Refrigerator and method for controlling the same

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a main body forming a storage compartment, and a heating unit and a cooling unit, wherein the cooling unit can include a thermoelectric element for cooling an internal air of the storage compartment, a fan driven so that air flows from an outside of the main body into the heating unit and is heated, and the heated air is discharged to the outside of the main body, a filter for filtering foreign substances from the air flowing into the heating unit from the outside of the main body by driving of the fan, and a controller for notifying of a clogging of the filter in response to a rotation speed of the fan being greater than a reference rotation speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a refrigerator equipped with a thermoelectric element for cooling the storage compartment and a method for controlling the refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator is a household appliance that has a main body forming a storage compartment and a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment to keep items fresh.

[0003] For the cold air supply device of a refrigerator, a thermoelectric cooling device that generates heating and cooling effects through the Peltier effect can be used. The thermoelectric cooling device may include a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may have a heating part formed on one side and a cooling part formed on the other side, and when an electric current is applied to the thermoelectric element, the heating part may generate a heating effect, and the cooling part may generate an endothermic effect.

[0004] The thermoelectric cooling equipment can be equipped with a hot-end heat sink, a cold-end heat sink, a heat dissipation fan, a cooling fan, a heat dissipation duct, and a cooling duct to improve the cooling efficiency of the storage chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] This disclosure provides a refrigerator capable of notifying a user of a clogged filter and a method for controlling the refrigerator.

[0007] This disclosure provides a refrigerator capable of notifying a user whether filter cleaning is complete and a method for controlling the refrigerator.

[0008] The technical objectives of this disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned contents, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the full text of this specification that there may be other unmentioned technical objectives.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] According to this disclosure, a refrigerator may include: a main body forming a storage compartment; a thermoelectric element including a heating section and a cooling section, the cooling section being configured to cool the air inside the storage compartment; a fan configured to operate to deliver air from the outside of the main body to the heating section for heating, and to exhaust the heated air to the outside of the main body; a filter configured to filter foreign objects from the air delivered from the outside of the main body to the heating section by the operation of the fan; and a controller configured to notify the filter that it is clogged in response to the fan speed being greater than a reference speed.

[0011] The controller can also be configured to: run the fan for a second period of time after the refrigerator is powered on, and set a reference speed based on the fan speed during the second period of time.

[0012] The controller can also be configured to run the fan for a third period of time based on an input indicating that the filter has been cleaned after a notification that the filter is clogged.

[0013] The controller can also be configured to determine whether the filter has been cleaned based on the difference between the fan speed during the third time period and the reference speed.

[0014] The controller can also be configured to reset the reference speed in response to determining that the filter has been cleaned.

[0015] The controller can also be configured to notify that the filter is clogged in response to determining that the filter is not clean.

[0016] The reference speed may include: a first reference speed and a second reference speed, and the controller may also be configured to: cause the fan to run at a first speed for a second period of time, and set the first reference speed based on the speed at which the fan runs at the first speed; cause the fan to run at a second speed greater than the first speed for a second period of time, and set the second reference speed based on the speed at which the fan runs at the second speed; notify the filter that it is clogged in response to the speed at which the fan runs at the first speed being greater than the first reference speed; and notify the filter that it is clogged in response to the speed at which the fan runs at the second speed being greater than the second reference speed.

[0017] The controller can also be configured to: based on receiving an input indicating that the filter has been cleaned after notifying that the filter is clogged, cause the fan to run at a first speed for a third time period, and determine whether the filter has been cleaned based on the difference between the fan speed during the third time period and a first reference speed; and cause the fan to run at a second speed for a third time period, and determine whether the filter has been cleaned based on the difference between the fan speed during the third time period and a second reference speed.

[0018] The thermoelectric element can be configured to operate such that the rate of temperature change of at least one of the heating and cooling sections increases, and the controller can also be configured to notify the filter that it is clogged in response to the following conditions: the fan speed is greater than a reference speed, and after the thermoelectric element is operated, the rate of temperature change of at least one of the heating and cooling sections is less than a reference value.

[0019] The refrigerator may also include a communication interface configured to communicate with external devices.

[0020] The controller can also be configured to send information related to filter blockage to an external device via a communication interface in response to a fan speed exceeding a reference speed.

[0021] According to this disclosure, a method for controlling a refrigerator is proposed. The refrigerator includes: a main body forming a storage compartment; a thermoelectric element including a heating section and a cooling section, the cooling section being configured to cool air inside the storage compartment; a fan configured to operate to deliver air from the outside of the main body to the heating section for heating by the heating section, and to exhaust the heated air to the outside of the main body; a filter configured to filter foreign objects from the air delivered from the outside of the main body to the heating section by the operation of the fan; and a controller, the method including: notifying the filter that it is clogged in response to the fan speed being greater than a reference speed.

[0022] The method may further include: using a controller to run the fan for a second time period after the refrigerator has been powered on for a first time period, and setting a reference speed based on the fan speed during the second time period.

[0023] The method may also include: via a controller, based on receiving an input indicating that the filter has been cleaned after notification that the filter is clogged, causing the fan to run for a third period of time.

[0024] The method may also include: determining, via a controller, whether the filter has been cleaned based on the difference between the fan speed during the third time period and a reference speed.

[0025] The method may also include: resetting the reference rotational speed via a controller in response to determining that the filter has been cleaned.

[0026] Beneficial effects

[0027] According to this disclosure, a refrigerator capable of notifying a user of a clogged filter and a method for controlling the refrigerator can be provided.

[0028] According to this disclosure, a refrigerator capable of notifying a user whether filter cleaning is complete and a method for controlling the refrigerator can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 A refrigerator with its door open according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 The upper part of the storage compartment of a refrigerator, viewed from below, is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic side sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view taken from line II.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the connection structure between the thermoelectric module and the upper wall of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a cooling fan and a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8 A first heat dissipation path, a second heat dissipation path, and a circulation path are shown according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 9 The top cover and heat dissipation duct are shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an entity for performing a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 12 An example flowchart illustrating a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 13 Examples of interfaces provided by a refrigerator or user equipment according to embodiments of this disclosure are shown.

[0042] Figure 14 Another example of an interface provided by a refrigerator or user equipment according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0043] Figure 15 Showing when passing Figure 13 or Figure 14 This is an example of an interface provided by the refrigerator or user device when the interface receives user input.

[0044] Figure 16 An example flowchart illustrating a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0045] Figure 17 An example flowchart illustrating a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0046] Figure 18 An example flowchart of a refrigerator control method for notifying filter blockage based on fan speed and thermoelectric element temperature, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0047] It should be understood that the various embodiments and related terms of this disclosure are not intended to limit the technical features of this document to a particular embodiment, but rather to cover various changes, equivalents or alternatives.

[0048] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals may be used to denote the same or related elements.

[0049] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an object may include one or more of that object, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0050] Throughout this specification, “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 each include any one or all possible combinations of the listed items.

[0051] The expression “and / or” should be interpreted as including a combination or any one of the relevant elements.

[0052] Units, modules, or components can be implemented using hardware or software. Multiple units, modules, or components can be implemented as a single part, or a single unit, module, or component can include multiple parts.

[0053] Terms such as “first” and “second” may be used only to distinguish one element from another without limiting the element in any sense (e.g., in terms of importance or order).

[0054] When a component is referred to as being “connected” or “attached” to another component with or without the adverbs “functionally” or “operably”, it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third component.

[0055] It should also be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0056] When referring to an element as being “connected to,” “attached to,” “supported by,” or “in contact with” another element, it includes not only cases where these elements are directly connected to, attached to, supported by, or in contact with each other, but also cases where these elements are connected to, attached to, supported by, or in contact with each other through a third element.

[0057] Throughout this specification, when it is said that an element is "on" another element, it means not only that the element is adjacent to the other element, but also that there is a third element between the two elements.

[0058] The terms “forward or front,” “backward or rearward,” “left,” “right,” “upper or upward,” or “lower or downward” used herein are defined relative to the accompanying drawings, but these terms do not limit the shape and position of the corresponding components. For example, “front” can be defined as the +X direction, and “rear” as the -X direction. For example, relative to the accompanying drawings, “right” can be defined as the +Y direction, and “left” as the -Y direction. For example, relative to the accompanying drawings, “upper” can be defined as the +Z direction, and “lower” as the -Z direction.

[0059] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] In one implementation, the refrigerator may include a main body.

[0061] The main body may include a thermal insulation layer. The thermal insulation layer insulates the interior of the storage compartment from the exterior, thereby maintaining the temperature inside the storage compartment at a set, suitable temperature regardless of the influence of the external environment. In one embodiment, the thermal insulation layer may include a foam insulation material such as polyurethane foam. In another embodiment, the thermal insulation layer may include additional vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation material, or may consist solely of vacuum insulation material instead of foam insulation material.

[0062] Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics can be stored in the storage room, which can have an opening on one side for putting in or taking out items.

[0063] 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, the storage compartments may be separated by partition walls including insulation.

[0064] Storage compartments can be configured to maintain themselves within a suitable temperature range and may include refrigerated compartments, freezers, or variable-temperature compartments, categorized according to their purpose and / or temperature range. Refrigerated compartments can maintain temperatures suitable for refrigerating objects, while freezers can maintain temperatures suitable for freezing objects. Refrigeration can refer to cooling objects to a level that prevents them from freezing; for example, a refrigerated compartment can maintain a temperature range of 0 to 7 degrees Celsius. Freezing can refer to freezing objects or cooling objects to a frozen state; for example, a freezer can maintain a temperature range of -20 to 1 degree Celsius. Variable-temperature compartments may be used as either refrigerated or frozen compartments, depending on the user's choice or without regard to the user's choice.

[0065] In addition to names such as “refrigeration room,” “freezer,” and “variable temperature room,” storage rooms can also be called by many different names, such as “fruit and vegetable room,” “freshness room,” “cooling room,” and “ice-making room.” Furthermore, terms such as “refrigeration room,” “freezer,” and “variable temperature room” should be understood to encompass storage rooms with their respective uses and temperature ranges.

[0066] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door arranged to open or close an opening side of a storage compartment. A single door may be provided to open or close each of one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open or close multiple storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably mounted on the front of the body.

[0067] The door may be arranged to tightly seal the storage compartment when closed. Like the main body, the door may include insulation to insulate the storage compartment when closed.

[0068] In one embodiment, the 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, a top cover, a bottom cover, and a door insulation layer disposed inside them.

[0069] Gaskets may be positioned along the edge of the inner door panel to seal the storage compartment by ensuring close contact with the front surface of the body when the door is closed. The inner door panel may include rearwardly projecting flanges for mounting door shelves that hold items.

[0070] In one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably attached to the front side of the door body and forming the front portion 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, a top cover, a bottom cover, and a door insulation layer disposed inside them.

[0071] Refrigerators can be classified as French door, side-by-side, bottom freezer (BMF), top freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerators based on the layout of their doors and storage compartments.

[0072] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device arranged to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0073] The air supply system may include machines, instruments, electronic equipment and / or combinations thereof capable of generating and directing cold air to cool the storage compartment.

[0074] In one embodiment, the cooling supply device can generate cooling air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant. For this purpose, the cooling supply device may include a refrigeration cycle system having a compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator, which operate the refrigeration cycle. In another embodiment, the cooling supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool the storage compartment through the heating and cooling effects of the Peltier effect.

[0075] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a mechanical compartment for housing at least some components belonging to the cooling supply unit.

[0076] The machine room can be separated from and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components located in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. In order to dissipate heat from components located in the machine room, the interior of the machine room can be configured to connect to the exterior of the main body.

[0077] In one implementation, the refrigerator may include a dispenser disposed on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be located on the door so that the user can access it without opening the door.

[0078] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice maker for making ice. The ice maker may include an ice tray for storing water, an ice remover for separating ice from the ice tray, and an ice bucket for storing the ice produced from the ice tray.

[0079] In one implementation, the refrigerator may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0080] The controller may include: a memory for storing or memorizing programs and / or data for controlling the refrigerator; and a processor for outputting control signals according to the programs and / or data stored in the memory to control components such as the air conditioning supply unit.

[0081] The memory stores or records various information, data, instructions, programs, etc., required for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory may store temporary data generated during the generation of control signals for controlling the components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0082] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. It controls the refrigerator's components by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include an additional neural processing unit (NPU) that performs calculations on artificial intelligence (AI) models. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and so on. The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor can receive information about the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment from a temperature sensor and generate cooling control signals based on this temperature information to control the operation of the cooling system.

[0083] Furthermore, the processor can process user input to the user interface based on programs and / or data 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 addition, in response to user input, the processor can send display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying images on the user interface.

[0084] The processor and memory can be housed in a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one coprocessor. The memory may include one or more memory modules.

[0085] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory for controlling all components included in the refrigerator, or it 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 the cooling supply unit based on the output of a temperature sensor. The refrigerator may also include another processor and another memory for controlling the operation of the user interface based on user input.

[0086] The communication module can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect a local area network (LAN) connected to a refrigerator or user equipment to a wide area network (WAN) connected to the server. The refrigerator or user equipment can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0087] Input interfaces may include buttons, touchscreens, microphones, etc. Input interfaces can receive user input and forward it to the processor.

[0088] Output interfaces may include displays, speakers, etc. These interfaces can output various notifications, alarms, messages, and information generated by the processor.

[0089] In this disclosure, operating the electronic component may include turning on the electronic component. In this disclosure, operating the electronic component may also include keeping the electronic component in an on state.

[0090] The working principle and implementation of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0091] Figure 1 A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 A refrigerator with its door open according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 The upper part of the storage compartment of a refrigerator, viewed from below, is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a schematic side sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view taken from line II.

[0092] refer to Figure 1 The refrigerator 1 may include a main body 100, storage compartments 11, 12 and 13 formed in the main body 100, and doors 21, 22, 23 and 24 arranged to open or close the storage compartments 11, 12 and 13. Doors 21, 22, 23 and 24 may include a first door 21, a second door 22, a third door 23 and / or a fourth door 24.

[0093] Refrigerator 1 may include a user interface device 260. The user interface device 260 may be installed on at least one of doors 21, 22, 23, and 24. For example, the user interface device 260 may be installed on the second door 22 of doors 21, 22, 23, and 24. However, the installation location of the user interface device 260 on refrigerator 1 is not limited to this; the user interface device 260 may be installed in various locations on refrigerator 1. For example, the user interface device 260 may be installed on the right wall 140.

[0094] refer to Figures 1 to 5 The main body 100 may include an upper wall 110, a lower wall 120, a left wall 130, a right wall 140, and a rear wall 150. The upper wall 110, lower wall 120, left wall 130, right wall 140, and rear wall 150 may respectively define the upper surface, lower surface, left surface, right surface, and rear surface of the main body 100.

[0095] Storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 can accommodate items. Storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 may be configured with front openings for inserting or retrieving items. The main body 100 may include a horizontal partition wall 160 separating the first storage compartment 11 from the second and third storage compartments 12 and 13, and a vertical partition wall 161 separating the second and third storage compartments 12 and 13. The first storage compartment 11 may be located in the upper part of the main body 100, and the second and third storage compartments 12 and 13 may be located in the lower part of the main body 100. The first storage compartment 11 may be a refrigerator compartment; the second storage compartment 12 may be a freezer compartment; and the third storage compartment 13 may be a variable temperature compartment.

[0096] Doors 21, 22, 23, and 24 can open or close storage rooms 11, 12, and 13. First door 21 and second door 22 can open or close the first storage room 11, third door 23 can open or close the second storage room 12, and fourth door 24 can open or close the third storage room 13. Doors 21, 22, 23, and 24 can be rotatably connected to the main body 100.

[0097] Doors 21, 22, 23, and 24 can be rotatably connected to the body 100 via hinges. For example, the first door 21 and the second door 22 can be rotatably connected to the body 100 via a hinge 31 disposed at the top of the body 100 and a hinge disposed in the middle of the body 100. The hinge 31 may include a hinge pin that protrudes vertically to form a pivot for rotation of the door. The hinge 31 may be covered by a top cover 300 disposed to cover the top front portion of the body 100.

[0098] The rotating rod 40 can be arranged on one of the first door 21 and the second door 22 to cover 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 rod 40 can be rotatably arranged on one of the first door 21 and the second door 22. The rotating rod 40 can be shaped as a rod that is longer in the vertical direction. The rotating rod 40 can also be referred to as a column or a central column.

[0099] The guide protrusion 46 may be arranged on the top of the rotating rod 40, and the rotation guide 119 for guiding the rotation of the guide protrusion 46 may be arranged on the top of the body 100.

[0100] Doors 21, 22, 23, and 24 may include washers 51. Washers 51 may contact the front surface of the body 100 tightly when doors 21, 22, 23, and 24 are closed. Doors 21, 22, 23, and 24 may include rearwardly projecting flanges 52. Door shelves 53 may be mounted on flanges 52 for storing items. A rotating rod 40 may be rotatably mounted on flanges 52.

[0101] Although the number and layout of storage compartments and the number and layout of doors have been described above, there are no limitations on the number and layout of storage compartments and the number and layout of doors of the refrigerator according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0102] The refrigerator 1 may include a thermoelectric cooling device 400 arranged as a cooling storage compartment 11.

[0103] Thermoelectric cooling equipment 400 can be arranged above storage room 11 to cool storage room 11. Specifically, thermoelectric cooling equipment 400 can be arranged on the upper wall 110 of main body 100.

[0104] The thermoelectric cooling device 400 may include a thermoelectric element 530. The thermoelectric element 530 may be a semiconductor device that uses the thermoelectric effect to convert heat energy into electrical energy and vice versa, and may also be called a thermoelectric device, Peltier element, etc.

[0105] The thermoelectric element 530 includes a heating section 531 and a cooling section 532. When current is applied to the thermoelectric element 530, a heat dissipation effect occurs in the heating section 531, and a heat absorption effect occurs in the cooling section 532. The thermoelectric element 530 can be formed into a thin hexahedron. The heating section 531 can be arranged on one side of the thermoelectric element 530, and the cooling section 532 can be arranged on the other side.

[0106] The thermoelectric element 530 can be arranged such that the heating part 531 faces upwards and the cooling part 532 faces downwards. In other words, the heating part 531 can face the outside of the main body 100, and the cooling part 532 can face the inside of the storage chamber 11. Therefore, air heated by heat exchange with the heating part 531 can be discharged to the outside of the main body 100, and air cooled by heat exchange with the cooling part 532 can be supplied to the inside of the storage chamber 11.

[0107] The thermoelectric cooling device 400 may include a heat sink 520 that contacts the heating element 531 to efficiently perform heat exchange between the heating element 531 and the air outside the main body 100.

[0108] The hot-end heat sink 520 can be located outside the main body 100. The hot-end heat sink 520 can contact the heating element 531 to absorb heat from the heating element 531 and dissipate the heat to the outside of the main body 100. The hot-end heat sink 520 can also be called a heat sink, a heat sink for heat dissipation, a hot heat sink, etc.

[0109] The hot-end heat sink 520 may be formed of a metal with high thermal conductivity. For example, the hot-end heat sink 520 may be formed of aluminum or copper.

[0110] The hot-end heat sink 520 may include a hot-end heat sink base 521 that contacts the heating part 531, and a plurality of heat dissipation pins 525 that protrude from the hot-end heat sink base 521 to expand the heating surface. The plurality of heat dissipation pins 525 may protrude upward from the hot-end heat sink base 521.

[0111] The thermoelectric cooling device 400 may include a cold end heat sink 570 that contacts the cooling section 532 to efficiently perform heat exchange between the cooling section 532 and the air inside the storage chamber 11.

[0112] The cold end heat sink 570 can be located in the storage chamber 11. The cold end heat sink 570 cools the storage chamber 11 by absorbing heat from the storage chamber 11 and transferring the heat to the cooling section 532. The cold end heat sink 570 can also be called a cold sink, a refrigeration sink, a low-temperature side heat sink, or a cooling heatsink.

[0113] The cold end heat sink 570 can be formed of a metal with high thermal conductivity. For example, the cold end heat sink 570 can be formed of aluminum or copper.

[0114] The cold end heat sink 570 may include a cold end heat sink base 571 that contacts the cooling section 532, and a plurality of cooling pins 575 that protrude from the cold end heat sink base 571 to expand the heating surface. The plurality of cooling pins 575 may protrude downward from the cold end heat sink base 571. The cold end heat sink base 571 and the plurality of cooling pins 575 may be integrally formed.

[0115] The thermoelectric cooling device 400 may include a cooling fan 600 that forces air to move in order to efficiently perform heat exchange between the hot end heat sink 520 and the air outside the body 100.

[0116] The cooling fan 600 can be arranged to blow air onto the hot-end heat sink 520. The cooling fan 600 can be located in the horizontal direction of the hot-end heat sink 520. The cooling fan 600 can be arranged outside the main body 100. The cooling fan 600 can be arranged on the top of the upper wall 110.

[0117] The cooling fan 600 may be a centrifugal fan that draws in air axially and exhausts air radially. The centrifugal fan may include a blower. The rotating shaft 610 of the cooling fan 600 may be arranged perpendicular to the top surface of the upper wall 110.

[0118] The thermoelectric cooling device 400 may include a cooling duct 700 arranged to guide air moved by a cooling fan 600. The cooling duct 700 may draw in air from outside the main body 100 and guide the air to exchange heat with the hot end heat sink 520, and exhaust the air that has exchanged heat with the hot end heat sink 520 back to the outside of the main body 100.

[0119] The cooling duct 700 can draw in air from the external space above the main body 100. The cooling duct 700 can exhaust the air that has exchanged heat with the hot-end heat sink 520 to the external space above the main body 100. A cooling fan 600 can be located within the cooling duct 700. The hot-end heat sink 520 can be located within the cooling duct 700. The cooling duct 700 can be arranged on the top surface of the upper wall 110.

[0120] The heat dissipation duct 700 may include an external air intake 751 for drawing air from outside the body 100 into the heat dissipation duct 700, and an external air exhaust port 782 for discharging air that has exchanged heat with the hot end heat sink 520 to outside the body 100.

[0121] The thermoelectric cooling device 400 may include a cooling fan 800 that forces air to move in order to efficiently perform heat exchange between the cold end heat sink 570 and the air inside the storage chamber 11.

[0122] The cooling fan 800 can be arranged to blow air onto the cold end heat sink 570. The cooling fan 800 can be located in the horizontal direction of the cold end heat sink 570. The cooling fan 800 can be arranged in the storage chamber 11. The cooling fan 800 can be arranged below the upper wall 110.

[0123] The cooling fan 800 may be a centrifugal fan that draws in air axially and exhausts air radially. The rotating shaft 810 of the cooling fan 800 may be arranged perpendicular to the bottom surface of the upper wall 110.

[0124] The thermoelectric cooling device 400 may include a cooling duct 900 arranged to guide air moving through a cooling fan 800. The cooling duct 900 may draw in air from inside the storage chamber 11 and guide the air to exchange heat with the cold end heat sink 570, and exhaust the air that has exchanged heat with the cold end heat sink 570 back into the storage chamber 11.

[0125] The cooling fan 800 can be located in the cooling duct 900. The cold end heat sink 570 can be located in the cooling duct 900. The cooling duct 900 can be arranged below the upper wall 110.

[0126] The cooling duct 900 may include an internal air intake 991 for drawing air from inside the storage chamber 11 into the cooling duct 900, and an internal air exhaust 992 for discharging air that has exchanged heat with the cold end heat sink 570 into the storage chamber 11.

[0127] refer to Figure 4 The refrigerator 1 may include a refrigeration cycle device for cooling the storage compartments via a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle device may include a compressor 2, a condenser (not shown), an expansion valve (not shown), and an evaporator 3. The evaporator 3 may be arranged next to the storage compartments 12 and 13.

[0128] The refrigerator 1 may include evaporator ducts 60 and 70 for guiding cold air generated from the evaporator 3. The first evaporator duct 60 may be arranged behind the second storage compartment 12 and the third storage compartment 13. The second evaporator duct 70 may be arranged behind the first storage compartment 11.

[0129] Cold air generated from evaporator 3 can be drawn into the first evaporator duct 60 by evaporator fan 80. The cold air drawn into the first evaporator duct 60 can be discharged to the second storage chamber 12 or the third storage chamber 13 through a cold air outlet (not shown) formed at the front. Furthermore, the cold air drawn into the first evaporator duct 60 can be guided to the internal flow path 78 of the second evaporator duct 70. A damper 61 can be arranged in the first evaporator duct 60 to control the supply of cold air from the first evaporator duct 60 to the second evaporator duct 70. A connecting duct 90 can be arranged between the first evaporator duct 60 and the second evaporator duct 70 to connect the first evaporator duct 60 to the second evaporator duct 70.

[0130] The cold air introduced into the internal flow path 78 of the second evaporator duct 70 can be supplied to the first storage chamber 11 through the cold air outlet 72 formed at the front of the second evaporator duct 70.

[0131] The damper 61 can open or close the internal flow path 78.

[0132] When the internal flow path 78 is opened by the damper 61, the cold air generated from the evaporator 3 can be guided to the first storage chamber 11.

[0133] When the internal flow path 78 is closed by the damper 61, the cold air generated from the evaporator 3 can be blocked by the damper 61 and cannot be guided to the first storage chamber 11.

[0134] The cold air introduced into the internal flow path 78 of the second evaporator duct 70 can be supplied to the first storage chamber 11 through the cold air outlet 72 formed at the front of the second evaporator duct 70.

[0135] However, unlike the above-described embodiment, the cold air generated from the evaporator 3 can be supplied directly to the second evaporator duct 70 without passing through the first evaporator duct 60. Furthermore, a separate evaporator 3 can be arranged behind the first storage chamber 11 to supply cold air to the second evaporator duct 70.

[0136] Therefore, since the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure includes a thermoelectric cooling device 400 for cooling the storage compartment 11 and a refrigeration cycle device, the method of supplying cold air to the storage compartment 11 may include a first method of supplying only the cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device 400, a second method of supplying only the cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device, and a third method of supplying the cold air generated by both the thermoelectric cooling device 400 and the refrigeration cycle device.

[0137] Refrigerator 1 can supply cold air to storage compartment 11 in an appropriate manner according to external and internal conditions. For example, refrigerator 1 can cool storage compartment 11 in one of the following ways according to the temperature of the room where refrigerator 1 is installed. Specifically, when the room temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, such that the efficiency of cooling by the refrigeration cycle is greater than the efficiency of cooling by the thermoelectric cooling device 400, storage compartment 11 can be cooled by cold air generated only by the refrigeration cycle device. On the other hand, when the room temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, such that the efficiency of cooling by the thermoelectric cooling device 400 is greater than the efficiency of cooling by the refrigeration cycle device, storage compartment 11 can be cooled by cold air generated only by the thermoelectric cooling device 400. When noise reduction is required, refrigerator 1 can operate only the thermoelectric cooling device 400. When rapid cooling of storage compartment 11 is required, refrigerator 1 can simultaneously supply cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device 400 and cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device to storage compartment 11.

[0138] As described above, the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a thermoelectric cooling device 400 and a refrigeration cycle device, but is not limited thereto; the refrigerator may include only the thermoelectric cooling device 400.

[0139] Although the thermoelectric cooling device 400 is described as being arranged on the upper wall 110 of the main body 100, the location of the thermoelectric cooling device 400 is not limited to this.

[0140] In various embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling device 400 may be arranged at at least one of the upper wall 110, lower wall 120, left wall 130, right wall 140 and rear wall 150.

[0141] Refrigerator 1 may include a first speed sensor 111 and / or a second speed sensor 112.

[0142] The first speed sensor 111 can be arranged in the heat dissipation duct 700. The first speed sensor 111 can detect the speed of the cooling fan 600.

[0143] The second speed sensor 112 can be arranged in the cooling air duct 900. The second speed sensor 112 can detect the speed of the cooling fan 800.

[0144] The refrigerator 1 may include a first temperature sensor 113 and / or a second temperature sensor 114.

[0145] The first temperature sensor 113 can detect the temperature of the heating element 531.

[0146] The second temperature sensor 114 can detect the temperature of the cooling section 532.

[0147] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the connection structure between the thermoelectric module and the upper wall of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7This is an exploded view of a cooling fan and a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0148] The thermoelectric element 530, hot end heat sink 520 and cold end heat sink 570 in the thermoelectric cooling equipment can be assembled into a thermoelectric module.

[0149] A through hole 115 may be formed on the upper wall 110 of the refrigerator 1, and a thermoelectric module may be arranged in the through hole 115.

[0150] The thermoelectric module may include a thermoelectric element 530 having a heating part 531 and a cooling part 532, a hot end heat sink 520 in contact with the heating part 531 of the thermoelectric element 530, a cold end heat sink 570 in contact with the cooling part 532 of the thermoelectric element 530, and a module plate 550 on which the thermoelectric element 530, the hot end heat sink 520 and the cold end heat sink 570 are mounted.

[0151] Module plate 550 can be used as a frame for the thermoelectric module. Module plate 550 can be formed of a resin material with low thermal conductivity. Module plate 550 can support the hot-end heat sink 520 and the cold-end heat sink 570. Module plate 550 can maintain the distance between the hot-end heat sink 520 and the cold-end heat sink 570, and support the hot-end heat sink 520 and the cold-end heat sink 570. As shown, module plate 550 can be integrally formed with the fan housing 650, which will be described later. However, module plate 550 can also be arranged separately from the fan housing 650.

[0152] The module plate 550 may include a module plate opening 551. A thermoelectric element 530 may be arranged inside the module plate opening 551. The vertical length of the module plate opening 551 may be greater than the vertical length of the thermoelectric element 530, and the thermoelectric element 530 may be arranged at the top of the module plate opening 551. The reason for arranging the thermoelectric element 530 at the top inside the module plate opening 551 is that the heat dissipation of the thermoelectric element 530 is greater than the heat absorption. Positioning the thermoelectric element 530 at the top of the module plate opening 551 facilitates heat dissipation from the heating element 531 and improves the overall operating efficiency of the thermoelectric element 530.

[0153] Since the thermoelectric element 530 is arranged at the top of the module panel opening 551, the cold end heat sink 570 may include a cooling conductor 574 protruding from the cold end heat sink base 571 to contact the cooling portion 532 of the thermoelectric element 530. The cooling conductor 574 may be inserted into the module panel opening 551 to contact the cooling portion 532 of the thermoelectric element 530.

[0154] The thermoelectric module may include an element insulation 540 that insulates the module plate 550 from the thermoelectric element 530. The element insulation 540 may be disposed on 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 arranged around a side of the thermoelectric element 530. The element insulation 540 may include an element insulation opening 541 so that the thermoelectric element 530 can be received within the element insulation opening 541. A cooling conductor 574 of the cold-end heat sink 570 may be received within the element insulation opening 541.

[0155] The module board 550 may include a hot-end heat sink support 552 for supporting the hot-end heat sink 520. The hot-end heat sink support 552 can be supported by contacting the bottom surface of the hot-end heat sink base 521.

[0156] The thermoelectric module may include a heat sink insulation 580 disposed between the module plate 550 and the cold end heat sink 570. The heat sink insulation 580 prevents heat from being transferred between the hot end heat sink 520 and the cold end heat sink 570 through the module plate 550. The heat sink insulation 580 may include a heat sink insulation opening 581 for the opening 551 of the module plate 550 to pass through.

[0157] The heat sink insulation 580 can support the top of the cold end heat sink 570. However, the heat sink insulation 580 can be omitted, in which case the hot end heat sink 520 can be supported on the top of the module board 550, and the cold end heat sink 570 can be supported on the bottom of the module board 550.

[0158] The hot-end heat sink 520 may include a hot-end heat sink base 521 and a plurality of heat dissipation pins 525 protruding from the hot-end heat sink base 521. The bottom of the hot-end heat sink base 521 may be supported on the module plate 550. The bottom of the hot-end heat sink base 521 may contact the heating part 531 of the thermoelectric element 530.

[0159] Multiple heat dissipation pins 525 can protrude from the top of the hot end heat sink base 521.

[0160] The cold-end heat sink 570 may include a cold-end heat sink base 571 and a plurality of cooling pins 575 protruding from the cold-end heat sink base 571. The top of the cold-end heat sink base 571 may be supported by a heat sink insulation member 580. The cold-end heat sink 570 may include a cooling conductor 574 protruding from the top of the cold-end heat sink base 571 to contact the cooling portion 532 of the thermoelectric element 530. The cooling conductor 574 may be integrally formed with the cold-end heat sink base 571.

[0161] Multiple cooling pins 575 can protrude from the bottom 572 of the cold end heat sink base 571.

[0162] The heating part 531 of the thermoelectric element 530 can be fixed by being supported by the hot end heat sink 520; the cooling part 532 of the thermoelectric element 530 can be fixed by being supported by the cold end heat sink 570; the side of the thermoelectric element 530 that connects the heating part 531 and the cooling part 532 can be fixed by being supported by the inner side of the element heat insulation member 540.

[0163] The refrigerator 1 may include a fan housing 650 in which a cooling fan 600 is installed to guide the air blown by the cooling fan 600. The fan housing 650 may be integrally formed with or separate from the aforementioned module plate 550.

[0164] The fan housing 650 may include a housing bottom 660 on which a cooling fan 600 is rotatably mounted, and a housing vortex 670 extending upward from the edge of the housing bottom 660 to guide air blown from the cooling fan 600 toward the hot-end heat sink 520. The cooling fan 600 may be a centrifugal fan, which may be mounted perpendicular to the housing bottom 660.

[0165] The housing vortex portion 670 may be formed to surround the cooling fan 600 in the radial direction and have a vortex portion opening 673 that opens into the hot end heat sink 520. The housing vortex portion 670 may include one end 671 in the rotation direction R of the cooling fan 600 and another end 672 opposite to that end. One end 671 and the other end 672 may be separated from each other, and the vortex portion opening 673 may be formed between one end 671 and the other end 672.

[0166] Air blown from the cooling fan 600 can be discharged radially and move along the inner side of the housing vortex portion 670 to the hot end heat sink 520. More air can move from the cooling fan 600 toward one end 671 of the housing vortex portion 670, rather than toward the other end 672 of the housing vortex portion 670.

[0167] The fan housing 650 may include housing guide portions 680 extending upward from the bottom 660 of the housing to guide air moving from the cooling fan 600 toward one end 671 of the housing vortex portion 670 toward different directions. The housing guide portions 680 may be spaced apart from the housing vortex portion 670. The housing guide portions 680 may guide the air moving toward one end 671 of the housing vortex portion 670 to the other end 672 of the housing vortex portion 670 or the center of the housing opening 673. Therefore, the air blown from the cooling fan 600 can be evenly distributed by the housing guide portions 680 to the heat dissipation channels 528 of the hot-end heat sink 520, and the heat exchange efficiency of the hot-end heat sink 520 can be improved.

[0168] Figure 6 The symbol S in the figure represents the connecting member S used to connect the thermoelectric module to the upper wall 110.

[0169] Figure 8 A first heat dissipation path, a second heat dissipation path, and a circulation path are shown according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9 The top cover and heat dissipation duct are shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0170] As described above, the refrigerator 1 may include a heat dissipation duct 700 disposed on the upper wall 110, the heat dissipation duct 700 for drawing in air from the outside of the main body to exchange heat with the hot end heat sink 520, and exhausting the warmed air after heat exchange with the hot end heat sink 520 back to the outside of the main body.

[0171] The heat dissipation duct 700 may include an external air intake 751 arranged to draw air from the outside of the main body, and external air outlets 782 and 794 for discharging the warmed air after heat exchange with the hot-end heat sink 520 to the outside of the main body. The external air intake 751 may be formed at the top of the heat dissipation duct 700. A filter 390 may be arranged at the external air intake 751 to prevent foreign objects from entering the heat dissipation duct 700 through the external air intake 751. The filter 390 may be removably arranged at the external air intake 751.

[0172] The cooling duct 700 may include a fan housing 760 for accommodating the cooling fan 600, and a hot-end heat sink housing 770 for accommodating the hot-end heat sink 520. The cooling duct 700 may include an intake duct portion 750 disposed upstream of the fan housing 760 to guide air drawn in through the external air intake 751 to the fan housing 760. The cooling duct 700 may include exhaust duct portions 780 and 790 disposed downstream of the hot-end heat sink housing 770 to guide air that has warmed after heat exchange with the hot-end heat sink 520.

[0173] Exhaust duct sections 780 and 790 may include a first exhaust duct section 780 for guiding warmed air after heat exchange with the hot-end heat sink 520 to the outside of the main body 100, and a second exhaust duct section 790 branching from the first exhaust duct section 780 for guiding warmed air after heat exchange with the hot-end heat sink 520 to be discharged toward the rotating rod 40. A first external air outlet 782 may be formed at the first exhaust duct section 780, and a second external air outlet 794 may be formed at the second exhaust duct section 790.

[0174] A fan housing space 762 may be formed at the bottom of the fan housing portion 760 to accommodate the cooling fan 600. A hot-end heat sink housing space 771 may be formed at the bottom of the hot-end heat sink housing portion 770 to accommodate the hot-end heat sink 520. An intake space 752 may be formed in the intake air duct portion 750 to guide air drawn in through the external air intake port 751 to the fan housing space 762.

[0175] When air is drawn in from the outside of the main body 100 through the external air intake 751, the filter 390 disposed at the external air intake 751 can filter out foreign objects. The filter may become clogged with foreign objects while filtering them. Clogging of the filter 390 may include filtration obstruction due to foreign objects. Furthermore, clogging of the filter 390 may include reduced filtration efficiency due to foreign objects.

[0176] When the filter 390 is clogged, the cooling fan 600, which operates at a certain power, may rotate at a higher speed than when the filter 390 is not clogged, because the amount of air moving in the cooling duct 700 is reduced and the air resistance is lower.

[0177] When filter 390 becomes clogged, preventing proper air intake from the outside of body 100, the air drawn in from the outside of body 100 cannot be efficiently exhausted through exhaust duct sections 780 and 790, even when cooling fan 600 rotates. This may result in the inability to properly reduce the heat generated by heating element 531, thereby reducing the operating efficiency of thermoelectric element 530.

[0178] Therefore, filter 390 needs to be cleaned or replaced regularly when it becomes clogged, but ordinary users are usually unaware of the cleaning or replacement cycle of filter 390. Users need to be notified whether filter 390 is clogged to encourage them to clean or replace it, thereby improving the operating efficiency of thermoelectric element 530. To this end, this will be combined with... Figures 10 to 18 This description describes an implementation of a method for determining and notifying whether a filter 390 is clogged, according to the present disclosure.

[0179] A first exhaust space 781 may be formed in a first exhaust duct portion 780 to guide warmed air after heat exchange with the hot end heat sink 520 to a first external air exhaust port 782. A second exhaust space 791 may be formed in a second exhaust duct portion 790 to guide warmed air after heat exchange with the hot end heat sink 520 to a second external air exhaust port 794.

[0180] From another perspective, the heat dissipation duct 700 may include a heat dissipation duct body 710, a heat dissipation duct cover 720, and an extension duct 740. In other words, the heat dissipation duct body 710, the heat dissipation duct cover 720, and the extension duct 740 can be combined to form the heat dissipation duct 700. The heat dissipation duct cover 720 may be connected to the top of the heat dissipation duct body 710. The extension duct 740 may be arranged in front of the heat dissipation duct body 710, below the top cover 300. The extension duct 740 may be arranged separately from the heat dissipation duct body 710 or integrally formed. The extension duct 740 may be connected to the lower part of the top cover 300. A second external air outlet 794 may be formed between the extension duct 740 and the top cover 300.

[0181] As described above, the refrigerator 1 may include a top cover 300 attached to the top front of the body 100 to cover a plurality of hinges 31. The top cover 300 may include an upper top cover portion 310, a side top cover portion 311 extending downward from the edge of the upper top cover portion 310, and an interior space 320 formed by the upper top cover portion 310 and the side top cover portion 311.

[0182] The filter 390 described above can be installed at the top cover 300. Specifically, the filter 390 can be installed at the top cover 300, arranged on the external air intake 751 formed at the top of the heat dissipation duct 700. The top cover 300 may include an air intake grille 350 formed above the external air intake 751. Therefore, in the air drawn into the heat dissipation duct 700 through the external air intake 751, coarse foreign matter can be initially filtered by the air intake grille 350, and fine foreign matter can be secondarily filtered by the filter 390.

[0183] The top cover 300 may include an extension duct connector 380 connected to the extension duct 740. The top cover 300 may include an outlet forming member 312 disposed at the front of the top cover 300 to form a second external air outlet 794 together with the extension duct 740.

[0184] At least a portion of the air discharged from the heat dissipation duct 700 through the first external air outlet 782 can flow into the interior space 320 of the top cover. In other words, the warmed air after heat exchange with the hot end heat sink 520 can flow into the interior space 320 of the top cover. For this purpose, a top cover inlet 330 can be formed at the top cover 300.

[0185] The first external air outlet 782 may include a recirculation outlet 784 connected to the top hood inlet 330 to direct air from the cooling duct 700 to the interior space 320 of the top hood. The first external air outlet 782 may include an external outlet 783 separate from the recirculation outlet 784 to exhaust air from the cooling duct 700 to the outside of the top hood 300.

[0186] Warm air introduced into the inner space 320 of the top cover can circulate within the inner space 320 and can then be exhausted to the outside of the top cover 300. For this purpose, the top cover 300 may include a top cover outlet 340. The warm air circulating in the inner space 320 of the top cover can heat the top of the body 100. This prevents condensation from forming on the top surface of the body 100.

[0187] The top cover 300 may include an exhaust guide 381 formed to guide air out of the heat dissipation duct 700 through an external exhaust port 783 via a first external air exhaust port 782. The exhaust guide 381 may include a ramp to guide the air out through the external exhaust port 783 to be smoothly discharged without interference from the top cover 300.

[0188] Through the structure of the heat dissipation duct 700 and the top cover 300, the refrigerator 1 may include a first heat dissipation path 401 and a second heat dissipation path 402. The warmed air, after passing through the hot-end heat sink 520 via the first heat dissipation path 401, is discharged to the outside of the main body 100. The warmed air, after passing through the hot-end heat sink 520, is discharged towards the rotating rod 40 via the second heat dissipation path 402. Because the warm air, after heat exchange with the hot-end heat sink 520, is discharged towards the rotating rod 40 via the second heat dissipation path 402, condensation on the rotating rod 40 is prevented.

[0189] The refrigerator 1 may include a circulation path 388 through which air exhausted through the first heat dissipation path 401 is introduced into the top cover 300, circulates within the top cover 300, and is then exhausted to the outside of the top cover 300. Since the warm air, after heat exchange with the hot-end heat sink 520, circulates within the top cover 300 through the circulation path 388, condensation on the top of the main body 100 is prevented.

[0190] Figure 10 This is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0191] refer to Figure 10 The refrigerator 1 may include a thermoelectric cooling device 400, a first speed sensor 111, a second speed sensor 112, a first temperature sensor 113, a second temperature sensor 114, a proximity sensor 116, a power supply device 280, a user interface device 260, a communication interface 270, and / or a controller 360.

[0192] The thermoelectric cooling device 400 may include a thermoelectric element 530 and / or a fan 50.

[0193] When electricity is supplied, the thermoelectric element 530 allows heat exchange between the cold end heat sink and the hot end heat sink. For example, the thermoelectric element 530 can convert electrical energy into heat energy, causing a heat dissipation effect in the heating section 531 and a heat absorption effect in the cooling section 532.

[0194] When heat dissipation occurs in the heating section 531, the air that has been warmed by heat exchange with the hot end heat sink 520 of the heating section 531 can be discharged to the outside of the main body 100, and the air that has been cooled by heat exchange with the cold end heat sink 570 of the cooling section 532 can be supplied to the first storage chamber 11.

[0195] The controller 360 can control the thermoelectric element 530. Controlling the thermoelectric element 530 may include controlling the thermoelectric element 530 to turn on / off. Controlling the thermoelectric element 530 may include controlling the power supply device 280 to supply power to the thermoelectric element 530.

[0196] The power supply device 280 can supply power to the thermoelectric element 530. Supplying power to the thermoelectric element 530 by the power supply device 280 may include applying a certain current and / or voltage to the thermoelectric element 530.

[0197] When a certain current and / or voltage is applied to the thermoelectric element 530, the hot end heat sink 520 can contact the heating part 531 to absorb heat from the heating part 531 and dissipate the heat to the outside of the main body 100.

[0198] When a certain current and / or voltage is applied to the thermoelectric element 530, the cold end heat sink 570 can absorb heat from the first storage chamber 11 and transfer the heat to the cooling section 532, thereby cooling the first storage chamber 11.

[0199] Fan 50 may include cooling fan 600 and / or cooling fan 800.

[0200] The cooling fan 600 can rotate according to the power supplied from the power supply unit 280.

[0201] The cooling fan 600 can be rotated by a cooling fan motor that receives power from the power supply unit 280.

[0202] Cooling fan motors may include BLDC motors, PMSM motors, and / or DC motors.

[0203] The cooling fan 600 can rotate to draw in air from the outside of the main body 100 and guide the air to exchange heat with the hot end heat sink 520, and exhaust the air that has exchanged heat with the hot end heat sink 520 back to the outside of the main body 100.

[0204] The controller 360 can control the cooling fan 600. Controlling the cooling fan 600 can include operating the cooling fan 600 to make the cooling fan 600 rotate. Operating the cooling fan 600 can include supplying power to the cooling fan motor to make the cooling fan 600 rotate.

[0205] Controlling the cooling fan 600 may include stopping the rotation of the cooling fan 600. Stopping the rotation of the cooling fan 600 may include stopping the rotation of the cooling fan 600 by not supplying power to the cooling fan motor.

[0206] In this implementation, the controller 360 can control the cooling fan 600 at multiple cooling levels. Controlling the cooling fan 600 at multiple cooling levels may include operating the cooling fan 600 at multiple cooling levels. Operating the cooling fan 600 at multiple cooling levels may include operating the cooling fan motor at multiple cooling levels.

[0207] Multiple cooling levels may include a first cooling level, a second cooling level, and / or a third cooling level. The first cooling level may include a first preset voltage. The second cooling level may include a second preset voltage, and the third cooling level may include a third preset voltage. The third preset voltage may be greater than the second preset voltage. The second preset voltage may be greater than the first preset voltage.

[0208] A cooling fan motor that operates at multiple cooling speeds may include a cooling fan motor operating at a first speed, a cooling fan motor operating at a second speed, and a cooling fan motor operating at a third speed.

[0209] Operating the cooling fan motor at the first speed setting may include applying a first preset voltage to the cooling fan motor. Operating the cooling fan motor at the second speed setting may include applying a second preset voltage to the cooling fan motor. Operating the cooling fan motor at the third speed setting may include applying a third preset voltage to the cooling fan motor.

[0210] In this disclosure, the number of heat dissipation levels is not limited to this, and the number of heat dissipation levels can vary in various embodiments. For example, the number of heat dissipation levels may be more than three or less.

[0211] The air that has exchanged heat with the hot-end heat sink 520 moves with the operation of the cooling fan 600, allowing the hot-end heat sink 520 to dissipate heat quickly. With the rapid heat dissipation of the hot-end heat sink 520, the heat dissipation effect in the heating section 531 and the heat absorption effect in the cooling section 532 can proceed smoothly.

[0212] The cooling fan 800 can rotate according to the power supplied from the power supply unit 280.

[0213] The cooling fan 800 can be rotated by a cooling fan motor that receives power from the power supply unit 280.

[0214] Cooling fan motors may include BLDC motors, PMSM motors, and / or DC motors.

[0215] As the cooling fan 800 rotates and the air that has exchanged heat with the cold end heat sink 570 moves around, the interior of the first storage chamber 11 can be rapidly cooled. With the movement of the air that has exchanged heat with the cold end heat sink 570, the heat dissipation effect in the heating section 531 and the heat absorption effect in the cooling section 532 can proceed smoothly.

[0216] The controller 360 can control the cooling fan 800. Controlling the cooling fan 800 may include operating the cooling fan 800 to make the cooling fan 800 rotate. Operating the cooling fan 800 may include supplying power to the cooling fan motor to make the cooling fan 800 rotate.

[0217] Controlling the cooling fan 800 may include stopping the rotation of the cooling fan 800. Stopping the rotation of the cooling fan 800 may include stopping the rotation of the cooling fan 800 by not supplying power to the cooling fan motor.

[0218] In this implementation, the controller 360 can control the cooling fan 800 at multiple cooling levels. Controlling the cooling fan 800 at multiple cooling levels may include operating the cooling fan 800 at multiple cooling levels. Operating the cooling fan 800 at multiple cooling levels may include operating the cooling fan motor at multiple cooling levels.

[0219] Multiple cooling settings may include a first cooling setting, a second cooling setting, and / or a third cooling setting. The first cooling setting may include a first preset voltage. The second cooling setting may include a second preset voltage, and the third cooling setting may include a third preset voltage. The third preset voltage may be greater than the second preset voltage. The second preset voltage may be greater than the first preset voltage.

[0220] A cooling fan motor that operates at multiple cooling speeds may include a cooling fan motor operating at a first speed, a cooling fan motor operating at a second speed, and a cooling fan motor operating at a third speed.

[0221] Operating the cooling fan motor at the first speed setting may include applying a first preset voltage to the cooling fan motor. Operating the cooling fan motor at the second speed setting may include applying a second preset voltage to the cooling fan motor. Operating the cooling fan motor at the third speed setting may include applying a third preset voltage to the cooling fan motor.

[0222] In this disclosure, the number of cooling levels is not limited to this, and the number of cooling levels can vary in various embodiments. For example, the number of cooling levels may be more than three or less.

[0223] The first speed sensor 111 can detect the speed of the cooling fan 600. The first speed sensor 111 can detect the speed of the cooling fan 600 by counting the electrical signals generated each time the cooling fan 600 rotates. The first speed sensor 111 can send information about the speed of the cooling fan 600 to the controller 360.

[0224] The second speed sensor 112 can detect the speed of the cooling fan 800. The second speed sensor 112 can detect the speed of the cooling fan 800 by counting the electrical signals generated each time the cooling fan 800 rotates. The second speed sensor 112 can send information about the speed of the cooling fan 800 to the controller 360.

[0225] The first temperature sensor 113 can detect the temperature of the heating element 531. The first temperature sensor 113 can send information about the temperature of the heating element 531 to the controller 360.

[0226] The second temperature sensor 114 can detect the temperature of the cooling unit 532. The second temperature sensor 114 can send information about the temperature of the cooling unit 532 to the controller 360.

[0227] The proximity sensor 116 can detect objects outside the refrigerator 1. For example, the proximity sensor 116 can detect the position of an object (e.g., a user) within a certain range of the subject. The proximity sensor 116 can send information about objects outside the refrigerator 1 to the controller 360.

[0228] The power supply unit 280 can supply power to various components of the refrigerator 1. For example, the power supply unit 280 can supply power to various components of the refrigerator 1 based on a signal that the refrigerator 1 is turned on. The signal that the refrigerator 1 is turned on may include a signal generated from a refrigerator connected to a commercial power supply unit.

[0229] The power supply device 280 can supply power to various components of the refrigerator 1 based on control signals from the controller 360. For example, the power supply device 280 can supply power to the cooling fan 600 based on an operation control signal generated by the controller 360 for the cooling fan 600.

[0230] The user interface device 260 allows users to interact with the refrigerator 1.

[0231] The user interface device 260 may include an output interface 261 and an input interface 262.

[0232] At least one output interface 261 can send various information related to the operation of the refrigerator 1 to the user by generating sensory information.

[0233] For example, at least one output interface 261 can transmit information related to the settings and operation of the refrigerator 1 to the user. Information related to the operation of the refrigerator 1 can be output via a display, indicator lights, and / or voice. At least one output interface 261 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, indicator lights, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0234] In one embodiment, at least one output interface 261 may output sensory information (e.g., visual information, auditory information, etc.) related to the control of the refrigerator 1.

[0235] At least one input interface 262 can convert sensory information received from the user into electrical signals.

[0236] When the user interface device 260 includes a touch screen display, the touch screen display may correspond to an example of output interface 261 and input interface 262.

[0237] At least one input interface 262 may include an input device (e.g., a button, a knob, etc.) for receiving user input to control the operation of the refrigerator 1.

[0238] Each button may include a visual indicator (e.g., text, icon, etc.) that indicates its function.

[0239] At least one input interface 262 may include, for example, a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touch screen, a dial, and / or a microphone.

[0240] In this disclosure, buttons may be replaced by user interface (UI) elements, tactile switches, push switches, slide switches, toggle switches, micro switches, touch switches, touchpads, touch screens, dials, and / or microphones.

[0241] Refrigerator 1 can process user input received through user interface device 260 and output information related to refrigerator 1 through user interface device 260.

[0242] The refrigerator 1 can be controlled to operate based on user input received through the user interface device 260.

[0243] Refrigerator 1 may include interfaces for communication with external devices (e.g., server 20 or user equipment 30, see [link]). Figure 11 ) Communication interface 270 for wired and / or wireless communication.

[0244] The communication interface 270 may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0245] Communication interface 270 can communicate with external devices (e.g., server 20 or user equipment 30, see [link]). Figure 11It can send data or receive data from external devices. For this purpose, communication interface 270 can support sending data to or receiving data from external devices (e.g., server 20 or user equipment 30, see [link]). Figure 11 The communication interface 270 can establish a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel with the device, and communicate through the established communication channel. In an embodiment, the communication interface 270 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN communication module or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module can communicate with external devices (e.g., server 20 or user equipment 30, see below) via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, a fifth-generation (5G) network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN)) or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a WAN). Figure 11 These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0246] Short-range communication modules may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, BLE communication modules, NFC modules, WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, IrDA communication modules, WFD communication modules, UWB communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, microwave communication modules, etc.

[0247] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module for performing various types of long-distance communication, and includes a mobile communication interface 270. The mobile communication interface 270 transmits or receives wireless signals from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server in a mobile communication network.

[0248] In this implementation, the communication interface 270 can communicate with external devices via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect a local area network (LAN) connected to the refrigerator or user equipment to a wide area network (WAN) connected to the server. The refrigerator or user equipment can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0249] Refrigerator 1 can communicate via communication interface 270 with external devices (e.g., server 20 or user equipment 30, see...). Figure 11 It receives various signals (e.g., weather information or remote commands).

[0250] Refrigerator 1 can communicate with external devices (e.g., server 20 or user equipment 30, see [link]) via communication interface 270. Figure 11 It sends various signals.

[0251] Refrigerator 1 communicates with external devices (e.g., server 20 or user equipment 30, see [link]) via communication interface 270. Figure 11 The various information received by refrigerator 1 and the various information sent by refrigerator 1 to external devices (e.g., server 20 or user equipment 30) through communication interface 270 will be combined later. Figure 11 Describe it.

[0252] The controller 360 may include at least one processor 361 for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1, and at least one memory 362 for storing programs and data for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1.

[0253] At least one memory 362 can store data required for various implementations. The memory 362 can be implemented as an embedded memory or a removable memory, depending on the data storage purpose. For example, data for operating the refrigerator 1 can be stored in the memory 362 embedded in the refrigerator 1, while data for extended functions of the refrigerator 1 can be stored in the removable memory. Meanwhile, the memory 362 embedded in the refrigerator 1 can be implemented using at least one of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM)) or non-volatile memory 362 (e.g., one-time programmable read-only memory (OTPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory 362 (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard disk drive, or solid-state drive (SSD)). The removable memory can be implemented as a memory card (e.g., Compact Flash (CF), Secure Digital (SD), Micro SD, Mini SD, Extreme Digital (xD), Multimedia Card (MMC), etc.) or as an external memory (e.g., a USB memory) that can be connected to a USB port.

[0254] At least one processor 361 controls the overall operation of the refrigerator 1. Specifically, at least one processor 361 may be connected to various components of the refrigerator 1 (e.g., thermoelectric cooling device 400, first speed sensor 111, second speed sensor 112, first temperature sensor 113, second temperature sensor 114, power supply device 280, user interface device 260, and / or communication interface 270) to control the overall operation of the refrigerator 1. For example, at least one processor 361 may be electrically connected to a memory 362 to control the overall operation of the refrigerator 1. The processor 361 may be configured with one or more processors.

[0255] At least one processor 361 may execute at least one instruction stored in memory 362 to perform the operation of refrigerator 1 according to various embodiments.

[0256] At least one processor 361 may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a many-core integrated circuit (MIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a neural processing unit (NPU), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. At least one processor 361 may control one or any combination of other components of the refrigerator 1 and perform communication-related operations or data processing. At least one processor 361 may execute at least one program or instruction stored in memory 362. For example, at least one processor 361 may execute at least one instruction stored in memory 362 to perform a method according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0257] Figure 11 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an entity for performing a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0258] In this embodiment, communication between the refrigerator 1 and the user equipment 30 may include establishing a direct communication connection between the refrigerator 1 and the user equipment 30 and / or establishing an indirect communication connection between the refrigerator 1 and the user equipment 30 via the server 20.

[0259] Establishing a direct communication connection between refrigerator 1 and user equipment 30 can mean that refrigerator 1 directly sends various signals to user equipment 30, and user equipment 30 directly sends various signals to refrigerator 1.

[0260] The indirect communication connection between refrigerator 1 and user equipment 30 established by server 20 can be as follows: refrigerator 1 sends various signals to server 20, which then forwards them to user equipment 30, and user equipment 30 sends various signals to server 20, which then forwards them to refrigerator 1.

[0261] In this disclosure, various signals may include information, data, control commands, etc.

[0262] In this disclosure, user equipment 30 may refer to an electronic device capable of wireless communication, such as a smartphone, a personal computer (PC), etc.

[0263] In this disclosure, server 20 may refer to a computing device capable of wireless communication.

[0264] Each of server 20 and user equipment 30 may also include a communication module for communicating with refrigerator 1.

[0265] Figure 12 An example flowchart illustrating a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0266] refer to Figure 12In step 1000, controller 360 may operate fan 50. Controller 360 may operate cooling fan 600 and / or cooling fan 800.

[0267] The fan speed of 50 can vary depending on the condition of filter 390. For example, refer to... Figure 8 When the filter 390, used to filter foreign objects from the air drawn in from outside the main body 100, becomes clogged, the inflow of air circulating in the cooling duct 700 may decrease. This results in reduced air resistance in the cooling duct 700, thereby causing the speed of the cooling fan 600 to increase. In another example, although not shown, when the filter 390 is arranged at the internal air intake 991 (see...), Figure 3 When foreign objects in the air entering the storage chamber 11 through the internal air intake 991 are filtered, the inflow of air circulating in the cooling duct 900 may be reduced, which leads to a decrease in air resistance in the cooling duct 900, thereby causing the speed of the cooling fan 800 to increase.

[0268] The controller 360 can obtain the rotational speed of the cooling fan 600. For example, the controller 360 can obtain the rotational speed of the cooling fan 600 by receiving information about the rotational speed of the cooling fan 600 detected by the first speed sensor 111.

[0269] The controller 360 can obtain the rotational speed of the cooling fan 800. For example, the controller 360 can obtain the rotational speed of the cooling fan 800 by receiving information about the rotational speed of the cooling fan 800 detected by the second speed sensor 112.

[0270] In various implementations, the controller 360 may notify the filter 390 that it is clogged in response to the fan 50 rotating at a speed greater than a reference speed.

[0271] In one implementation, the controller 360 may notify the filter 390 that it is clogged in response to the cooling fan 600 rotating at a speed greater than a reference speed.

[0272] For example, the controller 360 can apply a preset voltage to the cooling fan motor, and when the speed of the cooling fan 600 is greater than the reference speed, it can determine that the filter 390 is clogged and notify the filter 390 that it is clogged.

[0273] When the filter 390 is located in the cooling duct 900, in an embodiment, the controller 360 may notify the filter 390 that it is clogged in response to the cooling fan 800 having a speed greater than a reference speed.

[0274] For example, the controller 360 can apply a preset voltage to the motor of the cooling fan 800, and when the speed of the cooling fan 800 is greater than the reference speed, it determines that the filter 390 is clogged and notifies the filter 390 that it is clogged.

[0275] In other words, when filter 390 is as Figure 8 When the filter is positioned at the external air intake 751, as shown, the controller 360 can notify the filter 390 that it is clogged in response to the cooling fan 600's rotational speed exceeding a reference speed. On the other hand, although not shown, when the filter 390 is located at the internal air intake 991 (see [reference]...), Figure 3 When the speed of the cooling fan 800 is greater than the reference speed, the controller 360 can notify the filter 390 that it is clogged.

[0276] For ease of explanation, fan 50 will now be described as referring to cooling fan 600.

[0277] Figure 13 Examples of interfaces provided by a refrigerator or user equipment according to embodiments of this disclosure are shown.

[0278] refer to Figure 13 In various implementations, the controller 360 may notify the filter 390 that it is clogged in response to the fan 50 rotating at a speed greater than a reference speed.

[0279] In one implementation, the controller 360 can notify the filter 390 that it is clogged via the user interface device 260.

[0280] For example, the controller 360 may display a first interface U1 on the display to indicate that the filter 390 needs to be cleaned due to clogging in response to the fan 50 speed being greater than the reference speed.

[0281] The first interface U1 may include a visual indicator U11 indicating that the filter 390 needs cleaning, and / or an interface element U12 for receiving user input indicating that cleaning of the filter 390 has begun.

[0282] User input that instructs the start of filter 390 cleaning may include input received from the user via the first interface U1 when the user intends to replace or clean filter 390.

[0283] In another example, controller 360 may respond to fan 50 rotating at a speed greater than a reference speed by outputting a guiding voice through a speaker instructing filter 390 to be cleaned.

[0284] In one implementation, the controller 360 may notify the filter 390 of blockage at predetermined intervals.

[0285] For example, after notifying the filter 390 that it is clogged in response to the fan 50's rotation speed being greater than a reference speed, the controller 360 may, based on the absence of user input instructing the filter 390 to begin cleaning within a predetermined time period (e.g., 10 minutes), display the first interface U1 on the display at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 24 hours) or output a guiding voice prompt instructing the filter 390 to need cleaning via a speaker.

[0286] In one implementation, the controller 360 may notify the filter 390 that it is clogged based on the detection of an object outside the refrigerator 1.

[0287] For example, after notifying the filter 390 that it is clogged in response to the fan 50 rotating at a speed greater than a reference speed, the controller 360 may, based on the detection by the proximity sensor 116 of an object (e.g., a user) within a certain range of the subject 100, display the first interface U1 on the display or output a guiding voice through the speaker indicating that the filter 390 needs cleaning.

[0288] In one implementation, the controller 360 may, in response to the fan 50's rotational speed exceeding a reference speed, send information related to the filter 390 being clogged to an external device via the communication interface 270. This information may include whether the filter 390 is clogged, the fan 50's rotational speed, and / or the reference speed. The user equipment may notify the user that the filter 390 is clogged.

[0289] For example, if the fan 50 rotates faster than a reference speed, the controller 360 may send information about whether the filter 390 is clogged to the server via the communication interface 270; the server may forward the information about whether the filter 390 is clogged to the user equipment 30; the user equipment 30 may display the first interface U1.

[0290] In another example, controller 360 can send information about the speed of fan 50 and information about a reference speed to server 20 via communication interface 270, and server can determine that filter 390 is clogged in response to fan 50 speed being greater than reference speed, and send information about whether filter 390 is clogged to user equipment 30.

[0291] In another example, controller 360 may send information about whether filter 390 is clogged to user equipment 30 via communication interface 270 in response to fan 50 rotating at a speed greater than a reference speed, and user equipment 30 may display first interface U1.

[0292] Figure 14 This illustrates another example of an interface provided by a refrigerator or user equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which differs from... Figure 13 .

[0293] refer to Figure 14 The controller 360 can provide a second interface U2 for setting the operation of the refrigerator 1 via the output interface 261. For example, the controller 360 can display the second interface U2 on a display.

[0294] In this implementation, the controller 360 can receive user input via the second interface U2 for changing the operating settings of the refrigerator 1 (see [link]). Figure 14 (a) and (b) provide a third interface U3 for changing the cleaning settings of filter 390 via output interface 261.

[0295] For example, the controller 360 can receive user input via the second interface U2 to change the operating settings of the refrigerator 1 (see...). Figure 14 (a) and (b) are displayed on the third interface U3 via the monitor.

[0296] Specifically, the controller 360 can receive user input for changing the operating settings of the refrigerator 1 through the second interface U2, and in response to the fan 50 speed being greater than the reference speed, it displays a third interface U3, including a visual indicator U31 indicating that the filter 390 needs to be cleaned, on the display.

[0297] In addition, the controller 360 can receive user input for changing the operating settings of the refrigerator 1 through the second interface U2, and in response to the fan 50 speed being greater than the reference speed, outputs a guiding voice through the speaker indicating that the filter 390 needs to be cleaned.

[0298] Specifically, the controller 360 can display a third interface U3 (see [reference]) only when the fan 50's speed is greater than a reference speed, including a visual indicator U31 indicating that the filter 390 needs cleaning. Figure 14 (b) or a guided voice indicating that the filter 390 needs cleaning is output via a speaker, and when the fan 50 speed is equal to or lower than the reference speed, a third interface U3 (see) is displayed on the screen, excluding the visual indicator U31 indicating that the filter 390 needs cleaning. Figure 14 (a)).

[0299] User equipment 30 can display a second interface U2 for setting the operation of refrigerator 1.

[0300] User equipment 30 can display a third interface U3 based on user input received through the second interface U2 for changing the operating settings of refrigerator 1.

[0301] For example, user equipment 30 can receive user input for changing the operating settings of refrigerator 1 through second interface U2, and display a third interface U3 including a visual indicator U31 indicating that filter 390 needs to be cleaned, based on information received from refrigerator 1 and / or server 20 regarding whether filter 390 is clogged.

[0302] Figure 15 Showing when passing Figure 13 or Figure 14 This is an example of an interface provided by the refrigerator or user device when the interface receives user input.

[0303] refer to Figure 15 The controller 360 can be based on the first interface U1 (see...) Figure 13 Upon receiving user input instructing the cleaning of filter 390 to begin, a fourth interface U4 is displayed on the screen, including information about the cleaning method for filter 390.

[0304] In addition, the controller 360 can be based on the third interface U3 (see Figure 14 Upon receiving user input instructing the cleaning of filter 390 to begin, a fourth interface U4 is displayed on the screen, including information about the cleaning method for filter 390.

[0305] The fourth interface U4 may sequentially include information about the cleaning method for the filter 390. For example, the fourth interface U4 may provide a visual indicator that can notify the user of information about the cleaning method for the filter 390 in stages (see...). Figure 15 (a), (b) and (c)).

[0306] After displaying the fourth interface U4 on the monitor, the controller 360 can display the fifth interface U5 on the monitor for receiving user input indicating that the filter 390 has finished cleaning.

[0307] The fifth interface U5 may include an interface element U51 for receiving user input indicating that the filter 390 has finished cleaning.

[0308] The controller 360 can display a sixth interface U6 indicating that the filter cleaning is complete on the display screen or output a guiding voice indicating that the filter cleaning is complete on the speaker, based on user input received through the interface element U51 indicating that the filter cleaning is complete.

[0309] Even if a user input instructing that filter cleaning is complete is received, the cleaning or replacement of the filter may not be performed correctly. Therefore, it is necessary to prompt the user to clean or replace the filter again if the cleaning or replacement is not performed correctly, as will be described in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0310] Figure 16 An example flowchart illustrating a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0311] refer to Figure 16 The controller 360 can turn on the refrigerator 1 in step 1100. Turning on the refrigerator 1 can refer to the refrigerator 1 connected to a commercial power supply starting to operate and the various components of the refrigerator 1 being powered by the power supply device 280.

[0312] In the implementation, after the refrigerator 1 is powered on and a first preset time period has elapsed, the controller 360 can make the fan 50 run for a second preset time period.

[0313] For example, in Figure 16 In step 1100, after the refrigerator 1 is powered on, when a first preset time period (e.g., 1 hour) has elapsed, the controller 360 may make the fan run for a second preset time period (e.g., 1 minute) in step 1120.

[0314] In this implementation, the controller 360 may set a reference rotational speed in step 1130.

[0315] For example, the controller 360 may acquire the rotational speed of the cooling fan 600 detected by the first speed sensor 111 during a second preset time period, and set a value that is greater than a predetermined value than the rotational speed of the cooling fan 600 detected during the second preset time period as a reference speed.

[0316] In this disclosure, the setting of the reference speed may include setting the reference speed based on the speed of the fan 50 during a second preset time period after the refrigerator 1 has been powered on and a first preset time period has elapsed. However, the reference speed may be set according to many different embodiments.

[0317] For example, the reference speed can be set to the preset speed before the refrigerator 1 was installed at home, and the speed of the fan 50 obtained after the refrigerator 1 is powered on can be set as the reference speed.

[0318] However, the speed of fan 50 may vary depending on the installation environment of refrigerator 1, and taking into account the time required for the system to stabilize after refrigerator 1 is powered on, the reference speed will be described as being set based on the speed of fan 50 obtained during a second preset time period after a first preset time period has elapsed since refrigerator 1 was powered on.

[0319] In one implementation, in response to the fan 50 rotating at a speed greater than a reference speed in step 1140, the controller 360 may notify the filter 390 that it is clogged in step 1150.

[0320] For example, the controller 360 may notify the filter 390 that it is clogged in response to the fact that the speed of the fan 50 obtained during the second preset time period is greater than a reference speed set based on the speed of the fan 50 obtained during the second preset time period.

[0321] In one implementation, if no user input indicating that the filter 390 has been cleaned is received, the controller 360 may re-notify the filter 390 that it is clogged in step 1150.

[0322] For example, if no user input indicating that the cleaning of the filter 390 is complete is received after the filter 390 has been notified that it is clogged, the controller 360 may re-notify the filter 390 that it is clogged at preset intervals (e.g., every 24 hours).

[0323] In one implementation, based on receiving user input indicating that the cleaning of the filter 390 is complete in step 1160 after notifying that the filter 390 is clogged, the controller 360 may cause the fan 50 to run for a third preset period of time in step 1170.

[0324] The controller 360 can determine whether the cleaning of the filter 390 has been completed.

[0325] In one implementation, the controller 360 can determine whether the cleaning of the filter 390 has been completed based on the difference between the fan speed 50 and the reference speed during a third preset time period.

[0326] For example, if the fan 50 is run for a third preset period of time after receiving a user input indicating that the filter 390 has been cleaned, and the difference between the fan speed and the reference speed during the third preset period of time is greater than a preset difference, the controller 360 may determine that the cleaning of the filter 390 has not been completed.

[0327] In another example, when the fan 50 is run for a third preset period of time based on a user input indicating that the filter 390 has been cleaned, and the difference between the fan speed and the reference speed during the third preset period of time is less than a preset difference, the controller 360 can determine that the cleaning of the filter 390 has been completed.

[0328] In one implementation, when it is determined in step 1180 that the cleaning of the filter 390 has been completed, the controller 360 may reset the reference speed in step 1190.

[0329] In one implementation, when it is determined that the cleaning of the filter 390 is not complete, the controller 360 may re-notify the filter 390 that it is clogged in step 1180.

[0330] In one implementation, the controller 360 may notify the filter 390 that it is clogged in response to the fan 50's rotational speed being greater than the reset reference speed.

[0331] For example, when it is determined that the cleaning of filter 390 has been completed and the reference speed has been reset, controller 360 may notify filter 390 that it is clogged in response to the fan 50 speed being greater than the reset reference speed.

[0332] In this disclosure, after the refrigerator 1 is powered on, the filter 390 is notified of being clogged in response to the fan 50's rotational speed being greater than a reference rotational speed, and the reference rotational speed is reset when it is determined that cleaning of the filter 390 is complete. Specifically, each time the filter 390 is notified of being clogged, the reference rotational speed can be reset based on the fan 50's rotational speed after the notification of the filter 390 being clogged.

[0333] In this disclosure, the performance of filter 390 or fan 50 may vary over time. Therefore, it is more advantageous to more accurately determine whether filter 390 is clogged by updating the reference speed used to determine whether filter 390 is clogged each time filter 3 is cleaned.

[0334] Figure 17 An example flowchart illustrating a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0335] refer to Figure 17 Based on the fact that after the refrigerator 1 is powered on in step 1200, a first preset time period has passed in step 1210, the controller 360 can make the fan 50 run at multiple speeds for a second preset time period.

[0336] In one implementation, the controller 360 may, in step 1220, cause the fan 50 to run at multiple speeds for a second preset time period.

[0337] For example, based on the fact that after power-on in step 1200, a first preset time period has elapsed in step 1210, the controller 360 can make the fan 50 run at multiple speeds for a second preset time period in step 1230.

[0338] The controller 360 causes the fan 50 to operate at multiple speeds for a second preset time period, which may include causing the fan 50 to operate at the first speed.

[0339] The controller 360 may cause the fan 50 to run at multiple speeds for a second preset time period, which may include causing the fan 50 to run at a second speed.

[0340] The controller 360 causes the fan 50 to run at multiple speeds for a second preset time period, which may include causing the fan 50 to run at a third speed.

[0341] The controller 360 can make the fan 50 run at multiple speeds at preset intervals (e.g., every 1 minute) during a second preset time period.

[0342] The multiple gears have already been described above, so they will not be described again.

[0343] For example, after running the fan 50 at the first speed for a preset time period during the second preset time period, the controller 360 can run the fan 50 at the second speed for a preset time period, and then run the fan 50 at the third speed for a preset time period.

[0344] In an implementation, the controller 360 may set multiple reference speeds in step 1230.

[0345] For example, the controller 360 may set a first reference speed based on the speed of the fan 50 obtained by running the fan 50 at the first gear for a preset time period during the second preset time period.

[0346] In another example, after the fan 50 is operated at the first speed for a preset time period during the second preset time period, the controller 360 can set a second reference speed based on the speed of the fan 50 obtained by operating the fan 50 at the second speed for a preset time period.

[0347] In another example, after the fan 50 is operated at the second speed for a preset time period during the second preset time period, the controller 360 can set a third reference speed based on the speed of the fan 50 obtained by operating the fan 50 at the third speed for a preset time period.

[0348] In this disclosure, the number of reference rotation speeds is not limited to this and can be set according to various embodiments.

[0349] In various implementations, based on the fact that the speed of fan 50 operating at one of the multiple speed settings in step 1240 is greater than a reference speed set by operating at the corresponding speed setting, controller 360 may notify the filter of clogging in step 1250. In this case, the method of notifying the filter of clogging is the same as described above.

[0350] In this implementation, after setting the first reference speed, when the fan 50 is running at the first speed, the controller 360 may notify the filter 390 that it is clogged in response to the fan 50's speed being greater than the first reference speed.

[0351] In this implementation, after setting the second reference speed, when the fan 50 is running at the second speed, the controller 360 may notify the filter 390 that it is clogged in response to the fan 50's speed being greater than the second reference speed.

[0352] In one implementation, based on a user input indicating that the filter 390 has been cleaned after the filter 390 has been notified that it is clogged, the controller 360 may, in step 1270, cause the fan 50 to run at multiple speeds for a third preset time period.

[0353] For example, based on a user input indicating that the cleaning of the filter 390 is complete after the filter 390 has been notified that it is clogged, the controller 360 may cause the fan 50 to run at the first speed for a third preset time period.

[0354] In another example, based on user input indicating that cleaning of filter 390 is complete after notification that filter 390 is clogged, controller 360 may operate fan 50 at a first speed during a third preset time period, and then operate fan 50 at a second speed.

[0355] In another example, based on user input indicating that cleaning of the filter 390 is complete after the filter 390 has been notified that it is clogged, the controller 360 may operate the fan 50 at the second speed for a third preset time period, and then operate the fan 50 at the third speed.

[0356] In one implementation, the controller 360 can determine whether the cleaning of the filter 390 has been completed based on the difference between the rotational speed of the fan 50 obtained by running the fan 50 at multiple speeds for a third preset time period and a reference speed set by running at the corresponding speed.

[0357] For example, the controller 360 can determine that the cleaning of the filter 390 has been completed based on the difference between the speed of the fan 50 obtained by running the fan 50 at the first speed for a third preset time period and the corresponding first reference speed being equal to or less than the reference difference.

[0358] In another embodiment, the controller 360 may determine that the cleaning of the filter 390 has been completed based on the difference between the speed of the fan 50 obtained by running the fan 50 at the second speed for a third preset time period and the corresponding second reference speed being equal to or less than the reference difference.

[0359] In another embodiment, the controller 360 may determine that the cleaning of the filter 390 has been completed based on the difference between the speed of the fan 50 obtained by running the fan 50 at the third gear for a third preset time period and the corresponding third reference speed being equal to or less than the reference difference.

[0360] In one implementation, when it is determined that cleaning of the filter 390 is complete, the controller 360 may reset the reference rotation speed.

[0361] For example, when it is determined that the cleaning of filter 390 is complete, controller 360 can reset the reference speed.

[0362] Specifically, the controller 360 can determine whether the cleaning of the filter 390 has been completed based on the difference between the speed of the fan 50 when the fan 50 is running at the first speed during the third preset time period and the first reference speed, and reset the first reference speed when it is determined that the cleaning of the filter 390 has been completed.

[0363] Figure 18 An example flowchart of a refrigerator control method for notifying filter blockage based on fan speed and thermoelectric element temperature, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0364] refer to Figure 18 The controller 360 can operate the thermoelectric element 530 in step 2000.

[0365] In one implementation, in response to the fan 50 speed being greater than the reference speed in step 2100, and the temperature change rate of at least one of the heating section 531 and the cooling section 532 being less than the reference value after the thermoelectric element 530 is operated in step 2200, the controller 360 may notify the filter 390 that it is clogged in step 2300.

[0366] For example, when filter 390 is clogged, the operating efficiency of thermoelectric element 530 may decrease because air cannot circulate properly in heat dissipation duct 700. Therefore, during the operation of thermoelectric element 530, the temperature change rate of heating section 531 and / or cooling section 532 may be lower than the temperature change rate under normal conditions. Thus, controller 360 may notify filter 390 that it is clogged based on the fact that the fan 50 speed is greater than a reference speed and the temperature change rate of at least one of heating section 531 and cooling section 532 is lower than a reference value.

[0367] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include: a main body forming a storage compartment; a thermoelectric element including a heating section and a cooling section; a fan configured to blow air heated by the heating section to the outside of the main body or to blow air cooled by the cooling section into the storage compartment; a filter configured to filter foreign objects from air drawn in from the outside of the main body by the operation of the fan; and a controller configured to notify the filter that it is clogged in response to the fan speed being greater than a reference speed.

[0368] The controller can also be configured to: run the fan for a second preset time period after the refrigerator is powered on, and set a reference speed based on the fan speed during the second preset time period.

[0369] The controller can run the fan for a third preset period of time based on user input indicating that the filter cleaning is complete after notifying that the filter is clogged.

[0370] The controller can determine whether the filter cleaning has been completed based on the difference between the fan speed and the reference speed during a third preset time period.

[0371] The controller can reset the reference speed in response to determining that the filter cleaning is complete.

[0372] The controller can re-notify the filter that it is clogged in response to determining that the cleaning of the filter has not been completed.

[0373] The reference speed may include a first reference speed and a second reference speed, and the controller may also be configured to: set the first reference speed by causing the fan to run at a first speed for a second preset time period, set the second reference speed by causing the fan to run at a second speed greater than the first speed for a second preset time period, notify the filter 390 that it is clogged in response to the fan running at a speed greater than the first reference speed, and notify the filter 390 that it is clogged in response to the fan running at a speed greater than the second reference speed.

[0374] Based on receiving a user input indicating that the filter cleaning is complete after notifying that the filter is clogged, the controller can also be configured to: determine whether the filter cleaning is complete based on the difference between the fan speed obtained by running the fan at a first speed for a third preset time period and a first reference speed, and determine whether the filter cleaning is complete based on the difference between the fan speed obtained by running the fan at a second speed for a third preset time period and a second reference speed.

[0375] The controller can be configured to notify the filter that it is clogged in response to the fan speed being greater than a reference speed and the temperature change rate of at least one of the heating and cooling sections being less than a reference value after the thermoelectric element has been operated.

[0376] The refrigerator may also include a communication interface for communicating with external devices, and the controller may be configured to send information related to filter blockage to the external device via the communication interface in response to the fan speed being greater than a reference speed.

[0377] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method for controlling a refrigerator is proposed. The refrigerator includes: a main body forming a storage compartment; a thermoelectric element including a heating section and a cooling section, the cooling section being configured to cool air inside the storage compartment; a fan configured to blow air heated by the heating section to the outside of the main body or to blow air cooled by the cooling section into the storage compartment; and a filter configured to filter foreign objects from air drawn in from the outside of the main body by the operation of the fan. The method includes: notifying the filter that it is clogged in response to the fan speed being greater than a reference speed.

[0378] The method for controlling the refrigerator may also include: based on the first preset time period after the refrigerator is powered on, running the fan for a second preset time period, and setting a reference speed based on the fan speed during the second preset time period.

[0379] The method of controlling the refrigerator may also include: based on receiving user input indicating that the filter cleaning is complete after notifying that the filter is clogged, causing the fan to run for a third preset period of time.

[0380] The method of controlling the refrigerator may also include: determining whether the cleaning of the filter has been completed based on the difference between the fan speed and the reference speed during a third preset time period.

[0381] The method of controlling the refrigerator may also include: resetting the reference speed in response to determining that the cleaning of the filter has been completed.

[0382] Methods for controlling the refrigerator may also include: re-notifying the filter that it is clogged in response to determining that the cleaning of the filter has not been completed.

[0383] The reference speed may include a first reference speed and a second reference speed. The method of controlling the refrigerator may also include: setting the first reference speed by running the fan at a first speed for a second preset time period, and setting the second reference speed by running the fan at a second speed greater than the first speed for a second preset time period. The step of notifying the filter that it is clogged may include: notifying the filter that it is clogged in response to the fan running at a speed greater than the first reference speed, and notifying the filter that it is clogged in response to the fan running at a speed greater than the second reference speed.

[0384] The method of controlling the refrigerator may further include, based on receiving a user input indicating that the filter cleaning is complete after notifying that the filter is clogged, determining whether the filter cleaning is complete based on the difference between the fan speed obtained by running the fan at a first speed for a third preset time period and a first reference speed, and determining whether the filter cleaning is complete based on the difference between the fan speed obtained by running the fan at a second speed for a third preset time period and a second reference speed.

[0385] The steps for notifying that a filter is clogged may include: notifying that a filter is clogged in response to a fan speed greater than a reference speed and a temperature change rate of at least one of the heating and cooling sections being less than a reference value after the thermoelectric element has been operated.

[0386] The method of controlling the refrigerator may also include: in response to the fan speed being greater than a reference speed, notifying an external device of information related to a clogged filter.

[0387] Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented as a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. The instructions can be stored as program code, and when executed by a processor, can generate program modules to perform the operations described in the embodiments of this disclosure. The recording medium can correspond to a computer-readable recording medium.

[0388] Computer-readable recording media include any type of recording medium that stores data that can be subsequently read by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0389] Computer-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory storage media" may refer to a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves) and may distinguish between semi-permanent storage of data and temporary storage of data. For example, a non-transitory storage medium may include a buffer for temporary storage of data.

[0390] In embodiments of this disclosure, the methods described above according to various embodiments of this disclosure can be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be a commercial product that can be traded between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product can be distributed in the form of a recording medium (e.g., an optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or through an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM Distribution may be carried out via online means, either directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) or through online upload / download. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) may be stored, at least temporarily, on a readable recording medium on the manufacturer's server, app store's server, or relay server, or may be arbitrarily created.

[0391] The embodiments of this disclosure have now been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure may be implemented in other forms than those described above without altering the technical concept or essential features of this disclosure. The embodiments of this disclosure described above are merely exemplary and should not be construed as restrictive.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, including: The main body forms a storage room; A thermoelectric element, comprising a heating section and a cooling section, the cooling section being configured to cool the air inside the storage chamber; A fan is configured to operate to deliver air from the outside of the main body to the heating element for heating by the heating element, and to exhaust the heated air to the outside of the main body; A filter configured to filter foreign objects from the air supplied to the heating unit from the outside of the main body by the operation of the fan; as well as The controller is configured to notify the filter that it is clogged in response to the fan speed being greater than a reference speed.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to: Based on the first time period after the refrigerator is powered on, the fan is made to run for a second time period, and The reference speed is set based on the fan speed during the second time period.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is also configured to: Based on receiving an input indicating that the filter has been cleaned after being notified that the filter is clogged, the fan is made to run for a third period of time.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is also configured to: The filter is determined to be clean based on the difference between the fan speed during the third time period and the reference speed.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, The controller is also configured to: The reference rotation speed is reset in response to determining that the filter has been cleaned.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, The controller is also configured to: In response to determining that the filter is not clean, the filter is notified that it is clogged.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, The reference rotational speed includes: First reference speed; and Second reference speed, and The controller is also configured to: The fan is set to operate at a first speed for the second time period, and a first reference speed is set based on the fan speed at the first speed. The fan is operated at a second speed, higher than the first speed, for the second time period, and a second reference speed is set based on the fan speed at the second speed. In response to the fan operating at the first speed setting at a speed greater than the first reference speed, the filter is notified that it is clogged, and The filter is notified that it is clogged in response to the fan operating at the second speed setting at a speed greater than the second reference speed.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein, The controller is also configured to: Based on receiving an input indicating that the filter has been cleaned after being notified that the filter is clogged, The fan is operated at the first speed setting for a third time period, and based on the difference between the fan speed during the third time period at the first speed setting and the first reference speed, it is determined whether the filter has been cleaned. The fan is operated at the second speed for the third time period, and the filter is determined to be clean based on the difference between the fan speed during the third time period and the second reference speed.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The thermoelectric element is configured to operate such that the rate of temperature change of at least one of the heating section and the cooling section increases, and The controller is also configured to: The filter is notified that it is clogged in response to the following conditions: The fan speed is greater than the reference speed, and After the thermoelectric element is operated, the rate of temperature change of at least one of the heating section and the cooling section is less than the reference value.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: The communication interface is configured to communicate with external devices. The controller is further configured to send information related to the filter being clogged to the external device via the communication interface in response to the fan speed being greater than the reference speed.

11. A method for controlling a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising: The main body forms a storage chamber; the thermoelectric element includes a heating section and a cooling section, the cooling section being configured to cool the air inside the storage chamber; A fan is configured to operate to deliver air from the outside of the main body to the heating element for heating by the heating element, and to exhaust the heated air to the outside of the main body; And a filter configured to filter foreign matter from the air delivered from the outside of the main body to the heating unit by the operation of the fan; And a controller, the method comprising: The controller notifies the filter that it is clogged in response to the fan speed being greater than a reference speed.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Through the controller Based on the first time period after the refrigerator is powered on, the fan is made to run for a second time period, and The reference speed is set based on the fan speed during the second time period.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Through the controller Based on receiving an input indicating that the filter has been cleaned after being notified that the filter is clogged, the fan is made to run for a third period of time.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: Through the controller The filter is determined to be clean based on the difference between the fan speed during the third time period and the reference speed.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: Through the controller The reference rotation speed is reset in response to determining that the filter has been cleaned.

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