FIELD OF THE DEVICE

The device is in the field of vacuum insulated structures for appliances, and more specifically, an air movement system disposed within the appliance for generating a vacuum within a vacuum insulated structure.

SUMMARY

In at least one aspect, an appliance includes an outer wrapper and an inner liner placed within the outer wrapper and spaced apart from the outer wrapper to define an insulating space. A trim breaker extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper to define a structural cabinet. The trim breaker defines a front face of the cabinet. The trim breaker defines a gas conduit disposed within a wall of the structural cabinet proximate the insulating space. The gas conduit is adapted to define selective communication between the insulating space and an exterior of the structural cabinet. An insulating material is disposed within the insulating space, wherein the gas conduit is substantially free of the insulating material.

In at least another aspect, an appliance includes a structural cabinet having an interior cavity defined by an inner liner, an outer wrapper and a trim breaker that extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper. A gas conduit is defined within an interior cavity of the structural cabinet, wherein the interior cavity also includes an insulation space that is partially separated from the gas conduit by a filter member. A plurality of gas valves are selectively operable between open and closed positions, the open position defined by fluid communication between an exterior of the structural cabinet and the insulating space via the gas conduit, the closed position defined by the interior cavity being hermetically sealed at the plurality of valves.

In at least another aspect, a method of forming a vacuum insulated structure includes steps of coupling a trim breaker to an inner liner and an outer wrapper to define a structural cabinet and an insulating space therein, the trim breaker defining an interior gas conduit that is at least partially separated from the insulating space. An insulating material is disposed within the insulating space. A plurality of gas valves are attached to the structural cabinet. The plurality of gas valves are in selective communication with the insulating space via the interior gas conduit. A vacuum chamber is placed around at least a portion of the structural cabinet such that the plurality of gas valves are disposed within the vacuum chamber. Gas is expressed from the vacuum chamber to define a first gas pressure proximate the exterior of the structural cabinet and around the plurality of gas valves. The first gas pressure is less than a second gas pressure defined within the insulating space and the gas conduit, thereby defining an open position of the plurality of gas valves. Gas is expressed from the insulating space through the plurality of gas valves in the open position via the gas conduit and into the vacuum chamber, wherein the expressed gas is further expressed from the vacuum chamber, wherein as the gas is expressed through the gas conduit, the insulating material is maintained in the insulating space. The plurality of gas valves are placed in the closed position by defining a substantially equalized pressure within the vacuum chamber and the insulating space, wherein the first gas pressure is approximately equal to the second gas pressure. Gas is returned to the vacuum chamber such that the first gas pressure is greater than the second gas pressure, and wherein the plurality of gas valves are maintained in the closed position. The vacuum chamber and the structural cabinet are separated.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present device will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

