Refrigerator and method for controlling refrigerator

Abstract

The refrigerator according to the present disclosure comprises: a compressor; a thermoelectric cooling device comprising a thermoelectric element having a heating unit and a cooling unit, a heat dissipation sink contacting the heating unit, a cooling sink contacting the cooling unit, a heat dissipation fan for blowing air toward the heat dissipation sink, and a cooling fan for blowing air toward the cooling sink; and a processor for turning on the heat dissipation fan and the cooling fan on the basis of detecting the thermoelectric element's turn-on condition, and turning off at least one of the cooling fan and the heat dissipation fan, which have been turned on, or adjusting the RPM thereof on the basis of detecting a preset condition to operate the cooling fan or the heat dissipation fan in a state in which the cooling fan or the heat dissipation fan is turned on. The condition to operate the cooling fan or the heat dissipation fan may include at least one of a condition to turn off the thermoelectric element, a condition to turn off the heat dissipation fan, and a condition to turn off the cooling fan.

Description

Refrigerator and refrigerator control method

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

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

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

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

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator including a thermoelectric cooling device using a thermoelectric element and a method for controlling the same.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator and a control method thereof in which the cooling efficiency of a storage room is increased through a thermoelectric cooling device.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator and a control method thereof capable of reducing noise by turning on / off at least one of a heat dissipation fan and a cooling fan included in a thermoelectric cooling device under preset conditions or by lowering the rotation speed.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator comprises: a compressor; a thermoelectric cooling device including 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 heat sink blowing air toward the heat sink, and a cooling fan blowing air toward the cooling sink; and a processor that turns on the cooling fan and the heat sink based on detection of an on condition of the thermoelectric element, and turns off at least one of the turned-on cooling fan or the heat sink or adjusts RPM based on detection of a preset operating condition of the heat sink or the cooling fan in a state where the cooling fan and the heat sink are turned on, wherein the operating condition of the heat sink or the cooling fan may include at least one of an off condition of the thermoelectric element, an off condition of the heat sink, or an off condition of the cooling fan.

[0009] A control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a thermoelectric cooling device including a compressor and 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, and a heat sink blowing air toward the heat sink, wherein the method comprises turning on the cooling fan and the heat sink based on detection of an on condition of the thermoelectric element, and turning off at least one of the cooling fan or the heat sink or adjusting RPM based on detection of an operating condition of the heat sink or the cooling fan, wherein the operating condition of the cooling fan or the heat sink is:

[0010] It may include at least one of an off condition of the thermoelectric element, an off condition of the heat dissipation fan, or an off condition of the cooling fan.

[0011] A refrigerator and a control method thereof according to one embodiment can increase the cooling efficiency of a storage compartment by using a thermoelectric cooling device.

[0012] A refrigerator and a control method thereof according to one embodiment can reduce noise by controlling at least one of a heat dissipation fan and a cooling fan included in a thermoelectric cooling device under preset conditions.

[0013] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the doors of a refrigerator in an open state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] 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.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of Figure 2.

[0019] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a heat dissipation fan and a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a control block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of noise changes according to the operation of a compressor, a thermoelectric element, a heat dissipation fan, and a cooling fan according to an example of a control method of the refrigerator of FIG. 8.

[0023] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustrate another example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of noise changes according to the operation of a compressor, a thermoelectric element, a heat dissipation fan, and a cooling fan according to another example of the control method of the refrigerator of FIGS. 10 and 11.

[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] According to 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] A thermoelectric element (530) includes a heating element (531) and a cooling element (532). When current is applied to the thermoelectric element (530), a heating action may occur in the heating element (531) and a heat absorption action may occur in the cooling element (532). The thermoelectric element (530) may have a thin hexahedral shape. A heating element (531) may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric element (530) and a cooling element (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 “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) can 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 further include an evaporator temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the evaporator (3).

[0107] The evaporator temperature sensor 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 evaporator temperature sensor 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 arranged 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 arranged on the upper side of the module plate opening (551). The reason why the thermoelectric element (530) is arranged 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 heating unit (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) to prevent a side of the thermoelectric element (530) from contacting 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 control 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 third temperature sensor (113), a humidity sensor (114), a compressor (2), a thermoelectric cooling device (400), and / or a control unit (350). At this time, the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric element (530), a heat dissipation fan (600), and / or a cooling fan (800).

[0140] The first temperature sensor (111) can measure the temperature of the heat sink (520). Measuring the temperature of the heat sink (520) may include measuring the temperature of the air surrounding the heat sink (520) (i.e., the air inside the heat sink duct (700)) or measuring the temperature of the heat sink (520) itself. The first temperature sensor (111) may be provided in the heat sink (520) or the heat sink duct (700).

[0141] Additionally, measuring the temperature of the heat sink (520) may include measuring the temperature of the air heated as the heat sink (520) is rapidly dissipated by the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0142] The first temperature sensor (111) can transmit information about the temperature of the heat sink (520) to the processor (351). In other words, the first temperature sensor (111) can transmit information about the temperature of air radiated by the heat dissipation fan (600) to the processor (351).

[0143] 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) (i.e., the air inside the cooling duct (900)) or measuring the temperature of the cooling sink (570) itself. The second temperature sensor (112) may be provided in the cooling sink (570) or the cooling duct (900).

[0144] Additionally, measuring the temperature of the cooling sink (570) may include measuring the temperature of air cooled by the cooling fan (800).

[0145] The second temperature sensor (112) can transmit information about the temperature of the cooling sink (570) to the processor (351). In other words, the second temperature sensor (112) can transmit information about the temperature of the air cooled by the cooling fan (800) to the processor (351).

[0146] In addition to the sensors illustrated, the refrigerator (1) may include various sensors. For example, it may include a third temperature sensor (113) for measuring the temperature inside the storage compartment (11) (i.e., inside the refrigerator). The third temperature sensor (113) may transmit information about the temperature inside the storage compartment (11) to the processor (351).

[0147] An external temperature sensor for measuring the temperature outside the main body (100) may be further included. The external temperature sensor can transmit information about the temperature of the external air of the storage room (11) to the processor (351).

[0148] The humidity sensor (114) may include an internal humidity sensor for measuring humidity in the storage room (11) and / or an external humidity sensor for measuring humidity outside the main body (100). The humidity sensor (114) may transmit information about humidity in the storage room (11) and / or humidity outside the main body (100) to the processor (351).

[0149] 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)).

[0150] 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.

[0151] Controlling the compressor (2) may include controlling the on / off of the compressor (2) or controlling the operating frequency of the compressor (2).

[0152] 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).

[0153] 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).

[0154] 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 supplies power to the thermoelectric element (530).

[0155] 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).

[0156] 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).

[0157] When the thermoelectric element (530) is turned on, the heat sink (520) can come into contact with 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).

[0158] 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).

[0159] 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).

[0160] 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).

[0161] Specifically, the control unit (350) can turn on the heat dissipation fan (600). Turning on the heat dissipation fan (600) may include turning on the fan motor of the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0162] Additionally, the control unit (350) can control the operation of the heat dissipation fan (600). Controlling the operation of the heat dissipation fan (600) may include increasing / decreasing the fan motor RPM of the cooling fan (800) and turning off the heat dissipation fan (600). Turning off the heat dissipation fan (600) may include stopping the fan motor of the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0163] The fan motor of the heat dissipation fan (600) may include a BLDC motor whose speed can be controlled.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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).

[0166] 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).

[0167] Specifically, the control unit (350) can turn on the cooling fan (800). Turning on the cooling fan (800) may include turning on the fan motor of the cooling fan (800).

[0168] Additionally, the control unit (350) can control the operation of the cooling fan (800). Controlling the operation of the cooling fan (800) may include increasing / decreasing the fan motor RPM of the cooling fan (800) and turning off the cooling fan (800). Turning off the cooling fan (800) may include stopping the fan motor of the cooling fan (800).

[0169] The fan motor of the cooling fan (800) may include a BLDC motor whose speed can be controlled.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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).

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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), third temperature sensor (113), humidity sensor (114), 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.

[0174] 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).

[0175] 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).

[0176] The processor (351) can perform cooling operation in various ways.

[0177] The processor (351) 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).

[0178] The processor (351) 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).

[0179] The processor (351) can perform cooling operation by turning on the compressor (2) and turning on the thermoelectric element (530) to supply cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400) and cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device together to the storage room (11).

[0180] The processor (351) can control the operation of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) according to various conditions. The thermoelectric element (530) can be turned on or off based on various operating conditions.

[0181] For example, the processor (351) may turn on or off the thermoelectric element (530) based on the temperature inside the storage compartment (11) detected by the third temperature sensor (113). In another example, the processor (351) may turn on or off the thermoelectric element (530) based on the temperature of cooled air generated from the evaporator (3) detected by the evaporator temperature sensor.

[0182] In the present disclosure, the operating condition for turning on the thermoelectric element (530) is referred to as 'the turning on condition of the thermoelectric element (530) (e.g., the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor (113) is higher than the preset temperature)', and the operating condition for turning off the thermoelectric element (530) is referred to as 'the turning off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) (e.g., the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor (113) is lower than the preset temperature)'.

[0183] The processor (351) can control at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) in response to the operating state of the thermoelectric element (530). The processor (351) can control at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of the on condition or off condition of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0184] For example, the processor (351) can turn on or off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of an on condition or an off condition of the thermoelectric device (530). The processor (351) can turn on at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of an on condition of the thermoelectric device (530). The processor (351) can turn off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of an off condition of the thermoelectric device (530). In addition, the processor (351) can adjust the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of an off condition of the thermoelectric device (530). In this case, adjusting the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) may include decreasing or increasing the RPM.

[0185] The processor (351) can control the operation of the compressor (2) according to various conditions. The compressor (2) can be turned on or off based on various operating conditions.

[0186] For example, the processor (351) may turn the compressor (2) on or off based on the temperature inside the storage compartment (11) detected by the third temperature sensor (113).

[0187] In the present disclosure, the operating condition for turning on the compressor (2) is referred to as an 'on condition of the compressor (2) (for example, the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor (113) is equal to or higher than a preset temperature)', and the operating condition for turning off the compressor (2) is referred to as an 'off condition of the compressor (2) (for example, the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor (113) is equal to or lower than a preset temperature)'.

[0188] The processor (351) can control the operation of each of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) in response to the operating state of the compressor (2). The processor (351) can control at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of an on condition or an off condition of the compressor (2).

[0189] For example, the processor (351) may turn on or off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of an on condition or an off condition of the compressor (2). Specifically, the processor (351) may turn off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of an off condition of the thermoelectric device (530). In addition, the processor (351) may adjust the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of an off condition of the thermoelectric device (530). At this time, adjusting the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) may include decreasing or increasing the RPM.

[0190] That is, the processor (351) can turn off each of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) or reduce the rotation speed of each of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) while the operation of the compressor (2) is stopped.

[0191] Accordingly, the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can significantly reduce noise by turning off each of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) or reducing the rotation speed of each of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) while the operation of the compressor (2) is stopped.

[0192] In one embodiment, the processor (351) can control the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the detection of a preset condition.

[0193] In one embodiment, the processor (351) may turn on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the detection of the on condition of the thermoelectric element (530). Turning on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the detection of the on condition of the thermoelectric element (530) may include turning on 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 turning on the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) simultaneously when the thermoelectric element (530) is turned on.

[0194] In one embodiment, the processor (351) may control the operation of the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the detection of a preset operating condition. The preset operating condition may include at least one of an off condition of the thermoelectric element (530), an off condition of the cooling fan (800), an off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600), or an off condition of the compressor (2).

[0195] Controlling the operation of at least one of the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600) may include turning off at least one of the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600), or reducing the RPM of at least one of the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0196] For example, turning off at least one of the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600) may include turning off at least one of the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600) after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after a pre-set operating condition is detected and / or turning off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) simultaneously when the pre-set operating condition is detected.

[0197] Additionally, reducing the RPM of at least one of the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600) may include reducing the RPM of at least one of the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600) after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after a pre-set operating condition is detected and / or reducing the RPM of at least one of the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) at the same time as the pre-set operating condition is detected.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the thermoelectric element (530) includes a Peltier element. In the present disclosure, the thermoelectric element heat dissipation fan may correspond to a heat dissipation fan (600), and the thermoelectric element cooling fan may correspond to a cooling fan (800).

[0199] Specifically, the processor (351) can be turned on or off based on various preset thermoelectric element (530) on conditions or thermoelectric element (530) off conditions.

[0200] For example, if the processor (351) determines that the temperature inside the storage compartment (11) measured by the third temperature sensor (113) exceeds a preset reference temperature and sufficient cooling operation is not performed by driving the compressor (2) alone, the processor (351) may turn on the thermoelectric element (530). That is, the on condition of the thermoelectric element (530) may include that the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor (113) exceeds a preset reference temperature.

[0201] For example, if the processor (351) determines that sufficient cooling operation has been performed because the temperature of the air inside the storage room (11) measured by the third temperature sensor (113) is lower than a preset reference temperature, the processor (351) may turn off the thermoelectric element (530). That is, the condition for turning off the thermoelectric element (530) may include that the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor (113) becomes lower than a preset reference temperature.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the processor (351) can control at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of an on condition or an off condition of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0203] According to one embodiment, the processor (351) can turn on at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) when an on condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is detected.

[0204] In addition, the processor (351) can control the operation of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) according to the preset operating conditions of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) when the on condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is detected and the on state of the thermoelectric element (530) is maintained, and at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) is turned on. At this time, controlling the operation of the heat dissipation fan or the cooling fan (800) can include turning off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) or adjusting the RPM.

[0205] For example, the processor (351) may adjust the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of an on condition of the thermoelectric element (530) and the initiation of a preset operation mode of the thermoelectric cooling device (400). In other words, the preset operation condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) may include the initiation of a preset operation mode of the thermoelectric cooling device (400).

[0206] The preset operation mode of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a forced start mode or a thermoelectric protection mode. For example, the processor (351) may initiate a thermoelectric protection mode when the temperature of the heat sink (520) measured by the first temperature sensor (111) is equal to or higher than a reference temperature (e.g., 60 degrees). Accordingly, the processor (351) may increase the RPM of the heat dissipation fan (600) to the maximum and decrease the RPM of the cooling fan (600) based on the initiation of the thermoelectric protection mode.

[0207] In addition, the processor (351) can control the operation of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (111), the second temperature sensor (112), the third temperature sensor (113), or the outside temperature sensor, and the humidity itself measured by the humidity sensor (114). At this time, controlling the operation of the heat dissipation fan or the cooling fan (800) may include turning off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) or adjusting the RPM.

[0208] In other words, the preset operating conditions of the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) may include a relationship between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (111), the second temperature sensor (112), the third temperature sensor (113) or the outside temperature sensor and a reference temperature, or a relationship between the humidity measured by the humidity sensor (114) and a preset reference humidity.

[0209] For example, when the temperature of the air inside the storage compartment (11, 12) measured by the first temperature sensor (111) increases by a reference temperature (e.g., 4°C) or more from the temperature at the time the refrigerator (1) is turned on after the on condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is detected, the processor (351) can increase the RPM of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) to the maximum.

[0210] In addition, the processor (351) can control the operation of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the operating status or operating conditions of components of the refrigerator (1) other than the thermoelectric cooling device (400). At this time, controlling the operation of the heat dissipation fan or the cooling fan (800) may include turning off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) or adjusting the RPM. The operating conditions of components of the refrigerator (1) other than the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include on conditions or off conditions of components of the refrigerator (1) other than the thermoelectric cooling device (400).

[0211] In other words, the operating conditions of the preset heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) may include the on or off conditions, or operating states, of other components of the refrigerator (1) other than the thermoelectric cooling device (400).

[0212] For example, the processor (351) can reduce the RPM of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of the on condition of the thermoelectric element (530) and the detection of the off condition of the compressor (2).

[0213] In addition, according to various embodiments, the processor (351) may combine multiple conditions among the preset operating conditions of the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) described above and control the operation of the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) based on the combined operating conditions.

[0214] According to one embodiment, the processor (351) may turn off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) upon detecting an off condition of the thermoelectric element (530). In other words, the operating condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) may include an off condition of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0215] Accordingly, the processor (351) can turn the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) on / off only based on whether the on condition or off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is met, thereby allowing the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) to operate only when the thermoelectric element (530) is on. Accordingly, noise that may occur when the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) is always operated regardless of the operation of the thermoelectric element (531) can be reduced.

[0216] In addition, when the processor (351) detects an off condition of the thermoelectric element (530), even if the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off, the processor (351) may not immediately turn off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800), but may control the operation of the heat dissipation fan or the cooling fan (800) according to the detection of the off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) and other preset operating conditions of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) while at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) is turned on. In this case, controlling the operation of the heat dissipation fan or the cooling fan (800) may include turning off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) or adjusting the RPM. That is, even if the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off, it may include turning off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) or adjusting the RPM only when the preset operating condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) is detected.

[0217] For example, the processor (351) may adjust the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of a thermoelectric element (530) off condition and initiation of a preset operation mode of the thermoelectric cooling device (400). In other words, the preset operation condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) may include initiation of a preset operation mode of the thermoelectric cooling device (400).

[0218] The preset operation mode of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric element defrosting operation mode. For example, the processor (351) may initiate the defrosting operation mode when the humidity of the air measured by the humidity sensor is equal to or higher than the reference humidity, or when the difference between the temperature inside the storage room (11) measured by the third temperature sensor (113) and the temperature of the outside air measured by the external temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the reference temperature. Accordingly, the processor (351) may decrease the RPM of the heat dissipation fan (600) and increase the RPM of the cooling fan (800) based on the initiation of the thermoelectric element defrosting operation mode. Accordingly, by controlling the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) instead of immediately turning off the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) based on the detection of the off condition of the thermoelectric element (530), the life of the thermoelectric element (530) can be extended while noise caused by the operation of the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) can be reduced so that the defrosting operation can be smoothly performed.

[0219] In addition, the processor (351) can control the operation of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (111), the second temperature sensor (112), the third temperature sensor (113), or the outside temperature sensor, and the humidity itself measured by the humidity sensor (114). At this time, controlling the operation of the heat dissipation fan or the cooling fan (800) may include turning off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) or adjusting the RPM.

[0220] In other words, the preset operating conditions of the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) may include a relationship between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (111), the second temperature sensor (112), the third temperature sensor (113) or the outside temperature sensor and a reference temperature, or a relationship between the humidity measured by the humidity sensor (114) and a preset reference humidity.

[0221] For example, the processor (351) can reduce the RPM of the heat dissipation fan (600) when the humidity of the outside air detected by the humidity sensor (114) is higher than the reference humidity (e.g., 77%) after the off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is detected. Accordingly, the noise caused by the operation of the heat dissipation fan (600) can be reduced while preventing the inflow of air containing high humidity from the outside.

[0222] In addition, the processor (351) may determine an RPM change amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on at least one of the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (111) and the first reference temperature or the difference between the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) and the second reference temperature. The processor (351) may determine an RPM change amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan or the cooling fan based on the difference between the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor (113) and the third reference temperature.

[0223] Additionally, the processor (351) can determine the RPM change amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the humidity measured by the humidity sensor (114).

[0224] At this time, the RPM change amount may include an RPM increase amount or an RPM decrease amount.

[0225] In addition, the processor (351) can control the operation of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the operating status or operating conditions of components of the refrigerator (1) other than the thermoelectric cooling device (400). At this time, controlling the operation of the heat dissipation fan or the cooling fan (800) may include turning off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) or adjusting the RPM. The operating conditions of components of the refrigerator (1) other than the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include on conditions or off conditions of components of the refrigerator (1) other than the thermoelectric cooling device (400).

[0226] According to various embodiments, the refrigerator (1) may include an ion sterilization device that generates superplasmonic ions (SPI), which decomposes moisture in the air to generate a large amount of active hydrogen and oxygen ions, thereby removing viruses and allergens in the air. The processor (351) may control the operation of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the operating conditions of the thermoelectric element (530) ion sterilization device.

[0227] For example, the processor (351) may turn on the ion sterilizer based on the fact that 32 hours have passed since no door opening / closing event occurred and the compressor (2) has been on for 10 minutes (i.e., the on condition of the ion sterilizer), and may reduce the RPM of the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of the off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) and the detection of the on condition of the ion sterilizer. In other words, the preset operating condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) may include the on condition or the off condition of the ion sterilizer.

[0228] In addition, according to various embodiments, the processor (351) may combine multiple conditions among the preset operating conditions of the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) described above and control the operation of the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) based on the combined operating conditions.

[0229] Fig. 8 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment. Referring to Fig. 8, the thermoelectric element (530) may include a Peltier.

[0230] Referring to FIG. 8, the processor (351) can determine whether the thermoelectric element (530) on condition is detected (1001). At this time, the thermoelectric element (530) on condition is a condition for applying current to the thermoelectric element (530) and can be set or changed by the manufacturer or user. For example, if the processor (351) determines that the internal temperature of the storage compartment (11) measured by the third temperature sensor (113) exceeds a preset reference temperature and sufficient cooling operation is not performed only by driving the compressor (2), the processor can turn on the thermoelectric element (530). That is, the on condition of the thermoelectric element (530) can include that the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor (113) exceeds a preset reference temperature.

[0231] The processor (351) can turn on at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of the on condition of the thermoelectric element (530) (example of 1001) (1002). In this case, when both the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are turned on, the processor (351) can turn on the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) simultaneously or alternately.

[0232] By turning on the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) by the processor (351), air flow is generated around the thermoelectric element (530), and as the thermoelectric element (530) performs cooling operation, cold air can be supplied into the storage room (11) and heat can be released to the outside of the refrigerator (1).

[0233] The processor (351) can determine whether a condition for turning off the thermoelectric element (530) is detected while the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are turned on (1003).

[0234] At this time, the off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is a condition for no longer applying current to the thermoelectric element (530), and can be set or changed by the manufacturer or user. For example, if the processor (351) determines that sufficient cooling operation has been performed because the temperature of the air inside the storage room (11) measured by the third temperature sensor (113) is lower than a preset reference temperature, the processor (351) can turn off the thermoelectric element (530). That is, the off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) may include that the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor (113) is lower than a preset reference temperature.

[0235] The processor (351) can turn off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of the on condition of the thermoelectric element (530) (example of 1003) (1004). In this case, when both the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are turned off, the processor (351) can turn off the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) simultaneously or sequentially.

[0236] The processor (351) can turn off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) when an off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is detected, thereby allowing the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) to operate only when the thermoelectric element (530) is turned on. Accordingly, when the thermoelectric element (530) is turned on, the efficiency of the cooling operation is increased by inducing air flow, and when the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off, the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) is stopped, thereby reducing noise caused by the operation of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800).

[0237] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of noise changes according to the operation of a compressor (2), a thermoelectric element (530), a heat dissipation fan (600), and a cooling fan (800) according to an example of a control method of a refrigerator (1) of FIG. 8.

[0238] Referring to FIG. 9, in the graph of noise change over time (H), the solid line graph shows the noise change (N1) in a state where the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are controlled according to the control method of FIG. 9 within the cooling cycle, and the dotted line graph shows the noise change (N2) in an operating scenario where the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are turned on throughout the cooling cycle for comparison.

[0239] According to FIG. 9, it can be seen that the noise generated by the refrigerator (1) is relatively loud during the sections (S13, S14) in which the compressor (2) is on, and the noise generated by the refrigerator (1) is relatively quietest during the sections (S11, S12 S15) in which the compressor (2) is off. In other words, the element that has the greatest influence on the noise of the refrigerator (1) may be the compressor (2). However, since the compressor (2) is a key component in the refrigerator (1) performing cooling operation, turning off the compressor (2) to reduce noise may lower the refrigeration / freezing efficiency of the refrigerator (1).

[0240] By comparing the noise change (N1) in a state where the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are controlled according to the control method of FIG. 9 within the cooling cycle and the noise change (N2) in an operation scenario where the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are turned on throughout the cooling cycle, it can be confirmed that the noise generated from the refrigerator (1) is reduced by turning off the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) in the sections (S11, S14, S15) where the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off.

[0241] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate another example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Referring to Figure 11, the thermoelectric element (530) may include a Peltier.

[0242] Referring to FIG. 11, the processor (351) can determine whether the on condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is detected (1101). Step 1101 may correspond to step 1001 described above in FIG. 9. The processor (351) may turn on the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of the on condition of the thermoelectric element (530) (example of 1101) (1102). Step 1102 may correspond to step 1002 described above in FIG. 9. That is, when both the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are turned on, the processor (351) may turn on the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) simultaneously or sequentially.

[0243] By turning on the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) by the processor (351), air flow is generated around the thermoelectric element (530), and as the thermoelectric element (530) performs cooling operation, cold air can be supplied into the storage room (11) and heat can be released to the outside of the refrigerator (1).

[0244] The processor (351) can determine whether a condition for turning off the thermoelectric element (530) is detected while the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are turned on (1103). Step 1103 may correspond to step 1003 described above in FIG. 9.

[0245] The processor (351) can determine whether an off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) is detected (1104) based on the detection of an on condition of the thermoelectric element (530) (example of 1103). That is, the processor (351) can determine whether an off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) is detected among the off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) and other preset operating conditions of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) without immediately turning off at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of an on condition of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0246] For example, the off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) may include that the temperature of the heat dissipation sink (520) measured by the first temperature sensor (111) is lower than or equal to a preset first reference temperature.

[0247] When an off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) is detected (example of 1103), the processor (351) can turn off the heat dissipation fan (600). For example, when the temperature of the heat dissipation sink (520) measured by the first temperature sensor (111) is determined to be lower than or equal to a preset first reference temperature, the processor (351) can determine that heat dissipation of the heat dissipation sink (520) has been sufficiently performed and turn off the heat dissipation fan (600). Accordingly, when an off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is detected and the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off, the heat dissipation fan (600) is not immediately turned off, but is turned off after heat dissipation of the heat sink (520) has been sufficiently performed, thereby preventing overheating of the thermoelectric element (530) and extending its lifespan.

[0248] If the off condition of the heat sink fan (600) is not detected (No of 1103), the processor (351) can determine whether the off condition of the cooling fan (800) is detected (1105).

[0249] For example, an off condition of the cooling fan (800) may include that the temperature of the cooling sink (570) measured by the second temperature sensor (112) is equal to or higher than a preset second reference temperature.

[0250] At this time, determining the off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) before the off condition of the cooling fan (800) may be to optimize the humidity control and air flow of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) by turning off the heat dissipation fan (600) before the cooling fan (800). However, this is only one example of various control methods of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800), and according to various embodiments, the off condition of the cooling fan (800) may be determined before the off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0251] The processor (351) can turn off the cooling fan (800) when an off condition of the cooling fan (800) is detected (example of 1105). For example, when the processor (351) determines that the temperature of the cooling sink (570) measured by the second temperature sensor (112) is equal to or higher than a preset second reference temperature, the processor (351) can determine that cold air has been supplied from the cooling sink (570) to the storage room (11). Accordingly, when the off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is detected and the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off, the cooling fan (800) is not turned off immediately, but after the supply of cold air from the cooling sink (570) is sufficiently performed, thereby increasing the efficiency of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0252] The processor (351) can determine whether an off condition of the compressor (2) is detected (1106) when only the heat dissipation fan (600) is turned off while the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are turned on, when only the cooling fan (800) is turned off while the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are turned on, or when neither of the heat dissipation fans (600) and the cooling fan (800) is turned off while the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are turned on.

[0253] In other words, the processor (351) can determine whether an off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) and an off condition of the compressor (2) are detected among the preset operating conditions of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) while at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) is turned on.

[0254] For example, the off condition of the compressor (2) may include that the temperature inside the storage chamber (11) measured by the third temperature sensor (113) is equal to or higher than the third reference temperature.

[0255] The processor (351) can reduce the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) when an off condition of the compressor (2) is detected (1109).

[0256] At this time, the processor (351) can determine the RPM reduction amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (111), the second temperature sensor (112), and the third temperature sensor (113) or the humidity measured by the humidity sensor (114).

[0257] The processor (351) can determine the RPM reduction amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on at least one of the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (111) and the first reference temperature or the difference between the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) and the second reference temperature.

[0258] For example, the fact that the heat dissipation fan (600) remains on may mean that the temperature of the heat dissipation sink (520) measured by the first temperature sensor (111) in step 1104 exceeds the first reference temperature. At this time, the processor (351) may determine that the RPM reduction amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) is small based on the fact that the value obtained by subtracting the first reference temperature from the temperature of the heat dissipation sink (520) measured by the first temperature sensor (111) is relatively large (i.e., heat dissipation of the heat dissipation sink (520) is not sufficiently performed).

[0259] As another example, the fact that the cooling fan (800) remains on may mean that the temperature of the cooling sink (570) measured by the second temperature sensor (112) in step 1106 is lower than the second reference temperature. At this time, the processor (351) may determine that the RPM reduction amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) is small based on the fact that the value obtained by subtracting the temperature of the cooling sink (570) measured by the second temperature sensor (112) from the second reference temperature is relatively large (i.e., heat dissipation of the cooling sink (570) is not sufficiently performed).

[0260] The processor (351) can determine the RPM reduction amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the difference between the internal temperature of the storage compartment (11) measured by the third temperature sensor (113) and the third reference temperature. At this time, the third reference temperature may be a value that is preset and stored in the memory (352).

[0261] For example, the processor (351) may determine that the RPM reduction amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) is small based on the fact that the value obtained by subtracting the reference temperature from the internal temperature of the storage compartment (11) measured by the third temperature sensor (113) is relatively large (i.e., the internal temperature of the storage compartment (11) has increased).

[0262] The processor (351) can determine whether an off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) is detected after reducing the RPM of the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) (1110).

[0263] The processor (351) can turn off the cooling fan (600) when an off condition of the cooling fan (600) is detected (example of 1110) (1111). At this time, the cooling fan (800) can still remain on.

[0264] Afterwards, the processor (351) can determine whether an off condition of the cooling fan (800) is detected (1112).

[0265] The processor (351) can turn off the cooling fan (800) when an off condition of the cooling fan (800) is detected (example of 1112) (1111). At this time, both the heat dissipation fan (800) and the cooling fan (800) may be in an off state.

[0266] At this time, determining the off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) before the off condition of the cooling fan (800) may be to optimize the humidity control and air flow of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) by turning off the heat dissipation fan (600) before the cooling fan (800). However, this is only one example of various control methods of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800), and according to various embodiments, the off condition of the cooling fan (800) may be determined before the off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0267] That is, according to the control method of FIGS. 10 and 11, rather than immediately turning off the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of the off condition of the thermoelectric element (530), the RPM of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) is adjusted to maintain the flow of air within the thermoelectric cooling device (400), thereby extending the life of the thermoelectric element (530), and reducing noise caused by the operation of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800).

[0268] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of noise changes according to the operation of a compressor (2), a thermoelectric element (530), a heat dissipation fan (600) and a cooling fan (800) according to another example of a control method of a refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0269] Referring to Fig. 11, in the graph of noise change over time (H), the solid line graph shows the noise change (N'1) in a state where the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are controlled according to the refrigerator (1) control method of Figs. 10 and 11 within the cooling cycle, and the dotted line graph shows the noise change (N2) in an operating scenario where the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are turned on throughout the cooling cycle for comparison.

[0270] According to the refrigerator (1) control method described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 within the cooling cycle, it can be confirmed that the noise generated from the refrigerator (1) is reduced by reducing the RPM or turning off the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) in the operating scenario in which the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are turned on throughout the cooling cycle, compared to the noise change (N′1) in the state in which the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are controlled.

[0271] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment comprises: a compressor (2); a thermoelectric cooling device (400) including 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 heat dissipation fan (600) for blowing air toward the heat dissipation sink (520), and a cooling fan (800) for blowing air toward the cooling sink (570); And a processor (351) that turns on the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of the on condition of the thermoelectric element (530), and turns off at least one of the turned-on cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600) or controls the RPM based on the detection of the preset operating condition of the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600) in a state where the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) are turned on, wherein the operating condition of the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600) may include at least one of the off condition of the thermoelectric element (530), the off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600), or the off condition of the cooling fan (800).

[0272] The processor (351) can turn off at least one of the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the detection of an off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) while the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) are turned on.

[0273] The above processor (351); can turn off the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the detection of an off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) and an off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) while the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) are turned on.

[0274] The above processor (351); can turn off the turned-on cooling fan (800) based on the detection of an off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) and an off condition of the cooling fan (800) while the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) are turned on.

[0275] The operating conditions of the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600) further include an off condition of the compressor (2), and the processor (351); can reduce the RPM of at least one of the turned-on heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of the off condition of the compressor (2) while at least one of the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600) is turned on.

[0276] The refrigerator (1) further includes a first temperature sensor (111) that measures the temperature of the heat sink (520), and the off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) may include that the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (111) is lower than or equal to a first reference temperature.

[0277] The refrigerator (1) further includes a second temperature sensor (112) that measures the temperature of the cooling sink (570), and the off condition of the cooling fan (800) may include that the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) is equal to or higher than a second reference temperature.

[0278] The processor (351) can determine the RPM reduction amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on at least one of the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (111) and the first reference temperature or the difference between the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) and the second reference temperature.

[0279] The above refrigerator (1) has a storage room (11, 12, 13); and

[0280] It further includes a third temperature sensor (113) that measures the temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13), and the processor (351) can determine the RPM reduction amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the difference between the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor (113) and the third reference temperature.

[0281] The refrigerator (1) further includes a humidity sensor (114) that measures humidity outside the refrigerator (1), and the processor (351) can determine an RPM reduction amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the humidity measured by the humidity sensor (114).

[0282] The above processor (351) can turn off the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the detection of an off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) in a reduced RPM state of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800).

[0283] The above processor (351); can further turn off the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of an off condition of the cooling fan (800) while the heat dissipation fan (600) is off.

[0284] In a control method of a refrigerator (1) including a thermoelectric cooling device (400) including a compressor (2) and a thermoelectric element (530) having a heating part (531) and a cooling part (532) according to one embodiment, 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) and a heat sink (600) blowing air toward the heat sink (520), the method comprising: turning on the cooling fan (800) and the heat sink (600) based on the detection of an on condition of the thermoelectric element (530);

[0285] It includes turning off or adjusting the RPM of at least one of the cooling fan (800) or the heat generating fan based on the detection of the operating condition of the cooling fan (600) or the cooling fan (800), and the operating condition of the cooling fan (800) or the heat generating fan (600) is

[0286] It may include at least one of an off condition of the thermoelectric element (530), an off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600), or an off condition of the cooling fan (800).

[0287] Turning off at least one of the cooling fan (800) or the heat generating fan or adjusting the RPM based on the detection of the operating condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) may include determining whether an off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is detected, and turning off at least one of the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the detection of the off condition of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0288] Turning off at least one of the cooling fan (800) or the heating fan or adjusting the RPM based on the detection of the operating condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) may include determining whether the off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) and the off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) are not detected, and turning off the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the detection of the off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) and the off condition of the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0289] Turning off at least one of the cooling fan (800) or the heat generating fan or adjusting the RPM based on the detection of the operating condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) may include determining whether the off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) and the off condition of the cooling fan (800) are not detected, and turning off the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of the off condition of the thermoelectric element (530) and the off condition of the cooling fan (800).

[0290] The operating condition of the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan (600) may further include an off condition of the compressor (2), and turning off at least one of the cooling fan (800) or the heat dissipation fan or adjusting the RPM based on the detection of the operating condition of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) may further include determining whether an off condition of the compressor (2) is detected while at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) is turned on, and reducing the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the detection of the off condition of the compressor (2).

[0291] Determining whether the off condition of the above heat dissipation fan (600) is detected may include determining whether the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (111) measuring the temperature of the heat dissipation sink (520) is below the first threshold temperature.

[0292] Determining whether the off condition of the cooling fan (800) is detected may include determining whether the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) measuring the temperature of the cooling sink (570) is equal to or higher than the second threshold temperature.

[0293] Reducing the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) may be determined by determining the RPM reduction amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) by at least one of the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (111) and the first reference temperature, the difference between the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) and the second reference temperature, or the difference between the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor (113) that measures the temperature inside the storage compartment and the third reference temperature.

[0294] A refrigerator and a control method thereof according to one embodiment can increase the cooling efficiency of a storage compartment by using a thermoelectric cooling device.

[0295] A refrigerator and a control method thereof according to one embodiment can reduce noise by controlling at least one of a heat dissipation fan and a cooling fan included in a thermoelectric cooling device under preset conditions.

[0296] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0297] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage 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.

[0298] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0299] The methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this 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 storage 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 in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0300] 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. Compressor; A thermoelectric cooling device 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 heat dissipation fan blowing air toward the heat sink, and a cooling fan blowing air toward the cooling sink; and A processor that turns on the heat dissipation fan and the cooling fan based on the detection of the on condition of the thermoelectric element, and turns off at least one of the turned-on cooling fan or the heat dissipation fan or controls the RPM based on the detection of the preset operating condition of the cooling fan or the heat dissipation fan in a state where the cooling fan and the heat dissipation fan are turned on; The operating conditions of the above cooling fan or the above heat dissipation fan are: A refrigerator comprising at least one of an off condition of the thermoelectric element, an off condition of the heat dissipation fan, or an off condition of the cooling fan.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor; A refrigerator that turns off at least one of the cooling fan and the heat dissipation fan based on the detection of an off condition of the thermoelectric element while the cooling fan and the heat dissipation fan are on.

3. In paragraph 1, The above processor; A refrigerator that turns off the heat dissipation fan based on detection of an off condition of the thermoelectric element and an off condition of the heat dissipation fan while the cooling fan and the heat dissipation fan are turned on.

4. In paragraph 1, The above processor; A refrigerator that turns off the turned-on cooling fan based on detection of an off condition of the thermoelectric element and an off condition of the cooling fan while the cooling fan and the heat dissipation fan are turned on.

5. In paragraph 3 or 4, The operating conditions of the above cooling fan or the above heat dissipation fan are: Further comprising an off condition of the compressor, The above processor; A refrigerator that reduces the RPM of at least one of the cooling fan or the heat dissipation fan that is turned on based on the detection of an off condition of the compressor while at least one of the cooling fan or the heat dissipation fan is turned on.

6. In paragraph 5, The above refrigerator, Further comprising a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heat sink; The off condition of the above cooling fan is: A refrigerator including a temperature measured by the first temperature sensor that is lower than or equal to a first reference temperature.

7. In paragraph 6, The above refrigerator, further comprising a second temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cooling sink; The off condition of the above cooling fan is: A refrigerator including a temperature measured by the second temperature sensor equal to or higher than the second reference temperature.

8. In paragraph 7, The above processor; A refrigerator that determines an RPM reduction amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan and the cooling fan based on at least one of the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor and the first reference temperature or the difference between the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor and the second reference temperature.

9. In paragraph 7, The above refrigerator, storage room; and Further comprising a third temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the storage room; The above processor; A refrigerator that determines the RPM reduction amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan or the cooling fan based on the difference between the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor and the third reference temperature.

10. In paragraph 7, The above refrigerator, Further comprising a humidity sensor for measuring humidity outside the refrigerator; The above processor; A refrigerator that determines the RPM reduction amount of at least one of the heat dissipation fan or the cooling fan based on the humidity measured by the humidity sensor.

11. In paragraph 5, The above processor; At least one of the above heat dissipation fan or cooling fan has a reduced RPM. A refrigerator that turns off the cooling fan based on the detection of an off condition of the cooling fan.

12. In paragraph 11, The above processor; A refrigerator that further turns off the cooling fan based on the detection of an off condition of the cooling fan while the heat dissipation fan is off.

13. A method for controlling a refrigerator including a thermoelectric cooling device, which includes a compressor and 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, and a heat sink blowing air toward the heat sink, Turning on the cooling fan and the heat dissipation fan based on the detection of the on condition of the thermoelectric element, Including turning off at least one of the cooling fan or the radiating fan or adjusting the RPM based on the detected operating condition of the radiating fan or the cooling fan, The operating conditions of the above cooling fan or the above heat dissipation fan are: A control method for a refrigerator including at least one of an off condition of the thermoelectric element, an off condition of the heat dissipation fan, or an off condition of the cooling fan.

14. In paragraph 13, Turning off or adjusting the RPM of at least one of the cooling fan or the radiating fan based on the detection of the operating condition of the radiating fan or the cooling fan, Determine whether the off condition of the above thermoelectric element is detected, A control method of a refrigerator, comprising turning off at least one of the cooling fan and the heat dissipation fan based on detection of an off condition of the thermoelectric element.

15. In paragraph 13, Turning off or adjusting the RPM of at least one of the cooling fan or the radiating fan based on the detection of the operating condition of the radiating fan or the cooling fan, Determine whether the off condition of the above thermoelectric element and the off condition of the above heat dissipation fan are detected, A control method for a refrigerator, comprising turning off the heat dissipation fan based on detection of an off condition of the thermoelectric element and an off condition of the heat dissipation fan.

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