Method to create vacuum insulated cabinets for refrigerators

摘要

A method of forming a vacuum insulated refrigerator cabinet, the method comprising providing first and second sheets of material. The first sheet of material is thermoformed over a first forming tool forming a first intermediate structure. The first intermediate structure is then thermoformed over a second forming mold to create a second intermediate structure. The second sheet of material is then sealing connected with the second intermediate structure forming an annular space. A vacuum is created in the annular space creating a vacuum insulated cabinet.

主权项

1. A method of forming a vacuum insulated refrigerator cabinet, the method comprising:
providing first and second sheets of material comprising at least a first layer of thermoplastic material that is at least partially permeable to oxygen, nitrogen and water vapor, and a second layer of material that is substantially impermeable to oxygen, nitrogen and water vapor; heating at least a portion of the first sheet of material to a temperature at which the first sheet of material can be plastically deformed; utilizing a first forming tool to deform the first sheet of material and form a first intermediate structure having a base sidewall defining a perimeter and first sidewalls extending from the perimeter to define a cavity having an opening that opens in a first direction and defines a peripheral edge extending around the opening; providing a second forming tool having sidewall portions defining outwardly facing surfaces, inwardly facing surfaces, and an end surface extending between the inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces; disengaging the first intermediate structure from the first forming tool, followed by positioning the second forming tool in the cavity of the first intermediate structure; plastically deforming the base sidewall to form a second intermediate structure having a base sidewall and inner sidewalls extending transversely from the base sidewall and defining a second cavity that opens in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction, wherein the inner sidewalls are spaced apart inwardly from the first sidewalls to define a space that opens in the first direction; filling the space with porous material; sealingly connecting the second sheet of material to the second intermediate structure around the peripheral edge to substantially close off the opening; and forming a vacuum in the space containing the porous material.