Refrigerator and control method of refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to the present disclosure may comprise: a storage compartment; a thermoelectric cooling device including a thermoelectric element having a heating unit and a cooling unit, a heat-dissipating sink in contact with the heating unit, a cooling sink in contact with the cooling unit, a heat-dissipating fan that blows air toward the heat-dissipating sink, and a cooling fan that blows air toward the cooling sink; a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cooling sink; a second temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the storage compartment; and at least one processor that in an overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element, turns off the thermoelectric element, operates the heat-dissipating fan, and operates the cooling fan on the basis of a difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage compartment exceeding a reference value that has been previously set.

Description

Refrigerator and refrigerator control method

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

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

[0003] A thermoelectric cooling device that generates heat and cooling through the Peltier effect can be used as a cold air supply device for a refrigerator. The thermoelectric cooling device may include a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element has a heating portion formed on one side and a cooling portion formed on the opposite side, and when current is applied to the thermoelectric element, a heating effect may occur in the heating portion and an endothermic effect may occur in the cooling portion.

[0004] The thermoelectric cooling device may be equipped with a heat sink, a cooling sink, a heat dissipation fan, a cooling fan, a heat dissipation duct, and a cooling duct to increase the efficiency of cooling the storage room through the thermoelectric cooling device. In addition, the thermoelectric cooling device may be equipped with a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heat dissipation sink, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cooling sink, and a temperature sensor for measuring the internal temperature, respectively.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator that detect overheating of a thermoelectric element and perform a thermoelectric element protection operation when overheating occurs.

[0006] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a storage room; a thermoelectric cooling device comprising a thermoelectric element including a heating element and a cooling element, a heat dissipation sink in contact with the heating element, a cooling sink in contact with the cooling element, a heat dissipation fan blowing air toward the heat dissipation sink, and a cooling fan blowing air toward the cooling sink; a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cooling sink; a second temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the storage room; and at least one processor for turning off the thermoelectric element, driving the heat dissipation fan, and driving the cooling fan based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room exceeding a preset reference value in an overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element.

[0007] A control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a storage room; a thermoelectric cooling device comprising a thermoelectric element including a heating element and a cooling element, a heat dissipation sink in contact with the heating element, a cooling sink in contact with the cooling element, a heat dissipation fan blowing air toward the heat dissipation sink, and a cooling fan blowing air toward the cooling sink; a first temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the cooling sink; and a second temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the storage room; wherein, in an overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element, the thermoelectric element is turned off, the heat dissipation fan is driven, and the cooling fan is driven based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room exceeding a preset reference value.

[0008] According to the refrigerator and the method for controlling the refrigerator of the present disclosure, damage to the refrigerator components due to overheating of the thermoelectric element can be prevented.

[0009] According to the refrigerator and the control method of the refrigerator disclosed in the present disclosure, the reliability and stability of the cooling system can be improved by detecting and responding to abnormal situations caused by overheating of the thermoelectric element at an early stage.

[0010] According to the refrigerator and the method for controlling the refrigerator disclosed in the present invention, the sensor configuration can be simplified, thereby enabling cost reduction and economic efficiency.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the doors of a refrigerator in an open state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a view of the upper part of a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, seen from below.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a partial side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a disassembled view of a thermoelectric cooling device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an operation sequence diagram for initiating an overheating prevention mode of a thermoelectric element in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a flowchart of the operation of a second cooling device in an overheating prevention mode of a thermoelectric element in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of an operation sequence diagram for terminating an overheating prevention mode of a thermoelectric element in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates another example of an operation sequence diagram for terminating the overheating prevention mode of a thermoelectric element in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0024] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and various modifications that may replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0025] The terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit or restrict the disclosed invention.

[0026] For example, in this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] Additionally, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to express the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude the additional existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0028] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0029] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0030] Meanwhile, terms such as "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings; however, the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the front side may be defined as the +X side and the rear side as the -X side. For example, based on the drawings, the right side may be defined as the +Y side and the left side as the -Y side. For example, based on the drawings, the top side may be defined as the +Z side and the bottom side as the -Z side.

[0031] In addition, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the components.

[0032] In addition, terms such as "~part," "~unit," "~block," "~part," and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one piece of hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one piece of software stored in memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0033] An embodiment of the disclosed invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Identical reference numbers or symbols in the attached drawings may indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0034] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0035] The main body may include an insulating material. The insulating material may insulate the inside and outside of the storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room is maintained at a set optimal temperature without being affected by the external environment. According to one embodiment, the insulating material may include a foamed insulating material such as polyurethane foam. According to one embodiment, the insulating material may additionally include a vacuum insulating material in addition to the foamed insulating material, or the insulating material may consist solely of a vacuum insulating material instead of the foamed insulating material.

[0036] Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics can be stored in the storage room, and the storage room can be formed so that at least one side is open to allow for the retrieval and retrieval of items.

[0037] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in a refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different use and may be maintained at a different temperature. To this end, each storage compartment may be partitioned from one another by a partition containing insulation.

[0038] The storage room may be provided to be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to its intended use and may include a "refrigeration room," "freezing room," or "variable temperature room" distinguished according to its intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for refrigerated storage of goods, and the freezer room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for frozen storage of goods. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling goods to a temperature that does not freeze them; for example, the refrigerator room may be maintained within a range of 0°C to 7°C. "Freezing" may mean cooling goods to freeze them or to maintain them in a frozen state; for example, the freezer room may be maintained within a range of -20°C to -1°C. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, with or without the user's choice.

[0039] Storage rooms may be referred to by various names, such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice-making room," in addition to terms like "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room." The terms "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room" used below should be understood as encompassing storage rooms with corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close one side of the storage compartment. The door may be provided to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed to be rotatable or sliding on the front of the main body.

[0041] The door may be configured to seal the storage room when the door is closed. The door may include insulation material, similar to the main body, to insulate the storage room when the door is closed.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door and facing the storage room, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation material provided inside the same.

[0043] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the door inner panel to seal the storage compartment by adhering to the front of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be mounted.

[0044] According to 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 a door insulation material provided inside them.

[0045] Refrigerators can be classified into French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer), TMF (Top Mounted Freezer), or 1-door refrigerators depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device arranged to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0047] The cold air supply device may include a machine, apparatus, electronic device, and / or a system combining these that can generate cold air and guide cold air to cool a storage room.

[0048] According to one embodiment, a 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 may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to one embodiment, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage chamber through heat generation and cooling action via the Peltier effect.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room arranged to accommodate at least some parts belonging to a cold air supply device.

[0050] The machine room may be configured to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed inside the machine room.

[0051] According to 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 opening the door.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to generate ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-removing device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket that stores the ice generated from the ice-making tray.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0054] The control unit may include a memory that stores or remembers 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 stored in the memory.

[0055] The memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc., necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated while generating control signals to control the components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0056] 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 operation of an artificial intelligence model. Additionally, the processor may include a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the cold air supply unit. For example, the processor can receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply unit based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0057] Additionally, the processor can process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface according to programs and / or data stored in memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor can transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface to display an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0058] 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 sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memory units.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories that individually control the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cold air supply device according to the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately provide a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface according to user input.

[0060] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through nearby access points (APs). The access point (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 be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

[0061] The input interface may include keys, touchscreens, microphones, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0062] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0063] In the present disclosure, driving an electrical component may include turning on the electrical component. In the present disclosure, driving an electrical component may include maintaining the electrical component in an turned-on state.

[0064] The operating principles and embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0065] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with the door open. FIG. 3 is a drawing of the upper part of the storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from below. FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a partial side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the 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).

[0067] The main body (100) may include an inner body (170), an outer body (180) coupled to the outside of the inner body (170), and an insulating material (190) provided between the inner body (170) and the outer body (180). The inner body (170) may form a storage room (11, 12, 13), and the outer body (180) may form the exterior of the main body (100).

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

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

[0070] Storage rooms (11, 12, 13) can accommodate items. Storage rooms (11, 12, 13) may be formed with an open front side to allow items to be inserted or removed. The main body (100) may include a horizontal partition (160) that separates the first storage room (11) from the second storage room (12) and the third storage room (13), and a vertical partition (161) that separates the second storage room (12) from the third storage room (13). The first storage room (11) may be provided at the top of the main body (100), and the second storage room (12) and the third storage room (13) may be provided at the bottom of the main body (100). The first storage room (11) may be a refrigerator, the second storage room (12) may be a freezer, and the third storage room (13) may be a variable temperature room. In the present disclosure, "storage room" may correspond to one of the first storage room (11), the second storage room (12), or the third storage room (13).

[0071] The first storage room (11) can be maintained at a first set temperature, the second storage room (12) can be maintained at a second set temperature, and the third storage room (13) can be maintained at a third set temperature.

[0072] The second set temperature may be set lower than the first set temperature and the third set temperature. The second set temperature, the first set temperature, and the third set temperature may be set by the user.

[0073] The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can open and close the 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). In the present disclosure, "door" may correspond to one of the first door (21), the second door (22), the third door (23), or the fourth door (24).

[0074] The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can be rotatably connected to the main body (100) by a hinge. For example, the first door (21) and the second door (22) can be rotatably connected to the main body (100) by a hinge (31) provided at the top 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 protruding in a vertical direction to form a rotation axis of the door. The hinge (31) may be covered by a top cover (300) provided to cover the front part of the upper surface of the main body (100).

[0075] In either the first door (21) or the second door (22), a rotating bar (40) may be provided 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 rotatably provided in either the first door (21) or the second door (22). The rotating bar (40) may have a rod shape formed long in the vertical direction. The rotating bar (40) may also be referred to as a pillar, a mullion, etc.

[0076] A guide projection (46) is provided at the top of the rotating bar (40), and a rotation guide (119) that guides the rotation of the guide projection (46) may be provided at the top of the main body (100).

[0077] The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a gasket (51). The gasket (51) may be in close contact with the front of the main body (100) when the doors (21, 22, 23, 24) are closed. The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a dike (52) that protrudes rearward. A door shelf (53) capable of storing items may be mounted on the dike (52). A rotating bar (40) may be rotatably installed on the dike (52).

[0078] Although the number and arrangement of storage compartments and the number and arrangement of doors have been described above, there are no limitations 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.

[0079] The refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) provided to cool the first storage room (11).

[0080] A thermoelectric cooling device (400) may be provided on the upper side of the first storage room (11) to cool the first storage room (11). That is, the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may be provided on the upper wall (110) of the main body (100).

[0081] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric element (530). The thermoelectric element (530) may be a semiconductor device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy and electrical energy into thermal energy using the thermoelectric effect, and may be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor device, a Peltier device, etc.

[0082] The thermoelectric element (530) includes a heating portion (531) and a cooling portion (532). When current is applied to the thermoelectric element (530), a heating action may occur in the heating portion (531) and an endothermic action may occur in the cooling portion (532). The thermoelectric element (530) may have a thin cuboid shape. A heating portion (531) may be provided on one side of the thermoelectric element (530), and a cooling portion (532) may be provided on the opposite side.

[0083] The thermoelectric element (530) can be provided on the upper wall (110) such that the heating portion (531) faces upward and the cooling portion (532) faces downward. That is, the heating portion (531) may face outward from the main body (100) and the cooling portion (532) may face inward from the storage room (11). Accordingly, air that has been warmed by heat exchange with the heating portion (531) can be discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and air that has been cooled by heat exchange with the cooling portion (532) can be supplied to the storage room (11).

[0084] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat dissipation sink (520) in contact with the heating element (531) so that heat exchange between the heating element (531) and the air outside the main body (100) is efficiently performed.

[0085] The heat dissipation sink (520) may be located outside the main body (100). The heat dissipation sink (520) may come into contact with the heat source (531) to absorb heat from the heat source (531) and release heat to the outside of the main body (100). The heat dissipation sink (520) may also be referred to as a hot sink, a heat dissipation heat sink, a hot heat sink, etc.

[0086] The heat sink (520) can be formed from a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the heat sink (520) can be formed from aluminum or copper.

[0087] The heat dissipation sink (520) may include a heat dissipation sink base (521) in contact with a heat-generating part (531) and a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) protruding from the heat dissipation sink base (521) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude upward from the heat dissipation sink base (521).

[0088] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling sink (570) in contact with the cooling section (532) so that heat exchange between the cooling section (532) and the air inside the storage room (11) is efficiently performed.

[0089] The cooling sink (570) may be located inside the storage room (11). The cooling sink (570) can cool the storage room (11) by taking heat from the storage room (11) and transferring it to the cooling unit (532). The cooling sink (570) may also be referred to as a cold sink, cooling sink, cooling heat sink, cold heat sink, cooling heat sink, etc.

[0090] The cooling sink (570) can be formed from a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the cooling sink (570) can be formed from aluminum or copper.

[0091] The cooling sink (570) may include a cooling sink base (571) in contact with the cooling section (532) and a plurality of cooling fins (575) protruding from the cooling sink base (571) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of cooling fins (575) 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.

[0092] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat dissipation fan (600) that circulates air to efficiently facilitate heat exchange between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the air outside the main body (100).

[0093] The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided to blow air toward the heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided to be positioned in the horizontal direction of the heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided on the outside of the main body (100). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be provided on the upper side of the upper wall (110).

[0094] The heat dissipation fan (600) may be a centrifugal fan that sucks in air in the axial direction and discharges it in the radial directions. The centrifugal fan may include a blower fan. The rotation axis (610) of the heat dissipation fan (600) may be positioned perpendicular to the upper surface of the upper wall (110).

[0095] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat dissipation duct (700) provided to guide air flowing through a heat dissipation fan (600). The heat dissipation duct (700) may draw in air from outside the main body (100) and guide it to exchange heat with a heat dissipation sink (520), and then discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) back outside the main body (100).

[0096] The heat dissipation duct (700) can draw in air from an external space above the main body (100). The heat dissipation duct (700) can discharge air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to an external space above 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).

[0097] The heat dissipation duct (700) may include an external air intake port (751) that sucks air from outside the main body (100) into the interior of the heat dissipation duct (700), and an external 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).

[0098] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling fan (800) that circulates air to efficiently facilitate heat exchange between the cooling sink (570) and the air inside the storage room (11).

[0099] The cooling fan (800) may be provided to blow air toward the cooling sink (570). The cooling fan (800) may be located in the horizontal direction of the cooling sink (570). The cooling fan (800) may be provided inside the storage room (11). The cooling fan (800) may be provided on the lower side of the upper wall (110).

[0100] The cooling fan (800) may be a centrifugal fan that draws in air in the axial direction and discharges it in the radial directions. The rotation axis (810) of the cooling fan (800) may be positioned perpendicular to the bottom surface of the upper wall (110).

[0101] The refrigerator (1) may include a temperature sensor (111) (hereinafter referred to as the 'first temperature sensor') for measuring the temperature of air cooled by a cooling fan (800) of a thermoelectric cooling device (400).

[0102] The first temperature sensor (111) can measure the temperature of the cooling sink (570). Measuring the temperature of the cooling sink (570) may include measuring the temperature of the surrounding air of the cooling sink (570) and measuring the temperature of the cooling sink (570) itself.

[0103] The first temperature sensor (111) may be provided in the cooling sink (570) or in the cooling duct (900).

[0104] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling duct (900) provided to guide air flowing through a cooling fan (800). The cooling duct (900) may draw in air from inside the storage room (11) and guide it to exchange heat with a cooling sink (570), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) back into the storage room (11).

[0105] 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).

[0106] The cooling duct (900) may include an air intake port (991) that draws air from inside the storage room (11) into the cooling duct (900), and an air exhaust port (992) that discharges air that has been heat-exchanged with the cooling sink (570) into the storage room (11).

[0107] Referring to FIG. 4, the refrigerator (1) may include a refrigeration cycle device to cool the storage room 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 room (12, 13).

[0108] According to various embodiments, an evaporator may not be provided at the rear side of the first storage room (11). That is, the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include only one evaporator (3), and the evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear side of the second storage room (12). Additionally, the evaporator (3) may be provided at the lower side relative to the horizontal partition (160).

[0109] The refrigerator (1) may include a temperature sensor (112) (hereinafter referred to as the 'second temperature sensor') for measuring the temperature of the storage compartments (11, 12, 13). According to one embodiment, the second temperature sensor (112) may be provided in the first storage compartment (11) which is cooled by a thermoelectric cooling device (400). For example, that is to say, the second temperature sensor (112) may be provided in the refrigerator compartment.

[0110] The second temperature sensor (112) may be provided in the inner chamber (170) constituting the storage chamber (11, 12, 13). For example, referring to FIG. 4, the second temperature sensor (112) may be provided in the inner chamber (170) constituting one side of the rear wall (150). However, there is no limitation on the location or number of the second temperature sensor (112) of the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the second temperature sensor (112) may be provided on a horizontal partition (160) or a vertical partition (161) that partitions the storage chamber (11, 12, 13).

[0111] 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 of the second storage room (12) and the third storage room (13). The second evaporator duct (70) may be provided at the rear of the first storage room (11).

[0112] Cold air generated in the evaporator (3) can be drawn into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) by the evaporator fan (80). Cold air drawn into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) can be discharged to the second storage room (12) or the third storage room (13) through a cold air outlet (not shown) formed on the front. Additionally, cold air drawn into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) can be guided to the internal flow path (78) of the second evaporator duct (70). The first evaporator duct (60) may be provided with a damper (61) that controls the supply of cold air from the interior of 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).

[0113] The internal flow path (78) of the second evaporator duct (70) can guide the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) to the first storage room (11).

[0114] The damper (61) can open or close the internal flow path (78).

[0115] When the internal flow path (78) is opened by the damper (61), the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) can be guided to the first storage room (11).

[0116] When the internal flow path (78) is closed by the damper (61), the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) is blocked by the damper (61) and may not be guided to the first storage room (11).

[0117] Cold air flowing into the internal flow path (78) of the second evaporator duct (70) can be supplied to the first storage room (11) through the cold air outlet (72) formed on the front of the second evaporator duct (70).

[0118] 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). Additionally, a separate evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear of the first storage room (11) to supply cold air to the second evaporator duct (70).

[0119] As such, 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 room (11), the method of supplying cold air to the storage room (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.

[0120] The refrigerator (1) can supply cold air to the storage room (11) in an appropriate manner depending on external and internal conditions. For example, the refrigerator (1) can cool the storage room (11) in one way depending on the indoor temperature where the refrigerator (1) is installed. That is, if the indoor temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature and cooling by the refrigeration cycle is more efficient than cooling by the thermoelectric cooling device (400), the storage room (11) can be cooled only by the cold generated through the refrigeration cycle device. Conversely, if the indoor temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature and cooling by the thermoelectric cooling device (400) is more efficient than cooling by the refrigeration cycle device, the storage room (11) can be cooled only by the cold generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400). The refrigerator (1) can operate only the thermoelectric cooling device (400) when it is necessary to reduce noise. 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).

[0121] As such, 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 the thermoelectric cooling device (400).

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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).

[0124] FIG. 6 is a disassembled view of a thermoelectric cooling device according to one embodiment.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 6, the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric module.

[0126] The aforementioned thermoelectric element (530), heat dissipation sink (520), and cooling sink (570) can be assembled integrally to form a thermoelectric module. That is, the thermoelectric module may include a thermoelectric element (530), a heat dissipation sink (520), a cooling sink (570), and a module plate (550).

[0127] The module plate (550) can serve as the framework of the thermoelectric module. The module plate (550) may be formed from a resin material with low thermal conductivity. The module plate (550) can maintain a gap between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) and support the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570). The module plate (550) may be formed integrally with the fan case (650) described later. However, it is also possible for the module plate (550) to be provided separately from the fan case (650).

[0128] The module plate (550) may include a heat sink support (552) that supports the heat sink (520).

[0129] The module plate (550) may include a module plate opening (551). A thermoelectric element (530) may be placed 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 placed on the upper side of the module plate opening (551). The reason the thermoelectric element (530) is placed on the upper side inside the module plate opening (551) is that, typically, the amount of heat generated by the thermoelectric element (530) is higher than the amount of heat absorbed, and having the thermoelectric element (530) located on the upper side of the module plate opening (551) is advantageous for heat dissipation of the heat generation part (531).

[0130] In this way, since the thermoelectric element (530) is positioned on the upper side of the module plate opening (551), the cooling sink (570) may include a cooling conductive portion (574) protruding from the cooling sink base (571) for contact with the cooling portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0131] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include an element insulating material (540) that insulates the module plate (550) and the thermoelectric element (530). The element insulating material (540) may be placed in the module plate opening (551) so that the side of the thermoelectric element (530) does not come into contact with the module plate (550). The element insulating material (540) includes an element insulating material opening (541), and the thermoelectric element (530) may be accommodated in the element insulating material opening (541).

[0132] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a sink insulation (580) provided between the module plate (550) and the cooling sink (570). The sink insulation (580) may prevent heat from being transferred between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) through the module plate (550). The sink insulation (580) may include a sink insulation opening (581). However, the sink insulation (580) may be omitted, in which case the heat dissipation sink (520) may be supported on the upper surface of the module plate (550) and the cooling sink (570) may be supported on the lower surface of the module plate (550).

[0133] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a fan case (650) in which a heat dissipation fan (600) is installed and which guides the air blown by the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0134] The fan case (650) may be formed integrally with the module plate (550) or provided separately.

[0135] The fan case (650) may include a case bottom (660) on which a heat dissipation fan (600) is rotatably installed, and a case scroll portion (670) extending upward from the edge of the case bottom (660) to guide air blown from the heat dissipation fan (600) toward a heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) is a centrifugal fan and may be installed on the case bottom (660) such that the rotation axis (610) is perpendicular to the case bottom (660). Additionally, the heat dissipation sink (520) may be positioned in a radial direction of the heat dissipation fan (600). With this structure, the overall vertical length of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) can be made compact.

[0136] The case scroll portion (670) may be formed to surround the heat dissipation fan (600). The case scroll portion (670) may have a scroll portion opening (673) that is open toward the heat dissipation sink (520). The case scroll portion (670) may include a downstream end (671) according to the rotation direction (R) of the heat dissipation fan (600) and an upstream end (672) according to the rotation direction (R).

[0137] The fan case (650) may include a case guide (680) provided to guide air flowing from the cooling fan (600) to the downstream end (671) of the case scroll section (670).

[0138] The heat dissipation sink (520) may include a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525). The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude from the upper surface of the heat dissipation sink base (521). The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the heat dissipation sink base (521).

[0139] Heat dissipation channels can be formed between the plurality of heat dissipation fins (525).

[0140] The cooling fan (600) can blow air toward the cooling sink (520), and the air flowing through the cooling fan (600) can pass through the cooling channels and exchange heat with the plurality of cooling fins (525).

[0141] The cooling sink (570) may include a plurality of cooling fins (575). The plurality of cooling fins (575) may be formed to extend in a direction parallel to the lower surface of the cooling sink base (571).

[0142] Cooling channels can be formed between the plurality of cooling fins (575).

[0143] The air flowing through the cooling fan (800) passes through the cooling channels and can exchange heat with the plurality of cooling fins (575).

[0144] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 7, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include a first temperature sensor (111), a second temperature sensor (112), a communication interface (250), a user interface (280), a first cooling device (400), a second cooling device (450), and a control unit (350).

[0146] The first temperature sensor (111) can measure the temperature of the cooling sink (570). Measuring the temperature of the cooling sink (570) may include measuring the temperature of the surrounding air of the cooling sink (570) and measuring the temperature of the cooling sink (570) itself. The first temperature sensor (111) can transmit information regarding the temperature of the cooling sink (570) to the control unit (350).

[0147] The second temperature sensor (112) can measure the temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13). The second temperature sensor (112) may be provided in the storage room (11, 12, 13). For example, the second temperature sensor (112) may be provided in at least one of the first storage room (11), the second storage room (12), or the third storage room (13). In other words, the second temperature sensor (112) may be provided in at least one of the refrigerator room, the freezer room, or the variable temperature room. Measuring the temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13) may include measuring the temperature of the air inside the storage room (11, 12, 13). The second temperature sensor (112) may transmit information regarding the temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13) to the control unit (350).

[0148] The refrigerator (1) may include a user interface (280).

[0149] The user interface (280) may include at least one input interface (281) and at least one output interface (282).

[0150] The input interface (281) can receive user input and transmit information regarding the user input to the control unit (350).

[0151] The input interface (281) may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, a microphone and / or a sensor module, etc.

[0152] The output interface (282) can provide information, messages, and / or notifications regarding the operation of the refrigerator (1) to the user by generating sensory information (e.g., visual information or voice information). The control unit (350) can transmit output control signals and data to the output interface (282) to output information regarding the operation of the refrigerator (1) through the output interface (282).

[0153] The output interface (282) may include a display and / or a speaker, etc., for providing information regarding the operation of the refrigerator (1).

[0154] For example, the user interface (280) may include a touch screen comprising a touch sensing circuit (or touch sensor) (not shown) as illustrated in FIG. 1, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity of a touch, and / or a touch panel (e.g., a digitizer) capable of detecting a magnetic field type stylus pen. In this case, the touch screen may include, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitted diode (OLED), an active matrix organic light emitted diode (AMOLED), a flexible display, or an expandable display.

[0155] The refrigerator (1) may include a communication interface (250) for communicating with an external device (e.g., server, user device) via wired and / or wireless means.

[0156] The communication interface (250) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0157] The communication interface (250) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., server device, user device, temperature probe) or receive data from an external device. To this end, the communication interface (250) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication interface (250) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external device through 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 legacy cellular network, 5G network, next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a long-range communication network such as a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0158] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication modules, Near Field Communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication modules, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication modules, UWB (ultrawideband) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, microwave (uWave) communication modules, etc.

[0159] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0160] In one embodiment, the communication interface (250) can communicate with an external device through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect the local 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 through the wide area network (WAN).

[0161] The refrigerator (1) can receive various signals (e.g., weather information, remote instructions) from an external device (e.g., other electronic devices excluding the refrigerator, server device, user device) through a communication interface (250).

[0162] The refrigerator (1) can transmit various signals to an external device through a communication interface (250). For example, the refrigerator (1) can transmit a signal containing information regarding the operating mode of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., thermoelectric element overheating prevention mode) to an external device through the communication interface (250).

[0163] The refrigerator (1) may include a first cooling device (400) configured to cool the first storage room (11). The first cooling device (400) may be the thermoelectric cooling device (400) described above.

[0164] The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric element (530), a heat dissipation fan (600) and / or a cooling fan (800).

[0165] When power is applied to the thermoelectric element (530), heat exchange between the cooling sink (570) and the heat dissipation sink (520) can occur. For example, the thermoelectric element (530) can convert electrical energy into thermal energy so that a heating action occurs in the heating part (531) and a heat absorption action occurs in the cooling part (532).

[0166] When a heating action occurs in the heating unit (531), the air warmed by the heat dissipation 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).

[0167] The control unit (350) can control the thermoelectric element (530). Controlling the thermoelectric element (530) may include controlling the on / off of the thermoelectric element (530). Controlling the thermoelectric element (530) may include controlling a driving circuit that applies power to the thermoelectric element (530).

[0168] Driving the thermoelectric element (530) may include supplying electrical energy to the thermoelectric element (530), that is, supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530). Supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) may include applying voltage and / or current to the thermoelectric element (530). Driving the thermoelectric element (530) may include turning on the thermoelectric element (530). Driving the thermoelectric element (530) may include maintaining the electrical component in an turned-on state.

[0169] Driving the thermoelectric element (530) may include PWM controlling the thermoelectric element (530).

[0170] Turning off the thermoelectric element (530) may include not supplying electrical energy to the thermoelectric element (530), that is, not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530). Not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) may include not applying voltage and / or current to the thermoelectric element (530). Not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) may include not PWM controlling the thermoelectric element (530).

[0171] In the present disclosure, turning off the thermoelectric element (530) may not include intermittently not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) according to the on / off duty ratio while PWM controlling the thermoelectric element (530). That is, even if power is not intermittently supplied to the thermoelectric element (530) according to the on / off duty ratio while PWM controlling the thermoelectric element (530), the thermoelectric element (530) remains in operation.

[0172] When the thermoelectric element (530) is operated, the heat dissipation sink (520) can come into contact with the heat-generating part (531), absorb the heat from the heat-generating part (531), and release the heat to the outside of the main body (100). Additionally, when the thermoelectric element (530) is operated, the cooling sink (570) can cool the first storage room (11) by taking heat from the first storage room (11) and transferring it to the cooling part (532).

[0173] In one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can control the thermoelectric element (530) to prevent overheating of the thermoelectric element (530) in an overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530). At this time, controlling the thermoelectric element (530) to prevent overheating of the thermoelectric element (530) may include turning off the thermoelectric element (530).

[0174] The heat dissipation fan (600) draws in air from outside the main body (100) and guides 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 outside the main body (100).

[0175] The control unit (350) can control the heat dissipation fan (600). Controlling the heat dissipation fan (600) may include controlling the fan motor of the heat dissipation fan (600). Controlling the heat dissipation fan (600) may include driving the heat dissipation fan (600) and turning off the heat dissipation fan (600). Driving the heat dissipation fan (600) may include rotating the heat dissipation fan (600) at a predetermined speed. Turning off the heat dissipation fan (600) may include stopping the rotation of the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0176] The fan motor of the cooling fan (600) may include a speed-controllable BLDC motor. Controlling the cooling fan (600) may include adjusting the RPM of the cooling fan (600). That is, controlling the cooling fan (600) may include increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the cooling fan (600).

[0177] As the heat dissipation fan (600) operates, air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) flows, allowing the heat dissipation sink (520) to dissipate heat quickly. As the heat dissipation sink (520) dissipates heat quickly, the heat generation action in the heat generation part (531) and the heat absorption action in the cooling part (532) can occur smoothly.

[0178] By adjusting the RPM of the heat dissipation fan (600), the heat dissipation sink (520) can control the heat dissipation speed by controlling the flow speed of the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520). For example, if the RPM of the heat dissipation fan (600) increases, the heat dissipation sink (520) dissipates heat more quickly, so that the heat generation action in the heat generation part (531) and the heat absorption action in the cooling part (532) can occur more smoothly.

[0179] The cooling fan (800) can draw in air inside the storage room (11), exchange heat with the cooling sink (570), and then discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) back into the storage room (11).

[0180] The control unit (350) can control the cooling fan (800). Controlling the cooling fan (800) may include controlling the fan motor of the cooling fan (800). Controlling the cooling fan (800) may include driving the cooling fan (800) and turning off the cooling fan (800). Driving the cooling fan (800) may include rotating the cooling fan (800) at a predetermined speed. Turning off the cooling fan (800) may include stopping the rotation of the cooling fan (800).

[0181] The fan motor of the cooling fan (800) may include a speed-controllable BLDC motor. Controlling the cooling fan (800) may include adjusting the RPM of the cooling fan (800). That is, controlling the cooling fan (800) may include increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the cooling fan (800).

[0182] As the cooling fan (800) operates, air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) flows, thereby rapidly cooling the inside of the storage room (11).

[0183] By adjusting the RPM of the cooling fan (800), the cooling speed inside the storage room (11) can be controlled by controlling the flow rate of the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570). For example, when the RPM of the cooling fan (800) increases, the flow of the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) increases, so that the heat generation action in the heat generation part (531) and the heat absorption action in the cooling part (532) can occur smoothly.

[0184] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can turn on the thermoelectric element (530) and operate the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0185] Turning on the thermoelectric element (530) and operating the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) may include operating the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) after a predetermined time has elapsed after the thermoelectric element (530) is turned on, and / or operating the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) before a predetermined time before the thermoelectric element (530) is turned on, and / or operating the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) when the thermoelectric element (530) is turned on.

[0186] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can turn off the thermoelectric element (530) and turn off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600).

[0187] Turning off the thermoelectric element (530) and turning off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) may include turning off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) after a predetermined time has elapsed after the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off, and / or turning off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) before a predetermined time before the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off, and / or turning off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) when the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off.

[0188] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can turn off the thermoelectric element (530) and drive the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) in the thermoelectric element (530) overheat prevention mode. That is, the control unit (350) can turn off the thermoelectric element (530) and drive the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) to prevent overheating of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0189] Turning off the thermoelectric element (530) and driving the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) may include driving the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the thermoelectric element (530) was turned off, and / or driving the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) before a predetermined time before the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off, and / or driving the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) when the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off.

[0190] The refrigerator (1) may include a second cooling device (450) configured to supply cold air to the storage compartments (11, 12, 13).

[0191] The second cooling device (450) may include a compressor (2) and an evaporator fan (80).

[0192] The compressor (2) can compress the refrigerant and supply the compressed refrigerant to a heat exchanger (e.g., a condenser (not shown), an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator (3)).

[0193] The control unit (350) can control the temperature of the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) by controlling the compressor (2). For example, the control unit (350) can control the compressor (2) so that the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) maintains a predetermined target temperature.

[0194] Controlling the compressor (2) may include controlling the on / off state of the compressor (2) or controlling the operating frequency of the compressor (2). At this time, controlling the operating frequency of the compressor (2) may include adjusting the RPM of the compressor (2).

[0195] The control unit (350) can blow cold air generated in the evaporator (3) into the storage room (11, 12, 13) by controlling the evaporator fan (80).

[0196] Controlling the evaporator fan (80) may include controlling the on / off of the evaporator fan (80) or adjusting the RPM of the evaporator fan (80).

[0197] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can drive the evaporator fan (80) while driving the compressor (2).

[0198] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can control the compressor (2) to maintain the temperature of the first storage room (11) at a predetermined temperature in the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0199] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may or may not drive the evaporator fan (80) when driving the compressor (2) to maintain the temperature of the first storage room (11) at a predetermined temperature. For example, the control unit (350) may not drive the evaporator fan (80) when driving the compressor (2) to maintain the temperature of the first storage room (11) at a predetermined temperature. As another example, the control unit (350) may drive the evaporator fan (80) when driving the compressor (2) to maintain the temperature of the first storage room (11) at a predetermined temperature.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the control unit (350) can control the compressor (2) and the evaporator fan (80) in the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530) to maintain the temperature of the first storage room (11) at a predetermined temperature. For example, the control unit (350) can increase the RPM of the compressor (2) and the evaporator fan (80) while the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off and the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) are driven in the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530). According to one embodiment, by increasing the RPM of the compressor (2) and the evaporator fan (80), the decrease in cooling efficiency caused by the thermoelectric element (530) being turned off can be compensated for.

[0201] The refrigerator (1) may include a defrosting heater (3h) configured to defrost the evaporator (3).

[0202] Defrosting the evaporator (3) may include removing frost formed on the evaporator (3).

[0203] The defrosting heater (3h) may include an electric heater and / or a sheath heater and may be provided around (e.g., on the lower side) the evaporator (3).

[0204] The control unit (350) can drive the defrosting heater (3h) to defrost the evaporator (3), and can turn off the defrosting heater (3h) when it is determined that the defrosting of the evaporator (3) is completed.

[0205] The control unit (350) may include at least one processor (351) for controlling the operation of the refrigerator (1) and at least one memory (352) for storing a program and data for controlling the operation of the refrigerator (1).

[0206] At least one memory (352) can store data required for various embodiments. Depending on the purpose of data storage, the memory (352) may be implemented in the form of a memory embedded in the refrigerator (1) or in the form of a memory that can be attached to and detached from the refrigerator (1). For example, data for operating the refrigerator (1) may be stored in a memory embedded in the refrigerator (1), and data for the expansion function of the refrigerator (1) may be stored in a memory that can be attached to and detached from the refrigerator (1). Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the refrigerator (1) can be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD). Additionally, the memory that can be attached to and detached from the refrigerator (1) can be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card), etc.), or an external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory).

[0207] At least one processor (351) controls the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). Specifically, at least one processor (351) can control the overall operation of the refrigerator (1) by being connected to each component of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., first temperature sensor (111), second temperature sensor (112), communication interface (250), user interface (280), first cooling device (400), second cooling device (450) and / or defrost heater (3h)). For example, at least one processor (351) can control the overall operation of the refrigerator (1) by being electrically connected to a memory (352). The processor (351) may be composed of one or more processors.

[0208] At least one processor (351) can perform the operation of the refrigerator (1) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in memory (352).

[0209] At least one processor (351) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), MIC (Many Integrated Core), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator. At least one processor (351) may control one or any combination of other components of the refrigerator (1) and may perform operations or data processing related to communication. At least one processor (351) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in memory (352). For example, at least one processor (351) may perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing at least one instruction stored in memory (352).

[0210] In one embodiment, when the control unit (350) determines that the conditions for starting an overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530) are satisfied, it may start an overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0211] In the present disclosure, the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530) may correspond to a mode for maintaining the thermoelectric element (530) (specifically, the temperature of the heating element (531)) at a predetermined temperature or lower.

[0212] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may turn off the thermoelectric element (530) to cool the thermoelectric element (530) in the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530). Additionally, the refrigerator (1) may keep the thermoelectric element (530) in the off state to cool the thermoelectric element (530) in the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0213] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can drive the heat dissipation fan (600) to cool the thermoelectric element (530) in the overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530). For example, the control unit (350) can drive the heat dissipation fan (600) for a preset first reference time.

[0214] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can adjust the RPM of the heat dissipation fan (600) to increase the cooling efficiency of the thermoelectric element (530) in the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530). For example, the control unit (350) can increase the RPM of the heat dissipation fan (600) in the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0215] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may drive a cooling fan (800) to cool the thermoelectric element (530) in an overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530). For example, the control unit (350) may drive the cooling fan (800) for a preset second reference time. At this time, the first reference time and the second reference time may be the same or different.

[0216] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can adjust the RPM of the cooling fan (800) to increase the cooling efficiency of the thermoelectric element (530) in the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530). For example, the control unit (350) can increase the RPM of the cooling fan (800) in the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0217] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can increase the RPM of the compressor (2) to compensate for the cooling efficiency resulting from the thermoelectric element (530) being turned off in the thermoelectric element (530) overheat prevention mode.

[0218] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can increase the RPM of the evaporator fan (80) to compensate for the cooling efficiency resulting from the thermoelectric element (530) being turned off in the thermoelectric element (530) overheat prevention mode.

[0219] In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may terminate the overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530) when it determines that the condition for terminating the overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530) is satisfied.

[0220] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 8, according to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can determine whether the overheating prevention mode initiation condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is satisfied (1100). The overheating prevention mode initiation condition of the thermoelectric element (530) may include various conditions, such as the cooling cycle of the refrigerator (1) being stabilized, sufficient operating time of the thermoelectric element (530) being elapsed, and / or other factors (hereinafter referred to as 'error events') that affect the temperature of the cooling sink (570) and the temperature of the storage room (11) other than the operation of the first cooling device (400) and / or the second cooling device (450) not existing.

[0222] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can determine whether the temperature difference between the temperature of the cooling sink (570) and the temperature of the storage room (11) exceeds a reference value (1200) based on satisfying the overheat prevention mode initiation condition of the thermoelectric element (530) (example of 1000).

[0223] At least one processor (351) can initiate an overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530) in response to satisfying the overheat prevention mode initiation condition of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0224] In the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530), at least one processor (351) can determine whether the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (111) and the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) exceeds a preset reference value. At this time, the reference value may be preset and stored in memory (352). According to various embodiments, the reference value may be set through the user interface (280) of the refrigerator (1) or may be set remotely from an external device through a communication interface (250).

[0225] Since the cooling sink (570) is provided in partial contact with the thermoelectric element (530) and the heat dissipation sink (520), when the thermoelectric element (530) is operated to the extent that it overheats, heat is supplied to the cooling sink (570) and the temperature may rise. Also, when the thermoelectric element (530) is operated to the extent that it overheats, the first storage room (11) will have been sufficiently cooled, so the temperature of the first storage room (11) may decrease. In other words, the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (111) and the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) may increase as much as the thermoelectric element (530) overheats. Therefore, at least one processor (351) can estimate the temperature of the heat dissipation sink (520) based on the temperature difference between the cooling sink (570) and the storage room (11), even without a separate temperature sensor provided in the heat dissipation sink (520).

[0226] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can control the first cooling device (400) to perform a series of operations to cool the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink (570) and the temperature of the storage room (11) exceeding a reference value (example of 1200) (1300).

[0227] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can turn off the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink (570) and the temperature of the storage room (11) exceeding a reference value (1301). That is, by preventing the thermoelectric element (530) from operating, overheating of the thermoelectric element (530) can be prevented.

[0228] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can drive a heat dissipation fan (600) and a cooling fan (800) based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink (570) and the temperature of the storage room (11) exceeding a reference value (1302). For example, based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink (570) and the temperature of the storage room (11) exceeding a reference value, at least one processor (351) can drive the heat dissipation fan (600) for a preset first reference time. As another example, based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink (570) and the temperature of the storage room (11) exceeding a reference value, at least one processor (351) can drive the cooling fan (800) for a preset second reference time. The first reference time and the second reference time may be the same or different. At this time, the first reference time and the second reference time may be preset and stored in memory (352). According to various embodiments, the first reference time and the second reference time may be set through the user interface (280) of the refrigerator (1) or may be set remotely from an external device through the communication interface (250).

[0229] In one embodiment, at least one processor (351) turns off the thermoelectric element (530) and drives the heat dissipation fan (600) and drives the cooling fan (800) based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink (570) and the temperature of the storage room (11) exceeding a preset reference value, and can increase the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink (570) and the temperature of the storage room (11) (hereinafter referred to as 'temperature difference') and the reference value.

[0230] At least one processor (351) can increase the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800), and can determine the amount of increase in the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) based on the difference between the temperature difference and the reference value.

[0231] For example, at least one processor (351) can linearly or non-linearly increase the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) in proportion to the increase in the difference between the temperature difference and the reference value. As another example, at least one processor (351) can increase or decrease the rate of increase of at least one of the RPM of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) in proportion to the increase in the difference between the temperature difference and the reference value. As yet another example, at least one processor (351) can stepwise increase the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or the cooling fan (800) in proportion to the increase in the difference between the temperature difference and the reference value. That is, at least one processor (351) can increase the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) by a preset increase amount if the difference between the temperature difference and the reference value is 5°C or less than 10°C, and increase the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan (600) or cooling fan (800) by twice the preset increase amount if the difference between the temperature difference and the reference value is 10°C or less than 15°C.

[0232] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can determine whether the overheating prevention mode termination condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is satisfied (1400). The overheating prevention mode termination condition of the thermoelectric element (530) may include various conditions, such as the elapsed of a reference time and / or the temperature difference between the cooling sink (570) and the storage room (11) falling below a reference value. In this disclosure, when determining whether the overheating prevention mode termination condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is satisfied, the reference time is referred to as the third reference time.

[0233] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can control the first cooling device (400) to perform a series of operations to sufficiently cool the thermoelectric element (530) based on the condition that the thermoelectric element (530) does not satisfy the overheat prevention mode initiation condition (No of 1400) (1300).

[0234] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) may terminate the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530) based on satisfying the overheating prevention mode initiation condition of the thermoelectric element (530) (example of 1400), and determine (1100) whether the overheating prevention mode initiation condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is satisfied again, continuously monitor whether the thermoelectric element (530) is overheated, and perform a series of control operations for overheating prevention.

[0235] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an operation sequence diagram for initiating an overheating prevention mode of a thermoelectric element in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0236] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can determine whether a preset first operating time has elapsed since the power of the refrigerator (1) is turned on (1101). At this time, the first operating time may correspond to the time required for the storage compartments (11, 12, 13) to be sufficiently cooled by the operation of the second cooling device (450). For example, the first operating time may be preset to 6 hours and stored in memory (352). According to various embodiments, the first operating time may be set through the user interface (280) of the refrigerator (1) or may be set remotely from an external device through a communication interface (250).

[0237] After the storage chambers (11, 12, 13) have been sufficiently cooled, the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) is measured by the second temperature sensor (112), thereby increasing the reliability of the temperature estimation of the heat sink (520).

[0238] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can determine whether the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) has started based on the fact that a preset first operation time has elapsed from the time the power of the refrigerator (1) is turned on (example of 1101) (1102).

[0239] Unlike the second cooling device (450), which starts operating from the moment the power of the refrigerator (1) is turned on in one embodiment, the first cooling device (400) may start operating based on the satisfaction of preset operating conditions. For example, if the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) rises above a predetermined temperature, at least one processor (351) determines that the operating conditions of the first cooling device (400) are satisfied and may start operating the thermoelectric element (530).

[0240] Heat generation of the thermoelectric element (530) may occur only when the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) is initiated. Accordingly, by determining that the condition for initiating the overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530) is satisfied only when the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) is initiated, it is possible to prevent the initiation of the overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530) even when the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) is not initiated.

[0241] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can determine whether an error event has occurred based on the initiation of operation of the thermoelectric element (530) (e.g., 1102) (1103). The error event may correspond to other events that affect the temperature of the cooling sink (570) and the temperature of the storage room (11), in addition to the operation of the first cooling device (400) and / or the second cooling device (450).

[0242] For example, an error event may include the occurrence of defrosting in the first storage room (11). For example, at least one processor (351) may determine whether defrosting has occurred in the first storage room (11) based on at least one of the opening frequency of the doors (21, 22, 23, 24) or the internal temperature of the first storage room (11) measured by the second temperature sensor (112).

[0243] As another example, the error event may include at least one abnormality of the first temperature sensor (111) or the second temperature sensor (112). For example, at least one processor (351) may determine the abnormality of the first temperature sensor (111) or the second temperature sensor (112) based on the temperature or the amount of change of temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (111) or the second temperature sensor (112).

[0244] As another example, an error event may include an abnormality of the second cooling device (450). An abnormality of the second cooling device (450) may include an abnormality of at least one of the compressor (2), evaporator (3), or evaporator fan (80) included in the second cooling device (450). For example, at least one processor (351) may determine an abnormality of the second cooling device (450) based on the temperature or the amount of change in temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (111).

[0245] During the cooling operation of the refrigerator (1), a false temperature detection of the first storage room (11) or cooling sink (570) may occur due to factors other than the first cooling device (400) and / or the second cooling device (450), i.e., error events. If such factors are present, the temperature estimation of the heat dissipation sink (520) may become unclear. Therefore, by determining that the overheat prevention mode initiation condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is satisfied only when such factors are not present, the temperature of the heat dissipation sink (520) can be stably estimated without being affected by an environment where the temperature of the first storage room (11) or cooling sink (570) temporarily rises or falls.

[0246] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can determine whether the thermoelectric element (530) has been continuously operated for a preset second operating time from the time the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) was initiated based on the fact that no error event occurred (No in 1103) (1104). At this time, the second operating time may correspond to the time required for the first cooling device (400) (i.e., the thermoelectric element (530)) to be sufficiently operated so that the first storage room (11) is sufficiently cooled. For example, the second operating time may be preset as 1 hour and stored in memory (352). According to various embodiments, the second operating time may be set through the user interface (280) of the refrigerator (1) or may be set remotely from an external device through the communication interface (250).

[0247] After the thermoelectric element (530) and the first storage room (11) have been sufficiently cooled, the temperature of the cooling sink (570) is measured by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the first storage room (11) is measured by the second temperature sensor (112), thereby increasing the reliability of the temperature estimation of the heat dissipation sink (520).

[0248] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a flowchart of the operation of a second cooling device in an overheating prevention mode of a thermoelectric element in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0249] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can control a second cooling device (450) to compensate for the decrease in cooling efficiency caused by the thermoelectric element (530) being turned off in the thermoelectric element (530) overheat prevention mode.

[0250] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can control the second cooling device (450) based on turning off the thermoelectric element (530) (1301) in the thermoelectric element (530) overheating prevention mode (2300). At least one processor (351) can control at least one of the compressor (2) or the evaporator fan (80) based on turning off the thermoelectric element (530) (1301) in the thermoelectric element (530) overheating prevention mode.

[0251] For example, at least one processor (351) can increase the RPM of the compressor (2) (2301).

[0252] As another example, at least one processor (351) can increase the RPM of the evaporator fan (80) (2302).

[0253] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) increases the RPM of at least one of the compressor (2) or evaporator fan (80) based on turning off the thermoelectric element (530), and can determine the amount of increase in RPM of at least one of the compressor (2) or evaporator fan (80) based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink (570) and the temperature of the storage room (11) (hereinafter referred to as 'temperature difference') and the difference of a reference value.

[0254] For example, at least one processor (351) can increase the RPM of at least one of the compressor (2) or evaporator fan (80) linearly or non-linearly in proportion to the increase in the difference between the temperature difference and the reference value. As another example, at least one processor (351) can increase or decrease the rate of increase of at least one of the RPM of the compressor (2) or evaporator fan (80) in proportion to the increase in the difference between the temperature difference and the reference value. As yet another example, at least one processor (351) can increase the RPM of at least one of the compressor (2) or evaporator fan (80) in steps in proportion to the increase in the difference between the temperature difference and the reference value. That is, at least one processor (351) can increase the RPM of at least one of the compressor (2) or evaporator fan (80) by a preset increase amount if the difference between the temperature difference and the reference value is 5°C or less than 10°C, and increase the RPM of at least one of the compressor (2) or evaporator fan (80) by twice the preset increase amount if the difference between the temperature difference and the reference value is 10°C or less than 15°C.

[0255] According to various embodiments, at least one processor (351) can determine whether the defrost heater (3h) is driven based on turning off the thermoelectric element (530) in the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530) (1301). At least one processor (351) can turn off the defrost heater (3h) based on whether the defrost heater (3h) is driven. Accordingly, the temperature rise of the first storage room (11) can be prevented by the defrost heater (3h) in a state of reduced cooling efficiency due to the thermoelectric element (530) being turned off in the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0256] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of an operation sequence diagram for terminating an overheating prevention mode of a thermoelectric element in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0257] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can determine whether the overheating prevention mode termination condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is satisfied based on whether a reference time has elapsed (1410). At this time, in determining whether the overheating prevention mode termination condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is satisfied in the present disclosure, the reference time is referred to as the third reference time.

[0258] At least one processor (351) may determine the longer of the first reference time and the second reference time as the third reference time. As described above, the first reference time is a time pre-set to drive the cooling fan (600) based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink (570) and the temperature of the storage room (11) exceeding a reference value. The second reference time is a time pre-set to drive the cooling fan (800) based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink (570) and the temperature of the storage room (11) exceeding a reference value. That is, the longer of the pre-set driving times of the cooling fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) may be determined as the third reference time.

[0259] At least one processor (351) may determine that the condition for terminating the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530) is satisfied based on the elapsed third reference time. Accordingly, at least one processor (351) may terminate the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0260] FIG. 12 illustrates another example of an operation sequence diagram for terminating the overheating prevention mode of a thermoelectric element in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0261] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (351) can determine whether the overheating prevention mode termination condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is satisfied based on the temperature difference between the temperature of the cooling sink (570) and the temperature of the storage room (11) falling below a reference value (1420). Accordingly, at least one processor (351) can terminate the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element (530).

[0262] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include: a storage room; a thermoelectric cooling device comprising a thermoelectric element including a heating element and a cooling element, a heat dissipation sink in contact with the heating element, a cooling sink in contact with the cooling element, a heat dissipation fan blowing air toward the heat dissipation sink, and a cooling fan blowing air toward the cooling sink; a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cooling sink; a second temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the storage room; and at least one processor for turning off the thermoelectric element, driving the heat dissipation fan, and driving the cooling fan based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room exceeding a preset reference value in an overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element.

[0263] The above at least one processor; can increase the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan or the cooling fan based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room and the difference between the reference value.

[0264] The refrigerator further comprises a second cooling device including a compressor, an evaporator, and an evaporator fan; and the at least one processor can increase the RPM of at least one of the compressor or the evaporator fan based on turning off the thermoelectric element in the overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element.

[0265] The above at least one processor can determine the increase in RPM of at least one of the evaporator fans based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room and the difference between the reference value.

[0266] The above refrigerator further includes a defrost heater configured to defrost an evaporator, and

[0267] The above at least one processor; can determine whether a defrost heater is driven based on turning off the thermoelectric element in the overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element, and can turn off the defrost heater based on whether the defrost heater is driven.

[0268] The above at least one processor; can initiate a thermoelectric element overheating prevention mode based on the fact that a preset first operating time has elapsed from the point when the power of the refrigerator is turned on, it is determined that no error event occurred after the operation of the thermoelectric element was started, and the thermoelectric element was continuously operated for a preset second operating time from the point when the operation of the thermoelectric element was started.

[0269] The refrigerator further comprises a second cooling device configured to supply cold air to the storage room and including a compressor, an evaporator, and an evaporator fan; and the at least one processor can determine whether the error event has occurred based on the detection of at least one of defrosting in the storage room, an abnormality of the first temperature sensor, an abnormality of the second temperature sensor, or an abnormality of the second cooling device.

[0270] The above at least one processor; can drive the heat dissipation fan for a preset first reference time and drive the cooling fan for a preset second reference time.

[0271] The above at least one processor; can determine the longer of the first reference time and the second reference time as the third reference time, and terminate the thermoelectric element overheating prevention mode in response to the elapsed third reference time.

[0272] At least one processor; can terminate the thermoelectric element overheating prevention mode based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room being less than or equal to a preset reference value.

[0273] A method for controlling a refrigerator comprising: a storage room according to one embodiment; a thermoelectric element including a heating part and a cooling part, a heat dissipation sink in contact with the heating part, a cooling sink in contact with the cooling part, a heat dissipation fan blowing air toward the heat dissipation sink, and a cooling fan blowing air toward the cooling sink; a first temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the cooling sink; and a second temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the storage room; wherein the method for controlling the refrigerator may include, in an overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element, turning off the thermoelectric element, driving the heat dissipation fan, and driving the cooling fan based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room exceeding a preset reference value.

[0274] Turning off the thermoelectric element, driving the heat dissipation fan, and driving the cooling fan may include increasing the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan or the cooling fan based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room and the difference between the reference value.

[0275] The control method of the refrigerator above may further include increasing the RPM of at least one of the compressor or evaporator fan based on turning off the thermoelectric element in the overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element.

[0276] Increasing the RPM of at least one of the compressor or the evaporator fan may include determining the amount of increase in RPM of at least one of the evaporator fan based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room and the difference between the reference value.

[0277] The control method of the refrigerator above may further include determining whether the defrost heater is driven based on turning off the thermoelectric element in the overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element; and turning off the defrost heater based on whether the defrost heater is driven.

[0278] The control method of the refrigerator may further include initiating a thermoelectric element overheating prevention mode based on the fact that a first operating time set from the time the power of the refrigerator is turned on has elapsed, it is determined that no error event occurred after the operation of the thermoelectric element has started, and the thermoelectric element has been continuously operated for a second operating time set from the time the operation of the thermoelectric element has started.

[0279] The control method of the refrigerator may include determining whether the error event occurs based on the detection of at least one of the occurrence of defrosting in the storage compartment, an abnormality of the first temperature sensor, an abnormality of the second temperature sensor, or an abnormality of the second cooling device.

[0280] Turning off the thermoelectric element and driving the heat dissipation fan and driving the cooling fan; may further include driving the heat dissipation fan for a preset first reference time and driving the cooling fan for a preset second reference time.

[0281] The control method of the refrigerator above may further include determining the longer of the first reference time and the second reference time as the third reference time; and terminating the thermoelectric element overheating prevention mode in response to the elapsed third reference time.

[0282] The control method of the refrigerator may further include terminating the thermoelectric element overheating prevention mode based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room being less than or equal to a preset reference value.

[0283] According to the refrigerator and the method for controlling the refrigerator of the present disclosure, damage to the refrigerator components due to overheating of the thermoelectric element can be prevented.

[0284] According to the refrigerator and the control method of the refrigerator disclosed in the present disclosure, the reliability and stability of the cooling system can be improved by detecting and responding to abnormal situations caused by overheating of the thermoelectric element at an early stage.

[0285] According to the refrigerator and the method for controlling the refrigerator disclosed in the present invention, the sensor configuration can be simplified, thereby enabling cost reduction and economic efficiency.

[0286] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code and, when executed by a processor, may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0287] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0288] Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media that store instructions that can be decoded by a computer. Examples include ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0289] Additionally, computer-readable recording media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, 'non-transitory storage media' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, 'non-transitory storage media' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0290] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through 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., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0291] As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been explained with reference to the attached drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be practiced in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be interpreted restrictively.

Claims

1. Storage room; A thermoelectric cooling device comprising a thermoelectric element including a heating element and a cooling element, a heat dissipation sink in contact with the heating element, a cooling sink in contact with the cooling element, a heat dissipation fan blowing air toward the heat dissipation sink, and a cooling fan blowing air toward the cooling sink; A first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the above cooling sink; A second temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the storage room; and A refrigerator comprising at least one processor that, in an overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element, turns off the thermoelectric element, drives the heat dissipation fan, and drives the cooling fan based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room exceeding a preset reference value.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above at least one processor; is, A refrigerator that increases the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan or the cooling fan based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room and the difference between the reference value.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above refrigerator is, A second cooling device comprising a compressor, an evaporator, and an evaporator fan; further comprising, The above at least one processor; is, A refrigerator that increases the RPM of at least one of the compressor or the evaporator fan based on turning off the thermoelectric element in the overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above at least one processor; is, A refrigerator that determines the increase in RPM of at least one of the compressor or the evaporator fan based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room and the difference between the reference value.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above refrigerator is, It further includes a defrosting heater configured to defrost the evaporator, and The above at least one processor; is, In the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element, determining whether the defrost heater is driven based on turning off the thermoelectric element, and A refrigerator that turns off the defrost heater based on the fact that the defrost heater is operating.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above at least one processor; is, A refrigerator that initiates a thermoelectric element overheating prevention mode based on the fact that a preset first operating time has elapsed from the point when the power of the refrigerator is turned on, it is determined that no error event occurred after the operation of the thermoelectric element began, and the thermoelectric element has been continuously operated for a preset second operating time from the point when the operation of the thermoelectric element began.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above refrigerator is, A second cooling device configured to supply cold air to the above storage room and comprising a compressor, an evaporator, and an evaporator fan; further comprising, The above at least one processor; is, A refrigerator that determines whether the error event occurs based on the detection of at least one of the occurrence of defrosting in the storage room, an abnormality of the first temperature sensor, an abnormality of the second temperature sensor, or an abnormality of the second cooling device.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above at least one processor; is, The above cooling fan is operated for a preset first reference time, and A refrigerator that operates the above cooling fan for a preset second reference time.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above at least one processor; is, The longer of the first reference time and the second reference time is determined as the third reference time, and A refrigerator that terminates the thermoelectric element overheating prevention mode in response to the elapsed third reference time determined above.

10. In Paragraph 1, At least one processor; is, A refrigerator that terminates the thermoelectric element overheating prevention mode based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room being less than or equal to a preset reference value.

11. A storage room; a thermoelectric element including a heating element and a cooling element, a heat dissipation sink in contact with the heating element, a cooling sink in contact with the cooling element, a heat dissipation fan blowing air toward the heat dissipation sink, and a cooling fan blowing air toward the cooling sink; a first temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the cooling sink; and a second temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the storage room; wherein a control method for a refrigerator comprising: A method for controlling a refrigerator comprising: turning off the thermoelectric element, driving the heat dissipation fan, and driving the cooling fan based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room exceeding a preset reference value in an overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element.

12. In Paragraph 11, Turning off the thermoelectric element, driving the heat dissipation fan, and driving the cooling fan; is, A method for controlling a refrigerator comprising increasing the RPM of at least one of the heat dissipation fan or the cooling fan based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room and the difference between the reference value.

13. In Paragraph 11, The control method of the above refrigerator is, A method for controlling a refrigerator further comprising increasing the RPM of at least one of a compressor or an evaporator fan based on turning off the thermoelectric element in the overheat prevention mode of the thermoelectric element.

14. In Paragraph 13, Increasing the RPM of at least one of the above compressor or the above evaporator fan; is, A method for controlling a refrigerator comprising determining an increase in RPM of at least one of the evaporator fans based on the difference between the temperature of the cooling sink and the temperature of the storage room and the difference between the reference value.

15. In Paragraph 11, The control method of the above refrigerator is, In the overheating prevention mode of the thermoelectric element, determining whether the defrost heater is driven based on turning off the thermoelectric element; A method for controlling a refrigerator, further comprising turning off the defrost heater based on the fact that the defrost heater is operating.

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