Whirlpool Corporation
PASS-THROUGH SOLUTIONS FOR VACUUM INSULATED STRUCTURES

Abstract:

A vacuum insulated refrigerator structure includes a shell having a liner and a wrapper where the shell defines an internal vacuum cavity, and a refrigerator and/or freezer compartment. The vacuum insulated refrigerator structure additionally includes an elongated pass-through defining an elongated internal space having a central portion disposed in the internal vacuum cavity. The elongated pass-through has opposite end portions that are sealingly connected to the shell, each opposite end portion having an opening that permits access to the elongated internal space from the outside of the shell. The vacuum insulated refrigerator structure also includes a vacuum core material fill positioned in the internal vacuum cavity and one or more utility lines disposed in one or more elongated internal passageways extending out of the openings at the opposite end portions of the elongated pass-through.