Refrigerator comprising thermoelectric module, and method for controlling thermoelectric module of refrigerator

Abstract

Disclosed is a refrigerator comprising: a main body including at least one storage chamber; doors for opening and closing the at least one storage chamber; a thermoelectric module for cooling the least one storage chamber; and at least one processor for controlling the thermoelectric module, wherein the thermoelectric module includes internal elements divided into a plurality of groups, the internal elements of each of the plurality of groups are connected to each other in series, and the plurality of groups are connected in parallel to each other with respect to a power source line connected to the thermoelectric module.

Description

Refrigerator including thermoelectric module and method for controlling thermoelectric module of refrigerator

[0001] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a refrigerator including a thermoelectric module (Peltier module) and a method for controlling the thermoelectric module by the refrigerator.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device designed to preserve food for a long time without spoiling, utilizing freezing or refrigeration methods. A refrigerator's fundamental function is to maintain the internal temperature at a set level by creating a cooling environment using refrigerant.

[0003] The amount of food stored in refrigerators has recently increased. Accordingly, research is being conducted on technologies to efficiently manage the temperature of storage spaces.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may be provided that includes a thermoelectric module (Peltier module) at the top of a main body. In this case, the thermoelectric module includes internal components classified or separated into a plurality of groups that are connected in parallel to a power line connected to the thermoelectric module, thereby effectively preventing the loss of function of the entire thermoelectric module due to a failure of a single internal component.

[0005] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body including at least one storage compartment; a door configured to open and close at least one storage compartment; a thermoelectric module for cooling at least one storage compartment; and at least one processor for controlling the thermoelectric module. The thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include internal elements divided into a plurality of groups. The internal elements of each of the plurality of groups may be connected to each other in series. The plurality of groups may be connected in parallel to a power line connected to the thermoelectric module.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a refrigerator including a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the upper part of a storage compartment of a refrigerator including a thermoelectric cooling device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a thermoelectric cooling device including a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a refrigeration cycle device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5A is a drawing for explaining a thermoelectric module in which internal elements are divided into two groups according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5b is a drawing for explaining the function of a thermoelectric module in which internal elements are divided into two groups according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6A is a drawing for explaining a thermoelectric module in which internal elements are divided into three groups according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6b is a drawing for explaining the function of a thermoelectric module in which internal elements are divided into three groups according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a table for explaining changes in voltage and resistance when internal elements of a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are grouped into multiple groups.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of internal elements included in a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 9a is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9b is a drawing for explaining a substrate pattern diagram of a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9c is a drawing for explaining a pattern diagram when bonding a substrate of a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a thermoelectric module in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining an operation of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to control a thermoelectric module using a voltage detection circuit and a current detection circuit.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to output a notification to check a thermoelectric module.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining an operation of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to output a notification to check a thermoelectric module.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating functional elements of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a communication system of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining an operation of a refrigerator interworking with a user terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a notification method or a device to output a notification based on the number of groups that have lost functionality among a plurality of groups according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an operation of determining a notification method or a device to output a notification according to the number of groups in which a refrigerator has lost its function according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various embodiments thereof. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be intervening elements between them. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements. It will be understood that while the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, such elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by such terms. Such terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Therefore, the "first element", "component", "region", "layer" or "section" discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the description of the present application. The terms used in this disclosure have been selected from currently widely used general terms as much as possible while considering the functions in one embodiment of the present disclosure, but these may vary depending on the intention of a person skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall contents of the present disclosure, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0029] In this disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b, or c” or “at least one selected from a, b, or c” may refer to “a,” “b,” “c,” “a and b,” “a and c,” “b and c,” “all of a, b, and c,” or variations thereof.

[0030] Throughout this disclosure, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "part," "module," etc., used in this disclosure refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and "part" and "module" may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0031] It should be understood that the blocks and combinations of flowcharts in each flowchart can be executed by one or more computer programs containing computer-executable instructions. The one or more computer programs may be stored entirely in a single memory, or may be stored in separate portions across multiple different memories.

[0032] The terminology used herein is used only to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the terms "a," "an," "the," and "at least one" do not denote limitations of quantity and are intended to cover both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, a reference in the claims to an "an" element followed by a reference to a "the" element includes both one element and plural elements. For example, "an element" has the same meaning as "at least one element," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. "At least one" should not be construed as limiting "a" or "an." The term "Or" means "and / or." The term "and / or" as used herein includes any combination of one or more of the associated listed items. Unless clearly indicated otherwise, the singular forms (e.g., "a," "an," and "the") are to be understood to include plural objects. Thus, for example, a description of a "component surface" may also include reference to one or more of those surfaces.

[0033] Additionally, relative terms such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another as depicted in the drawings. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass other orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if one of the drawings is flipped over, an element described as being on the "lower" side of another element is now oriented on the "upper" side of the other element. Thus, the term "lower" may encompass both the "lower" and "upper" orientations depending on the particular orientation of the drawing. Similarly, if one of the drawings is flipped over, an element described as being "below" another element is now oriented "above" the other element. Thus, the term "below" may encompass both the above and below orientations. Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and should not be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein. Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional drawings, which are schematic drawings of idealized embodiments. Therefore, the shapes of the drawings may vary, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the specific shapes of the regions described herein, but should encompass, for example, variations in shape resulting from manufacturing. For example, regions depicted or described as flat may generally have rough and / or non-linear features. Furthermore, sharp angles depicted may be rounded. Therefore, the regions depicted in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to describe the precise shapes of the regions and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0034] All functions or operations described in this document may be performed by a single processor or a combination of processors. A single processor or a combination of processors is a circuitry that performs processing, and may include circuitry such as an Application Processor (AP), a Communication Processor (CP), a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a Microprocessor Unit (MPU), a System on Chip (SoC), or an Integrated Chip (IC).

[0035] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted to clearly describe one embodiment of the present disclosure, and similar parts are designated with similar drawing reference numerals throughout the present disclosure.

[0036] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] "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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 (expander), 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] A processor may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term “processor” as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuits, including at least one processor. One or more processors in at least one processor may be configured to individually and / or collectively perform various functions described herein in a distributed fashion. Without limitation, terms such as “processor,” “at least one processor,” and “one or more processors” encompass situations where one processor performs some of the functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the functions, and situations where a single processor can perform all of the functions. Furthermore, at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform various functions of the disclosed functions in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The communication module (communication interface) can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances via a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect the local area network (LAN) where the refrigerator or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) where the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can then connect to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0067] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0068] The output interface may include a display unit, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0069] Hereinafter, refrigerators according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0070] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a refrigerator (1000) including a thermoelectric module (210) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] A refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be an electronic device (or home appliance) that refrigerates or freezes objects such as food. The refrigerator (1000) may store not only food but also medicine, alcoholic liquor, or cosmetics.

[0072] A refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include, but is not limited to, a main body (100) including at least one storage compartment for storing goods (e.g., food, medicine, alcohol, cosmetics, etc.), at least one door (e.g., 11, 12, 13, 14) configured to open and close at least one storage compartment, and a thermoelectric cooling device (200) for cooling at least one storage compartment.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the main body (100) of the refrigerator (1000) may include an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, a right surface, and a rear surface, and at least one door (e.g., 11, 12, 13, 14) may be arranged on the front surface. In FIG. 1, the refrigerator (1000) is illustrated as including four doors (11, 12, 13, 14), but is not limited thereto. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1000) may include one, two, or three doors, or may include five or more doors.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermoelectric cooling device (200) may be provided on the upper side (upper wall) of the main body (100). For example, the thermoelectric cooling device (200) may be provided on the upper side of the upper storage chamber to cool the upper storage chamber. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the thermoelectric cooling device (200) may also be provided on the rear end of the main body (100).

[0075] A thermoelectric cooling device may include a thermoelectric module (210). The thermoelectric module (210) may be a semiconductor device that converts electrical energy into thermal energy using the Peltier effect, and may also be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor device, a thermoelectric device module, a Peltier device, a Peltier module, etc. The Peltier effect may refer to a phenomenon in which, when a direct current voltage is applied to both ends of two different devices (e.g., an N-type semiconductor and a P-type semiconductor), an endothermic reaction occurs on one side and an exothermic reaction occurs on the other side depending on the direction of the current.

[0076] The thermoelectric module (210) may include a heating unit and a cooling unit. When power is applied to the thermoelectric module (210), a heating action may occur in the heating unit and a heat absorption action may occur in the cooling unit. The thermoelectric module (210) may have a thin hexahedral shape, and a heating unit may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric module (210) and a cooling unit may be provided on the opposite surface.

[0077] In one embodiment, the thermoelectric module (210) may have P-type elements and N-type elements alternately mounted between ceramic PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) located at the top and bottom. At this time, the P-type elements and N-type elements mounted between the ceramic PCBs may be connected in series in all elements in order. However, when hundreds of P-type elements and N-type elements are connected in series, even if a defect occurs in just one element, the entire function of the thermoelectric module (210) may be lost. For example, when an open defect occurs in one element of the thermoelectric module (210), the power consumption of the thermoelectric module (210) may become 0 W. Hereinafter, an open defect may mean that one of the P-type element or the N-type element is damaged and the circuit is opened. If the thermoelectric module (210) loses its entire function, the temperature of the storage room may not be properly maintained, which may cause food stored in the storage room to spoil.

[0078] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the internal elements included in the thermoelectric module (210) may be configured into a plurality of groups so that the thermoelectric module (210) can maintain at least 50% of its functionality even if an open failure occurs in one element. At this time, the plurality of groups may be connected in parallel between the positive (+) power line and the negative (-) power line. The case where the internal elements included in the thermoelectric module (210) are configured into a plurality of groups will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 5A to 8, and the thermoelectric cooling device (200) will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0079] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a thermoelectric cooling device (200) including a thermoelectric module (210) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] In one embodiment, a thermoelectric module (210) may be positioned inside a thermoelectric cooling device (200). The thermoelectric module (210) may include a heating unit (211) and a cooling unit (212). The thermoelectric module (210) may be arranged such that the heating unit (211) faces the outside of the refrigerator (1000) and the cooling unit (212) faces the inside of the refrigerator (1000). For example, the thermoelectric module (210) may be arranged such that the heating unit (211) faces above the thermoelectric module (210) and the cooling unit (212) faces below the thermoelectric module (210). In this case, the heating unit (211) of the thermoelectric module (210) may face the outside of the main body (100) and the cooling unit (212) of the thermoelectric module (210) may face the inside of the storage compartment. Accordingly, air that has been warmed by heat exchange with the heating unit (211) of the thermoelectric module (210) can be discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and air that has been cooled by heat exchange with the cooling unit (212) of the thermoelectric module (210) can be supplied to the storage room.

[0081] The thermoelectric module (210) may be placed inside the module plate (250). For example, the module plate (250) may include a module plate opening (251), and the thermoelectric module (210) may be placed inside the module plate opening (251). The vertical length of the module plate opening (251) may be greater than the vertical length of the thermoelectric module (210), and the thermoelectric module (210) may be placed on the upper side of the module plate opening (251). The thermoelectric cooling device (200) may include an element insulation material (240) that insulates the module plate (250) and the thermoelectric module (210). The element insulation material (240) may be placed in the module plate opening (251) to prevent a side surface of the thermoelectric module (210) from contacting the module plate (250). The element insulation (240) includes an element insulation opening (241), and a thermoelectric module (210) can be accommodated in the element insulation opening (241).

[0082] The thermoelectric cooling device (200) may include a heat sink (220) that contacts the heat generating portion (211) so that heat exchange between the heat generating portion (211) of the thermoelectric module (210) and the air outside the main body (100) is efficiently performed. The heat sink (220) may be located outside the main body (100). The heat sink (220) may contact the heat generating portion (211) to absorb heat from the heat generating portion (211) and release heat to the outside of the main body (100). The heat sink (220) may also be referred to as a hot sink, a heat dissipation heat sink, a hot heat sink, etc. The heat sink (220) may be formed of a metal material having good thermal conductivity. For example, the heat sink (220) may be formed of aluminum or copper. The heat sink (220) may include a heat sink base (221) that contacts the heat generating portion (211) and a plurality of heat dissipation fins (225) that protrude from the heat sink base (221) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of heat dissipation fins (225) may protrude upward from the heat sink base (221).

[0083] The thermoelectric cooling device (200) may include a cooling sink (270) in contact with the cooling unit (212) so that heat exchange between the cooling unit (212) and the air inside the storage room is efficiently performed.

[0084] A cooling sink (270) may be located inside the storage compartment. The cooling sink (270) may cool the storage compartment by taking away heat from the storage compartment and transferring it to the cooling unit (212). The cooling sink (270) 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. The cooling sink (270) may be formed of a metal material having good thermal conductivity. For example, the cooling sink (270) may be formed of aluminum or copper. The cooling sink (270) may include a cooling sink base (271) that contacts the cooling unit (212) and a plurality of cooling fins (275) that protrude from the cooling sink base (271) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of cooling fins (275) may protrude downward from the cooling sink base (271). The cooling sink base (271) and the plurality of cooling fins (275) may be formed integrally with each other as a single, non-separable part. The cooling sink (270) may include a cooling conductive member (274) protruding from the cooling sink base (271) for contact with the cooling member (212) of the thermoelectric module (210).

[0085] The thermoelectric cooling device (200) may include a heat dissipation fan (230) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the heat dissipation sink (220) and the air outside the main body (100).

[0086] A heat dissipation fan (230) may be provided to blow air toward a heat dissipation sink (220). The heat dissipation fan (230) may be provided to be positioned horizontally with respect to the heat dissipation sink (220). The heat dissipation fan (230) may be provided on the outside of the main body (100). For example, the heat dissipation fan (230) may be provided on the upper side of the upper wall.

[0087] The heat dissipation fan (230) may be a centrifugal fan that draws in air in an axial direction and discharges it in a radial direction. The centrifugal fan may include a blower fan. The rotation axis (231) of the heat dissipation fan (230) may be arranged perpendicular to the upper surface of the main body (100).

[0088] A thermoelectric cooling device (200) may include a fan case (235) that guides air blown by a heat dissipation fan (230). The fan case (235) may include a case bottom (236) on which the heat dissipation fan (230) is rotatably installed, and a case scroll part (237) that extends upward from the edge of the case bottom (236) to guide air blown from the heat dissipation fan (230) toward a heat dissipation sink (220). A rotation axis (231) of the heat dissipation fan (230) may be installed on the case bottom (236) so as to be perpendicular to the case bottom (236).

[0089] The fan case (235) may include a case guide (238) provided to guide air flowing from the heat dissipation fan (230) to the downstream end of the case scroll section (237).

[0090] The thermoelectric cooling device (200) may include a sink insulation (280) provided between the module plate (250) and the cooling sink (270). The sink insulation (280) can effectively prevent heat from being transferred between the heat dissipation sink (220) and the cooling sink (270) through the module plate (250). The sink insulation (280) may include a sink insulation opening (281). However, the sink insulation (280) may be omitted, in which case the heat dissipation sink (220) may be supported on the upper surface of the module plate (250) and the cooling sink (270) may be supported on the lower surface of the module plate (250).

[0091] The thermoelectric cooling device (200) may include a heat dissipation duct (not shown) provided to guide air flowing by a heat dissipation fan (230). The heat dissipation duct may guide air from outside the main body (100) to exchange heat with a heat dissipation sink (220), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (220) back to the outside of the main body (100).

[0092] The heat dissipation duct can draw in air from the external space on the upper side of the main body (100). The heat dissipation duct can discharge air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (220) to the external space on the upper side of the main body (100). The heat dissipation fan (230) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct. The heat dissipation sink (220) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct. The heat dissipation duct can be provided on the upper surface of the main body (100).

[0093] The thermoelectric cooling device (200) may include a cooling fan (not shown) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the cooling sink (270) and the air inside the storage chamber. The cooling fan may be arranged to blow air toward the cooling sink (270). The cooling fan may be positioned horizontally with respect to the cooling sink (270). The cooling fan may be arranged inside the storage chamber. The cooling fan may be arranged on the lower side of the upper wall. The cooling fan may be a centrifugal fan that draws in air in the axial direction and discharges it in the radial direction. The rotation axis of the cooling fan may be arranged perpendicular to the lower surface of the upper wall.

[0094] The thermoelectric cooling device (200) may include a cooling duct (not shown) configured to guide air flowing by a cooling fan. The cooling duct may draw in air from within the storage chamber, guide it to exchange heat with a cooling sink (270), and discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (270) back into the storage chamber. The cooling duct will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0095] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the upper part of a storage compartment of a refrigerator (1000) including a thermoelectric cooling device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 3, the thermoelectric cooling device (200) may include a cooling duct (300) configured to guide air flowing by a cooling fan. The cooling duct (300) may guide air inside a storage chamber to exchange heat with a cooling sink (270), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (270) back into the storage chamber.

[0097] The cooling fan may be located inside the cooling duct (300). The cooling sink (270) may be located inside the cooling duct (300). The cooling duct (300) may be provided on the lower surface of the upper wall.

[0098] The cooling duct (300) may include an intake port (301) for drawing air inside the storage room into the interior of the cooling duct (300), and an exhaust port (302) for discharging air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (270) into the interior of the storage room.

[0099] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1000) may further include a refrigeration cycle device including a compressor in addition to the thermoelectric cooling device (200). Hereinafter, the refrigeration cycle device will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0100] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a refrigeration cycle device (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator (1000) may include a refrigeration cycle device (400) that cools a storage compartment through a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle device (400) may include a compressor (410), a condenser (420), an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator (430).

[0102] The compressor (410) compresses the refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state. The compressor (410) can receive electric energy from an external source and use the rotational power of an electric motor or the like to compress the gaseous refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state. The compressor (410) is connected to a condenser (420) and can move the compressed refrigerant to the condenser (420). The compressor (410) compresses the refrigerant and pushes it to the condenser (420), thereby operating the refrigeration cycle of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. Therefore, when the compressor (410) is in operation, the cold air generated in the evaporator (430) is supplied to the storage room.

[0103] The condenser (420) condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed from the compressor (410). The condenser (420) dissipates heat generated while condensing the refrigerant. The condensed refrigerant passing through the condenser (420) moves to an expansion valve (expansion device). The refrigerant condensed in the condenser (420) becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid as it passes through the expansion valve. The liquid refrigerant passes through the expansion valve and moves to the evaporator (430).

[0104] The evaporator (430) evaporates the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve. As the liquid refrigerant evaporates, heat exchange occurs with the surrounding gas in the evaporator (430). As the liquid refrigerant evaporates, it absorbs latent heat from the surroundings, thereby cooling the gas surrounding the evaporator (430) and generating cold air. The completely evaporated refrigerant is supplied back to the compressor (410) and the cooling cycle circulates. A heater may be provided around the evaporator (430) to remove frost formed on the evaporator (430).

[0105] A refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a thermoelectric cooling device (200) and a refrigeration cycle device (400), and thus, at least one of the thermoelectric cooling device (200) and the refrigeration cycle device (400) can be selectively driven to supply cold air to a storage compartment. For example, the refrigerator (1000) may supply only cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (200) to the storage compartment, may supply only cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device (400) to the storage compartment, or may supply both cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (200) and cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device (400) to the storage compartment.

[0106] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1000) can supply cold air to the storage compartment by appropriately controlling the thermoelectric cooling device (200) or the refrigeration cycle device (400) depending on the operating environment (external conditions or internal conditions) of the refrigerator (1000). For example, if the indoor temperature in which the refrigerator (1000) is installed is higher than a predetermined temperature and cooling by the refrigeration cycle device (400) is more efficient than cooling by the thermoelectric cooling device (200), the refrigerator (1000) can cool the storage compartment only with the cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device (400). Conversely, if the indoor temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature and cooling by the thermoelectric cooling device (200) is more efficient than cooling by the refrigeration cycle device (400), the refrigerator (1000) can cool the storage compartment only with the cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (200). The refrigerator (1000) can operate only the thermoelectric cooling device (200) when noise reduction is required. When rapid cooling of the storage compartment is required, the refrigerator (1000) can simultaneously supply cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (200) and cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device (400) to the storage compartment. For example, when the storage compartment is full of food and rapid cooling of the storage compartment is required, the refrigerator (1000) can operate the thermoelectric cooling device (200) and the refrigeration cycle device (400) simultaneously.

[0107] Meanwhile, the refrigerator (1000) may utilize a thermoelectric cooling device (200) to maintain a constant temperature function of the storage compartment. For example, when the refrigerator (1000) is operating the refrigeration cycle device (400) and reaches a critical set temperature (e.g., 0°C), the refrigerator may stop operating the refrigeration cycle device (400) and operate the thermoelectric cooling device (200). Since the thermoelectric cooling device (200) does not have a large cooling efficiency, the temperature of the storage compartment may be maintained near the critical set temperature (e.g., 0°C).

[0108] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1000) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (200) and a refrigeration cycle device (400), but is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator (1000) may include only a thermoelectric cooling device (200).

[0109] Hereinafter, the arrangement of internal elements of a thermoelectric module (210) to prevent the loss of the entire function of a thermoelectric cooling device (200) due to a failure of one internal element included in the thermoelectric cooling device (200) will be examined in detail with reference to FIGS. 5a to 8.

[0110] FIG. 5a is a drawing for explaining a thermoelectric module (210) in which internal elements are divided into two groups according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 5A, the thermoelectric module (210) may have internal elements divided into multiple groups. At this time, the internal elements of each group may be connected in series. For example, the thermoelectric module (210) may be composed of a first group (510) including first internal elements and a second group (520) including second internal elements. At this time, the first internal elements included in the first group (510) may be connected in series within the first group (510), and the second internal elements included in the second group (520) may be connected in series within the second group (520).

[0112] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of groups may be connected in parallel to a power line connected to a thermoelectric module (210). For example, the plurality of groups may be connected in parallel between a positive (+) power line and a negative (-) power line connected to both ends of the thermoelectric module (210). That is, the plurality of groups may be connected in parallel by grouping them at a single starting point and a single ending point. For example, the starting point of the arrangement of internal elements of each of the plurality of groups may be connected to a positive (+) power line, and the ending point of the arrangement of internal elements of each of the plurality of groups may be connected to a negative (-) power line. Alternatively, the starting point of the arrangement of internal elements of each of the plurality of groups may be connected to a negative (-) power line, and the ending point of the arrangement of internal elements of each of the plurality of groups may be connected to a positive (+) power line. In this case, since the plurality of groups can jointly use the positive (+) power line and the negative (-) power line, the thermoelectric module (210) may have a simpler form compared to a method in which separate power lines are drawn out for each group. Hereinafter, unless otherwise stated, the term 'power line' may include a positive (+) power line and a negative (-) power line.

[0113] In one embodiment, FIG. 5A illustrates a case where multiple groups are connected in parallel between a positive (+) power line and a negative (-) power line, but is not limited thereto. For example, if the positive (+) power line and the negative (-) power line are arranged in a single row on one side, multiple groups may not be arranged between the positive (+) power line and the negative (-) power line.

[0114] Meanwhile, since multiple groups are connected in parallel to the power line, electrical connection between internal elements included in different groups may be interrupted. For example, the multiple groups may include a first group (510) and a second group (520), and the first internal elements of the first group (510) and the second internal elements of the second group (520) may not be electrically connected to each other except for the input node and the output node. That is, the current direction of the first group (510) and the current direction of the second group (520) may be different. That is, the current path of the current flowing in the first group (510) and the current path of the current flowing in the second group (520) may be branched from the positive (+) power line. Therefore, even if a defect occurs in one of the first internal elements of the first group (510), the current flow between the second internal elements of the second group (520) may not be affected. Below, we will examine in detail the case where the function of at least one group among multiple groups is lost with reference to Fig. 5b.

[0115] FIG. 5b is a drawing for explaining the function of a thermoelectric module (210) in which internal elements are divided into two groups according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 5b, in an embodiment in which multiple groups are connected in parallel to a power line, even if a defect occurs in one of the internal elements, one group including the internal element loses its function, but the remaining groups can normally perform the function of the thermoelectric module (210). For example, if an open defect occurs in one of the first internal elements included in the first group (510), the first group (510) loses its function, but the second group (520) operates normally, so the cooling function of the thermoelectric module (210) can be maintained. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, even if an open defect occurs in one element among hundreds of internal elements, the thermoelectric module (210) can maintain a cooling function of at least 50% or more.

[0117] Although FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an example in which the internal elements are organized into two groups, the present invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, for example, the internal elements may be organized into three groups. Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a case in which the internal elements of the thermoelectric module (210) are organized into three groups will be described.

[0118] FIG. 6a is a drawing for explaining a thermoelectric module (210) in which internal elements are divided into three groups according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 6A, the internal elements of the thermoelectric module (210) can be divided into three groups. At this time, the internal elements of each group can be connected in series. For example, the internal elements of the thermoelectric module (210) can be divided into a first group (610), a second group (620), and a third group (630). At this time, the first internal elements included in the first group (610) can be connected in series within the first group (610), the second internal elements included in the second group (620) can be connected in series within the second group (620), and the third internal elements included in the third group (630) can be connected in series within the third group (630).

[0120] The first group (610), the second group (620), and the third group (630) can be connected in parallel to each other between the positive (+) power line and the negative (-) power line connected to both ends of the thermoelectric module (210). That is, the first group (610), the second group (620), and the third group (630) can be connected in parallel to each other by tying them to one starting point and one ending point. For example, the starting point of the arrangement of the internal elements of each of the first group (610), the second group (620), and the third group (630) can be connected to the positive (+) power line, and the ending point of the arrangement of the internal elements of each of the first group (610), the second group (620), and the third group (630) can be connected to the negative (-) power line. Alternatively, the starting point of the arrangement of the internal elements of each of the first group (610), the second group (620), and the third group (630) may be connected to a negative (-) power line, and the ending point of the arrangement of the internal elements of each of the first group (610), the second group (620), and the third group (630) may be connected to a positive (+) power line. In this case, since the first group (610), the second group (620), and the third group (630) can jointly use the power line, a separate power line may not be drawn out for each group.

[0121] Meanwhile, the first internal elements of the first group (610), the second internal elements of the second group (620), and the third internal elements of the third group (630) may not be electrically connected except for the input node and the output node. That is, the current direction of the first group (610), the current direction of the second group (620), and the current direction of the third group (630) may be different from each other. Therefore, even if a defect occurs in one of the first internal elements of the first group (610), the second group (620) and the third group (630) may not be affected. A case where the function of at least one of the three groups is lost will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6B.

[0122] FIG. 6b is a drawing for explaining the function of a thermoelectric module (210) in which internal elements are divided into three groups according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] Referring to 601 of FIG. 6B, when an open defect occurs in one of the first internal elements included in the first group (610), the first group (610) loses its function, but the second group (620) and the third group (630) operate normally, so that the cooling function of the thermoelectric module (210) can be maintained. That is, the thermoelectric module (210) composed of three groups can maintain a cooling function of 66.6% even if an open defect occurs in one of the hundreds of internal elements.

[0124] Referring to 602 of FIG. 6B, when an open defect occurs in one of the first internal elements included in the first group (610) and an open defect occurs in one of the second internal elements included in the second group (620), the first group (610) and the second group (620) lose their functions, but the third group (630) operates normally, so the cooling function of the thermoelectric module (210) can be maintained. That is, a thermoelectric module (210) composed of three groups can maintain a cooling function of 33.3% even if two groups lose their functions.

[0125] Accordingly, as the thermoelectric module (210) is divided into more groups, the rate at which the thermoelectric module (210) loses its function due to a single element failure can decrease. However, as the number of groups increases, the resistance of the thermoelectric module (210) decreases, which can increase the current of the thermoelectric module (210). Therefore, it may be efficient to divide the thermoelectric module (210) into an appropriate number of groups (e.g., 2 or 3) to prevent excessive current from flowing through the thermoelectric module (210).

[0126] FIG. 7 is a table for explaining changes in voltage and resistance when internal elements of a thermoelectric module (210) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are grouped into multiple groups.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 7, in a general case (710) where the thermoelectric module (210) includes one group or a single group, if the input voltage is 20 V and the resistance of the thermoelectric module (210) is 6 Ω, the power consumption of the thermoelectric module (210) may be 66.67 W and the current of the thermoelectric module (210) may be 3.3 A.

[0128] When the thermoelectric module (210) is composed of two groups (720), if 20 V is applied to the thermoelectric module (210), the input voltage per group can be 10 V, and the resistance of each group can be 3 Ω. Therefore, the power consumption per group can be 33.33 W, and the total power consumption by adding the power consumption of the two groups can be 66.67 W. Meanwhile, since the two groups are connected in parallel, the total resistance of the thermoelectric module (210) can be 1.5 Ω, and the current of the thermoelectric module (210) can be 13.3 A.

[0129] When the thermoelectric module (210) is composed of three groups (730), if 20 V is applied to the thermoelectric module (210), the input voltage per group can be 6.67 V, and the resistance of each group can be 2 Ω. Therefore, the power consumption per group can be 22.22 W, and the total power consumption by adding the power consumption of the three groups can be 66.67 W. Meanwhile, since the three groups are connected in parallel, the total resistance of the thermoelectric module (210) can be 1.3 Ω, and the current of the thermoelectric module (210) can be 15.4 A.

[0130] That is, since multiple groups are connected in parallel, the input voltage applied to the thermoelectric module (210) can be divided according to the number of groups, and the total power consumption can be maintained constant regardless of the number of groups. In addition, as the number of groups increases, the total resistance of the thermoelectric module (210) decreases and the amount of current can increase.

[0131] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the internal elements included in each of the plurality of groups may be arranged to be distributed throughout the thermoelectric module (210). Referring to FIG. 8, the arrangement of the internal elements distributed throughout the thermoelectric module (210) will be examined.

[0132] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of internal elements included in a thermoelectric module (210) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 8, the first internal elements included in the first group (810) and the second internal elements included in the second group (820) may be arranged to be distributed in a matrix form throughout the thermoelectric module (210). For example, the first internal elements included in the first group (810) and the second internal elements included in the second group (820) may be arranged alternately based on rows or columns. In FIG. 8, a case where the first internal elements and the second internal elements are arranged alternately in two rows is illustrated as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first internal elements and the second internal elements may be arranged alternately in one row or in three rows.

[0134] In a case where the first internal elements of the first group (810) and the second internal elements of the second group (820) are arranged to divide the regions (e.g., upper and lower regions, left and right regions), if the first group (810) loses its function, only a part of the cooling unit (212, see FIG. 2) where the second internal elements of the second group (820) are arranged can be cooled. On the other hand, if the first internal elements of the first group (810) and the second internal elements of the second group (820) are arranged to be distributed throughout the thermoelectric module (210), the entire cooling unit (212) can be cooled even if the first group (810) loses its function.

[0135] Below, with reference to FIGS. 9a to 9c, the arrangement of internal elements of the thermoelectric module (210) will be examined in more detail.

[0136] FIG. 9a is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a thermoelectric module (210) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 9A, the thermoelectric module (210) may include an upper base (910) (e.g., an upper ceramic PCB), a lower substrate (920) (e.g., a lower ceramic PCB), a P-type element (901), and an N-type element (902). Each of the upper substrate (910) and the lower substrate (920) may include a copper foil (903) for connecting the P-type element (901) or the N-type element (902). The P-type element (901) and the N-type element (902) may be arranged vertically between the upper substrate (910) and the lower substrate (920), or may be arranged vertically with respect to opposite surfaces of the upper substrate (910) and the lower substrate (920). In addition, the P-type element (901) and the N-type element (902) may be arranged alternately, and the P-type element (901) and the N-type element (902) may be connected in series. This arrangement is intended to allow heat to move in only one direction while electricity continues to alternately flow through the upper substrate (910) and the lower substrate (920) via the P-type element (901) and the N-type element (902). For example, according to the arrangement of the internal elements illustrated in FIG. 9A, the lower substrate (920) can be a cooling unit (212, see FIG. 2), and the upper substrate (910) can be a heating unit (211, see FIG. 2).

[0138] Hereinafter, in the case where the thermoelectric module (210) is composed of multiple groups, the copper foil pattern diagram of the upper substrate (910) and the lower substrate (920) will be examined with reference to FIG. 9b.

[0139] FIG. 9b is a drawing for explaining a substrate pattern diagram of a thermoelectric module (210) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the copper foil pattern diagram (911) of the upper substrate (910) and the copper foil pattern diagram (921) of the lower substrate (920) can be designed to configure the internal elements of the thermoelectric module (210) into a plurality of groups that are connected in parallel. At this time, the copper foil pattern diagram (911) of the upper substrate (910) and the copper foil pattern diagram (921) of the lower substrate (920) can be designed so that the first internal elements included in the first group and the second internal elements included in the second group are distributed and arranged throughout the entire substrate. For example, the copper foil pattern diagram (911) of the upper substrate (910) and the copper foil pattern diagram (921) of the lower substrate (920) can be designed so that the first internal elements and the second internal elements are arranged in two rows crossing each other.

[0141] FIG. 9c is a drawing for explaining a pattern diagram when bonding a substrate of a thermoelectric module (210) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] Referring to the pattern diagram (931) when the upper substrate (910) and the lower substrate (920) are combined as illustrated in FIG. 9c, the internal elements included in the thermoelectric module (210) can be configured into a first group and a second group, and the first group and the second group can be connected in parallel to a power line. That is, the first group and the second group can jointly use or be connected to a single power line, for example, a single positive (+) power line and a single negative (-) power line. In this implementation example, the input node of the first group and the input node of the second group can be the same, and the output node of the first group and the output node of the second group can be the same. For example, the starting point of the arrangement of the internal elements of each of the first group and the second group can be connected to the positive (+) power line, and the ending point of the arrangement of the internal elements of each of the first group and the second group can be connected to the negative (-) power line.

[0143] Meanwhile, the first internal elements included in the first group may be connected in series within the first group, and the second internal elements included in the second group may be connected in series within the second group. In addition, the first internal elements included in the first group and the second internal elements included in the second group may be distributed and dispersed throughout the thermoelectric module (210).

[0144] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the internal elements of the thermoelectric module (210) are configured into multiple groups, even if one group loses its function, the remaining groups can efficiently perform their functions. In addition, the refrigerator (1000) can detect a situation in which an open defect has occurred in at least one of the multiple groups through current detection of the thermoelectric module (210), and can compensate for the lost performance by controlling the input voltage of the thermoelectric module (210). Hereinafter, a method for the refrigerator (1000) to control the thermoelectric module (210) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 10.

[0145] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a thermoelectric module (210) in a refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 10, a method for controlling a thermoelectric module (210) by a refrigerator (1000) may include steps S1010 to S1050. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, steps S1010 to S1050 may be executed by at least one processor included in the refrigerator (1000). The method for controlling a thermoelectric module (210) by a refrigerator (1000) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 10, and in one or more embodiments, steps not illustrated in FIG. 10 may be further included, or some steps may be omitted.

[0147] In step S1010, the refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) when the thermoelectric module (210) is operating. For example, the refrigerator (1000) can detect the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) using a current detection circuit. The current detection circuit may include a shunt resistor, but is not limited thereto.

[0148] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the current sensing circuit may be included in a PBA (Printed Board Assembly or Printed Circuit Board Assembly) of a power supply device for supplying power to a thermoelectric module (210), or may be included in a PBA on which a processor for controlling the thermoelectric module (210) is mounted.

[0149] In step S1020, the refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can identify a loss of function of at least one group among a plurality of groups based on a change in the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210).

[0150] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if a thermoelectric module (210) is composed of a first group and a second group, and one P-type or N-type element included in the first group is damaged, current may no longer flow to the first group. Accordingly, since the overall resistance of the thermoelectric module (210) is reduced by half, the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) may double. At this time, the refrigerator (1000) may detect that the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) has doubled and identify that the function of one of the two groups has been lost.

[0151] Meanwhile, if the thermoelectric module (210) is composed of a first group, a second group, and a third group, and one P-type or N-type element included in the second group is damaged, current may no longer flow in the second group. Accordingly, the overall resistance of the thermoelectric module (210) may decrease by about 30%, and the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) may increase by about 30%. The refrigerator (1000) may detect that the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) increases, and identify that the function of one of the three groups has been lost. In addition, if one element included in the first group and one element included in the second group are damaged, the overall resistance of the thermoelectric module (210) may decrease by about 60%, and the operating current may increase by 60%. The refrigerator (1000) can detect a rapid increase in the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) and identify that two out of three groups have lost their function.

[0152] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1000) may identify that the functions of all groups included in the thermoelectric module (210) have been lost when the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) becomes 0A.

[0153] In step S1030, if the refrigerator (1000) identifies a loss of function of at least one group among the multiple groups included in the thermoelectric module (210), it can determine whether the current power consumption of one group exceeds the maximum power consumption of one group.

[0154] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when at least one group among a plurality of groups loses its function, the voltage distributed to at least one group can be applied to the remaining groups. Accordingly, more voltage is applied to the remaining groups that have not lost their function. At this time, the refrigerator (1000) can determine whether the current power consumption of one group exceeds the maximum power consumption of the other group in order to prevent the remaining groups that have not lost their function from becoming overvoltage. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the plurality of groups share a power line, the refrigerator (1000) cannot monitor the operating current of each of the plurality of groups, making it difficult to accurately determine which group among the plurality of groups has lost its function. Therefore, the refrigerator (1000) compares the current power consumption and the maximum power consumption with respect to any one group.

[0155] For example, if a thermoelectric module (210) is composed of two groups and one group loses its function, the power consumption of the remaining group may double. Accordingly, the refrigerator (1000) can determine whether the current power consumption that has doubled exceeds the preset maximum power consumption per group. The maximum power consumption per group may be preset according to the operating conditions of the thermoelectric module (210).

[0156] In step S1040, the refrigerator (1000) can lower the voltage input to the thermoelectric module (210) if the current power consumption of one group exceeds the maximum power consumption of one group (Yes in S1030).

[0157] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the current power consumption of a group exceeds the maximum power consumption of the group, the thermoelectric module (210) may enter an overvoltage state. When an overvoltage is applied to the thermoelectric module (210), the cooling unit (212) of the thermoelectric module (210) may not cool down and the thermoelectric module (210) may become hot overall.

[0158] Accordingly, the refrigerator (1000) can adjust the voltage input to the thermoelectric module (210) to be lower so that the current power consumption is lower than the maximum power consumption. For example, if the maximum power consumption is 50 W but the current power consumption of the thermoelectric module (210) is detected as 100 W, the refrigerator (1000) can reduce the voltage input to the thermoelectric module (210) by half. In addition, the refrigerator (1000) can check whether the voltage input to the thermoelectric module (210) has been reduced by half through the voltage detection circuit. The voltage detection circuit may include, but is not limited to, a voltage distribution circuit.

[0159] In step S1050, the refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can maintain the magnitude of the voltage input to the thermoelectric module (210) in the current state if the current power consumption of one group does not exceed the maximum power consumption of one group (No in S1030).

[0160] For example, if at least one group among a plurality of groups loses its function and the power consumption of one group increases, but the increased power consumption does not exceed the maximum power consumption, the refrigerator (1000) can maintain the current voltage state without adjusting the magnitude of the voltage input to the thermoelectric module (210). That is, if an open defect occurs in a specific group among a plurality of groups, the lost performance of the thermoelectric module (210) can be recovered by applying more voltage to the remaining groups.

[0161] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, a specific example of an operation in which the refrigerator (1000) controls the magnitude of the voltage input to the thermoelectric module (210) when at least one group among a plurality of groups of thermoelectric modules (210) loses its function will be examined.

[0162] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining an operation of a refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to control a thermoelectric module (210) using a voltage detection circuit (1101) and a current detection circuit (1102).

[0163] Referring to FIG. 11, the thermoelectric module (210) may include a voltage detection circuit (1101) and a current detection circuit (1102). The voltage detection circuit (1101) and the current detection circuit (1102) may be included in a PBA of a power supply device for supplying power to the thermoelectric module (210), or may be included in a PBA on which a processor for controlling the thermoelectric module (210) is mounted. The processor of the refrigerator (1000) may check the voltage value input to the thermoelectric module (210) through the voltage detection circuit (1101), and may detect the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) through the current detection circuit (1102).

[0164] In Fig. 11, it is assumed that the internal components of the thermoelectric module (210) are divided into a first group and a second group, and that the power consumption of the thermoelectric module (210) is 100 W when the first group and the second group operate at 100%. In addition, it is assumed that the voltage input to the thermoelectric module (210) is 20 V and the resistance of each group is 2 Ω. When the first group and the second group operate at 100%, the power consumption of each group can be up to 50 W. That is, the maximum power consumption of one group in Fig. 11 can be 50 W.

[0165] According to CASE 1, under the condition that the thermoelectric module (210) operates at 100% (total power consumption: 100 W, power consumption of the first group: 50 W, power consumption of the second group: 50 W), the function of the first group may be lost. For example, an open defect may occur in one P-type or N-type element in the first group. At this time, the current of the second group may double, and the processor of the refrigerator (1000) may detect that the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) has doubled using the current detection circuit (1101). When the current of the second group doubles, the power consumption of the second group may also double. That is, the power consumption of the second group may increase from 50 W to 100 W. If the power consumption of the second group reaches 100 W, it exceeds the maximum power consumption of the second group of 50 W, so the second group may enter an overvoltage state. Therefore, the processor of the refrigerator (1000) can reduce the voltage input to the thermoelectric module (210) by half so that the second group can operate with a power consumption of 50 W. For example, the processor of the refrigerator (1000) can reduce the voltage input to the thermoelectric module (210) from 20 V to 10 V. Therefore, according to Example 1, even if an open defect occurs in the first group, the thermoelectric module (210) can function with a performance of 50% or more.

[0166] According to CASE 2, under the condition that the thermoelectric module (210) operates at 50% (total power consumption: 50 W, power consumption of the first group: 25 W, power consumption of the second group: 25 W), the function of the first group may be lost. For example, an open defect may occur in one P-type or N-type element in the first group. At this time, the current of the second group may double, and the processor of the refrigerator (1000) may detect that the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) has doubled using the current detection circuit (1101). When the current of the second group doubles, the power consumption of the second group may also double. That is, the power consumption of the second group may increase from 25 W to 50 W. Even if the power consumption of the second group increases to 50 W, it does not exceed the maximum power consumption of the second group of 50 W, so the processor of the refrigerator (1000) can maintain the voltage input to the thermoelectric module (210) in its current state. Therefore, according to Example 2, even if the function of the first group is lost, the thermoelectric module (210) can continue to satisfy the condition of operating at 50% (total power consumption: 50 W) through the second group.

[0167] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to output a notification to check a thermoelectric module (210).

[0168] Referring to FIG. 12, a method for a refrigerator (1000) to output a notification to check a thermoelectric module (210) (or that the thermoelectric module (210) is not operating normally) may include steps S1210 to S1250. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, steps S1210 to S1250 may be executed by at least one processor included in the refrigerator (1000). The method for a refrigerator (1000) to control a thermoelectric module (210) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 12, and in one or more embodiments, steps not illustrated in FIG. 12 may be further included, or some steps may be omitted.

[0169] In step S1210, the refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) when the thermoelectric module (210) is operating. For example, the refrigerator (1000) can detect the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) using the current detection circuit (1102).

[0170] In step S1220, the refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect a change in operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) using a current detection circuit.

[0171] In step S1230, the refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can determine whether the voltage value input to the thermoelectric module (210) is being adjusted when a change in the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) is detected (Yes in step S1220).

[0172] When the processor of the refrigerator (1000) is adjusting the voltage value input to the thermoelectric module (210), it may be natural for the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) to change. Accordingly, the processor of the refrigerator (1000) can continuously monitor whether the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) changes while adjusting the voltage value input to the thermoelectric module (210).

[0173] In step S1240, the refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can identify a loss of function of at least one group among a plurality of groups included in the thermoelectric module (210) when it detects that the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) has changed (Yes in step S1220) while not adjusting the voltage value input to the thermoelectric module (210) (No in step S1230).

[0174] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if a thermoelectric module (210) is composed of a first group and a second group, and one P-type or N-type element included in the first group is damaged, current may no longer flow to the first group. Accordingly, since the overall resistance of the thermoelectric module (210) is reduced by half, the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) may double. At this time, the refrigerator (1000) may detect that the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) has doubled and identify that the function of one of the two groups has been lost.

[0175] Step S1240 corresponds to step S1020 of FIG. 10, so redundant description will be omitted.

[0176] In step S1250, the refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may output a notification to inspect (or require inspection of) the thermoelectric module (210) when it identifies a loss of function of at least one group among a plurality of groups included in the thermoelectric module (210).

[0177] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1000) can output a notification to check the thermoelectric module (210) through the display unit or speaker. An example of the refrigerator (1000) outputting the notification will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0178] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining an operation of a refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to output a notification to check a thermoelectric module (210).

[0179] Referring to 1300-1 of FIG. 13, when the refrigerator (1000) includes a display unit, the refrigerator (1000) may visually display a notification to check the thermoelectric module (210) on the display unit. For example, when the refrigerator (1000) detects a loss of function of at least one group among a plurality of groups included in the thermoelectric module (210), the refrigerator (1000) may display a notification message (1301) (e.g., “Check the thermoelectric module”) along with an error code (e.g., C00) on the display unit.

[0180] Referring to 1300-2 of FIG. 13, the refrigerator (1000) may also audibly output a notification to check the thermoelectric module (210) through a speaker. For example, if the refrigerator (1000) detects a user approaching the refrigerator (1000) through a human detection sensor, the refrigerator (1000) may audibly output a notification message (e.g., a malfunction has occurred in the thermoelectric module) (1302) through the speaker.

[0181] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user can check a notification output from a refrigerator (1000) and inspect the thermoelectric module (210). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the cooling performance of a storage room from being reduced by the thermoelectric module (210).

[0182] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1000) may output a notification message to a user terminal connected via a server to inspect the thermoelectric module (210). The operation of the user terminal outputting a notification message to inspect the thermoelectric module (210) of the refrigerator (1000) will be described later with reference to FIG. 16.

[0183] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating functional elements of a refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0184] As illustrated in FIG. 14, a refrigerator (1000) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cooling unit (1100), a control unit (1200), a display unit (1300), a camera unit (1400), a sensor unit (1500), a voice unit (1600), and a communication interface (1700). However, at least one of the components illustrated in FIG. 14 may not be an essential component. The refrigerator (1000) may be implemented with more components than the components illustrated in FIG. 14, or may be implemented with fewer components.

[0185] Below, we will look at the above components in turn.

[0186] The cooling unit (1100) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (200) and a refrigeration cycle device (400). The thermoelectric cooling device (200) may include a thermoelectric module (210). The thermoelectric module (210) may have a thin hexahedral shape, and a heating unit (211) may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric module (210) and a cooling unit (212) may be provided on the opposite surface. The thermoelectric cooling device (200) is substantially the same as that described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and a repetitive detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0187] The refrigeration cycle device (400) may include a compressor (410), a condenser (420), an evaporator (425), and an evaporator (430).

[0188] The compressor (410) compresses the refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state. The compressor (410) can receive electric energy from an external source and use the rotational power of an electric motor or the like to compress the gaseous refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state. The compressor (410) is connected to a condenser (420) and can move the compressed refrigerant to the condenser (420). The compressor (410) compresses the refrigerant and pushes it to the condenser (420), thereby operating the refrigeration cycle of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. Therefore, when the compressor (410) is in operation, the cold air generated in the evaporator (430) is supplied to the storage room.

[0189] The condenser (420) condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed from the compressor (410). The condenser (420) dissipates heat generated while condensing the refrigerant. The condensed refrigerant passing through the condenser (420) moves to the evaporator (425) (expansion valve). The refrigerant condensed in the condenser (420) becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid state while passing through the evaporator (425) (expansion valve). The liquid refrigerant passes through the evaporator (425) (expansion valve) and moves to the evaporator (430).

[0190] The evaporator (430) evaporates the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve. As the liquid refrigerant evaporates, heat exchange occurs with the surrounding gas in the evaporator (430). As the liquid refrigerant evaporates, it absorbs latent heat from the surroundings, thereby cooling the gas surrounding the evaporator (430) and generating cold air. The completely evaporated refrigerant is supplied back to the compressor (410) and the cooling cycle circulates. A heater may be provided around the evaporator (430) to remove frost formed on the evaporator (430).

[0191] The control unit (1200) may include a memory (1220) that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling the refrigerator (1000), and a processor (1210) that outputs a control signal for controlling the cooling unit (1100), etc., according to the program and / or data stored in the memory (1220).

[0192] The refrigerator (1000) may include one or more processors (1210). The processor (1210) may include at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), a MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). At least one processor (1210) may be implemented in the form of an integrated system on a chip (SoC) including one or more electronic components. Each of the at least one processor (1210) may be implemented as separate hardware (H / W). At least one processor (1210) may be expressed as a MICOM (Micro-Computer, Microprocessor Computer, Microprocessor controller), an MPU (Micro Processor unit), or an MCU (Micro Controller Unit).

[0193] At least one processor (1210) according to the present disclosure may be implemented as a single core processor or may be implemented as a multicore processor.

[0194] The memory (1220) stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. required for the operation of the refrigerator (1000). The memory (1220) can store temporary data generated during the process of generating a control signal for controlling components included in the refrigerator (1000). The memory (1220) may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0195] The memory (1220) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The programs stored in the memory (1220) may be classified into a plurality of modules according to their functions.

[0196] The display unit (1300) is for outputting a video signal. The display unit (1300) may include a display panel (1310) and a touch panel (1320). When the display panel (1310) and the touch panel (1320) form a layer structure to form a touch screen, the display unit (1300) may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0197] The display unit (1300) may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3D display, and an electrophoretic display. In addition, depending on the implementation form of the refrigerator (1000), the refrigerator (1000) may include two or more display units (1300).

[0198] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display unit (1300) may include an LED display (1330). The LED display (1330) may blink in a predetermined color (e.g., red, blue, etc.) when a notification message is output as a voice through the speaker (1620).

[0199] The camera unit (1400) may include an external camera for capturing the external environment and / or an internal camera for capturing the internal environment. There may be multiple internal cameras for capturing the internal environment. For example, the internal cameras may include a main camera positioned at the top center of the refrigerator (1000) and sub-cameras positioned in each storage compartment. The camera unit (1400) may include at least one of an RGB camera, a depth camera, or a thermal imaging camera.

[0200] The sensor unit (1500) may include at least one of an environmental sensor, a proximity sensor, a door open / close detection sensor, and a spectral sensor, but is not limited thereto. The environmental sensor is a sensor for obtaining environmental information within the refrigerator (1000) and may include at least one of an odor sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0201] The voice unit (1600) may include a microphone (1610) and a speaker (1620).

[0202] The microphone (1610) receives an external acoustic signal and processes it into electrical voice data. For example, the microphone (1610) can receive an acoustic signal (e.g., a voice command) from an external device or a speaker. The microphone (1610) can utilize various noise removal algorithms to remove noise generated during the process of receiving an external acoustic signal.

[0203] The speaker (1620) outputs audio data received from the communication interface (1700) or stored in the memory (1220). In addition, the speaker (1620) outputs an audio signal related to a function performed in the refrigerator (1000) (e.g., a message reception sound, a notification sound).

[0204] The communication interface (1700) may include a short-range communication unit, a long-range communication unit, etc. The short-range wireless communication interface may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication interface (NFC), a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an IrDA (Infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an ANT+ communication unit, etc. The long-range communication unit may be used for the refrigerator (1000) to remotely communicate with the server (2000). The long-range communication unit may include the Internet, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN), and a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a 3G module, a 4G module, a 5G module, an LTE module, an NB-IoT module, an LTE-M module, etc.

[0205] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a communication system of a refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0206] A refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can communicate with a server (2000), a user terminal (3000), and an external device (4000) via a network.

[0207] The server (2000) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, a refrigerator (1000), an external device (4000), or a user terminal (3000), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, a refrigerator (1000), an external device (4000), or a user terminal (3000), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. The server (2000) may be implemented as a variety of computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, or a data station. The server (2000) may be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on function, detailed configuration of function, or data, and may transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0208] The server (2000) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering a refrigerator (1000) and an external device (4000) by linking them to the user accounts, and managing or controlling the registered refrigerator (1000) and the external device (4000). For example, a user can access the server (2000) through a user terminal (3000) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (2000) can register the refrigerator (1000) and the external device (4000) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (2000) can link identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the refrigerator (1000) and the external device (4000) to the user account, thereby registering, managing, and controlling the refrigerator (1000) and the external device (4000).

[0209] The user terminal (3000) may include a communication module capable of communicating with a refrigerator (1000), an external device (4000), or a server (2000), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the user terminal (3000), and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the user terminal (3000).

[0210] The user terminal (3000) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user terminal (3000) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc.

[0211] The memory of the user terminal (3000) may store a program, i.e., an application, for controlling the refrigerator (1000) and external devices (4000). The application may be sold installed on the user terminal (3000) or downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0212] A user can access a server (2000) by executing an application installed on a user terminal (3000), create a user account, and perform communication with the server (2000) based on the logged-in user account to register a refrigerator (1000) and an external device (4000).

[0213] For example, when the refrigerator (1000) and the external device (4000) are operated so that the refrigerator (1000) and the external device (4000) can be connected to the server (2000) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user terminal (3000), the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the refrigerator (1000) and the external device (4000) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the refrigerator (1000) and the external device (4000) in the corresponding user account on the server (2000).

[0214] A user can control a refrigerator (1000) and an external device (4000) using an application installed on a user terminal (3000). For example, when a user logs into a user account using an application installed on a user terminal (3000), a refrigerator (1000) and an external device (4000) registered to the user account appear, and when a control command for the refrigerator (1000) or the external device (4000) is input, the control command can be transmitted to the refrigerator (1000) or the external device (4000) via the server (2000).

[0215] The external device (4000) may include a communication module capable of communicating with a refrigerator (1000), a user terminal (3000), or a server (2000), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the external device (4000), and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the external device (4000).

[0216] The external device (4000) may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the external device (4000) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a dishwasher, an electric range, an electric oven, an air conditioner, a clothes manager, a washing machine, a dryer, a microwave oven, an air purifier, a robot vacuum cleaner, a vacuum cleaner, and a television.

[0217] A network can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0218] A network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a short-range wireless network that does not use an access point (AP). Short-range wireless networks may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth™ (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc.

[0219] An access point (AP) can connect a refrigerator (1000), an external device (4000), or a user terminal (3000) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (2000) is connected. The refrigerator (1000), an external device (4000), or a user terminal (3000) can be connected to the server (2000) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0220] The access point (AP) can communicate with a refrigerator (1000), an external device (4000), or a user terminal (3000) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi™, IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (Bluetooth™, IEEE 802.15.1), or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0221] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1000) may be directly connected to a user terminal (3000), an external device, or a server (2000) without going through an access point (AP).

[0222] The refrigerator (1000) may be connected to an external device (4000), a user terminal (3000), or a server (2000) via a long-distance wireless network or a short-distance wireless network. For example, the refrigerator (1000) may be connected to a user terminal (3000) via a short-distance wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0223] The refrigerator (1000) may be connected to a user terminal (3000), a server (2000), or an external device (4000) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module). In addition, the refrigerator (1000) may be connected to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, and may be connected to a user terminal (3000), a server (2000), or an external device (4000) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0224] If the refrigerator (1000) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it may also function as an access relay. Accordingly, the refrigerator (1000) can connect an external device (4000) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (2000) is connected. In addition, the external device (4000) can connect the refrigerator (1000) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (2000) is connected.

[0225] The refrigerator (1000) can transmit information about its operation or status to an external device (4000), a user terminal (3000), or a server (2000) via a network. For example, the refrigerator (1000) can transmit information about its operation or status to the external device (4000), the user terminal (3000), or the server (2000) when a request is received from the server (2000), when a specific event occurs in the refrigerator (1000), or periodically or in real time. When the server (2000) receives information about its operation or status from the refrigerator (1000), it can update the stored information about the operation or status of the refrigerator (1000) and transmit the updated information about the operation and status of the refrigerator (1000) to the user terminal (3000) via the network. Here, updating information can include various operations that change existing information, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information and an operation of replacing existing information with new information.

[0226] The refrigerator (1000) can obtain various information from an external device (4000), a user terminal (3000), or a server (2000), and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the refrigerator (1000) can obtain information related to the function of the refrigerator (1000) (e.g., recipes, etc.) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (2000), and output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0227] The refrigerator (1000) can operate according to a control command received from an external device (4000), a user terminal (3000), or a server (2000). For example, if the refrigerator (1000) has obtained prior approval from the user so that it can operate according to the control command of the server (2000) even without user input, the refrigerator (1000) can operate according to the control command received from the server (2000). Here, the control command received from the server (2000) may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through the user terminal (3000) or a control command based on preset conditions.

[0228] The user terminal (3000) can transmit information about the user to the refrigerator (1000), an external device (4000), or a server (2000) via a communication module. For example, the user terminal (3000) can transmit information about the user's location, health status, preferences, schedule, etc. to the server (2000). The user terminal (3000) can transmit information about the user to the refrigerator (1000) or the server (2000) with the user's prior consent.

[0229] The refrigerator (1000), external device (4000), user terminal (3000), or server (2000) may determine control commands using technologies such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (2000) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the refrigerator (1000) and external device (4000), or information regarding the user of the user terminal (3000), process the information using technologies such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the refrigerator (1000), external device (4000), or user terminal (3000) based on the processing result.

[0230] Below, the operation of the refrigerator (1000) connecting to the user terminal (3000) through the server (2000) will be examined with reference to FIG. 16.

[0231] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining an operation in which a refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to a user terminal (3000).

[0232] Referring to FIG. 16, when the refrigerator (1000) detects a loss of function of at least one group among a plurality of groups of internal elements included in the thermoelectric module (210), it can transmit information to the server (2000) that the thermoelectric module (210) needs to be inspected. The server (2000) may be a server that manages a home appliance such as the refrigerator (1000). For example, when the first group among two groups included in the thermoelectric module (210) loses function, the refrigerator (1000) can transmit information to the server (2000) that the thermoelectric module (210) needs to be inspected through the communication interface (1700).

[0233] The server (2000) can transmit information that the thermoelectric module (210) needs to be inspected to a user terminal (3000) registered with the same account as the refrigerator (1000). At this time, the user terminal (3000) can output a notification message (1601) through an application execution window to request inspection of the thermoelectric module (210). The user can confirm the notification message (1601) to request inspection of the thermoelectric module (210) and inspect the thermoelectric module (210) of the refrigerator (1000).

[0234] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1000) may apply different notification methods depending on the number of groups that have lost functionality among the multiple groups included in the thermoelectric module (210). Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the operation of the refrigerator (1000) outputting notification messages in different methods will be described.

[0235] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a notification method or a device to output a notification according to the number of groups that have lost their function among a plurality of groups in a refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0236] Referring to FIG. 17, a method for determining a notification method or a device to output a notification by a refrigerator (1000) may include steps S1710 to S1740. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, steps S1710 to S1740 may be executed by at least one processor included in the refrigerator (1000). The method for determining a notification method or a device to output a notification by the refrigerator (1000) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 17, and in one or more embodiments, steps not illustrated in FIG. 17 may be further included, or some steps may be omitted.

[0237] In step S1710, the refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) through the current detection circuit (1102) when the thermoelectric module (210) is operating.

[0238] In step S1720, the refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can determine the number of groups that have lost their function among a plurality of groups based on the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210).

[0239] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a thermoelectric module (210) is composed of a first group and a second group, and one P-type or N-type element included in the first group is damaged, current may no longer flow to the first group. Accordingly, since the overall resistance of the thermoelectric module (210) is reduced by half, the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) may double. At this time, the refrigerator (1000) may detect that the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) has doubled and identify that one of the two groups has lost its function. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) becomes 0 A, the refrigerator (1000) may identify that the functions of all groups included in the thermoelectric module (210) have been lost. That is, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1000) can determine that the number of groups that have lost their function is 1 when the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) doubles, and can determine that the number of groups that have lost their function is 2 when the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) becomes 0A.

[0240] Meanwhile, if the thermoelectric module (210) is composed of a first group, a second group, and a third group, and one P-type or N-type element included in the second group is damaged, current may no longer flow in the second group. Accordingly, the overall resistance of the thermoelectric module (210) may decrease by about 30%, and the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) may increase by about 30%. The refrigerator (1000) may detect that the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) increases, and identify that the function of one of the three groups has been lost. In addition, if one element included in the first group and one element included in the second group are damaged, the overall resistance of the thermoelectric module (210) may decrease by about 60%, and the operating current may increase by 60%. The refrigerator (1000) can detect a rapid increase in the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) and identify that two out of three groups have lost their function. In addition, the refrigerator (1000) can identify that all three groups have lost their function when the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) becomes 0A.

[0241] In step S1730, the refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may determine a notification method or a device to output a notification, depending on the number of groups that have lost their function.

[0242] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1000) may determine to output a notification through the user terminal (3000) when the function of some of the groups included in the thermoelectric module (210) is lost, and may determine to output a notification through the display unit (1300) of the refrigerator (1000) or the speaker (1620) of the refrigerator (1000) when the function of all of the groups is lost.

[0243] For example, even if the function of some groups among the multiple groups of thermoelectric modules (210) is lost, the function of the entire thermoelectric module (210) is not lost, so there is no need to urgently notify the user. On the other hand, if all groups of thermoelectric modules (210) lose their function, a problem may occur in the cooling function of the storage compartment, so there is a need to urgently notify the user. Accordingly, the refrigerator (1000) may select the user terminal (3000) as a device to output a notification when the function of some groups is lost, and may select the refrigerator (1000) as a device to output a notification when the function of all groups is lost.

[0244] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1000) may select a method of outputting a notification through the display unit (1300) when the function of some groups among the plurality of groups included in the thermoelectric module (210) is lost, and may select a method of outputting a notification through the speaker (1620) when the function of all of the plurality of groups is lost. Alternatively, the refrigerator (1000) may select a method of visually displaying a notification message through the display unit (1300) or the user terminal (3000) when the function of some groups among the plurality of groups included in the thermoelectric module (210) is lost, and may select a method of visually displaying a notification message on the display unit (1300) and simultaneously audibly outputting a notification message through the speaker (1620) when the function of all of the plurality of groups is lost. The notification method described herein is not limited to the notification method described herein, and the notification method may vary.

[0245] In step S1740, the refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may output a notification to inspect the thermoelectric module (210) based on the notification method or device determined in step S1730. An example of the refrigerator (1000) outputting a notification to inspect the thermoelectric module (210) will be described with reference to FIG. 18.

[0246] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to determine a notification method or a device to output a notification based on the number of groups that have lost functionality. In FIG. 18, an example will be described where the internal components of a thermoelectric module (210) are divided into a first group and a second group.

[0247] Referring to 1800-1 of FIG. 18, the refrigerator (1000) can detect a change in the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) and identify that one group (e.g., the first group) among a plurality of groups of thermoelectric modules (210) has lost its function. If one group among a plurality of groups of thermoelectric modules (210) has lost its function, the refrigerator (1000) can decide to output a notification through the user terminal (3000). The refrigerator (1000) can transmit information to the server (2000) that the thermoelectric module (210) needs to be inspected. The server (2000) can transmit a command to output a notification to inspect the thermoelectric module (210) to the user terminal (3000) registered with the same account as the refrigerator (1000). The user terminal (3000) can output a notification (1801) to the user to inspect the thermoelectric module (210) of the refrigerator (1000) through a predetermined application (e.g., a home appliance management application) according to a command from the server (2000). The user can execute the predetermined application of the user terminal (3000) and naturally confirm the notification to inspect the thermoelectric module (210).

[0248] Referring to 1800-2 of FIG. 18, the refrigerator (1000) can identify that all of the multiple groups included in the thermoelectric module (210) have lost their functions when the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) becomes 0A. Since the cooling function of the storage compartment may be problematic when all of the multiple groups included in the thermoelectric module (210) have lost their functions, the refrigerator (1000) can decide to output a notification to check the thermoelectric module (210) through the speaker (1620) of the refrigerator (1000). Accordingly, the refrigerator (1000) can detect that a user is approaching the refrigerator (1000) through the human detection sensor and output a voice message (1802) to the user through the speaker (1620) that a malfunction has occurred in the thermoelectric module (210). In this case, the user can recognize the voice message (1802) output through the speaker (1620) in real time and inspect the thermoelectric module (210) within a short period of time.

[0249] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator (1000) including a thermoelectric module (210) (Peltier module) at the top of a main body (100) may be provided. At this time, the thermoelectric module (210) has internal elements divided into a plurality of groups, and the plurality of groups are connected in parallel to a power line connected to the thermoelectric module (210), thereby preventing the entire thermoelectric module from losing its function due to a failure in one internal element.

[0250] A refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (100) including at least one storage compartment, a door (11; 12; 13; 14) configured to open and close at least one storage compartment, a thermoelectric module (210) for cooling at least one storage compartment, and at least one processor (1210) for controlling the thermoelectric module (210). The thermoelectric module (210) may be divided into a plurality of groups. Internal elements of each of the plurality of groups may be connected in series with each other. The plurality of groups may be connected in parallel with each other between a positive (+) power line and a negative (-) power line connected to both ends of the thermoelectric module (210). Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, even if an open failure occurs in one element included in the thermoelectric module (210), the thermoelectric module (210) may maintain at least 50% of its functionality.

[0251] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a starting point of an arrangement of internal elements of each of a plurality of groups may be connected to a positive (+) power line, and an ending point of an arrangement of internal elements of each of a plurality of groups may be connected to a negative (-) power line.

[0252] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of groups may be commonly connected to a positive (+) power line and a negative (-) power line.

[0253] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, internal elements included in different groups can be electrically disconnected except for input nodes and output nodes.

[0254] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of groups may include a first group and a second group. The first internal elements included in the first group and the second internal elements included in the second group may be distributed and dispersed throughout the thermoelectric module (210).

[0255] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a thermoelectric module (210) may be placed on the upper part of the main body (100) such that the heating part (211) faces above the thermoelectric module (210) and the cooling part (212) faces below the thermoelectric module (210).

[0256] A refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a voltage detection circuit (1101) for detecting a voltage input to a thermoelectric module (210); and a current detection circuit (1102) for detecting an operating current of the thermoelectric module (210).

[0257] At least one processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can identify a loss of function of at least one group among a plurality of groups included in the thermoelectric module (210) based on a change in operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) detected through the current sensing circuit (1102).

[0258] At least one processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may, upon identifying a loss of functionality of at least one group, determine whether the current power consumption of one group exceeds the maximum power consumption of the group.

[0259] At least one processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the magnitude of the voltage input to the thermoelectric module (210) to be lower when the current power consumption of one group exceeds the maximum power consumption of one group.

[0260] At least one processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can maintain the magnitude of the voltage input to the thermoelectric module (210) in its current state when the current power consumption of one group is less than or equal to the maximum power consumption of one group.

[0261] At least one processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may output a notification to check the thermoelectric module (210) through the display unit (1300) of the refrigerator (1000) or the speaker (1620) of the refrigerator (1000) upon identifying a loss of function of at least one group.

[0262] At least one processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may transmit information to the server (2000) that inspection of the thermoelectric module (210) is required upon identifying a loss of function of at least one group.

[0263] At least one processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can determine the number of groups that have lost functionality among a plurality of groups based on the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210).

[0264] At least one processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may determine a notification method or a device to output a notification based on the number of groups that have lost functionality among a plurality of groups.

[0265] At least one processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may output a notification to inspect the thermoelectric module (210) through a user terminal (3000) connected via a server (2000) when it is determined that some of the plurality of groups have lost their functions. At least one processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may output a notification to inspect the thermoelectric module (210) through a display unit (1300) of the refrigerator (1000) or a speaker (1620) of the refrigerator (1000) when it is determined that all of the plurality of groups have lost their functions.

[0266] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the voltage sensing circuit (1101) and the current sensing circuit (1102) may be disposed on a printed circuit board of a power supply device for supplying power to the thermoelectric module (210).

[0267] A refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a refrigeration cycle device (400) including a compressor (410), a condenser (420), an expansion device (425), and an evaporator (430).

[0268] At least one processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can selectively operate at least one of a refrigeration cycle device (400) or a thermoelectric cooling device (200) including a thermoelectric module (210), depending on the operating environment of the refrigerator (1000).

[0269] A method for controlling a thermoelectric module (210) by a refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the steps of: detecting an operating current of a thermoelectric module (210) using a current detection circuit (1102); wherein the thermoelectric module (210) includes internal elements divided into a plurality of groups, and the internal elements of each of the plurality of groups are connected in series with each other, and the plurality of groups are connected in parallel between a positive (+) power line and a negative (-) power line connected to both ends of the thermoelectric module (210) (S1010); identifying a loss of function of at least one group among the plurality of groups included in the thermoelectric module (210) based on a change in the operating current of the thermoelectric module (210) (S1020); when a loss of function of at least one group is identified, determining whether a current power consumption of one group exceeds a maximum power consumption of one group (S1030); And, if the current power consumption of one group exceeds the maximum power consumption of one group, a step (S1040) of lowering the size of the voltage input to the thermoelectric module (210) may be included.

[0270] A method for controlling a thermoelectric module (210) in a refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a step (S1050) of maintaining the magnitude of a voltage input to the thermoelectric module (210) in the current state when the current power consumption of one group is less than or equal to the maximum power consumption of one group.

[0271] A method for controlling a thermoelectric module (210) of a refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a step (S1250) of outputting a notification to check the thermoelectric module (210) through a display unit (1300) of the refrigerator (1000) or a speaker (1620) of the refrigerator (1000) upon identifying a loss of function of at least one group.

[0272] A method for controlling a thermoelectric module (210) by a refrigerator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a step of transmitting information indicating that inspection of the thermoelectric module (210) is required to a server (2000) upon identifying a loss of function of at least one group.

[0273] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0274] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0275] The present invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0276] While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A body (100) including at least one storage room; A door (11; 12; 13; 14) provided to open and close at least one of the storage compartments; A thermoelectric module (210) for cooling at least one of the storage rooms; and At least one processor (1210) for controlling the above thermoelectric module (210) is included, The above thermoelectric module (210) includes internal elements divided into a plurality of groups, and the internal elements of each of the plurality of groups are connected in series with each other. The above plurality of groups are connected in parallel with each other to the power line connected to the thermoelectric module (210), a refrigerator (1000).

2. In paragraph 1, The starting point of the arrangement of the internal elements of each of the above plurality of groups is connected to a positive (+) power line, and the ending point of the arrangement of the internal elements of each of the above plurality of groups is connected to a negative (-) power line. The above plurality of groups are connected in common to the positive (+) power line and the negative (-) power line of the refrigerator.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The internal components included in different groups are electrically disconnected, except for the input and output nodes, in a refrigerator.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above multiple groups include a first group and a second group, A refrigerator, wherein the first internal elements included in the first group and the second internal elements included in the second group are distributed and dispersed throughout the thermoelectric module.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, A refrigerator in which the thermoelectric module is arranged at the top of the main body so that the heating part (211) faces the outside of the refrigerator and the cooling part (212) faces the inside of the refrigerator.

6. In any one of clauses 1 to 5, the refrigerator, A voltage detection circuit (1101) for detecting the voltage input to the thermoelectric module; and It further includes a current detection circuit (1102) that detects the operating current of the thermoelectric module. A refrigerator wherein said at least one processor identifies a loss of function of at least one group among the plurality of groups included in the thermoelectric module based on a change in operating current of the thermoelectric module detected through the current sensing circuit.

7. In the 6th paragraph, at least one processor, A refrigerator, wherein, when a loss of function of at least one group is identified, it is determined whether the current power consumption of one group exceeds the maximum power consumption of one group.

8. In the 7th paragraph, at least one processor, A refrigerator, wherein the voltage input to the thermoelectric module is adjusted to a lower level when the current power consumption of the above group exceeds the maximum power consumption of the above group.

9. In paragraph 7, at least one processor, A refrigerator, wherein the magnitude of the voltage input to the thermoelectric module is maintained in the current state when the current power consumption of the above group is less than or equal to the maximum power consumption of the above group.

10. In paragraph 6, at least one processor, A refrigerator that outputs a notification to check the thermoelectric module through the display unit (1300) of the refrigerator or the speaker (1620) of the refrigerator upon identifying a loss of function of at least one group of the above.

11. In paragraph 6, at least one processor, A refrigerator that transmits information to a server (2000) that inspection of the thermoelectric module is required upon identifying a loss of function of at least one group of the above.

12. In paragraph 6, at least one processor, Based on the operating current of the thermoelectric module, the number of groups that have lost their function among the plurality of groups is determined, A refrigerator, which determines the notification method or the device to output the notification depending on the number of groups that have lost their function among the above plural groups.

13. In the 12th paragraph, at least one processor, If it is determined that the function of some of the above groups has been lost, a notification is output to check the thermoelectric module (210) through the user terminal (3000) connected through the server (2000). A refrigerator that outputs a notification to check the thermoelectric module (210) through the display unit (1300) of the refrigerator (1000) or the speaker (1620) of the refrigerator (1000) when it is determined that all of the above groups have lost their functions.

14. In the first paragraph, at least one processor, A refrigerator that selectively operates at least one of a refrigeration cycle device (400) or a thermoelectric cooling device (200) including the thermoelectric module (210) depending on the operating environment of the refrigerator.

15. In the method of controlling a thermoelectric module of a refrigerator, A step of detecting an operating current of the thermoelectric module using a current detection circuit - the thermoelectric module includes internal elements divided into a plurality of groups, the internal elements of each of the plurality of groups are connected in series with each other, and the plurality of groups are connected in parallel with each other with respect to a power line connected to the thermoelectric module (S1010); A step (S1020) of identifying a loss of function of at least one group among the plurality of groups included in the thermoelectric module based on a change in the operating current of the thermoelectric module; If a loss of function of at least one group is identified, a step (S1030) of determining whether the current power consumption of one group exceeds the maximum power consumption of one group; and A method including a step (S1040) of lowering the size of the voltage input to the thermoelectric module when the current power consumption of the above one group exceeds the maximum power consumption of the above one group.

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