Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises a thermoelectric module. The thermoelectric module includes: a module plate having an opening; a first heat sink provided on one side of the module plate; a second heat sink provided on the other side of the module plate; a thermoelectric element which is disposed in the opening, and which has one surface coming into contact with the first heat sink and has the opposite surface coming into contact with the second heat sink when the thermoelectric element is disposed in the opening; a fastening member which passes through the first heat sink, the module plate and the second heat sink so as to couple the first heat sink and the second heat sink to the module plate, and which has a head part and a connection part with a diameter smaller than that of the head part; a washer member supported between the head part and the first heat sink; and a nut member to which the connection part is fastened and which is supported by the second heat sink.

Description

refrigerator

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

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

[0003] A thermoelectric module, which generates heat and cooling through the Peltier effect of a thermoelectric element, can be used as a cooling device in a refrigerator. 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] A thermoelectric module may include a heat sink in contact with a heat generating portion, a cooling sink in contact with a heat absorbing portion, and a module plate supporting them to increase the efficiency of heat generation and heat absorption of the thermoelectric element.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a thermoelectric module having an improved structure to increase the efficiency of cooling action through a thermoelectric element, and a refrigerator including the same.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is to disclose a thermoelectric module having an improved structure for increased assembly convenience and a refrigerator having the same.

[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] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a storage compartment; and a thermoelectric module configured to cool the storage compartment; wherein the thermoelectric module includes a module plate having an opening; a first heat sink provided on one side of the module plate; a second heat sink provided on the other side of the module plate; a thermoelectric element disposed in the opening such that when disposed in the opening, one surface contacts the first heat sink and the opposite surface contacts the second heat sink; a fastening member penetrating the first heat sink, the module plate, and the second heat sink to couple the first heat sink and the second heat sink to the module plate, the fastening member having a head portion and a connecting portion having a diameter smaller than the head portion; a washer member supported between the head portion and the first heat sink; and a nut member to which the connecting portion is fastened and supported by the second heat sink.

[0009] The first heat sink may include a through hole through which the fastening member passes, and the washer member may include an insert portion protruding toward the through hole and inserted into the through hole.

[0010] The above washer member may be formed of a material having lower thermal conductivity than metal to reduce heat transfer between the fastening member and the first heat sink.

[0011] The above washer member may include a washer through hole through which the fastening member passes.

[0012] The above washer member may include a boss portion protruding around the washer penetration hole.

[0013] The above washer member may include a protruding flow guide to control the flow of air.

[0014] The first heat sink may include a first sink base; and a plurality of first fins protruding in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the first sink base; and a plurality of first channels may be formed between the plurality of first fins, and the plurality of first channels may include first basic channels and at least one first wide channel having a width greater than that of the first basic channels.

[0015] The above washer member may be disposed in the at least one first wide channel.

[0016] The second heat sink may include a second through hole through which the fastening member passes.

[0017] The above nut member may include an insert portion that protrudes toward the through hole and is insertable into the through hole.

[0018] The nut member may include a nut body formed of a material having lower thermal conductivity than metal to reduce heat transfer between the fastening member and the second heat sink; and a nut formed of a metal material and having threads formed on an inner surface thereof to fasten the fastening member; and provided inside the nut body.

[0019] The above nut member may include a nut through hole into which the fastening member can be inserted.

[0020] The above nut member may include a boss portion protruding around the nut through hole.

[0021] The above nut member may include a protruding flow guide to control the flow of air.

[0022] The second heat sink may include a second sink base; and a plurality of second fins protruding in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the second sink base; and a plurality of second channels may be formed between the plurality of second fins, and the plurality of second channels may include second basic channels and at least one second wide channel having a width greater than that of the second basic channels.

[0023] The above nut member may be disposed in the at least one second wide channel.

[0024] In another aspect, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: a module plate having an opening; a heat sink provided on one side of the module plate; a cooling sink provided on the other side of the module plate; a thermoelectric element having a heat generating portion and a heat absorbing portion, the heat generating portion being arranged in the opening so that the heat absorbing portion contacts the heat dissipation sink and the cooling sink contacts the cooling sink; a fastening member penetrating the heat dissipation sink, the module plate, and the cooling sink to couple the heat dissipation sink and the cooling sink to the module plate; a washer member provided between the head portion and the heat dissipation sink to prevent contact between the fastening member and the heat dissipation sink; and a nut member provided between the connecting portion and the cooling sink to prevent contact between the fastening member and the cooling sink.

[0025] The heat sink may include a first through-hole through which the fastening member passes, and the washer member may include: a washer body supported by the heat sink; and an insertion portion protruding from one surface of the washer body to be inserted into the first through-hole of the heat sink.

[0026] The above washer member may include a flow guide protruding from the other surface of the washer body to control the flow of air.

[0027] The cooling sink may include a second through hole through which the fastening member passes, and the nut member may include a nut body supported by the cooling sink; and an insertion portion protruding from one surface of the nut body to be inserted into the second through hole of the cooling sink.

[0028] The above nut member may include a flow guide protruding from the other surface of the nut body to control the flow of air.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the convenience of assembly and bonding strength of a thermoelectric module can be improved by bonding a heat sink and a cooling sink to a module plate through a fastening member.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat sink and the cooling sink can be brought into close contact with the thermoelectric element by the fastening force of the fastening member, so that the efficiency of the cooling action through the thermoelectric element can be increased.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, heat transfer through the fastening member can be minimized, thereby increasing the efficiency of cooling through the thermoelectric element.

[0032] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

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

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

[0035] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

[0037] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

[0039] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a heat dissipation duct cover, a heat dissipation duct body, an extension duct, and a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a heat dissipation duct cover, a heat dissipation duct body, and a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an exploded view of a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view illustrating an exploded view of a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

[0044] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a cooling sink according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a washer member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a washer member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a nut member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a nut member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a heat dissipation duct and a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fastening member and its surroundings of FIG. 17 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 19 is another cross-sectional view of a heat dissipation duct and thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fastening member and its surroundings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fastening member and its surroundings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fastening member and its surroundings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fastening member and its surroundings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 24 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fastening member and its surroundings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] 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.

[0058] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] "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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator includes two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To achieve this, each storage compartment may be separated from the others by a partition wall containing insulation.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0098] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0099]

[0100] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0101] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a state in which doors of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are opened. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a top cover and a thermoelectric module assembly separated from a main body of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a heat dissipation duct cover, a heat dissipation duct body, an extension duct, and a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a heat dissipation duct cover, a heat dissipation duct body, and a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (100), storage chambers (11, 12, 13) formed inside the main body (100), and doors (21, 22, 23, 24) provided to open and close the storage chambers (11, 12, 13).

[0103] The main body (100) may include an inner case (170), an outer case (180) coupled to the outer side of the inner case (170), and an insulating material (190) provided between the inner case (170) and the outer case (180). The inner case (170) may form a storage chamber (11, 12, 13), and the outer case (180) may form the outer appearance of the main body (100). The insulating material (190) may be a urethane foam insulating material.

[0104] In another aspect, the main body (100) may include an upper wall (110), a lower wall (120), a left wall (130), a right wall (140), and a rear wall (150). The upper wall (110), the lower wall (120), the left wall (130), the right wall (140), and the rear wall (150) may form an upper surface (111), a lower surface, a left surface, a right surface, and a rear wall of the main body (100), respectively.

[0105] The upper wall (110), the lower wall (120), the left wall (130), the right wall (140), and the rear wall (150) may each be formed of an inner surface (170), an outer surface (180), and an insulating material (190). For example, the upper surface (111) of the upper wall (110) is formed by the outer surface (180), the lower surface of the upper wall (110) is formed by the inner surface (170), and an insulating material (190) may be provided on the inside of the upper wall (110).

[0106] The upper wall (110) may include a through hole (115, FIG. 6). At least a portion of the thermoelectric module assembly (450) described below may be disposed inside the through hole (115). An inner opening (171) for forming the through hole (115) may be formed in the inner surface (170) forming the upper wall (110). An outer surface (180) forming the upper wall (110) may be formed with an outer opening (181, FIG. 6) for forming the through hole (115).

[0107] The upper wall (110) may include a connecting frame (200, FIGS. 5 and 6) arranged between the inner case (170) and the outer case (180). The connecting frame (200) may connect the inner case opening (171) and the outer case opening (181) and form a through hole (115) of the upper wall (110). The connecting frame (200) may be formed of a material having low thermal conductivity. The connecting frame (200) may be formed of a resin material.

[0108] The storage compartments (11, 12, 13) can accommodate items. The storage compartments (11, 12, 13) can be formed to have an open front side so that items can be put in or taken out. The main body (100) can include a horizontal partition wall (160) that divides the storage compartments (11, 12, 13) into a first storage compartment (11) at the top and lower storage compartments (12, 13), and a vertical partition wall (161) that divides the lower storage compartments (12, 13) into a second storage compartment (12) and a third storage compartment (13). The first storage compartment (11) can be a refrigerator compartment, the second storage compartment (12) can be a freezer compartment, and the third storage compartment (13) can be a variable temperature room.

[0109] Doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can open and close storage rooms (11, 12, 13). The first door (21) and the second door (22) can open and close the first storage room (11), the third door (23) can open and close the second storage room (12), and the fourth door (24) can open and close the third storage room (13). The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (100).

[0110] The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) by hinges. For example, the first door (21) and the second door (22) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) by a hinge (31) provided on the upper portion of the main body (100) and a hinge provided in the middle of the main body (100), respectively. The hinge (31) may include a hinge pin that protrudes vertically to form a rotational axis of the door. The hinge (31) may be covered by a top cover (300) provided to cover a front portion of the upper surface (111) of the main body (100).

[0111] A rotating bar (40) may be provided on either the first door (21) or the second door (22) to cover the gap formed between the first door (21) and the second door (22) when the first door (21) and the second door (22) are closed. The rotating bar (40) may be provided rotatably on either the first door (21) or the second door (22). The rotating bar (40) may have a rod shape that is formed long in a vertical direction. The rotating bar (40) may also be referred to as a pillar, a mullion, or the like.

[0112] A guide protrusion (46) may be provided at the top of the rotating bar (40), and a rotation guide (119) that guides the rotation of the guide protrusion (46) may be provided at the top of the main body (100).

[0113] The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a gasket (51). The gasket (51) may be pressed against the front of the body (100) when the doors (21, 22, 23, 24) are closed. The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a ditch (52) that protrudes rearward. A door shelf (53) capable of storing items may be mounted on the ditch (52). A rotating bar (40) may be rotatably installed on the ditch (52).

[0114] 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.

[0115] The refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) arranged to cool the storage compartment (11).

[0116] A thermoelectric cooling device (400) may be provided on the upper side of the storage room (11) to cool the storage room (11). That is, the thermoelectric cooling device may be provided on the upper wall (110) of the main body (100).

[0117] A thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric module assembly (450). The thermoelectric module assembly (450) may include a thermoelectric module (500, FIG. 7) and a heat dissipation duct (700).

[0118] A thermoelectric module (500) and a heat dissipation duct (700) can be assembled together to form a thermoelectric module assembly (450). The thermoelectric module assembly (450) can be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) in a top-down direction. After the thermoelectric module assembly (450) is coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) in a top-down direction, a cooling duct (900), which will be described later, can be coupled to the lower surface of the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) in a bottom-up direction.

[0119] A thermoelectric module (500) may include a thermoelectric element (530) and a heat sink. The heat sink may include a heat dissipation sink (520) and a cooling sink (570).

[0120] A thermoelectric element (530) may be a semiconductor element that converts thermal energy into electrical energy using the thermoelectric effect, and may also be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor element, a Peltier element, etc.

[0121] The thermoelectric element (530) may include a heat generating portion (531) and a heat absorbing portion (532). When current is applied to the thermoelectric element (530), a heat generating action may occur in the heat generating portion (531) and a heat absorbing action may occur in the heat absorbing portion (532). The thermoelectric element (530) may have a thin hexahedral shape. The heat generating portion (531) may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric element (530) and the heat absorbing portion (532) may be provided on the opposite surface.

[0122] The thermoelectric element (530) may be provided on the upper wall (110) such that the heating portion (531) faces above the thermoelectric element (530) and the heat absorption portion (532) faces below the thermoelectric element (530). That is, the heating portion (531) faces the outside of the main body (100), and the heat absorption portion (532) may face the inside of the storage chamber (11) through the through hole (115) of the upper wall (110). Accordingly, air that has been warmed through heat exchange with the heating portion (531) may be discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and air that has been cooled through heat exchange with the heat absorption portion (532) may be supplied to the storage chamber (11) to cool the storage chamber (11).

[0123] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a heat sink (520) that contacts the heat generating portion (531) of the thermoelectric element (530) so that heat exchange between the heat generating portion (531) and the air outside the main body (100) is efficiently performed.

[0124] The heat sink (520) can contact the heat generating part (531) to absorb the heat of the heat generating part (531) and release the heat to the outside of the main body (100). The heat sink (520) may also be referred to as a hot sink, a heat dissipation heat sink, a hot heat sink, etc.

[0125] The heat sink (520) may be formed of a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the heat sink (520) may be formed of aluminum or copper.

[0126] The heat sink (520) may include a heat sink base (521) that contacts the heat generating portion (531) and a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) that protrude from the heat sink base (521) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude upward from the heat sink base (521).

[0127] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a cooling sink (570) that contacts the heat absorbing portion (532) so that heat exchange between the heat absorbing portion (532) and the air inside the storage chamber (11) is efficiently performed.

[0128] A cooling sink (570) may be located inside the storage compartment (11). The cooling sink (570) may cool the storage compartment (11) by taking away heat from the storage compartment (11) and transferring it to the heat absorbing portion (532). The cooling sink (570) may also be referred to as a cold sink, a cooling sink, a cooling heat sink, a cold heat sink, a cooling heat sink, etc.

[0129] The cooling sink (570) may be formed of a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the cooling sink (570) may be formed of aluminum or copper.

[0130] The cooling sink (570) may include a cooling sink base (571) that contacts the heat absorbing portion (532) and a plurality of cooling fins (575) that protrude from the cooling sink base (571) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of cooling fins (575) may protrude downward from the cooling sink base (571). The cooling sink base (571) and the plurality of cooling fins (575) may be formed integrally.

[0131] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a heat dissipation fan (600) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the air outside the main body (100).

[0132] The heat dissipation fan (600) may be arranged to blow air toward the heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be arranged to be positioned in a horizontal direction of the heat dissipation sink (520).

[0133] 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). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be installed in a fan case (650).

[0134] The heat dissipation duct (700) can guide air outside the main body (100) to exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink (520), and guide air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to be discharged back to the outside of the main body (100).

[0135] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include a heat dissipation duct body (720), a heat dissipation duct cover (710), and an extension duct (740).

[0136] A heat dissipation duct body (720) may be provided on the upper side of the thermoelectric module (500) to cover the heat dissipation fan (600) and the heat dissipation sink (520). An outside air intake port (751) is formed on the upper surface of the front portion of the heat dissipation duct body (720), and the outside air intake port (751) may be covered by a top cover (300) to be described later.

[0137] The heat dissipation duct cover (710) may be coupled to the upper portion of the heat dissipation duct body (720) to cover the upper portion of the heat dissipation duct body (720). To this end, the heat dissipation duct cover (710) may be provided with a duct cover coupling portion (711), and the heat dissipation duct body (720) may be provided with a duct body coupling portion (721) coupled to the duct cover coupling portion (711). The duct cover coupling portion (711) and the duct body coupling portion (721) may be coupled in a hook or fitting manner. The heat dissipation duct cover (710) may include a cover extension portion (715) that extends from one side of the heat dissipation duct cover (710) toward the top cover (300).

[0138] An extension duct (740) may be provided in front of the heat dissipation duct body (720) so as to be connected to the heat dissipation duct body (720). The extension duct (740) may be formed separately from the heat dissipation duct body (720). However, alternatively, the extension duct (740) may be formed integrally with the heat dissipation duct body (720).

[0139] The extension duct (740) can be placed under the top cover (300) and can be coupled to the lower part of the top cover (300). For this purpose, the extension duct (740) can be provided with an extension duct coupling portion (745) coupled to the top cover (300).

[0140] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include external air exhaust ports (782, 794) that discharge air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the outside of the main body (100).

[0141] The heat dissipation duct body (720) may include a first external air discharge port (782) that discharges air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the outside of the main body (100).

[0142] The first outside air outlet (782) may include a connection port (784) provided to guide air inside the heat dissipation duct (700) to the inside of the top cover (300). The first outside air outlet (782) may include an outside exhaust port (783) separated from the connection port (784) to discharge air in the heat dissipation duct (700) to the outside of the top cover (300). A grill may be formed in the outside exhaust port (783) to prevent foreign substances from entering the inside of the heat dissipation duct (700) through the outside exhaust port (783).

[0143] The extension duct (740) may include a second outside air outlet (794) that discharges air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink (520) toward the rotating bar (40). By discharging the air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink (520) toward the rotating bar (40), condensation on the rotating bar (40) can be prevented.

[0144] However, the heat dissipation duct (700) does not have to include both the first outdoor air outlet (782) and the second outdoor air outlet (794) described above, and the second outdoor air outlet (794) may be omitted. In addition, the first outdoor air outlet (782) of the heat dissipation duct (700) does not have to include both the connection port (784) and the outdoor air outlet (783), and the first outdoor air outlet (792) may include only the outdoor air outlet (783).

[0145] A fan accommodation space (762) for accommodating a heat dissipation fan (600) may be formed in the heat dissipation duct body (720). The fan accommodation space (762) may be formed on the bottom surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720). The heat dissipation duct body (720) may include a fan inlet (761) through which air is introduced into the fan accommodation space (762).

[0146] The heat dissipation duct body (720) may include a sink accommodation space (771) formed on the downstream side of the fan accommodation space (762) to accommodate a heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation duct body (720) may include a guide vane (772) protruding from the bottom surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720) to control the flow of air. The guide vane (772) may be arranged in a wide heat dissipation channel (528b) to be described later among the heat dissipation channels (528) formed between a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525). The guide vane (772) may prevent air from flowing into the wide heat dissipation channel (528b) and guide air to flow into the basic heat dissipation channel (528a) to be described later.

[0147] The reason why the guide vane (772) is provided in the wide heat dissipation channel (528b) is that the air flow velocity and heat exchange efficiency of the air flowing into the wide heat dissipation channel (528b) may be reduced because the gap between a pair of heat dissipation fins (525) adjacent to the wide heat dissipation channel (528b) is wide.

[0148] The heat dissipation duct body (720) may include an intake space (752) formed on an upper surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720) to guide air sucked in through an outside air intake port (751) to a fan receiving space (762). The upper side of the intake space (752) may be formed to be open, and the open upper side of the intake space (752) may be covered by a heat dissipation duct cover (710). The intake space (752) may be formed on an upstream side of the fan receiving space (762). The intake space (752) may be connected to the fan receiving space (762) through a fan inlet port (761).

[0149] The heat dissipation duct body (720) may include a first exhaust space (781) formed on an upper surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720) to guide air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to a first outside air exhaust port (782). The upper side of the first exhaust space (781) may be open, and the open upper side of the first exhaust space may be covered by a heat dissipation duct cover (710). The first exhaust space (781) may be formed on a downstream side of the sink receiving space (771).

[0150] The heat dissipation duct body (720) may include a second exhaust space (791) formed on the upper surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720) to guide air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to a second outside air outlet (794). The upper side of the second exhaust space (791) may be open, and the open upper side of the second exhaust space (791) may be covered by a heat dissipation duct cover (710). The second exhaust space (791) may be formed on the downstream side of the sink receiving space (771).

[0151] The extension duct (740) may include an extension exhaust space (746) connected to a second exhaust space (791) of the heat dissipation duct body (720). Air in the second exhaust space (791) may be guided to a second outside air outlet (794) through the extension exhaust space (746).

[0152] The thermoelectric module assembly (450) can be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) by at least one fastening member (S2, FIG. 6). The at least one fastening member (S2) can be a mechanical element for coupling, such as a screw, a bolt, or the like.

[0153] At least one fastening member (S2) can penetrate the thermoelectric module assembly (450) and be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100).

[0154] According to one embodiment, at least one fastening member (S2) may be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) by penetrating the heat dissipation duct cover (710), the heat dissipation duct body (720), and the module plate (550). To this end, a coupling hole (719) may be formed in the heat dissipation duct cover (710), a coupling hole (729) may be formed in the heat dissipation duct body (720), and a coupling hole (554) may be formed in the module plate (550). A coupling hole (118) to which at least one fastening member (S2) is coupled may be formed in the upper wall (110) of the main body (100).

[0155] The refrigerator (1) may include a top cover (300) coupled to a front portion of the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) to cover a plurality of hinges (31). The top cover (300) may be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) via at least one fastening member (S3). After the thermoelectric module assembly (450) is coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100), the top cover (300) may be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100).

[0156] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a dust filter (390) designed to filter foreign substances from air flowing into the outside air intake (751). The dust filter (390) may be slidably mounted on the top cover (300) in the front-back direction.

[0157] The top cover (300) may include a suction grill portion (350) formed on the upper surface (310) of the top cover. The suction grill portion (350) may be located above the dust filter (390). The suction grill portion (350) may primarily block foreign substances from being sucked into the interior of the heat dissipation duct (700) before the dust filter (390). The suction grill portion (350) may protect the dust filter (390) by preventing external force from being applied to the dust filter (390).

[0158] The top cover (300) may include forward protrusions (313) protruding forward from both ends of the top cover (300) to cover a plurality of hinges (31).

[0159] At least a portion of the air discharged from the heat dissipation duct (700) through the first external air discharge port (782) can be introduced into the interior of the top cover (300). The air introduced into the interior of the top cover (300) can be discharged to the outside through the top cover outlet (340) formed in the front protrusion (313) of the top cover (300).

[0160] In this way, the air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink (520) can heat the upper surface (111) of the main body (100) while passing through the inside of the top cover (300). Therefore, condensation on the upper front surface of the main body (100) can be prevented.

[0161] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling fan (800) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the cooling sink (570) and the air inside the storage chamber (11). The cooling fan (800) may be placed inside the cooling duct (900).

[0162] A cooling fan (800) may be provided to blow air toward a cooling sink (570). The cooling fan (800) may be positioned horizontally with respect to the cooling sink (570). The cooling fan (800) may be provided inside the storage compartment (11). The cooling fan (800) may be provided on the lower side of the upper wall (110).

[0163] 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).

[0164] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling duct (900) provided to guide air flowing by a cooling fan (800). The cooling duct (900) may guide air inside the storage room (11) to exchange heat with the cooling sink (570), and guide air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) to be discharged back into the storage room (11).

[0165] A cooling fan (800) may be positioned inside a cooling duct (900). A cooling sink (570) may be positioned inside the cooling duct (900) by penetrating the upper surface of the cooling duct (900). The cooling duct (900) may be coupled to the lower surface of the upper wall (110).

[0166] The cooling duct (900) may include an intake port (991) for drawing air inside the storage room (11) into the interior of the cooling duct (900), and an exhaust port (992) for discharging air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) into the interior of the storage room (11).

[0167] A refrigerator (1) may include a refrigeration cycle device to cool a storage compartment through a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle device may include a compressor (2), a condenser (not shown), an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator (3). The evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear of the storage compartment (12, 13).

[0168] The refrigerator (1) may include evaporator ducts (60, 70) that guide cold air generated in the evaporator (3). The first evaporator duct (60) may be provided at the rear side of the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13). The second evaporator duct (70) may be provided at the rear side of the first storage compartment (11).

[0169] The cold air generated in the evaporator (3) can be sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) by the evaporator fan (80). The cold air sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) can be discharged to the second storage chamber (12) or the third storage chamber (13) through a cold air discharge port (not shown) formed on the front. In addition, the cold air sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) can be guided to the internal passage (78) of the second evaporator duct (70). The first evaporator duct (60) may be provided with a damper (61) that controls the supply of the cold air inside the first evaporator duct (60) to the second evaporator duct (70). A connecting duct (90) may be provided between the first evaporator duct (60) and the second evaporator duct (70) to connect the first evaporator duct (60) and the second evaporator duct (70).

[0170] Cold air introduced into the internal passage (78) of the second evaporator duct (70) can be supplied to the first storage chamber (11) through the cold air discharge port (72) formed on the front of the second evaporator duct (70).

[0171] Thus, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) and a refrigeration cycle device, but is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator may include only a thermoelectric cooling device (400).

[0172]

[0173] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is an exploded bottom perspective view of a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a heat sink according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a cooling sink according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a washer member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a washer member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a nut member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a nut member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a heat dissipation duct and a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fastening member and its surroundings of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is another cross-sectional view of a heat dissipation duct and thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0174] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 19, the thermoelectric module (500) will be described in detail.

[0175] A thermoelectric module (500) may include a thermoelectric element (530) having a heat generating portion (531) and a heat absorbing portion (532), a heat dissipation sink (520) in contact with the heat generating portion (531) of the thermoelectric element (530), a cooling sink (570) in contact with the heat absorbing portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530), and a module plate (550) on which the thermoelectric element (530), the heat dissipation sink (520), and the cooling sink (570) are installed.

[0176] The module plate (550) can serve as a frame of the thermoelectric module (500). The module plate (550) can be formed of a resin material having low thermal conductivity. The module plate (550) can support the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570). The module plate (550) can maintain a gap between the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570). As illustrated in the drawing, the module plate (550) can be formed integrally with the fan case (650) described above. However, the module plate (550) can also be provided separately from the fan case (650).

[0177] The module plate (550) may include a module plate opening (551). A thermoelectric element (530) may be placed inside the module plate opening (551). The vertical length of the module plate opening (551) may be greater than the vertical length of the thermoelectric element (530), and the thermoelectric element (530) may be placed at the upper end of the module plate opening (551).

[0178] The reason why the thermoelectric element (530) is positioned at the upper part inside the module plate opening (551) is that the heat generation amount of the thermoelectric element (530) is usually higher than the heat absorption amount, and the positioning of the thermoelectric element (530) at the upper part of the module plate opening (551) is advantageous for heat dissipation of the heat generating part (531), and the overall operating efficiency of the thermoelectric element (530) can be increased.

[0179] In this way, since the thermoelectric element (530) is positioned at the upper end of the module plate opening (551), the cooling sink (570) may include a cooling conductive portion (574) protruding from the cooling sink base (571) for contact with the heat absorbing portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530). The cooling conductive portion (574) may be formed integrally with the cooling sink base (571). The cooling conductive portion (574) may be inserted into the module plate opening (551) so as to contact the heat absorbing portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0180] The thermoelectric module may include a module plate (550) and an element insulation material (540) that insulates the thermoelectric element (530). The element insulation material (540) may be placed in the module plate opening (551) to prevent the thermoelectric element (530) from contacting the module plate (550). The element insulation material (540) may be provided to surround a side of the thermoelectric element (530). The element insulation material (540) may include an element insulation material body (543) and an element insulation material cover (542) coupled to an upper side of the element insulation material body (543). The element insulation material (540) may be formed of a resin material having low thermal conductivity. For example, the element insulation material (540) may be formed of a silicone material.

[0181] The module plate (550) may include a heat sink support (552) that supports a heat sink (520). The heat sink support (552) may be in contact with and support the bottom surface of the heat sink base (521).

[0182] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a sink insulation (580) provided between the module plate (550) and the cooling sink (570). The sink insulation (580) may prevent heat from being transferred between the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) through the module plate (550). The sink insulation (580) may include a sink insulation opening (581).

[0183] The sink insulation (580) can support the upper surface of the cooling sink (570). However, the sink insulation (580) can be omitted, in which case the cooling sink (570) can be supported by contacting the lower surface of the module plate (550). Alternatively, the sink insulation (580) can be provided between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the module plate (550).

[0184] The heat sink (520) may include a heat sink base (521) and a plurality of heat sink fins (525) protruding from the heat sink base (521). The bottom surface of the heat sink base (521) may be supported on a module plate (550).

[0185] A plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude from the upper surface (522) of the heat dissipation sink base (521). The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude in a direction (526) perpendicular to the upper surface (522) of the heat dissipation sink base (521). The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may be formed to extend in a direction (527) parallel to the upper surface (522) of the heat dissipation sink base (521).

[0186] Heat dissipation channels (528) may be formed between a plurality of adjacent heat dissipation fins (525). The heat dissipation channels (528) may include basic heat dissipation channels (528a) and at least one wide heat dissipation channel (528b) having a width greater than that of the basic heat dissipation channels (528a). That is, the width (W2) of the wide heat dissipation channel (528b) may be greater than the width (W1) of the basic heat dissipation channels (528a) (FIG. 18).

[0187] The reason why the heat sink (520) has a wide heat dissipation channel (528b) is that the heat sink (520) is formed through an extrusion process, and this is to efficiently perform the task of creating a space for installing a washer member (510) to be described later in the heat sink (520).

[0188] Air (A) flowing by the heat dissipation fan (600) can pass through the heat dissipation channels (528) and exchange heat with a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525).

[0189] A plurality of cooling fins (575) may protrude from the lower surface (572) of the cooling sink base (571). The plurality of cooling fins (575) may protrude in a direction (576) perpendicular to the lower surface (572) of the cooling sink base (571). The plurality of cooling fins (575) may be formed to extend in a direction (577) parallel to the lower surface (572) of the cooling sink base (571).

[0190] Cooling channels (578) may be formed between a plurality of adjacent cooling fins (575). The cooling channels (578) may include primary cooling channels (578a) and at least one wide cooling channel (578b) having a width greater than that of the primary cooling channels (578a).

[0191] The reason why the cooling sink (570) has a wide cooling channel (578b) is that the cooling sink (570) is formed through an extrusion process, and the work of creating a space for installing a nut member (590) to be described later in the cooling sink (570) is performed efficiently.

[0192] Air (B) flowing by the cooling fan (800) can pass through cooling channels (578) and exchange heat with a plurality of cooling fins (575).

[0193] The heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) can be coupled to the module plate (550) via a fastening member (S1). The fastening member (S1) can be a mechanical element for coupling, such as a screw or a bolt. The fastening member (S1) can have a head portion (H) and a connecting portion (C) having a diameter smaller than the head portion (H). The connecting portion (C) can have a cylindrical shape. Screw threads can be formed on the outer surface of the connecting portion (C). The fastening member (S1) can be formed of a metal material to have rigidity.

[0194] A heat sink through hole (523) may be formed in the heat sink (520) so that a fastening member (S1) may pass through it. A plate through hole (553) may be formed in the module plate (550) so that a fastening member (S1) may pass through it. A cooling sink through hole (573) may be formed in the cooling sink (570) so that a fastening member (S1) may pass through it.

[0195] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a washer member (510) supported between the head portion (H) of the fastening member (S1) and the heat sink (520). The washer member (510) is provided between the head portion (H) of the fastening member (S1) and the heat sink (520) to prevent the fastening member (S1) and the heat sink (520) from contacting each other and reduce heat of the heat sink (520) from being transferred through the fastening member (S1).

[0196] To this end, the washer member (510) may be formed of a material having lower thermal conductivity than metal to reduce heat transfer. For example, the washer member (510) may be formed of a material such as plastic, silicone, wood, or glass. Furthermore, the washer member (510) may be formed of a metal material having lower thermal conductivity than the metal constituting the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570).

[0197] The washer member (510) may include a washer through hole (518) through which the fastening member (S1) passes. The washer member (510) may include a washer body (511). The washer body (511) may be supported on a heat sink (520).

[0198] The washer member (510) may include a boss portion (517) protruding around the washer through hole (518) of one side (511a) of the washer body (511). The boss portion (517) may guide and support the fastening member (S1).

[0199] The washer member (510) can be inserted into and fixed to the heat sink (520). To this end, the washer member (510) can include an insertion portion (516) protruding from the other surface (511b) of the washer body (511). The insertion portion (516) can be inserted into the heat sink penetration hole (523) of the heat sink (520). The insertion portion (516) can be formed integrally with the washer body (511).

[0200] The insertion portion (516) may include a plurality of spaced apart insertion legs (516a). A slit (516c) may be formed between the plurality of adjacent insertion legs (516a). By forming the slit (516c) between the plurality of adjacent insertion legs (516a) in this way, the insertion portion (516) has elasticity so that the insertion portion (516) can be smoothly inserted into the heat dissipation sink through-hole (523). A fixing rib (516b) may be formed on the insertion legs (516a) to strengthen the bonding force between the insertion portion (516) and the heat dissipation sink through-hole (523). The fixing rib (516b) may prevent the insertion portion (516) from rotating within the heat dissipation sink through-hole (523) or from being separated from the heat dissipation sink through-hole (523).

[0201] The washer member (510) may be placed in the wide heat dissipation channel (528b) of the aforementioned heat dissipation sink (520). The washer member (510) may include a flow guide (513) designed to control the flow of air. The flow guide (513) may protrude from one side (511a) of the washer body (511). The flow guide (513) may be provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the air flow direction with respect to the boss portion (517) as the center.

[0202] The flow guide (513) can minimize the airflow through the wide heat dissipation channel (528b). That is, the flow guide (513) can induce the air to flow into the main heat dissipation channels (528a) by blocking or narrowing the wide heat dissipation channel (528b). To this end, the flow guide (513) can be provided to have a width (WG) corresponding to or slightly smaller than the width (W2) of the wide heat dissipation channel (528b).

[0203] Since the wide heat dissipation channel (528b) in which the washer member (510) is arranged is wider than the other basic heat dissipation channels (528a), the air passing through the wide heat dissipation channel (528b) in which the washer member (510) is arranged may have a reduced velocity and a low heat exchange efficiency with the surrounding heat dissipation fins (525). Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency between the air and the heat dissipation sink (520) may be increased by the flow guide (513) inducing the air to flow into the basic heat dissipation channels (528a) rather than the wide heat dissipation channel (528b).

[0204] The washer member (510) may include a side support portion (514) formed on a side of the flow guide (513) to support and reinforce the flow guide (513). The side support portion (514) may be formed to connect the flow guide (513) and one side (511a) of the washer body (511).

[0205] The washer member (510) may include a body extension portion (512) extending to one side from the washer body (511). The washer member (510) may include an extension support portion (515) connecting the flow guide (513) and the body extension portion (512) to support and reinforce the flow guide (513).

[0206] A loosening prevention member (502) may be provided between the head portion (H) of the fastening member (S1) and the washer member (510) to prevent loosening of the fastening member (S1).

[0207] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a nut member (590) to which a connection portion (C) of a fastening member (S1) is fastened. The nut member (590) may be supported on a cooling sink (570). The nut member (590) may be provided between the connection portion (C) of the fastening member (S1) and the cooling sink (570) to prevent the fastening member (S1) and the cooling sink (570) from contacting each other and reduce the transfer of cold air from the cooling sink (570) through the fastening member (S1).

[0208] The nut member (590) may include a nut body (591) and a nut (599) provided inside the nut body (591).

[0209] The nut body (591) may be formed of a material capable of reducing heat transfer between the fastening member (S1) and the cooling sink (570). That is, the nut body (591) may be formed of a material having lower thermal conductivity than metal. For example, the nut body (591) may be formed of a material such as plastic, silicone, wood, or glass. Furthermore, the nut body (591) may be formed of a metal material having lower thermal conductivity than the metal forming the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570).

[0210] The nut (599) is formed of a metal material, and a screw thread may be formed on the inner surface of the nut (599) so that a connecting portion (C) of a fastening member (S1) is fastened. The nut member (590) may be formed by an insert injection method in which resin is injected while the nut (599) is inserted into a mold.

[0211] The nut member (590) may include a nut through hole (598). The nut member (590) may include a nut body (591). The nut body (591) may be supported on a cooling sink (570).

[0212] The nut member (590) may include a boss portion (597) protruding around the nut through hole (598) on one side of the nut body (591). The boss portion (597) may support the fastening member (S1).

[0213] The nut member (590) can be inserted into and fixed to the cooling sink (570). To this end, the nut member (590) can include an insertion portion (596) protruding from the other surface (591b) of the nut body (591). The insertion portion (596) can be inserted into the cooling sink penetration hole (573) of the cooling sink (570). The insertion portion (596) can be formed integrally with the nut body (591).

[0214] The insertion portion (596) may include a plurality of spaced apart insertion legs (596a). A slit (596c) may be formed between the plurality of adjacent insertion legs (596a). By forming the slit (596c) between the plurality of adjacent insertion legs (596a) in this way, the insertion portion (596) has elasticity so that the insertion portion (596) can be smoothly inserted into the cooling sink through-hole (573). A fixing rib (596b) may be formed on the insertion legs (596a) to strengthen the bonding force between the insertion portion (596) and the cooling sink through-hole (573). The fixing rib (596b) may prevent the insertion portion (596) from rotating within the cooling sink through-hole (573) or from being separated from the cooling sink through-hole (573).

[0215] The nut member (590) may be placed in the wide cooling channel (578b) of the aforementioned cooling sink (570). The nut member (590) may include a flow guide (593) designed to control the flow of air. The flow guide (593) may protrude from one surface of the nut body (591). The flow guide (593) may be provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the air flow direction, respectively, with the boss portion (597) as the center.

[0216] The flow guide (593) can minimize the air flow through the wide cooling channel (578b). That is, the flow guide (593) can induce the air to flow into the primary cooling channels (578a) by blocking or narrowing the wide cooling channel (578b). To this end, the flow guide (593) can be designed to have a width corresponding to or slightly smaller than the width of the wide cooling channel (578b).

[0217] Since the wide cooling channel (578b) in which the nut member (590) is arranged is wider than the other basic cooling channels (578a), the air passing through the wide cooling channel (578b) in which the nut member (590) is arranged may have a reduced velocity and a low heat exchange efficiency with the surrounding cooling fins (575). Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency between the air and the cooling sink (570) may be increased by the flow guide (593) inducing the air to flow into the basic cooling channels (578a) rather than the wide cooling channel (578b).

[0218] With this configuration, the fastening member (S1) passes through the washer through-hole (518) of the washer member (510) and the plate through-hole (553) of the module plate (550) and is fastened to the nut member (590), whereby the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) can be fixed to the module plate (550).

[0219] When the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) are coupled to the module plate (550) via the fastening member (S1), the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) can be coupled to the module plate (550) via the fastening member (S1) while the element insulation (540) and the thermoelectric element (530) are placed in the opening (551) of the module plate (550). Accordingly, the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) can be fixed to the module plate (550) while the thermoelectric element (530) is also fixed at the same time.

[0220] The heat generating part (531) of the thermoelectric element (530) is supported and fixed by a heat sink (520), the heat absorbing part (532) of the thermoelectric element (530) is supported and fixed by a cooling sink (570), and the side connecting the heat generating part (531) and the heat absorbing part (532) of the thermoelectric element (530) can be supported and fixed by the inner surface of the element insulation material (540).

[0221] In this way, since the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) are directly coupled by the fastening member (S1), the assemblability of the thermoelectric module (500) can be increased. In addition, since the heat sink (520) and the heat generating portion (531) of the thermoelectric element (530) can be in close contact, and the cooling sink (570) and the heat absorbing portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530) can be in close contact, heat exchange between the heat generating portion (531) of the heat sink (520) and the thermoelectric element (530) and heat exchange between the cooling sink (570) and the heat absorbing portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530) can be efficiently performed, so that the efficiency of the thermoelectric module (500) can be increased.

[0222] In addition, since the fastening member (S1) is prevented from contacting the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) by the washer member (510) and the nut member (590), heat exchange through the fastening member (S1) is reduced, so that the efficiency of the thermoelectric module (500) can be increased.

[0223] FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fastening member and its surroundings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fastening member and its surroundings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fastening member and its surroundings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fastening member and its surroundings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 24 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fastening member and its surroundings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0224] As illustrated in FIG. 20, unlike the aforementioned embodiment, the fastening member (S1) may penetrate the cooling sink (570) and be coupled to the heat dissipation sink (520). That is, the fastening member (S1) may extend from the bottom to the top. In this case, the washer member (510) may be positioned on the cooling sink (570) side, and the nut member (590) may be positioned on the heat dissipation sink (520) side.

[0225] As illustrated in Fig. 21, the nut member (590) may not include a nut inserted therein. That is, a screw thread may be formed on the inner surface of the nut through hole (598) of the nut member (590) to which the connecting portion (C) of the fastening member (S1) can be fastened.

[0226] As illustrated in Fig. 22, there is no limitation on the width (WG2) of the flow guide (2513), and the width (WG2) of the flow guide (2513) may be smaller than the width (W2, Fig. 18) of the wide heat dissipation channel (528b). The width (WG2) of the flow guide (2513) may correspond to the width (W1, Fig. 18) of the basic heat dissipation channel (528a).

[0227] As illustrated in Fig. 23, the width of the flow guide (3513) may not be uniform. The width (WG3) of the portion of the flow guide (3513) closer to the washer body (511) may be smaller than the width (WG4) of the portion farther from the washer body (511).

[0228] As illustrated in FIG. 24, the flow guide may be omitted. In this case, the guide vane (2772) of the heat dissipation duct body (720) may extend closer to the heat dissipation sink (520). For example, the guide vane (2772) may extend to the vicinity of the washer member (510) or the fastening member (S1). The guide vane (2772) may extend to a point closer to the heat dissipation sink (520) than the midpoint between the heat dissipation duct body (720) and the heat dissipation sink (520).

[0229] While the technical concept of the present invention has been described above through specific examples, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples. Various embodiments that can be modified or altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims are also within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Storage room; and A thermoelectric module configured to cool the above storage room; The above thermoelectric module, Module plate having an opening; A first heat sink provided on one side of the above module plate; A second heat sink provided on the other side of the above module plate; A thermoelectric element disposed in the opening, wherein one side of the thermoelectric element contacts the first heat sink and the opposite side of the thermoelectric element contacts the second heat sink when disposed in the opening; A fastening member having a head portion and a connecting portion having a smaller diameter than the head portion, the fastening member penetrating the first heat sink, the module plate, and the second heat sink to connect the first heat sink and the second heat sink to the module plate; A washer member supported between the head portion and the first heat sink; and A refrigerator comprising a nut member to which the above connecting portion is connected and supported by the second heat sink; 2. In paragraph 1, The above first heat sink includes a through hole through which the fastening member passes, A refrigerator in which the washer member protrudes toward the through hole and includes an insertion portion that can be inserted into the through hole.

3. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the washer member is formed of a material having lower thermal conductivity than metal to reduce heat transfer between the fastening member and the first heat sink.

4. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the washer member includes a washer penetration hole through which the fastening member penetrates.

5. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator wherein the washer member includes a boss portion protruding around the washer penetration hole.

6. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the washer member includes a protruding flow guide to control the flow of air.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first heat sink, first sink base; and A plurality of first pins protruding along a direction perpendicular to one surface of the first sink base; A plurality of first channels are formed between the plurality of first pins, A refrigerator wherein said plurality of first channels include first basic channels and at least one first wide channel having a width greater than that of said first basic channels.

8. In paragraph 7, A refrigerator wherein the washer member is disposed in at least one of the first wide channels.

9. In paragraph 1, The second heat sink includes a through hole through which the fastening member passes; A refrigerator wherein the nut member protrudes toward the through hole and includes an insertion portion insertable into the through hole.

10. In paragraph 1, The above nut absence is, A nut body formed of a material having lower thermal conductivity than metal to reduce heat transfer between the above fastening member and the second heat sink; and A refrigerator including a nut formed of a metal material and provided inside the nut body, wherein screw threads are formed on the inner surface to allow the fastening member to be fastened thereto.

11. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the nut member includes a nut through-hole into which the fastening member can be inserted.

12. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the above nut member includes a boss portion protruding around the nut penetration hole.

13. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the above nut member includes a protruding flow guide to control the flow of air.

14. In paragraph 13, The above second heat sink, Second sink base; and A plurality of second pins protruding along a direction perpendicular to one surface of the second sink base; A plurality of second channels are formed between the plurality of second pins, A refrigerator wherein said plurality of second channels include second basic channels and at least one second wide channel having a width greater than that of said second basic channels.

15. In paragraph 14, A refrigerator wherein the nut member is disposed in at least one of the second wide channels.

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