Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: a main body; a storage compartment formed inside the main body; a door provided such that the storage compartment can be opened and closed; an evaporator that evaporates a refrigerant to generate cold air; an evaporator duct provided at the rear side of the storage compartment so as to supply the cold air generated by the evaporator to the storage compartment; and a thermoelectric cooling device including a thermoelectric element having a heating unit and a cooling unit. The thermoelectric cooling device is configured to heat air from the outside of the main body by means of the heating unit and discharge the air heated by the heating unit to the outside of the main body, cool the air from the storage compartment by means of the cooling unit, and supply the air cooled by the cooling unit to the storage compartment, and is provided above the storage compartment.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator having a thermoelectric element for cooling a storage compartment.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that has a main body having a storage compartment and a cold air supply device that supplies cold air to the storage compartment to keep food fresh.

[0003] A thermoelectric cooling device that generates heat and cooling through the Peltier effect can be used as a cooling device in a refrigerator. The thermoelectric cooling device may include a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element has a heating element formed on one side and a cooling element formed on the opposite side. When current is applied to the thermoelectric element, heat generation occurs in the heating element and heat absorption occurs in the cooling element.

[0004] The thermoelectric cooling device may be equipped with a heat sink, a cooling sink, a heat sink fan, a cooling fan, a heat duct, and a cooling duct to increase the efficiency of cooling the storage room through the thermoelectric cooling device.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator including a thermoelectric cooling device using a thermoelectric element.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator having increased heat dissipation efficiency of a thermoelectric cooling device.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator having increased cooling efficiency of a storage compartment through a thermoelectric cooling device.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator capable of utilizing waste heat generated in a thermoelectric cooling device.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator in which assembly, disassembly, replacement, and repair of a thermoelectric cooling device are easy.

[0010] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a main body; a storage compartment formed inside the main body; a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; an evaporator configured to evaporate a refrigerant to generate cold air; an evaporator duct configured at a rear side of the storage compartment to supply the cold air generated by the evaporator to the storage compartment; and a thermoelectric cooling device including a thermoelectric element having a heating unit that generates heat to heat air and a cooling unit that absorbs heat to cool air; wherein the thermoelectric cooling device is configured to heat air from outside the main body through the heating unit and discharge air heated by the heating unit to the outside of the main body, cool air from the storage compartment through the cooling unit, and supply air cooled by the cooling unit to the storage compartment, and is provided above the storage compartment.

[0012] The above thermoelectric element can be arranged so that the heating portion faces above the thermoelectric element and the cooling portion faces below the thermoelectric element.

[0013] The thermoelectric cooling device may include a heat sink, and the heat sink may include a heat sink base that contacts the heat generating part, and a plurality of heat sink fins that protrude from the heat sink base in a first direction perpendicular to an upper surface of the heat sink base.

[0014] The thermoelectric cooling device includes a heat dissipation fan that generates an airflow, and the heat dissipation fan can blow air in a second direction parallel to an upper surface of the heat dissipation sink base toward the heat dissipation sink.

[0015] The above heat dissipation fan is a centrifugal fan that sucks air into the inside of the centrifugal fan along the axial direction of the centrifugal fan and discharges the flow of air along the radial direction of the centrifugal fan, and the heat dissipation sink can be positioned in the radial direction.

[0016] The thermoelectric cooling device may include a fan case that accommodates the heat dissipation fan and guides the flow of air blown from the heat dissipation fan toward the heat sink.

[0017] The fan case includes a case bottom to which the heat dissipation fan is rotatably coupled; a case scroll portion extending upward from a rim of the case bottom; and a case guide extending upward from the case bottom and spaced apart from the case scroll portion; wherein the case bottom, the case scroll portion, and the case guide can be configured to guide the flow of air from the heat dissipation fan toward the heat dissipation sink.

[0018] The case scroll portion includes a downstream end and an upstream end according to the rotational direction of the heat dissipation fan, and a scroll portion opening open toward the heat dissipation sink can be formed between the downstream end and the upstream end.

[0019] The above case guide can guide the flow of air toward the upstream end of the case scroll section.

[0020] The thermoelectric cooling device may include a heat dissipation duct provided on the upper side of the main body to guide the flow of air to exchange heat with the heat sink.

[0021] The above heat dissipation duct may include an outside air intake port configured to draw air from the outside of the main body into the heat dissipation duct, and an outside air exhaust port configured to discharge air drawn into the heat dissipation duct and heat-exchanged with the heat dissipation sink to the outside of the main body.

[0022] The above heat dissipation duct may include a fan receiving portion forming a fan receiving space for receiving the heat dissipation fan, and a sink receiving portion forming a sink receiving space for receiving the heat dissipation sink.

[0023] The above fan accommodation space and the above sink accommodation space may be positioned on a horizontal line with each other.

[0024] The above heat dissipation duct may include an intake duct portion provided on the upstream side of the fan receiving portion to form an intake space that guides air sucked from the outside of the main body into the inside of the heat dissipation duct through the outside air intake port to the fan receiving space.

[0025] The above heat dissipation duct may include an exhaust duct section provided on the downstream side of the sink receiving portion to form an exhaust space that guides air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink to the outside air exhaust port.

[0026] In another aspect, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a main body having an upper wall, a lower wall, a left wall, a right wall, and a rear wall; a storage compartment formed inside the main body; a door provided to open and close the storage compartment; a thermoelectric element having a heating portion and a cooling portion, wherein the heating portion is provided on the upper wall such that the heating portion faces above the thermoelectric element and the cooling portion faces below the thermoelectric element; a heat sink base in contact with the heating portion; and a heat sink having a plurality of heat dissipation fins protruding in a first direction perpendicular to an upper surface of the heat dissipation sink base and extending in a second direction parallel to an upper surface of the heat dissipation sink base; a heat dissipation fan provided on the upper wall to blow air in the second direction toward the plurality of heat dissipation fins; and a heat dissipation duct provided on the upper wall to guide air flowing by the heat dissipation fan.

[0027] The above-mentioned heat dissipation fan is a centrifugal fan that sucks in air in an axial direction and discharges it in radial directions, and the heat dissipation fan may be provided on the upper surface of the main body so that the rotation axis of the heat dissipation fan is perpendicular to the upper surface of the main body and the heat dissipation sink is positioned in one radial direction of the heat dissipation fan.

[0028] The above heat dissipation duct includes a sink receiving portion forming a sink receiving space for receiving the heat dissipation sink, and the sink receiving space can be formed on a bottom surface of the sink receiving portion.

[0029] The above heat dissipation duct may include a channel blocking protrusion protruding from the bottom surface of the sink receiving portion so as to be placed in a heat dissipation channel having a wider width than other heat dissipation channels among the heat dissipation channels formed between the plurality of heat dissipation fins.

[0030] In another aspect, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a main body having an upper wall, a lower wall, a left wall, a right wall, and a rear wall; a storage compartment formed inside the main body; a door provided to open and close the storage compartment; a thermoelectric element having a heating portion and a cooling portion, wherein the heating portion is provided on the upper wall such that the cooling portion faces above the thermoelectric element and the cooling portion faces below the thermoelectric element; a heat sink provided to contact the heating portion; a heat dissipation fan that generates air flow; and a heat dissipation duct including an outside air intake port provided to suck in air from outside the main body, and an outside air exhaust port that discharges air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink to the outside of the main body.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat dissipation efficiency of a thermoelectric cooling device can be increased.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooling efficiency of a thermoelectric cooling device can be increased through natural convection of heat.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, energy consumption can be reduced by utilizing waste heat generated in a thermoelectric cooling device.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermoelectric cooling device can be easily assembled, disassembled, replaced, and repaired.

[0035] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the doors of a refrigerator in an open state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a drawing of the upper part of a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from below.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of Figure 2.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an internal, external, and connecting frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a connection frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a joint structure of a thermoelectric module and an upper wall of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a heat dissipation fan and a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a heat sink according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a cooling sink according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a drawing of a top cover separated from a main body of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 13 is a drawing of a top cover and a heat dissipation duct cover separated from a main body of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a top cover, a heat dissipation duct cover, a heat dissipation duct body, and an extension duct separated from a main body of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a heat dissipation duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating the bottom surface of a heat dissipation duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a portion of a heat dissipation duct and a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a top cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating the bottom surface of a top cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a first heat dissipation path, a second heat dissipation path, and a top cover path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 21 is a drawing illustrating a first heat dissipation path and a top cover path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 22 is a drawing illustrating a first heat dissipation path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 23 is a drawing illustrating the positional relationship between a heat dissipation fan and a heat dissipation sink according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0060] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0061] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0062] In this disclosure, each of the phrases "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 phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0063] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0064] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0065] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0066] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0067] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0068] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0069] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0070] The body may include insulation. The insulation may insulate the interior and exterior of the storage compartment so that the temperature inside the storage compartment can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment of the storage compartment. In one embodiment, the insulation may include a foam insulation, such as polyurethane foam. In another embodiment, the insulation may additionally include a vacuum insulation in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation instead of the foam insulation.

[0071] A storage room can store various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room can be formed so that at least one side is open for taking items in and out.

[0072] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator includes two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To achieve this, each storage compartment may be separated from the others by a partition wall containing insulation.

[0073] The storage room may be designed to maintain an appropriate temperature range depending on its intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished by their intended use and / or temperature range. A refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and a freezer may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them frozen, and for example, a freezer may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. A variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer, at the user's option or not.

[0074] In addition to names such as "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room," a storage room may also be called by various other names such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice room." The terms "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room" used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0075] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the main body in a pivotal or sliding manner.

[0076] The door may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the back of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided on the interior of these.

[0078] The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by contacting the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0079] In one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

[0080] Depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment, refrigerators can be classified into French door type, side-by-side type, bottom mounted freezer (BMF), top mounted freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerator.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0082] The cold air supply device may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool the storage room.

[0083] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment through heat generation and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

[0085] The machine room may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be connected to the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from the components placed within the machine room.

[0086] In one 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 so that it is accessible to a user without having to open the door.

[0087] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0089] The control unit may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0090] Memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. Memory can store temporary data generated during the generation of control signals for controlling components within the refrigerator. Memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0091] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The processor may generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cooling system based on the temperature information.

[0092] Additionally, the processor may process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and / or data stored / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor may transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0093] The processor and memory may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0094] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components within the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories that individually control the components within the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cooling device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0095] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0096] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0097] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0098] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0099] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is opened. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the upper portion of a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from below. FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 2.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (100), storage chambers (11, 12, 13) formed inside the main body (100), and doors (21, 22, 23, 24) provided to open and close the storage chambers (11, 12, 13).

[0101] The main body (100) may include an inner case (170), an outer case (180) coupled to the outer side of the inner case (170), and an insulating material (190) provided between the inner case (170) and the outer case (180) (see FIG. 6). The inner case (170) may form a storage chamber (11, 12, 13), and the outer case (180) may form the outer appearance of the main body (100).

[0102] In another aspect, the main body (100) may include an upper wall (110), a lower wall (120), a left wall (130), a right wall (140), and a rear wall (150). The upper wall (110), the lower wall (120), the left wall (130), the right wall (140), and the rear wall (150) may form an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, a right surface, and a rear wall of the main body (100), respectively.

[0103] Each of the upper wall (110), the lower wall (120), the left wall (130), the right wall (140), and the rear wall (150) may be formed of an inner surface (170), an outer surface (180), and an insulating material (190). For example, the upper surface of the upper wall (110) may be formed by the outer surface (180), the lower surface of the upper wall (110) may be formed by the inner surface (170), and an insulating material (190) may be provided on the inside of the upper wall (110).

[0104] The storage compartments (11, 12, 13) can accommodate items. The storage compartments (11, 12, 13) can be formed to have an open front side so that items can be put in or taken out. The main body (100) can include a horizontal partition wall (160) that divides the first storage compartment (11) from the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13), and a vertical partition wall (161) that divides the second storage compartment (12) from the third storage compartment (13). The first storage compartment (11) can be provided at the upper part of the main body (100), and the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13) can be provided at the lower part of the main body (100). The first storage compartment (11) can be a refrigerator compartment, the second storage compartment (12) can be a freezer compartment, and the third storage compartment (13) can be a variable temperature compartment.

[0105] Doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can open and close storage rooms (11, 12, 13). The first door (21) and the second door (22) can open and close the first storage room (11), the third door (23) can open and close the second storage room (12), and the fourth door (24) can open and close the third storage room (13). The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (100).

[0106] The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) by hinges. For example, the first door (21) and the second door (22) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) by a hinge (31) provided on the upper portion of the main body (100) and a hinge provided in the middle of the main body (100), respectively. The hinge (31) may include a hinge pin that protrudes vertically to form a rotational axis of the door. The hinge (31) may be covered by a top cover (300) provided to cover the upper front portion of the main body (100).

[0107] A rotating bar (40) may be provided on either the first door (21) or the second door (22) to cover the gap formed between the first door (21) and the second door (22) when the first door (21) and the second door (22) are closed. The rotating bar (40) may be provided rotatably on either the first door (21) or the second door (22). The rotating bar (40) may have a rod shape that is formed long in a vertical direction. The rotating bar (40) may also be referred to as a pillar, a mullion, or the like.

[0108] A guide protrusion (46) may be provided at the top of the rotating bar (40), and a rotation guide (119) that guides the rotation of the guide protrusion (46) may be provided at the top of the main body (100).

[0109] The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a gasket (51). The gasket (51) may be pressed against the front of the body (100) when the doors (21, 22, 23, 24) are closed. The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a ditch (52) that protrudes rearward. A door shelf (53) capable of storing items may be mounted on the ditch (52). A rotating bar (40) may be rotatably installed on the ditch (52).

[0110] Although the number and arrangement of storage compartments and the number and arrangement of doors have been described above, there is no limitation on the number and arrangement of storage compartments and the number and arrangement of doors of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] The refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) arranged to cool the storage compartment (11).

[0112] A thermoelectric cooling device (400) may be provided on the upper side of the storage room (11) to cool the storage room (11). That is, the thermoelectric cooling device may be provided on the upper wall (110) of the main body (100).

[0113] A thermoelectric cooling device may include a thermoelectric element (530). The thermoelectric element (530) may be a semiconductor element that converts thermal energy into electrical energy using the thermoelectric effect, and may also be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor element, a Peltier element, or the like.

[0114] The thermoelectric element (530) includes a heating portion (531) and a cooling portion (532). When current is applied to the thermoelectric element (530), a heating action may occur in the heating portion (531) and a heat absorption action may occur in the cooling portion (532). The thermoelectric element (530) may have a thin hexahedral shape. The heating portion (531) may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric element (530) and the cooling portion (532) may be provided on the opposite surface.

[0115] The thermoelectric element (530) may be provided on the upper wall (110) such that the heating portion (531) faces above the thermoelectric element (530) and the cooling portion (532) faces below the thermoelectric element (530). That is, the heating portion (531) may face the outside of the main body (100) and the cooling portion (532) may face the inside of the storage chamber (11). Accordingly, air that has been warmed through heat exchange with the heating portion (531) may be discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and air that has been cooled through heat exchange with the cooling portion (532) may be supplied to the storage chamber (11).

[0116] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat sink (520) that contacts the heat generating unit (531) so that heat exchange between the heat generating unit (531) and the air outside the main body (100) is efficiently performed.

[0117] A heat sink (520) may be located outside the main body (100). The heat sink (520) may contact the heat generating portion (531) to absorb heat from the heat generating portion (531) and release heat to the outside of the main body (100). The heat sink (520) may also be referred to as a hot sink, a heat dissipation heat sink, a hot heat sink, etc.

[0118] The heat sink (520) may be formed of a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the heat sink (520) may be formed of aluminum or copper.

[0119] The heat sink (520) may include a heat sink base (521) that contacts the heat generating portion (531) and a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) that protrude from the heat sink base (521) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude upward from the heat sink base (521).

[0120] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling sink (570) in contact with the cooling unit (532) so that heat exchange between the cooling unit (532) and the air inside the storage chamber (11) is efficiently performed.

[0121] A cooling sink (570) may be located inside the storage compartment (11). The cooling sink (570) may cool the storage compartment (11) by taking away heat from the storage compartment (11) and transferring it to the cooling unit (532). The cooling sink (570) may also be referred to as a cold sink, a cooling sink, a cooling heat sink, a cold heat sink, a cooling heat sink, etc.

[0122] The cooling sink (570) may be formed of a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the cooling sink (570) may be formed of aluminum or copper.

[0123] The cooling sink (570) may include a cooling sink base (571) that contacts the cooling unit (532) and a plurality of cooling fins (575) that protrude from the cooling sink base (571) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of cooling fins (525) may protrude downward from the cooling sink base (571). The cooling sink base (571) and the plurality of cooling fins (575) may be formed integrally.

[0124] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat dissipation fan (600) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the air outside the main body (100).

[0125] A heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided to blow air toward a heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided to be positioned in a horizontal direction of the heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided on the outside of the main body (100). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided on the upper side of the upper wall (110).

[0126] The heat dissipation fan (600) may be a centrifugal fan that draws in air in an axial direction and discharges it in radial directions. The centrifugal fan may include a blower fan. The rotation axis (610) of the heat dissipation fan (600) may be arranged perpendicular to the upper surface of the upper wall (110).

[0127] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat dissipation duct (700) provided to guide air flowing by a heat dissipation fan (600). The heat dissipation duct (700) may guide air from outside the main body (100) to exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink (520), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) back to the outside of the main body (100).

[0128] The heat dissipation duct (700) can draw in air from the external space on the upper side of the main body (100). The heat dissipation duct (700) can discharge air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the external space on the upper side of the main body (100). The heat dissipation fan (600) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct (700). The heat dissipation sink (520) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct (700). The heat dissipation duct (700) can be provided on the upper surface of the upper wall (110).

[0129] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include an outside air intake port (751) that draws air outside the main body (100) into the inside of the heat dissipation duct (700), and an outside air exhaust port (782) that discharges air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the outside of the main body (100).

[0130] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling fan (800) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the cooling sink (570) and the air inside the storage chamber (11).

[0131] A cooling fan (800) may be provided to blow air toward a cooling sink (570). The cooling fan (800) may be positioned horizontally with respect to the cooling sink (570). The cooling fan (800) may be provided inside the storage compartment (11). The cooling fan (800) may be provided on the lower side of the upper wall (110).

[0132] The cooling fan (800) may be a centrifugal fan that sucks in air in an axial direction and discharges it in radial directions. The rotation axis (810) of the cooling fan (800) may be arranged perpendicular to the bottom surface of the upper wall (110).

[0133] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling duct (900) provided to guide air flowing by a cooling fan (800). The cooling duct (700) may guide air inside the storage chamber (11) to exchange heat with the cooling sink (570), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) back into the storage chamber (11).

[0134] A cooling fan (800) may be located inside a cooling duct (900). A cooling sink (570) may be located inside a cooling duct (900). The cooling duct (800) may be provided on the lower surface of the upper wall (110).

[0135] The cooling duct (900) may include an intake port (991) for drawing air inside the storage room (11) into the interior of the cooling duct (900), and an exhaust port (992) for discharging air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) into the interior of the storage room (11).

[0136] 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 storage compartment (12, 13).

[0137] The refrigerator (1) may include evaporator ducts (60, 70) that guide cold air generated in the evaporator (3). The first evaporator duct (60) may be provided at the rear side of the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13). The second evaporator duct (70) may be provided at the rear side of the first storage compartment (11).

[0138] The cold air generated in the evaporator (3) can be sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) by the evaporator fan (80). The cold air sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) can be discharged to the second storage chamber (12) or the third storage chamber (13) through a cold air discharge port (not shown) formed on the front. In addition, the cold air sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) can be guided to the internal passage (78) of the second evaporator duct (70). The first evaporator duct (60) may be provided with a damper (61) that controls the supply of the cold air inside the first evaporator duct (60) to the second evaporator duct (70). A connecting duct (90) may be provided between the first evaporator duct (60) and the second evaporator duct (70) to connect the first evaporator duct (60) and the second evaporator duct (70).

[0139] Cold air introduced into the internal passage (78) of the second evaporator duct (70) can be supplied to the first storage chamber (11) through the cold air discharge port (72) formed on the front of the second evaporator duct (70).

[0140] 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). In addition, a separate evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear side of the first storage chamber (11) and configured to supply cold air to the second evaporator duct (70).

[0141] In this way, since the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a thermoelectric cooling device and a refrigeration cycle device for cooling the storage compartment (11), a method for supplying cold air to the storage compartment (11) may include a first method of supplying only cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400), 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 and cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device.

[0142] The refrigerator (1) can supply cold air to the storage compartment (11) in an appropriate manner depending on external and internal conditions. For example, the refrigerator (1) can cool the storage compartment (11) in one of the ways depending on the room temperature in which the refrigerator (1) is installed. That is, when the room temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature and cooling by a refrigeration cycle is more efficient than cooling by a thermoelectric cooling device, the storage compartment (11) can be cooled only by cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device. Conversely, when the room temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature and cooling by a thermoelectric cooling device is more efficient than cooling by a refrigeration cycle device, the storage compartment (11) can be cooled only by cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device. The refrigerator (1) can operate only the thermoelectric cooling device when noise reduction is required. When rapid cooling of the storage compartment (11) is required, the refrigerator (1) can simultaneously supply cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device and cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device to the storage compartment (11).

[0143] Thus, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include a thermoelectric cooling device and a refrigeration cycle device, but is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator may include only a thermoelectric cooling device (400).

[0144] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an inner casing, an outer casing, and a connecting frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a connecting frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of a thermoelectric module and an upper wall of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is an exploded view illustrating a heat dissipation fan and a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a heat dissipation sink according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a cooling sink according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 11, the configuration of a thermoelectric module of a thermoelectric cooling device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and the installation structure of the thermoelectric module are described.

[0146] The main body (100) of the refrigerator (1) may include an inner case (170) forming a storage compartment, and an outer case (180) coupled to the outside of the inner case (170). An insulating material (190) for insulating the storage compartment may be provided between the inner case (170) and the outer case (180). The inner case (170) may include an inner case opening (171). The outer case (180) may include an outer case opening (181).

[0147] The inner opening (171) may be formed larger than the outer opening (181). However, unlike the present embodiment, the inner opening (171) and the outer opening (181) may be formed to have the same size. In this case, the connecting frame (200) described later may be composed of only the connecting frame body (270) without the connecting frame base (210).

[0148] The main body (100) may include a connecting frame (200) provided between the inner case (170) and the outer case (180) to form a through hole (115) penetrating the upper wall (110) by connecting the inner case opening (171) and the outer case opening (181).

[0149] One side of the connecting frame (200) may be supported on the inner side (side facing the insulation material) of the inner case (170), and the other side of the connecting frame (200) may be supported on the inner side (side facing the insulation material) of the outer case (180).

[0150] When the connecting frame (200) is placed between the inner case (170) and the outer case (180), an insulating space can be formed by the inner case (170), the outer case (180), and the connecting frame (200). By filling and foaming the insulating space with foam insulation, the inner case (170), the outer case (180), and the connecting frame (200) can be joined to each other. The connecting frame (200) can be formed of a material with low thermal conductivity. The connecting frame (200) can be formed of a resin material.

[0151] The connecting frame (200) may include a frame base (210) connected to the inner opening (171) and a frame body (270) protruding from the upper surface of the frame base (210) and connected to the outer opening (181).

[0152] The frame base (210) may have a size corresponding to the size of the inner opening (171). The frame base (210) may include a frame base opening (211). The frame base opening (211) may have a size corresponding to the outer opening (181).

[0153] The frame body (270) may have a rectangular frame shape with a predetermined thickness. The frame body (270) may include a frame body opening (271). The frame body opening (271) may have a size corresponding to the external opening (181). The frame base opening (211) and the frame body opening (271) may form a through hole (115) of the upper wall (110).

[0154] The frame base (210) and the frame body (270) may be provided separately and coupled to each other. The frame base (210) and the frame body (270) may be coupled through a frame coupling member (201). To this end, a coupling hole (240) may be formed in the frame base (210) and a coupling hole (280) may be formed in the frame body (270). The frame coupling member (201) may be a coupling mechanical element such as a screw, pin, bolt, rivet, etc. However, the frame base (210) and the frame body (270) may also be formed integrally.

[0155] The frame base (210) may include an upwardly protruding base projection (230). An accommodation space may be formed on the lower surface of the base projection (230) to accommodate a portion of the cooling duct (900).

[0156] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric module (500).

[0157] The thermoelectric element (530), heat sink (520), and cooling sink (570) described above can be assembled integrally to form a thermoelectric module (500). That is, the thermoelectric module (500) can include a thermoelectric element (530), a heat sink (520), a cooling sink (570), and a module plate (550).

[0158] As illustrated in Fig. 8, the thermoelectric module (500) can be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) via a separate coupling member (S). The thermoelectric module (500) can be provided to penetrate the through hole (115) of the upper wall (110) such that the heat dissipation sink (520) is positioned outside the main body (100) and the cooling sink (570) is positioned inside the storage chamber (11). A sealing member (560) for sealing can be provided between the module plate (550) of the thermoelectric module (500) and the upper surface of the upper wall (110).

[0159] The module plate (550) can serve as a skeleton of the thermoelectric module. The module plate (550) can be formed of a resin material with low thermal conductivity. The module plate (550) can maintain a gap between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) and support the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570). As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the module plate (550) can be formed integrally with a fan case (650) to be described later. However, the module plate (550) can also be provided separately from the fan case (650).

[0160] The module plate (550) may include a heat sink support (552) that supports a heat sink (520).

[0161] The module plate (550) may include a module plate opening (551). The thermoelectric element (530) may be disposed inside the module plate opening (551). The vertical length of the module plate opening (551) may be greater than the vertical length of the thermoelectric element (530), and the thermoelectric element (530) may be disposed on the upper side of the module plate opening (551). The reason why the thermoelectric element (530) is disposed on the upper side inside the module plate opening (551) is because the heat generation amount of the thermoelectric element (530) is typically higher than the heat absorption amount, and the positioning of the thermoelectric element (530) on the upper side of the module plate opening (551) is advantageous for heat dissipation of the heat generating part (531).

[0162] In this way, since the thermoelectric element (530) is placed on the upper side of the module plate opening (551), the cooling sink (570) may include a cooling conductive portion (574) protruding from the cooling sink base (571) for contact with the cooling portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0163] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a module plate (550) and an element insulation material (540) that insulates the thermoelectric element (530). The element insulation material (540) may be placed in the module plate opening (551) so that a side of the thermoelectric element (530) does not contact the module plate (550). The element insulation material (540) includes an element insulation opening (541), and the thermoelectric element (530) may be accommodated in the element insulation opening (541).

[0164] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a sink insulation (580) provided between the module plate (550) and the cooling sink (570). The sink insulation (580) may prevent heat from being transferred between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) through the module plate (550). The sink insulation (580) may include a sink insulation opening (581). However, the sink insulation (580) may be omitted, in which case the heat dissipation sink (520) may be supported on the upper surface of the module plate (550) and the cooling sink (570) may be supported on the lower surface of the module plate (550).

[0165] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a fan case (650) in which a heat dissipation fan (600) is installed and which guides air blown by the heat dissipation fan (600). The fan case (650) may be formed integrally with the module plate (550) described above or may be provided separately.

[0166] The fan case (650) may include a case bottom (660) on which a heat dissipation fan (600) is rotatably installed, and a case scroll portion (670) extending upward from the edge of the case bottom (660) to guide air blown from the heat dissipation fan (600) toward a heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) is a centrifugal fan, and may be installed on the case bottom (660) so that the rotation axis (610) is perpendicular to the case bottom (650). In addition, the heat dissipation sink (520) may be positioned in one radial direction of the heat dissipation fan (600). With this structure, the overall vertical length of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) can be made compact.

[0167] The case scroll portion (670) may be formed to surround the heat dissipation fan (600). The case scroll portion (670) may have a scroll portion opening (673) open toward the heat dissipation sink (520). The case scroll portion (670) may include a downstream end (671) along the rotational direction (R) of the heat dissipation fan (600) and an upstream end (672) along the rotational direction (R).

[0168] The downstream end (671) and the upstream end (672) are spaced apart from each other, and a scroll opening (673) can be formed between the downstream end (671) and the upstream end (672).

[0169] The air blown from the heat dissipation fan (600) can be discharged in the radial directions of the heat dissipation fan (600) and move along the inner surface of the case scroll part (670) toward the heat dissipation sink (520). Therefore, the air blown from the heat dissipation fan (600) can flow more around the downstream end (671) of the case scroll part (670) than around the upstream end (672) of the case scroll part (670).

[0170] The fan case (650) may include a case guide (680) provided to guide air flowing from the heat dissipation fan (600) to the area around the downstream end (671) of the case scroll section (670).

[0171] The case guide (680) may protrude upward from the case bottom (660). The case guide (680) may be spaced apart from the case scroll unit (670). The case guide (680) may guide air flowing around the downstream end (671) of the case scroll unit (670) toward the upstream end (672) of the case scroll unit (670). Therefore, the air blown from the heat dissipation fan (600) may be evenly distributed to the heat dissipation channels (528) of the heat dissipation sink (520) by the case guide (680), and the heat exchange efficiency of the heat dissipation sink (520) may be increased.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 10, a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude from the upper surface (522) of the heat dissipation sink base (521). The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude in a first direction (526) perpendicular to the upper surface (522) of the heat dissipation sink base (521).

[0173] A plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may be formed to extend in a second direction (527) parallel to the upper surface (522) of the heat dissipation sink base (521). The second direction (527) may be perpendicular to the first direction (526). Heat dissipation channels (528) may be formed between adjacent plurality of heat dissipation fins (525). The heat dissipation channels (528) may extend in the second direction (527) like the plurality of heat dissipation fins (525). Some of the heat dissipation channels (529) among the heat dissipation channels (528) may have a larger width than other heat dissipation channels.

[0174] Air flowing by the heat dissipation fan (600) can pass through the heat dissipation channels (528) and exchange heat with a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525). The airflow (A) flowing by the heat dissipation fan (600) can pass through the heat dissipation channels (528) in a direction parallel to the second direction (527).

[0175] Referring to FIG. 11, a plurality of cooling fins (575) may protrude from the lower surface (572) of the cooling sink base (571). The plurality of cooling fins (575) may protrude in a first direction (576) perpendicular to the lower surface (572) of the cooling sink base (571).

[0176] A plurality of cooling fins (575) may be formed to extend in a second direction (577) parallel to the lower surface (572) of the cooling sink base (571). The second direction (577) may be perpendicular to the first direction (576). Cooling channels (578) may be formed between adjacent cooling fins (575). Some cooling channels (579) among the cooling channels (578) may have a larger width than other cooling channels (578).

[0177] Air flowing by the cooling fan (800) can pass through the cooling channels (578) and exchange heat with a plurality of cooling fins (575). The airflow (B) flowing by the cooling fan (800) can pass through the cooling channels (578) in a direction parallel to the second direction (577).

[0178] FIG. 12 is a drawing of a top cover separated from a main body of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a drawing of a top cover and a heat dissipation duct cover separated from a main body of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a drawing of a top cover, a heat dissipation duct cover, a heat dissipation duct body, and an extension duct separated from a main body of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a drawing of an exploded view of a heat dissipation duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a drawing of a bottom surface of a heat dissipation duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a part of a heat dissipation duct and a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0179] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 17, the structure of a heat dissipation duct (700) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0180] The refrigerator (1) may include a heat dissipation duct (700) provided on the upper wall (110) to suck in air from outside the main body (100), exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink (520), and discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) back to the outside of the main body (100).

[0181] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include a heat dissipation duct body (720), a heat dissipation duct cover (710), and an extension duct (740).

[0182] A heat dissipation duct body (720) can be coupled to the upper surface of the main body (100). The heat dissipation duct body (720) can cover a heat dissipation fan (600) and a heat dissipation sink (520). An outside air intake (751) is formed on the upper surface of the front portion of the heat dissipation duct body (720), and the outside air intake (751) can be covered by a top cover (300).

[0183] A heat dissipation duct cover (710) may be coupled to the upper portion of a heat dissipation duct body (720) to cover the upper portion of the heat dissipation duct body (720). To this end, a duct cover coupling portion (711) may be provided on the heat dissipation duct cover (710), and a duct body coupling portion (721) coupled to the duct cover coupling portion (711) may be provided on the heat dissipation duct body (720). The duct cover coupling portion (711) and the duct body coupling portion (721) may be coupled in a hook or fitting manner.

[0184] An extension duct (740) may be provided in front of the heat dissipation duct body (720) so as to be connected to the heat dissipation duct body (720). As illustrated in FIG. 15, the extension duct (740) may be provided separately from the heat dissipation duct body (720). However, alternatively, the extension duct (740) may be provided integrally with the heat dissipation duct body (720).

[0185] The extension duct (740) may be positioned below the top cover (300), and the upper side of the extension duct (740) may be covered by the top cover (300). The extension duct (740) may be coupled to the lower part of the top cover (300). To this end, the extension duct (740) may be provided with an extension duct coupling portion (745), and the top cover (300) may be provided with a top cover coupling portion (380) coupled to the extension duct coupling portion (745). The extension duct coupling portion (745) and the top cover coupling portion (380) may be coupled in a hook or fitting manner.

[0186] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include an outside air intake port (751) designed to suck in air from outside the main body. Specifically, the heat dissipation duct body (720) may include an outside air intake port (751).

[0187] The outside air intake (751) may be formed on the upper surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720). The outside air intake (751) may be positioned closer to the front of the main body (100) than to the rear of the main body (100). In this way, the reason why the outside air intake (751) is positioned closer to the front of the main body (100) than to the rear of the main body (100) is to suppress heat generated in the compressor (2) and condenser, etc., located at the rear of the main body (100) from being sucked in through the outside air intake (751).

[0188] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include external air exhaust ports (782, 794) that discharge air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the outside of the main body (100).

[0189] The heat dissipation duct body (720) may include a first external air discharge port (782) that discharges air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the outside of the main body (100). The first external air discharge port (782) may discharge air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) toward the external space on the upper side of the main body (100).

[0190] The extension duct (740) may include a second outside air outlet (794) that discharges air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink (520) toward the rotating bar (40). By discharging the air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink (520) toward the rotating bar (40), condensation on the rotating bar (40) can be prevented.

[0191] However, the heat dissipation duct (700) does not necessarily have to include the first outside air discharge port (782) and the second outside air discharge port (794), and the second outside air discharge port (794) may be omitted.

[0192] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include a fan receiving portion (760) that forms a fan receiving space (762) that accommodates a heat dissipation fan (600). Specifically, the heat dissipation duct body (720) may include a fan receiving portion (760) that forms a fan receiving space (762) that accommodates a heat dissipation fan (600).

[0193] A fan receiving space (762) may be formed on the bottom surface of the fan receiving portion (760). The lower side of the fan receiving space (762) may be open, and the open lower side of the fan receiving space (762) may be covered by a fan case (650). The fan receiving portion (760) may include a fan inlet (761) through which air is introduced into the fan receiving space (762). The fan inlet (761) may be formed on the upper side of the fan receiving space (762).

[0194] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include a sink receiving portion (770) that forms a sink receiving space (771) that receives a heat dissipation sink (520). The sink receiving space (771) may be formed on a bottom surface of the sink receiving portion (770). The lower side of the sink receiving space (771) may be open. The open lower side of the sink receiving space (771) may be covered by a module plate (550). The sink receiving space (771) may be formed on a downstream side of the fan receiving space (762).

[0195] As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the sink receiving portion (770) may include a channel blocking protrusion (772) protruding from the bottom surface of the sink receiving portion (770). The channel blocking protrusion (772) may be positioned in a heat dissipation channel (529) that is wider than other heat dissipation channels among the heat dissipation channels (528) formed between the plurality of heat dissipation fins (525). The channel blocking protrusion (772) may prevent air from flowing into the wide heat dissipation channel (529) and guide air to flow into other heat dissipation channels (528).

[0196] The reason why a channel blocking protrusion (772) is provided in a wide heat dissipation channel (529) like this is because the wide heat dissipation channel (529) has a wide gap between adjacent pairs of heat dissipation fins (525), so the flow rate or heat exchange efficiency of air flowing through the wide heat dissipation channel (529) may be reduced.

[0197] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the sink receiving portion (770) may include a duct guide (773) protruding from the bottom surface of the sink receiving portion (770). The duct guide (773) may have a shape corresponding to the case guide (680) protruding above the fan case (650) and may be provided at a position corresponding to the case guide (680). That is, the lower surface of the duct guide (773) may be provided in contact with or adjacent to the upper surface of the case guide (680). The duct guide (773) may guide air blown from the heat dissipation fan (600). The duct guide (773) may enable the air blown from the heat dissipation fan (600) to be evenly distributed to the heat dissipation channels (528) of the heat dissipation sink (520), thereby increasing the heat exchange efficiency of the heat dissipation sink (520).

[0198] The fan receiving space (762) and the sink receiving space (771) may be positioned on a horizontal line. The fan receiving space (762) and the sink receiving space (771) may be positioned in the left and right directions based on the main body (100). The fan receiving space (762) and the sink receiving space (771) may be positioned closer to the rear of the main body (100) than the front of the main body (100).

[0199] In another aspect, the heat dissipation fan (600) accommodated in the fan accommodation space (762) and the sink (520) accommodated in the sink accommodation space (771) may be positioned on a horizontal line with respect to each other. The heat dissipation fan (600) and the heat dissipation sink (520) may be positioned in the left and right directions based on the main body (100). The heat dissipation fan (600) and the heat dissipation sink (520) may be positioned closer to the rear of the main body (100) than to the front of the main body (100).

[0200] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include an intake duct portion (750) that guides air sucked in through an outside air intake port (751) to a fan receiving space (762). Specifically, the heat dissipation duct body (720) may include an intake duct portion (750). The intake duct portion (750) may extend forward from the fan receiving portion (760). The outside air intake port (751) may be formed on an upper surface of the intake duct portion (750).

[0201] A suction space (752) may be formed on the upper surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720). The upper side of the suction space (752) may be formed to be open, and the open upper side of the suction space (752) may be covered by a heat dissipation duct cover (710). The suction space (752) may be formed on the upstream side of the fan accommodation space (762). The suction space (752) may be connected to the fan accommodation space (762) through a fan inlet (761).

[0202] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include a first exhaust duct portion (780) that guides air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to a first outside air outlet (782). Specifically, the heat dissipation duct body (720) may include the first exhaust duct portion (780). The first exhaust duct portion (780) may extend from the sink receiving portion (770). For example, the first exhaust duct portion (780) may be formed to extend diagonally from the sink receiving portion (770) toward a front corner of the main body (100) by a certain length and then extend forward.

[0203] A first exhaust space (781) may be formed on the upper surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720). The upper side of the first exhaust space (781) may be open, and the open upper side of the first exhaust space may be covered by a heat dissipation duct cover (710). The first exhaust space (781) may be formed on the downstream side of the sink receiving space (771).

[0204] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include a second exhaust duct section (790) that guides air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to a second outdoor air outlet (794). Specifically, the heat dissipation duct body (720) may include a second exhaust duct section (790). The second exhaust duct section (790) may branch from the first exhaust duct section (780) and extend forward.

[0205] A second exhaust space (791) may be formed on the upper surface of the second exhaust duct section (790). The upper side of the second exhaust space (791) may be open, and the open upper side of the second exhaust space (791) may be covered by a heat dissipation duct cover (710). The second exhaust space (791) may be formed on the downstream side of the sink receiving space (771).

[0206] In this way, the second exhaust duct section (790) can be formed by branching off from the first exhaust duct section (780). However, in contrast, the first exhaust duct section (780) and the second exhaust duct section (790) can be formed independently.

[0207] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a top cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating a bottom surface of a top cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0208] As described above, the refrigerator (1) may include a top cover (300) that is coupled to the front portion of the upper surface of the main body (100) to cover a plurality of hinges (31).

[0209] The top cover (300) may include a top cover upper surface portion (310), a top cover front portion (311) extending downward from a front edge of the top cover upper surface portion (310), top cover side portions (314) extending downward from both side edges of the top cover upper surface portion (310), a top cover rear portion (315) extending downward from a rear edge of the top cover upper surface portion (310), and a top cover inner space (320) formed by the top cover upper surface portion (310), the top cover front portion (311), the top cover side portions (314), and the top cover rear portion (315). The lower side of the top cover inner space (320) may be open, and the lower side of the top cover inner space (320) may be covered by the upper surface of the upper wall (110).

[0210] The top cover (300) may include forward protrusions (313) protruding forward from both ends of the top cover to cover a plurality of hinges (31).

[0211] The top cover (300) may include an intake grill (350) positioned above the outside air intake (751). The intake grill (350) may block foreign substances from being sucked into the inside of the heat dissipation duct (700) through the outside air intake (751), protect a dust filter (390) to be described later, and guide air sucked through the outside air intake (751).

[0212] The top cover (300) may be equipped with a dust filter (390) for filtering out foreign substances. The dust filter (390) is placed below the intake grill (350) and can filter out fine foreign substances.

[0213] The top cover (300) may include an exhaust port forming portion (312) formed on the front surface (311) of the top cover (300) to form a second outside air exhaust port (794) together with an extension duct (740). The exhaust port forming portion (312) may protrude forward from the front surface (311) of the top cover.

[0214] At least a portion of the air discharged from the heat dissipation duct (700) through the first external air discharge port (782) may be introduced into the top cover internal space (320). That is, air warmed by heat exchange with the heat dissipation sink (520) may be introduced into the top cover internal space (320). For this purpose, a top cover inlet (330) may be formed in the top cover (300). The top cover inlet (330) may be formed in the top cover rear portion (315).

[0215] The first outside air exhaust port (782) may include a top cover exhaust port (784) provided to guide air inside the heat dissipation duct (700) into the top cover internal space (320). The top cover exhaust port (784) may be connected to the top cover inlet port (330). Air exhausted through the top cover exhaust port (784) may be introduced into the top cover internal space (320) through the top cover inlet port (330).

[0216] The first external exhaust port (782) may include an external exhaust port (783) separated from the top cover exhaust port (784) to exhaust air from the heat dissipation duct (700) to the outside of the top cover (300). An exhaust grill may be formed in the external exhaust port (783) to prevent foreign substances from entering the interior of the heat dissipation duct (700) through the external exhaust port (783).

[0217] Air drawn into the top cover internal space (320) can pass through the top cover internal space (320) and be discharged to the outside of the top cover (300). For this purpose, the top cover (300) may include a top cover outlet (340). The top cover outlet (340) may be formed in the front protrusions (313) of the top cover (300). The top cover outlet (340) may be formed in the front protrusion (313) that is further away from the top cover inlet (330) among the front protrusions (313). The top cover outlet (340) may be formed on the upper surface of the front protrusion (313). By forming the top cover outlet (340) in the front protrusion (313), air discharged through the top cover outlet (340) can be prevented from being re-inhaled into the outside air intake (751) as much as possible.

[0218] The air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink (520) can heat the upper surface of the main body (100) as it passes through the internal space (320) of the top cover. Therefore, condensation on the upper front surface of the main body (100) can be prevented.

[0219] The top cover (300) may include an exhaust guide portion (381) formed to guide air discharged to the outside of the heat dissipation duct (700) through the external exhaust port (783) of the first external air exhaust port (782). The exhaust guide portion (381) may be formed to be inclined on the rear surface (315) of the top cover. It may guide air discharged through the external exhaust port (783) to be discharged smoothly without interfering with the top cover (300).

[0220] FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a first heat dissipation path, a second heat dissipation path, and a top cover path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 20, a first heat dissipation path, a second heat dissipation path, and a top cover path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are described.

[0222] By the structure of the heat dissipation duct (700) and the top cover (300) as described above, the refrigerator (1) can include a first heat dissipation passage (401) through which air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) is discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and a second heat dissipation passage (402) through which air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) is discharged toward the rotating bar (40). The second heat dissipation passage (402) can be formed by branching off from the first heat dissipation passage (401).

[0223] The first heat dissipation passage (401) can be formed by an outside air intake (751), an intake space (752), a fan inlet (761), a fan receiving space (762), a sink receiving space (771), a first discharge space (781), and a first outside air discharge port (782).

[0224] The second heat dissipation path (402) can be formed by an outside air intake (751), an intake space (752), a fan inlet (761), a fan receiving space (762), a sink receiving space (771), a second discharge space (791), and a second outside air discharge port (794).

[0225] The refrigerator (1) may include a top cover passage (388) through which air discharged through the first heat dissipation passage (401) flows into the interior of the top cover (300), passes through the interior space (320) of the top cover (300), and is then discharged to the exterior of the top cover (300).

[0226] The top cover euro (388) can be connected to the end of the first heat dissipation euro (401). That is, the top cover euro (388) can be connected to the top cover outlet (784) of the first outside air outlet (782).

[0227] FIG. 21 is a drawing illustrating a first heat dissipation path and a top cover path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22 is a drawing illustrating a first heat dissipation path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0228] The second heat dissipation duct (402) and top cover duct (388) described above are not essential and may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0229] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the second heat dissipation passage (402) may be omitted, so that the refrigerator may only include the first heat dissipation passage (401) and the top cover passage (388). That is, the second exhaust duct section (790) forming the second exhaust space (791) in the heat dissipation duct (700) may be omitted.

[0230] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 22, both the second heat dissipation path (402) and the top cover path (388) may be omitted. That is, the second exhaust duct section (790) forming the second exhaust space (791) in the heat dissipation duct (700) may be omitted, and the first external air exhaust port (782) may be configured only as an external exhaust port (783). In this case, the air inside the heat dissipation duct (700) may not be exhausted to the rotary bar (40) side or the inside of the top cover (300), but may all be exhausted to the outside of the main body (100).

[0231] FIG. 23 is a drawing illustrating the positional relationship between a heat dissipation fan and a heat dissipation sink according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0232] Depending on the embodiment, the positions of the fan receiving space (762) and the sink receiving space (771) of the heat dissipation duct (700) may be changed.

[0233] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the sink receiving space (771) and the fan receiving space (762) can be arranged in the front-back direction with respect to the main body (100). That is, the heat dissipation sink (520) accommodated in the sink receiving space (771) and the heat dissipation fan (600) accommodated in the fan receiving space (762) can be arranged in the front-back direction with respect to the main body (100).

[0234] In this case, the heat sink (520) may be arranged so that the airflow flowing by the heat dissipation fan (600) flows in a direction parallel to the direction in which the heat dissipation fins (525) extend.

[0235] In this way, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is sufficient for the heat sink (520) and the heat dissipation fan (600) to be placed horizontally to each other on the upper wall (110), and there is no limitation on the specific location.

[0236] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the thermoelectric cooling device (400) is provided on the upper part of the main body (100), even if the refrigerator (1) is installed so that the rear side of the main body (100) is in close contact with the rear wall of the interior, heat dissipation of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) can be smoothly achieved. In addition, if the thermoelectric cooling device (400) is provided on the rear side of the main body (100), access to the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may not be easy, but according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the thermoelectric cooling device (400) is provided on the upper part of the main body (100), access to the thermoelectric cooling device (400) can be easy. Therefore, assembly, disassembly, replacement, and repair of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) can be easy.

[0237] In addition, the cold air generated through the thermoelectric cooling device (400) descends downward due to its high density and is efficiently transferred inside the storage room by convection, so the cooling efficiency of the storage room through the thermoelectric cooling device (400) can be improved.

[0238] In addition, since the cooling sink (570) is located below the thermoelectric element (530), the water generated in the cooling sink (570) is prevented from penetrating into the thermoelectric element (530), and failure and malfunction of the thermoelectric element (530) can be prevented.

[0239] In addition, since the heat dissipation fan (600) is positioned on the upper wall (110) so as to be positioned in the horizontal direction of the heat dissipation sink (520), and the cooling fan (800) is positioned on the upper wall (110) so as to be positioned in the horizontal direction of the cooling sink (570), the size of the thermoelectric cooling device can be compacted, and the reduction in storage room (11) space due to the mounting of the thermoelectric cooling device can be minimized.

[0240] While the technical concept of the present invention has been described above through specific examples, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples. Various embodiments that can be modified or altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims are also within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Main body; A storage room formed inside the above main body; A door provided to open and close the above storage room; An evaporator that evaporates refrigerant to produce cold air; An evaporator duct provided at the rear side of the storage room to supply cold air generated by the evaporator to the storage room; and A thermoelectric cooling device comprising a thermoelectric element having a heating element that generates heat to heat air and a cooling element that absorbs heat to cool the air; A refrigerator in which the thermoelectric cooling device is configured to heat air from outside the main body through the heating unit, discharge the air heated by the heating unit to the outside of the main body, cool air from the storage room through the cooling unit, and supply the air cooled by the cooling unit to the storage room, and is provided above the storage room.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the thermoelectric element is arranged so that the heating portion faces above the thermoelectric element and the cooling portion faces below the thermoelectric element.

3. In paragraph 1, The thermoelectric cooling device comprises a heat sink, A refrigerator wherein the heat sink comprises a heat sink base that contacts the heating portion, and a plurality of heat sink fins that protrude from the heat sink base in a first direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the heat sink base.

4. In paragraph 3, The above thermoelectric cooling device includes a heat dissipation fan that generates air flow, A refrigerator in which the above heat dissipation fan blows air in a second direction parallel to the upper surface of the heat dissipation sink base toward the heat dissipation sink.

5. In paragraph 4, The above-mentioned heat dissipation fan is a centrifugal fan that sucks air into the inside of the centrifugal fan along the axial direction of the centrifugal fan and discharges the flow of air along the radial direction of the centrifugal fan. A refrigerator wherein the above heat sink is positioned in the radial direction.

6. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator wherein the thermoelectric cooling device comprises a fan case that accommodates the heat dissipation fan and guides the flow of air blown from the heat dissipation fan toward the heat sink.

7. In paragraph 6, The above fan case, The case bottom to which the above heat dissipation fan is rotatably coupled; A case scroll portion extending upward from the edge of the case bottom; and A case guide extending upward from the case bottom and spaced apart from the case scroll portion; A refrigerator wherein the case bottom, the case scroll, and the case guide are configured to guide the air flow from the heat dissipation fan toward the heat dissipation sink.

8. In paragraph 7, The above case scroll portion includes a downstream end and an upstream end according to the rotation direction of the heat dissipation fan, A refrigerator having a scroll opening formed between the downstream end and the upstream end and open toward the heat sink.

9. In paragraph 8, A refrigerator in which the case guide guides the air flow to the upstream end of the case scroll section.

10. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator wherein the thermoelectric cooling device includes a heat dissipation duct provided on the upper side of the main body to guide the flow of air to exchange heat with the heat sink.

11. In paragraph 10, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned heat dissipation duct includes an outside air intake port configured to draw air from the outside of the main body into the heat dissipation duct, and an outside air exhaust port configured to discharge air drawn into the heat dissipation duct and heat-exchanged with the heat dissipation sink to the outside of the main body.

12. In paragraph 11, A refrigerator in which the above heat dissipation duct includes a fan receiving portion forming a fan receiving space for receiving the heat dissipation fan, and a sink receiving portion forming a sink receiving space for receiving the heat dissipation sink.

13. In paragraph 12, A refrigerator in which the fan accommodating space and the sink accommodating space are positioned on a horizontal line.

14. In paragraph 12, A refrigerator in which the heat dissipation duct includes a suction duct section provided on the upstream side of the fan receiving section to form a suction space that guides air sucked from the outside of the main body into the inside of the heat dissipation duct through the outside air intake port to the fan receiving space.

15. In paragraph 12, A refrigerator including an exhaust duct section provided on the downstream side of the sink receiving section to form an exhaust space that guides air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink to the outside air exhaust port.

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