RU2811722C2 - Vacuum adiabatic module, refrigerator and method for manufacturing refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: refrigerators.

SUBSTANCE: vacuum adiabatic body includes a first plate defining a wall portion for a first region, a second plate defining a wall portion for a second region having a temperature different from the temperature of the first region, a seal configured to seal the first plate, and a second plate to provide a third region which has a temperature between the temperature of the first region and the temperature of the second region and is in a state of vacuum, and a support configured to retain the third space. The main body of the refrigerator contains at least two vacuum adiabatic modules connected to each other, and an adiabatic material provided on a portion in which two vacuum adiabatic modules are connected to each other. At least two vacuum adiabatic modules are temporarily assembled, connected to provide a refrigerator main body, and a stand is connected to the bottom surface of the main body.

EFFECT: adiabatic efficiency is improved, the ease of use of the vacuum adiabatic module is ensured, and the manufacture of the refrigerator is simplified.

20 cl, 27 dwg

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum adiabatic module, a refrigerator, and a method for manufacturing a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[2] Vacuum adiabatic casing is a product for suppressing heat transfer by vacuuming the inside of its main body. Vacuum adiabatic casing can reduce heat transfer through convection and conduction, and therefore applicable to heating devices and cooling devices. In a typical adiabatic method applicable to a refrigerator, although it is applied differently in cooling and freezing, a urethane foam adiabatic wall having a thickness of about 30 cm or more is generally provided. However, the internal volume of the refrigerator decreases as a result.

[3] To increase the internal volume of the refrigerator, attempts are being made to apply a vacuum adiabatic body to the refrigerator.

[4] First, Korean Patent No. 10-0343719 (Reference Document 1) of the present applicant was disclosed. According to Reference Document 1, a method is disclosed in which a vacuum adiabatic panel is prepared and then built into the walls of a refrigerator, and the outer side of the vacuum adiabatic panel is trimmed with a separate molding material such as polystyrene foam. According to this method, additional foaming is not required and the adiabatic performance of the refrigerator is improved. However, the manufacturing cost increases and the manufacturing method becomes more complicated.

[5] As another example, a technology for providing walls using a vacuum adiabatic material and, further, providing adiabatic walls using a foam core has been disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0012712 (Reference Document 2). Also, the manufacturing cost increases and the manufacturing method becomes more complicated.

[6] As another example, attempts are being made to manufacture all the walls of a refrigerator using a vacuum adiabatic body, which is a separate product. For example, a technology for ensuring that an adiabatic refrigerator structure is in a vacuum state has been disclosed in US Patent Laid-Open No. US2040226956A1 (Reference Document 3). However, it is difficult to obtain a practical level of adiabatic effect by supplying a sufficient vacuum to the refrigerator wall. Specifically, there are limitations in that it is difficult to prevent a heat transfer phenomenon in the contact portion between the outer casing and the inner casing having different temperatures, difficult to maintain a stable vacuum state, and difficult to prevent deformation of the casing due to the negative pressure of the vacuum state. Due to these limitations, the technology disclosed in Reference Document 3 is limited to a cryogenic machine and does not provide a level of technology applicable to conventional household appliances.

[7] Alternatively, a vacuum adiabatic body and a refrigerator are disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0016187 (Reference Document 4). The present technology offers a refrigerator in which both the main body and the door are equipped with a vacuum adiabatic body. The vacuum adiabatic body itself only provides an adiabatic effect, and the necessary components must be installed in a product such as a refrigerator in which the vacuum adiabatic body is applied, but this has not been considered.

[8] As another method, a technology in which a plurality of vacuum adiabatic panels are attached to a frame to provide a vacuum adiabatic body and refrigerator is disclosed in US Patent Publication No. US2013/0257256A1 (Reference Document 5). The above technology has the following limitations. There is a limitation that it is difficult to provide a connection between the vacuum adiabatic panel and the frame. There is a high risk of adiabatic loss due to the gap between the vacuum adiabatic panel and the frame due to a defective connection. Since the frame acts as a part connecting the inside and outside of the refrigerator, the adiabatic efficiency of the inside space may deteriorate.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[9] Embodiments provide a vacuum adiabatic module that employs a modular processing component that is adaptable to multiple locations, a refrigerator, and a method for manufacturing the refrigerator.

[10] Embodiments also provide a vacuum adiabatic module in which the leakage of cold air through the adiabatic wall is small to improve adiabatic efficiency, a refrigerator, and a method for manufacturing a refrigerator.

[11] Embodiments also provide a vacuum adiabatic module in which the amount of heat passing between the inside and outside of the refrigerator is reduced in the manufacture of the refrigerator, the refrigerator, and the method of manufacturing the refrigerator.

THE SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM

[12] In one embodiment, the vacuum adiabatic body includes: a first plate configured to define at least a portion of a wall for a first region; a second plate configured to define at least a portion of a wall for a second region having a temperature different from the temperature of the first region; a seal configured to seal the first plate and the second plate to provide a third region that has a temperature between the temperature of the first region and the temperature of the second region and is in a vacuum state; and a support configured to support the third region. In this way, a vacuum adiabatic module can be realized that is thermally insulated by vacuum, independently applicable in different places, and convenient to use.

[13] The first plate may include: an inner flat plate, at least a portion of which is flat, the inner flat plate configured to define at least a portion of a wall for the first region; a first curved extension curved from an edge of the inner flat plate, the first curved extension extending in a first direction that is directed toward the second region; and a second curved extension that curves from an edge of the first curved extension and at least a portion of which extends in a second direction in which the second plate extends. The first plate can be conveniently processed and produced in different sizes for ease of use. The strength of the vacuum adiabatic module can be increased.

[14] The second plate may include an outer planar plate, at least a portion of which is planar, wherein the outer planar plate is configured to define at least a portion of a wall for the second region. The second plate can be widely provided to conveniently secure the vacuum area.

[15] The first plate may be thinner than the second plate, and thus the first plate may be suitable for the purpose of reducing the amount of thermal conductivity, and the second plate may increase the insufficient strength of the first plate so that the vacuum adiabatic module is used for multiple purposes.

[16] A seal may be provided at the contact surface between the second curved extension and the outer flat plate. Accordingly, the process of connecting the two parts can be carried out conveniently, and this has the advantage that a tool such as a jig is not required to make contact between the parts.

[17] The seal may be provided as a welded portion in which respective portions of the second curved extension and the outer flat plate are welded to each other. Accordingly, the reliability of maintaining vacuum can be increased.

[18] Welds can be provided separately to precisely prevent vacuum failure.

[19] The second plate may further include an edge curved extension that is curved from an edge of the outer flat plate to extend toward the first space. Accordingly, the strength of the second plate can be further increased, and the connection between the vacuum adiabatic modules or the connection between the peripheral parts can be carried out conveniently.

[20] In another embodiment, the refrigerator includes: a main body having a housing space and an opening configured to provide access to the housing space; and a door configured to open and close the accommodation space, the main body including: at least two vacuum adiabatic modules connected to each other; and an adiabatic material provided on a portion in which the at least two vacuum adiabatic modules are connected to each other. Accordingly, standardization of components can be carried out to reduce product inventory costs, and the refrigerator can be manufactured in a convenient process.

[21] Each of the vacuum adiabatic modules may include: a first plate configured to define at least a portion of a wall for the housing space; a second plate configured to define at least a portion of the wall for an external space having a temperature different from the temperature of the housing space; a seal configured to seal the first plate and the second plate to provide a vacuum region that has a temperature between the temperature of the housing space and the temperature of the external space and is in a vacuum state; and a support configured to support the vacuum region. The number of components required to manufacture the vacuum adiabatic module can be reduced by the vacuum adiabatic module, and the vacuum adiabatic module can be convenient to manufacture.

[22] The first plate may include: an inner flat plate, at least a portion of which is flat; a first curved extension extending from the inner flat plate in a first direction that is directed toward the outer space; and a second curved extension that extends from the first curved extension in a second direction in which the second plate extends. Accordingly, the strength of the first plate can be increased, and the connection between the plates can be ensured.

[23] The second plate may include: an outer curved extension, at least a portion of which is flat; and an edge curved extension extending from the outer flat plate towards the housing space. Accordingly, the second plate can increase the strength, and the connection of necessary components can be carried out conveniently.

[24] The adiabatic material may include: an intercalary adiabatic material provided in the outer space; and an edge adiabatic frame provided in the housing space to reduce thermal conduction through the first plate. Accordingly, the adiabatic material may be provided in an exposed position of the vacuum adiabatic module, namely, inside or outside the refrigerator, to reduce adiabatic losses through the connecting portion of each of the vacuum adiabatic modules.

[25] A stand may be provided below the main body. According to the stand, the space inside the refrigerator can be made large, and the space at the lower end of the refrigerator, which is difficult to reach by the user's hands, can be generally used as a machine room.

[26] A section of the engine room in which the components forming the refrigeration unit can be placed and which is freely accessible from the stand is provided in the stand. Accordingly, each component of the refrigeration system can have the advantage of easy access and convenient repair.

[27] The refrigerator may further include a front frame configured to cover the edge of the opening to cover the front end of the edge adiabatic frame. Thanks to the front frame, the appearance of the refrigerator can be elegant, and the adiabatic loss can be further reduced.

[28] The edge adiabatic frame may be configured to cover the connecting portion to which the vacuum adiabatic module is connected. Accordingly, the side part of the vacuum adiabatic module, which is vulnerable to impacts, can be reliably protected.

[29] The refrigerator may further include: a thick portion provided by folding the end of the edge curved extension of one vacuum adiabatic module; and a protrusion provided on the outer flat plate of the other vacuum adiabatic module in accordance with the end of the thick part. Accordingly, the advantage that the connection of the vacuum adiabatic module is more convenient can be achieved.

[30] The refrigerator may further include: one recess provided in the outer flat plate of one vacuum adiabatic module; another recess provided in the edge curved extension of the other vacuum adiabatic module, which corresponds to said one recess; and a main body frame in which a hole is provided into which the connecting part is inserted, the main body frame being configured to provide a main body frame. Accordingly, the permanent connection between the vacuum adiabatic modules can be carried out stably, and a large connecting force can be ensured.

[31] One vacuum adiabatic module may be a back surface vacuum adiabatic module configured to provide a rear surface of the main body, and the other vacuum adiabatic module may be a side surface vacuum adiabatic module configured to provide a side surface of the main body. Accordingly, since there are no components exposed to the outside, the gap between the left and right sides of the refrigerator can be reduced, and the left and right spaces of the refrigerator can be protected.

[32] The refrigerator may further include: an insertion pocket having a narrow entrance, the insertion pocket being provided on a connecting portion between an outer flat plate of one vacuum adiabatic module and an edge curved extension of the other vacuum adiabatic module; and another vacuum adiabatic module comprising another edge curved extension, the other vacuum adiabatic module having a connecting projection inserted into the insert pocket. Accordingly, the connection of the vacuum adiabatic module can be more convenient, and temporary assembly of the vacuum adiabatic module can be carried out easily.

[33] The edge curved extension of one vacuum adiabatic module and the outer flat plate of another vacuum adiabatic module can be connected to each other. Since a large connecting force is provided, the connection of the vacuum adiabatic module can be stably maintained.

[34] In yet another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a refrigerator includes the steps of: temporarily assembling at least two vacuum adiabatic modules; connecting at least two vacuum adiabatic modules to provide the main body of the refrigerator; and connect the stand to the lower surface of the main body. Accordingly, assembly of the refrigerator can be carried out easily.

[35] Each of the vacuum adiabatic modules may include: a first plate; a second plate welded to the first plate at its edge; and a support configured to maintain a distance between the first plate and the second plate, wherein at least one of the first plate or the second plate is provided by bending the two-dimensional flat plate. Accordingly, the vacuum adiabatic module, which is a part for providing a refrigerator, can be manufactured more simply and conveniently.

[36] The two-dimensional flat plate may include: a rectangular outer flat plate; and a wing provided on each of the four edges of the outer flat plate. Accordingly, a flat plate of the vacuum adiabatic module can be easily manufactured.

[37] The step of connecting the at least two vacuum adiabatic modules may include the step of aligning a main body frame provided along an edge of the refrigerator main body with at least a portion of each of the at least two vacuum adiabatic modules so that they connected to each other by a connecting part. Accordingly, the weight of the heavy refrigerator can be supported by using the connecting force between the rigid parts.

[38] The step of connecting at least two vacuum adiabatic modules may include the step of aligning at least portions of the at least two vacuum adiabatic modules so that they overlap each other so that they are connected to each other connecting part. Since each of the parts of the modularized vacuum adiabatic module is directly connected to make the refrigerator, manufacturing can be simple and the quality of the final product can be maintained uniform.

PREFERRED EFFECTS

[39] According to this embodiment, the vacuum adiabatic body can be modularized into a vacuum adiabatic module to reduce inventory costs, provide ease of manufacture, increase productivity, and reduce costs.

[40] According to this embodiment, since the vacuum adiabatic modules themselves are connected to each other, and there is no leakage of cold air in the connecting interval, leakage of cold air through the adiabatic wall can be prevented to improve the energy efficiency of the refrigerator.

[41] According to this embodiment, deformation of components due to high vacuum when manufacturing components for modularization can be prevented to increase the reliability of the final product.

[42] In this way, the support can be manufactured easily.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[43] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[44] Fig. 2 is a view schematically showing a vacuum adiabatic housing used in the main body and door of a refrigerator.

[45] FIG. 3 is a view showing the internal configuration of a vacuum region according to various embodiments.

[46] FIG. 4 is a view showing a thermal conductivity resistance sheet and peripheral parts thereof according to various embodiments.

[47] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the change of the adiabatic characteristic and the change of the thermal conductivity of the gas according to the vacuum pressure when applying the simulation.

[48] FIG. 6 is a graph showing results obtained by observing the time and pressure during the vacuum process of the interior of the vacuum adiabatic body when using a support.

[49] FIG. 7 is a graph showing results obtained by comparing vacuum pressure with thermal conductivity of gas.

[50] FIGS. 8-10 are perspective views of a refrigerator according to one embodiment, wherein FIG. 8 is a perspective view as viewed from the left side, FIG. 9 is a perspective view as viewed from the right side, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view. an image showing the state in which the engine room section is open.

[51] FIG. 11 is a view showing the arrangement of the edge adiabatic frame and the front panel.

[52] FIG. 12 is a cross section taken along line AA' of FIG. 11.

[53] FIG. 13 is a cross section taken along line BB' of FIG. 11.

[54] FIG. 14 is a view showing the connecting relationship between the edge adiabatic frame and the front panel.

[55] FIG. 15 is a cross section of a vacuum adiabatic module according to one embodiment.

[56] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a vacuum adiabatic module according to one embodiment.

[57] FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing a plate manufacturing process.

[58] FIGS. 18 to 20 are views showing a process of connecting a vacuum adiabatic module according to one embodiment, FIG. 18 is a view showing a general process of connecting vacuum adiabatic modules to each other, FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of adjacent connecting the vacuum adiabatic modules to each other, and FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 19.

[59] FIGS. 21 to 24 are views showing a process of connecting a vacuum adiabatic module according to another embodiment, FIG. 21 is a view showing a general process of connecting vacuum adiabatic modules to each other, FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of adjacent connecting the vacuum adiabatic modules to each other, and FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the connected main part.

[60] FIG. 25 is a view for explaining the installation of components of a refrigeration unit of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[61] FIGS. 26 and 27 are views for explaining the front and rear sides of a duct guide guiding cold air into a space inside the refrigerator.

OPTION FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[62] Next, illustrative embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention, however, can be embodied in many other forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein, and one skilled in the art who understands the spirit of the present invention can readily implement other embodiments contained within the scope of the same ideas of invention, by adding, modifying, deleting, and adding components; in other words, it should be understood that they are also contained within the scope of the present invention.

[63] Further, to describe the embodiments, the drawings shown below may be shown with differences from the actual product or exaggerated, or simple or detailed parts may be deleted, but this is for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the technical idea of the present invention. This should not be construed as a limitation. However, as far as possible, the actual shape will be shown.

[64] The following embodiments may be applied to the description of another embodiment as long as the other embodiment is not inconsistent with them, and some configurations of any of the embodiments may be modified to a state in which only a specific part is modified to a different configuration.

[65] In the following description, vacuum pressure means any state of pressure less than atmospheric pressure. Additionally, the expression “the degree of vacuum in A is greater than the degree of vacuum in B” means that the vacuum pressure in A is less than the vacuum pressure in B.

[66] In the following description, an adiabatic module in which a vacuum region is defined can be represented as a vacuum adiabatic module.

[67] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[68] Referring to FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 includes a main body 2 provided with a cavity 9 capable of storing stored goods, and a door 3 provided for opening and closing the main body 2. The door 3 can be movably rotatable or sliding to open/close the cavity 9. The cavity 9 may provide at least one of a cooling compartment and a freezing compartment.

[69] Components forming a refrigeration cycle in which cold air is supplied to the cavity 9. Specifically, these components include a compressor 4 for compressing refrigerant, a condenser 5 for condensing the compressed refrigerant, an expander 6 for expanding the condensed refrigerant, and an evaporator 7 to evaporate the expanded refrigerant to extract heat. As a typical design, the fan may be mounted in a position adjacent to the evaporator 7, and fluid blown from the fan may pass through the evaporator 7 and then blown into the cavity 9. The thermal load during freezing is controlled by adjusting the blow intensity and blow direction of the fan, by setting the amount of refrigerant circulating, or by setting the compression ratio of the compressor so that the refrigeration space or the freezing space can be controlled.

[70] Fig. 2 is a view schematically showing a vacuum adiabatic housing used in the main body and door of a refrigerator. In Fig. 2, the main body side vacuum adiabatic body is shown in a state in which the walls of the top and side surfaces are removed, and the door side vacuum adiabatic body is shown in a state in which part of the front surface wall is removed. Additionally, for ease of understanding, sectional views of portions of the provided thermal conductivity resistance sheets are shown schematically.

[71] Referring to FIG. 2, the vacuum adiabatic body includes a first plate 10 for providing a wall of a low temperature region, a second plate 20 for providing a wall of a high temperature region, a vacuum region 50 defined as a gap between the first and second plates 10 and 20. Also, the vacuum adiabatic body includes thermal conduction resistance sheets 60 and 63 for preventing thermal conduction between the first and second plates 10 and 20. A seal 61 for sealing the first and second plates 10 and 20 is provided such that the vacuum region 50 is in a sealed state. When the vacuum adiabatic body is used in a refrigerator or heating device, the first plate 10 may be called an inner body, which is installed inside the temperature control space, and the second plate 20 may be called an outer body, which is installed outside the control space. The machine room 8 housing the components providing the refrigeration cycle is located on the lower rear side of the main body side vacuum adiabatic housing, and a vacuum port 40 for generating a vacuum state by vacuuming the air in the vacuum region 50 is provided on each side of the vacuum adiabatic housing. Additionally, a conduit 64 passing through the vacuum region 50 may be further installed to install a melt water line and electrical lines.

[72] The first plate 10 may define at least a portion of the wall for the first region provided thereby. The second plate 20 may define at least a portion of the wall for the second region provided thereby. The first region and the second region can be defined as regions having different temperatures. Here, the wall for each region may serve not only as a wall directly in contact with that region, but also as a wall not in contact with that region. For example, the vacuum adiabatic body of this embodiment can also be applied to an article further having a separate wall contacting each area.

[73] The heat transfer factors that cause the loss of adiabatic effect of the vacuum adiabatic body are: thermal conductivity between the first and second plates 10 and 20, heat radiation between the first and second plates 10 and 20, and thermal conductivity of the vacuum region gas 50.

[74] Next, a thermal resistance block will be provided to reduce adiabatic losses associated with heat transfer factors. Meanwhile, the vacuum adiabatic body and the refrigerator of this embodiment do not exclude that another adiabatic means can be further provided on at least one side of the vacuum adiabatic body. Thus, an adiabatic means using foaming or the like can be further provided for the other side of the vacuum adiabatic body.

[75] FIG. 3 is a view showing the internal configuration of a vacuum region according to various embodiments.

[76] Firstly, with reference to FIG. 3A, the vacuum region 50 may be provided in a third region having a pressure different from the pressure in each of the first and second regions, preferably a vacuum state, whereby adiabatic losses are reduced. The third region may be provided with a temperature between the temperature of the first region and the temperature of the second region. Since the third region is provided as a region in a vacuum state, the first and second plates 10 and 20 are subject to a compressive force in the direction in which they approach each other due to a force corresponding to the pressure difference between the first and second spaces. Thus, the vacuum region 50 can be deformed in a direction in which the vacuum region 50 decreases in volume. In this case, the adiabatic loss may be caused by an increase in the amount of heat radiation caused by the compression of the vacuum region 50, and an increase in the amount of thermal conductivity caused by the contact between the plates 10 and 20.

[77] A support 30 may be provided to reduce deformation of the vacuum region 50. The support 30 includes a rod 31. The rod 31 may extend in a substantially vertical direction relative to the plates to maintain a distance between the first plate and the second plate. A support plate 35 may be further provided at at least either end of the rod 31. The support plate 35 may connect at least two or more rods 31 to each other to extend in a horizontal direction relative to the first and second plates 10 and 20. The support plate 35 may be provided in the form of a plate or may be provided in the form of a lattice so that the area of the support plate in contact with the first and second plates 10 and 20 is reduced, whereby heat transfer is reduced. The rods 31 and the support plate 35 are attached to each other at least in one part for insertion together between the first and second plates 10 and 20. The support plate 35 contacts at least one of the first and second plates 10 and 20, thereby preventing deformation of the first and second plates 10 and 20. Additionally, based on the elongation direction of the rods 31, the total cross-sectional area of the support plate 35 is ensured to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the rods 31, so that heat transmitted through the rods 31 can be dissipated through the support plate 35.

[78] The support 30 can be made of a polymer selected from PC, fiberglass PC, low degassing PC, PPS, and LCP to obtain high compressive strength, low degassing rate and water absorption rate, low thermal conductivity, high strength at high temperature compression, and excellent workability.

[79] A radiation resistance sheet 32 will be described for reducing the radiation of heat between the first and second plates 10 and 20 through the vacuum region 50. The first and second plates 10 and 20 may be made of a stainless material capable of preventing corrosion and providing sufficient strength. Because stainless material has a relatively high emissivity of 0.16, a large amount of radiated heat can be transferred. Additionally, the support 30, made of polymer, has a lower emissivity than the plates and is not fully supported on the inner surfaces of the first and second plates 10 and 20. Thus, the support 30 does not have much effect on the radiated heat. Thus, the radiation resistance sheet 32 can be provided in the form of a plate over most of the area of the vacuum region 50 to reduce radiant heat transferred between the first and second plates 10 and 20. An article having a low emissivity can be used as a material sheet 32 radiation resistance. In one embodiment, aluminum foil having an emissivity of 0.02 can be used as the radiation resistance sheet 32. Also, since the transfer of radiated heat may not be sufficiently blocked by using one radiation resistance sheet, at least two radiation resistance sheets 32 can be provided at some distance so that they do not contact each other. Also, at least one radiation resistance sheet may be provided in a state of contact with the inner surface of the first or second plates 10 and 20.

[80] Referring again to FIG. 3b, the distance between the plates is maintained by the support 30, and the porous material 33 can fill the vacuum region 50. The porous material 33 can have a higher emissivity than the emissivity of the stainless material of the first and second plates 10 and 20 However, since the porous material 33 fills the vacuum region 50, the porous material 33 has high efficiency for resisting radiation heat transfer.

[81] In this embodiment, the vacuum adiabatic body can be manufactured without the radiation resistance sheet 32.

[82] Referring to FIG. 3c, a support 30 for supporting the vacuum region 50 may not be provided. The porous material 33 may be provided so that it is surrounded by the film 34 instead of the support 30. Here, the porous material 33 may be provided in a state in which it is compressed such that a vacuum region gap is maintained. The film 34, made of PE material for example, can be provided in a state in which a hole is punched in the film 34.

[83] In this embodiment, the vacuum adiabatic body can be manufactured without the support 30. In other words, the porous material 33 can perform the function of the radiation resistance sheet 32 and the function of the support 30.

[84] FIG. 4 is a view showing a thermal conductivity resistance sheet and peripheral parts thereof according to various embodiments. The structure of each of the thermal conductivity resistance sheets is briefly shown in FIG. 2, but will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings.

[85] First of all, the thermal conductivity resistance sheet proposed in Fig. 4a can be used in the main body side vacuum adiabatic housing. Specifically, the first and second plates 10 and 20 must be sealed so that the interior of the vacuum adiabatic body is evacuated. In this case, since the two plates have different temperatures from each other, heat transfer may occur between the two plates. The thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 is provided to prevent thermal conduction between two different kinds of plates.

[86] The thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 may be provided with a seal 61, with which both ends of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 are sealed to define at least a portion of the wall for the third region and maintain a vacuum state. The thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 may be provided as a micron-thick thin foil to reduce the amount of heat conducted along the wall for the third region. The seals 61 may be provided as a weld. Namely, the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 and the plates 10 and 20 can be fused to each other. To cause a fusion effect between the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 and the plates 10 and 20, the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 and the plates 10 and 20 can be made of the same material, and a stainless material can be used as this material. The seal 61 is not limited to a weld and may be provided through a process such as a skew joint. The thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 may be provided in a curved shape. Thus, the thermal conductivity distance of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 is made greater than the linear distance of each of the plates, so that the thermal conductivity amount is further reduced.

[87] A temperature change occurs along the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60. Thus, to block heat transfer to the outside of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60, a screen 62 may be provided at the outer side of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 so that an adiabatic effect occurs. In other words, in the case of a refrigerator, the second plate 20 has a high temperature and the first plate 10 has a low temperature. Additionally, thermal conductivity from high temperature to low temperature occurs in the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60, and therefore, the temperature of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 changes rapidly. Thus, when the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 is open with respect to its outer side, heat transfer through the open space can actually occur. To reduce heat loss, a screen 62 is provided on the outside of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60. For example, when the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 is exposed to any of the low temperature region and the high temperature region, the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 does not serve as a conductive resistor nor as an exposed portion thereof, which is not preferable.

[88] The screen 62 may be provided as a porous material in contact with the outer surface of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60. The screen 62 may be provided as an adiabatic structure, such as a separate spacer, which is positioned against the outside of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60. The screen 62 may be provided as a vacuum adiabatic body portion that is provided at a position facing the corresponding thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 when the main body side vacuum adiabatic body is closed relative to the door side vacuum adiabatic body. To reduce heat loss even when the main body and door are open, the screen 62 may be provided as a porous material or a separate adiabatic structure.

[89] Here, the inner surface of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 means the surface with which the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 faces the vacuum space. The outer surface of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 may mean a surface that does not face the vacuum space. The definitions of outer surface and inner surface can be applied to the other part forming the vacuum region.

[90] The thermal conductivity resistance sheet proposed in Fig. 4b can be applied to the door side vacuum adiabatic casing. FIG. 4b shows in detail parts different from those of FIG. 4a, and the same description applies to parts identical to those of FIG. 4a. The side frame 70 is further provided on the outside of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60. A component for sealing between the door and the main body, a vacuum port required for the vacuum process, an absorber port for maintaining vacuum, etc. can be placed on the side frame 70. This is because the installation of the components is convenient in the vacuum adiabatic body side of the main body, and the installation positions of components in the vacuum adiabatic body of the door side are limited.

[91] In the door side vacuum adiabatic casing, it is difficult to place the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 at the front end of the vacuum region, i.e. on the edge side surface of the vacuum region. This is due to the fact that, unlike the main body, the corner edge of the door is exposed outward. More specifically, if the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 is placed at the front end of the vacuum region, the corner edge of the door will be exposed, and therefore the disadvantage arises that a separate adiabatic portion must be configured to thermally insulate the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60.

[92] The thermal conductivity resistance sheet proposed in FIG. 4c can be installed in a pipeline passing through a vacuum region. In FIG. 4c, parts other than those of FIGS. 4a and 4b are described in detail, and the same description applies to parts identical to parts of FIGS. 4a and 4b. A thermal conductivity resistance sheet having the same shape as the thermal conductivity resistance sheet of Fig. 4a, preferably a folded thermal conductivity resistance sheet 63, can be provided in the peripheral portion of the conduit 64. Accordingly, the heat transfer path can be lengthened and deformation can be prevented. caused by pressure difference. Additionally, a separate shield may be provided to improve the adiabatic thermal conductivity resistance performance of the sheet.

[93] The heat transfer path between the first and second plates 10 and 20 will be described with reference again to FIG. 4a. The heat passing through a vacuum adiabatic casing can be divided into heat surface thermal conductivity conducted along the surface of the vacuum adiabatic body, more specifically, thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60, heat thermal conductivity of the support, conducted along the support 30 provided inside the vacuum adiabatic housing, heat thermal conductivity of the gas conducted through the internal gas in the vacuum region, and heat radiative transmission, transmitted through the vacuum region.

[94] Heat transfer may vary depending on different design dimensions. For example, the support can be changed so that the first and second plates 10 and 20 can withstand vacuum pressure without deformation, the vacuum pressure can be changed, the distance between the plates can be changed, and the length of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet can be changed. The heat transfer may vary depending on the temperature difference between the spaces (first and second spaces) respectively provided by the plates. In this embodiment, the preferred configuration of the vacuum adiabatic body was found in recognition that its overall heat transfer value is less than the overall heat transfer value of a typical polyurethane foamed adiabatic structure. It can be assumed that in a typical refrigerator incorporating an adiabatic structure formed by polyurethane foam, the effective heat transfer coefficient is 19.6 mW/(m*K).

[95] When performing a comparative analysis of the heat transfer amounts of the vacuum adiabatic body of this embodiment, the heat transfer amount by heat The thermal conductivity of the gas may become minimal. For example, the amount of heat transfer through heat The thermal conductivity of the gas can be controlled so that it is less than or equal to 4% of the total heat transfer value. The amount of heat transferred by conduction heat of a solid, defined as the sum of the heat surface thermal conductivity and heat thermal conductivity of the support is the greatest. For example, the amount of heat transfer through solid conduction heat can reach 75% of the total heat transfer amount. Amount of heat transfer through heat radiative transfer is less than the amount of heat transfer through thermal conductivity of a solid, but greater than the amount of heat transfer through thermal conductivity of a gas. For example, the amount of heat transfer through heat Radiative transfer can account for about 20% of the total heat transfer.

[96] According to the heat transfer distribution, the effective heat transfer coefficients (eK: effective K) (W/(m*K)) of heat surface thermal conductivity, heat thermal conductivity of support, heat thermal conductivity of gas, and heat radiative transfer can be of the order given in the mathematical Inequality 1 for comparing the heat transferred , , , .

[97] [Inequality 1]

[98] eK _{heat of thermal conduction of a solid} >eK _{heat of radiation transfer} >eK _{heat of thermal conduction of a gas}

[99] Here, the effective heat transfer coefficient (eK) is a value that can be measured using differences in the shape and temperature of the target article. The effective heat transfer coefficient (eK) is a value that can be obtained by measuring the total heat transfer amount and the temperature of at least one part through which heat is transferred. For example, the caloric value (W) is measured using a heating source that can be quantitatively measured in the refrigerator, the temperature distribution (K) of the door is measured using the heat respectively transferred through the main body and edge of the refrigerator door, and the path along which the heat is transferred , is calculated as a conversion value (m), resulting in an effective heat transfer coefficient.

[100] The effective heat transfer coefficient (eK) of the entire vacuum adiabatic body is a value given by k=QL/AΔT. Here, Q denotes the caloric value (W) and can be obtained using the caloric value of the heater. A denotes the cross-sectional area (m ² ) of the vacuum adiabatic body, L denotes the thickness (m) of the vacuum adiabatic body, and ΔT denotes the temperature difference.

[101] For surface thermal conductivity heat, the caloric thermal conductivity value can be obtained by the temperature difference (ΔT) between the inlet and outlet of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 or 63, the cross-sectional area (A) of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet, the length (L) of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet, and thermal conductivity (k) of thermal conductivity resistance sheet (thermal conductivity of thermal conductivity resistance sheet is a property of the material and can be obtained in advance). For the thermal conductivity heat of the support, the caloric thermal conductivity value can be obtained by the temperature difference (ΔT) between the inlet and outlet of the support 30, the cross-sectional area (A) of the support, the length (L) of the support, and the thermal conductivity (k) of the support. Here, the thermal conductivity of the support is a property of the material and can be obtained in advance. Amount of heat thermal conductivity of gas and heat The radiative transfer can be obtained by subtracting the surface conduction heat and the support conduction heat from the heat transfer value of the entire vacuum adiabatic body. Heat ratio thermal conductivity of gas and heat The radiative transfer heat can be obtained by calculating the radiative transfer heat when no gas conduction heat exists by greatly reducing the vacuum degree of the vacuum region 50.

[102] When the porous material is provided inside the vacuum region 50, heat The thermal conductivity of a porous material can be the sum of the heat thermal conductivity of support and heat radiative transmission. The thermal conductivity of the porous material may vary depending on various variables including type, quantity, and the like. porous material.

[103] According to one embodiment, the temperature difference, ΔT ₁ , between the geometric center formed by adjacent rods 31 and the point at which each of the rods 31 is located can be ensured to be less than 0.5°C. Also, the temperature difference, ΔT ₂ , between the geometric center formed by adjacent rods 31 and the edge of the vacuum adiabatic body can be ensured to be less than 0.5°C. In the second plate 20, the temperature difference between the average temperature of the second plate and the temperature at the point at which the heat transfer path passing through the thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 or 63 intersects with the second plate may be greatest. For example, when the second region is a region hotter than the first region, the temperature at the point at which the heat transfer path passing through the thermal conductivity resistance sheet intersects with the second plate becomes the smallest. Likewise, when the second region is a region colder than the first region, the temperature at the point at which the heat transfer path passing through the thermal conductivity resistance sheet intersects with the second plate becomes greatest.

[104] This means that the amount of heat transferred through points other than the surface conduction heat passing through the thermal conductivity resistance sheet must be controlled, and the full amount of heat transfer acceptable for a vacuum adiabatic enclosure can only be achieved when the surface conduction heat occupies the greatest value in heat transfer. For this purpose, the temperature change of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet can be controlled so that it is greater than the temperature change of the plate.

[105] The physical characteristics of the components forming the vacuum adiabatic body will now be described. In a vacuum adiabatic enclosure, the force due to vacuum pressure is applied to all components. Thus, a material having a strength (N/m ² ) of a certain level can be used.

[106] Under such circumstances, the plates 10 and 20 and the side frame 70 can be made of a material having sufficient strength that the plates 10 and 20 will not be damaged even by vacuum pressure. For example, when the number of rods 31 is reduced to limit the conduction heat of the support, deformation of each of the plates occurs due to vacuum pressure, which may adversely affect the appearance of the refrigerator. The radiation resistance sheet 32 can be made of a material that has a low emissivity and can be easily subjected to thin film processing. Also, the radiation resistance sheet 32 must provide strength sufficient to prevent it from being deformed by external impact. The support 30 provides strength sufficient to withstand the force due to vacuum pressure and withstand external impact, and should also provide workability. The thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 may be made of a material that is shaped like a thin plate and can withstand vacuum pressure.

[107] In one embodiment, the plate, side frame, and thermal conductivity sheet may be made of stainless materials having the same strength. The radiation resistance sheet can be made of aluminum, which has less strength than the strength of each of the stainless materials. The support can be made of a polymer that has less strength than aluminum.

[108] In addition to strength in terms of materials, analysis in terms of stiffness is required. Stiffness (N/m) can be a property that does not allow easy deformation. Thus, although the same material may be used, its stiffness may vary depending on its shape. The thermal conductivity resistance sheet 60 or 63 may be made of a material having some strength, but the stiffness of the material may be low to increase thermal resistance and minimize radiated heat when the thermal conductivity resistance sheet is uniformly distributed without any unevenness when vacuum pressure is applied. The radiation resistance sheet 32 requires some level of rigidity so that it does not contact another component due to deformation. In particular, the edge of the radiation resistance sheet may generate conduction heat due to sagging caused by the self-weight of the radiation resistance sheet. Thus, some level of rigidity is required. The support 30 requires sufficient rigidity to withstand the compressive stress from the plate and the external impact.

[109] In one embodiment, the plate and side frame may be highly rigid to prevent deformation caused by vacuum pressure. The support, in particular the rod, may have the second highest stiffness. The radiation resistance sheet may have a stiffness that is less than the rigidity of the support, but greater than the stiffness of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet. Finally, the thermal conductivity resistance sheet can be made of a material that is easily deformed by vacuum pressure and has the least rigidity.

[110] Even when the porous material 33 fills the vacuum region 50, the thermal conductivity resistance sheet may preferably have the least rigidity, and each of the plate and the side frame may have the greatest rigidity.

[111] Further, the vacuum pressure can be determined depending on the internal states of the vacuum adiabatic body. As already described above, vacuum pressure must be maintained inside the vacuum adiabatic housing to reduce heat transfer. It is easy to understand here that the vacuum pressure should be kept as low as possible to reduce heat transfer.

[112] The vacuum region can resist heat transfer by only the support 30. Here, the porous material 33 can fill the vacuum region 50 with the support inside to resist heat transfer. Heat transfer into the porous material can be resisted without the use of support.

[113] A case in which only a support is used will be described.

[114] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the change of the adiabatic characteristic and the change of the thermal conductivity of the gas according to the vacuum pressure when applying the simulation.

[115] With reference to FIG. 5, it can be seen that when the vacuum pressure decreases, i.e. the degree of vacuum increases, the thermal load in the case of only the main body (Graph 1) or in the case in which the main body and the door are connected together (Graph 2) is reduced compared to the thermal load in the case of a typical polyurethane foam product, resulting in adiabatic performance improves. However, it can be seen that the improvement degree of the adiabatic performance gradually decreases. You can also see that when the vacuum pressure decreases, the thermal conductivity of the gas (graph 3) decreases. However, it can be seen that although the vacuum pressure decreases, the rate at which the adiabatic performance and thermal conductivity of the gas are improved gradually decreases. Thus, it is preferable to reduce the vacuum pressure as much as possible. However, obtaining excess vacuum pressure is time-consuming and expensive due to the excessive use of getter. In this embodiment, the optimal vacuum pressure is proposed based on the above-described point of view.

[116] FIG. 6 is a graph showing results obtained by observing the time and pressure during the vacuum process of the interior of the vacuum adiabatic body when using a support.

[117] Referring to FIG. 6, to create the vacuum region 50 so that it is in a vacuum state, the gas in the vacuum region 50 is rarefied by a vacuum pump while evaporating the latent gas remaining in the components of the vacuum region 50 through heat treatment. However, when the vacuum pressure reaches a certain level or greater, there is a point at which the vacuum pressure level no longer increases (Δt ₁ ). The getter is then activated by disconnecting the vacuum region 50 from the vacuum pump and applying heat to the vacuum region 50 (Δt ₂ ). When the getter is activated, the pressure in the vacuum region 50 decreases for a period of time, but then normalizes and a certain level of vacuum pressure is maintained. The vacuum pressure, which remains at a certain level after activation of the getter, is approximately 1.8 * 10 ^-6 torr.

[118] In this embodiment, the point at which the vacuum pressure is no longer substantially reduced even when the gas is rarefied by operation of the vacuum pump is set equal to the lowest vacuum pressure limit used in the vacuum adiabatic body, resulting in the minimum internal pressure of the vacuum region 50 is set equal to 1.8*10 ^-6 torr.

[119] FIG. 7 is a graph showing results obtained by comparing vacuum pressure with thermal conductivity of gas.

[120] Referring to FIG. 7, the thermal conductivity of the gas relative to the vacuum pressure as a function of the gap dimensions in the vacuum region 50 is plotted as the effective heat transfer coefficient (eK). The effective heat transfer coefficient (eK) was measured when the gap in the vacuum region 50 had three sizes of 2.76 mm, 6.5 mm, and 12.5 mm. The gap in the vacuum region 50 is determined as follows. When the radiation resistance sheet 32 is present inside the vacuum region 50, this gap is the distance between the radiation resistance sheet 32 and the plate adjacent thereto. When the radiation resistance sheet 32 is missing inside the vacuum region 50, this gap is the distance between the first and second plates.

[121] It was found that since the gap size is small at the point corresponding to the typical effective heat transfer coefficient of 0.0196 W/(m*K) provided for an adiabatic polyurethane foam material, the vacuum pressure is 2.65*10 ^-1 Torr even when the gap size is 2.76 mm. Meanwhile, it has been found that the point at which the reduction of the adiabatic effect caused by the thermal conduction heat of the gas is saturated even when the vacuum pressure is reduced is the point at which the vacuum pressure is approximately 4.5*10 ^-3 torr. The vacuum pressure of 4.5*10 ^-3 torr can be defined as the point at which the reduction in adiabatic effect caused by the conduction heat of the gas is saturated. Also, when the effective heat transfer coefficient is 0.1 W/(m*K), the vacuum pressure is 1.2*10 ^-2 torr.

[122] When the vacuum region 50 is not supported but is provided with a porous material, the gap size varies from a few microns to several hundred microns. In this case, the amount of radiative heat transfer is small due to the porous material even when the vacuum pressure is relatively high, that is, when the vacuum degree is low. Therefore, a suitable vacuum pump is used to adjust the vacuum pressure. The vacuum pressure suitable for a suitable vacuum pump is approximately 2.0*10 ^-4 Torr. Also, the vacuum pressure at the point at which the reduction in the adiabatic effect caused by the heat of thermal conduction of the gas is saturated is approximately 4.7 * 10 ^-2 torr. Also, the pressure at which the reduction in adiabatic effect caused by gas conduction heat reaches the typical effective heat transfer coefficient of 0.0196 W/(m*K) is 730 torr.

[123] When the support and the porous material are provided together in a vacuum region, a vacuum pressure that is an average between the vacuum pressure when only the support is used and the vacuum pressure when only the porous material is used can be generated and used. When only porous material is used, the lowest vacuum pressure can be used.

[124] The vacuum adiabatic body includes a first plate defining at least a portion of a wall for a first region and a second plate defining at least a portion of a wall for a second region and having a temperature different from the temperature of the first region. The first plate may include multiple layers. The second plate may include multiple layers.

[125] The vacuum adiabatic body may further include a seal configured to seal the first plate and the second plate to provide a third region that is in a vacuum state and has a temperature between the temperature of the first region and the temperature of the second region.

[126] When one of the first plate and the second plate is located in the interior space of the third region, the plate may be represented as an inner plate. When the other of the first plate and the second plate is located in the outer space of the third region, this plate can be represented as an outer plate. For example, the interior of the third area may be a refrigerator storage compartment. The outer space of the third region may be an outer space of the refrigerator.

[127] The vacuum adiabatic body may further include a support that maintains a third space.

[128] The vacuum adiabatic body may further include a thermal conductivity resistance sheet connecting the first plate to the second plate to reduce the amount of heat transferred between the first plate and the second plate.

[129] At least a portion of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet may be positioned to face the third region. The thermal conductivity resistance sheet may be positioned between an edge of the first plate and an edge of the second plate. The thermal conductivity resistance sheet may be positioned between a surface with which the first plate faces the first space and a surface with which the second plate faces the second region. The thermal conductivity resistance sheet may be positioned between a side surface of the first plate and a side surface of the second plate.

[130] At least a portion of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet may extend in a direction that is substantially the same as the direction in which the first plate extends.

[131] The thickness of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet may be less than the thickness of at least one of the first plate or the second plate. The more the thermal conductivity resistance sheet is reduced in thickness, the more the heat transfer between the first plate and the second plate can be reduced.

[132] The more the thermal conductivity resistance sheet decreases in thickness, the more difficult it may be to attach the thermal conductivity resistance sheet between the first plate and the second plate.

[133] One end of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet may be configured to overlap at least a portion of the first plate. This aims to provide space for connecting one end of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet to the first plate. Here, the joining method may include welding.

[134] The other end of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet may be configured to overlap at least a portion of the second plate. This is intended to provide space for connecting the other end of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet to the second plate. Here, the joining method may include welding.

[135] As another embodiment of replacing the thermal conductivity resistance sheet, the thermal conductivity resistance sheet may be omitted, and one of the first plate and the second plate may be thinner than the other. In this case, any thickness can be greater than the thickness of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet. In this case, any length can be greater than the length of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet. In the case of this configuration, it is possible to reduce the increase in heat transfer due to the elimination of the thermal conductivity resistance sheet. Also, this configuration can facilitate connection of the first plate to the second plate.

[136] At least a portion of the first plate and at least a portion of the second plate may be configured to overlap each other. This aims to provide space for connecting the first plate to the second plate. The additional casing may be located on any of the first plate and the second plate that is thin in thickness. This aims to protect the thin plate.

[137] The vacuum adiabatic body may further include a vacuum port for rarefying gas in a vacuum region.

[138] Next, according to one embodiment, as an article that can be widely used in adiabatic products such as refrigerators, a vacuum adiabatic module that adopts vacuum adiabatic body technology will be described.

[139] The vacuum adiabatic module is a modularized component to provide high adiabatic efficiency due to low vacuum pressure, to be used in many adiabatic products. The vacuum adiabatic module can be used as one component of an adiabatic product such as a vacuum adiabatic body and a refrigerator. A vacuum adiabatic housing and a vacuum adiabatic module can be used in a similar manner, but a vacuum adiabatic module may be more versatile than a vacuum adiabatic housing, and may differ from a vacuum adiabatic housing in that the vacuum adiabatic effect is achieved in various other applications only by installing it.

[140] In the description of the following embodiments, it is explained that the refrigerator is provided using a vacuum adiabatic module. The application of the vacuum adiabatic module is not limited to refrigerator, and it can be applied to various vacuum adiabatic products. In the following description, description regarding the preferred place of use may be added in the form of the name of the door and the main body, but this is intended to make the contents easier to understand and should not be interpreted limited by the name. Also, an expression such as "first and second" can be used to indicate meanings that are different from each other, rather than to indicate order or importance.

[141] In the description of the following embodiments, the vacuum adiabatic module may be provided as a wall portion having a vacuum region inside, as a modularized portion as a whole, but is not limited to this, and additional components or additional processing may be provided on the edge and etc. However, since the vacuum adiabatic body is a part that is characterized by having a two-dimensional extension structure to provide an adiabatic wall, mainly the cross section will be described, and a characteristic part in the cross section will be described in more detail.

[142] A refrigerator according to one embodiment in which a vacuum adiabatic module is used will be described below.

[143] FIGS. 8-10 are perspective views of a refrigerator according to one embodiment, wherein FIG. 8 is a perspective view as viewed from the left side, FIG. 9 is a perspective view as viewed from the right side, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view an image showing the state in which the engine room section is open.

[144] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, in the refrigerator according to this embodiment, each vacuum adiabatic module can thermally insulate a wall surface of the refrigerator. Connecting parts provided at each of the edges of each vacuum adiabatic module can be connected to each other to provide an adiabatic space inside the refrigerator. The vacuum adiabatic module can provide the walls of each plane forming the body of the refrigerator.

[145] The top surface adiabatic module 102, the bottom surface vacuum adiabatic module 103, the side surface vacuum adiabatic modules 101 and 105, and the rear surface vacuum adiabatic module 104 may be provided and connected to the wall surface of the main body of the refrigerator 100. Although not shown , a door may be provided in front of the main body. The door can be provided in the form of a vacuum adiabatic module.

[146] Vacuum adiabatic modules 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 can be provided in different sizes. The connecting parts of the vacuum adiabatic modules can be connected to each other. The back surface vacuum adiabatic module connecting part 104 may cover the top surface vacuum adiabatic module connecting part 102 and the bottom surface vacuum adiabatic module connecting part 103. The connecting part of the side surface vacuum adiabatic modules 101 and 105 may cover the rear surface vacuum adiabatic module connecting part 104, the connecting part of the top surface vacuum adiabatic module 102, and the connecting part of the bottom surface vacuum adiabatic module 103.

[147] Accordingly, the side surface of the refrigerator may be provided in the form of a flat plate. In other words, due to the configuration of the connecting part, which is not exposed to the side surface of the refrigerator, and the overlap of the connecting parts, the side surface of the refrigerator may not increase in thickness. Accordingly, the refrigerator can be conveniently installed in a narrow space in the left and right direction, and the size of the refrigerator in the left and right direction can be made large, so that the space for storing items inside and the refrigerator is large.

[148] The vacuum adiabatic module will be described in detail below.

[149] A stand 140 may be provided below the refrigerator. A stand 140 may be located on the bottom to support the refrigerator. Components providing the refrigeration unit may be housed within the stand 140. A vent hole 142 may be provided in each of both sides of the stand. Air required for heat exchange of the refrigeration unit may be introduced in one direction and then discharged in another direction through the vent 142.

[150] The stand 140 is provided with an engine room section 141 that houses the components supporting the refrigeration system. The engine room section 141 can be conveniently slid into and out of the stand 140. The engine compartment section 141 can be slidable relative to the stand 140 and removed from or inserted into the refrigerator.

[151] Edge adiabatic frames 120 are provided at each edge of the interior of the refrigerator body. The edge adiabatic frame 120 can reduce adiabatic losses that may occur at each connecting portion of the vacuum adiabatic module.

[152] The front panel 130 may cover exposed portions of the front ends of the side surface vacuum adiabatic modules 101 and 105, the bottom surface vacuum adiabatic module 103, and the top surface vacuum adiabatic module 102. The front panel 130 may reduce adiabatic losses across the edge of the vacuum adiabatic module.

[153] A front panel 130 may be provided covering a front end of the edge adiabatic frame 120. The front panel 130 may cover four spaced points of the edge adiabatic frame 120. The front panel 130 may increase the strength of a point of the edge adiabatic frame 120 having a low stiffness that vulnerable to distributed mechanical stress, and reduce adiabatic losses through the edge adiabatic frame.

[154] FIG. 11 is a view showing the arrangement of the edge adiabatic frame and the front panel.

[155] Referring to FIG. 11, the edge adiabatic frame 120 includes each extension blocking an inner edge of the refrigerator body. The edge adiabatic frame 120 may have front and rear extensions 125, vertical extensions 126, and left and right extensions 127, which respectively extend along the front and rear edges, the top and bottom edges, and the left and right edges of the interior surface of the refrigerator body.

[156] Adiabatic materials may be provided in the front and rear extensions 125, the vertical extensions 126, and the left and right extensions 127. The adiabatic material can reduce the adiabatic loss through the connecting portion to which the vacuum adiabatic module is connected.

[157] FIG. 12 is a cross section taken along line AA' of FIG. 11. Referring to FIG. 12, the edge adiabatic frame 120 includes an edge adiabatic material 122 having an internal shape corresponding to the shape of each edge of the refrigerator body, and an edge frame 121 protecting the outer side of the edge adiabatic material 122, i.e., the outer surface. , exposed to the interior of the refrigerator.

[158] One surface of the edge adiabatic material 122 may be bent at an angle of about 90 degrees such that a pair of vacuum adiabatic modules cover the corner portions that intersect each other at an angle of about 90 degrees. Other surfaces of the edge adiabatic material 122 may have shapes that are symmetrical to each other with respect to the center line 1-1' of one surface of the edge adiabatic material. Accordingly, adiabatic losses can be further reduced.

[159] The other surface of the edge adiabatic material may include an adiabatic extension 123 that is provided convexly on the outside of the connecting line to rapidly increase the adiabatic effect relative to the connecting line 2-2' connecting the ends of one surface of the edge adiabatic material. The adiabatic constriction 124, which is convexly provided inwardly from the connecting line and is relatively narrowed compared to the connecting line, may be located within the adiabatic expansion 123.

[160] The distance from the edge adiabatic material 122 to the vacuum adiabatic module from the interior of the refrigerator body is greater from the adiabatic constriction 124 than from the adiabatic expansion 123. Thus, the adiabatic characteristic according to the adiabatic thickness is greater for the adiabatic constriction 124 than for the adiabatic expansion 123.

[161] The adiabatic expansion 123 can rapidly expand the adiabatic thickness so that the adiabatic edge characteristic of the edge adiabatic material 122 rapidly increases. Since the adiabatic constriction 124 has an adiabatic thickness larger than the adiabatic thickness of the adiabatic expansion 123, it is not difficult to provide an adiabatic characteristic. The adiabatic constriction 124 may be provided to be convex inwardly relative to the connecting line 2-2' to increase the overall strength of the edge adiabatic frame 120, and thus the interior space of the refrigerator body may be increased.

[162] The adiabatic edge material 122 can be a part made of lightweight polyurethane, and the part having many pores can be processed and provided. The edge frame 121 is provided on the other surface of the edge adiabatic material 122. The edge frame 121 can increase strength by using ABS resin or the like. The overall strength of the edge adiabatic frame can be increased by the edge frame 121, and since external impacts are not applied to the edge adiabatic material, deterioration in the effectiveness of the edge adiabatic material can be prevented.

[163] The edge frame 121 may cover the edge adiabatic material 122 as a whole to increase the strength of the edge adiabatic frame. In this case, the edge frame 121 can prevent moisture from inside the refrigerator from penetrating into the adiabatic edge material 122, thereby preventing the adiabatic performance of the adiabatic edge material from deteriorating.

[164] Referring again to FIG. 11, the front frame 130 is provided with left and right extensions 133 extending in the left and right directions and a vertical extension 134 extending in the vertical direction. The left and right extensions 133 and the vertical extension 134 may cover the front end of the vacuum adiabatic module to protect the end of the vacuum adiabatic module and prevent adiabatic losses of the vacuum adiabatic module from occurring.

[165] The left and right extension 133 and the vertical extension 134 may be connected to each other by the corner connecting part 135.

[166] The front end of the front and rear extension 125 may be covered by a corner coupling portion 135 of the front frame 130. The corner coupling portion 135 may be provided in a shape corresponding to the front end of the front and rear extension 125. The corner coupling portion 135 may protect the exposed end of the front and rear extension 125. rear extension 125 by contacting, connecting, or communicating with the anterior-rear extension 125.

[167] FIG. 13 is a cross section taken along line BB' of FIG. 11. Referring to FIG. 13, the front frame 130 may be provided with a shield 131 covering the front ends of the vacuum adiabatic module and the edge adiabatic frame to protect the adiabatic shield and internal components. An inner guide 132 may be provided which extends further from the inner end of the screen 131 into the interior of the refrigerator body.

[168] The inner guide 132 may further extend rearwardly along the inner surface of the vacuum adiabatic module. The inner guide 132 is connected to the vacuum adiabatic module, and the front panel can be fixed.

[169] FIG. 14 is a view showing the connecting relationship between the edge adiabatic frame and the front panel.

[170] Referring to FIG. 14, the inner guide 132 of the corner connecting part 135 can be provided in the same way as the beveled shape of the edge adiabatic frame 120. Accordingly, the corner connecting part 135 can be provided in the same shape as the adiabatic extension 123 and adiabatic taper 124. Thus, the front frame 130 and the edge adiabatic frame 120 increase the degree of connection. Additionally, it is possible to move the products without colliding with the stepped portion when removing the products from the interior space of the refrigerator body and placing the products into the interior space of the refrigerator body.

[171] Next, the vacuum adiabatic module according to this embodiment will be described in more detail. The vacuum adiabatic module according to this embodiment can be applied to each of the vacuum adiabatic modules 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 provided on the wall surface of the refrigerator according to this embodiment.

[172] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum adiabatic module according to one embodiment, and FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a vacuum adiabatic module according to one embodiment.

[173] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the vacuum adiabatic module 200 according to one embodiment may include a first plate 210 defining at least a portion of the interior space of the refrigerator body, a second plate 220 defining at least a portion of the exterior space, and a support 230 that supports the vacuum region.

[174] The first plate 210 and the second plate 220 may be directly connected to each other. Here, direct connection of plates 210 and 220 may mean that two plates 210 and 220 facing each other are connected to each other by a method such as welding. As a joining method to maintain a vacuum, for example, two plates 210 and 220 can be directly welded to each other by a welding portion 223.

[175] The first plate 210 may be a portion having a thickness several times less than the thickness of the second plate 220. The first plate may be a portion having a thickness five times less than the thickness of the second plate. The first plate may be made of stainless steel having a thickness of about 0.1 mm. The second plate can be made of stainless steel having a thickness of about 0.5 mm.

[176] Since the first plate 210 is thin, the amount of thermal conductivity through the first plate may be less. The second plate 220 is provided with a large thickness to prevent the vacuum adiabatic module from causing its own deformation by using a portion thereof with a large rigidity.

[177] The first plate 210 may include an inner flat plate 211 that defines at least a portion of the interior space of the refrigerator body. The first plate 210 may further include a first curved extension 212 that curves from an edge of the inner flat plate 211 toward the second plate 220. The first curved extension 212 may provide a thickness portion of the adiabatic space defining a vacuum region. A second curved extension 213 that curves from the end of the first curved extension 212 in a direction different from the extension direction of the first curved extension 212 is further provided in the first plate 210. The second curved extension 213 may extend along the extension direction of the second plate 220. The first curved extension 212 and the second curved extension 213 may increase the lack of strength of the thin first plate 210. The curved extensions 212 and 213 increase the moment of inertia of the first plate 210 to significantly resist the bending force applied to the first plate.

[178] The second curved extension 212 may be coupled to the second plate 220 to provide a vacuum region. The second curved extension 212 and the second plate 220 may be welded to provide a welded portion 223.

[179] The second plate 220 may include an outer flat plate 221 defining at least a portion of the exterior space of the refrigerator body. The second plate 220 may further include an edge curved extension 222 that curves from the edge of the outer flat plate 221 toward the first plate 210. The edge curved extension 222 increases the moment of inertia of the second plate 220 to more significantly resist a bending force applied to the second plate.

[180] The peripheral portion connected to the second plate 220 may be connected to the edge curved extension 222. Here, the peripheral portion may include another adjacent vacuum adiabatic module. The peripheral component may be coupled together with or independently of the outer flat plate 221 adjacent to the edge curved extension 222.

[181] FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing a plate manufacturing process.

[182] Referring to FIG. 17, the plates 210 and 220 can be provided by bending a flat plate having a predetermined two-dimensional shape by an external force.

[183] For example, in the case of the second plate 220, wings that will provide the edge curved extension 222 may be further provided on the four edges of the rectangular two-dimensional plate defining the outer flat plate 221.

[184] The edge curved extension 222 can be bent from the outer flat plate 221 by a pressing device. When the edge bent extension 222 is bent, the connecting portions 2221 and 2222 of both short ends of the edge bent extension 222 can contact each other. The connecting portions 2221 and 2222 may be sealed to each other by a method such as welding.

[185] In the case of the first plate 210, like the second plate 220, wings may be further provided that provide curved extensions 212 and 213 at the four edges of the inner flat plate 211. Then, after two bends of the wings, adjacent connecting parts can be sealed with each other. another method such as welding.

[186] After each of the plates 210 and 220 are manufactured, the second curved extension 213 and the outer flat plate 221 can be sealed together to provide a seal. As a seal, a welding portion 223 may be provided to which a corresponding portion is welded.

[187] The welding portion 223 may be laser welded. The welding portion 223 can be provided quickly by moving around the respective portions once in a state in which the second curved extension 213 and the outer flat plate portion 221 are in contact with each other.

[188] For example, it can be welded more easily compared to the case of performing two procedures using a separate thermal conductivity sheet located between the plates. Since a single seal is satisfactorily achieved by a single welding operation, this may be advantageous since the likelihood of vacuum failure due to welding failure can be halved.

[189] The plates 210 and 220 may be provided with curved extensions 212, 213, and 222 by deep drawing in addition to the method of sealing the connecting part. However, during the deep drawing process of the bending part, forced bending may occur at the apical part of the bending part. The bending part may cause defective contact between the welded parts during the welding process to ensure the welded part 223. Defective contact between the parts may cause welding failure and vacuum failure. To prevent this phenomenon, careful control of the welding process may be required during laser welding.

[190] Referring again to FIG. 15, the first curved extension 212 extends toward the exterior of the refrigerator, and the second curved extension 213 extends toward the edge curved extension 222. In this way, a vacuum region having a predetermined thickness and width when the vacuum is supported by support 230.

[191] In the state in which the support 230 is placed, when the plates 210 and 220 are aligned, the surfaces of the second curved extension 213 and the outer flat plate 221 can contact each other. The contact surfaces of the second curved extension 213 and the outer flat plate 221 are welded to each other to provide a welded portion 223, and the vacuum region can be sealed. After this, a rarefaction process and a gas absorption process can be additionally performed.

[192] The peripheral component may be coupled between the weld portion 223 and the edge bent extension 222. Here, the peripheral portion may include adjacent vacuum adiabatic modules.

[193] The edge curved extension 222 may extend toward the interior of the refrigerator body. The edge curved extension 222 may function as a portion at which adjacent peripheral components are connected to each other and also increase the strength of the second plate 220.

[194] Next, a specific method for manufacturing a refrigerator using a vacuum adiabatic module will be described.

[195] FIGS. 18-20 are views showing a process for connecting a vacuum adiabatic module according to one embodiment, FIG. 18 is a view showing the overall process for connecting vacuum adiabatic modules to each other, FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of adjacent connecting the vacuum adiabatic modules to each other, and FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 19.

[196] Referring to FIG. 18, in this embodiment, the vacuum adiabatic modules are connected to each other using the main frame 240 to maintain and increase the strength of the refrigerator main body. In the cross section of the main frame 240, two flat parts having different elongation directions can be combined to increase strength. To increase the structural strength of the refrigerator, the housing frame 240 may be thicker than each of the plates 210 and 220. For example, stainless steel having a thickness of about 1.2 mm may be used.

[197] Specifically, the upper surface vacuum adiabatic module 102 and the lower surface vacuum adiabatic module 103 are connected to the housing frame 240. Then, the rear surface vacuum adiabatic module 104 can be attached, and then the side surface vacuum adiabatic modules 101 and 105 can be attached. Finally, stand 140 may be attached to the lower end of the refrigerator body.

[198] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the rear surface vacuum adiabatic module 104 and the side surface vacuum adiabatic module 101 are connected to each other. As described above, after the rear surface vacuum adiabatic module 104 is positioned on the main frame 240, the side surface vacuum adiabatic module 101 may be positioned.

[199] The rear surface vacuum adiabatic module 104 and the side surface vacuum adiabatic module 101 can be used in the vacuum adiabatic module according to the above embodiment.

[200] The back surface vacuum adiabatic module 104 may include a back support 4230 and a plate. The second plate may include a rear outer flat plate 4221 and a rear edge curved extension 4222. The first plate may include an inner rear surface flat plate 4211, a first curved rear surface extension 4212, and a second curved rear surface extension 4213.

[201] The side surface vacuum adiabatic module 101 may include a side support 1230 and a plate. The second plate may include an outer flat side surface portion 1221 and an edge curved side surface extension 1222. The first plate may include an inner flat side surface plate 1211, a first curved side surface extension 1212, and a second curved side surface extension 1213.

[202] The connecting portion 301 can be attached at portions in which the thick second plate and the housing frame are aligned. Specifically, at least a portion of the rear surface edge curved extension 4222, the outer side surface plate 1221, and the housing frame 240 may be aligned, and the connecting portion 301 may be inserted in an aligned position to connect these portions to each other.

[203] To prevent the connecting portion 301 from being exposed outward, a side surface recess 303 may be provided in the outer flat side surface portion 1221, and a rear surface recess 302 may be provided in the rear surface edge curved extension 4222. A rivet can be used as a connecting part, and the head of the rivet can be inserted into the interior of the recesses 302 and 303. For this purpose, the recess can be provided towards the inside of the refrigerator. A hole into which the rivet head is inserted may be provided in the housing frame 240.

[204] A thick portion 310 may be provided at the end of the edge curved side surface extension 1222. According to the thick part 310, the strength can be increased. The thick portion 310 may be provided by folding the end of the edge curved side surface extension 122.

[205] The rear surface protrusion 311 may be provided in a position aligned with the inner end of the thick portion 310. When the side surface vacuum adiabatic module 101 is inserted into the rear surface vacuum adiabatic module 104, the thick portion 310 may extend over the rear surface protrusion 311.

[206] The position at which the thick portion 310 extends over the rear surface protrusion 311, namely, the position at which the inner end of the thick portion 310 meets the outer end of the rear surface protrusion 311, can be provided as the position at which the vacuum adiabatic module The side surface 101 and the rear surface vacuum adiabatic module 104 are completely aligned before connecting them to each other. According to this configuration, even before the vacuum adiabatic module is completely connected using the connecting part 301, the vacuum adiabatic modules can be temporarily assembled with each other to determine the connection position. The worker can conveniently find the connection position between the vacuum adiabatic modules.

[207] The weld portion 4223 may be closer to the vacuum space than the rear surface protrusion 311, and thus there is no danger of breaking the vacuum. Although not shown, the welding portion provided on the side surface vacuum adiabatic module can be closer to the vacuum space than the connecting portions 301 and the recesses 301 and 302, and thus there is no danger of breaking the vacuum. In other words, it is desirable that impacts caused to the welded part due to collisions between components during processing or during joining are prevented as much as possible.

[208] The connection between the vacuum adiabatic modules shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 and the connection between the vacuum adiabatic module and the housing frame can also be applied to the connection of other vacuum adiabatic modules. For example, when the top surface vacuum adiabatic module is connected to the housing frame, the recess of the top surface can be provided through a process in which the connecting part is inserted while the housing frame is aligned.

[209] The first plate of the vacuum adiabatic module may define at least a portion of the low temperature interior region of the refrigerator body. For this reason, the inner side surface flat plate 1211, the first curved side surface extension 1212, the second curved side surface extension 1213, the inner back surface flat plate 4211, the first curved rear surface extension 4212, the second curved rear surface extension 4213 and other adjacent parts, those in contact with them can conduct cold air located in the low-temperature space outward. An adiabatic material may be used to resist the conduction of heat that is conducted by the first plate. Because the first plate is thinner than the second plate, it may exhibit relatively low thermal conductivity. For this reason, it is seen that the first plate serves as a thermal conductivity resistance sheet.

[210] The adiabatic material may include an insert adiabatic material 129 provided in the outer space of the refrigerator body and an edge adiabatic frame 120 provided in the inner space of the refrigerator body.

[211] Lightweight polyurethane having many pores can be used to perform the adiabatic function and the strength-increasing function together with the adiabatic insert material and the adiabatic edge frame.

[212] The adiabatic insert material 129 may be secured in a position coupled to the housing frame 240 or may be coupled by a connecting portion 301.

[213] The adiabatic insert material 129 may be inserted into a region defined as the interior of the edge portion of the inner side surface flat plate 1211, the first curved side surface extension 1212, the second curved side surface extension 1213, the edge portion of the back surface inner flat plate 4211, the first a rear surface curved extension 4212, a second rear surface curved extension 4213, a side surface edge curved extension 1222, and a rear surface edge curved extension 4222. The amount of cold air discharged to the outside of the refrigerator body as it passes over the first plate can be reduced by the adiabatic insert material 129.

[214] The edge adiabatic frame 120 can prevent the low-temperature atmosphere of the interior of the refrigerator main body from directly contacting the edge of the inner side surface flat plate 1221 and the edge of the inner side flat plate 4211 of the rear surface. Accordingly, it is necessary to reduce as much as possible the amount of heat transferred from the outside to the inside of the refrigerator by passing over the first plate. In other words, the conduction of heat transferred to the inside of the refrigerator along the thin first plate can be increased in length to reduce the amount of heat transferred to the inside of the refrigerator. Since the first plate is made thinner than the second plate, the effect of reducing thermal conductivity can be relatively increased.

[215] The configuration of the adiabatic edge frame 120 may be applied as described above with respect to FIG. 12 and the like.

[216] Next, another specific embodiment of a method for manufacturing a refrigerator using a vacuum adiabatic module will be described.

[217] FIGS. 21 to 24 are views showing a process of connecting a vacuum adiabatic module according to another embodiment, FIG. 21 is a view showing a general process of connecting vacuum adiabatic modules to each other, FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of adjacent connecting the vacuum adiabatic modules to each other, and FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the connected main part.

[218] The vacuum adiabatic module connection according to another embodiment differs from this vacuum adiabatic module connection in that the main frame 240 is not provided, unlike the configuration shown in FIGS. 18-20. Thus, except for the description relating to the main frame 240, the description of FIGS. 18-20 can be applied to the connection of the vacuum adiabatic module according to another embodiment.

[219] Referring to FIG. 21 and 22, a vacuum adiabatic module providing each wall of the refrigerator may be directly connected to another vacuum adiabatic module adjacent to the edge of that vacuum adiabatic module.

[220] In this embodiment, the rear surface vacuum adiabatic module 104 can be temporarily assembled by installing it into the side surface vacuum adiabatic modules 101 and 105. The top surface vacuum adiabatic module 102 and the bottom surface vacuum adiabatic module 103 may be installed in the side surface vacuum adiabatic modules 101 and 105 in a similar manner for temporary assembly.

[221] Temporary assembly may be accomplished by the insertion pocket 330 and the connecting projection 334. Specifically, the connecting projection 334 may be inserted into the insertion pocket 330 and then locked in position to effect the temporary assembly.

[222] After temporary assembly, the connection between the vacuum adiabatic modules can be completed by the edge curved side surface extension 1222 and the rear surface outer flat plate 4221, which are connected by the connecting part 336. Here, various methods such as welding can be applied as the connecting part part, rivet, and screw. Here, the connecting positions of the side surface edge curved extension 1221 and the rear surface outer flat plate 4221 may correspond to the rear surface of the refrigerator. Likewise, the side surface edge curved extension 122 and the top surface vacuum adiabatic module may be connected on the top surface of the refrigerator, and the side surface edge curved extension 1222 and the bottom surface vacuum adiabatic module can be connected on the bottom surface of the refrigerator.

[223] The connecting part, exemplified by the welding part, may not be provided on the outer flat plate of the side surface vacuum adiabatic modules 101 and 105. Accordingly, the side surface of the refrigerator can provide a smooth, flat structure, and an increase in thickness due to the additional use of a decorative panel can be prevented to provide a wider installation space for the refrigerator.

[224] The configuration and operation of the temporary assembly will be described in more detail.

[225] The insertion pocket 330 provided by bending the second plate may be provided in the connecting portion in which the outer side surface flat plate 1221 and the side edge curved extension 1222 are connected to each other. The insert pocket 330 may have a narrow opening on the back side and a wide interior space. To provide a connecting portion, the end of the outer flat side surface plate 1221 may be provided with a thick portion 332 by bending the second plate. The side surface vacuum adiabatic modules 101 and 105 can increase the strength through the thick portion.

[226] The rear surface edge curved extension 4222 may be inserted into the insertion pocket 330. A connecting projection 334 may be provided on the rear surface edge curved extension 4222 to prevent the rear surface edge curved extension 4222 from being easily separated due to an external impact after insertion. The connecting projection 334 may be provided as an uneven portion provided on the rear edge curved extension 4222. The connecting projection 334 may be inserted by widening the narrow opening of the insertion pocket 330. After the connecting projection 334 is fully inserted into the insertion pocket 330, the entrance of the insertion pocket 330 may return into its original form. The connecting protrusion 334 engages within the insert pocket 330 so that the rear surface edge curved extension 4222 is secured in position without being separated from the interior of the insert pocket 330.

[227] In the case of this embodiment, the adiabatic insert material 129 can be provided in a state of connection with the side surface vacuum adiabatic module 101. The edge adiabatic frame 120 may be connected to the side surface inner flat plate 1211 and the rear surface inner flat plate 4211 in a manner such as bonding.

[228] The functions of the adiabatic insert material and the adiabatic edge frame can be applied as described above.

[229] According to this embodiment, the vacuum adiabatic modules can be connected to each other without providing a separate housing frame.

[230] The vacuum adiabatic module 200 may be provided in various shapes corresponding to the size of each wall surface defining the refrigerator. However, since the vacuum adiabatic module manufactured to a predetermined size can be applied to the side of each wall of the refrigerator as a standardized component, component inventory management can be convenient, and components can be replaced to reduce product manufacturing costs.

[231] Next, the configuration and operation of the refrigeration unit of the refrigerator according to this embodiment will be described.

[232] FIG. 25 is a view for explaining the installation of refrigeration components of a refrigerator according to one embodiment, and FIGS. 26 and 27 are views for explaining the front and rear sides of a duct guide guiding cold air into a space inside the refrigerator.

[233] Referring to FIGS. 25-27, compressor 4, capacitor 5, etc. may be placed in the stand 140. Refrigeration components, such as a compressor, may be placed in the engine room section 141 and can be pulled out or inserted as needed.

[234] The refrigerant condensed and expanded in the stand 140 is directed to the evaporator 7 provided inside the freezing compartment (compartment F) through the refrigerant line 9. The refrigerant may be evaporated in the evaporator 7 to supply cold air to the inside of the freezing compartment.

[235] The cold air inside the freezing compartment can be uniformly supplied to the internal space of the freezing compartment of the freezing compartment duct guide 301.

[236] A portion of the cold air of the evaporator 7 may pass through the baffle 300 and be directed to the cooling compartment duct guide 302 . Here, the partition 300 may be provided as a separate article that divides the interior space of the refrigerator. The cooling compartment guide 302 can uniformly supply cold air to the inner space of the cooling compartment (R compartment). Cold air, which completely performs the cooling operation in the cooling section, can be reintroduced into the evaporator 7 through the baffle.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[237] The present invention provides a vacuum adiabatic module that is capable of being used as a module in the housing of various adiabatic products provided in various sizes, designs, and shapes.

[238] A vacuum adiabatic module in which a vacuum adiabatic body is modularized can be provided to significantly reduce the number of adiabatic products, in particular components used in a refrigerator. The refrigerator can be more conveniently manufactured using a vacuum adiabatic module.

[239] As a consequence of this proposed plan, an effect can be expected that will further advance the industrial application of the vacuum adiabatic vessel.

Claims (20)

1. A vacuum adiabatic housing, comprising: a first plate configured to define at least a portion of a wall for a first region; a second plate configured to define at least a portion of a wall for a second region having a temperature different from the temperature of the first region; a seal configured to seal the first plate and the second plate to provide a third region that has a temperature between the temperature of the first region and the temperature of the second region and is in a vacuum state; and a support configured to support the third region; wherein the first plate comprises: an inner flat plate, at least a portion of which is flat, wherein the inner flat plate is configured to define at least a portion of the wall for the first region; a first curved extension curved from an edge of the inner flat plate, the first curved extension extending in a first direction that is directed toward the second region; and a second curved extension that curves from an edge of the first curved extension, and at least a portion of which extends in a second direction in which the second plate extends, the second plate comprising an outer flat plate, at least a portion of which is flat, and an outer flat plate configured to define at least a portion of the wall for the second region. 2. Vacuum adiabatic housing according to claim 1, in which the first plate is thinner than the second plate. 3. The vacuum adiabatic housing according to claim 1, wherein a seal is provided on a contact surface between the second curved extension and the outer flat plate. 4. Vacuum adiabatic housing according to claim 1, in which the seal is welded seams that weld the corresponding parts of the second curved extension and the outer flat plate. 5. Vacuum adiabatic housing according to claim 4, in which the welds are separately connected to each other. 6. The vacuum adiabatic body of claim 1, wherein the second plate further comprises an edge curved extension that is curved from the edge of the outer flat plate to extend toward the first region. 7. A refrigerator, comprising: a main body having a housing space and an opening configured to provide access to the housing space; and a door configured to open and close the accommodation space, the main body comprising: at least two vacuum adiabatic modules connected to each other; and an adiabatic material provided on a portion in which the at least two vacuum adiabatic modules are connected to each other, each of the vacuum adiabatic modules comprising: a first plate configured to define at least a portion of a wall for an accommodation space; a second plate configured to define at least a portion of the wall for an external space having a temperature different from the temperature of the housing space; a seal configured to seal the first plate and the second plate to provide a vacuum region that has a temperature between the temperature of the housing space and the temperature of the external space and is in a vacuum state; and a support configured to support the vacuum region, the first plate comprising: an inner flat plate, at least a portion of which is flat; a first curved extension extending from the inner flat plate in a first direction that is directed toward the outer space; and a second curved extension that extends from the first curved extension in a second direction in which the second plate extends, and the second plate comprises: an outer curved extension, at least a portion of which is flat; and an edge curved extension extending from the outer flat plate towards the placement space, the adiabatic material comprising: an insertion adiabatic material provided in the outer space; and an edge adiabatic frame provided in the housing space to reduce thermal conduction through the first plate. 8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, in which a stand is provided below the main body. 9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the stand is provided with a machine room section that houses the components forming the refrigeration unit and is accessible from the stand. 10. The refrigerator of claim 7, further comprising a front frame configured to cover the edge of the opening so as to cover the front end of the edge adiabatic frame. 11. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the edge adiabatic frame is configured to cover the connecting part to which the vacuum adiabatic module is connected. 12. The refrigerator according to claim 7, further comprising: a thick part provided by folding the end of the edge curved extension of one vacuum adiabatic module; and a protrusion provided on the outer flat plate of the other vacuum adiabatic module in accordance with the end of the thick part. 13. The refrigerator according to claim 7, further comprising: one recess provided in the outer flat plate of one vacuum adiabatic module; another recess provided in the edge curved extension of the other vacuum adiabatic module, which corresponds to said one recess; and a main body frame in which a hole is provided into which the connecting part is inserted, the main body frame being configured to provide a frame for the main body. 14. The refrigerator according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said one vacuum adiabatic module is a rear surface vacuum adiabatic module configured to provide a rear surface of the main body, and said other vacuum adiabatic module is a side surface vacuum adiabatic module configured to provide side surface of the main body. 15. The refrigerator according to claim 7, further comprising: an insertion pocket having a narrow entrance, the insertion pocket being provided on a connecting portion between the outer flat plate of said one vacuum adiabatic module and the edge curved extension of said other vacuum adiabatic module; and wherein said other vacuum adiabatic module comprises another edge curved extension, and said other vacuum adiabatic module has a connecting projection inserted into the insert pocket. 16. The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein the edge curved extension of said one vacuum adiabatic module and the outer flat plate of said other vacuum adiabatic module are connected to each other. 17. A method for manufacturing a refrigerator, the method comprising the steps of: temporarily assembling at least two vacuum adiabatic modules; connecting said at least two vacuum adiabatic modules to provide the main body of the refrigerator; and connect the stand to the lower surface of the main body. 18. The method according to claim 17, in which each of the vacuum adiabatic modules contains: a first plate; a second plate welded to the first plate at its edge; and a support configured to maintain a distance between the first plate and the second plate, wherein at least one of the first plate or the second plate is provided by bending the two-dimensional flat plate, the two-dimensional flat plate comprising: a rectangular outer flat plate; and a wing provided on each of the four edges of the rectangular outer flat plate. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of connecting said at least two vacuum adiabatic modules comprises aligning a main body frame provided along an edge of the refrigerator main body with at least a portion of each of said at least two vacuum adiabatic modules. adiabatic modules so that they are connected to each other by a connecting part. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of connecting said at least two vacuum adiabatic modules comprises aligning at least portions of said at least two vacuum adiabatic modules so that they overlap each other so that so that they are connected to each other by the connecting part.