Centrifugal fan module, cooling device, and refrigerator including same

Abstract

This centrifugal fan module comprises: an impeller that rotates about a rotation axis to draw air in via an inlet and discharge the air toward an outlet; a suction guide channel including an inclined section that decreases in height toward the inlet; and a discharge guide channel that increases in spiral radius along a spiral direction toward the outlet. The discharge guide channel may include: a cut-off region; a discharge region connected to the outlet; a wedge region arranged between the cut-off region and the discharge region along the spiral direction and disposed below the inclined section; a first transition region arranged between the cut-off region and the wedge region and having a cross-section that changes from a quadrilateral shape to a wedge shape along the spiral direction; and a second transition region arranged between the wedge region and the discharge region and having a cross-section that changes from a wedge shape to a quadrilateral shape.

Description

Centrifugal fan module, cooling device, and refrigerator including the same

[0001] This relates to a centrifugal fan module, a cooling device, and an electronic device including the same.

[0002] A refrigerator includes a storage compartment for storing food and the like, and a cooling device that supplies cold air to this storage compartment. Depending on the method by which the device generates cold air, such a cooling device can be classified into a refrigeration cycle device using a refrigeration cycle and a cooling device using a cooling element.

[0003] A refrigeration cycle device is a method of obtaining cold air by circulating refrigerant along a closed circuit consisting of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator. A cooling device using a cooling element is a method of obtaining cold air by utilizing a cooling element. For example, a Peltier element can be used as a cooling element. The Peltier effect caused by a Peltier element refers to the phenomenon in which, when a potential difference is applied across an object, heat flows along with the current, causing one side to heat up and the other side to cool down.

[0004] A cooling device using a cooling element may include a heat dissipation unit for dissipating heat from a high-temperature portion of the cooling element. The heat dissipation unit may include a heat dissipation member in contact with the high-temperature portion of the cooling element and a fan module for supplying external air to the heat dissipation member. The fan module of the heat dissipation unit may be positioned on the outside of the main body of the refrigerator.

[0005] A centrifugal fan module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an impeller rotating about a rotation axis to draw in air through an intake port and discharge air toward an exhaust port; an intake guide channel guiding air toward the intake port; and an exhaust guide channel guiding air toward the exhaust port, wherein the spiral radius increases along a spiral direction toward the exhaust port.

[0006] The above suction guide channel may include a sloped section in which the height decreases as it approaches the suction port.

[0007] The discharge guide channel may include a cutoff area having a square cross-sectional shape, a discharge area connected to the discharge port having a square cross-sectional shape, a wedge area disposed between the cutoff area and the discharge area along the spiral direction and disposed at the bottom of the inclined section along a direction parallel to the rotation axis having a wedge cross-sectional shape, a first transition area disposed between the cutoff area and the wedge area along the spiral direction where the cross-sectional shape changes from a square shape to a wedge shape along the spiral direction, and a second transition area disposed between the wedge area and the discharge area along the spiral direction where the cross-sectional shape changes from a wedge shape to a square shape along the spiral direction.

[0008] A cooling device according to one embodiment may include a flat plate-shaped cooling element having a first surface that emits heat and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface and absorbs heat from the outside, a heat dissipation unit disposed above the cooling element and configured to dissipate heat from the first surface, and a heat absorption unit disposed below the cooling element and configured to transfer cold air from the second surface to ambient air.

[0009] The above heat dissipation unit may include a heat dissipation member disposed on the first surface and a centrifugal fan module configured to deliver external air to the heat dissipation member.

[0010] The centrifugal fan module may include: an impeller that rotates around a rotation axis to draw in air through an intake port and discharge air toward an exhaust port; an intake guide channel that guides air toward the intake port and includes an inclined section whose height decreases as it approaches the intake port; and an exhaust guide channel that guides air toward the exhaust port and whose spiral radius increases along a spiral direction toward the exhaust port.

[0011] The discharge guide channel may include a cutoff area having a square cross-sectional shape, a discharge area connected to the discharge port having a square cross-sectional shape, a wedge area disposed between the cutoff area and the discharge area along the spiral direction and disposed at the bottom of the inclined section along a direction parallel to the rotation axis having a wedge cross-sectional shape, a first transition area disposed between the cutoff area and the wedge area along the spiral direction where the cross-sectional shape changes from a square shape to a wedge shape along the spiral direction, and a second transition area disposed between the wedge area and the discharge area along the spiral direction where the cross-sectional shape changes from a wedge shape to a square shape along the spiral direction.

[0012] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include: a flat plate-shaped cooling element having a first surface that emits heat and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface and absorbs heat from the outside; a heat dissipation unit disposed above the cooling element and configured to dissipate heat from the first surface; and a heat absorption unit disposed below the cooling element and configured to transfer cold air from the second surface to ambient air; and a storage room into which cooling air provided by the cooling element is introduced.

[0013] The above heat dissipation unit may include a heat dissipation member disposed on the first surface and a centrifugal fan module configured to deliver external air to the heat dissipation member.

[0014] The centrifugal fan module may include: an impeller that rotates around a rotation axis to draw in air through an intake port and discharge air toward an exhaust port; an intake guide channel that guides the movement of air toward the intake port and includes an inclined section whose height decreases as it approaches the intake port; and an exhaust guide channel that guides the movement of air toward the exhaust port and whose spiral radius increases along a spiral direction toward the exhaust port.

[0015] The discharge guide channel may include a cutoff area having a square cross-sectional shape, a discharge area connected to the discharge port having a square cross-sectional shape, a wedge area positioned between the cutoff area and the discharge area along the spiral direction and positioned at the bottom of the inclined section along a direction parallel to the rotation axis having a wedge cross-sectional shape, a first transition area positioned between the cutoff area and the wedge area along the spiral direction and in which the cross-sectional shape gradually changes from a square shape to a wedge shape along the spiral direction, and a second transition area positioned between the wedge area and the discharge area along the spiral direction and in which the cross-sectional shape changes from a wedge shape to a square shape along the spiral direction.

[0016] The above and other aspects and features relating to specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description together with the accompanying drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1a is a front view of a cooling tank according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 1b is a front view of a cooling tank with the door open according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 1c is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the upper part of the refrigerator of Figure 1c.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cooling tank according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 4 is an assembled perspective view showing a first cooling device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a first cooling device according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a centrifugal fan module according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the centrifugal fan module of Figure 6.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a heat dissipation section according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifugal fan module of the heat dissipation section of Figure 8, cut along the OA line.

[0028] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifugal fan module of the heat dissipation section of Figure 8, cut along the O-C' line.

[0029] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a centrifugal fan module according to a comparative example.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating a centrifugal fan module according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIGS. 13a, FIGS. 13b, and FIGS. 13c are cross-sectional views of the centrifugal fan module of FIG. 12 cut along lines IA-IB, IIA-IIB, and IIIA-IIIB, respectively.

[0032] Figure 14 shows a simulation of the flow rate in the suction guide channel of a centrifugal fan module according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 15 shows the flow rate simulation of the intake guide channel and the exhaust guide channel in the A-A', B-B', and C-C' sections of Figure 14.

[0034] Figure 16 shows a simulation of the flow rate in the suction guide channel of a centrifugal fan module according to a comparative example.

[0035] Figure 17 shows the flow rate simulation results of the intake guide channel and the exhaust guide channel in the A-A', B-B', and C-C' sections of Figure 16.

[0036] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0037] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0038] The singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or plural items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0039] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0040] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0041] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that the component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0042] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0043] When it is said that one 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0046] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0047] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0048] The "main body" may include an inner body, an outer body positioned on the outside of the inner body, and an insulating material provided between the inner body and the outer body.

[0049] The "inner body" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage chamber. The inner body may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. The "outer body" may form the exterior of the main body and may be coupled to the outer side of the inner body so that an insulating material is disposed between the inner body and the outer body.

[0050] The "insulating material" can insulate the interior and exterior of the storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room is maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the external environment. According to one embodiment, the insulating material may include a foamed insulating material. The foamed insulating material can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, which is a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the insulation material may additionally include a vacuum insulation material in addition to a foam insulation material, or the insulation material may consist solely of a vacuum insulation material instead of a foam insulation material. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation material or vacuum insulation material described above and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0052] The "storage room" may include a space defined by an internal structure. The storage room may further include an internal structure defining a space corresponding to the storage room. Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics may be stored in the storage room, and the storage room may be formed so that at least one side is open to allow for the retrieval and retrieval of items.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. "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 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, with or without the user's choice.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cooling device provided to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0063] The "cooling 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.

[0064] According to one embodiment, a cooling 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 cooling 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 cooling 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.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room arranged to accommodate at least some parts belonging to a cooling device.

[0066] The "machine room" may be configured to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0070] The "control unit" may include a memory that stores or remembers a program and / or data for controlling a refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cooling device, etc., according to the program and / or data stored in the memory.

[0071] 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.

[0072] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the refrigerator's components 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 device. 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 cooling device based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 cooling 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.

[0076] 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).

[0077] The input interface may include keys, touchscreens, microphones, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0078] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0079] Refrigerators according to various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0080] Refrigerators according to various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0081] FIG. 1a is a front view of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment. FIG. 1b is a front view of a refrigerator (1) with the door (6) open according to one embodiment. FIG. 1c is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the top of the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 1c. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 1a to 1c, a refrigerator (1) according to one example can cool a stored item contained in a storage room (8). To cool a stored item contained in the storage room (8), the refrigerator (1) may include one or more cooling devices (10, 30), for example, a first cooling device (10) and a second cooling device (30).

[0083] According to one example, the first cooling device (10) is installed in the main body (5) and can supply cooling air to the storage room (8) provided in the main body (5). As an example, the first cooling device (10) is formed to cool the air in the storage room (8) provided in the main body (5) using a cooling element (103) and then discharge the cooling air to the storage room (8).

[0084] According to one example, the second cooling device (30) can implement a refrigeration cycle that cools the storage room (8) provided in the main body (5) by utilizing a refrigerant, which is a substance that changes sensitively to temperature and pressure, through a thermodynamic process that generally absorbs heat at low temperature and low pressure and releases heat at high temperature and high pressure. As an example, the second cooling device (30) may include an evaporator (33) to supply cooling air to the storage room (8), a condenser (35) that converts high temperature and high pressure gaseous refrigerant into high temperature and high pressure liquid refrigerant, an expander that converts high temperature and high pressure liquid refrigerant into low temperature and low pressure liquid refrigerant, and a compressor (36) that converts low temperature and low pressure gaseous refrigerant into high temperature and high pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0085] A refrigerator (1) according to one example may use a cooling element (103) as disclosed in the first cooling device (10) or a refrigerant that performs a refrigeration cycle process of compression and expansion as disclosed in the second cooling device (30) to supply cooling air to a storage room (8) provided in the main body (5). In this disclosure, a hybrid refrigerator (1) that uses two types of cooling devices (10, 30) is described, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0086] As an example, the refrigerator (1) may include only a single cooling device, for example, a first cooling device (10), or any refrigerator (1) in which both the first cooling device (10) and the second cooling device (30) may use a cooling element (103) to supply cooling air to a storage room (8) provided in the main body (5), for example, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a freezer, etc. In the following description, the refrigerator (1) according to one example is described based on an example in which it includes multiple cooling devices (10, 30), for example, a first cooling device (10) and a second cooling device (30).

[0087] According to one example, the main body (5) can form the exterior of the refrigerator (1). The main body (5) may include a storage room (8) formed vertically within the interior and a plurality of doors (6) for opening and closing the storage room (8).

[0088] The storage room (8) may be divided into multiple sections by a partition section (15), and multiple shelves and storage containers may be arranged inside the storage room (8) to store food items, etc. The storage room (8) may be divided into multiple storage rooms (8) by a partition section (15). The partition section (15) may include a first partition section (15-1) that is horizontally connected inside the storage room (8) to divide the storage room (8) into an upper storage room (8-1) and lower storage rooms (8-2, 8-3), and a second partition section (15-2) that is vertically connected to the lower storage rooms (8-2, 8-3) to divide the lower storage rooms (8-2, 8-3).

[0089] A partition (15) having a T-shape formed by combining a first partition (15-1) and a second partition (15-2) can divide the storage room (8) into three spaces. Among the upper storage room (8-1) and lower storage rooms (8-2, 8-3) divided by the first partition (15-1), the upper storage room (8-1) can be used as a refrigerator, and the lower storage rooms (8-2, 8-3) can be used as a freezer.

[0090] The division of the storage room (8) as described above is an example, and each storage room (8) may be used differently from the description above.

[0091] The storage room (8) can be opened and closed by a plurality of doors (6). The plurality of doors (6) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. As an example, the plurality of doors (6) can be arranged on the front of the main body (5) to open and close an opening provided in the main body (5).

[0092] The upper storage room (8-1) can be opened and closed by an upper door (6) which is rotatably coupled to the main body (5) in which the storage room (8) is provided. The lower storage rooms (8-2, 8-3) can be opened and closed by a lower door (6) which is rotatably coupled to the main body (5) in which the storage room (8) is provided.

[0093] According to one example, the air in the storage room (8) can be moved to the evaporator (33) through the storage room (8) return duct (32) by a blower fan (not shown). The air moved through the storage room (8) return duct (32) can be cooled by performing heat exchange with the evaporator (33). The process of the cooled air being discharged back to the storage room (8) through the cold air outlet (not shown) of the cold air duct (34-1, 34-2) can be repeated.

[0094] According to one example, the upper storage room (8-1) and the lower storage room (8-2, 8-3) may be set to different temperatures. Therefore, if the cooling air cooled by the second cooling device (30) is supplied equally to the upper storage room (8-1) and the lower storage room (8-2, 8-3), the target temperatures of the upper storage room (8-1) and the lower storage room (8-2, 8-3) that are set differently cannot be met.

[0095] According to one example, the first cooling device (10) may have a smaller cooling capacity than the second cooling device (30) which implements a refrigeration cycle using a refrigerant, but can adjust the temperature of the cooling air relatively precisely. As an example, the first cooling device (10) may be placed in some storage rooms (8), for example, the upper storage room (8-1), and accordingly, the cooling temperatures of the upper storage room (8-1) and the lower storage rooms (8-2, 8-3) may be adjusted differently.

[0096] The first cooling device (10) is positioned on the upper part of the main body (5) and can supply cooling air to the upper storage room (8-1). The first cooling device (10) may include a cooling element (103), a heat dissipation unit (102) positioned on the upper part of the cooling element (103) and releasing heat to the outside, and a heat absorption unit (101) positioned on the lower part of the cooling element (103) and absorbing heat from the air positioned in the upper storage room (8-1). The heat absorption unit (101) must cool the air positioned in the upper storage room (8-1), whereas the heat dissipation unit (102) can release heat to the outside air positioned to the outside.

[0097] Considering the location where the first cooling device (10) is placed and design convenience, the height of the heat dissipation part (102) that releases heat to the outside air may be limited to a predetermined range. For example, referring to FIGS. 1a and FIGS. 2, the refrigerator (1) may include a hinge (7) that rotatably supports the door (6). The hinge (7) may protrude above the main body part (5). In such a refrigerator (1), when the first cooling device (10) is placed above the main body part (5), the upper surface (1021) of the first cooling device (10) may be placed below or in the same manner as the upper surface (701) of the hinge (7) that rotatably supports the door (6) of the refrigerator (1). If the upper surfaces (1021, 701) of the heat dissipation part (102) and the hinge (7) of the first cooling device (10) are not flat, the uppermost surface of the heat dissipation part (102) may be positioned below or in the same manner as the uppermost surface of the hinge (7). For example, the height of the upper surface of the heat dissipation part (102) of the first cooling device (10) may be equal to or smaller than the height (H) of the upper surface of the hinge (7). For example, the height of the upper surface of the first cooling device (10) may be 15 cm or less. Here, the height of the upper surface may be defined as the height protruding from the main body part (5).

[0098] If the upper surface of the first cooling device (10) is positioned above the upper surface of the hinge (7), the overall height of the refrigerator (1) may increase. When the height of the refrigerator (1) increases, the height of the refrigerator (1) becomes greater than the height of the existing refrigerator (1) or the height of the space where the refrigerator (1) is generally installed. As a result, there may be a restriction on the installation space of the refrigerator (1). For example, due to the height difference, the refrigerator (1) may not be installed in the space where the refrigerator (1) is previously installed. Such a restriction on the installation space of the refrigerator (1) can serve as an important factor in a consumer's product selection.

[0099] In order to prevent an increase in the height of the refrigerator (1), the first cooling device (10) of the refrigerator (1) according to the embodiment may be designed such that the height of the heat dissipation part (102) is equal to or smaller than the protruding height (H) of the hinge (7). In this way, when the height of the heat dissipation part (102) is limited, the size of the components of the heat dissipation part (102) is limited, and accordingly, the heat dissipation efficiency may be limited.

[0100] Although FIG. 1b describes an example in which the first cooling device (10) is positioned at the upper center of the refrigerator (1), the position of the first cooling device (10) may vary depending on the shape of the refrigerator (1). For example, as in FIG. 3, if the refrigerator (1A) is of the side-by-side type, the first cooling device (10) may be positioned on one side from the top, for example, on the right side.

[0101] FIG. 4 is an assembled perspective view showing a first cooling device (10) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the first cooling device (10) according to one embodiment (hereinafter referred to as 'cooling device (10)'). FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a centrifugal fan module (100) according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the centrifugal fan module (100) of FIG. 6.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cooling device (10) may include a cooling element (103), a heat dissipation part (102) disposed above the cooling element (103), and a heat absorption part (101) disposed below the cooling element (103).

[0103] The cooling element (103) may have a first surface (1031) that emits heat and a second surface that faces the first surface (1031) and absorbs heat from the outside. The cooling element (103) may be a Peltier element. The first surface (1031) of the cooling element (103) may be a high-temperature portion, and the second surface may be a low-temperature portion.

[0104] The heat absorption unit (101) can transfer the low temperature of the second surface of the cooling element (103) to the surrounding air. The heat absorption unit (101) may include a second heat dissipation member (108) in contact with the second surface of the cooling element (103) and a fan module (109) that generates a flow passing through the second heat dissipation member (108). By operating the fan module (109), the surrounding air, for example, air from the upper storage room (8; see FIG. 1c), passes through the second heat dissipation member (108), thereby supplying cooling air to the upper storage room (8).

[0105] The heat dissipation unit (102) can dissipate heat from the first surface (1031) of the cooling element (103). The heat dissipation unit (102) may include a first heat dissipation member (107) that contacts the first surface (1031) of the cooling element (103), and a centrifugal fan module (100) configured to supply external air to the first heat dissipation member (107). The first heat dissipation member (107) can contact the first surface (1031) of the cooling element (103) exposed through the opening (1611). By operating the centrifugal fan module (100), external air passes through the first heat dissipation member (107), thereby rapidly dissipating heat from the first heat dissipation member (107) and the first surface (1031) of the cooling element (103) that contacts it.

[0106] The first heat dissipation member (107) may have a square cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of air passing through the first heat dissipation member (107). The cross-sectional shape of the first heat dissipation member (107) may be a rectangle with a width greater than its height.

[0107] The first heat dissipation member (107) may include a plurality of heat dissipation fins (1071). The plurality of heat dissipation fins (1071) may extend along the direction of air blowing out through the outlet (1521). Accordingly, external air supplied by the centrifugal fan module (100) may move between the heat dissipation fins (1071).

[0108] The centrifugal fan module (100) can induce rapid heat dissipation of the first heat dissipation member (107) by rotating the impeller (110) to compress air by centrifugal force and moving it toward the first heat dissipation member (107) through the outlet (1521). The centrifugal fan module (100) can be positioned on one side of the first heat dissipation member (107). By the centrifugal fan module (100), a flow moving from one side of the first heat dissipation member (107) to the other side can be generated.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the centrifugal fan module (100) may include an impeller (110), an intake guide channel (130), and an exhaust guide channel (150). The centrifugal fan module (100) includes a housing (160) that accommodates the impeller (110) and forms the intake guide channel (130) and the exhaust guide channel (150).

[0110] The impeller (110) can draw in air from the top and discharge air toward the side. The impeller (110) can rotate around a rotation axis (AX) to draw in air through an intake port (1621) located at the top and discharge air toward an exhaust port (1521) located at the side. The impeller (110) may include a hub (111) and a blade (112) located on the outer surface of the hub (111).

[0111] The rotation axis (AX) of the impeller (110) may be positioned to coincide with the center of the intake port (1621). The diameter of the impeller (110) may be larger than the diameter of the intake port (1621). A portion of the hub (111) and the blade (112) may overlap the intake port (1621), while the remainder of the blade (112) may not overlap the intake port (1621).

[0112] The housing (160) may include a base housing (161) that supports the impeller (110) so that it can rotate around a predetermined rotation axis (AX), an intermediate housing (162) provided with an intake port (1621) through which air is sucked into the impeller (110), and an upper housing (163) positioned so as to be spaced apart from the intermediate housing (162) in the direction of extension of the rotation axis (AX). The impeller (110) may be supported by a support area (1610) of the base housing (161).

[0113] An intake guide channel (130) is formed or defined by an intermediate housing (162) and an upper housing (163), and an exhaust guide channel (150) may be formed or defined by an intermediate housing (162) and a base housing (161). The base housing (161), intermediate housing (162), and upper housing (163) may be separate structures, but are not limited thereto and may be integrated structures.

[0114] The suction guide channel (130) can guide air toward the intake port (1621) in a direction that intersects the rotation axis (AX) of the impeller (110). The suction guide channel (130) can guide air introduced through the inlet (1311) to move toward the intake port (1621). The inlet (1311) and the intake port (1621) may be positioned at different locations in a direction that intersects the rotation axis (AX) of the impeller (110). Air introduced through the inlet (1311) may move in a direction that intersects the rotation axis (AX) in order to move toward the intake port (1621).

[0115] The suction guide channel (130) may include an inlet area (131) into which air is introduced from the outside, and a suction guide area (132) connected to the inlet area (131) and guiding the movement of air toward the suction port (1621).

[0116] The inlet area (131) is connected to the inlet port (1311) and can guide air introduced through the inlet port (1311) to move to the suction guide area (132). The inlet area (131) may extend along a predetermined direction. For example, the two side walls (1312, 1313) defining the inlet area (131) may extend along a predetermined direction. The suction port (1621) may be positioned spaced apart from the extension direction of the inlet area (131).

[0117] The suction guide area (132) can guide air that has moved along the extension direction of the inlet area (131) to be sucked into the intake port (1621). Referring to FIG. 7, the intake port (1621) and the impeller (110) can be arranged to overlap along the direction of the rotation axis (AX) of the impeller (110). Due to the height limitation of the heat dissipation section (102), the height (h1) of the suction guide area (132) around the intake port (1621) may be limited. The height of the suction guide area (132) around the intake port (1621) may be low. The section of the suction guide area (132) where the height around the intake port (1621) is low may be defined as the lowest height section (1322). The height (h1) of this lowest height section (1322) may be 20 mm or less. For example, the height (h1) of the lowest height section (1322) may be 15 mm or less.

[0118] Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, in the centrifugal fan module (100), a portion of the suction guide area (132) has its height limited by the blade (112) of the impeller (110) located at its lower part, while the remaining portion of the suction guide area (132) does not have the impeller (110) located at its lower part. Considering the flow resistance of the suctioned air, the suction guide area (132) may have a sloped section (1321) in which the height decreases in the direction approaching the impeller (110). The suction guide area (132) may include a minimum height section (1322) that maintains a low height and a sloped section (1321) in which the height decreases in the direction approaching the minimum height section (1322). Here, the height of the suction guide area (132) refers to the vertical width of the passage through which the air moving toward the suction port (1621) passes.

[0119] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a heat dissipation unit (102) according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifugal fan module (100) of the heat dissipation unit (102) of FIG. 8 cut along the OA line, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifugal fan module (100) of the heat dissipation unit (102) of FIG. 8 is indicated by a dotted line for convenience to distinguish the boundaries of each region of the discharge guide channel (150).

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, the exhaust guide channel (150) can guide air sucked in through the intake port (1621) to move toward the exhaust port (1521) in a direction intersecting the rotation axis (AX) of the impeller (110). The exhaust guide channel (150) can be positioned at the edge of the impeller (110). The exhaust guide channel (150) can be positioned to surround the side of the impeller (110).

[0121] At least a portion of the exhaust guide channel (150) may be positioned below the intake guide channel (130). The exhaust guide channel (150) may be positioned below the intake guide area (132). The exhaust guide channel (150) may be positioned below the slope section (1321) and the lowest height section (1322) of the intake guide area (132).

[0122] The discharge guide channel (150) may have a spiral radius that increases along a spiral direction toward the discharge port (1521). As the impeller (110) rotates, the pressure of the air increases as it moves along the discharge guide channel (150) with the increasing spiral radius. Accordingly, high-pressure air can be discharged toward the first heat dissipation member (107) through the discharge port (1521).

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the discharge guide channel (150) may include a cut-off area (151) having a square cross-section and a discharge area (152) connected to a discharge port (1521) having a square cross-section.

[0124] The cutoff region (151) may be the region where the spiral shape begins. In the cutoff region (151), the cross-sectional area increases along the spiral direction, and the cross-sectional shape may maintain a square shape. In the cutoff region (151), the hydraulic diameter increases along the spiral direction, and the cross-sectional shape may maintain a square shape. Here, the spiral direction may be defined as a direction that encircles the impeller (110) in one direction, for example, clockwise.

[0125] The discharge area (152) may be the area where the spiral shape ends. The discharge area (152) may have an increasing cross-sectional area along the spiral direction, and the cross-sectional shape may maintain a square shape. The discharge area (152) may have an increasing hydraulic diameter along the spiral direction, and the cross-sectional shape may maintain a square shape.

[0126] A first heat dissipation member (107) may be disposed on the outer side of the discharge area (152). The cross-sectional shape of the discharge area (152) may be the same as the cross-sectional shape of the first heat dissipation member (107).

[0127] Since the cross-sections of the discharge guide channel (150), each having a cut-off area (151) corresponding to the beginning of the spiral shape and a discharge area (152) corresponding to the end of the spiral shape, have a square shape, the discharge guide channel (150) can be considered to maintain a square cross-sectional shape for the entire area along the spiral direction.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 8, assuming that the cross-sectional shape of the entire area of ​​the discharge guide channel (150) maintains a square shape along the spiral direction, the outer line of the discharge guide channel (150), as indicated by the dotted line, may have a spiral radius that gradually increases from the cutoff area (151) to the discharge area (152). The dotted line in FIG. 8 can be defined as a virtual spiral reference line (RS) (also referred to as the spiral reference line (RS)).

[0129] If the cross-sectional shape of the entire area of ​​the exhaust guide channel (150) maintains a square shape, the air resistance of the exhaust guide channel (150) is low, and the structure of the exhaust guide channel (150) itself can be simple. However, in a centrifugal fan module (100) having such an exhaust guide channel (150), the air resistance in the intake guide channel (130) may increase due to the height limitation of the exhaust section.

[0130] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a centrifugal fan module (1000) according to a comparative example, and in the centrifugal fan module (1000) according to the comparative example, a square cross-section can be maintained, with only the left and right widths differing in the entire area of ​​the discharge guide channel (1500).

[0131] Referring to FIG. 11, if the cross-sectional shape of the entire area of ​​the exhaust guide channel (1500) is maintained as a square shape, the portion of the intake guide channel (1300) located above the exhaust guide channel (1500), namely the intake guide area (132) adjacent to the intake port (1621), maintains a low height, and the length of the intake guide area (1320) maintaining a low height increases as the spiral diameter of the exhaust guide channel (1500) increases. An increase in the length of the intake guide area (132) with a low height (e.g., the lowest height section (1322)) may result in an increase in the resistance of the intake air. That is, if the cross-sectional shape of the entire area of ​​the exhaust guide channel (1500) is maintained as a square shape in consideration of the air resistance and structural simplification of the exhaust guide channel (1500), an increase in air resistance may occur in the intake guide channel (1300). Consequently, the overall performance of the centrifugal fan module (1000) may be degraded.

[0132] In order to reduce air resistance in the intake guide channel (130), it is necessary to reduce the length of the lowest height section (1322), which is a low section adjacent to the intake port (1621) in the intake guide area (132). Meanwhile, if the length of the lowest height section (1322) in the intake guide channel (130) is reduced, an area having a cross-sectional shape different from the square shape of the exhaust area (152) may appear in the exhaust guide channel (150) located below it. If the cross-sectional shape in the exhaust guide channel (150) changes, the air resistance of the exhaust guide channel (150) may increase.

[0133] Referring again to FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6, taking these points into consideration, the centrifugal fan module (100) according to the embodiment can provide a structure that can reduce the pressure loss of the exhaust guide channel (150) while reducing the length of the lowest height section (1322) in the suction guide area (132).

[0134] For example, the structure may have a cross-sectional shape of the exhaust guide channel (150) placed below it that gradually changes while partially reducing the area of ​​the lowest height section (1322) in the intake guide area (132).

[0135] For example, the length of the lowest height section (1322) may vary along the circumferential direction of the intake port (1621). For example, the length (L1) of the lowest height section (1322) positioned between the inclined section (1321) and the intake port (1621) in the intake guide area (132) may be shorter than the length (L2) of the lowest height section (1322) positioned in the intake guide area (132) located above the area where the inclined section (1321) is not positioned in the intake guide area (132), for example, the upper part of the exhaust area (152). The lowest height section (1322) may surround the intake port (1621) and maintain the minimum height of the inclined section (1321).

[0136] In the suction guide area (132), a sloped section (1321) may be partially positioned. For example, in the suction guide area (132), the sloped section (1321) may be positioned in an area closer to the inflow area (131) relative to the suction port (1621). For example, the sloped section (1321) may be positioned in an area closer to the extension direction of the inflow area (131) relative to the suction port (1621) in the suction guide area (132). In other words, the sloped section (1321) may be positioned in an area closer to the extension direction of the inflow area (131) than the suction port (1621) in the suction guide area (132), and the sloped section (1321) may not be positioned in an area further from the extension direction of the inflow area (131) than the suction port (1621) in the suction guide area (132).

[0137] Among the air passing through the inflow area (131) in the intake guide channel (130), the air near the intake port (1621) is directly sucked into the intake port (1621), so the speed may be the fastest among the air directed toward the intake port (1621). As such, air moving along the intake guide channel (130) with high speed may exhibit significant air resistance when the height of the intake guide channel (130) is lowered. Considering this, the intake guide channel (130) can be designed so that the length of the lowest height section (1322), which is the lowest height in the section with high flow velocity, is the smallest. The length of the lowest height section (1322) in the section with high flow velocity in the intake guide channel (130) may correspond to the width where the blade (112) of the impeller (110) and the intermediate housing (162) overlap. Here, the length of the lowest height section (1322) can be defined as the length along the radial direction of the intake port (1621).

[0138] Meanwhile, air that has passed through the inflow area (131) of the intake guide channel (130) and is far from the intake port (1621) may be drawn in by bypassing the intake port (1621) instead of being drawn directly into it. Accordingly, the air heading toward the intake port (1621) may have the slowest speed. Even if the height of the intake guide channel (130) is lowered, the air with a slow speed does not have as much air resistance as the air with a fast speed. Considering this, the length of the lowest height section (1322) where the height of the intake guide channel (130) is low does not need to be small. The length of the lowest height section (1322) in the section where the flow velocity is slow in the intake guide channel (130) may be greater than the width at which the blade (112) of the impeller (110) and the intermediate housing (162) overlap.

[0139] The exhaust guide channel (150) positioned below the suction guide area (132) may have a structure in which the cross-sectional shape gradually changes along the spiral direction in some areas. The exhaust guide channel (150) may have a structure in which the cross-sectional shape of some areas is non-square, but is naturally connected to each of the cut-off area (151) and the exhaust area (152) having a square cross-section. As an example for this, the exhaust guide channel (150) may further include a first transition area (154), a wedge area (153), and a second transition area (155).

[0140] FIG. 12 is a plan view for explaining a centrifugal fan module (100) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 13a to 13c are cross-sectional views of the centrifugal fan module (100) of FIG. 12 cut along lines IA-IB, IIA-IIB, and IIIA-IIIB. In FIG. 13a, 13b, and 13c, for convenience of explanation, the cross-sectional shape of the discharge guide channel (150) is indicated by a dotted line.

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 12 and FIGS. 13a through 13c, the discharge guide channel (150) may further include a wedge region (153) disposed between the cutoff region (151) and the discharge region (152) along the spiral direction, a first transition region (154) disposed between the cutoff region (151) and the wedge region (153) along the spiral direction, and a second transition region (155) disposed between the wedge region (153) and the discharge region (152) along the spiral direction.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13a, the wedge region (153) may have a wedge-shaped cross-section. For example, the wedge region (153) may have a cross-section where the inner surface (153i) facing the impeller (110) and the outer surface (153o) facing the inclined section (1321) meet at an acute angle. Alternatively, the wedge region (153) may have a cross-section with a pointed top. The outer surface (153o) of the wedge region (153) may decrease in height as it moves away from the impeller (110). The outer surface (153o) of the wedge region (153) may have a cross-section where it meets the lower surface (153b) facing the base housing (161) at an acute angle. For example, the wedge area (153) may have a cross-section of a right triangle. In the wedge area (153), the inner surface (153i) is parallel to the axis of rotation (AX) (or the up-down direction), the lower surface (153b) is perpendicular to the axis of rotation (AX), and the outer surface (153o) may be inclined with respect to the axis of rotation (AX). The outer surface (153o) of the wedge area (153) may correspond to the lower surface of the inclined section (1321). Meanwhile, although FIG. 13a illustrates the angle at which the outer surface (153o) and the lower surface (153b) meet as an acute angle, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and unlike the drawing, the angle at which the outer surface (153o) and the lower surface (153b) meet may be an obtuse angle.

[0143] The height of the wedge area (153) may decrease as it moves away from the impeller (110). The height of the wedge area (153) may increase in the direction closer to the impeller (110). The maximum height of the wedge area (153) may be the height of the inner side (153i) of the wedge area (153). The maximum height of the wedge area (153) may be equal to the height of the cutoff area (151). The maximum height of the wedge area (153) may be equal to the height of the discharge area (152).

[0144] The wedge region (153) may increase in cross-sectional area along the spiral direction and maintain a wedge shape in cross-sectional shape. The wedge region (153) may increase in hydraulic diameter along the spiral direction and maintain a wedge shape in cross-sectional shape.

[0145] The wedge area (153) may be positioned below the section where the air flow velocity is fast in the intake guide channel (130). For example, the wedge area (153) may be positioned below the inclined section (1321) of the intake guide area (132). The inclined section (1321) may be positioned within a predetermined angle range based on a virtual line (RL1) (also referred to as line (RL1)) that connects the center of the intake port (1621) in the intake guide area (132) and a side wall (1312) near the intake port (1621) in the inflow area (131) in a straight line. The inclined section (1321) may be positioned within 330 degrees in the direction of air movement, for example, clockwise, based on the virtual line (RL1). In other words, the wedge area (153) may be positioned at the bottom of an inclined section (1321) located within a predetermined angle range based on a virtual line (RL1) connecting the center of the suction port (1621) in the suction guide area (132) and the side wall (1312) closest to the suction port (1621) in the inflow area (131). For example, the wedge area (153) may be positioned at the bottom of an inclined section (1321) located within 330 degrees based on a virtual line (RL1) connecting the center of the suction port (1621) in the suction guide area (132) and the side wall (1312) closest to the suction port (1621) in the inflow area (131). For example, the wedge area (153) may be positioned at the bottom of an inclined section (1321) located between a virtual line (RL1) connecting the center of the suction port (1621) in the suction guide area (132) and a side wall (1312) close to the suction port (1621) in the inflow area (131), and a virtual line (RL2) connecting the center of the suction port (1621) and a side wall (1313) far from the suction port (1621) in the inflow area (131) in a straight line.

[0146] As described above, the cross-sectional shape of the wedge region (153) is wedge-shaped and may not be square-shaped, which is the cross-sectional shape of the cutoff region (151) and the discharge region (152). In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the wedge region (153) may be different from the cross-sectional shape of the cutoff region (151) and the discharge region (152). If the cross-sectional shape of the discharge guide channel (150) changes abruptly along the spiral direction, the flow resistance of the air moving along the discharge guide channel (150) may increase. In other words, the pressure loss of the air moving along the discharge guide channel (150) may increase.

[0147] The discharge guide channel (150) according to the embodiment may include first and second transition regions (154, 155) in which the cross-sectional shape changes gradually between the cut-off region (151) and the wedge region (153) and between the wedge region (153) and the discharge region (152) so that the cross-sectional shape does not change abruptly.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 12 and FIGS. 13b, the first transition region (154) is positioned between the cutoff region (151) and the wedge region (153) along the spiral direction, and the cross-sectional shape can gradually change from a square shape to a wedge shape along the spiral direction.

[0149] The first transition region (154) may have a hydraulic diameter that gradually increases even as the shape changes. The first transition region (154) may have a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction and may have a cross-sectional shape that gradually changes from a square shape to a wedge shape.

[0150] The maximum height of the first transition area (154) may be the same as the maximum height of the cutoff area (151). The maximum height of the first transition area (154) may be the same as the maximum height of the wedge area (153). The first transition area (154) may have a trapezoidal shape with an upper surface and a lower surface parallel. As the first transition area (154) approaches the wedge area (153), the width of the upper surface (154u) may decrease, and the width of the lower surface (154b) may increase.

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 12 and FIGS. 13c, the second transition region (155) is positioned between the wedge region (153) and the discharge region (152), and the cross-sectional shape can gradually change from a wedge shape to a square shape.

[0152] The maximum height of the second transition area (155) may be the same as the maximum height of the discharge area (152). The second transition area (155) may have a trapezoidal shape with an upper surface (155u) and a lower surface (155b) parallel. As the second transition area (155) approaches the discharge area (152), the width of the upper surface (155u) may increase, and the width of the lower surface (155b) may increase. The width of the upper surface (155u) increases faster than the width of the lower surface (155b), so that as it approaches the discharge area (152), it may resemble a square shape.

[0153] As described above, the exhaust guide channel (150) can be extended down to the slope section (1321) of the intake guide channel (130) by including a region where the cross-sectional shape is not square through the wedge region (153), the first transition region (154), and the second transition region (155). In particular, the wedge region (153) can be positioned below the section where the air flow velocity is fastest in the intake guide channel (130).

[0154] Referring again to FIG. 8, the outer line (1531) of the wedge area (153) may be positioned outside the spiral reference line (RS). The outer line (1531) of the wedge area (153) may be a line connecting the outermost end of the wedge area (153) along the spiral direction.

[0155] The outer line (1541) of the first transition area (154) may be positioned outside the spiral reference line (RS). The first transition area (154) changes from a square shape to a wedge shape along the spiral direction, and the distance between the outer line (1541) and the spiral reference line (RS) may increase along the spiral direction. The outer line (1541) of the first transition area (154) may be a line connecting the outermost end of the first transition area (154) along the spiral direction.

[0156] The outer line (1551) of the second transition area (155) may be positioned outside the spiral reference line (RS). The second transition area (155) changes from a wedge shape to a square shape along the spiral direction, and the distance between the outer line (1551) and the spiral reference line (RS) may decrease along the spiral direction. The outer line (1551) of the second transition area (155) may be a line connecting the outermost end of the second transition area (155) along the spiral direction.

[0157] FIG. 14 shows a flow rate simulation in the suction guide channel (130) of a centrifugal fan module (100) according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 shows a flow rate simulation in the suction guide channel (130) and the exhaust guide channel (150) in the A-A', B-B', and CC' sections of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 shows a flow rate simulation in the suction guide channel (1300) of a centrifugal fan module (1000) according to a comparative example. FIG. 17 shows flow rate simulations in the suction guide channel (1300) and the exhaust guide channel (1500) in the A-A', B-B', and CC' sections of FIG. 16.

[0158] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, in the centrifugal fan module (100) according to the embodiment, the exhaust guide channel (150) disposed below the intake guide channel (130) includes an area having a cross-section that is not square in shape, and accordingly, the length of the lowest height section (1322) of the intake guide area (132) is relatively shorter than the length of the lowest height section (1322) of the intake guide area (132) in FIG. 16. On the other hand, referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, in the centrifugal fan module (1000) according to the comparative example, the exhaust guide channel (1500) disposed below the intake guide area (132) maintains a cross-section that is square in shape, and accordingly, the length of the lowest height section (1322) of the intake guide area (132) is relatively longer than the length of the lowest height section (1322) of the intake guide area (132) in FIG. 15.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 16, it can be seen that in the centrifugal fan module (100) according to the embodiment, the length of the lowest height section (1322) is relatively short, so the area of ​​high flow velocity appears narrow. On the other hand, in the centrifugal fan module (1000) according to the comparative example, the length of the lowest height section (1322) is relatively long, so the area of ​​high flow velocity appears wide.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 17, it can be seen that the air flow rate in the exhaust guide channel (150) of the centrifugal fan module (100) according to the embodiment is almost the same as the air flow rate in the exhaust guide channel (1500) of the centrifugal fan module (1000) according to the comparative example, even though the exhaust guide channel (150) includes a wedge shape and a trapezoidal shape in its cross-sectional shape.

[0161] From this, in the centrifugal fan module (100) according to the embodiment, compared to the centrifugal fan module (1000) according to the comparative example, pressure loss around the intake port (1621) in the intake guide channel (130) was reduced without pressure loss in the exhaust guide channel (150). Accordingly, it can be seen that the centrifugal fan module (100) according to the embodiment can increase the airflow of the centrifugal fan module (100) or reduce noise compared to the centrifugal fan module (1000) according to the comparative example.

[0162] The above examples are merely illustrative, and various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom for those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention must be determined by the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

[0163] One aspect of the present disclosure may provide a centrifugal fan module, a cooling device, and a refrigerator including the same, which can increase airflow or reduce noise without increasing height.

[0164] A centrifugal fan module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an impeller rotating about a rotation axis to draw in air through an intake port and discharge air toward an exhaust port; an intake guide channel guiding air toward the intake port; and an exhaust guide channel guiding air toward the exhaust port, wherein the spiral radius increases along a spiral direction toward the exhaust port.

[0165] The above suction guide channel may include a sloped section in which the height decreases as it approaches the suction port.

[0166] The discharge guide channel may include a cutoff area having a square cross-sectional shape, a discharge area connected to the discharge port having a square cross-sectional shape, a wedge area disposed between the cutoff area and the discharge area along the spiral direction and disposed at the bottom of the inclined section along a direction parallel to the rotation axis having a wedge cross-sectional shape, a first transition area disposed between the cutoff area and the wedge area along the spiral direction where the cross-sectional shape changes from a square shape to a wedge shape along the spiral direction, and a second transition area disposed between the wedge area and the discharge area along the spiral direction where the cross-sectional shape changes from a wedge shape to a square shape along the spiral direction.

[0167] The above cutoff region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, the above wedge region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, and the above discharge region can have a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction.

[0168] The first transition region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, and the second transition region can have a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction.

[0169] The entire area of ​​the discharge guide channel includes a square cross-sectional shape, and the outer line of the discharge guide channel includes a spiral radius that increases from the cutoff area to the discharge area to form a spiral reference line, the outer line of the first transition area is positioned outside the spiral reference line, the outer line of the wedge area is positioned outside the spiral reference line, and the outer line of the second transition area may be positioned outside the spiral reference line.

[0170] In the first transition region, the distance between the outer line and the spiral reference line increases along the spiral direction, and in the second transition region, the distance between the outer line and the spiral reference line may decrease along the spiral direction.

[0171] The suction port is positioned at the top of the impeller, the discharge port is positioned at the side of the impeller, and the inclined section in the suction guide channel may be partially positioned at the edge of the suction port.

[0172] The above intake guide channel includes an inlet area into which air is introduced from the outside and which guides the introduced air, and an intake guide area connected to the inlet area and which guides the air toward the intake port and includes the inclined section, and the intake guide area may include the inclined section and a minimum height section that at least partially surrounds the intake port and maintains the minimum height of the inclined section.

[0173] The above inlet area has side walls, and the above-mentioned slope section may be positioned within at least a predetermined angle range centered on a line connecting the side wall closest to the inlet among the side walls in the inlet area from the center of the inlet.

[0174] The above-mentioned slope section can be positioned within 330 degrees centered on the above-mentioned line.

[0175] The height of the above minimum height section may be 20 mm or less.

[0176] A cooling device according to one embodiment may include a flat plate-shaped cooling element having a first surface that emits heat and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface and absorbs heat from the outside, a heat dissipation unit disposed above the cooling element and configured to dissipate heat from the first surface, and a heat absorption unit disposed below the cooling element and configured to transfer cold air from the second surface to ambient air.

[0177] The above heat dissipation unit may include a heat dissipation member disposed on the first surface and a centrifugal fan module configured to deliver external air to the heat dissipation member.

[0178] The centrifugal fan module may include: an impeller that rotates around a rotation axis to draw in air through an intake port and discharge air toward an exhaust port; an intake guide channel that guides air toward the intake port and includes an inclined section whose height decreases as it approaches the intake port; and an exhaust guide channel that guides air toward the exhaust port and whose spiral radius increases along a spiral direction toward the exhaust port.

[0179] The discharge guide channel may include a cutoff area having a square cross-sectional shape, a discharge area connected to the discharge port having a square cross-sectional shape, a wedge area disposed between the cutoff area and the discharge area along the spiral direction and disposed at the bottom of the inclined section along a direction parallel to the rotation axis having a wedge cross-sectional shape, a first transition area disposed between the cutoff area and the wedge area along the spiral direction where the cross-sectional shape changes from a square shape to a wedge shape along the spiral direction, and a second transition area disposed between the wedge area and the discharge area along the spiral direction where the cross-sectional shape changes from a wedge shape to a square shape along the spiral direction.

[0180] The above cutoff region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, the above first transition region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, the above wedge region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, the above second transition region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, and the above discharge region can have a hydraulic diameter that increases while maintaining a square cross-sectional shape along the spiral direction.

[0181] The entire area of ​​the discharge guide channel includes a square cross-sectional shape, and the outer line of the discharge guide channel includes a spiral radius that increases from the cutoff area to the discharge area to form a spiral reference line (RS), the outer line of the first transition area is positioned outside the spiral reference line, the outer line of the wedge area is positioned outside the spiral reference line, and the outer line of the second transition area may be positioned outside the spiral reference line.

[0182] In the first transition region, the distance between the outer line and the spiral reference line increases along the spiral direction, and in the second transition region, the distance between the outer line and the spiral reference line decreases along the spiral direction.

[0183] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include: a flat plate-shaped cooling element having a first surface that emits heat and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface and absorbs heat from the outside; a heat dissipation unit disposed above the cooling element and configured to dissipate heat from the first surface; and a heat absorption unit disposed below the cooling element and configured to transfer cold air from the second surface to ambient air; and a storage room into which cooling air provided by the cooling element is introduced.

[0184] The above heat dissipation unit may include a heat dissipation member disposed on the first surface and a centrifugal fan module configured to deliver external air to the heat dissipation member.

[0185] The centrifugal fan module may include: an impeller that rotates around a rotation axis to draw in air through an intake port and discharge air toward an exhaust port; an intake guide channel that guides the movement of air toward the intake port and includes an inclined section whose height decreases as it approaches the intake port; and an exhaust guide channel that guides the movement of air toward the exhaust port and whose spiral radius increases along a spiral direction toward the exhaust port.

[0186] The discharge guide channel may include a cutoff area having a square cross-sectional shape, a discharge area connected to the discharge port having a square cross-sectional shape, a wedge area positioned between the cutoff area and the discharge area along the spiral direction and positioned at the bottom of the inclined section along a direction parallel to the rotation axis having a wedge cross-sectional shape, a first transition area positioned between the cutoff area and the wedge area along the spiral direction and in which the cross-sectional shape gradually changes from a square shape to a wedge shape along the spiral direction, and a second transition area positioned between the wedge area and the discharge area along the spiral direction and in which the cross-sectional shape changes from a wedge shape to a square shape along the spiral direction.

[0187] The above cutoff region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, the above first transition region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, the above wedge region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, the above second transition region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, and the above discharge region can have a hydraulic diameter that increases while maintaining a square cross-sectional shape along the spiral direction.

[0188] The entire area of ​​the discharge guide channel includes a square cross-sectional shape, and the outer line of the discharge guide channel includes a spiral radius that increases from the cutoff area to the discharge area to form a spiral reference line, the outer line of the first transition area is positioned outside the spiral reference line, the outer line of the wedge area is positioned outside the spiral reference line, and the outer line of the second transition area may be positioned outside the spiral reference line.

[0189] In the first transition region, the distance between the outer line and the spiral reference line increases along the spiral direction, and in the second transition region, the distance between the outer line and the spiral reference line decreases along the spiral direction.

[0190] In the above suction guide channel, the inclined section may be partially positioned at the edge of the suction port.

[0191] The above intake guide channel includes an inlet area into which air is introduced from the outside and which guides the introduced air, and an intake guide area connected to the inlet area and which guides the air toward the intake port and includes the inclined section, and the intake guide area may include the inclined section and a minimum height section that at least partially surrounds the intake port and maintains the minimum height of the inclined section.

[0192] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a centrifugal fan module, a cooling device, and a refrigerator including the same can increase airflow or reduce noise without changing height by reducing pressure loss of intake air and minimizing pressure loss of the exhaust guide channel due to changes in cross-sectional shape.

[0193] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

Claims

1. An impeller (110) that rotates around a rotation axis (AX) to draw in air through an intake port (1621) and discharge air toward an exhaust port (1521); A suction guide channel (130) that guides air toward the suction port and includes a sloped section (1321) in which the height decreases as it approaches the suction port; and It includes an exhaust guide channel (150) that guides air toward the exhaust port and increases the spiral radius along the spiral direction toward the exhaust port, The above discharge guide channel (150) is, A cutoff area (151) having a square cross-sectional shape, and A discharge area (152) connected to the above discharge port and having a square cross-sectional shape, and A wedge region (153) positioned between the cutoff region and the discharge region along the spiral direction, positioned at the bottom of the inclined section along a direction parallel to the rotation axis, and having a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape, and A first transition region (154) disposed between the cutoff region and the wedge region along the spiral direction, wherein the cross-sectional shape changes from a square shape to a wedge shape along the spiral direction, and A centrifugal fan module comprising a second transition region (155) disposed between the wedge region and the discharge region along the spiral direction, wherein the cross-sectional shape changes from a wedge shape to a square shape along the spiral direction.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above cutoff region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, and The above wedge region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, and The above discharge area is a centrifugal fan module in which the hydraulic diameter increases along the spiral direction.

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, The above first transition region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, and The second transition region is a centrifugal fan module in which the hydraulic diameter increases along the spiral direction.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, The entire area of ​​the discharge guide channel includes a square cross-sectional shape, and the outer line of the discharge guide channel includes a spiral radius that increases from the cutoff area to the discharge area to form a spiral reference line (RS). The outer line (1541) of the first transition region (154) is positioned outside the spiral reference line (RS), and The outer line (1531) of the wedge area (153) is positioned outside the spiral reference line (RS), and The outer line (1551) of the second transition area (155) is a centrifugal fan module positioned outside the spiral reference line (RS).

5. In Paragraph 4, In the first transition region above, the distance between the outer line and the spiral reference line increases along the spiral direction, and In the second transition region above, a centrifugal fan module in which the distance between the outer line and the spiral reference line decreases along the spiral direction.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, The suction port is positioned at the top of the impeller, and the discharge port is positioned at the side of the impeller. A centrifugal fan module in which the inclined section of the suction guide channel is at least partially positioned at the edge of the suction port.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above intake guide channel is Air is introduced from the outside, and there is an inlet area (131) that guides the introduced air, and It includes an intake guide area (132) that is connected to the above-mentioned inlet area and guides air toward the above-mentioned intake port, and includes the above-mentioned inclined section, The above suction guide area (132) comprises the above-mentioned inclined section (1321) and the lowest height section (1322) that at least partially surrounds the suction port and maintains the minimum height of the inclined section, in a centrifugal fan module.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above-mentioned inlet area has side walls (1312, 1313), and The above-mentioned slope section is a centrifugal fan module positioned within at least a predetermined angle range centered on a line (RL1) connecting the side wall (1312) closest to the intake port among the side walls in the inlet area from the center of the intake port.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned slope section is a centrifugal fan module positioned within 330 degrees relative to the above-mentioned line (RL1).

10. In any one of paragraphs 7 through 9, A centrifugal fan module in which the height (h1) of the lowest height section above is 20 mm or less.

11. A cooling device (10) comprising: a flat plate-shaped cooling element (103) having a first surface (1031) that emits heat and a second surface opposite to the first surface that absorbs heat from the outside; a heat dissipation part (102) disposed above the cooling element and configured to dissipate heat from the first surface; and a heat absorption part (101) disposed below the cooling element and configured to transfer cold air from the second surface to the surrounding air. The above heat dissipation unit (102) includes a heat dissipation member (107) disposed on the first surface and a centrifugal fan module (100) configured to deliver external air to the heat dissipation member. The above centrifugal fan module is, An impeller that rotates around a rotation axis to draw in air through an intake port and discharge it toward an exhaust port; An intake guide channel that guides air toward the intake port and includes an inclined section whose height decreases as it approaches the intake port; and It includes an exhaust guide channel that guides air toward the exhaust port and increases the spiral radius along a spiral direction toward the exhaust port, and The above discharge guide channel is, A cutoff region having a square cross-sectional shape, and A discharge area connected to the above discharge port and having a square cross-sectional shape, and A wedge region disposed between the cutoff region and the discharge region along the spiral direction, disposed at the bottom of the inclined section along a direction parallel to the rotation axis, and having a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape, and A first transition region disposed between the cutoff region and the wedge region along the spiral direction, wherein the cross-sectional shape changes from a square shape to a wedge shape along the spiral direction, and A cooling device comprising a second transition region disposed between the wedge region and the discharge region along the spiral direction, wherein the cross-sectional shape changes from a wedge shape to a square shape along the spiral direction.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above cutoff region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, and The above first transition region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, and The above wedge region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, and The above second transition region has a hydraulic diameter that increases along the spiral direction, and A cooling device in which the above discharge area maintains a square cross-sectional shape along the above spiral direction and the hydraulic diameter increases.

13. In Paragraph 11 or 12, The entire area of ​​the discharge guide channel includes a square cross-sectional shape, and the outer line of the discharge guide channel includes a spiral radius that increases from the cutoff area to the discharge area to form a spiral reference line (RS). The outer line of the first transition region is positioned outside the spiral reference line, and The outer line of the wedge area is positioned outside the spiral reference line, and The outer line of the second transition region is a cooling device positioned outside the spiral reference line.

14. In Paragraph 13, In the first transition region above, the distance between the outer line and the spiral reference line increases along the spiral direction, and A cooling device in which, in the second transition region, the distance between the outer line and the spiral reference line decreases along the spiral direction.

15. A cooling device (10) comprising: a flat plate-shaped cooling element (103) having a first surface (1031) that emits heat and a second surface opposite to the first surface that absorbs heat from the outside; a heat dissipation part (102) disposed above the cooling element and configured to dissipate heat from the first surface; and a heat absorption part (101) disposed below the cooling element and configured to transfer cold air from the second surface to the surrounding air; and It includes a storage room (8) into which cooling air provided by the above cooling device is introduced, The above heat dissipation unit (102) includes a heat dissipation member (107) disposed on the first surface and a centrifugal fan module (100) configured to deliver external air to the heat dissipation member. The above centrifugal fan module is, An impeller that rotates around a rotation axis to draw in air through an intake port and discharge it toward an exhaust port; An intake guide channel that guides the movement of air toward the intake port and includes an inclined section whose height decreases as it approaches the intake port; and It includes an exhaust guide channel that guides the movement of air toward the exhaust port and increases the spiral radius along a spiral direction toward the exhaust port, The above discharge guide channel is, A cutoff region having a square cross-sectional shape, and A discharge area connected to the above discharge port and having a square cross-sectional shape, and A wedge region disposed between the cutoff region and the discharge region along the spiral direction, disposed at the bottom of the inclined section along a direction parallel to the rotation axis, and having a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape, and A first transition region disposed between the cutoff region and the wedge region along the spiral direction, wherein the cross-sectional shape gradually changes from a square shape to a wedge shape along the spiral direction, and A refrigerator comprising a second transition region disposed between the wedge region and the discharge region along the spiral direction, wherein the cross-sectional shape changes from a wedge shape to a square shape along the spiral direction.

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