Patent Description:
Glass may be used for the door of a home appliance. For example, the glass may be used for the door of a refrigerator. If the glass is applied to the door of the refrigerator, a user has an advantage in that the user may easily see foods stored in the refrigerator through transparent glass without opening the door.

However, since the glass represents a low insulating rate due to the intrinsic characteristic of the glass, heat can be easily transferred to chilly air stored in the refrigerator from the outside through the glass. In particular, when the glass constitutes a glazing in a single layer, the low insulating rate may be a more serious problem.

To compensate for the low insulating rate, the glass may constitute a double glazing or a vacuum glazing including at least two glazings. The double glazing may be formed by injecting specific gas, which has a low heat transfer coefficient, between the two glazings.

In addition, the vacuum glazing may be formed by making, in the vacuum state, the space between the two glazings. The vacuum glazing is more advantages than the double glazing in terms of capability to block heat from being transferred to an inside or an outside of glass.

Regarding the vacuum glazing, there are introduced following related arts.

The related art has the following problems.

First, as high thickness of an adhesive (glass frit) for bonding the two glazings to each other is formed (to about <NUM> or more) to improve the adhesive force between two glazings, heat is transferred through the bonding part, thereby forming dew. In addition, an additional heater is required to prevent the dew from being produced.

Second, as a thick vacuum layer is formed due to the thick adhesive, the height of a spacer to support the two glazings between the two glazings is increased. Accordingly, the spacer may fall down or may not be stably installed in the manufacturing process of the vacuum glazing.

In addition, when the diameter of the spacer is increased to resolve the above problem, the insulating performance of the vacuum glazing may be deteriorated.

<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> <CIT> and <CIT> disclose sealing structures for vacuum glazing.

The present invention provides a vacuum glazing, as claimed in claim <NUM>, capable of improving insulating performance. In particular, the present invention provides a vacuum glazing capable of improving thermal insulating performance in an edge portion of a glazing.

In addition, the present invention provides a vacuum glazing capable of improving the bonding property and strength of a glazing by applying a metallic frame to a part (the bonding part) at which two glazings are bonded to each other.

Further, the present invention provides a vacuum glazing capable of lowering heat transfer at the bonding part by using a metallic frame having a lower heat transfer coefficient. In addition, the present invention provides a vacuum glazing, capable of reducing a heat transfer coefficient by applying an optimal shape of the frame and thus increasing the length of a heat transfer path.

Further, the present invention provides a vacuum glazing in which a metallic frame having a low corrosion property is used. Thus, even if dew is produced at the bonding part, the metallic frame can be prevented from being corroded.

The present invention provides a vacuum glazing simply manufactured by assembling a glazing with a frame having an adhesive. Further, the present invention provides a vacuum glazing which a frame having an adhesive integrated thereto is applied as separate component.

According to the present invention, a vacuum glazing includes a vacuum layer formed between a first glazing and a second glazing, a spacer provided in the vacuum layer, a frame provided at edge portions of the first and second glazings, and a sealant interposed between the frame and surfaces of the first and second glazings to perform sealing of the vacuum layer. Accordingly, the insulating performance of the vacuum glazing may be improved.

The frame may include a metallic member, especially, a stainless material. Accordingly, the strength of the vacuum glazing may be improved, and the bonding property of the glazing may be improved.

The frame may be coupled to lateral side surfaces of the first and second glazings and may have a bent shape. Accordingly, the close contact property of the first and second glazings may be improved.

The frame may further include a third part coupling a first part to a second part and having a bent or a rounded shape. Accordingly, the frame may apply elasticity to the first and second glazings.

The first and second parts may be coupled to top and bottom surfaces of the first and second glazings, and the third part may be provided on lateral side surfaces of the first and second glazings. Accordingly, the bonding property between the first and second glazings may be improved.

The vacuum layer includes a frame vacuum layer interposed between the lateral side surfaces of the first and second glazings and an inner surface of the third part.

Since the sealant is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the frame and the outer surfaces of the first and second glazings, the sealing effect of the vacuum glazing may be improved.

Since the sealant is provided between the frame and the top surface of the first glazing and between the frame and the bottom surface of the second glazing, the sealing effect of the vacuum glazing may be improved.

The first and second glazings may have a rectangular shape and the frame may include four frame parts corresponding to edge portions of the first and second glazings. Accordingly, the first and second glazings may be stably coupled to the frame.

Since the vertical width of the insulating layer is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>, and the thickness of the frame is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>, the insulating performance may be improved and the stiffness of the frame may be maintained.

Since each of parts of the first and second glazings, which are coupled to the frame, has a lateral-width (w) in a range of <NUM>-<NUM>, the sealant may be stably formed.

According to another aspect, not being part of the claimed invention, a method of manufacturing a vacuum glazing includes: installing a spacer on a top surface of a first glazing, covering a second glazing on the spacer, manufacturing a glazing assembly by coupling a frame including a metallic material to edge portions of the first glazing and the second glazing, sealing a space enclosed by the first glazing, the second glazing and the frame by heating the glazing assembly, forming a vacuum layer in the space by pumping air out through an exhaust hole in the second glazing, and filling the exhaust hole with an exhaust finishing material.

As described above, according to the present invention, the frame and the adhesive may be assembled between the two glazings. Accordingly, the insulating performance of the vacuum glazing may be improved. In particular, the vacuum performance at the bonding part (the end portion) of the vacuum glazing, with which the frame is assembled, may be improved.

In addition, the frame may include the metallic material, so the bonding property of the glazing is improved. Accordingly, the strength in the bonding part may be improved.

In addition, the frame may include a stainless material having a lower heat transfer coefficient and a lower corrosion property. Accordingly, the vacuum glazing may be configured to represent the lower heat transfer at the bonding part and to represent a stronger property against moisture.

In addition, the frame is configured to surround the edge portions of the two glazings, so the length of the heat transfer path is increased through the frame. Accordingly, the heat transfer coefficient may be lowered at the bonding part.

In addition, the frame includes a plurality of parts which are bent or curved. Accordingly, the close contact property between two glazings may be improved.

Further, since the glazing may be assembled with the frame having the adhesive integrated thereto, the manufacturing method may be simplified and the frame may be mass produced.

Hereinafter, the detailed embodiment of the present invention will be described. Those skilled in the art understanding the present invention may easily suggest other embodiments equivalent to the present invention.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a vacuum glazing according to a first embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the vacuum glazing according to the first embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line I-I' of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line II-II' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a vacuum glazing <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be used for a refrigerator door. A vacuum glazing <NUM> according to the second to fourth embodiment to be described below may be used for the refrigerator door.

The vacuum glazing <NUM> includes a plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and a frame <NUM> which is coupled to edge portions of the plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> to seal the space between the plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> such that the space between the plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> is maintained in a vacuum state.

The plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> include a first glazing <NUM> and a second glazing <NUM> provided at one side of the first glazing <NUM>. Although the direction that the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged may be varied depending on a viewing direction, the second glazing <NUM> is provided above the first glazing <NUM> based on a drawing.

For example, when the vacuum glazing <NUM> is used for the refrigerator door, the second glazing <NUM> may be formed on the rear surface of the refrigerator door and the first glazing <NUM> may be formed on the front surface of the refrigerator.

The first glazing <NUM> and the second glazing <NUM> may be provided in the shape of a thin plate. For example, the thickness of the first glazing <NUM> or second glazing <NUM> may be formed in the range of <NUM>- <NUM>.

In addition, the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> may have, for example, a rectangular shape. In addition, the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided to have the same size or the same shape.

The frame <NUM> may seal the edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. In detail, the frame <NUM> includes a plurality of frame parts arranged along the edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the plurality of frame parts include four frame parts.

The four frame parts include a first frame part coupled to first edge portions of the first and second plate glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, a second frame part coupled to second edge portions of the first and second plate glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, a third frame part coupled to third edge portions of the first and second plate glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, and a fourth frame part coupled to fourth edge portions of the first and second plate glazings <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first to fourth frame parts may have the same configuration and the same shape. The frame <NUM> may have the rectangular shape having an open inner portion depending on the arrangement of the first to fourth frame parts. In addition, coupling surfaces <NUM> may be formed on opposite side portions of each of the first frame part to the fourth frame part. The coupling surface <NUM> may be configured to extend while being inclined with respect to four edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> includes a metallic member. For example, the metallic material may include a stainless material having a lower heat transfer coefficient. The stainless material has a characteristic representing excellent adhesion to a sealant <NUM> to be described.

As the frame <NUM> is formed of metal, the bonding property between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and the frame <NUM> may be improved, and the strength may be improved between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, and the frame <NUM>.

The first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction. A vacuum layer <NUM> may be formed in a space between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. In other words, the vacuum layer <NUM> may be formed between the top surface of the first glazing <NUM> and the bottom surface of the second glazing <NUM>. The vertical width of the vacuum layer <NUM> may be formed in the range of about <NUM>-<NUM>, and the vacuum pressure of the vacuum layer <NUM> may be <NUM>-<NUM> Torr or less.

A spacer <NUM> may be interposed between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> to support the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> may be provided in the vacuum layer <NUM> and may have, for example, the substantially cylinder shape. The lower portion of the spacer <NUM> may be supported to the top surface of the first glazing <NUM>, and the upper portion of the spacer <NUM> may support the bottom surface of the second glazing <NUM>.

The spacer <NUM> may include a plurality of spacers <NUM>. The diameter of the spacer <NUM> may be about <NUM>, and the distance between the plurality of spacers <NUM> may be about <NUM>.

An exhaust finishing member <NUM> is provided in the second glazing <NUM>. Those skilled in the art understands that the exhaust finishing member <NUM> seals an exhaust hole <NUM> (see <FIG>) formed in the second glazing <NUM>.

The exhaust hole <NUM> is configured to exhaust gas present between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, such that the vacuum layer is formed between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. The exhaust hole <NUM> is formed through the second glazing <NUM> in a vertical direction.

After the gas is exhausted through the exhaust hole <NUM>, the exhaust finishing member <NUM> blocks the exhaust hole <NUM>. According to the present invention, the exhaust finishing member <NUM> includes glass frit having a lower melting point.

The vacuum glazing <NUM> further includes an exhaust cap <NUM> provided at an upper portion of the exhaust finishing member <NUM>. The exhaust cap <NUM> has a cap shape to cover the exhaust finishing member <NUM> and includes a metallic material. The exhaust cap <NUM> prevents the external pressure of the vacuum glass <NUM> to be applied to the exhaust finishing member <NUM>, thereby preventing the exhaust finishing member <NUM> from deviating from the exhaust hole <NUM> or preventing the exhaust finishing member <NUM> from being broken.

The vacuum glazing <NUM> further includes a gas adsorbent <NUM> (getter). Those skilled in the art may understand that the gas adsorbent <NUM> may include moisture or gas which may be generated in the procedure of manufacturing the vacuum glazing <NUM>. In other words, even though the vacuum layer <NUM> is formed in the vacuum glazing <NUM>, moisture or predetermined gas may be produced in the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> or the spacer <NUM>. The gas adsorbent <NUM> allows the moisture or gas to be adsorbed thereto, such that the vacuum layer <NUM> may be maintained in a vacuum state. For example, the gas adsorbent <NUM> may further include a non-evaporable getter activated if current flows. After the vacuum glazing <NUM> is manufactured, power, which is supplied from the outside of the vacuum glazing <NUM>, may be supplied to the gas adsorbent <NUM> through a wire.

The frame <NUM> may be coupled to the edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> such that the vacuum layer <NUM> may be easily maintained. In other words, the frame <NUM> may form an edge portion of the vacuum layer <NUM>.

Each of the four frame parts constituting the frame <NUM> includes a first part <NUM>, a second part <NUM>, and a third part <NUM>. The first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may be coupled to outer surfaces of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>.

In detail, the first part <NUM> may have a bent shape and may be configured to be coupled between a bottom surface <NUM> and a first lateral side surface <NUM> of the first glazing <NUM>. In addition, the second part <NUM> may have a bent shape and may be configured to be coupled to a top surface <NUM> and a second lateral side <NUM> of the second glazing <NUM>.

The thickness of the frame <NUM>, that is, the thickness (t) of the first to third parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be formed in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>. If the thickness of the frame <NUM> is <NUM> or less, the frame <NUM> may be broken when the frame <NUM> is processed. In contrast, if the thickness 't' of the frame <NUM> is <NUM> or more, the heat transfer performance of the frame <NUM> is increased, so that the insulating performance of the vacuum glazing <NUM> may be lowered.

The left-right width of the frame <NUM>, that is, the width 'w' of the bottom surface <NUM> of the first glazing <NUM>, which is coupled to the first part <NUM>, may be formed in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>. The width 'w' may be equal to the width of the top surface part <NUM> of the second glazing <NUM>, which is coupled to the second part <NUM>.

If the width 'w' of the frame <NUM> is formed to be <NUM> or less, the sealant <NUM> is not compressed in the space between the frame <NUM> and the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> by the sufficient length. Accordingly, the sealing effect may be degraded. In contrast, if the width 'w' of the frame <NUM> is formed to be <NUM> or more, since heat may be excessively lost in the edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, the insulation performance may be degraded.

A sealant <NUM> may be further included in the vacuum glazing <NUM>. The sealant <NUM> may be provided in the coupling part between the first part <NUM> and the first glazing <NUM>, and the coupling part between the second part <NUM> and the second glazing <NUM>.

In detail, the sealant <NUM> may be interposed between the first part <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> and between the first part <NUM> and the first lateral side surface <NUM>. In detail, the sealant <NUM> may be interposed between the second part <NUM> and the top surface <NUM> and between the second part <NUM> and the second lateral side portion <NUM>. The sealant <NUM> may be interposed between the third part <NUM> and at least a portion of the first lateral side surface <NUM> and/or the second lateral side surface <NUM>.

The sealant <NUM> may be provided in the state that the sealant <NUM> has already been attached to the frame <NUM> before the frame <NUM> is assembled with the first and second glazings <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the sealant <NUM> may be coated on the frame <NUM> and may include glass frit. When the frame <NUM> is heated after the frame <NUM> is coupled to the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, the sealant <NUM> is melted and compressed between the frame <NUM> and the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. Through the configuration of the sealant <NUM>, the effect of sealing the coupling part of the frame <NUM> may be increased.

The third part <NUM> is connected with the first and second parts <NUM> and <NUM> and may be positioned at the side portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. The third part <NUM> may have a bent or rounded shape. For example, the third part <NUM> may have a hemispheric shape. The frame <NUM> may apply elasticity force to the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> due to the shape of the third part <NUM>, such that the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> may make close contact with the upper and lower portion of the frame <NUM>.

A frame vacuum layer <NUM> is formed among the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and the inner part of the third part <NUM>. The frame vacuum layer <NUM> may communicate with the vacuum layer <NUM>, and thus the volume of a vacuum layer provided in the vacuum glazing <NUM> is enlarged. This enlarged vacuum space contributes to increasing the heat transfer resistance of the vacuum glazing <NUM>. In a broad sense, those skilled art may understand that the frame vacuum layer <NUM> constitutes at least a portion of the vacuum layer <NUM>.

The length of the frame <NUM> may be relatively increased due to the configuration of the first to third parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, particularly due to the bent shape of the third part <NUM>. Accordingly, the length of a heat transfer path may be increased due to the frame <NUM> and thus an amount of transferred heat may be reduced.

<FIG> are views illustrating a method for manufacturing the vacuum glazing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing the vacuum glazing according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

First, the first glazing <NUM> is provided. The first glazing <NUM> may be provided after the first glazing <NUM> is cleaned (see <FIG>).

The spacer <NUM> may be provided on the top surface of the first glazing <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> may include a plurality of spacers and the plurality of spacers may be provided at preset distances. For example, the plurality of spacers <NUM> may be arranged in the form of a lattice (matrix). The plurality of spacers <NUM> may protrude from the top surface of the first glazing <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The second glazing <NUM> may be covered on the first glazing <NUM>. If the second glazing <NUM> is disposed, upper portions of the plurality of spacers <NUM> may support the bottom surface of the second glazing <NUM>.

The exhaust hole <NUM> is formed in the second glazing <NUM> such that an exhaust tube <NUM> is coupled to the exhaust hole <NUM>. As described above, those skilled in the art may understand the exhaust hole <NUM> as a component to form vacuum layers <NUM> and <NUM> by exhausting gas present between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. In addition, the gas adsorbent <NUM> may be provided on the bottom surface of the second glazing <NUM> (<FIG>).

After the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged, the frame <NUM> is installed at edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may have the sealant <NUM> coated on the inner surface of the frame <NUM>.

In detail, four frame parts constituting the frame <NUM> may be arranged at respective edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and coupled to outer surfaces of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. In this case, the coupling surface <NUM> provided on opposite side portions of each frame part may be coupled to coupling surfaces of two adjacent frame parts.

After the frame <NUM> is assembled with the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, the assembly (hereinafter, a glazing assembly) between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and the frame <NUM> is heated. In this heating procedure, the sealant <NUM> is melted and compressed to seal the space between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and the frame <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Thereafter, the exhaust tube <NUM> is coupled to the exhaust hole <NUM>, and vacuum-pumping is performed through the exhaust tube <NUM>. Accordingly, the vacuum layer <NUM> and the frame vacuum layer <NUM> may be formed (see <FIG>). After the vacuum layers <NUM> and <NUM> are formed, the exhaust hole <NUM> may be clogged by the exhaust finishing member <NUM>, and an exhaust cap <NUM> is coupled to an outer portion of the exhaust finishing member <NUM> (see <FIG>). The vacuum-pumping process and the process of coupling the exhaust finishing member <NUM> to the exhaust cap <NUM> may be performed in a vacuum chamber having a vacuum atmosphere. Through the manufacturing method, the vacuum glazing <NUM> may be easily manufactured.

Hereinafter, second to fourth embodiments of the present invention will be described. The above embodiments are different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the frame. Accordingly, the following description will be made while focusing on the difference, and the description of the same part as that of the first embodiment will be understood by referring to the description of the first embodiment. In addition, the same part will be assigned with reference numerals of the first embodiment.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the vacuum glazing according to a second embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the vacuum glazing according to the second embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line III-III' of <FIG>, and <FIG> are views illustrating a method for manufacturing the vacuum glazing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum glazing 10a includes a plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and a frame <NUM> which is coupled to edge portions of the plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> to seal the space between the plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, such that the space between the plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> is maintained in a vacuum state.

The plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> include a first glazing <NUM> and a second glazing <NUM>. The description of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> will be understood by referring to those of the first embodiment.

The frame 150a may be configured to seal edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. In detail, the frame 150a may include a plurality of frame parts arranged along the edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the plurality of frame parts include four frame parts.

The first to fourth frame parts may have the same configuration and the same shape. The frame 150a may have the rectangular shape having an open inner portion depending on the arrangement of the first to fourth frame parts. In addition, coupling surfaces 155a may be formed on opposite side portions of each of the first frame part to the fourth frame part and coupled two adjacent frame parts. The coupling surface 155a may be configured to extend while being inclined with respect to four edges of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>.

The frame 150a may include a metallic material, for example, a stainless material. The details thereof will be understood by citing the description of the first embodiment.

The first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction, and a vacuum layer 180a may be formed in a space between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>.

In addition, a spacer <NUM> may be interposed between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> to support the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> may be provided in the vacuum layer <NUM>. The details of the spacer <NUM> may be understood by referring to the description of the first embodiment.

The vacuum glazing 10a further includes an exhaust finishing member <NUM>, an exhaust cap <NUM>, and a gas adsorbent <NUM> provided on the second glazing <NUM>. The details thereof may be understood by referring to the description of the first embodiment.

The frame 150a may be coupled to edges of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> such that the vacuum layer <NUM> may be maintained in a vacuum state. In other words, the frame 150a may constitute the end portion of the vacuum layer 180a.

The plurality of frame parts constituting the frame 150a include a first part 151a, a second part 152a, and a third part 153a. The first part 151a, the second part 152a, and the third part 153a may be coupled to outer surfaces of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and each may have a linear plane shape. The frame 150a may have a bending shape of "⊂" through the configuration of the first to third parts 151a, 152a, and 153a.

In detail, the first part 151a may have a bent shape and be configured to be coupled to a bottom surface <NUM> of the first glazing <NUM>. In detail, the second part 152a may have a bent shape and be configured to be coupled to a top surface <NUM> of the first glazing <NUM>. In addition, the third part 153a may be configured to be coupled a first lateral side surface <NUM> of the first glazing <NUM> and a second lateral side surface <NUM> of the second glazing <NUM>.

The thickness 't1' of the frame 150a, that is, the thickness 't1' of each of the first to third parts 151a, 152a, and 153a may be in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>. If the thickness 't1' of the frame 150a is formed to be <NUM> or less, the frame 150a may be broken when the frame 150a is processed. In contrast, if the thickness 't1' of the frame <NUM> may be configured to be <NUM> or more, the heat transfer performance of the frame <NUM> may be increased, so the insulating performance of the vacuum glazing <NUM> may be lowered.

The left-right width of the frame 150a, that is, the width 'w1' the bottom surface <NUM> of the first glazing <NUM>, which is coupled to the first part 151a, may be formed in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>. The width 'w1' may be equal to the width of the top surface part <NUM> of the second glazing <NUM>, which is coupled to the second part 152a.

If the width 'w' of the frame 150a is formed to be <NUM> or less, the sealant 170a is not compressed in the space between the frame 150a and the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> by the sufficient length. Accordingly, the sealing effect may be degraded. In contrast, if the width 'w1' of the frame 150a is formed to be <NUM> or more, since heat may be excessively lost in the edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, the insulation performance may be degraded.

The sealant 170a may be further included in the vacuum glazing 10a. The sealant 170a may be interposed between inner surfaces of the first to third parts 151a, 152a, and 153a and outer surfaces of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>.

In detail, the sealant 170a may be interposed between the first part 151a and the bottom surface <NUM> of the first glazing <NUM>. In detail, the sealant 170a may be interposed between the first part 152a and the top surface <NUM> of the second glazing <NUM>. In detail, the sealant 170a may be interposed between the third part 153a, and at least a portion of the first lateral side surface <NUM> and/or the second lateral side surface <NUM>.

The configuration of the sealant 170a and the concept that the frame 150a having the sealant 170a is provided will be understood by referring to the description of the first embodiment.

The length of the frame 150a may be relatively increased due to the configuration of the first to third parts 151a, 152a, and 153a. Accordingly, the length of a heat transfer path may be increased due to the frame 150a and thus an amount of transferred heat may be reduced.

Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing the vacuum glazing according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>. The description of the manufacturing method made with reference to <FIG> of the description according to the first embodiment will be cited.

As shown in <FIG>, a plurality of spacers <NUM> are installed on the first glazing <NUM> and the second glazing <NUM> is covered. Then, the frame 150a may be installed at the edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. The frame 150a may have the sealant 170a coated on the inner surface of the frame <NUM>.

In detail, four frame parts constituting the frame 150a may be arranged at respective edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and coupled to outer surfaces of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. In this case, the coupling surface 155a provided on opposite side portions of each frame part may be coupled to coupling surfaces of two adjacent frame parts.

After the frame 150a is assembled with the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, the assembly (hereinafter, a glazing assembly) between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and the frame 150a is heated. In this heating procedure, the sealant 170a is melted and compressed to seal the space between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and the frame 150a (see <FIG>).

Thereafter, the exhaust tube <NUM> is coupled to the exhaust hole <NUM> formed in the second glazing <NUM>, and vacuum-pumping is performed through the exhaust tube <NUM>. Accordingly, the vacuum layer 180a may be formed (see <FIG>).

After the vacuum layer 180a is formed, the exhaust hole <NUM> is clogged by the exhaust finishing member <NUM>, an exhaust cap <NUM> is coupled to an outer portion of the exhaust finishing member <NUM> (see <FIG>). Through the manufacturing method, the vacuum glazing 10a may be easily manufactured.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the vacuum glazing according to the third embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the vacuum glazing according to the third embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV' of <FIG>, and <FIG> are views illustrating a method for manufacturing the vacuum glazing according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum glazing 10b includes a plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and a frame 150b which is coupled to edge portions of the plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> to seal the space between the plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, such that the space between the plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> is maintained in a vacuum state.

The frame 150b may be configured to seal edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. In detail, the frame 150b may include a plurality of frame parts 151b, 152b, 153b, and 154b arranged along the edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>.

For example, the plurality of frame parts include four frame parts. In detail, the four frame parts include a first frame part 151b coupled to first edge portions of the first and second plate glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, a second frame part 152b coupled to second edge portions of the first and second plate glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, a third frame part 153b coupled to third edge portions of the first and second plate glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, and a fourth frame part 154b coupled to fourth edge portions of the first and second plate glazings <NUM> and <NUM>.

The plurality of frame parts 151b, 152b, 153b, and 154b may be linked to each other. In addition, one side portion of the first frame part 151b may be separated from one side portion of the fourth frame part 151d. The frame 150b may have the shape bent several times. The first frame part 151b may be assembled with the fourth frame part 151d after the frame 150b is assembled with the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first to fourth frame parts 151b, 152b, 153b, and 154b may have the same configuration and the same shape. The frame 150a may have a rectangular shape having an open inner portion depending on the arrangement of the first to fourth frame parts.

The frame 150b may include a metallic material, for example, a stainless material. The details thereof will be understood by referring to the description of the first embodiment.

The first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction, and a vacuum layer 180b may be formed in a space between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>.

In addition, a spacer <NUM> may be interposed between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> to support the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> may be interposed in the vacuum layer <NUM>. The details of the spacer <NUM> may be understood by referring to the description of the first embodiment.

The vacuum glazing 10b further includes an exhaust finishing member <NUM>, an exhaust cap <NUM>, and a gas adsorbent <NUM> provided on the second glazing <NUM>. The details thereof may be understood by referring to the description of the first embodiment.

The frame 150a may be coupled to edges of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> such that the vacuum layer <NUM> may be maintained in a vacuum state. In other words, the frame 150a may constitute the edge portion of the vacuum layer 180a.

The first to fourth frame parts 151b, 152b, 153b, and 154b may be configured to be coupled to the first lateral side surface <NUM> of the first glazing <NUM> and the second lateral side surface <NUM> of the second glazing <NUM>.

The thickness 't2' of the frame 150b may be in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>. If the thickness 't2' of the frame 150b is formed to be <NUM> or less, the frame 150b may be broken when the frame 150b is processed. In contrast, if the thickness 't2' of the frame 150b may be configured to be <NUM> or more, the heat transfer performance of the frame 150b may be increased so that the insulating performance of the vacuum glazing 10b may be lowered.

The sealant 170b may be further included in the vacuum glazing 10b. The sealant 170b may be interposed between inner surfaces of the first to third parts 151b, 152b, 153b, and 154b and the outer surfaces of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>.

In detail, the sealant 170b may be interposed between the inner circumferential surfaces of the parts 151b, 152b, 153b, and 154b of the frame <NUM> and the first lateral side surface <NUM> of the first glazing <NUM>. In detail, the sealant 170b may be interposed between the inner circumferential surfaces of the parts 151b, 152b, 153b, and 154b of the frame <NUM> and the second lateral side surface <NUM> of the second glazing <NUM>.

The configuration of the sealant 170b and the concept that the frame 150b having the sealant 170b is provided will be understood by citing the description of the first embodiment.

According to the configuration of the first to fourth frame parts 151b, 152b, 153b, and 154b, since the frame 150b is provided with contacting only the lateral side surfaces of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, the top surface and the bottom surface of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, that is, the front surface and the rear surface of the refrigerator door (when the top surface and the bottom surface of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> are used for the front surface and the rear surface of the refrigerator door) may have smooth surfaces. In addition, the interference with another component is not made and a beautiful outer appearance is obtained.

Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing the vacuum glazing according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>. The description of the manufacturing method made with reference to <FIG> of the description according to the first embodiment will be cited in the present embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, a plurality of spacers <NUM> are installed on the first glazing <NUM> and the second glazing <NUM> is covered. Then, the frame 150b may be installed at the edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may have the sealant 170b coated on the inner surface of the frame 150b.

In detail, four frame parts 151b, 152b, 153b, and 154b constituting the frame 150a may be arranged at respective edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and coupled to outer surfaces of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>.

After the frame 150b is assembled with the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, the assembly between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and the frame 150b is heated. In this heating procedure, the sealant 170b is melted and compressed to seal the space between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and the frame 150b (see <FIG>).

Thereafter, the exhaust tube <NUM> is coupled to the exhaust hole <NUM> formed in the second glazing <NUM>, and vacuum-pumping is performed through the exhaust tube <NUM>. Accordingly, the vacuum layer 180b may be formed (see <FIG>).

After the vacuum layer 180b is formed, the exhaust hole <NUM> is clogged by the exhaust finishing member <NUM>, an exhaust cap <NUM> may be coupled to an outer portion of the exhaust finishing member <NUM> (see <FIG>). Through the manufacturing method, the vacuum glazing 10b may be easily manufactured.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the vacuum glazing according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the vacuum glazing according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line V-V' of <FIG>, and <FIG> are views illustrating a method for manufacturing the vacuum glazing according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum glazing 10c includes a plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and a frame 150c which is interposed between the plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> to seal the space between the plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, such that the space between the plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> is maintained in a vacuum state.

The plurality of glazings <NUM> and <NUM> include the first glazing <NUM> and the second glazing <NUM>. The description of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> will be understood by referring to those of the first embodiment.

The frame 150c is compressed between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> to seal the space between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. In detail, the frame 150c includes a plurality of frame parts 151c, 152c, 153c, and 154c. The plurality of frame parts 151c, 152c, 153c, and 154c may be linked to each other. The frame 150c may have the shape bent several times.

The first to fourth frame parts 151c, 152c, 153c, and 154c may have mutually different configurations and shapes. The frame 150c may have the shape of a rectangular frame having an open inner portion depending on the arrangement of the first to fourth frame parts.

The frame 15c may include a metallic material, for example, a stainless material. The details thereof will be understood by referring to the description of the first embodiment.

The first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction, and a vacuum layer 180c may be formed in a space between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>.

In addition, a spacer <NUM> may be interposed between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> to support the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> may be interposed in the vacuum layer 180c. The details of the spacer <NUM> may be understood by referring to the description of the first embodiment.

The frame 150c may be coupled to edge portions of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> such that the vacuum layer <NUM> may be maintained in a vacuum state. In other words, the frame 150c may constitute the edge portion of the vacuum layer 180c.

The first to fourth frame parts 151c, 152c, 153c, and 154c may be configured to be coupled to the first lateral side surface <NUM> of the first glazing <NUM> and the second lateral side surface <NUM> of the second glazing <NUM>.

The thickness 't3' of the frame 150c may be in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>. If the thickness of the frame 150c is formed to be <NUM> or less, the vertical width of the vacuum layer 18c is significantly reduced and thus the insulating performance is degraded. In contrast, if the thickness 't3' of the frame 150c may be configured to be <NUM> or more, the heat transfer performance of the frame <NUM> may be increased so that the insulating performance of the vacuum glazing <NUM> may be lowered.

The left-right width of the frame 150c, that is, the width 'w3' of a top surface <NUM> of the first glazing <NUM>, which is coupled to the frame 150c, may be formed in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>. The width 'w3' may be equal to the width of the bottom surface <NUM> of the second glazing <NUM> couple to the frame 150c.

If the width 'w' of the frame 150c is formed to be <NUM> or less, the sealant 170c is not compressed in the space between the frame 150c and the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> by the sufficient length. Accordingly, the sealing effect may be degraded. In contrast, if the width 'w3' of the frame 150c is formed to be <NUM> or more, since heat may be excessively lost in the edges of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, the insulation performance may be degraded.

The sealant 170c may be further included in the vacuum glazing 10c. The sealant 170c may be provided between bottom surfaces of the first to fourth frame parts 151c, 152c, 153c, and 154c and the top surface <NUM> of the first glazing <NUM>, and may be provided between top surfaces of the first to fourth frame parts 151c, 152c, 153c, and 154c and the bottom surface <NUM> of the second glazing <NUM>.

The configuration of the sealant 170c and the concept that the frame 150c having the sealant 170c is provided will be understood by referring to the description of the first embodiment.

According to the configuration of the first to fourth frame parts 151c, 152c, 153c, and 154c, since the frame 150c may be interposed between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, the frame 150c may not be exposed out of the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>. Accordingly, when the vacuum glazing 10c is used for the refrigerator door, the front surface and the rear surface of the door may be smooth. In addition, the interface with another component may not be made and the beautiful outer appearance may be made.

Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing the vacuum glazing according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>. The description of the manufacturing method made with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> of the description according to the first embodiment will be cited in the present embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, after a plurality of spacers <NUM> are installed on the first glazing <NUM>, the frame 150c may be installed on the edge of the top surface of the first glazing <NUM>. The frame 150c may have a sealant 170c coated on the frame 150c (see <FIG>).

The second glazing <NUM> may be covered on the frame 150c (see <FIG>). After the frame 150c is interposed between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM>, the assembly between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and the frame 150c is heated. In this heating procedure, the sealant 170c is melted and compressed to seal the space between the first and second glazings <NUM> and <NUM> and the frame 150c (see <FIG>).

Thereafter, the exhaust tube <NUM> is coupled to the exhaust hole <NUM> formed in the second glazing <NUM>, and vacuum-pumping is performed through the exhaust tube <NUM>. Accordingly, the vacuum layer 180c may be formed (see <FIG>).

After the vacuum layer 180c is formed, the exhaust hole <NUM> is clogged by the exhaust finishing member <NUM>, an exhaust cap <NUM> is coupled to an outer portion of the exhaust finishing member <NUM> (see <FIG>). Through the manufacturing method, the vacuum glazing 10c may be easily manufactured.

<FIG> is an experimental graph illustrating the comparison between insulating loads measured depending on the thickness of the frame according to the present invention.

The insulating performance may be varied depending on the thickness of the frame according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the above description, it is suggested that the thicknesses of the frames <NUM>, 150a, and 150b described in the first to third embodiments are in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>.

For example, <FIG> is a graph showing the comparison between the related art and the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, reference sign A on a horizontal axis represents that only the sealant is provided instead of the frame between the first and second glazings. A vertical axis represents an insulating load, that is, a heat transfer load value. Those skilled in the art may understand that an amount of transferred heat is increased if the insulating load is increased.

Reference signs B1 to B3 represent the thickness of the frame 150a according to the second embodiment. In detail, reference sign B1 represents that the thickness t1 of the frame 150a is <NUM>, reference signal B2 represents that the thickness t1 of the frame 150a is <NUM>, and reference sign B3 represents that the thickness t1 of the frame 150a is <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A vacuum glazing comprising:
a first glazing (<NUM>);
a second glazing (<NUM>) provided above the first glazing (<NUM>), the second glazing (<NUM>) being spaced apart from the first glazing (<NUM>) and having an exhaust hole (<NUM>) configured to exhaust gas present between the first and second glazings (<NUM>,<NUM>) through an exhaust tube (<NUM>) coupled to the exhaust hole (<NUM>);
an exhaust finishing member (<NUM>) provided in the second glazing (<NUM>) and configured to seal the exhaust hole (<NUM>) of the second glazing (<NUM>);
a vacuum layer (<NUM>) formed between the first glazing (<NUM>) and the second glazing (<NUM>);
a spacer (<NUM>) provided in the vacuum layer to support the first glazing (<NUM>) and the second glazing (<NUM>);
a frame (<NUM>, 150a, 150b, 150c) provided at edge portions of the first and second glazings (<NUM>, <NUM>) and making contact with the first and second glazings (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a sealant (<NUM>) interposed between the frame (<NUM>, 150a, 150b, 150c) and surfaces of the first and second glazings (<NUM>, <NUM>) to perform sealing of the vacuum layer (<NUM>); and
an exhaust cap (<NUM>) having a cap shape, provided at an upper region of the exhaust finishing member (<NUM>), arranged to cover the exhaust finishing member (<NUM>) and configured to prevent the exhaust finishing member (<NUM>) from deviating from the exhaust hole (<NUM>) or prevent the exhaust finishing member (<NUM>) from being broken,
characterized in that:
the exhaust hole (<NUM>) is filled with the exhaust finishing member (<NUM>) and the exhaust finishing member (<NUM>) includes a glass frit having a lower melting point; and the exhaust cap (<NUM>) includes a metallic material.