Refrigerator

Abstract

The refrigerator may include: a body including an insulation wall having a hole formed therethrough; a storage chamber formed inside the body; and a thermoelectric module seated on the insulation wall inside the hole and provided to cool the storage chamber, wherein the thermoelectric module includes: a thermoelectric element including a heat absorbing surface and a heat dissipating surface, the heat absorbing surface existing on a first surface, which faces the storage chamber, of the thermoelectric module and being configured to absorb heat from the storage chamber, the heat dissipating surface being positioned on a second surface, which is opposite to the first surface, of the thermoelectric module and being configured to receive heat from the heat absorbing surface and then dissipate the received heat; a cooling sink which is in contact with the heat absorbing surface and is configured to exchange heat with the heat absorbing surface; a heat sink which is in contact with the heat dissipating surface and is configured to exchange heat with the heat dissipating surface; and a coupling member which couples the cooling sink and the heat sink so that the cooling sink is pressed against the heat absorbing surface and the heat sink is pressed against the heat dissipating surface.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator that cools a storage compartment using a thermoelectric element.

[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 refrigerator's cooling system can utilize a thermoelectric element that generates heat and cooling through the Peltier effect. The Peltier effect is a phenomenon in which heat flow is induced by the flow of electric current.

[0004] A thermoelectric element has a heat-absorbing surface and a heat-generating surface. When current is applied to the thermoelectric element, heat can flow from the heat-absorbing surface to the heat-generating surface, creating a temperature difference between the two surfaces. In other words, heat can be absorbed from the heat-absorbing surface, and the absorbed heat can then be released to the heat-generating surface. Therefore, by absorbing heat from the storage chamber through the heat-absorbing surface, the storage chamber can be cooled.

[0005] A cooling sink can be attached to the heat-absorbing surface to ensure efficient heat absorption, and a heat sink can be attached to the heat-generating surface to ensure efficient heat generation.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator comprising a thermoelectric module that cools a storage compartment more effectively.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a thermoelectric module having improved assembly convenience, bonding strength and durability.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator comprising a thermoelectric module having a structure capable of being stably mounted on an insulating wall.

[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] A refrigerator according to the invention may include a body including an insulating wall in which a hole is formed, a storage compartment formed inside the body, and a thermoelectric module mounted on the insulating wall inside the hole and configured to cool the storage compartment, wherein the thermoelectric module includes a heat-absorbing surface on a first surface of the thermoelectric module facing the storage compartment, the heat-absorbing surface configured to absorb heat from the storage compartment, and a heat-generating surface located on a second surface of the thermoelectric module opposite the first surface, the heat-generating surface configured to receive heat from the heat-absorbing surface and to release the received heat, a cooling sink configured to contact the heat-absorbing surface and exchange heat with the heat-generating surface, a heat sink configured to contact the heat-generating surface and exchange heat with the heat-generating surface, and a coupling member that couples the cooling sink and the heat sink such that the cooling sink is pressed against the heat-absorbing surface and the heat sink is pressed against the heat-generating surface.

[0011] The cooling sink may have a cooling sink coupling hole formed therethrough, the heat sink may have a heat sink coupling hole formed therethrough, and the coupling member may include a first coupling portion that can pass through the cooling sink coupling hole and the heat sink coupling hole, a second coupling portion that can be connected to a first end of the first coupling portion and can be provided to be supported on the first surface of the thermoelectric module, and a third coupling portion that can be connected to a second end of the first coupling portion and can be provided to be supported on the second surface of the thermoelectric module, and the second coupling portion or the third coupling portion may be configured to be movable toward the thermoelectric element so that the cooling sink presses the heat-absorbing surface and the heat sink presses the heat-generating surface.

[0012] The first coupling portion may include a bolt body, the second coupling portion may include a nut, and the third coupling portion may include a bolt head.

[0013] The above-mentioned hole may further include a module frame formed along the inner circumference thereof and arranged to be fixed to the insulating wall, and the thermoelectric module may be coupled to the module frame.

[0014] The above thermoelectric module may include a plurality of thermoelectric modules and may include at least one connecting member that connects the plurality of thermoelectric modules to each other.

[0015] The plurality of thermoelectric modules may include a plurality of heat sinks, and the at least one connecting member may connect the plurality of thermoelectric modules to each other to connect the plurality of heat sinks to each other.

[0016] The above connecting member may be coupled to one side of each of the plurality of heat sinks extending away from the storage compartment.

[0017] The device may further include an insulating member including a through hole, wherein the thermoelectric element is in the through hole, and the insulating member may be disposed between the cooling sink and the heat sink.

[0018] The above insulating member may include a first cover plate covering a first insulating surface facing the cooling sink and a second cover plate covering a second insulating surface facing the heat sink, wherein the first cover plate may be in contact with one surface of the cooling sink facing the insulating member, and the second cover plate may be in contact with one surface of the heat sink facing the insulating member.

[0019] The outer surface of the above insulating member can be in contact with the inner surface of the above module frame.

[0020] The above insulating member may include a first insulating surface facing the cooling sink and a second insulating surface facing the heat sink, the first insulating surface may have a smaller area than the second insulating surface, the outer circumference of the insulating member may be inclined from the outer circumference of the second insulating surface toward the outer circumference of the first insulating surface, and the inner circumference of the module frame may include a formation corresponding to the outer circumference of the insulating member and may be in contact with the outer circumference of the insulating member.

[0021] The cooling sink may include a cooling plate in contact with the first cover plate and a cooling block protruding from the cooling plate into the through hole, the heat sink may include a heating plate in contact with the second cover plate, and the thermoelectric element may be arranged such that the heat absorption surface contacts the cooling block and the heat generation surface contacts the heating plate.

[0022] The insulating wall may include an inner opening on a first surface of the insulating wall facing the storage compartment and an outer opening on a second surface of the insulating wall facing away from the storage compartment, the hole may extend from the inner opening to the outer opening, and the thermoelectric element may be closer to the outer opening than to the inner opening.

[0023] The above heat sink can be fixed to the module frame to couple the thermoelectric module to the module frame.

[0024] The cooling sink may have a cooling sink coupling hole formed therethrough, the heat sink may have a heat sink coupling hole formed therethrough, and the thermoelectric module may include a first cover member covering an outer circumference of the coupling hole of the cooling sink on one surface of the cooling sink and a second cover member covering an outer circumference of the coupling hole of the heat sink on one surface of the heat sink, and the first cover member and the second cover member may include an insulating material.

[0025] A refrigerator according to the invention comprises a body including a plurality of insulating walls. The refrigerator includes a storage compartment formed inside the body. The refrigerator comprises a plurality of thermoelectric modules, each of which is mounted on one of the plurality of insulating walls, wherein a hole is formed therein, and the plurality of thermoelectric modules are inserted into the hole and are arranged to cool the storage compartment. Each of the plurality of thermoelectric modules includes a thermoelectric element, which includes a heat-absorbing surface formed on one surface facing the storage compartment and absorbing heat from the storage compartment, and a heat-generating surface formed on the opposite surface and releasing heat absorbed by the heat-absorbing surface. Each of the plurality of thermoelectric modules includes a cooling sink in contact with the heat-absorbing surface so as to exchange heat with the heat-generating surface. Each of the plurality of thermoelectric modules includes a heat sink in contact with the heat-generating surface so as to exchange heat with the heat-generating surface. Each of the plurality of thermoelectric modules includes a coupling member that couples the cooling sink and the heat sink such that the cooling sink and the heat sink are pressed toward the thermoelectric element, respectively.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a plurality of insulating walls of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a module assembly and a module frame separated from an insulating wall according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a module assembly according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a disassembled module assembly according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 is a drawing showing Figure 5 from a different angle.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a rear view of a module assembly according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a rear view of a module assembly according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing an exploded view of an insulating member according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 11 is a drawing showing a side cross-section of a rear insulation wall.

[0037] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of a side cross-section of a rear insulation wall according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of a side cross-section of a rear insulation wall according to one embodiment.

[0039] 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.

[0040] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0050] The "body" may include an inner case, an outer case disposed on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0051] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The "outer case" may form the outer appearance of the main body, and may be joined to the outer side of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0052] "Insulation" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment. In one embodiment, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0053] In one embodiment, the insulation may 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. The vacuum insulation may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0054] A "storage room" may include a space defined by an interior wall. The storage room may further include an interior wall defining a corresponding space. The storage room may store various items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room may be configured to be open on at least one side for the entry and exit of items.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0065] A "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 a storage room.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 in communication with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0080] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0081] Hereinafter, refrigerators according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0082] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a plurality of insulating walls of a refrigerator according to one embodiment in an exploded manner. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a module assembly and a module frame separated from an insulating wall according to one embodiment.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10) including a plurality of insulating walls (11, 12, 13, 14, 15), a storage compartment (20) formed inside the main body (10), a door (21) provided to open and close the storage compartment (20), and a module assembly (100) including a thermoelectric module (M) provided to cool the storage compartment (20). The thermoelectric module (M) may include a plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) (a detailed description of the thermoelectric module (M) will be described later).

[0084] A plurality of insulating walls (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) can be assembled with each other to form a main body (10). The plurality of insulating walls (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) can be joined to each other through various known methods. For example, each of the plurality of insulating walls (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) can include a protruding structure or a hook structure that can be fitted to each other.

[0085] The plurality of insulating walls (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) may include an upper (+Z-side) insulating wall (11), a left (-Y-side) insulating wall (13), a right (+Y-side) insulating wall (15), a lower (-Z-side) insulating wall (14), and a rear (-X-side) insulating wall (12). The upper insulating wall (11), the left insulating wall (13), the right insulating wall (15), the lower insulating wall (14), and the rear insulating wall (12) may be provided separately from each other and assembled to each other.

[0086] However, at least some of the upper insulation wall (11), the left insulation wall (13), the right insulation wall (15), the lower insulation wall (14), and the rear insulation wall (12) may be formed integrally.

[0087] Additionally, the upper insulation wall (11), the left insulation wall (13), the right insulation wall (15), the lower insulation wall (14), and the entire rear insulation wall (12) may be formed integrally.

[0088] The storage room (20) can store items. The storage room (20) can be formed to be open at the front (+X direction) so that items can be introduced into the storage room (20) or taken out from the storage room (20).

[0089] A thermoelectric element (150a) included in a module assembly (100) can cool a storage chamber (20) using the Peltier effect. The module thermoelectric assembly can be provided in any one of a plurality of insulating walls (11, 12, 13, 14, 15).

[0090] Although FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which a module assembly (100) is provided on a rear insulating wall (12) among a plurality of insulating walls (11, 12, 13, 14, 15), the present invention is not limited thereto, and a module assembly (100) may be provided on another insulating wall to cool a storage compartment (20). In addition, although FIG. 2 illustrates one module assembly (100), the present invention is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator (1) may include a plurality of module assemblies (100). For example, a module assembly (100) may be mounted on each insulating wall. In addition, there may be a case in which a plurality of module assemblies are mounted on any one of the plurality of insulating walls (11, 12, 13, 14, 15).

[0091] Each of the interiors of the plurality of insulating walls (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) may be filled with insulating material. The insulating material may include urethane foam. A urethane foaming liquid may be foamed and cured in each of the interiors of the plurality of insulating walls (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) to form urethane foam.

[0092] The storage room (20) can be insulated from the outside (O) by insulation materials filled in multiple insulating walls (11, 12, 13, 14, 15).

[0093] The main body (10) may include a first rear panel (17) that covers the rear insulation wall (12) from the front (+X direction) and a second rear panel (16) that covers the rear insulation wall (12) from the rear (-X direction).

[0094] The first rear panel (17) can be mounted on the rear insulation wall (12) so as to cover one side of the rear insulation wall (12) facing the storage compartment (20). The first rear panel (17) can be mounted on one side of the rear insulation wall (12) so as to cover the module assembly (100) from the front.

[0095] Even if the first rear panel (17) is mounted on one side of the rear insulation wall (12), the module assembly (100) can still be arranged to communicate with the storage compartment (20). Accordingly, the module assembly (100) can exchange heat with the storage compartment (20).

[0096] The second rear panel (16) can be mounted on the rear insulation wall (12) to cover the other side of the rear insulation wall (12) facing the opposite side of the storage compartment (20). The second rear panel (16) can be mounted on the other side of the rear insulation wall (12) to cover the module assembly (100) from the rear.

[0097] Below, the insulating wall on which the module assembly (100) is mounted is illustrated and described as a rear insulating wall (12).

[0098] A refrigerator (1) may include a module frame (40) on which a module assembly (100) is mounted. A thermoelectric module (M) may be coupled to the module frame (40) and mounted on an insulating wall (12).

[0099] The module frame (40) may be provided to be fixed to the insulating wall (12). More specifically, the rear insulating wall (12) may include a hole (30), and the module frame (40) may be formed along the inner circumferential surface (33) of the hole. That is, the module frame (40) may be formed such that the outer circumferential surface (44) of the module frame (40) is in contact with the inner circumferential surface (33) of the hole, and may be coupled to the insulating wall.

[0100] The urethane filled inside the rear insulation wall (12) described above can be arranged to fill the internal space of the rear insulation wall (12) formed by the rear insulation wall (12) and the module frame (40).

[0101] Since the module assembly (100) is coupled to the module frame (40), the thermoelectric module (M) can be inserted into the hole (30) and installed on the insulating wall.

[0102] The module frame (40) may include a fixing member coupling portion (45) formed to protrude radially along the outer circumferential surface (44) of the module frame (40). The fixing member coupling portion (45) may be coupled with a fixing member (181a, see FIG. 8) included in the module assembly (100) to couple the module assembly (100) to the module frame (40).

[0103] The hole (30) may include a first opening (31) facing the storage room (20) and a second opening (32) facing the opposite side of the storage room (20). As will be described later, a cooling sink (110) included in a thermoelectric module (M) may be provided to protrude into the storage room (20) through the first opening (31) and exchange heat with the storage room (20), and a heat sink (120) may be provided to protrude to the opposite side of the storage room (20) through the second opening (32) and exchange heat with the outside (O).

[0104] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a module assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an isolated module assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating FIG. 5 from a different angle. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a module assembly according to one embodiment from the rear.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the module assembly (100) may include a thermoelectric module (M). The thermoelectric module (M) may include a plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc). Hereinafter, the thermoelectric module will be described using one thermoelectric module (Ma) among the plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) as an example.

[0106] The thermoelectric module (Ma) may include a thermoelectric element (150a) configured to cool a storage chamber (20) through the Peltier effect, and a cooling sink (110a) and a heat sink (120a) configured to exchange heat with the thermoelectric element (150a). In addition, the thermoelectric module (Ma) may include a coupling member (141a) that couples the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a) so that the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a) are pressed toward the thermoelectric element (150a). The coupling member (141a) may be installed to penetrate the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a), respectively. The coupling member (141a) may include a plurality of coupling members (141a).

[0107] The thermoelectric element (150a) may include a heat-absorbing surface (151a) formed on one side facing the storage room (20) and absorbing heat from the storage room (20). The thermoelectric element (150a) may include a heat-generating surface (152a) formed on the opposite side of the one side facing the storage room (20) and provided to release heat absorbed by the heat-absorbing surface (151a). That is, heat of the storage room (20) may be discharged to the outside (O) through the thermoelectric element (150a), so that the storage room (20) may be cooled.

[0108] The cooling sink (110a) may be in contact with the heat absorbing surface (151a) to exchange heat with the heat absorbing surface (151a). More specifically, the cooling sink (110a) may include a cooling block (113a) having one surface in direct contact with the heat absorbing surface (151a), a cooling plate (114a) attached to the other surface of the cooling block (113a), and cooling fins (111a) protruding from the cooling plate (114a) toward the storage chamber (20).

[0109] The cooling plate (114a) may include a cooling sink coupling hole (112a) through which the coupling member (141a) passes.

[0110] The cooling sink coupling hole (112a) may be formed to penetrate the cooling plate (114a). The cooling sink coupling hole (112a) may be formed to penetrate the cooling plate (114a) in the front-back direction (+-X direction).

[0111] The cooling sink coupling hole (112a) may include a plurality of cooling sink coupling holes (112a, 115a). The plurality of cooling sink coupling holes (112a, 115a) may be formed to be spaced apart from each other.

[0112] For example, a plurality of cooling sink coupling holes (112a, 115a) may be formed in the cooling plate (114a) to be positioned at the upper and lower sides with respect to the cooling block (113a), but the positions at which the plurality of cooling sink coupling holes (112a, 115a) are formed may be provided in various ways.

[0113] The heat sink (120a) may be in contact with the heating surface (152a) to exchange heat with the heating surface (152a). More specifically, the heat sink (120a) may include a heating plate (124a) including one side that is in direct contact with the heating surface (152a) and heating fins (121a) that protrude from the heating plate (124a) so as to face the opposite side of the storage chamber (20).

[0114] By the arrangement as described above, the heat of the storage room (20) can be transferred in the order of cooling fin (111a), cooling plate (114a), cooling block (113a), thermoelectric element (150a), heating plate (124a), and heating fin (121a) and discharged to the outside (O).

[0115] The heating plate (124a) may include a heat sink coupling hole (122a) through which the coupling member (141a) passes. The heat sink coupling hole (122a) may be formed to pass through the heating plate (124a). The heat sink coupling hole (122a) may be formed to pass through the heating plate (124a) in the front-back direction (+-X direction).

[0116] The heat sink coupling hole (122a) may include a plurality of heat sink coupling holes (122a, 125a). The plurality of heat sink coupling holes (122a, 125a) may be formed to be spaced apart from each other.

[0117] A plurality of heat sink coupling holes (122a, 125a) may be formed to correspond to a plurality of cooling sink coupling holes (112a, 115a). In other words, the distance at which the plurality of heat sink coupling holes (122a, 125a) are spaced from each other may be formed to correspond to the distance at which the plurality of cooling sink coupling holes (112a, 115a) are spaced from each other.

[0118] The coupling member (141a) can couple the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a) by penetrating both the cooling sink coupling hole (112a) and the heat sink coupling hole (122a). When the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a) are coupled, the thermoelectric element (150a) can be placed between the heat sink (120a) and the cooling sink (110a). The detailed method by which the coupling member (141a) couples the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a) will be described later.

[0119] The module assembly (100) may include a connecting member (160) that connects a plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) to each other. For example, the connecting member (160) may be coupled with a plurality of heat sinks (120a, 120b, 120c) to connect a plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) to each other. Hereinafter, the connecting member (160) will be described based on the connecting member (160a) that connects any two thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb) among the plurality of thermoelectric modules to each other.

[0120] For example, the connecting member (160a) may be coupled to a plurality of heating plates (124a, 124b) included in each of the plurality of heat sinks (120a, 120b). For example, the connecting member (160a) may have one end coupled to a connecting portion (161a) formed in one of the plurality of heat sinks (120a), and the other end coupled to a connecting portion (162a) formed in another of the plurality of heat sinks (120b).

[0121] For example, the connecting member (160a) may include a material such as steel or titanium, thereby enabling a more rigid connection of a plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb). Accordingly, the rigidity of the entire module assembly (100) may be further increased.

[0122] For example, the connecting member (160a) can be connected to one side of the heat sinks (120a, 120b) facing the opposite side (-X side) of the storage chamber (20) to connect a plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb). Therefore, when a user wants to detach only one of the plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb) for maintenance and repair of the thermoelectric module (Ma), the user can access the connecting member (160a) by detaching only the rear insulation wall (12). Therefore, the user can detach the connecting member (160a) more easily to perform maintenance and repair of the thermoelectric module (Ma).

[0123] Although not illustrated, for example, the connecting member (160) may be combined with a plurality of cooling sinks (110a, 110b, 110c) to connect a plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) to each other. In such a case, the plurality of cooling sinks (110a, 110b, 110c) may be connected in the same manner as the method of connecting the plurality of heat sinks (120a, 120b, 120c) described above.

[0124] The module assembly (100) may include an insulating member (130) arranged between a cooling sink (110) and a heat sink (120) to prevent heat from being lost from the cooling fins (111) to the heating fins (121). Hereinafter, the insulating member (130) will be described based on one thermoelectric module (Ma) among a plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc).

[0125] The insulating member (130) may include an insulating member body (133) forming an exterior. The insulating member (130) may include a first insulating surface (136, see FIG. 10) facing the cooling sink (110a) and a second insulating surface (137, see FIG. 10) facing the heat sink (120a). The first insulating surface (136) may be formed on the front side of the insulating member body (133), and the second insulating surface (137) may be formed on the rear side of the insulating member body (133).

[0126] The outer circumference (1331) of the insulating member may be formed to extend from the outer circumference of the second insulating surface (137) toward the outer circumference of the first insulating surface (136). The first insulating surface (136) may be formed to have a smaller area than the second insulating surface (137), so that the outer circumference (1331) of the insulating member may have a cross-sectional area that becomes narrower as it goes from the second insulating surface (137) toward the first insulating surface (136).

[0127] The insulating member (130) may include a through hole (131) formed in the center of the insulating member body (133). When the insulating member (130) is placed between the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a), the cooling block (113a) and the thermoelectric element (150a) may be arranged to be inserted into the through hole (131a).

[0128] In other words, the insulation member (130) may be provided to cover the edges of the cooling block (113a) and the thermoelectric element (150a). Accordingly, heat moving from the cooling block (113a) and the thermoelectric element (150a) may flow to the heat sink (120a) without being leaked.

[0129] For example, the through hole (131a) may include a plurality of through holes (131a, 131b, 131c). When the insulation member (130) is arranged between a plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc), a plurality of cooling blocks (113a, 113b, 113c) and a plurality of thermoelectric elements (150a, 150b, 150c) included in each of the plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) may be inserted into each of the plurality of through holes (131a, 131b, 131c).

[0130] The insulating member (130) may include an insulating member joining hole (132). The insulating member joining hole (132) may be formed to penetrate the insulating member body (133) in the front-rear direction. When the insulating member (130) is arranged between the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a), the joining member (141a) may be provided to penetrate the insulating member joining hole (132a).

[0131] The insulating member joining hole (132a) can be arranged in a straight line with the cooling sink joining hole (112a) and the heat sink joining hole (122a) in the front-back direction (+-X direction). Accordingly, the joining member (141a) can be arranged to penetrate the cooling sink joining hole (112a), the insulating member joining hole (132a), and the heat sink joining hole (122a).

[0132] The insulating member joining hole (132a) may include a plurality of insulating member joining holes (132a, 135a). For example, the plurality of insulating member joining holes (132a, 135a) may be arranged above and below the through hole (131a), respectively.

[0133] Fig. 8 is a rear view of a module assembly according to one embodiment. Descriptions of any content that overlaps with the above will be omitted below.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 8, the module assembly (200) may include a single integrally formed heat sink (220). For example, a plurality of cooling sinks (110a, 110b, 110c) may be respectively coupled to the single heat sink (220). By having the structure in which each of the cooling sinks (110a, 110b, 110c) is coupled to the single integrally formed heat sink (220), the rigidity of the module assembly (200) can be secured even with a simplified structure.

[0135] For example, multiple cooling sinks (110a, 110b, 110c) may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals and combined into one heat sink (220).

[0136] Below, the formation process of the module assembly (200) is described based on one cooling sink (110a) among a plurality of cooling sinks (110a, 110b, 110c).

[0137] The cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (220) can be joined by a joining member (241a, 242a).

[0138] The connecting members (241a, 242a) are provided to penetrate the heat sink (220) and the cooling sink (110a), respectively, so that the heat sink (220) and the cooling sink (110a) can be connected to each other.

[0139] The connecting members (241a, 242a) may be respectively positioned on the upper and lower sides of one side (221a) of the heat sink (220). For example, the upper and lower sides of the one side (221a) of the heat sink (220) through which the connecting members (241a, 242a) pass may be points symmetrical to each other with respect to the center line of the heat sink (220) in the horizontal direction (+-Y direction). The distance at which the connecting members (241a, 242a) are spaced from the aforementioned center line may be provided in various ways.

[0140] A fixing hole (226) formed to penetrate the heat sink (220) may be provided on one side (221a) of the heat sink (220) adjacent to the edge portion among the sides (221a) of the heat sink (220). The fixing hole (226) may include a plurality of fixing holes (2261a, 2262a, 2263a). For example, the plurality of fixing holes (2261a, 2262a, 2263a) may be formed on one side (221a) of the heat sink (220) along the edge of the heat sink (220) while being spaced apart from each other at equal intervals.

[0141] A fixing member (181a, see Fig. 9) can be passed through the fixing hole (226). The fixing member (181a) can be provided to pass through the fixing hole (226) and be coupled to the module frame (40). Accordingly, the module assembly (200) can be supported by the heat sink (220) and mounted on the module frame (40) by the fixing hole (226) formed in the heat sink (220).

[0142] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment.

[0143] Below, the method in which a cooling sink (110a), a thermoelectric element (150a), and a heat sink (120a) are connected to each other by a connecting member (141a) is specifically examined based on one thermoelectric module (Ma) among a plurality of thermoelectric modules.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 9, the coupling member (141a) may include a first coupling portion (1412a) that connects the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a) by passing through the cooling sink coupling hole (112a) and the heat sink coupling hole (122a). For example, the first coupling portion (1412a) may include a shape of a bolt body that extends in the front-rear direction (+-X direction) and includes a screw thread.

[0145] The first coupling member (1412a) may be positioned above the thermoelectric element (150a) and the cooling block (113a). Therefore, heat flowing through the cooling block (113a) and the thermoelectric element (150a) may not leak toward the coupling member (141a).

[0146] The coupling member (141a) may include a second coupling portion (1413a) connected to one end of the first coupling portion (1412a). For example, the second coupling portion (1413a) may be provided to be supported on one side (1141a) of the cooling sink (110a) facing the storage compartment (20). For example, the second coupling portion (1413a) may include a nut. When the second coupling portion (1413a) is provided as a nut, it may move on the first coupling portion (1412a) by engaging with the threads of the first coupling portion (1412a).

[0147] The coupling member (141a) may include a third coupling portion (1411a) connected to the other end of the first coupling portion (1412a). For example, the third coupling portion (1411a) may include a bolt head formed at the other end of the first coupling portion (1412a). The third coupling portion (1411a) may be provided to be supported on one side (1242a) of the heat sink (120a) facing the opposite side of the storage chamber (20).

[0148] For example, the first coupling portion (1412a) and the third coupling portion (1411a) may be formed integrally. When the third coupling portion (1411a) rotates, the first coupling portion (1412a) may rotate.

[0149] When the first coupling part (1412a) rotates, the second coupling part (1413a) can move backward (in the -X direction) by engaging with the screw thread of the first coupling part (1412a). In other words, the second coupling part (1413a) can pressurize one surface of the cooling sink (110a) supporting the second coupling part (1413a) backward (in the -X direction).

[0150] The third coupling portion (1411a) can move forward (in the +X direction) through rotation. In other words, the third coupling portion (1411a) can pressurize one surface of the heat sink (120a) supporting the third coupling portion (1411a) forward (in the +X direction).

[0151] At this time, since the thermoelectric element (150a) is placed between the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a), it can be pressurized by the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a) according to the rotation of the first coupling part (1412a).

[0152] In other words, the thermoelectric element (150a) can be pressed backward (-X direction) by the cooling block (113a) and forward (+X direction) by the heat plate. Therefore, the thermoelectric element (150a) can be effectively fixed between the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a).

[0153] Due to the structure of the above-described joining member (141a), the cooling sink (110a), the heat sink (120a), and the thermoelectric element (150a) may not require a separate joining frame or the like for joining. Accordingly, the thermoelectric module (Ma) can be made lighter.

[0154] The thermoelectric module (Ma) may include a first cover member (172a) arranged on one side (1141a) of the cooling sink (110a) to cover the outer periphery of the cooling sink coupling hole (112a). More specifically, the first cover member (172a) may be arranged on one side (1141a) of the cooling plate (114a) facing the storage chamber (20) to cover the outer periphery of the cooling sink coupling hole (112a).

[0155] The second connecting portion (1413a) may be arranged to come into contact with the first cover member (172a). Accordingly, the second connecting portion (1413a) may be supported on the cooling sink (110a) via the first cover member (172a).

[0156] The first cover member (172a) may include an insulating material. Accordingly, the cooling sink (110a) can effectively prevent heat from flowing toward the storage chamber (20) through the cooling sink coupling hole (112a).

[0157] The thermoelectric module (Ma) may include a second cover member (171a) arranged on one side (1242a) of the heat sink (120a) to cover the outer periphery of the heat sink coupling hole (122a). More specifically, the second cover member (171a) may be arranged on one side (1242a) of the heating plate (124a) facing the opposite side of the storage chamber (20) to cover the outer periphery of the heat sink coupling hole (122a).

[0158] The third connecting portion (1411a) may be arranged to be in contact with the second cover member (171a). Accordingly, the third connecting portion (1411a) may be supported on the heat sink (120a) via the second cover member (171a).

[0159] The second cover member (171a) may include an insulating material. Accordingly, the heat sink (120a) can effectively prevent heat from the outside (O) from flowing toward the storage chamber (20) through the heat sink coupling hole (122a).

[0160] The coupling member (141) may include a plurality of coupling members (141a, 142a), and each of the coupling members (141a, 142a) may be arranged above and below the thermoelectric element (150a), respectively. However, this is merely an example, and the arrangement of the plurality of coupling members (141a, 142a) may be arranged in various ways.

[0161] In the above, the second coupling part (1413a) is described as being arranged on the cooling sink (110a) side and being a nut, and the third coupling part (1411a) is described as being arranged on the heat sink (120a) side and being a bolt head, but this is merely an example, and it is also possible for the second coupling part (1413a) to be a bolt head and the third coupling part (1411a) to be a nut.

[0162] Fig. 10 is an exploded view of an insulating member according to one embodiment. Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a rear insulating wall. Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of a side cross-sectional view of a rear insulating wall according to one embodiment.

[0163] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the insulating member (130) may include a urethane material. The insulating member (130) may include a first cover plate (138) covering a first insulating surface (136) facing the cooling sink (110a). The insulating member (130) may include a second cover plate (139) covering a second insulating surface (137) facing the heat sink (120a).

[0164] The first cover plate (138) covers the first insulating surface (136) of the insulating member (130) facing the storage room (20), thereby protecting the first insulating surface (136) from moisture, etc. in the storage room (20). Accordingly, the phenomenon of the insulating member (130) including the urethane material being damaged can be prevented.

[0165] The first cover plate (138) may be in contact with one side of the cooling sink (110a) facing the insulating member (130). More specifically, one side of the cooling plate (114a) facing the insulating member (130) may be arranged to be in contact with one side of the first cover plate (138) facing the storage compartment (20).

[0166] The first cover plate (138) may include a first cover plate through hole (1381) that is in communication with the through hole (131). Accordingly, the cooling block (113) and the thermoelectric element (150) may pass through the first cover plate through hole (1381) and be seated inside the through hole (131).

[0167] The first cover plate (138) may include a first cover plate joining hole (1382) through which the joining member (141) is provided to pass. Accordingly, when the insulating member (130) is arranged between the cooling sink (110) and the heat sink (120), the joining member (141) may be arranged to pass through the first cover plate joining hole (1382). The first cover plate joining hole (1382) may include a plurality of first cover plate joining holes (1382, 1385).

[0168] The second cover plate (139) covers the second insulating surface (137) of the insulating member (130) facing the outside (O), thereby protecting the second insulating surface (137) from moisture or foreign substances from the outside (O). Accordingly, the insulating member (130) including the urethane material can be prevented from being damaged.

[0169] The second cover plate (139) may be arranged to contact one side of the heat sink (120a) facing the insulating member (130). More specifically, one side of the heating plate (124a) facing the insulating member (130) may be arranged to contact one side of the second cover plate (139) facing the opposite side of the storage chamber (20).

[0170] The second cover plate (139) may include a second cover plate through hole (1391) that is in communication with the through hole (131). Accordingly, the thermoelectric element (150) may be arranged to contact the heat sink (120) through the second cover plate through hole (1391).

[0171] The second cover plate (139) may include a second cover plate joining hole (1392) through which the joining member (141) is provided to pass. Accordingly, when the insulating member (130) is arranged between the cooling sink (110) and the heat sink (120), the joining member (141) may be arranged to pass through the second cover plate joining hole (1392). The second cover plate joining hole (1392) may include a plurality of second cover plate joining holes (1392).

[0172] The module frame (40) can be formed along the inner surface (33) of the hole in the insulating wall and fixed to the insulating wall (12).

[0173] The module frame (40) can be positioned so that the fixing member joint (45) is located inside the insulating wall (12). Thereafter, when urethane is foamed inside the insulating wall (12) and then cured, the fixing member joint (45) can be fixed inside the insulating wall (12) by the cured urethane. Accordingly, the module frame (40) can be fixed to the insulating wall (12).

[0174] The module frame (40) may include a front support portion (48) provided to support the front (+X direction) of the module assembly (100) when the module assembly (100) is coupled to the module frame (40).

[0175] The front support portion (48) is formed on the front (+X direction) side of the inner surface (42) of the module frame (40) and can be formed to protrude downward (-Z direction). When the module assembly (100) is mounted on the module frame (40), the front side of the first cover plate (138) of the insulating member (130) can be supported by the front support portion (48). Therefore, the module assembly (100) can be more stably mounted on the module frame (40).

[0176] When the module assembly (100) is coupled to the module frame (40), the outer surface (1331) of the insulation member may be arranged to be in contact with the inner surface (42) of the module frame (40). Accordingly, the inner surface (42) of the module frame (40) and the outer surface (1331) of the insulation member may have shapes that correspond to each other.

[0177] As previously examined, the area of ​​the first insulating surface (136) of the insulating member (130) is set to be smaller than the area of ​​the second insulating surface (137), so the outer peripheral surface (1331) of the insulating member extending from the outer peripheral surface of the second insulating surface (137) to the outer peripheral surface of the first insulating surface (136) may include a shape that is inclined at a certain angle (θ) toward the front (+X direction).

[0178] As described above, since the outer surface (1331) of the insulation member is inclined at a certain angle (θ) toward the front (+X direction), when it comes into contact with the inner surface (42) of the module frame (40), the module assembly (100) can be more stably installed on the module frame (40).

[0179] After the module assembly (100) is mounted on the module frame (40), the fixing member (181a) can connect the module assembly (100) and the module frame (40).

[0180] The fixing member (181a) can be inserted through a fixing hole (1261a) formed in the heat sink (120a). The fixing hole (1261a) can be formed to penetrate the heat sink (120a). The fixing member (181a) inserted into the fixing hole (1261a) can be provided to support one side (1242a) of the heat sink (120a) forward (in the +X direction).

[0181] For example, fixed holes (1261a, 1263a) can be formed at each of the upper and lower ends of the heat sink (120a).

[0182] The fixing member (181a) inserted into the fixing hole (1261a) can be coupled with the fixing member coupling portion (45) formed in the module frame (40). Through this, the module assembly (100) can be coupled to the module frame (40).

[0183] For example, the fixing member (181a) may include a screw, and the fixing member connecting portion (45) may include a tap hole into which the screw is inserted, but this is merely an example, and the connection between the fixing member (181a) and the fixing member connecting portion (45) may be provided in various ways.

[0184] When the module assembly (100) is coupled to the module frame (40), the cooling sink (110a) may be positioned on the side of the storage compartment (20). More specifically, the cooling plate (114a) may be positioned on the side of the first opening (31, see FIG. 2) of the hole (30) adjacent to the storage compartment (20). The cooling fin (111a) may protrude from the cooling plate (114a) toward the storage compartment (20). The cooling block (113a) may protrude from the cooling plate (114a) toward the opposite side of the storage compartment (20).

[0185] In addition, a thermoelectric element (150a) may be arranged to contact one end of the cooling block (113a) facing the opposite side of the storage chamber (20). More specifically, one end of the cooling block (113a) may be in contact with a heat-absorbing surface (151a) of the thermoelectric element (150a). Accordingly, the heat-absorbing surface (151a) may be arranged to face the storage chamber (20).

[0186] When the module assembly (100) is coupled to the module frame (40), the cooling block (113a) and the thermoelectric element (150a) can be positioned inside the hole (30). Therefore, the thermoelectric element (150a) can be positioned closer to the second opening (32) that is open toward the opposite side than the first opening (31) that is open toward one side toward the storage chamber (20). The reason why the thermoelectric element (150a) is positioned adjacent to the second opening (32) is because the amount of heat generated by the thermoelectric element (150a) is higher than the amount of heat absorbed, and therefore, it is advantageous for heat dissipation for the thermoelectric element (150a) to be adjacent to the second opening (32) through which heat is released.

[0187] When the module assembly (100) is coupled to the module frame (40), a heat sink (120a) may be arranged to be in contact with a heating surface (152a) formed on the opposite side of the heat-absorbing surface (151a). More specifically, one surface of a heating plate (124a) may be arranged to be in contact with the heating surface (152a), and a heating fin (121a) may protrude from the other surface of the heating plate (124a) so as to face the opposite side of the storage chamber (20). The heating plate (124a) may be arranged on the second opening (32, see FIG. 2) side of the hole (30) adjacent to the outside (O).

[0188] An insulating member (130) may be placed between the cooling plate (114a) and the heating plate (124a) so as to surround the outer edges of the cooling block (113a) and the thermoelectric element (150a). The outer peripheral surface (1331) of the insulating member may be placed in contact with the inner peripheral surface (42) of the module frame (40), thereby stably mounting the module assembly (100) on the module frame (40).

[0189] Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of a side cross-section of a rear insulation wall according to one embodiment. Descriptions of content overlapping with the above are omitted below.

[0190] Referring to Fig. 13, when the module assembly (100) is coupled with the module frame (40), the outer circumferential surface (2331) of the insulation member may be arranged to be in contact with the inner circumferential surface (52) of the module frame (50). Accordingly, the inner circumferential surface (52) of the module frame (50) and the outer circumferential surface (2331) of the insulation member may have shapes that correspond to each other.

[0191] For example, the area of ​​the first insulating surface (236) of the insulating member (230) may be provided to be the same as the area of ​​the second insulating surface (237). For example, the area of ​​the first insulating surface (236) or the second insulating surface (237) may be provided to be larger than the area of ​​the cooling sink (110).

[0192] The outer circumference (2331) of the insulating member extending from the outer circumference of the second insulating surface (237) to the outer circumference of the first insulating surface (236) can extend in a direction parallel to the front-back direction (+-X direction).

[0193] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment includes a main body (10) including an insulating wall (12) in which a hole (30) is formed. The refrigerator (1) includes a storage compartment (20) formed inside the main body (10). The refrigerator (1) includes a thermoelectric module (Ma) inserted into the hole (30) and mounted on the insulating wall (12), and provided to cool the storage compartment (20). The thermoelectric module (Ma) includes a thermoelectric element (150a) including a heat-absorbing surface (151a) formed on one surface facing the storage compartment (20) to absorb heat from the storage compartment (20) and a heat-generating surface (152a) formed on the opposite surface to emit heat absorbed by the heat-absorbing surface (151a). The thermoelectric module (Ma) includes a cooling sink (110a) that contacts the heat-absorbing surface (151a) to exchange heat with the heat-absorbing surface (151a). The thermoelectric module (Ma) includes a heat sink (120a) that contacts the heating surface (152a) to exchange heat with the heating surface (152a). The thermoelectric module (Ma) includes a coupling member (141a) that couples the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a) so that the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a) are each pressed toward the thermoelectric element (150a).

[0194] The cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a) may each include a joining hole (30) through which the joining member (141a) passes. The joining member (141a) may include a first joining portion (1412a) that passes through the joining hole (30) and connects the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a). The joining member (141a) may include a second joining portion (1413a) that is connected to one end of the first joining portion (1412a) and supported on one surface (1141a) of the cooling sink (110a) facing the storage chamber (20). The above-mentioned coupling member (141a) may include a third coupling portion (1411a) that is connected to the other end of the first coupling portion (1412a) and is provided to be supported on one side (1242a) of the heat sink (120a) facing the opposite side of the storage chamber (20). The second coupling portion (1413a) or the third coupling portion (1411a) may be provided to be movable toward the thermoelectric element (150a).

[0195] The first coupling portion (1412a) may include a bolt body. The second coupling portion (1413a) may include a nut. The third coupling portion (1411a) may include a bolt head.

[0196] It may further include a module frame (40) formed along the inner circumference (33) of the hole and arranged to be fixed to the insulating wall (12). The thermoelectric module (Ma) may be mounted on the insulating wall (12) by being combined with the module frame (40).

[0197] The above thermoelectric module (Ma) may include a plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc). The refrigerator (1) may further include a connecting member (160) that connects the plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) to each other.

[0198] The above-described plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) may include a plurality of heat sinks (120a, 120b, 120c). The above-described connecting member (160) may be provided to connect the plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) to each other by combining with the plurality of heat sinks (120a, 120b, 120c).

[0199] The above connecting member (160a) can be connected to one side of the heat sinks (120a) facing the opposite side of the storage room (20) to connect the plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc).

[0200] The refrigerator (1) may further include an insulating member (130) including a through hole (131a) into which the thermoelectric element (150a) is inserted. The insulating member (130) may be placed between the cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a).

[0201] The above-described insulating member (130) may include a first cover plate (138) covering a first insulating surface (136) facing the cooling sink (110a). The above-described insulating member (130) may include a second cover plate (139) covering a second insulating surface (137) facing the heat sink (120a). The first cover plate (138) may be provided to contact one surface of the cooling sink (110a) facing the insulating member (130). The second cover plate (139) may be provided to contact one surface of the heat sink (120a) facing the insulating member (130).

[0202] When the above thermoelectric module (Ma) is coupled to the module frame (40), the outer circumferential surface (1331) of the insulating member can be arranged to be in contact with the inner circumferential surface (42) of the module frame (40).

[0203] The above-mentioned insulating member (130) may be formed so that the first insulating surface (136) facing the cooling sink (110a) has a smaller cross-sectional area than the second insulating surface (137) facing the heat sink (120a). The outer circumference (1331) of the insulating member may extend so as to be inclined from the outer circumference of the second insulating surface (137) toward the outer circumference of the first insulating surface (136). The inner circumference (42) of the module frame (40) may be arranged to be in contact with the outer circumference (1331) of the insulating member, including a formation corresponding to the outer circumference (1331) of the insulating member.

[0204] The cooling sink (110a) may include a cooling plate (114a) provided to be in contact with the first cover plate (138) and a cooling block (113a) provided to protrude from the cooling plate (114a) and be inserted into the through hole (131a). The heat sink (120a) may include a heating plate (124a) provided to be in contact with the second cover plate (139). The thermoelectric element (150a) may be arranged such that the heat absorption surface (151a) is in contact with the cooling block (113a) and the heat generation surface (152a) is in contact with the heating plate (124a).

[0205] The above hole (30) may include an inner opening (31) open toward one side facing the storage chamber (20) and an outer opening (32) open toward the opposite side. The thermoelectric element (150a) may be arranged closer to the outer opening (32) than to the inner opening (31).

[0206] The above heat sink (120a) is provided to be fixed to the module frame (40) so that the thermoelectric module (Ma) can be coupled to the module frame (40).

[0207] The cooling sink (110a) and the heat sink (120a) may each include a coupling hole (30) through which the coupling member (141a) passes. The thermoelectric module (Ma) may include a first cover member (172a) that covers the outer circumference of the coupling hole (30) of the cooling sink (110a) formed on one surface (1141a) of the cooling sink (110a). The thermoelectric module (Ma) may include a second cover member (171a) that covers the outer circumference of the coupling hole (30) of the heat sink (120a) formed on one surface (1242a) of the heat sink (120a). The first cover member (172a) and the second cover member (171a) may include an insulating material.

[0208] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator (1) includes a main body (10) including a plurality of insulating walls (11, 12, 13, 14, 15). The refrigerator (1) includes a storage compartment (20) formed inside the main body (10). The refrigerator (1) includes a plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) mounted on one of the insulating walls (12) among the plurality of insulating walls (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) in which a hole (30) is formed, and a plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) inserted into the hole (30) and arranged to cool the storage compartment (20). The plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) each include a thermoelectric element (150) including a heat-absorbing surface (151) formed on one surface facing the storage room (20) to absorb heat from the storage room (20) and a heat-generating surface (152) formed on the opposite surface to release heat absorbed by the heat-absorbing surface (151). The plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) each include a cooling sink (110) that contacts the heat-absorbing surface (151) to exchange heat with the heat-generating surface (152). The plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) each include a heat sink (120) that contacts the heat-generating surface (152) to exchange heat with the heat-generating surface (152). The above-described plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) each include a coupling member (141) that couples the cooling sink (110) and the heat sink (120) so that the cooling sink (110) and the heat sink (120) are pressed toward the thermoelectric element (150).

[0209] The refrigerator (1) may further include a connecting member (160) provided to connect the plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) to each other. The connecting member (160) may be provided to connect the plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc) by combining with a plurality of heat sinks (120) included in each of the plurality of thermoelectric modules (Ma, Mb, Mc).

[0210] The cooling sink (110) and the heat sink (120) may each include a joining hole (30) through which the joining member (141) passes. The joining member (141) may include a first joining portion (1412) that passes through the joining hole (30) and connects the cooling sink (110) and the heat sink (120). The joining member (141) may include a second joining portion (1413) that is connected to one end of the first joining portion (1412) and is provided to be supported on one surface of the cooling sink (110) facing the storage compartment (20). The joining member (141) may include a third joining portion (1411) that is connected to the other end of the first joining portion (1412) and is provided to be supported on one surface of the heat sink (120) facing the opposite side of the storage compartment (20). The second coupling part (1413) or the third coupling part (1411) may be provided to be movable toward the thermoelectric element (150).

[0211] The refrigerator (1) may include a module frame (40) formed along the inner circumference (33) of the hole and provided to be fixed to the insulating wall (12), and coupled with the thermoelectric module (Ma) to secure the thermoelectric module (Ma) to the insulating wall (12). The refrigerator (1) may further include an insulating member (130) disposed between the cooling sink (110) and the heat sink (120), the insulating member (130) including a through hole (131) provided to insert the thermoelectric element (150). When the thermoelectric module (M) is coupled to the module frame (40), the outer circumference (1331) of the insulating member may be arranged to be in contact with the inner circumference (42) of the module frame (40).

[0212] The above insulating member (130) may be formed so that the first insulating surface (136) facing each of the cooling sinks (110) has a smaller cross-sectional area than the second insulating surface (137) facing each of the heat sinks (120). The outer circumference (1331) of the insulating member may extend so as to be inclined from the outer circumference of the second insulating surface (137) toward the outer circumference of the first insulating surface (136). The inner circumference (42) of the module frame (40) may be arranged to be in contact with the outer circumference (1331) of the insulating member, including a formation corresponding to the outer circumference (1331) of the insulating member.

[0213] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, since the cooling sink and the heat sink are pressed toward the thermoelectric element, contact between the cooling sink and the thermoelectric element and contact between the heat sink and the thermoelectric element are effectively achieved, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange through the thermoelectric module.

[0214] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, a plurality of heat sinks can be stably connected to each other by connecting members, or a plurality of heat sinks can be formed integrally, so that the rigidity of the thermoelectric module can be secured even with a simpler structure.

[0215] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, since a separate external case or the like is not included in forming a thermoelectric module, the thermoelectric module can be made lighter.

[0216] According to the concept of the present disclosure, since the connecting member connecting a plurality of thermoelectric modules is detachable, only the thermoelectric modules requiring maintenance and repair can be easily separated, thereby increasing management efficiency.

[0217] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the outer surface of the insulating member and the inner surface of the module frame in contact therewith are formed to be inclined, so that a plurality of thermoelectric modules can be more stably mounted on the insulating wall.

[0218] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the thermoelectric module can be separated from the module frame by only separating the fixing member connecting the heat sink and the module frame, so that the convenience of mounting the thermoelectric module can be improved.

[0219] 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.

[0220] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A body including an insulating wall in which a hole is formed; A storage room formed inside the above main body; and A thermoelectric module is mounted on the insulating wall inside the hole and is arranged to cool the storage room; The above thermoelectric module, A thermoelectric element including a heat-absorbing surface on a first surface of the thermoelectric module facing the storage room, the heat-absorbing surface configured to absorb heat from the storage room, and a heat-generating surface located on a second surface of the thermoelectric module opposite to the first surface, the heat-receiving surface configured to receive heat from the heat-absorbing surface and emit the received heat; A cooling sink configured to contact the heat absorbing surface and exchange heat with the heat absorbing surface; A heat sink configured to contact the above heating surface and exchange heat with the above heating surface; and A refrigerator comprising a joining member that joins the cooling sink and the heat sink so that the cooling sink is pressed against the heat-absorbing surface and the heat sink is pressed against the heat-generating surface.

2. In paragraph 1, The above cooling sink has a cooling sink joining hole through it, The above heat sink has a heat sink joining hole through it, The above-mentioned connecting member is, A first joint passing through the cooling sink joint hole and the heat sink joint hole, A second coupling part connected to the first end of the first coupling part and provided to be supported on the first surface of the thermoelectric module; and A third coupling part is connected to the second end of the first coupling part and is provided to be supported on the second surface of the thermoelectric module. A refrigerator wherein the second coupling part or the third coupling part is configured to be movable toward the thermoelectric element so that the cooling sink presses the heat-absorbing surface and the heat sink presses the heat-generating surface.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first joint comprises a bolt body, The above second connecting portion includes a nut, A refrigerator wherein the third connecting member includes a bolt head.

4. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a module frame formed along the inner surface of the above hole and arranged to be fixed to the above insulating wall; A refrigerator in which the above thermoelectric module is coupled to the above module frame.

5. In paragraph 1, The above thermoelectric module comprises a plurality of thermoelectric modules, A refrigerator comprising at least one connecting member connecting the plurality of thermoelectric modules to each other.

6. In paragraph 5, The above plurality of thermoelectric modules include a plurality of heat sinks, A refrigerator in which at least one connecting member connects the plurality of thermoelectric modules to each other and connects the plurality of heat sinks to each other.

7. In paragraph 6, A refrigerator in which the above connecting member is connected to one side of each of the heat sinks among the plurality of heat sinks extending away from the storage compartment.

8. In paragraph 4, Insulating member including a through hole; further comprising, A refrigerator wherein the thermoelectric element is in the through hole, and the insulating member is disposed between the cooling sink and the heat sink.

9. In paragraph 8, The above insulating material is, A first cover plate covering a first insulating surface facing the above cooling sink, and Including a second cover plate covering a second insulating surface facing the heat sink, The above first cover plate is in contact with one side of the cooling sink facing the insulating member, A refrigerator in which the second cover plate is in contact with one side of the heat sink facing the insulating member.

10. In paragraph 8, A refrigerator in which the outer surface of the above insulating member is in contact with the inner surface of the above module frame.

11. In paragraph 10, The above insulating material is, A first insulating surface facing the cooling sink and comprising a second insulating surface facing the heat sink; The above first insulating surface has a smaller area than the above second insulating surface, The outer surface of the above insulating member is inclined from the outer surface of the second insulating surface toward the outer surface of the first insulating surface, A refrigerator in which the inner surface of the above module frame is in contact with the outer surface of the above insulating member, including a formation corresponding to the outer surface of the above insulating member.

12. In paragraph 9, The above cooling sink, A cooling plate in contact with the first cover plate and A cooling block is included that protrudes from the cooling plate into the through hole, The above heat sink includes a heating plate in contact with the second cover plate, A refrigerator wherein the thermoelectric element is arranged so that the heat-absorbing surface contacts the cooling block and the heat-generating surface contacts the heating plate.

13. In paragraph 1, The above insulating wall, An inner opening on the first surface of the insulating wall facing the storage room, and Including an external opening on the second side of said insulating wall facing away from said storage room, The above hole extends from the inner opening to the outer opening, A refrigerator wherein the thermoelectric element is closer to the outer opening than to the inner opening.

14. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator in which the heat sink is fixed to the module frame and the thermoelectric module is coupled to the module frame.

15. In paragraph 1, The above cooling sink has a cooling sink joining hole through it, The above heat sink has a heat sink joining hole through it, The above thermoelectric module, A first cover member covering the outer periphery of the coupling hole of the cooling sink on one side of the cooling sink; and Including a second cover member covering the outer periphery of the joining hole of the heat sink on one side of the heat sink, A refrigerator wherein the first cover member and the second cover member include insulating material.

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