Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator may comprise: a main body; a storage chamber formed inside the main body; a thermoelectric module provided above the storage chamber and including a thermoelectric element, which has a heating unit and a cooling unit, a heat dissipation sink, which is provided to be in contact with the heating unit, and a cooling sink, which is provided to be in contact with the cooling unit; a heat dissipation fan configured to generate a flow of air; a heat dissipation duct which has an external air inlet port and an external air outlet port, is located on the upper surface of the main body, guides the flow of air, introduced through the external air inlet port, to the heat dissipation sink so that the air exchanges heat with the heat dissipation sink and is then discharged through the external air outlet port; and a dust filter which can be mounted on the external air inlet port and, when the heat dissipation fan generates a flow of air when the dust filter is mounted on the external air inlet port, can prevent foreign substances in the flow of air from entering through the external air inlet port.

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

[0004] The thermoelectric cooling device may be equipped with a heat sink, a cooling sink, a heat sink fan, a cooling fan, a heat duct, and a cooling duct to increase the efficiency of cooling the storage room through the thermoelectric cooling device.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator including a thermoelectric cooling device using a thermoelectric element.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator having increased efficiency of a thermoelectric cooling device.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator in which the performance of a thermoelectric cooling device can be continuously maintained.

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator comprises: a main body; a storage compartment formed inside the main body; a thermoelectric element having a heating portion and a cooling portion; a heat sink provided to contact the heating portion; and a cooling sink provided to contact the cooling portion, wherein the thermoelectric module is provided on an upper portion of the storage compartment; a heat dissipation fan configured to generate a flow of air; a heat dissipation duct having an outside air intake port and an outside air exhaust port, wherein the heat dissipation duct is located on an upper surface of the main body and guides an air flow introduced through the outside air intake port to the heat dissipation sink to exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink and then exhausts the air flow through the outside air exhaust port; and a dust filter that is mountable to the outside air intake port and is configured to prevent foreign substances in the air flow from being introduced into the heat dissipation duct through the outside air intake port when the heat dissipation fan generates an air flow in a state where the dust filter is mounted on the outside air intake port.

[0010] The refrigerator further includes a top cover that is attachable to the upper surface of the main body, and at least a portion of the top cover can overlap the heat dissipation duct when the top cover is attached to the upper surface of the main body.

[0011] The dust filter may be mountable to the top cover, and when the top cover is coupled to the upper surface of the main body and the dust filter is mounted on the top cover and the heat dissipation fan generates air flow, the dust filter may be configured to prevent foreign substances included in the air flow from flowing into the interior of the heat dissipation duct through the top cover.

[0012] The top cover may include a filter receiving space configured to receive the dust filter.

[0013] The dust filter may be slidable in a first direction to be accommodated in the filter accommodation space, and the dust filter may be slidable in a second direction to be separated from the filter accommodation space.

[0014] The top cover may include a pair of fixed rails configured to support the dust filter when the dust filter slides in the first direction and the second direction.

[0015] Among the pair of fixed rail parts, the first fixed rail part may be provided on one side of the filter accommodation space, and the second fixed rail part among the pair of fixed rail parts may be provided on the other side opposite the filter accommodation space.

[0016] The top cover may include a suction grill portion formed on the upper side of the filter receiving space and having a plurality of grill ribs spaced apart from each other.

[0017] The plurality of grill ribs may be inclined downward toward the rear of the top cover.

[0018] The above dust filter may include a filter member designed to filter foreign substances from an air flow; and a filter frame designed to support the filter member.

[0019] The filter frame may include a pair of movable rail parts, and the pair of movable rail parts may include a first movable rail part provided at a first end of the filter frame and slidably supporting the first fixed rail part among the pair of fixed rail parts; and a second movable rail part provided at a second end of the filter frame and slidably supporting the second fixed rail part among the pair of fixed rail parts.

[0020] Each of the pair of fixed rail parts may include a horizontal fixed rail part extending in a horizontal direction and a vertical fixed rail part extending downward from the horizontal fixed rail part, and each of the pair of movable rail parts may include a horizontal movable rail part configured to be supported by the horizontal fixed rail part and a vertical movable rail part configured to be supported by the vertical fixed rail part.

[0021] The above refrigerator may include a filter sensor configured to detect whether the dust filter is mounted and provided on the top cover.

[0022] The dust filter may include a magnet, and the filter sensor may include a reed switch configured to be turned on or off based on a distance from the magnet.

[0023] The above-mentioned external air intake may be located closer to the front end of the upper surface of the main body than the center of the upper surface of the main body.

[0024] In another aspect, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a main body; a storage compartment formed inside the main body; a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; a hinge configured to rotatably couple the door to the main body; a thermoelectric module provided on an upper portion of the storage compartment; a heat dissipation fan configured to generate air flow; an outside air intake port and an outside air exhaust port, the heat dissipation duct coupled to an upper surface of the main body to guide air flowing by the heat dissipation fan; a top cover coupled to an upper surface of the main body to cover the hinge, at least a portion of which is disposed above the outside air intake port; and a dust filter detachably mounted on the top cover to prevent foreign substances from entering the inside of the heat dissipation duct through the outside air intake port.

[0025] The above dust filter can be mounted or detached by sliding it forward and backward on the top cover.

[0026] The top cover may be provided with a pair of fixed rail parts so that the dust filter can slide, and the dust filter may be provided with a pair of movable rail parts corresponding to the pair of fixed rail parts.

[0027] The top cover may include a suction grill portion formed on the upper side of the dust filter and having a plurality of grill ribs spaced apart from each other.

[0028] The above plurality of grill ribs may be formed to slope downward as they go toward the rear.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the efficiency of a thermoelectric cooling device can be increased.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the performance of a thermoelectric cooling device can be continuously maintained.

[0031] 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.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the doors of a refrigerator in an open state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a view of a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from below.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of Figure 2.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a top cover, a dust filter, and a heat dissipation duct separated from the main body of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a heat dissipation duct cover, a heat dissipation duct body, and a thermoelectric module separated from each other according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of a top cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating the flow of air by a heat dissipation fan, a heat dissipation duct, and a top cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom surface of a dust filter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a dust filter is mounted on a top cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a dust filter is separated from a top cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Fig. 12.

[0046] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅲ-Ⅲ of Fig. 12.

[0047] 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 substitutes of the embodiments.

[0048] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0052] 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).

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0058] The body may include insulation. The insulation may insulate the interior and exterior of the storage compartment so that the temperature inside the storage compartment can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment of the storage compartment. In one embodiment, the insulation may include a foam insulation, such as polyurethane foam. In another embodiment, the insulation may additionally include a vacuum insulation in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation instead of the foam insulation.

[0059] A storage room can store various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room can be formed so that at least one side is open for taking items in and out.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The storage room may be designed to maintain an appropriate temperature range depending on its intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished by their intended use and / or temperature range. A refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and a freezer may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them frozen, and for example, a freezer may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. A variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer, at the user's option or not.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0070] The cold air supply device may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool the storage room.

[0071] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The machine room may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be connected to the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0085] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0086]

[0087] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0088] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a state in which the doors of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are open. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a storage compartment of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from below. FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 2.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (100), storage chambers (11, 12, 13) formed inside the main body (100), and doors (21, 22, 23, 24) provided to open and close the storage chambers (11, 12, 13).

[0090] 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).

[0091] In another aspect, the main body (100) may include an upper wall (110), a lower wall (120), a left wall (130), a right wall (140), and a rear wall (150). The upper wall (110), the lower wall (120), the left wall (130), the right wall (140), and the rear wall (150) may form an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, a right surface, and a rear wall of the main body (100), respectively.

[0092] Each of the upper wall (110), the lower wall (120), the left wall (130), the right wall (140), and the rear wall (150) may be formed of an inner surface (170), an outer surface (180), and an insulating material (190). For example, the upper surface of the upper wall (110) 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) (see FIG. 14).

[0093] 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 an upper storage compartment (11) 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.

[0094] 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).

[0095] The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) by hinges. For example, the first door (21) and the second door (22) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) by a hinge (31) provided on the upper portion of the main body (100) and a hinge provided in the middle of the main body (100), respectively. The hinge (31) may include a hinge pin that protrudes vertically to form a rotational axis of the door. The hinge (31) may be covered by a top cover (300) provided to cover the upper front portion of the main body (100).

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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).

[0099] 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.

[0100] The refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) arranged to cool the storage compartment (11).

[0101] 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).

[0102] A thermoelectric cooling device may include a thermoelectric element (530). The thermoelectric element (530) may be a semiconductor element that converts thermal energy into electrical energy using the thermoelectric effect, and may also be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor element, a Peltier element, or the like.

[0103] The thermoelectric element (530) may include a heating portion (531) and a cooling portion (532). When current is applied to the thermoelectric element (530), a heating action may occur in the heating portion (531) and a heat absorption action may occur in the cooling portion (532). The thermoelectric element (530) may have a thin hexahedral shape. The heating portion (531) may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric element (530) and the cooling portion (532) may be provided on the opposite surface.

[0104] The thermoelectric element (530) may be provided on the upper wall (110) such that the heating portion (531) faces above the thermoelectric element (530) and the cooling portion (532) faces below the thermoelectric element (530). That is, the heating portion (531) may face the outside of the main body (100) and the cooling portion (532) may face the inside of the storage chamber (11). Accordingly, air that has been warmed through heat exchange with the heating portion (531) may be discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and air that has been cooled through heat exchange with the cooling portion (532) may be supplied to the storage chamber (11).

[0105] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat sink (520) that contacts the heat generating unit (531) so that heat exchange between the heat generating unit (531) and the air outside the main body (100) is efficiently performed.

[0106] A heat sink (520) may be located outside the main body (100). The heat sink (520) may contact the heat generating portion (531) to absorb heat from the heat generating portion (531) and release heat to the outside of the main body (100). The heat sink (520) may also be referred to as a hot sink, a heat dissipation heat sink, a hot heat sink, etc.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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).

[0109] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling sink (570) in contact with the cooling unit (532) so that heat exchange between the cooling unit (532) and the air inside the storage chamber (11) is efficiently performed.

[0110] A cooling sink (570) may be located inside the storage compartment (11). The cooling sink (570) may cool the storage compartment (11) by taking away heat from the storage compartment (11) and transferring it to the cooling unit (532). The cooling sink (570) may also be referred to as a cold sink, a cooling sink, a cooling heat sink, a cold heat sink, a cooling heat sink, etc.

[0111] 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.

[0112] The cooling sink (570) may include a cooling sink base (571) that contacts the cooling unit (532) and a plurality of cooling fins (575) that protrude from the cooling sink base (571) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of cooling fins (525) may protrude downward from the cooling sink base (571). The cooling sink base (571) and the plurality of cooling fins (575) may be formed integrally.

[0113] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat dissipation fan (600) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the air outside the main body (100).

[0114] A heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided to blow air toward a heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided to be positioned in a horizontal direction of the heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided on the outside of the main body (100). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided on the upper side of the upper wall (110).

[0115] 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).

[0116] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat dissipation duct (700) provided to guide air flowing by a heat dissipation fan (600). The heat dissipation duct (700) may guide air from outside the main body (100) to exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink (520), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) back to the outside of the main body (100).

[0117] The heat dissipation duct (700) can draw in air from the external space on the upper side of the main body (100). The heat dissipation duct (700) can discharge air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the external space on the upper side of the main body (100). The heat dissipation fan (600) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct (700). The heat dissipation sink (520) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct (700). The heat dissipation duct (700) can be provided on the upper surface of the upper wall (110).

[0118] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include an outside air intake port (751) that draws air outside the main body (100) into the inside of the heat dissipation duct (700), and an outside air exhaust port (782) that discharges air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the outside of the main body (100).

[0119] 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).

[0120] 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).

[0121] 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).

[0122] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling duct (900) provided to guide air flowing by a cooling fan (800). The cooling duct (700) may guide air inside the storage chamber (11) to exchange heat with the cooling sink (570), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) back into the storage chamber (11).

[0123] A cooling fan (800) may be located inside a cooling duct (900). A cooling sink (570) may be located inside a cooling duct (900). The cooling duct (800) may be provided on the lower surface of the upper wall (110).

[0124] 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).

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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).

[0128] 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).

[0129] Thus, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include a thermoelectric cooling device and a refrigeration cycle device, but is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator may include only a thermoelectric cooling device (400).

[0130] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a top cover, a dust filter, and a heat dissipation duct separated from the main body of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a heat dissipation duct cover, a heat dissipation duct body, and a thermoelectric module separated from the main body of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an exploded view of a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of a top cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, a through hole (115) connecting the inside of the storage chamber (11) and the outside of the main body (110) may be formed in the upper wall (110) of the main body (100). The main body (100) may include a connecting frame (200) arranged between the inner case (170) and the outer case (180) to form the through hole (115). With the connecting frame (200) arranged between the inner case (170) and the outer case (180), a foam insulation material is filled and foamed into the insulating space formed by the inner case (170), the outer case (180), and the connecting frame (200), thereby connecting the inner case (170), the outer case (180), and the connecting frame (200) to each other. 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.

[0132] A thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric module (500). The thermoelectric module (500) may include a thermoelectric element (530), a heat sink (520), a cooling sink (570), and a module plate (550). The thermoelectric module (500) may be provided to penetrate a through hole (115) of an upper wall (110) such that the heat sink (520) is positioned outside the main body (100) and the cooling sink (570) is positioned inside the storage chamber (11).

[0133] The module plate (550) can serve as a skeleton of the thermoelectric module. The module plate (550) can be formed of a resin material with low thermal conductivity. The module plate (550) can maintain a gap between the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) and support the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570). The module plate (550) can be formed integrally with the fan case (650). However, the module plate (550) can also be provided separately from the fan case (650).

[0134] The module plate (550) may include a heat sink support (552) that supports a heat sink (520). The module plate (550) may include a module plate opening (551). A thermoelectric element (530) may be positioned inside the module plate opening (551). A cooling sink (570) may include a cooling conductive portion (574) that protrudes from the cooling sink base (571) for contact with a cooling portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0135] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a module plate (550) and an element insulation material (540) that insulates the thermoelectric element (530). The element insulation material (540) includes an element insulation opening (541), and the thermoelectric element (530) may be accommodated in the element insulation opening (541).

[0136] 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).

[0137] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a fan case (650) in which a heat dissipation fan (600) is installed and which guides the air blown by the heat dissipation fan (600). The fan case (650) may be formed integrally with the module plate (550) described above, or may be provided separately.

[0138] The heat dissipation fan (600) is a centrifugal fan and can be installed on the case bottom so that the rotation axis (610) is perpendicular to the case bottom. In addition, a heat dissipation sink (520) can be positioned in one radial direction of the heat dissipation fan (600). With this structure, the overall vertical length of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) can be made compact.

[0139] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat dissipation duct (700) provided on the upper wall (110) to suck in air from outside the main body (100) and exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink (520), and to discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) back to the outside of the main body (100).

[0140] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include a heat dissipation duct body (720), a heat dissipation duct cover (710), and an extension duct (740).

[0141] A heat dissipation duct body (720) can be coupled to the upper surface of the main body (100). The heat dissipation duct body (720) can cover a heat dissipation fan (600) and a heat dissipation sink (520). An outside air intake 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) can be covered by a top cover (300). The front portion of the heat dissipation duct body (720) can include a floor (724), a front wall portion (723) extending upward from the front end of the floor (724), and side wall portions (722) extending upward from both ends of the floor (724).

[0142] A heat dissipation duct cover (710) may be coupled to the upper portion of the heat dissipation duct body (720) to cover the upper portion of the heat dissipation duct body (720). To this end, a duct cover coupling portion (711) may be provided on the heat dissipation duct cover (710), and a duct body coupling portion (721) coupled to the duct cover coupling portion (711) may be provided on the heat dissipation duct body (720). The duct cover coupling portion (711) and the duct body coupling portion (721) may be coupled in a hook or fitting manner.

[0143] 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).

[0144] The extension duct (740) can be placed under the top cover (300), and the upper side of the extension duct (740) can be covered by the top cover (300). The extension duct (740) can be coupled to the lower part of the top cover (300).

[0145] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include an outside air intake port (751) designed to suck in air from outside the main body. Specifically, the heat dissipation duct body (720) may include an outside air intake port (751).

[0146] An external air intake port (751) may be formed on the upper surface of the heat dissipation duct body (720). The external air intake port (751) may be located closer to the front of the main body (100) than the rear of the main body (100). In other words, the external air intake port (751) may be located closer to the front end of the upper surface of the main body (100) based on the center of the upper surface of the main body (100).

[0147] In this way, the reason why the outside air intake (751) is located closer to the front of the main body (100) than the rear of the main body (100) is to prevent heat generated in the compressor (2) and condenser, etc., located at the rear of the main body (100) from being sucked in through the outside air intake (751).

[0148] 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).

[0149] The heat dissipation duct body (720) may include a first external air discharge port (782) that discharges air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the outside of the main body (100). The first external air discharge port (782) may discharge air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) toward the external space on the upper side of the main body (100).

[0150] 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.

[0151] However, the heat dissipation duct (700) does not necessarily have to include the first outside air discharge port (782) and the second outside air discharge port (794), and the second outside air discharge port (794) may be omitted.

[0152] 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).

[0153] 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).

[0154] 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).

[0155] 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).

[0156] 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).

[0157] The thermoelectric module (500) and the heat dissipation duct (700) can be connected to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) by at least one fastening member (S2). The at least one fastening member (S2) can be connected to the connecting frame (200) of the main body (100) by sequentially penetrating the heat dissipation duct (700) and the thermoelectric module (500).

[0158] The refrigerator (1) may include a top cover (300) that is coupled to the front portion of the upper surface of the main body (100) to cover a plurality of hinges (31).

[0159] The top cover (300) may include a top cover upper surface portion (310), a top cover front portion (311) extending downward from a front edge of the top cover upper surface portion (310), top cover side portions (314) extending downward from both side edges of the top cover upper surface portion (310), a top cover rear portion (315) extending downward from a rear edge of the top cover upper surface portion (310), and a top cover inner space (320) formed by the top cover upper surface portion (310), the top cover front portion (311), the top cover side portions (314), and the top cover rear portion (315). The lower side of the top cover inner space (320) may be open, and the lower side of the top cover inner space (320) may be covered by the upper surface of the upper wall (110).

[0160] The top cover (300) may include forward protrusions (313) protruding forward from both ends of the top cover to cover a plurality of hinges (31).

[0161] The top cover (300) can be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) via at least one fastening member (S1). After the thermoelectric module (500) and the heat dissipation duct (700) are coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100), the top cover (300) can be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100).

[0162] At least a portion of the top cover (300) may be arranged to overlap with the heat dissipation duct (700). At least a portion of the top cover (300) may be arranged on the upper side of the heat dissipation duct (700) to overlap with the heat dissipation duct (700). Specifically, the intake grill portion (350) of the top cover (300), which will be described later, may be arranged to overlap with the outside air intake port (751) of the heat dissipation duct (700).

[0163] 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 mounted on the top cover (300). The top cover (300) may include a filter receiving space (360) formed below the intake grill portion (350) to receive the dust filter (390). The dust filter (390) received in the filter receiving space (360) may be supported by the fixed rail portions (370) and the front support portion (371) of the top cover (300) to be described later.

[0164] The top cover (300) may include an exhaust port forming portion (312) formed on the front surface (311) of the top cover (300) to form a second outside air exhaust port (794) together with an extension duct (740). The exhaust port forming portion (312) may protrude forward from the front surface (311) of the top cover.

[0165] At least a portion of the air discharged from the heat dissipation duct (700) through the first external air discharge port (782) may be introduced into the top cover internal space (320). That is, air warmed by heat exchange with the heat dissipation sink (520) may be introduced into the top cover internal space (320). For this purpose, a top cover inlet (330) may be formed in the top cover (300). The top cover inlet (330) may be formed in the top cover rear portion (315).

[0166] The first outside air exhaust port (782) may include a connection port (784) provided to guide air inside the heat dissipation duct (700) to the top cover internal space (320). The connection port (784) of the heat dissipation duct (700) may be connected to the top cover inlet port (330) of the top cover (300). Air discharged through the connection port (784) may be introduced into the top cover internal space (320) through the top cover inlet port (330).

[0167] The first external exhaust port (782) may include an external exhaust port (783) separated from a connection port (784) to exhaust air from the heat dissipation duct (700) to the outside of the top cover (300). An exhaust grill may be formed in the external exhaust port (783) to prevent foreign substances from entering the interior of the heat dissipation duct (700) through the external exhaust port (783).

[0168] Air introduced into the top cover internal space (320) can pass through the top cover internal space (320) and be discharged to the outside of the top cover (300). For this purpose, the top cover (300) may include a top cover outlet (340). The top cover outlet (340) may be formed in the front protrusions (313) of the top cover (300). The top cover outlet (340) may be formed in the front protrusions (313) that are further away from the top cover inlet (330) among the front protrusions (313). That is, the top cover inlet (300) may be formed close to the right hinge, and the top cover outlet (340) may be formed close to the left hinge.

[0169] The top cover outlet (340) can be formed on the upper surface of the front protrusion (313). By forming the top cover outlet (340) on the front protrusion (313), air discharged through the top cover outlet (340) can be prevented from being re-inhaled into the outside air intake (751).

[0170] The air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink (520) can heat the upper surface of the main body (100) as it passes through the internal space (320) of the top cover. Therefore, condensation on the upper front surface of the main body (100) can be prevented.

[0171] The top cover (300) may be provided with a top cover connecting portion (380) that is connected to an extension duct (740). The top cover connecting portion (380) may be connected to the extension duct (740) in a hook or fitting manner.

[0172] The top cover (300) may be provided with a filter sensor (374) that detects whether a dust filter (390) is mounted in the filter receiving space (360). The top cover (300) may be provided with a sensor mounting portion (373) on which the filter sensor (374) is mounted.

[0173]

[0174] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating the flow of air through a heat dissipation fan, a heat dissipation duct, and a top cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 10, the refrigerator (1) may include a first heat dissipation passage (401) through which air that has exchanged heat with a heat sink (520) is discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and a second heat dissipation passage (402) through which air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink (520) is discharged toward the rotating bar (40). The second heat dissipation passage (402) may be formed by branching off from the first heat dissipation passage (401).

[0176] Some of the air sucked in through the outside air intake port (751) can be discharged to the outside of the main body (100) through the first heat dissipation passage (401). That is, some of the air sucked in through the outside air intake port (751) can be discharged to the outside of the main body (100) through the first outside air exhaust port (782) after heat exchange with the heat dissipation sink (520) (“Exhaust 1” in FIG. 10).

[0177] Some of the air sucked in through the outside air intake (751) can be discharged to the outside of the main body (100) through the first heat dissipation passage (401) and the top cover passage (388). That is, some of the air sucked in through the outside air intake (751) can be discharged to the outside of the main body (100) through the top cover outlet (340) formed in the top cover (300) after exchanging heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) through the inside of the top cover (300) (“Exhaust 2” in FIG. 10).

[0178] Some of the air sucked in through the outside air intake (751) can be discharged toward the rotary bar (40) through the second heat dissipation path (402). That is, some of the air sucked in through the outside air intake (751) can be discharged downward toward the rotary bar (40) through the second outside air exhaust (794) after heat exchange with the heat dissipation sink (520) (“Exhaust 3” in FIG. 10).

[0179] The outside air intake (751) is located at the front based on the front-back direction of the main body, and the possibility of high-temperature air rising from a heat source such as an evaporator or condenser located at the rear of the main body being sucked in through the outside air intake (751) can be reduced.

[0180] In addition, since the outside air intake port (751) is located in the center of the left and right directions of the main body, the first outside air outlet port (782) is located near the right hinge, and the top cover outlet port (340) is located near the left hinge, the possibility of high-temperature air discharged through the first outside air outlet port (782) and the top cover outlet port (340) being re-inhaled through the outside air intake port (751) can be reduced.

[0181] In addition, since the second outside air outlet (794) discharges air downward, the possibility of high-temperature air discharged through the second outside air outlet (794) being re-inhaled through the outside air intake (751) can be reduced.

[0182] As described above, the high temperature air from the heat source located at the rear of the main body and the high temperature air discharged through the first outside air outlet (782), the top cover outlet (340), and the second outside air outlet (794) are minimized from being sucked into the inside of the heat dissipation duct (700) through the outside air intake (751), so that heat dissipation of the thermoelectric element can be efficiently achieved, and as a result, the performance of the thermoelectric cooling device can be improved.

[0183] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a bottom surface of a dust filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a dust filter is mounted on a top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a dust filter is separated from a top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 12. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 12.

[0184] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 15, the structure of a dust filter (390) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described.

[0185] As described above, the heat dissipation duct (700) includes an outside air intake port (751) formed on the upper surface of the heat dissipation duct (700) to suck in air from outside the main body into the inside of the heat dissipation duct (700), and a dust filter (390) may be placed in the outside air intake port (751) to prevent foreign substances from entering through the outside air intake port (751).

[0186] The dust filter (390) may include a filter member (393) for filtering foreign substances such as dust in the air, and a filter frame (391) for supporting the filter member (393). The filter member (393) may be various types of filter members for filtering or removing pollutants, bacteria, viruses, dust, etc. in the air. The filter member (393) may have a mesh shape.

[0187] The filter frame (391) may be formed to surround the filter member (393). The filter frame (391) may have a generally rectangular shape. The frame (391) may support the filter member (393) so that the filter member (393) may be spread out flat. The dust filter (390) may include a handle (394) formed to be recessed in the upper surface of the front portion of the dust filter (390).

[0188] The dust filter (390) can be detachably mounted in the filter receiving space (360) of the top cover (300) to cover the outside air intake (751). The dust filter (390) can be mounted or detached in a sliding manner in the filter receiving space (360) of the top cover (300). The dust filter (390) can be mounted in the filter receiving space (360) of the top cover (300) by sliding backward, and can be detachably mounted from the top cover (300) by sliding forward.

[0189] To this end, the dust filter (390) may include a pair of movable rail parts (392) formed to extend in the front-back direction on the filter frame (391). The pair of movable rail parts (392) may be formed on both left and right ends of the filter frame (391).

[0190] A pair of movable rail parts (392) may each include a vertical movable rail part (392b) extending upward on a plane where a filter member (393) is formed, and a horizontal movable rail part (392a) extending horizontally from the vertical movable rail part (392b).

[0191] A pair of fixed rail parts (370) that slidably support a pair of movable rail parts (392) of a dust filter (390) may be formed on the top cover (300). The pair of fixed rail parts (390) may be provided on one side and the opposite side of the filter accommodation space (360). That is, the pair of fixed rail parts (390) may be provided on the left and right sides of the filter accommodation space (360).

[0192] A pair of fixed rail parts (370) may each include a horizontal fixed rail part (370a) extending horizontally to support a horizontal movable rail part (392a), and a vertical fixed rail part (370b) extending downward from the horizontal fixed rail part (370a) to support a vertical movable rail part (392b).

[0193] In this way, since the horizontal movable rail part (392a) of the dust filter (390) can be supported by the horizontal fixed rail part (370a) of the top cover (300), and the vertical movable rail part (392b) of the dust filter (390) can be supported by the vertical fixed rail part (370b) of the top cover (300), the dust filter (390) can be stably supported in the vertical and horizontal directions on the top cover (300).

[0194] A pair of fixed rail parts (370) of the top cover (300) can be supported on the side wall part (722) of the heat dissipation duct body (720).

[0195] However, according to one embodiment, the dust filter (390) may be mounted and secured in the filter receiving space (360) in a vertical direction from the outside of the top cover (300), and may be arranged to be lifted and separated in a vertical direction.

[0196] The dust filter (390) may include a fixing protrusion (398) that is coupled to the top cover (300) to ensure that the dust filter (390) remains mounted in the filter receiving space (360) of the top cover (300). The fixing protrusion (398) may be formed to protrude from the lower surface of the front portion (397) of the filter frame (391).

[0197] The top cover (300) may include a front support member (371) that supports the front portion (397) of the filter frame (391). A fixing hole (372) into which a fixing projection (398) of a dust filter (390) is inserted may be formed in the front support member (371). When the fixing projection (398) of the dust filter (390) is inserted into the fixing hole (372) of the top cover (300), the dust filter (390) may be fixed to the top cover (300).

[0198] The top cover (300) may be provided with a filter sensor (374) that detects whether a dust filter (390) is mounted in the filter receiving space (360). The top cover (300) may include a sensor mounting portion (373) on which the filter sensor (374) is mounted. The sensor mounting portion (373) may be formed at the front of the top cover (300). The filter sensor (374) may be a reed switch including a plurality of lead pieces that can be brought into contact with or separated from each other by a magnetic force. However, the filter sensor (374) is not limited thereto, and may include various sensors such as a proximity sensor or a sensor using an infrared wavelength.

[0199] The dust filter (390) may be provided with a magnet (396) that can magnetically interact with the reed switch. The dust filter (390) may include a magnet mounting portion (395) on which the magnet (396) may be mounted. The magnet mounting portion (395) of the dust filter (390) may be formed at a position corresponding to the sensor mounting portion (373) of the top cover (300) when the dust filter (390) is mounted in the filter receiving space (360) of the top cover (300).

[0200] That is, when the dust filter (390) is mounted in the filter receiving space (360) of the top cover (300), the magnet (396) of the dust filter (390) can be positioned in the vertical direction of the filter sensor (374) of the top cover (300) (Fig. 14).

[0201] The filter sensor (374) can be turned on or off depending on the distance from the magnet (396). For example, the filter sensor (374) can be turned off when the distance from the magnet (396) is less than a predetermined distance, and can be turned on when the distance from the magnet (396) is greater than the predetermined distance.

[0202] The refrigerator (1) can determine whether a dust filter (390) is installed based on the status information of the filter sensor (374). If the refrigerator (1) determines that the dust filter (390) is not installed, it can be arranged to notify the user that the dust filter (390) is not installed through a display or speaker, etc.

[0203] The top cover (300) may include a suction grill portion (350) positioned on the upper side of the filter receiving space (360). The suction grill portion (350) may include a plurality of grill ribs (351) arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0204] The suction grille (350) can primarily block foreign substances from being sucked into the interior of the heat dissipation duct (700) before reaching the dust filter (390). The suction grille (350) can protect the dust filter (390) by blocking external force from being applied to the dust filter (390).

[0205] The suction grille part (350) can guide air sucked in through the outside air intake port (751). In particular, the suction grille part (350) can be provided so that air in front of the outside air intake port (751) can be sucked into the outside air intake port (751).

[0206] Specifically, the plurality of grill ribs (351) of the suction grill portion (350) may be formed to slope downward as they go toward the rear. Each of the plurality of grill ribs (351) may be formed to slope at a predetermined angle (a) with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0207] In this way, the suction grill part (350) is configured to suck in air from the front of the main body, so that high-temperature air from the rear of the main body is minimized from being sucked into the inside of the heat dissipation duct (700), and the efficiency of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) can be increased.

[0208] The refrigerator (1) can determine the time for cleaning and replacing the dust filter (390) based on information such as the number of revolutions per minute of the heat dissipation fan (600). When the refrigerator (1) determines that the time for cleaning and replacing the dust filter (390) has arrived, the refrigerator (1) can be arranged to notify the user of the need for cleaning and replacing the dust filter (390) through a display or speaker, etc.

[0209] As described above, the dust filter (390) is positioned on the upper wall (110) of the main body (100), and the dust filter (390) can be moved forward and backward to be mounted and detached from the top cover (300), so that mounting, detachment, cleaning, and replacement of the dust filter (390) can be facilitated, and as a result, the performance of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) can be continuously maintained.

[0210] In the above, an embodiment in which a dust filter (390) is mounted on a top cover (300) has been described, but depending on the embodiment, the dust filter (390) may be mounted on a heat dissipation duct (600) instead of the top cover (300). In this case, the top cover (300) and the heat dissipation duct (600) may be mounted so as not to overlap each other, or the top cover (300) itself may be omitted.

[0211] In this case, the structure provided in the top cover (300) of the above-described embodiment can be provided in the heat dissipation duct (600) in the same manner.

[0212] For example, a filter receiving space for receiving a dust filter (390), a structure for guiding the mounting and detachment of the dust filter (390) and supporting the dust filter (390), a suction grill portion located on the upper side of the filter receiving space, and a filter sensor for detecting whether the dust filter is mounted, etc. may be provided in the heat dissipation duct (600).

[0213] While the technical concept of the present invention has been described above through specific examples, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples. Various embodiments that can be modified or altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims are also within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Main body; A storage room formed inside the above main body; A thermoelectric module comprising a thermoelectric element having a heating portion and a cooling portion, a heat sink arranged to contact the heating portion, and a cooling sink arranged to contact the cooling portion, the thermoelectric module being provided on the upper portion of the storage room; A radiant fan configured to create a flow of air; A heat dissipation duct having an outside air intake port and an outside air exhaust port, wherein the heat dissipation duct is located on the upper surface of the main body and guides the air flow drawn in through the outside air intake port to the heat dissipation sink so that the air flow is exchanged with the heat dissipation sink and then discharged through the outside air exhaust port; and A refrigerator comprising: a dust filter, which can be mounted on the outside air intake port and is configured to prevent foreign substances in the air flow from flowing into the inside of the heat dissipation duct through the outside air intake port when the heat dissipation fan generates air flow while mounted on the outside air intake port.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a top cover that can be coupled to the upper surface of the above main body; A refrigerator wherein at least a portion of the top cover overlaps the heat dissipation duct while the top cover is attached to the upper surface of the main body.

3. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator in which the dust filter is mountable to the top cover, and when the top cover is coupled to the upper surface of the main body and the dust filter is mounted on the top cover and the heat dissipation fan generates airflow, the dust filter is configured to prevent foreign substances included in the airflow from flowing into the interior of the heat dissipation duct through the top cover.

4. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator wherein the top cover includes a filter accommodation space configured to accommodate the dust filter.

5. In paragraph 4, The above dust filter is slidable in the first direction to be accommodated in the filter accommodation space, A refrigerator wherein the dust filter is slidable in a second direction so as to be separated from the filter receiving space.

6. In paragraph 5, A refrigerator wherein the top cover includes a pair of fixed rail parts configured to support the dust filter when the dust filter slides in the first direction and the second direction.

7. In paragraph 6, Among the above pair of fixed rail parts, the first fixed rail part is provided on one side of the filter receiving space, A refrigerator in which the second fixed rail part among the above pair of fixed rail parts is provided on the other side opposite the filter receiving space.

8. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator wherein the top cover has a plurality of grill ribs spaced apart from each other and includes a suction grill portion formed on the upper side of the filter receiving space.

9. In paragraph 8, A refrigerator wherein the plurality of grill ribs are inclined downward toward the rear of the top cover.

10. In paragraph 6, The above dust filter, A filter member designed to filter foreign substances from the air flow; and A refrigerator comprising a filter frame configured to support the filter member.

11. In paragraph 10, The above filter frame comprises a pair of movable rail sections, The above pair of movable rail parts are, A first movable rail part provided at the first end of the filter frame and slidably supporting the first fixed rail part among the pair of fixed rail parts; and A refrigerator comprising: a second movable rail portion provided at a second end of the filter frame and slidably supporting the second fixed rail portion among the pair of fixed rail portions; 12. In paragraph 11, Each of the above pair of fixed rail parts includes a horizontal fixed rail part extending in a horizontal direction and a vertical fixed rail part extending downward from the horizontal fixed rail part, A refrigerator wherein each of the pair of movable rail parts includes a horizontal movable rail part configured to be supported by the horizontal fixed rail part and a vertical movable rail part configured to be supported by the vertical fixed rail part.

13. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator comprising a filter sensor provided on the top cover and configured to detect whether the dust filter is mounted.

14. In paragraph 13, The above dust filter includes a magnet, A refrigerator wherein the filter sensor includes a reed switch configured to be turned on or off based on a distance from the magnet.

15. In the first case, A refrigerator wherein the above-mentioned outside air intake is located closer to the front end of the upper surface of the main body than to the center of the upper surface of the main body.

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