Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a main body including a suction port and a plurality of discharge ports, a storage compartment formed inside the main body, a thermoelectric element for supplying cold air to the storage compartment while discharging generated heat, a heat sink receiving heat from the thermoelectric element, a blowing fan located below the heat sink to cool the heat sink, and a scroll case for accommodating the blowing fan, and the scroll case includes an inlet through which air flows from the suction port to the blowing fan. The scroll case includes a linear portion forming a part of the inlet, the linear portion being formed perpendicular to a flow direction of air traveling through the heat sink, and air having traveled through the blowing fan is respectively discharged in a plurality of directions through the plurality of discharge ports.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT / KR2021 / 007960, filed on June 24, 2021, pursuant to 35 U.SC §111(a), which is based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0104436, filed on August 20, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office and claims priority to that Korean Patent Application under 35 U.SC §119, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to refrigerators, and more specifically, to refrigerators with improved heat dissipation structures. Background Technology

[0004] Generally, a refrigerator is a device that includes a storage compartment and a cold air supply system for supplying cold air to the storage compartment to keep food fresh.

[0005] The temperature in the storage room is maintained within a certain range necessary to keep the food fresh.

[0006] The refrigerator's storage compartment has an opening on the front, and this opening is normally closed by the door to maintain the temperature of the storage compartment.

[0007] The interior of the storage compartment is maintained at the specified temperature by cold air supplied by a cold air supply device, which can be configured as a thermoelectric element in a miniature refrigerator. The miniature refrigerator can be designed to store small items, such as wine.

[0008] Thermoelectric elements have two sides and, while consuming electrical energy according to the direction of the current, transfer heat from one side to the opposite side.

[0009] Accordingly, one side of the thermoelectric element is configured to absorb heat and supply cool air to the storage chamber, while the other side is configured to dissipate heat and has a high temperature. Therefore, if the heat dissipation of the thermoelectric element is not fully performed, the cooling efficiency may be reduced.

[0010] Additionally, axial fans are typically used in hair dryers for heat dissipation, as they are positioned on one side of the thermoelectric element. However, in such axial fans, the flow rate can decrease rapidly when the flow path has high resistance. Furthermore, using centrifugal fans in hair dryers presents space limitations and can generate significant noise. Summary of the Invention

[0011] A refrigerator according to an embodiment includes: a main body including a suction port and a plurality of discharge ports; a storage compartment formed inside the main body; a thermoelectric element for supplying cold air to the storage compartment and simultaneously discharging generated heat, the thermoelectric element including a heat-absorbing portion for supplying cold air and a heat-generating portion for discharging the heat; a radiator configured to receive heat from the thermoelectric element; a blower fan disposed below the radiator to cool the radiator; and a volute for housing the blower fan, the volute including an inlet through which air flows from the suction port to the blower fan, wherein the volute includes a straight portion forming part of the inlet, the straight portion being formed perpendicular to the flow direction of air traveling through the radiator, and the air that has traveled through the blower fan being discharged in multiple directions through the plurality of discharge ports respectively.

[0012] Additionally, the vortex shell may also include a circular portion connected to the straight portion, and the straight portion and the circular portion are configured to form the inlet.

[0013] Furthermore, each of the linear portion and the circular portion can be provided in pairs.

[0014] Additionally, the length from the center of the entrance to the circular portion can be a first length, the minimum length from the center of the entrance to the straight portion can be a second length, and the difference between the first length and the second length can be set to be less than or equal to 12% of the first length.

[0015] In addition, the heat sink may include a plurality of heat dissipation fins, and the straight portion may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the direction along which the heat dissipation fins are disposed.

[0016] In addition, the suction ports can be provided in pairs, and the pairs of suction ports are respectively formed on opposite side surfaces of the lower part of the body.

[0017] Additionally, the vortex housing may also include radiator support ribs extending upward from the upper surface of the vortex housing.

[0018] Additionally, the straight section can be formed to be curved upwards to guide the airflow to the blower fan.

[0019] In addition, the blower fan can be a centrifugal fan.

[0020] Additionally, the plurality of discharge ports may include a first discharge port formed on the rear surface of the body and a second discharge port formed on the bottom surface of the body.

[0021] Additionally, the vortex housing may include: a first outlet formed at the rear side of the vortex housing to communicate with the first discharge port; and a second outlet formed at the lower side of the vortex housing to communicate with the second discharge port, wherein air introduced into the inlet of the vortex housing may be discharged through the first outlet and the second outlet respectively, and then discharged to the first discharge port and the second discharge port respectively.

[0022] Additionally, the radiator may be a first radiator, and the blower fan may be a first blower fan. The refrigerator further includes: a second radiator located above the thermoelectric element to receive cold air; and a second blower fan located above the second radiator to diffuse cold air into the storage compartment, wherein the first radiator may be located below the thermoelectric element.

[0023] Additionally, the refrigerator may include: a circuit board mounting portion located in front of the volute; and a mounting plate connected to the circuit board mounting portion, wherein the circuit board can be accommodated in the circuit board mounting portion.

[0024] Additionally, the main body may include a circuit board cover that forms part of the bottom surface and is located below the circuit board mounting portion. The vortex housing may also include an outlet formed at the front side, wherein air from the outlet of the vortex housing can flow into the space between the mounting plate and the circuit board cover to cool the heat generated by the circuit board.

[0025] Additionally, the plurality of exhaust ports may include a first exhaust port and a second exhaust port, and the circuit board mounting portion may also include a third exhaust port formed on the lateral side to exhaust air that has cooled the circuit board.

[0026] A refrigerator according to an embodiment includes: a main body having a suction port through which external air is introduced; a storage compartment formed in the main body; a thermoelectric element that performs heat exchange to supply cold air to the storage compartment, the thermoelectric element including a heat-absorbing portion for supplying the cold air and a heat-generating portion for dissipating the heat; a radiator for receiving heat from the thermoelectric element; a blower fan located below the radiator to cool the radiator; and a volute for housing the blower fan, the volute having a plurality of exhaust flow paths formed therein, wherein the plurality of exhaust flow paths include: a first flow path configured to allow air to flow to a first exhaust port formed on a rear surface of the main body; a second flow path configured to allow air to flow to a second exhaust port formed on a bottom surface of the main body; and a third flow path configured to allow air to flow to a third exhaust port formed on a lower front portion of the main body to cool a circuit board when the circuit board is housed in front of the volute.

[0027] Additionally, the refrigerator may include a mounting plate on which the circuit board is mounted, the mounting plate being located in front of the volute, and the main body may also include a circuit board cover disposed below the mounting plate and simultaneously forming part of the bottom surface, wherein air flows from the volute to the space between the mounting plate and the circuit board cover to form the third flow path.

[0028] Additionally, the vortex housing may include an outlet disposed on the front side of the vortex housing to form the third flow path.

[0029] Additionally, the vortex housing may include: an inlet formed on the upper surface of the vortex housing to allow air to flow from the suction port to the blower fan; and a straight portion forming part of the inlet and extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of air flow through the radiator.

[0030] Additionally, the vortex shell may also include a circular portion connected to the straight portion to form the inlet, wherein the length from the center of the inlet to the circular portion may be a first length, the minimum length from the center of the inlet to the straight portion may be a second length, and the difference between the first length and the second length may be less than or equal to 12% of the first length. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 It is a diagram. Figure 1 The image shows a perspective view of the refrigerator, with the door removed.

[0033] Figure 3 It is a diagram. Figure 1 The refrigerator shown is a perspective view, viewed from the rear.

[0034] Figure 4 It is a diagram. Figure 1 The image shows a front view of the bottom surface of the refrigerator.

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The refrigerator shown is a cross-sectional view.

[0036] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the cooling assembly and blower fan cover of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken by line AA′ shows the suction flow path.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a view illustrating multiple discharge flow paths of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a view illustrating the suction flow path and multiple discharge flow paths of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a top view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with a portion of it cut off.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the volute of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 12 This is a front view of the volute of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The embodiments described in the specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary examples of this disclosure, and various modifications may be made to replace the embodiments and drawings of this disclosure at the time of filing this application.

[0044] Furthermore, the same symbols or numbers in the accompanying drawings of this disclosure represent parts or elements configured to perform substantially the same function.

[0045] Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and / or “with” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0046] Furthermore, it should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various different elements, these elements are not limited by these terms, and these terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. The term “and / or” includes a combination of one or all of the associated listed items.

[0047] In the following, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a refrigerator with an improved heat dissipation structure.

[0049] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a refrigerator capable of improving the efficiency of a blower fan by minimizing eddies generated during the extraction of outside air.

[0050] A straight section is formed at the inlet of the vortex shell to minimize the vortex generated at the inlet during air extraction, thereby reducing noise.

[0051] Multiple exhaust ports are formed to increase airflow, allowing the heat dissipation fins to dissipate heat effectively.

[0052] The flow path is formed into a compact structure, in which the heat dissipation fins are cooled while the heat generated by the circuit board is cooled, thereby increasing the space utilization of the storage compartment.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is a diagram. Figure 1 The image shows a perspective view of the refrigerator, with the door removed. Figure 3 It is a diagram. Figure 1 The refrigerator shown is a perspective view, viewed from the rear. Figure 4 It is a diagram. Figure 1 The image shows a front view of the bottom surface of the refrigerator. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The refrigerator shown is a cross-sectional view.

[0054] refer to Figures 1 to 5 The refrigerator 1 may include a body 10, a storage compartment 70, and a door 20 for opening or closing the storage compartment 70. The body 10 may be configured to form the appearance of the refrigerator 1. The storage compartment 70 may be formed inside the body 10 to have a front side that can be opened or opened. The door 20 may be rotatably connected to the front side of the body 10 to open or close the opening of the storage compartment 70.

[0055] The main body 10 may include a side panel 11 and a rear panel 12 forming the exterior. Additionally, the main body 10 may include an inner shell 50 forming a storage chamber 70. Thermal insulation material (not shown) may be foamed between the inner shell 50 and the outer shell to prevent cold air leakage from the storage chamber 70. Furthermore, the main body 10 may include a door frame 21 attached to the front of the side panel 11. The door frame 21 may be configured to house a door 20.

[0056] The storage room 70 may be equipped with multiple shelves 30 and storage containers 40 on which items can be placed.

[0057] refer to Figure 3 The rear panel 12 can be attached to the rear of the side panel 11. The rear panel 12 may be provided with a first discharge port 12a. Details thereof will be described below.

[0058] refer to Figure 4 The main body 10 may include a circuit board cover 13 and a blower fan cover 15. The circuit board cover 13 and the blower fan cover 15 may form the bottom surface of the main body 10. The circuit board cover 13 may be disposed in front of the blower fan cover 15 and connected to the blower fan cover 15.

[0059] The circuit board cover 13 and the blower fan cover 15 can be attached to the side panel 11. Additionally, the main body 10 may include a front panel 14. The front panel 14 can be attached to the front of the circuit board cover 13 to form one side of the lower front portion of the main body 10.

[0060] The side panel 11 may be provided with a suction port 11a. The suction ports 11a may be provided in pairs. The suction ports 11a may be formed in the lower rear part of the refrigerator 1. That is, the suction ports 11a may be formed on opposite sides of the lower part of the main body 10.

[0061] Furthermore, the blower fan cover 15 may include a second discharge port 15a. The refrigerator 1 may include a circuit board mounting portion 60 disposed on the upper side of the circuit board cover 13. The circuit board mounting portion 60 may include a third discharge port 60a. The third discharge port 60a may be formed on the lateral side of the circuit board mounting portion 60. Details thereof will be described below.

[0062] refer to Figure 5The inner shell 50 of the refrigerator 1 can be configured to separate the storage compartment 70 from the machine compartment 80. More specifically, the storage compartment 70 can be located on the upper side of the inner shell 50, and the machine compartment 80 can be located on the lower side of the inner shell 50.

[0063] Furthermore, the inner shell 50 is configured to have a partial opening at the lower rear, allowing a cold air exhaust frame 180, which is configured to exhaust cold air, to be connected to this opening. Thus, with respect to the inner shell 50 and the cold air exhaust frame 180, the upper side can be considered the storage compartment 70, while the lower side can be considered the machine compartment 80.

[0064] The machine room 80 has a cooling assembly 200 disposed on one side of the machine room. The cooling assembly 200 is configured to generate cold air and supply the cold air into the interior of the storage chamber 70, while releasing hot air to the outside. More specifically, the cooling assembly 200 may be disposed at the lower rear of the machine room 80. The detailed configuration of the cooling assembly 200 will be described below.

[0065] The refrigerator 1 may also include a circuit board mounting section 60 and a mounting plate 61. The circuit board mounting section 60 and the mounting plate 61 may be disposed in front of the cooling assembly 200. In other words, the circuit board mounting section 60 may be disposed in front of the volute 100, which will be described below. The mounting plate 61 may be connected to the circuit board mounting section 60. The circuit board mounting section 60 and the mounting plate 61 may form a receiving space 62 for accommodating a circuit board (not shown). That is, the circuit board mounting section 60, the circuit board (not shown), and the mounting plate 61 may be disposed at the lower front part of the machine compartment 80.

[0066] In order to cool the circuit board (not shown), air is forced to flow through the mounting plate 61 and the circuit board cover 13, so the mounting plate 61 can be formed of a material for effectively transferring heat generated from the circuit board (not shown).

[0067] The cooling assembly 200 may include a thermoelectric element 140. A refrigerator 1 provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to use the thermoelectric element 140 to perform cooling. Generally, the thermoelectric element 140 is not suitable for designing large products due to its nature; therefore, cooling using the thermoelectric element 140 is performed in a small refrigerator. Thus, as an embodiment of the present disclosure, a wine refrigerator in a small refrigerator will be described as an example. However, the use of the refrigerator is not limited to this, and the use of the refrigerator can be modified in various ways as long as the thermoelectric element 140 is used to perform cooling.

[0068] The thermoelectric element 140 is a cooling device that generates heat flux between the junctions of two materials. The thermoelectric element 140 may have two surfaces, and in response to a DC current flowing through it, heat is transferred from one surface to the other, resulting in heat absorption and heat generation. In the case of the refrigerator 1 of this disclosure, the upper side of the thermoelectric element 140 may be formed as a heat-absorbing portion, and the lower side of the thermoelectric element 140 may be formed as a heat-generating portion.

[0069] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the cooling assembly and blower fan cover of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The cooling components 200 can be arranged sequentially on the upper side of the blower fan cover 15.

[0071] Refrigerator 1 may include a blower fan cover 15 and a blower fan mounting part 16. Refrigerator 1 may include a first blower fan 130, a volute 100, a first radiator 120, and a first frame 110.

[0072] The blower fan mounting part 16 can be connected to the blower fan cover 15.

[0073] A blower fan can be attached to the upper side of the blower fan mounting portion 16. The blower fan according to embodiments of this disclosure can be provided as a centrifugal fan. The blower fan can be driven by a drive device such as a separate motor (not shown).

[0074] The volute 100 can be configured to house a blower fan. The volute 100 can be mounted above the blower fan. The volute 100 may include an inlet 101 located in a central portion to allow air to flow from the suction port 11a to the blower fan. Details of the shape of the inlet 101 formed in the volute 100 will be described below.

[0075] The first heat sink 120 can be disposed above the volute 100. The first heat sink 120 may include heat dissipation fins 121. Multiple heat dissipation fins 121 may be formed.

[0076] The first frame 110 can be configured to accommodate the entire first heat sink 120, the volute 100, and the first blower fan 130. Therefore, the first frame 110 can be configured as a box shape with an opening on the lower side.

[0077] The first frame 110 may include first connecting portions 111 disposed on both sides of the upper surface of the first frame. The first connecting portions 111 are configured to allow connecting protrusions (not shown) formed at the lower part of the second frame 150 to be inserted into the first connecting portions, such that the first frame 110 is connected to the second frame 150.

[0078] The first frame 110 may include a thermoelectric element arrangement hole 112 formed in the central portion. When the thermoelectric element 140 is disposed in the thermoelectric element arrangement hole 112, it can supply heat to the first heat sink 120 disposed below the thermoelectric element.

[0079] The first frame 110 may include a vortex shroud 113 having a shape corresponding to the front portion of the vortex housing 100 disposed below. The vortex shroud 113 and the vortex housing 100 are spaced apart from each other, such that the rear end of the circuit board mounting portion 60 can be fixed between the vortex shroud 113 and the vortex housing 100.

[0080] The refrigerator 1 may include a second frame 150 and a thermoelectric element 140. In addition, the refrigerator 1 may include a thermoelectric element mounting part 141 and a thermoelectric element mounting frame 142, the thermoelectric element mounting part 141 being used to fix the thermoelectric element 140, and the thermoelectric element mounting part 141 being mounted on the thermoelectric element mounting frame 142.

[0081] The second frame 150 may include a second connecting portion 151 disposed on the opposite inner side of the second frame. The second connecting portion 151 may be configured to extend upward from the inner surface of the second frame 150. The second connecting portion 151 may be connected to the cold air exhaust frame 180, which will be described below, by a separate connecting member.

[0082] The second frame 150 may include a protruding insertion portion 152 extending outwardly from a side surface of the second frame. Figure 6 In the illustration, four protrusion insertion portions 152 are shown, but the number of protrusion insertion portions is not limited to this. The protrusion insertion portions 152 are configured to allow a protrusion extending from the lower surface of the inner shell 50 toward the machine chamber 80 to be inserted into the protrusion insertion portion. By means of this, the second frame 150 and the inner shell 50 can be connected to each other.

[0083] The second frame 150 has a generally box-shaped form with an open upper surface and can accommodate the thermoelectric element 140, the thermoelectric element mounting portion 141, and the thermoelectric element mounting frame 142. The second frame 150 can be mounted on the upper part of the first frame 110, such that the thermoelectric element 140 can be disposed between the second frame 150 and the first frame 110.

[0084] The refrigerator 1 may include a second radiator 160. The second radiator 160 may be disposed above the thermoelectric element 140. The second radiator 160 may be housed inside the second frame 150. The second radiator 160 may include heat dissipation fins 161. Multiple heat dissipation fins 161 may be provided.

[0085] The refrigerator 1 may include a second blower fan 170. The second blower fan 170 may be positioned above the second radiator 160. The second blower fan 170 may be provided as an axial flow fan. The second blower fan 170 may be positioned above the second radiator 160 to diffuse cold air into the storage compartment 70.

[0086] The refrigerator 1 may include a cold air exhaust frame 180. The cold air exhaust frame 180 may be configured to house an upper portion of a blower fan.

[0087] The cold air exhaust frame 180 may include a body 182 configured to contact the inner shell 50 of the main body 10. The cold air exhaust frame 180 may include a receiving portion 183 extending upward from the body 182. A portion of a blower fan may be disposed inside the receiving portion 183.

[0088] The receiving portion 183 can be configured as a substantially quadrilateral shape that protrudes upward from the body 182. A plurality of cold air discharge holes 181 can be formed on the side surface of the receiving portion 183, so that cold air introduced from the blower fan can move into the storage chamber 70.

[0089] The body 182 of the cold air exhaust frame 180 may be provided with a third connecting part 184. The third connecting part 184 can be connected to the second connecting part 151 of the second frame 150 by a separate connecting member. In this way, the cold air exhaust frame 180 and the second frame 150 can be connected to each other.

[0090] According to this disclosure, the thermoelectric element 140 of the refrigerator 1 is configured to obtain heat from the upper part of the thermoelectric element 140 and supply heat to the lower part of the thermoelectric element 140. That is, the upper part of the thermoelectric element 140 can be configured as a heat-absorbing part for supplying cold air, and the lower part of the thermoelectric element 140 can be configured as a heat-generating part for discharging heat.

[0091] The second heat sink 160, located above the thermoelectric element 140, is cooled by heat removal from the thermoelectric element 140, and the cool air generated from the cooled second heat sink 160 can be circulated by the second blower fan 170. The air flowing by means of the second blower fan 170 can move to the cold air exhaust frame 180 located above the second blower fan 170. Thereafter, the cooling air can move into the storage chamber 70 through the cold air exhaust holes 181 formed in the cold air exhaust frame 180, in this way cold air can be supplied to the storage chamber 70.

[0092] On the other hand, the first heat sink 120 disposed below the thermoelectric element 140 can be heated by heat supplied from the thermoelectric element 140. A first blower fan 130, configured to draw in outside air and discharge the drawn-in air to cool the heated first heat sink 120, can be disposed below the first heat sink 120. The first blower fan 130 can be housed in the volute 100.

[0093] Through the vortex housing 100 with inlet 101, external air can flow smoothly to the first blower fan 130, and airflow losses can be minimized. Details regarding the shape of the inlet 101 of the vortex housing 100 will be described below.

[0094] Therefore, the first blower fan 130, the volute 100, the first heat sink 120, and the first frame 110 can be configured as heat-generating parts, and the second heat sink 160, the second blower fan 170, and the second frame 150 can be configured as heat-absorbing parts. In this case, the heat-generating part can refer to the portion that receives heat from the thermoelectric element 140, and the heat-absorbing part can refer to the portion that removes heat from the thermoelectric element 140. The flow path associated with the heat dissipation structure, which is configured to dissipate the heat generated from the heat-generating part to the outside, will be described below.

[0095] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken by line AA′ shows the suction flow path. Figure 8 This is a view illustrating multiple discharge flow paths of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 This is a view illustrating the suction flow path and multiple discharge flow paths of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7 External air can be introduced from the suction port 11a formed on the opposite side of the lower part of the side panel 11. Such airflow can be generated by the first blower fan 130. The air introduced by the first blower fan 130 can travel between the plurality of heat dissipation fins 121 formed on the first radiator 120 to cool the heat dissipation fins 121 heated by the thermoelectric element 140. The air that has exchanged heat with the first radiator 120 can be introduced into the inlet 101 of the volute 100 and then leave to the outside. Accordingly, the refrigerator 1 may include a suction flow path S1, which is a flow path in which air is introduced from the suction port 11a, travels through the heat dissipation fins 121 of the first radiator 120 to enter the inlet 101 of the volute 100. The air traveling through the suction flow path S1 can flow in the same direction as the direction in which the heat dissipation fins 121 of the first radiator 120 are arranged. In other words, air can flow from the outside to the inside in the left-right direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0097] refer to Figure 8 The refrigerator 1 may include multiple discharge paths P1, P2, and P3. Air introduced into the inlet 101 of the volute 100 through the suction path S1 can flow along the multiple discharge paths P1, P2, and P3. The volute 100 may be configured to form the multiple discharge paths P1, P2, and P3.

[0098] Multiple discharge paths P1, P2, and P3 may include a first discharge path P1, a second discharge path P2, and a third discharge path P3. The first discharge path P1 may be configured to allow airflow to a first discharge port 12a formed on the rear surface of the body 10. The second discharge path P2 may be configured to allow airflow to a second discharge port 15a formed on the bottom surface of the body 10. The third discharge path P3 may be configured to allow airflow to a third discharge port 60a formed on the lower front portion of the body 10.

[0099] More specifically, the third flow path P3 can be configured to allow air to flow from the third outlet 107 of the vortex housing 100 (described below) into the space between the mounting plate 61 and the circuit board cover 13. This allows cooling of the heat generated from the circuit board (not shown) disposed on the upper side of the mounting plate 61. The air that has exchanged heat with the circuit board can be discharged to the outside through the third exhaust port 60a.

[0100] Specifically, the first discharge port 12a can be formed on the lower part of the rear panel 12, the second discharge port 15a can be formed on the blower fan cover 15, and the third discharge port 60a can be formed on the circuit board mounting portion 60. Figure 9 The suction port 11a, the first discharge port 12a, the second discharge port 15a and the third discharge port 60a are shown in detail.

[0101] like Figure 9 As shown, outside air can be introduced into the refrigerator 1 through the suction port 11a formed on the opposite lower side of the side panel 11. The air introduced and exchanged heat with the first radiator 120 can flow to the first blower fan 130 through the inlet 101 of the volute 100.

[0102] Air flowing along the first flow path P1 can be discharged to the outside through the first discharge port 12a formed in the rear panel 12.

[0103] The air flowing along the second flow path P2 can be discharged to the outside through the second discharge port 15a formed in the blower fan cover 15.

[0104] Air flowing along the third flow path P3 can move between the mounting plate 61 and the circuit board cover 13 to cool the circuit board (not shown), and is then discharged to the outside through the third discharge port 60a formed on the opposite side of the circuit board mounting portion 60. Figure 9 As shown, the opposite side of the circuit board mounting portion 60 can be configured to contact the circuit board cover 13 and be exposed to the outside.

[0105] exist Figure 9 In the illustration, the third exhaust port 60a is formed on the opposite side of the circuit board mounting portion 60, that is, on the opposite side of the lower part of the main body 10, and thus air is exhausted to the side. However, the position of the third exhaust port 60a is not limited to this. For example, the position of the third exhaust port 60a can be changed to the front side of the front panel 14.

[0106] In the heat dissipation structure, multiple exhaust ports are provided for discharging the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation fins. Through these multiple exhaust ports, the air flow rate of the heat-generating part of the thermoelectric element 140 is increased, so that the heat dissipation fins can be dissipated more effectively.

[0107] Furthermore, since the circuit board is positioned in front of the heat-generating part, the heat generated by the circuit board is cooled simultaneously with the heat generated by the heat sink fins, allowing the flow path to be formed into a compact structure. This increases the space utilization of the storage chamber 70.

[0108] Figure 10 This is a top view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with a portion of it cut off. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the volute of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is a front view of the volute of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] refer to Figure 10 The first heat sink 120 can be disposed above the volute 100. More specifically, multiple heat dissipation fins 121 can be formed on the lower side of the first heat sink 120.

[0110] Air introduced into the interior through the suction port 11a formed on the opposite side of the side panel 11 can flow in the same direction as the direction along which the plurality of heat dissipation fins 121 are provided. That is, the suction flow path S1 can be formed in the same direction as the extension direction of the plurality of heat dissipation fins 121. In other words, the suction flow path S1 can be formed in the same direction as the direction along which the air from the suction port 11a travels through the first heat sink 120.

[0111] The volute 100 can be positioned below the first heatsink 120. The first blower fan 130 can be positioned below the volute 100. Air introduced through the suction port 11a can flow into the first blower fan 130 through the inlet 101 of the volute 100. In this case, the centers C of the first blower fan 130 and the volute 100 can be aligned with each other.

[0112] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The vortex shell 100 may include an inlet 101, a straight portion 102, and a circular portion 103.

[0113] The straight portion 102 and the circular portion 103 can be connected to each other to form the entrance 101. Each of the straight portion 102 and the circular portion 103 can be provided in pairs.

[0114] The straight section 102 can be formed perpendicular to the airflow direction as it passes through the first radiator 120. In other words, the straight section 102 can be formed in a direction perpendicular to the direction along which the plurality of heat dissipation fins 121 of the first radiator 120 are disposed.

[0115] Furthermore, the straight section 102 can be formed to be curved upwards in a convex shape to smoothly guide the airflow to the blower fan.

[0116] Generally, the inlet 101 of the vortex housing 100 is configured to be circular, consistent with the shape of the fan. However, in this case, the generation of vortices along the airflow direction may lead to increased flow resistance and noise.

[0117] According to this disclosure, the inlet 101 formed in the vortex shell 100 of the refrigerator 1 may not be circular, but may include a straight portion 102, thereby minimizing the vortex generated in the air flowing through the inlet 101 toward the first blower fan 130. Specifically, in the refrigerator 1 according to this disclosure, the suction port 11a is formed on the opposite side of the lower portion, causing air to flow in one direction. Accordingly, the straight portion 102 is configured to extend in a direction perpendicular to the airflow direction at two locations adjacent to the suction port 11a.

[0118] Therefore, with this structure, the eddies in the suction flow path S1 can be minimized, thereby reducing flow resistance and noise caused by the centrifugal fan.

[0119] The volute 100 may also include a radiator support rib 104. The radiator support rib 104 may be configured in a substantially quadrilateral shape outside the inlet 101. The radiator support rib 104 may be configured to extend upward from the upper surface of the volute 100.

[0120] By means of the radiator support rib 104, the gap between the plurality of heat dissipation fins 121 of the first radiator 120 and the volute 100 is minimized, so that the air introduced into the suction port 11a can flow between the heat dissipation fins 121 to the maximum extent. In this way, the cooling efficiency can be maximized.

[0121] The volute 100 can be configured with an opening on three sides. Specifically, the front, rear, and lower sides can be configured as openings. Here, the front and rear portions are configured to be the same as the front and rear portions of the refrigerator 1.

[0122] The vortex casing 100 may include a first outlet 105, a second outlet 106, and a third outlet 107.

[0123] The first outlet 105 is located behind the opening of the vortex housing 100 and is configured to communicate with the first discharge port 12a of the main body 10. Accordingly, the first outlet 105 of the vortex housing 100 can be configured to form a first flow path P1.

[0124] The second outlet 106 is located below the opening of the vortex housing 100 and is configured to communicate with the second discharge port 15a of the main body 10. Accordingly, the second outlet 106 of the vortex housing 100 can be configured to form a second flow path P2.

[0125] The third outlet 107 is the front side of the opening of the volute 100 and is configured to communicate with the third discharge port 60a of the main body 10. More specifically, the third outlet 107 is configured to communicate with the space between the circuit board cover 13 and the mounting plate 61. Accordingly, the third outlet 107 of the volute 100 can be configured to form a third flow path P3.

[0126] A guide rib 108 may be formed adjacent to the first outlet 105 on the rear side of the vortex housing 100. Through this guide rib 108, the air flowing through the first flow path P1 can be smoothly moved to the first discharge port 12a.

[0127] The volute housing 100 may include multiple connecting portions 109. The connecting portions 109 of the volute housing 100 may be configured to connect to the blower fan cover 15. In the refrigerator 1 according to the present disclosure, the connecting portions 109 of the volute housing 100 are illustrated as four units, but the number may not be limited to this.

[0128] refer to Figure 12 The length from the center C of the vortex shell 100 to the circular portion 103 can be set as a first length d1. Additionally, the minimum length from the center C of the vortex shell 100 to the linear portion 102 can be set as a second length d2. The minimum length from the center C of the vortex shell 100 to the linear portion 102 can refer to the length obtained by drawing a straight line perpendicularly from the center C towards the linear portion 102.

[0129] In the vortex housing 100 according to this disclosure, the first length d1 can be set to be longer than the second length d2. Specifically, the difference between the first length d1 and the second length d2 can be set to be less than or equal to 12% of the first length d1. When the difference between the first length d1 and the second length d2 is greater than 12% of the first length d1, the area of ​​the inlet 101 is excessively reduced, and the flow rate may decrease drastically. Therefore, flow noise can be most effectively reduced when the difference between the first length d1 and the second length d2 is within 12% of the first length d1.

[0130] The specific shape and orientation of the refrigerator have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to this disclosure, and such modifications and changes should be interpreted as being included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: The main body includes a suction port and multiple discharge ports; Storage room, the storage room being formed inside the main body; A thermoelectric element for supplying cold air to the storage chamber and simultaneously discharging the heat generated therefrom, the thermoelectric element comprising a heat-absorbing part for supplying cold air and a heat-generating part for discharging the heat; A radiator configured to receive heat from the thermoelectric element; A blower fan is located below the heat sink to cool the heat sink; and A volute, mounted above the blower fan between the radiator and the blower fan, is used to house the blower fan. The volute includes an inlet through which air introduced from the suction port and traveling parallel through the radiator flows to the blower fan. The vortex shell includes a straight section that forms part of the inlet. The straight section is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the airflow direction through the radiator, and The air that has traveled through the blower fan is discharged in multiple directions through the multiple discharge ports.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The vortex shell also includes a circular portion connected to the straight portion, and the straight portion and the circular portion are used to form the inlet.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the linear portion and the circular portion is provided in pairs.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, The length from the center of the entrance to the circular portion is the first length, the minimum length from the center of the entrance to the straight portion is the second length, and the difference between the first length and the second length is less than or equal to 12% of the first length.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The radiator includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins, and the straight portion is formed along a direction perpendicular to the direction along which the heat dissipation fins are disposed.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The suction ports are provided in pairs, and the pairs of suction ports are respectively formed on opposite side surfaces of the lower part of the body.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The volute also includes radiator support ribs extending upward from the upper surface of the volute.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The straight section is formed to be curved upwards in a convex shape to guide the airflow to the blower fan.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The blower fan is a centrifugal fan.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of discharge ports include a first discharge port formed on the rear surface of the body and a second discharge port formed on the bottom surface of the body.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein, The vortex shell includes: A first outlet is formed at the rear side of the vortex housing to communicate with the first discharge port; and A second outlet is formed on the lower side of the vortex housing to communicate with the second discharge port, and The air introduced into the inlet of the vortex is discharged through the first outlet and the second outlet, and then discharged to the first discharge port and the second discharge port, respectively.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The radiator is a first radiator, and the blower fan is a first blower fan; the refrigerator also includes: A second radiator is located above the thermoelectric element to receive cold air; and A second blower fan is located above the second radiator to diffuse cool air into the storage chamber, and The first heat sink is located below the thermoelectric element.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: A circuit board mounting section is provided in front of the vortex housing; and A mounting plate connected to the circuit board mounting section. The circuit board is housed in the circuit board mounting section.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein, The main body also includes a circuit board cover, which forms part of the bottom surface of the main body and is located below the circuit board mounting portion. The vortex shell also includes an outlet formed at the front side, and Air from the outlet of the vortex flows into the space between the mounting plate and the circuit board cover to cool the heat generated by the circuit board.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein, The plurality of emission ports includes a first emission port and a second emission port, and The circuit board mounting portion also includes a third exhaust port, which is formed on the lateral side to exhaust air that has been cooled on the circuit board.

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