inserted into the interior of the door (100) of a refrigerator (1).

[0126] More specifically, the method of manufacturing the refrigerator (1) may include preparing a door frame (110) that forms the exterior of the door (100). In other words, it may include preparing a front panel (111), a rear panel (112), an upper cap (114), and a lower cap (115).

[0127] The method of manufacturing the refrigerator (1) may include preparing a vacuum insulation panel (120) that is accommodated in the receiving space of the door frame (110). A specific description of preparing the vacuum insulation panel (120) will be provided later in conjunction with other drawings below.

[0128] As a bending portion (122) is provided on the edge of the vacuum insulation panel (120) provided on the refrigerator (1) door (100), the method of manufacturing the refrigerator (1) door (100) can be simplified.

[0129] More specifically, as the edge of the vacuum insulation panel (120) protrudes by the bending portion (122), the section where insulation is not applied, which is caused by the height difference resulting from various configurations of the door frame (110), can be minimized. Accordingly, when manufacturing the refrigerator (1) door (100), the door (100) can be manufactured using a bonding method in which the front and back surfaces of the vacuum insulation panel (120) are bonded through adhesive between each plate, instead of a foaming technique that fills the section where insulation is not applied with polyurethane and combines the configurations of the refrigerator (1) door (100).

[0130] Accordingly, compared to the process of manufacturing the door (100) using a polyurethane foaming technique, the time of the door (100) manufacturing process can be shortened by using only an adhesive to manufacture the door (100). In other words, as the time of the door (100) manufacturing process is reduced, the production volume of the refrigerator (1) door (100) can be increased.

[0131] The method of manufacturing the refrigerator (1) may include joining the door frame (110) so that the vacuum insulation panel (120) is accommodated. Specifically, it may include joining an upper cap (114) to the top of the front panel (111) and joining a lower cap (115) to the bottom of the front panel (111).

[0132] Accordingly, an upper cap (114), a lower cap (115), and a side portion (113) formed on the front panel (111) are provided along the edge of the front panel (111) to form a receiving space for the door frame (110). In other words, the upper cap (114), the lower cap (115), and the side portion (113) are arranged on the edge portion (100b) of the door (100) to form an internal space in the center (100a) of the door (100).

[0133] A method for manufacturing a refrigerator (1) may include preparing a foam member (130) to be provided in a receiving space of a door frame (110) for the protection of a vacuum insulation panel (120). The foam member (130) is positioned between the side portion (113) of the front panel (111) and the bending portion (122) of the vacuum insulation panel (120) to prevent the foam member (130) from being torn by the sharp part of the side portion (113). In other words, it may include attaching the foam member (130) to the inner surface of the side portion (113) of the front panel (111).

[0134] The method of manufacturing the refrigerator (1) may include inserting and joining a vacuum insulation panel (120) into the receiving space of the door frame (110). Specifically, it may include applying adhesive to the rear surface of the front panel (111) and then placing the vacuum insulation panel (120) onto the rear surface of the front panel (111). The rear surface of the vacuum insulation panel (120) placed on the rear surface of the front panel (111) may be compressed with a jig so that the vacuum insulation panel (120) adheres closely to the rear surface of the front panel (111).

[0135] The adhesive may be arranged to be evenly applied to the area corresponding to the center (100a) of the door (100). For example, the adhesive may be applied along the length direction of the door (100) on the rear surface of the front panel (111) in the form of multiple rows.

[0136] An adhesive may be provided between the rear of the front panel (111) and the front of the vacuum insulation panel (120). The vacuum insulation panel (120) may be joined to the front panel (111) through the adhesive.

[0137] The method of manufacturing the refrigerator (1) may include attaching a rear panel (112) to the rear of a vacuum insulation panel (120). Specifically, it may include applying adhesive to the rear of the vacuum insulation panel (120) and then placing the rear panel (112) onto the rear of the vacuum insulation panel (120). The rear of the rear panel (112) placed on the rear of the vacuum insulation panel (120) may be compressed with a jig so that the rear panel (112) adheres closely to the rear of the vacuum insulation panel (120).

[0138] The adhesive may be arranged to be evenly applied to the area corresponding to the center (100a) of the door (100) on the rear side of the vacuum insulation panel (120). That is, the adhesive may be applied to the rear side of the base portion (121) of the vacuum insulation panel (120). For example, the adhesive may be applied along the longitudinal direction of the door (100) on the rear side of the vacuum insulation panel (120) in the form of multiple rows.

[0139] An adhesive may be provided between the rear of the vacuum insulation panel (120) and the front of the rear panel (112). The rear panel (112) may be joined to the vacuum insulation panel (120) through the adhesive.

[0140] Accordingly, the manufacturing method of the refrigerator (1) may include joining each part of the door (100) using an adhesive without foaming urethane. Specifically, the front panel (111), the vacuum insulation panel (120), and the rear panel (112) can be joined by applying an adhesive to the rear of the front panel (111) and the rear of the vacuum insulation panel (120) while the front of the front panel (111) is positioned so that its front side faces downward.

[0141] According to this method, the vacuum insulation panel (120) can form a bond with the front panel (111) and the rear panel (112) using only the adhesive applied to the front and rear surfaces of the vacuum insulation panel (120). Accordingly, the door (100) can be manufactured without the process of foaming polyurethane foam to bond the vacuum insulation panel (120) and the door frame (110). Accordingly, the time of the door (100) manufacturing process can be reduced by approximately 2 seconds. As the time of the door (100) manufacturing process is reduced, the production volume of the refrigerator (1) door (100) can be increased.

[0142] In one embodiment of the present invention, when applying adhesive to the rear surface of the front panel (111) and the rear surface of the vacuum insulation panel (120), it was described as an example of applying it to the area corresponding to the center (100a) of the door (100). However, the method for joining the door (100) is not limited to this and may include various methods for joining each component of the door (100) using adhesive.

[0143] A method for manufacturing a refrigerator (1) may include forming a vacuum insulation panel (120) having a bending portion (122).

[0144] A method for manufacturing a vacuum insulation panel (120) may include preparing a core material (123) and an outer layer material (126). The core material (123) may be formed from a material similar to cotton, and the outer layer material (126) may be formed from a metal material.

[0145] The core material (123) can be formed by compressing and drying a material similar to cotton. The core material (123) can be provided as a plurality of core materials (123). The plurality of core materials (123) can be stacked to have a uniform thickness. The core material (123) can be provided to have a roughly rectangular base.

[0146] A method for manufacturing a vacuum insulation panel (120) may include cutting off a portion of a compressed core material (123) to form at least one incision groove (125) on one side of the core material (123). Specifically, a method for manufacturing a vacuum insulation panel (120) may include cutting the four corners (124) of the core material (123). Accordingly, an incision groove (125) may be provided in each of the four corners (124) of the core material (123).

[0147] A method for manufacturing a vacuum insulation panel (120) may include cutting off both longitudinal ends of a core material (123) to form a pair of cut ends. A cut line forming a cut groove (125) may be provided in the cut ends. That is, a method for manufacturing a vacuum insulation panel (120) may include cutting off both longitudinal ends of a core material (123) along a pair of cut lines.

[0148] Forming at least one incision groove (125) and forming a pair of incision ends along a pair of incision lines can be performed in the same process.

[0149] A wing portion having a pair of cut ends on both sides may be provided in the core material (123). The wing portion is a part that is bent upward during the formation process of the vacuum insulation panel (120) and may be referred to as the first wing portion (123a), the second wing portion (123b), the third wing portion (123c), and the fourth wing portion (123d), respectively.

[0150] A method for manufacturing a vacuum insulation panel (120) may include wrapping a core material (123) with a blade formed thereon with an outer layer material (126). The outer layer material (126) may be provided with a size approximately corresponding to that of the core material (123). The outer layer material (126) may be provided to be in contact with the core material (123) from the inside. The outer layer material (126) may be provided to be in contact with the outer layer material (126) at the location of the cut groove (125) where the core material (123) is not provided. The outer layer material (126) may have a fold portion (127) provided at a location corresponding to the cut groove (125).

[0151] The core material (123) and the outer covering material (126) surrounding the core material (123) may be collectively referred to as a vacuum insulation plate (129). The vacuum insulation plate (129) can be manufactured into a vacuum insulation panel (120) by removing air from one side and vacuuming the interior.

[0152] A method for manufacturing a vacuum insulation panel (120) may include folding a pair of wing portions so that a pair of cut ends face each other. A method for manufacturing a vacuum insulation panel (120) may include pressing the center of the insulation material with a jig to fold at least one pair of wing portions. The corner portion of the vacuum insulation plate (129) provided with cut ends and wing portions may be bent upward.

[0153] A method for manufacturing a vacuum insulation panel (120) may include forming the vacuum insulation panel (120) by compressing the central part of a vacuum insulation plate (129) with a jig while simultaneously vacuuming the vacuum insulation plate (129).

[0154] According to this method, the vacuum insulation panel (120) can have all four corner portions provided on the vacuum insulation plate (129) folded so that four pairs of cut ends each come together. In other words, the bending portion (122) of the vacuum insulation panel (120) can be formed. That is, the vacuum insulation panel (120) can be provided to have a roughly box shape.

[0155] A vacuum insulation panel (120) provided in a box shape is inserted into the door (100) of the refrigerator (1) to block heat leakage on all outer surfaces of the door (100), thereby improving the insulation performance of the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0156] A detailed description of the method for manufacturing a vacuum insulation panel (120), specifically of folding the corner portion of the vacuum insulation plate (129) to form the bending portion (122) of the vacuum insulation panel (120), will be described later in the following drawings.

[0157] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 11. FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a vacuum insulation panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0158] A method for manufacturing a vacuum insulation panel (120) having four bending sections (122) can be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 15, manufacturing a vacuum insulation panel (120) may include a process of vacuum processing while pressing a vacuum insulation plate (129) with a jig.

[0160] According to one embodiment of the present invention, four wing portions may be formed in the core material (123), and accordingly, four corner portions may be provided in the vacuum insulation plate (129). In addition, the core material (123) may include four cut grooves (125) provided between the wing portions, and accordingly, the vacuum insulation plate (129) may include four folding portions (127) corresponding to the four cut grooves (125). Since the four folding portions (127) have the same configuration, one folding portion (127) will be described below.

[0161] The vacuum insulation plate (129) can be formed into a vacuum insulation panel (120) by being compressed and vacuum-treated. The wing portion of the vacuum insulation plate (129) can be folded upward to form a bending portion (122) of the vacuum insulation panel (120). The formation process of the vacuum insulation panel (120) can be explained based on a single fold portion (127) provided between the first wing portion (123a) and the second wing portion (123b).

[0162] The corner portion of the vacuum insulation plate (129) may be bent in correspondence with the bending of the wing portion of the core material (123). For example, the first wing portion (123a) and the second wing portion (123b) may each be bent upwards with respect to the middle portion of the core material (123). Accordingly, the first corner portion corresponding to the first wing portion (123a) and the second corner portion formed corresponding to the second wing portion (123b) may be arranged to be bent upwards with respect to the center of the vacuum insulation plate (129).

[0163] As the first wing portion (123a) and the second wing portion (123b) are each bent upward, the angle formed by the first cut line (125a) formed on the first wing portion (123a) and the second cut line (125b) formed on the second wing portion (123b) can be reduced. Accordingly, the size of the cut groove (125) formed between the first cut line (125a) and the second cut line (125b) can be reduced.

[0164] A folding portion (127) may be provided in the vacuum insulation plate (129) at a position corresponding to the location of the cut groove (125). The folding portion (127) may be provided in the area where the first corner portion and the second corner portion meet. The folding portion (127) may be provided in a roughly square shape. The folding portion (127) may be provided to be folded to one side as the size of the cut groove (125) decreases.

[0165] Specifically, the folding portion (127) can be folded along a folding line (128) provided to divide the folding portion (127) as the first corner portion and the second corner portion are folded upward. The folding line (128) can form the same angle with the first cut line (125a) and the second cut line (125b), respectively. As the folding portion (127) is folded, it can protrude to one side between the wing portions. For example, the folding portion (127) can be provided to protrude to the outside of the first corner portion and the second corner portion as the first corner portion and the second corner portion are each folded upward. In other words, the folding portion (127) can be folded as it is folded to the outside of the first wing portion (123a) and the second wing portion (123b).

[0166] That is, the portion adjacent to the first wing portion (123a) based on the fold line (128) in the folding portion (127) can be arranged to be folded outwardly to the first wing portion (123a) based on the first cut line (125a). The portion adjacent to the second wing portion (123b) based on the fold line (128) in the folding portion (127) can be arranged to be folded outwardly to the second wing portion (123b) based on the second cut line (125b).

[0167] When the first wing portion (123a) and the second wing portion (123b) are completely folded, the first wing portion (123a) and the second wing portion (123b) can be arranged perpendicularly to the center (123e) of the core material (123). Accordingly, the first cut line (125a) and the second cut line (125b) can be arranged adjacently. At this time, the fold portion (127) can be arranged to protrude outward from the first wing portion (123a) and the second wing portion (123b). The fold portion (127) can be completely folded and overlapped with respect to the fold line (128).

[0168] The folding portion (127) protruding outwardly can be folded to one side and arranged to contact the outer surface of the bending portion (122) of the vacuum insulation panel (120). Accordingly, the corner portions of the vacuum insulation plate (129) can all be folded to form a vacuum insulation panel (120) including the bending portion (122).

[0169] As the first cut end of the first wing portion (123a) and the second cut end of the second wing portion (123b) are arranged to be adjacent to each other, the bending portion (122) of the vacuum insulation panel (120) can be formed in a shape that protrudes along the perimeter of the base portion (121).

[0170] That is, the first corner portion and the second corner portion may be arranged to be in contact with each other. However, the first wing portion (123a) and the second wing portion (123b) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. Specifically, the first cut end and the second cut end may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. An outer skin material (126) may be arranged to be positioned between the first cut end and the second cut end.

[0171] The outer covering material (126), which is arranged to pass between the first wing portion (123a) and the second wing portion (123b), may be arranged to be in contact with the outer surface of the bending portion (122). Accordingly, the folding portion (127), which is arranged to pass between the first wing portion (123a) and the second wing portion (123b), can increase the bonding strength between the first corner portion and the second corner portion. Accordingly, the shape retention strength of the vacuum insulation panel (120) including the bending portion (122) can be increased.

[0172] A refrigerator (1)(1) according to the concept of the present invention comprises a main body (10) having a storage room (20) and a door (100) provided to open and close the storage room (20). The door comprises a front panel (111), a rear panel (112) coupled to the rear side of the front panel (111), and a vacuum insulation panel (120) provided between the front panel (111) and the rear panel (112). A first gap (d1) between the front panel (111) and the rear panel (112) at the center (100a) of the door (100) is smaller than a second gap (d2) between the front panel (111) and the rear panel (112) at the edge portion (100b) of the door (100). The vacuum insulation panel (120) comprises a base portion (121) having a first thickness (w1) corresponding to the first gap (d1), and the second It includes a bending part (122) that is formed in a closed shape and protrudes from the base part (121) to have a second thickness (w2) corresponding to the gap (d2).

[0173] The bending portion (122) may be provided to protrude along the circumference of the base portion (121).

[0174] The rear panel (112) includes a recess (112a) provided in the center (100a) of the door (100) and an outer portion (112c) provided in the edge portion (100b) of the door (100), and the outer portion (112c) may be provided to be in contact with the bending portion (122).

[0175] The second thickness (w2) of the bending portion (122) can be provided to be the same as the thickness of the side of the door (100).

[0176] The above vacuum insulation panel (120) may include a core material (123) having a cut groove (125) formed by cutting off a tip portion (124), and an outer covering material (126) that surrounds the core material (123).

[0177] The above core material (123) includes a first wing portion (123a) and a second wing portion (123b) that are each provided to be folded on one side of the cut groove (125), the first wing portion (123a) includes a first cut line (125a) that forms a part of the cut groove (125), and the second wing portion (123b) may include a second cut line (125b) that forms a part of the cut groove (125).

[0178] The vacuum insulation panel (120) can be folded such that the first wing portion (123a) and the second wing portion (123b) are parallel to each other.

[0179] The outer skin material (126) may include a folding portion (127) positioned on the cut groove (125) to be folded.

[0180] The above-mentioned folding portion (127) can be folded around a folding line (128) formed at the same angle as the first incision line (125a) and the second incision line (125b), respectively.

[0181] The above-mentioned folding portion (127) can be folded outward from the bending portion (122) based on the first incision line (125a) and the second incision line (125b).

[0182] The above vacuum insulation panel (120) may be configured such that the folding portion (127) contacts the outer surface of the bending portion (122).

[0183] The above vacuum insulation panel (120) may be configured such that at least a portion of the outer covering material (126) is positioned between the first wing portion (123a) and the second wing portion (123b) of the core material (123).

[0184] The front panel (111) includes a side portion (113) that forms the side of the door (100), and a foam member (130) may be positioned between the side portion (113) and the bending portion (122).

[0185] The thickness of the above foam member (130) can be arranged to be the same as the second thickness (w2) of the above bending part (122).

[0186] An adhesive may be applied between the front panel (111) and the vacuum insulation panel (120), and an adhesive may be applied between the vacuum insulation panel (120) and the rear panel (112).

[0187] A method for manufacturing a refrigerator (1) according to the concept of the present invention comprises preparing a front panel (111), a rear panel (112), an upper cap (114), and a lower cap (115), preparing a vacuum insulation panel (120) including a bending portion (122) that is bent and protruded along the edge, attaching the upper cap (114) to the top of the front panel (111), attaching the lower cap (115) to the bottom of the front panel (111), attaching the vacuum insulation panel (120) to the rear of the front panel (111) using an adhesive, and attaching the rear panel (112) to the rear of the vacuum insulation panel (120) using an adhesive.

[0188] Preparing the above vacuum insulation panel (120) may include preparing a core material (123), cutting the tip (124) of the core material (123), bending the edge portion of the core material (123), wrapping the core material (123) with an outer material (126), and vacuuming the inside of the outer material (126).

[0189] The above vacuum insulation panel (120) can be vacuum-treated by compressing the middle so that the bending portion (122) can be formed at the edge.

[0190] The formation of the bending portion (122) may include at least a portion of the outer skin material (126) protruding and folding through the cut groove (125) formed in the tip portion (124) of the core material (123).

[0191] It may further include preparing a foam member (130) and attaching the foam member (130) between the front panel (111) and the vacuum insulation panel (120).

[0192] According to the concept of the present invention, the thermal insulation performance of the refrigerator can be improved by blocking the leakage of cold air through the side of the door.

[0193] According to the concept of the present invention, the outer covering material is folded at the bending portion of the vacuum insulation panel, thereby increasing the shape retention force of the vacuum insulation panel.

[0194] According to the concept of the present invention, the productivity of the refrigerator door can be increased by reducing the time of the refrigerator door manufacturing process.

[0195] Effects according to one aspect of the disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0196] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A main body having a storage chamber; and A door provided to open and close the storage room; including, The above door is, Front panel; A rear panel coupled to the rear side of the front panel; and A vacuum insulation panel provided between the front panel and the rear panel; comprising, The first gap between the front panel and the rear panel at the center of the door is smaller than the second gap between the front panel and the rear panel at the edge of the door, and The above vacuum insulation panel is a refrigerator comprising a base portion having a first thickness corresponding to the first gap and a bending portion protruding from the base portion and formed in a closed shape to have a second thickness corresponding to the second gap.

2. In Paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the bending portion is provided to protrude along the perimeter of the base portion.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above rear panel includes a recess provided at the center of the door and an outer portion provided at the edge of the door, A refrigerator in which the outer portion is arranged to be in contact with the bending portion.

4. In Paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the second thickness of the bending portion is provided to be the same as the thickness of the side of the door.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above vacuum insulation panel is a refrigerator comprising a core material having a cut groove formed by cutting off a corner, and an outer shell material covering the core material.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above core material includes a first wing portion and a second wing portion arranged to be folded at one side of the above-mentioned incision groove, and The first wing portion includes a first incision line forming a part of the incision groove, and A refrigerator comprising a second incision line that forms part of the incision groove, wherein the second wing portion is a second wing portion.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above vacuum insulation panel is a refrigerator in which the first wing portion and the second wing portion are bent so that the first cut line and the second cut line are parallel.

8. In Paragraph 7, A refrigerator comprising a folding portion that is positioned on the cut groove and arranged to be folded, the above outer shell material.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned folding portion is a refrigerator folded along a folding line formed at the same angle as the first cutting line and the second cutting line, respectively.

10. In Paragraph 9, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned folding portion is folded outwardly along the first cutting line and the second cutting line.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above vacuum insulation panel is a refrigerator in which the above-mentioned fold portion is arranged to be in contact with the outer surface of the above-mentioned bending portion.

12. In Paragraph 6, The above vacuum insulation panel is a refrigerator in which at least a portion of the outer shell material is positioned between the first wing portion and the second wing portion of the core material.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above front panel includes a side portion forming the side of the door, and A refrigerator in which a foam member is located between the above-mentioned side portion and the above-mentioned bending portion.

14. In Paragraph 13, A refrigerator in which the thickness of the above foam member is provided to be the same as the second thickness of the above bending part.

15. In Paragraph 1, An adhesive is applied between the above front panel and the above vacuum insulation panel. A refrigerator in which an adhesive is applied between the above vacuum insulation panel and the above rear panel.

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