Vacuum insulation element

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum insulation element (10) comprising a first planar limiting member (12) and a second planar limiting member (14). The limiting members are spaced apart from each other and delimit a vacuum space (16) therebetween. The vacuum space (16) is sealed by sealing means (26). The vacuum insulation element comprises a first support element (18) extending into the vacuum space (16) away from the first limiting member (12) and a second support element (20) extending into the vacuum space (16) away from the second limiting member (14), the limiting members (12, 14) being arranged with the support elements (18, 20) such that the first support element (18) and the second support element (20) protrude into each other and are spaced apart from each other. The first support element (18) is spaced apart from the second limiting member (14) and the second support element (20) is spaced apart from the first limiting member (12). A fibrous structure (22) interconnects the first support element (18) and the second support element (20). The fibrous structure (22) has a low thermal conductivity and is used to at least absorb pressure caused by the vacuum on the first and second limiting members (12, 14).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum insulation element.

[0002] The reason why a vacuum insulation element can achieve a high insulation effect is that a vacuum lacks thermal conductivity. Without particles, there is no heat transfer. The remaining actual thermal conduction takes place through the support core, which mechanically stabilizes the vacuum insulation element, and the edges of the vacuum insulation element, which laterally limit the vacuum space.

[0003] Generally, a vacuum insulation element consists of a porous support core wrapped with several layers of metallized plastic film. The material of the support core should have a low thermal conductivity in itself. Known support cores are generally made of a pulverous insulation material, such as fumed silica. Glass fiber nonwoven is considered as another core material.

[0004] Applications of vacuum insulation panels are, for example, in the field of refrigerators and freezers as well as in the field of hot water storage tanks. Other known applications are in the field of building insulation. In general, insulation panels can be used where a small thickness of the insulation layer is required and a high insulation performance is desired.

[0005] A disadvantage of the currently known vacuum insulation panels is that the production of the support core is very energy-intensive and expensive. Furthermore, the panel is very sensitive, since only one layer of un-insulated plastic film ensures the vacuum.

[0006] Due to these and other reasons, there is a need for the present invention. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vacuum insulation panel which requires less energy for its production. It is an object of the present invention to provide a more robust vacuum insulation panel. It is an object of the present invention to provide a completely recyclable vacuum insulation panel.

[0007] The objects and features of the present invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments, given with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 A side view of a vacuum insulation element according to the present invention is schematically shown;

[0009] Figure 2 A cross-section along the line A-A’ in Figure 1 A force transmission in a vacuum insulation element according to the present invention is schematically shown;

[0010] Figure 3 A top view of a limiting component with a support element according to the present invention is schematically shown;

[0011] Figure 4 A cross-section along the line A-A’ in Figure 1 is schematically shown; and

[0012] Figure 5A side view through an edge-formed vacuum insulation element according to the present application is schematically shown.

[0013] Aspects and embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like or similar elements are generally designated by the same or similar reference number throughout. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects or embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that one or more aspects or embodiments can be practiced without certain specific details. In other instances, elements have been shown in a diagram in a particular arrangement for ease of description and that other elements can be included, or elements can be arranged in a different manner, to facilitate description of one or more aspects or embodiments. Thus, the following description is not intended to be limiting. It will be appreciated that the illustrations are not necessarily to scale.

[0014] Directional terms used in the description, such as "top", "bottom", "top side", "bottom side", "left", "right", "front side", "back side", "vertical", "horizontal", and the like, are not intended to be limiting. Components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, and the directional terms are used for explanation only. It is to be understood that further embodiments can be used and structural or logical changes can be made without departing from the concepts of the present application.

[0015] Figure 1 A side view of a vacuum insulation element 10 according to the present application is shown highly schematically. The vacuum insulation element 10 can comprise a first planar limiting member 12 and a second planar limiting member 14. The limiting members 12 and 14 delimit a vacuum space 16 therebetween. The first planar limiting member 12 and the second planar limiting member 14 can be arranged parallel to each other. The first planar limiting member 12 and the second planar limiting member 14 can be spaced apart from each other. From the first limiting member 12 to the second limiting member 14, heat transfer is minimized.

[0016] A first support element 18 extends into the vacuum space 16 away from the first limiting member 12. A second support element 20 extends into the vacuum space 16 away from the second limiting member 14. The limiting members 12, 14 with the support elements 18, 20 are arranged opposite to each other such that the first support element 18 and the second support element 20 protrude interleaved with each other and are spaced apart from each other.

[0017] The first support element 18 extends towards the second limiting member 14. The first support element 18 does not contact the second limiting member 14. The second support element 20 extends towards the first limiting member 12. The second support element 20 does not contact the second limiting member 14. The first support element 18 can be formed integrally with the first limiting member 12. The second support element 20 can be formed integrally with the second limiting member 14.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first limiting member 12 together with the first support elements 18 can be formed as a wave-like or corrugated member. In one embodiment, the second limiting member 14 with the second support elements 20 can also be implemented as a wave-like or corrugated member. A plurality of corrugations can be provided.

[0019] The vacuum insulation element 10 comprises a fiber structure 22. The fiber structure 22 connects the first support elements 18 and the second support elements 20 to each other in the vacuum space 16. The fiber structure 22 can be fixed or attached to at least one first support element 18, at least one second support element 20, the first limiting member 12 and / or the second limiting member 14. The upper part of the vacuum insulation element comprising the first limiting member 12 and the first support elements 18 is connected to the lower part of the vacuum insulation element comprising the second limiting member 14 and the second support elements 20 by the fiber structure 22. The fiber structure 22 has a low thermal conductivity. The fiber structure 22 is configured to at least absorb the pressure caused by the vacuum on the first limiting member 12 and the second limiting member 14. The fiber structure 22 can also be configured to further absorb forces applied to the vacuum insulation element 10 due to the use of the vacuum insulation element 10. The arrows 24 symbolically represent the forces acting on the limiting members 12, 14 due to the vacuum caused by the ambient pressure.

[0020] The vacuum insulation element 10 can comprise means 26 for sealing the vacuum space 16, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0021] The heat conduction from the first limiting member 12 to the second limiting member 14 can only take place through the fiber structure 22, the means 26 for sealing the limiting members 26 and the vacuum space 16, i.e. through gas atoms and gas molecules remaining in the not completely vacuum. The inventors were thus able to prove that the heat transfer is only in the range of 10 -5 W / mK.

[0022] With reference to Figure 2 , the interaction between the support elements 18, 20 and the fiber structure 22 becomes clear. Figure 2 A small part of the vacuum insulation element 10 of Figure 1 is shown, in which the arrows 24 show the forces acting on the limiting member 12 due to the vacuum in the space 16. The forces 24 are transmitted to the shown support elements 18 and are absorbed by the fiber structure 22. Due to the interlaced protrusion of the support elements 18, 20 to each other, a force redirection of the external pressure load to a tensile load of the fibers of the fiber structure 22 is achieved. The fiber structure 22 arranged obliquely further absorbs any lateral forces that also occur.

[0023] The limiting parts 12, 14 can delimit the upper and lower surfaces of the vacuum insulation element 10. A vacuum is formed between the first planar limiting part 12 and the second planar limiting part 14. The first limiting part 12 and the second limiting part 14 are spaced apart from each other and can be substantially parallel to each other. The limiting parts 12, 14 can be made of a material suitable for high vacuum. The thermal conductivity of the limiting parts 12, 14 is independent of the thermal conductivity of the vacuum insulation element, as they are not in contact with each other. The limiting parts 12, 14 can be made of metal. The limiting parts 12, 14 can be made of stainless steel. The limiting parts 12, 14 can be made of ceramic, glass, a laminate and / or a plastic. The limiting parts 12, 14 can comprise or be made of a metal-coated fiber laminate.

[0024] The limiting parts 12, 14 can be flat and each lie completely in one plane. In this way, panels can be formed. Panels can be used, for example, for building insulation. Multiple layers of panels can be laid. In this case, the individual panels of successive layers can be arranged offset from each other, so that the abutting edges of different layers do not lie on top of each other. In other words, the panels can be arranged in a brick-like manner, layer by layer.

[0025] In other embodiments, the limiting parts 12, 14 can take any desired shape. The limiting parts 12, 14 can be curved. In one embodiment, the limiting parts 12, 14 can comprise edges, as explained in more detail with reference to Figure 5 In one embodiment, the limiting parts 12, 14 can form a corner. The limiting parts 12, 14 can be designed for a specific application. For example, if only flat panels are used to insulate a space, a thermal bridge inevitably occurs at the edges, as the lower limiting part 14 of a first panel comes into contact with the upper limiting part of a second panel at the edge. The proposed design of the limiting parts 12, 14 as edges or as corners allows for (space) insulation without the formation of a thermal bridge.

[0026] Each limiting part 12, 14 can be a full-surface made of, for example, a continuous stainless steel plate. Stainless steel plates are inexpensive to manufacture and can be completely recycled at the end of the service life of the insulation element. The recycling rate is good. The full-surface embodiment can increase the mechanical resistance of the vacuum insulation element 10.

[0027] In other embodiments, at least one of the limiting parts 12, 14 can have openings or holes. At least one of the limiting parts 12, 14 can be formed of wire. A lattice-like structure can be formed. At least one of the limiting parts 12, 14 can be formed as a profiled structure. Such a structure with openings can have a lower weight. Such a structure with openings can use less material. For larger openings, the limiting part can be spanned by the fiber structure 22.

[0028] The means 26 for sealing the vacuum space 16 can surround the entire vacuum insulation element 10, as shown in Figure 1 The means 26 for sealing the vacuum space 16 can be a foil bag, in particular a metallized foil bag.

[0029] The means 26 for sealing the vacuum space 16 can extend only along the edges of the opposite limiting parts 12, 14. The means 26 for sealing the vacuum space 16 can be connected directly along the edges of the limiting parts 12, 14 in a diffusion-tight manner. The means 26 for sealing the vacuum space 16 can be bonded or welded to the limiting parts 12, 14. The means 26 for sealing the vacuum space 16 can be formed on one or both of the limiting parts 12, 14. The means 26 can be formed of the same material as the limiting parts 12, 14.

[0030] The means 26 for sealing the vacuum space 16 can be made of a diffusion-tight material. The means 26 for sealing the vacuum space 16 can be formed very thin to minimize heat transfer along the edges. The means 26 for sealing the vacuum space 16 can be formed of a thin metal foil. The thickness of the metal foil can be between 2 pm and 50 pm. The thickness of the metal foil can have different values. The means 26 for sealing the vacuum space 16 can be formed of or include a stainless steel foil having a thickness between 5 pm and 20 pm. The means 26 for sealing the vacuum space 16 can include a glass or metallized plastic film. The edge region of the vacuum insulation element can be reinforced by the fiber structure 22, as can also be seen from Figure 1 In particular, the fibers of the fiber structure 22 can extend in the edge region substantially perpendicular to the limiting parts 12, 14.

[0031] The support elements 18, 20 can be attached to the respective limiting part 12, 14. The first and second support elements can be screwed, welded, glued, fused, inserted, clamped or otherwise fixed to the first and second limiting parts 12, 14, respectively. The support elements 18, 20 can be formed integrally with the respective limiting part 12, 14. The support elements 18, 20 can be distributed uniformly over the limiting parts 12, 14. The support elements 18 can be mounted on the limiting part 12, wherein the arrangement of the support elements 18 is staggered with respect to the arrangement of the support elements 20 on the limiting part 14.

[0032] The support elements 18 can have the same shape as the support elements 20. The support elements 18 can have a different shape than the support elements 20.

[0033] The support elements 18, 20 can be bar-shaped. The support elements 18, 20 can extend as ribs over the entire extent of the limiting parts 12, 14. The ribs can be formed as v-shaped, wherein the opening of the v-shape can be oriented to face the respective limiting part.

[0034] The support elements 18, 20 can be substantially rod-shaped. The rod-shaped support elements 18, 20 can be distributed uniformly in rows and columns over the limiting parts 12, 14. The rod-shaped support elements 18, 20 can have a substantially rectangular ground plane. The rod-shaped support elements 18, 20 can have a substantially square ground plane. The rod-shaped support elements 18, 20 can have a substantially circular or elliptical ground plane. The rod-shaped support elements 18, 20 can have any desired ground plane. The size of each limiting part and the number of support elements depends to a large extent on the material used, the field of application and additional forces that can act on the vacuum insulation element.

[0035] The support elements 18, 20 can have a lead-through for the fiber structure 22. The lead-through can be in the form of a notch or a recess. The lead-through can be in the form of a transverse notch. The support elements 18, 20 can have a hole as a lead-through. The fiber structure 22 can be fixed to the support elements 18, 20. The support elements 18, 20 can comprise a device for the fixation. The device can be a clamping device.

[0036] In addition to the edge seal, a large amount of heat transfer takes place between the first limiting part 12 and the second limiting part 14 through the fiber structure 22. The fiber structure 22 is therefore configured to have a low thermal conductivity. The fiber structure 22 can have a thermal conductivity value of less than 0.06 W / mK. The fiber structure 22 can be formed of glass fibers. The glass fibers can have a thermal conductivity value of about 1 W / mK. The fiber structure 22 can be formed of aramid fibers having a thermal conductivity value of about 0.04 W / mK. The fiber structure 22 can be formed of nylon fibers, hemp fibers or carbon fibers. The fiber structure can be formed of more than one of the mentioned materials. The thermal conductivity is further determined by the cross section of the fiber structure.

[0037] The fiber structure 22 should have a high tensile strength, since high forces are absorbed by the fiber structure 22.

[0038] At present, aramid fibers seem to be particularly suitable. The term "aramid" stands for aramid. These are anisotropic polymer fibers. They have a lower density than glass fibers and exhibit a particularly high tensile strength and high toughness. They are very fatigue-resistant. The tensile strength can be approximately 2800 N / mm 2 .

[0039] The fiber structure 22 can be a fiber bundle or a filament. As Figure 1As shown, the filaments 22 can have one end attached to the first limiting member 12, then alternately pass over the first support elements 18 and the second support elements 20, another first support element 18, another second support element 20, and so on, and be attached to the second limiting member 14.

[0040] Depending on the arrangement of the first and second support elements, the fibrous structure 22 as filaments can be routed in different directions over the support elements.

[0041] In other embodiments, the fibrous structure 22 can be a fabric. The fabric can cover the entire surface of the limiting member. In other embodiments, the fibrous structure 22 can be implemented as a fabric tape. The fibrous structure can be embodied as a woven tape. The various embodiments of the fibrous structure 22 can be combined.

[0042] The fibrous structure 22 can be routed in the edge region and attached to the edges of the limiting members 12, 14, for example, to reinforce the sealing membrane 26 in the edge region. The fibrous structure 22 can be routed generally perpendicularly from the first limiting member 12 to the second limiting member 14 in the edge region. The fibrous structure 22 can extend diagonally in the edge region. The fibrous structure can be embodied as filaments between the fabric and the support elements 18, 20 in the edge region.

[0043] In one embodiment, the limiting members 12, 14 can be formed as full-faced stainless steel plates with a tight fibrous cover layer and a thin stainless steel foil in the edge region, which is connected to the stainless steel plate in a gas-tight manner. The dimensions of the tight fibrous cover layer can reinforce the very thin stainless steel foil. This can provide a very robust, durable, and recyclable vacuum insulation panel.

[0044] Figure 3 A top view of the first limiting member 12 according to one embodiment is shown. The first rod-shaped support elements 18 are distributed over the entire surface of the limiting member 12 in a regular grid. The first support elements 18 are arranged in rows and columns. In the shown embodiment, the cross section of the first rod-shaped support elements 18 is rectangular.

[0045] Figure 4 A cross section along the line A-A’ in Figure 1 The second limiting member 14 is shown. In this view, the first support elements 18 are cut out, while the second support elements 20 are observed. In Figure 4 In the embodiment of

[0046] The first support elements 18 and the second support elements 20 protrude interleaved with each other and are spaced apart from each other. The filaments of the fiber structure 22 cross each other on the support elements 18, 20 and can be threaded into or onto the support elements at their crossing points (not shown).

[0047] Figure 5 A side view of an exemplary vacuum insulation element forming an edge is schematically shown. Both the first limiting component 12 and the second limiting component 14 are designed as an edge 30. In the shown embodiment, the first part surface 12a of the first limiting component 12 extends perpendicular to the second part surface 12b and thus forms the edge 30. The same applies to the second limiting component 14 with the first part surface 14a and the second part surface 14b.

[0048] Thus, also the contact between the outer or first limiting component 12 and the inner or second limiting component 14 in the edge region is avoided and no thermal bridge is formed.

[0049] The first support elements 18 and the second support elements 20 as well as the fiber structure 22 are designed similar to the embodiments described so far and thus will not be described again.

[0050] In one embodiment, the first vacuum insulation element is formed as a one-sided open container. For example, the first limiting component 12 and the second limiting component 14 are formed as a one-sided open cuboid, cube or cylinder. Again, the vacuum space is delimited by the limiting components, the support elements 18, 20 protrude towards the limiting components as described above, the support elements 18, 20 are connected via the fiber structure 22. The second vacuum insulation element can be provided as a cover on the open side.

[0051] The second vacuum insulation element can be in the form of a panel which replicates the outer shape of the missing side. Alternatively, the cover can be a second vacuum insulation element which has essentially the same shape as the first vacuum insulation element but is slightly larger so that it can be slid over the first vacuum insulation element. Here, the side walls of the larger vacuum insulation element can completely or partially cover the side walls of the smaller vacuum insulation element.

[0052] The vacuum then prevents the heat transfer from the inside of the (inner) container to the outside. This form of construction can be applied, for example, in a buffer tank or container. Preferably, in this embodiment, the fiber structure 22 is designed to be more robust since the fiber structure has to additionally withstand the static load of the content.

[0053] The two containers, each of which is open on one side, one on top of the other, form an easily openable device with excellent thermal insulation properties. This can be used, for example, as a cooling box. In one embodiment, the limiting components here are not made of pure metal but of a metal-coated fiber laminate.

[0054] In the production of the vacuum insulation element according to the application, the mould is first produced as described above, including the seal, and then the closed space is evacuated in a known manner to provide the vacuum space 16. In order to improve the quality of the vacuum or to prolong the service life of the vacuum insulation element, a getter material can be introduced into the space between the limiting parts 12, 14, which getter material, for example, can bind gas molecules penetrating from the outside over time, so that the vacuum is maintained even if the seal deteriorates. The inventors have achieved very good insulation values in the range of 0.020 to 0.030 W / mK at a vacuum of about 10"4mbar. -5 W / mK.

[0055] The vacuum insulation element according to the application can replace the support core of a conventional vacuum insulation panel, which has so far usually been made of fumed silica, with a simple structure made primarily of metal. This can significantly reduce the primary energy requirement in the production process. Production also becomes more cost-effective. Furthermore, if a metal foil is used in the edge region, the edge can be significantly improved in terms of diffusion resistance and resistance. This can prolong the service life and simplify the handling of the insulation material.

[0056] While specific embodiments have been shown and described, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various alternative and / or equivalent implementations can be used in place of the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the central idea of the present application. This application is intended to cover any modifications or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

Claims

1. A vacuum insulation element (10) comprising: a planar first limiting part (12) and a planar second limiting part (14) spaced apart from each other and delimiting a vacuum space (16) therebetween; means (26) for sealing the vacuum space (16); a first support element (18) extending into the vacuum space (16) away from the first limiting part (12) and a second support element (20) extending into the vacuum space (16) away from the second limiting part (14), the support elements (18, 20) being arranged on the limiting parts (12, 14) such that the first support element (18) and the second support element (20) protrude interleaved with each other and are spaced apart from each other, and wherein the first support element (18) is spaced apart from the second limiting part (14) and wherein the second support element (20) is spaced apart from the first limiting part (12); and a fiber structure (22) interconnecting the first support element (18) and the second support element (20), the fiber structure (22) having a low thermal conductivity and being for absorbing at least a pressure induced by the vacuum on the first and second limiting parts (12, 14); wherein the fiber structure (22) further spans an edge region delimiting the vacuum space (16); and wherein the limiting parts (12, 14) are formed vacuum-tight and the means (26) for sealing the vacuum space (16) comprise an edge film bonded to the limiting parts (12, 14) along edges of the limiting parts (12, 14); wherein the fiber structure (22) is vertically threaded in the edge region from the first limiting part (12) to the second limiting part (14).

2. The vacuum insulation element (10) according to claim 1, wherein The fiber structure (22) has a thermal conductivity value of less than 0.06 W / mK.

3. The vacuum insulation element (10) according to claim 1, wherein The fiber structure (22) comprises glass, nylon, hemp, carbon fibers.

4. The vacuum insulation element (10) according to claim 1, wherein The fiber structure (22) is in the form of a single filament extending between the support elements (18, 20).

5. The vacuum insulation element (10) according to claim 1, wherein The fiber structure (22) is formed as a fiber fabric.

6. The vacuum insulation element (10) according to claim 1, wherein The fiber structure (22) is configured as a fabric in the edge region and as filaments between the support elements (18, 20).

7. The vacuum insulation element (10) according to claim 1, wherein At least one of the limiting parts (12, 14) comprises metal, ceramic, glass, plastic.

8. The vacuum insulation element (10) according to claim 1, wherein The limiting parts (12, 14) each form at least one edge or corner.

9. The vacuum insulation element (10) according to claim 1, wherein The first and second support elements (18, 20) are rod-shaped.

10. The vacuum insulation element (10) according to claim 8, wherein The first and second support elements (18, 20) are evenly distributed in rows and columns on the limiting parts (12, 14).

11. A vacuum insulation element (10) according to claim 1, wherein The first and second support elements (18, 20) are rib-shaped and extend over the entire extent of the limiting parts (12, 14).

12. The vacuum insulation element (10) according to claim 1, wherein The first and second support elements (18, 20) comprise a threading and / or a fixation for the fiber structure (22).

13. The vacuum insulation element (10) according to claim 1, wherein The device (26) for sealing a vacuum space (16) comprises a foil bag which completely surrounds the limiting parts (12, 14) between which the vacuum space (16) is located.

14. The vacuum insulation element (10) according to claim 1, wherein The limiting parts (12, 14) are formed as a cuboid or cylinder which is open on one side.

15. A thermally insulated container comprising: a vacuum insulation element (10) according to claim 14, and a vacuum insulation element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 formed as a lid for a cuboid or cylinder; or two vacuum insulation elements (10) according to claim 14, the two vacuum insulation elements (10) being dimensioned such that they can be slid into one another.

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