Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: a main body having an upper wall; a storage compartment formed inside the main body; a first door and a second door that are provided to open and close the storage compartment; a rotatable bar that is rotatably coupled to any one of the first door or the second door to cover a gap between the first door and the second door when the first door and the second door are closed; a thermoelectric element that has a heating part for generating heat and a cooling part for absorbing heat, and is provided in the upper wall to cool the storage compartment; a heat sink that is arranged in contact with the heating part and heated by the heat generated by the heating part; a heat dissipation fan that generates an air stream directed toward the heat sink so that the air stream exchanges heat with the heat sink; and a heat dissipation duct. The heat dissipation duct includes: a first discharge duct part that guides a first portion of the air stream that has exchanged heat with the heat sink, the first portion being guided so as to be discharged from the main body; and a second discharge duct part that guides a second portion of the air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink, the second portion being guided so as to be discharged toward the rotatable bar in order to prevent dew from forming on the rotatable bar.

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 with 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 capable of utilizing waste heat generated in a thermoelectric cooling device.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator having increased heat dissipation efficiency of a thermoelectric cooling device.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator in which assembly, disassembly, replacement, and repair of a thermoelectric cooling device are easy.

[0009] 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.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator comprises: a main body having an upper wall; a storage compartment formed inside the main body; a first door and a second door provided to open and close the storage compartment; a rotating bar rotatably coupled to one of the first door and the second door to cover a gap between the first door and the second door when the first door and the second door are closed; a thermoelectric element provided on the upper wall to cool the storage compartment, the thermoelectric element having a heat generating unit that generates heat and a cooling unit that absorbs heat; a heat dissipation sink provided to contact the heat generating unit and heated by heat generated by the heat generating unit; a heat dissipation fan that generates a flow of air toward the heat dissipation sink so that the flow of the air exchanges heat with the heat dissipation sink; and a heat dissipation duct; wherein the heat dissipation duct comprises: a first discharge duct section that guides a first portion of the flow of the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink to be discharged to the outside of the main body; and a second exhaust duct section for guiding a second portion of the air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink to be discharged toward the rotating bar to prevent dew from forming on the rotating bar.

[0011] The above second exhaust duct section can be formed by branching from the above first exhaust duct section.

[0012] The above heat dissipation duct further includes a fan receiving portion for receiving the heat dissipation fan, and a sink receiving portion provided on a downstream side of the fan receiving portion and for receiving the heat dissipation sink, and the first exhaust duct portion may be provided on a downstream side of the sink receiving portion.

[0013] The above heat dissipation duct may further include an intake duct section provided on the upstream side of the fan receiving section and guiding air to the fan receiving section.

[0014] The above heat dissipation duct may further include an outside air intake port formed on the upper surface of the suction duct section so that air from outside the main body is sucked into the inside of the suction duct section by the air flow formed by the heat dissipation fan.

[0015] The above heat dissipation duct may further include a first outside air exhaust port for exhausting air guided by the first exhaust duct section to the outside of the first exhaust duct section, and a second outside air exhaust port for exhausting air guided by the second exhaust duct section to the outside of the second exhaust duct section.

[0016] The second outside air outlet may be positioned above the top of the rotating bar so that air discharged through the second outside air outlet flows from the top of the rotating bar toward the bottom of the rotating bar along the front surface of the rotating bar.

[0017] The above heat dissipation duct further includes an airflow guide portion that is gently inclined downward as the heat dissipation duct approaches the second outside air outlet, and air discharged through the second outside air outlet can descend toward the rotating bar.

[0018] The above heat dissipation duct may further include an acceleration member having a cross-sectional area that becomes narrower as the heat dissipation duct approaches the second outdoor air outlet to increase the speed of the airflow discharged through the second outdoor air outlet.

[0019] The refrigerator may further include a plurality of hinges rotatably connecting the first door and the second door to the main body; and a top cover coupled to a front portion of the upper surface of the main body to cover the plurality of hinges.

[0020] The above heat dissipation duct may include a heat dissipation duct body; a heat dissipation duct cover coupled to an upper side of the heat dissipation duct body; and an extension duct disposed below the top cover and provided between the heat dissipation duct body and the rotating bar to form the second outside air outlet together with the top cover.

[0021] The top cover includes an inner space of the top cover, and at least a portion of the air discharged through the first external air outlet can be introduced into the inner space of the top cover.

[0022] The first external air outlet may include a top cover outlet for discharging a first portion of air discharged through the first external air outlet into the internal space of the top cover, and an external outlet partitioned from the top cover outlet for discharging a second portion of air discharged through the first external air outlet to the outside of the top cover.

[0023] The top cover may include a top cover inlet through which at least a portion of the air discharged through the first external air outlet flows into the internal space of the top cover, and a top cover outlet through which the air introduced into the internal space of the top cover through the top cover inlet flows out to the outside of the top cover.

[0024] The above top cover may include an exhaust guide portion that guides air discharged through the external exhaust port.

[0025] 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 plurality of doors provided to open and close the storage compartment; a rotating bar provided to be rotatable on one of the plurality of doors to cover a gap between the plurality of doors; a thermoelectric element provided on the upper wall to cool the storage compartment, the thermoelectric element having a heating part and a cooling part; a heat sink provided to contact the heating part; a heat dissipation fan that generates a flow of air; and a heat dissipation duct that sucks in air from outside the main body to exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink and discharges the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink downward toward the upper end of the rotation bar.

[0026] The above heat dissipation duct includes an outside air exhaust port provided to exhaust air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink to the outside of the heat dissipation duct, and the outside air exhaust port is located on the upper side of the rotating bar and can be opened downward.

[0027] The above heat dissipation duct may include an airflow guide that slopes downwards gradually as it approaches the outside air exhaust port.

[0028] The above heat dissipation duct may include an acceleration member formed so that the cross-sectional area becomes narrower as it approaches the outside air outlet to increase the speed of the airflow discharged through the outside air outlet.

[0029] 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 plurality of doors provided to open and close the storage compartment; a plurality of hinges rotatably connecting the plurality of doors to the main body; a top cover coupled to a front portion of an upper surface of the main body to cover the plurality of hinges; a thermoelectric element provided on the upper wall to cool the storage compartment, the thermoelectric element having a heating unit and a cooling unit; a heat sink provided to contact the heating unit; a heat sink that generates a flow of air; and a heat duct that sucks in air from the outside of the main body to exchange heat with the heat sink and discharges the air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink to an internal space of the top cover so as to heat the internal space of the top cover.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, condensation on the rotating bar and the front upper portion of the main body can be prevented by utilizing waste heat generated in a thermoelectric cooling device.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, energy consumption can be reduced by utilizing waste heat generated in a thermoelectric cooling device.

[0032] 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.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the doors of a refrigerator in an open state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] 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.

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

[0037] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of Figure 2.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a drawing of a top cover separated from a main body of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the top cover and the heat dissipation duct cover separated from the main body of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 8 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.

[0041] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a heat dissipation duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating the bottom surface of a heat dissipation duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a top cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating the bottom surface of a top cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 13 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.

[0046] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a state in which a rotating bar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in a cover position covering the gaps of a plurality of doors.

[0047] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which a rotating bar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in an avoidance position in which interference with a door is prevented.

[0048] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a rotating bar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating an extension duct of a heat dissipation duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a second heat dissipation path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the flow of air discharged to the top of the rotating bar through the second heat dissipation path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a first heat dissipation path and a second heat dissipation path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 21 is a drawing illustrating a hot pipe provided at the front of a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] 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.

[0055] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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 by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0092] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0093] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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).

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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).

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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).

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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).

[0104] 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).

[0105] 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.

[0106] The refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) arranged to cool the storage compartment (11).

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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).

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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).

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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).

[0120] 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).

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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).

[0124] 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).

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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).

[0128] 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).

[0129] 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).

[0130] 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).

[0131] 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).

[0132] 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).

[0133] 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).

[0134] 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).

[0135] 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).

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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).

[0138] 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).

[0139]

[0140] FIG. 6 is a drawing of a top cover separated from a main body of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 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. 8 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. 9 is a drawing of an exploded view of a heat dissipation duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a drawing of a bottom surface of a heat dissipation duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, the structure of a heat dissipation duct (700) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0142] 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).

[0143] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include a heat dissipation duct body (720), a heat dissipation duct cover (710), and an extension duct (740).

[0144] 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).

[0145] A heat dissipation duct cover (710) may be coupled to the upper portion of the 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.

[0146] 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. 8, 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).

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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).

[0149] 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).

[0150] 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).

[0151] 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).

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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).

[0155] 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 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).

[0156] 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).

[0157] 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).

[0158] 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).

[0159] 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).

[0160] The suction space (752) may be formed on the upper surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720). The suction space (752) may be formed to have an open upper side, 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).

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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).

[0163] 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.

[0164] A second exhaust space (791) may be formed on the upper surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720). 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).

[0165] The second exhaust duct section (790) may 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) may be formed independently.

[0166]

[0167] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a top cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a bottom surface of a top cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0168] 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).

[0169] 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).

[0170] 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).

[0171] 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).

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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).

[0175] 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).

[0176] 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).

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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).

[0180] FIG. 13 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.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 13, 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.

[0182] 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).

[0183] 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).

[0184] 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).

[0185] 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).

[0186] 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).

[0187] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a rotating bar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in a cover position covering the gaps between multiple doors. FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a rotating bar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in an avoidance position to prevent interference with the doors. FIG. 16 is an exploded drawing illustrating a rotating bar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0188] A rotating bar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16.

[0189] The rotating bar (40) can be rotatably connected to the first door (21).

[0190] As illustrated in Fig. 14, the rotating bar (40) may be in a cover position (P1) that covers the gap between the first door (21) and the second door (22) when the first door (21) and the second door (22) are closed. When the rotating bar (40) is in the cover position (P1), the front surface (43) of the rotating bar (40) may be parallel to the back surface of the first door (21).

[0191] As illustrated in Fig. 15, when the first door (21) is opened or closed, the rotating bar (40) can rotate to an avoidance position (P2) that does not interfere with the second door (22).

[0192] That is, the rotation bar (40) can rotate between the cover position (P1) and the avoidance position (P2) according to the rotation of the first door (21). The rotation bar (40) can rotate by the guide protrusion (46) provided at the upper end of the rotation bar (40) being rotated by the rotation guide (119, FIG. 2) provided at the upper end of the main body (100). The rotation angle of the rotation bar (40) can be determined according to the rotation angle of the first door (21).

[0193] The rotating bar (40) may have a vertically extending bar shape. The rotating bar (40) may include a rotating bar body (41) and a rotating bar cover (42) coupled to the front of the rotating bar body (41). The rotating bar (40) may include a connecting bracket (45) so as to be rotatably coupled to the door.

[0194] Since the rear surface of the rotating bar (40) is cooled by the cold air of the storage room and has a low temperature, condensation may occur on the front surface (43) of the rotating bar (40) in which moisture in the air condenses. The rotating bar (40) may include a heater (44) to prevent condensation by raising the temperature of the front surface of the rotating bar (40) above the dew point temperature.

[0195] FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating an extension duct of a heat dissipation duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a second heat dissipation path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating a flow of air discharged to the top of a rotating bar through the second heat dissipation path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0196] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include a second exhaust space (791) formed on the downstream side of the sink receiving space (771) to guide air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to a second outdoor air outlet (794). The second exhaust space (791) may include a second exhaust space upstream portion (792) and a second exhaust space downstream portion (793).

[0197] The heat dissipation duct body (720) may include a second exhaust space upstream portion (792). The second exhaust space upstream portion (792) may be formed on an upper surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720). The upper side of the second exhaust space upstream portion (792) may be open, and the open upper side of the second exhaust space upstream portion (792) may be covered by a heat dissipation duct cover (710).

[0198] The extension duct (740) may include a second discharge space downstream portion (793). The second discharge space downstream portion (793) may be formed on the upper surface of the extension duct (740). The upper side of the second discharge space downstream portion (793) may be open, and the open upper side of the second discharge space downstream portion (793) may be covered by a top cover (300).

[0199] The extension duct (740) may include an extension duct bottom (741) and an extension duct side portion (744) extending upward from both edges of the extension duct bottom (741). An extension duct connecting portion (745) may be formed on the extension duct side portion (744) to be connected to the top cover connecting portion (380) of the top cover (300). The extension duct connecting portion (745) and the top cover connecting portion (380) may be connected in a hook or fitting manner.

[0200] Additionally, unlike the present embodiment, the extension duct (740) may be coupled to the heat dissipation duct body (720) and may be formed integrally with the heat dissipation duct body (720).

[0201] The extension duct (740) may include an airflow guide (742) that guides the airflow so that a descending airflow is smoothly formed through the second outside air outlet (794). The airflow guide (742) may be formed to slope gently downward as it approaches the second outside air outlet (794).

[0202] The second outside air outlet (794) may be formed by the extension duct (740) and the top cover (300). The top cover (300) may include an outlet forming portion (312) positioned in front of the extension duct (740) to form the second outside air outlet (794). The outlet forming portion (312) may extend vertically.

[0203] The second external air exhaust port (794) may be located on the upper side of the top of the rotating bar (40). The second external air exhaust port (794) may be configured to exhaust air in a downward direction. Accordingly, air exhausted through the second external air exhaust port (794) may flow from the top of the rotating bar (40) along the front surface of the rotating bar (40) toward the bottom of the rotating bar (40).

[0204] The extension duct (740) may include an acceleration member (743) configured to increase the speed of the airflow discharged through the second outdoor air outlet (794). The acceleration member (743) may be formed so that its cross-sectional area becomes narrower as it approaches the second outdoor air outlet (794). That is, the acceleration member (743) may include a pair of inclined members formed on both sides of the second outdoor air outlet (794). The distance between the pair of inclined members may become narrower as it approaches the second outdoor air outlet (794).

[0205] By means of the above structure, waste heat generated in the thermoelectric cooling device can be smoothly guided toward the rotating bar (40), and condensation can be prevented from occurring on the rotating bar (40). Accordingly, the use of the heater (44) inside the rotating bar (40) can be reduced, and energy consumption can be saved.

[0206] FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a first heat dissipation path and a second heat dissipation path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0207] As illustrated in FIG. 20, the top cover (300) of the refrigerator (1) may be omitted depending on the embodiment. In this case, the heat dissipation duct (700) may not include an extension duct (740).

[0208] That is, instead of the extension duct (740), the heat dissipation duct body (720) and the heat dissipation duct cover (710) may be extended to the front end of the main body (100), and a second outside air outlet (794) may be formed by the heat dissipation duct body (720) and the heat dissipation duct cover (710).

[0209] In addition, in case the top cover (300) is omitted, the first external air discharge port (782) is composed only of an external discharge port (783), and all air guided by the first discharge duct section (780) can be discharged to the outside of the main body (100).

[0210] FIG. 21 is a drawing illustrating a hot pipe provided at the front of a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 21, the refrigerator (1) may include a hot pipe (195) provided on the front of the main body (100) to prevent condensation from occurring by raising the temperature of the front of the main body (100) above the dew point temperature.

[0212] The hot pipe (195) may not be provided on the entire front of the main body (100), but may be provided only on a part of the front of the main body (100). Specifically, the hot pipe (195) may be omitted from the upper part of the front of the main body (100) and may be provided only on the lower part of the front of the main body (100). For example, the hot pipe (195) may be provided on the entire front of the lower wall (120), the entire front of the vertical bulkhead (161), the entire front of the horizontal bulkhead (160), the lower part of the front of the left wall (130), and the lower part of the front of the right wall (140).

[0213] The reason why the hot pipe (195) can be omitted from the upper portion of the front of the main body (100) is that, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, waste heat discharged from the heat dissipation duct (700) can heat the upper surface of the main body (100) while passing through the space inside the top cover (320).

[0214] In this way, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a part of the hot pipe (195) can be omitted, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and energy consumption.

[0215] 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. A body having an upper wall; A storage room formed inside the above main body; A first door and a second door provided to open and close the above storage room; A rotating bar rotatably coupled to one of the first door and the second door to cover a gap between the first door and the second door when the first door and the second door are closed; A thermoelectric element having a heating element that generates heat and a cooling element that absorbs heat, and provided on the upper wall to cool the storage room; A heat sink provided to come into contact with the above-described heating element and heated by the heat generated by the above-described heating element; A heat dissipation fan that generates a flow of air toward the heat dissipation sink so that the flow of air exchanges heat with the heat dissipation sink; and including a heat dissipation duct; The above heat dissipation duct, A first exhaust duct section for guiding a first portion of the air flow that has exchanged heat with the heat sink to be discharged to the outside of the main body; and A refrigerator comprising a second exhaust duct section for guiding a second portion of the air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink to be discharged toward the rotating bar to prevent dew from forming on the rotating bar.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the second exhaust duct section is formed by branching off from the first exhaust duct section.

3. In paragraph 1, The above heat dissipation duct further includes a fan receiving portion for receiving the heat dissipation fan, and a sink receiving portion provided on the downstream side of the fan receiving portion for receiving the heat dissipation sink. The first exhaust duct section is a refrigerator provided on the downstream side of the sink receiving section.

4. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator wherein the heat dissipation duct is provided on the upstream side of the fan receiving portion and further includes an intake duct portion that guides air to the fan receiving portion.

5. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator in which the above heat dissipation duct further includes an outside air intake port formed on an upper surface of the suction duct section so that air from the outside of the main body is sucked into the inside of the suction duct section by the air flow formed by the heat dissipation fan.

6. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the above heat dissipation duct further includes a first outside air discharge port for discharging air guided by the first discharge duct section to the outside of the first discharge duct section, and a second outside air discharge port for discharging air guided by the second discharge duct section to the outside of the second discharge duct section.

7. In paragraph 6, A refrigerator in which the second outside air outlet is located above the top of the rotating bar so that air discharged through the second outside air outlet flows from the top of the rotating bar toward the bottom of the rotating bar along the front side of the rotating bar.

8. In paragraph 6, The above heat dissipation duct further includes an airflow guide portion that slopes gently downward as the heat dissipation duct approaches the second outdoor air exhaust port, A refrigerator in which air discharged through the second outdoor air outlet descends toward the rotating bar.

9. In paragraph 6, A refrigerator wherein the heat dissipation duct further includes an acceleration member having a cross-sectional area that becomes narrower as the heat dissipation duct approaches the second outdoor air outlet to increase the speed of the airflow discharged through the second outdoor air outlet.

10. In paragraph 6, A plurality of hinges rotatably connecting the first door and the second door to the main body; and A refrigerator further comprising a top cover coupled to a front portion of the upper surface of the main body to cover the plurality of hinges.

11. In paragraph 10, The above heat dissipation duct, heat dissipation duct body; A heat dissipation duct cover coupled to the upper side of the above heat dissipation duct body; and A refrigerator further comprising: an extension duct provided between the heat dissipation duct body and the rotating bar so as to be arranged below the top cover and form the second outside air discharge port together with the top cover; 12. In paragraph 10, The above top cover includes a space inside the top cover, A refrigerator in which at least a portion of the air discharged through the first outdoor air outlet flows into the internal space of the top cover.

13. In paragraph 12, A refrigerator wherein the first outside air outlet comprises a top cover outlet for discharging a first portion of air discharged through the first outside air outlet into the internal space of the top cover, and an outside outlet partitioned from the top cover outlet for discharging a second portion of air discharged through the first outside air outlet to the outside of the top cover.

14. In paragraph 13, A refrigerator in which the top cover includes a top cover inlet through which at least a portion of the air discharged through the first outside air outlet flows into the internal space of the top cover, and a top cover outlet through which the air introduced into the internal space of the top cover through the top cover inlet flows out to the outside of the top cover.

15. In paragraph 13, A refrigerator wherein the top cover includes an exhaust guide portion that guides air discharged through the external exhaust port.

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