Refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator in which a cooling performance inside a storage chamber by a Peltier element is maintained while improving a layout freedom of each component inside a housing.SOLUTION: A refrigerator includes: a housing inside of which a storage chamber is formed; a cooling part having a Peltier element having one face as a cooling face and the other face as a heat release face by a flow of current, and for cooling the air inside the storage chamber by the cooling face; a water jacket covering the heat release face and for absorbing heat released from the heat release face into the cooling liquid; a radiator for releasing heat absorbed by the cooling liquid in the water jacket to outside of the housing; and a heat release part having a cooling liquid passage for circulating the cooling liquid between the water jacket and the radiator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, there is a refrigerator that uses a Peltier element to cool the air in the storage compartment, as shown in Patent Document 1. A Peltier element is a plate-shaped semiconductor, and when an electric current flows through it, one side becomes a cooling surface and the other side becomes a heat dissipation surface.

[0003] In the refrigerator of Patent Document 1, in order to improve the cooling performance on the cooling surface of the Peltier element and the heat dissipation efficiency on the heat dissipation surface, a heat sink and a fan are attached to each surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7105816 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the Peltier element and the heat sink and fan attached to both the cooling surface and the heat dissipation surface are provided as a single unit, as in the refrigerator of Patent Document 1, there is a problem in that the degree of freedom in the layout of each component within the refrigerator housing is reduced.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its main objective is to provide a refrigerator that increases the freedom of layout of each component within the casing while ensuring cooling performance within the storage compartment using Peltier elements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] That is, the refrigerator according to the present invention is a housing having a storage chamber formed therein; The device comprises a cooling unit having a Peltier element, one surface of which becomes a cooling surface and the other surface of which becomes a heat dissipation surface when an electric current flows through it, which cools the air in the storage chamber using the cooling surface; a water jacket that covers the heat dissipation surface and causes the coolant to absorb the heat dissipated from the heat dissipation surface; a radiator that dissipates the heat absorbed by the coolant in the water jacket to the outside of the housing; and a coolant flow path that circulates the coolant between the radiator and the water jacket.

[0008] In a refrigerator configured in this manner, the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element is cooled with a coolant having a high heat transfer coefficient, so the thermal resistance on the heat dissipation side of the Peltier element can be reduced and the cooling performance of the Peltier element can be improved compared to a refrigerator that cools the heat dissipation surface with air. Furthermore, because the coolant flowing through the coolant flow path transfers the heat radiated from the heat dissipation surface, there is no need to install a radiator that radiates that heat outside the case together with the Peltier element, which increases the degree of freedom in the layout of the Peltier element and radiator inside the case. This makes it possible to adopt a layout in which the cooling unit is located in the middle of the case and the radiator is located at the bottom of the case, as is the case with general compressor-type refrigerators, and enables cost reductions by sharing parts with other products. Furthermore, since there is no need to secure a space for arranging the Peltier element and the radiator in a block, the degree of freedom in the layout of other components is increased.

[0009] [2] The water jacket has an internal space through which the coolant flows, The internal space preferably has a heat transfer structure that increases the internal surface area of ​​the water jacket. In this case, by providing a heat transfer structure in the water jacket, the heat transfer efficiency from the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element to the coolant can be increased, allowing the heat dissipation surface to be cooled efficiently, and as a result, the cooling performance of the Peltier element can be improved.

[0010] [3] The cooling section is preferably provided above the radiator. This allows the condensation water that forms in the cooling section to fall by gravity into the radiator, where it can be evaporated by the heat of the radiator.

[0011] [4] It is preferable that the cooling unit includes a plurality of the Peltier elements. In this case, multiple Peltier elements are installed, which allows the refrigerator to have a larger capacity while maintaining cooling performance.

[0012] [5] the heat dissipation unit has a plurality of the water jackets provided for the plurality of Peltier elements, Preferably, the coolant flow passage connects the plurality of water jackets to the radiator. This allows for a configuration in which the coolant that has absorbed heat on the heat dissipation surfaces of multiple Peltier elements is dissipated outside the housing from a common radiator (for example, a single radiator) via a coolant flow path, making it possible to reduce the number of parts and ensure sufficient internal volume compared to when a radiator and fan are provided for each of multiple Peltier elements.

[0013] [6] It is preferable that the plurality of Peltier elements are provided spaced apart in the vertical direction. This makes it easier to uniformly cool the entire storage compartment in a refrigerator with a large capacity storage compartment. If a radiator is provided below a plurality of Peltier elements arranged vertically, the condensation water generated on the cooling surfaces of these Peltier elements can be evaporated collectively by the common radiator.

[0014] [7] It is preferable that the device further comprises a control unit that individually controls the currents flowing through the plurality of Peltier elements. This is convenient because it allows for customization, such as freely setting the temperature distribution within the storage compartment in accordance with the arrangement of the objects to be cooled within the storage compartment.

[0015] [8] During the cooling operation, condensed water formed on the cooling unit may be further cooled and freeze, and may adhere to the cooling unit as frost. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit executes a partial defrosting mode in which the supply of current to some of the Peltier elements is stopped. In this case, the temperature of the frosted cooling surface can be increased by cutting off the power to the Peltier element. Furthermore, since the power supply to some of the Peltier elements is stopped, it is possible to prevent the temperature inside the storage chamber from rising too much all at once.

[0016] [9] It is preferable that the coolant flows in a laminar flow state through the water jacket. This prevents a decrease in heat transfer due to the water jacket, reduces the power consumption of the pump that circulates the coolant, and improves the energy efficiency of the refrigerator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention configured in this manner, it is possible to provide a refrigerator that increases the degree of freedom in the layout of each component within the housing while ensuring the cooling performance of the storage compartment using the Peltier element. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged rear view of the arrangement of components in the refrigerator according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the arrangement of components in the refrigerator according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is an enlarged rear view of the water jacket in the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the water jacket in the embodiment as viewed from the side; [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a rear view illustrating the structure of the internal space of the water jacket in the embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 6, showing the water jacket in the same embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an enlarged rear view of the arrangement of components in a refrigerator according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a refrigerator according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] 1. Overview The refrigerator according to this embodiment uses a Peltier element to cool the air in the storage compartment.

[0021] 2.Device configuration 2-1. Overall structure Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 100 includes a housing 1 having a storage compartment S formed therein, a cooling unit 2 that cools the storage compartment S using a Peltier element 21, a heat dissipation unit 3 that dissipates heat radiated from the Peltier element 21 to the outside of the housing 1, and a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the cooling unit 2.

[0022] 2-2.Case 1 As shown in Fig. 1, the housing 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with multiple storage compartments S formed therein. Here, four storage compartments S are provided, separated vertically. The shape of the housing 1 may be a cube or the like. The number of storage compartments S formed in the housing 1 may be one or multiple.

[0023] Here, of the multiple storage compartments S, the uppermost storage compartment S will be referred to as the upper storage compartment S, the lowermost storage compartment S as the lower storage compartment S, and the remaining storage compartments S as middle storage compartments S. Furthermore, the side on which a handle (not shown) for opening each storage compartment S is provided will be referred to as the front of the refrigerator 100, and the opposite side will be referred to as the back. Hereinafter, if the front side of the refrigerator 100 is referred to as the front and the back side as the back, the horizontal direction perpendicular to this front-to-back direction will be referred to as the left-to-right direction. The direction perpendicular to these front-to-back and left-to-right directions will be referred to as the up-to-down direction. Here, the up-to-down direction is also the vertical direction.

[0024] 2-3. Cooling section 2 As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cooling unit 2 is provided inside the housing 1 and has a plurality of Peltier elements 21, a cooling heat sink 22 provided for each of the plurality of Peltier elements 21, and a cooling fan 23 that circulates air inside the refrigerator 100.

[0025] Although the components of the cooling unit 2 in this embodiment are provided behind the storage chamber S on the middle level, the arrangement of the Peltier element 21 and the like is not limited to this.

[0026] 2-3-1. Peltier element 21 2 to 5, the Peltier element 21 is a rectangular plate-shaped semiconductor, and is a type of thermoelectric element in which, when a current flows, heat moves from one surface to the other, with one surface acting as a cooling surface and the other surface acting as a heat dissipation surface. Note that in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the Peltier element 21 is covered by a water jacket 31 (described later) and cannot be seen from the outside, but for ease of explanation, it is represented by a checkered pattern in each of the drawings.

[0027] In this embodiment, the multiple Peltier elements 21 are arranged between the rear surface of the refrigerator 100 and the storage compartment S, with one surface facing the front of the refrigerator 100 (storage compartment S) and the other surface facing the back of the refrigerator 100. Here, three Peltier elements 21 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0028] During the cooling operation to cool the inside of the storage chamber S (cooling mode described below), one of the surfaces acts as a cooling surface and absorbs heat from the air inside the storage chamber S, and the other surface acts as a heat dissipation surface and dissipates heat transferred from the cooling surface to the outside of the storage chamber S.

[0029] 2-3-2. Cooling heat sink 22 As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the cooling heat sink 22 is attached to one surface (cooling surface) of the Peltier element 21 and is arranged so as to be able to exchange heat with the air in the storage chamber S. The surface area of ​​the cooling heat sink 22 is larger than the surface area of ​​one surface of the Peltier element 21. In this embodiment, the cooling heat sink 22 is provided individually for each Peltier element 21, but it may also be connected to a plurality of Peltier elements 21 in a many-to-one relationship. By using the cooling heat sink 22 with a large heat transfer area, the cooling performance when the Peltier element 21 cools the air in the storage chamber S is improved.

[0030] 2-3-3. Cooling fan 23 As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, cooling fan 23 supplies air cooled via a heat sink to each storage compartment S. In this embodiment, cooling fan 23 is provided above Peltier element 21 and cooling heat sink 22. Cooling fan 23 is configured to circulate air inside refrigerator 100 via a duct (not shown) provided in housing 1 in the order of cooling unit 2 → upper storage compartment S → middle storage compartment S → lower storage compartment S → cooling unit 2. Note that the arrangement of cooling fan 23 and the air circulation path are not limited to this.

[0031] 2-4. Heat dissipation part 3 As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the heat dissipation unit 3 is provided inside the housing 1 and has a water jacket 31 that causes the coolant to absorb the heat radiated from the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element 21, a radiator 32 that radiates the heat absorbed by the coolant in the water jacket 31 to the outside of the housing 1, and a coolant flow path 33 that circulates the coolant between the water jacket 31 and the radiator 32.

[0032] The coolant used is a liquid having a larger specific heat and a larger heat transfer coefficient than air, such as water or ethylene glycol.

[0033] 2-4-1.Water Jacket 31 2 to 5, the water jacket 31 is a block body having an internal space IS through which the coolant flows, and is provided so as to cover the other surface (heat dissipation surface) of the Peltier element 21. In this embodiment, the water jacket 31 is provided individually for each Peltier element 21.

[0034] The water jacket 31 here is flat and covers the entire heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element 21. Screw holes are provided on the periphery of the water jacket 31, and the water jacket 31 is screwed to the cooling heat sink 22 through these screw holes. In this way, the Peltier element 21 is fixed between the cooling heat sink 22 and the water jacket 31.

[0035] In this embodiment, a spacer 211 surrounding the periphery of the Peltier element 21 is provided between the cooling heat sink 22 and the water jacket 31. This spacer 211 relieves stress on the Peltier element 21 when the water jacket 31 and the cooling heat sink 22 are fastened together.

[0036] 5 to 7, the water jacket 31 here is configured by combining two block bodies (a water-cooling block 31a and a cover block 31b), and an internal space IS is formed between these two blocks 31a and 31b. The water jacket 31 may be configured from a single block body, or from three or more block bodies.

[0037] The internal space IS extends to cover the heat sink with the water-cooled block 31a in between, and is configured so that heat from the heat sink is absorbed by the coolant in the internal space IS via the water-cooled block 31a. The internal space IS here is formed in a shape (rectangular) that matches the shape (rectangular) of the heat sink, and is configured so that the entire heat sink can be cooled uniformly.

[0038] 5 to 7, the water-cooled block 31a is flat and configured to cover the entire heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element 21. The water-cooled block 31a is made of a material with high thermal conductivity (for example, copper, aluminum, or highly conductive resin).

[0039] One surface of the water-cooled block 31a is flat to match the surface shape of the heat dissipation surface and is in close contact with the heat dissipation surface, approximately flush with the surface. A heat transfer structure F with multiple fins standing up is formed on the other surface of the water-cooled block 31a. In other words, the heat transfer structure F (fins) is formed in the internal space IS of the water jacket 31, expanding the surface area of ​​the inner surface of the water jacket 31.

[0040] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the cover block 31b is provided on the other surface of the water-cooled block 31a and is configured to cover the other surface, and here has a flat plate shape. The cover block 31b is preferably made of a material (such as resin) with lower thermal conductivity than the water-cooled block 31a. The cover block 31b is provided with an inlet for introducing coolant into the internal space IS and an outlet for discharging coolant from the internal space IS. In this embodiment, the inlet is provided below the outlet. Because the outlet is provided above, air that has entered the water jacket 31 can be easily expelled.

[0041] In this embodiment, the cover block 31b covers the tips of the fins provided on the other surface of the water-cooled block 31a, and the internal space IS formed between the two blocks is divided into multiple flow paths by the fins. Here, a flexible seal member SM is provided between the water-cooled block 31a and the cover block 31b, and by pressing the fins against this seal member SM, gaps between the fins and the cover block 31b are eliminated, allowing all of the coolant to flow between the fins.

[0042] In this embodiment, a flow path is formed in the rectangular internal space IS so that the introduced coolant flows from the center of the internal space IS toward the periphery.

[0043] 2-4-2. Radiator 32 2 to 5, the radiator 32 dissipates heat absorbed by the coolant in the water jacket 31 to the outside of the housing 1. The radiator 32 here has a radiator pipe through which the coolant flows, and a heat dissipation fan 321 that dissipates the heat contained in the coolant in the radiator pipe.

[0044] The radiator 32 of this embodiment is provided behind the lower storage compartment S (here, at the bottom of the refrigerator 100).

[0045] In addition, the radiator 32 pipes of this embodiment do not have a folded structure and are configured so that the coolant flows in one direction, which reduces the power consumption of the pump P that pumps the coolant. Note that the radiator 32 pipes may also have a folded structure.

[0046] The radiator 32 of this embodiment has two heat dissipation fans 321. The heat dissipation fans 321 are configured to draw air in from the front side of the refrigerator, pass it under the refrigerator, supply it to the radiator, and discharge it from the rear side of the refrigerator. This shortens the ventilation path, reduces pressure loss, and improves the energy efficiency of the heat dissipation fans 321. The number of heat dissipation fans 321 is not limited to two.

[0047] 2-4-3. Coolant flow path 33 2 to 5, the coolant flow path 33 circulates the coolant between the water jacket 31 and the radiator 32. The coolant flow path 33 is formed by connecting a coolant pipe T provided inside the housing 1 with the water jacket 31 and the radiator 32.

[0048] The coolant pipe T is configured to extend substantially parallel to the rear surface of the housing 1 and to connect the water jacket 31 and the radiator 32. This allows the coolant pipe T to be routed so as not to interfere with other components, ensuring a sufficient internal volume.

[0049] The coolant flow path 33 has a pump P that can variably control the flow rate of the coolant circulating within the coolant flow path 33 or that has a constant speed. The pump P of this embodiment controls or sets the flow rate so that the coolant flows in a laminar state through the water jacket 31. Specifically, the Reynolds number of the coolant flow in the water jacket 31 is preferably 2300 or less. The Reynolds number is defined by equation (1). Re= ρxVxDh / μ (1) Re: Reynolds number V: Coolant velocity [m / s] Dh=4x(hxg) / (2x(h+g))[m] h: Height of the water jacket internal fin F (= flow path height) [m] g: Spatial distance between the fins F inside the water jacket (= flow path width) [m] μ: viscosity coefficient of the coolant [Pa s]

[0050] The coolant flow path 33 of this embodiment connects multiple water jackets 31 in parallel to one radiator 32. Specifically, in the coolant flow path 33, the coolant heated in the three water jackets 31 is joined together and introduced into the radiator 32, and the coolant cooled in the radiator 32 is branched into three and introduced into each water jacket 31. Note that the coolant flow path 33 may also connect three water jackets 31 in series. In this case, the coolant flows separately through each water jacket 31, so the flow rate through each individual water jacket is reduced, allowing the coolant to flow through the water jacket at a low flow rate, reducing the pump power required for circulation.

[0051] 2-5.Control Unit The control unit controls the current flowing through the Peltier element 21. Physically, it is composed of a CPU, memory, A / D converter, etc. built into the housing 1, and performs its functions by the CPU and peripheral devices working together in accordance with a program stored in a predetermined area of ​​the memory.

[0052] In the normal cooling mode, the control unit applies a current to the Peltier element 21 so that one surface of the Peltier element 21 facing the storage chamber S becomes a cooling surface and the other surface on the opposite side becomes a heat dissipation surface.

[0053] The control unit individually controls the current flowing through the plurality of Peltier elements 21, and can make the temperatures of the cooling surfaces of the Peltier elements 21 different from one another. The control unit may also control the applied voltage.

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit of this embodiment executes the defrost mode by stopping the supply of current to the Peltier element 21 or by passing a current in the opposite direction to the current flowing through the Peltier element in the cooling mode at a predetermined timing during the cooling mode. The predetermined timing may be, for example, at regular intervals after the start of the cooling mode.

[0055] The control unit is configured to be able to execute a partial defrost mode by stopping the supply of current to some of the Peltier elements 21 among the plurality of Peltier elements 21. For example, the partial defrost mode is executed by shifting the predetermined timing for executing the defrost mode for some of the Peltier elements 21 from that for the other Peltier elements 21.

[0056] 3.Effects Refrigerator 100 configured in this manner uses Peltier element 21 to cool storage compartment S, and therefore has the advantage that, compared to compressor-type refrigerator 100, it does not require a refrigerant that has an adverse effect on the environment, such as chlorofluorocarbons, and also reduces noise generated by the compressor.

[0057] Since the refrigerator 100 is provided with a plurality of Peltier elements 21, it is possible to make the refrigerator 100 exhibit sufficient cooling performance even if the capacity of the storage compartment S is increased.

[0058] Since the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element 21 is cooled with a coolant having a high heat transfer coefficient, the thermal resistance on the heat dissipation side of the Peltier element 21 can be reduced and the cooling performance of the Peltier element 21 can be improved compared to the refrigerator 100 in which the heat dissipation surface is cooled with air.

[0059] Since the heat transfer structure F is provided in the internal space IS of the water jacket 31, the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element 21 can be efficiently cooled, and as a result, the cooling performance of the Peltier element 21 can be improved.

[0060] Incidentally, in the case of a general refrigerator 100 that is installed on the ground, the upper and middle shelves of the refrigerator 100 are easily accessible to users, and so there is a demand to increase the capacity of the storage compartments S located on these upper and middle shelves as much as possible. In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the radiator 32, which is large in volume and takes up a lot of space, is provided in the lower part of the refrigerator 100, so that the space of the storage compartment S in the upper and middle parts can be secured as large as possible, thereby improving the usability of the refrigerator 100.

[0061] In addition, this arrangement allows for cost reductions by sharing parts with general compressor-type refrigerators 100.

[0062] Since the cooling section 2 is arranged above the lower radiator 32, the condensed water formed on the cooling section 2 and the water generated by melting frost adhering to the cooling section 2 can be dropped by gravity into the radiator 32 and evaporated by the heat of the radiator 32.

[0063] The coolant flowing through the coolant flow path 33 transfers the heat radiated from the heat radiation surface, so there is no need to provide a radiator 32 for radiating the heat outside the housing 1 together with the Peltier element 21, and the degree of freedom in the layout of the Peltier element 21 and the radiator 32 within the housing 1 is increased.

[0064] A plurality of water jackets 31 are connected to one radiator 32, and the heat from each heat dissipation surface of a plurality of Peltier elements 21 is collectively dissipated from one radiator 32 to the outside of the housing 1 via a coolant flow path 33, so it is possible to reduce the number of parts and ensure the internal volume compared to when a radiator 32 and a heat dissipation fan are provided for each of the plurality of Peltier elements 21.

[0065] The coolant flows in a laminar flow state through the water jacket 31. The heat transfer coefficient in a laminar flow state is constant regardless of the flow rate, so there is little impact on the heat transfer performance. However, since the power consumption of the pump P is significantly reduced when the flow rate is reduced, maintaining the flow rate in a laminar flow state can improve the energy consumption efficiency of the refrigerator 100.

[0066] Since the current of each Peltier element 21 can be controlled individually, it is possible to more precisely set the temperature inside the storage chamber S. For example, the temperature distribution inside the storage chamber S can be set in accordance with the arrangement of the objects to be cooled inside the storage chamber S.

[0067] When the defrost mode is executed, the current to the Peltier elements is stopped or reversed, causing the temperature of the frosted cooling heat sink 22 to rise. However, at that time, the temperature inside the storage compartment S also rises. In contrast, the partial defrost mode stops the current flow to some of the multiple Peltier elements 21, so it is possible to prevent the temperature inside the storage compartment S from rising too much all at once in the defrost mode.

[0068] [Other embodiments] In the refrigerator 100 according to the embodiment, three Peltier elements 21 are arranged continuously in the left-right direction, but some of the multiple Peltier elements 21 may be arranged spaced apart from the other Peltier elements 21.

[0069] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, three Peltier elements 21 may be provided spaced apart from one another in the up-down direction (vertical direction). In this case, for example, a Peltier element 21 can be provided for each storage compartment S that is vertically partitioned, making it easier to uniformly cool each storage compartment S. In addition, detailed settings such as individually controlling the temperature of each storage compartment S become possible. In addition, since a radiator 32 is provided below the multiple Peltier elements 21 arranged vertically, condensation water generated on the cooling surfaces of these multiple Peltier elements can be evaporated collectively by the common radiator 32.

[0070] Although the refrigerator in the above embodiment uses a plurality of Peltier elements 21 (three in this case), the number of Peltier elements may be one. In this case as well, the cooling performance can be improved by cooling the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element with a coolant, and the cooling unit and the radiator can be arranged separated from each other by the coolant flow path, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the layout of each component within the refrigerator housing.

[0071] The water jacket may be provided for each of a plurality of Peltier elements, for example, it may be one that collectively covers the heat dissipation surfaces of a plurality of Peltier elements that are arranged in series.

[0072] The water jacket does not necessarily need to cover the entire heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element, but it is sufficient if it covers at least a portion of the surface.

[0073] The heat transfer structure inside the water jacket is not limited to fins as long as it can expand the heat transfer area.

[0074] A plurality of radiators may be provided according to the size of the refrigerator, etc. In this case, by configuring a plurality of Peltier elements to be connected to one radiator, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and ensure a sufficient internal volume compared to when a Peltier element and a radiator are provided in a one-to-one correspondence. The radiator may also be located on the upper level of the refrigerator. This configuration is advantageous, for example, when the present invention is applied to a refrigerator that does not have a radiator located below, or when a separate means for transporting condensation water to the heat dissipation section is available. In this way, the present invention allows the position of the radiator to be determined according to the shape of the refrigerator. Of course, the radiator is not limited to this and may also be located on the middle level of the refrigerator.

[0075] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 100... Refrigerator S...storage room 1. Housing 2...Cooling section 21 Peltier element 22 Cooling heat sink 23 Cooling fan 3...Heat dissipation part 31 Water jacket 31a···Water cooling block 31b Cover block 32 Radiator 321···Heat dissipation fan 33...Cooling fluid flow path T...coolant pipe P···Pump

Claims

1. a housing having a storage chamber formed therein; a cooling unit having a Peltier element having one surface that becomes a cooling surface and the other surface that becomes a heat dissipation surface when a current flows therethrough, the cooling unit cooling the air in the storage chamber by the cooling surface; A refrigerator comprising a heat dissipation unit having a water jacket that covers the heat dissipation surface and causes a coolant to absorb heat dissipated from the heat dissipation surface, a radiator that dissipates the heat absorbed by the coolant in the water jacket to the outside of the housing, and a coolant flow path that circulates the coolant between the water jacket and the radiator.

2. The water jacket has an internal space through which the coolant flows, 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the internal space has a heat transfer structure that increases the internal surface area of ​​the water jacket.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the cooling section is provided above the radiator.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the cooling unit includes a plurality of the Peltier elements.

5. the heat dissipation unit has a plurality of the water jackets provided for the plurality of Peltier elements, 5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the coolant flow passage connects the plurality of water jackets to the radiator.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of Peltier elements are provided spaced apart in the vertical direction.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a control unit that individually controls currents flowing through the plurality of Peltier elements.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the control unit executes a partial defrost mode in which the supply of current to some of the Peltier elements is stopped or a reverse current is passed to some of the Peltier elements.

9. 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the coolant flows through the water jacket in a laminar flow state (Re<2300).

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