Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator may comprise: a storage chamber formed inside a main body; and a thermoelectric module assembly coupled to the upper surface of the main body to cool the storage chamber. The thermoelectric module assembly comprises: a thermoelectric element having a heat generation unit and a heat absorption unit; a heat radiation sink in contact with the heat generation unit; a cooling sink in contact with the heat absorption unit; and a heat radiation duct for radiating heat from the heat radiation sink, and can be coupled to the upper surface of the main body to cool the storage chamber. The refrigerator may comprise a fastening member passed through the thermoelectric module assembly and coupled to the upper surface of the main body to couple the thermoelectric module assembly to the upper surface of the main body. The thermoelectric module assembly may comprise at least one downwardly protruding support rib so as to be supported at a position on the upper surface of the main body other than the position at which the fastening member is coupled.

Description

refrigerator

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

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

[0003] A thermoelectric element can be used as a cooling device in a refrigerator. The thermoelectric element may have a heat generating element formed on one side and a heat absorbing element formed on the opposite side. When current is applied to the thermoelectric element, heat generation occurs in the heat generating element and heat absorption occurs in the heat absorbing element.

[0004] The refrigerator may include a heat sink in contact with one side of the thermoelectric element to increase the efficiency of cooling through the thermoelectric element, a cooling sink in contact with the other side of the thermoelectric element, and a heat dissipation duct for dissipating heat from the heat sink. The thermoelectric element, the heat sink, the cooling sink, and the heat dissipation duct may be assembled integrally to form a thermoelectric module assembly. The thermoelectric module assembly may be coupled to the upper surface of the refrigerator body.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator comprising a thermoelectric module assembly having a thermoelectric element, a heat sink, a cooling sink, and a heat dissipation duct.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator having a thermoelectric module assembly coupled to an upper surface of a body.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator in which no gap occurs or is minimized between a thermoelectric module assembly and a top surface of a body.

[0008] 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.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator comprises a main body; a storage compartment formed inside the main body; a thermoelectric element having a heat generating portion and a heat absorbing portion; a heat dissipation sink in contact with the heat generating portion; a cooling sink in contact with the heat absorbing portion; and a heat dissipation duct for dissipating heat from the heat dissipation sink, the refrigerator comprising: a thermoelectric module assembly coupled to an upper portion of the main body to cool the storage compartment; and a fastening member coupled to an upper portion of the main body by penetrating the thermoelectric module assembly to fasten the thermoelectric module assembly to the upper portion of the main body; wherein the thermoelectric module assembly includes at least one support rib protruding downward so as to be supported on the upper portion of the main body at a position other than a position where the fastening member is coupled.

[0010] The position of the at least one support rib may be further from the center of the upper surface of the main body than the position of the fastening member.

[0011] The at least one support rib may include a first support rib protruding from the lower surface of the heat dissipation duct.

[0012] The above first support rib can be formed on the edge of the lower surface of the heat dissipation duct.

[0013] The above heat dissipation duct includes a heat dissipation duct body and a heat dissipation duct cover coupled to the upper portion of the heat dissipation duct body to form a heat dissipation path between the heat dissipation duct body, and the first support rib can protrude from the lower surface of the heat dissipation duct body.

[0014] The above heat dissipation duct body includes a joining hole formed so that the fastening member penetrates therethrough, and the first support rib can be spaced apart from the joining hole.

[0015] The above thermoelectric module assembly may include a heat dissipation fan and a fan case in which the heat dissipation fan is installed.

[0016] The at least one support rib may include a second support rib protruding from the lower surface of the fan case.

[0017] The above thermoelectric module assembly includes the thermoelectric element, the heat sink, and a module plate on which the cooling sink is installed, and the fan case and the module plate can be formed integrally.

[0018] The main body includes an inner case forming the storage chamber; an outer case coupled to an outer side of the inner case; and a connecting frame disposed between the inner case and the outer case to form a through hole in which at least a portion of the thermoelectric module assembly is disposed in an upper wall of the main body; and the at least one fastening member can be coupled to the connecting frame by penetrating the thermoelectric module assembly and the outer case.

[0019] The refrigerator may further include a buffer member disposed between the thermoelectric module assembly and the upper surface of the main body.

[0020] The above buffer member may include a foam sheet.

[0021] The above buffer member can be adhered to the bottom surface of the heat dissipation duct.

[0022] The refrigerator may further include a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; a hinge that connects the door to the main body so that the door can rotate; and a top cover that is connected to the upper surface of the main body to cover the hinge.

[0023] The top cover may be coupled to an upper surface of the body such that the top cover pressurizes at least a portion of the thermoelectric module assembly.

[0024] In another aspect, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator comprises a main body; a storage compartment formed inside the main body; a thermoelectric element having a heat generating portion and a heat absorbing portion; a heat dissipation sink in contact with the heat generating portion; a cooling sink in contact with the heat absorbing portion; and a heat dissipation duct for dissipating heat from the heat dissipation sink, the refrigerator comprising: a thermoelectric module assembly coupled to an upper surface of the main body to cool the storage compartment; a fastening member coupled to an upper surface of the main body by penetrating the thermoelectric module assembly to couple the thermoelectric module assembly to the upper surface of the main body; and a buffer member disposed between the thermoelectric module assembly and the upper surface of the main body.

[0025] The above buffer member may include a foam sheet.

[0026] The above buffer member can be adhered to the bottom surface of the heat dissipation duct.

[0027] The thermoelectric module assembly may include at least one support rib protruding downwards to be supported on the upper surface of the main body at a position other than the position where the fastening member is coupled, and the buffer member may be arranged to avoid the at least one support rib.

[0028] In another aspect, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator comprises: a main body; a storage compartment formed inside the main body; a door provided to open and close the storage compartment; a hinge for connecting the door to the main body so that the door can rotate; a top cover connected to an upper surface of the main body to cover the hinge; and a thermoelectric module assembly including a thermoelectric element having a heat generating portion and a heat absorbing portion, a heat dissipation sink in contact with the heat generating portion, a cooling sink in contact with the heat absorbing portion, and a heat dissipation duct for dissipating heat from the heat dissipation sink, the thermoelectric module assembly being connected to an upper surface of the main body to cool the storage compartment; wherein the top cover is connected to an upper surface of the main body so that the top cover presses at least a portion of the thermoelectric module assembly.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the thermoelectric module assembly is coupled to the upper surface of the main body, a gap between the thermoelectric module assembly and the upper surface of the main body is not generated or is minimized, thereby preventing flow and noise of the thermoelectric module assembly.

[0030] 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.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the doors of a refrigerator in an open state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of Figure 2.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a top cover and a thermoelectric module assembly separated from the main body of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a heat dissipation duct cover, a heat dissipation duct body, an extension duct, and a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom surface of a top cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of a thermoelectric module assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (the extension duct is omitted).

[0040] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a heat dissipation duct cover, a heat dissipation duct body, and a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 11 is an enlarged drawing of part 'A' of Figure 9.

[0042] Figure 12 is an enlarged drawing of part 'B' of Figure 9.

[0043] Figure 13 is an enlarged drawing of part 'C' of Figure 9.

[0044] Figure 14 is an enlarged drawing of part 'D' of Figure 9.

[0045] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Fig. 10.

[0046] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅲ-Ⅲ of Fig. 10.

[0047] FIG. 17 is a front view of a structure in which a thermoelectric module assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is coupled to the upper surface of a main body.

[0048] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a structure in which a buffer member is provided between a thermoelectric module assembly and an upper surface of a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing a top cover separated from a main body of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a top cover is coupled to a main body of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Fig. 20.

[0052] Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of Fig. 20.

[0053] Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅵ-Ⅵ of Fig. 20.

[0054] Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of Fig. 20.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0060] 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).

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 components placed within the machine room.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0093] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0094] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0095] 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 the doors of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are open. FIG. 3 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 2.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, 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).

[0097] 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). 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). The insulating material (190) may be a urethane foam insulating material.

[0098] 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 (111), a lower surface, a left surface, a right surface, and a rear wall of the main body (100), respectively.

[0099] The upper wall (110), the lower wall (120), the left wall (130), the right wall (140), and the rear wall (150) may each be formed of an inner surface (170), an outer surface (180), and an insulating material (190). For example, the upper surface (111) of the upper wall (110) is formed by the outer surface (180), the lower surface of the upper wall (110) is formed by the inner surface (170), and an insulating material (190) may be provided on the inside of the upper wall (110).

[0100] The upper wall (110) may include a through hole (115, FIG. 5). At least a portion of the thermoelectric module assembly (450) described below may be disposed inside the through hole (115). An inner opening (171) for forming the through hole (115) may be formed in the inner surface (170) forming the upper wall (110). An outer surface (180) forming the upper wall (110) may be formed with an outer opening (181, FIG. 5) for forming the through hole (115).

[0101] The upper wall (110) may include a connecting frame (200, FIGS. 4 and 5) arranged between the inner case (170) and the outer case (180). The connecting frame (200) may connect the inner case opening (171) and the outer case opening (181) and form a through hole (115) of the upper wall (110). The connecting frame (200) may be formed of a material having low thermal conductivity. The connecting frame (200) may be formed of a resin material.

[0102] 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 storage compartments (11, 12, 13) into a first storage compartment (11) at the top and lower storage compartments (12, 13), and a vertical partition wall (161) that divides the lower storage compartments (12, 13) into a second storage compartment (12) and a third storage compartment (13). 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 room.

[0103] 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).

[0104] 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, FIG. 5) 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 a front portion of the upper surface (111) of the main body (100).

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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).

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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.

[0109] The refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) arranged to cool the storage compartment (11).

[0110] 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 (400) may be provided on the upper wall (110) of the main body (100).

[0111] A thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric module assembly (450). The thermoelectric module assembly (450) may include a thermoelectric module (500, FIG. 6) and a heat dissipation duct (700).

[0112] A thermoelectric module (500) and a heat dissipation duct (700) can be assembled together to form a thermoelectric module assembly (450). The thermoelectric module assembly (450) can be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) in a top-down direction. After the thermoelectric module assembly (450) is coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) in a top-down direction, a cooling duct (900), which will be described later, can be coupled to the lower surface of the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) in a bottom-up direction.

[0113] A thermoelectric module (500) may include a thermoelectric element (530), a heat sink (520), and a cooling sink (570).

[0114] A 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, etc.

[0115] The thermoelectric element (530) may include a heat generating portion (531) and a heat absorbing portion (532). When current is applied to the thermoelectric element (530), a heat generating action may occur in the heat generating portion (531) and a heat absorbing action may occur in the heat absorbing portion (532). The thermoelectric element (530) may have a thin hexahedral shape. The heat generating portion (531) may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric element (530) and the heat absorbing portion (532) may be provided on the opposite surface.

[0116] 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 heat absorption portion (532) faces below the thermoelectric element (530). That is, the heating portion (531) faces the outside of the main body (100), and the heat absorption portion (532) may face the inside of the storage chamber (11) through the through hole (115) of the upper wall (110). 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 heat absorption portion (532) may be supplied to the storage chamber (11) to cool the storage chamber (11).

[0117] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a heat sink (520) that contacts the heat generating portion (531) of the thermoelectric element (530) so that heat exchange between the heat generating portion (531) and the air outside the main body (100) is efficiently performed.

[0118] The heat sink (520) can contact the heat generating part (531) to absorb the heat of the heat generating part (531) and release the 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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).

[0121] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a cooling sink (570) that contacts the heat absorbing portion (532) so that heat exchange between the heat absorbing portion (532) and the air inside the storage chamber (11) is efficiently performed.

[0122] 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 heat absorbing portion (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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] The cooling sink (570) may include a cooling sink base (571) that contacts the heat absorbing portion (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.

[0125] The thermoelectric module (500) 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).

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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).

[0128] The heat dissipation duct (700) can guide air outside the main body (100) to exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink (520), and guide air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to be discharged back to the outside of the main body (100).

[0129] A heat dissipation fan (600) may be located inside a heat dissipation duct (700). A heat dissipation sink (520) may be located inside a heat dissipation duct (700).

[0130] 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).

[0131] 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). The cooling fan (800) may be placed inside the cooling duct (900).

[0132] 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).

[0133] 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).

[0134] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling duct (900) provided to guide air flowing by a cooling fan (800). The cooling duct (900) may guide air inside the storage room (11) to exchange heat with the cooling sink (570), and guide air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) to be discharged back into the storage room (11).

[0135] A cooling fan (800) may be positioned inside a cooling duct (900). A cooling sink (570) may be positioned inside the cooling duct (900) by penetrating the upper surface of the cooling duct (900). The cooling duct (900) may be coupled to the lower surface of the upper wall (110).

[0136] 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).

[0137] A refrigerator (1) may include a refrigeration cycle device to cool a 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).

[0138] 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).

[0139] 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).

[0140] 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).

[0141] Thus, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) and a refrigeration cycle device, but is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator may include only a thermoelectric cooling device (400).

[0142] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a top cover and a thermoelectric module assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when separated from the main body of the refrigerator. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a heat dissipation duct cover, a heat dissipation duct body, an extension duct, and a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an exploded drawing illustrating a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a bottom surface of a top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a bottom surface of a thermoelectric module assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (the extension duct is omitted). FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a heat dissipation duct cover, a heat dissipation duct body, and a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] A thermoelectric module (500) may include a module plate (550) on which a thermoelectric element (530), a heat sink (520), and a cooling sink (570) are installed.

[0144] The module plate (550) can serve as a skeleton of the thermoelectric module (500). The module plate (550) can be formed of a resin material having low thermal conductivity. The module plate (550) can maintain a gap between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) and support the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570). The module plate (550) can be formed integrally with a fan case (650) to be described later. However, the module plate (550) can also be provided separately from the fan case (650).

[0145] The module plate (550) may include a heat sink support (552) that supports a heat sink (520). The module plate (550) may include a module plate opening (551). A thermoelectric element (530) may be positioned inside the module plate opening (551). A cooling sink (570) may include a cooling conductive portion (574) that protrudes from the cooling sink base (571) for contact with a heat absorbing portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0146] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a module plate (550) and an element insulation material (540) that insulates the thermoelectric element (530). The element insulation material (540) includes an element insulation opening (541), and the thermoelectric element (530) may be accommodated in the element insulation opening (541).

[0147] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a sink insulation (580) provided between the module plate (550) and the cooling sink (570). The sink insulation (580) may prevent heat from being transferred between the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) through the module plate (550). The sink insulation (580) may include a sink insulation opening (581).

[0148] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a fan case (650) in which a heat dissipation fan (600) is installed and which guides the air blown by the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0149] The heat dissipation fan (600) is a centrifugal fan, and the rotation axis (610) of the heat dissipation fan (600) can be perpendicular to the bottom of the fan case (650). The heat dissipation fan (600) can be arranged so that the heat dissipation sink (520) is positioned in one radial direction of the heat dissipation fan (600). With this structure, the vertical length of the entire thermoelectric module assembly (450) can be made compact.

[0150] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include a heat dissipation duct body (720), a heat dissipation duct cover (710), and an extension duct (740).

[0151] A heat dissipation duct body (720) may be provided on the upper side of the thermoelectric module (500) to cover the heat dissipation fan (600) and the heat dissipation sink (520). An outside air intake port (751) is formed on the upper surface of the front portion of the heat dissipation duct body (720), and the outside air intake port (751) may be covered by a top cover (300) to be described later.

[0152] The 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, the heat dissipation duct cover (710) may be provided with a duct cover coupling portion (711), and the heat dissipation duct body (720) may be provided with a duct body coupling portion (721) coupled to the duct cover coupling portion (711). The duct cover coupling portion (711) and the duct body coupling portion (721) may be coupled in a hook or fitting manner. The heat dissipation duct cover (710) may include a cover extension portion (715) that extends from one side of the heat dissipation duct cover (710) toward the top cover (300).

[0153] 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). The extension duct (740) may be formed separately from the heat dissipation duct body (720). However, alternatively, the extension duct (740) may be formed integrally with the heat dissipation duct body (720).

[0154] The extension duct (740) may be positioned below the top cover (300) and may be coupled to the lower portion 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. The upper portion of the extension duct (740) may be covered by the top cover (300).

[0155] 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).

[0156] 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).

[0157] The first outside air exhaust port (782) may include a connection port (784) provided to guide air inside the heat dissipation duct (700) to the top cover interior space (320) of the top cover (300). Air exhausted through the connection port (784) may be introduced into the top cover interior space (320) through the top cover inlet port (330).

[0158] The first external exhaust port (782) may include an external exhaust port (783) separated from a connection port (784) to exhaust air from the heat dissipation duct (700) to the outside of the top cover (300). A 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).

[0159] 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.

[0160] However, the heat dissipation duct (700) does not have to include both the first outdoor air outlet (782) and the second outdoor air outlet (794) described above, and the second outdoor air outlet (794) may be omitted. In addition, the first outdoor air outlet (782) of the heat dissipation duct (700) does not have to include both the connection port (784) and the outdoor air outlet (783), and the first outdoor air outlet (792) may include only the outdoor air outlet (783).

[0161] A fan accommodation space (762) for accommodating a heat dissipation fan (600) may be formed in the heat dissipation duct body (720). The fan accommodation space (762) may be formed on the bottom surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720). The heat dissipation duct body (720) may include a fan inlet (761) through which air is introduced into the fan accommodation space (762).

[0162] The heat dissipation duct body (720) may include a sink accommodation space (771) formed on the downstream side of the fan accommodation space (762) to accommodate a heat dissipation sink (520).

[0163] The heat dissipation duct body (720) may include an intake space (752) formed on an upper surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720) to guide air sucked in through an outside air intake port (751) to a fan receiving space (762). The upper side of the intake space (752) may be formed to be open, and the open upper side of the intake space (752) may be covered by a heat dissipation duct cover (710). The intake space (752) may be formed on an upstream side of the fan receiving space (762). The intake space (752) may be connected to the fan receiving space (762) through a fan inlet port (761).

[0164] The heat dissipation duct body (720) may include a first exhaust space (781) formed on an upper surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720) to guide air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to a first outside air exhaust port (782). 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 a downstream side of the sink receiving space (771).

[0165] The heat dissipation duct body (720) may include a second exhaust space (791) formed on the upper surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720) to guide air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to a second outside air outlet (794). 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).

[0166] The extension duct (740) may include an extension exhaust space (746) connected to a second exhaust space (791) of the heat dissipation duct body (720). Air in the second exhaust space (791) may be guided to a second outside air outlet (794) through the extension exhaust space (746).

[0167] A thermoelectric module (500) and a heat dissipation duct (700) are assembled to form a thermoelectric module assembly (450), and the thermoelectric module assembly (450) can be coupled to the upper surface (111) of the upper wall (110) of the main body (100). At this time, a part of the thermoelectric module assembly (450) can be placed inside the through hole (115) of the upper wall (110).

[0168] The thermoelectric module assembly (450) can be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) by at least one fastening member (S1, FIG. 5). The at least one fastening member (S1) can be a mechanical element for coupling, such as a screw, a bolt, or the like.

[0169] At least one fastening member (S1) can penetrate the thermoelectric module assembly (450) and be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100).

[0170] According to one embodiment, at least one fastening member (S1) may be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) by penetrating the heat dissipation duct cover (710), the heat dissipation duct body (720), and the module plate (550). To this end, a coupling hole (719) may be formed in the heat dissipation duct cover (710), a coupling hole (729) may be formed in the heat dissipation duct body (720), and a coupling hole (554) may be formed in the module plate (550) (Fig. 10).

[0171] A coupling hole (118) to which at least one fastening member (S1) is coupled may be formed in the upper wall (110) of the main body (100). The at least one fastening member (S1) may penetrate the thermoelectric module assembly (450) and be coupled to the connecting frame (200) of the upper wall (110).

[0172] At least one fastening member (S1) can be coupled near the center in the left-right direction of the thermoelectric module assembly (450).

[0173] The refrigerator (1) may include a top cover (300) coupled to a front portion of the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) to cover a plurality of hinges (31). The top cover (300) may be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) via at least one fastening member (S2). After the thermoelectric module assembly (450) is coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100), the top cover (300) may be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100).

[0174] 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 open lower side of the top cover inner space (320) may be covered by the upper surface (111) of the upper wall (110).

[0175] 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).

[0176] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a dust filter (390) designed to filter foreign substances from air flowing into the outside air intake (751). The dust filter (390) may be slidably mounted on the top cover (300) in the front-back direction.

[0177] The top cover (300) may include a suction grill portion (350) formed on the top cover upper surface (310). The suction grill portion (350) may include a plurality of grill ribs (351, FIG. 23) that are spaced apart from each other. The suction grill portion (350) may be located above the dust filter (390). The suction grill portion (350) may primarily block foreign substances from being sucked into the interior of the heat dissipation duct (700) before the dust filter (390). The suction grill portion (350) may protect the dust filter (390) by preventing external force from being applied to the dust filter (390).

[0178] 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).

[0179] Air introduced 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). To this end, the top cover (300) may include a top cover outlet (340). The top cover outlet (340) may be formed in the front protrusion (313) of the top cover (300).

[0180] In this way, the air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink (520) can heat the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) while passing through the inner space (320) of the top cover. Therefore, condensation on the upper front surface of the main body (100) can be prevented.

[0181] At least a portion of the top cover (300) may be positioned to overlap the heat dissipation duct (700). At least a portion of the top cover (300) may be positioned on the upper side of the heat dissipation duct (700) to overlap the heat dissipation duct (700).

[0182] That is, the top cover (300) can be coupled to the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) so that the top cover (300) pressurizes at least a portion of the thermoelectric module assembly (450). To this end, the top cover (300) can include a pressing portion (331a, 331b, 332, 333, 334) provided to pressurize the thermoelectric module assembly (450). The pressing portions (331a, 331b, 332, 333, 334) can be formed to protrude rearward. The pressing portions (331a, 331b, 332, 333, 334) can press downward the front end of the thermoelectric module assembly (450). The pressing portions will be described again later.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, as described above, the thermoelectric module assembly (450) is coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) via at least one fastening member (S1).

[0184] However, the main body (100) is formed by filling a liquid foam solution between the inner case (170) and the outer case (180) and foaming it, and the shape of the outer case (180) may be deformed during or after foaming of the foam solution. That is, depending on the foaming process, the outer case (180) may be deformed to be convex toward the outside (bulging phenomenon). For example, the center (112) of the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) may protrude upward (see FIG. 17).

[0185] Accordingly, a phenomenon may occur in which a gap is generated by a portion other than the portion where at least one fastening member (S1) of the thermoelectric module assembly (450) is coupled being separated from the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) (lifting phenomenon). In particular, the gap between the thermoelectric module assembly (450) and the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) may become larger as it goes toward both ends (113, 114) of the upper surface (111) of the main body (100).

[0186] In this way, if a gap occurs between the thermoelectric module assembly (450) and the upper surface (111) of the main body (100), the thermoelectric module assembly (450) may not be fixed and may flow. In addition, noise may be generated due to a collision between the thermoelectric module assembly (450) and the main body (100).

[0187] In order to prevent a gap from occurring between the thermoelectric module assembly (450) and the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) due to the swelling phenomenon resulting from the foaming process as described above and to fix the thermoelectric module assembly (450), the thermoelectric module assembly (450) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one support rib (656, 726, 727, 728) that protrudes downward at a position other than a position where at least one fastening member (S1) is coupled. The at least one support rib (656, 726, 727, 728) may protrude downward from one surface of the thermoelectric module assembly (450) so as to be supported by the upper surface (111) of the main body (100).

[0188] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of part 'A' of Fig. 9. Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of part 'B' of Fig. 9. Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of part 'C' of Fig. 9. Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of part 'D' of Fig. 9. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Fig. 10. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of Fig. 10. Fig. 17 is a front view of a structure in which a thermoelectric module assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is coupled to an upper surface of a main body.

[0189] At least one support rib (656, 726, 727, 728) may be positioned further from the center (112, FIGS. 5 and 17) in the left-right direction (x) and front-back direction (y) of the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) than the position of at least one fastening member (S1).

[0190] At least one support rib (656, 726, 727, 728) may include at least one first support rib (726, 727, 728) protruding from the lower surface of the heat dissipation duct (700).

[0191] Specifically, at least one first support rib (726, 727, 728) may protrude from the lower surface (725) of the heat dissipation duct body (720).

[0192] At least one first support rib (726, 727, 728) may be formed on the edge portion of the lower surface (725) of the heat dissipation duct body (720). In this way, the thermoelectric module assembly (450) may be more effectively fixed by forming at least one first support rib (726, 727, 728) on the edge portion of the lower surface (725) of the heat dissipation duct body (720).

[0193] At least one first support rib (726, 727, 728) may be spaced apart from a joining hole (729) formed in the heat dissipation duct body (720) so that the fastening member (S1) passes through it.

[0194] At least one first support rib (726, 727, 728) may include a first support rib (726, 727) positioned on the right side of the center (112) of the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) and a first support rib (728) positioned on the left side of the center (112) of the upper surface (111) of the main body (100). In this way, since a plurality of first support ribs are positioned on both sides of the center (112) of the upper surface (111) of the main body (100), the thermoelectric module assembly (450) can be supported and fixed more stably.

[0195] At least one support rib (656, 726, 727, 728) may include at least one second support rib (656) protruding from the lower surface (655) of the fan case (650). The at least one second support rib (656) may be formed on the edge of the lower surface (655) of the fan case (650). The at least one second support rib (656) may be located on one side of the center (112) of the upper surface (111) of the main body (100).

[0196] The first support rib (728) may be closer to one end (113) of the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) than the position of at least one fastening member (S1). The second support rib (655) may be closer to the opposite end (113) of the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) than the position of at least one fastening member (S1).

[0197] Although the attached drawing illustrates that four support ribs will be provided, there is no limitation on the number of support ribs. Furthermore, there is no limitation on the position and shape of at least one support rib.

[0198] In this way, the thermoelectric module assembly (450) can be supported on the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) by at least one support rib (656, 726, 727, 728) at a position other than the position where the fastening member (S1) is coupled, so that the thermoelectric module assembly (450) can be stably fixed despite deformation of the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) due to the foaming process.

[0199] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a structure in which a buffer member is provided between a thermoelectric module assembly and an upper surface of a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 18, the refrigerator (1) may include at least one buffer member (797, 798, 799) disposed between the thermoelectric module assembly (450) and the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) to prevent a gap from occurring between the thermoelectric module assembly (450) and the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) and to fix the thermoelectric module assembly (450).

[0201] At least one buffer member (797, 798, 799) may include a foam sheet. The foam sheet may be a soft foam having a foam structure. The foam sheet has elasticity and may fill the gap between the lower surface of the thermoelectric module assembly (450) and the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) and prevent play and movement of the thermoelectric module assembly (450). However, the buffer member is not limited to the foam sheet and may include various members that can eliminate the gap between the thermoelectric module assembly (450) and the main body (100) and alleviate impact.

[0202] One surface of at least one buffer member (797, 798, 799) may be provided to have adhesive or bonding properties. Accordingly, at least one buffer member (797, 798, 799) may be bonded to the lower surface (725) of the heat dissipation duct body (720) or the lower surface (655) of the fan case (650).

[0203] At least one buffer member (797, 798, 799) may include at least one first buffer member (797, 798) adhered to the lower surface (725) of the heat dissipation duct body (720). At least one buffer member (797, 798, 799) may include at least one second buffer member (799) adhered to the lower surface (655) of the fan case (650). Although the attached drawing illustrates that the first buffer member (797, 798) and the second buffer member (799) are formed separately, this is not limited thereto, and the first buffer member (797, 798) and the second buffer member (799) may be formed integrally.

[0204] According to one embodiment, when at least one buffer member (797, 798, 799) is provided between the thermoelectric module assembly (450) and the upper surface (111) of the main body (100), the at least one support rib described above may not be provided on the thermoelectric module assembly (450).

[0205] According to one embodiment, at least one buffer member (797, 798, 799) is provided between the thermoelectric module assembly (450) and the upper surface (111) of the main body (100), and at least one support rib (656, 726, 727, 728) may also be provided on the thermoelectric module assembly (450). In this case, an avoidance portion (797a, 798a, 799a) may be formed in the at least one buffer member (797, 798, 799) so that the at least one support rib (656, 726, 727, 728) passes therethrough. The avoidance portion (797a, 798a, 799a) may be formed by cutting a portion of at least one buffer member (797, 798, 799).

[0206] FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating a top cover separated from a main body of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a top cover is coupled to a main body of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 20. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 20. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 20.

[0207] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 24, the top cover (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as described above, is coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) after the thermoelectric module assembly (450) is coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100), and the top cover (300) can press down at least a portion of the thermoelectric module assembly (450).

[0208] The top cover (300) may include at least one pressurizing member designed to pressurize the thermoelectric module assembly (450). The at least one pressurizing member is formed to protrude rearward and may press downward the front end of the thermoelectric module assembly (450).

[0209] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 21, at least one pressurizing member may include a first pressurizing member (331a, 331b) capable of pressurizing downward the heat dissipation duct (700) near the connection port (784). The first pressurizing member (331a) may press downward a front end of the heat dissipation duct cover (710) forming the connection port (784). The first pressurizing member (331b) may press downward a front end of the heat dissipation duct body (720) forming the connection port (784).

[0210] As illustrated in FIG. 22, at least one pressurizing member may include a second pressurizing member (332) capable of pressurizing downward a front end of a heat dissipation duct cover (710) forming a second discharge space (791).

[0211] As illustrated in FIG. 23, at least one pressurizing member may include a third pressurizing member (333) capable of pressurizing downward a front end of a heat dissipation duct cover (710) forming a suction space (752).

[0212] As illustrated in FIG. 24, at least one pressurizing member may include a fourth pressurizing member (334) capable of pressing downwardly a front end of a cover extension (715) of a heat dissipation duct cover (710).

[0213] Based on the left-right direction of the thermoelectric module assembly (450), the second pressurizing part (332) and the third pressurizing part (333) pressurize the central part, and the first pressurizing part (331) and the fourth pressurizing part (334) pressurize the both sides, so that the front end of the thermoelectric module assembly (450) can be pressurized evenly throughout.

[0214] In this way, by the top cover (300) pressurizing the front end of the thermoelectric module assembly (450), the thermoelectric module assembly (450) can be prevented or minimized from flowing due to the gap between the thermoelectric module assembly (450) and the upper surface of the main body (100) caused by the swelling phenomenon due to foaming.

[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. Main body; A storage room formed inside the above main body; A thermoelectric module assembly comprising a thermoelectric element having a heat generating portion and a heat absorbing portion, a heat dissipation sink in contact with the heat generating portion, a cooling sink in contact with the heat absorbing portion, and a heat dissipation duct for dissipating heat from the heat dissipation sink, and coupled to the upper portion of the main body to cool the storage room; and A fastening member is included that penetrates the thermoelectric module assembly and is fastened to the upper portion of the main body to fasten the thermoelectric module assembly to the upper portion of the main body; A refrigerator wherein the thermoelectric module assembly includes at least one support rib protruding downwardly to be supported on the upper portion of the main body at a location other than a location where the fastening member is coupled.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the position of at least one of the support ribs is further from the center of the upper surface of the main body than the position of the fastening member.

3. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein at least one of the support ribs includes a first support rib protruding from a lower surface of the heat dissipation duct.

4. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the first support rib is formed on the edge of the lower surface of the heat dissipation duct.

5. In paragraph 1, The above heat dissipation duct includes a heat dissipation duct body and a heat dissipation duct cover coupled to the upper portion of the heat dissipation duct body to form a heat dissipation path between the heat dissipation duct body and the heat dissipation duct body. The above first support rib is a refrigerator protruding from the lower surface of the heat dissipation duct body.

6. In paragraph 5, The above heat dissipation duct body includes a joining hole formed so that the above fastening member penetrates, The above first support rib is a refrigerator spaced apart from the joining hole.

7. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator comprising the above thermoelectric module assembly, a heat dissipation fan, and a fan case in which the heat dissipation fan is installed.

8. In paragraph 7, A refrigerator wherein said at least one support rib includes a second support rib protruding from a lower surface of said fan case.

9. In paragraph 7, The above thermoelectric module assembly includes a module plate on which the thermoelectric element, the heat sink, and the cooling sink are installed, A refrigerator in which the above fan case and the above module plate are formed integrally.

10. In paragraph 1, The above body, The inner chamber forming the above storage room; trauma associated with the outer side of the above-mentioned inner surface; and A connecting frame disposed between the inner case and the outer case to form a through hole in which at least a portion of the thermoelectric module assembly is disposed in the upper wall of the main body; A refrigerator wherein at least one fastening member is connected to the thermoelectric module assembly and the connecting frame through the outer wall.

11. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator further comprising a buffer member disposed between the thermoelectric module assembly and the upper surface of the main body.

12. In paragraph 11, A refrigerator wherein the above buffer member comprises a foam sheet.

13. In paragraph 11, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned buffer member is attached to the bottom surface of the above-mentioned heat dissipation duct.

14. In paragraph 1, A door provided to open and close the above storage room; A hinge for connecting the door to the body so that the door can rotate; and A refrigerator further comprising a top cover coupled to an upper surface of the main body to cover the hinge.

15. In paragraph 13, A refrigerator wherein the top cover is coupled to an upper surface of the main body such that the top cover pressurizes at least a portion of the thermoelectric module assembly.

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