METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING VACUUM ADIABATIC BODY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a vacuum adiabatic body.

BACKGROUND ART

A vacuum adiabatic wall may be provided to improve adiabatic performance. A device of which at least a portion of an internal space is provided in a vacuum state to achieve an adiabatic effect is referred to as a vacuum adiabatic body.

The applicant has developed a technology to obtain a vacuum adiabatic body that is capable of being used in various devices and home appliances and has disclosed Korean Application Nos. 10-2015-0109724 and 10-2015-0109722 that relate to the vacuum adiabatic body.

In the cited document, a plurality of members are coupled to provide a vacuum space. Specifically, the vacuum space is provided by first and second plate members and a conductive resistance sheet.

A support is provided inside the vacuum space. A gap between the first and second plates may be maintained to a vacuum space by the support. The above cited document does not disclose a method for producing a resin material component including the support. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing the vacuum adiabatic body is not described.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem

Embodiments provide a component capable of withstanding a high degree of vacuum in a vacuum space.

Embodiments also find a production process of a resin material component that is suitable for a resin material capable of realizing high strength.

Solution to Problem

A method for manufacturing a vacuum adiabatic body according to an embodiment may include a vacuum adiabatic body component preparation process of manufacturing components applied to a vacuum adiabatic body. Optionally, the method may include a vacuum adiabatic body component assembly process of assembling the components. Optionally, the method may include a vacuum adiabatic body component sealing process of sealing an outer wall of a vacuum space to block the vacuum space from the external space. Optionally, the method may include a vacuum exhaust process for a vacuum adiabatic body, in which internal air of a vacuum space is discharged. Optionally, the method may include a device assembling process of providing a device using the vacuum adiabatic body.

Optionally, in the vacuum adiabatic body component preparation process, the component may be prepared by an injection molding machine in order to prepare a component made of a resin.

Optionally, the injection molding machine may be a sprue into which a liquid resin is introduced. Optionally, the injection molding machine may include a mold having a cavity having an empty space filled with the liquid resin. Optionally, the injection molding machine may include a screw pressing the liquid resin and a cylinder accommodating the screw.

Optionally, the liquid resin may be a mixture of polyphenylenesulfide (PPS) and glass fiber (GF). Optionally, a weight ratio of GF in the mixture of PPS and GF may be set at about 10% to about 60%. Optionally, a weight ratio of GF in the mixture of PPS and GF may be about 25% to about 43%. Optionally, the mixture of PPS and GF may not contain an injection lubricant. Optionally, a hydrolysis inhibitor may be added to the mixture of PPS and GF.

Optionally, a temperature of the cavity may be about 120° C. to about 140° C. Optionally, a temperature of the mixture of PPS and GF in the injection molding machine may be about 320° C. to about 350° C. Optionally, a temperature of the cylinder may be about 320° C. to about 340° C. Optionally, a temperature of the cavity may be about 100° C. to about 150° C.

Optionally, an injection pressure of the injection molding machine may be about 80 MPa to about 150 MPa. Optionally, an injection speed of the injection molding machine may be in the range of about 25 mm/s to about 100 mm/s. Optionally, the injection speed of the injection molding machine may be in the range of about 40 mm/s to about 60 mm/s. Optionally, the injection speed of the injection molding machine may be in the range of about 45 mm/s to about 55 mm/s.

Optionally, to prevent voiding of the component, the mold may have a flow leader. Optionally, the component may include a support that maintains the vacuum space.

Optionally, a holding or back press speed of the injection molding machine may be

about 10 mm/s to 20 mm/s. Optionally, the holding and back press speed of the injection molding machine may be ⅙ times to ½ times the injection speed. Optionally, a holding and back press pressure of the injection molding machine may be about 150 kgf/cm{circumflex over ( )}2 to about 300 kgf/cm{circumflex over ( )}2. Optionally, the holding and back press of the injection molding machine may be about 180 kgf/cm{circumflex over ( )}2 to about 190 kgf/cm{circumflex over ( )}2. Optionally, a holding and back press time of the injection molding machine may be about 0.1 seconds to about 0.3 seconds.

Optionally, flowability (MI: Melt Index) of the mixture of PPS and GF may be about 62 g/10 min to about 78 g/10 min.

Optionally, the first plate, the bent side plate, and/or the bent second plate may define the accommodation space. In the vacuum adiabatic body component assembly process, at least one of the support, the heat transfer resistor, or the through-component may be assembled to the plate. The curvature may be the same as or similar to that of the first portion of the first plate. In one or more embodiments, at least two of the operations in which the exhaust passage heats the vacuum adiabatic body, the exhaust passage accommodates the vacuum adiabatic body, and a pump exhausts the vacuum adiabatic body may be performed at the same time. At least one of the inner panel, the outer panel, an upper cover, a lower cover, and a latch may be additionally installed. At least one of the support or the heat transfer resistor may be placed in the vacuum space.

Optionally, the support may be selected by considering at least one of high strength, low heat conduction, low outgassing, or inexpensive resin as factors.

Optionally, the injection molding machine may be used in an apparatus for manufacturing a vacuum adiabatic body.

Optionally, the mold of FIG. 22 may be provided at an outlet of the cylinder. A pressing device other than the screw and/or the motor may be used. In addition to the cylinder, an accommodation device capable of accommodating the pressed liquid resin may be used.

Optionally, for manufacturing the support as a whole, processes of mold closing, injection, holding or back press, cooling, mold open, and ejection may be selectively circulated.

Optionally, the injection pressure may be about 80 Mpa to about 150 MPa. The injection pressure may be a mean pressure of about 120 MPa.

Optionally, the washing process may include a process of applying ultrasonic waves to the components constituting the vacuum adiabatic body and/or a process of providing ethanol or a material containing ethanol to surfaces of the components constituting the vacuum adiabatic body.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the embodiment, the manufacturing reliability of the resin molding required for the vacuum adiabatic body may be improved.

According to the embodiment, the production yield of the support for maintaining the vacuum space may be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view schematically illustrating a vacuum adiabatic body used in a body and a door of the refrigerator.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an example of a support that maintains a vacuum space.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining an example of the vacuum with respect to a heat transfer resistor.

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating results obtained by observing a process of exhausting the inside of the vacuum adiabatic body with a time and pressure when the support is used.

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating results obtained by comparing a vacuum pressure to gas conductivity.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating various examples of the vacuum space.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining another adiabatic body.

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining a heat transfer path between first and second plates having different temperatures.

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a branch portion on the heat transfer path between first and second plates having different temperatures.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a method for manufacturing a vacuum adiabatic body.

FIGS. 12 to 20 are views for explaining a method of manufacturing the vacuum adiabatic body.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1-1 of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a view of a mold.

FIG. 23 is a view of an injection molding machine that injects a liquid resin.

FIG. 24 is a view illustrating an injection process of a support.

FIG. 25 is a view for explaining the injection of the support, wherein (a) of FIG. 25 is a plan view of the support, and (b) of FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a cavity.

FIG. 26 is a graph illustrating a degree of crystallinity according to a temperature of the cavity.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein, and a person of ordinary skill in the art, who understands the spirit of the present invention, may readily implement other embodiments included within the scope of the same concept by adding, changing, deleting, and adding components; rather, it will be understood that they are also included within the scope of the present invention. The present invention may have many embodiments in which the idea is implemented, and in each embodiment, any portion may be replaced with a corresponding portion or a portion having a related action according to another embodiment. The present invention may be any one of the examples presented below or a combination of two or more examples.

The present disclosure relates to a vacuum adiabatic body including a first plate; a second plate; a vacuum space defined between the first and second plates; and a seal providing the vacuum space that is in a vacuum state. The vacuum space may be a space in a vacuum state provided in an internal space between the first plate and the second plate. The seal may seal the first plate and the second plate to provide the internal space provided in the vacuum state. The vacuum adiabatic body may optionally include a side plate connecting the first plate to the second plate. In the present disclosure, the expression “plate” may mean at least one of the first and second plates or the side plate. At least a portion of the first and second plates and the side plate may be integrally provided, or at least portions may be sealed to each other. Optionally, the vacuum adiabatic body may include a support that maintains the vacuum space. The vacuum adiabatic body may selectively include a thermal insulator that reduces an amount of heat transfer between a first space provided in vicinity of the first plate and a second space provided in vicinity of the second plate or reduces an amount of heat transfer between the first plate and the second plate. Optionally, the vacuum adiabatic body may include a component coupling portion provided on at least a portion of the plate. Optionally, the vacuum adiabatic body may include another adiabatic body. Another adiabatic body may be provided to be connected to the vacuum adiabatic body. Another adiabatic body may be an adiabatic body having a degree of vacuum, which is equal to or different from a degree of vacuum of the vacuum adiabatic body. Another adiabatic body may be an adiabatic body that does not include a degree of vacuum less than that of the vacuum adiabatic body or a portion that is in a vacuum state therein. In this case, it may be advantageous to connect another object to another adiabatic body.

In the present disclosure, a direction along a wall defining the vacuum space may include a longitudinal direction of the vacuum space and a height direction of the vacuum space. The height direction of the vacuum space may be defined as any one direction among virtual lines connecting the first space to the second space to be described later while passing through the vacuum space. The longitudinal direction of the vacuum space may be defined as a direction perpendicular to the set height direction of the vacuum space. In the present disclosure, that an object A is connected to an object B means that at least a portion of the object A and at least a portion of the object B are directly connected to each other, or that at least a portion of the object A and at least a portion of the object B are connected to each other through an intermedium interposed between the objects A and B. The intermedium may be provided on at least one of the object A or the object B. The connection may include that the object A is connected to the intermedium, and the intermedium is connected to the object B. A portion of the intermedium may include a portion connected to either one of the object A and the object B. The other portion of the intermedium may include a portion connected to the other of the object A and the object B. As a modified example, the connection of the object A to the object B may include that the object A and the object B are integrally prepared in a shape connected in the above-described manner. In the present disclosure, an embodiment of the connection may be support, combine, or a seal, which will be described later. In the present disclosure, that the object A is supported by the object B means that the object A is restricted in movement by the object B in one or more of the +X, −X, +Y, −Y, +Z, and −Z axis directions. In the present invention, an embodiment of the support may be the combine or seal, which will be described later. In the present invention, that the object A is combined with the object B may define that the object A is restricted in movement by the object B in one or more of the X, Y, and Z-axis directions. In the present disclosure, an embodiment of the combining may be the sealing to be described later. In the present disclosure, that the object A is sealed to the object B may define a state in which movement of a fluid is not allowed at the portion at which the object A and the object B are connected. In the present disclosure, one or more objects, i.e., at least a portion of the object A and the object B, may be defined as including a portion of the object A, the whole of the object A, a portion of the object B, the whole of the object B, a portion of the object A and a portion of the object B, a portion of the object A and the whole of the object B, the whole of the object A and a portion of the object B, and the whole of the object A and the whole of the object B. In the present disclosure, that the plate A may be a wall defining the space A may be defined as that at least a portion of the plate A may be a wall defining at least a portion of the space A. That is, at least a portion of the plate A may be a wall forming the space A, or the plate A may be a wall forming at least a portion of the space A. In the present disclosure, a central portion of the object may be defined as a central portion among three divided portions when the object is divided into three sections based on the longitudinal direction of the object. A periphery of the object may be defined as a portion disposed at a left or right side of the central portion among the three divided portions. The periphery of the object may include a surface that is in contact with the central portion and a surface opposite thereto. The opposite side may be defined as a border or edge of the object. Examples of the object may include a vacuum adiabatic body, a plate, a heat transfer resistor, a support, a vacuum space, and various components to be introduced in the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, a degree of heat transfer resistance may indicate a degree to which an object resists heat transfer and may be defined as a value determined by a shape including a thickness of the object, a material of the object, and a processing method of the object. The degree of the heat transfer resistance may be defined as the sum of a degree of conduction resistance, a degree of radiation resistance, and a degree of convection resistance. The vacuum adiabatic body according to the present disclosure may include a heat transfer path defined between spaces having different temperatures, or a heat transfer path defined between plates having different temperatures. For example, the vacuum adiabatic body according to the present disclosure may include a heat transfer path through which cold is transferred from a low-temperature plate to a high-temperature plate. In the present disclosure, when a curved portion includes a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a second direction different from the first direction, the curved portion may be defined as a portion that connects the first portion to the second portion (including 90 degrees).

In the present disclosure, the vacuum adiabatic body may optionally include a component coupling portion. The component coupling portion may be defined as a portion provided on the plate to which components are connected to each other. The component connected to the plate may be defined as a penetration portion disposed to pass through at least a portion of the plate and a surface component disposed to be connected to a surface of at least a portion of the plate. At least one of the penetration component or the surface component may be connected to the component coupling portion. The penetration component may be a component that defines a path through which a fluid (electricity, refrigerant, water, air, etc.) passes mainly. In the present disclosure, the fluid is defined as any kind of flowing material. The fluid includes moving solids, liquids, gases, and electricity. For example, the component may be a component that defines a path through which a refrigerant for heat exchange passes, such as a suction line heat exchanger (SLHX) or a refrigerant tube. The component may be an electric wire that supplies electricity to an apparatus. As another example, the component may be a component that defines a path through which air passes, such as a cold duct, a hot air duct, and an exhaust port. As another example, the component may be a path through which a fluid such as coolant, hot water, ice, and defrost water pass. The surface component may include at least one of a peripheral adiabatic body, a side panel, injected foam, a pre-prepared resin, a hinge, a latch, a basket, a drawer, a shelf, a light, a sensor, an evaporator, a front decor, a hotline, a heater, an exterior cover, or another adiabatic body.

As an example to which the vacuum adiabatic body is applied, the present disclosure may include an apparatus having the vacuum adiabatic body. Examples of the apparatus may include an appliance. Examples of the appliance may include home appliances including a refrigerator, a cooking appliance, a washing machine, a dishwasher, and an air conditioner, etc. As an example in which the vacuum adiabatic body is applied to the apparatus, the vacuum adiabatic body may constitute at least a portion of a body and a door of the apparatus. As an example of the door, the vacuum adiabatic body may constitute at least a portion of a general door and a door-in-door (DID) that is in direct contact with the body. Here, the door-in-door may mean a small door placed inside the general door. As another example to which the vacuum adiabatic body is applied, the present disclosure may include a wall having the vacuum adiabatic body. Examples of the wall may include a wall of a building, which includes a window.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each of the drawings accompanying the embodiment may be different from, exaggerated, or simply indicated from an actual article, and detailed components may be indicated with simplified features. The embodiment should not be interpreted as being limited only to the size, structure, and shape presented in the drawings. In the embodiments accompanying each of the drawings, unless the descriptions conflict with each other, some configurations in the drawings of one embodiment may be applied to some configurations of the drawings in another embodiment, and some structures in one embodiment may be applied to some structures in another embodiment. In the description of the drawings for the embodiment, the same reference numerals may be assigned to different drawings as reference numerals of specific components constituting the embodiment. Components having the same reference number may perform the same function. For example, the first plate constituting the vacuum adiabatic body has a portion corresponding to the first space throughout all embodiments and is indicated by reference number 10. The first plate may have the same number for all embodiments and may have a portion corresponding to the first space, but the shape of the first plate may be different in each embodiment. Not only the first plate, but also the side plate, the second plate, and another adiabatic body may be understood as well.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a vacuum adiabatic body used for a body and a door of the refrigerator. Referring to FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 includes a main body 2 provided with a cavity 9 capable of storing storage goods and a door 3 provided to open and close the main body 2. The door 3 may be rotatably or slidably disposed to open or close the cavity 9. The cavity 9 may provide at least one of a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment. A cold source that supplies cold to the cavity may be provided. For example, the cold source may be an evaporator 7 that evaporates the refrigerant to take heat. The evaporator 7 may be connected to a compressor 4 that compresses the refrigerant evaporated to the cold source. The evaporator 7 may be connected to a condenser 5 that condenses the compressed refrigerant to the cold source. The evaporator 7 may be connected to an expander 6 that expands the refrigerant condensed in the cold source. A fan corresponding to the evaporator and the condenser may be provided to promote heat exchange. As another example, the cold source may be a heat absorption surface of a thermoelectric element. A heat absorption sink may be connected to the heat absorption surface of the thermoelectric element. A heat sink may be connected to a heat radiation surface of the thermoelectric element. A fan corresponding to the heat absorption surface and the heat generation surface may be provided to promote heat exchange.

Referring to FIG. 2, plates 10, 15, and 20 may be walls defining the vacuum space. The plates may be walls that partition the vacuum space from an external space of the vacuum space. An example of the plates is as follows. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples.

The plate may be provided as one portion or may be provided to include at least two portions connected to each other. As a first example, the plate may include at least two portions connected to each other in a direction along a wall defining the vacuum space. Any one of the two portions may include a portion (e.g., a first portion) defining the vacuum space. The first portion may be a single portion or may include at least two portions that are sealed to each other. The other one of the two portions may include a portion (e.g., a second portion) extending from the first portion of the first plate in a direction away from the vacuum space or extending in an inner direction of the vacuum space. As a second example, the plate may include at least two layers connected to each other in a thickness direction of the plate. Any one of the two layers may include a layer (e.g., the first portion) defining the vacuum space. The other one of the two layers may include a portion (e.g., the second portion) provided in an external space (e.g., a first space and a second space) of the vacuum space. In this case, the second portion may be defined as an outer cover of the plate. The other one of the two layers may include a portion (e.g., the second portion) provided in the vacuum space. In this case, the second portion may be defined as an inner cover of the plate.

The plate may include a first plate 10 and a second plate 20. One surface of the first plate (the inner surface of the first plate) provides a wall defining the vacuum space, and the other surface (the outer surface of the first plate) of the first plate A wall defining the first space may be provided. The first space may be a space provided in the vicinity of the first plate, a space defined by the apparatus, or an internal space of the apparatus. In this case, the first plate may be referred to as an inner case. When the first plate and the additional member define the internal space, the first plate and the additional member may be referred to as an inner case. The inner case may include two or more layers. In this case, one of the plurality of layers may be referred to as an inner panel. One surface of the second plate (the inner surface of the second plate) provides a wall defining the vacuum space, and the other surface (the outer surface of the first plate) of the second plate A wall defining the second space may be provided. The second space may be a space provided in vicinity of the second plate, another space defined by the apparatus, or an external space of the apparatus. In this case, the second plate may be referred to as an outer case. When the second plate and the additional member define the external space, the second plate and the additional member may be referred to as an outer case. The outer case may include two or more layers. In this case, one of the plurality of layers may be referred to as an outer panel. The second space may be a space having a temperature higher than that of the first space or a space having a temperature lower than that of the first space. Optionally, the plate may include a side plate 15. In FIG. 2, the side plate may also perform a function of a conductive resistance sheet 60 to be described later, according to the disposition of the side plate. The side plate may include a portion extending in a height direction of a space defined between the first plate and the second plate or a portion extending in a height direction of the vacuum space. One surface of the side plate may provide a wall defining the vacuum space, and the other surface of the side plate may provide a wall defining an external space of the vacuum space. The external space of the vacuum space may be at least one of the first space or the second space or a space in which another adiabatic body to be described later is disposed. The side plate may be integrally provided by extending at least one of the first plate or the second plate or a separate component connected to at least one of the first plate or the second plate.

The plate may optionally include a curved portion. In the present disclosure, the plate including a curved portion may be referred to as a bent plate. The curved portion may include at least one of the first plate, the second plate, the side plate, between the first plate and the second plate, between the first plate and the side plate, or between the second plate and the side plate. The plate may include at least one of a first curved portion or a second curved portion, an example of which is as follows. First, the side plate may include the first curved portion. A portion of the first curved portion may include a portion connected to the first plate. Another portion of the first curved portion may include a portion connected to the second curved portion. In this case, a curvature radius of each of the first curved portion and the second curved portion may be large. The other portion of the first curved portion may be connected to an additional straight portion or an additional curved portion, which are provided between the first curved portion and the second curved portion. In this case, a curvature radius of each of the first curved portion and the second curved portion may be small. Second, the side plate may include the second curved portion. A portion of the second curved portion may include a portion connected to the second plate. The other portion of the second curved portion may include a portion connected to the first curved portion. In this case, a curvature radius of each of the first curved portion and the second curved portion may be large. The other portion of the second curved portion may be connected to an additional straight portion or an additional curved portion, which are provided between the first curved portion and the second curved portion. In this case, a curvature radius of each of the first curved portion and the second curved portion may be small. Here, the straight portion may be defined as a portion having a curvature radius greater than that of the curved portion. The straight portion may be understood as a portion having a perfect plane or a curvature radius greater than that of the curved portion. Third, the first plate may include the first curved portion. A portion of the first curved portion may include a portion connected to the side plate. A portion connected to the side plate may be provided at a position that is away from the second plate at a portion at which the first plate extends in the longitudinal direction of the vacuum space. Fourth, the second plate may include the second curved portion. A portion of the second curved portion may include a portion connected to the side plate. A portion connected to the side plate may be provided at a position that is away from the first plate at a portion at which the second plate extends in the longitudinal direction of the vacuum space. The present disclosure may include a combination of any one of the first and second examples described above and any one of the third and fourth examples described above.

In the present disclosure, the vacuum space 50 may be defined as a third space. The vacuum space may be a space in which a vacuum pressure is maintained. In the present disclosure, the expression that a vacuum degree of A is higher than that of B means that a vacuum pressure of A is lower than that of B.

In the present disclosure, the seal 61 may be a portion provided between the first plate and the second plate. Examples of sealing are as follows. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples. The sealing may include fusion welding for coupling the plurality of objects by melting at least a portion of the plurality of objects. For example, the first plate and the second plate may be welded by laser welding in a state in which a melting bond such as a filler metal is not interposed therebetween, a portion of the first and second plates and a portion of the component coupling portion may be welded by high-frequency brazing or the like, or a plurality of objects may be welded by a melting bond that generates heat. The sealing may include pressure welding for coupling the plurality of objects by a mechanical pressure applied to at least a portion of the plurality of objects. For example, as a component connected to the component coupling portion, an object made of a material having a degree of deformation resistance less than that of the plate may be pressure-welded by a method such as pinch-off.

A machine room 8 may be optionally provided outside the vacuum adiabatic body. The machine room may be defined as a space in which components connected to the cold source are accommodated. Optionally, the vacuum adiabatic body may include a port 40. The port may be provided at any one side of the vacuum adiabatic body to discharge air of the vacuum space 50. Optionally, the vacuum adiabatic body may include a conduit 64 passing through the vacuum space 50 to install components connected to the first space and the second space.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an example of a support that maintains the vacuum space. An example of the support is as follows. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples.

The supports 30, 31, 33, and 35 may be provided to support at least a portion of the plate and a heat transfer resistor to be described later, thereby reducing deformation of at least some of the vacuum space 50, the plate, and the heat transfer resistor to be described later due to external force. The external force may include at least one of a vacuum pressure or external force excluding the vacuum pressure. When the deformation occurs in a direction in which a height of the vacuum space is lower, the support may reduce an increase in at least one of radiant heat conduction, gas heat conduction, surface heat conduction, or support heat conduction, which will be described later. The support may be an object provided to maintain a gap between the first plate and the second plate or an object provided to support the heat transfer resistor. The support may have a degree of deformation resistance greater than that of the plate or be provided to a portion having weak degree of deformation resistance among portions constituting the vacuum adiabatic body, the apparatus having the vacuum adiabatic body, and the wall having the vacuum adiabatic body. According to an embodiment, a degree of deformation resistance represents a degree to which an object resists deformation due to external force applied to the object and is a value determined by a shape including a thickness of the object, a material of the object, a processing method of the object, and the like. Examples of the portions having the weak degree of deformation resistance include the vicinity of the curved portion defined by the plate, at least a portion of the curved portion, the vicinity of an opening defined in the body of the apparatus, which is provided by the plate, or at least a portion of the opening. The support may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the curved portion or the opening or may be provided to correspond to the shape of the curved portion or the opening. However, it is not excluded that the support is provided in other portions. The opening may be understood as a portion of the apparatus including the body and the door capable of opening or closing the opening defined in the body.

An example in which the support is provided to support the plate is as follows. First, at least a portion of the support may be provided in a space defined inside the plate. The plate may include a portion including a plurality of layers, and the support may be provided between the plurality of layers. Optionally, the support may be provided to be connected to at least a portion of the plurality of layers or be provided to support at least a portion of the plurality of layers. Second, at least a portion of the support may be provided to be connected to a surface defined on the outside of the plate. The support may be provided in the vacuum space or an external space of the vacuum space. For example, the plate may include a plurality of layers, and the support may be provided as any one of the plurality of layers. Optionally, the support may be provided to support the other one of the plurality of layers. For example, the plate may include a plurality of portions extending in the longitudinal direction, and the support may be provided as any one of the plurality of portions. Optionally, the support may be provided to support the other one of the plurality of parts. As further another example, the support may be provided in the vacuum space or the external space of the vacuum space as a separate component, which is distinguished from the plate. Optionally, the support may be provided to support at least a portion of a surface defined on the outside of the plate. Optionally, the support may be provided to support one surface of the first plate and one surface of the second plate, and one surface of the first plate and one surface of the second plate may be provided to face each other. Third, the support may be provided to be integrated with the plate. An example in which the support is provided to support the heat transfer resistor may be understood instead of the example in which the support is provided to support the plate. A duplicated description will be omitted.

An example of the support in which heat transfer through the support is designed to be reduced is as follows. First, at least a portion of the components disposed in the vicinity of the support may be provided so as not to be in contact with the support or provided in an empty space provided by the support. Examples of the components include a tube or component connected to the heat transfer resistor to be described later, an exhaust port, a getter port, a tube or component passing through the vacuum space, or a tube or component of which at least a portion is disposed in the vacuum space. Examples of the empty space may include an empty space provided in the support, an empty space provided between the plurality of supports, and an empty space provided between the support and a separate component that is distinguished from the support. Optionally, at least a portion of the component may be disposed in a through-hole defined in the support, be disposed between the plurality of bars, be disposed between the plurality of connection plates, or be disposed between the plurality of support plates. Optionally, at least a portion of the component may be disposed in a spaced space between the plurality bars, be disposed in a spaced space between the plurality of connection plates, or be disposed in a spaced space between the plurality of support plates. Second, the adiabatic body may be provided on at least a portion of the support or in the vicinity of at least a portion of the support. The adiabatic body may be provided to be in contact with the support or provided so as not to be in contact with the support. The adiabatic body may be provided at a portion in which the support and the plate are in contact with each other. The adiabatic body may be provided on at least a portion of one surface and the other surface of the support or be provided to cover at least a portion of one surface and the other surface of the support. The adiabatic body may be provided on at least a portion of a periphery of one surface and a periphery of the other surface of the support or be provided to cover at least a portion of a periphery of one surface and a periphery of the other surface of the support. The support may include a plurality of bars, and the adiabatic body may be disposed on an area from a point at which any one of the plurality of bars is disposed to a midpoint between the one bar and the surrounding bars. Third, when cold is transferred through the support, a heat source may be disposed at a position at which the heat adiabatic body described in the second example is disposed. When a temperature of the first space is lower than a temperature of the second space, the heat source may be disposed on the second plate or in the vicinity of the second plate. When heat is transmitted through the support, a cold source may be disposed at a position at which the heat adiabatic body described in the second example is disposed. When a temperature of the first space is higher than a temperature of the second space, the cold source may be disposed on the second plate or in the vicinity of the second plate. As fourth example, the support may include a portion having heat transfer resistance higher than a metal or a portion having heat transfer resistance higher than the plate. The support may include a portion having heat transfer resistance less than that of another adiabatic body. The support may include at least one of a non-metal material, PPS, and glass fiber (GF), low outgassing PC, PPS, or LCP. This is done for a reason in which high compressive strength, low outgassing, and a water absorption rate, low thermal conductivity, high compressive strength at a high temperature, and excellent workability are being capable of obtained.

Examples of the support may be the bars 30 and 31, the connection plate 35, the support plate 35, a porous material 33, and a filler 33. In this embodiment, the support may include any one of the above examples, or an example in which at least two examples are combined. As first example, the support may include bars 30 and 31. The bar may include a portion extending in a direction in which the first plate and the second plate are connected to each other to support a gap between the first plate and the second plate. The bar may include a portion extending in a height direction of the vacuum space and a portion extending in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the plate extends. The bar may be provided to support only one of the first plate and the second plate or may be provided both the first plate and the second plate. For example, one surface of the bar may be provided to support a portion of the plate, and the other surface of the bar may be provided so as not to be in contact with the other portion of the plate. As another example, one surface of the bar may be provided to support at least a portion of the plate, and the other surface of the bar may be provided to support the other portion of the plate. The support may include a bar having an empty space therein or a plurality of bars, and an empty space are provided between the plurality of bars. In addition, the support may include a bar, and the bar may be disposed to provide an empty space between the bar and a separate component that is distinguished from the bar. The support may selectively include a connection plate 35 including a portion connected to the bar or a portion connecting the plurality of bars to each other. The connection plate may include a portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the vacuum space or a portion extending in the direction in which the plate extends. An XZ-plane cross-sectional area of the connection plate may be greater than an XZ-plane cross-sectional area of the bar. The connection plate may be provided on at least one of one surface and the other surface of the bar or may be provided between one surface and the other surface of the bar. At least one of one surface and the other surface of the bar may be a surface on which the bar supports the plate. The shape of the connection plate is not limited. The support may include a connection plate having an empty space therein or a plurality of connection plates, and an empty space are provided between the plurality of connection plates. In addition, the support may include a connection plate, and the connection plate may be disposed to provide an empty space between the connection plate and a separate component that is distinguished from the connection plate. As a second example, the support may include a support plate 35. The support plate may include a portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the vacuum space or a portion extending in the direction in which the plate extends. The support plate may be provided to support only one of the first plate and the second plate or may be provided both the first plate and the second plate. For example, one surface of the support plate may be provided to support a portion of the plate, and the other surface of the support plate may be provided so as not to be in contact with the other portion of the plate. As another example, one surface of the support plate may be provided to support at least a portion of the plate, and the other surface of the support plate may be provided to support the other portion of the plate. A cross-sectional shape of the support plate is not limited. The support may include a support plate having an empty space therein or a plurality of support plates, and an empty space are provided between the plurality of support plates. In addition, the support may include a support plate, and the support plate may be disposed to provide an empty space between the support plate and a separate component that is distinguished from the support plate. As a third example, the support may include a porous material 33 or a filler 33. The inside of the vacuum space may be supported by the porous material or the filler. The inside of the vacuum space may be completely filled by the porous material or the filler. The support may include a plurality of porous materials or a plurality of fillers, and the plurality of porous materials or the plurality of fillers may be disposed to be in contact with each other. When an empty space is provided inside the porous material, provided between the plurality of porous materials, or provided between the porous material and a separate component that is distinguished from the porous material, the porous material may be understood as including any one of the aforementioned bar, connection plate, and support plate. When an empty space is provided inside the filler, provided between the plurality of fillers, or provided between the filler and a separate component that is distinguished from the filler, the filler may be understood as including any one of the aforementioned bar, connection plate, and support plate. The support according to the present disclosure may include any one of the above examples or an example in which two or more examples are combined.

Referring to FIG. 3a, as an embodiment, the support may include a bar 31 and a connection plate and support plate 35. The connection plate and the supporting plate may be designed separately. Referring to FIG. 3b, as an embodiment, the support may include a bar 31, a connection plate and support plate 35, and a porous material 33 filled in the vacuum space. The porous material 33 may have emissivity greater than that of stainless steel, which is a material of the plate, but since the vacuum space is filled, resistance efficiency of radiant heat transfer is high. The porous material may also function as a heat transfer resistor to be described later. More preferably, the porous material may perform a function of a radiation resistance sheet to be described later. Referring to FIG. 3c, as an embodiment, the support may include a porous material 33 or a filler 33. The porous material 33 and the filler may be provided in a compressed state to maintain a gap between the vacuum space. The film 34 may be provided in a state in which a hole is punched as, for example, a PE material. The porous material 33 or the filler may perform both a function of the heat transfer resistor and a function of the support, which will be described later. More preferably, the porous material may perform both a function of the radiation resistance sheet and a function of the support to be described later.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining an example of the vacuum adiabatic body based on heat transfer resistors 32, 33, 60, and 63 (e.g., thermal insulator and a heat transfer resistance body). The vacuum adiabatic body according to the present disclosure may optionally include a heat transfer resistor. An example of the heat transfer resistor is as follows. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples.

The heat transfer resistors 32, 33, 60, and 63 may be objects that reduce an amount of heat transfer between the first space and the second space or objects that reduce an amount of heat transfer between the first plate and the second plate. The heat transfer resistor may be disposed on a heat transfer path defined between the first space and the second space or be disposed on a heat transfer path formed between the first plate and the second plate. The heat transfer resistor may include a portion extending in a direction along a wall defining the vacuum space or a portion extending in a direction in which the plate extends. Optionally, the heat transfer resistor may include a portion extending from the plate in a direction away from the vacuum space. The heat transfer resistor may be provided on at least a portion of the periphery of the first plate or the periphery of the second plate or be provided on at least a portion of an edge of the first plate or an edge of the second plate. The heat transfer resistor may be provided at a portion, in which the through-hole is defined, or provided as a tube connected to the through-hole. A separate tube or a separate component that is distinguished from the tube may be disposed inside the tube. The heat transfer resistor may include a portion having heat transfer resistance greater than that of the plate. In this case, adiabatic performance of the vacuum adiabatic body may be further improved. A shield 62 may be provided on the outside of the heat transfer resistor to be insulated. The inside of the heat transfer resistor may be insulated by the vacuum space. The shield may be provided as a porous material or a filler that is in contact with the inside of the heat transfer resistor. The shield may be an adiabatic structure that is exemplified by a separate gasket placed outside the inside of the heat transfer resistor. The heat transfer resistor may be a wall defining the third space.

An example in which the heat transfer resistor is connected to the plate may be understood as replacing the support with the heat transfer resistor in an example in which the support is provided to support the plate. A duplicate description will be omitted. The example in which the heat transfer resistor is connected to the support may be understood as replacing the plate with the support in the example in which the heat transfer resistor is connected to the plate. A duplicate description will be omitted. The example of reducing heat transfer via the heat transfer body may be applied as a substitute the example of reducing the heat transfer via the support, and thus, the same explanation will be omitted.

In the present disclosure, the heat transfer resistor may be one of a radiation resistance sheet 32, a porous material 33, a filler 33, and a conductive resistance sheet. In the present disclosure, the heat transfer resistor may include a combination of at least two of the radiation resistance sheet 32, the porous material 33, the filler 33, and the conductive resistance sheet. As a first example, the heat transfer resistor may include a radiation resistance sheet 32. The radiation resistance sheet may include a portion having heat transfer resistance greater than that of the plate, and the heat transfer resistance may be a degree of resistance to heat transfer by radiation. The support may perform a function of the radiation resistance sheet together. A conductive resistance sheet to be described later may perform the function of the radiation resistance sheet together. As a second example, the heat transfer resistor may include conduction resistance sheets 60 and 63. The conductive resistance sheet may include a portion having heat transfer resistance greater than that of the plate, and the heat transfer resistance may be a degree of resistance to heat transfer by conduction. For example, the conductive resistance sheet may have a thickness less than that of at least a portion of the plate. As another example, the conductive resistance sheet may include one end and the other end, and a length of the conductive resistance sheet may be longer than a straight distance connecting one end of the conductive resistance sheet to the other end of the conductive resistance sheet. As another example, the conductive resistance sheet may include a material having resistance to heat transfer greater than that of the plate by conduction. As another example, the heat transfer resistor may include a portion having a curvature radius less than that of the plate.

Referring to FIG. 4a, for example, a conductive resistance sheet may be provided on a side plate connecting the first plate to the second plate. Referring to FIG. 4b, for example, a conductive resistance sheet 60 may be provided on at least a portion of the first plate and the second plate. A connection frame 70 may be further provided outside the conductive resistance sheet. The connection frame may be a portion from which the first plate or the second plate extends or a portion from which the side plate extends. Optionally, the connection frame 70 may include a portion at which a component for sealing the door and the body and a component disposed outside the vacuum space such as the exhaust port and the getter port, which are required for the exhaust process, are connected to each other. Referring to FIG. 4c, for example, a conductive resistance sheet may be provided on a side plate connecting the first plate to the second plate. The conductive resistance sheet may be installed in a through-hole passing through the vacuum space. The conduit 64 may be provided separately outside the conductive resistance sheet. The conductive resistance sheet may be provided in a pleated shape. Through this, the heat transfer path may be lengthened, and deformation due to a pressure difference may be prevented. A separate shielding member for insulating the conductive resistance sheet 63 may also be provided. The conductive resistance sheet may include a portion having a degree of deformation resistance less than that of at least one of the plate, the radiation resistance sheet, or the support. The radiation resistance sheet may include a portion having a degree of deformation resistance less than that of at least one of the plate or the support. The plate may include a portion having a degree of deformation resistance less than that of the support. The conductive resistance sheet may include a portion having conductive heat transfer resistance greater than that of at least one of the plate, the radiation resistance sheet, or the support. The radiation resistance sheet may include a portion having radiation heat transfer resistance greater than that of at least one of the plate, the conductive resistance sheet, or the support. The support may include a portion having heat transfer resistance greater than that of the plate. For example, at least one of the plate, the conductive resistance sheet, or the connection frame may include stainless steel material, the radiation resistance sheet may include aluminum, and the support may include a resin material.

FIG. 5 is a graph for observing a process of exhausting the inside of the vacuum adiabatic body with a time and pressure when the support is used. An example of a vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process vacuum is as follows. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples.

While the exhaust process is being performed, an outgassing process, which is a process in which a gas of the vacuum space is discharged, or a potential gas remaining in the components of the vacuum adiabatic body is discharged, may be performed. As an example of the outgassing process, the exhaust process may include at least one of heating or drying the vacuum adiabatic body, providing a vacuum pressure to the vacuum adiabatic body, or providing a getter to the vacuum adiabatic body. In this case, it is possible to promote the vaporization and exhaust of the potential gas remaining in the component provided in the vacuum space. The exhaust process may include a process of cooling the vacuum adiabatic body. The cooling process may be performed after the process of heating or drying the vacuum adiabatic body is performed. The process of heating or drying the vacuum adiabatic body process of providing the vacuum pressure to the vacuum adiabatic body may be performed together. The process of heating or drying the vacuum adiabatic body and the process of providing the getter to the vacuum adiabatic body may be performed together. After the process of heating or drying the vacuum adiabatic body is performed, the process of cooling the vacuum adiabatic body may be performed. The process of providing the vacuum pressure to the vacuum adiabatic body and the process of providing the getter to the vacuum adiabatic body may be performed so as not to overlap each other. For example, after the process of providing the vacuum pressure to the vacuum adiabatic body is performed, the process of providing the getter to the vacuum adiabatic body may be performed. When the vacuum pressure is provided to the vacuum adiabatic body, a pressure of the vacuum space may drop to a certain level and then no longer drop. Here, after stopping the process of providing the vacuum pressure to the vacuum adiabatic body, the getter may be input. As an example of stopping the process of providing the vacuum pressure to the vacuum adiabatic body, an operation of a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum space may be stopped. When inputting the getter, the process of heating or drying the vacuum adiabatic body may be performed together. Through this, the outgassing may be promoted. As another example, after the process of providing the getter to the vacuum adiabatic body is performed, the process of providing the vacuum pressure to the vacuum adiabatic body may be performed.

The time during which the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process is performed may be referred to as a vacuum exhaust time. The vacuum exhaust time includes at least one of a time Δ1 during which the process of heating or drying the vacuum adiabatic body is performed, a time Δt2 during which the process of maintaining the getter in the vacuum adiabatic body is performed, of a time Δt3 during which the process of cooling the vacuum adiabatic body is performed. Examples of times Δt1, Δt2, and Δt3 are as follows. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples. In the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process, the time Δt1 may be a time t1a or more and a time t1b or less. As a first example, the time t1a may be greater than or equal to about 0.2 hr and less than or equal to about 0.5 hr. The time t1b may be greater than or equal to about 1 hr and less than or equal to about 24.0 hr . The time Δt1 may be about 0.3 hr or more and about 12.0 hr or less. The time Δt1 may be about 0.4 hr or more and about 8.0 hr or less. The time Δt1 may be about 0.5 hr or more and about 4.0 hr or less. In this case, even if the Δt1 is kept as short as possible, the sufficient outgassing may be applied to the vacuum adiabatic body. For example, this case may include a case in which a component of the vacuum adiabatic body, which is exposed to the vacuum space, among the components of the vacuum adiabatic body, has an outgassing rate (%) less than that of any one of the component of the vacuum adiabatic body, which is exposed to the external space of the vacuum space. Specifically, the component exposed to the vacuum space may include a portion having a outgassing rate less than that of a thermoplastic polymer. More specifically, the support or the radiation resistance sheet may be disposed in the vacuum space, and the outgassing rate of the support may be less than that of the thermoplastic plastic. As another example, this case may include a case in which a component of the vacuum adiabatic body, which is exposed to the vacuum space, among the components of the vacuum adiabatic body, has a max operating temperature (° C.) greater than that of any one of the component of the vacuum adiabatic body, which is exposed to the external space of the vacuum space. In this case, the vacuum adiabatic body may be heated to a higher temperature to increase in outgassing rate. For example, the component exposed to the vacuum space may include a portion having an operating temperature greater than that of the thermoplastic polymer. As a more specific example, the support or the radiation resistance sheet may be disposed in the vacuum space, and a use temperature of the support may be higher than that of the thermoplastic plastic. As another example, among the components of the vacuum adiabatic body, the component exposed to the vacuum space may contain more metallic portion than a non-metallic portion. That is, a mass of the metallic portion may be greater than a mass of the non-metallic portion, a volume of the metallic portion may be greater than a volume of the non-metallic portion, or an area of the metallic portion exposed to the vacuum space may be greater than an area exposed to the non-metallic portion of the vacuum space. When the components exposed to the vacuum space are provided in plurality, the sum of the volume of the metal material included in the first component and the volume of the metal material included in the second component may be greater than that of the volume of the non-metal material included in the first component and the volume of the non-metal material included in the second component. When the components exposed to the vacuum space are provided in plurality, the sum of the mass of the metal material included in the first component and the mass of the metal material included in the second component may be greater than that of the mass of the non-metal material included in the first component and the mass of the non-metal material included in the second component. When the components exposed to the vacuum space are provided in plurality, the sum of the area of the metal material, which is exposed to the vacuum space and included in the first component, and an area of the metal material, which is exposed to the vacuum space and included in the second component, may be greater than that of the area of the non-metal material, which is exposed to the vacuum space and included in the first component, and an area of the non-metal material, which is exposed to the vacuum space and included in the second component. As a second example, the time t1a may be greater than or equal to about 0.5 hr and less than or equal to about 1 hr. The time t1b may be greater than or equal to about 24.0 hr and less than or equal to about 65 hr. The time Δt1 may be about 1.0 hr or more and about 48.0 hr or less. The time Δt1 may be about 2 hr or more and about 24.0 hr or less. The time Δt1 may be about 3 hr or more and about 12.0 hr or less. In this case, it may be the vacuum adiabatic body that needs to maintain the Δt1 as long as possible. In this case, a case opposite to the examples described in the first example or a case in which the component exposed to the vacuum space is made of a thermoplastic material may be an example. A duplicated description will be omitted. In the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process, the time Δt1 may be a time t1a or more and a time t1b or less. The time t2a may be greater than or equal to about 0.1 hr and less than or equal to about 0.3 hr. The time t2b may be greater than or equal to about 1 hr and less than or equal to about 5.0 hr. The time Δt2 may be about 0.2 hr or more and about 3.0 hr or less. The time Δt2 may be about 0.3 hr or more and about 2.0 hr or less. The time Δt2 may be about 0.5 hr or more and about 1.5 hr or less. In this case, even if the time Δt2 is kept as short as possible, the sufficient outgassing through the getter may be applied to the vacuum adiabatic body. In the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process, the time Δt3 may be a time t3a or more and a time t3b or less. The time t2a may be greater than or equal to about 0.2 hr and less than or equal to about 0.8 hr. The time t2b may be greater than or equal to about 1 hr and less than or equal to about 65.0 hr. The tine Δt3 may be about 0.2 hr or more and about 48.0 hr or less. The time Δt3 may be about 0.3 hr or more and about 24.0 hr or less. The time Δt3 may be about 0.4 hr or more and about 12.0 hr or less. The time Δt3 may be about 0.5 hr or more and about 5.0 hr or less. After the heating or drying process is performed during the exhaust process, the cooling process may be performed. For example, when the heating or drying process is performed for a long time, the time Δt3 may be long. The vacuum adiabatic body according to the present disclosure may be manufactured so that the time Δt1 is greater than the time Δt2, the time Δt1 is less than or equal to the time Δt3, or the time Δt3 is greater than the time Δt2. The following relational expression is satisfied: Δt2<Δt1≤Δt3. The vacuum adiabatic body according to an embodiment may be manufactured so that the relational expression: Δt1+Δt2+Δt3 may be greater than or equal to about 0.3 hr and less than or equal to about 70 hr, be greater than or equal to about 1 hr and less than or equal to about 65 hr, or be greater than or equal to about 2 hr and less than or equal to about 24 hr. The relational expression: Δt1+Δt2+Δt3 may be manufactured to be greater than or equal to about 3 hr and less than or equal to about 6 hr.

An example of the vacuum pressure condition during the exhaust process is as follows. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples. A minimum value of the vacuum pressure in the vacuum space during the exhaust process may be greater than about 1.8E-6 Torr. The minimum value of the vacuum pressure may be greater than about 1.8E-6 Torr and less than or equal to about 1.0E-4 Torr, be greater than about 0.5E-6 Torr and less than or equal to about 1.0E-4 Torr, or be greater than about 0.5E-6 Torr and less than or equal to about 0.5E-5 Torr. The minimum value of the vacuum pressure may be greater than about 0.5E-6 Torr and less than about 1.0E-5 Torr. As such, the limitation in which the minimum value of the vacuum pressure provided during the exhaust process is because, even if the pressure is reduced through the vacuum pump during the exhaust process, the decrease in vacuum pressure is slowed below a certain level. As an embodiment, after the exhaust process is performed, the vacuum pressure of the vacuum space may be maintained at a pressure greater than or equal to about 1.0E-5 Torr and less than or equal to about 5.0E-1 Torr. The maintained vacuum pressure may be greater than or equal to about 1.0E-5 Torr and less than or equal to about 1.0E-1 Torr, be greater than or equal to about 1.0E-5 Torr and less than or equal to about 1.0E-2 Torr, be greater than or equal to about 1.0E-4 Torr and less than or equal to about 1.0E-2 Torr, or be greater than or equal to about 1.0E-5 Torr and less than or equal to about 1.0E-3 Torr. As a result of predicting the change in vacuum pressure with an accelerated experiment of two example products, one product may be provided so that the vacuum pressure is maintained below about 1.0E-04 Torr even after about 16.3 years, and the other product may be provided so that the vacuum pressure is maintained below about 1.0E-04 Torr even after about 17.8 years. As described above, the vacuum pressure of the vacuum adiabatic body may be used industrially only when it is maintained below a predetermined level even if there is a change over time.

FIG. 5a is a graph of an elapsing time and pressure in the exhaust process according to an example, and FIG. 5b is a view explaining results of a vacuum maintenance test in the acceleration experiment of the vacuum adiabatic body of the refrigerator having an internal volume of about 128 liters. Referring to FIG. 5b, it is seen that the vacuum pressure gradually increases according to the aging. For example, it is confirmed that the vacuum pressure is about 6.7E-04 Torr after about 4.7 years, about 1.7E-03 Torr after about 10 years, and about 1.0E-02 Torr after about 59 years. According to these experimental results, it is confirmed that the vacuum adiabatic body according to the embodiment is sufficiently industrially applicable.

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating results obtained by comparing the vacuum pressure with gas conductivity. Referring to FIG. 6, gas conductivity with respect to the vacuum pressure depending on a size of the gap in the vacuum space 50 was represented as a graph of effective heat transfer coefficient (eK). The effective heat transfer coefficient (eK) was measured when the gap in the vacuum space 50 has three values of about 3 mm, about 4.5 mm, and about 9 mm. The gap in the vacuum space 50 is defined as follows. When the radiation resistance sheet 32 exists inside surface vacuum space 50, the gap is a distance between the radiation resistance sheet 32 and the plate adjacent thereto. When the radiation resistance sheet 32 does not exist inside surface vacuum space 50, the gap is a distance between the first and second plates. It was seen that, since the size of the gap is small at a point corresponding to a typical effective heat transfer coefficient of about 0.0196 W/mK, which is provided to an adiabatic material formed by foaming polyurethane, the vacuum pressure is about 5.0E-1 Torr even when the size of the gap is about 3 mm. Meanwhile, it was seen that the point at which reduction in adiabatic effect caused by the gas conduction heat is saturated even though the vacuum pressure decreases is a point at which the vacuum pressure is approximately 4.5E-3 Torr. The vacuum pressure of about 4.5E-3 Torr may be defined as the point at which the reduction in adiabatic effect caused by the gas conduction heat is saturated. Also, when the effective heat transfer coefficient is about 0.01 W/mK, the vacuum pressure is about 1.2E-2 Torr. An example of a range of the vacuum pressure in the vacuum space according to the gap is presented. The support may include at least one of a bar, a connection plate, or a support plate. In this case, when the gap of the vacuum space is greater than or equal to about 3 mm, the vacuum pressure may be greater than or equal to A and less than about 5E-1 Torr, or be greater than about 2.65E-1 Torr and less than about 5E-1 Torr. As another example, the support may include at least one of a bar, a connection plate, or a support plate. In this case, when the gap of the vacuum space is greater than or equal to about 4.5 mm, the vacuum pressure may be greater than or equal to A and less than about 3E-1 Torr, or be greater than about 1.2E-2 Torr and less than about 5E-1 Torr. As another example, the support may include at least one of a bar, a connection plate, or a support plate, and when the gap of the vacuum space is greater than or equal to about 9 mm, the vacuum pressure may be greater than or equal to A and less than about 1.0×10{circumflex over ( )}-1 Torr or be greater than about 4.5E-3 Torr and less than about 5E-1 Torr. Here, the A may be greater than or equal to about 1.0×10{circumflex over ( )}-6 Torr and less than or equal to about 1.0E-5 Torr. The A may be greater than or equal to about 1.0×10{circumflex over ( )}-5 Torr and less than or equal to about 1.0E-4 Torr. When the support includes a porous material or a filler, the vacuum pressure may be greater than or equal to about 4.7E-2 Torr and less than or equal to about 5E-1 Torr. In this case, it is understood that the size of the gap ranges from several micrometers to several hundreds of micrometers. When the support and the porous material are provided together in the vacuum space, a vacuum pressure may be created and used, which is middle between the vacuum pressure when only the support is used and the vacuum pressure when only the porous material is used.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating various examples of the vacuum space. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples.

Referring to FIG. 7, the vacuum adiabatic body according to the present disclosure may include a vacuum space. The vacuum space 50 may include a first vacuum space extending in a first direction (e.g., X-axis) and having a predetermined height. The vacuum space 50 may optionally include a second vacuum space (hereinafter, referred to as a vacuum space expansion portion) different from the first vacuum space in at least one of the height or the direction. The vacuum space expansion portion may be provided by allowing at least one of the first and second plates or the side plate to extend. In this case, the heat transfer resistance may increase by lengthening a heat conduction path along the plate. The vacuum space expansion portion in which the second plate extends may reinforce adiabatic performance of a front portion of the vacuum adiabatic body. The vacuum space expansion portion in which the second plate extends may reinforce adiabatic performance of a rear portion of the vacuum adiabatic body, and the vacuum space expansion portion in which the side plate extends may reinforce adiabatic performance of a side portion of the vacuum adiabatic body. Referring to FIG. 7a, the second plate may extend to provide the vacuum space expansion portion 51. The second plate may include a second portion 202 extending from a first portion 201 defining the vacuum space 50 and the vacuum space expansion portion 51. The second portion 202 of the second plate may branch a heat conduction path along the second plate to increase in heat transfer resistance. Referring to FIG. 7b, the side plate may extend to provide the vacuum space expansion portion. The side plate may include a second portion 152 extending from a first portion 151 defining the vacuum space 50 and the vacuum space extension portion 51. The second portion of the side plate may branch the heat conduction path along the side plate to improve the adiabatic performance. The first and second portions 151 and 152 of the side plate may branch the heat conduction path to increase in heat transfer resistance. Referring to FIG. 7c, the first plate may extend to provide the vacuum space expansion portion. The first plate may include a second portion 102 extending from the first portion 101 defining the vacuum space 50 and the vacuum space expansion portion 51. The second portion of the first plate may branch the heat conduction path along the second plate to increase in heat transfer resistance. Referring to FIG. 7d, the vacuum space expansion portion 51 may include an X-direction expansion portion 51a and a Y-direction expansion portion 51b of the vacuum space. The vacuum space expansion portion 51 may extend in a plurality of directions of the vacuum space 50. Thus, the adiabatic performance may be reinforced in multiple directions and may increase by lengthening the heat conduction path in the plurality of directions to improve the heat transfer resistance. The vacuum space expansion portion extending in the plurality of directions may further improve the adiabatic performance by branching the heat conduction path. Referring to FIG. 7e, the side plate may provide the vacuum space extension portion extending in the plurality of directions. The vacuum space expansion portion may reinforce the adiabatic performance of the side portion of the vacuum adiabatic body. Referring to FIG. 7f, the first plate may provide the vacuum space extension portion extending in the plurality of directions. The vacuum space expansion portion may reinforce the adiabatic performance of the side portion of the vacuum adiabatic body.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining another adiabatic body. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples. Referring to FIG. 8, the vacuum adiabatic body according to the present disclosure may optionally include another adiabatic body 90. Another adiabatic body may have a degree of vacuum less than that of the vacuum adiabatic body and be an object that does not include a portion having a vacuum state therein. The vacuum adiabatic body and another vacuum adiabatic body may be directly connected to each other or connected to each other through an intermedium. In this case, the intermedium may have a degree of vacuum less than that of at least one of the vacuum adiabatic body or another adiabatic body or may be an object that does not include a portion having the vacuum state therein. When the vacuum adiabatic body includes a portion in which the height of the vacuum adiabatic body is high and a portion in which the height of the vacuum adiabatic body is low, another adiabatic body may be disposed at a portion having the low height of the vacuum adiabatic body. Another adiabatic body may include a portion connected to at least a portion of the first and second plates and the side plate. Another adiabatic body may be supported on the plate or coupled or sealed. A degree of sealing between another adiabatic body and the plate may be lower than a degree of sealing between the plates. Another adiabatic body may include a cured adiabatic body (e.g., PU foaming solution) that is cured after being injected, a premolded resin, a peripheral adiabatic body, and a side panel. At least a portion of the plate may be provided to be disposed inside another adiabatic body. Another adiabatic body may include an empty space. The plate may be provided to be accommodated in the empty space. At least a portion of the plate may be provided to cover at least a portion of another adiabatic body. Another adiabatic body may include a member covering an outer surface thereof. The member may be at least a portion of the plate. Another adiabatic body may be an intermedium for connecting, supporting, bonding, or sealing the vacuum adiabatic body to the component. Another adiabatic body may be an intermedium for connecting, supporting, bonding, or sealing the vacuum adiabatic body to another vacuum adiabatic body. Another adiabatic body may include a portion connected to a component coupling portion provided on at least a portion of the plate. Another adiabatic body may include a portion connected to a cover covering another adiabatic body. The cover may be disposed between the first plate and the first space, between the second plate and the second space, or between the side plate and a space other than the vacuum space 50. For example, the cover may include a portion on which the component is mounted. As another example, the cover may include a portion that defines an outer appearance of another adiabatic body. Referring to FIGS. 8a to 8f, another adiabatic body may include a peripheral adiabatic body. The peripheral adiabatic body may be disposed on at least a portion of a periphery of the vacuum adiabatic body, a periphery of the first plate, a periphery of the second plate, and the side plate. The peripheral adiabatic body disposed on the periphery of the first plate or the periphery of the second plate may extend to a portion at which the side plate is disposed or may extend to the outside of the side plate. The peripheral adiabatic body disposed on the side plate may extend to a portion at which the first plate or may extend to the outside of the first plate or the second plate. Referring to FIGS. 8g to 8h, another adiabatic body may include a central adiabatic body. The central adiabatic body may be disposed on at least a portion of a central portion of the vacuum adiabatic body, a central portion of the first plate, or a central portion of the second plate.

Referring to FIG. 8a, the peripheral adiabatic body 92 may be placed on the periphery of the first plate. The peripheral adiabatic body may be in contact with the first plate. The peripheral adiabatic body may be separated from the first plate or further extend from the first plate (indicated by dotted lines). The peripheral adiabatic body may improve the adiabatic performance of the periphery of the first plate. Referring to FIG. 8b, the peripheral adiabatic body may be placed on the periphery of the second plate. The peripheral adiabatic body may be in contact with the second plate. The peripheral adiabatic body may be separated from the second plate or further extend from the second plate (indicated by dotted lines). The periphery adiabatic body may improve the adiabatic performance of the periphery of the second plate. Referring to FIG. 8c, the peripheral adiabatic body may be disposed on the periphery of the side plate. The peripheral adiabatic body may be in contact with the side plate. The peripheral adiabatic body may be separated from the side plate or further extend from the side plate. The peripheral adiabatic body may improve the adiabatic performance of the periphery of the side plate Referring to FIG. 8d, the peripheral adiabatic body 92 may be disposed on the periphery of the first plate. The peripheral adiabatic body may be placed on the periphery of the first plate constituting the vacuum space expansion portion 51. The peripheral adiabatic body may be in contact with the first plate constituting the vacuum space extension portion. The peripheral adiabatic body may be separated from or further extend to the first plate constituting the vacuum space extension portion. The peripheral adiabatic body may improve the adiabatic performance of the periphery of the first plate constituting the vacuum space expansion portion. Referring to FIGS. 8e and 8f, in the peripheral adiabatic body, the vacuum space extension portion may be disposed on a periphery of the second plate or the side plate. The same explanation as in FIG. 8d may be applied. Referring to FIG. 8g, the central adiabatic body 91 may be placed on a central portion of the first plate. The central adiabatic body may improve adiabatic performance of the central portion of the first plate. Referring to FIG. 8h, the central adiabatic body may be disposed on the central portion of the second plate. The central adiabatic body may improve adiabatic performance of the central portion of the second plate.

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining a heat transfer path between first and second plates having different temperatures. An example of the heat transfer path is as follows. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples.

The heat transfer path may pass through the extension portion at at least a portion of

the first portion 101 of the first plate, the first portion 201 of the second plate, or the first portion 151 of the side plate. The first portion may include a portion defining the vacuum space. The extension portions 102, 152, and 202 may include portions extending in a direction away from the first portion. The extension portion may include a side portion of the vacuum adiabatic body, a side portion of the plate having a higher temperature among the first and second plates, or a portion extending toward the side portion of the vacuum space 50. The extension portion may include a front portion of the vacuum adiabatic body, a front portion of the plate having a higher temperature among the first and second plates, or a front portion extending in a direction away from the front portion of the vacuum space 50. Through this, it is possible to reduce generation of dew on the front portion. The vacuum adiabatic body or the vacuum space 50 may include first and second surfaces having different temperatures from each other. The temperature of the first surface may be lower than that of the second surface. For example, the first surface may be the first plate, and the second surface may be the second plate. The extension portion may extend in a direction away from the second surface or include a portion extending toward the first surface. The extension portion may include a portion, which is in contact with the second surface, or a portion extending in a state of being in contact with the second surface. The extension portion may include a portion extending to be spaced apart from the two surfaces. The extension portion may include a portion having heat transfer resistance greater than that of at least a portion of the plate or the first surface. The extension portion may include a plurality of portions extending in different directions. For example, the extension portion may include a second portion 202 of the second plate and a third portion 203 of the second plate. The third portion may also be provided on the first plate or the side plate. Through this, it is possible to increase in heat transfer resistance by lengthening the heat transfer path. In the extension portion, the above-described heat transfer resistor may be disposed. Another adiabatic body may be disposed outside the extending portion. Through this, the extension portion may reduce generation of dew on the second surface. Referring to FIG. 9a, the second plate may include the extension portion extending to the periphery of the second plate. Here, the extension portion may further include a portion extending backward. Referring to FIG. 9b, the side plate may include the extension portion extending to a periphery of the side plate. Here, the extension portion may be provided to have a length that is less than or equal to that of the extension portion of the second plate. Here, the extension portion may further include a portion extending backward. Referring to FIG. 9c, the first plate may include the extension portion extending to the periphery of the first plate. Here, the extension portion may extend to a length that is less than or equal to that of the extension portion of the second plate. Here, the extension portion may further include a portion extending backward.

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a branch portion on the heat transfer path between first and second plates having different temperatures. An example of the branch portion is as follows. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples.

Optionally, the heat transfer path may pass through portions 205, 153, and 104, each of which is branched from at least a portion of the first plate, the second plate, or the side plate. Here, the branched heat transfer path means a heat transfer path through which heat flows to be separated in a different direction from the heat transfer path through which heat flows along the plate. The branched portion may be disposed in a direction away from the vacuum space 50. The branched portion may be disposed in a direction toward the inside of the vacuum space 50. The branched portion may perform the same function as the extension portion described with reference to FIG. 9, and thus, a description of the same portion will be omitted. Referring to FIG. 10a, the second plate may include the branched portion 205. The branched portion may be provided in plurality, which are spaced apart from each other. The branched portion may include a third portion 203 of the second plate. Referring to FIG. 10b, the side plate may include the branched portion 153. The branched portion 153 may be branched from the second portion 152 of the side plate. The branched portion 153 may provide at least two. At least two branched portions 153 spaced apart from each other may be provided on the second portion 152 of the side plate. Referring to FIG. 10c, the first plate may include the branched portion 104. The branched portion may further extend from the second portion 102 of the first plate. The branched portion may extend toward the periphery. The branched portion 104 may be bent to further extend. A direction in which the branched portion extends in FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c may be the same as at least one of the extension directions of the extension portion described in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a process of manufacturing the vacuum adiabatic body.

Optionally, the vacuum adiabatic body may be manufactured by a vacuum adiabatic body component preparation process in which the first plate and the second plate are prepared in advance. Optionally, the vacuum adiabatic body may be manufactured by a vacuum adiabatic body component assembly process in which the first plate and the second plate are assembled. Optionally, the vacuum adiabatic body may be manufactured by a vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process in which a gas in the space defined between the first plate and the second plate is discharged. Optionally, after the vacuum adiabatic body component preparation process is performed, the vacuum adiabatic body component assembly process or the vacuum adiabatic body exhaust process may be performed. Optionally, after the vacuum adiabatic body component assembly process is performed, the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process may be performed. Optionally, the vacuum adiabatic body may be manufactured by the vacuum adiabatic body component sealing process (S3) in which the space between the first plate and the second plate is sealed. The vacuum adiabatic body component sealing process may be performed before the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process (S4). The vacuum adiabatic body may be manufactured as an object with a specific purpose by an apparatus assembly process (S5) in which the vacuum adiabatic body is combined with the components constituting the apparatus. The apparatus assembly process may be performed after the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process. Here, the components constituting the apparatus means components constituting the apparatus together with the vacuum adiabatic body.

The vacuum adiabatic body component preparation process (Si) is a process in which components constituting the vacuum adiabatic body are prepared or manufactured. Examples of the components constituting the vacuum adiabatic body may include various components such as a plate, a support, a heat transfer resistor, and a tube. The vacuum adiabatic body component assembly process (S2) is a process in which the prepared components are assembled. The vacuum adiabatic body component assembly process may include a process of disposing at least a portion of the support and the heat transfer resistor on at least a portion of the plate. For example, the vacuum adiabatic body component assembly process may include a process of disposing at least a portion of the support and the heat transfer resistor between the first plate and the second plate. Optionally, the vacuum adiabatic body component assembly process may include a process of disposing a penetration component on at least a portion of the plate. For example, the vacuum adiabatic body component assembly process may include a process of disposing the penetration component or a surface component between the first and second plates. After the penetration component may be disposed between the first plate and the second plate, the penetration component may be connected or sealed to the penetration component coupling portion.

An example of a vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process vacuum is as follows. The present disclosure may be any one of the, examples or a combination of two or more examples. The vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process may include at least one of a process of inputting the vacuum adiabatic body into an exhaust passage, a getter activation process, a process of checking vacuum leakage and a process of closing the exhaust port. The process of forming the coupling part may be performed in at least one of the vacuum adiabatic body component preparation process, the vacuum adiabatic body component assembly process, or the apparatus assembly process. Before the vacuum adiabatic body exhaust process is performed, a process of washing the components constituting the vacuum adiabatic body may be performed. Optionally, the washing process may include a process of applying ultrasonic waves to the components constituting the vacuum adiabatic body or a process of providing ethanol or a material containing ethanol to surfaces of the components constituting the vacuum adiabatic body. The ultrasonic wave may have an intensity between about 10 kHz and about 50 kHz. A content of ethanol in the material may be about 50% or more. For example, the content of ethanol in the material may range of about 50% to about 90%. As another example, the content of ethanol in the material may range of about 60% to about 80%. As another example, the content of ethanol in the material may be range of about 65% to about 75%. Optionally, after the washing process is performed, a process of drying the components constituting the vacuum adiabatic body may be performed. Optionally, after the washing process is performed, a process of heating the components constituting the vacuum adiabatic body may be performed.

The contents described in FIGS. 1 to 11 may be applied to all or selectively applied to the embodiments described with reference to the drawings below.

As an embodiment, an example of a process associated with the support is as follows. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples. The vacuum adiabatic body component preparation process may include a process of manufacturing the support. Before the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process is performed, the process of manufacturing the support may be performed. For example, the support may be manufactured through the injection. Optionally, before the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process is performed, the process of washing the support may be performed. Before the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process is performed or while the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process is performed, a process of storing the support under a predetermined condition may be performed. For example, before the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process is performed, a primary storage process may be performed, and while the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process is performed, a secondary storage process may be performed. For another example, during the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process is performed, the storage process may be performed. Examples of the storage process are as follows. As a first example, the storage process may include a process of drying or heating the support. Thus, the outgas sing form the support may be performed. The heating temperature may be greater than a predetermined reference temperature and less than a melting point of the support. The predetermined reference temperature may be a temperature between about 10 degrees and about 40 degrees. The heating temperature may be greater than about 80 degrees and less than about 280 degrees. The heating temperature may be greater than about 100 degrees and less than about 260 degrees. The heating temperature may be greater than about 120 degrees and less than about 240 degrees. The heating temperature may be greater than about 140 degrees and less than about 220 degrees. The heating temperature may be greater than about 160 degrees and less than about 200 degrees. The heating temperature may be greater than about 170 degrees and less than about 190 degrees. The heating temperature in the primary storage process may be less than the heating temperature in the secondary storage process. Optionally, the storage process may include a process of cooling the support. After the process of drying or heating the support is performed, the process of cooling the support may be performed. As a second example, the storage process may include a process of storing the support in a state of a temperature less than atmospheric pressure. Thus, the outgassing form the support may be performed. The storage pressure may be less than a pressure in a vacuum state in which the internal space between the first plate and the second plate is maintained. The storage pressure may be greater than 10E-10 torr and less than atmospheric pressure. The storage pressure may be greater than 10E-9 torr and less than atmospheric pressure. The storage pressure may be greater than 10E-8 torr and less than atmospheric pressure. The storage pressure may be greater than 10E-7 torr and less than atmospheric pressure. The storage pressure may be in a state of being greater than 10E-3 torr and less than atmospheric pressure. The storage pressure may be in a state of being greater than 10E-2 torr and less than atmospheric pressure. The storage pressure may be in a state of being greater than 0.5E-1 torr and less than atmospheric pressure. The storage pressure may be in a state of being greater than 0.5E-1 torr and less than 3E-1 torr. The storage pressure in the primary storage process may be higher than the storage pressure in the secondary storage process. Optionally, the storage process may include a storage process at the atmospheric pressure. After the process of storing the support in a state of the pressure less than the atmospheric pressure is performed, the process of storing the support in the state of the atmospheric pressure may be performed.

Optionally, before the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process is performed, a process of coupling a plurality of portions of the support to each other may be performed. For example, the coupling process may include a process of coupling a bar of the support to a connection plate. As another example, the coupling process may include a process of coupling the bar of the support to the support plate.

The process associated with the support may optionally include a process related to the process of storing the support under the predetermined condition. An example of a process sequence related to the process in which the support is stored under the predetermined condition is as follows. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples. After the process of drying or heating the support is performed, at least one of the process of storing the support at the temperature less than atmospheric pressure, the process of cooling the support, or the process of storing the support at the atmospheric pressure may be performed. After the process of storing the support at the pressure less than the atmospheric pressure is performed, at least one of the process of drying or heating the support, the process of cooling the support, or the process of storing the support at the atmospheric pressure may be performed. The process of drying or heating the support and the process of storing the support at the pressure less than the atmospheric pressure may be performed at the same time. The process of drying or heating the support and the process of storing the support at the atmospheric pressure may be performed at the same time. The process of storing the support under the condition less than atmospheric pressure and the process of cooling the support may be performed at the same time.

The process associated with the support may optionally include a process related to the process in which the support is coupled. An example of a process sequence related to the process in which the support is coupled is as follows. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples. Before the coupling process is performed, a process of providing a separate component separated from the support in a space provided inside the support may be performed. For example, the component may include a heat transfer resistor. After the coupling process is performed, the support may be packaged or stored in a vacuum state. After the process of storing the support under the predetermined condition is performed, a process of coupling a plurality of portions of the support to each other may be performed.

In relation to the support, the process may optionally include a process related to the process of washing the support. An example of a process sequence related to the process of washing the support is as follows. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples. After the process of manufacturing the support is performed, at least one of the process of washing the support, the process of storing the support under the predetermined condition, or the process of coupling the plurality of portions of the support to each other may be performed. After the process of washing the support is performed, at least one of the process of storing the support under the predetermined condition or the process of coupling the plurality of portions of the support to each other may be performed. Before the process of washing the support is performed, at least one of the process of storing the support under the predetermined condition or the process of coupling the plurality of portions of the support to each other may be performed.

The process associated with the support may optionally include a process related to the process of providing the support to plate. An example of a process sequence related to the process of providing the support to the plate is as follows. The present disclosure may be any one of the following examples or a combination of two or more examples. Before the vacuum adiabatic body exhaust process is performed, the support may be provided in a space between the first plate and the second plate. Before the vacuum adiabatic body exhaust process is performed, the support may be provided at the inside of the plate or the surface of the plate. Before the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process is performed, the support may be coupled to the plate. After the component coupling portion is provided on a portion of the plate, the support may be provided in the space between the first plate and the second plate.

FIGS. 12 to 20 are views for explaining a method of manufacturing a vacuum adiabatic body. Referring to FIG. 12, the second plate 20 may be processed to define an accommodation space. The first plate 10 and the second plate 20 may be coupled to each other. The first plate 10, the bent side plate 15, and the bent second plate 20 may define the accommodation space. The side plate 15 and the second plate 20 may extend in different directions.

Referring to FIG. 13, a first support 301 and a second support 302, each of which is made of a resin material, are provided. Thus, it may decrease in thermal conductivity of the vacuum adiabatic body. Each of the outer panel and the inner panel may also be made of a resin material to decrease in thermal conductivity. A heat transfer resistor 32 may be placed at the middle of the first and second supports 30. A position of the heat transfer resistor 32 may be fixed by coupling the first and second supports 301 and 302 to each other. In the vacuum adiabatic body component assembly process (S2), at least one of the support 30, the heat transfer resistor, or the through-component may be assembled to the plate. Here, the heat transfer resistor may include the radiation resistance sheet 32. The heat transfer resistor may include other components.

Referring to FIG. 14, after the first and second supports 301 and 302 and the heat transfer resistor are coupled, an assembly of the support 30 and the heat transfer resistor 32 may be placed in the accommodation space. After the assembly is placed in the accommodation space, the first plate 10 may be placed on the second plate 20. The second plate 20 and the first plate 10 may be sealed with each other in the second portion 152 of the side plate. For the sealing, sealing may be performed.

In the vacuum adiabatic body component sealing process (S3), the vacuum space 50 may be sealed with respect to the first space and the second space. The vacuum adiabatic body component sealing process (S3) may be performed by sealing the first plate 10 and the second plate 20.

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a state in which the first plate and the second plate are placed on a sealing jig, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion A of FIG. 15. Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the sealing jig may include a lower jig placed at a lower side, and an upper jig placed at an upper side.

In one or more embodiments, the lower jig 321 may position the second plate 20 at a correct position. The lower jig may have a seating surface along at least a portion of the first portion 201 of the second plate 10. The lower jig may have a seating surface along at least a portion of the side plate 15. The second plate 20 may be placed at the correct position by the seating surface. The first seating surface 312 along the first portion 201 of the second plate 10 may have a curvature R. The curvature may be the same as or similar to that of the first portion 101 of the first plate 10. An angle A between the second seating surface 313 along the first portion 151 of the side plate and the seating surface along the first portion 201 of the second plate may be provided as an obtuse angle. The lower jig 321 may have a third seating surface 314 along the second portion 152 of the side plate.

Optionally, after the second plate 20 is seated on the lower jig 321, the first plate 10 may be aligned with the second plate 20. Thereafter, the upper jig 311 may be pressed.

In one or more embodiments, the upper jig 311 may have a surface corresponding to the third seating surface 314. The upper jig 311 may have a first pressing surface 322 that applies pressing force to the third seating surface 314. The upper jig 311 may have a second pressing surface 323 along the first plate 10. The second portion 152 of the side plate may be fixed between the first pressing surface 322 and the third seating surface 314. A load of the second pressing surface 323 may be supported by the support 30. It may not apply an excessive load to the second pressing surface 323 so as not to damage the first plate 10. The first pressing surface 322 and the second seating surface 313 may extend in the same direction. The second pressing surface 323 may guide the first pressing surface 322 to guide the placement of the upper jig 311.

Optionally, an extension angle B of the first and second pressing surfaces 322 and 323 may be provided as an obtuse angle. The extension angle B of the first and second pressing surfaces may be greater than the angle A between the first seating surface 312 and the second seating surface 313. A position for sealing the first plate 10 and the second plate 20 may be outside the upper jig 311.

Optionally, after holding a case with the upper jig 311, a sealing process may be performed. During the sealing, the upper jig 311 may press the side plate 15. During the sealing, a negative pressure may be applied to a contact portion between the first plate 10 and the second plate 20 to contact each other. Thus, the two members may be in close contact with each other.

Thereafter, the vacuum adiabatic body vacuum exhaust process (S4) may be performed. The vacuum adiabatic body may be exhausted by putting the first vacuum adiabatic body 11 in an exhaust passage 450 and exhausting the exhaust passage 450. The exhaust passage may accommodate at least two first vacuum adiabatic bodies together.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating an example of the exhaust passage.

In one or more embodiments, at least two of the operations in which the exhaust passage 450 heats the vacuum adiabatic body, the exhaust passage 450 accommodates the vacuum adiabatic body, and a pump 451 exhausts the vacuum adiabatic body 11 may be performed at the same time. The exhaust passage may have an exhaust heater 452. After a certain level of exhaust is completed with respect to the first vacuum adiabatic body, a getter may be introduced into the vacuum space 50.

Thereafter, the device assembly process (S5) may be performed. In this case, a plurality of plate surface components may be coupled to the plate in the apparatus assembly process. When the apparatus is a refrigerator, a main body 2 and a door may be assembled independently of each other. For example, in the case of the door, a foaming process may be performed.

Referring to FIG. 18, the second plate 20 may be seated on an inner surface of the outer panel 211. The outer panel 211 and the first vacuum adiabatic body 11 may be temporarily assembled.

Referring to FIG. 19, at least one of the inner panel 111, the outer panel 112, an upper cover 112, a lower cover 113, and a latch 81 may be additionally installed. At least two of the inner panel 111, the outer panel 112, the upper cover 112, the lower cover 113, and the vacuum adiabatic body 11 may define a space into which a foaming liquid is injected. The foaming liquid may be injected to provide an additional adiabatic body FIG. 20 illustrates a vacuum adiabatic body that has been manufactured. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1-1′ of FIG. 20.

In one or more embodiments, the vacuum adiabatic body may define the inside as the vacuum space 50 and be sealed. The vacuum adiabatic body may include a first vacuum adiabatic body 11 having a first plate 10 and a second plate 20. The first vacuum adiabatic body may further include following components. The first vacuum adiabatic body may further include an outer panel 211 placed at the outside thereof. The first vacuum adiabatic body may further include an inner panel 111 placed at inside thereof. The first vacuum adiabatic body may further include an upper cover 112 that covers an upper portion thereof. The first vacuum adiabatic body may further include a lower cover 113 that covers the lower portion thereof. The first vacuum adiabatic body may further include an additional adiabatic body 90 for insulating a peripheral portion thereof. The first vacuum adiabatic body may be seated on an inner surface of the outer panel 211. The first vacuum adiabatic body 11 may be temporarily assembled to the outer panel 211. At least one of the support 30 or the heat transfer resistor 32 may be placed in the vacuum space 50. The heat transfer resistor 32 may include at least two radiation resistance sheets 32. The support 30 may include at least one of a bar 31, a connection plate connecting the bars to each other, or a support plate supporting the first and second plates 10 and 20.

The support may be selected by considering at least one of high strength, low heat conduction, low outgassing, or inexpensive resin as factors. The resin may be prepared by injection.

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a mold used in a vacuum adiabatic body A resin molding of the vacuum adiabatic body including the support may be manufactured using the mold according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 22, the mold may include a sprue 501, into which a liquid resin is introduced, and a cavity 504 having an empty space to be filled with a product. The mold may include a runner 502 that provides a branched path through which the liquid resin to flow. The mold may include a gate 503 through which the runner and the cavity meet each other so that the liquid resin is injected into the cavity.

FIG. 23 is a view of an injection molding machine that injects the liquid resin. The injection molding machine may be used in an apparatus for manufacturing a vacuum adiabatic body.

Referring to FIG. 23, the injection molding machine may include a screw 514 pressing the liquid resin and a cylinder 516 accommodating the screw. The injection molding machine may optionally further include a hydraulic cylinder 511, a motor 512 rotating the screw, a hopper 515 supplying a solid resin, and a heater 513 heating the cylinder. The mold of FIG. 22 may be provided at an outlet of the cylinder. A pressing device other than the screw and/or the motor may be used. In addition to the cylinder, an accommodation device capable of accommodating the pressed liquid resin may be used.

An injection process of the support may proceed as illustrated in FIG. 24.

Referring to FIG. 24, for manufacturing the support as a whole, processes of mold closing, injection, holding or back press, cooling, mold open, and ejection may be selectively circulated.

The mold closing may be a process of closing a mating mold In the above configuration, a moving speed of the mold may be lowered as the mating molds are adjacent to each other. Thus, it may be possible to prevent the mold from being damaged. The mating mold may be clamped at the end of the mold closing. With or after the mold closing, a nozzle of the cylinder and the sprue may be in contact with each other. In addition, a resin may be supplied for the next injection. After that, the screw may move to perform injection. The liquid resin may be supplied into the mold. After the injection, the holding and back press may be performed. In the holding and back press, after the filling of the liquid resin is completed, a constant atmosphere may be maintained. With the holding and back press, a shape of the product may be maintained, and sink or void of the molding may be prevented. The shape of the molding may be maintained by cooling. Thereafter, the mold may be opened to be mated at the mold opening, and the molding may be ejected.

(a) of FIG. 25 is a plan view of the support, and (b) of FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the cavity.

In one or more embodiments, the support may use a mixture of polyphenylenesulfide (PPS) and glass fiber (GF). Optionally, a weight ratio of GF in the mixture of PPS and GF may be about 10% to about 60%. The weight ratio of GF in the mixture of PPS and GF may be about 25 to about 43%. The weight ratio of GF in the mixture of PPS and GF may be about 50%.

Optionally, the injection pressure may be about 80 Mpa to about 150 MPa. The injection pressure may be a mean pressure of about 120 MPa. If the injection pressure is too high, the resin may leak to generate burrs in the molding. If the injection pressure is too low, voids may occur in the molding. For the high pressure, an expensive large-size injection molding machine is required, and thus it is better to use a low injection pressure as much as possible. An injection speed may range from about 25 mm/s to about 100 mm/s. The injection speed may be in the range of about 40 mm/s to about 60 mm/s. The injection speed may be in the range of about 45 mm/s to about 55 mm/s.

Optionally, a flow leader 520 may be provided to prevent the voids from occurring in

the molding. In (a) FIG. 25, the hatched portion indicates the flow leader, and the non-hatched portion indicates a flow restrictor 530. The flow restrictor 530 may be provided to prevent the voids from occurring in the molding. The flow leader may refer to a portion of the support, which has a thickness thicker than other portions. The flow restrictor may refer to a portion of the support, which has a thickness thinner than other portions. The flow leader may be symmetrically provided at facing positions of the support. Two flow leaders may be provided in the support. The flow leader may include an injection hole 521. The first and second molds 504a and 504b may be opened and closed to provide the cavity 504.

The holding and back press speed may be about 10 mm/s to about 20 mm/s. The holding and back press speed may be about 15 mm/s. The holding and back press speed may be about ⅙ times to about ½ times the injection speed. The holding and back press may be about 150 kgf/cm{circumflex over ( )}2 to about 300 kgf/cm{circumflex over ( )}2. The holding and back press pressure may be about 180 kgf/cm{circumflex over ( )}2 to about 190 kgf/cm{circumflex over ( )}2. The holding and back press time may be about 0.1 seconds to about 0.3 seconds. The holding and back press time may be about 0.2 seconds. A density of the injection liquid in the molded article may increase by a holding and back press process. Strength of the molding may be ensured by the pressure holding and back press process. Due to the holding and back press, quality of the molding may be stabilized.

Optionally, the mixture of PPS and GF may not contain an injection lubricant. The injection lubricant may be removed to reduce outgassing. A hydrolysis inhibitor may be added to the mixture of PPS and GF. The resin may be prevented from being degenerated by the hydrolysis inhibitor to reduce the outgassing.

Optionally, the flowability (MI: Melt Index) of the mixture of PPS and GF may be about 62 g/10 min to about 78 g/10 min. The flowability of the mixture of PPS and GF may be close to about 78 g/10 min. A temperature of the mixture of PPS and GF may be about 320° C. to about 350° C. Due to this configuration, the flowability of the liquid resin may be obtained. In spite of the GF, it is possible to secure the flowability of the liquid resin.

Optionally, a temperature of the cylinder of the injection molding machine may be about 320° C. to about 340° C. A temperature of the liquid resin in the injection molding machine may be about 320° C. to about 350° C. A temperature of the runner may be about 320° C. to about 340° C. A temperature of the cavity may be about 100° C. to about 150° C. The temperature of the cavity may be about 120° C. to about 140° C. The temperature of the cavity may affect the crystallization of the resin. The crystallinity may have a great effect on high-temperature physical properties. When the degree of crystallinity is low, the strength of the support may be low. A sufficient crystallization time and temperature may be required. FIG. 26 is a graph illustrating a degree of crystallinity according to a temperature of the cavity. Referring to FIG. 26, since a temperature of 100° C. is near a glass transition temperature, crystallization begins to gradually occur at temperature of 100° C. It is seen that a temperature 135° C. is a temperature at which the crystallization is saturated.

The support may include a plurality of outgassing particles. The outgassing particles may act as a cause of increasing in pressure of the vacuum space.

In one or more embodiments, the support may be subjected to post-injection post-processing. Optionally, a primary storage process of the vacuum adiabatic body may be performed. The primary storage process may include a process of drying or heating the support. Thus, the outgassing may be performed in advance in the support. It is possible to reduce the outgassing in the vacuum space. The primary storage process may include a process of storing the support in a state of being lower than atmospheric pressure. This may facilitate the outgassing in the support. It is possible to reduce the outgassing in the vacuum space. The storage pressure may be less than a pressure in a vacuum state in which the internal space between the first plate and the second plate is maintained.

Optionally, the process associated with the support may optionally include a process related to the process in which the support is washed. The washing process may include a process of applying ultrasonic waves to the components constituting the vacuum adiabatic body and/or a process of providing ethanol or a material containing ethanol to surfaces of the components constituting the vacuum adiabatic body. After the washing process is performed, a process of drying the components constituting the vacuum adiabatic body may be performed. Optionally, after the washing process is performed, a process of heating the components constituting the vacuum adiabatic body may be performed. After the primary storage process of the vacuum adiabatic body is performed, the vacuum exhaust process of the vacuum adiabatic body may be performed.

Industrial Applicability

According to the embodiment, the vacuum adiabatic body that is capable of being applied to real life may be provided.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING VACUUM ADIABATIC BODY

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