Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: a main body; a thermoelectric element including a heat-generating unit and a heat-absorbing unit, and provided on the upper wall of the main body so that the heat-generating unit faces upward from the thermoelectric element and the heat-absorbing unit faces downward from the thermoelectric element; a heat-radiating sink provided on the upper side of the thermoelectric element so as to be in contact with the heat-generating unit; a cooling sink provided on the lower side of the thermoelectric element so as to be in contact with the heat-absorbing unit; and a thermoelectric element sealing unit which covers the outside surface of the thermoelectric element and provides a seal between the heat-radiating sink and the cooling sink. The thermoelectric element sealing unit includes a wire cover part that covers a wire connected to the thermoelectric element.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator having an improved structure.

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

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

[0004] Because thermoelectric elements experience frequent temperature changes, condensation may occur, potentially damaging the thermoelectric element. Therefore, a thermoelectric element seal may be provided on the outside of the thermoelectric element to prevent moisture from penetrating the element.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator that more effectively prevents moisture from penetrating into the interior of a thermoelectric element.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a thermoelectric element sealing portion having improved durability and assembly.

[0007] 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.

[0008] A refrigerator according to the invention comprises a main body, a thermoelectric element including a heat generating portion and a heat absorbing portion, the thermoelectric element being provided on an upper wall of the main body such that the heat generating portion faces above the thermoelectric element and the heat absorbing portion faces below the thermoelectric element, a heat dissipation sink provided on an upper side of the thermoelectric element so as to be in contact with the heat generating portion, a cooling sink provided on a lower side of the thermoelectric element so as to be in contact with the heat absorbing portion, and a thermoelectric element sealing portion provided to cover an outer surface of the thermoelectric element and seal between the heat dissipation sink and the cooling sink. The thermoelectric element sealing portion includes a wire cover portion that covers a wire connected to the thermoelectric element.

[0009] A refrigerator according to the invention comprises a main body, a thermoelectric element including a heat generating portion provided on an upper surface and a heat absorbing portion provided on a lower surface, a wire connected to the thermoelectric element to supply power to the thermoelectric element, a heat sink provided on an upper side of the thermoelectric element to contact the heat generating portion, a cooling sink provided on a lower side of the thermoelectric element to contact the heat absorbing portion, and a thermoelectric element sealing portion covering an outer surface of the thermoelectric element to prevent moisture from penetrating into the thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element sealing portion includes a lower sealing portion covering an outer surface of a lower portion of the thermoelectric element and a lower portion of the wire, and an upper sealing portion covering an upper surface of an upper portion of the thermoelectric element and an upper portion of the wire, and being detachably coupled to the lower sealing portion.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the doors of a refrigerator in an open state according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a drawing of the upper part of a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment, viewed from below.

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' shown in Figure 2.

[0015] Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a joint structure of a thermoelectric module and an upper wall of a main body according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a heat dissipation fan and a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an exploded view of a portion of the thermoelectric module illustrated in Fig. 7.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric element sealing portion arranged inside a plate opening according to one embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 10 is a drawing illustrating a thermoelectric element sealing portion according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' shown in Figure 10.

[0021] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' shown in Fig. 10.

[0022] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing the thermoelectric element and thermoelectric element sealing part illustrated in Fig. 9 in an exploded view.

[0023] Fig. 14 is a top view of a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric element sealing portion according to one embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 15 is a drawing of the thermoelectric element and thermoelectric element sealing portion shown in Fig. 14 viewed from below.

[0025] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a thermoelectric element sealing portion fixed inside a plate opening according to one embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a thermoelectric element sealing portion fixed inside a plate opening according to one embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 18 is a plan view illustrating a thermoelectric element arranged on a lower sealing portion according to one embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 19 is a top view of a disassembled portion of a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric element sealing portion according to one embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 20 is a drawing illustrating a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric element sealing portion according to one embodiment.

[0030] 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.

[0031] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] "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.

[0044] In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation material instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation material 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 material is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation material described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0045] 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.

[0046] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator has 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.

[0047] 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 in a frozen state, 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0071] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0072] Meanwhile, the terms “front / rear direction,” “left / right direction,” “upper side,” “lower side,” etc. used in the description below are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0073] For example, the X direction can be defined as the forward-backward direction. For example, the Y direction can be defined as the sideways direction. For example, the Z direction can be defined as the up-down direction. For example, the +X direction can be defined as the forward direction and the -X direction as the back direction. For example, the +Y direction can be defined as the right direction and the -Y direction as the left direction. For example, the +Z direction can be defined as the upward direction and the -Z direction as the downward direction.

[0074] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0075] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the doors of the refrigerator according to one embodiment in an open state. FIG. 3 is a view of the upper portion of the storage compartment of the refrigerator according to one embodiment as viewed from below. FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' shown in FIG. 2.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (100), a plurality of storage compartments (11, 12, 13) provided inside the main body (100), and a plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) provided to open and close the plurality of storage compartments (11, 12, 13).

[0077] 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 (+Z direction), a lower surface (-Z direction), a left surface (-Y direction), a right surface (+Y direction), and a rear wall (-X direction) of the main body (100), respectively.

[0078] Each of the plurality of storage rooms (11, 12, 13) can accommodate items. Each of the plurality of storage rooms (11, 12, 13) can be formed with an open front side so that items can be put in or taken out.

[0079] The plurality of storage rooms (11, 12, 13) may include a first storage room (11), a second storage room (12), and a third storage room (13). The first storage room (11) may be provided at an upper portion of the main body (100), and the second storage room (12) and the third storage room (13) may be provided at a lower portion of the main body (100). The first storage room (11) may be a refrigerator, the second storage room (12) may be a freezer, and the third storage room (13) may be a variable temperature room. The main body (100) may include a horizontal partition (160) dividing the first storage room (11) from the second storage room (12) and the third storage room (13), and a vertical partition (161) dividing the second storage room (12) from the third storage room (13).

[0080] Each of the plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may be arranged to open and close each of the plurality of storage rooms (11, 12, 13).

[0081] The plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a first door (21), a second door (22), a third door (23), and a fourth door (24). The first door (21) and the second door (22) can open and close the first storage compartment (11), the third door (23) can open and close the second storage compartment (12), and the fourth door (24) can open and close the third storage compartment (13).

[0082] Each of the plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (100). Specifically, each of the plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) by a hinge.

[0083] For example, the first door (21) and the second door (22) can be rotatably connected to the main body (100) by a hinge (31) provided on the upper portion of the main body (100) and a hinge (not shown) provided in the middle of the main body (100), respectively. The hinge (31) can be covered by a top cover (200) provided to cover the front portion of the upper surface of the main body (100).

[0084] The refrigerator (1) may include a rotating bar (40). The rotating bar (40) may be provided to cover a gap formed between the first door (21) and the second door (22) when the first door (21) and the second door (22) are closed. The rotating bar (40) may have a rod shape that is formed long in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The rotating bar (40) may also be referred to as a pillar, a mullion, or the like.

[0085] The rotating bar (40) may be provided rotatably on either the first door (21) or the second door (22). In the drawing, the rotating bar (40) is shown as being provided rotatably on the first door (21), but the rotating bar (40) may also be provided rotatably on the second door (22).

[0086] The rotating bar (40) may include a guide protrusion (41) provided at the upper end of the rotating bar (40). A rotating guide (42) that guides the rotation of the guide protrusion (41) may be provided at the upper end of the main body (100). When the first door (21) and the second door (22) are closed, the rotating guide (42) guides the rotation of the guide protrusion (41), thereby allowing the rotating bar (40) to rotate. This allows the gap formed between the first door (21) and the second door (22) to be covered.

[0087] Each of the plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a gasket (51). The gasket (51) may be brought into close contact with the front surface of the main body (100) when each of the plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) is closed.

[0088] Each of the plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a dyke (52) protruding rearward. The dyke (52) may be equipped with a door shelf (53) capable of storing items. A rotating bar (40) may be rotatably installed on the dyke (52).

[0089] 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.

[0090] The refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (300) arranged to cool the first storage compartment (11).

[0091] A thermoelectric cooling device (300) may be provided on the upper side of the first storage room (11) to cool the first storage room (11). That is, the thermoelectric cooling device (300) may be provided on the upper wall (110) of the main body (100).

[0092] A thermoelectric cooling device (300) may include a thermoelectric element (410). The thermoelectric element (410) may be a semiconductor element that converts thermal energy into electrical energy using the thermoelectric effect, and may also be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor element, a Peltier element, or the like. The thermoelectric element (410) may have a thin hexahedral shape.

[0093] A thermoelectric element (410) may include a heat generating portion (411) and a heat absorbing portion (412). When current is applied to the thermoelectric element (410), a heat generating action may occur in the heat generating portion (411) and a heat absorbing action may occur in the heat absorbing portion (412). A heat generating portion (411) may be provided on one side of the thermoelectric element (410) and a heat absorbing portion (412) may be provided on the opposite side.

[0094] A thermoelectric element (410) may be provided on the upper wall (110). The thermoelectric element (410) may be provided such that the heating portion (411) faces above the thermoelectric element (410) and the heat absorption portion (412) faces below the thermoelectric element (410). In other words, the heating portion (411) may be provided on the upper surface of the thermoelectric element (410), and the heat absorption portion (412) may be provided on the lower surface of the thermoelectric element (410). The heating portion (411) may face the outside of the main body (100), and the heat absorption portion (412) may face the inside of the first storage chamber (11). Accordingly, air that has been warmed by heat exchange with the heating portion (411) may be discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and air that has been cooled by heat exchange with the heat absorption portion (412) may be supplied to the first storage chamber (11).

[0095] The thermoelectric cooling device (300) may include a heat sink (420) that contacts the heat generating unit (411) so that heat exchange between the heat generating unit (411) and the air outside the main body (100) is efficiently performed. The heat sink (420) may be provided on the upper side of the thermoelectric element (410) so as to contact the heat generating unit (411).

[0096] A heat sink (420) may be provided on the outside of the main body (100). The heat sink (420) may contact the heat generating part (411) to absorb heat from the heat generating part (411) and release heat to the outside of the main body (100). The heat sink (420) may also be referred to as a hot sink, a heat dissipation heat sink, a hot heat sink, etc.

[0097] The heat sink (420) may be formed of a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the heat sink (420) may be formed of aluminum or copper.

[0098] The heat sink (420) may include a heat sink base (421) that contacts the heat generating portion (411) and a plurality of heat dissipation fins (422) that protrude from the heat sink base (421) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of heat dissipation fins (422) may protrude upward from the heat sink base (421).

[0099] The thermoelectric cooling device (300) may include a cooling sink (430) that contacts the heat absorbing portion (412) so that heat exchange between the heat absorbing portion (412) and the air inside the first storage chamber (11) is efficiently performed. The cooling sink (430) may be provided on the lower side of the thermoelectric element (410) so as to contact the heat absorbing portion (412).

[0100] A cooling sink (430) may be provided inside the first storage room (11). The cooling sink (430) may cool the first storage room (11) by taking away heat from the first storage room (11) and transferring it to the heat absorbing unit (412). The cooling sink (430) 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.

[0101] The cooling sink (430) may be formed of a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the cooling sink (430) may be formed of aluminum or copper.

[0102] The cooling sink (430) may include a cooling sink base (431) that contacts the heat absorbing portion (412) and a plurality of cooling fins (432) that protrude from the cooling sink base (431) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of cooling fins (432) may protrude downward from the cooling sink base (431). The cooling sink base (431) and the plurality of cooling fins (432) may be formed integrally.

[0103] The thermoelectric cooling device (300) may include a thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) that covers the outer surface of the thermoelectric element (410). As described above, a heat sink (420) may be provided on the upper side of the thermoelectric element (410), a cooling sink (430) may be provided on the lower side of the thermoelectric element (410), and the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) may be provided on the outer surface of the thermoelectric element (410). The thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) may cover the outer surface of the thermoelectric element (410) and seal between the heat sink (420) and the cooling sink (430). Through this configuration, the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) may prevent moisture from penetrating into the thermoelectric element (410). This will be described in detail later.

[0104] The thermoelectric cooling device (300) may include a heat dissipation fan (600) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the heat dissipation sink (420) and the air outside the main body (100).

[0105] The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided to suck in air from outside the main body (100) and blow the air toward the heat dissipation sink (420). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided to be positioned in a horizontal direction of the heat dissipation sink (420). 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).

[0106] 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).

[0107] The thermoelectric cooling device (300) may include a heat dissipation duct (700) provided to guide air flowing by a heat dissipation fan (600). The heat dissipation duct (700) may guide air from outside the main body (100) to exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink (420), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (420) back to the outside of the main body (100).

[0108] The heat dissipation duct (700) can draw in air from the external space on the upper side of the main body (100). The heat dissipation duct (700) can discharge air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (420) to the external space on the upper side of the main body (100). The heat dissipation fan (600) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct (700). The heat dissipation sink (420) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct (700). The heat dissipation duct (700) can be provided on the upper surface of the upper wall (110).

[0109] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include an outside air intake port (710) that draws air outside the main body (100) into the inside of the heat dissipation duct (700), and an outside air exhaust port (720) that discharges air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (420) to the outside of the main body (100).

[0110] The thermoelectric cooling device (300) may include a cooling fan (800) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the cooling sink (430) and the air inside the first storage chamber (11).

[0111] A cooling fan (800) may be provided to suck in air within the first storage chamber (11) and blow the air toward the cooling sink (430). The cooling fan (800) may be positioned in a horizontal direction of the cooling sink (430). The cooling fan (800) may be provided inside the first storage chamber (11). The cooling fan (800) may be provided on the lower side of the upper wall (110).

[0112] 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).

[0113] The thermoelectric cooling device (300) 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 first storage chamber (11) to exchange heat with the cooling sink (430), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (430) back into the first storage chamber (11).

[0114] The cooling duct (900) may be located on the upper side of the first storage chamber (11). Specifically, the cooling duct (900) may be provided on the lower surface of the upper wall (110).

[0115] A cooling fan (800) may be located inside a cooling duct (900). A cooling sink (430) may be located inside a cooling duct (900).

[0116] The cooling duct (900) may include an intake port (991) provided to draw air within the first storage chamber (11) into the interior of the cooling duct (900), and an exhaust port (992) provided to discharge air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (430) into the interior of the first storage chamber (11).

[0117] Referring to FIG. 4, the refrigerator (1) may include a refrigeration cycle device to cool the storage compartment through a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle device may include a compressor (2), a condenser (not shown), an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator (3). The evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear of the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13).

[0118] The refrigerator (1) may include an evaporator duct (60, 70) that guides cold air generated in the evaporator (3). The evaporator duct (60, 70) may include a first evaporator duct (60) and a second evaporator duct (70). 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).

[0119] 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 (71) of the second evaporator duct (70). The first evaporator duct (60) can 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).

[0120] Cold air introduced into the internal passage (71) 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).

[0121] However, unlike the above embodiment, the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) may be supplied directly to the second evaporator duct (70) without passing through the first evaporator duct (60). In addition, a separate evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear side of the first storage chamber (11) and configured to supply cold air to the second evaporator duct (70).

[0122] In this way, since the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a thermoelectric cooling device and a refrigeration cycle device for cooling the first storage compartment (11), a method for supplying cold air to the first storage compartment (11) may include a first method of supplying only cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (300), a second method of supplying only cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device, and a third method of supplying both cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device and cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device.

[0123] The refrigerator (1) can supply cold air to the first storage compartment (11) in an appropriate manner depending on external and internal conditions. For example, the refrigerator (1) can cool the first storage compartment (11) in one of the methods depending on the room temperature in which the refrigerator (1) is installed. That is, when the room temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature and cooling by a refrigeration cycle is more efficient than cooling by a thermoelectric cooling device, the first storage compartment (11) can be cooled only by cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device. Conversely, when the room temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature and cooling by a thermoelectric cooling device is more efficient than cooling by a refrigeration cycle device, the first storage compartment (11) can be cooled only by cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device. The refrigerator (1) can operate only the thermoelectric cooling device when noise reduction is required. When rapid cooling of the first storage compartment (11) is required, the refrigerator (1) can simultaneously supply cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device and cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device to the first storage compartment (11).

[0124] Thus, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include a thermoelectric cooling device and a refrigeration cycle device, but is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator may include only a thermoelectric cooling device (300).

[0125] Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a joint structure of a thermoelectric module and an upper wall of a main body according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is a drawing illustrating a heat dissipation fan and a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment. Fig. 8 is an exploded view illustrating a portion of the thermoelectric module illustrated in Fig. 7.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the thermoelectric cooling device (300) may include a thermoelectric module (400). The thermoelectric module (400) may be configured by integrally assembling a thermoelectric element (410), a heat dissipation sink (420), a cooling sink (430), and a thermoelectric element sealing portion (500). In other words, the thermoelectric module (400) may include a thermoelectric element (410), a heat dissipation sink (420), a cooling sink (430), and a thermoelectric element sealing portion (500).

[0127] The thermoelectric module (400) can be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) through a separate coupling member (S). The thermoelectric module (400) can be provided to penetrate the through hole (111) of the upper wall (110) so that the heat dissipation sink (420) is positioned outside the main body (100) and the cooling sink (430) is positioned inside the first storage chamber (11). A sealing member (450) for sealing can be provided between the plate portion (440) described below and the upper surface of the upper wall (110).

[0128] The thermoelectric module (400) may include a wire (413) connected to the thermoelectric element (410) to supply power to the thermoelectric element (410). One end of the wire (413) may be coupled to one surface of the thermoelectric element (410).

[0129] The wire (413) may include a first wire (4131) and a second wire (4132). One end (4131a, see FIG. 13) of the first wire (4131) may be coupled to one end of one surface of the thermoelectric element (410). One end (4132a, see FIG. 13) of the second wire (4132) may be coupled to the other end of one surface of the thermoelectric element (410).

[0130] The thermoelectric module (400) may include a plate portion (440) disposed between a heat sink (420) and a cooling sink (430). The plate portion (440) may serve as a frame of the thermoelectric module (400). The plate portion (440) may be formed of a resin material having low thermal conductivity. The plate portion (440) may maintain a gap between the heat sink (420) and the cooling sink (430) and support the heat sink (420) and the cooling sink (430). The plate portion (440) may be formed integrally with a fan case (620) to be described later. However, the plate portion (440) may also be provided separately from the fan case (620).

[0131] The plate portion (440) may include a first base plate (441) provided to support the heat sink (420). The first base plate (441) may be provided in a substantially flat shape.

[0132] The plate portion (440) may include a plate opening (442) that is formed by being opened in the vertical direction. The plate opening (442) may be provided at the center of the first base plate (441). The thermoelectric element (410) may be placed inside the plate opening (442). The thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) may be placed inside the plate opening (442). The thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) may be fixed by a protrusion (443) that protrudes from the inner surface of the plate opening (442). This will be described in detail later.

[0133] The vertical length of the plate opening (442) may be greater than the vertical length of the thermoelectric element (410), and the thermoelectric element (410) may be disposed at the upper end of the plate opening (442). The reason why the thermoelectric element (410) is disposed at the upper end of the plate opening (442) is that the heat generation amount of the thermoelectric element (410) is typically higher than the heat absorption amount, and the positioning of the thermoelectric element (410) at the upper end of the plate opening (442) is advantageous for heat dissipation of the heat generating part (411).

[0134] In this way, since the thermoelectric element (410) is placed on the upper side of the plate opening (442), the cooling sink (430) may include a cooling conductive portion (433) protruding from the cooling sink base (431) toward the heat absorbing portion (412) for contact with the heat absorbing portion (412) of the thermoelectric element (410).

[0135] The plate portion (440) may include a second base plate (444). The second base plate (444) may be provided at a step from the first base plate (441). The second base plate (444) may be provided on one side of the plate opening (442).

[0136] The thermoelectric module (400) may include a sink insulation (460) provided between the plate portion (440) and the cooling sink (430). The sink insulation (460) may prevent heat from being transferred between the heat dissipation sink (420) and the cooling sink (430) through the plate portion (440).

[0137] The sink insulation (460) may include a sink insulation opening (461). A cooling conductive member (433) may be disposed in the sink insulation opening (461). A thermoelectric element sealing member (500) may be disposed in the sink insulation opening (461).

[0138] The sink insulation (460) may be omitted. In this case, the heat sink (420) may be supported on the upper surface of the plate portion (440) and the cooling sink (430) may be supported on the lower surface of the plate portion (440).

[0139] The thermoelectric cooling device (300) may include a fan case (620) in which a heat dissipation fan (600) is installed and which guides the air blown by the heat dissipation fan (600). The fan case (620) may be formed integrally with the plate portion (440) or may be provided separately.

[0140] The fan case (620) may include a case bottom (621) on which a heat dissipation fan (600) is rotatably installed, and a case scroll portion (622) extending upward from the edge of the case bottom (621) to guide air blown from the heat dissipation fan (600) toward a heat dissipation sink (420). The heat dissipation fan (600) is a centrifugal fan, and may be installed on the case bottom (621) such that the rotation axis (610) is perpendicular to the case bottom (621). In addition, the heat dissipation sink (420) may be positioned in one radial direction of the heat dissipation fan (600). With this structure, the overall vertical length of the thermoelectric cooling device (300) can be made compact.

[0141] The case scroll portion (622) may be formed to surround the heat dissipation fan (600). The fan case (620) may include a case guide (623) provided to guide air flowing from the heat dissipation fan (600) to the vicinity of the downstream end (622a) of the case scroll portion (622). The case guide (623) may guide air blown by the heat dissipation fan (600) to flow approximately in the direction of the thermoelectric element (410).

[0142] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric element sealing portion according to one embodiment, wherein the thermoelectric element and the thermoelectric element sealing portion are arranged inside a plate opening. FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a thermoelectric element sealing portion according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is an exploded view illustrating the thermoelectric element and the thermoelectric element sealing portion illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 14 is an exploded view illustrating the thermoelectric element and the thermoelectric element sealing portion according to one embodiment, as seen from above. FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating the thermoelectric element and the thermoelectric element sealing portion illustrated in FIG. 14, as seen from below.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 15, the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) may include a lower sealing portion (530) and an upper sealing portion (540). The lower sealing portion (530) and the upper sealing portion (540) may be combined with each other to form a thermoelectric element cover portion (510) that covers the outer surface of the thermoelectric element (410) and a wire cover portion (520) that covers the wire (413), respectively. That is, the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) may structurally include a lower sealing portion (530) and an upper sealing portion (540), and functionally include a thermoelectric element cover portion (510) and a wire cover portion (520). Hereinafter, the function of the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) will be first examined along with a description of the thermoelectric element cover portion (510) and the wire cover portion (520).

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) may include a thermoelectric element cover portion (510). The thermoelectric element cover portion (510) may be provided on the outer surface of the thermoelectric element (410) to cover the thermoelectric element (410). Specifically, the thermoelectric element (410) may be inserted into an element insertion hole (511) formed in the center of the thermoelectric element cover portion (510).

[0145] The thermoelectric element cover (510) can seal between the heat dissipation sink (420) and the cooling sink (430). Through this configuration, the thermoelectric element (410) can be accommodated in a sealed space in the front-back (X-axis direction), left-right (Y-axis direction), and up-down (Z-axis direction) directions. Specifically, the thermoelectric element (410) can be sealed by the thermoelectric element cover (510) in the front-back and left-right directions, and can be sealed by the heat dissipation sink (420) and the cooling sink (430) in the up-down direction.

[0146] The thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) may include a wire cover portion (520) that covers at least a portion of the wire (413). The wire cover portion (520) may cover one end of the wire (413). The wire cover portion (520) may include a first wire cover portion (521) that covers one end (4131a) of a first wire (4131) and a second wire cover portion (522) that covers one end (4132a) of a second wire (4132).

[0147] The first wire cover part (521) can be formed integrally with the thermoelectric element cover part (510). In other words, the first wire cover part (521) can be connected to the thermoelectric element cover part (510). Through this configuration, the thermoelectric element sealing part (500) can cover the portion where the thermoelectric element (410) and the first wire (4131) are connected.

[0148] The second wire cover part (522) may be formed integrally with the thermoelectric element cover part (510). In other words, the second wire cover part (522) may be connected to the thermoelectric element cover part (510). Through this configuration, the thermoelectric element sealing part (500) may cover the portion where the thermoelectric element (410) and the second wire (4132) are connected.

[0149] A substrate, electrodes, etc. may be provided inside the thermoelectric element (410), and a sealing member (not shown) may be applied to provide primary protection to the above-described components. This sealing member (not shown) may include a material different from the material of the wire (413) connected to the thermoelectric element (410). For example, the material of the sealing member (not shown) may include silicone, and the material of the wire (413) may include Teflon.

[0150] Since the sealing member (not shown) and the wire (413) are made of different materials, the thermoelectric element (410) and the wire (413) may not be properly connected during the process of bonding one end of the wire (413) to one surface of the thermoelectric element (410). If the thermoelectric element (410) and the wire (413) are not properly connected, a gap may be formed between the thermoelectric element (410) and the wire (413), and surrounding moisture may penetrate into the gap and damage the thermoelectric element (410) or the wire (413).

[0151] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) covers the portion where the thermoelectric element (410) and the wire (413) are connected, thereby preventing moisture from penetrating into a gap that may be formed between the thermoelectric element (410) and the wire (413).

[0152] The first wire cover portion (521) may include a wire insertion hole (521a) into which the first wire (4131) is inserted. The cross-section of the first wire insertion hole (521a) may be approximately circular. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0153] The first wire cover portion (521) may include a first inner protrusion (521b) protruding from the inner surface of the first wire insertion hole (521a). The first inner protrusion (521b) may be provided to secure the first wire (4131) inserted into the first wire cover portion (521). In addition, the first inner protrusion (521b) may seal between the first wire (4131) and the first wire insertion hole (521a). Through this configuration, the first inner protrusion (521b) may prevent moisture from penetrating into the thermoelectric element (410) through the first wire insertion hole (521a).

[0154] The first inner protrusions (521b) may be provided in multiple numbers. The plurality of first inner protrusions (521b) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the direction in which the first wire insertion hole (521a) extends. Through this configuration, even if one part of the first wire (4131) has a relatively thin thickness, if another part of the first wire (4131) has a relatively thick thickness, the thick part of the first wire (4131) can be fixed by some of the plurality of first inner protrusions (521b), so that the first wire (4131) can be firmly fixed within the first wire insertion hole (521a).

[0155] The second wire cover (522) may include a wire insertion hole (522a) into which the second wire (4132) is inserted. The cross-section of the second wire insertion hole (522a) may be approximately circular, but is not limited thereto.

[0156] The second wire cover portion (522) may include a second inner protrusion (522b) protruding from the inner surface of the second wire insertion hole (522a). The second inner protrusion (522b) may be provided to secure the second wire (4132) inserted into the second wire cover portion (522). In addition, the second inner protrusion (522b) may seal between the second wire (4132) and the second wire insertion hole (522a). Through this configuration, the second inner protrusion (522b) may prevent moisture from penetrating into the thermoelectric element (410) through the second wire insertion hole (522a).

[0157] The second inner protrusions (522b) may be provided in multiple numbers. The plurality of second inner protrusions (522b) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the direction in which the second wire insertion hole (522a) extends. Through this configuration, even if one part of the second wire (4132) has a relatively thin thickness, if another part of the second wire (4132) has a relatively thick thickness, the thick part of the second wire (4132) can be fixed by some of the plurality of second inner protrusions (522b), so that the second wire (4132) can be firmly fixed within the second wire insertion hole (522a).

[0158] The thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) may include an elastic material. Through this configuration, the sealing effect of the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) may be improved. The thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) may include a material having low thermal conductivity. Through this configuration, heat conduction from the thermoelectric element (410) to the plate portion (440) may be reduced. For example, the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) may include EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) or silicone. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) may include a lower sealing portion (530) and an upper sealing portion (540). As described above, the lower sealing portion (530) and the upper sealing portion (540) may be combined with each other to form a thermoelectric element cover portion (510) and a wire cover portion (520).

[0160] The lower sealing portion (530) may be provided on the lower side of the upper sealing portion (540). The lower sealing portion (530) may be supported by the cooling sink (430). Specifically, the lower sealing portion (530) may be supported by the cooling sink base (431). The lower sealing portion (530) may cover the outer surface of the lower part of the thermoelectric element (410) and the lower part of the wire (413).

[0161] The lower sealing portion (530) may include a lower sealing body (531) that forms the overall outer shape of the lower sealing portion (530). The lower sealing body (531) may include a lower element insertion hole (531a) that is formed by opening in the central portion.

[0162] The lower part of the thermoelectric element (410) can be inserted into the lower element insertion hole (531a). Through this configuration, the lower sealing body (531) can cover the outer surface of the lower part of the thermoelectric element (410). In addition, the cooling conductive part (433) can be inserted into the lower element insertion hole (531a). Through this configuration, the lower sealing body (531) can cover the outer surface of the cooling conductive part (433).

[0163] Specifically, the cooling conductive portion (433) can be positioned to be in contact with the lower portion of the thermoelectric element (410) by protruding from the cooling sink base (431) toward the heat absorbing portion (412) of the thermoelectric element (410), and the lower sealing body (531) can cover both the lower portion of the thermoelectric element (410) and the cooling conductive portion (433) that are positioned to be in contact with each other.

[0164] The lower sealing portion (530) may include a lower protrusion (532) protruding downward from the lower surface of the lower sealing body (531). The lower protrusion (532) may be formed along the edge of the lower element insertion hole (531a). The lower protrusion (532) may be provided to seal between the cooling sink (430) and the lower sealing body (531).

[0165] The lower protrusion (532) may have one end in contact with the cooling sink base (431). The vertical length of the lower protrusion (532) may be narrower than the width between the lower surface of the lower sealing body (531) and the cooling sink base (431), and thus the lower protrusion (532) may be compressed between the lower sealing body (531) and the cooling sink base (431). Through this configuration, the lower protrusion (532) may seal between the cooling sink (430) and the lower sealing body (531).

[0166] The lower protrusions (532) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple lower protrusions (532) may be arranged spaced apart from each other. Although only two lower protrusions (532) are illustrated in the drawing, the number of lower protrusions (532) is not limited thereto.

[0167] The lower sealing portion (530) may include a first wire insertion groove (533a) into which the lower portion of the first wire (4131) is inserted. The first wire insertion groove (533a) may be formed by being sunken into the upper surface of the lower sealing body (531). The cross-section of the first wire insertion groove (533a) may be approximately semicircular. As will be described later, the first wire insertion groove (533a) may form a first wire insertion hole (521a) together with the third wire insertion groove (543a).

[0168] The lower sealing portion (530) may include a first protrusion (534a) protruding from the inner surface of the first wire insertion groove (533a). The lower portion of the first wire (4131) may be placed on the first protrusion (534a). As will be described later, the first protrusion (534a) may form a first inner protrusion (521b) together with the third protrusion (544a).

[0169] The first protrusion (534a) may be provided in multiple numbers. Each of the plurality of first protrusions (534a) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the direction in which the first wire insertion groove (533a) extends.

[0170] The lower sealing portion (530) may include a second wire insertion groove (533b) into which the lower portion of the second wire (4132) is inserted. The second wire insertion groove (533b) may be formed by being sunken into the upper surface of the lower sealing body (531). The cross-section of the second wire insertion groove (533b) may have an approximately semicircular shape. As will be described later, the second wire insertion groove (533b) may form a second wire insertion hole (522a) together with the fourth wire insertion groove (543b).

[0171] The lower sealing portion (530) may include a second protrusion (534b) protruding from the inner surface of the second wire insertion groove (533b). The lower portion of the second wire (4132) may be placed on the second protrusion (534b). As will be described later, the second protrusion (534b) may form a second inner protrusion (522b) together with the fourth protrusion (544b).

[0172] The second protrusions (534b) may be provided in multiple numbers. Each of the plurality of second protrusions (534b) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the direction in which the second wire insertion groove (533b) extends.

[0173] The upper sealing portion (540) may be provided on the upper side of the lower sealing portion (530). The upper sealing portion (540) may be supported by the heat sink (420). Specifically, the upper sealing portion (540) may be supported by the heat sink base (421). The upper sealing portion (540) may cover the outer surface of the upper side of the thermoelectric element (410) and the upper side of the wire (413).

[0174] The upper sealing portion (540) may include an upper sealing body (541) that forms the overall outer shape of the upper sealing portion (540). The upper sealing body (541) may include an upper element insertion hole (541a) that is formed by opening in the central portion.

[0175] The upper part of the thermoelectric element (410) can be inserted into the upper element insertion hole (541a). Through this configuration, the upper sealing body (541) can cover the outer surface of the upper part of the thermoelectric element (410).

[0176] The upper sealing portion (540) may include an upper protrusion (542) protruding upward from the upper surface of the upper sealing body (541). The upper protrusion (542) may be formed along the edge of the upper element insertion hole (541a). The upper protrusion (542) may be provided to seal between the heat sink (420) and the upper sealing body (541).

[0177] The upper protrusion (542) may have one end in contact with the heat sink base (421). The vertical length of the upper protrusion (542) may be narrower than the width between the upper surface of the upper sealing body (541) and the heat sink base (421), and thus the upper protrusion (542) may be compressed between the upper sealing body (541) and the heat sink base (421). Through this configuration, the upper protrusion (542) may seal between the heat sink (420) and the upper sealing body (541).

[0178] The upper protrusions (542) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple upper protrusions (542) may be arranged spaced apart from each other. Although only two upper protrusions (542) are illustrated in the drawing, the number of upper protrusions (542) is not limited thereto.

[0179] The upper sealing portion (540) may include a third wire insertion groove (543a) into which the upper portion of the first wire (4131) is inserted. The third wire insertion groove (543a) may be formed by being sunken into the lower surface of the upper sealing body (541). The cross-section of the third wire insertion groove (543a) may be approximately semicircular. The third wire insertion groove (543a) may form a first wire insertion hole (521a) together with the first wire insertion groove (533a).

[0180] The upper sealing portion (540) may include a third protrusion (544a) protruding from the inner surface of the third wire insertion groove (543a). The lower portion of the first wire (4131) may be placed on the third protrusion (544a). The third protrusion (544a) may form a first inner protrusion (522a) together with the first protrusion (534a).

[0181] A plurality of third protrusions (544a) may be provided. Each of the plurality of third protrusions (544a) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the direction in which the third wire insertion groove (543a) extends. Each of the plurality of third protrusions (544a) may be positioned corresponding to the position of each of the plurality of first protrusions (534a).

[0182] The upper sealing portion (540) may include a fourth wire insertion groove (543b) into which the upper portion of the second wire (4132) is inserted. The fourth wire insertion groove (543b) may be formed by being sunken into the lower surface of the upper sealing body (541). The cross-section of the fourth wire insertion groove (543b) may have an approximately semicircular shape. The fourth wire insertion groove (543b) may form a second wire insertion hole (522a) together with the second wire insertion groove (533b).

[0183] The upper sealing portion (540) may include a fourth protrusion (544b) protruding from the inner surface of the fourth wire insertion groove (543b). The lower portion of the second wire (4132) may be placed on the fourth protrusion (544b). The fourth protrusion (544b) may form a second inner protrusion (522b) together with the second protrusion (534b).

[0184] The fourth protrusion (544b) may be provided in multiple numbers. Each of the plurality of fourth protrusions (544b) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the direction in which the fourth wire insertion groove (543b) extends. Each of the plurality of fourth protrusions (544b) may be positioned corresponding to the position of each of the plurality of second protrusions (534b).

[0185] In this document, the first wire insertion groove (533a), the second wire insertion groove (533b), the third wire insertion groove (543a), and the fourth wire insertion groove (543b) are not limited by the ordinal numbers "first," "second," "third," and "fourth." In addition, the first protrusion (534a), the second protrusion (534b), the third protrusion (544a), and the fourth protrusion (544b) are not limited by the ordinal numbers "first," "second," "third," and "fourth."

[0186] The lower sealing portion (530) and the upper sealing portion (540) can be detachably coupled to each other. Specifically, the lower sealing portion (530) can include a sealing body coupling portion (535) that is formed by being recessed into the upper surface of the lower sealing body (531). The upper sealing portion (540) can include a coupling protrusion (545) that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper sealing body (541). The coupling protrusion (545) of the upper sealing portion (540) can be inserted into the sealing body coupling portion (535) of the lower sealing portion (530), and thus the upper sealing portion (540) can be coupled to the lower sealing portion (530).

[0187] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) can be formed by combining the lower sealing portion (530) and the upper sealing portion (540), and does not require a separate conformal coating. Therefore, damage to the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) due to volume change of the coating may not occur, and the process of curing the coating may be omitted, thereby accelerating the overall assembly process. In other words, the durability and assembling performance of the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) can be further improved.

[0188] The lower sealing portion (530) and the upper sealing portion (540) coupled to each other can be fixed between the heat sink (420) and the cooling sink (430). In other words, the lower sealing portion (530) and the upper sealing portion (540) coupled to each other can be fixed inside the plate opening (442). Details on how the lower sealing portion (530) and the upper sealing portion (540) coupled to each other are fixed will be described later.

[0189] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a thermoelectric element sealing portion fixed within a plate opening according to one embodiment. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a thermoelectric element sealing portion fixed within a plate opening according to one embodiment.

[0190] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the plate portion (440) may include a protrusion (443) protruding from the inner surface of the plate opening (442). The protrusion (443) may be provided at the center of the inner surface of the plate opening (442). The direction in which the protrusion (443) protrudes may be in the inner direction of the plate opening (442). The protrusion (443) may extend in a direction parallel to the thermoelectric element (410). In other words, the protrusion (443) may extend in a direction parallel to the cooling sink base (431).

[0191] The lower sealing portion (530) may include a recessed portion (536) formed by being recessed into the outer surface of the lower sealing body (531). A protrusion (443) may be inserted into the recessed portion (536). As the recessed portion (536) is inserted into the protrusion (443), the lower sealing portion (530) may be fixed inside the plate opening (442). In addition, as the upper sealing portion (540) is coupled to the lower sealing portion (530), the upper sealing portion (540) may also be fixed inside the plate opening (442). That is, the lower sealing portion (530) and the upper sealing portion (540) coupled to each other may be fixed inside the plate opening (442).

[0192] As described above, by inserting the protrusion (443) into the recessed portion (536), the upper surface of the protrusion (443) can press the upper portion of the lower sealing body (531), and the lower surface of the protrusion (443) can press the lower portion of the lower sealing body (531). When the protrusion (443) presses the lower sealing body (531) in the vertical direction, the lower sealing portion (530) and the upper sealing portion (540) that are coupled to each other can both be compressed in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) can more effectively seal between the heat sink (420) and the cooling sink (430).

[0193] Fig. 18 is a plan view illustrating a thermoelectric element arranged on a lower sealing portion according to one embodiment.

[0194] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 18, the plate portion (440) may include a first mounting portion (445a) provided to allow the first wire cover portion (521) to be mounted thereon. The first mounting portion (445a) may be provided on one side of the second base plate (444). The shape and size of the first mounting portion (445a) may correspond to the shape and size of the cross-section of the first wire cover portion (521).

[0195] The plate portion (440) may include a second mounting portion (445b) provided to allow the second wire cover portion (522) to be mounted thereon. The second mounting portion (445b) may be provided on the other side of the second base plate (444). The shape and size of the second mounting portion (445b) may correspond to the shape and size of the cross-section of the second wire cover portion (522).

[0196] The plate portion (440) may include a rib (446) forming a first mounting portion (445a) and a second mounting portion (445b). The rib (446) may protrude upward from the second base plate (444). Each of the first mounting portion (445a) and the second mounting portion (445b) may be positioned between the rib (446) and the plate opening (442).

[0197] The plate portion (447) may include a first wire fixing portion (447a) provided to fix the first wire (4131). The first wire fixing portion (447a) may be provided on the second base plate (444). The first wire fixing portion (447a) may be positioned adjacent to the first mounting portion (445a). Specifically, the first wire fixing portion (447a) may be positioned adjacent to the first wire insertion hole (521a) of the first wire cover portion (521) that is mounted on the first mounting portion (445a). The first wire fixing portion (447a) may be connected to the rib (446).

[0198] The plate portion (447) may include a second wire fixing portion (447b) provided to fix the second wire (4132). The second wire fixing portion (447b) may be provided on the second base plate (444). The second wire fixing portion (447b) may be positioned adjacent to the second mounting portion (445a). Specifically, the second wire fixing portion (447b) may be positioned adjacent to the second wire insertion hole (522a) of the second wire cover portion (522) that is mounted on the second mounting portion (445b). The second wire fixing portion (447b) may be connected to the rib (446).

[0199] The first wire fixing part (447a) and the second wire fixing part (447b) can facilitate the process of assembling the thermoelectric element (410) and the thermoelectric element sealing part (500) to the plate part (440). Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 13 and 18, the process of assembling the thermoelectric element (410) and the thermoelectric element sealing part (500) to the plate part (440) will be briefly described.

[0200] First, the lower sealing portion (530) is coupled to the plate portion (440). Specifically, the lower sealing portion (530) can be coupled to the plate portion (440) by inserting the protrusion (442) of the plate portion (440) into the recessed portion (536) of the lower sealing portion (530). At this time, the thermoelectric element cover portion (510) can be placed inside the plate opening (442), the first wire cover portion (521) can be placed on the first mounting portion (445a), and the second wire cover portion (522) can be placed on the second mounting portion (445b).

[0201] Next, a thermoelectric element (410) connected to a wire (413) is placed on the lower sealing portion (530). The thermoelectric element (410) may be placed so as to be above the plate opening (442), the first wire (4131) may be placed on the first wire insertion groove (533a), and the second wire (4132) may be placed on the second wire insertion groove (533b).

[0202] At this time, the first wire fixing part (447a) fixes the first wire (4131), and the second wire fixing part (447b) fixes the second wire (4132), thereby ensuring that the first wire (4131) and the second wire (4132) are always positioned at the same position. Accordingly, the process of assembling the thermoelectric element (410) and the thermoelectric element sealing part (500) to the plate part (440) can be made easier.

[0203] Next, the upper sealing part (540) is coupled to the lower sealing part (530). Specifically, the upper sealing part (540) and the lower sealing part (530) can be coupled by inserting the coupling protrusion (545) of the upper sealing part (540) into the sealing body coupling part (535) of the lower sealing part (530).

[0204] Fig. 19 is a top view of a disassembled portion of a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric element sealing portion according to one embodiment.

[0205] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 19, a thermoelectric element sealing portion (501) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In describing the thermoelectric element sealing portion (501), components that are substantially the same as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 18 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0206] Referring to FIG. 19, the wire cover portion (520) may include a lower wire cover (5201) that covers the lower portion of the wire (413) and an upper wire cover (5202) that covers the upper portion of the wire (413). Specifically, the lower wire cover (5201) may cover the lower portions of each of the first wire (4131) and the second wire (4132), and the upper wire cover (5202) may cover the upper portions of each of the first wire (4131) and the second wire (4132).

[0207] The lower wire cover (5201) can be formed integrally with the thermoelectric element cover part (510). That is, while the thermoelectric element cover part (510) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 18 is formed by combining the lower sealing part (530) and the upper sealing part (540), the thermoelectric element cover part (510) illustrated in FIG. 19 can be formed integrally without being separated into different configurations.

[0208] The upper wire cover (5202) can be detachably coupled to the lower wire cover (5201). Specifically, the upper wire cover (5202) can include an upper wire cover joining portion (5202a) that protrudes downward from the lower surface, and the lower wire cover (5201) can include a lower wire cover joining portion (5201a) that is formed by being recessed in the upper surface. By inserting the upper wire cover joining portion (5202a) into the lower wire cover joining portion (5201a), the upper wire cover (5202) can be coupled to the lower wire cover (5201). When the upper wire cover (5202) and the lower wire cover (5201) are coupled, the wire cover portion (520) can completely cover the wire (413).

[0209] Fig. 20 is a drawing illustrating a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric element sealing portion according to one embodiment.

[0210] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 20, a thermoelectric element sealing portion (502) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In describing the thermoelectric element sealing portion (502), components that are substantially the same as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 18 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0211] Referring to Fig. 20, the thermoelectric element sealing portion (502) may be formed integrally. That is, while the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) illustrated in Figs. 1 to 18 may be separated into a lower sealing portion (530) and an upper sealing portion (540), the thermoelectric element sealing portion (502) illustrated in Fig. 20 may be formed integrally without being separated into different configurations.

[0212] The thermoelectric element sealing portion (502) may include a cut portion (502a) into which the thermoelectric element (410) is inserted. The cut portion (502a) may be formed by cutting into one surface of the thermoelectric element sealing portion (502). Specifically, the cut portion (502a) may be formed by cutting into one surface on which the wire cover portion (520) is provided.

[0213] The cutout (502a) can be opened or closed in the vertical direction. When the cutout (502a) is opened in the vertical direction, the thermoelectric element (410) can be inserted into the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) and covered by the thermoelectric element cover portion (510). When the thermoelectric element (410) is completely inserted into the thermoelectric element sealing portion (500), the cutout (502a) can be closed, thereby preventing surrounding moisture from penetrating into the thermoelectric element (410) through the cutout (502a).

[0214] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator (1) comprises a main body (100), a thermoelectric element (410) including a heat generating part (411) and a heat absorbing part (412), wherein the thermoelectric element (410) is provided on an upper wall (110) of the main body (100) such that the heat generating part (411) faces above the thermoelectric element (410) and the heat absorbing part (412) faces below the thermoelectric element (410), a heat dissipation sink (420) provided on an upper side of the thermoelectric element (410) so as to be in contact with the heat generating part (411), a cooling sink (430) provided on a lower side of the thermoelectric element (410) so as to be in contact with the heat absorbing part (412), and a thermoelectric element sealing part (500, 501,) provided to cover an outer surface of the thermoelectric element (410) and seal between the heat dissipation sink (420) and the cooling sink (430). 502). The thermoelectric element sealing portion (500, 501, 502) includes a wire cover portion (520, 521, 522) that covers the wire (4131, 4132) connected to the thermoelectric element (410).

[0215] One end (4131a, 4132a) of the above wire (4131, 4132) can be coupled to one surface of the thermoelectric element (410). The above wire cover portion (521, 522) can cover one end (4131a, 4132a) of the above wire (4131, 4132).

[0216] The above wire cover portion (521, 522) may include a wire insertion hole (521a, 522a) into which the wire (4131, 4132) is inserted, and an inner protrusion (521b, 522b) protruding from the inner surface of the wire insertion hole (521a, 522a).

[0217] The above inner protrusions (521b, 522b) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple inner protrusions (521b, 522b) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the direction in which the wire insertion holes (521a, 522a) extend.

[0218] The above thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) may further include a lower sealing portion (530) supported by the cooling sink (430) and an upper sealing portion (540) supported by the heat dissipation sink (420) and detachably coupled to the lower sealing portion (530). The wire cover portion (520) may be formed by coupling the lower sealing portion (530) and the upper sealing portion (540).

[0219] The lower sealing portion (530) may include a lower sealing body (531) that covers the outer surface of the lower portion of the thermoelectric element (410) and a lower protrusion (532) that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the lower sealing body (531), and is provided to seal between the cooling sink (430) and the lower sealing body (531).

[0220] The cooling sink (430) may include a cooling sink base (431) that contacts one end of the lower protrusion (532) and a cooling conductive portion (433) that protrudes from the cooling sink base (431) toward the heat absorbing portion (412). The lower sealing body (531) may cover the outer surface of the cooling conductive portion (433).

[0221] The upper sealing portion (540) may include an upper sealing body (541) that covers the outer surface of the upper portion of the thermoelectric element (410) and an upper protrusion (542) that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the upper sealing body (541), and is provided to seal between the heat sink (420) and the upper sealing body (541).

[0222] The lower sealing portion (530) may include a lower sealing body (531) that covers the outer surface of the lower portion of the thermoelectric element (410) and a sealing body coupling portion (535) that is formed by being sunken into the upper surface of the lower sealing body (531). The upper sealing portion (540) may include an upper sealing body (541) that covers the outer surface of the upper portion of the thermoelectric element (410) and a coupling protrusion (545) that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper sealing body (541), and may include a coupling protrusion (545) that is inserted into the sealing body coupling portion so that the upper sealing portion (540) is coupled to the lower sealing portion (530).

[0223] It may further include a plate portion (440) positioned between the heat sink (420) and the cooling sink (430). The plate portion (440) may include a base plate (441) provided to support the heat sink (420) and a plate opening (442) provided in the center of the base plate (441). The lower sealing portion (530) may be fixed inside the plate opening (442).

[0224] The plate portion (440) may further include a protrusion (443) protruding from the inner surface of the plate opening (442). The lower sealing portion (530) may include a lower sealing body (531) that covers the outer surface of the lower portion of the thermoelectric element (410) and a recessed portion (536) that is formed by being recessed into the outer surface of the lower sealing body (531), and may include a recessed portion (536) into which the protrusion (443) is inserted so that the lower sealing portion (530) is fixed to the inside of the plate opening (442).

[0225] The above base plate (441) may be a first base plate (441). The plate portion (440) may be provided with a step from the first base plate (441), and may further include a second base plate (444) provided on one side of the plate opening (442), and a wire fixing portion (447a, 447b) provided on the second base plate (444) and provided to fix the wires (4131, 4132).

[0226] The above plate portion (440) may include a mounting portion (445a, 445b) provided to allow the wire cover portion (521, 522) to be mounted thereon, and a rib (446) protruding upward from the second base plate (444) to form the mounting portion (445a, 445b). The wire fixing portion (447a, 447b) may be connected to the rib (446).

[0227] The above wire cover part (520) may include a lower wire cover (5201) that covers the lower portion of the wire (4131, 4132) and an upper wire cover (5202) that covers the upper portion of the wire (4131, 4132) and is detachably connected to the lower wire cover (5201).

[0228] The above thermoelectric element sealing portion (502) may include a cut portion (502a) formed by cutting a surface on which the wire cover portion (520) is provided, and a cut portion (502a) provided to allow the thermoelectric element (410) to be inserted.

[0229] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment includes a main body (100), a thermoelectric element (410) including a heating part (411) provided on an upper surface and a heat absorbing part (412) provided on a lower surface, wires (4131, 4132) connected to the thermoelectric element (410) to supply power to the thermoelectric element (410), a heat sink (420) provided on an upper side of the thermoelectric element (410) to contact the heating part (411), a cooling sink (430) provided on a lower side of the thermoelectric element (410) to contact the heat absorbing part (412), and a thermoelectric element sealing part (500) covering an outer surface of the thermoelectric element (410) to prevent moisture from penetrating into the thermoelectric element (410). The thermoelectric element sealing portion (500) includes a lower sealing portion (530) that covers the outer surface of the lower portion of the thermoelectric element (410) and the lower portion of the wire (4131, 4132), and an upper sealing portion (540) that covers the upper surface of the upper portion of the thermoelectric element (410) and the upper portion of the wire (4131, 4132) and is detachably connected to the lower sealing portion (530).

[0230] The lower sealing portion (530) may include a lower sealing body (531) that covers the outer surface of the lower portion of the thermoelectric element (410) and a first wire insertion groove (533a, 533b) that is formed by being sunken into the upper surface of the lower sealing body (531) so that the lower portion of the wire (4131, 4132) is inserted. The upper sealing portion (540) may include an upper sealing body (541) that covers the outer surface of the upper portion of the thermoelectric element (410) and a second wire insertion groove (543a, 543b) that is formed by being sunken into the lower surface of the upper sealing body (541) so that the upper portion of the wire (4131, 4132) is inserted.

[0231] The lower sealing portion (530) may include a first protrusion (534a, 534b) protruding from the inner surface of the first wire insertion groove (533a, 533b). The upper sealing portion (540) may include a second protrusion (544a, 544b) protruding from the inner surface of the second wire insertion groove (543a, 543b).

[0232] The first protrusions (534a, 534b) and the second protrusions (544a, 544b) may be provided in multiple numbers. Each of the plurality of first protrusions (534a, 534b) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the direction in which the first wire (4131, 4132) insertion grooves extend. Each of the plurality of second protrusions (544a, 544b) may be arranged at a position corresponding to the position of each of the plurality of first protrusions (534a, 534b).

[0233] The lower sealing portion (530) may include a lower protrusion (532) that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the lower sealing body (531) and is provided to seal between the cooling sink (430) and the lower sealing body (531). The upper sealing portion (540) may include an upper protrusion (542) that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the upper sealing body (541) and is provided to seal between the heat dissipation sink (420) and the upper sealing body (541).

[0234] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a thermoelectric element of a refrigerator is arranged between a cooling sink and a heat sink, and a thermoelectric element sealing portion seals between the cooling sink and the heat sink, thereby preventing moisture from penetrating into the thermoelectric element. In addition, the thermoelectric element sealing portion simultaneously covers the thermoelectric element and one end of a wire connected to the thermoelectric element, thereby also preventing moisture from penetrating into the portion where the wire and the thermoelectric element are connected.

[0235] According to the concept of the present disclosure, since conformal coating is not required for manufacturing a thermoelectric element sealing portion of a refrigerator, damage to the thermoelectric element sealing portion due to volume change of the coating can be prevented, and the entire assembly process can be accelerated because the coating curing process is omitted. In other words, the durability and assembling performance of the thermoelectric element sealing portion can be further improved.

[0236] 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.

[0237] 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. Main body; A thermoelectric element including a heating part and a heat absorbing part, wherein the heating part is provided on the upper wall of the main body so that the heating part faces above the thermoelectric element and the heat absorbing part faces below the thermoelectric element; A heat sink provided on the upper side of the thermoelectric element so as to come into contact with the heating element; A cooling sink provided on the lower side of the thermoelectric element so as to contact the heat absorbing portion; and It includes a thermoelectric element sealing portion that covers the outer surface of the thermoelectric element and is provided to seal between the heat sink and the cooling sink. The above thermoelectric element sealing part is, A refrigerator comprising a wire cover portion covering at least a portion of a wire connected to the thermoelectric element.

2. In paragraph 1, One end of the above wire is connected to one side of the thermoelectric element, A refrigerator in which the above wire cover part covers one end of the above wire.

3. In paragraph 1, The above wire cover part, A wire insertion hole provided for inserting the above wire; and A refrigerator including an inner protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the above wire insertion hole.

4. In paragraph 3, The above inner protrusions are provided in multiple pieces, A refrigerator in which the plurality of inner protrusions are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other along the direction in which the wire insertion hole extends.

5. In paragraph 1, The above thermoelectric element sealing part is, A lower sealing portion supported by the above cooling sink; and It further includes an upper sealing portion supported by the above heat sink and detachably connected to the lower sealing portion, A refrigerator in which the above wire cover portion is formed by combining the lower sealing portion and the upper sealing portion.

6. In paragraph 5, The above lower sealing part is, A lower sealing body covering the outer surface of the lower portion of the thermoelectric element; and A refrigerator including a lower protrusion protruding downward from the lower surface of the lower sealing body, the lower protrusion being provided to seal between the cooling sink and the lower sealing body.

7. In paragraph 6, The above cooling sink, A cooling sink base in contact with one end of the lower projection; and Including a cooling conductive member protruding from the cooling sink base toward the heat absorbing member, A refrigerator in which the lower sealing body covers the outer surface of the cooling conductive part.

8. In paragraph 5, The upper sealing portion above is, An upper sealing body covering the outer surface of the upper portion of the thermoelectric element; and A refrigerator including an upper projection protruding upward from the upper surface of the upper sealing body, the upper projection being provided to seal between the heat sink and the upper sealing body.

9. In paragraph 5, The above lower sealing part is, A lower sealing body covering the outer surface of the lower portion of the thermoelectric element; and It includes a sealing body joining part formed by being sunken into the upper surface of the lower sealing body; The upper sealing portion above is, An upper sealing body covering the outer surface of the upper portion of the thermoelectric element; and A refrigerator including a joining projection that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper sealing body, the joining projection being inserted into the sealing body joining portion so that the upper sealing portion is joined to the lower sealing portion.

10. In paragraph 5, Further comprising a plate portion disposed between the heat sink and the cooling sink, The above plate portion, a base plate provided to support the above heat sink; and Including a plate opening provided in the central portion of the above base plate; A refrigerator wherein the lower sealing portion is fixed inside the plate opening.

11. In paragraph 10, The above plate portion, Further comprising a protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the above plate opening, The above lower sealing part is, A lower sealing body covering the outer surface of the lower portion of the thermoelectric element; and A refrigerator including a recessed portion formed by sinking into the outer surface of the lower sealing body, the recessed portion into which the protrusion is inserted so that the lower sealing portion is fixed inside the plate opening.

12. In paragraph 10, The above base plate is the first base plate, The above plate portion, A second base plate provided at a step distance from the first base plate and provided on one side of the plate opening; and A refrigerator further comprising a wire fixing member provided on the second base plate and configured to fix the wire.

13. In paragraph 12, The above plate portion, A mounting portion provided to allow the above wire cover portion to be mounted; and A rib is included that protrudes upward from the second base plate to form the above-mentioned mounting portion; The above wire fixing part is a refrigerator connected to the above rib.

14. In paragraph 1, The above wire cover part, A lower wire cover covering the lower part of the above wire; and A refrigerator comprising an upper wire cover covering the upper portion of the above wires and detachably connected to the lower wire cover.

15. In paragraph 1, The above thermoelectric element sealing part is, A refrigerator including a cut portion formed by cutting a surface on which the above-mentioned wire cover portion is provided, the cut portion being provided so that the above-mentioned thermoelectric element is inserted.

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