Heat-insulating material and refrigerator

Abstract

This heat-insulating material comprises: an outer cover material defining a storage space and provided to store gas therein; a first separation layer provided inside the outer cover material to divide the storage space in one direction; and a second separation layer provided inside the outer cover material and spaced apart from the first separation layer in one direction to divide, together with the first separation layer, the storage space into a plurality of spaces.

Description

Insulation and refrigerators

[0001] The disclosure relates to improved insulation and refrigerators.

[0002] Insulating materials are used to retain heat or block heat. For example, insulating materials can be used in refrigerators to insulate the inside and outside of the storage compartment.

[0003] Generally, polyurethane foam is used as insulation for refrigerators. Since vacuum insulation panels have lower thermal conductivity than polyurethane foam, attempts are being made to use them in refrigerators. Using vacuum insulation panels in refrigerators allows for a reduction in wall thickness and can effectively increase the refrigerator's effective capacity.

[0004] However, vacuum insulation panels can only be manufactured in simple shapes, such as rectangular prisms. Therefore, they may be difficult to apply to configurations with complex structures, such as the dike of a refrigerator.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an insulating material applicable to configurations having a complex structure.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an insulating material comprising xenon gas.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an insulating material comprising a plurality of separation layers to prevent and / or reduce natural convection phenomena that may occur internally.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator capable of reducing the amount of heat transferred from the outside of the storage room to the inside of the storage room through a dike.

[0009] An insulating material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an outer shell material configured to define a storage space and store gas therein, a first separating layer configured inside the outer shell material to partition the storage space in one direction, and a second separating layer configured inside the outer shell material and spaced apart from the first separating layer in one direction to partition the storage space into a plurality of spaces together with the first separating layer.

[0010] An insulating material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an outer shell material configured to define a storage space and store gas inside, and a plurality of separation layers arranged in one direction to partition the storage space inside the outer shell material, wherein the distance between two separation layers arranged adjacent to each other along the one direction is 10.4 mm or less.

[0011] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a main body having a storage compartment provided therein, a door provided to open and close the storage compartment, a door basket provided on the back surface of the door, and a dike provided along the edge of the back surface of the door and provided to support the door basket, wherein the dike comprises an outer shell material provided to store gas inside and form a storage space, and a plurality of separation layers provided inside the outer shell material and spaced apart from each other along a path through which heat is transferred from the outside of the storage compartment toward the storage compartment to partition the storage space.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an insulating material according to various embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of area A shown in FIG. 1 according to various embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line BB' shown in FIG. 1 according to various embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an arbitrary separation layer and an arbitrary space according to various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an insulating material according to various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an insulating material according to various embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an insulating material according to various embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a drum according to various embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the die and surrounding configuration of a refrigerator according to various embodiments.

[0021] The embodiments described in this disclosure and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples, and various modifications to the embodiments and drawings may be possible at the time of filing this application.

[0022] Identical reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing of the present disclosure represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0023] The terms used in this disclosure are for describing various embodiments and are not intended to limit or restrict the disclosure. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0024] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., as used herein may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms, and said terms may be used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the rights of the present disclosure, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any one of a plurality of related described items.

[0025] The shape and position of each component are not limited by terms such as "front," "back," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" used in the following description.

[0026] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0027] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0028] Hereinafter, various embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an insulating material according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of area A indicated in FIG. 1 according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line BB' indicated in FIG. 1 according to various embodiments.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the insulating material (1) may include an outer covering material (10). A storage space (11) may be formed inside the outer covering material (10). The storage space (11) may be a sealed space partitioned from the outer space of the outer covering material (10). There are no special restrictions on the shape of the outer covering material (10).

[0031] The outer shell material (10) may include PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) material. However, there are no special restrictions on the material of the outer shell material (10).

[0032] Gas can be stored inside the outer shell material (10). In other words, gas can be stored in the storage space (11) of the outer shell material (10). Gas can refer to any substance that is prepared in a gaseous state.

[0033] One of the main causes of heat conduction is the collision of adjacent molecules. By colliding with each other, adjacent molecules can diffuse the internal energy possessed by each molecule.

[0034] When a substance is in a gaseous state, its molecules can be relatively far apart from one another. Therefore, the frequency of collisions between adjacent molecules may be lower than when the substance is in a liquid or solid state. Due to this characteristic, substances in a gaseous state can have a relatively low thermal conductivity.

[0035] For example, the gas stored in the storage space (11) of the outer shell material (10) may include a gas containing a material with relatively low thermal conductivity. For example, the gas stored in the storage space (11) may include xenon gas. For example, the proportion of xenon gas in the storage space (11) may be 99 mol% or more.

[0036] Xenon gas is an inert gas with weak intermolecular forces, and thus can have a relatively very low thermal conductivity. For example, the thermal conductivity K of xenon gas xe It can be 5.6mW / mk.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by storing xenon gas in the storage space (11) of the outer covering material (10), the insulating material (1) can have a relatively very low thermal conductivity.

[0038] Gas can be injected into the storage space (11) under 1 atmosphere pressure. Through this process, the inflow of substances other than xenon gas into the storage space (11) can be minimized and / or reduced.

[0039] The insulation material (1) may include a separation layer (20). The separation layer (20) may be provided inside the outer shell material (10). For example, the separation layer (20) may be formed integrally with the outer shell material (10).

[0040] The separation layer (20) can partition the storage space (11). That is, the separation layer (20) can partition the storage space (11) into multiple spaces (11a, 11b, 11c) that are separated from each other.

[0041] The separation layer (20) may have a very thin width compared to the total width (Y direction) of the insulation material (1). For example, the total width of the insulation material (1) may be 20 mm or more, and the width of the separation layer (20) may be 0.05 mm.

[0042] The separation layer (20) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, the multiple separation layer (20) may include a first separation layer (20a) and a second separation layer (20b). However, there is no special limitation on the number of the multiple separation layers (20). For convenience of explanation, we will examine an embodiment in which only two separation layers (20) are provided.

[0043] A plurality of separation layers (20) can partition the storage space (11) in one direction. For example, each of the first separation layer (20a) and the second separation layer (20b) can partition the storage space (11) in one direction. For example, each of the first separation layer (20a) and the second separation layer (20b) can partition the storage space (11) in a first direction (D1) that is the same as the width direction (Y direction) of the outer shell material (10).

[0044] Each of the plurality of separation layers (20) may extend in a direction intersecting one direction to partition the storage space (11) in one direction. For example, each of the first separation layer (20a) and the second separation layer (20b) may extend in a second direction (X direction) (D2) intersecting the first direction (D1), thereby partitioning the storage space (11) in the first direction (D1).

[0045] A plurality of separation layers (20) may be arranged spaced apart from each other in one direction to partition the storage space (11) in one direction. For example, the first separation layer (20a) and the second separation layer (20b) may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (D1) to partition the storage space (11) into a first space (11a), a second space (11b), and a third space (11c) arranged sequentially along the first direction (D1). Although a total of two separation layers (20) are shown in FIG. 1 to partition the storage space (11) into three spaces (11a, 11b, 11c), the number of partitioned spaces may vary depending on the number of separation layers (20).

[0046] One direction in which the multiple separation layers (20) are arranged may be the same as the direction in which heat is transferred within the insulation material (1). In other words, one direction in which the spaces partitioned by the multiple separation layers (20) are arranged may be the same as the direction in which heat is transferred within the insulation material (1). For example, the first direction (D1) in which the first separation layer (20a) and the second separation layer (20b) are arranged, or the first direction (D1) in which the first space (11a), the second space (11b), and the third space (11c) are arranged may be the same as the direction in which heat is transferred within the insulation material (1). Through this configuration, the amount of heat transferred along one direction within the insulation material (1) can be reduced. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0047] As described above, the gas stored in the storage space (11) may include xenon gas. Since xenon gas is a substance in a gaseous state, there is a possibility that natural convection of xenon gas may occur within the storage space (11). That is, if a temperature difference occurs within the storage space (11), there is a possibility that heat may be transferred from a high-temperature region to a low-temperature region due to the natural convection of xenon gas.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of separation layers (20) partition the storage space (11), so that the width (in the Y direction) of each partitioned space may be narrower than the total width (in the Y direction) of the storage space (11). For example, by the first separation layer (20a) and the second separation layer (20b) partitioning the storage space (11) into a first space (11a), a second space (11b), and a third space (11c), the widths (W1, W2, W3) of each space (11a, 11b, 11c) may be narrower than the total width of the storage space (11). In this case, the flow of gas stored in the storage space (11) may be restricted, thereby primarily preventing the natural convection phenomenon of xenon gas. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0049] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the direction in which the spaces partitioned by a plurality of separation layers (20) are arranged is the same as the direction in which heat is transferred within the insulation material (1), so that the temperature difference that may occur within each partitioned space may be smaller than the temperature difference that may occur within the entire storage space (11). For example, the temperature difference that may occur within each of the first space (11a), the second space (11b), and the third space (11c) may be smaller than the temperature difference that may occur within the entire storage space (11). Accordingly, the natural convection of xenon gas that may occur due to the temperature difference within the storage space (11) can be secondarily prevented.

[0050] Each of the plurality of separation layers (20) may include a base layer (21) and a coating layer (22) formed by coating aluminum on the base layer (21).

[0051] The base layer (21) may include a material that prevents gaseous substances from passing through. For example, the base layer (21) may include a material provided in the form of a closed-cell foam.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, the closed cell foam may be a material having a plurality of cells (or pores) provided inside. Each cell is formed independently and, because it is closed, may not be connected to one another. For example, material transfer between cells may be difficult. Therefore, gas may not be able to pass through the base layer (21).

[0053] Each of the multiple cells may be formed in a vacuum state or may have a gaseous material provided therein. Therefore, compared to the case where no cells are formed in the base layer (21), the thermal conductivity may be relatively lower when the base layer (21) includes a material provided in the form of a closed-cell foam.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by including a material in which the base layer (21) is provided in the form of a closed cell foam, xenon gas may not pass through the separation layer (20), and the thermal conductivity of the insulation material (1) may be relatively lower.

[0055] The base layer (21) may include PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) material. However, there are no special restrictions on the material of the base layer (21).

[0056] The coating layer (22) may be provided to prevent and / or reduce heat transfer by thermal radiation. That is, the coating layer (22) may be provided to prevent heat from being transferred in the form of electromagnetic waves in a high-temperature region. For example, the coating layer (22) may prevent heat transfer by reflecting electromagnetic waves generated in a high-temperature region.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the coating layer (22) may be formed by an aluminum coating. Since aluminum has a relatively high thermal radiation reflectivity, it can effectively reflect electromagnetic waves generated in high-temperature regions. For example, when a material has a temperature of 30°C, it may emit electromagnetic waves having a wavelength of approximately 0.0095 mm through thermal radiation, and aluminum may have a reflectivity of 95% for electromagnetic waves having the said wavelength. Since the thermal insulation material (1) includes a plurality of separation layers (20), the effect of thermal radiation reflection may be further enhanced.

[0058] A coating layer (22) may be provided on one side of a base layer (21). For example, the base layer (21) may include a first surface (211) and a second surface (212) opposite to the first surface (211), which is located further away from the first surface (211) with respect to the first direction (D1), and the coating layer (22) may be provided on the first surface (211).

[0059] As described above, heat can be transferred along the first direction (D1) within the insulating material (1). Accordingly, heat can also be transferred along the first direction (D1) in each of the plurality of spaces (11a, 11b, 11c). Specifically, each of the plurality of spaces (11a, 11b, 11c) may include a region on one side where the coating layer (22) is not formed, and a region on the other side where the coating layer (22) is formed and is opposite to the one side with respect to the first direction (D1), and heat can be transferred from the region on the one side to the region on the other side. That is, the region on the one side may have a higher temperature than the region on the other side.

[0060] In this case, electromagnetic waves emitted by one side of the region can be reflected by a coating layer (22) provided on the other side of the region. Therefore, the transfer of heat from one side of the region to the other side of the region by thermal radiation can be prevented and / or reduced.

[0061] However, the coating layer (22) does not have to be provided only on the first surface (211) of the base layer (21). For example, the coating layer (22) may be provided on both sides (211, 212) of the base layer (21).

[0062] The coating layer (22) can cover most of one side of the base layer (21). For example, the area of ​​the coating layer (22) may be 90% or more of the area of ​​the base layer (21). Through this configuration, the thermal radiation reflection efficiency of the coating layer (22) can be increased. However, there is no special limitation on the area of ​​the coating layer (22).

[0063] The edge of the coating layer (22) may be spaced apart from the outer skin material (10). For example, the coating layer (22) may not come into contact with the inner surface of the outer skin material (10).

[0064] Aluminum can have a relatively high thermal conductivity. For example, the thermal conductivity of aluminum can be 237 W / mK. Therefore, when the coating layer (22) formed by the aluminum coating comes into contact with the inner surface of the outer shell material (10), heat transfer can occur from a high-temperature region outside the insulation material (1) to a low-temperature region through the coating layer (22).

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge of the coating layer (22) is spaced apart from the outer layer (10), so that the coating layer (22) does not come into contact with the inner surface of the outer layer (10), and heat transfer through the coating layer (22) can be prevented and / or reduced.

[0066] The composition of the insulating material (1) has been examined above. For example, the insulating material (1) may include an outer layer (10), xenon gas stored in a storage space (11) inside the outer layer (10), and a plurality of separation layers (20) that partition the storage space (11) inside the outer layer (10). For example, most of the storage space (11) of the outer layer (10) may consist only of xenon gas.

[0067] Since xenon gas is a gaseous substance, it can have a relatively low density. Since the base layer (21) of each of the multiple separation layers (20) contains a material provided in the form of a closed-cell foam, it can have a relatively low density. Therefore, the insulation material (1) can have a relatively very low density. For example, the density of the insulation material (1) can be approximately 20 kg / m³ or less.

[0068] Since xenon gas is a gaseous substance, the limitations on the shape of the outer layer (10) in which xenon gas is stored can be relatively reduced. In other words, even if the outer layer (10) has a complex shape, it can be relatively easy to fill the inside with xenon gas and form multiple separation layers (20). Therefore, the insulating material (1) can be applied even to configurations having a complex structure.

[0069] For example, the insulation material (1) can be applied to the dyke of a refrigerator, etc. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an arbitrary separation layer and an arbitrary space according to various embodiments.

[0071] As described above, by dividing the storage space (11) into multiple spaces (11a, 11b, 11c) in at least some of the multiple separation layers (20), the width (Y direction) of each space (11a, 11b, 11c) can be relatively narrowed. In other words, the distance between two separation layers (20) that are adjacent to each other along the first direction (D1) can be relatively narrowed. When the width of each space (11a, 11b, 11c) is narrowed to a level below a certain threshold, natural convection within each space (11a, 11b, 11c) can be prevented and / or reduced (see FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0072] With reference to FIG. 4, the range of widths that each of the multiple spaces (11a, 11b, 11c) partitioned by the multiple separation layers (20) may have is examined in more detail. However, for the convenience of calculation, it is assumed that one arbitrary separation layer (20c) and an arbitrary space (11d) in which xenon gas is stored are arranged along the first direction (D1). Additionally, it is assumed that the width (X direction) along the second direction (D2) of each of the arbitrary separation layer (20c) and the arbitrary space (11d) is provided to be less than or equal to a predetermined value, so that the occurrence of natural convection of xenon gas is determined only by the width (W4) (Y direction) along the first direction (D1) of the arbitrary space (11d). In this case, the arbitrary separation layer (20c) may include a base layer (21c) and a coating layer (22c). Furthermore, the thickness or thermal conductivity of the outer shell material (10) is ignored for the convenience of calculation.

[0073] Generally, the Rayleigh number (Ra) is used to determine whether a particular fluid causes natural convection. It is known that natural convection does not occur when Ra is 1700 or less.

[0074] Rayleigh number Ra of xenon gas stored in an arbitrary space (11d) xe The calculation method is as follows. In this case, the type of gas is assumed to be xenon gas.

[0075] Ra xe = (g * β * △T * L^3) / (ν * α)

[0076] The above g corresponds to the acceleration due to gravity, and its value is 9.81 m / s². The above β corresponds to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the gas, and its value is 1 / 300 K. The above △T corresponds to the temperature difference within an arbitrary space (11d), and its value is assumed to be 10 K to ensure thermal insulation performance. The above L corresponds to the width (Y direction) along the first direction (D1) of the arbitrary space (11d). The above ν corresponds to the kinetic viscosity of xenon, and its value is 2.4 * 10^-5 m² / s. The above α corresponds to the thermal diffusivity of the gas, and its value is 1 / 300 K.

[0077] Rearranging the above equation for L yields the following.

[0078] L = ((Ra xe * ν * α) / (g * β * △T))^(1 / 3)

[0079] Through the above equation, Ra xe L can be calculated based on . For example, Ra xe If α is 1700, then L is 10.4 mm. In other words, if L is 10.4 mm, then Ra xe is 1700. Ra xe Since it is proportional to L^3, when L is greater than 10.4 mm, Ra xe can be greater than 1700. At this time, convection of xenon gas may occur.

[0080] Generally, when a specific fluid undergoes natural convection, the Nusselt number (Nu) is used to calculate the resulting thermal conductivity. Specifically, the thermal conductivity K due to convection co is K co = Nu * K xe It can be obtained through the formula. The above K xe is the thermal conductivity of xenon gas, and its value is 5.6 mW / mk.

[0081] Nu is the Rayleigh number of xenon gas, Ra xe It can be obtained using. For example, Raxe The range of 10^4 ≤ Ra xe When ≤ 10^9, Nu is Nu = 0.59 * Ra xe It can be obtained through the formula ^0.25.

[0082] Table 1 below shows Ra according to L xe , Nu and K co This is a table showing .

[0083] L(mm)Ra xe NuK co (mW / mK)20119186.1634.74230402248.3647.150409534710.3658.430

[0084] Referring to Table 1, when L is greater than 10.4 mm, as L increases, K co It can be seen that it increases significantly.

[0085] If L is equal to or smaller than 10.4 mm, Ra xe can be equal to or less than 1700. In this case, convection of xenon gas may not occur.

[0086] However, even if L is equal to or smaller than 10.4 mm, heat transfer may occur through heat conduction via xenon gas stored in any separation layer (20c) or any space (11d). Additionally, since any separation layer (20c) and any space (11d) are arranged along a first direction (D1), the thermal conductivity along the first direction (D1) and the thermal conductivity along the second direction (D2) may differ from each other.

[0087] The thermal conductivity along the first direction (D1) and the thermal conductivity along the second direction (D2) are examined separately.

[0088] We examine the thermal conductivity according to the first direction (D1).

[0089] When an arbitrary separation layer (20c) and an arbitrary space (11d) are arranged in a first direction (D1) and the width (X direction) according to the second direction (D2) is the same as each other, the thermal conductivity resistance R according to the first direction (D1) D1 is R D1 = R s + R xe It satisfies the equation. In this case, the thermal resistance R can be calculated using the equation R = t / K, where t corresponds to the thickness of the composition and K corresponds to the thermal conductivity of the composition. Also, R s and R xe ≠ the thermal conductivity resistance of the xenon gas in an arbitrary separation layer (20c) and an arbitrary space (11d), respectively. R D1 The equation regarding is as follows.

[0090] t total / K1= t s / K s + L / K xe

[0091] The above t total is the sum of the thickness of an arbitrary separation layer (20c) and the width of an arbitrary space (11d), and K1 is the thermal conductivity according to the first direction (D1) of the arbitrary separation layer (20c) and the xenon gas. s corresponds to the thickness of an arbitrary separation layer (20c), and the above K s corresponds to the thermal conductivity of an arbitrary separation layer (20c). The above L corresponds to the width (Y direction) along the first direction (D1) of an arbitrary space (11d), and the above K xe corresponds to the thermal conductivity of xenon gas. In this case, t total is t s It can be replaced with + L.

[0092] Rearrange the above equation for K1, and t total t s If substituted with + L, it is as follows.

[0093] K1= (t s + L) / ((t s / K s ) + (L / K xe ))

[0094] In the above equation, t s It is assumed that is 0.05mm. Additionally, assuming that the base layer (21c) of an arbitrary separation layer (20c) includes a PET material provided in the form of a closed cell foam, K s is 40 mW / mK. Also, K xe is 5.6 mW / mk. At this time, K1 according to L can be calculated through the above formula.

[0095] Table 2 below shows K1 according to L.

[0096] L(mm)K1(mW / mK)0.56.12815.89125.77155.698105.67410.45.673205.662305.658405.656

[0097] Referring to Table 2, as L decreases, K co It can be seen that it is increasing.

[0098] We examine the thermal conductivity according to the second direction (D1).

[0099] When an arbitrary separation layer (20c) and an arbitrary space (11d) are arranged in a first direction (D1) and the width (X direction) along the second direction (D2) is the same, the thermal conductivity K2 along the second direction (D2) can be calculated using the following formula.

[0100] K2* t total = K s * t s + K xe * L

[0101] The above t total is the sum of the thickness of an arbitrary separation layer (20c) and the width of an arbitrary space (11d), and K2 is the thermal conductivity according to the second direction (D2) of the arbitrary separation layer (20c) and the xenon gas. t scorresponds to the thickness of an arbitrary separation layer (20c), and the above K s corresponds to the thermal conductivity of an arbitrary separation layer (20c). The above L corresponds to the width (Y direction) along the first direction (D1) of an arbitrary space (11d), and the above K xe corresponds to the thermal conductivity of xenon gas. In this case, t total is t s It can be replaced with + L.

[0102] Rearrange the above equation for K2, and t total t s If substituted with + L, it is as follows.

[0103] K2= (K s * t s + K xe * L) / (t s + L)

[0104] In the above equation, t s It is assumed that is 0.05mm. Additionally, assuming that the base layer (21c) of an arbitrary separation layer (20c) includes a PET material provided in the form of a closed cell foam, K s is 40 mW / mK. Also, K xe is 5.6 mW / mk. At this time, K2 according to L can be calculated using the above formula.

[0105] Table 3 below shows K2 according to L.

[0106] L(mm)K2(mW / mK)0.58.77317.28626.48855.990105.82110.45.814205.736305.707405.693

[0107] Above, we have examined cases where heat is transferred by natural convection of xenon gas stored in an arbitrary space (11d), and cases where heat is transferred by heat conduction through an arbitrary separation layer (20c) or xenon gas. The total thermal conductivity K according to the first direction (D1) due to natural convection and heat conduction D1 and total thermal conductivity K according to the second direction (D2)D2 Each must be derived by assuming both of the two cases mentioned above. For example, K D1 Eun K D1 = K1 + K co It can be obtained through the formula, and K D2 Eun K D2 = K2 + K co It can be obtained through the formula.

[0108] Table 4 below shows K according to L D1 This is a table showing .

[0109] L(mm)K1(mW / mK)K co (mW / mK)K D1 (mW / mK)0.56.12806.12815.89105.89125.77105.77155.69805.698105.67405.6741 0.45.67305.673205.66234.74240.404305.65847.15052.808405.65658.43064.086

[0110] Table 5 below shows K according to L D2 This is a table showing .

[0111] L(mm)K2(mW / mK)K co (mW / mK)K D2 (mW / mK)0.58.77308.77317.28607.28626.48806.48855.99005.990105.82105.8211 0.45.81405.814205.73634.74240.478305.70747.15052.857405.69358.43064.123

[0112] According to Table 4 above, it can be seen that K1 decreases as L increases. However, when L exceeds 10.4 mm, K co It can be seen that the value increases significantly. That is, when L is 10.4mm, K D1 This can have a minimum value, and that value is 5.673 mW / mK.

[0113] According to Table 5 above, it can be seen that K2 decreases as L increases. However, when L exceeds 10.4 mm, K co It can be seen that the value increases significantly. That is, when L is 10.4mm, K D2 This can have a minimum value, and that value is 5.814 mW / mK.

[0114] Therefore, to prevent and / or reduce natural convection, L can be provided to be 10.4 mm or less.

[0115] According to Table 4 above, when L is 1 mm or more and 10.4 mm or less, the total thermal conductivity K according to the first direction (D1) D1 can be less than 6 mW / mK. In addition, according to Table 5 above, when L is 5 mm or more and 10.4 mm or less, the total thermal conductivity K according to the first direction (D1) D1 It can be less than 6 mW / mK. This is a significantly low figure compared to conventional polyurethane foam insulation, which has a thermal conductivity of 18 mW / mK to 20 mW / mK.

[0116] Therefore, L can be 5mm or more and 10.4mm or less. In particular, when L is 10.4mm, K D1 and K D2 Each can be the smallest.

[0117] Even if an arbitrary separation layer (20c) and an arbitrary space (11d) are each provided in multiple numbers and arranged in a first direction (D1) or a second direction (D2), the total thermal conductivity value can be maintained the same.

[0118] Below, with reference to FIGS. 1, FIG. 3 and FIG. 3, we will examine the width of each of the multiple spaces (11a, 11b, 11c) again.

[0119] The width (W1, W2, W3) of each of the plurality of spaces (11a, 11b, 11c) according to the first direction (D1) may be 10.4 mm or less. Preferably, the width of each of the plurality of spaces (11a, 11b, 11c) according to the first direction (D1) may be 5 mm or more and 10.4 mm or less. In addition, as seen above, the optimal value of the width (W1, W2, W3) of each of the plurality of spaces (11a, 11b, 11c) may be 10.4 mm.

[0120] In other words, the distance between two adjacent separation layers (20) among the plurality of separation layers (20) along the first direction (D1) may be 10.4 mm or less. For example, the distance between two adjacent separation layers (20) among the plurality of separation layers (20) along the first direction (D1) may be 5 mm or more and 10.4 mm or less. The optimal value of the distance between two adjacent separation layers (20) among the plurality of separation layers (20) along the first direction (D1) may be 10.4 mm.

[0121] Accordingly, the plurality of separation layers (20) can be arranged spaced apart by 10.4 mm from each other so that the width of as many of the plurality of spaces (11a, 11b, 11c) as possible is 10.4 mm. For example, when the total width of the storage space (11) is 30 mm, the width (W1) of the first space (11a) and the width (W2) of the second space (11b) can each have a width of 10.4 mm, and the width (W3) of the third space (11c) can have a width of 9.2 mm. At this time, the thickness of each of the plurality of separation layers (20) is ignored.

[0122] However, the widths (W1, W2, W3) of each of the multiple spaces (11a, 11b, 11c) may have the same width as each other. Below, with reference to FIG. 5, the above-described embodiment will be examined in more detail.

[0123] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an insulating material according to various embodiments.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 5, an insulating material (2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In describing the insulating material (2), the same reference numerals are assigned to components substantially identical to those shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and detailed descriptions may not be repeated.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 5, the insulation material (2) may include an outer covering material (10). A storage space (11) may be formed inside the outer covering material (10).

[0126] A plurality of separation layers (20) can partition the storage space (11) in one direction. For example, each of the first separation layer (20a) and the second separation layer (20b) can partition the storage space (11) in a first direction (D1) that is the same as the width direction (Y direction) of the outer shell material (10). Accordingly, the storage space (11) can be partitioned into a first space (11a'), a second space (11b'), and a third space (11c') arranged sequentially along the first direction (D1).

[0127] Each of the multiple spaces (11a', 11b', 11c') may have the same width (Y direction) (W1', W2', W3'). That is, regardless of the total width of the storage space (11), the width (W1') of the first space (11a'), the width (W2') of the second space (11b'), and the width (W3') of the third space (11c') may be the same. Even in this case, the width (W1', W2', W3') of each of the multiple spaces (11a', 11b', 11c') may be 5mm or more and 10.4mm or less. For example, when the total width of the storage space (11) is 30 mm, the width (W1) of the first space (11a), the width (W2) of the second space (11b), and the width (W3) of the third space (11c) may each have a width of 10 mm.

[0128] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an insulating material according to various embodiments.

[0129] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, an insulating material (3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In describing the insulating material (3), the same reference numerals are assigned to components substantially identical to those shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and detailed descriptions may not be repeated.

[0130] The insulation material (3) may include a plurality of separation layers (20'). Each of the plurality of separation layers (20') may be provided inside the outer covering material (10).

[0131] A plurality of separation layers (20') can partition the storage space (11) in one direction. For example, a plurality of separation layers (20') can partition the storage space (11) in a second direction (D2) that is the same as the length direction (X direction) of the outer shell material (10).

[0132] Each of the plurality of separation layers (20') may extend in a direction intersecting one direction to partition the storage space (11) in one direction. For example, each of the plurality of separation layers (20') may extend in a first direction (Y direction) (D1) intersecting the second direction (D2) to partition the storage space (11) in the second direction (D2).

[0133] A plurality of separation layers (20') may be arranged spaced apart from each other in one direction to partition the storage space (11) in one direction. For example, the plurality of separation layers (20') may be arranged spaced apart from each other in a first direction (D2) to partition the storage space (11) into a plurality of spaces arranged sequentially along a second direction (D2).

[0134] One direction in which the plurality of separation layers (20') are arranged may be the same as the direction in which heat is transferred within the insulation material (1). For example, the second direction (D2) in which the plurality of separation layers (20') are arranged may be the same as the direction in which heat is transferred within the insulation material (3). Through this configuration, the amount of heat transferred along one direction within the insulation material (3) can be reduced.

[0135] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an insulating material according to various embodiments.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 7, an insulating material (4) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In describing the insulating material (4), the same reference numerals are assigned to components substantially identical to those shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and detailed descriptions may not be repeated.

[0137] The insulation material (4) may include a plurality of separation layers (20''). Each of the plurality of separation layers (20'') may be provided inside the outer covering material (10).

[0138] Some of the multiple separation layers (20'') may partition the storage space (11) in one direction. For example, each of the first separation layer (20a) and the second separation layer (20b) may partition the storage space (11) in a first direction (D1) that is the same as the width direction (Y direction) of the outer shell material (10). Accordingly, the storage space (11) may be partitioned into multiple spaces arranged sequentially along the first direction (D1).

[0139] Some of the other parts of the plurality of separation layers (20'') may partition the storage space (11) in a direction intersecting one direction. For example, the third separation layer (20d) may partition the storage space (11) in a second direction (D2) that is the same as the length direction (X direction) of the outer shell material (10). For example, the third separation layer (20d) may partition each of the plurality of spaces partitioned by the first separation layer (20a) and the second separation layer (20b) in a second direction (D2) that intersects the first direction (D1).

[0140] Some of the plurality of separation layers (20'') may extend in a direction intersecting one direction to partition the storage space (11) in one direction. For example, each of the first separation layer (20a) and the second separation layer (20b) may extend in a second direction (D2) intersecting the first direction (D1) to partition the storage space (11) in the first direction (D1).

[0141] Other parts of the plurality of separation layers (20'') may be extended in one direction to partition the storage space (11) in a direction intersecting one direction. For example, the third separation layer (20d) may be extended in the first direction (D1) to partition the storage space (11) in the second direction (D2) intersecting the first direction (D1).

[0142] Some of the multiple separation layers (20'') may be spaced apart from each other in one direction to partition the storage space (11) in one direction. For example, the first separation layer (20a) and the second separation layer (20b) may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (D1) to partition the storage space (11) into multiple spaces arranged sequentially along the first direction (D1).

[0143] Other parts of the plurality of separation layers (20'') may be spaced apart from each other in a direction intersecting one direction in order to partition the storage space (11) in a direction intersecting one direction. For example, the third separation layer (20d) may be provided in multiple numbers, and the plurality of third separation layers (20d) may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (D2) so that the storage space (11) can be partitioned into multiple spaces arranged sequentially along the second direction (D2).

[0144] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage space (11) may be partitioned in one direction by a plurality of separation layers (20'') and simultaneously partitioned in a direction intersecting the one direction. For example, the storage space (11) may be partitioned in a first direction (D1) by a first separation layer (20a) and a second separation layer (20b) and simultaneously partitioned in a second direction (D2) by a plurality of third separation layers (20d). That is, the storage space (11) may be partitioned into a plurality of spaces forming a grid pattern. Through this configuration, the amount of heat transmitted along the width direction of the outer layer (10) and the amount of heat transmitted along the length direction of the outer layer (10) within the insulation material (4) can both be reduced.

[0145] Each of the first separation layer (20a), the second separation layer (20b), and the third separation layer (20d) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, there is no particular limitation on the number of separation layers (20'') arranged in the first direction (D1) or separation layers (20'') arranged in the second direction (D2). Additionally, an embodiment in which one separation layer (20'') arranged in the first direction (D1) and one separation layer (20'') arranged in the second direction (D2) are provided is also possible.

[0146] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a refrigerator according to various embodiments. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the die and surrounding configuration of a refrigerator according to various embodiments.

[0147] In the above, we have examined an insulating material (1, 2, 3, 4) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Below, we will examine an example in which the configuration of the insulating material (1, 2, 3, 4) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to a refrigerator (100). In describing the refrigerator (100), the same reference numerals are assigned to configurations that are substantially identical to those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, and detailed descriptions may not be repeated.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the refrigerator (100) may include a main body (110), a storage room (121, 122) provided inside the main body (110), a door (130) for opening and closing the storage room (121, 122), and a cooling system for supplying cold air to the storage room (121, 122).

[0149] The main body (110) may include an inner body (111) forming a storage room (121, 122) and an outer body (112) forming the outer body of the refrigerator (100). The inner body (111) may be provided on the inner side of the outer body (112). A storage room (121, 122) may be provided inside the inner body (111).

[0150] The main body (110) may include a main body insulation material provided between the inner body (111) and the outer body (112). The main body insulation material may be provided so that the inner body (111) and the outer body (112) are insulated from each other. The main body insulation material may prevent and / or reduce heat exchange between the inside of the storage room (121, 122) and the outside of the main body (110), thereby improving the cooling efficiency inside the storage room (121, 122).

[0151] Urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation, vacuum insulation panels, etc. may be used as the main body insulation. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the main body insulation may be composed of various materials. For example, a part of the main body insulation may be formed from an insulation material (1, 2, 3, 4) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] A storage room (121, 122) may be formed on the inside of the main body (110). The storage room (121, 122) may include a refrigerator room maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius for refrigerated storage of food, and a freezer room maintained at approximately minus 30 to 0 degrees Celsius for frozen storage of food.

[0153] In the storage room (121, 122), a shelf (118) on which food can be placed, a drawer (119) for storing food inside, etc. may be provided.

[0154] The refrigerator (100) may include a cooling system configured to generate cold air using a cooling cycle and supply the generated cold air to storage chambers (121, 122). The cooling system may generate cold air using a cooling circulation cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant. As an example, the cooling system may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a blower fan.

[0155] The door (130) may be rotatably provided with respect to the main body (110). With this configuration, the door (130) can open and close the storage room (121, 122).

[0156] The outer surface (130a) of the door (130) may form part of the exterior of the refrigerator (100). In a position where the storage compartment (121, 122) is closed by the door (130), the outer surface (130a) of the door (130) may form the front of the door (130).

[0157] In a position where the storage room (121, 122) is closed by the door (130), the back side (130b) of the door (130) may be provided to cover the front of the storage room (121, 122). A door basket (132) for storing food may be provided on the back side (130b) of the door (130).

[0158] A foam space is formed between the outer surface (130a) of the door (130) and the back surface (130b) of the door (130), so that the door insulation material (131) can be foamed. The door insulation material (131) can prevent and / or reduce heat exchange between the outer surface (130a) and the back surface (130b) of the door (130), thereby improving the thermal insulation performance between the inside of the storage room (121, 122) and the outside of the door (130).

[0159] Urethane foam insulation, EPS insulation, vacuum insulation, etc., may be used as the door insulation material (131). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the door insulation material (131) may be composed of various materials. For example, a part of the door insulation material (131) may be formed from an insulation material (1, 2, 3, 4) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0160] The refrigerator (100) may include a dike (200) provided to support a door basket (132). The dike (200) may be provided along the edge (130c) of the back surface (130b) of the door (130). At least a portion of the dike (200) may protrude rearward from the back surface (130b) of the door (130).

[0161] The dike (200) may include a base portion (250). The base portion (250) may be in contact with the back surface (130b) of the door (130). The base portion (250) may extend in a direction parallel to the back surface (130b) of the door (130). Specifically, one end (250a) of the base portion (250) may be formed adjacent to the edge (130c) of the back surface (130b) of the door (130), and the other end (250b) of the base portion (250) may be located relatively far from the edge (130c) of the back surface (130b) of the door (130) compared to the one end (250a).

[0162] The dike (200) may include a protrusion (260). The protrusion (260) may protrude from the other end (250b) of the base portion (250). The protrusion (260) may protrude from the back surface (130b) of the door (130).

[0163] The refrigerator (100) may include a magnetic body (not shown) arranged along the edge of the storage compartment (121, 122), and the dike (200) may include a magnetic body insertion groove (251) formed in the base portion (250). When the storage compartment (121, 122) is closed by the door (130), the magnetic body insertion groove (251) may be provided at a position corresponding to the magnetic body (not shown). Through this configuration, when the door (130) is closed, the magnetic body (not shown) can be inserted into the magnetic body insertion groove (251), and the storage compartment (121, 122) can be completely sealed.

[0164] As described above, the dike (200) may be configured to be formed along the edge (130c) of the back side (130b) of the door (130). Thus, in a position where the storage room (121, 122) is closed by the door (130), one part of the dike (200) may be exposed to the outside of the storage room (121, 122), and another part of the dike (200) may be exposed to the storage room (121, 122).

[0165] For example, one end (250a) of the base portion (250) may be exposed to the outside of the storage room (121, 122), and the other end (250b) and the protrusion (260) of the base portion (250) may be exposed to the storage room (121, 122). In this case, heat may be transferred from the outside of the storage room (121, 122) to the storage room (121, 122) through a path (Q) that sequentially passes through the one end (250a) of the base portion (250), the other end (250b) of the base portion (250), and the protrusion (260). This may reduce the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator (100).

[0166] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the dike (200) may have a low thermal conductivity. Accordingly, the amount of heat transferred from the outside of the storage chamber (121, 122) to the inside of the storage chamber (121, 122) through the dike (200) may be reduced. Below, we will examine in more detail the configuration for implementing the low thermal conductivity of the dike (200).

[0167] The dike (200) may include an outer shell material (210). A storage space (210a) may be formed inside the outer shell material (210).

[0168] Gas can be stored inside the outer shell material (210). In other words, gas can be stored in the storage space (210a) of the outer shell material (210).

[0169] For example, the gas stored in the storage space (210a) of the outer shell material (210) may include a gas containing a material with relatively low thermal conductivity. For example, the gas stored in the storage space (210a) may include xenon gas.

[0170] The dike (200) may include a plurality of separation layers (220). Each of the plurality of separation layers (220) may be provided inside the outer shell material (210). The plurality of separation layers (220) may divide the storage space (210a) into a plurality of spaces. At this time, there is no particular limitation on the number of the plurality of separation layers (20).

[0171] A plurality of separation layers (220) may be arranged along a path (Q) through which heat is transferred from outside the storage room (121, 122) toward the storage room (121, 122). In other words, a plurality of spaces partitioned by the plurality of separation layers (220) may be arranged along a path through which heat is transferred via the dike (200).

[0172] For example, heat can be transferred from one end (250a) of the base portion (250) to the other end (250b) of the base portion (250), and then transferred from the other end (250b) of the base portion (250) to the protrusion (260). A plurality of separation layers (220) may include a plurality of fourth separation layers (220a) arranged along a third direction (D3) in which the base portion (250) extends, and a plurality of fifth separation layers (220b) arranged along a fourth direction (D4) that intersects the third direction (D3) as a fourth direction (D4) in which the protrusion (260) protrudes. Due to this configuration, the amount of heat transferred through the dike (200) can be reduced.

[0173] A plurality of fourth separation layers (220a) can partition the storage space (210a) in a third direction (D3). A plurality of fifth separation layers (220b) can partition the storage space (210a) in a fourth direction (D4).

[0174] A plurality of fourth separation layers (220a) may extend into a fourth direction (D4) intersecting the third direction (D3) to partition the storage space (210a) into a third direction (D3). A plurality of fifth separation layers (220b) may extend into a third direction (D3) intersecting the fourth direction (D4) to partition the storage space (210a) into a fourth direction (D4).

[0175] A plurality of fourth separation layers (220a) may be spaced apart from each other in the third direction (D3) to divide the storage space (210a) into a plurality of spaces arranged sequentially along the third direction (D3). A plurality of fifth separation layers (220b) may be spaced apart from each other in the fourth direction (D4) to divide the storage space (210a) into a plurality of spaces arranged sequentially along the fourth direction (D4). Additionally, each of the plurality of fourth separation layers (220a) may be spaced apart from each of the plurality of fifth separation layers (220b).

[0176] The distance between two adjacent fourth separation layers (220a) among the plurality of fourth separation layers (220a) along the third direction (D3) may be 10.4 mm or less. The distance between two adjacent fourth separation layers (220a) among the plurality of fourth separation layers (220a) along the third direction (D3) may be 5 mm or more and 10.4 mm or less. The value of the distance between two adjacent fourth separation layers (220a) among the plurality of fourth separation layers (220a) along the third direction (D3) may be 10.4 mm.

[0177] The distance between two adjacent fifth separation layers (220b) among the plurality of fifth separation layers (220b) along the fourth direction (D4) may be 10.4 mm or less. The distance between two adjacent fourth separation layers (220a) among the plurality of fifth separation layers (220b) along the fourth direction (D4) may be 5 mm or more and 10.4 mm or less. The value of the distance between two adjacent fifth separation layers (220b) among the plurality of fifth separation layers (220b) along the fourth direction (D4) may be 10.4 mm.

[0178] Each of the plurality of separation layers (220) may include a base layer (221) and a coating layer (222) formed by coating aluminum on the base layer (221).

[0179] The base layer (221) may include a material that prevents gaseous substances from passing through. For example, the base layer (221) may include a material provided in the form of a closed-cell foam.

[0180] The coating layer (222) may be provided to prevent and / or reduce heat transfer by thermal radiation. For example, the coating layer (222) may be provided to prevent heat from being transferred in the form of electromagnetic waves in a high-temperature region.

[0181] A coating layer (222) may be provided on one side of a base layer (221). For example, the base layer (221) may include a third side (221a) and a fourth side (221b) opposite to the third side (221a), the fourth side (221b) being located further away from the third side (221a) with respect to the heat transfer path (Q), and the coating layer (222) may be provided on the third side (221a).

[0182] However, the coating layer (222) is not required to be provided only on the third surface (221a) of the base layer (221). For example, the coating layer (222) may be provided on both surfaces (221a, 221b) of the base layer (221).

[0183] The coating layer (222) can cover most of one side of the base layer (221). For example, the area of ​​the coating layer (222) can be more than 90% of the area of ​​the base layer (221).

[0184] The edge of the coating layer (222) may be spaced apart from the outer skin material (210). That is, the coating layer (222) may not come into contact with the inner surface of the outer skin material (210).

[0185] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, an insulating material (1, 2, 3, 4) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure was examined, and with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an embodiment in which the configuration of the insulating material (1, 2, 3, 4) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to the dike (200) of a refrigerator (100) was examined. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As described above, since the insulating material (1, 2, 3, 4) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to configurations having complex structures, it is expected that the insulating material (1, 2, 3, 4) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to any part requiring insulation, regardless of its shape or size.

[0186] An insulating material (1, 2, 3, 4) according to one embodiment includes an outer layer (10) configured to define a storage space (11) and store gas inside, a first separating layer (20a) configured inside the outer layer (10) to partition the storage space (11) in one direction (D1), and a second separating layer (20b) configured inside the outer layer (10) and spaced apart from the first separating layer (20a) in the one direction (D1) to partition the storage space (11) into a plurality of spaces (11a, 11b, 11c) together with the first separating layer (20a).

[0187] The gas stored in the storage space (11) may include xenon gas.

[0188] The width (W1, W2, W3) of each of the plurality of spaces (11a, 11b, 11c) according to the above one direction (D1) may be 10.4 mm or less.

[0189] The width (W1, W2, W3) of each of the plurality of spaces (11a, 11b, 11c) according to the above one direction (D1) may be 5mm or more.

[0190] Each of the first separation layer (20a) and the second separation layer (20b) may include a base layer (21) and a coating layer (22) comprising aluminum disposed on the base layer (21).

[0191] The above base layer (21) may include a material including closed-cell foam.

[0192] The base layer (21) may include PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) material.

[0193] The edge of the coating layer (22) can be spaced apart from the outer layer (10).

[0194] The area of ​​the coating layer (22) may be 90% or more of the area of ​​the base layer (21).

[0195] The above one direction (D1) is a first direction (D1), and the insulation material (4) may further include a third separation layer (20d) provided inside the outer shell material (10) to divide each of the plurality of spaces into a second direction (D2) that intersects the first direction (D1).

[0196] Insulating material (1, 2, 3, 4) according to one embodiment includes an outer shell material (10) configured to define a storage space (11) and store gas inside, and a plurality of separation layers (20) arranged in one direction (D1) to partition the storage space (11) inside the outer shell material (10), and the distance between two separation layers (20) arranged adjacent to each other along the one direction (D1) is 10.4 mm or less.

[0197] The gas stored in the storage space (11) may include xenon gas.

[0198] The distance between two separation layers (20) that are adjacent to each other among the plurality of separation layers (20) can be 5 mm or more along the one direction (D1).

[0199] Each of the above plurality of separation layers (20) may include a base layer (21) and a coating layer (22) formed by coating aluminum on the base layer (21).

[0200] The above base layer (21) may include a material provided in the form of a closed-cell foam.

[0201] A refrigerator (100) according to one embodiment comprises a main body having a storage chamber (121, 122) provided inside, a door (130) provided to open and close the storage chamber (121, 122), a door basket (132) provided on the back surface (130b) of the door (130), and a dike (200) provided along the edge (130c) of the back surface (130b) of the door (130) and provided to support the door basket (132). The dike (200) comprises an outer shell material (210) provided to store gas inside and form a storage space (210a), and a plurality of members provided inside the outer shell material (210) and spaced apart from each other along a path (Q) through which heat is transferred from the outside of the storage chamber (121, 122) toward the storage chamber (121, 122) to partition the storage space (210a). It includes a separation layer (220).

[0202] The above dike (200) is a base portion (250) that is in contact with the back surface (130b) of the door (130) and extends in a direction parallel to the back surface (130b) of the door (130), and has a base portion (250) having a first end (250a) and a second end (250b) located relatively far from the edge (130c) of the back surface (130b) of the door (130) compared to the first end (250a), and a protrusion (260) protruding from the second end (250b) of the base portion (250), and the plurality of separation layers (220) may further include a plurality of first separation layers (220a) arranged along the direction (D3) in which the base portion (250) extends, and a plurality of second separation layers (220b) arranged along the direction (D4) in which the protrusion (260) protrudes.

[0203] The distance between two first separation layers (220a) arranged adjacently among the plurality of first separation layers (220a) and the distance between two second separation layers (220b) arranged adjacently among the plurality of second separation layers (220b) and the distance between two second separation layers (220b) arranged adjacently among the plurality of second separation layers (220b) and the distance between them along the direction (D4) in which the protrusion (260) protrudes may each be 5mm or more and 10.4mm or less.

[0204] Each of the above plurality of separation layers (220) may include a base layer (221) and a coating layer (222) formed by coating aluminum on the base layer (221).

[0205] The above base layer (221) may include a material provided in the form of a closed-cell foam.

[0206] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating material comprises an outer layer, gas stored inside the outer layer, and a plurality of separation layers provided inside the outer layer. That is, since most of the storage space inside the outer layer consists only of gas, the limitations on the shape of the insulating material can be relatively reduced. Accordingly, the insulating material can be applied even to configurations having complex structures.

[0207] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating material may include xenon gas stored inside the outer layer. Xenon gas corresponds to an inert gas and has a relatively very low thermal conductivity. Accordingly, the insulating material may have a relatively very low thermal conductivity.

[0208] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of separation layers provided within the outer shell material may be included. The plurality of separation layers may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval along the direction of heat transfer. Through this configuration, the occurrence of natural convection within the outer shell material can be prevented and / or reduced, and heat transfer by natural convection can be prevented and / or reduced.

[0209] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the dike may include an outer shell material in which gas is stored, and a plurality of separation layers arranged spaced apart from each other along a path through which heat is transferred from the outside of the storage chamber toward the storage chamber. Accordingly, the amount of heat transferred from the outside of the storage chamber to the inside of the storage chamber through the dike may be reduced.

[0210] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the technical essence of the disclosure, including the following claims. Furthermore, it will be understood that the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with other embodiment(s) described herein.

Claims

1. An outer shell material that defines a storage space and is provided to store gas inside; A first separation layer provided inside the outer shell material to partition the storage space in one direction; and An insulating material comprising a second separation layer spaced apart from the first separation layer in one direction to partition the storage space into a plurality of spaces together with the first separation layer, provided inside the outer shell material.

2. In Paragraph 1, The gas stored in the above storage space is an insulating material containing xenon gas.

3. In Paragraph 2, Insulating material in which the width of each of the plurality of spaces along the above-mentioned one direction is 10.4 mm or less.

4. In Paragraph 2, Insulating material in which the width of each of the plurality of spaces along the above one direction is 5mm or more.

5. In Paragraph 1, Each of the above first separation layer and the above second separation layer is, base layer; and Insulating material comprising a coating layer including aluminum disposed on the above base layer.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above base layer is an insulating material comprising a material including closed-cell foam.

7. In Paragraph 5, The above base layer is an insulating material comprising PET (Polyethylene terephthalate).

8. In Paragraph 5, The edge of the above coating layer is an insulating material spaced apart from the above outer layer.

9. In Paragraph 5, An insulating material in which the area of ​​the coating layer is 90% or more of the area of ​​the base layer.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above one direction is the first direction, and An insulating material further comprising a third separation layer provided inside the outer shell material to partition each of the plurality of spaces in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

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