Refrigerator and method for controlling refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: a main body for forming storage chambers; and a heating unit and a cooling unit, wherein the cooling unit can include: a thermoelectric element for cooling air inside the storage chambers; a fan driven so that the air heated by the heating unit flows into the heating unit from the outside of the main body and is heated and the heated air is discharged to the outside of the main body; a filter for filtering out foreign materials in the air flowing into the heating unit from the outside of the main body by means of the driving of the fan; and a control unit for notifying of the clogging of the filter in response to the rotational speed of the fan being greater than a standard rotational speed.

Description

Refrigerator and refrigerator control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator having a thermoelectric element 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] The present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a method of controlling the refrigerator that can notify a user of a clogging of a filter.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a control method of the refrigerator that can notify a user whether cleaning of a filter is completed.

[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] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include: a main body forming a storage compartment; a heating unit and a cooling unit, wherein the cooling unit includes a thermoelectric element for cooling air inside the storage compartment; a fan for introducing air heated by the heating unit from the outside of the main body into the heating unit to heat it and for discharging the heated air to the outside of the main body; a filter for filtering foreign substances in air introduced into the heating unit from the outside of the main body by driving the fan; and a control unit configured to notify clogging of the filter in response to a rotation speed of the fan being greater than a reference rotation speed.

[0009] The control unit may drive the fan for a second period of time based on the passage of a first period of time after the refrigerator is turned on, and set the reference rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the fan during the second period of time.

[0010] The control unit may drive the fan for a third period of time based on receiving an input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter after notifying of clogging of the filter.

[0011] The control unit can determine whether cleaning of the filter is complete based on the difference between the rotation speed of the fan during the third time period and the reference rotation speed.

[0012] The above control unit can reset the reference rotation speed when it is determined that cleaning of the filter is complete.

[0013] The above control unit can notify of a clogging of the filter when it is determined that cleaning of the filter is not completed.

[0014] The above reference rotation speed includes a first reference rotation speed and a second reference rotation speed, and the control unit drives the fan at a first level for the second time period, sets the first reference rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the fan when driven at the first level, drives the fan at a second level greater than the first level for the second time period, and sets the second reference rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the fan when driven at the second level, and notifies clogging of the filter in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the first reference rotation speed when the fan is driven at the first level, and notifies clogging of the filter in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the second reference rotation speed when the fan is driven at the second level.

[0015] After notifying the filter of clogging and receiving an input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter, the control unit may determine whether cleaning of the filter is completed based on a difference between the rotation speed of the fan and the first reference rotation speed when the fan is driven at the first level for a third time period, and may determine whether cleaning of the filter is completed based on a difference between the rotation speed of the fan and the second reference rotation speed when the fan is driven at the second level for a third predetermined time period.

[0016] The thermoelectric element operates to increase the temperature change rate of at least one of the heating element and at least one of the cooling element, and the control unit can notify the filter of clogging in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the reference rotation speed and the temperature change rate of at least one of the heating element and the cooling element being less than a reference value after driving the thermoelectric element.

[0017] A communication interface for communicating with an external device; further comprising:

[0018] In response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the reference rotation speed, information regarding clogging of the filter can be transmitted to the external device via the communication interface.

[0019] A control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main body forming a storage compartment, a heating unit and a cooling unit, the cooling unit including a thermoelectric element for cooling air inside the storage compartment, a fan for introducing air heated by the heating unit from the outside of the main body into the heating unit to heat it and for discharging the heated air to the outside of the main body, a filter for filtering foreign substances in air introduced into the heating unit from the outside of the main body by driving the fan, and a control unit, wherein the control unit may include notifying clogging of the filter in response to a rotation speed of the fan being greater than a reference rotation speed.

[0020] The method may further include driving the fan for a second time based on the passage of a first time after the refrigerator is turned on by the control unit, and setting the reference rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the fan during the second time.

[0021] The method may further include driving the fan for a third time based on receiving an input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter after notifying the filter of clogging by the control unit.

[0022] It may further include determining, by the control unit, whether cleaning of the filter is complete based on the difference between the rotation speed of the fan during the third time and the reference rotation speed.

[0023] The control unit may further include resetting the reference rotation speed when it is determined that cleaning of the filter is complete.

[0024] According to the present disclosure, a refrigerator and a method of controlling the refrigerator that notify a user of a clogging of a filter can be provided.

[0025] According to the present disclosure, a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator can be provided that can notify a user of whether cleaning of a filter is complete.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the doors of a refrigerator in an open state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a drawing of the upper part of a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from below.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of Figure 2.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a joint structure of a thermoelectric module and an upper wall of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a heat dissipation fan and a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a first heat dissipation path, a second heat dissipation path, and a circulation path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a top cover and a heat dissipation duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a subject performing a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an interface provided by a refrigerator or user device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 14 illustrates another example of an interface provided by a refrigerator or user device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of an interface provided by a refrigerator or user device when receiving user input via the interface in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14.

[0041] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method of a refrigerator for notifying clogging of a filter based on the rotation speed of a fan and the temperature of a thermoelectric element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] 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 include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0045] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0046] 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.

[0047] In this document, 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 that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0048] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0049] The terms "part," "module," and "member" may be implemented in hardware or software. Depending on the embodiments, multiple "parts," "modules," or "members" may be implemented as a single component, or a single "part," "module," or "member" may include multiple components.

[0050] 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).

[0051] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0052] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Meanwhile, the terms “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” and “lower” used in the following description are defined based on the drawing, but the shape and position of each component are not limited by the above terms. For example, the front side may be defined as the +X side, and the rear side may be defined as the -X side. For example, based on the drawing, the right side may be defined as the +Y side, and the left side may be defined as the -Y side. For example, based on the drawing, the upper side may be defined as the +Z side, and the lower side may be defined as the -Z side.

[0056] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0057] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0058] The body may include insulation. The insulation may insulate the interior and exterior of the storage compartment so that the temperature inside the storage compartment can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment of the storage compartment. In one embodiment, the insulation may include a foam insulation, such as polyurethane foam. In another embodiment, the insulation may additionally include a vacuum insulation in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation instead of the foam insulation.

[0059] A storage room can store various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room can be formed so that at least one side is open for taking items in and out.

[0060] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator includes two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To achieve this, each storage compartment may be separated from the others by a partition wall containing insulation.

[0061] The storage room may be provided to be maintained at an appropriate temperature range depending on the intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished according to the intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and the freezer room may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them in a frozen state, and for example, a freezer room may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, at the user's option or not.

[0062] 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.

[0063] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the main body in a pivotal or sliding manner.

[0064] The door may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by contacting the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0070] The cold air supply device may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool the storage room.

[0071] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The machine room may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be connected to the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0085] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0086] In the present disclosure, driving the electrical component may include turning the electrical component on. In the present disclosure, driving the electrical component may include maintaining the electrical component in an on state.

[0087] The operating principle and embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0088] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a state in which the doors of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are open. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the upper portion of a storage compartment of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from below. FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 2.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (100), storage compartments (11, 12, 13) formed inside the main body (100), and doors (21, 22, 23, 24) provided to open and close the storage compartments (11, 12, 13). The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a first door (21), a second door (22), a third door (23), and / or a fourth door (24).

[0090] The refrigerator (1) may include a user interface device (260). The user interface device (260) may be installed in at least one of the doors (21, 22, 23, 24). For example, the user interface device (260) may be installed in the second door (22) among the doors (21, 22, 23, 24). However, the location where the user interface device (260) is installed in the refrigerator (1) is not limited thereto, and may be installed in various locations of the refrigerator (1) according to various embodiments. For example, the user interface device (260) may be installed in the right wall (140).

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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).

[0094] 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).

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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.

[0099] The refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) arranged to cool the storage compartment (11).

[0100] 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).

[0101] 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 element, a Peltier element, or the like.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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).

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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).

[0113] 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).

[0114] 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).

[0115] 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).

[0116] 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).

[0117] 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).

[0118] 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).

[0119] 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).

[0120] 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).

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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).

[0124] Referring to FIG. 4, the refrigerator (1) may include a refrigeration cycle device to cool the storage compartment through a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle device may include a compressor (2), a condenser (not shown), an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator (3). The evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear of the storage compartment (12, 13).

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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).

[0128] The damper (61) can open or close the internal flow path (78).

[0129] 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).

[0130] 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).

[0131] 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).

[0132] 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).

[0133] In this way, since the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a thermoelectric cooling device (400) and a refrigeration cycle device for cooling the storage compartment (11), a method for supplying cold air to the storage compartment (11) may include a first method of supplying only cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400), a second method of supplying only cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device, and a third method of supplying both cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400) and cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device.

[0134] The refrigerator (1) can supply cold air to the storage compartment (11) in an appropriate manner depending on external and internal conditions. For example, the refrigerator (1) can cool the storage compartment (11) in one of the ways depending on the room temperature in which the refrigerator (1) is installed. That is, when the room temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature and cooling by a refrigeration cycle is more efficient than cooling by a thermoelectric cooling device (400), the storage compartment (11) can be cooled only by the cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device. Conversely, when the room temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature and cooling by a thermoelectric cooling device (400) is more efficient than cooling by a refrigeration cycle device, the storage compartment (11) can be cooled only by the cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400). The refrigerator (1) can operate only the thermoelectric cooling device (400) when noise reduction is required. When it is necessary to rapidly cool the storage room (11), the refrigerator (1) can simultaneously supply cold air generated through the thermoelectric cooling device (400) and cold air generated through the refrigeration cycle device to the storage room (11).

[0135] In this way, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) and a refrigeration cycle device, but is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator may include only a thermoelectric cooling device (400).

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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).

[0138] The refrigerator (1) may include a first speed sensor (111) and / or a second speed sensor (112).

[0139] The first speed sensor (111) can be placed inside the heat dissipation duct (700). The first speed sensor (111) can detect the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0140] The second speed sensor (112) can be placed inside the cooling duct (900). The second speed sensor (112) can detect the rotation speed of the cooling fan (800).

[0141] The refrigerator (1) may include a first temperature sensor (113) and / or a second temperature sensor (114).

[0142] The first temperature sensor (113) can detect the temperature of the heating element (531).

[0143] The second temperature sensor (114) can detect the temperature of the cooling unit (532).

[0144] Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a joint structure of a thermoelectric module and an upper wall of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is an exploded view illustrating a heat dissipation fan and a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0145] Among the components of a thermoelectric cooling device, a thermoelectric element (530), a heat sink (520), and a cooling sink (570) can be assembled integrally to form a thermoelectric module.

[0146] A through hole (115) can be formed in the upper wall (110) of the refrigerator (1), and a thermoelectric module can be placed in the through hole (115).

[0147] A thermoelectric module may include a thermoelectric element (530) having a heating portion (531) and a cooling portion (532), a heat sink (520) in contact with the heating portion (531) of the thermoelectric element (530), a cooling sink (570) in contact with the cooling portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530), and a module plate (550) on which the thermoelectric element (530), the heat sink (520), and the cooling sink (570) are installed.

[0148] The module plate (550) can serve as a skeleton of the thermoelectric module. The module plate (550) can be formed of a resin material having low thermal conductivity. The module plate (550) can support a heat dissipation sink (520) and a cooling sink (570). The module plate (550) can maintain a gap between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) and can support the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570). As illustrated in the drawing, 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).

[0149] The module plate (550) may include a module plate opening (551) in which the thermoelectric element (530) is disposed. The thermoelectric element (530) may be disposed inside the module plate opening (551). The vertical length of the module plate opening (551) may be greater than the vertical length of the thermoelectric element (530), and the thermoelectric element (530) may be disposed at the upper end of the module plate opening (551). The reason why the thermoelectric element (530) is disposed at the upper end inside the module plate opening (551) is that 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) at the upper end of the module plate opening (551) is advantageous for heat dissipation of the heat generating part (531), and the overall operating efficiency of the thermoelectric element (530) may be increased.

[0150] In this way, since the thermoelectric element (530) is positioned at the upper end 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). The cooling conductive portion (574) may be inserted into the module plate opening (551) to contact the cooling portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0151] The thermoelectric module 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 disposed in the module plate opening (551) to prevent the thermoelectric element (530) from contacting the module plate (550). The element insulation material (540) may be arranged to surround a side surface of the thermoelectric element (530). 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). A cooling conductive member (574) of a cooling sink (570) may be accommodated in the element insulation opening (541).

[0152] The module plate (550) may include a heat sink support (552) that supports a heat sink (520). The heat sink support (552) may be in contact with and support the bottom surface of the heat sink base (521).

[0153] The heat dissipation module 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) passing through the module plate (550) opening (551).

[0154] The sink insulation (580) can support the upper surface of the cooling sink (570). However, the sink insulation (580) can be omitted, in which case the heat sink (520) can be supported on the upper surface of the module plate (550) and the cooling sink (570) can be supported on the lower surface of the module plate (550).

[0155] The heat sink (520) may include a heat sink base (521) and a plurality of heat sink fins (525) protruding from the heat sink base (521). The bottom surface of the heat sink base (521) may be supported on a module plate (550). The bottom surface of the heat sink base (521) may be in contact with the heat generating portion (531) of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0156] A plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude from the upper surface of the heat dissipation sink base (521).

[0157] The cooling sink (570) may include a cooling sink base (571) and a plurality of cooling fins (575) protruding from the cooling sink base (571). The upper surface of the cooling sink base (571) may be supported by a sink insulation material (580). The cooling sink (570) may include a cooling conductive portion (574) protruding from the upper surface of the cooling sink base (571) to contact the cooling portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530). The cooling conductive portion (574) may be formed integrally with the cooling sink base (571).

[0158] A plurality of cooling fins (575) may protrude from the lower surface (572) of the cooling sink base (571).

[0159] The heating part (531) of the thermoelectric element (530) is supported and fixed by a heat sink (520), the cooling part (532) of the thermoelectric element (530) is supported and fixed by a cooling sink (570), and the side connecting the heating part (531) and the cooling part (532) of the thermoelectric element (530) can be supported and fixed by the inner surface of the element insulation material (540).

[0160] The refrigerator (1) 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). The fan case (650) may be formed integrally with the module plate (550) described above or may be provided separately.

[0161] The fan case (650) may include a case bottom (650) on which a heat dissipation fan (600) is rotatably installed, and a case scroll part (670) extending upward from the edge of the case bottom (650) to guide air blown from the heat dissipation fan (600) toward a heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be a centrifugal fan, and a rotation axis (610) may be installed vertically on the case bottom (650).

[0162] The case scroll part (670) may be formed to surround the heat dissipation fan (600) in the radial direction of the heat dissipation fan (600) and have a scroll part opening (673) open toward the heat dissipation sink (520). The case scroll part (670) may include one end (671) along the rotational direction (R) of the heat dissipation fan (600) and the other end (672) opposite to the one end. The one end (671) and the other end (672) may be spaced apart from each other, and the scroll part opening (673) may be formed between the one end (671) and the other end (672).

[0163] The air blown from the heat dissipation fan (600) can be discharged in the radial directions of the heat dissipation fan (600) and move along the inner surface of the case scroll part (670) toward the heat dissipation sink (520). Therefore, more air can flow from the heat dissipation fan (600) toward one end (671) of the case scroll part (670) than toward the other end (672) of the case scroll part (670).

[0164] The fan case (650) may include a case guide (680) extending upward from the case bottom (660) to guide air flowing from the heat dissipation fan (600) toward one end (671) of the case scroll unit (670) in a different direction. The case guide (680) may be spaced apart from the case scroll unit (670). The case guide (680) may guide air flowing toward one end (671) of the case scroll unit (670) toward the other end (672) of the case scroll unit (670) or toward the center of the case opening (673). Therefore, the air blown from the heat dissipation fan (600) by the case guide (680) may be evenly distributed to the heat dissipation channels (528) of the heat dissipation sink (520), and the heat exchange efficiency of the heat dissipation sink (520) may be increased.

[0165] The unexplained symbol S in Fig. 6 is a joining member (S) that joins the thermoelectric module to the upper wall (110).

[0166] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a first heat dissipation path, a second heat dissipation path, and a circulation path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a top cover and a heat dissipation duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0167] As described above, the refrigerator (1) may include a heat dissipation duct (700) provided on the upper wall (110) to draw in air from outside the main body, exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink (520), and discharge the air warmed by heat exchange with the heat dissipation sink (520) back to the outside of the main body.

[0168] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include an outside air intake port (751) designed to intake air from outside the main body, and an outside air discharge port (782, 794) designed to discharge air warmed by heat exchange with a heat sink (520) to the outside of the main body. The outside air intake port (751) may be formed on the upper surface of the heat dissipation duct (700). A filter (390) may be provided in the outside air intake port (751) to prevent foreign substances from entering the inside of the heat dissipation duct (700) through the outside air intake port (751). The filter (390) may be detachably provided in the outside air intake port (751).

[0169] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include a fan receiving portion (760) that receives a heat dissipation fan (600) and a sink receiving portion (770) that receives a heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation duct (700) may include an intake duct portion (750) provided upstream of the fan receiving portion (760) to guide air sucked in through an outside air intake port (751) to the fan receiving portion (760). The heat dissipation duct (700) may include an exhaust duct portion (780, 790) provided downstream of the sink receiving portion (770) to guide air warmed by heat exchange with the heat dissipation sink (520).

[0170] The exhaust duct section (780, 790) may include a first exhaust duct section (780) that guides air warmed by heat exchange with the heat sink (520) to be discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and a second exhaust duct section (790) that branches off from the first exhaust duct section (780) that guides air warmed by heat exchange with the heat sink (520) to be discharged toward the rotary bar (40). A first outside air discharge port (782) may be formed in the first exhaust duct section (780), and a second outside air discharge port (794) may be formed in the second exhaust duct section (790).

[0171] A fan receiving space (762) for receiving a heat dissipation fan (600) may be formed on the bottom surface of the fan receiving portion (760). A sink receiving space (771) for receiving a heat dissipation sink (520) may be formed on the bottom surface of the sink receiving portion (770). An intake space (752) for guiding air sucked in through an outside air intake port (751) to the fan receiving space (762) may be formed inside the intake duct portion (750).

[0172] When air is drawn in from the outside of the main body (100) through the external intake port (751), the filter (390) provided in the external intake port (751) can filter out foreign substances. While the filter (390) filters foreign substances, the filter may become clogged by the foreign substances. The clogging of the filter (390) may include the inability to filter due to foreign substances. In addition, the clogging of the filter (390) may include the reduction in the efficiency of filtering due to foreign substances.

[0173] When the filter (390) is clogged, the air flowing inside the heat dissipation duct (700) decreases, and the heat dissipation fan (600) can rotate at a higher speed than when the filter (390) is not clogged when driven with a predetermined driving force due to low air resistance.

[0174] If the filter (390) is blocked and air is not normally drawn in from the outside of the main body (100), even if the heat dissipation fan (600) rotates, the air drawn in from the outside of the main body (100) may not be efficiently discharged through the exhaust duct (780, 790). As a result, the heat generated from the heat generating unit (531) cannot be normally reduced, which may lower the operating efficiency of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0175] Accordingly, when the filter (390) becomes clogged, it is necessary to periodically clean or replace the filter (390), but general users are often unaware of the cycle for cleaning or replacing the filter (390). It is necessary to notify users of whether the filter (390) is clogged and induce them to clean or replace the filter (390) to improve the operating efficiency of the thermoelectric element (530). To this end, embodiments of determining whether the filter (390) is clogged and notifying the clogging of the filter (390) according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 18.

[0176] A first exhaust space (781) may be formed inside the first exhaust duct section (780) to guide air warmed by heat exchange with the heat sink (520) to the first outdoor air exhaust port (782). A second exhaust space (791) may be formed inside the second exhaust duct section (790) to guide air warmed by heat exchange with the heat sink (520) to the second outdoor air exhaust port (794).

[0177] In another aspect, the heat dissipation duct (700) may include a heat dissipation duct body (710), a heat dissipation duct cover (720), and an extension duct (740). That is, the heat dissipation duct (700) may be formed by combining the heat dissipation duct body (710), the heat dissipation duct cover (720), and the extension duct (740). The heat dissipation duct cover (720) may be combined on the upper portion of the heat dissipation duct body (710). The extension duct (740) may be provided in front of the heat dissipation duct body (710) so as to be arranged under the top cover (300). The extension duct (740) may be provided separately from the heat dissipation duct body (710) or may be provided integrally with the heat dissipation duct body (710). The extension duct (740) may be combined on the lower portion of the top cover (300). A second external exhaust outlet (794) may be formed between the extension duct (740) and the top cover (300).

[0178] As described above, the refrigerator (1) may include a top cover (300) coupled to a front portion of the upper surface of the main body (100) to cover a plurality of hinges (31). The top cover (300) may include a top cover upper surface portion (310), a top cover side portion (311) extending downward from a border of the top cover upper surface portion (310), and a top cover internal space (320) formed by the top cover upper surface portion (310) and the top cover side portion (311).

[0179] The top cover (300) may be equipped with the aforementioned filter (390). That is, the filter (390) may be equipped on the top cover (300) so as to be placed in the outside air intake (751) formed on the upper surface of the heat dissipation duct (700). The top cover (300) may include an intake grill (350) formed on the upper side of the outside air intake (751). Accordingly, large foreign substances may be primarily filtered out through the intake grill (250) from the air flowing into the heat dissipation duct (700) through the outside air intake (751), and fine foreign substances may be secondarily filtered out through the filter (390).

[0180] The top cover (300) may include an extension duct joint (380) that is coupled to an extension duct (740). The top cover (300) may include an exhaust port forming portion (312) provided at the front portion of the top cover (300) to form a second outside air exhaust port (794) together with the extension duct (740).

[0181] At least a portion of the air discharged from the heat dissipation duct (700) through the first external air discharge port (782) may be introduced into the top cover internal space (320). That is, air warmed by heat exchange with the heat dissipation sink (520) may be introduced into the top cover internal space (320). For this purpose, a top cover inlet port (330) may be formed in the top cover (300).

[0182] The first outside air outlet (782) may include a circulation outlet (784) connected to the top cover inlet (330) to guide air from the heat dissipation duct (700) into the top cover interior space (320). The first outside air outlet (782) may include an outside outlet (783) partitioned from the circulation outlet (784) to discharge air from the heat dissipation duct (700) to the outside of the top cover (300).

[0183] Warm air introduced into the inner space (320) of the top cover can circulate within the inner space (320) of the top cover and be discharged to the outside of the top cover (300). For this purpose, the top cover (300) may include a top cover outlet (340). As the warm air circulates within the inner space (320) of the top cover, the upper surface of the main body (100) can be heated. Accordingly, condensation can be prevented from occurring on the upper surface of the main body (100).

[0184] The top cover (300) may include an exhaust guide portion (381) formed to guide air discharged to the outside of the heat dissipation duct (700) through the external exhaust port (783) of the first external air exhaust port (782). The exhaust guide portion (381) includes an inclined surface and may guide air discharged through the external exhaust port (783) to be discharged smoothly without interfering with the top cover (300).

[0185] By the structure of the heat dissipation duct (700) and the top cover (300) as described above, the refrigerator (1) may include a first heat dissipation passage (401) through which air warmed by passing through the heat dissipation sink (520) is discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and a second heat dissipation passage (402) through which air warmed by passing through the heat dissipation sink (520) is discharged toward the rotation bar (40) and formed by branching off from the first heat dissipation passage (401). Since the warm air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) is discharged toward the rotation bar (40) through the second heat dissipation passage (402), the occurrence of condensation on the rotation bar (40) can be prevented.

[0186] The refrigerator (1) may include a circulation path (388) through which air discharged through the first heat dissipation path (401) flows into the interior of the top cover (300), circulates through the interior of the top cover (300), and then is discharged to the exterior of the top cover (300). Since the warm air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) through the circulation path (388) circulates through the interior of the top cover (300), condensation can be prevented from occurring on the upper surface of the main body (100).

[0187] FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 10, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400), a first speed sensor (111), a second speed sensor (112), a first temperature sensor (113), a second temperature sensor (114), a proximity sensor (116), a power supply unit (280), a user interface device (260), a communication interface (270), and / or a control unit (360).

[0189] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric element (530) and / or a fan (50).

[0190] When supplied with power, the thermoelectric element (530) can enable heat exchange between the cooling sink and the heat dissipation sink. 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 a heat absorption process in the cooling element (532).

[0191] When heat generation occurs in the heating unit (531), the 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 the air cooled by the cooling sink (570) in contact with the cooling unit (532) can be supplied to the first storage room (11).

[0192] The control unit (360) 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 the power supply unit (280) to supply power to the thermoelectric element (530).

[0193] The power supply unit (280) can supply power to the thermoelectric element (530). The power supply unit (280) supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) may include supplying a predetermined current and / or voltage to the thermoelectric element (530).

[0194] When a predetermined current and / or voltage is supplied to the thermoelectric element (530), 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).

[0195] When a predetermined current and / or voltage is supplied to the thermoelectric element (530), the cooling sink (570) can cool the first storage room (11) by taking away the heat from the first storage room (11) and transferring it to the cooling unit (532).

[0196] The fan (50) may include a heat dissipation fan (600) and / or a cooling fan (800).

[0197] The heat dissipation fan (600) can rotate by power supplied from the power supply unit (280).

[0198] The heat dissipation fan (600) can be rotated by a heat dissipation fan motor that receives power from a power supply unit (280).

[0199] The radiator fan motor may include a BLCD motor, a PMSM motor, and / or a DC motor.

[0200] The heat dissipation fan (600) rotates to suck in air from outside the main body (100) and guide it 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).

[0201] The control unit (360) can control the heat dissipation fan (600). Controlling the heat dissipation fan (600) may include driving the heat dissipation fan (600) to rotate the heat dissipation fan (600). Driving the heat dissipation fan (600) may include supplying power to the heat dissipation fan motor to rotate the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0202] Controlling the heat sink fan (600) may include stopping the rotation of the heat sink fan (600). Stopping the rotation of the heat sink fan (600) may include stopping the rotation of the heat sink fan (600) by not supplying power to the heat sink fan motor.

[0203] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) can control the heat dissipation fan (600) to multiple heat dissipation levels. Controlling the heat dissipation fan (600) to multiple heat dissipation levels may include driving the heat dissipation fan (600) to multiple heat dissipation levels. Driving the heat dissipation fan (600) to multiple heat dissipation levels may include driving the heat dissipation fan motor to multiple heat dissipation levels.

[0204] The plurality of heat dissipation levels may include a first heat dissipation level, a second heat dissipation level, and / or a third heat dissipation level. The first heat dissipation level may include a first predetermined voltage. The second heat dissipation level may include a second predetermined voltage, and the third heat dissipation level may include a third predetermined voltage. The third predetermined voltage may be greater than the second predetermined voltage. The second predetermined voltage may be greater than the first predetermined voltage.

[0205] Driving the radiator fan motor at multiple radiator levels may include driving the radiator fan motor at a first level, driving the radiator fan motor at a second level, and driving the radiator fan motor at a third level.

[0206] Driving the radiator fan motor at the first level may include supplying a first predetermined voltage to the radiator fan motor. Driving the radiator fan motor at the second level may include supplying a second predetermined voltage to the radiator fan motor. Driving the radiator fan motor at the third level may include supplying a third predetermined voltage to the radiator fan motor.

[0207] According to the present disclosure, the number of heat dissipation levels is not limited thereto, and the number of heat dissipation levels may vary depending on various embodiments. For example, the number of heat dissipation levels may be greater than three or less than three.

[0208] As the heat dissipation fan (600) is driven, 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.

[0209] The cooling fan (800) can rotate by power supplied from the power supply unit (280).

[0210] The cooling fan (800) can be rotated by a cooling fan motor that receives power from a power supply unit (280).

[0211] The cooling fan motor may include a BLCD motor, a PMSM motor, and / or a DC motor.

[0212] The cooling fan (800) rotates to rapidly cool the interior of the first storage chamber (11) by allowing the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) to flow. 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.

[0213] The control unit (360) can control the cooling fan (800). Controlling the cooling fan (800) may include driving the cooling fan (800) to rotate the cooling fan (800). Driving the cooling fan (800) may include supplying power to the cooling fan motor to rotate the cooling fan (800).

[0214] Controlling the cooling fan (800) may include stopping the rotation of the cooling fan (800). Stopping the rotation of the cooling fan (800) may include stopping the rotation of the cooling fan (800) by not supplying power to the cooling fan motor.

[0215] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) can control the cooling fan (800) to multiple cooling levels. Controlling the cooling fan (800) to multiple cooling levels may include driving the cooling fan (800) to multiple cooling levels. Driving the cooling fan (800) to multiple cooling levels may include driving the cooling fan motor to multiple cooling levels.

[0216] The plurality of cooling levels may include a first cooling level, a second cooling level, and / or a third cooling level. The first cooling level may include a first predetermined voltage. The second cooling level may include a second predetermined voltage, and the third cooling level may include a third predetermined voltage. The third predetermined voltage may be greater than the second predetermined voltage. The second predetermined voltage may be greater than the first predetermined voltage.

[0217] Driving the cooling fan motor at multiple cooling levels may include driving the cooling fan motor at a first level, driving the cooling fan motor at a second level, and driving the cooling fan motor at a third level.

[0218] Driving the cooling fan motor at the first level may include supplying a first predetermined voltage to the cooling fan motor. Driving the cooling fan motor at the second level may include supplying a second predetermined voltage to the cooling fan motor. Driving the cooling fan motor at the third level may include supplying a third predetermined voltage to the cooling fan motor.

[0219] According to the present disclosure, the number of cooling levels is not limited thereto, and the number of cooling levels may vary depending on various embodiments. For example, the number of cooling levels may be greater than three or less than three.

[0220] The first speed sensor (111) can detect the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600). The first speed sensor (111) can detect the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) by counting an electrical signal generated for each rotation of the heat dissipation fan (600). The first speed sensor (111) can transmit information about the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) to the control unit (360).

[0221] The second speed sensor (112) can detect the rotation speed of the cooling fan (800). The second speed sensor (112) can detect the rotation speed of the cooling fan (800) by counting an electrical signal generated for each rotation of the cooling fan (800). The second speed sensor (112) can transmit information about the rotation speed of the cooling fan (800) to the control unit (360).

[0222] The first temperature sensor (113) can detect the temperature of the heating unit (531). The first temperature sensor (113) can transmit information about the temperature of the heating unit (531) to the control unit (360).

[0223] The second temperature sensor (114) can detect the temperature of the cooling unit (532). The second temperature sensor (114) can transmit information about the temperature of the cooling unit (532) to the control unit (360).

[0224] The proximity sensor (116) can detect an object outside the refrigerator (1). For example, the proximity sensor (116) can detect the location of an object (e.g., a user) within a predetermined distance from the main body. The proximity sensor (116) can transmit information about an object outside the refrigerator (1) to the control unit (360).

[0225] The power supply unit (280) can supply power to various components of the refrigerator (1). For example, the power supply unit (280) can supply power to various components of the refrigerator (1) based on a signal that turns on the power of the refrigerator (1). The signal that turns on the power of the refrigerator (1) may include a signal generated when the refrigerator (1) is connected to a commercial power source.

[0226] The power supply unit (280) can supply power to various components of the refrigerator (1) according to the control signal of the control unit (360). For example, the power supply unit (280) can supply power to the heat dissipation fan (600) (50) based on the drive control signal of the heat dissipation fan (600) device generated by the control unit (360).

[0227] The user interface device (260) can enable interaction between the user and the refrigerator (1).

[0228] The user interface device (260) may include an output interface (261) and an input interface (262).

[0229] At least one output interface (261) can transmit various information related to the operation of the refrigerator (1) to the user by generating sensory information.

[0230] For example, at least one output interface (261) can transmit information related to the settings of the refrigerator (1) and the operation of the refrigerator (1) to the user. Information related to the operation of the refrigerator (1) can be output via a display, an indicator, and / or a voice. The at least one output interface (261) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an indicator, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0231] In one embodiment, at least one output interface (261) can output sensory information (e.g., visual information, auditory information, etc.) related to the control of the refrigerator (1).

[0232] At least one input interface (262) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0233] If the user interface device (260) includes a touch screen display, the touch screen display may be an example of an output interface (261) and an input interface (262).

[0234] At least one input interface (262) may include an input device (e.g., a button, a knob, etc.) for receiving user input to control the operation of the refrigerator (1).

[0235] Each button may include a visual indicator (e.g., text, an icon, etc.) that indicates its function.

[0236] At least one input interface (262) may include, for example, 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.

[0237] In the present disclosure, 'button' may be replaced with a UI element (User Interface Element), 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.

[0238] The refrigerator (1) can process user input received through the user interface device (260) and output information related to the refrigerator (1) through the user interface device (260).

[0239] The refrigerator (1) can control the operation of the refrigerator (1) based on user input received through the user interface device (260).

[0240] The refrigerator (1) (1) may include a communication interface (270) for wired and / or wireless communication with an external device (e.g., a server (20), a user device (30), see FIG. 11).

[0241] The communication interface (270) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0242] The communication interface (270) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server (20), a user device (30), see FIG. 11), or receive data from an external device (e.g., a server (20), a user device (30), see FIG. 11). To this end, the communication interface (270) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices (e.g., a server (20), a user device (30), see FIG. 11), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication interface (270) 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 (e.g., a server (20), a user device (30), see FIG. 11) 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 LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0243] 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.

[0244] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication interface (270). The mobile communication interface (270) transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0245] In one embodiment, the communication interface (270) 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).

[0246] The refrigerator (1) can receive various signals (e.g., weather information, remote instructions) from an external device (e.g., server (20), user device (30), see FIG. 11) through a communication interface (270).

[0247] The refrigerator (1) can transmit various signals to an external device (e.g., server (20), user device (30), see FIG. 11) through a communication interface (270).

[0248] Various information that the refrigerator (1) receives from an external device (e.g., server (20), user device (30), see FIG. 11) through the communication interface (270) and various information that the refrigerator (1) transmits to an external device (e.g., server (20), user device (30), see FIG. 11) through the communication interface (270) will be described later with reference to FIG. 11.

[0249] The control unit (360) may include at least one processor (361) for controlling the operation of the refrigerator (1) and at least one memory (362) in which a program and data for controlling the operation of the refrigerator (1) are stored.

[0250] At least one memory (362) can store data required for various embodiments. The memory (362) may be implemented in the form of a memory (362) embedded in the refrigerator (1) or a memory (362) 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 (362) 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 the memory (362) embedded in the refrigerator (1), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM)), non-volatile memory (362) (non-volatile memory) (e.g., one time programmable ROM (OTPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (362) (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), etc.), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD). In addition, in the case of the memory that can be attached or detached to the refrigerator (1), it may be implemented as at least one of a memory card (e.g., compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), multi-media card (MMC), etc.), and an external memory that can be connected to a USB port. It can be implemented in the form of memory (e.g., USB memory).

[0251] At least one processor (361) controls the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). Specifically, at least one processor (361) may be connected to each component of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., a thermoelectric cooling device (400), a first speed sensor (111), a second speed sensor (112), a first temperature sensor (113), a second temperature sensor (114), a power supply unit (280), a user interface device (260), and / or a communication interface (270)) to control the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). For example, at least one processor (361) may be electrically connected to a memory (362) to control the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). The processor (361) may be composed of one or more processors (361).

[0252] At least one processor (361) can perform operations of the refrigerator (1) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (362).

[0253] At least one processor (361) 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 (361) 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 (361) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in the memory (362). For example, at least one processor (361) may perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (362).

[0254] Fig. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a subject performing a control method of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0255] In one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) communicating with the user device (30) may include the refrigerator (1) and the user device (30) establishing a direct communication connection and / or the refrigerator (1) and the user device (30) establishing an indirect communication connection via the server (20).

[0256] Establishing a direct communication connection between the refrigerator (1) and the user device (30) may mean that the refrigerator (1) directly transmits various signals to the user device (30), and the user device (30) directly transmits various signals to the refrigerator (1).

[0257] The establishment of an indirect communication connection between the refrigerator (1) and the user device (30) through the server (20) may mean that when the refrigerator (1) transmits various signals to the server (20), the server (20) transmits them to the user device (30), and when the user device (30) transmits various signals to the server (20), the server (20) transmits them to the refrigerator (1).

[0258] In the present disclosure, various signals may include information, data, control commands, etc.

[0259] In the present disclosure, the user device (30) may mean an electronic device capable of wireless communication, such as a smartphone or personal PC.

[0260] In the present disclosure, a server (20) may mean a computing device capable of wireless communication.

[0261] The server (20) and the user device (30) may also each include a communication module for communicating with the refrigerator (1).

[0262] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0263] Referring to FIG. 12, the control unit (360) can drive the fan (50) (1000). The control unit (360) can drive the heat dissipation fan (600) and / or the cooling fan (800).

[0264] The rotation speed of the fan (50) may vary depending on the condition of the filter (390). For example, referring to FIG. 8, if the filter (390) that filters foreign substances in the air flowing in from the outside of the main body (100) is clogged, the amount of air circulating through the heat dissipation duct (700) decreases, and accordingly, the resistance of the air within the heat dissipation duct (700) decreases, so that the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) may increase. For another example, although not shown in the drawing, if a filter (390) is placed in the intake port (992, see FIG. 3) to filter out foreign substances in the air inside the first storage chamber (11) through the intake port (992, see FIG. 3), the amount of air circulating through the cooling duct (900) is reduced, and accordingly, the resistance of the air in the cooling duct (900) is lowered, so that the rotation speed of the cooling fan (800) can increase.

[0265] The control unit (360) can obtain the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600). For example, the control unit (360) can obtain the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) by receiving information about the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) detected by the first speed sensor (111).

[0266] The control unit (360) can obtain the rotation speed of the cooling fan (800). For example, the control unit (360) can obtain the rotation speed of the cooling fan (800) by receiving information about the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) detected by the second speed sensor (112).

[0267] In various embodiments, the control unit (360) may notify of a clogging of the filter (390) in response to the rotational speed of the fan (50) being greater than a reference rotational speed.

[0268] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may notify of a clogging of the filter (390) in response to the rotational speed of the heat sink fan (600) being greater than the reference rotational speed.

[0269] For example, the control unit (360) supplies a predetermined voltage to the heat dissipation fan motor, and when the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) driven by this is greater than the reference rotation speed, the control unit (360) determines that the filter (390) is clogged, and can notify the clogging of the filter (390).

[0270] When the filter (390) is located within the cooling duct (900), in one embodiment, the control unit (360) can notify of a clogging of the filter (390) in response to the rotational speed of the cooling fan (800) being greater than the reference rotational speed.

[0271] For example, the control unit (360) supplies a predetermined voltage to the cooling fan (800) motor, and when the rotation speed of the cooling fan (800) driven by this is greater than the reference rotation speed, the control unit (360) determines that the filter (390) is clogged, and can notify the clogging of the filter (390).

[0272] That is, when the filter (390) is placed in the outside air intake (751) as illustrated in FIG. 8, the control unit (360) can notify of clogging of the filter (390) in response to the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) being greater than the reference speed. Conversely, when the filter (390) is placed in the inside air intake (991, see FIG. 3) although not illustrated in the drawing, the control unit (360) can notify of clogging of the filter (390) in response to the rotation speed of the cooling fan (800) being greater than the reference speed.

[0273] However, for the convenience of the following explanation, the fan (50) is described as meaning a heat dissipation fan (600).

[0274] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an interface provided by a refrigerator (1) or a user device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0275] Referring to FIG. 13, in various embodiments, the control unit (360) may notify of a clogging of the filter (390) in response to the rotational speed of the fan (50) being greater than the reference rotational speed.

[0276] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) can notify of a clogging of the filter (390) via the user interface device (260).

[0277] For example, the control unit (360) may display a first interface (U1) through a display to indicate that cleaning of the filter (390) is necessary due to clogging of the filter (390) in response to the rotation speed of the fan (50) being greater than the reference rotation speed.

[0278] The first interface (U1) may include a visual indicator (U11) indicating that the filter (390) needs cleaning and / or an interface element (U12) for receiving a user input indicating the start of cleaning of the filter (390).

[0279] The user input indicating the start of cleaning of the filter (390) may include an input that the user inputs through the first interface (U1) when the user plans to replace the filter (390) or clean the filter (390).

[0280] As another example, the control unit (360) may output a guidance voice through a speaker to indicate that cleaning of the filter (390) is necessary in response to the rotation speed of the fan (50) being greater than the reference rotation speed.

[0281] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may notify of a clogging of the filter (390) at predetermined intervals.

[0282] For example, the control unit (360) may notify the blockage of the filter (390) in response to the rotation speed of the fan (50) being greater than the reference rotation speed, and then display the first interface (U1) through the display at predetermined intervals (e.g., 24 hours) based on not receiving a user input indicating the start of cleaning of the filter (390) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) or output a guidance voice through the speaker indicating the need for cleaning of the filter (390).

[0283] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may notify of a clogging of the filter (390) based on detecting an object outside the refrigerator (1).

[0284] For example, the control unit (360) may notify the blockage of the filter (390) in response to the rotation speed of the fan (50) being greater than the reference rotation speed, and then display the first interface (U1) through the display based on the detection of an object (e.g., a user) within a predetermined distance from the main body (100) through the proximity sensor (116), or output a guidance voice through the speaker notifying that the filter (390) needs to be cleaned.

[0285] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may transmit information regarding a clogging of the filter (390) to the server (20) and / or the user device (30) via the communication interface (270) in response to the rotation speed of the fan (50) being greater than the reference rotation speed. The information regarding the clogging of the filter (390) may include whether the filter (390) is clogged, the rotation speed of the fan (50), and / or the reference rotation speed. The user device may be notified of the clogging of the filter (390).

[0286] For example, the control unit (360) may respond that the rotation speed of the fan (50) is greater than the reference rotation speed and transmit information about whether the filter (390) is clogged to the server through the communication interface (270), and the server may transmit information about whether the filter (390) is clogged to the user device (30), and the user device (30) may display the first interface (U1).

[0287] For another example, the control unit (360) transmits information about the rotation speed of the fan (50) and information about the reference rotation speed to the server (20) through the communication interface (270), and the server determines whether the filter (390) is clogged in response to the rotation speed of the fan (50) being greater than the reference rotation speed, and transmits information about whether the filter (390) is clogged to the user device (30).

[0288] As another example, the control unit (360) can transmit information about whether the filter (390) is clogged to the user device (30) through the communication interface (270) in response to the rotation speed of the fan (50) being greater than the reference rotation speed, and the user device (30) can display the first interface (U1).

[0289] FIG. 14 illustrates another example of an interface provided by a refrigerator (1) or a user device (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, different from FIG. 13.

[0290] Referring to FIG. 14, the control unit (360) can provide a second interface (U2) for setting the operation of the refrigerator (1) through the output interface (261). For example, the control unit (360) can display the second interface (U2) through a display.

[0291] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may provide a third interface (U3) for changing settings regarding cleaning of the filter (390) through the output interface (261) based on receiving a user input for changing settings regarding the operation of the refrigerator (1) through the second interface (U2) (see FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b)).

[0292] For example, the control unit (360) may display the third interface (U3) through the display based on receiving a user input for changing the settings regarding the operation of the refrigerator (1) through the second interface (U2) (see FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b)).

[0293] Specifically, the control unit (360) can receive a user input for changing the settings regarding the operation of the refrigerator (1) through the second interface (U2), and display a third interface (U3) including a visual indicator (U31) that guides the user to clean the filter (390) in response to the rotation speed of the fan (50) being greater than the reference rotation speed.

[0294] In addition, the control unit (360) can receive a user input for changing the settings regarding the operation of the refrigerator (1) through the second interface (U2), and in response to the rotation speed of the fan (50) being greater than the reference rotation speed, output a guidance voice through the speaker to inform the user that the filter (390) needs to be cleaned.

[0295] That is, the control unit (360) may display a third interface (U3) including a visual indicator (U31) that guides that cleaning of the filter (390) is necessary only when the rotation speed of the fan (50) is greater than the reference rotation speed through the display (see FIG. 14 (b)) or output a guidance voice through the speaker that guides that cleaning of the filter (390) is necessary, and may display only the third interface (U3) that does not include a visual indicator (U31) that guides that cleaning of the filter (390) is necessary when the rotation speed of the fan (50) is less than the reference rotation speed through the display (see FIG. 14 (a)).

[0296] The user device (30) can display a second interface (U2) for setting the operation of the refrigerator (1).

[0297] The user device (30) can display the third interface (U3) based on receiving a user input for changing the settings regarding the operation of the refrigerator (1) through the second interface (U2).

[0298] For example, the user device (30) may receive a user input for changing a setting regarding the operation of the refrigerator (1) through the second interface (U2), and display a third interface (U3) including a visual indicator (U31) that guides the user to clean the filter (390) based on information received from the refrigerator (1) and / or the server (20) regarding whether the filter (390) is clogged.

[0299] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of an interface provided by a refrigerator (1) or a user device when receiving user input through the interface in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14.

[0300] Referring to FIG. 15, the control unit (360) can display a fourth interface (U4) including information on a cleaning method of the filter (390) through a display based on receiving a user input indicating the start of cleaning of the filter (390) through the first interface (U1, see FIG. 13).

[0301] Additionally, the control unit (360) can display a fourth interface (U4) including information about a cleaning method of the filter (390) through a display based on receiving a user input indicating the start of cleaning of the filter (390) through a third interface (U3, see FIG. 14).

[0302] The fourth interface (U4) may sequentially include information regarding a cleaning method of the filter (390). For example, the fourth interface (U4) may provide a visual indicator that may inform the user of information regarding a cleaning method of the filter (390) step by step (see FIGS. 15 (a), 15 (b), and 15 (c)).

[0303] The control unit (360) can display the fourth interface (U4) through the display and then display the fifth interface (U5) through the display to receive a user input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter (390).

[0304] The fifth interface (U5) may include an interface element (U51) for receiving a user input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter (390).

[0305] The control unit (360) may display a sixth interface (U6) indicating that the cleaning of the filter has been completed through a display or output a guidance voice through a speaker indicating that the cleaning of the filter has been completed based on receiving a user input indicating the completion of cleaning of the filter (390) through the interface element (U51).

[0306] Even when a user input indicating the completion of filter cleaning is received, there may be cases where the filter is not cleaned or replaced properly. Therefore, if the filter is not cleaned or replaced properly, it is necessary to notify the user of the filter clogging again to prompt the user to clean or replace the filter. One embodiment of this disclosure will be described below.

[0307] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0308] Referring to FIG. 16, the control unit (360) can turn on the power of the refrigerator (1) through the power supply unit (280) (1100. Turning on the power of the refrigerator (1) may mean that the refrigerator (1) is connected to a commercial power source, the operation of the refrigerator (1) is started, and power is supplied to various components of the refrigerator (1) through the power supply unit (280).

[0309] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may drive the fan (50) for a second predetermined period of time based on the elapsed time of a first predetermined period of time after the refrigerator (1) is turned on.

[0310] For example, the control unit (360) can drive the fan for a second predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute) after a first predetermined time (e.g., 1 hour) has elapsed after the power of the refrigerator (1) is turned on (example of FIG. 1100 of FIG. 16) (1120 of FIG. 16).

[0311] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) can set a reference rotation speed (1130).

[0312] For example, the control unit (360) can obtain the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) detected by the first speed sensor (111) for a second predetermined period of time, and set a value greater than the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan (600) detected for the second predetermined period of time as a reference rotation speed.

[0313] According to the present disclosure, setting the reference rotation speed is done by setting the reference rotation speed according to the rotation speed of the fan (50) for a second predetermined time after a first predetermined time has elapsed after the power of the refrigerator (1) is turned on, but the reference rotation speed can be set according to various embodiments.

[0314] For example, the reference rotation speed can be set to a preset rotation speed before the refrigerator (1) is installed in the home, and the rotation speed of the fan (50) acquired immediately after the refrigerator (1) is turned on can be set to the reference rotation speed.

[0315] However, the rotation speed of the fan (50) may vary depending on the installation environment of the refrigerator (1), and considering the time for system stabilization after the refrigerator (1) is turned on, the reference rotation speed is described as being set based on the rotation speed of the fan (50) obtained for a second predetermined time after a first predetermined time has elapsed after the refrigerator (1) is turned on.

[0316] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may notify of a clogging of the filter (390) in response to the rotational speed of the fan (50) being greater than the reference rotational speed (example of 1140) (1150).

[0317] For example, the control unit (360) may notify the filter (390) of clogging in response to the rotation speed of the fan (50) acquired after a second predetermined time being greater than the reference rotation speed set based on the rotation speed of the fan (50) acquired during a second predetermined time.

[0318] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may re-notify (1150) of a clog in the filter (390) if it does not receive user input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter (390).

[0319] For example, if the control unit (360) does not receive a user input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter (390) after notifying of a clog in the filter (390), the control unit (360) may again notify of a clog in the filter (390) at a predetermined interval (e.g., every 24 hours).

[0320] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may drive the fan (50) for a third predetermined time (1170) based on receiving user input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter (390) after notifying of a clogging of the filter (390) (example of 1160).

[0321] The control unit (360) can determine whether cleaning of the filter (390) is complete.

[0322] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) can determine whether cleaning of the filter (390) is complete based on the difference between the rotation speed of the fan (50) and the reference rotation speed during the third predetermined period.

[0323] For example, the control unit (360) may determine that cleaning of the filter (390) is not completed if the difference between the rotation speed of the fan (50) during the third predetermined period of time and the reference rotation speed is greater than a predetermined difference value after driving the fan (50) for a third predetermined period of time based on receiving a user input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter (390) after notifying of the clogging of the filter (390).

[0324] For another example, the control unit (360) may determine that cleaning of the filter (390) is completed when the difference between the rotation speed of the fan (50) during the third predetermined period of time and the reference rotation speed is less than a predetermined difference value after driving the fan (50) for a third predetermined period of time based on receiving a user input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter (390) after notifying of the clogging of the filter (390).

[0325] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may reset the reference rotation speed (1190) when it is determined that cleaning of the filter (390) is complete (example of 1180).

[0326] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may re-announce a clogging of the filter (390) if it is determined that cleaning of the filter (390) is not complete (No of 1180).

[0327] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may notify of a clogging of the filter (390) in response to the rotational speed of the fan (50) being greater than a reset reference rotational speed.

[0328] For example, when the control unit (360) determines that cleaning of the filter (390) is complete and resets the reference rotation speed, the control unit (360) may notify of clogging of the filter (390) in response to the rotation speed of the fan (50) being greater than the reset reference rotation speed.

[0329] According to the present disclosure, after the refrigerator (1) is powered on, clogging of the filter (390) is notified in response to the rotation speed of the fan (50) being greater than the reference rotation speed, and when it is determined that cleaning of the filter (390) is complete, the reference rotation speed is reset. However, the reference rotation speed may be reset based on the rotation speed of the fan (50) being greater than the reference rotation speed after notifying the clogging of the filter (390) each time clogging of the filter (390) is notified.

[0330] According to the present disclosure, the performance of the filter (390) or the fan (50) may vary over time. Therefore, by updating the reference rotation speed for determining whether the filter (390) is clogged based on the rotation speed of the fan (50) each time the cleaning of the filter (390) is completed, there is a better effect of being able to more accurately determine whether the filter (390) is clogged.

[0331] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0332] Referring to FIG. 17, the control unit (360) can drive the fan (50) at multiple levels for a second predetermined time based on the passage of a first predetermined time (example of 1210) after the power of the refrigerator (1) is turned on (1200).

[0333] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) can drive the fan (50) at multiple levels for a second predetermined time (1220).

[0334] For example, the control unit (360) can drive the fan (50) at multiple levels for a second predetermined time based on the elapse of a first predetermined time (example of 1210) after the power is turned on (1200) (1230).

[0335] The control unit (360) driving the fan (50) at multiple levels for a second predetermined time may include driving the fan (50) at a second level.

[0336] The control unit (360) driving the fan (50) at multiple levels for a second predetermined time may include driving the fan (50) at a second level.

[0337] The control unit (360) driving the fan (50) at multiple levels for a second predetermined time may include driving the fan (50) at a third level.

[0338] The control unit (360) can drive the fan (50) at multiple levels at predetermined times (e.g., 1 minute) during the second predetermined time.

[0339] Descriptions of multiple levels are omitted as they have been described above.

[0340] For example, the control unit (360) may drive the fan (50) at a first level for a predetermined time during a second predetermined time, then drive the fan (50) at a second level for a predetermined time, and then drive the fan (50) at a third level for a predetermined time.

[0341] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) can set multiple reference rotation speeds (1230).

[0342] For example, the control unit (360) can set the first reference rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the fan (50) obtained by driving the fan (50) at the first level for a predetermined time during a second predetermined time.

[0343] As another example, the control unit (360) may set a second reference rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the fan (50) obtained by driving the fan (50) at the first level for a predetermined time and then driving the fan (50) at the second level for a predetermined time for a second predetermined time.

[0344] As another example, the control unit (360) may set a third reference rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the fan (50) obtained by driving the fan (50) at a second level for a predetermined time, then driving the fan (50) at a third level for a predetermined time, for a second predetermined time.

[0345] The number of reference rotation speeds in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the number of reference rotation speeds may be set according to various embodiments.

[0346] In various embodiments, the control unit (360) may notify of filter clogging based on the rotation speed of the fan (50) driven at one of a plurality of levels being greater than the set reference rotation speed by driving at a corresponding level (example of 1250). In this case, notifying of filter clogging is the same as described above.

[0347] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may notify the filter (390) of clogging in response to the rotation speed of the fan (50) being greater than the first reference rotation speed when the fan (50) is driven at a first level after setting a first reference rotation speed.

[0348] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may notify the filter (390) of clogging in response to the rotation speed of the fan (50) being greater than the second reference rotation speed when the fan (50) is driven at a second level after setting the second reference rotation speed.

[0349] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may drive the fan (50) at a plurality of levels for a third predetermined time based on receiving user input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter (390) after notifying of a clogging of the filter (390) (1270).

[0350] For example, the control unit (360) may drive the fan (50) at a first level for a third predetermined time based on receiving a user input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter (390) after notifying that the filter (390) is clogged.

[0351] As another example, the control unit (360) may drive the fan (50) at a first level for a third predetermined time and then drive the fan (50) at a second level based on receiving a user input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter (390) after notifying that the filter (390) is clogged.

[0352] As another example, the control unit (360) may drive the fan (50) at a second level for a third predetermined time and then drive the fan (50) at a third level based on receiving a user input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter (390) after notifying that the filter (390) is clogged.

[0353] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) can determine whether cleaning of the filter (390) is complete based on the difference between the rotation speed of the fan (50) obtained by driving the fan (50) at a plurality of levels for a third predetermined time and the rotation speed corresponding to the level obtained and the set reference rotation speed.

[0354] For example, the control unit (360) may determine that cleaning of the filter (390) is completed based on the difference between the rotation speed of the fan (50) obtained by driving the fan (50) at the first level for a third predetermined time and the corresponding first reference rotation speed being less than or equal to the reference difference value.

[0355] As another example, the control unit (360) may determine that cleaning of the filter (390) is completed based on the difference between the rotation speed of the fan (50) obtained by driving the fan (50) at the second level for a third predetermined time and the corresponding second reference rotation speed being less than or equal to the reference difference value.

[0356] As another example, the control unit (360) may determine that cleaning of the filter (390) is completed based on the difference between the rotation speed of the fan (50) obtained by driving the fan (50) at a third level for a third predetermined time and the corresponding third reference rotation speed being less than or equal to the reference difference value.

[0357] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) may reset the reference rotation speed when it is determined that cleaning of the filter (390) is complete.

[0358] For example, the control unit (360) can reset the reference rotation speed when it is determined that cleaning of the filter (390) is complete (1190).

[0359] Specifically, the control unit (360) determines whether cleaning of the filter (390) is completed based on the difference between the rotation speed of the fan (50) and the first reference rotation speed when the fan (50) is driven at the first level for a third predetermined time, and when it is determined that cleaning of the filter (390) is completed, the first reference rotation speed can be reset.

[0360] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method of a refrigerator for notifying clogging of a filter based on the rotation speed of a fan and the temperature of a thermoelectric element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0361] Referring to FIG. 18, the control unit (360) can drive the thermoelectric element (530) (2000).

[0362] In one embodiment, the control unit (360) can notify of clogging of the filter (390) in response to the rotation speed of the fan (50) being greater than the reference rotation speed (example of 2100) and the temperature drop rate of at least one of the heating unit (531) and the cooling unit (532) being less than the reference value after driving the thermoelectric element (530) (example of 2200) (2300).

[0363] For example, if the filter (390) is clogged, the air in the heat dissipation duct (700) may not be circulated normally by the heat dissipation fan (600), which may lower the operating efficiency of the thermoelectric element (530), and as a result, when the thermoelectric element (530) operates, the temperature drop rate of the heating unit (531) and / or the cooling unit (532) may be lower than the normal state. Therefore, the control unit (360) may notify the clogging of the filter (390) based on the fact that the rotation speed of the fan (50) is greater than the reference rotation speed and the temperature drop rate of at least one of the heating unit (531) and the cooling unit (532) is lower than the reference value.

[0364] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a main body forming a storage compartment; a thermoelectric element including a heating unit and a cooling unit; a fan for blowing air heated by the heating unit to the outside of the main body or blowing air cooled by the cooling unit to the inside of the storage compartment; a filter for filtering foreign substances in air drawn in from the outside of the main body by driving the fan; and a control unit configured to notify clogging of the filter in response to a rotation speed of the fan being greater than a reference rotation speed.

[0365] The control unit can drive the fan for a second predetermined period of time based on a first predetermined period of time elapsed after the refrigerator is turned on, and set a reference rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the fan for the second predetermined period of time.

[0366] The control unit may operate the fan for a third predetermined period of time based on receiving user input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter after notifying of a clogging of the filter.

[0367] The control unit can determine whether cleaning of the filter is complete based on the difference between the rotation speed of the fan and the reference rotation speed for a third predetermined period of time.

[0368] The control unit can reset the reference rotation speed when it is determined that cleaning of the filter is complete.

[0369] The control unit may re-announce a filter clog if it is determined that cleaning of the filter is not complete.

[0370] The reference rotation speed includes a first reference rotation speed and a second reference rotation speed, and the control unit sets the first reference rotation speed by driving the fan at a first level for a second predetermined time, and sets the second reference rotation speed by driving the fan at a second level greater than the first level for a second predetermined time, and when the fan is driven at the first level, the control unit can notify the clogging of the filter (390) in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the first reference rotation speed, and when the fan is driven at the second level, the control unit can notify the clogging of the filter (390) in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the second reference rotation speed.

[0371] After notifying the filter of clogging, and upon receiving a user input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter, the control unit may determine whether cleaning of the filter is completed based on a difference between the rotation speed of the fan and the first reference rotation speed when the fan is driven at the first level for a third predetermined time, and may determine whether cleaning of the filter is completed based on a difference between the rotation speed of the fan and the second reference rotation speed when the fan is driven at the second level for a third predetermined time.

[0372] The control unit can notify of a clogging of the filter in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the reference rotation speed and the temperature drop rate of at least one of the heating unit and the cooling unit being less than the reference value after driving the thermoelectric element.

[0373] A communication interface for communicating with an external device is further included, and the control unit can transmit information about clogging of the filter to the external device through the communication interface in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the reference rotation speed.

[0374] A method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main body forming a storage compartment, a thermoelectric element including a heating unit and a cooling unit, a fan for blowing air heated by the heating unit to the outside of the main body or blowing air cooled by the cooling unit to the inside of the storage compartment, and a filter for filtering foreign substances in air flowing in from the outside of the main body by driving the fan, wherein the method may include notifying clogging of the filter in response to a rotation speed of the fan being greater than a reference rotation speed.

[0375] The control method of the refrigerator may further include driving the fan for a second predetermined period of time based on a first predetermined period of time elapsed after the refrigerator is turned on, and setting a reference rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the fan for the second predetermined period of time.

[0376] The method of controlling the refrigerator may further include driving the fan for a third predetermined period of time based on receiving a user input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter after notifying that the filter is clogged.

[0377] The control method of the refrigerator may further include determining whether cleaning of the filter is complete based on the difference between the rotation speed of the fan and the reference rotation speed for a third predetermined period of time.

[0378] The control method of the refrigerator may further include resetting the reference rotation speed when it is determined that cleaning of the filter is complete.

[0379] The method of controlling the refrigerator may further include re-notifying the filter of a clog if it is determined that the cleaning of the filter is not complete.

[0380] The reference rotation speed includes a first reference rotation speed and a second reference rotation speed, and the control method of the refrigerator further includes driving the fan at a first level for a second predetermined time to set the first reference rotation speed, and driving the fan at a second level greater than the first level for a second predetermined time to set the second reference rotation speed; and notifying the clogging of the filter may include: notifying the clogging of the filter in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the first reference rotation speed when the fan is driven at the first level, and notifying the clogging of the filter in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the second reference rotation speed when the fan is driven at the second level.

[0381] The method for controlling the refrigerator may further include: determining whether the cleaning of the filter is complete based on a difference between the rotation speed of the fan and the first reference rotation speed when the fan is driven at the first level for a third predetermined time period; and determining whether the cleaning of the filter is complete based on a difference between the rotation speed of the fan and the second reference rotation speed when the fan is driven at the second level for a third predetermined time period;

[0382] Notifying of filter clogging may include notifying of filter clogging in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the reference rotation speed and the temperature drop rate of at least one of the heating unit and the cooling unit being less than the reference value after driving the thermoelectric element.

[0383] The control method of the refrigerator may further include transmitting information about clogging of the filter to an external device in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the reference rotation speed.

[0384] 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.

[0385] 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.

[0386] 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.

[0387] 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.

[0388] 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 forming a storage room; A thermoelectric device comprising a heating unit and a cooling unit, wherein the cooling unit comprises a thermoelectric element that cools the air inside the storage room; A fan that drives the air heated by the heating unit to be introduced from the outside of the main body into the heating unit so as to be heated and to discharge the heated air to the outside of the main body; A filter that filters foreign substances in the air flowing into the heating unit from the outside of the main body by driving the fan; and A refrigerator comprising a control unit configured to notify clogging of the filter in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than a reference rotation speed.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, The fan is driven for a second time based on the first time elapsed after the refrigerator is turned on, A refrigerator that sets the reference rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the fan during the second time period.

3. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, A refrigerator that operates the fan for a third time based on receiving an input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter after notifying that the filter is clogged.

4. In paragraph 3, The above control unit, A refrigerator that determines whether cleaning of the filter is complete based on the difference between the rotation speed of the fan during the third time period and the reference rotation speed.

5. In paragraph 4, The above control unit, A refrigerator that resets the reference rotation speed when it is determined that cleaning of the above filter is complete.

6. In paragraph 4, The above control unit, A refrigerator that notifies of a clogged filter when it is determined that cleaning of the filter is not complete.

7. In paragraph 2, The above reference rotation speed is, Including a first reference rotation speed and a second reference rotation speed, The above control unit, Driving the fan at the first level for the second time, and setting the first reference rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the fan when driving at the first level; Driving the fan at a second level greater than the first level during the second time, and setting the second reference rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the fan when driving at the second level; When the fan is driven to the first level, the filter is notified of clogging in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the first reference rotation speed, A refrigerator that notifies the filter of clogging in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the second reference rotation speed when the fan is driven at the second level.

8. In paragraph 7, Based on receiving an input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter after notifying of the clogging of the filter, the control unit, A refrigerator in which, when the fan is driven at the first level for a third time, it is determined whether cleaning of the filter is complete based on the difference between the rotation speed of the fan and the first reference rotation speed, and when the fan is driven at the second level for a third predetermined time, it is determined whether cleaning of the filter is complete based on the difference between the rotation speed of the fan and the second reference rotation speed.

9. In paragraph 1, The thermoelectric element operates to increase the temperature change rate of at least one of the heating unit and at least one of the cooling unit, The above control unit, A refrigerator that notifies the filter of clogging in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the reference rotation speed and the temperature change rate of at least one of the heating unit and the cooling unit being less than the reference value after driving the thermoelectric element.

10. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a communication interface for communicating with an external device; The above control unit, A refrigerator that transmits information about clogging of the filter to the external device through the communication interface in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the reference rotation speed.

11. A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: a main body forming a storage compartment; a heating unit and a cooling unit; the cooling unit including a thermoelectric element for cooling the air inside the storage compartment; a fan for introducing air heated by the heating unit from the outside of the main body into the heating unit to heat it and for discharging the heated air to the outside of the main body; a filter for filtering foreign substances in air introduced into the heating unit from the outside of the main body by driving the fan; and a control unit. A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: notifying, by the control unit, that the filter is clogged in response to the rotation speed of the fan being greater than the reference rotation speed; 12. In paragraph 11, By the above control unit, The fan is driven for a second time based on the first time elapsed after the refrigerator is turned on, A control method for a refrigerator, further comprising: setting the reference rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the fan during the second time period.

13. In paragraph 12, A method for controlling a refrigerator, further comprising: driving the fan for a third time based on receiving an input indicating completion of cleaning of the filter after notifying the filter of clogging by the control unit; 14. In paragraph 13, A control method for a refrigerator further comprising: determining, by the control unit, whether cleaning of the filter is complete based on the difference between the rotation speed of the fan during the third time and the reference rotation speed; 15. In paragraph 14, A method for controlling a refrigerator, further comprising: resetting the reference rotation speed when it is determined by the control unit that cleaning of the filter is complete;

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