Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: a main body having a storage chamber provided therein; a thermoelectric element which is provided on the upper wall of the main body and includes a heating portion and a cooling portion; a cooling sink coming into contact with the cooling portion; a cooling fan which is provided to suck in air from the storage chamber and blows the air toward the cooling sink; a cooling duct which is provided to guide the air flowing due to the cooling fan; and an air purifier provided in the cooling duct and arranged between the cooling sink and the cooling fan.

Description

refrigerator

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

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that has a main body having a storage compartment and a cooling device that supplies cold air to the storage compartment, thereby keeping food stored in the storage compartment fresh.

[0003] The cooling device may include a cooling sink configured to cool air, a cooling fan configured to blow air to the cooling sink, and a cooling duct configured to guide air to the cooling sink.

[0004] Food stored in the storage room can cause unpleasant odors within the refrigerator, and in some cases, the air itself can become contaminated. Refrigerators may be equipped with additional features designed to remove odors or sterilize the air within the refrigerator.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an internal deodorizing function.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having a function of sterilizing indoor air.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having a relatively large storage compartment volume while having an internal deodorizing function or an internal air sterilizing function.

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

[0009] A refrigerator according to the invention comprises a main body having a storage compartment provided therein, a thermoelectric element provided on an upper wall of the main body and including a heating unit and a cooling unit, a cooling sink in contact with the cooling unit, a cooling fan provided to suck in air within the storage compartment and blow the air toward the cooling sink, a cooling duct provided to guide air flowing by the cooling fan, and an air purification unit provided inside the cooling duct and disposed between the cooling sink and the cooling fan.

[0010] A refrigerator according to the invention comprises a main body having a storage compartment provided therein, a cooling sink provided inside the storage compartment, a cooling fan provided to blow air toward the cooling sink, a cooling duct provided to guide air flowing by the cooling fan, a deodorizing filter provided between the cooling sink and the cooling fan, and an ion generator provided to ionize air flowing by the cooling fan, wherein the ion generator is provided on a downstream side of the deodorizing filter based on the direction of flow of air flowing by the cooling fan.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the doors of a refrigerator in an open state according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a drawing of the upper part of a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment, viewed from below.

[0014] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I shown in Figure 2.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a cooling duct cover and a cooling duct body separated from the upper wall of the main body according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an exploded view of a cooling duct body and a cooling duct cover according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a cooling duct body and a cooling duct cover according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom surface of a cooling duct body according to one embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing some components of the cooling duct body illustrated in Fig. 9 in an exploded manner.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating the bottom surface of a cooling duct body according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating the bottom surface of a cooling duct body according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 13 is a plan view illustrating the bottom surface of a cooling duct body according to one embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 14 is a plan view illustrating the bottom surface of a cooling duct body according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating the bottom surface of a cooling duct body according to one embodiment.

[0026] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0027] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0028] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] In this disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0030] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0031] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0032] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0033] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0034] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0035] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[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, 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] 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.

[0065] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0066] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0067] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0068] Meanwhile, the terms “front / rear direction,” “left / right direction,” “upper side,” “lower side,” etc. used in the description below are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0069] For example, the X direction can be defined as the forward-backward direction. For example, the Y direction can be defined as the sideways direction. For example, the Z direction can be defined as the up-down direction. For example, the +X direction can be defined as the forward direction and the -X direction as the back direction. For example, the +Y direction can be defined as the right direction and the -Y direction as the left direction. For example, the +Z direction can be defined as the upward direction and the -Z direction as the downward direction.

[0070] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0071] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the doors of the refrigerator according to one embodiment in an open state. FIG. 3 is a view of the upper portion of a storage compartment of the refrigerator according to one embodiment as viewed from below. FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I shown in FIG. 2.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (100), a plurality of storage compartments (11, 12, 13) provided inside the main body (100), and a plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) provided to open and close the plurality of storage compartments (11, 12, 13).

[0073] The main body (100) may include an upper wall (110), a lower wall (120), a left wall (130), a right wall (140), and a rear wall (150). The upper wall (110), the lower wall (120), the left wall (130), the right wall (140), and the rear wall (150) may form an upper surface (+Z direction), a lower surface (-Z direction), a left surface (-Y direction), a right surface (+Y direction), and a rear wall (-X direction) of the main body (100), respectively.

[0074] Each of the plurality of storage rooms (11, 12, 13) can accommodate items. Each of the plurality of storage rooms (11, 12, 13) can be formed with an open front side so that items can be put in or taken out.

[0075] The plurality of storage rooms (11, 12, 13) may include a first storage room (11), a second storage room (12), and a third storage room (13). The first storage room (11) may be provided at an upper portion of the main body (100), and the second storage room (12) and the third storage room (13) may be provided at a lower portion of the main body (100). The first storage room (11) may be a refrigerator, the second storage room (12) may be a freezer, and the third storage room (13) may be a variable temperature room. The main body (100) may include a horizontal partition (160) dividing the first storage room (11) from the second storage room (12) and the third storage room (13), and a vertical partition (161) dividing the second storage room (12) from the third storage room (13).

[0076] Each of the plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may be arranged to open and close each of the plurality of storage rooms (11, 12, 13).

[0077] The plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a first door (21), a second door (22), a third door (23), and a fourth door (24). The first door (21) and the second door (22) can open and close the first storage compartment (11), the third door (23) can open and close the second storage compartment (12), and the fourth door (24) can open and close the third storage compartment (13).

[0078] Each of the plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (100). Specifically, each of the plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) by a hinge.

[0079] For example, the first door (21) and the second door (22) may be rotatably connected to the main body (100) by a hinge (31) provided on the upper portion of the main body (100) and a hinge (not shown) provided in the middle of the main body (100), respectively. The hinge (31) may be covered by a top cover (300) provided to cover the front portion of the upper surface of the main body (100).

[0080] The refrigerator (1) may include a rotating bar (40). The rotating bar (40) may be provided to cover a gap formed between the first door (21) and the second door (22) when the first door (21) and the second door (22) are closed. The rotating bar (40) may have a rod shape that is formed long in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The rotating bar (40) may also be referred to as a pillar, a mullion, or the like.

[0081] The rotating bar (40) may be provided rotatably on either the first door (21) or the second door (22). In the drawing, the rotating bar (40) is shown as being provided rotatably on the first door (21), but the rotating bar (40) may also be provided rotatably on the second door (22).

[0082] The rotating bar (40) may include a guide protrusion (41) provided at the upper end of the rotating bar (40). A rotating guide (42) that guides the rotation of the guide protrusion (41) may be provided at the upper end of the main body (100). When the first door (21) and the second door (22) are closed, the rotating guide (42) guides the rotation of the guide protrusion (41), thereby allowing the rotating bar (40) to rotate. This allows the gap formed between the first door (21) and the second door (22) to be covered.

[0083] Each of the plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a gasket (51). The gasket (51) may be brought into close contact with the front surface of the main body (100) when each of the plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) is closed.

[0084] Each of the plurality of doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a dyke (52) protruding rearward. The dyke (52) may be equipped with a door shelf (53) capable of storing items. A rotating bar (40) may be rotatably installed on the dyke (52).

[0085] Although the number and arrangement of storage compartments and the number and arrangement of doors have been described above, there is no limitation on the number and arrangement of storage compartments and the number and arrangement of doors of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] The refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) arranged to cool the first storage compartment (11).

[0087] A thermoelectric cooling device (400) may be provided on the upper side of the first storage room (11) to cool the first storage room (11). That is, the thermoelectric cooling device may be provided on the upper wall (110) of the main body (100).

[0088] A thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric element (530). The thermoelectric element (530) may be a semiconductor element that converts thermal energy into electrical energy using the thermoelectric effect, and may also be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor element, a Peltier element, or the like. The thermoelectric element (530) may have a thin hexahedral shape.

[0089] A thermoelectric element (530) may include a heating portion (531) and a cooling portion (532). When current is applied to the thermoelectric element (530), a heating action may occur in the heating portion (531) and a heat absorption action may occur in the cooling portion (532). A heating portion (531) may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric element (530) and a cooling portion (532) may be provided on the opposite surface.

[0090] A thermoelectric element (530) may be provided on the upper wall (110). The thermoelectric element (530) may be provided such that the heating portion (531) faces above the thermoelectric element (530) and the cooling portion (532) faces below the thermoelectric element (530). The heating portion (531) may face the outside of the main body (100) and the cooling portion (532) may face the inside of the first storage chamber (11). Accordingly, air that has been warmed through heat exchange with the heating portion (531) may be discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and air that has been cooled through heat exchange with the cooling portion (532) may be supplied to the first storage chamber (11).

[0091] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat sink (520) that contacts the heat generating unit (531) so that heat exchange between the heat generating unit (531) and the air outside the main body (100) is efficiently performed.

[0092] A heat sink (520) may be provided on the outside of the main body (100). The heat sink (520) may contact the heat generating part (531) to absorb heat from the heat generating part (531) and release heat to the outside of the main body (100). The heat sink (520) may also be referred to as a hot sink, a heat dissipation heat sink, a hot heat sink, etc.

[0093] The heat sink (520) may be formed of a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the heat sink (520) may be formed of aluminum or copper.

[0094] A heat sink (520) may include a heat sink base (521) that contacts a heat generating portion (531) and a plurality of heat sink fins (522) that protrude from the heat sink base (521) to expand a heat transfer area. The plurality of heat sink fins (522) may protrude upward from the heat sink base (521).

[0095] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling sink (570) in contact with the cooling unit (532) so that heat exchange between the cooling unit (532) and the air inside the first storage chamber (11) is efficiently performed.

[0096] A cooling sink (570) may be provided inside the first storage room (11). The cooling sink (570) may cool the first storage room (11) by taking away heat from the first storage room (11) and transferring it to the cooling unit (532). The cooling sink (570) may also be referred to as a cold sink, a cooling sink, a cooling heat sink, a cold heat sink, a cooling heat sink, etc.

[0097] The cooling sink (570) may be formed of a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the cooling sink (570) may be formed of aluminum or copper.

[0098] The cooling sink (570) may include a cooling sink base (571) that contacts the cooling unit (532) and a plurality of cooling fins (572) that protrude from the cooling sink base (571) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of cooling fins (522) may protrude downward from the cooling sink base (571). The cooling sink base (571) and the plurality of cooling fins (572) may be formed integrally.

[0099] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat dissipation fan (600) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the air outside the main body (100).

[0100] The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided to suck in air from outside the main body (100) and blow the air toward the heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided to be positioned in a horizontal direction of the heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided on the outside of the main body (100). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided on the upper side of the upper wall (110).

[0101] The heat dissipation fan (600) may be a centrifugal fan that draws in air in an axial direction and discharges it in radial directions. The centrifugal fan may include a blower fan. The rotation axis (610) of the heat dissipation fan (600) may be arranged perpendicular to the upper surface of the upper wall (110).

[0102] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat dissipation duct (700) provided to guide air flowing by a heat dissipation fan (600). The heat dissipation duct (700) may guide air from outside the main body (100) to exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink (520), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) back to the outside of the main body (100).

[0103] The heat dissipation duct (700) can draw in air from the external space on the upper side of the main body (100). The heat dissipation duct (700) can discharge air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the external space on the upper side of the main body (100). The heat dissipation fan (600) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct (700). The heat dissipation sink (520) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct (700). The heat dissipation duct (700) can be provided on the upper surface of the upper wall (110).

[0104] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include an outside air intake port (710) that draws air outside the main body (100) into the inside of the heat dissipation duct (700), and an outside air exhaust port (720) that discharges air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the outside of the main body (100).

[0105] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling fan (800) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the cooling sink (570) and the air inside the first storage chamber (11).

[0106] A cooling fan (800) may be provided to suck in air within the first storage chamber (11) and blow the air toward the cooling sink (570). The cooling fan (800) may be positioned in a horizontal direction of the cooling sink (570). The cooling fan (800) may be provided inside the first storage chamber (11). The cooling fan (800) may be provided on the lower side of the upper wall (110).

[0107] The cooling fan (800) may be a centrifugal fan that sucks in air in an axial direction and discharges it in radial directions. The rotation axis (810) of the cooling fan (800) may be arranged perpendicular to the bottom surface of the upper wall (110).

[0108] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling duct (900) provided to guide air flowing by a cooling fan (800). The cooling duct (900) may guide air inside the first storage chamber (11) to exchange heat with the cooling sink (570), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) back into the first storage chamber (11).

[0109] The cooling duct (900) may be located on the upper side of the first storage chamber (11). Specifically, the cooling duct (900) may be provided on the lower surface of the upper wall (110).

[0110] A cooling fan (800) may be located inside a cooling duct (900). A cooling sink (570) may be located inside a cooling duct (900). The cooling duct (900) may be provided on the lower surface of the upper wall (110).

[0111] The cooling duct (900) may include an intake port (991) provided to draw air within the first storage chamber (11) into the interior of the cooling duct (900), and an exhaust port (992) provided to discharge air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) into the interior of the first storage chamber (11).

[0112] Referring to FIG. 4, the refrigerator (1) may include a refrigeration cycle device to cool the storage compartment through a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle device may include a compressor (2), a condenser (not shown), an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator (3). The evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear of the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13).

[0113] The refrigerator (1) may include an evaporator duct (60, 70) that guides cold air generated in the evaporator (3). The evaporator duct (60, 70) may include a first evaporator duct (60) and a second evaporator duct (70). The first evaporator duct (60) may be provided at the rear side of the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13). The second evaporator duct (70) may be provided at the rear side of the first storage compartment (11).

[0114] The cold air generated in the evaporator (3) can be sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) by the evaporator fan (80). The cold air sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) can be discharged to the second storage chamber (12) or the third storage chamber (13) through a cold air discharge port (not shown) formed on the front. In addition, the cold air sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) can be guided to the internal passage (71) of the second evaporator duct (70). The first evaporator duct (60) can be provided with a damper (61) that controls the supply of the cold air inside the first evaporator duct (60) to the second evaporator duct (70). A connecting duct (90) may be provided between the first evaporator duct (60) and the second evaporator duct (70) to connect the first evaporator duct (60) and the second evaporator duct (70).

[0115] Cold air introduced into the internal passage (71) of the second evaporator duct (70) can be supplied to the first storage chamber (11) through the cold air discharge port (72) formed on the front of the second evaporator duct (70).

[0116] However, unlike the above embodiment, the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) may be supplied directly to the second evaporator duct (70) without passing through the first evaporator duct (60). In addition, a separate evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear side of the first storage chamber (11) and configured to supply cold air to the second evaporator duct (70).

[0117] In this way, since the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a thermoelectric cooling device and a refrigeration cycle device for cooling the first storage compartment (11), a method of supplying cold air to the first storage compartment (11) may include a first method of supplying only cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400), a second method of supplying only cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device, and a third method of supplying both cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device and cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device.

[0118] The refrigerator (1) can supply cold air to the first storage compartment (11) in an appropriate manner depending on external and internal conditions. For example, the refrigerator (1) can cool the first storage compartment (11) in one of the methods depending on the room temperature in which the refrigerator (1) is installed. That is, when the room temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature and cooling by a refrigeration cycle is more efficient than cooling by a thermoelectric cooling device, the first storage compartment (11) can be cooled only by cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device. Conversely, when the room temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature and cooling by a thermoelectric cooling device is more efficient than cooling by a refrigeration cycle device, the first storage compartment (11) can be cooled only by cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device. The refrigerator (1) can operate only the thermoelectric cooling device when noise reduction is required. When rapid cooling of the first storage compartment (11) is required, the refrigerator (1) can simultaneously supply cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device and cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device to the first storage compartment (11).

[0119] Thus, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include a thermoelectric cooling device and a refrigeration cycle device, but is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator may include only a thermoelectric cooling device (400).

[0120] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a cooling duct cover and a cooling duct body separated from the upper wall of the main body according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a cooling duct body and a cooling duct cover according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a cooling duct body and a cooling duct cover according to one embodiment.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the cooling duct (900) may include a cooling duct body (910) and a cooling duct cover (920).

[0122] The cooling duct body (910) can be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100). Specifically, the cooling duct body (910) can be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) by being mounted on a cooling duct mounting portion (200) provided on the upper wall (110) of the main body (100). The cooling duct cover (920) can be coupled to the lower portion of the cooling duct body (910). The cooling duct cover (920) can cover the open lower surface of the cooling duct body (910).

[0123] An elastic coupling protrusion (927) protruding upward may be formed on the cooling duct cover (920). A coupling protrusion through-hole (913) through which the elastic coupling protrusion (927) penetrates may be formed on the cooling duct body (910). An elastic protrusion coupling portion (210) may be provided on the bottom surface of the cooling duct mounting portion (200). The elastic coupling protrusion (927) may penetrate the coupling protrusion through-hole (913) and be coupled to the elastic protrusion coupling portion (210). The elastic coupling protrusion (927) may be elastically deformed while being inserted into the elastic protrusion coupling portion (210). When the insertion of the elastic coupling protrusion (927) into the elastic protrusion coupling portion (210) is completed, the elastic coupling protrusion (927) is restored to its original state, and the elastic coupling protrusion (927) and the elastic protrusion coupling portion (210) may be coupled.

[0124] The cooling duct (900) can be coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) through a separate cooling duct coupling member (901). The cooling duct coupling member (901) may be a screw. A first coupling hole (928) to which the cooling duct coupling member (901) is coupled may be formed in the cooling duct cover (920). A second coupling hole (914) to which the cooling duct coupling member (901) is coupled may be formed in the cooling duct body (910). A third coupling hole (220) to which the cooling duct coupling member (901) is coupled may be formed in the cooling duct mounting portion (200).

[0125] The cooling duct (900) may be coupled to the evaporator duct (70) provided at the rear side of the first storage chamber (11). The cooling duct (900) may include a duct coupling protrusion (929) protruding rearward to be coupled to the evaporator duct (70). The duct coupling protrusion (929) may protrude from the rear side (944) of the cooling duct cover (920). The evaporator duct (70) may include a duct coupling hole (73) into which the duct coupling protrusion (929) is inserted.

[0126] With this configuration, the cooling duct (900) can be coupled to the upper wall (110) by having the duct coupling protrusion (929) of the cooling duct (900) inserted into the duct coupling hole (73) of the evaporator duct (70), the elastic coupling protrusion (927) of the cooling duct (900) coupled to the elastic coupling portion (210), and the cooling duct coupling member (901) penetrating the cooling duct (900) and coupled to the third coupling hole (220). Therefore, the work of assembling and disassembling the cooling duct (900) to and from the upper wall (110) of the main body (100) can be easily performed, and the cooling duct (900) can be firmly fixed.

[0127] The cooling duct (900) may include a cooling space (990). The cooling space (990) may be formed inside the cooling duct (900). Specifically, the cooling duct body (910) includes a body base (910a) provided on the lower surface of the cooling duct body (910) and a recessed portion (910b) formed by being recessed into the lower surface of the cooling duct body (910) so as to be stepped from the body base (910a), and the cooling space (990) may be formed by the recessed portion (910b) of the cooling duct body (910) and the cooling duct cover (920). A cooling fan (800) may be disposed in the cooling space (990). A cooling sink (570) may be disposed in the cooling space (990).

[0128] The cooling duct body (910) may include a sink through hole (911) through which a cooling sink (570) passes. The cooling sink (570) may be placed in the cooling space (990) through the sink through hole (911).

[0129] The cooling duct body (910) may include a fan installation portion (912) protruding upward. A fan accommodation space (912a) in which a cooling fan (800) is accommodated may be formed on the lower surface of the fan installation portion (912).

[0130] A cooling fan (800) may be installed on the bottom surface of the fan installation portion (912). The rotation axis (810) of the cooling fan (800) may be perpendicular to the bottom surface of the fan installation portion (912). A cooling sink (570) may be positioned in one radial direction of the cooling fan (800). Through this structure, the length of the cooling duct (900) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) may be compact.

[0131] The cooling duct cover (920) may include a bottom (921), side portions (922, 923) extending upward from both sides (Y-axis direction) of the bottom (921), and a rear portion (924) extending upward from the rear (-X direction) of the bottom (921).

[0132] An intake port (991) may be formed on the bottom (921) of the cooling duct cover (920). Specifically, the intake port (991) may be formed below the cooling fan (800).

[0133] A cooling duct (900) may be formed at the front end with an air outlet (992). Specifically, the air outlet (992) may be formed between the front portion of the cooling duct body (910) and the front portion of the cooling duct cover (920). The air outlet (992) may extend along the left-right longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the cooling duct (900).

[0134] The cooling duct (900) can guide the defrost water formed by the cooling sink (570) to the rear of the cooling duct (900). The defrost water formed by melting the frost generated on the surface of the cooling sink (570) can fall from the cooling sink (570) to the bottom (921) of the cooling duct cover (920).

[0135] The cooling duct (900) may include a drain hole (925) to drain the defrost water that has fallen to the bottom (921) of the cooling duct cover (920) to the outside of the cooling duct (900). The drain hole (925) may be formed at the rear portion (924) of the cooling duct cover (920). The drain hole (925) may be formed at the lower portion of the rear portion (924) so ​​that the defrost water flowing through the bottom (921) of the cooling duct cover (920) can be easily drained. That is, the drain hole (925) may be formed so as not to be spaced apart from the bottom (921).

[0136] The bottom (921) of the cooling duct cover (920) may be formed to slope downward as it approaches the drain (925) to guide the water to the drain (925).

[0137] The cooling duct cover (920) may include a plurality of defrost water guides (926) protruding from the bottom (921) of the cooling duct cover (920) to guide the defrost water to the drain (925). The plurality of defrost water guides (926) may be arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0138] Each of the plurality of water level guides (926) may be formed to extend in the front-back direction (X-axis direction). In other words, each of the plurality of water level guides (926) may be formed to extend in the direction toward the drain (925).

[0139] Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom surface of a cooling duct body according to one embodiment. Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating some components of the cooling duct body illustrated in Fig. 9 in an exploded manner. Fig. 11 is a plan view illustrating the bottom surface of a cooling duct body according to one embodiment.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the refrigerator (1) may include an air purification unit (930). The air purification unit (930) may be provided inside the cooling duct (900). The air purification unit (930) may be provided to purify air flowing inside the cooling duct (900). In other words, the air purification unit (930) may be provided to purify air flowing by a cooling fan (800).

[0141] The air purification unit (930) may be placed in the cooling space (990). The air purification unit (930) may be placed between the cooling sink (570) and the cooling fan (800). Specifically, the cooling sink (570) may be placed on one side of the cooling duct (900), the cooling fan (800) may be placed on the other side of the cooling duct (900), and the air purification unit (930) may be placed between the cooling sink (570) and the cooling fan (800).

[0142] The air purification unit (930) is satisfactory as long as it is configured to purify air. For example, the air purification unit (930) may be configured to filter air. For example, the air purification unit (930) may be configured to sterilize air.

[0143] The air purification unit (930) may include a deodorizing filter (940) designed to remove odors from the air. The deodorizing filter (940) may be placed between the cooling sink (570) and the cooling fan (800). The deodorizing filter (940) may remove odors from the air flowing by the cooling fan (800).

[0144] The deodorizing filter (940) is satisfactory if it is configured to remove odors in the air. For example, the deodorizing filter (940) may include a deodorizing agent designed to absorb odors in the air. For example, the deodorizing filter (940) may be a photocatalytic filter designed to remove odors in the air through a photochemical reaction. Below, an embodiment in which the deodorizing filter (940) is a photocatalytic filter will be described.

[0145] The deodorizing filter (940) may be a photocatalytic filter that removes odors in the air through a photochemical reaction. In other words, the deodorizing filter (940) may be a photocatalytic filter that causes a photochemical reaction in the air using a photocatalyst. The deodorizing filter (940) includes a photocatalyst and can sterilize various pathogens and bacteria existing in the air by inducing a chemical reaction by the light energy of the photocatalyst. For example, the deodorizing filter (940) can remove harmful substances such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulfur oxides (SOX), formaldehyde, etc. existing in the air, and can decompose odorous substances such as acetaldehyde, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide.

[0146] As described above, the deodorizing filter (940) is placed between the cooling sink (570) and the cooling fan (800), so the deodorizing filter (940) can remove odors in the air flowing by the cooling fan (800) through a photochemical reaction.

[0147] The cooling duct (900) may include a deodorizing filter receiving portion (940a) that receives at least a portion of the deodorizing filter (940). For example, the deodorizing filter receiving portion (940a) may receive the upper portion of the deodorizing filter (940). The deodorizing filter receiving portion (940a) may be formed to protrude from the upper surface of the cooling duct body (910).

[0148] The refrigerator (1) may include a light source (941). The light source (941) may be arranged to irradiate light onto the deodorizing filter (940). For example, the light source (941) may include an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light source (941) may be omitted if the deodorizing filter (940) is not a photocatalytic filter.

[0149] The light source (941) may be positioned downstream of the deodorizing filter (940) based on the flow direction (D1) of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800). In other words, the deodorizing filter (940) may be positioned closer to the cooling fan (800) than to the cooling sink (570), and the light source (941) may be positioned closer to the cooling sink (570) than to the cooling fan (800). However, this is not limited thereto, and the light source (941) may also be positioned upstream of the deodorizing filter (940) based on the flow direction (D1) of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800).

[0150] The light source (941) may be placed adjacent to the deodorizing filter (940). The light source (941) may face one side of the deodorizing filter (940) so as to irradiate light onto one side of the deodorizing filter (940).

[0151] The air purification unit (930) may include an ion generator (950) configured to ionize air. The ion generator (950) may sterilize air by ionizing the air. For example, the ion generator (950) may be a negative ion electrode that generates negative ions.

[0152] The ion generator (950) can be placed between the cooling sink (570) and the cooling fan (800). The ion generator (950) can sterilize the air by ionizing the air flowing by the cooling fan (800).

[0153] The ion generator (950) may be arranged downstream of the deodorizing filter (940) based on the flow direction (D1) of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800). In addition, the ion generator (950) may be arranged downstream of the light source (941) based on the flow direction (D1) of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800). That is, the light source (941) may be arranged between the deodorizing filter (940) and the ion generator (950). In other words, the deodorizing filter (940), the light source (941), and the ion generator (950) may be sequentially arranged along the flow direction (D1) of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800).

[0154] The arrangement of the deodorizing filter (940), light source (941), and ion generator (950) is not limited to the above embodiment. Various embodiments related thereto will be described later.

[0155] The ion generator (950) may be positioned adjacent to the deodorizing filter (940). One side of the ion generator (950) may face one side of the deodorizing filter (940). Through this configuration, air passing through the deodorizing filter (940) may be sterilized by being ionized by the ion generator (950).

[0156] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a deodorizing filter (940) and an ion generator (950) may be arranged inside a cooling duct (900). A user of the refrigerator (1) may repair or replace the deodorizing filter (940) or the ion generator (950) by detaching the cooling duct (900) or detaching the cooling duct cover (920). That is, by disposing the deodorizing filter (940) and the ion generator (950) inside the cooling duct (900), repair and replacement of the deodorizing filter (940) or the ion generator (950) may be facilitated.

[0157] The refrigerator (1) may include a printed circuit board assembly (951) configured to control an ion generator (950). When voltage is applied to the ion generator (950) by the printed circuit board assembly (951), the ion generator (950) may ionize the surrounding air.

[0158] A printed circuit board assembly (951) may be coupled to a cooling duct (900). The printed circuit board assembly (951) may be positioned adjacent to the ion generator (950). The printed circuit board assembly (951) may be positioned on the front side (+X direction) of the ion generator (950).

[0159] The cooling duct (900) may include a printed circuit board receiving space (951a) that receives a printed circuit board assembly (951). The printed circuit board receiving space (951a) may be partitioned from a cooling space (990). The printed circuit board receiving space (951a) may be formed by a cooling duct body (910) and a cooling duct cover (920).

[0160] The cooling duct (900) may include a connecting hole (951b) connecting the cooling space (990) and the printed circuit board receiving space (951a). The connecting hole (951b) may be provided to allow a wire for electrically connecting the ion generator (950) and the printed circuit board assembly (951) to pass therethrough.

[0161] The cooling duct (900) may include a fixing member (960) provided to fix the air purification member (930) and the light source (941). The fixing member (960) may be connected to the cooling duct body (910). Specifically, the fixing member (960) may be connected to the lower surface of the cooling duct body (910). The fixing member (960) may fix the air purification member (930) to the cooling duct body (910). The fixing member (960) may fix the light source (941) to the cooling duct body (910).

[0162] The fixing member (960) may include a first fixing member (961) that is provided to fix the deodorizing filter (940). The first fixing member (961) is connected to the cooling duct body (910) and may fix the deodorizing filter (940) to the cooling duct body (910). For example, the first fixing member (961) may hold and fix the upper sides of the deodorizing filter (940). However, the method of fixing the deodorizing filter (940) to the first fixing member (961) is not limited thereto.

[0163] The fixing member (960) may include a second fixing member (962) that is provided to fix the light source (941). The second fixing member (962) is connected to the cooling duct body (910) and may fix the light source (941) to the cooling duct body (910). For example, the second fixing member (962) may hold and fix the upper sides of the light source (941). However, the method of fixing the light source (941) to the second fixing member (962) is not limited thereto.

[0164] The fixing member (960) may include a third fixing member (963) that is provided to fix the ion generator (950). The third fixing member (963) is connected to the cooling duct body (910) and may fix the ion generator (950) to the cooling duct body (910). For example, the third fixing member (963) may hold and fix the upper two sides of the ion generator (950). However, the method of fixing the ion generator (950) to the third fixing member (963) is not limited thereto.

[0165] The cooling duct (900) may include a support member (970) provided to support the air purification unit (930). The support member (970) may be provided on the upper surface of the cooling duct cover (920) (see FIG. 8).

[0166] The support member (970) may include a first support member (971) provided to support the deodorizing filter (940). The first support member (971) is provided on the upper surface of the cooling duct cover (920) and may support the lower surface of the deodorizing filter (940) (see FIG. 8).

[0167] The support member (970) may include a second support member (972) provided to support the ion generator (950). The second support member (972) is provided on the upper surface of the cooling duct cover (920) and may support the lower surface of the ion generator (950) (see FIG. 8).

[0168] The cooling duct (900) may include a scroll portion (980) extending spirally along the circumference of the cooling fan (800). The scroll portion (980) may be provided in the cooling duct body (910). Specifically, the scroll portion (980) may be formed along the boundary between the body base (910a) and the recessed portion (910b) of the cooling duct body (910). The scroll portion (980) may form a scroll portion opening (981) that opens toward the cooling sink (570).

[0169] The scroll unit (980) may be provided to guide air discharged from the cooling fan (800) to the scroll unit opening (981). Specifically, the cooling fan (800) is a centrifugal fan that sucks air in the axial direction and discharges it in the radial directions, and the scroll unit (980) may guide air discharged toward the scroll unit (980) among the air sucked by the cooling fan (800) to the scroll unit opening (981). That is, the air discharged from the cooling fan (800) may be discharged toward the scroll unit opening (981), or after being discharged toward the scroll unit (980), may be guided by the scroll unit (980) and flow to the scroll unit opening (981).

[0170] Due to the spiral shape of the scroll unit (980), the air guided by the scroll unit (980) can be subjected to centrifugal force. Accordingly, the air guided by the scroll unit (980) and flowing into the scroll unit opening (981) can flow toward the cooling sink (570) in a state of being deflected toward the rear side (-X direction) of the cooling duct (900).

[0171] The air purification unit (930) may be arranged spaced apart from one side wall inside the cooling duct (900). Specifically, the air purification unit (930) may be arranged spaced apart from the rear side wall (-X direction) (900a) inside the cooling duct (900). At this time, the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900) may be the rear side wall (900a) of the cooling duct body (910). Through this configuration, some of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800) may pass between the air purification unit (930) and the rear side wall (900a). That is, some of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800) may pass between the air purification unit (930) and the rear side wall (900a), and other some of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800) may pass through the air purification unit (930).

[0172] For example, the deodorizing filter (940) may be positioned apart from the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900). Through this configuration, some of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800) may pass between the deodorizing filter (940) and the rear side wall (900a).

[0173] The deodorizing filter (940) can extend in a direction (D2) intersecting the direction of air flow (D1) of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800). In other words, the deodorizing filter (940) can extend in the forward-backward direction (X-axis direction).

[0174] The deodorizing filter (940) may be arranged adjacent to the front side wall (+X direction) (900b) inside the cooling duct (900). In the drawing, the deodorizing filter (940) is illustrated as being arranged at a predetermined distance from the front side wall (900b), but is not limited thereto, and the deodorizing filter (940) may be in contact with the front side wall (900b). The distance at which the deodorizing filter (940) is arranged from the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900) with respect to one direction (D2) may be longer than the distance at which the deodorizing filter (940) is arranged from the front side wall (+X direction) (900b) inside the cooling duct (900) with respect to one direction (D2).

[0175] For example, the ion generator (950) may be positioned apart from the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900). Through this configuration, some of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800) may pass between the ion generator (950) and the rear side wall (900a).

[0176] The ion generator (950) may extend in a direction (D2) intersecting the direction of air flow (D1) of the cooling fan (800). In other words, the ion generator (950) may extend in the forward-backward direction (X-axis direction). The ion generator (950) may extend parallel to the deodorizing filter (940).

[0177] The ion generator (950) may be arranged adjacent to the front side wall (+X direction) (900b) inside the cooling duct (900). In the drawing, the ion generator (950) is illustrated as being arranged at a predetermined distance from the front side wall (900b), but is not limited thereto, and the ion generator (950) may be in contact with the front side wall (900b). The distance at which the ion generator (950) is arranged from the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900) in one direction (D2) may be longer than the distance at which the ion generator (950) is arranged from the front side wall (+X direction) (900b) inside the cooling duct (900) in one direction (D2).

[0178] When the deodorizing filter (940) is a photocatalytic filter, the refrigerator (1) may include a light source (941), and the light source (941) may also be positioned apart from the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900). Through this configuration, some of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800) may pass between the light source (941) and the rear side wall (900a).

[0179] The light source (941) may extend in a direction (D2) intersecting the direction of air flow (D1) of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800). In other words, the light source (941) may extend in the forward-backward direction (X-axis direction). The light source (941) may extend parallel to the deodorizing filter (940) and the ion generator (950).

[0180] The light source (941) may be arranged adjacent to the front side wall (+X direction) (900b) inside the cooling duct (900). In the drawing, the light source (941) is illustrated as being arranged at a predetermined distance from the front side wall (900b), but is not limited thereto, and the light source (941) may be in contact with the front side wall (900b). The distance at which the light source (941) is arranged from the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900) with respect to one direction (D2) may be longer than the distance at which the light source (941) is arranged from the front side wall (+X direction) (900b) inside the cooling duct (900) with respect to one direction (D2).

[0181] The deodorizing filter (940), the light source (941), and the ion generator (950) may each extend in a direction (D2) intersecting the direction of flow (D1) of air flowing by the cooling fan (800), thereby acting as resistance to the air flowing by the cooling fan (800). Accordingly, the average velocity of air passing between the rear side wall (900a) and the front side wall (900b) inside the cooling duct (900) may decrease, and the air may flow while being deflected between the deodorizing filter (940) and the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900). At this time, the space between the deodorizing filter (940) and the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900) may mean the same space as between the light source (941) and the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900), or between the ion generator (950) and the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900).

[0182] In addition, the deodorizing filter (940), the light source (941), and the ion generator (950) may be spaced apart from the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900) and may be arranged adjacent to the front side wall (900b), respectively. Accordingly, most of the air guided by the scroll unit (980) and flowing into the scroll unit opening (981) may pass between the deodorizing filter (940) and the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900). In other words, the scroll unit (980) may guide the air discharged in the direction toward the scroll unit (980) among the air sucked in by the cooling fan (800) to flow between the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900) and the deodorizing filter (940). Through this configuration, the reduction in the velocity and flow rate of air passing between the rear side wall (900a) and the front side wall (900b) inside the cooling duct (900) can be minimized, and the air can be cooled more effectively.

[0183] For example, the flow rate ratio of air flowing between the rear side wall (900a) and the deodorizing filter (940) inside the cooling duct (900) and the air passing through the deodorizing filter (940) and the ion generator (950) may be approximately 9:1. For example, the flow rate of air flowing between the rear side wall (900a) and the deodorizing filter (940) inside the cooling duct (900) may be approximately 0.27 CMM (Cubic Meter per Minute), and the flow rate of air passing through the deodorizing filter (940) and the ion generator (950) may be approximately 0.03 CMM. However, the flow rate of air is not limited thereto.

[0184] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a refrigerator (1) can remove odors in the air or sterilize the air within the first storage compartment (11) by using a thermoelectric cooling device (400) provided to cool the first storage compartment (11). Specifically, the refrigerator (1) can remove odors in the air or sterilize the air within the first storage compartment (11) by using a cooling fan (800) provided within a cooling duct (900) of the thermoelectric cooling device (400). In other words, there is no need to provide a separate space for installing a separate additional fan, and thus, the first storage compartment (11) can have a relatively large volume.

[0185] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the configuration of the air purification unit (930) and the arrangement relationship between the components may vary. For example, either the deodorizing filter (940) or the ion generator (950) may be omitted, and even if both components are included, the arrangement relationship between the components may vary. Below, the configuration of the air purification unit (930) of the refrigerator (1) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure and the arrangement relationship between the components will be described.

[0186] FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating the bottom surface of a cooling duct body according to one embodiment.

[0187] Referring to Fig. 12, an air purification unit (930) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment will be described. In describing the refrigerator (1) illustrated in Fig. 12, components that are substantially the same as those of the refrigerator (1) illustrated in Figs. 1 to 11 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0188] Referring to Fig. 12, the air purification unit (930) may include a deodorizing filter (940) and a light source (941). The deodorizing filter (940) and the light source (941) may be spaced apart from the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900) and may be arranged adjacent to the front side wall (900b). The light source (941) may be arranged downstream of the deodorizing filter (940) based on the flow direction (D1) of air flowing by the cooling fan (800). In this case, the ion generator (950), the third fixing member (963), and the second support member (972) may be omitted.

[0189] Fig. 13 is a plan view illustrating the bottom surface of a cooling duct body according to one embodiment.

[0190] Referring to Fig. 13, an air purification unit (930) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment will be described. In describing the refrigerator (1) illustrated in Fig. 13, components that are substantially the same as those of the refrigerator (1) illustrated in Figs. 1 to 11 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 13, the air purification unit (930) may include an ion generator (950). The ion generator (950) may be spaced apart from the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900) and may be positioned adjacent to the front side wall (900b). In this case, the deodorizing filter (940), the light source (941), the first fixing unit (961), the second fixing unit (962), and the first support unit (971) may be omitted.

[0192] Fig. 14 is a plan view illustrating the bottom surface of a cooling duct body according to one embodiment.

[0193] Referring to Fig. 14, an air purification unit (930) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment will be described. In describing the refrigerator (1) illustrated in Fig. 14, components that are substantially the same as those of the refrigerator (1) illustrated in Figs. 1 to 11 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 14, the air purification unit (930) may include a deodorizing filter (940), a light source (941), and an ion generator (950). The deodorizing filter (940), the light source (941), and the ion generator (950) may be spaced apart from the rear side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900) and may be disposed adjacent to the front side wall (900b), respectively. The light source (941) may be disposed downstream of the deodorizing filter (940) based on the flow direction (D1) of air flowing by the cooling fan (800). The ion generator (950) may be disposed upstream of the deodorizing filter (940) based on the flow direction (D1) of air flowing by the cooling fan (800). That is, the deodorizing filter (940) may be disposed between the light source (941) and the ion generator (950).

[0195] FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating the bottom surface of a cooling duct body according to one embodiment.

[0196] Referring to Fig. 15, an air purification unit (930) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment will be described. In describing the refrigerator (1) illustrated in Fig. 15, components that are substantially the same as those of the refrigerator (1) illustrated in Figs. 1 to 11 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 15, the air purification unit (930) may include a deodorizing filter (940), a light source (941), and an ion generator (950). The deodorizing filter (940) and the ion generator (950) may be arranged in a direction (D2) intersecting the direction of air flow (D1) of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800). In other words, the deodorizing filter (940) and the ion generator (950) may be arranged in the front-back direction (X-axis direction). Although the drawing illustrates that the deodorizing filter (940) is arranged in front of the ion generator (950), this is not limited thereto, and the deodorizing filter (940) may be arranged behind the ion generator (950). The light source (941) may be arranged downstream of the deodorizing filter (940) with respect to the direction of air flow (D1) of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800).

[0198] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment includes a main body (100) having a storage compartment (11) therein, a thermoelectric element (530) provided on an upper wall (110) of the main body (100) and including a heating unit (531) and a cooling unit (532), a cooling sink (570) in contact with the cooling unit (532), a cooling fan (800) provided to suck in air within the storage compartment (11) and blow the air toward the cooling sink (570), a cooling duct (900) provided to guide air flowing by the cooling fan (800), and an air purification unit (930) provided inside the cooling duct (900) and disposed between the cooling sink (570) and the cooling fan (800).

[0199] The above air purification unit (930) may include a deodorizing filter (940) provided to remove odors from the air flowing by the cooling fan (800).

[0200] The above deodorizing filter (940) may be provided to remove odors in the air flowing by the cooling fan (800) through a photochemical reaction. The refrigerator (1) may further include a light source (941) provided to irradiate light to the deodorizing filter (940).

[0201] The above light source (941) may be placed downstream of the deodorizing filter (940) based on the flow direction (D1) of air flowing by the cooling fan (800).

[0202] The above air purification unit (930) may include an ion generator (950) that is provided to ionize air flowing by the cooling fan (800).

[0203] A printed circuit board assembly (951) provided to control the above ion generator (950) may further include a printed circuit board assembly (951) coupled to the cooling duct (900).

[0204] The air purification unit (930) may further include an ion generator (950) configured to ionize air flowing by the cooling fan (800). The ion generator (950) may be positioned downstream of the deodorizing filter (940) with respect to the flow direction (D1) of air flowing by the cooling fan (800).

[0205] The air purification unit (930) may further include an ion generator (950) configured to ionize and sterilize air flowing by the cooling fan (800). The light source (941) may be placed between the deodorizing filter (940) and the ion generator (950).

[0206] The deodorizing filter (940) may be positioned apart from one side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900) so that some of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800) passes between the one side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900) and the deodorizing filter (940).

[0207] The deodorizing filter (940) may extend in a direction (D2) intersecting the direction of air flow (D1) from the cooling fan (800) to the cooling sink (570). The distance at which the deodorizing filter (940) is spaced apart from one side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900) based on the one direction (D2) may be longer than the distance at which the deodorizing filter (940) is spaced apart from the other side wall (900b) inside the cooling duct (900) based on the one direction (D2).

[0208] The cooling duct (900) may include a scroll portion (980) extending spirally along the circumference of the cooling fan (800). The cooling fan (800) may be a centrifugal fan that sucks in air in an axial direction and discharges it in radial directions. The scroll portion (980) may be provided to guide air discharged in a direction toward the scroll portion (980) among the air sucked in by the cooling fan (800) to flow between one side wall (900a) inside the cooling duct (900) and the deodorizing filter (940).

[0209] The above cooling duct (900) may include a cooling duct body (910) coupled to the upper wall (110) of the main body (100), a cooling duct cover (920) covering the open lower surface of the cooling duct body (910), and a fixing member (961) connected to the cooling duct body (910) and provided to fix the deodorizing filter (940) to the cooling duct body (910).

[0210] The cooling duct (900) may further include a deodorizing filter receiving portion (940a) formed to protrude from the upper surface of the cooling duct body (910) to receive at least a portion of the deodorizing filter (940).

[0211] The air purification unit (930) may further include an ion generator (950) configured to ionize air flowing by the cooling fan (800). The ion generator (950) may be positioned upstream of the deodorizing filter (940) based on the flow direction (D1) of the air flowing by the cooling fan (800).

[0212] The air purification unit (930) may further include an ion generator (950) that ionizes air to sterilize the air drawn in by the cooling fan (800). The deodorizing filter (940) and the ion generator (950) may be arranged in a direction (D2) intersecting the direction of air flow (D1) of air flowing from the cooling fan (800) to the cooling sink (570).

[0213] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment includes a main body (100) having a storage compartment (11) provided therein, a cooling sink (570) provided inside the storage compartment (11), a cooling fan (800) provided to blow air toward the cooling sink (570), a cooling duct (900) provided to guide air flowing by the cooling fan (800), a deodorizing filter (940) provided between the cooling sink (570) and the cooling fan (800), and an ion generator (950) provided to ionize air flowing by the cooling fan (800), wherein the ion generator (950) is provided on a downstream side of the deodorizing filter (940) based on a flow direction (D1) of air flowing by the cooling fan (800).

[0214] The above deodorizing filter (940) may be provided to remove odors in the air passing through the deodorizing filter (940) through a photochemical reaction. The refrigerator (1) may further include a light source (941) provided to irradiate light onto the deodorizing filter (940).

[0215] The above deodorizing filter (940), the light source (941), and the ion generator (950) can be sequentially arranged along the flow direction (D1) of air flowing by the cooling fan (800).

[0216] A printed circuit board assembly (951) provided to control the above ion generator (950) may further include a printed circuit board assembly (951) coupled to the cooling duct (900).

[0217] The above cooling duct (900) may include a connecting hole (951b) through which a wire electrically connecting the ion generator (950) and the printed circuit board assembly (951) passes.

[0218] According to the invention of the present invention, a deodorizing filter of a refrigerator can be provided between a cooling fan and a cooling sink to perform an internal deodorizing function.

[0219] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, an ion generator of a refrigerator is provided between a cooling fan and a cooling sink to ionize the air inside the refrigerator, thereby performing a sterilizing function on the air inside the refrigerator.

[0220] According to the concept of the present disclosure, since the refrigerator's deodorizing filter or ion generator is installed between the cooling fan and the cooling sink, the cooling fan alone can perform both the cooling function of the air inside the refrigerator and the deodorizing and sterilizing functions. In other words, since a separate fan is not required to perform the deodorizing or sterilizing functions, the refrigerator can have a relatively large storage volume.

[0221] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0222] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A main body with a storage space inside; A thermoelectric element provided on the upper wall of the main body and including a heating part and a cooling part; A cooling sink in contact with the above cooling unit; A cooling fan provided to suck in air within the storage chamber and blow the air toward the cooling sink; A cooling duct provided to guide air flowing by the cooling fan; and A refrigerator comprising: an air purification unit provided inside the cooling duct and arranged between the cooling sink and the cooling fan; 2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the air purification unit includes a deodorizing filter configured to remove odor from air flowing by the cooling fan.

3. In paragraph 2, The above deodorizing filter is provided to remove odors in the air flowing by the cooling fan through a photochemical reaction, A refrigerator further comprising a light source arranged to irradiate light onto the deodorizing filter.

4. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator wherein the light source is positioned downstream of the deodorizing filter based on the direction of air flow by the cooling fan.

5. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the air purifying unit includes an ion generator configured to ionize air flowing by the cooling fan.

6. In paragraph 5, A refrigerator further comprising a printed circuit board assembly configured to control the ion generator, the printed circuit board assembly coupled to the cooling duct.

7. In paragraph 2, The above air purification unit further includes an ion generator configured to ionize air flowing by the cooling fan, A refrigerator wherein the ion generator is positioned downstream of the deodorizing filter based on the direction of air flow by the cooling fan.

8. In paragraph 4, The above air purification unit further includes an ion generator configured to ionize air flowing by the cooling fan to sterilize the air, A refrigerator wherein the light source is placed between the deodorizing filter and the ion generator.

9. In paragraph 2, The above deodorizing filter is, A refrigerator wherein a portion of the air flowing by the cooling fan is arranged apart from one side wall inside the cooling duct so as to pass between the one side wall inside the cooling duct and the deodorizing filter.

10. In paragraph 9, The above deodorizing filter extends in a direction intersecting the direction of flow of air flowing by the cooling fan, A refrigerator wherein the distance at which the deodorizing filter is spaced from one side wall inside the cooling duct based on the one direction is longer than the distance at which the deodorizing filter is spaced from the other side wall inside the cooling duct based on the one direction.

11. In paragraph 10, The above cooling duct includes a scroll portion extending spirally along the circumference of the cooling fan, The above cooling fan is a centrifugal fan that sucks in air in the axial direction and discharges it in the radial directions. A refrigerator in which the scroll member is provided to guide air discharged in a direction toward the scroll member from among air sucked in by the cooling fan to flow between one side wall inside the cooling duct and the deodorizing filter.

12. In paragraph 2, The above cooling duct, A cooling duct body coupled to the upper wall of the main body; A cooling duct cover covering the open lower surface of the above cooling duct body; and A refrigerator comprising a fixing member connected to the cooling duct body and configured to fix the deodorizing filter to the cooling duct body.

13. In paragraph 12, The above cooling duct, A refrigerator further comprising a deodorizing filter receiving portion formed to protrude on an upper surface of the cooling duct body to receive at least a portion of the deodorizing filter.

14. In paragraph 2, The above air purification unit further includes an ion generator configured to ionize air flowing by the cooling fan, A refrigerator wherein the ion generator is positioned upstream of the deodorizing filter based on the direction of air flow by the cooling fan.

15. In paragraph 2, The above air purification unit further includes an ion generator configured to ionize air drawn in by the cooling fan, A refrigerator wherein the deodorizing filter and the ion generator are arranged in a direction crossing the direction of air flow by the cooling fan.

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