Refrigerator and method for controlling refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to the present disclosure may comprise: a main body including storage chambers; a first cooling device that includes a thermoelectric element, a heat dissipation fan and a cooling fan, and cools the storage chambers; a second cooling device that includes a compressor and an evaporator fan, and cools the storage chambers; and at least one processor for increasing the operation speed of the compressor and the evaporator fan of the second cooling device on the basis that the first cooling device has broken down.

Description

Refrigerator and refrigerator control method

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

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

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

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

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a control method for the refrigerator, which can appropriately maintain the temperature of the refrigerator by detecting various types of failures of a thermoelectric cooling device and performing control according to the type of failure.

[0006] In addition, a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator are provided that can maintain the temperature of the refrigerator by increasing the operating intensity of the refrigeration cycle device according to a failure of the thermoelectric cooling device.

[0007] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0008] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a main body including a storage compartment; a first cooling device including a thermoelectric element, a heat dissipation fan, and a cooling fan, and configured to cool the storage compartment; a second cooling device including a compressor and an evaporator fan, and configured to cool the storage compartment; and at least one processor that increases the operating speed of the compressor and the evaporator fan of the second cooling device based on a failure of the first cooling device.

[0009] A method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a main body including a storage compartment; a first cooling device including a thermoelectric element, a heat dissipation fan, and a cooling fan, and configured to cool the storage compartment; and a second cooling device including a compressor and an evaporator fan, and configured to cool the storage compartment; the method may include detecting whether the first cooling device is faulty; and increasing the operating speed of the compressor and the evaporator fan of the second cooling device based on the first cooling device being faulty.

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a home appliance communicating with a server and a user terminal.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the doors of a refrigerator in an open state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a drawing of the upper part of a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from below.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of Figure 3.

[0016] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a thermoelectric cooling device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of a thermoelectric cooling device depending on whether there is a failure based on the current detection result according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are diagrams showing the operation of a thermoelectric cooling device depending on whether there is a failure based on a temperature detection result according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the operation of a thermoelectric cooling device based on a fan rotation speed according to one embodiment depending on whether there is a failure.

[0022] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0023] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0024] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] In this disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0026] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0027] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0028] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0029] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a cabinet.

[0033] A "cabinet" may include an inner case, an outer case disposed outside the inner case, and insulation provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0034] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The "outer case" may form the exterior of the cabinet, and may be joined to the exterior of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0035] "Insulation" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment. In one embodiment, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0036] In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation material instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation material described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0037] A "storage room" may include a space defined by an interior wall. The storage room may further include an interior wall defining a corresponding space. The storage room may store various items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room may be configured to be open on at least one side for the entry and exit of items.

[0038] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator has 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 designed to maintain an appropriate temperature range depending on its intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished by their intended use and / or temperature range. A refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and a freezer may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them frozen, and for example, a freezer may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. A variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer, at the user's option or not.

[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 cabinet 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 a cabinet, 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 pressing against the front of the cabinet 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] A "cold air supply device" may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool a storage room.

[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 (450) 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 cabinet to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0052] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to a user without having to open the door.

[0053] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice-making tray.

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

[0055] The "control unit" may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0056] Memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. Memory can store temporary data generated during the generation of control signals for controlling components within the refrigerator. Memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0057] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The processor may generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cooling system based on the temperature information.

[0058] Additionally, the processor may process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and / or data stored / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor may transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0059] The processor and memory may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0060] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components within the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories that individually control the components within the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cooling device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0061] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can then connect to the server via the WAN.

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

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

[0064] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a home appliance communicating with a server and a user terminal.

[0065] The home appliance (1000) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another home appliance, a user device (2000), or a server (3000), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the home appliance (1000), and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the home appliance (1000).

[0066] The home appliance (1000) may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the home appliance (1000) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a refrigerator (1), a dishwasher (1200), an electric range (1300), an electric oven (1400), an air conditioner (1500), a clothes manager (1600), a washing machine (1700), a dryer (1800), and a microwave oven (1900) as illustrated, and may include, for example, various types of home appliances not illustrated in the drawing, such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television. In addition, the home appliances mentioned above are merely examples, and in addition to the home appliances mentioned above, a device that is connected to another home appliance, a user device (2000), or a server (3000) and can perform the operations described below may be included in the home appliance (1000) according to one embodiment.

[0067] The server (3000) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, a home appliance (1000), or a user device (2000), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, a home appliance (1000), or a user device (2000), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. The server (3000) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, or a data station. The server (3000) may be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on function, detailed configuration of function, or data, and may transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0068] The server (3000) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering home appliances (1000) by linking them to user accounts, and managing or controlling the registered home appliances (1000). For example, a user can access the server (3000) via a user device (2000) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (3000) can register home appliances (1000) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3000) can register, manage, and control the home appliance (1000) by linking the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) of the home appliance (1000) to a user account. The user device (2000) can include a communication module capable of communicating with the home appliance (1000) or the server (3000), a user interface that receives user input or outputs information to the user, at least one processor that controls the operation of the user device (2000), and at least one memory that stores a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2000).

[0069] The user device (2000) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2000) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc.

[0070] The memory of the user device (2000) may store a program for controlling the home appliance (1000), i.e., an application. The application may be sold installed on the user device (2000) or downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0071] A user can access a server (3000) by executing an application installed on a user device (2000), create a user account, and communicate with the server (3000) based on the logged-in user account to register a home appliance (1000).

[0072] For example, when the home appliance (1000) is operated so that the home appliance (1000) can be connected to the server (3000) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2000), the home appliance (1000) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the home appliance (1000) in the corresponding user account on the server (3000).

[0073] A user can control a home appliance (1000) using an application installed on a user device (2000). For example, when a user logs into a user account using an application installed on the user device (2000), a home appliance (1000) registered to the user account appears, and when a control command for the home appliance (1000) is input, the control command can be transmitted to the home appliance (1000) via the server (3000).

[0074] A network can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0075] A network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a short-range wireless network that does not use an access point (AP). Short-range wireless networks may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc.

[0076] An access point (AP) can connect a home appliance (1000) or a user device (2000) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3000) is connected. The home appliance (1000) or the user device (2000) can be connected to the server (3000) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0077] The access point (AP) can communicate with a home appliance (1000) or user device (2000) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] According to various embodiments, the home appliance (1000) may be directly connected to a user device (2000) or a server (3000) without going through an access point (AP).

[0079] The home appliance (1000) can be connected to a user device (2000) or a server (3000) via a long-distance wireless network or a short-distance wireless network.

[0080] For example, the home appliance (1000) can be connected to the user device (2000) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0081] As another example, the home appliance (1000) may be connected to a user device (2000) or a server (3000) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0082] As another example, a home appliance (1000) may connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and be connected to a user device (2000) or a server (3000) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0083] If the home appliance (1000) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it can also function as an access relay. Accordingly, the home appliance (1000) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3000) is connected. In addition, other home appliances can connect the home appliance (1000) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3000) is connected.

[0084] The home appliance (1000) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2000), or a server (3000) via a network. For example, the home appliance (1000) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2000), or the server (3000) when a request is received from the server (3000), when a specific event occurs in the home appliance (1000), or periodically or in real time. When the server (3000) receives information about its operation or status from the home appliance (1000), it can update the information about the operation or status of the home appliance (1000) that has been stored therein, and transmit the updated information about the operation and status of the home appliance (1000) to the user device (2000) via a network. Here, updating information can include various operations that change existing information, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information, an operation of replacing existing information with new information, etc.

[0085] The home appliance (1000) can obtain various information from other home appliances, user devices (2000), or servers (3000), and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the home appliance (1000) can obtain information related to the functions of the home appliance (1000) (e.g., cooking methods, washing instructions, etc.) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (3000), and output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0086] The home appliance (1000) can operate according to a control command received from another home appliance, a user device (2000), or a server (3000). For example, if the home appliance (1000) has obtained prior approval from a user to operate according to a control command from the server (3000) even without user input, the home appliance (1000) can operate according to a control command received from the server (3000). Here, the control command received from the server (3000) may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through the user device (2000) or a control command based on preset conditions.

[0087] The user device (2000) can transmit information about the user to the home appliance (1000) or the server (3000) via the communication module. For example, the user device (2000) can transmit information about the user's location, health status, preferences, schedule, etc. to the server (3000). The user device (2000) can transmit information about the user to the server (3000) with the user's prior consent.

[0088] The home appliance (1000), user device (2000), or server (3000) may determine a control command using technology such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3000) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the home appliance (1000) or information regarding the user of the user device (2000), process the information using technology such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the home appliance (1000) or user device (2000) based on the processing result.

[0089] Below, various embodiments of the refrigerator (1) among the above-described home appliances (1000) are specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0090] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is opened. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the upper portion of a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from below. FIG. 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 3.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, 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).

[0092] The main body (100) may include an inner case and an outer case coupled to the outer side of the inner case, and an insulating material (190) provided between the inner case and the outer case (see Fig. 6). The inner case may form a storage chamber (11, 12, 13), and the outer case may form the exterior of the main body (100).

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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, an outer surface, and an insulating material (190). For example, the upper surface of the upper wall (110) may be formed by the outer surface, the lower surface of the upper wall (110) may be formed by the inner surface, and an insulating material (190) may be provided on the inside of the upper wall (110).

[0095] 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.

[0096] The first storage room (11) can be maintained at a first set temperature, the second storage room (12) can be maintained at a second set temperature, and the third storage room (13) can be maintained at a third set temperature.

[0097] The second set temperature may be set lower than the first set temperature and the third set temperature. The second set temperature, the first set temperature, and the third set temperature may be settable by the user.

[0098] 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).

[0099] 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).

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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).

[0103] 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.

[0104] The refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) arranged to cool the storage compartment (11).

[0105] 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).

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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).

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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).

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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).

[0118] 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).

[0119] 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).

[0120] 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).

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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).

[0124] 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).

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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).

[0128] 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).

[0129] Referring to FIG. 5, the refrigerator (1) may include a refrigeration cycle device (450) to cool the storage compartment through a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle device (450) 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).

[0130] According to various embodiments, the evaporator may not be provided at the rear side of the first storage compartment (11). That is, the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include only one evaporator (3), and the evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear side of the second storage compartment (12). In addition, the evaporator (3) may be provided at the lower side based on the horizontal bulkhead (160).

[0131] The refrigerator (1) may include a defrost sensor (111) for measuring the temperature of the evaporator (3).

[0132] The defrost sensor (111) can measure the temperature of the evaporator (3). Measuring the temperature of the evaporator (3) may include measuring the temperature of the air surrounding the evaporator (3) and measuring the temperature of the evaporator (3) itself.

[0133] The defrost sensor (111) may be provided in the evaporator (3) or in the evaporator ducts (60, 70).

[0134] 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).

[0135] 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).

[0136] The internal flow path (78) of the second evaporator duct (70) can guide the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) to the first storage chamber (11).

[0137] The damper (61) can open or close the internal flow path (78).

[0138] When the internal passage (78) is opened by the damper (61), the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) can be guided to the first storage chamber (11).

[0139] When the internal passage (78) is closed by the damper (61), the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) may be blocked by the damper (61) and may not be guided to the first storage chamber (11).

[0140] 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).

[0141] 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).

[0142] In this way, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) and a refrigeration cycle device (450) for cooling a storage compartment. Accordingly, the storage compartment may be cooled using at least one of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) and the refrigeration cycle device (450). For example, the storage compartment may be cooled by supplying only the cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device (450), or the storage compartment may be cooled by supplying only the cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400). In addition, the storage compartment may be cooled by supplying the cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400) together with the cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device (450) to the storage compartment.

[0143] The refrigerator (1) can supply cold air to the storage compartment (11) depending on external and internal conditions. For example, if the outside temperature of the refrigerator (1) is higher or lower than a preset temperature range, cooling by the refrigeration cycle device (450) is more efficient than cooling by the thermoelectric cooling device (400). Therefore, if the outside temperature of the refrigerator (1) is higher or lower than a preset temperature range, the storage compartment (11) can be cooled only by the cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device (450).

[0144] When the outside temperature of the refrigerator (1) is within a preset temperature range and the storage compartment (11) is overloaded or the storage compartment (11) needs to be rapidly cooled, the cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device (450) and the cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400) can be simultaneously supplied to the storage compartment (11) to quickly cool the storage compartment (11).

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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).

[0147] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a thermoelectric cooling device according to one embodiment.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 7, the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric module (500).

[0149] 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).

[0150] 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).

[0151] The module plate (550) may include a heat sink support (552) that supports a heat sink (520).

[0152] 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).

[0153] 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).

[0154] 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).

[0155] 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).

[0156] 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).

[0157] The fan case (650) may be formed integrally with the module plate (550) or may be provided separately.

[0158] The fan case (650) may include a case bottom (660) 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 (660) 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 (660) so that the rotation axis (610) is perpendicular to the case bottom (660). 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.

[0159] 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).

[0160] 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).

[0161] 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).

[0162] Heat dissipation channels may be formed between the plurality of heat dissipation fins (525).

[0163] 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).

[0164] 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).

[0165] Cooling channels may be formed between the plurality of cooling fins (575).

[0166] Air flowing by the cooling fan (800) can pass through the cooling channels and exchange heat with a plurality of cooling fins (575).

[0167] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 8, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include a current sensor (115), a user interface (200), a communication interface (250), a first cooling device (400), a second cooling device (450), and a control unit (350). The control unit (350) may include at least one processor (351) and a memory (352).

[0169] The current sensor (115) can detect the current flowing in the thermoelectric element (530). The current sensor (115) can transmit information about the current flowing in the thermoelectric element (530) to the control unit (350).

[0170] The refrigerator (1) may include a user interface (200).

[0171] The user interface (200) can convert sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal.

[0172] The user interface (200) may include a power button, an operation button, a menu selection button, a freezing / refrigeration setting button, a rapid cooling setting button, etc. For example, it may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0173] The user interface (200) can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the refrigerator (1) to the user. Information related to the operation of the refrigerator can be output through a screen, indicator, voice, etc. For example, it can include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0174] The refrigerator (1) may include a communication interface (250) for communicating with an external device (e.g., a server, a user device) via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0175] The communication interface (250) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0176] The communication interface (250) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, a temperature probe), or receive data from an external device. To this end, the communication interface (250) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication interface (250) can include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network or a wide area network)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0177] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0178] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0179] In one embodiment, the communication interface (250) can communicate with external devices via a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator (1) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator (1) can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0180] The refrigerator (1) can receive various signals (e.g., weather information, remote instructions) from an external device (e.g., server, user device) through a communication interface (250).

[0181] The refrigerator (1) can transmit various signals to an external device through a communication interface (250).

[0182] The refrigerator (1) may include a first cooling device (400) configured to cool the first storage compartment (11). The first cooling device (400) may be the thermoelectric cooling device (400) described above.

[0183] A thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric element (530), a heat dissipation fan (600), and / or a cooling fan (800). In addition, the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may further include a heat absorption sensor (850) that detects the temperature of air absorbed by the thermoelectric element (530) and a heat dissipation sensor (860) that detects the temperature of air emitted by the thermoelectric element (530).

[0184] 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).

[0185] 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 first storage room (11).

[0186] 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).

[0187] Driving 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).

[0188] Driving the thermoelectric element (530) may include PWM controlling the thermoelectric element (530).

[0189] 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). Not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) may include not PWM controlling the thermoelectric element (530).

[0190] In the present disclosure, turning off the thermoelectric element (530) may not include intermittently not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) according to the on / off duty ratio while PWM controlling the thermoelectric element (530). That is, even if power is not intermittently supplied to the thermoelectric element (530) according to the on / off duty ratio while PWM controlling the thermoelectric element (530), there is no change in the fact that the thermoelectric element (530) is being driven.

[0191] When the thermoelectric element (530) is driven, the heat sink (520) can contact the heating element (531) to absorb the heat of the heating element (531) and release the heat to the outside of the main body (100).

[0192] When the thermoelectric element (530) is driven, the cooling sink (570) can cool the first storage room (11) by taking away the heat from the storage room (11) and transferring it to the cooling unit (532).

[0193] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may control the thermoelectric element (530) in the cooling mode to maintain the temperature of the first storage compartment (11) at a set temperature (hereinafter referred to as the “first set temperature”) of the first storage compartment (11). The set temperature of the first storage compartment (11) may be set via the user interface (200) of the refrigerator (1) or may be remotely set from an external device via the communication interface (250).

[0194] 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).

[0195] The control unit (350) can control the heat dissipation fan (600). Controlling the heat dissipation fan (600) may include controlling the fan motor of the heat dissipation fan (600). Controlling the heat dissipation fan (600) may include driving the heat dissipation fan (600) and turning off the heat dissipation fan (600). Driving the heat dissipation fan (600) may include rotating the heat dissipation fan (600) at a predetermined speed. Turning off the heat dissipation fan (600) may include stopping the rotation of the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0196] The fan motor of the heat dissipation fan (600) may include a BLDC motor whose speed can be controlled.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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).

[0199] The control unit (350) can control the cooling fan (800). Controlling the cooling fan (800) may include controlling the fan motor of the cooling fan (800). Controlling the cooling fan (800) may include driving the cooling fan (800) and turning off the cooling fan (800). Driving the cooling fan (800) may include rotating the cooling fan (800) at a predetermined speed. Turning off the cooling fan (800) may include stopping the rotation of the cooling fan (800).

[0200] The fan motor of the cooling fan (800) may include a BLDC motor whose speed can be controlled.

[0201] 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.

[0202] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can operate the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric element (530) being turned on. The control unit (350) can turn off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric element (530) being turned off.

[0203] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may drive the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the fact that the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off in the defrosting mode of the thermoelectric element (530). The defrosting mode of the thermoelectric element (530) may be a mode in which the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are driven while the thermoelectric element (530) is not driven, in order to defrost the thermoelectric element (530). That is, the control unit (350) may turn off the thermoelectric element (530) and drive the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) in order to defrost the thermoelectric element (530).

[0204] In this way, the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can cool the storage compartment by supplying cold air generated by the first cooling device (400) to the storage compartment. Cooling the storage compartment (11) by supplying cold air generated by the first cooling device (400) to the storage compartment (11) is referred to as first cooling.

[0205] Meanwhile, the refrigerator (1) may include a second cooling device (450) configured to supply cold air to the first storage compartment (11) and / or the second storage compartment (12). The second cooling device (450) may be the refrigeration cycle device (400) described above.

[0206] The second cooling device (450) may include a compressor (2) and an evaporator fan (80).

[0207] 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)).

[0208] 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 sensor (112) maintains a predetermined target temperature.

[0209] Controlling the compressor (2) may include controlling the on / off of the compressor (2) or controlling the operating frequency of the compressor (2).

[0210] The control unit (350) can blow the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) to the first storage room (11) and / or the second storage room (12) by controlling the evaporator fan (80).

[0211] In this way, the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can cool the storage room by supplying the cold air generated by the second cooling device (450) to the storage room. Cooling the storage room (11) by supplying the cold air generated by the second cooling device (450) to the storage room (11) is referred to as second cooling.

[0212] 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).

[0213] 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.

[0214] 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) (current sensor (115), user interface (200), communication interface (250), first cooling device (450), second cooling device (400), etc.) 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.

[0215] 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).

[0216] 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).

[0217] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first cooling device (400) and a second cooling device (450) for cooling a storage compartment (11), and can cool the storage compartment (11) using at least one of the first cooling device (400) and the second cooling device (450). For example, for cooling the storage compartment (11), only first cooling by the first cooling device (400) may be performed, only second cooling by the second cooling device (450) may be performed, or both first cooling by the first cooling device (400) and second cooling by the second cooling device (450) may be performed simultaneously.

[0218] Under the condition that the first cooling is performed by the first cooling device (400), the refrigerator (1) can perform control to increase the operating intensity of the second cooling device (450) based on the failure of the first cooling device (400). This will be described in detail below.

[0219] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0220] Under conditions where cooling is performed by the first cooling device (400), that is, in a situation where the first cooling device (400) is turned on, there may be cases where the first cooling is not performed smoothly due to a failure of the first cooling device (400), etc.

[0221] At least one processor (351) can detect whether the first cooling device (400) is faulty. The detection of whether the first cooling device (400) is faulty can be detected based on various states as will be described later. The detection of whether the first cooling device (400) is faulty and various operations according to the fault can be performed by at least one processor (351), but can also be performed by a server (3000) or the like that performs communication with the refrigerator (1) as described above. The server (3000) can detect whether the first cooling device (400) is faulty and transmit the detection result to the refrigerator (1) (1) or the user device (2000).

[0222] If the first cooling device (400) is detected to be faulty (example of 901), at least one processor (351) may increase the operating speed of the second cooling device (450) to maintain cooling performance. That is, the operating speed of the compressor (2) and the evaporator fan (80) included in the second cooling device (450) may be increased (903). Here, the operating speed may be an example of expressing the operating speed of the compressor (2) and the evaporator fan (80).

[0223] Thereafter, at least one processor (351) can perform control to increase or decrease the target temperature of the storage room (905).

[0224] In one embodiment, at least one processor (351) may reduce the target temperature of the storage compartment. Considering that it may be difficult to reach the original target temperature because the storage compartment is only cooled by the second cooling device (450) due to a failure of the first cooling device (400), the target temperature of the storage compartment may be reduced.

[0225] In the above-described embodiment, the target temperature is reduced after increasing the operating speed of the compressor (2) and the evaporator fan (80). However, the operating speed of the compressor (2) and the evaporator fan (80) may also be increased by reducing the target temperature of the storage chamber without separate control of the compressor (2) and the evaporator fan (80).

[0226] In another embodiment, at least one processor (351) may increase a target temperature of the storage compartment.

[0227] Considering that a lot of power may be consumed in cooling the storage room using only the second cooling device (450), the target temperature of the storage room may be increased to efficiently maintain the appropriate temperature and appropriate humidity.

[0228] At least one processor (351) can increase or decrease the target temperature of the storage room by considering various conditions such as external circumstances or power consumption.

[0229] Below, various processes for detecting whether the first cooling device (400) is faulty are described.

[0230] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of a thermoelectric cooling device depending on whether there is a failure based on the current detection result according to one embodiment.

[0231] As an example of detecting that the first cooling device (400) is faulty, at least one processor (351) can detect that the first cooling device (400) is faulty if the current flowing to the thermoelectric element (530) is outside the reference range.

[0232] That is, if the current sensor (115) detects the current flowing in the thermoelectric element (530) (1001), and the detected current value is determined to be outside the reference current range for a first time period (example of 1003), it can be detected that the first cooling device (400) is faulty.

[0233] Here, the first time may be set to an appropriate time for detecting whether the thermoelectric element (530) is faulty, and may be, for example, 60 seconds. The reference current range may also be an appropriate current value range for detecting whether the thermoelectric element (530) is faulty, and may be, for example, 0.5 A to 4.5 A.

[0234] That is, if the current flowing through the thermoelectric element (530) is detected to be outside of 0.5 A to 4.5 A for 60 seconds, it can be detected that the first cooling device (400) is faulty.

[0235] In the above-described embodiment, if a state outside the reference current range continues for a certain period of time, a failure is detected. However, in another embodiment, a certain margin may be set within the reference current range, and a failure may be detected only if a state outside the range including this margin continues for a certain period of time. For example, if the reference current range is 0.5 A to 4.5 A, a failure of the first cooling device (400) may be detected if a current value detected outside the range of 0.4 A to 5.4 A for a certain period of time is detected by setting a certain margin.

[0236] In relation to determining whether the first cooling device (400) is faulty, a refrigerator (1) according to another embodiment may include a voltage sensor (116). The voltage sensor (113) may detect the voltage applied to the thermoelectric element (530). The voltage sensor (116) may transmit information about the voltage applied to the thermoelectric element (530) to the control unit (350).

[0237] That is, as another example in which the first cooling device (400) is detected as being faulty, at least one processor (351) can detect that the first cooling device (400) is faulty when the voltage applied to the thermoelectric element (530) is outside the reference range.

[0238] That is, if the voltage sensor (116) detects the voltage applied to the thermoelectric element (530), and the detected voltage value is determined to be outside the reference voltage range for a first time, it can be detected that the first cooling device (400) is faulty.

[0239] Here, the reference voltage range may be an appropriate voltage value range for detecting whether the thermoelectric element (530) is faulty.

[0240] In relation to determining whether the first cooling device (400) is faulty, an artificial intelligence model may be utilized to determine whether the first cooling device (400) is faulty. The artificial intelligence model may be stored in the memory (352) within the refrigerator (1) or may be stored in a separate external device such as a server.

[0241] At least one processor (351) can input the current value detected by the current sensor (115) or the voltage value detected by the voltage sensor (116) as input data, and input information about a failure of the first cooling device (400) at the current value or voltage value as output data into the artificial intelligence model.

[0242] The artificial intelligence model can be trained based on data regarding the current value detected by the input current sensor (115) or the voltage value detected by the voltage sensor (116) and data regarding a failure of the first cooling device (400) at the corresponding current value or voltage value.

[0243] Thereafter, at least one processor (351) may input the current value detected by the current sensor (115) or the voltage value detected by the voltage sensor (116) into the learned artificial intelligence model to determine whether the first cooling device (400) is faulty by the artificial intelligence model.

[0244] If the number of times the first cooling device (400) has failed is less than the reference number (No of 1005), at least one processor (351) can stop the operation of the first cooling device (400) (1007). The reference number is set to perform separate control if the failure of the first cooling device (400) continues, and can be, for example, 3 times.

[0245] At least one processor (351) may restart the first cooling device (400) after a second period of time (example of 1009) has elapsed after stopping the operation of the first cooling device (400) (1011). Here, the second period of time may be, for example, 10 minutes.

[0246] Since the number of times the first cooling device (400) is detected as broken is less than the standard number of times, the first cooling device (400) can be stopped for a relatively short period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) and then restarted to check again whether it is operating normally.

[0247] If the first cooling device (400) is detected to be faulty in this way, the first cooling device (400) can be stopped and restarted to detect whether there is a fault again based on the current flowing through the thermoelectric element (530).

[0248] Even if this process is repeated several times, if the current flowing to the thermoelectric element (530) continues to be outside the current range for a certain period of time, at least one processor (351) can perform separate control.

[0249] That is, when a failure of the first cooling device (400) occurs more than a standard number of times (e.g., 3 times) (example of 1005), at least one processor (351) stops the operation of the first cooling device (400) (1013), and when a third time longer than the second time elapses (example of 1015), the first cooling device (400) can be restarted (1017).

[0250] Here, the third time is an appropriate time to stop the first cooling device (400) that has experienced repeated failures for a relatively long period of time, for example, 24 hours.

[0251] In this way, by detecting the current flowing through the thermoelectric element (530), it is possible to detect whether the first cooling device (400) is faulty and perform control accordingly to ensure normal operation of the first cooling device (400).

[0252] At least one processor (351) can detect that the fault state is resolved if the detected current does not deviate from the reference current range for more than a first time after the fault detection of the first cooling device (400).

[0253] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are diagrams showing the operation of a thermoelectric cooling device depending on whether there is a failure based on a temperature detection result according to one embodiment.

[0254] As another example in which the first cooling device (400) is detected as being faulty, at least one processor (351) may detect that the first cooling device (400) is faulty when the temperature detected by the heat absorption sensor (850) or the heat dissipation sensor (860) is outside the reference range.

[0255] Referring to FIG. 11, the heat absorption sensor (850) detects the temperature of air absorbed by the thermoelectric element (530), and if the detected temperature value is determined to be outside the reference temperature range for a fourth time (example of 1101), the first cooling device (400) can be detected to be faulty.

[0256] Here, the fourth time period may be set as an appropriate time period for detecting whether the thermoelectric element (530) is faulty, and may be, for example, the time period for detecting the sensing value 50 times. The reference temperature range may also be an appropriate temperature value range for detecting whether the thermoelectric element (530) is faulty, and may be, for example, -25°C to 95°C.

[0257] That is, if the temperature of the air absorbed by the thermoelectric element (530) is detected to be outside of -25°C to 95°C for the fourth hour, it can be detected that the first cooling device (400) is faulty.

[0258] At least one processor (351) may reduce the maximum operating voltage of the first cooling device (400) if the temperature detected by the heat absorption sensor (850) is outside the reference temperature range for a fourth time.

[0259] For example, if the temperature detected by the heat absorption sensor (850) is too low, ice and the like may accumulate, lowering the operating efficiency. Therefore, the operating rate of the thermoelectric element (530) may be adjusted to reduce the maximum operating voltage. For example, the maximum operating voltage of the first cooling device (400) may be reduced to a first voltage (1103), and the first voltage may be 22 V.

[0260] Referring to FIG. 12, the heat dissipation sensor (860) detects the temperature of the air emitted by the thermoelectric element (530), and if the detected temperature value is determined to be outside the reference temperature range for a fourth time (example of 1201), it can be detected that the first cooling device (400) is faulty.

[0261] Here, the reference temperature range may be the same as the reference temperature range for detecting a failure based on the detection result by the heat absorption sensor (850). For example, it may be -25°C to 95°C. In addition, since the detection value by the heat absorption sensor (850) and the detection value by the heat dissipation sensor (860) generally have different values, the reference temperature ranges may be set differently.

[0262] That is, when the reference temperature ranges are set to be the same, if the temperature of the air emitted by the thermoelectric element (530) is detected to be outside of -25°C to 95°C for the fourth time, it can be detected that the first cooling device (400) is faulty.

[0263] At least one processor (351) may reduce the maximum operating voltage of the first cooling device (400) if the temperature detected by the heat dissipation sensor (860) is outside the reference temperature range for a fourth time.

[0264] For example, if the temperature detected by the heat dissipation sensor (860) is too high, the thermoelectric element (530) may overheat, and to prevent this, the operating rate of the thermoelectric element (530) may be adjusted to reduce the maximum operating voltage. For example, the maximum operating voltage of the first cooling device (400) may be reduced to a second voltage lower than the first voltage (1203), and the second voltage may be 18 V.

[0265] In this way, by detecting the temperature of the air absorbed or released by the thermoelectric element (530), it is possible to detect whether the first cooling device (400) is broken and perform appropriate control accordingly to ensure efficient operation.

[0266] At least one processor (351) can detect that the fault state is resolved if the detected temperature does not deviate from the reference temperature range for more than 4 hours after the fault detection of the first cooling device (400).

[0267] Although the heat absorption sensor (850) and the heat dissipation sensor (860) are described as being included in the first cooling device (400) in the above-described embodiment, the heat absorption sensor (850) and the heat dissipation sensor (860) may be configured separately from the first cooling device (400) to detect the temperature of air absorbed or released by the thermoelectric element (530).

[0268] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the operation of a thermoelectric cooling device based on a fan rotation speed according to one embodiment depending on whether there is a failure.

[0269] As another example in which the first cooling device (400) is detected as being faulty, at least one processor (351) may detect that the first cooling device (400) is faulty if the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) is less than the reference rotation speed.

[0270] Referring to FIG. 13, the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) is detected, and if it is determined that the detected rotation speed is less than the reference rotation speed for the fifth time (example of 1301), it can be detected that the first cooling device (400) is faulty.

[0271] Here, the fifth time period may be set as an appropriate time period for detecting whether the thermoelectric element (530) is faulty, and may be, for example, 10 minutes. The reference rotation speed may also be an appropriate rotation speed value for detecting whether the thermoelectric element (530) is faulty, and may be, for example, 400 RPM.

[0272] That is, if the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) is detected to be less than 400 RPM for the fifth time, it can be detected that the first cooling device (400) is broken.

[0273] At least one processor (351) can stop the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) while maintaining the operation of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) if the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) is lower than the reference rotation speed for a fifth time (1303).

[0274] In this way, by detecting the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800), it is possible to detect whether the first cooling device (400) is broken and perform appropriate control accordingly to ensure efficient operation.

[0275] At least one processor (351) can detect that a fault state has been resolved when it is determined that the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) is higher than the reference rotation speed for the sixth time or longer.

[0276] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a main body including a storage compartment; a first cooling device including a thermoelectric element, a heat dissipation fan, and a cooling fan, and configured to cool the storage compartment; a second cooling device including a compressor and an evaporator fan, and configured to cool the storage compartment; and at least one processor that increases the operating speed of the compressor and the evaporator fan of the second cooling device based on a failure of the first cooling device.

[0277] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to detect various types of failures in a thermoelectric cooling device and perform control according to the type of failure, thereby promoting efficient operation and appropriately maintaining the temperature of the refrigerator.

[0278] Additionally, the temperature of the refrigerator can be maintained by increasing the operating intensity of the refrigeration cycle device depending on the failure of the thermoelectric cooling device.

[0279] The at least one processor may increase or decrease the target temperature of the storage compartment based on whether the first cooling device is faulty.

[0280] A current sensor for detecting a current flowing through the thermoelectric element is further included, and a failure of the first cooling device may include a current detected by the current sensor being outside a reference current range for a first time period.

[0281] The at least one processor may stop the operation of the first cooling device if the current detected by the current sensor is outside the reference current range for a first time period, and restart the first cooling device when a second time period has elapsed.

[0282] The at least one processor may stop the operation of the first cooling device for a third time period longer than the second time period if the failure of the first cooling device occurs more than a reference number of times.

[0283] A voltage sensor for detecting a voltage applied to the thermoelectric element is further included, and a failure of the first cooling device may include a voltage detected by the voltage sensor being outside a reference voltage range for a first time period.

[0284] The at least one processor may stop the operation of the first cooling device if the voltage detected by the voltage sensor is out of the reference voltage range for the first time period, and restart the first cooling device when a second time period has elapsed.

[0285] The first cooling device further includes a heat absorption sensor that detects the temperature of air absorbed by the thermoelectric element; and a heat dissipation sensor that detects the temperature of air emitted by the thermoelectric element; and a failure of the first cooling device may include a temperature detected by the heat absorption sensor or the heat dissipation sensor being outside a reference temperature range for a fourth time.

[0286] The at least one processor may reduce the maximum operating voltage of the first cooling device if the temperature detected by the heat absorption sensor or the heat dissipation sensor is outside the reference temperature range for a fourth time.

[0287] The at least one processor may reduce the maximum operating voltage of the first cooling device to a first voltage when the temperature detected by the heat absorption sensor is outside the reference temperature range for the fourth time, and reduce the maximum operating voltage of the first cooling device to a second voltage lower than the first voltage when the temperature detected by the heat dissipation sensor is outside the reference temperature range for the fourth time.

[0288] A failure of the first cooling device may include the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan or cooling fan being less than the reference rotation speed for a fifth time period.

[0289] The at least one processor may maintain the operation of the heat dissipation fan and the cooling fan and stop the operation of the thermoelectric element if the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan or the cooling fan is lower than the reference rotation speed for a fifth time.

[0290] A method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a main body including a storage compartment; a first cooling device including a thermoelectric element, a heat dissipation fan, and a cooling fan, and configured to cool the storage compartment; and a second cooling device including a compressor and an evaporator fan, and configured to cool the storage compartment; the method may include detecting whether the first cooling device is faulty; and increasing an operating speed of the compressor and the evaporator fan of the second cooling device based on the first cooling device being faulty.

[0291] It may further include increasing or decreasing the target temperature of the storage room based on whether the first cooling device is faulty.

[0292] The refrigerator further includes a current sensor that detects a current flowing in the thermoelectric element, and a failure of the first cooling device may include a current detected by the current sensor being outside a reference current range for a first time period.

[0293] The method may further include stopping the operation of the first cooling device when the current detected by the current sensor is out of the reference current range for a first time period and restarting the first cooling device when a second time period has elapsed.

[0294] If the failure of the first cooling device occurs more than a standard number of times, the operation of the first cooling device may be stopped for a third time longer than the second time.

[0295] The first cooling device further includes a heat absorption sensor that detects the temperature of air absorbed by the thermoelectric element; and a heat dissipation sensor that detects the temperature of air emitted by the thermoelectric element; and a failure of the first cooling device may include a temperature detected by the heat absorption sensor or the heat dissipation sensor being outside a reference temperature range for a fourth time.

[0296] The method may further include reducing the maximum operating voltage of the first cooling device when the temperature detected by the heat absorption sensor or the heat dissipation sensor is outside the reference temperature range for a fourth time.

[0297] Reducing the maximum operating voltage of the first cooling device may include reducing the maximum operating voltage of the first cooling device to a first voltage when the temperature detected by the heat absorption sensor is outside the reference temperature range for the fourth time, and reducing the maximum operating voltage of the first cooling device to a second voltage lower than the first voltage when the temperature detected by the heat dissipation sensor is outside the reference temperature range for the fourth time.

[0298] A failure of the first cooling device may include the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan or cooling fan being less than the reference rotation speed for a fifth time period.

[0299] If the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan or cooling fan is lower than the reference rotation speed for a fifth time, the operation of the heat dissipation fan or cooling fan is maintained and the operation of the thermoelectric element is stopped; may further be included.

[0300] According to the disclosed invention, it is possible to detect various types of failures of a thermoelectric cooling device and perform control according to the type of failure, thereby promoting efficient operation and appropriately maintaining the temperature of the refrigerator.

[0301] Additionally, the temperature of the refrigerator can be maintained by increasing the operating intensity of the refrigeration cycle device depending on the failure of the thermoelectric cooling device.

[0302] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0303] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0304] Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0305] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0306] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A body including a storage room; A first cooling device including a thermoelectric element, a heat dissipation fan, and a cooling fan, and cooling the storage room; A second cooling device comprising a compressor and an evaporator fan, and cooling the storage room; and A refrigerator comprising at least one processor that increases the operating speed of the compressor and the evaporator fan of the second cooling device based on a failure of the first cooling device.

2. In paragraph 1, At least one processor, A refrigerator that increases or decreases the target temperature of the storage compartment based on whether the first cooling device is faulty.

3. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a current sensor for detecting the current flowing in the thermoelectric element; Failure of the above first cooling device, A refrigerator comprising a current detected by the current sensor that is outside the reference current range for a first time period.

4. In paragraph 3, At least one processor, A refrigerator that stops the operation of the first cooling device when the current detected by the current sensor is out of the reference current range for the first time period and restarts the first cooling device when the second time period has elapsed.

5. In paragraph 4, At least one processor, A refrigerator that stops the operation of the first cooling device for a third time longer than the second time when the failure of the first cooling device occurs more than a standard number of times.

6. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a voltage sensor for detecting the voltage applied to the thermoelectric element; Failure of the above first cooling device, A refrigerator comprising a voltage detected by the voltage sensor that is outside the reference voltage range for a first time period.

7. In paragraph 6, At least one processor, A refrigerator that stops the operation of the first cooling device when the voltage detected by the voltage sensor is out of the reference voltage range for the first time period and restarts the first cooling device when the second time period has elapsed.

8. In paragraph 1, The above first cooling device, An absorption sensor that detects the temperature of air absorbed by the thermoelectric element; and Further comprising a heat dissipation sensor that detects the temperature of air emitted by the thermoelectric element; Failure of the above first cooling device, A refrigerator comprising a temperature detected by the heat absorption sensor or the heat dissipation sensor that is outside the reference temperature range for a fourth time.

9. In paragraph 8, At least one processor, A refrigerator that reduces the maximum operating voltage of the first cooling device when the temperature detected by the heat absorption sensor or the heat dissipation sensor is outside the reference temperature range for a fourth time.

10. In paragraph 9, At least one processor, If the temperature detected by the above heat absorption sensor is outside the reference temperature range for the fourth time, the maximum operating voltage of the first cooling device is reduced to the first voltage, A refrigerator that reduces the maximum operating voltage of the first cooling device to a second voltage lower than the first voltage when the temperature detected by the heat dissipation sensor is outside the reference temperature range for the fourth time.

11. In paragraph 1, Failure of the above first cooling device, A refrigerator including a rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan or cooling fan that is lower than the reference rotation speed for a fifth time.

12. In paragraph 11, At least one processor, A refrigerator that maintains the operation of the heat dissipation fan and cooling fan and stops the operation of the thermoelectric element when the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan or cooling fan is lower than the reference rotation speed for a fifth time.

13. A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: a main body including a storage compartment; a first cooling device including a thermoelectric element, a heat dissipation fan, and a cooling fan, and cooling the storage compartment; and a second cooling device including a compressor and an evaporator fan, and cooling the storage compartment; Detecting whether the first cooling device is faulty; A method of controlling a refrigerator, comprising: increasing the operating speed of the compressor and the evaporator fan of the second cooling device based on a failure of the first cooling device.

14. In paragraph 13, A method of controlling a refrigerator, further comprising: increasing or decreasing the target temperature of the storage compartment based on whether the first cooling device is faulty.

15. In paragraph 13, The above refrigerator, Further comprising a current sensor for detecting the current flowing in the thermoelectric element; Failure of the above first cooling device, A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: a current detected by the current sensor exceeding a reference current range for a first time period.

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