Refrigerator and method for controlling refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to the present disclosure includes: a thermoelectric element; a cooling fan; a heat radiation fan; a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of a cooling sink; and a control unit configured to: start a first defrosting process by turning off the thermoelectric element, the cooling fan, and the heat radiation fan when a defrosting operation starts; when an end condition of the defrosting operation is sensed while a start condition of a second defrosting process is not sensed by the temperature sensor during the execution of the first defrosting process, end the defrosting operation; start the second defrosting process by turning on the cooling fan and the heat radiation fan while the thermoelectric element is turned off when the start condition of the second defrosting process is sensed by the temperature sensor during the execution of the first defrosting process; and end the defrosting operation when an end condition of the defrosting operation is sensed by the temperature sensor during the execution of the second defrosting process.

Description

Refrigerator and refrigerator control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator having a thermoelectric element for cooling a storage compartment and a method for controlling the refrigerator.

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

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

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

[0005] The present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a control method of the refrigerator that efficiently cools a cooling sink of a thermoelectric element.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a method of controlling the refrigerator for defrosting a cooling sink using minimal energy.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a method of controlling the refrigerator for defrosting a cooling sink without impairing the cooling performance of the refrigerator.

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

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator comprises: a thermoelectric element having a heating part and a cooling part; a heat sink in contact with the heating part; a cooling sink in contact with the cooling part; a cooling fan blowing air toward the cooling sink; a heat sink blowing air toward the heat sink; a temperature sensor measuring a temperature of the cooling sink; And a control unit that starts a defrosting operation in response to the defrosting condition of the cooling sink being satisfied, and starts a first defrosting operation by turning off the thermoelectric element, the cooling fan, and the heat dissipation fan when the defrosting operation starts, and ends the defrosting operation when the end condition of the defrosting operation is detected while the start condition of the second defrosting operation is not detected by the temperature sensor during the first defrosting operation, and starts the second defrosting operation by turning on the cooling fan and the heat dissipation fan while the thermoelectric element is off when the start condition of the second defrosting operation is detected by the temperature sensor during the first defrosting operation, and ends the defrosting operation when the end condition of the defrosting operation is detected by the temperature sensor during the second defrosting operation.

[0010] A method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: starting a defrosting operation in response to a defrosting condition of the cooling sink being satisfied; starting a first defrosting operation by turning off the thermoelectric element, the cooling fan, and the heat dissipation fan when the defrosting operation is started; terminating the defrosting operation when a termination condition of the defrosting operation is detected while a start condition of the second defrosting operation is not detected by the temperature sensor during the first defrosting operation; starting the second defrosting operation by turning on the cooling fan and the heat dissipation fan while the thermoelectric element is turned off when a start condition of the second defrosting operation is detected by the temperature sensor during the first defrosting operation; and terminating the defrosting operation when a termination condition of the defrosting operation is detected by the temperature sensor during the second defrosting operation.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the doors of a refrigerator in an open state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of Figure 2.

[0016] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a thermoelectric cooling device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 shows the temperature change of the cooling sink according to the defrosting process when a frost is formed on the cooling sink.

[0020] Figure 10 shows the temperature change of the cooling sink according to the defrosting process when no frost is attached to the cooling sink.

[0021] Figure 11 illustrates an example of the operation of each component when a refrigerator according to one embodiment performs only the first defrosting operation.

[0022] Figure 12 illustrates an example of the operation of each component when a refrigerator according to one embodiment performs a first defrosting operation and a second defrosting operation.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method in which a refrigerator according to one embodiment performs a second defrosting operation.

[0024] Figure 14 illustrates an example of the operation of each component when a refrigerator according to one embodiment performs a first defrosting operation and a second defrosting operation.

[0025] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification at the time of filing of this application.

[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosed invention.

[0027] For example, in this specification, a singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] Additionally, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to express the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude the possibility of the additional presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Meanwhile, the terms "front", "back", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawing, but the shape and position of each component are not limited by the above terms. For example, the front side may be defined as the +X side, and the rear side may be defined as the -X side. For example, based on the drawing, the right side may be defined as the +Y side, and the left side may be defined as the -Y side. For example, based on the drawing, the upper side may be defined as the +Z side, and the lower side may be defined as the -Z side.

[0032] Additionally, terms that include ordinal numbers, such as “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit one component.

[0033] Additionally, terms such as "~part", "~device", "~block", "~absence", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one piece of hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) / ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one piece of software stored in memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0034] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosed invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The same reference numbers or symbols used in the attached drawings may represent parts or components that perform substantially the same functions.

[0035] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0036] The body may include insulation. The insulation may insulate the interior and exterior of the storage compartment so that the temperature inside the storage compartment can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment of the storage compartment. In one embodiment, the insulation may include a foam insulation, such as polyurethane foam. In another embodiment, the insulation may additionally include a vacuum insulation in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation instead of the foam insulation.

[0037] A storage room can store various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room can be formed so that at least one side is open for taking items in and out.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The storage room may be provided to be maintained at an appropriate temperature range depending on the intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished according to the intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and the freezer room 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 room may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them in a frozen state, and for example, a freezer room may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, at the user's option or not.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0048] The cold air supply device may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool the storage room.

[0049] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The machine room may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be connected to the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0063] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0064] The operating principle and embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0065] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is opened. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the upper portion of a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from below. FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 2.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (100), storage chambers (11, 12, 13) formed inside the main body (100), and doors (21, 22, 23, 24) provided to open and close the storage chambers (11, 12, 13).

[0067] The main body (100) may include an inner case (170), an outer case (180) coupled to the outer side of the inner case (170), and an insulating material (190) provided between the inner case (170) and the outer case (180) (see FIG. 6). The inner case (170) may form a storage chamber (11, 12, 13), and the outer case (180) may form the outer appearance of the main body (100).

[0068] In another aspect, the main body (100) may include an upper wall (110), a lower wall (120), a left wall (130), a right wall (140), and a rear wall (150). The upper wall (110), the lower wall (120), the left wall (130), the right wall (140), and the rear wall (150) may form an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, a right surface, and a rear wall of the main body (100), respectively.

[0069] Each of the upper wall (110), the lower wall (120), the left wall (130), the right wall (140), and the rear wall (150) may be formed of an inner surface (170), an outer surface (180), and an insulating material (190). For example, the upper surface of the upper wall (110) may be formed by the outer surface (180), the lower surface of the upper wall (110) may be formed by the inner surface (170), and an insulating material (190) may be provided on the inside of the upper wall (110).

[0070] The storage compartments (11, 12, 13) can accommodate items. The storage compartments (11, 12, 13) can be formed to have an open front side so that items can be put in or taken out. The main body (100) can include a horizontal partition wall (160) that divides the first storage compartment (11) from the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13), and a vertical partition wall (161) that divides the second storage compartment (12) from the third storage compartment (13). The first storage compartment (11) can be provided at the upper part of the main body (100), and the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13) can be provided at the lower part of the main body (100). The first storage compartment (11) can be a refrigerator compartment, the second storage compartment (12) can be a freezer compartment, and the third storage compartment (13) can be a variable temperature compartment.

[0071] Doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can open and close storage rooms (11, 12, 13). The first door (21) and the second door (22) can open and close the first storage room (11), the third door (23) can open and close the second storage room (12), and the fourth door (24) can open and close the third storage room (13). The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (100).

[0072] The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) by hinges. For example, the first door (21) and the second door (22) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) by a hinge (31) provided on the upper portion of the main body (100) and a hinge provided in the middle of the main body (100), respectively. The hinge (31) may include a hinge pin that protrudes vertically to form a rotational axis of the door. The hinge (31) may be covered by a top cover (300) provided to cover the upper front portion of the main body (100).

[0073] A rotating bar (40) may be provided on either the first door (21) or the second door (22) to cover the gap formed between the first door (21) and the second door (22) when the first door (21) and the second door (22) are closed. The rotating bar (40) may be provided rotatably on either the first door (21) or the second door (22). The rotating bar (40) may have a rod shape that is formed long in a vertical direction. The rotating bar (40) may also be referred to as a pillar, a mullion, or the like.

[0074] A guide protrusion (46) may be provided at the top of the rotating bar (40), and a rotation guide (119) that guides the rotation of the guide protrusion (46) may be provided at the top of the main body (100).

[0075] The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a gasket (51). The gasket (51) may be pressed against the front of the body (100) when the doors (21, 22, 23, 24) are closed. The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a ditch (52) that protrudes rearward. A door shelf (53) capable of storing items may be mounted on the ditch (52). A rotating bar (40) may be rotatably installed on the ditch (52).

[0076] 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.

[0077] The refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) arranged to cool the storage compartment (11).

[0078] A thermoelectric cooling device (400) may be provided on the upper side of the storage room (11) to cool the storage room (11). That is, the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may be provided on the upper wall (110) of the main body (100).

[0079] 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 or electrical energy into thermal energy using the thermoelectric effect, and may also be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor element, a Peltier element, or the like.

[0080] The thermoelectric element (530) includes a heating portion (531) and a cooling portion (532). When current is applied to the thermoelectric element (530), a heating action may occur in the heating portion (531) and a heat absorption action may occur in the cooling portion (532). The thermoelectric element (530) may have a thin hexahedral shape. The heating portion (531) may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric element (530) and the cooling portion (532) may be provided on the opposite surface.

[0081] The thermoelectric element (530) may be provided on the upper wall (110) such that the heating portion (531) faces above the thermoelectric element (530) and the cooling portion (532) faces below the thermoelectric element (530). That is, the heating portion (531) may face the outside of the main body (100) and the cooling portion (532) may face the inside of the storage chamber (11). Accordingly, air that has been warmed through heat exchange with the heating portion (531) may be discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and air that has been cooled through heat exchange with the cooling portion (532) may be supplied to the storage chamber (11).

[0082] 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.

[0083] A heat sink (520) may be located outside the main body (100). The heat sink (520) may contact the heat generating portion (531) to absorb heat from the heat generating portion (531) and release heat to the outside of the main body (100). The heat sink (520) may also be referred to as a hot sink, a heat dissipation heat sink, a hot heat sink, etc.

[0084] 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.

[0085] The heat sink (520) may include a heat sink base (521) that contacts the heat generating portion (531) and a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) that protrude from the heat sink base (521) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude upward from the heat sink base (521).

[0086] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling sink (570) in contact with the cooling unit (532) so that heat exchange between the cooling unit (532) and the air inside the storage chamber (11) is efficiently performed.

[0087] A cooling sink (570) may be located inside the storage compartment (11). The cooling sink (570) may cool the storage compartment (11) by taking away heat from the storage compartment (11) and transferring it to the cooling unit (532). The cooling sink (570) may also be referred to as a cold sink, a cooling sink, a cooling heat sink, a cold heat sink, a cooling heat sink, etc.

[0088] 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.

[0089] The cooling sink (570) may include a cooling sink base (571) that contacts the cooling unit (532) and a plurality of cooling fins (575) that protrude from the cooling sink base (571) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of cooling fins (525) may protrude downward from the cooling sink base (571). The cooling sink base (571) and the plurality of cooling fins (575) may be formed integrally.

[0090] 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).

[0091] The heat dissipation fan (600) may be arranged to blow air toward the heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be arranged to be positioned horizontally with respect to the heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be arranged on the outside of the main body (100). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be arranged on the upper side of the upper wall (110).

[0092] 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).

[0093] 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).

[0094] 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).

[0095] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include an outside air intake port (751) that draws air outside the main body (100) into the inside of the heat dissipation duct (700), and an outside air exhaust port (782) that discharges air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the outside of the main body (100).

[0096] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling fan (800) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the cooling sink (570) and the air inside the storage chamber (11).

[0097] The cooling fan (800) may be arranged to blow air toward the cooling sink (570). The cooling fan (800) may be positioned horizontally with respect to the cooling sink (570). The cooling fan (800) may be arranged inside the storage compartment (11). The cooling fan (800) may be arranged on the lower side of the upper wall (110).

[0098] 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).

[0099] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a temperature sensor (112) (hereinafter referred to as the 'second temperature sensor') for measuring the temperature of air cooled by the cooling fan (800).

[0100] The second temperature sensor (112) can measure the temperature of the cooling sink (570). Measuring the temperature of the cooling sink (570) may include measuring the temperature of the air surrounding the cooling sink (570) and measuring the temperature of the cooling sink (570) itself.

[0101] The second temperature sensor (112) may be provided in the cooling sink (570) or in the cooling duct (900).

[0102] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling duct (900) provided to guide air flowing by a cooling fan (800). The cooling duct (700) may guide air inside the storage chamber (11) to exchange heat with the cooling sink (570), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) back into the storage chamber (11).

[0103] The cooling fan (800) may be located inside the cooling duct (900). The cooling sink (570) may be located inside the cooling duct (900). The cooling duct (900) may be provided on the lower surface of the upper wall (110).

[0104] The cooling duct (900) may include an intake port (991) for drawing air inside the storage room (11) into the interior of the cooling duct (900), and an exhaust port (992) for discharging air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) into the interior of the storage room (11).

[0105] 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 storage compartment (12, 13).

[0106] The refrigerator (1) may include a temperature sensor (111) (hereinafter referred to as “first temperature sensor”) for measuring the temperature of the evaporator (3).

[0107] The first temperature sensor (111) can measure the temperature of the evaporator (3). Measuring the temperature of the evaporator (3) may include measuring the temperature of the air surrounding the evaporator (3) and measuring the temperature of the evaporator (3) itself.

[0108] The first temperature sensor (111) may be provided in the evaporator (3) or in the evaporator ducts (60, 70).

[0109] The refrigerator (1) may include evaporator ducts (60, 70) that guide cold air generated in the evaporator (3). The first evaporator duct (60) may be provided at the rear side of the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13). The second evaporator duct (70) may be provided at the rear side of the first storage compartment (11).

[0110] The cold air generated in the evaporator (3) can be sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) by the evaporator fan (80). The cold air sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) can be discharged to the second storage chamber (12) or the third storage chamber (13) through a cold air discharge port (not shown) formed on the front. In addition, the cold air sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) can be guided to the internal passage (78) of the second evaporator duct (70). The first evaporator duct (60) may be provided with a damper (61) that controls the supply of the cold air inside the first evaporator duct (60) to the second evaporator duct (70). A connecting duct (90) may be provided between the first evaporator duct (60) and the second evaporator duct (70) to connect the first evaporator duct (60) and the second evaporator duct (70).

[0111] Cold air introduced into the internal passage (78) of the second evaporator duct (70) can be supplied to the first storage chamber (11) through the cold air discharge port (72) formed on the front of the second evaporator duct (70).

[0112] 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).

[0113] In this way, since the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a thermoelectric cooling device (400) and a refrigeration cycle device for cooling the storage compartment (11), a method for supplying cold air to the 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 (400) and cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device.

[0114] The refrigerator (1) can supply cold air to the storage compartment (11) in an appropriate manner depending on external and internal conditions. For example, the refrigerator (1) can cool the storage compartment (11) in one of the ways 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 (400), the storage compartment (11) can be cooled only by the 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 (400) is more efficient than cooling by a refrigeration cycle device, the storage compartment (11) can be cooled only by the cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400). The refrigerator (1) can operate only the thermoelectric cooling device (400) when noise reduction is required. When it is necessary to rapidly cool the storage room (11), the refrigerator (1) can simultaneously supply cold air generated through the thermoelectric cooling device (400) and cold air generated through the refrigeration cycle device to the storage room (11).

[0115] In this way, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) and a refrigeration cycle device, but is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator may include only a thermoelectric cooling device (400).

[0116] Meanwhile, although it has been described that the thermoelectric cooling device (400) is provided on the upper wall (110) of the main body (100), the location of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) is not limited thereto.

[0117] According to various embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may be provided on at least one of the upper wall (110), the lower wall (120), the left wall (130), the right wall (140), and the rear wall (150).

[0118] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a thermoelectric cooling device according to one embodiment.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 6, the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric module (500).

[0120] The thermoelectric element (530), heat sink (520), and cooling sink (570) described above can be assembled integrally to form a thermoelectric module (500). That is, the thermoelectric module (500) can include a thermoelectric element (530), a heat sink (520), a cooling sink (570), and a module plate (550).

[0121] The module plate (550) can serve as a skeleton of the thermoelectric module (500). The module plate (550) can be formed of a resin material having low thermal conductivity. The module plate (550) can maintain a gap between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) and support the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570). The module plate (550) can be formed integrally with a fan case (650) to be described later. However, the module plate (550) can also be provided separately from the fan case (650).

[0122] The module plate (550) may include a heat sink support (552) that supports a heat sink (520).

[0123] The module plate (550) may include a module plate opening (551). The thermoelectric element (530) may be disposed inside the module plate opening (551). The vertical length of the module plate opening (551) may be greater than the vertical length of the thermoelectric element (530), and the thermoelectric element (530) may be disposed on the upper side of the module plate opening (551). The reason why the thermoelectric element (530) is disposed on the upper side inside the module plate opening (551) is because the heat generation amount of the thermoelectric element (530) is typically higher than the heat absorption amount, and the positioning of the thermoelectric element (530) on the upper side of the module plate opening (551) is advantageous for heat dissipation of the heat generating part (531).

[0124] In this way, since the thermoelectric element (530) is placed on the upper side of the module plate opening (551), the cooling sink (570) may include a cooling conductive portion (574) protruding from the cooling sink base (571) for contact with the cooling portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0125] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a module plate (550) and an element insulation material (540) that insulates the thermoelectric element (530). The element insulation material (540) may be placed in the module plate opening (551) so that a side of the thermoelectric element (530) does not contact the module plate (550). The element insulation material (540) includes an element insulation opening (541), and the thermoelectric element (530) may be accommodated in the element insulation opening (541).

[0126] The thermoelectric module (500) may include a sink insulation (580) provided between the module plate (550) and the cooling sink (570). The sink insulation (580) may prevent heat from being transferred between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) through the module plate (550). The sink insulation (580) may include a sink insulation opening (581). However, the sink insulation (580) may be omitted, in which case the heat dissipation sink (520) may be supported on the upper surface of the module plate (550) and the cooling sink (570) may be supported on the lower surface of the module plate (550).

[0127] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a fan case (650) in which a heat dissipation fan (600) is installed and which guides the air blown by the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0128] The fan case (650) may be formed integrally with the module plate (550) or may be provided separately.

[0129] The fan case (650) may include a case bottom (650) on which a heat dissipation fan (600) is rotatably installed, and a case scroll part (670) extending upward from the edge of the case bottom (650) to guide air blown from the heat dissipation fan (600) toward a heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) is a centrifugal fan, and may be installed on the case bottom (650) so that the rotation axis (610) is perpendicular to the case bottom (650). In addition, the heat dissipation sink (520) may be positioned in one radial direction of the heat dissipation fan (600). With this structure, the overall vertical length of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) can be made compact.

[0130] The case scroll portion (670) may be formed to surround the heat dissipation fan (600). The case scroll portion (670) may have a scroll portion opening (673) open toward the heat dissipation sink (520). The case scroll portion (670) may include a downstream end (671) along the rotational direction (R) of the heat dissipation fan (600) and an upstream end (672) along the rotational direction (R).

[0131] The fan case (650) may include a case guide (680) provided to guide air flowing from the heat dissipation fan (600) to the area around the downstream end (671) of the case scroll section (670).

[0132] The heat sink (520) may include a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525). The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude from the upper surface (522) of the heat dissipation sink base (521). The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface (522) of the heat dissipation sink base (521).

[0133] Heat dissipation channels may be formed between the plurality of heat dissipation fins (525).

[0134] The heat dissipation fan (600) can blow air toward the heat dissipation sink (520), and the air flowing by the heat dissipation fan (600) can pass through the heat dissipation channels and exchange heat with a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525).

[0135] The cooling sink (570) may include a plurality of cooling fins (575). The plurality of cooling fins (575) may be formed to extend in a direction parallel to the lower surface of the cooling sink base (571).

[0136] Cooling channels may be formed between the plurality of cooling fins (575).

[0137] Air flowing by the cooling fan (800) can pass through the cooling channels and exchange heat with a plurality of cooling fins (575).

[0138] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 7, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include a first temperature sensor (111), a second temperature sensor (112), a compressor, a thermoelectric element (530), a heat dissipation fan (600), a cooling fan (800), and a control unit (350).

[0140] The first temperature sensor (111) can measure the temperature of the evaporator (3). The first temperature sensor (111) can transmit information about the temperature of the evaporator (3) to the control unit (350).

[0141] The second temperature sensor (112) can measure the temperature of the cooling sink (570). The first temperature sensor (111) can transmit information about the temperature of the cooling sink (570) to the control unit (350).

[0142] According to various embodiments, the refrigerator (1) may include various sensors in addition to the first temperature sensor (111) and the second temperature sensor (112). For example, the refrigerator (1) may include an internal temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the storage compartment (11), an external temperature sensor for measuring the temperature outside the main body (100), an internal humidity sensor for measuring the humidity of the storage compartment (11), and an external humidity sensor for measuring the humidity outside the main body (100).

[0143] The compressor (2) can compress the refrigerant and supply the compressed refrigerant to a heat exchanger (e.g., a condenser (not shown), an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator (3)).

[0144] The control unit (350) can control the temperature of the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) by controlling the compressor (2). For example, the control unit (350) can control the compressor (2) so that the temperature measured by the internal temperature sensor is maintained at a predetermined target temperature.

[0145] Controlling the compressor (2) may include controlling the on / off of the compressor (2) or controlling the operating frequency of the compressor (2).

[0146] When power is supplied to the thermoelectric element (530), heat exchange can occur between the cooling sink (570) and the heat sink (520). For example, the thermoelectric element (530) can convert electrical energy into thermal energy, thereby causing a heat generation process in the heating element (531) and an absorption process in the cooling element (532).

[0147] When heat generation occurs in the heating unit (531), air warmed by the heat sink (520) in contact with the heating unit (531) is discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and air cooled by the cooling sink (570) in contact with the cooling unit (532) can be supplied to the storage room (11).

[0148] The control unit (350) can control the thermoelectric element (530). Controlling the thermoelectric element (530) may include controlling the on / off of the thermoelectric element (530). Controlling the thermoelectric element (530) may include controlling a drive circuit that applies power to the thermoelectric element (530).

[0149] Turning on the thermoelectric element (530) may include supplying electrical energy to the thermoelectric element (530), i.e., supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530). Supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) may include applying voltage and / or current to the thermoelectric element (530).

[0150] Turning off the thermoelectric element (530) may include not supplying electrical energy to the thermoelectric element (530), i.e., not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530). Not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) may include not applying voltage and / or current to the thermoelectric element (530).

[0151] When the thermoelectric element (530) is turned on, the heat sink (520) can contact the heating element (531) to absorb the heat of the heating element (531) and release the heat to the outside of the main body (100).

[0152] When the thermoelectric element (530) is turned on, the cooling sink (570) can cool the storage room (11) by taking away the heat from the storage room (11) and transferring it to the cooling unit (532).

[0153] The heat dissipation fan (600) guides air from outside the main body (100) to exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink (520), and can discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) back to the outside of the main body (100).

[0154] The control unit (350) can control the heat dissipation fan (600). Controlling the heat dissipation fan (600) may include controlling the fan motor of the heat dissipation fan (600). Controlling the heat dissipation fan (600) may include operating the heat dissipation fan (600) and turning off the heat dissipation fan (600). Operating the heat dissipation fan (600) may include rotating the heat dissipation fan (600) at a predetermined speed. Turning off the heat dissipation fan (600) may include stopping the rotation of the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0155] The fan motor of the heat dissipation fan (600) may include a BLDC motor whose speed can be controlled.

[0156] As the heat dissipation fan (600) operates, the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) flows, allowing the heat dissipation sink (520) to quickly dissipate heat. As the heat dissipation sink (520) quickly dissipates heat, the heat generation action in the heating part (531) and the heat absorption action in the cooling part (532) can occur smoothly.

[0157] The cooling fan (800) can suck in air inside the storage room (11), exchange heat with the cooling sink (570), and discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) back into the storage room (11).

[0158] The control unit (350) can control the cooling fan (800). Controlling the cooling fan (800) may include controlling the fan motor of the cooling fan (800). Controlling the cooling fan (800) may include operating the cooling fan (800) and turning off the cooling fan (800). Operating the cooling fan (800) may include rotating the cooling fan (800) at a predetermined speed. Turning off the cooling fan (800) may include stopping the rotation of the cooling fan (800).

[0159] The fan motor of the cooling fan (800) may include a BLDC motor whose speed can be controlled.

[0160] As the cooling fan (800) operates, the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) flows, thereby rapidly cooling the interior of the storage chamber (11). As the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) flows, the heat generation action in the heating unit (531) and the heat absorption action in the cooling unit (532) can occur smoothly.

[0161] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may operate the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric element (530) being turned on. Operating the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric element (530) being turned on may include operating the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) after a predetermined time has elapsed after the thermoelectric element (530) is turned on and / or operating the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) before a predetermined time before the thermoelectric element (530) is turned on and / or operating the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) when the thermoelectric element (530) is turned on.

[0162] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may turn off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric element (530) being turned off. Turning off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric element (530) being turned off may include turning off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) after a predetermined time has elapsed after the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off and / or turning off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) before a predetermined time before the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off and / or turning off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) when the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off.

[0163] The control unit (350) may include at least one processor (351) that controls the operation of the refrigerator (1) and at least one memory (352) that stores a program and data for controlling the operation of the refrigerator (1).

[0164] At least one memory (352) can store data required for various embodiments. The memory (352) may be implemented as a memory embedded in the refrigerator (1) or as a memory detachable from the refrigerator (1) depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the refrigerator (1) may be stored in a memory embedded in the refrigerator (1), and data for expanding the functions of the refrigerator (1) may be stored in a memory detachable from the refrigerator (1). Meanwhile, in the case of memory embedded in the refrigerator (1), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD)). In addition, in the case of memory that can be attached or detached to the refrigerator (1), it may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card)), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc.

[0165] At least one processor (351) controls the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). Specifically, at least one processor (351) is connected to each component of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., first temperature sensor (111), second temperature sensor (112), compressor (2), thermoelectric element (530), heat dissipation fan (600), cooling fan (800)) to control the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). For example, at least one processor (351) is electrically connected to a memory (352) to control the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). The processor (351) may be composed of one or more processors.

[0166] At least one processor (351) can perform operations of the refrigerator (1) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (352).

[0167] At least one processor (351) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), an MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. At least one processor (351) may control one or any combination of other components of the refrigerator (1), and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. At least one processor (351) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in the memory (352). For example, at least one processor (351) may perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (352).

[0168] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can perform cooling operation in various ways.

[0169] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can perform cooling operation by turning off the compressor (2) and turning on the thermoelectric element (530) to supply only the cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400) to the storage room (11).

[0170] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can perform cooling operation by turning on the compressor (2) and turning off the thermoelectric element (530) to supply only cold air generated in the refrigeration cycle device to the storage room (11).

[0171] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can perform a cooling operation by turning on the compressor (2) and turning on the thermoelectric element (530) to supply the cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400) and the cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device together to the storage room (11).

[0172] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can perform a defrosting operation of the evaporator (3) based on the detection of a defrosting condition of the evaporator (3).

[0173] Performing the defrosting process of the evaporator (3) may include turning off the compressor (2) and turning on the thermoelectric element (530).

[0174] In one embodiment, the defrosting condition of the evaporator (3) may include various conditions such as the temperature of the evaporator (3) measured by the first temperature sensor (111) dropping to a predetermined temperature, the number of operations of the compressor (2) reaching a predetermined number, etc.

[0175] According to the present disclosure, by turning on the thermoelectric element (530) while defrosting the evaporator (3), it is possible to prevent the temperature of the storage chamber (11) from rising rapidly while defrosting the evaporator (3).

[0176] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can terminate the defrosting cycle of the evaporator (3) based on the detection of a defrosting termination condition of the evaporator (3).

[0177] Terminating the defrosting cycle of the evaporator (3) may include turning on the compressor (2).

[0178] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can perform a defrosting operation of the cooling sink (570) based on the detection of a defrosting condition of the cooling sink (570).

[0179] In one embodiment, the defrosting condition of the cooling sink (570) may include various conditions such as the temperature of the cooling sink (570) measured by the second temperature sensor (112) dropping to a predetermined temperature, the defrosting cycle of the evaporator (3) being completed, etc.

[0180] Performing the defrosting process of the cooling sink (570) may include turning off the thermoelectric element (530).

[0181] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may terminate the defrosting process of the cooling sink (570) based on the detection of a defrosting termination condition of the cooling sink (570).

[0182] The termination condition for the defrosting of the cooling sink (570) may include that the temperature of the cooling sink (570) measured by the second temperature sensor (112) has reached a predetermined target temperature. In this case, the predetermined target temperature may be predetermined as the temperature of the image. That is, the termination condition for the defrosting operation of the cooling sink (570) may include that the temperature of the cooling sink (570) measured by the second temperature sensor (112) has reached a predetermined target temperature.

[0183] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may turn on the thermoelectric element (530) based on the detection of a defrost end condition of the cooling sink (570).

[0184] Below, the defrosting process of the cooling sink (570) is described in detail.

[0185] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 8, the control method of the refrigerator (1) may include an operation (1000) of starting a defrosting process in response to the defrosting condition of the cooling sink (570) being satisfied.

[0187] The control unit (350) can start the defrosting process in response to the defrosting condition of the cooling sink (570) being satisfied.

[0188] In one embodiment, the defrosting operation may include a first defrosting operation and may additionally include a second defrosting operation.

[0189] In the present disclosure, the first operation may mean turning off the thermoelectric element (530), cooling fan (800), and heat dissipation fan (600).

[0190] In the present disclosure, starting the first operation may include turning off the thermoelectric element (530), the cooling fan (800), and the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0191] In the present disclosure, performing the first operation may include keeping the thermoelectric element (530), cooling fan (800), and heat dissipation fan (600) in an off state.

[0192] In the present disclosure, the second defrosting operation may mean turning off the thermoelectric element (530) and turning on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0193] In the present disclosure, starting the second operation may include turning on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) while the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off.

[0194] In the present disclosure, performing the second defrosting operation may include maintaining the thermoelectric element (530) in an off state and the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) in an on state.

[0195] The action (1000) of starting the defrosting operation may include the action (1100) of performing the first defrosting operation.

[0196] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may initiate a defrosting operation in response to the defrosting condition of the cooling sink (570) being satisfied, and may perform a first defrosting operation.

[0197] That is, the control unit (350) can turn off the thermoelectric element (530), cooling fan (800), and heat dissipation fan (600) in response to the freezing condition of the cooling sink (570) being satisfied.

[0198] In order to efficiently defrost the cooling sink (570), it may be desirable to turn on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) so that the air in the storage room (11) is blown into the cooling sink (570). However, if there is not much frost on the cooling sink (570), the cooling sink (570) can be defrosted naturally simply by turning off the thermoelectric element (530).

[0199] According to the present disclosure, when the defrosting condition of the cooling sink (570) is satisfied, the cooling sink (570) can be naturally defrosted first by turning off only the thermoelectric element (530) without operating the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600). According to the present disclosure, when there is not much frost on the cooling sink (570), the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) are not unnecessarily operated, thereby suppressing noise generated by the operation of the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600), and saving energy consumption due to the operation of the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0200] Fig. 9 illustrates the temperature change of the cooling sink (570) according to the defrosting operation when frost is formed on the cooling sink (570). Fig. 10 illustrates the temperature change of the cooling sink (570) according to the defrosting operation when frost is not formed on the cooling sink (570).

[0201] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the temperature of the cooling sink (570) gradually increases because the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off from the time point (t1) when the defrosting process starts.

[0202] When the temperature of the cooling sink (570) reaches a predetermined temperature (e.g., 0°C), the temperature of the cooling sink (570) does not change for a predetermined time (t3-t2). The period in which the temperature of the cooling sink (570) does not change may be referred to as a latent heat period. In other words, the period in which the frost formed on the cooling sink (570) begins to melt may be referred to as a latent heat period.

[0203] The greater the amount of latent heat implanted in the cooling sink (570), the longer the time (t3-t2) corresponding to this latent heat section becomes.

[0204] It can be confirmed that the time (t3-t2) corresponding to the latent heat section in Fig. 9 is longer than the time (t3-t2) corresponding to the latent heat section in Fig. 10.

[0205] That is, it can be confirmed that the longer the length of the section (t3-t2) in which the temperature of the cooling sink (570) does not change, the greater the amount of the star implanted in the cooling sink (570).

[0206] In one embodiment, a control method of a refrigerator (1) may include an operation (1150) of detecting a start condition of a second defrosting operation while performing a first defrosting operation.

[0207] In one embodiment, the control method of the refrigerator (1) may include an operation (1500) of terminating the defrosting operation when a condition for ending the defrosting operation is detected (Yes of 1300) while a condition for starting the second defrosting operation is not detected (No of 1150) while performing the first defrosting operation.

[0208] Terminating the defrosting operation may include turning on the thermoelectric element (530). Terminating the defrosting operation may include transitioning to a state in which the thermoelectric element (530) can be turned on, as needed. While the defrosting operation is in progress, transitioning to a state in which the thermoelectric element (530) cannot be turned on may include transitioning to a state in which the thermoelectric element (530) cannot be turned on, and terminating the defrosting operation may include transitioning from a state in which the thermoelectric element (530) cannot be turned on to a state in which the thermoelectric element (530) can be turned on.

[0209] The control unit (350) can terminate the defrosting operation if the end condition of the defrosting operation is detected while the start condition of the second defrosting operation is not detected by the second temperature sensor (112) during the execution of the first defrosting operation.

[0210] That is, if the end condition of the defrosting operation is detected by the second temperature sensor (112) while the start condition of the second defrosting operation is not detected during the execution of the first defrosting operation, the control unit (350) can end the defrosting operation without performing the second defrosting operation.

[0211] According to the present disclosure, when the amount of frost implanted in the cooling sink (570) is small, the second defrosting operation that operates the cooling fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) is not necessarily started, thereby suppressing noise generated by the operation of the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600), and saving energy consumption due to the operation of the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0212] In one embodiment, the control method of the refrigerator (1) may include an operation (1200) of performing a second defrosting operation when a start condition for a second defrosting operation is detected (example of 1150) while performing a first defrosting operation.

[0213] When the start condition of the second defrosting operation is detected by the second temperature sensor (112) during the execution of the first defrosting operation, the control unit (350) can start the second defrosting operation by turning on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) while the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off.

[0214] The start condition of the second frost operation can be detected by the second temperature sensor (112).

[0215] The detection of the start condition of the second defrost operation by the second temperature sensor (112) may include the control unit (350) detecting the start condition of the second defrost operation based on the temperature data collected by the second temperature sensor (112).

[0216] The control unit (350) can detect the start condition of the second defrosting operation based on the temperature data collected by the second temperature sensor (112).

[0217] In one embodiment, the start condition of the second defrost operation may include that the change in temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) for a predetermined time after the defrost operation starts is less than a predetermined value.

[0218] The fact that the change in temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) for a predetermined period of time after the defrosting operation starts is less than a predetermined value may include that the change in temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) for a predetermined period of time after the first defrosting operation starts is less than a predetermined value. That is, the fact that the change in temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) for a predetermined period of time after the defrosting operation starts is less than a predetermined value may include that the change in temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) for a predetermined period of time after the thermoelectric element (530), the heat dissipation fan (600), and the cooling fan (800) are turned off is less than a predetermined value.

[0219] A predetermined time and a predetermined value may be pre-stored in memory (352). For example, the predetermined time may be set to approximately 15 minutes and the predetermined value may be set to approximately 3°C, but the predetermined time and the predetermined value are not limited thereto.

[0220] Even though the first defrosting operation has started, if the temperature change amount of the cooling sink (570) is less than a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time, it means that a lot of frost has formed on the cooling sink (570) and the latent heat section is long. Accordingly, even though the first defrosting operation has started, if the temperature change amount of the cooling sink (570) is less than a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time, it is necessary to turn on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) for efficient defrosting of the cooling sink (570).

[0221] The control unit (350) can perform the second defrosting operation in response to a change in the temperature of the cooling sink (570) being less than a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time after the first defrosting operation is started.

[0222] In one embodiment, the start condition of the second defrost operation may include that the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) is lower than a predetermined value after a predetermined time has elapsed since the defrost operation is started.

[0223] The fact that the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) is lower than a predetermined value after a predetermined time has elapsed since the defrosting operation started may include that the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) is lower than a predetermined value after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first defrosting operation started. That is, the fact that the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) is lower than a predetermined value after a predetermined time has elapsed since the defrosting operation started may include that the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) is lower than a predetermined value after a predetermined time has elapsed since the thermoelectric element (530), the heat dissipation fan (600), and the cooling fan (800) are turned off.

[0224] A predetermined time and a predetermined value may be pre-stored in memory (352). For example, the predetermined time may be set to approximately 15 minutes and the predetermined value may be set to approximately 1°C, but the predetermined time and the predetermined value are not limited thereto.

[0225] Even though the first defrosting operation has started, if the temperature of the cooling sink (570) remains lower than a predetermined value until a predetermined time has elapsed, this means that a lot of frost has formed on the cooling sink (570) and the latent heat period is long. Accordingly, even though the first defrosting operation has started, if the temperature of the cooling sink (570) remains lower than a predetermined value until a predetermined time has elapsed, it is necessary to turn on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) for efficient defrosting of the cooling sink (570).

[0226] The control unit (350) can perform the second defrosting operation in response to the temperature of the cooling sink (570) being lower than a predetermined value until a predetermined time has elapsed after the first defrosting operation is started.

[0227] In one embodiment, the start condition of the second defrosting operation may include calculating the amount of change in temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) at predetermined cycles after the defrosting operation starts, and the amount of change in temperature corresponding to the predetermined cycle being less than a predetermined value.

[0228] The calculation of the change in temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) at predetermined cycles after the defrosting operation starts, and the calculation of the change in temperature corresponding to the predetermined cycle being less than a predetermined value may include calculating the change in temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) at predetermined cycles after the first defrosting operation starts, and the calculation of the change in temperature corresponding to the predetermined cycle being less than a predetermined value. That is, the calculation of the change in temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) at predetermined cycles after the defrosting operation starts, and the calculation of the change in temperature corresponding to the predetermined cycle being less than a predetermined value may include calculating the change in temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) at predetermined cycles after the thermoelectric element (530), the heat dissipation fan (600), and the cooling fan (800) are turned off, and the calculation of the change in temperature corresponding to the predetermined cycle being less than a predetermined value.

[0229] A predetermined cycle and a predetermined value may be pre-stored in memory (352). The predetermined value may include multiple values ​​corresponding to the predetermined cycle. For example, the predetermined cycle may be set to approximately 2 minutes, and the predetermined value may be set to approximately 3°C after the defrosting process begins. However, the predetermined cycle and the predetermined value are not limited thereto.

[0230] Even though the first defrosting operation has started, if the temperature change of the cooling sink (570) at each predetermined cycle is less than a predetermined value, this means that a lot of frost has formed on the cooling sink (570) and the latent heat section is long. Accordingly, even though the first defrosting operation has started, if the temperature change of the cooling sink (570) at each predetermined cycle is less than a predetermined value, it is necessary to turn on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) for efficient defrosting of the cooling sink (570).

[0231] The control unit (350) can calculate the temperature change amount of the cooling sink (570) at predetermined cycles after the first defrosting operation starts, and can perform the second defrosting operation in response to the temperature change amount corresponding to the predetermined cycle being smaller than a predetermined value.

[0232] According to the present disclosure, the second defrosting operation can be performed only when frost is formed on the cooling sink (570).

[0233] When the start condition of the second defrosting operation is detected, the control unit (350) can start the second defrosting operation by turning on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) while the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off.

[0234] In one embodiment, the control method of the refrigerator (1) may include an operation (1500) of terminating the defrosting operation when a condition for terminating the defrosting operation is detected (example of 1400) while performing the second defrosting operation.

[0235] Terminating the defrosting operation may include turning on the thermoelectric element (530). Terminating the defrosting operation may include transitioning to a state in which the thermoelectric element (530) can be turned on, as needed. While the defrosting operation is in progress, transitioning to a state in which the thermoelectric element (530) cannot be turned on may include transitioning to a state in which the thermoelectric element (530) cannot be turned on, and terminating the defrosting operation may include transitioning from a state in which the thermoelectric element (530) cannot be turned on to a state in which the thermoelectric element (530) can be turned on.

[0236] In one embodiment, the on state of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) may be maintained by turning on the thermoelectric element (530) upon completion of the defrosting operation during the second defrosting operation, or the off state of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) may be turned off by turning on the thermoelectric element (530) despite completion of the defrosting operation during the second defrosting operation.

[0237] According to various embodiments, the operation (1500) of terminating the cooling operation may include an operation of starting the cooling operation.

[0238] The control unit (350) can start cooling operation when the defrosting process of the cooling sink (570) is completed.

[0239] As previously described, cooling operation can be implemented in various ways. The control unit (350) can determine the method of cooling operation based on sensor data collected by various sensors, such as an internal temperature sensor, an external temperature sensor, an internal humidity sensor, and / or an external humidity sensor, and can initiate cooling operation in the determined method.

[0240] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can perform cooling operation by turning off the compressor (2) and turning on the thermoelectric element (530) when the defrosting cycle of the cooling sink (570) is completed.

[0241] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can perform cooling operation by turning on the compressor (2) and turning on the thermoelectric element (530) when the defrosting cycle of the cooling sink (570) is completed.

[0242] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can turn on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on turning on the thermoelectric element (530). That is, the control unit (350) can turn on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) together when turning on the thermoelectric element (530).

[0243] The control unit (350) can maintain the temperature of the storage room (11) at the target temperature by controlling the compressor (2) to turn on / off during cooling operation.

[0244] The control unit (350) can maintain the temperature of the storage room (11) at the target temperature by controlling the on / off of the thermoelectric element (530) during cooling operation.

[0245] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can maintain the temperature of the storage chamber (11) at a target temperature by turning on the thermoelectric element (530) while the compressor (2) is off.

[0246] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can rapidly lower the temperature of the storage chamber (11) by turning on the thermoelectric element (530) together with the compressor (2).

[0247] That is, the cooling operation in progress may include switching to a state where the thermoelectric element (530) can be turned on as needed.

[0248] The defrosting condition of the cooling sink (570) may include that the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) during the cooling operation has fallen below a predetermined temperature and / or that the defrosting cycle of the evaporator (3) has ended.

[0249] When a defrosting condition of the cooling sink (570) is detected, the operation (1000) of starting the defrosting process of FIG. 8 can be performed.

[0250] Fig. 11 illustrates an example of operation of each component when a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment performs only the first defrosting operation.

[0251] Referring to Fig. 11, when a defrosting condition of the cooling sink (570) is detected at point a1, the refrigerator (1) can start the defrosting process.

[0252] In one embodiment, at time point a1, the refrigerator (1) can start the first defrosting operation by turning off the thermoelectric element (530), the cooling fan (800), and the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0253] During the first operation, the thermoelectric element (530), cooling fan (800), and heat dissipation fan (600) can be kept in an off state.

[0254] In one embodiment, at time a2, the refrigerator (1) may detect an end condition of the defrosting operation without detecting a start condition of the second defrosting operation. The end condition of the defrosting operation may include the temperature of the cooling sink (570) reaching a predetermined image temperature (K).

[0255] At time point a2, the refrigerator (1) can end the defrosting process and perform cooling operation.

[0256] In one embodiment, at time a2, the refrigerator (1) can perform a cooling operation by turning on the thermoelectric element (530), the cooling fan (800), and the heat dissipation fan (600). However, depending on the method of the cooling operation, the thermoelectric element (530), the cooling fan (800), and the heat dissipation fan (600) may not be turned on immediately at time a2 when the defrosting process is completed.

[0257] According to the present disclosure, the defrosting process of the cooling sink (570) can be completed without operating both the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0258] Fig. 12 illustrates an example of the operation of each component when a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment performs the first defrosting operation and the second defrosting operation.

[0259] Referring to Fig. 12, when a defrosting condition of the cooling sink (570) is detected at time point b1, the refrigerator (1) can start the defrosting process.

[0260] In one embodiment, at time point b1, the refrigerator (1) can start the first defrosting operation by turning off the thermoelectric element (530), the cooling fan (800), and the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0261] During the first operation, the thermoelectric element (530), cooling fan (800), and heat dissipation fan (600) can be kept in an off state.

[0262] In one embodiment, at time b2, the refrigerator (1) can detect a start condition for the second defrosting operation. That is, the refrigerator (1) can detect a start condition for the second defrosting operation without the temperature of the cooling sink (570) reaching a predetermined image temperature (K).

[0263] At time b2, the refrigerator (1) can start the second defrosting operation. In one embodiment, at time b2, the refrigerator (1) can turn on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0264] As the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) are turned on, the frost formed on the cooling sink (570) can be efficiently removed.

[0265] At time b3, the refrigerator (1) can end the defrosting process and perform cooling operation.

[0266] In one embodiment, at time b3, the refrigerator (1) may perform a cooling operation by turning on the thermoelectric element (530). However, depending on the cooling operation method, the thermoelectric element (530) may not be turned on immediately at time b3 when the defrosting process is completed. In addition, depending on the cooling operation method, the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) may be turned off at time b3 when the defrosting process is completed.

[0267] According to the present disclosure, when the amount of frost implanted in the cooling sink (570) is large, the defrosting process can be quickly terminated by operating both the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0268] Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method in which a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment performs a second defrosting operation.

[0269] As previously explained, the fan motor of the cooling fan (800) and the fan motor of the heat dissipation fan (600) may be motors whose rotation speed can be controlled.

[0270] Referring to FIG. 13, the operation (1200) of starting the second operation of FIG. 8 may include an operation (1210) of controlling the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) to a first reference speed.

[0271] When the start condition of the second defrosting operation is detected, the control unit (350) can control the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) to a first reference speed. Controlling the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) to the first reference speed may include rotating the cooling fan (800) at the first speed and rotating the heat dissipation fan (600) at the second speed.

[0272] For example, when the start condition of the second defrosting operation is detected, the control unit (350) may rotate the cooling fan (800) at a first speed and rotate the heat dissipation fan (600) at a second speed. At this time, the first speed and the second speed may be the same or different from each other. In addition, the first speed may correspond to a speed slower than the maximum speed of the cooling fan (800), and the second speed may correspond to a speed slower than the maximum speed of the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0273] The control unit (350) can terminate the defrosting process (1500) when a condition for ending the defrosting process is detected (example of 1220) while controlling the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) to the first reference speed.

[0274] Meanwhile, the control unit (350) can control the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) to the second reference speed based on the fact that the end condition of the defrosting process is not detected until a predetermined time has elapsed after the second defrosting operation has started (example of 1230) (1240).

[0275] Controlling the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) to the second reference speed may include rotating the cooling fan (800) at a third speed and rotating the heat dissipation fan (600) at a fourth speed.

[0276] For example, if the end condition of the defrosting process is not detected until a predetermined time has elapsed after the second defrosting operation has started, the control unit (350) may rotate the cooling fan (800) at a third speed and rotate the heat dissipation fan (600) at a fourth speed. At this time, the third speed and the fourth speed may be the same or different from each other. In addition, the third speed may correspond to a speed faster than the first speed, and the fourth speed may correspond to a speed faster than the second speed.

[0277] That is, the control unit (350) can increase the rotation speed of the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) if the end condition of the defrosting process is not detected until a predetermined time has passed after the second defrosting operation has started.

[0278] The control unit (350) can terminate the defrosting process (1500) when a condition for ending the defrosting process is detected (example of 1220) while controlling the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) to the second reference speed.

[0279] According to the present disclosure, if the second defrosting operation is started and a predetermined amount of time has passed but the cooling sink (570) is not completely defrosted, the defrosting process can be quickly completed by increasing the rotation speed of the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0280] In addition, according to the present disclosure, by increasing the rotation speed of the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) only when the second freezing operation is started and a predetermined time has elapsed, noise generated by increasing the rotation speed of the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) in advance can be suppressed and energy consumption can be saved.

[0281] Fig. 14 illustrates an example of the operation of each component when a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment performs the first defrosting operation and the second defrosting operation.

[0282] Referring to Fig. 14, when a defrosting condition of the cooling sink (570) is detected at point c1, the refrigerator (1) can start the defrosting process.

[0283] In one embodiment, at time point c1, the refrigerator (1) can start the first defrosting operation by turning off the thermoelectric element (530), the cooling fan (800), and the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0284] During the first operation, the thermoelectric element (530), cooling fan (800), and heat dissipation fan (600) can be kept in an off state.

[0285] In one embodiment, at time c2, the refrigerator (1) can detect a start condition for the second defrosting operation. That is, the refrigerator (1) can detect a start condition for the second defrosting operation without the temperature of the cooling sink (570) reaching a predetermined image temperature (K).

[0286] At time c2, the refrigerator (1) may start the second defrosting operation. In one embodiment, at time c2, the refrigerator (1) may turn on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600). At time c2, the refrigerator (1) may rotate the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) at a first reference speed. Accordingly, at time c2, the cooling fan (800) may rotate at a first speed (r1) and the heat dissipation fan (600) may rotate at a second speed (r2).

[0287] As the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) are turned on, the frost formed on the cooling sink (570) can be efficiently removed.

[0288] The termination condition of the defrosting process may not be satisfied until a predetermined time elapses from the point c2 when the second defrosting operation begins until the point c3 when the predetermined time elapses.

[0289] At a point in time c3, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the point in time c2 when the second defrosting operation begins, the refrigerator (1) can rotate the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) at a second reference speed. Accordingly, at point in time c3, the cooling fan (800) can rotate at a third speed (r3) and the heat dissipation fan (600) can rotate at a fourth speed (r4).

[0290] The third speed (r3) may be faster than the first speed (r1), and the second speed (r2) may be faster than the fourth speed (r4).

[0291] As the rotation speed of the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) increases, the frost formed on the cooling sink (570) can be removed more quickly.

[0292] At point c4, the refrigerator (1) can end the defrosting process and perform cooling operation.

[0293] In one embodiment, at time c4, the refrigerator (1) may perform a cooling operation by turning on the thermoelectric element (530). However, depending on the cooling operation method, the thermoelectric element (530) may not be turned on immediately at time c4 when the defrosting process is completed. In addition, depending on the cooling operation method, the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) may be turned off at time c4 when the defrosting process is completed. In addition, depending on the cooling operation method, the rotation speeds of the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) may be adjusted differently from those illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0294] According to the present disclosure, efficient cooling of the cooling sink (570) can be achieved while minimizing the operation of the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0295] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a thermoelectric element (530) having a heating part (531) and a cooling part (532); a heat sink (520) in contact with the heating part (531); a cooling sink (570) in contact with the cooling part (532); a cooling fan (800) blowing air toward the cooling sink (570); a heat sink (600) blowing air toward the heat sink (520); a temperature sensor (112) measuring the temperature of the cooling sink (570); And it may include a control unit (350) that starts a defrosting operation in response to the defrosting condition of the cooling sink (570) being satisfied, and starts a first defrosting operation by turning off the thermoelectric element (530), the cooling fan (800), and the heat dissipation fan (600) when the defrosting operation starts, and ends the defrosting operation when the end condition of the defrosting operation is detected while the start condition of the second defrosting operation is not detected by the temperature sensor (112) during the first defrosting operation, and starts the second defrosting operation by turning on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) while the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off when the start condition of the second defrosting operation is detected by the temperature sensor (112) during the first defrosting operation, and ends the defrosting operation when the end condition of the defrosting operation is detected by the temperature sensor (112) during the second defrosting operation.

[0296] The start condition of the second defrosting operation may include that the change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor (112) for a predetermined period of time after the defrosting operation starts is less than a predetermined value.

[0297] The start condition of the second defrosting operation may include that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (112) is lower than a predetermined value after a predetermined time has elapsed since the defrosting operation started.

[0298] The start condition of the second defrosting operation may include calculating the change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor (112) at predetermined cycles after the defrosting process starts, and the change in temperature corresponding to the predetermined cycle being less than a predetermined value.

[0299] The control unit (350) may rotate the cooling fan (800) at a first speed and the heat dissipation fan (600) at a second speed when the start condition of the second defrosting operation is detected, and may rotate the cooling fan (800) at a third speed that is faster than the first speed and rotate the heat dissipation fan (600) at a fourth speed that is faster than the second speed based on the fact that the end condition of the defrosting process is not detected until a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the second defrosting operation.

[0300] The termination condition of the freezing process may include that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (112) reaches a predetermined image temperature.

[0301] The control unit (350) can start cooling operation when the cooling cycle is completed and turn on the thermoelectric element (530) during cooling operation.

[0302] The control unit (350) can turn on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) together when turning on the thermoelectric element (530).

[0303] The defrosting condition of the cooling sink (570) may include that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (112) during cooling operation falls below a predetermined temperature.

[0304] The defrosting condition of the cooling sink (570) may include that the defrosting cycle of the evaporator has been completed.

[0305] A control method of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: starting a defrosting operation in response to a defrosting condition of a cooling sink (570) being satisfied, and turning off a thermoelectric element (530), a cooling fan (800), and a heat dissipation fan (600) when the defrosting operation is started, thereby starting a first defrosting operation; terminating the defrosting operation when a termination condition of the defrosting operation is detected while a start condition of the second defrosting operation is not detected by a temperature sensor (112) during the first defrosting operation; starting the second defrosting operation by turning on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) while the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off when a start condition of the second defrosting operation is detected by a temperature sensor (112) during the first defrosting operation; and terminating the defrosting operation when a termination condition of the defrosting operation is detected by a temperature sensor (112) during the second defrosting operation.

[0306] Performing the second defrosting operation may include: rotating the cooling fan (800) at a first speed and rotating the heat dissipation fan (600) at a second speed when a start condition for the second defrosting operation is detected; rotating the cooling fan (800) at a third speed that is faster than the first speed and rotating the heat dissipation fan (600) at a fourth speed that is faster than the second speed based on the fact that a termination condition for the defrosting process is not detected until a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the second defrosting operation.

[0307] The control method of the refrigerator (1) may further include starting a cooling operation when the defrosting process is completed and turning on the thermoelectric element (530) during the cooling operation.

[0308] The control method of the refrigerator (1) may further include turning on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) together when turning on the thermoelectric element (530).

[0309] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0310] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0311] Additionally, a computer-readable recording 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.

[0312] 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 product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play 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 on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0313] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A thermoelectric element having a heating part and a cooling part; A heat sink in contact with the above-mentioned heat generating unit; A cooling sink in contact with the above cooling unit; A cooling fan blowing air toward the cooling sink; A heat dissipation fan blowing air toward the above heat sink; a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cooling sink; and A refrigerator comprising: a control unit that starts a defrosting operation in response to the defrosting condition of the cooling sink being satisfied, and starts a first defrosting operation by turning off the thermoelectric element, the cooling fan, and the heat dissipation fan when the defrosting operation starts, ends the defrosting operation when the end condition of the defrosting operation is detected while the start condition of the second defrosting operation is not detected by the temperature sensor during the first defrosting operation, starts the second defrosting operation by turning on the cooling fan and the heat dissipation fan while the thermoelectric element is off when the start condition of the second defrosting operation is detected by the temperature sensor during the first defrosting operation, and ends the defrosting operation when the end condition of the defrosting operation is detected by the temperature sensor during the second defrosting operation.

2. In paragraph 1, The starting conditions for the above second operation are: A refrigerator including a temperature change amount measured by the temperature sensor for a predetermined period of time after the above-mentioned defrosting process begins, which is less than a predetermined value.

3. In paragraph 1, The starting conditions for the above second operation are: A refrigerator including a temperature measured by the temperature sensor that is lower than a predetermined value after a predetermined time has elapsed since the above-mentioned freezing process has started.

4. In paragraph 1, The starting conditions for the above second operation are: A refrigerator that calculates the amount of change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor at predetermined intervals after the above-mentioned defrosting process starts, and includes a temperature change amount corresponding to the predetermined interval being smaller than a predetermined value.

5. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, When the start condition of the second defrosting operation is detected, the cooling fan is rotated at the first speed and the heat dissipation fan is rotated at the second speed, A refrigerator that rotates the cooling fan at a third speed faster than the first speed and rotates the heat dissipation fan at a fourth speed faster than the second speed based on the fact that the end condition of the defrosting process is not detected until a predetermined time has elapsed after the second defrosting operation has started.

6. In paragraph 1, The termination conditions of the above-mentioned administrative procedure are: A refrigerator including a temperature sensor that has reached a predetermined image temperature.

7. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A refrigerator that starts cooling operation when the above-mentioned freezing process is completed and turns on the thermoelectric element during the cooling operation.

8. In paragraph 7, The above control unit, A refrigerator that turns on the cooling fan and the heat dissipation fan together when turning on the thermoelectric element.

9. In paragraph 7, The defrosting conditions of the above cooling sink are: A refrigerator including a temperature measured by the temperature sensor during the cooling operation that falls below a predetermined temperature.

10. In paragraph 1, further comprising an evaporator; The defrosting conditions of the above cooling sink are: A refrigerator comprising: the defrosting cycle of the above evaporator being completed; 11. A method for controlling a refrigerator comprising a thermoelectric element having a heating part and a cooling part, a heat sink in contact with the heating part, a cooling sink in contact with the cooling part, a cooling fan blowing air toward the cooling sink, a heat sink blowing air toward the heat sink, and a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the cooling sink. In response to the defrosting condition of the above cooling sink being satisfied, a defrosting process is started, and when the defrosting process is started, a first defrosting operation is started by turning off the thermoelectric element, the cooling fan, and the heat dissipation fan; If the end condition of the defrosting operation is detected while the start condition of the second defrosting operation is not detected by the temperature sensor during the execution of the first defrosting operation, the defrosting operation is terminated; When the start condition of the second defrosting operation is detected by the temperature sensor during the execution of the first defrosting operation, the second defrosting operation is started by turning on the cooling fan and the heat dissipation fan while the thermoelectric element is turned off; A control method for a refrigerator, comprising: terminating the defrosting operation when the condition for terminating the defrosting operation is detected by the temperature sensor during the execution of the second defrosting operation.

12. In paragraph 11, The starting conditions for the above second operation are: A control method for a refrigerator, including a change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor for a predetermined period of time after the above-mentioned defrosting process begins, being less than a predetermined value.

13. In paragraph 11, The starting conditions for the above second operation are: A control method for a refrigerator, including a temperature measured by the temperature sensor being lower than a predetermined value after a predetermined time has elapsed since the above-mentioned defrosting process has started.

14. In paragraph 11, The starting conditions for the above second operation are: A control method for a refrigerator, comprising calculating the amount of change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor at predetermined intervals after the above-mentioned defrosting process begins, and including the amount of change in temperature corresponding to the predetermined interval being less than a predetermined value.

15. In paragraph 11, Performing the above second operation is as follows: When the start condition of the second defrosting operation is detected, the cooling fan is rotated at a first speed and the heat dissipation fan is rotated at a second speed; A control method for a refrigerator, comprising: rotating the cooling fan at a third speed faster than the first speed and rotating the heat dissipation fan at a fourth speed faster than the second speed, based on the fact that the end condition of the defrosting process is not detected until a predetermined time has elapsed after the second defrosting operation has started;

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