Refrigerator

Abstract

The refrigerator includes a thermoelectric module. The thermoelectric module includes: a module board having an opening; a first heat sink provided on one side of the module board; a second heat sink provided on the other side of the module board; a thermoelectric element disposed at the opening, one surface of the thermoelectric element being in contact with the first heat sink and the opposite surface of the thermoelectric element being in contact with the second heat sink when the thermoelectric element is disposed at the opening; a fastening member penetrating through the first heat sink, the module board, and the second heat sink to couple the first heat sink and the second heat sink to the module board, and having a head portion and a connecting portion having a diameter smaller than that of the head portion; a gasket member supported between the head and the first heat sink; and a nut member fastened to the connection portion and supported by the second heat sink.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a refrigerator, and more specifically, to a refrigerator having thermoelectric elements for cooling the storage compartment. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator is a household appliance that preserves freshness by means of a main body and a cold air supply unit, the main body having a storage compartment and the cold air supply unit being configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0003] As a cold air supply device for a refrigerator, a thermoelectric module can be used to generate heat and cool through the Peltier effect of a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can have a heating part formed on one side and a heat-absorbing part formed on the opposite side. When an electric current is applied to the thermoelectric element, heat generation occurs in the heating part and heat absorption occurs in the heat-absorbing part.

[0004] To improve the efficiency of the heating and heat absorption of thermoelectric elements, a thermoelectric module may include a heat sink in contact with the heating part, a cooler in contact with the heat absorption part, and a module plate that supports them. Summary of the Invention Technical issues

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure discloses a thermoelectric module with an improved structure to enhance the efficiency of cooling achieved through thermoelectric elements, and a refrigerator including the same.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure is a thermoelectric module with an improved structure to enhance assembly convenience, and a refrigerator having the same.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above. Other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description. Technical solution

[0008] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a refrigerator includes: a storage compartment; and a thermoelectric module configured to cool the storage compartment, wherein the thermoelectric module includes: a module plate having an opening; a first radiator disposed on one side of the module plate; a second radiator disposed on the other side of the module plate; a thermoelectric element disposed in the opening, wherein, when disposed in the opening, one surface contacts the first radiator and the opposite surface contacts the second radiator; a fastening member passing through the first radiator, the module plate, and the second radiator to connect the first radiator and the second radiator to the module plate, and having a head and a connecting portion having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the head; a washer member supported between the head and the first radiator; and a nut member fastened to the connecting portion and supported on the second radiator.

[0009] The first heat sink may include a through hole through which the fastening member passes, and the gasket member may include an insertion portion that protrudes toward the through hole and is inserted into the through hole.

[0010] The gasket component can be formed using a material with a lower thermal conductivity than metal to reduce heat transfer between the fastening component and the first heat sink.

[0011] The washer component may include a washer through hole through which the fastening component passes.

[0012] The washer component may include a boss protruding from the periphery of the washer through hole.

[0013] The gasket component may include a flow guide that protrudes in a manner that controls the flow of air.

[0014] The first heat sink includes: a first heat sink base; and a plurality of first fins protruding along a direction perpendicular to a surface of the first heat sink base, wherein a plurality of first channels are formed between the plurality of first fins, the plurality of first channels may include a first basic channel and at least one first wide channel, the first wide channel having a width wider than the width of the first basic channel.

[0015] The gasket component may be arranged in the at least one first wide channel.

[0016] The second heat sink may include a second through hole through which the fastening component passes.

[0017] The nut component may include an insertion portion that protrudes toward the through hole and is capable of being inserted into the through hole.

[0018] The nut component may include: a nut body formed of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than metal to reduce heat transfer between the fastening component and the second heat sink; and a nut, having threads formed on its inner circumferential surface for fastening the fastening component, formed of a metal material, and disposed inside the nut body.

[0019] The nut component may include a through-hole for inserting the fastening component.

[0020] The nut component may include a boss protruding from the periphery of the nut through hole.

[0021] The nut component may include a flow guide that protrudes in a manner that controls the flow of air.

[0022] The second heat sink may include: a second heat sink base; a plurality of second fins protruding along a direction perpendicular to a surface of the second heat sink base, wherein a plurality of second channels may be formed between the plurality of second fins, the plurality of second channels may include a second basic channel and at least one second wide channel, wherein the second wide channel may have a width wider than the width of the second basic channel.

[0023] The nut component can be arranged in the at least one second wide channel.

[0024] In another aspect, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator includes: a modular panel having an opening; a radiator disposed on one side of the modular panel; a cooler disposed on the other side of the modular panel; a thermoelectric element having a heating portion and a heat-absorbing portion, and disposed in the opening, and arranged such that the heating portion contacts the radiator and the heat-absorbing portion contacts the cooler; a fastening member passing through the radiator, the modular panel, and the cooler to attach the radiator and the cooler to the modular panel; a washer member disposed between the head and the radiator to prevent the fastening member from contacting the radiator; and a nut member disposed between the connecting portion and the cooler to prevent the fastening member from contacting the cooler.

[0025] The radiator may include a first through hole through which the fastening component passes, and the washer component may include: a washer body supported on the radiator; and an insertion portion protruding from a surface of the washer body to be inserted into the first through hole of the radiator.

[0026] The gasket component may include a flow guide that protrudes from another surface of the gasket body in a manner that controls the flow of air.

[0027] The cooler includes a second through hole through which the fastening component passes, and the nut component includes: a nut body supported on the cooler; and an insertion portion protruding from a surface of the nut body in such a way as to be inserted into the second through hole of the cooler.

[0028] The nut component may include a flow guide that protrudes from another surface of the nut body in a manner that controls the flow of air. Beneficial effects

[0029] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the heat sink and cooler are combined to the module board by fastening components, thereby improving the assembly convenience and bonding strength of the thermoelectric module.

[0030] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the radiator and cooler are tightly attached to the thermoelectric element by the fastening force of the fastening components, thereby improving the efficiency of the cooling effect through the thermoelectric element.

[0031] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, heat transfer through fastening components can be minimized, thereby improving the efficiency of cooling through thermoelectric elements.

[0032] The effects obtained by this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the refrigerator door in an open state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the storage compartment of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 5 According to an embodiment of this disclosure Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of line II.

[0038] Figure 6 The figure shows the top cover and thermoelectric module assembly separated from the main body of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a heat sink cover, heat sink body, extension tube, and thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a bottom perspective view showing a heat sink cover, a heat sink body, and a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view showing a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of the bottom surface of a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a heat sink according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a cooler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing a gasket component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the bottom surface of a gasket component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing a nut component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the bottom surface of a nut component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of a heat pipe and thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 18 This is an enlarged view illustrating an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the fastening components and their surroundings.

[0051] Figure 19 This is another cross-sectional view of a heat pipe and thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 20 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the fastening component and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 21 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the fastening component and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 22 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the fastening component and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 23 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the fastening component and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 24 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the fastening component and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The various embodiments and terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the corresponding embodiments.

[0058] Regarding the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to indicate similar or related constituent elements.

[0059] Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items mentioned.

[0060] In this disclosure, each of the statements such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C” and “at least one of A, B or C” can include one of the items listed together in the corresponding statement or all possible combinations thereof.

[0061] The term "and / or" includes a combination of the constituent elements of multiple related records or a structural element among the constituent elements of multiple related records.

[0062] Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first,” “second” can be used simply to distinguish one constituent element from another, and do not limit the constituent element in other respects (e.g., importance or order).

[0063] Furthermore, the terms “front surface,” “rear surface,” “upper surface,” “lower surface,” “side,” “left side,” “right side,” “upper part,” and “lower part” used in this disclosure are defined based on the accompanying drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0064] Terms such as “comprising” or “having” are used to specify the presence of features, figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, without precluding the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features or figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0065] When a constituent element is referred to as “connected,” “joined,” “supported,” or “in contact” with another constituent element, this includes not only cases where the constituent elements are directly connected, joined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, joined, supported, or in contact through a third constituent element.

[0066] When a constituent element is "on" another constituent element, this includes not only the case where a constituent element is connected to another constituent element, but also the case where there is another constituent element between the two constituent elements.

[0067] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0068] The “body” may include an inner box, an outer box arranged outside the inner box, and insulation material provided between the inner box and the outer box.

[0069] The “inner casing” may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner that forms the storage compartment. The inner casing may also be formed as a single unit or by assembling multiple plates. The “outer casing” may form the appearance of the main unit and may be attached to the outside of the inner casing to allow insulation material to be arranged between the inner and outer casings.

[0070] "Insulation material" can insulate the interior of a storage room from its exterior, thereby maintaining the internal temperature of the storage room at a set, appropriate temperature unaffected by the external environment. According to one embodiment, the insulation material may include foamed insulation material. Foamed insulation material can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between an inner and outer casing.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the thermal insulation material may include, in addition to foamed thermal insulation material, vacuum thermal insulation material, or the thermal insulation material may replace foamed thermal insulation material and consist solely of vacuum thermal insulation material. Vacuum thermal insulation material may include a core material and a housing containing the core material, and an internal enclosure is sealed under vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the thermal insulation material is not limited to the aforementioned foamed thermal insulation material or vacuum thermal insulation material, and may include a variety of raw materials suitable for thermal insulation.

[0072] A "storage room" may include a space defined by an inner box. A storage room may also include an inner box defining the space corresponding to the storage room. Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics can be stored in the storage room, and the storage room may be configured such that at least one side is open for placing or retrieving items.

[0073] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator has two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and may be maintained at a different temperature. For this purpose, each compartment may be separated from the others by partitions including insulating materials.

[0074] Storage compartments can be configured to maintain a suitable temperature range depending on their purpose, and may include "refrigerated compartments," "freezer compartments," or "variable temperature compartments" distinguished by their purpose and / or temperature range. Refrigerated compartments can maintain temperatures suitable for refrigerated storage of items, while freezer compartments can maintain temperatures suitable for frozen storage of items. "Refrigerated" can mean cooling items to a cooler temperature without freezing; for example, a refrigerated compartment can maintain a temperature range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" can mean cooling items to freeze or keep them frozen; for example, a freezer compartment can maintain a temperature range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. A variable temperature compartment can be used as either a refrigerated compartment or a freezer compartment, depending on the user's choice or unrelated to this.

[0075] In addition to names such as "refrigeration room", "freezer room" and "variable temperature room", storage rooms can also be called "vegetable room", "fresh room", "cooling room" and "ice making room" and so on. The terms "refrigeration room", "freezer room" and "variable temperature room" used below should be understood to include the meaning of storage rooms with their respective uses and temperature ranges.

[0076] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include at least one door configured to open and close storage compartments on an open side. The door may be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments respectively, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably disposed on the front surface of the body.

[0077] The "door" can be configured to seal the storage compartment when closed. Similar to the body, the door may include insulating material to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0078] According to one embodiment, a door may include an outer door panel forming the front surface of the door, an inner door panel forming the rear surface of the door and facing the storage room, an upper cover, a lower cover, and door insulation material disposed inside them.

[0079] The inner edge of the door panel may be fitted with a gasket that, when the door is closed, fits snugly against the front surface of the main body to seal the storage compartment. The inner door panel may include a rearward-projecting flange for mounting a door basket capable of holding items.

[0080] According to one embodiment, a door may include a door body and a front panel detachably attached to the front side of the door body and forming the front surface of the door. The door body may include an outer door panel forming the front surface of the door body, an inner door panel forming the rear surface of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cover, a lower cover, and door insulation material disposed inside them.

[0081] Refrigerators can be classified according to the arrangement of their doors and storage compartments, such as French door type, side-by-side type, bottom-mounted freezer (BMF), top-mounted freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerator.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0083] The air supply unit may include machinery, appliances, electronic devices and / or systems that combine them to generate and direct cold air to cool the storage compartment.

[0084] According to one embodiment, a cooling supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. For this purpose, the cooling supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to one embodiment, the cooling supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool the storage compartment through heating and cooling effects based on the Peltier effect.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a mechanical compartment configured to house at least a portion of the components belonging to the cold air supply device.

[0086] The "machine room" can be separated from and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components located in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room can be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from the components located inside the machine room.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser disposed on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be mounted on the door so that a user can access the dispenser without opening the door.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to generate ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray for storing water, an ice-transfer device for separating ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket for storing the ice generated in the ice-making tray.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0090] The “control unit” may include a memory that stores or records programs and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs control signals for controlling the cooling supply device, etc., according to the programs and / or data recorded in the memory.

[0091] The memory stores or records various information, data, instructions, programs, etc., required for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can record temporary data generated during the process of generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one or a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory.

[0092] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can run programs stored in memory to control the refrigerator's components. The processor may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) that executes artificial intelligence models. Furthermore, the processor may include a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor can receive temperature information from a temperature sensor in the refrigerator compartment and generate cooling control signals based on this information to control the operation of the cooling system.

[0093] Furthermore, the processor can process user input to the user interface based on programs and / or data recorded / stored in memory, and control the operation of the user interface. The user interface can be provided using input and output interfaces. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. In response to user input, the processor can transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying images.

[0094] The processor and memory can be integrated or configured separately. A processor may include more than one processor. For example, a processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. Memory may include more than one memory module.

[0095] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory for controlling all components of the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories for individually controlling the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory for controlling the operation of a cooling supply device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Furthermore, the refrigerator may be separately equipped with a processor and memory for controlling the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0096] The communication module can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other household appliances via surrounding access points (APs). An access point (AP) connects a refrigerator or user equipment to a local area network (LAN) to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user equipment can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0097] Input interfaces can include buttons, touchscreens, microphones, etc. Input interfaces can receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0098] Output interfaces can include displays, speakers, etc. Output interfaces can output various notifications, messages, and information generated by the processor.

[0100] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0101] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the refrigerator door in an open state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the storage compartment of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of line II. Figure 6 The figure shows the top cover and thermoelectric module assembly separated from the main body of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a heat sink cover, heat sink body, extension tube, and thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a bottom perspective view showing a heat sink cover, a heat sink body, and a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] Reference Figures 1 to 8 The refrigerator 1 may include a main body 100, storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 formed inside the main body 100, and doors 21, 22, 23, and 24 for opening and closing the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13.

[0103] The main body 100 may include an inner casing 170, an outer casing 180 bonded to the outside of the inner casing 170, and thermal insulation material 190 disposed between the inner casing 170 and the outer casing 180. The inner casing 170 may form storage compartments 11, 12, and 13, and the outer casing 180 may form the appearance of the main body 100. The thermal insulation material 190 may be urethane foam insulation material.

[0104] On the other hand, the main body 100 may include an upper wall 110, a lower wall 120, a left side wall 130, a right side wall 140, and a rear wall 150. The upper wall 110, lower wall 120, left side wall 130, right side wall 140, and rear wall 150 may respectively form the upper surface 111, lower surface, left side surface, right side surface, and rear wall of the main body 100.

[0105] The upper wall 110, lower wall 120, left side wall 130, right side wall 140, and rear wall 150 can be respectively composed of an inner box 170, an outer box 180, and thermal insulation material 190. As an example, the upper surface 111 of the upper wall 110 can be formed by the outer box 180, the lower surface of the upper wall 110 can be formed by the inner box 170, and thermal insulation material 190 can be provided inside the upper wall 110.

[0106] The upper wall 110 may include a through hole 115 ( Figure 6 At least a portion of the thermoelectric module assembly 450, which will be described later, may be disposed within the through-hole 115. An inner box opening 171 for forming the through-hole 115 may be formed in the inner box 170 forming the upper wall 110. An outer box opening 181 for forming the through-hole 115 may be formed in the outer box 180 forming the upper wall 110. Figure 6 ).

[0107] The upper wall 110 may include a connecting frame 200 disposed between the inner box 170 and the outer box 180. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The connecting frame 200 can connect the inner box opening 171 and the outer box opening 181, and can form a through hole 115 in the upper wall 110. The connecting frame 200 can be formed using a material with low thermal conductivity. The connecting frame 200 can be formed using a resin material.

[0108] Storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 can store items. Storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 can be configured to be open at the front to allow items to be placed in or retrieved. The main body 100 may include: a horizontal partition wall 160 dividing storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 into an upper first storage compartment 11 and lower storage compartments 12 and 13; and a vertical partition wall 161 dividing the lower storage compartments 12 and 13 into a second storage compartment 12 and a third storage compartment 13. The first storage compartment 11 can be a refrigerator compartment, the second storage compartment 12 can be a freezer compartment, and the third storage compartment 13 can be a variable temperature compartment.

[0109] Doors 21, 22, 23, and 24 can open and close storage rooms 11, 12, and 13. The first door 21 and the second door 22 can open and close the first storage room 11, the third door 23 can open and close the second storage room 12, and the fourth door 24 can open and close the third storage room 13. Doors 21, 22, 23, and 24 can be rotatably connected to the main body 100.

[0110] Doors 21, 22, 23, and 24 can be rotatably connected to the body 100 by hinges. For example, the first door 21 and the second door 22 can be rotatably connected to the body 100 by a hinge 31 located on the upper part of the body 100 and a hinge located in the middle of the body 100, respectively. The hinge 31 may include a hinge pin projecting vertically to form a pivot for rotation of the door. The hinge 31 may be covered by a top cover 300, which is configured to cover the front portion of the upper surface 111 of the body 100.

[0111] Either the first door 21 or the second door 22 may be equipped with a rotating bar 40, which covers the gap formed between the first door 21 and the second door 22 when the first door 21 and the second door 22 are closed. The rotating bar 40 may be rotatably mounted on either the first door 21 or the second door 22. The rotating bar 40 may have a long rod shape formed in the vertical direction. The rotating bar 40 may also be referred to as a pillar, mullion, etc.

[0112] A guide protrusion 46 may be provided at the upper end of the rotating bar 40, and a rotation guide 119 that guides the rotation of the guide protrusion 46 may be provided at the upper part of the main body 100.

[0113] Doors 21, 22, 23, and 24 may include washers 51. When doors 21, 22, 23, and 24 are closed, washers 51 may fit snugly against the front surface of the body 100. Doors 21, 22, 23, and 24 may include rearwardly projecting embankments 52. Door shelves 53 for storing items may be mounted on the embankments 52. A swivel bar 40 may be rotatably mounted on the embankments 52.

[0114] Although the number and arrangement of storage compartments and the number and arrangement of doors have been described above, the number and arrangement of storage compartments and the number and arrangement of doors of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0115] The refrigerator 1 may include a thermoelectric cooling unit 400 equipped with a cooling storage compartment 11.

[0116] The thermoelectric cooling device 400 can be installed on the upper side of the storage chamber 11 to cool the storage chamber 11. That is, the thermoelectric cooling device can be installed on the upper wall 110 of the main body 100.

[0117] The thermoelectric cooling device 400 may include a thermoelectric module assembly 450. The thermoelectric module assembly 450 may include a thermoelectric module 500. Figure 7 ) and heat pipe 700.

[0118] The thermoelectric module 500 and the heat sink 700 can be assembled together to form a thermoelectric module assembly 450. The thermoelectric module assembly 450 can be attached to the upper wall 110 of the main body 100 from top to bottom. After the thermoelectric module assembly 450 is attached to the upper wall 110 of the main body 100 from top to bottom, the cooling pipe 900, which will be described later, can be attached to the lower surface of the upper wall 110 of the main body 100 from bottom to top.

[0119] The thermoelectric module 500 may include a thermoelectric element 530 and a heat dissipation unit. The heat dissipation unit may include a heat sink 520 and a cooler 570.

[0120] Thermoelectric element 530 can be a semiconductor element that converts heat energy into electrical energy using the thermoelectric effect, and can also be called a thermoelectric semiconductor element, Peltier element, etc.

[0121] The thermoelectric element 530 may include a heating portion 531 and a heat-absorbing portion 532. When an electric current is applied to the thermoelectric element 530, heating occurs in the heating portion 531 and heat absorption occurs in the heat-absorbing portion 532. The thermoelectric element 530 may have a thin hexahedral shape. The heating portion 531 may be disposed on one surface of the thermoelectric element 530, and the heat-absorbing portion 532 may be disposed on the opposite surface.

[0122] Thermoelectric element 530 can be mounted on upper wall 110, and configured such that heating element 531 faces upwards from thermoelectric element 530, and heat-absorbing element 532 faces downwards from thermoelectric element 530. That is, heating element 531 can face outwards from main body 100, and heat-absorbing element 532 can face inwards from storage chamber 11 through through hole 115 in upper wall 110. Therefore, air heated by heat exchange with heating element 531 is discharged to the outside of main body 100, and air cooled by heat exchange with heat-absorbing element 532 is supplied to storage chamber 11, thereby cooling storage chamber 11.

[0123] The thermoelectric module 500 may include a heat sink 520 that contacts the heating element 531 so that the heating element 531 of the thermoelectric element 530 can effectively exchange heat with the air outside the body 100.

[0124] The radiator 520 can contact the heat-generating part 531 to absorb the heat from the heat-generating part 531 and release the heat to the outside of the main body 100. The radiator 520 can also be referred to as a heat sink, heat dissipator, heat radiator, etc.

[0125] The heat sink 520 can be formed using a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the heat sink 520 can be formed using aluminum or copper.

[0126] The radiator 520 may include a radiator base 521 that contacts the heat-generating part 531 and a plurality of heat-dissipating fins 525 that protrude from the radiator base 521 to increase the heat transfer area. The plurality of heat-dissipating fins 525 may protrude upward from the radiator base 521.

[0127] The thermoelectric module 500 may include a cooler 570 in contact with the heat-absorbing part 532 to enable efficient heat exchange between the heat-absorbing part 532 and the air inside the storage chamber 11.

[0128] The cooler 570 can be located inside the storage chamber 11. The cooler 570 can absorb heat from the storage chamber 11 and transfer the heat to the heat absorption part 532, thereby cooling the storage chamber 11. The cooler 570 can also be referred to as a cooling sink, a cooling device, a cooling radiator, a cold radiator, a cooling radiator, etc.

[0129] Cooler 570 can be formed using a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, cooler 570 can be formed using aluminum or copper.

[0130] The cooler 570 may include a cooler base 571 in contact with the heat absorber 532 and a plurality of cooling fins 575 protruding from the cooler base 571 to increase the heat transfer area. The plurality of cooling fins 575 may protrude downward from the cooler base 571. The cooler base 571 and the plurality of cooling fins 575 may be integrally formed.

[0131] The thermoelectric module 500 may include a cooling fan 600 that circulates air to facilitate efficient heat exchange between the radiator 520 and the external air of the body 100.

[0132] The cooling fan 600 can be configured to direct airflow toward the heatsink 520. The cooling fan 600 can be configured to be positioned horizontally on the heatsink 520.

[0133] The cooling fan 600 can be a centrifugal fan that draws in air axially and discharges it radially. The centrifugal fan can include a blower fan. The rotation shaft 610 of the cooling fan 600 can be arranged perpendicular to the upper surface of the upper wall 110. The cooling fan 600 can be housed in the fan housing 650.

[0134] The heat pipe 700 can guide the air outside the main body 100 to exchange heat with the radiator 520, and can also guide the air that has exchanged heat with the radiator 520 to be discharged to the outside of the main body 100 again.

[0135] The heat pipe 700 may include a heat pipe body 720, a heat pipe cover 710, and an extension pipe 740.

[0136] The heat pipe body 720 can be mounted on the upper side of the thermoelectric module 500 to cover the cooling fan 600 and the heat sink 520. An external air intake 751 can be formed on the upper surface of the front part of the heat pipe body 720, and the external air intake 751 can be covered by the top cover 300, which will be described later.

[0137] The heatsink cover 710 can be attached to the upper part of the heatsink body 720 to cover the upper side of the heatsink body 720. For this purpose, the heatsink cover 710 may be equipped with a cover attachment portion 711, and the heatsink body 720 may be equipped with a body attachment portion 721 that attaches to the cover attachment portion 711. The cover attachment portion 711 and the body attachment portion 721 can be attached by a snap-fit ​​or insertion method. The heatsink cover 710 may include a cover extension portion 715 extending from one side of the heatsink cover 710 toward the top cover 300.

[0138] The extension tube 740 can be disposed in front of the heat sink body 720 and configured to connect to the heat sink body 720. The extension tube 740 can be formed separately from the heat sink body 720. However, instead of this, the extension tube 740 can also be formed integrally with the heat sink body 720.

[0139] The extension tube 740 can be mounted below the top cover 300 and can be attached to the lower part of the top cover 300. For this purpose, the extension tube 740 can be equipped with an extension tube joint 745 that is attached to the top cover 300.

[0140] The heat pipe 700 may include external air outlets 782 and 794 for discharging air that exchanges heat with the heat sink 520 to the outside of the main body 100.

[0141] The heat pipe body 720 may include a first external air outlet 782 that discharges air that exchanges heat with the heat sink 520 to the outside of the body 100.

[0142] The first external air outlet 782 may include a connection port 784 for guiding air from inside the heat sink 700 to inside the top cover 300. The first external air outlet 782 may include an external outlet 783, distinct from the connection port 784, for discharging air from the heat sink 700 to the outside of the top cover 300. A grille may be formed at the external outlet 783 to prevent foreign objects from flowing into the interior of the heat sink 700 through the external outlet 783.

[0143] The extension pipe 740 may include a second external air outlet 794 that discharges air that exchanges heat with the radiator 520 toward the rotating bar 40. The air exchanging heat with the radiator 520 is discharged toward the rotating bar 40, thereby preventing condensation from occurring on the rotating bar 40.

[0144] However, the heat pipe 700 does not necessarily include both the first external air outlet 782 and the second external air outlet 794 mentioned above, and the second external air outlet 794 can also be omitted. In addition, the first external air outlet 782 of the heat pipe 700 does not necessarily include both the connection port 784 and the external outlet 783, and the first external air outlet 792 may only include the external outlet 783.

[0145] A fan housing space 762 for accommodating the cooling fan 600 can be formed in the heat pipe body 720. The fan housing space 762 can be formed on the bottom surface of the heat pipe body 720. The heat pipe body 720 may include a fan inlet 761 for allowing air to flow into the fan housing space 762.

[0146] The heat pipe body 720 may include a heat sink receiving space 771 formed downstream of the fan receiving space 762 to receive the heat sink 520. The heat pipe body 720 may include guide vanes 772 protruding from the bottom surface of the heat pipe body 720 to control airflow. The guide vanes 772 may be arranged in a wide heat dissipation channel 528b (described later) formed in a heat dissipation channel 528 between a plurality of heat dissipation fins 525. The guide vanes 772 may prevent airflow into the wide heat dissipation channel 528b and may guide airflow into the basic heat dissipation channel 528a (described later).

[0147] Therefore, the reason for equipping the wide heat dissipation channel 528b with the guide vanes 772 is as follows: Since the spacing between the pair of heat dissipation fins 525 adjacent to the wide heat dissipation channel 528b is wide, the airflow velocity and heat exchange efficiency to the wide heat dissipation channel 528b may be low.

[0148] The heat sink body 720 may include an intake space 752 formed on its upper surface to guide air drawn in through the external air intake 751 to the fan housing space 762. The upper side of the intake space 752 may be open, and the open upper side of the intake space 752 may be covered by the heat sink cover 710. The intake space 752 may be formed on the upstream side of the fan housing space 762. The intake space 752 may be connected to the fan housing space 762 through the fan inlet 761.

[0149] The heat sink body 720 may include a first exhaust space 781 formed on the upper surface of the heat sink body 720 to guide air that exchanges heat with the radiator 520 to a first external air exhaust port 782. The upper side of the first exhaust space 781 may be open, and the open upper side of the first exhaust space may be covered by the heat sink cover 710. The first exhaust space 781 may be formed downstream of the radiator receiving space 771.

[0150] The heat sink body 720 may include a second exhaust space 791 formed on its upper surface to guide air that exchanges heat with the radiator 520 to a second external air exhaust port 794. The upper side of the second exhaust space 791 may be open, and the open upper side of the second exhaust space 791 may be covered by the heat sink cover 710. The second exhaust space 791 may be formed downstream of the radiator housing space 771.

[0151] The extension pipe 740 may include an extension exhaust space 746 connected to the second exhaust space 791 of the heat sink body 720. Air in the second exhaust space 791 may be guided to the second external air exhaust port 794 through the extension exhaust space 746.

[0152] The thermoelectric module assembly 450 can be secured by at least one fastening component S2 ( Figure 6 It is attached to the upper wall 110 of the main body 100. At least one fastening component S2 may be a mechanical element for connection, such as a screw or bolt.

[0153] At least one fastening component S2 can pass through the thermoelectric module assembly 450 and be attached to the upper wall 110 of the body 100.

[0154] According to one embodiment, at least one fastening member S2 can penetrate the heat sink cover 710, the heat sink body 720, and the module plate 550 and be coupled to the upper wall 110 of the main body 100. For this purpose, a coupling hole 719 can be formed in the heat sink cover 710, a coupling hole 729 can be formed in the heat sink body 720, and a coupling hole 554 can be formed in the module plate 550. A coupling hole 118 for coupling at least one fastening member S2 can be formed in the upper wall 110 of the main body 100.

[0155] The refrigerator 1 may include a top cover 300 attached to the front of the upper surface 111 of the body 100 to cover a plurality of hinges 31. The top cover 300 may be attached to the upper wall 110 of the body 100 by at least one fastening member S3. The top cover 300 may be attached to the upper wall 110 of the body 100 after the thermoelectric module assembly 450 is attached to the upper wall 110 of the body 100.

[0156] The thermoelectric cooling device 400 may include a dust filter 390 configured to filter foreign objects from the air flowing into the external air intake 751. The dust filter 390 may be slidably mounted on the top cover 300 in the front-rear direction.

[0157] The top cover 300 may include a suction grille 350 formed on the upper surface portion 310 of the top cover. The suction grille 350 may be located above the dust filter 390. The suction grille 350 can prevent foreign objects from being sucked into the interior of the heat dissipation pipe 700 before the dust filter 390. The suction grille 350 can prevent external force from being applied to the dust filter 390, thereby protecting the dust filter 390.

[0158] The top cover 300 may include forward-projecting portions 313 at both ends of the top cover 300 to cover the forward projections 313 of a plurality of hinges 31.

[0159] At least a portion of the air discharged from the heat dissipation pipe 700 through the first external air outlet 782 can flow into the interior of the top cover 300. The air flowing into the interior of the top cover 300 can be discharged to the outside through the top cover outlet 340 formed in the front protrusion 313 of the top cover 300.

[0160] In this way, the air exchanging heat with the radiator 520 can heat the upper surface 111 of the main body 100 while passing through the interior of the top cover 300. Therefore, condensation on the upper part of the front surface of the main body 100 can be prevented.

[0161] The thermoelectric cooling device 400 may include a cooling fan 800 that circulates air to effectively exchange heat between the air inside the cooler 570 and the storage chamber 11. The cooling fan 800 may be arranged inside the cooling pipe 900.

[0162] The cooling fan 800 can be configured to blow air toward the cooler 570. The cooling fan 800 can be located in the horizontal direction of the cooler 570. The cooling fan 800 can be installed inside the storage compartment 11. The cooling fan 800 can be installed on the lower side of the upper wall 110.

[0163] The cooling fan 800 can be a centrifugal fan that draws in air axially and exhausts air radially. The rotating shaft 810 of the cooling fan 800 can be arranged perpendicular to the bottom surface of the upper wall 110.

[0164] The thermoelectric cooling device 400 may include a cooling pipe 900 configured to guide air flowing by a cooling fan 800. The cooling pipe 900 may guide the air inside the storage chamber 11 to exchange heat with the cooler 570, and may guide the air that has exchanged heat with the cooler 570 to be discharged back into the storage chamber 11.

[0165] The cooling fan 800 may be located inside the cooling pipe 900. The cooler 570 may extend through the upper surface of the cooling pipe 900 and be located inside the cooling pipe 900. The cooling pipe 900 may be attached to the lower surface of the upper wall 110.

[0166] The cooling pipe 900 may include an internal air intake 991 and an internal air exhaust 992. The internal air intake 991 draws air from inside the storage chamber 11 into the cooling pipe 900, and the internal air exhaust 992 discharges the air that has exchanged heat with the cooler 570 into the storage chamber 11.

[0167] Refrigerator 1 may include a refrigeration cycle device that cools the storage compartments via a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle device may include a compressor 2, a condenser (not shown), an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator 3. The evaporator 3 may be located at the rear of the storage compartments 12 and 13.

[0168] The refrigerator 1 may include evaporator pipes 60 and 70 for guiding the cold air generated in the evaporator 3. The first evaporator pipe 60 may be located at the rear of the second storage compartment 12 and the third storage compartment 13. The second evaporator pipe 70 may be located at the rear of the first storage compartment 11.

[0169] The cold air generated in the evaporator 3 can be drawn into the interior of the first evaporator tube 60 by the evaporator fan 80. The cold air drawn into the interior of the first evaporator tube 60 can be discharged into the second storage chamber 12 or the third storage chamber 13 through a cold air outlet (not shown) formed on the front surface. Furthermore, the cold air drawn into the interior of the first evaporator tube 60 can be guided into the internal flow path 78 of the second evaporator tube 70. The first evaporator tube 60 can be equipped with a damper 61 to control the supply of cold air from the interior of the first evaporator tube 60 to the second evaporator tube 70. A connecting pipe 90 can also be provided between the first evaporator tube 60 and the second evaporator tube 70 to connect the first evaporator tube 60 and the second evaporator tube 70.

[0170] The cold air flowing into the internal flow path 78 of the second evaporator tube 70 can be supplied to the first storage chamber 11 through the cold air outlet 72 formed on the front surface of the second evaporator tube 70.

[0171] Thus, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, a refrigerator may include a thermoelectric cooling device 400 and a refrigeration cycle device, but is not limited thereto; the refrigerator may also include only the thermoelectric cooling device 400.

[0173] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view showing a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of the bottom surface of a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a heat sink according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a cooler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing a gasket component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the bottom surface of a gasket component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing a nut component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the bottom surface of a nut component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of a heat pipe and thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 18 It is shown in magnification Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the fastening components and their surroundings. Figure 19 This is another cross-sectional view of a heat pipe and thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0174] Reference Figures 9 to 19 The thermoelectric module 500 is described in detail.

[0175] The thermoelectric module 500 may include: a thermoelectric element 530 having a heating part 531 and a heat-absorbing part 532; a radiator 520 in contact with the heating part 531 of the thermoelectric element 530; a cooler 570 in contact with the heat-absorbing part 532 of the thermoelectric element 530; and a module plate 550 for mounting the thermoelectric element 530, the radiator 520, and the cooler 570.

[0176] Module plate 550 serves as the framework for thermoelectric module 500. Module plate 550 can be formed using a resin material with low thermal conductivity. Module plate 550 supports heat sink 520 and cooler 570. Module plate 550 maintains the spacing between heat sink 520 and cooler 570. As shown, module plate 550 can be integrally formed with the aforementioned fan housing 650. However, module plate 550 can also be configured separately from fan housing 650.

[0177] The module board 550 may include a module board opening 551. A thermoelectric element 530 may be arranged inside the module board opening 551. The vertical length of the module board opening 551 may be greater than the vertical length of the thermoelectric element 530, and the thermoelectric element 530 may be arranged at the upper end of the module board opening 551.

[0178] The reason for arranging the thermoelectric element 530 at the upper end of the module plate opening 551 is that, generally, the heat generated by the thermoelectric element 530 is higher than the heat absorbed, and placing the thermoelectric element 530 at the upper end of the module plate opening 551 is beneficial for the heat dissipation of the heat-generating part 531 and can improve the overall operating efficiency of the thermoelectric element 530.

[0179] Thus, since the thermoelectric element 530 is arranged at the upper end of the module plate opening 551, the cooler 570 may include a cooling conduction portion 574 protruding from the cooler base 571 to contact the heat-absorbing portion 532 of the thermoelectric element 530. The cooling conduction portion 574 may be integrally formed with the cooler base 571. The cooling conduction portion 574 may be inserted into the module plate opening 551 to contact the heat-absorbing portion 532 of the thermoelectric element 530.

[0180] The thermoelectric module may include an element insulation 540 that insulates the module plate 550 and the thermoelectric element 530 from heat. The element insulation 540 may be disposed in an opening 551 in the module plate to prevent the thermoelectric element 530 from contacting the module plate 550. The element insulation 540 may be configured to surround a side surface of the thermoelectric element 530. The element insulation 540 may include an element insulation body 543 and an element insulation cover 542 attached to the upper side of the element insulation body 543. The element insulation 540 may be formed using a resin material with low thermal conductivity. As an example, the element insulation 540 may be formed using a silicone material.

[0181] The module board 550 may include a heat sink support 552 that supports the heat sink 520. The heat sink support 552 may contact and support the bottom surface of the heat sink base 521.

[0182] The thermoelectric module 500 may include a heat sink insulation 580 disposed between the module plate 550 and the cooler 570. The heat sink insulation 580 prevents heat from being transferred between the heat sink 520 and the cooler 570 through the module plate 550. The heat sink insulation 580 may include a heat sink insulation opening 581.

[0183] The heat sink insulation 580 can support the upper surface of the cooler 570. However, the heat sink insulation 580 can be omitted, in which case the cooler 570 can contact and be supported on the bottom surface of the module plate 550. Alternatively, the heat sink insulation 580 can also be provided between the heat sink 520 and the module plate 550.

[0184] The heat sink 520 may include a heat sink base 521 and a plurality of heat dissipation fins 525 protruding from the heat sink base 521. The bottom surface of the heat sink base 521 may be supported by the module plate 550.

[0185] Multiple heat dissipation fins 525 may protrude from the upper surface 522 of the heat sink base 521. Multiple heat dissipation fins 525 may protrude in a direction 526 perpendicular to the upper surface 522 of the heat sink base 521. Multiple heat dissipation fins 525 may extend in a direction 527 parallel to the upper surface 522 of the heat sink base 521.

[0186] Heat dissipation channels 528 can be formed between multiple adjacent heat dissipation fins 525. The heat dissipation channel 528 may include a basic heat dissipation channel 528a and at least one wide heat dissipation channel 528b, wherein the wide heat dissipation channel 528b has a width wider than the width of the basic heat dissipation channel 528a. That is, the width W2 of the wide heat dissipation channel 528b can be greater than the width W1 of the basic heat dissipation channel 528a. Figure 18 ).

[0187] Thus, the reason why the radiator 520 has a wide heat dissipation channel 528b is that the radiator 520 is formed by an extrusion process, and in order to effectively perform the operation of forming a space in the radiator 520 for the gasket component 510, which will be described later.

[0188] The air A flowing through the cooling fan 600 can exchange heat with multiple heat dissipation fins 525 through the heat dissipation channel 528.

[0189] Multiple cooling fins 575 may protrude from the lower surface 572 of the cooler base 571. Multiple cooling fins 575 may protrude in a direction 576 perpendicular to the lower surface 572 of the cooler base 571. Multiple cooling fins 575 may be formed to extend in a direction 577 parallel to the lower surface 572 of the cooler base 571.

[0190] Cooling channels 578 can be formed between multiple adjacent cooling fins 575. Cooling channels 578 may include a basic cooling channel 578a and at least one wide cooling channel 578b, wherein the wide cooling channel 578b has a width that is wider than the width of the basic cooling channel 578a.

[0191] Thus, the reason why the cooler 570 has a wide cooling channel 578b is that the cooler 570 is formed by an extrusion process, and in order to effectively perform the operation of forming a space in the cooler 570 for the nut component 590, which will be described later, to be placed.

[0192] The air B flowing through the cooling fan 800 can exchange heat with multiple cooling fins 575 through the cooling channel 578.

[0193] The radiator 520 and cooler 570 can be attached to the module plate 550 via a fastening component S1. The fastening component S1 can be a mechanical element for attachment, such as a screw or bolt. The fastening component S1 can have a head H and a connecting portion C, wherein the connecting portion C has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the head H. The connecting portion C can be cylindrical. The outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion C can be threaded. The fastening component S1 can be made of metal to provide rigidity.

[0194] A radiator through hole 523 for fastening component S1 to pass through can be formed in radiator 520. A plate through hole 553 for fastening component S1 to pass through can be formed in module plate 550. A cooler through hole 573 for fastening component S1 to pass through can be formed in cooler 570.

[0195] The thermoelectric module 500 may include a washer member 510 that supports the head H of the fastening member S1 and the heat sink 520. The washer member 510 is provided between the head H of the fastening member S1 and the heat sink 520 to prevent the fastening member S1 from contacting the heat sink 520 and to reduce the transfer of heat from the heat sink 520 through the fastening member S1.

[0196] Therefore, the gasket component 510 can be made of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than metal to reduce heat transfer. As an example, the gasket component 510 can be formed of materials such as plastic, silicone, wood, and glass. Furthermore, the gasket component 510 can also be made of a metallic material with a lower thermal conductivity than the metals constituting the radiator 520 and the cooler 570.

[0197] The washer component 510 may include a washer through hole 518 through which the fastening component S1 passes. The washer component 510 may include a washer body 511. The washer body 511 may be supported by the heat sink 520.

[0198] The washer component 510 may include a boss 517 protruding from the periphery of a washer through hole 518 on a surface 511a of the washer body 511. The boss 517 may guide and support the fastening component S1.

[0199] The washer component 510 can be inserted into and secured to the radiator 520. For this purpose, the washer component 510 may include an insertion portion 516 protruding from another surface 511b of the washer body 511. The insertion portion 516 can be inserted into a radiator through-hole 523 of the radiator 520. The insertion portion 516 may be integrally formed with the washer body 511.

[0200] The insertion portion 516 may include a plurality of insertion legs 516a spaced apart from each other. A slit 516c is formed between the plurality of adjacent insertion legs 516a. Thus, by forming the slit 516c between the plurality of adjacent insertion legs 516a, the insertion portion 516 is elastic, allowing it to be smoothly inserted into the radiator through-hole 523. A retaining rib 516b may be formed on the insertion legs 516a to enhance the bonding force between the insertion portion 516 and the radiator through-hole 523. The retaining rib 516b prevents the insertion portion 516 from rotating inside the radiator through-hole 523 or from disengaging from the radiator through-hole 523.

[0201] The gasket component 510 can be disposed in the wide heat dissipation channel 528b of the aforementioned radiator 520. The gasket component 510 may include a flow guide 513 configured to control the airflow. The flow guide 513 may protrude from a surface 511a of the gasket body 511. The flow guide 513 may be disposed on the upstream and downstream sides in the airflow direction, centered on the boss portion 517.

[0202] The flow guide 513 can minimize the phenomenon of airflow through the wide heat dissipation channel 528b. That is, the flow guide 513 can guide airflow to the basic heat dissipation channel 528a by blocking the wide heat dissipation channel 528b or narrowing the wide heat dissipation channel 528b. For this purpose, the flow guide 513 can be equipped with a width WG that corresponds to or is slightly smaller than the width W2 of the wide heat dissipation channel 528b.

[0203] The width of the wide heat dissipation channel 528b with the gasket component 510 is greater than the width of the other basic heat dissipation channels 528a. Therefore, the air velocity passing through the wide heat dissipation channel 528b with the gasket component 510 is reduced, and the heat exchange efficiency between the air and the surrounding heat dissipation fins 525 may be lower. Therefore, the flow guide 513 guides the airflow to the basic heat dissipation channel 528a instead of the wide heat dissipation channel 528b, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the air and the radiator 520.

[0204] The gasket component 510 may include a side support 514 formed on the side of the flow guide 513 to support and reinforce the flow guide 513. The side support 514 may be formed as a surface 511a connecting the flow guide 513 and the gasket body 511.

[0205] The gasket component 510 may include a body extension 512 extending to one side from the gasket body 511. The gasket component 510 may include an extended support 515 connecting the flow guide 513 and the body extension 512 to support and reinforce the flow guide 513.

[0206] An anti-loosening component 502 may be provided between the head H of the fastening component S1 and the washer component 510 to prevent the fastening component S1 from loosening.

[0207] The thermoelectric module 500 may include a nut component 590 that is fastened to the connection portion C of the fastening component S1. The nut component 590 may be supported on the cooler 570. The nut component 590 is provided between the connection portion C of the fastening component S1 and the cooler 570 to prevent the fastening component S1 from contacting the cooler 570 and to reduce the transfer of cold air from the cooler 570 through the fastening component S1.

[0208] The nut component 590 may include a nut body 591 and a nut 599 disposed inside the nut body 591.

[0209] The nut body 591 can be formed using a material that reduces heat transfer between the fastening component S1 and the cooler 570. That is, the nut body 591 can be made using a material with a lower thermal conductivity than metal. As an example, the nut body 591 can be formed using materials such as plastic, silicone, wood, or glass. Furthermore, the nut body 591 can also be made using a metallic material with a lower thermal conductivity than the metal constituting the radiator 520 and the cooler 570.

[0210] Nut 599 can be made of metal and has threads formed on its inner circumferential surface to fasten the connecting part C of fastening component S1. Nut component 590 can be formed by insert injection molding, in which resin is injected while nut 599 is inserted into a mold.

[0211] Nut component 590 may include a nut through hole 598. Nut component 590 may include a nut body 591. Nut body 591 may be supported on cooler 570.

[0212] The nut component 590 may include a boss 597 protruding from the periphery of a nut through hole 598 on one surface of the nut body 591. The boss 597 may support the fastening component S1.

[0213] The nut component 590 can be inserted into and secured to the cooler 570. For this purpose, the nut component 590 may include an insertion portion 596 protruding from another surface 591b of the nut body 591. The insertion portion 596 can be inserted into the cooler through-hole 573 of the cooler 570. The insertion portion 596 may be integrally formed with the nut body 591.

[0214] The insertion portion 596 may include a plurality of insertion legs 596a spaced apart from each other. A slit 596c may be formed between the plurality of adjacent insertion legs 596a. Thus, by forming the slit 596c between the plurality of adjacent insertion legs 596a, the insertion portion 596 becomes elastic, allowing the insertion portion 596 to be smoothly inserted into the cooler through-hole 573. A retaining rib 596b may be formed on the insertion legs 596a to enhance the bonding force between the insertion portion 596 and the cooler through-hole 573. The retaining rib 596b prevents the insertion portion 596 from rotating inside the cooler through-hole 573 or from disengaging from the cooler through-hole 573.

[0215] The nut component 590 can be arranged in the wide cooling channel 578b of the aforementioned cooler 570. The nut component 590 may include a flow guide 593 configured to control the airflow. The flow guide 593 may protrude from one surface of the nut body 591. The flow guide 593 may be respectively arranged on the upstream and downstream sides in the airflow direction, centered on the boss portion 597.

[0216] The flow guide 593 can minimize the phenomenon of airflow through the wide cooling channel 578b. That is, the flow guide 593 can guide airflow to the basic cooling channel 578a by blocking the wide cooling channel 578b or narrowing the wide cooling channel 578b. For this purpose, the flow guide 593 can be configured to have a width corresponding to or slightly smaller than the width of the wide cooling channel 578b.

[0217] The width of the wide cooling channel 578b, where the nut component 590 is arranged, is greater than the width of the other basic cooling channels 578a. Therefore, the air velocity passing through the wide cooling channel 578b is reduced, potentially resulting in lower heat exchange efficiency with the surrounding cooling fins 575. Consequently, the flow guide 593 directs airflow towards the basic cooling channels 578a instead of the wide cooling channels 578b, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the air and the cooler 570.

[0218] With this configuration, the fastening component S1 is fastened to the nut component 590 by passing through the washer through hole 518 of the washer component 510 and the plate through hole 553 of the module plate 550, thereby the radiator 520 and the cooler 570 can be fixed to the module plate 550.

[0219] When the heat sink 520 and the cooler 570 are attached to the module plate 550 via the fastening member S1, with the component insulation member 540 and the thermoelectric element 530 arranged in the opening 551 of the module plate 550, the heat sink 520 and the cooler 570 can be attached to the module plate 550 via the fastening member S1. Therefore, while the heat sink 520 and the cooler 570 are fixed to the module plate 550, the thermoelectric element 530 can also be fixed.

[0220] The heating part 531 of the thermoelectric element 530 is supported and fixed by the heat sink 520, and the heat absorbing part 532 of the thermoelectric element 530 is supported and fixed by the cooler 570. The side surface connecting the heating part 531 and the heat absorbing part 532 of the thermoelectric element 530 can be supported and fixed by the inner surface of the element heat insulation member 540.

[0221] Thus, by directly connecting the heat sink 520 and the cooler 570 with the fastening component S1, the assemblability of the thermoelectric module 500 can be improved. Furthermore, the heat sink 520 can be in close contact with the heating element 531 of the thermoelectric element 530, and the cooler 570 can be in close contact with the heat-absorbing element 532 of the thermoelectric element 530. Therefore, heat exchange between the heat sink 520 and the heating element 531 of the thermoelectric element 530, as well as between the cooler 570 and the heat-absorbing element 532 of the thermoelectric element 530, can be effectively carried out, thereby improving the efficiency of the thermoelectric module 500.

[0222] Furthermore, by using washer component 510 and nut component 590 to prevent fastening component S1 from contacting radiator 520 and cooler 570, heat exchange through fastening component S1 can be reduced, thereby improving the efficiency of thermoelectric module 500.

[0223] Figure 20 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the fastening component and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 21 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the fastening component and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 22 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the fastening component and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 23 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the fastening component and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 24 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the fastening component and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0224] like Figure 20 As shown, unlike the previous embodiment, the fastening member S1 can pass through the cooler 570 and be attached to the radiator 520. That is, the fastening member S1 can travel from bottom to top. In this case, the washer member 510 can be arranged on the cooler 570 side, and the nut member 590 can be arranged on the radiator 520 side.

[0225] like Figure 21 As shown, the nut component 590 may not include a nut inserted inside. That is, a thread may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the nut through hole 598 of the nut component 590 for fastening the connecting portion C of the fastening component S1.

[0226] like Figure 22 As shown, the width WG2 of the flow guide 2513 is not limited, and the width WG2 of the flow guide 2513 can be smaller than the width W2 of the wide heat dissipation channel 528b. Figure 18 The width WG2 of the flow guide 2513 can correspond to the width W1 of the basic heat dissipation channel 528a. Figure 18 ).

[0227] like Figure 23 As shown, the width of the flow guide 3513 may be uneven. The width WG3 of the portion of the flow guide 3513 near the washer body 511 may be smaller than the width WG4 of the portion away from the washer body 511.

[0228] like Figure 24As shown, the flow guide can also be omitted. In this case, the flow guide vanes 2772 of the heat pipe body 720 can extend closer to the heat sink 520. As an example, the flow guide vanes 2772 can extend to the vicinity of the gasket member 510 or the fastening member S1. The flow guide vanes 2772 can extend to a position closer to the heat sink 520 than the midpoint between the heat pipe body 720 and the heat sink 520.

[0229] The technical concept of the present invention described above has been illustrated through specific embodiments, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various embodiments that can be modified or altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the technical concept expressed in the claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: Storage room; as well as Thermoelectric modules are provided for cooling the storage chamber. The thermoelectric module includes: Module board with openings; The first heat sink is mounted on one side of the module board; A second heat sink is provided on the other side of the module board; A thermoelectric element is arranged in the opening, wherein when arranged in the opening, one surface contacts the first heat sink and the opposite surface contacts the second heat sink; A fastening component that passes through the first radiator, the module plate, and the second radiator to connect the first radiator and the second radiator to the module plate, and has a head and a connecting portion having a diameter smaller than that of the head; A washer component, supporting the head between the head and the first heat sink; and The nut component is fastened to the connecting part and supported on the second heat sink.

2. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, wherein, The first heat sink includes a through hole through which the fastening component passes. The washer component includes an insertion portion that protrudes toward the through hole and can be inserted into the through hole.

3. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, wherein, The gasket component is made of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than metal to reduce heat transfer between the fastening component and the first heat sink.

4. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, wherein, The washer component includes a washer through hole through which the fastening component passes.

5. The refrigerator as described in claim 4, wherein, The washer component includes a boss portion protruding from the periphery of the washer through hole.

6. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The gasket component includes a flow guide that protrudes in a manner that controls the flow of air.

7. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The first radiator includes: a first radiator base; and Multiple first fins protrude along a direction perpendicular to a surface of the first radiator base. Multiple first channels are formed between the plurality of first fins. The plurality of first channels include a first basic channel and at least one first wide channel, wherein the first wide channel has a width that is wider than the width of the first basic channel.

8. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The washer component is arranged in the at least one first wide channel.

9. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The second heat sink includes a through hole through which the fastening component passes. The nut component includes an insertion portion that protrudes toward the through hole and is capable of being inserted into the through hole.

10. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The nut component includes: The nut body is made of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than metal to reduce heat transfer between the fastening component and the second heat sink; and The nut has threads formed on its inner circumferential surface for fastening the fastening component, is made of metal, and is fitted inside the nut body.

11. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The nut component includes a through-hole into which the fastening component can be inserted.

12. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The nut component includes a boss that protrudes from the periphery of the nut through hole.

13. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The nut component includes a flow guide that protrudes in a manner that controls the flow of air.

14. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The second heat sink includes: Second radiator base; Multiple second fins protrude along a direction perpendicular to a surface of the second radiator base. Multiple second channels are formed between the plurality of second fins. The plurality of second channels include a second basic channel and at least one second wide channel, wherein the second wide channel has a width that is wider than the width of the second basic channel.

15. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The nut component is arranged in the at least one second wide channel.

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