refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a main body including a storage compartment, a thermoelectric element on an upper wall of the main body and including a heat generating portion and a heat absorbing portion, a heat dissipation sink contacting the heat generating portion of the thermoelectric element, and a heat dissipation duct coupled to the upper wall. The heat dissipation duct includes an air inlet, a partition having a height that is lower than the heat dissipation sink and partitioning an inside of the heat dissipation duct into an inflow space and a fan accommodation space at a lower side of the inflow space. The refrigerator further includes a heat dissipation fan in the fan accommodation space. The heat dissipation duct and the heat dissipation fan are operable to cause air to be introduced through the air inlet, the inflow space, the fan accommodation space, and then to the heat dissipation sink.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This is a continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. § 111(a), of International Application No. PCT / KR2025 / 017669, filed Oct. 31, 2025, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0001146, filed Jan. 3, 2025, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0051937, filed Apr. 21, 2025, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator having an improved structure.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] A refrigerator is an apparatus keeping food fresh by including a main body having a storage compartment and a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment.

[0004] A thermoelectric cooling device generating heating and cooling effects through the Peltier effect may be used as a cold air supply device for a refrigerator. A thermoelectric cooling device may include a thermoelectric element. A thermoelectric element has a heat generating portion formed on one side and a heat absorbing portion formed on the opposite side, and when current is applied to the thermoelectric element, heat generation may occur in the heat generating portion and heat absorption may occur in the heat absorbing portion.

[0005] A thermoelectric cooling device may be equipped with a heat dissipation sink, a cooling sink, a heat dissipation fan, a cooling fan, a heat dissipation duct, and a cooling duct to increase the efficiency of cooling a storage compartment through the thermoelectric cooling device.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator including a thermoelectric cooling device.

[0007] The present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator in which a heat dissipation duct of the thermoelectric cooling device is relatively more compact.

[0008] Technical tasks to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.Technical Solution

[0009] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main body including a storage compartment, a thermoelectric element on an upper wall of the main body and including a heat generating portion and a heat absorbing portion, a heat dissipation sink in contact with the heat generating portion on an upper side of the thermoelectric element, and a heat dissipation duct coupled to the upper wall. The heat dissipation duct includes an air inlet, and a partition having a height that is lower than a height of the heat dissipation sink, that partitions an inside of the heat dissipation duct into an inflow space and a fan accommodation space that is at a lower side of an inflow space. The refrigerator further includes a heat dissipation fan in the fan accommodation space. The heat dissipation duct and the heat dissipation fan are configured such that the heat dissipation fan is operable to cause air to be introduced through the air inlet, to then flow through the inflow space, then through the fan accommodation space, and then to the heat dissipation sink.

[0010] A refrigerator includes a main body, a thermoelectric element on an upper wall of the main body and including a heat generating portion and a heat absorbing portion, a heat dissipation sink in contact with the heat generating portion, a heat dissipation fan configured to blow air toward the heat dissipation sink from one side of the heat dissipation sink, and a heat dissipation duct. The heat dissipation duct is coupled to the upper wall and accommodates the heat dissipation sink and heat dissipation fan therein. The heat dissipation duct includes a partition below an upper end of the heat dissipation sink and configured to partition an inflow space that allows the air to be introduced through an air inlet of the heat dissipation duct, and a fan accommodation space configured to communicate with the inflow space and accommodate the heat dissipation fan along an up-down direction.

[0011] A refrigerator includes a main body including a storage compartment, a thermoelectric element on an upper wall of the main body and including a heat generating portion and a heat absorbing portion, and a heat dissipation sink in contact with the heat generating portion on an upper side of the thermoelectric element, and a heat dissipation duct. The heat dissipation duct and the upper wall form a fan accommodation space accommodating a heat dissipation fan. A width of the fan accommodation space along an up-down direction is shorter than a length of the heat dissipation sink along the up-down direction. The heat dissipation duct and the heat dissipation fan are configured to blow air toward the heat dissipation sink.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a door of the refrigerator is opened according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an upper portion of a storage compartment as seen from below according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ indicated in FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of area C indicated in FIG. 4.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ indicated in FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a heat dissipation duct according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the heat dissipation duct, a heat dissipation fan, and a thermoelectric element assembly according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the thermoelectric element assembly according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a flow path inside the heat dissipation duct according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area D indicated in FIG. 6.

[0023] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area D indicated in FIG. 6.

[0024] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one area of the refrigerator according to an embodiment.MODE OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0025] Various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0026] In connection with the explanation of the drawings, like reference numbers may be used for like or related components.

[0027] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of items, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0028] In the present disclosure, each of phrases such as “A or B,”“at least one of A and B,”“at least one of A or B,”“A, B or C,”“at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0029] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related components or any one of a plurality of related components.

[0030] Terms such as “first,”“second,”“primary,” and “secondary” may simply be used to distinguish a given component from other corresponding components, and do not limit the corresponding components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0031] In the present disclosure, the terms “front surface,”“rear surface,”“upper surface,”“lower surface,”“side surface,”“left side,”“right side,”“upper portion,” and “lower portion” used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0032] The terms “includes” and “has” are intended to indicate that there are features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the present disclosure, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] When any component is referred to as being “connected”, “coupled”, “supported” or “in contact” with another component, this includes a case in which the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other through a third component as well as directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other.

[0034] When any component is referred to as being located “on” or “above” another component, this includes not only a case in which any component is in contact with another component but also a case in which another component is present between the two components.

[0035] A refrigerator according to an embodiment may include a main body.

[0036] The “main body” may include an inner case, an outer case disposed on the outside of the inner case, and an insulator provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0037] The “inner case” may include at least one of a case, a plate, a panel and a liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The “outer case” may form an outer appearance of the main body and may be coupled to the outside of the inner case so that the insulator is disposed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0038] The “insulator” may insulate the inside and outside of the storage compartment so that a temperature inside the storage compartment may be maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by an external environment of the storage compartment. According to an embodiment, the insulator may include a foam insulator such as polyurethane foam. A foam insulator may be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam mixed with polyurethane and foaming agent between the inner case and the outer case.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the insulator may further include a vacuum insulator in addition to the foam insulator, or may be configured as only the vacuum insulator instead of the foam insulator. The vacuum insulator may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the inside thereof with a vacuum or a pressure close to vacuum. However, the insulator is not limited to the foam insulator or vacuum insulator described above and may include various materials that may be used for insulation.

[0040] The “storage compartment” may include a space defined by the inner case. The storage compartment may further include an inner case defining a space corresponding to the storage compartment. The storage compartment may store various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and may be formed such that at least one side thereof is open to allow items to be put in and to be taken out.

[0041] The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, the respective storage compartments may have different uses and may be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, the respective storage compartments may be partitioned from each other by partitions including the insulators.

[0042] The storage compartment may be provided to be maintained at an appropriate temperature range depending on the use, and may include a “refrigerating chamber,” a “freezing chamber,” or a “variable temperature chamber” depending on the use and / or temperature range. The refrigerating chamber may be maintained at an appropriate temperature for storing items in a refrigerated state, and the freezing chamber may be maintained at an appropriate temperature for storing items in a frozen state. “Refrigerating” may refer to cooling items to the point where the items are not frozen, and as an example, the refrigerating chamber may be maintained in a temperature ranging from zero degree Celsius to seven degrees Celsius. “Freezing” may refer to cooling items such that the items are freezing or maintained in a frozen state, as an example, the freezing chamber may be maintained at a temperature ranging from minus twenty degrees Celsius to minus one degree Celsius. The variable temperature chamber may be used as any one of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber, depending on a selection of a user or regardless of the selection of the user.

[0043] In addition to names such as “refrigerating chamber,”“freezing chamber,” and “variable temperature chamber,” the storage compartment may be referred to as various names such as “vegetable chamber,”“fresh chamber,”“cooling chamber,” and “ice making chamber,” terms such as “refrigerating chamber,”“freezing chamber,” and “variable temperature chamber” used below should be understood to encompass storage compartments with corresponding uses and temperature ranges, respectively.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close the one open side of the storage compartment. The doors may each be provided to open and close the one or more storage compartments, or the one door may be provided to open and close a plurality of the storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidingly installed on a front side of the main body.

[0045] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage compartment when closed. Like the main body, the door may include the insulator to insulate the storage compartment when closed.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door outer plate forming a front surface of the door, a door inner plate forming a rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulator provided inside the upper and lower caps.

[0047] Edges of the door inner plate may be provided with a gasket sealing the storage compartment by coming into close contact with the front side of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner plate may include a dyke protruding rearward so that a door basket for storing items is mounted.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body, and a front panel detachably coupled to a front side of the door body and forming the front surface of the door. The door body may include the door outer plate forming a front surface of the door body, the door inner plate forming a rear surface of the door body and facing the storage compartment, the upper cap, the lower cap, and the door insulator provided inside the upper and lower caps.

[0049] Refrigerators may be classified into a French door type, a side-by-side type, a bottom mounted freezer (BMF) type, a top mounted freezer (TMF) type, and a one-door refrigerator type depending on the arrangement of doors and storage compartments.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply system configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0051] The “cold air supply device” may include a machine, mechanism, electronic device, and / or a system combining them capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool the storage compartment.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the cold air supply system may generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply system may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to an embodiment, the cold air supply system may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may cool the storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply system are disposed.

[0054] The “machine room” may be provided to be partitioned and insulated from the storage compartment in order to prevent heat generated from the components disposed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage compartment. The inside of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the outside of the main body to dissipate heat from the components disposed inside the machine room.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door such that the user may access the door without opening the door.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice making device provided to produce ice. The ice making device may include an ice making tray provided to store water, an ice moving device provided to separate the ice from the ice making tray, and an ice bucket provided to store the ice produced in the ice making tray.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a controller configured to control the refrigerator.

[0058] The “controller” may include memory provided to store or remember programs and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor provided to output a control signal for controlling the cold air supply system and the like according to the programs and / or data stored in the memory.

[0059] The memory stores or records a variety of information, data, commands, programs, and the like required for operations of the refrigerator. The memory may remember temporary data generated while generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0060] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor may control the components of the refrigerator by executing the programs stored in the memory. The processor may include a separate NPU to perform operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processor, a graphics processor (GPU), and the like. The processor may generate a control signal for controlling an operation of the cold air supply system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor, and generate a cooling control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply system based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0061] Additionally, the processor may process user input of a user interface according to the programs and / or data memorized / stored in the memory and control an operation of the user interface. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive the user input from the user interface. The processor may also transmit a display control signal and image data for displaying an image on the user interface to the user interface in response to the user input.

[0062] The processor and the memory may be provided integrally or may be provided separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory to control all the components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories to individually control the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory to control the operation of the cold air supply system depending on output of the temperature sensor. Also, the refrigerator may be separately equipped with a processor and memory to control the operation of the user interface according to user input.

[0064] A communication module may communicate with an external device such as a server, a mobile device, and another home appliance through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) may connect a local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or the user device may be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0065] The input interface may include a key, a touch screen, a microphone, and the like. The input interface may receive user input and transmit the user input to the processor.

[0066] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, and the like. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, a variety of information, and the like generated by the processor.

[0067] The terms “forward and rearward directions,”“left and right directions,”“upper side,”“lower side,” and the like used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and a shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0068] For example, X directions may be defined as forward and rearward directions. For example, Y directions may be defined as left and right directions. For example, Z directions may be defined as upward and downward directions. For example, a +X direction may be defined as the forward direction, and a −X direction may be defined as the rearward direction. For example, a +Y direction may be defined as the left direction, and a-Y direction may be defined as the right direction. For example, a +Z direction may be defined as the upward direction, and a −Z direction may be defined as the downward direction.

[0069] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a door of the refrigerator is opened according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an upper portion of a storage compartment as seen from below according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ indicated in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of area C indicated in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ indicated in FIG. 1.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a refrigerator 1 may include a main body 100, a storage compartment 10 provided inside the main body 100, and a door 20 provided to open and close the storage compartment 10.

[0072] The main body 100 may include an inner case 101. The storage compartment 10 may be provided inside the inner case 101. Inner surfaces of the inner case 101 may form inner walls of the storage compartment 10.

[0073] The inner case 101 may be configured to include a plastic material. For example, the inner case 101 may be manufactured by a vacuum forming process. For example, the inner case 101 may be manufactured by an injection molding process.

[0074] The main body 100 may include an outer case 102. The outer case 102 may form an exterior of the refrigerator 1. The outer case 102 may be provided outside the inner case 101. For example, the outer case 102 may be coupled to the outside of the inner case 101.

[0075] The outer case 102 may have a box shape with a substantially open front side. The outer case 102 may form upper and lower surfaces, left and right surfaces, and a rear surface of the refrigerator 1.

[0076] The outer case 102 may be configured to include a metal material. For example, the outer case 102 may be manufactured by machining a steel plate material.

[0077] The main body 100 may include a plurality of walls 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170. The plurality of walls 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 may form the storage compartment 10.

[0078] The plurality of walls 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 may include the upper wall 110, the lower wall 120, the left wall 130, the right wall 140, and the rear wall 150. The upper wall 110, lower wall 120, left wall 130, right wall 140, and rear wall 150 may form an upper surface (+Z direction), lower surface (−Z direction), left surface (+Y direction), right surface (−Y direction), and rear surface (−X direction) of the main body 100, respectively.

[0079] Each of the upper wall 110, lower wall 120, left wall 130, right wall 140, and rear wall 150 may be formed by combining the inner case 101 and the outer case 102. An inner surface of each of the upper wall 110, lower wall 120, left wall 130, right wall 140, and rear wall 150 may be formed by the inner case 101. An outer surface of each of the upper wall 110, lower wall 120, left wall 130, right wall 140, and rear wall 150 may be formed by the outer case 102.

[0080] The storage compartment 10 may be configured to accommodate items. The storage compartment 10 may be formed to have an open front side to allow items to be put in or taken out.

[0081] The storage compartment 10 may be provided in plurality. The plurality of storage compartments 10 may include a first storage chamber 11, a second storage chamber 12 and a third storage chamber 13. The first storage chamber 11 may be provided in an upper portion of the main body 100, and the second storage chamber 12 and the third storage chamber 13 may be provided in a lower portion of the main body 100. For example, the first storage chamber 11 may be a refrigerating chamber, the second storage chamber 12 may be a freezing chamber, and the third storage chamber 13 may be a variable temperature chamber.

[0082] The plurality of walls 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 may include a horizontal wall 160 and a vertical wall 170 provided to partition the first storage chamber 11, the second storage chamber 12, and the third storage chamber 13. The horizontal wall 160 may partition the first storage chamber 11 from the second storage chamber 12 and the third storage chamber 13. The vertical wall 170 may partition the second storage chamber 12 from the third storage chamber 13.

[0083] The door 20 may be configured to open and close the storage compartment 10. Specifically, the door 20 may be configured to open and close the open front side of the storage compartment 10. The door 20 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 100 to open and close the storage compartment 10.

[0084] The door 20 may be provided in plurality. The plurality of doors 20 may include a first door 21, a second door 22, a third door 23, and a fourth door 24. The first door 21 and the second door 22 may open and close the first storage chamber 11, the third door 23 may open and close the second storage chamber 12, and the fourth door 24 may open and close the third storage chamber 13. Each of the first door 21, the second door 22, the third door 23 and the fourth door 24 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 100.

[0085] The refrigerator 1 may include a rotation bar 30. The rotation bar 30 may be provided to cover a 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 rotation bar 30 may have a bar shape formed long in an up-down direction. The rotation bar 30 may also be referred to as a pillar or mullion.

[0086] The rotation bar 30 may be provided to be rotatable on any one of the first door 21 and the second door 22. The drawing illustrates that the rotation bar 30 is provided on the first door 21, but the rotation bar 30 may also be provided on the second door 22.

[0087] The refrigerator 1 may include a shelf 41. The shelf 41 may be provided to hold food or items. The shelf 41 may be provided inside the storage compartment 10. The drawing illustrates that the shelf 41 is provided only in the first storage chamber 11, but the shelf 41 may also be provided in the second storage chamber 12 or the third storage chamber 13.

[0088] The refrigerator 1 may include a storage container 42. The storage container 42 may be provided to store food or items therein. The storage container 42 may be provided inside the storage compartment 10.

[0089] The door 20 may include a gasket 51. The gasket 51 may be provided on a rear surface of the door 20. When the door 20 is closed, the gasket 51 may be tightly close to a front side of the main body 100. When the door 20 is closed, the gasket 51 may seal a gap formed between the door 20 and the main body 100.

[0090] The door 20 may include a dyke 52. The dyke 52 may protrude rearward from the rear surface of the door 20. A door shelf 53 may be mounted on the dyke 52 to accommodate food or items.

[0091] Although the number and arrangement of the storage compartments 10 and the number and arrangement of the doors 20 have been described above, there is no limitation on the number and arrangement of the storage compartments 10 and the number and arrangement of the doors 20 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] The refrigerator 1 may include a top cover 200. The top cover 200 may be attached to the upper wall 110 of the main body 100. For example, the top cover 200 may be provided to cover a hinge device connecting the door 20 and the main body 100, or various electrical components.

[0093] The refrigerator 1 may include a thermoelectric cooling device 300 configured to cool the storage compartment 10. For example, the thermoelectric cooling device 300 may be configured to cool the first storage chamber 11.

[0094] The thermoelectric cooling device 300 may be provided on one of the plurality of walls 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170. For example, the thermoelectric cooling device 300 may be provided on the upper wall 110. In other words, the thermoelectric cooling device 300 may be provided on an upper side of the first storage chamber 11. Specifically, the thermoelectric cooling device 300 may be provided at the rear of the top cover 200.

[0095] The drawing illustrates only the embodiment in which the thermoelectric cooling device 300 is provided on the upper wall 110, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, depending on an embodiment, the thermoelectric cooling device may also be provided on the left wall 130, the right wall 140, and the rear wall 150. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, only the embodiment in which the thermoelectric cooling device 300 is provided on the upper wall 110 will be described.

[0096] The thermoelectric cooling device 300 may include a thermoelectric element assembly 400. The thermoelectric element assembly 400 may be configured to cool the storage compartment 10 using a thermoelectric element 410. Specifically, the thermoelectric element assembly 400 may be configured to cool the first storage chamber 11.

[0097] The thermoelectric element assembly 400 may include the thermoelectric element 410. The thermoelectric element 410 may be a semiconductor element converting thermal energy into electrical energy using the thermoelectric effect, and may also be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor element, a Peltier element, etc. The thermoelectric element 410 may have a thin hexahedral shape.

[0098] The thermoelectric element 410 may be provided on a wall on which the thermoelectric cooling device 300 is provided. For example, the thermoelectric element 410 may be provided on the upper wall 110. In other words, the thermoelectric element 410 may be provided on the upper side of the first storage chamber 11.

[0099] The thermoelectric element 410 may include a heat generating portion 411 and a heat absorbing portion 412. When current is applied to the thermoelectric element 410, heat generation may occur at the heat generating element 411 and heat absorption may occur at the heat absorbing element 412.

[0100] The heat generating portion 411 may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric element 410, and the heat absorbing portion 412 may be provided on the other surface of the thermoelectric element 410. That is, the heat generating portion 411 and the heat absorbing portion 412 may be provided on opposite sides. For example, the heat generating portion 411 may be provided on an upper surface of the thermoelectric element 410, and the heat absorbing portion 412 may be provided on a lower surface of the thermoelectric element 410.

[0101] The heat generating portion 411 may face the outside of the main body 100, and the heat absorbing portion 412 may face the inside of the storage compartment 10. For example, the heat generating portion 411 may face the outside of the main body 100, and the heat absorbing portion 412 may face the inside of the first storage chamber 11. For example, the heat generating portion 411 may be provided to face upward of the thermoelectric element 410 and the heat absorbing portion 412 may be provided to face downward of the thermoelectric element 410. Accordingly, the air heated by exchanging heat with the heat generating portion 411 may be discharged to the outside of the refrigerator 1, and the air cooled by exchanging heat with the heat absorbing portion 412 may be supplied to the storage compartment 10.

[0102] The thermoelectric element assembly 400 may include a heat dissipation sink 420. The heat dissipation sink 420 may be provided to be in contact with the heat generating portion 411 from the outside of the main body 100. For example, the heat dissipation sink 420 may be in contact with the heat generating portion 411 of the thermoelectric element 410 from an upper side of the thermoelectric element 410. Through this configuration, heat exchange between the heat generating portion 411 and air outside the main body 100 may be performed more efficiently.

[0103] The thermoelectric element assembly 400 may include a cooling sink 430. The cooling sink 430 may be provided to be in contact with the heat absorbing portion 412 within the main body 100. In other words, the cooling sink 430 may be provided to be in contact with the heat absorbing portion 412 within the storage compartment 10. For example, the cooling sink 430 may be in contact with the heat absorbing portion 412 of the thermoelectric element 410 at a lower side of the thermoelectric element 410. Through this configuration, heat exchange between the heat absorbing portion 412 and air in the storage compartment 10 may be performed more efficiently.

[0104] The thermoelectric cooling device 300 may include a heat dissipation fan 500. The heat dissipation fan 500 may be configured to blow air toward the heat dissipation sink 420 from one side of the heat dissipation sink 420. Through this configuration, heat exchange between the heat dissipation sink 420 and air outside the main body 100 may be performed more efficiently.

[0105] The thermoelectric cooling device 300 may include a heat dissipation duct 600. The heat dissipation duct 600 may be provided to guide air blown by the heat dissipation fan 500 to the heat dissipation sink 420.

[0106] The heat dissipation duct 600 may be coupled to one wall on which the thermoelectric cooling device 300 is provided. Specifically, the heat dissipation duct 600 may be coupled to an outer surface of one wall on which the thermoelectric cooling device 300 is provided. For example, the heat dissipation duct 600 may be coupled to the outer surface of the upper wall 110. The heat dissipation sink 420 and the heat dissipation fan 500 may be accommodated inside the heat dissipation duct 600.

[0107] The heat dissipation duct 600 may include a first air inlet 621 provided to allow air outside the refrigerator 1 to be introduced into the inside of the heat dissipation duct 600, and a first air outlet 633 provided to allow air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink 420 to be discharged into the heat dissipation duct 600. That is, air outside the refrigerator 1 may be introduced into the inside of the heat dissipation duct 600 through the first air inlet 621, and the air introduced into the inside of the heat dissipation duct 600 may be discharged into the heat dissipation duct 600 through the first air outlet 633 after exchanging heat with the heat dissipation sink 420.

[0108] The thermoelectric cooling device 300 may include a cooling fan 700. The cooling fan 700 may be configured to blow air toward the cooling sink 430 from one side of the cooling sink 430. Through this configuration, heat exchange between the cooling sink 430 and air in the storage compartment 10 may be performed more efficiently.

[0109] The thermoelectric cooling device 300 may include a cooling duct 800. The cooling duct 800 may be provided to guide air blown by the cooling fan 700 to the cooling sink 430.

[0110] The cooling duct 800 may be coupled to one wall on which the thermoelectric cooling device 300 is provided. Specifically, the cooling duct 800 may be coupled to an inner surface of one wall on which the thermoelectric cooling device 300 is provided. For example, the cooling duct 800 may be coupled to the inner surface of the upper wall 110. The cooling sink 430 and the cooling fan 700 may be accommodated inside the cooling duct 800.

[0111] The cooling duct 800 may include a second air inlet 801 provided to allow air inside the storage compartment 10 to be introduced into the inside of the cooling duct 800, and a second air outlet 802 provided to allow air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink 430 to be discharged into the storage compartment 10. For example, the second air inlet 801 may be provided to allow air inside the first storage chamber 11 to be introduced into the inside of the cooling duct 800, and the second air outlet 802 may be provided to allow air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink 420 to be discharged into the first storage chamber 11. That is, the air inside the storage compartment 10 may be introduced into the inside of the cooling duct 800 through the second air inlet 801, and the air introduced into the inside of the cooling duct 800 may be discharged into the storage compartment 10 through the second air outlet 802 after exchanging heat with the cooling sink 430.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 4, the refrigerator 1 may include a refrigeration cycle device to cool the storage compartment through a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle device may include a compressor 2, a condenser (not shown), an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator 3. The evaporator 3 may be provided at the rear of the second storage chamber 12 and third storage chamber 13.

[0113] The refrigerator 1 may include evaporator ducts 60 and 70 provided to guide cold air generated in the evaporator 3. The evaporator ducts 60 and 70 may include the first evaporator duct 60 and the second evaporator duct 70. The first evaporator duct 60 may be provided at the rear of the second storage chamber 12 and third storage chamber 13. The second evaporator duct 70 may be provided at the rear of the first storage chamber 11.

[0114] The refrigerator 1 may include an evaporator fan 80 provided inside the first evaporator duct 60. Cold air generated in the evaporator 3 may be introduced into the inside of the first evaporator duct 60 by the evaporator fan 80. The cold air introduced into the inside of the first evaporator duct 60 may be discharged to the second storage chamber 12 or the third storage chamber 13 through a cold air outlet (not shown) formed on a front side thereof. The cold air introduced into the inside of the first evaporator duct 60 may also be guided to an inner flow path 71 of the second evaporator duct 70.

[0115] The first evaporator duct 60 may include a damper 61. The damper 61 may be provided to control the supply of cold air inside the first evaporator duct 60 to the second evaporator duct 70.

[0116] The refrigerator 1 may include a connecting duct 90. The connecting duct 90 may be provided to connect the first evaporator duct 60 and the second evaporator duct 70.

[0117] As described above, the cold air introduced into the inside of the first evaporator duct 60 may be guided to the inner flow path 71 of the second evaporator duct 70. The cold air introduced into the inner duct 71 of the second evaporator duct 70 may be supplied to the first storage chamber 11 through the cold air outlet 72 formed on the front side of the second evaporator duct 70.

[0118] However, unlike the above embodiment, the cold air generated in the evaporator 3 may be supplied directly to the second evaporator duct 70 without passing through the first evaporator duct 60. Also, a separate evaporator may be provided at the rear of the first storage chamber 11 so that the evaporator may be configured to directly supply cold air to the second evaporator duct 70.

[0119] As such, because the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the thermoelectric cooling device 300 and the refrigeration cycle device for cooling the storage compartment 10, a method of supplying cold air to the storage compartment 10 may include a first method of supplying only cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device 300, a second method of supplying only cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device, and a third method of supplying both cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device 300 and cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device.

[0120] As such, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include the thermoelectric cooling device 300 and the refrigeration cycle device, but is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator 1 may include only the thermoelectric cooling device 300.

[0121] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a heat dissipation duct according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the heat dissipation duct, a heat dissipation fan, and a thermoelectric element assembly according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the thermoelectric element assembly according to an embodiment.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 9, the thermoelectric cooling device 300 may include the thermoelectric element assembly 400, the heat dissipation fan 500, and the heat dissipation duct 600. The heat dissipation sink 420 of the thermoelectric element assembly 400 and the heat dissipation fan 500 may be accommodated inside the heat dissipation duct 600.

[0123] As described above, the thermoelectric element assembly 400 may include the thermoelectric element 410, the heat dissipation sink 420, and the cooling sink 430. The heat dissipation sink 420 may be provided to be in contact with the heat generating portion 411 of the thermoelectric element 410, and the cooling sink 430 may be provided to be in contact with the heat absorbing portion 412 of the thermoelectric element 410.

[0124] The heat dissipation sink 420 may be provided for efficient heat exchange between the heat generating portion 411 and air outside the main body 100. Therefore, the heat dissipation sink 420 may be formed of a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the heat dissipation sink 420 may be formed of aluminum or copper. The heat dissipation sink 420 may also be referred to as a hot sink, radiant heat sink, hot heat sink, etc.

[0125] The heat dissipation sink 420 may include a heat dissipation plate 421. The heat dissipation plate 421 may be provided on one side of the heat generating portion 411. For example, the heat dissipation plate 421 may be provided on an upper side of the heat generating portion 411.

[0126] The heat dissipation plate 421 may be provided to be in contact with the heat generating portion 411. Specifically, one surface 421a of the heat dissipation plate 421 may be in contact with the heat generating portion 411. For example, the lower surface 421a of the heat dissipation plate 421 may be in contact with the heat generating portion 411.

[0127] The heat dissipation sink 420 may include a heat dissipation fin 422. The heat dissipation fin 422 may protrude from the heat dissipation plate 421 to increase a heat transfer area of the heat dissipation sink 420. Specifically, the heat dissipation fin 422 may protrude from the other surface 421b of the heat dissipation plate 421, which is provided on the opposite side of the one surface 421a of the heat dissipation plate 421. For example, the heat dissipation fin 422 may protrude upward from the upper surface 421b of the heat dissipation plate 421.

[0128] The heat dissipation fin 422 may be provided in plurality. A plurality of the heat dissipation fins 422 may form a flow path to allow air to pass through. However, there is no particular limitation on the number of the plurality of heat dissipation fins 422.

[0129] The heat dissipation sink 420 may include a first sensor fixing part 423. The first sensor fixing part 423 may be provided to fix a first sensor (not shown) which will be described later.

[0130] The first sensor fixing part 423 may be provided on any one of the plurality of heat dissipation fins 422. Specifically, the first sensor fixing part 423 may be provided on the heat dissipation fin 422 positioned at one end of the plurality of heat dissipation fins 422. The first sensor fixing part 423 may have a curved shape to form a space into which the first sensor (not shown), which will be described later, may be inserted.

[0131] However, the shape or position of the first sensor fixing part 423 is not limited thereto. Depending on an embodiment, the first sensor fixing part may be provided on the heat dissipation plate 421, or may be provided separately from the heat dissipation sink 420.

[0132] The cooling sink 430 may be provided for efficient heat exchange between the heat absorbing portion 412 and air inside the storage compartment 10. Accordingly, the cooling sink 430 may be formed of a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the cooling sink 430 may be formed of aluminum or copper. The cooling sink 430 may also be referred to as a cold sink, cooling sink, cooling heat sink, cold heat sink, etc.

[0133] The cooling sink 430 may include a cooling plate 431. The cooling plate 431 may be provided on one side of the heat absorbing portion 412. For example, the cooling plate 431 may be provided on a lower side of the heat absorbing portion 412.

[0134] The cooling sink 430 may include a protrusion 432. The protrusion 432 may protrude from the cooling plate 431. Specifically, the protrusion 432 may protrude from one surface of the cooling plate 431. For example, the protrusion 432 may protrude from an upper surface of the cooling plate 431.

[0135] The protrusion 432 may be provided to be in contact with the heat absorbing portion 412. For example, an upper end of the protrusion 432 may be in contact with the heat absorbing portion 412. Heat absorbed by the cooling plate 431 and a cooling fin 433, which will be described later, from the storage compartment 10 may be transferred to the heat absorbing portion 412 through the protrusion 432.

[0136] The cooling sink 430 may include the cooling fin 433. The cooling fin 433 may protrude from the cooling plate 431 to increase a heat transfer area of the cooling sink 430. Specifically, the cooling fin 433 may protrude from the other surface of the cooling plate 431, which is provided on the opposite side of one surface of the cooling plate 431. For example, the cooling fin 433 may protrude from a lower surface of the cooling plate 431.

[0137] The cooling fin 433 may be provided in plurality. A plurality of the cooling fins 433 may form a flow path to allow air to pass through. However, there is no particular limitation on the number of the plurality of cooling fins 433.

[0138] The cooling sink 430 may include a second sensor fixing part 434. The second sensor fixing part 434 may be provided to fix a second sensor 460 which will be described later.

[0139] The second sensor fixing part 434 may be provided on any one of the plurality of cooling fins 433. Specifically, the second sensor fixing part 434 may be provided on the cooling fin 433 positioned at one end of the plurality of cooling fins 433. The second sensor fixing part 434 may have a curved shape to form a space into which the second sensor 460, which will be described later, may be inserted.

[0140] However, the shape or position of the second sensor fixing part 434 is not limited thereto. Depending on an embodiment, the second sensor fixing part may be provided on the cooling plate 431 or the protrusion 432, or may be provided separately from the cooling sink 430.

[0141] The thermoelectric element assembly 400 may include a thermoelectric element seal 440. The thermoelectric element seal 440 may be provided on the outside of the thermoelectric element 410. In other words, the thermoelectric element seal 440 may be provided on the outside of the protrusion 432 of the cooling sink 430. The thermoelectric element seal 440 may seal between the thermoelectric element 410, the heat dissipation sink 420, the cooling sink 430, and a duct body 610 which will be described later.

[0142] The thermoelectric element seal 440 may include a first sealing member 441 and a second sealing member 442. The first sealing member 441 and the second sealing member 442 may be coupled to each other. For example, the second sealing member 442 may be coupled to an upper side of the first sealing member 441. In other words, the first sealing member 441 may be coupled to a lower side of the second sealing member 442.

[0143] However, the shape of the thermoelectric element seal 440 is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the thermoelectric element seal 440 may be formed integrally.

[0144] The thermoelectric element assembly 400 may include a sink insulation member 450. The sink insulation member 450 may be provided to insulate between the heat dissipation sink 420 and the cooling sink 430. At least a portion of the sink insulation member 450 may be provided between the heat dissipation sink 420 and the cooling sink 430.

[0145] The sink insulation member 450 may be provided on the outside of the thermoelectric element 410. In other words, the sink insulation member 450 may be provided on the outside of the thermoelectric element seal 440. In other words, the sink insulation member 450 may be provided on the outside of a thermoelectric element mounting portion 613 of the duct body 610, which will be described later.

[0146] The sink insulation member 450 may include a material having low thermal conductivity. For example, the sink insulation material 450 may include urethane, expanded polypropylene, expanded polystyrene, etc.

[0147] The thermoelectric element assembly 400 may include the first sensor (not shown). The first sensor (not shown) may be provided to detect a temperature inside the heat dissipation duct 600. Based on the temperature inside the heat dissipation duct 600 detected by the first sensor (not shown), an operation of the thermoelectric element 410 may be controlled, and whether the thermoelectric element 410 is malfunctioning may also be checked. The first sensor (not shown) may be fixed by the first sensor fixing part 423.

[0148] The thermoelectric element assembly 400 may include the second sensor 460. The second sensor 460 may be provided to detect a temperature inside the cooling duct 800. Based on the temperature inside the cooling duct 800 detected by the second sensor 460, the operation of the thermoelectric element 410 may be controlled, and whether the thermoelectric element 410 is malfunctioning may also be checked. The second sensor 460 may be fixed by the second sensor fixing part 434.

[0149] The thermoelectric element assembly 400 may include a sink fixing fixer 470. The sink fixing fixer 470 may be provided to fix the heat dissipation sink 420 and the cooling sink 430 to the duct body 610 which will be described later.

[0150] The sink fixing fixer 470 may include a first fixing member 471. The first fixing member 471 may be provided on one side of the heat dissipation sink 420. For example, the first fixing member 471 may be provided on an upper side of the heat dissipation sink 420.

[0151] The first fixing member 471 may be seated on the heat dissipation plate 421. Specifically, the heat dissipation sink 420 may include a spacing space formed between the plurality of heat dissipation fins 422, and the first fixing member 471 may be seated on the heat dissipation plate 421 within the spacing space.

[0152] The first fixing member 471 may include a first insertion hole 471a. The first insertion hole 471a may be provided such that a fastening member 473, which will be described later, may pass therethrough.

[0153] The first insertion hole 471a may be provided in plurality. A plurality of the first insertion holes 471a may be arranged spaced apart from each other along a direction in which the heat dissipation fins 422 extend.

[0154] Although the drawing illustrates only the two first insertion holes 471a, there is no particular limitation on the number of the first insertion holes 471a. For example, the first insertion hole 471a may be provided in three or more numbers, or may be provided in only one number.

[0155] The sink fixing fixer 470 may include a second fixing member 472. The second fixing member 472 may be provided on one side of the cooling sink 430. For example, the second fixing member 472 may be provided on a lower side of the cooling sink 430.

[0156] The second fixing member 472 may be seated on the cooling plate 431. Specifically, the cooling sink 430 may include a spacing space formed between the plurality of cooling fins 433, and the second fixing member 472 may be seated on the cooling plate 431 within the spacing space.

[0157] The second fixing member 472 may include a second insertion hole 472a. The second insertion hole 472a may be provided such that the fastening member 473, which will be described later, may pass therethrough.

[0158] The second insertion hole 472a may be provided in plurality. A plurality of the second insertion holes 472a may be arranged spaced apart from each other along a direction in which the cooling fins 433 extend.

[0159] Although the drawing illustrates only the two second insertion holes 472a, there is no particular limitation on the number of the second insertion holes 472a. For example, the second insertion hole 472a may be provided in three or more numbers, or may be provided in only one number.

[0160] The sink fixing fixer 470 may include the fastening member 473. The fastening member 473 may be provided to pass through each of the first insertion hole 471a and the second insertion hole 472a. In other words, the fastening member 473 may be inserted into each of the first insertion hole 471a and the second insertion hole 472a. Also, the fastening member 473 may be provided to pass through all of the insertion holes formed on each of the cooling sink 420, the heat dissipation sink 430, and the duct body 610. Through this configuration, the heat dissipation sink 420 and the cooling sink 430 may be fixed to the duct body 610 which will be described later.

[0161] The fastening member 473 may be provided in plurality. The number of the fastening members 473 may correspond to the number of the first insertion holes 471a or the number of the second insertion holes 472a.

[0162] The heat dissipation fan 500 may be a centrifugal fan drawing in air in an axial direction and discharging the drawn-in air in a radial direction. That is, the heat dissipation fan 500 may be configured to draw in air through a central portion of the heat dissipation fan 500 and discharge the drawn-in air in the radial direction of the heat dissipation fan 500.

[0163] The heat dissipation fan 500 may include a fan base 510. The fan base 510 may be fixed to the heat dissipation duct 600. In other words, the fan base 510 may be fixed to the duct body 610 which will be described later. Although not shown in the drawing, a fan motor and a motor shaft, etc., may be coupled to the fan base 510.

[0164] The heat dissipation fan 500 may include a blade member 520. The blade member 520 may be coupled to the fan base 510. For example, the blade member 520 may be coupled to an upper side of the fan base 510.

[0165] The blade member 520 may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the fan base 510. Specifically, the blade member 520 may be configured to rotate about a rotational axis extending in a first direction D1, which will be described later, with respect to the fan base 510. For example, the blade member 520 may be configured to rotate about the rotational axis extending in the up-down direction with respect to the fan base 510.

[0166] The blade member 520 may include a hub 521. The hub 521 may be provided in a central portion of the blade member 520. Although not shown in the drawing, a fan motor may be accommodated within the hub 521.

[0167] The blade member 520 may include a blade 522. The blade 522 may be connected to the hub 521. The blade 522 may have a curved shape.

[0168] The blade 522 may be provided in plurality. A plurality of the blades 522 may be arranged spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the heat dissipation fan 500.

[0169] The blade member 520 may include a shroud 523. The shroud 523 may guide air introduced into the heat dissipation fan 500 to the blade member 520. Additionally, the shroud 523 may protect the plurality of blades 522 from external impacts.

[0170] The shroud 523 may be connected to one end of each of the plurality of blades 522. In other words, the shroud 523 may extend along the one end of each of the plurality of blades 522. For example, shroud 523 may be substantially formed into a ring shape.

[0171] Each of the hub 521, blades 522, and shroud 523 may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the fan base 510. Specifically, each of the hub 521, blades 522, and shroud 523 may be provided to rotate about the rotational axis extending in the first direction D1, which will be described later, with respect to the fan base 510. For example, each of the hub 521, blades 522, and shroud 523 may be provided to rotate about the rotational axis extending in the up-down direction with respect to the fan base 510.

[0172] As described above, the heat dissipation duct 600 may be provided to guide air blown by the heat dissipation fan 500 to the heat dissipation sink 420. The heat dissipation sink 420 and the heat dissipation fan 500 may be accommodated inside the heat dissipation duct 600.

[0173] The heat dissipation duct 600 may be coupled to an outer surface of one wall on which the thermoelectric cooling device 300 is provided. In this case, a direction from the one wall on which the thermoelectric cooling device 300 is provided toward the heat dissipation duct 600 may be referred to as the first direction D1. For example, the heat dissipation duct 600 may be coupled to the outer surface of the upper wall 110, and the first direction D1 may be an upward direction (+Z direction).

[0174] The heat dissipation duct 600 may include the duct body 610. The duct body 610 may be disposed on one wall on which the thermoelectric cooling device 300 is provided. For example, the duct body 610 may be disposed on the upper wall 110.

[0175] The duct body 610 may include a base plate 611 and a first side wall portion 612 protruding from an edge of the base plate 611. For example, the first side wall portion 612 may protrude upward from the edge of the base plate 611. The base plate 611 and the first side wall portion 612 may form a space through which air may flow.

[0176] The duct body 610 may include the thermoelectric element mounting portion 613. The thermoelectric element mounting portion 613 may be provided such that the thermoelectric element 410 is mounted therein.

[0177] The thermoelectric element mounting portion 613 may be provided on the base plate 611. The thermoelectric element mounting portion 613 may form an opening for mounting the thermoelectric element 410.

[0178] The duct body 610 may include a heat dissipation fan seating portion 614. The heat dissipation fan seating portion 614 may be provided such that the heat dissipation fan 500 is seated thereon.

[0179] The heat dissipation fan seating portion 614 may be provided on the base plate 611. The heat dissipation fan seating portion 614 may be formed by being slightly recessed on one surface of the base plate 611. For example, the heat dissipation fan seating portion 614 may be formed by being slightly recessed on an upper surface of the base plate 611.

[0180] The heat dissipation duct 600 may include a first duct cover 620. The first duct cover 620 may be disposed on the duct body 610. The first duct cover 620 may be coupled to the duct body 610. For example, the first duct cover 620 may be coupled to an upper side of the duct body 610.

[0181] The first duct cover 620 may form a fan accommodation space S1 together with the duct body 610. The heat dissipation fan 500 may be accommodated in the fan accommodation space S1.

[0182] The first duct cover 620 may include the first air inlet 621. The first air inlet 621 may be provided to allow air outside the refrigerator 1 to be introduced into the inside of the heat dissipation duct 600. An external space of the refrigerator 1 and an internal space of the heat dissipation duct 600 may be communicated through the first air inlet 621.

[0183] Although not shown in the drawing, a filter device may be provided at the first air inlet 621. The filter device may be provided to filter air to be introduced into the heat dissipation duct 600 through the first air inlet 621.

[0184] The first duct cover 620 may include a partition 622. The partition 622 may partition the fan accommodation space S1 and the inflow space S2, which will be described later, along the first direction D1. For example, the partition 622 may partition the fan accommodation space S1 and the inflow space S2, which will be described later, along the up-down direction.

[0185] The partition 622 may include an inflow portion 622a. The inflow portion 622a may be provided to allow air inside the inflow space S2, which will be described later, to be introduced into the fan accommodation space S1. An opening may be formed on the inside of the inflow portion 622a to allow air to pass therethrough.

[0186] The heat dissipation duct 600 may include a second duct cover 630. The second duct cover 630 may be disposed on the duct body 610 and the first duct cover 620. The second duct cover 630 may be coupled to the duct body 610 and the first duct cover 620. For example, the second duct cover 630 may be coupled to the upper sides of the duct body 610 and the first duct cover 620.

[0187] The second duct cover 630 may form the inflow space S2 together with the first duct cover 620. The inflow space S2 may be provided such that air is introduced through the first air inlet 621.

[0188] The fan accommodation space S1 and the inflow space S2 may be communicated with each other. The fan accommodation space S1 may be provided such that air is introduced from the inflow space S2. Specifically, air inside the inflow space S2 may be introduced into the fan accommodation space S1 by an intake force of the heat dissipation fan 500.

[0189] As described above, the partition 622 may partition the fan accommodation space S1 and the inflow space S2 along the first direction D1. For example, the partition 622 may partition the fan accommodation space S1 and the inflow space S2 along the up-down direction D1. Accordingly, the fan accommodation space S1 may be provided on a lower side of the inflow space S2. In other words, the inflow space S2 may be provided on an upper side of the fan accommodation space S1.

[0190] The second duct cover 630 may form a sink accommodation space S3 together with the duct body 610. The heat dissipating sink 420 may be accommodated in the sink accommodation space S3. The air inside the fan accommodation space S1 may be introduced into the sink accommodation space S3 by a blowing force of the heat dissipation fan 500.

[0191] The second duct cover 630 may include a cover plate 631 and a second side wall portion 632 protruding from an edge of the cover plate 631. For example, the second side wall portion 632 may protrude downward from the edge of the cover plate 631.

[0192] The second duct cover 630 may include the first air outlet 633. The first air outlet 633 may be provided to allow air, which has passed through the heat dissipation sink 420 and exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink 420, to be discharged to outside of the heat dissipation duct 600. The external space of the refrigerator 1 and the internal space of the heat dissipation duct 600 may be communicated through the first air outlet 633. The first air outlet 633 may be provided on the second side wall portion 632.

[0193] Hereinafter, a flow path inside the heat dissipation duct 600 will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0194] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a flow path inside the heat dissipation duct according to an embodiment.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 10, air outside the refrigerator 1 may pass through the first air inlet 621 and be introduced into the heat discharge duct 600 by the intake force of the heat discharge fan 500. The air introduced into the heat dissipation duct 600 may pass through the first air outlet 633 and be discharged outside the heat dissipation duct 600 by the blowing force of the heat dissipation fan 500.

[0196] Specifically, air outside the refrigerator 1 may be introduced into the heat dissipation duct 600 through the first air inlet 621. The air introduced into the heat dissipation duct 600 may flow into the inflow space S2 and then be introduced into the fan accommodation space S1 through the inflow portion 622a of the partition 622. The air introduced into the fan accommodation space S1 may flow into the sink accommodation space S3 and then perform heat exchange with the heat dissipation sink 420. The air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink 420 may be discharged to the outside of the heat dissipation duct 600 through the first air outlet 633.

[0197] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area D indicated in FIG. 6. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area D indicated in FIG. 6.

[0198] Hereinafter, a configuration and structure of the heat dissipation sink 420, the heat dissipation fan 500, and the heat dissipation duct 600 will be described in more detail. In this case, ‘one wall’ on which the ‘thermoelectric cooling device 300’ is provided may also be referred to as the ‘one wall’.

[0199] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the heat dissipation duct 600 may be coupled to an outer surface of one wall. For example, the heat dissipation duct 600 may be coupled to the outer surface of the upper wall 110. The heat dissipation sink 420 and the heat dissipation fan 500 may be accommodated inside the heat dissipation duct 600.

[0200] The fan accommodation space S1, the inflow space S2 and the sink accommodation space S3 may be provided inside the heat dissipation duct 600. The fan accommodation space S1 may be formed between the duct body 610 and the first duct cover 620, the inflow space S2 may be formed between the first duct cover 620 and the second duct cover 630, and the sink accommodation space S3 may be formed between the duct body 610 and the second duct cover 630. Specifically, the fan accommodation space S1 may be formed between the heat dissipation fan seating portion 614 and the partition 622, the inflow space S2 may be formed between the partition 622 and a portion of the second duct cover 630, and the sink accommodation space S3 may be formed between the thermoelectric element mounting portion 613 and another portion of the second duct cover 630.

[0201] That is, the second duct cover 630 may include a first portion 630a forming the inflow space S2 together with the first duct cover 620, and a portion part 630b forming the sink accommodation space S3 together with the duct body 610. In other words, the second duct cover 630 may include the first portion 630a forming the inflow space S2 together with the partition 622, and the second portion 630b forming the sink accommodation space S3 together with the thermoelectric element mounting portion 613.

[0202] Each of the first portion 630a and the second portion 630b may be a portion of the cover plate 631. The first portion 630a may be positioned spaced apart from the partition 622 in the first direction D1, and the second portion 630b may be positioned spaced apart from the heat dissipation sink 420 in the first direction D1. For example, the first portion 630a may be positioned spaced apart upward from the partition 622, and the second portion 630b may be positioned spaced apart upward from the heat dissipation sink 420. In other words, the first portion 630a may be provided on an upper side of the partition 622, and the second portion 630b may be provided on the upper side of the heat dissipation sink 420.

[0203] Because the cover plate 631 and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1, each of the first portion 630a and the second portion 630b may also be spaced apart from one wall along the first direction D1. For example, each of the first portion 630a and the second portion 630b may be spaced apart from the upper wall 110 in the up-down direction.

[0204] The fan accommodation space S1 and the inflow space S2 may be provided between the first portion 630a and one wall, and the sink accommodation space S3 may be provided between the second portion 630a and one wall. Accordingly, a distance L1 at which the first portion 630a and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1 may be determined depending on a width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 and a width W2 of the inflow space S2 along the first direction D1, and a distance L2 at which the second portion 630b and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1 may be determined depending on a width W3 of the sink accommodation space S3 along the first direction D1. For example, the distance L1 at which the first portion 630a and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart in the up-down direction may be determined depending on the width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 and the width W2 of the inflow space S2 along the up-down direction, and the distance L2 at which the second portion 630b and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart in the up-down direction may be determined depending on the width W3 of the sink accommodation space S3 along the up-down direction.

[0205] According to the present disclosure, a distance at which the cover plate 631 and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1 may be the same over the entire area of the cover plate 631. That is, the cover plate 631 may be provided parallel to one wall. For example, the cover plate 631 may be provided parallel to the upper wall 110.

[0206] Accordingly, the distance L1 at which the first portion 630a and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1 may be the same as the distance L2 at which the second portion 630b and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1. For example, the distance L1 at which the first portion 630a and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart in the up-down direction may be the same as the distance L2 at which the second portion 630b and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart in the up-down direction. In other words, a height of the first portion 630a and a height of the second portion 630b may be the same. Through this configuration, the heat dissipation duct 600 may have a more compact shape.

[0207] In particular, an outer surface of the cover plate 631 may be provided flat. For example, an upper surface of the cover plate 631 may be provided flat. That is, the heat dissipation duct 600 may not have a configuration of protruding further in the first direction D1 than the cover plate 631. Through this configuration, the aesthetics of the refrigerator 1 may be further improved.

[0208] Hereinafter, the heat dissipation duct 600 and a positional relationship between internal components of the heat dissipation duct 600 will be described in more detail.

[0209] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 along the first direction D1 may be shorter than the width W3 of the sink accommodation space S3 along the first direction D1. For example, the width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 along the up-down direction may be shorter than the width W3 of the sink accommodation space S3 along the up-down direction.

[0210] In other words, the width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 along the first direction D1 may be shorter than a length of the heat dissipation sink 420 along the first direction D1. For example, the width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 along the up-down direction may be shorter than the length of the heat dissipation sink 420 along the up-down direction.

[0211] In particular, the heat dissipation sink 420 may include the heat dissipation plate 421 and the heat dissipation fins 422. Specifically, the one surface 421a of the heat dissipation plate 421 may be in contact with the heat generating portion (411, see FIG. 5), and the heat dissipation fins 422 may be provided on the other surface 421b of the heat dissipation plate 421.

[0212] The width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 along the first direction D1 may be shorter than a length of the heat dissipation fin 422 along the first direction D1. For example, the width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 along the up-down direction may be shorter than the length of the heat dissipation fins 422 along the up-down direction.

[0213] A distance at which the partition 622 and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1 may be shorter than a distance at which one end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420 and one wall along the first direction D1 are spaced apart along the first direction D1. For example, a distance at which the partition 622 and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart along the up-down direction may be shorter than a distance at which the upper end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420 and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart along the up-down direction. That is, a height of the partition 622 may be lower than a height of the heat dissipation sink 420.

[0214] In other words, the partition 622 may be positioned in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 from the one end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420 along the first direction D1. That is, the one end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420 may be positioned in the first direction D1 from the partition 622. For example, the partition 622 may be provided below the upper end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420. For example, the upper end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420 may be provided above the partition 622.

[0215] Through the above-described configuration, the width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 along the first direction D1 may be provided to be relatively narrow. Accordingly, the distance L1 at which the first portion 630a and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1 may also be provided to be relatively narrow. For example, as the width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 along the up-down direction is provided to be relatively narrow, the distance L1 at which the first portion 630a and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart along the up-down direction may also be provided to be relatively narrow.

[0216] The partition 622 may be provided parallel to one wall. For example, the partition 622 may be provided parallel to the upper wall 110. Also, the partition 622 may be provided parallel to the cover plate 631.

[0217] In particular, the inflow portion 622a of partition 622 may be provided parallel to one wall. For example, the inflow portion 622a may be provided parallel to the upper wall 110. Also, the inflow portion 622a may be provided parallel to the cover plate 631.

[0218] Specifically, the inflow portion 622a may extend linearly along the radial direction of the heat dissipation fan 500. That is, the inflow portion 622a may not have a configuration such as a bell mouth.

[0219] Through this configuration, the width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 and the width W2 of the inflow space S2 along the first direction D1 may be formed to be further narrow, respectively. That is, the distance L1 at which the first portion 630a and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1 may be provided to be relatively narrow. Accordingly, the distance L1 at which the first portion 630a and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1 may also be provided to be relatively narrow.

[0220] A distance at which one end 500a of the heat dissipation fan 500 and one wall along the first direction D1 are spaced apart along the first direction D1 may be shorter than the distance at which the one end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420 and one wall along the first direction D1 are spaced apart along the first direction D1. For example, a distance at which the upper end 500a of the heat dissipation fan 500 and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart along the up-down direction may be shorter than the distance at which the upper end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420 and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart along the up-down direction. That is, a height of the heat dissipation fan 500 may be lower than the height of the heat dissipation sink 420.

[0221] In other words, the one end 500a of the heat dissipation fan 500 along the first direction D1 may be positioned in the second direction D2 from the one end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420 along the first direction D1. That is, the one end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420 may be positioned in the first direction D1 from the one end 500a of the heat dissipation fan 500. For example, the upper end 500a of the heat dissipation fan 500 may be provided below the upper end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420. For example, the upper end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420 may be provided above the upper end 500a of the heat dissipation fan 500.

[0222] In particular, a distance at which one end 522a of the blade 522 and one wall along the first direction D1 are spaced apart along the first direction D1 may be shorter than the distance at which the one end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420 and one wall along the first direction D1 are spaced apart along the first direction D1. For example, a distance at which the one end 522a of the blade 522 and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart along the up-down direction may be shorter than the distance at which the upper end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420 and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart along the up-down direction. That is, a height of the blade 522 may be lower than the height of the heat dissipation sink 420.

[0223] In other words, the one end 522a of the blade 522 along the first direction D1 may be positioned in the second direction D2 from the one end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420 along the first direction D1. For example, the upper end 522a of the blade 522 may be provided below the upper end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420. For example, the upper end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420 may be provided above the upper end 522a of the blade 522.

[0224] The hub 521 may be configured to protrude further in the first direction D1 than the blade 522. Therefore, one end of the hub 521 along the first direction D1 may be accommodated within the inflow space S2 rather than the fan accommodation space S1. For example, an upper end of the hub 521 may be accommodated within the inflow space S2.

[0225] However, the entire portion of the blade 522 may be accommodated within the fan accommodation space S1. Therefore, the width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 along the first direction D1 may be determined by a width of the blade 522 along the first direction D1. For example, the width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 along the up-down direction may be determined by a width of the blade 522 along the up-down direction.

[0226] As the distance at which the one end 522a of the blade 522 and one wall along the first direction D1 are spaced apart along the first direction D1 is shorter than the distance at which the one end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420 and one wall along the first direction D1 are spaced apart along the first direction D1, the width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 along the first direction D1 may be provided to be relatively narrow.

[0227] The other end 500b of the heat dissipation fan 500, which is provided on the opposite side of the one end 500a of the heat dissipation fan 500, may be positioned in the first direction D1 from the other end 420b of the heat dissipation sink 420, which is provided on the opposite side of the one end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420. In other words, the other end 420b of the heat dissipation sink 420 may be positioned in the second direction D2 from the other end 500b of the heat dissipation fan 500. For example, the lower end 500b of the heat dissipation fan 500 may be positioned above the lower end 420b of the heat dissipation sink 420. For example, the lower end 420b of the heat dissipation sink 420 may be positioned below the lower end 500b of the heat dissipation fan 500.

[0228] As described above, the heat dissipation sink 420 may include the heat dissipation plate 421 and the heat dissipation fins 422. In this case, the other end 500b of the heat dissipation fan 500 may be positioned in the first direction D1 from the other surface 421b of the heat dissipation plate 421. In other words, the other end 500b of the heat dissipation fan 500 may be positioned in the first direction D1 from one end 422a of the heat dissipation fin 422 along the second direction D2.

[0229] For example, the lower end 500b of the heat dissipation fan 500 may be positioned above the upper surface of the heat dissipation plate 421. For example, the upper surface of the heat dissipation plate 421 may be positioned below the lower end 500b of the heat dissipation fan 500. For example, the lower end 500b of the heat dissipation fan 500 may be positioned above the lower end 422a of the heat dissipation fin 422. For example, the lower end 422a of the heat dissipation fin 422 may be positioned below the lower end 500b of the heat dissipation fan 500.

[0230] Through the above-described configuration and structure, the distance L1 at which the first portion 630a and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1 may be the same as the distance L2 at which the second portion 630b and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1. That is, the first portion 630a and the second portion 630b may be provided on the same virtual flat surface.

[0231] Additionally, the second duct cover 630 may include a third portion 630c, which forms a flow path directing to the air outlet 633 from the heat dissipation sink 420, together with the duct body 610. The third portion 630a may be a portion of the cover plate 631. The third portion 630c may be provided on one side of the second portion 630b. For example, the third portion 630c may be provided at the rear of the second portion 630b.

[0232] A distance L3 at which the third portion 630c and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1 may be the same as the distance L1 at which the first portion 630a and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1. Also, the distance L3 at which the third portion 630c and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1 may be the same as the distance L2 at which the second portion 630b and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1.

[0233] For example, the distance L3 at which the third portion 630c and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart along the up-down direction may be the same as the distance L1 at which the first portion 630a and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart along the up-down direction. For example, the distance L3 at which the third portion 630c and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart along the up-down direction may be the same as the distance L2 at which the second portion 630b and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart along the up-down direction. In other words, the height of the first portion 630a, the height of the second portion 630b, and a height of the third portion 630c may be the same. That is, the first portion 630a, the second portion 630b, and the third portion 630c may be provided on the same virtual flat surface.

[0234] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one area of the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0235] Hereinafter, a thermoelectric cooling device 300′according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 13. In describing the thermoelectric cooling device 300′, components that are substantially the same as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12 are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0236] Referring to FIG. 13, the thermoelectric cooling device 300′ may be provided on one wall of a main body 100′. For example, the thermoelectric cooling device 300′ may be provided on an upper wall 110′.

[0237] The one wall of the main body 100′ may include a recessed portion formed by being recessed on an outer surface of the one wall. For example, the upper wall 110′ may include a recessed portion 111′ formed by being recessed on an outer surface of the upper wall 110′.

[0238] The thermoelectric cooling device 300′ may include a thermoelectric element assembly 400′, a heat dissipation fan 500′ and a heat dissipation duct 600′. A heat dissipation sink 420′ of the thermoelectric element assembly 400′ and the heat dissipation fan 500′ may be accommodated inside the heat dissipation duct 600′. Additionally, a fan accommodation space S1′, an inflow space S2′ and a sink accommodation space S3′ may be provided inside the heat dissipation duct 600′.

[0239] The heat dissipation duct 600′ may be coupled to the outer surface of the one wall of the main body 100′. For example, the heat dissipation duct 600′ may be coupled to the outer surface of the upper wall 110′.

[0240] At least a portion of the heat dissipation duct 600′ may be inserted into the recessed portion. For example, at least a portion of the heat dissipation duct 600′ may be inserted into the recessed portion 111′ of the upper wall 110′.

[0241] At least a portion of the heat dissipation fan 500′ may be inserted into the recessed portion. For example, at least a portion of the heat dissipation fan 500′may be inserted into the recessed portion 111′ of the upper wall 110′. For example, a lower portion of the heat dissipation fan 500′ may be inserted into the recessed portion 111′ of the upper wall 110′.

[0242] Through this configuration, a size of the fan accommodation space S1′ may be relatively further large. Also, a size of the heat dissipation fan 500′ accommodated in the fan accommodation space S1′ may be provided to be relatively further large. For example, the heat dissipation fan 500′ illustrated in FIG. 14 may be provided to be larger than the heat dissipation fan 500 illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13. Through this configuration, a blowing force of the heat dissipation fan 500′ may be further increased, and heat dissipation efficiency of the thermoelectric cooling device 300′ may be further improved.

[0243] Additionally, a distance at which a cover plate 631′ and one wall are spaced apart along the first direction D1 may be the same over the entire area of the cover plate 631′. Additionally, an outer surface of the cover plate 631′ may be provided to be flat. For example, an upper surface of the cover plate 631′ may be provided to be flat. Through this configuration, the heat dissipation duct 600′ may have a more compact shape, and the aesthetics of the refrigerator 1 may be further improved.

[0244] A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment includes a main body 100 including a storage compartment 10, a thermoelectric element 410 on an upper wall 110 of the main body 100 and including a heat generating portion 411 and a heat absorbing portion 412, a heat dissipation sink 420 in contact with the heat generating portion 411 on an upper side of the thermoelectric element 410, and a heat dissipation duct 600 coupled to the upper wall 110. The heat dissipation duct 600 includes an air inlet 621, a partition 622 having a height that is lower than a height of the heat dissipation sink 420, and partition an inside of the heat dissipation duct 600 into an inflow space S2, and a fan accommodation space S1 that is at a lower side of the inflow space S2, and a heat dissipation fan 500 in the fan accommodation space S1. The heat dissipation duct 600 and the heat dissipation fan 500 are configured such that the heat dissipation fan 500 is operable to cause air to be introduced through the air inlet 621, to then flow through the inflow space S2, then through the fan accommodation space S1, and then to the heat dissipation sink 420.

[0245] A height of the heat dissipation fan 500 may be lower than the height of the heat dissipation sink 420.

[0246] The heat dissipation fan 500 may include a blade 522 configured to rotate about a rotational axis extending in an up-down direction. A height of the blade 522 may be lower than the height of the heat dissipation sink 420.

[0247] A lower end 500b of the heat dissipation fan 500 may be higher than a lower end 420b of the heat dissipation sink 420.

[0248] The heat dissipation sink 420 may include a heat dissipation plate 421 in contact with the heat generating portion 411, and a heat dissipation fin 422 protruding from an upper surface 421b of the heat dissipation plate 421. A height of the lower end 500b of the heat dissipation fan 500 may be higher than a height of the upper surface 421b of the heat dissipation plate 421.

[0249] The heat dissipation duct 600 may further include a duct body 610 on the upper wall 110, a first duct cover 620 having the partition 622 thereon on the duct body 610, and a second duct cover 630 on first duct cover 620. The first duct cover 620 and the duct body 610 form the fan accommodation space S1. The second duct cover 630 and the first duct cover 620 form the inflow space S2. The second duct cover 630 and the duct body 610 form a sink accommodation space S3 accommodating the heat dissipation sink 420 therein.

[0250] The second duct cover 630 may include a first portion 630a on an upper side of the partition 622, the first portion 630a and the partition 622 forming the inflow space S2, and a second portion 630b on an upper side of the heat dissipation sink 420, the second portion 630b and the duct body 610 forming the sink accommodation space S3. A height of the first portion 630a and a height of the second portion 630b may be the same.

[0251] The heat dissipation duct 600 may further include an air outlet 633 configured to allow the air to pass through the heat dissipation sink 420 to thereafter be discharged from the heat dissipation duct 600. The second duct cover 630 may further include a third portion 630c, the third portion 630c and the duct body 610 forming a flow path configured to direct the air from the heat dissipation sink 420 to the air outlet 633. A height of the third portion 630c and the height of the second portion 630b may be the same.

[0252] The second duct cover 630 may include a cover plate 631 having a flat outer surface, and a side wall portion 632 extending from an edge of the cover plate 631 in a downward direction.

[0253] The partition 622 may include an inflow portion 622a extending linearly along a radial direction D1 of the heat dissipation fan 500, and configured to allow the air inside the inflow space S2 to be introduced into the fan accommodation space S1, the inflow portion 622a having an opening formed on the inside thereof to allow the air to pass therethrough.

[0254] The upper wall 110′ may include a recessed portion 111′, the recessed portion 111′ formed on an outer surface of the upper wall 110′ thereof, and configured to accommodate at least a portion of the heat dissipation fan 500.

[0255] A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment includes a main body 100, a thermoelectric element 410 provided on an upper wall 110 of the main body 100 and including a heat generating portion 411 and a heat absorbing portion 412, a heat dissipation sink 420 provided to be in contact with the heat generating portion 411, a heat dissipation fan 500 configured to blow air toward the heat dissipation sink 420 from one side of the heat dissipation sink 420, and a heat dissipation duct 600 coupled to the upper wall 110 and provided such that the heat dissipation sink 420 and heat dissipation fan 500 are accommodated therein. The heat dissipation duct 600 includes a partition 622 provided to partition an inflow space S2, which is provided to allow air to be introduced through an air inlet 621 of the heat dissipation duct 600, and a fan accommodation space S1, which is provided to communicate with the inflow space S2 and accommodate the heat dissipation fan 500, along an up-down direction. The partition 622 is provided below an upper end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420.

[0256] An upper end 500a of the heat dissipation fan 500 may be provided below the upper end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420.

[0257] The heat dissipation fan 500 may include a blade 522 provided to rotate about a rotational axis extending in an up-down direction D1. An upper end of the blade 522 may be provided below the upper end 420a of the heat dissipation sink 420.

[0258] A lower end 420b of the heat dissipation sink 420 may be provided below a lower end 500b of the heat dissipation fan 500.

[0259] The heat dissipation sink 420 may include a heat dissipation plate 421 provided to be in contact with the heat generating portion 411, and a heat dissipation fin 422 provided to protrude upward from the heat dissipation plate 421. A lower end 422a of the heat dissipation fin 422 may be provided below the lower end 500b of the heat dissipation fan 500.

[0260] The heat dissipation duct 600 may include a duct body 610 disposed on the upper wall 110, a first duct cover 620 disposed on the duct body 610 to form the fan accommodation space S1 together with the duct body 610 and in which the partition 622 is provided, and a second duct cover 630 disposed on the duct body 610 and the first duct cover 620 to form the inflow space S2 together with the first duct cover 620 and form a sink accommodation space S3 in which the heat dissipation sink 420 is accommodated, together with the duct body 610.

[0261] The second duct cover 630 may include a first portion 630a provided to form the inflow space S2 together with the partition 622 on an upper side of the partition 622, and a second portion 630b provided to form the sink accommodation space S3 together with the duct body 610 on an upper side of the heat dissipation sink 420. A distance at which the first portion 630a and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart along the up-down direction D1 may be the same as a distance at which the second portion 630b and the upper wall 110 are spaced apart along the up-down direction D1.

[0262] A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment includes a main body 100 in which a storage compartment 10 is provided, a thermoelectric element 410 provided on an upper wall 110 of the main body 100 and including a heat generating portion 411 and a heat absorbing portion 412, a heat dissipation sink 420 provided to be in contact with the heat generating portion 411 on an upper side of the thermoelectric element 410, a heat dissipation fan 500 configured to blow air toward the heat dissipation sink 420 from one side of the heat dissipation sink 420, and a heat dissipation duct 600 coupled to the upper wall 110 to guide air blown by the heat dissipation fan 500 to the heat dissipation sink 420 and to form a fan accommodation space S1 in which the heat dissipation fan 500 is accommodated. A width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 along an up-down direction is shorter than a length of the heat dissipation sink 420 along the up-down direction.

[0263] The heat dissipation sink 420 may include a heat dissipation plate 421 provided to be in contact with the heat generating portion 411, and a heat dissipation fin 422 provided to protrude from an upper surface 421b of the heat dissipation plate 421. The width W1 of the fan accommodation space S1 along the up-down direction may be shorter than a length of the heat dissipation fin 422 along the up-down direction.

[0264] According to the present disclosure, a refrigerator can include a thermoelectric cooling device, and a heat dissipation duct of the thermoelectric cooling device can be relatively more compact. Through this configuration, the aesthetics of the refrigerator can be further improved.

[0265] Effects according to the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the fallowing description.

[0266] The foregoing has illustrated and described specific embodiments. However, it should be understood by those of skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the technical idea of the present disclosure described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:a main body including a storage compartment;a thermoelectric element on an upper wall of the main body and including a heat generating portion and a heat absorbing portion;a heat dissipation sink in contact with the heat generating portion on an upper side of the thermoelectric element; anda heat dissipation duct coupled to the upper wall, wherein the heat dissipation duct includes:an air inlet,a partition having a height that is lower than a height of the heat dissipation sink, and partition an inside of the heat dissipation duct into an inflow space, and a fan accommodation space that is at a lower side of the inflow space, anda heat dissipation fan in the fan accommodation space,wherein the heat dissipation duct and the heat dissipation fan are configured such that the heat dissipation fan is operable to cause air to be introduced through the air inlet, to then flow through the inflow space, then through the fan accommodation space, and then to the heat dissipation sink.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein:a height of the heat dissipation fan is lower than the height of the heat dissipation sink.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein:the heat dissipation fan includes a blade configured to rotate about a rotational axis extending in an up-down direction, anda height of the blade is lower than the height of the heat dissipation sink.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein:a lower end of the heat dissipation fan is higher than a lower end of the heat dissipation sink.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein:the heat dissipation sink includes:a heat dissipation plate in contact with the heat generating portion, anda heat dissipation fin protruding from an upper surface of the heat dissipation plate, anda height of a lower end of the heat dissipation fan is higher than a height of the upper surface of the heat dissipation plate.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein:the heat dissipation duct further includes:a duct body on the upper wall,a first duct cover having the partition thereon on the duct body, anda second duct cover on the first duct cover,wherein the first duct cover and the duct body form the fan accommodation space,the second duct cover and the first duct cover form the inflow space, andthe second duct cover and the duct body form a sink accommodation space accommodating the heat dissipation sink therein.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein:the second duct cover includes:a first portion on an upper side of the partition, the first portion and the partition forming the inflow space, anda second portion on an upper side of the heat dissipation sink, the second portion and the duct body forming the sink accommodation space, and a height of the first portion and a height of the second portion are the same.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein:the heat dissipation duct further includes an air outlet configured to allow the air to pass through the heat dissipation sink to thereafter be discharged from the heat dissipation duct,the second duct cover further includes a third portion, the third portion and the duct body forming a flow path configured to direct the air from the heat dissipation sink to the air outlet, anda height of the third portion and the height of the second portion are the same.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein:the second duct cover includes:a cover plate having a flat outer surface, anda side wall portion extending from an edge of the cover plate in a downward direction.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein:the partition includes an inflow portion extending linearly along a radial direction of the heat dissipation fan, and configured to allow the air inside the inflow space to be introduced into the fan accommodation space, the inflow portion having an opening formed on the inside thereof to allow the air to pass therethrough.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein:the upper wall includes a recessed portion, the recessed portion formed on an outer surface thereof, and configured to accommodate at least a portion of the heat dissipation fan.

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