KR20180106898A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator comprises: an inner case in which a storage chamber is formed; a thermoelectric module cooling the storage chamber, and having a thermoelement and a heat sink; a radiating fan arranged to face the heat sink; a radiating cover arranged to be spaced from the inner case, and having at least one outer suction hole facing the radiating fan; and a blocking member blocking a gap between the radiating cover and the radiating fan.

Description

Refrigerator {REFRIGERATOR}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly to a refrigerator in which a storage compartment is cooled by a thermoelectric module.

A refrigerator is a device that prevents food from being corrupted or altered by keeping food or medicine cold or storing at low temperature.

The refrigerator includes a storage room for storing foods or medicines, and a cooling device for cooling the storage room.

An example of the cooling device may be a refrigeration cycle device including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator.

Another example of a cooling device may be a thermoelectric module (TEM) using a phenomenon in which a temperature difference occurs on both ends of different metals when different metals are combined and current flows.

The refrigeration cycle unit has a higher efficiency than the thermoelectric module, but has a disadvantage that the compressor has a large noise during driving.

On the other hand, the thermoelectric module is less efficient than the refrigeration cycle device, but has a small noise, and can be utilized for a CPU cooling device, a temperature control seat of a vehicle, a small refrigerator, and the like.

KR 19970030644 U (Released May 25, 1999) KR 20080040112 A (Released on November 3, 2009)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which noises generated by a heat radiating fan can be reduced.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator with improved heat dissipation efficiency.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator comprising: an inner case having a storage chamber; A thermoelectric module for cooling the storage chamber and including a thermoelectric element and a heat sink; A heat dissipating fan disposed facing the heat sink; A heat dissipation cover disposed at a distance from the inner case and having at least one outer suction hole facing the heat dissipation fan; And a blocking member closing a gap between the heat radiating cover and the heat radiating fan.

The blocking member may be disposed to surround the outer circumference of the heat-dissipating fan.

The heat radiating fan includes a fan; And a shroud disposed around the fan, and the shielding member may be disposed in contact with each of the shroud and the heat radiating cover.

The blocking member may be disposed between the shroud and the heat radiating cover.

The heat dissipation cover includes a cover portion; And a suction grille mounted on the cover portion, the suction grille having the outer suction hole formed therein, and the blocking member may be disposed in contact with the cover portion.

The suction grille may be a mesh composed of a plurality of wires, and the thickness of the wire may be 1 mm or more and 1.6 mm or less.

The cover portion may be formed to be recessed toward the rear and include a depression on which the suction grille is mounted, and the blocking member may be disposed in contact with the depression.

The blocking member may be made of a porous material.

The outer suction holes may have a plurality of outer suction holes, and the distance between the pair of outer suction holes adjacent to each other in the outer suction holes may be 1 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less.

A plurality of outer suction holes may be provided, and a center distance between a pair of outer suction holes adjacent to each other among the outer suction holes may be 7 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

The outer suction holes may have a plurality of outer suction holes, and the outer suction holes may have a circular shape having a diameter of 7 mm or more and 8 mm or less.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the blocking member blocks the gap between the heat-radiating fan and the heat-radiating cover to prevent flow disturbance due to recirculation, thereby reducing the noise caused by the flow disturbance, The heat radiation efficiency can be increased.

Further, the blocking member has an advantage that noise and vibration generated by driving the heat-radiating fan can be reduced.

In addition, the size and shape of the outer suction hole, in which the outside air is sucked, are respectively limited to prevent the user's fingers from touching the heat-dissipating fan, and the generation of noise due to suction of the outside air can be reduced.

1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a main body of a refrigerator, a door, and a housing member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is an exploded perspective view of a main body of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a rear surface of an inner case according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a perspective view illustrating a thermoelectric module and a heat dissipating fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is an exploded perspective view of the thermoelectric module and the heat dissipating fan shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the thermoelectric module and the heat-dissipating fan shown in FIG. 5 viewed from different directions.
8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a thermoelectric module and a heat-dissipating fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a perspective view of a fixing pin according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a side view for explaining a configuration in which the thermoelectric module and the heat-dissipating fan are fixed by a fixing pin.
11 is a plan view for explaining a configuration in which the thermoelectric module and the heat-dissipating fan are fixed by a fixing pin.
12 is a front view of a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a view illustrating a configuration in which a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a thermoelectric module holder.
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present invention when mounted on an inner case and a thermoelectric module holder.
15 is a perspective view illustrating a cooling fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the thermoelectric module of the refrigerator shown in Fig.
18 is a front view of a heat dissipation cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.
19 is a rear view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
20 is an enlarged view of a part of the suction grille shown in Fig.
21 is an enlarged view of a part of a suction grill according to another embodiment of the present invention.
22 is a partial cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

2 is an exploded perspective view of a main body of a refrigerator, a door and a housing member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a rear surface of an inner case according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described as an example of a cooperative refrigerator. The throttle refrigerator can also function as a throttle in addition to the food storage function. Unlike ordinary refrigerators, which are often found in kitchens, throat refrigerators can be used next to beds in bedrooms. Therefore, for the convenience of the user, the height of the stationary refrigerator is preferably similar to the height of the bed, and the height of the stationary refrigerator is lower than that of the general refrigerator and can be formed compactly.

However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the contents of the present invention are not limited thereto and can be applied to other types of refrigerators.

1 to 4, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 1 having a storage room S, a door 2 for opening and closing the storage room S, The thermoelectric module 3 may be provided.

The main body 1 may be formed in a box shape. The height of the main body 1 is preferably not less than 400 mm and not more than 700 mm so that it can be used as a station. That is, the height of the refrigerator may be 400 mm or more and 700 mm or less.

The upper surface of the main body 1 can be horizontal, and the user can utilize the upper surface of the main body 1 as a throat.

The main body 1 may be composed of a combination of a plurality of members.

The main body 1 may include an inner case 10, cabinets 12, 13 and 14, a cabinet bottom 15, a drain pipe 16, and a tray 17. The main body 1 may further include a package cover 18 and a heat radiating cover 8.

The inner case 10 may be provided with a storage chamber S. The storage chamber S may be formed inside the inner case 10. One surface of the inner case 10 can be opened, and the opened surface can be opened and closed by the door 2. [ Preferably, the front surface of the inner case 10 can be opened.

The thermoelectric module mounting portion 10a may be formed on the back surface of the inner case 10. The thermoelectric module mounting portion 10a may be formed such that a part of the back surface of the inner case 10 protrudes rearward. The thermoelectric module mounting portion 10a may be formed closer to the upper surface than the bottom surface of the inner case 10.

A cooling passage S1 (see FIG. 16) may be provided in the thermoelectric module mounting portion 10a. The cooling flow path S1 is an internal space of the thermoelectric module mounting portion 10a and can communicate with the storage chamber S. [

In addition, thermoelectric module mounting holes 10b may be formed in the thermoelectric module mounting portions 10a. At least a part of the cooling sink 32, which will be described later, of the thermoelectric module 3 can be disposed in the cooling flow path S1.

The cabinets 12, 13 and 14 can constitute the appearance of the refrigerator.

The cabinets 12, 13, and 14 may be disposed so as to surround the outside of the inner case 10. The cabinets 12, 13 and 14 may be spaced apart from the inner case 10 and a foam material may be inserted between the cabinets 12, 13 and 14 and the inner case 10.

The cabinets 12, 13, and 14 may be formed by combining a plurality of members. The cabinets 12, 13, and 14 may include an outer cabinet 12, a top cover 13, and a back plate 14.

The outer cabinet 12 may be disposed outside the inner case 10. More specifically, the outer cabinet 12 may be located on the left, right, and lower sides of the inner case 10. [ However, the positional relationship between the outer cabinet 12 and the inner case 10 may be varied as needed.

The outer cabinet 12 may be arranged to cover the left side, the right side and the bottom of the inner case 10. The outer cabinet 12 may be disposed apart from the inner case 10. [

The outer cabinet 12 may constitute the left side, the right side and the bottom of the refrigerator.

The outer cabinet 12 can be composed of a plurality of members. The outer cabinet 12 may include a base forming the bottom surface of the refrigerator, a left cover disposed on the upper left side of the base, and a right cover disposed on the upper right side of the base. In this case, the material of at least one of the base, the left cover and the right cover may be different. For example, the base may be formed of a synthetic resin material, and the left and right plates may be formed of a metal such as steel or aluminum.

The outer cabinet 12 may be constituted by a single member. In this case, the outer cabinet 12 can be configured as a lower plate, a left plate, and a right plate which are bent or bent. When the outer cabinet 12 is composed of one member, it may be formed of a metal such as steel or aluminum.

The top cover 13 may be disposed on the upper side of the inner case 10. The top cover 13 may constitute the upper surface of the refrigerator. The user can utilize the upper surface of the top cover 13 as a throat.

The top cover 13 may be formed in a plate shape, and the top cover 13 may be formed of a wood material. As a result, the appearance of the refrigerator can be more refined. In addition, since the wood material is used for general commissioning, the user can feel the intent of the refrigerator to be used more intuitively.

The top cover 13 may be arranged to cover the upper surface of the inner case 10. At least a part of the top cover 13 may be disposed apart from the inner case 10.

The upper surface of the top cover 13 may be disposed coincident with the upper end of the outer cabinet 12. [ The lateral width of the top cover 13 may be the same as the lateral width of the outer cabinet 12. The left and right surfaces of the top cover 13 may be disposed in contact with the inner surface of the outer cabinet 12. [

The back plate 14 may be arranged vertically. The back plate 14 can be disposed at a position lower than the top cover 13 while being rearward of the inner case 10. The back plate 14 can be disposed so as to face the back surface of the inner case 10 in the front-rear direction.

The back plate 14 may be arranged to be in contact with the inner case 10. The back plate 14 can be disposed close to the thermoelectric module mounting portion 10a of the inner case 10. [

A through hole 14a may be formed in the back plate 14. The through hole 14a may be formed at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric module mounting hole 10b of the inner case 10. The size of the through hole 14a may be greater than or equal to the size of the thermoelectric module mounting hole 10b of the inner case 10.

The cabinet bottom 15 can be positioned below the inner case 10. [ The cabinet bottom 15 can support the inner case 10 from below.

The cabinet bottom 15 can be disposed between the outer bottom surface of the inner case 10 and the inner bottom surface of the outer cabinet 12. [ The cabinet bottom 15 can separate the inner case 10 from the inner bottom surface of the outer cabinet 12. The cabinet bottom 15 can form the lower heat radiation passage 92 (see Fig. 16) together with the inner surface of the outer cabinet 12. [

The drain pipe 16 can communicate with the storage chamber S. [ The drain pipe 16 can be connected to the lower portion of the inner case 10 and can discharge water generated by defrosting or the like in the inner case 10. [

The tray 17 can be located below the drain pipe 16 and can receive the water dropped from the drain pipe 16.

The tray 17 may be disposed between the cabinet bottom 15 and the outer cabinet 12. [ The tray 17 may be located in the lower heat radiation path 92 (see FIG. 16) to be described later, and the water contained in the tray 17 can be evaporated by the hot air guided to the lower heat radiation path 92. With this configuration, there is an advantage that the water in the tray 17 is not frequently emptied.

The heat radiating cover 8 may be disposed behind the back plate 14 and may be disposed to face the back plate 14 in the front-rear direction. The heat radiating cover 8 may be disposed apart from the back plate 14.

The heat-radiating cover 8 can be arranged vertically.

The upper end of the heat-radiating cover 8 may be spaced apart from the top cover 13. That is, the height of the heat radiating cover 8 may be lower than that of the outer cabinet 12. [ In this case, the cover 18 to be described later can be exposed to the rear of the main body 1. [

However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the upper end of the heat radiating cover 8 may be arranged to be in contact with the top cover 13. [ In this case, the cover portion 18 may be located in front of the heat-radiating cover 8 and may not be exposed to the rear of the main body 1.

The heat dissipation cover 8 may include a cover portion 81 and a suction grille 82 mounted on the cover portion 81. The cover portion 81 and the suction grille 82 may be formed integrally or separately from each other.

At least one outer suction hole 83 may be formed in the heat dissipation cover 8.

A plurality of outer suction holes 83 may be formed in the suction grille 82. The outer air can be sucked into the heat-dissipating fan 5 through the outer suction hole 83 when the heat-dissipating fan 5 is driven.

The size and shape of the outer suction hole 83 may be varied as needed.

The suction grill 82 may be a finger guard that prevents the user's finger from approaching the heat-dissipating fan 5. [ It is preferable that the outer suction hole 83 is formed to a size such that the user's finger is not inserted.

A cover through hole 81a may be formed in the cover portion 81. [ The cover through hole 81a may be formed at a position facing the heat radiation fan 5. [

The cover through hole 81a may be positioned between the suction grille 82 and the heat dissipating fan 5. [ The air sucked through the outer suction hole 83 can be sucked into the heat radiation fan 5 through the cover through hole 81a.

The suction grille 82 can cover the cover through hole 81. [

The suction grille 82 can face the heat radiation fan. More specifically, the front surface of the suction grille 82 can face the heat-dissipating fan 5 in the front-rear direction.

The suction grill 82 may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from the heat-dissipating fan 5. The distance between the suction grill 82 and the heat-dissipating fan 5 may be longer than the forward maximum elastic deformation length of the suction grill 82. [ Thereby, the suction grill 82 may not touch the heat radiating fan 5 even if the user presses the suction grill 82 by hand.

The cover part (81) may be formed with a depression (84) recessed backward. The depressed portion 84 may be formed such that a part of the cover portion 81 is recessed rearward.

The cover through hole 81a can be formed in the depression 84 and the suction grill 82 can be mounted in the depression 84. [ The distance between the suction grill 82 and the heat-dissipating fan 5 can be increased as compared with the case where the depression 84 is not formed in the cover portion 81. Thus, There is an advantage that a required separation distance can be secured between the heat sink fan 82 and the heat dissipating fan 5.

The heat radiation cover 8 can form the rear heat radiation passage 91 (see Fig. 16) together with the back plate 14. The rear heat radiation passage 91 may be positioned between the front surface of the heat radiation cover 8 and the back surface of the back plate 14. [ More specifically, the rear heat-radiating passage 91 may be positioned between the front surface of the cover portion 81 and the rear surface of the back plate 14. [

At the time of driving the heat-dissipating fan 5, air outside the refrigerator can be sucked into the heat-dissipating fan 5 through the outer suction hole 83. The air sucked into the outer suction hole 83 is heat-exchanged in the heat sink 33 and can be heated and guided to the rear heat radiation path 91. This will be described in detail later.

The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a blocking member 85 blocking the gap 86 (see FIG. 17) between the heat radiating fan 5 and the heat radiating cover 8.

The blocking member 85 may have an annular shape. The blocking member 85 may have a rectangular ring shape. The blocking member 85 may be formed by combining a plurality of members.

The blocking member 85 may have a porous material. For example, the material of the blocking member may be ethylene propylene (EPDM).

Since the blocking member 85 having a porous material is excellent in sound absorption and absorption performance, it is possible to effectively reduce vibration and noise generated by driving the heat radiation fan.

The blocking member 85 may be arranged to be in contact with the heat radiating cover 8. The blocking member 85 may be arranged to be in contact with the front surface of the heat radiation cover 8. It is also possible that the blocking member 85 is arranged to abut the inner circumference of the cover through hole 81a.

The blocking member 85 may be arranged to be in contact with the cover portion 81 and / or the suction grill 82. When the blocking member 85 is in contact with the cover portion 81, the blocking member 85 can be brought into contact with the depressed portion 84.

The blocking member 85 can block the gap 86 (see Fig. 17) between the heat radiating fan 5 and the heat radiating cover 8. This prevents the air heated by the heat sink 33 of the thermoelectric module 3 from flowing into the gap 86 between the heat radiation fan 5 and the heat radiation cover 8 and being sucked into the heat radiation fan 5 .

On the other hand, the door 2 can open and close the storage chamber S. The door 2 can be coupled with the main body 1, and the manner and number of the coupling are not limited. For example, the door 2 may be a single unidirectional door or a plurality of bidirectional doors that can be opened and closed by a hinge. Hereinafter, the door 2 will be described as an example of a drawer-type door slidably connected to the main body 1 in the front-rear direction.

The door (2) can be coupled to the front surface of the main body (1). The door 2 can cover the open front face of the inner case 10, thereby opening and closing the storage compartment S. [

The door 2 may be formed of a wood material, but is not limited thereto.

The height of the door 2 in the vertical direction may be lower than the height of the outer cabinet 12. The lower end of the door 2 may be spaced apart from the inner bottom surface of the outer cabinet 12.

Between the lower end of the door 2 and the lower end of the outer cabinet 12, a heat radiation passage outlet 90 communicating with the lower heat radiation passage 92 (see FIG. 16) may be formed.

The door (2) can be engaged with the main body (1) in a sliding manner. The door 2 may be provided with a pair of sliding members 20 and the sliding member 20 may be slidably coupled to a pair of sliding rails 19 provided in the storage chamber S so as to be slidable. Thereby, the door 2 can be slid forward and backward while keeping the open front face of the inner case 10 facing.

The sliding rail 19 may be provided on the left inner side and the right inner side of the inner case 10. The sliding rail 19 may be provided at a position closer to the bottom surface than the upper surface of the inner case 10.

The user can open the storage room S by pulling the door 1 and push the door 2 to close the storage room S. [

On the other hand, the refrigerator may include at least one receiving member 6 (7) disposed in the storage room S.

The types of the receiving members 6 and 7 are not limited. For example, the receiving members 6 and 7 may be shelves or drawers. Hereinafter, the cases in which the receiving members 6 and 7 are drawn will be described.

Food items can be placed or housed in the housing members 6 (7).

Each of the receiving members 6 and 7 can be configured to be slidable in the front-rear direction. At least one pair of receiving member rails corresponding to the number of the receiving members 6 and 7 may be provided on the left inner surface and the inner right surface of the inner case 10, And can be slidably engaged with the member rails.

The receiving members 6 and 7 may be configured to move together with the door 2. [ For example, the receiving members 6 and 7 may be detachably coupled to the door 2 by a magnet. In this case, when the user pulls the door 2 and opens the storage chamber S, the storage members 6 and 7 can be moved forward along the door 2. [ It is also possible that the storage members 6 and 7 are independently moved without moving together with the door 2. [

The storage members 6 and 7 may be arranged horizontally in the storage chamber S. [

The upper surfaces of the receiving members 6 and 7 can be opened and the food can be housed inside the receiving members 6 and 7. [

The receiving members 6 and 7 may include a first receiving member 6 and a second receiving member 7. [ The first housing member 6 may be disposed below the second housing member 7. [

The front and rear lengths of the first housing member 6 and the second housing member 7 may be the same or different from each other. The height of the first housing member 6 and the second housing member 7 in the vertical direction may be the same or different from each other.

On the other hand, the thermoelectric module 3 can cool the storage room S. The thermoelectric module 3 can maintain the temperature of the storage chamber S at a low level by utilizing the Peltier effect.

The thermoelectric module 3 may be arranged in front of the heat radiating cover 8. [

The thermoelectric module 3 may include a thermoelectric element 31 (see FIG. 6), a cooling sink 32 (see FIG. 6), and a heat sink 33 (see FIG. 6).

The thermoelectric element 31 may include a low temperature portion and a high temperature portion, and the low temperature portion and the high temperature portion may be determined according to the direction of a voltage applied to the thermoelectric element 31. [ In addition, the temperature difference between the low temperature portion and the high temperature portion can be determined according to the voltage applied to the thermoelectric element 31.

The thermoelectric element 31 may be disposed between the cooling sink 32 and the heat sink 33 and may be in contact with the cooling sink 32 and the heat sink 33, respectively.

The low temperature portion of the thermoelectric element 31 can be in contact with the cooling sink 32 and the high temperature portion of the thermoelectric element 31 can be in contact with the heat sink 33. [

The detailed configuration of the thermoelectric module 3 will be described later in detail.

The refrigerator may further include a cooling fan 4 for circulating air to the cooling sink 32 and the storage chamber S of the thermoelectric module 3. [ The refrigerator may further include a heat dissipating fan 5 for allowing external air to flow to the heat sink 33 of the thermoelectric module 3.

The cooling fan 4 can be disposed in front of the thermoelectric module 3 and the heat radiating fan 5 can be disposed in the rear of the thermoelectric module 3. [ The cooling fan 4 may be arranged to face the cooling sink 32 in the front-rear direction and the heat-dissipating fan 5 may be arranged to face the heat sink 33 in the front-rear direction.

The cooling fan 4 may be disposed inside the inner case 10. The cooling fan 4 can flow the air in the storage chamber S to the cooling flow path S1 (see Fig. 16), and the low temperature air exchanged with the cooling sink 32 disposed in the cooling flow path S1, (S) so that the temperature in the storage chamber (S) can be kept low.

The heat-dissipating fan 5 can suck external air through the outer suction hole 83 formed in the heat-dissipating cover 8. More specifically, the heat-dissipating fan 5 can suck external air through the outer suction hole 83 formed in the suction grill 82. [

The air sucked by the heat radiating fan 5 is heat-exchanged with the heat sink 33 located between the back plate 14 and the heat radiating cover 8 and can dissipate heat from the heat sink 33. The high temperature air exchanged with the heat sink 33 is guided in turn to the rear heat radiation passage 91 (see FIG. 16) and the lower heat radiation passage 92 (see FIG. 16) ).

The heat radiating fan 5 may be arranged to face the suction grill 82. [ The heat radiating fan 5 may be arranged to face the outer suction hole 83.

The detailed configuration of the cooling fan 4 and the heat-dissipating fan 5 will be described later in detail.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a thermoelectric module and a heat radiating fan according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the thermoelectric module and the heat radiating fan shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a thermoelectric module and a heat-dissipating fan according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fixing pin according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. And FIG. 10 is a side view for explaining a configuration in which the thermoelectric module and the heat-dissipating fan are fixed by a fixing pin, FIG. 11 is a plan view for explaining a configuration in which the thermoelectric module and the heat- FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a configuration in which a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a thermoelectric module holder. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present invention. The thermoelectric module according to the example When fitted to the inner case, and the thermoelectric module the holder is a perspective view of the incision.

Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the thermoelectric module 3 and the heat radiation fan 5 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 14. Fig.

The thermoelectric module 3 can maintain the temperature of the storage chamber S at a low level by utilizing the Peltier effect. The thermoelectric module 3 includes a thermoelectric element 31, a cooling sink 32, and a heat sink 33.

The thermoelectric element 31 may be disposed between the cooling sink 32 and the heat sink 33 and may be in contact with the cooling sink 32 and the heat sink 33, respectively. The low temperature portion of the thermoelectric element 31 can be in contact with the cooling sink 32 and the high temperature portion of the thermoelectric element 32 can be in contact with the heat sink 33. [

The thermoelectric element 31 may be provided with a fuse 35. When an overvoltage is applied to the thermoelectric element, the fuse 35 may block the voltage applied to the thermoelectric element 31. [

The cooling sink 32 can be a cooling heat exchanger connected to the low temperature portion of the thermoelectric element 31 and can cool the storage chamber S. [ The heat sink 33 may be a heating heat exchanger connected to the high temperature portion of the thermoelectric element 31 and may dissipate the heat absorbed by the cooling sink 33.

The thermoelectric module 3 may be arranged in front of the heat radiating cover 8. [ The cooling sink 32 may be disposed closer to the inner case 10 than the heat sink 33. [ The cooling sink 32 may be disposed in front of the thermoelectric element 31. [ The cooling sink 32 can be kept at a low temperature in contact with the low temperature portion of the thermoelectric element 31. [

The heat sink 33 may be disposed closer to the heat dissipation cover 8, which will be described later than the cooling sink 32. [ The heat sink 33 can be kept at a high temperature in contact with the high temperature portion of the thermoelectric element 31. [ The heat sink 33 may be disposed under the control unit 18a to be described later.

The thermoelectric module 3 may be disposed such that one of the thermoelectric element 31, the cooling sink 32, and the heat sink 33 penetrates through the through hole 14a. The thermoelectric module 3 can be arranged so that the heat sink 33 penetrates through the through hole 14a. In this case, the thermoelectric element 31 and the cooling sink 32 can be positioned in front of the through hole 14a, and a part of the heat sink 33 can be positioned behind the through hole 14a.

The cooling sink 32 may include a cooling plate 32a and a cooling fin 32b.

The cooling plate 32a may be arranged so as to be in contact with the thermoelectric element 31. [ A part of the cooling plate 32a may be inserted into the heating element accommodating hole formed in the heat insulating member 37 to be in contact with the thermoelectric element 31. [ The cooling plate 32a may be positioned between the cooling pin 32b and the thermoelectric element 31 and the cooling plate 32a may be in contact with the low temperature portion of the thermoelectric element 31 to heat the heat of the cooling pin 32b to the thermoelectric element 31).

The cooling plate 32a may be formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity. The cooling plate 32a may be located in the thermoelectric module mounting hole 10b of the inner case 10. [

The cooling sink 32 may be arranged so as to block the thermoelectric module mounting hole 10b of the inner case 10. [ Preferably, the cooling plate 32a can block the thermoelectric module mounting hole 10b of the inner case 10.

The cooling fin 32b may be arranged to be in contact with the cooling plate 32a. The cooling fin 32b may protrude from one surface of the cooling plate 32a.

The cooling fin 32b may be positioned in front of the cooling plate 32a. At least a part of the cooling fins 32b may be located in the cooling passage S1 in the thermoelectric module mounting portion 10a and may be cooled by heat exchange with the air in the cooling passage S1.

The cooling fin 32b may have a plurality of fins to increase the heat exchange area with air. The cooling fin 32b may be formed to guide the air in the vertical direction. Each of the plurality of fins constituting the cooling fin 33b may be constituted by a vertical plate having a left side and a right side and arranged in a vertical direction.

The cooling pin 32b can be disposed between the fan 42 of the cooling fan 4 and the thermoelectric element 31 and the air blown from the fan 42 of the cooling fan 4 can be discharged to the upper discharge hole 32. [ (45) and the lower discharge hole (46). The air blown from the fan 42 of the cooling fan 4 can be guided to the cooling pin 32b and dispersed upward and downward.

The heat sink 33 may include a heat radiating plate 33a, a heat radiating pipe 33b, and a heat radiating fin 33c.

The heat dissipation plate 33a may be arranged to be in contact with the thermoelectric element 31. [ A part of the heat dissipation plate 33a may be inserted into the element mounting hole formed in the heat insulating member 37 to be in contact with the thermoelectric element 31. [ The heat dissipation plate 33a can contact the high temperature portion of the thermoelectric element 31 to conduct heat to the heat radiating pipe 33b and the heat radiating fin 33c.

The heat dissipation plate 33a may be formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity.

At least one of the heat radiating plate 33a and the heat radiating fin 33c may be disposed in the through hole 14a of the back plate 14. [

The heat radiating pipe 33b may be a heat pipe having a heat transfer fluid. A part of the heat radiating pipe 33b may be disposed through the heat radiating plate 33a while the other part may be disposed through the heat radiating fin 33c.

The heat transfer fluid inside the heat radiation pipe 33b can be evaporated at a portion of the heat radiation pipe 33b contacting the heat radiation plate 33a and the heat transfer fluid can be condensed at the portion contacting the heat radiation fin 33c. The heat transfer fluid circulates in the heat radiating pipe 33b by density difference and / or gravity and can transfer the heat of the heat radiating plate 33a to the heat radiating fin 33c.

The heat dissipation fin 33c can be in contact with at least one of the heat dissipation plate 33a and the heat dissipation pipe 33b and is separated from the heat dissipation plate 33a and connected to the heat dissipation plate 33a through the heat dissipation pipe 33b It is also possible. When the heat radiating fin 33a is disposed in contact with the heat radiating plate 33a, the heat radiating pipe 33b may be omitted.

The heat radiating fin 33c may include a plurality of fins arranged vertically to the heat radiating pipe 33b.

The radiating fin 33c can guide air blown from the heat radiating fan 5 and the air radiating direction of the radiating fin 33c can be different from the air radiating direction of the cooling fin 32b. For example, when the cooling fin 32b guides the air in the vertical direction, the heat radiating fin 33c can guide the air in the left-right direction.

The heat radiating fins 33c can be formed so as to guide the air in the horizontal direction (in particular, in the left-right direction of the front-rear direction and the lateral direction), and each of the plurality of fins constituting the radiating fin 33c has an upper surface and a lower surface It is preferable that it is constituted of a horizontal plate arranged long in the horizontal direction.

When the heat radiating fins 33c are formed long in the vertical direction, a large amount of air may flow toward the control portion 18a of the air guided by the heat radiating fins 33c. On the other hand, when the heat dissipation fin 33c is formed long in the horizontal direction as described above, air flowing toward the control unit 18a of the air guided by the heat dissipation fin 33c can be minimized.

The heat radiation plate 33a may be positioned between the heat radiation fins 33c and the thermoelectric elements 31 and the heat radiation fins 33c may be located behind the heat radiation plate 33a.

The heat radiating fin 33c may be located behind the back plate 14. [ The heat radiating fin 33c can be positioned between the back plate 14 and the heat radiating cover 8 and can be heat-exchanged with the external air sucked by the heat radiating fan 5 to be radiated.

The thermoelectric module 3 may further include a module frame 34 and a heat insulating member 37.

The module frame 34 may be box-shaped. The module frame 34 may have a space in which the heat insulating member 37 and the thermoelectric element 31 are accommodated. The module frame 34 and the heat insulating member 37 can protect the thermoelectric element 31. [

The module frame 34 may be formed of a material capable of minimizing heat loss due to heat conduction. For example, the module frame 34 may have a non-metallic material such as plastic. The module frame 34 can prevent the heat of the heat sink 33 from being conducted to the cooling sink 32.

A gasket 36 may be provided on the front surface of the module frame 34. The gasket 36 may have an elastic material such as rubber. The gasket 36 may be formed in a rectangular ring shape, but is not limited thereto. The gasket 36 may be a sealing member.

The gasket 36 may be arranged to contact the rear surface of the thermoelectric module mounting portion 10a and / or the periphery of the thermoelectric module mounting hole 10b. The gasket 36 is disposed between the module frame 34 and the thermoelectric module mounting portion 10a and can be pressed in the front-rear direction.

The gasket 36 can prevent cold air in the cooling passage S1 in the thermoelectric module mounting portion 10a from leaking into a gap between the thermoelectric module mounting hole 11b and the cooling sink 32. [

The module frame 34 may have a fastening portion 34a. The fastening portion 34 may be formed to extend outwardly from at least a part of the periphery of the module frame 34. The fastening portions 34 may extend outwardly from the left and right sides of the module frame 34, respectively.

The fastening portion 34a may include a boss 34b. A thread can be formed inside the boss 34b, and a fastening member such as a bolt can be fastened. The fastening member can be coupled to the fastening portion 34a of the module frame 34 through the fastening hole 10c formed in the inner case 10 in the inner case 10 and more specifically, And can be coupled to the boss 34b of the portion 34a. Thereby, the thermoelectric module 3 and the inner case 10 can be firmly fastened, and the cold air in the inner case 10 can be prevented from leaking.

The heat insulating member 37 may be disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of the thermoelectric element 31. The heat insulating member 37 may be disposed so as to surround the upper surface, the left surface, the lower surface, and the right surface of the thermoelectric element 31. The thermoelectric element 31 may be located in the heat insulating member 37. The heat insulating member 37 may be provided with a thermoelectric element receiving hole opened in the forward and backward directions, and the thermoelectric element 31 may be located in the thermoelectric element receiving hole.

The thickness in the longitudinal direction of the heat insulating member 37 may be thicker than the thickness of the thermoelectric element 31. [

The heat insulating member 37 can prevent heat from being conducted around the thermoelectric element 31 in the thermoelectric element 31, thereby increasing the efficiency of the thermoelectric element 31. [ That is, the perimeter of the thermoelectric element 31 may be surrounded by the heat insulating member 37, and heat transmitted from the heat sink 33 to the cooling sink 32 can be minimized.

The heat insulating member 37 can be disposed inside the module frame 34 together with the thermoelectric element 31 and can be protected by the module frame 34. [ The module frame 34 may be arranged to surround the outer circumference of the heat insulating member 37.

The refrigerator may further include a thermoelectric module holder 11 (see FIG. 3) for fixing the thermoelectric module 3 to the inner case 10 and / or the back plate 14.

The thermoelectric module holder 11 can couple the thermoelectric module 3 with the inner case 10 and / or the back plate 14. [

The thermoelectric module holder 11 can be coupled to the thermoelectric module mounting portion 10a and / or the back plate 14 of the inner case 10 by a fastening member (not shown) such as a screw.

The thermoelectric module holder 11 can block the through hole 14a of the back plate 14 together with the thermoelectric module 3. [

The thermoelectric module holder 11 may be provided with a hollow portion 11a. The hollow portion 11a may be formed by extending a part of the thermoelectric module holder 11 forward.

The module frame 34 can be inserted into and inserted into the hollow portion 11a and the hollow portion 11a can wrap around the module frame 34. [

The front portion of the thermoelectric module 3 may be located in front of the through hole 14a of the back plate 14 and the rear portion of the thermoelectric module 3 may be located behind the through hole 14a of the back plate 14 .

The thermoelectric module 3 may further include a sensor 39. The sensor 39 may be disposed in the cooling sink 32. The sensor 39 may be a temperature sensor or a defrost sensor.

On the other hand, the heat-radiating fan 5 may be arranged behind the thermoelectric module 3. [ The heat dissipating fan 5 can be disposed behind the heat sink 33 so as to face the heat sink 33 and blow air to the heat sink 33. [

The heat radiating fan 5 may be arranged to face the suction grill 82. [ The heat-dissipating fan 5 may be arranged to face the outer suction hole 83.

The heat dissipating fan 5 may include a fan 52 and a shroud 51 disposed around the fan 52. The fan 52 of the heat-radiating fan 5 may be an axial flow fan.

The heat radiating fan 5 may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from the heat sink 33. Thereby, the flow resistance of the air blown by the heat-dissipating fan (5) can be minimized and the heat exchange efficiency in the heat sink (33) can be increased.

 The heat-dissipating fan 5 may be provided with at least one fixing pin 53. The fixing pin 53 can come into contact with the heat sink 33 and can be fixed to the heat sink 33 while separating the heat radiating fan 5 from the heat sink 33. [

The fixing pin 53 may be formed of a material having a low thermal conductivity such as rubber or silicone.

The fixing pin 53 may include a head portion 53a, a body portion 53b, a fixing portion 53c, and an extension portion 53d.

The head portion 53a can be in contact with the heat sink 33. [ In more detail, the head portion 53a can be in contact with the heat radiating pipe 33b and / or the heat radiating fin 33c of the heat sink 33. [

The heat radiating fin 33c may have a groove 33d formed in a portion where the heat pipe 33b is penetrated. The groove 33d formed in the radiating fin 33c may be formed long in the vertical direction.

The head portion 53a of the fixing pin 53 can be inserted into the groove 33d of the radiating fin 33c.

The head portion 53a may be formed larger in diameter than the body portion 53b.

The body portion 53b may be disposed in the heat-dissipating fan 5. In more detail, the body portion 53b may be disposed in the fixing pin through-hole formed in the shroud 53. [

The longitudinal length of the body portion 53b may be the same as the thickness of the heat radiation fan 5 in the longitudinal direction. The body portion 53b may be positioned between the head portion 53a and the fixing portion 53c.

The fixing portion 53c may be formed larger in diameter than the body portion 53b. The fixing portion 53c can be fixed after the fixing pin 53 passes through the shroud 51 of the heat radiation fan 5. [ The fixing portion 53c can be fixed in contact with the back surface of the shroud 51. [

The extended portion 53d may extend rearward from the fixed portion 53c. The diameter of the extended portion 53d may be formed to be smaller than or equal to the fixed portion 53c. A screw thread or the like may be formed on the outer circumference of the extended portion 53d.

The extension portion 53d can be coupled to the heat radiating cover 8 or penetrate the heat radiating cover 8. [

The heat radiating fan 5 can suck external air through the outer suction hole 83 formed in the suction grille 82 of the heat radiation cover 8. [ The air sucked by the heat radiating fan 5 can heat the heat sink 33 while exchanging heat with the heat sink 33 located between the back plate 14 and the heat radiating cover 8. [

15 is a perspective view illustrating a cooling fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the cooling fan 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The cooling fan 4 may be disposed in front of the thermoelectric module 3 and may be arranged to face the cooling sink 32. [

The cooling fan 4 can circulate air to the cooling passage S1 and the storage chamber S. [ Forced convection can be performed between the cooling passage S1 and the storage chamber S by the cooling fan 4. [ The cooling fan 4 can flow the air in the storage chamber S to the cooling passage S1 and the low temperature air exchanged with the cooling sink 32 disposed in the cooling passage S1 is returned to the storage chamber S So that the temperature in the storage chamber S can be kept low.

The cooling fan 4 may include a fan cover 41 and a fan 42.

The fan cover 41 may be disposed inside the inner case 10. The fan cover 41 may be arranged vertically. The fan cover 41 can partition the storage chamber S and the cooling passage S1. The storage compartment S can be located in front of the fan cover 41 and the cooling passage S1 can be located at the rear.

The fan cover 41 may be provided with an inner suction hole 44 and inner discharge holes 45 and 46.

The number, size, and shape of the inner suction hole 44 and the inner discharge holes 45, 46 may be varied as needed.

The inner discharging holes 45 and 46 may include an upper discharging hole 45 and a lower discharging hole 46. The upper discharge hole 45 may be formed above the inner suction hole 44 and the lower discharge hole 46 may be formed below the inner suction hole 44. With this configuration, there is an advantage that the temperature distribution of the storage chamber S can be made uniform.

The area of the upper discharge hole 45 and the area of the lower discharge hole 46 may be equal to each other.

The distance G1 between the upper end 46a of the lower discharge hole 46 and the lower end 44b of the inner suction hole 44 is larger than the distance between the lower end 45b of the upper discharge hole 45 and the upper end 46a of the lower suction hole 44, May be formed to be closer to the distance (G2) between the projections (44a). That is, the inner suction hole 44 may be formed closer to the lower discharge hole 46 than the upper discharge hole 45.

The area of the inner suction holes 44 may vary depending on the size of the fan 41 and the area of the inner discharge holes 45 and 46 may be formed at a constant ratio with respect to the area of the inner suction holes 44.

The area of the inner discharge holes 45 and 46 may be larger than the area of the inner suction holes 44. [ Preferably, the area of the inner discharge holes 45, 46 may be 1.3 times or more and 1.5 times or less the area of the inner suction holes 44.

The fan cover 41 may be provided with a fan housing 47. The fan accommodating portion 47 may be formed by projecting a part of the front surface of the fan cover 41 forward and a fan accommodating space may be formed inside the fan accommodating portion 47. At least a part of the fan 42 may be disposed in the fan accommodating space formed in the fan accommodating portion 47. The inner suction hole 44 may be formed in the fan receiving portion 47.

The fan 42 may be disposed in the cooling flow path S1 and disposed behind the fan cover 41. [ The fan cover 41 can cover the fan 42 from the front.

The fan 42 may be disposed to face the cooling sink 32. [ The fan 42 may be disposed between the inner suction hole 44 and the cooling sink 32. [

The fan 42 may be arranged to face the inner suction hole 44. The air in the storage compartment S is sucked into the cooling passage S1 through the inner suction hole 44 and exchanged with the cooling sink 32 of the thermoelectric module 3 to be cooled . The cooled air can be discharged to the storage chamber S through the inner discharge holes 45 and 46, whereby the temperature of the storage chamber S can be maintained at a low temperature.

More specifically, a part of the air cooled in the cooling sink 32 can be guided upward and discharged to the storage room S through the upper discharge hole 45, while the other part is guided downward to be discharged to the lower discharge port 46 To the storage room S.

16 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a thermoelectric module of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 16, and FIG. 18 is a front view to be.

16 to 18, at least a part of each of the inner suction hole 44 and the lower discharge hole 46 can be directed between the first receiving member 6 and the second receiving member 7. At least a part of the upper discharge hole 45 may be directed between the upper surface of the storage chamber 10 and the second containing member 7. [

The lower end 46b of the lower discharge hole 46 may be located on the rear upper side of the first receiving member 6. [ More specifically, the lower end 46b of the lower discharge hole 46 may be located on the upper rear side of the rear-side upper end 63 of the first receiving member 6. [

The rear face 61 of the first housing member 6 can be arranged to face the lower side of the lower outlet hole 46 with respect to the horizontal direction and the lower outlet hole 46 can be arranged to face the first housing member 6 ). ≪ / RTI > That is, the first accommodating member 6 may be arranged so as not to block the lower discharge hole 46 with respect to the horizontal direction.

Thereby, the flow of the low-temperature air discharged to the lower discharge hole 46 can be prevented from being disturbed by the first receiving member 6, so that air circulation inside the storage chamber S can be smooth. Since the low-temperature air descends, the food stored in the first housing member 6 can be maintained at a low temperature.

The lower discharge port 46 and the first containing member 6 may be spaced apart from each other in order to further facilitate air circulation in the storage chamber S. [ The lower end 46b of the lower discharge port 46 and the first accommodating member 6 are spaced apart from each other by the first horizontal spacing distance D1 in the horizontal direction and at the same time the first vertical spacing distance H1 ). ≪ / RTI >

More specifically, the first horizontal separation distance D1 may mean a horizontal distance between the extension line extending vertically upward from the back surface 61 of the first housing member 6 and the lower discharge hole 46 . The first vertical spacing distance H1 may mean a vertical distance between an extension extending horizontally forward from the lower end 46b of the lower discharge port 46 and the upper end 60 of the first receiving member 6. [ have.

The first horizontal distance D1 may mean the distance between the rear surface of the storage compartment S and the first receiving member. At this time, the rear surface of the storage chamber S may be the front surface of the fan cover 41. [ The first vertical spacing distance H1 may be the height difference between the lower end 46b of the lower discharge hole 46 and the upper end 60 of the first receiving member 6. [

A part of the upper discharge hole 45 may overlap with the second receiving member 7 with respect to the horizontal direction. More specifically, an upper part of the upper discharging hole 45 can be directed between the upper end 70 of the second storing member 7 and the upper surface of the storing part S, and a lower part of the upper discharging hole 45 The rear surface 71 of the second housing member 7 can be seen to face.

The upper end 45a of the upper discharge hole 45 may be located on the rear upper side of the rear side upper end 73 of the second housing member 7. [

Thereby, the height of the storage compartment S can be lowered compared with the case where the upper discharge hole 45 does not overlap with the second accommodating member 7 in the horizontal direction, and there is an advantage that the refrigerator can be formed compact.

In addition, as described above, the inner suction hole 44 in the fan cover 41 may be formed closer to the lower discharge hole 46 than the upper discharge hole 45. This makes it possible to further reduce the height of the storage chamber S for satisfying the positional relationship between the accommodating members 6 and 7 and the inner suction holes 44 and the inner discharge holes 45 and 46 as described above.

At least a part of the back surface 71 of the second housing member 7 may be formed to be inclined upward. The portion of the back surface 71 of the second housing member 7 that faces the upper ejection hole 45 may be a spherical surface 72 formed upwardly inclined. A part of the lower side of the upper discharge hole 45 can face the spherical surface 72.

The spherical rear surface 72 can guide the low temperature air discharged to the upper discharge hole 45 to the upper side of the second housing member 7. [ As a result, the food stored in the second housing member 7 can be kept at a low temperature.

The upper discharge port 45 and the second containing member 7 may be spaced apart from each other in order to further smooth the circulation of air in the storage chamber S. [ The upper end 45a of the upper discharge hole 45 and the second containing member 7 are spaced apart by the second horizontal distance D2 in the horizontal direction and at the same time the second vertical distance H2 ). ≪ / RTI >

More specifically, the second horizontal distance D2 may mean the horizontal distance between the back surface 71 of the second housing member 7 and the upper ejection hole 45. The second vertical distance H2 may mean a vertical distance between an extension extending horizontally forward from the upper end 45a of the upper dispensing hole 45 and an upper end 70 of the second containing member 7. [ have.

The second horizontal distance D2 may refer to the distance between the back surface of the storage compartment S and the second accommodation member 7. At this time, the rear surface of the storage chamber S may be the front surface of the fan cover 41. [ The second vertical spacing distance H2 may be the height difference between the upper end 45a of the upper discharge hole 45 and the upper end 60 of the second receiving member 7. [

The second horizontal distance D2 between the rear face 71 of the second housing member 7 and the upper ejection hole 45 is smaller than the second horizontal distance D2 between the rear face 61 of the first housing member 6 and the lower face 46 The first horizontal separation distance D1 between the first horizontal separation distance D1 and the second horizontal separation distance D1. This is because unlike the first housing member 6, since the second housing member 7 faces a part of the upper discharge hole 45 with respect to the horizontal direction, an additional distance for air circulation in the storage chamber S is required Because. Therefore, the front-rear direction length of the first receiving member 6 may be longer than the front-rear direction length of the second receiving member 7. [

The inner suction hole 44 can be directed between the first housing member 6 and the second housing member 7. [ The inner suction hole 44 may not overlap with the second receiving member 7 in the horizontal direction. As a result, the air flow to the inner suction hole 44 is smooth and the temperature of the storage compartment S is lowered, thereby improving the refrigeration performance of the refrigerator.

The height of the second housing member 7 in the up and down direction may be lower than the height F1 of the first housing member in the up and down direction. Due to such a constitution, food having a high height such as a bottle can be stored in the first housing member 6, and food having a relatively lower height can be housed in the second housing member 7.

On the other hand, in the refrigerator, the heat-radiating passages 91 and 92 and the cooling passage S1 may be formed. A cooling sink 32 may be disposed in the cooling flow path S1 and a heat sink 33 may be disposed in the heat radiation flow paths 91 and 92. [ The cooling flow path S1 can communicate with the storage chamber S and the heat radiation flow paths 91 and 92 can communicate with the outside of the main body 1. [

The air in the storage chamber S can be guided to the cooling flow path S1 by driving the cooling fan 4 and can be cooled by heat exchange with the cooling sink 32. [

The cooling passage S1 may be located inside the inner case 10. [ More specifically, the cooling flow path S1 may be located inside the thermoelectric module mounting portion 10a. The cooling flow path S1 can be formed by the back surface of the fan cover 41 and the inner surface of the thermoelectric module mounting portion 10a.

The cooling passage S1 can communicate with the inner suction hole 44 and the inner discharge holes 45, The cooling sink 32 may be disposed to face the fan 42. [ The cooling flow path S1 can guide the air sucked into the inner suction holes 44 to the inner discharge holes 45 and 46.

The outside air can be guided to the heat-radiating flow path 91 (92) by driving the heat-radiating fan 5, heat-exchanged with the heat sink 33, and can be heated.

The heat-radiating passages 91 and 92 may be located outside the inner case 10. [

The heat radiating passages 91 and 92 may include a rear heat radiating flow path 91 located behind the inner case 10 and a lower heat radiating flow path 92 located below the inner case 10. [

The rear heat radiation passage 91 may be located between the back plate 14 and the heat radiation cover 8. [ The rear heat radiation path 91 may be formed by the back surface of the back plate 14 and the inner surface of the heat radiation cover 8. [

The heat sink 33 may be disposed in the rear heat radiation flow path 91. The heat sink 33 can be disposed so as to face the heat radiating fan 5. At least part of the rear heat-radiating flow path 91 may be a machine room.

The rear heat-dissipating channel 91 can communicate with the outer suction hole 83. [ The rear heat radiation passage 91 can guide the air sucked into the outer suction hole 83 to the lower heat radiation passage 92 by the heat radiation fan 5. [

The lower heat dissipating channel 92 may be positioned between the cabinet bottom 15 and the outer cabinet 12. [ The lower heat radiation path 92 can communicate with the rear heat radiation path 91.

The lower heat radiation passage 92 can guide the air that has flowed from the rear heat radiation passage 91 to the heat radiation passage outlet 90 on the lower side of the door 2. [

On the other hand, the cover 18 can cover the control section 18a. The control unit 18a may include an electronic component such as a PCB or the like. The control unit 18a may receive and store measured values of the respective sensors provided in the refrigerator. The control unit 18a can control the thermoelectric module 3, the cooling fan 4, and the heat radiation fan 5. [ The control unit 18a can further control additional components as needed.

The control unit 18a may be positioned above the heat sink 33 and / or the heat radiating fan 5 and the barrier 18b may be provided between the heat sink 33 and / or the heat radiating fan 5 and the control unit 18a. May be provided. That is, the barrier 18b may be positioned below the control unit 18a. The barrier 18b can prevent the control section 18a from being overheated by the heat radiated to the heat sink 33. [ Further, the barrier 18b can prevent the air heated by the heat sink 33 from flowing to the control unit 18a.

The barrier 18b may be mounted to the heat dissipation cover 8 and / or the back plate 14. Alternatively, the barrier 18b may be mounted on the cover 18 or integrally formed with the cover 18.

The cover 18 can be disposed above or in front of the heat-radiating cover 8. The cover 18 covers the rear side and / or the upper side of the control unit 18a.

The cover 18 can be disposed on the lower side of the top cover 13 and on the rear side of the inner case 10. The cover 30 may be positioned above the heat sink 33 and / or the heat-dissipating fan 5 of the thermoelectric module 3 to be described later.

For example, when the upper end of the heat radiating cover 8 is spaced apart from the top cover 13, the cover 18 can cover the rear of the control portion 18a. As a result, the control unit 18a can be prevented from being exposed to the rear of the main body 1. [

On the other hand, when the upper end of the heat radiating cover 8 is in contact with the top cover 13, the control section 18a is not exposed to the rear of the main body 1 by the heat radiating cover 8, 18a, and the rear side may not cover.

On the other hand, the blocking member 85 can block the gap 86 between the heat radiating fan 5 and the heat radiating cover 8. More specifically, the blocking member 85 may block the gap 86 between the shroud 51 of the heat-dissipating fan 5 and the heat-dissipating cover 8.

The air sucked into the heat-dissipating fan 5 through the outer suction hole 83 is blown into the heat sink by blowing air into the heat sink 5 when the gap 86 between the heat radiation fan 5 and the heat radiation cover 8 is not blocked by the shut- And a part of the air heated by the heat sink 33 flows into the gap 86 between the shroud 51 and the heat radiating cover 8 and flows into the heat radiating fan 5 Re-suction may occur and flow disturbance may occur. Such a flow disturbance may generate noise in a low frequency region tone, and the already heated air may be blown back to the heat sink 33, which may lower the heat radiation efficiency of the heat sink 33. [

The blocking member 85 is a member for preventing the air heated by the heat sink 33 from flowing into the gap 86 between the heat radiation fan 5 and the heat radiation cover 8 and being sucked into the heat radiation fan 5, The phenomenon can be prevented. Thereby, the noise generated by the flow disturbance can be reduced, and the heat radiation efficiency of the heat sink 33 can be increased.

Further, as described above, the blocking member 85 may have a porous material. As a result, the blocking member 85 can effectively reduce the vibration and noise generated in the driving of the heat-dissipating fan 5 itself.

The blocking member 85 may be arranged to be in contact with the heat radiating fan 5 and the heat radiating cover 8, respectively.

The blocking member 85 may be arranged so as to surround the outer circumference of the heat- More specifically, the blocking member 85 may be arranged to surround the outer periphery of the shroud 51. [ The blocking member 85 can be in contact with the shroud 51.

The shielding member 85 may be disposed to be in contact with the heat radiating cover 8 and may be disposed in contact with the front surface of the heat radiating cover 8.

The blocking member 85 may be arranged to be in contact with the cover portion 81 and / or the suction grill 82. When the blocking member 85 is in contact with the cover portion 81, the blocking member 85 can be brought into contact with the depressed portion 84.

The longitudinal length L of the blocking member 85 may be longer than the thickness T. [ The length L of the blocking member 85 in the front-rear direction may be 15 mm or more and 20 mm or less, and the thickness T of the blocking member 85 may be 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

FIG. 19 is a rear view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a part of the suction grill shown in FIG.

19 and 20, the outer suction hole 83 formed in the heat radiating cover 8 may be formed in a plurality of perforated structures.

A plurality of outer suction holes 83 may be formed in the suction grille 82. The outer suction hole 83 may be formed in a circular shape.

Table 1 is a table for measuring noise of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Heat cover conditions Measure
location Cooling fan and heat-sink fan conditions sleaze Medium speed high speed Includes suction grille (82), including blocking member (85) Forward 17.9 19.1 19.9 rear 19.1 20.7 21.6 The suction grill 82 having D = 8 mm and C = 1 mm, and the blocking member 85 Forward 18.1 19.2 20.2 rear 18.8 21.1 21.9 A suction grille 82 with D = 8 mm and C = 1.5 mm, and a blocking member 85 Forward 18.4 19.7 20.5 rear 20.2 22.1 23.2 A suction grille 82 with D = 7 mm and C = 1 mm, and a blocking member 85 Forward 18.5 19.8 20.7 rear 20.7 21.5 23.5 A suction grille 82 with D = 7 mm and C = 1.5 mm, and a blocking member 85 Forward 18.8 20.5 21.3 rear 20.6 21.9 23.8

The unit of noise shown in Table 1 is dBA. With respect to the noise measurement position, the measured noise was measured at a position 1 m away from the refrigerator 1 m apart from the refrigerator 1 m away from the refrigerator. Regarding the conditions of the cooling fan 4 and the heat radiation fan 5, the cooling fan 4 is driven at 851 rpm under the low speed condition and the heat radiation fan 5 is driven at 1807 rpm. During the medium speed condition, the cooling fan 4 is driven at 922 rpm , The heat radiation fan 5 is driven at 1903 rpm, the cooling fan 4 is driven at 947 rpm under the high speed condition, and the heat radiation fan 5 is driven at 2001 rpm. The length L of the blocking member 85 in the front and rear direction is 20 mm and the thickness T of the blocking member 85 is 10 mm.

The refrigerator may have the lowest noise when the suction grill 82 is not included. However, it is preferable that the suction grill 82 is mounted for the safety of the user. Even if the suction grille 82 is mounted, it is preferable that the noise is not sharply increased as compared with the case where the suction grille 82 is not included.

Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that the measured noise is varied by varying the diameter D of the outer suction hole 83 formed in the suction grille 82 and the distance C of the outer suction space. However, when the outer diameter D of the outer suction hole 83 is 7 mm or 8 mm and the distance C between the outer suction holes 83 is 1 mm or 1.5 mm, as compared with the case where the suction grille 82 is not included It can be seen that the noise is not greatly different.

Therefore, the diameter D of the outer suction hole 83 may be 7 mm or more and 8 mm or less. The distance C between the pair of outer suction holes 83 adjacent to each other among the plurality of outer suction holes 83 may be 1 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. The center-to-center distance P of the pair of outer suction holes 83 adjacent to each other among the plurality of outer suction holes 83 may be 7 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

Preferably, the diameter D of the outer suction hole 83 is 8 mm, and the distance C between the pair of outer suction holes 83 adjacent to each other may be 1 mm.

21 is an enlarged view of a part of a suction grill according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Since the refrigerator according to the present embodiment is the same as the refrigerator according to the embodiment described above except for the suction grill 82, the following description will be focused on the differences and the description will be omitted.

The suction grill 82 may be a mesh composed of a plurality of wires 87. The suction grill 82 may be formed with a rectangular outer suction hole 83 formed between the wires 87. [

The wire 87 may include a first wire 87a and a second wire 87b. The first wire 87a and the second wire 87b may be disposed so as to cross each other. Any one of the outer suction holes 83 may be formed by a pair of first wires 87a adjacent to each other and a pair of second wires 87b adjacent to each other.

Preferably, the first wire 87a and the second wire 87b may be disposed orthogonally to each other, and the outer suction hole 83 may have a square shape.

Table 2 is a table for measuring noise of a refrigerator according to another embodiment.

Heat cover conditions Measure
location Cooling fan and heat-sink fan conditions sleaze Medium speed high speed Includes suction grille (82), including blocking member (85) Forward 17.9 19.1 19.9 rear 19.1 20.7 21.6 A suction grille 82 with B = 1 mm, and a blocking member 85 Forward 18.5 19.5 20.6 rear 20.1 21.7 22.8 The suction grill 82 having B = 1.6 mm, the blocking member 85 included Forward 18.5 19.6 20.1 rear 20.4 21.2 22.2

The unit of noise shown in Table 2 is dBA. With respect to the noise measurement position, the measured noise was measured at a position 1 m away from the refrigerator 1 m apart from the refrigerator 1 m away from the refrigerator. Regarding the conditions of the cooling fan 4 and the heat radiation fan 5, the cooling fan 4 is driven at 851 rpm under the low speed condition and the heat radiation fan 5 is driven at 1807 rpm. During the medium speed condition, the cooling fan 4 is driven at 922 rpm , The heat radiation fan 5 is driven at 1903 rpm, the cooling fan 4 is driven at 947 rpm under the high speed condition, and the heat radiation fan 5 is driven at 2001 rpm. The length L of the blocking member 85 in the front and rear direction is 20 mm and the thickness T of the blocking member 85 is 10 mm. In addition, the suction grille 82 is formed with 16 outer suction holes 83 formed by four rows and four columns in a virtual quadrilateral having a unit length (A) of 1 inch in each of the lengthwise side and the lengthwise side.

Referring to Table 2, it can be seen that the measured noise is varied by varying the thickness (B) of the wire 87 constituting the suction grill 82. However, when the thickness (B) of the wire 87 is 1 mm or 1.6 mm, it can be seen that the measured noise is not significantly different from the case where the suction grille 82 is not included.

Therefore, the thickness (B) of the wire 87 can be 1 mm or more and 1.6 mm or less.

In addition, the suction grill 82 may be provided with 16 outer suction holes 83 formed by four rows and four columns per square inch.

22 is a partial cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Since the refrigerator according to the present embodiment is the same as the refrigerator according to the embodiment described above except for the blocking member 85, the following description will be focused on the differences and the description will be omitted.

The blocking member 85 may be disposed between the heat radiating cover 8 and the heat radiating fan 5. More specifically, the blocking member 85 may be disposed between the shroud 51 of the heat-dissipating fan 5 and the heat-radiating cover 8.

The blocking member 85 may be arranged to be in contact with the heat radiating fan 5 and the heat radiating cover 8, respectively. More specifically, the blocking member 85 may be disposed to abut the back surface of the shroud 51 and be disposed in contact with the front surface of the heat dissipating cover 8.

According to this embodiment, since the blocking member 85 is disposed between the heat radiation fan 5 and the heat radiation cover 8, the gap 86 between the heat radiation fan 5 and the heat radiation cover 8 is blocked more directly . Since the blocking member 85 can be pressed in the forward and backward directions by the heat dissipating fan 5 and the heat dissipating cover 8 respectively, the gap between the blocking member 85 and the heat dissipating fan 5 and the gap between the blocking member 85 The clearance between the heat radiating covers 8 can be effectively sealed. As a result, the blocking member 85 can more effectively prevent flow disturbance.

Further, since the blocking member 85 has a porous material, the vibration caused by the driving of the heat-dissipating fan 5 can be absorbed by the blocking member 85 to prevent the vibration of the heat-radiating cover 8.

The foregoing description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate rather than limit the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

The scope of protection of the present invention should be construed according to the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of equivalents should be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention.

1: Body 10: Inner case
3: thermoelectric module 31: thermoelectric element
32: cooling sink 33: heat sink
4: cooling fan 5: heat-dissipating fan
51: Shuraud 52: Fans
8: heat radiation cover 81: cover part
82: suction grille 83: outer suction hole
84: depression 85: blocking member

Claims (11)

An inner case having a storage chamber;
A thermoelectric module for cooling the storage chamber and including a thermoelectric element and a heat sink;
A heat dissipating fan disposed facing the heat sink;
A heat dissipation cover disposed at a distance from the inner case and having at least one outer suction hole facing the heat dissipation fan; And
And a blocking member for blocking a gap between the heat radiating cover and the heat radiating fan. The method according to claim 1,
And the blocking member is disposed so as to surround the outer circumference of the heat-dissipating fan. The method according to claim 1,
The heat-
Pan; And
And a shroud disposed around the fan,
And the blocking member is disposed in contact with the shroud and the heat radiating cover, respectively. The method of claim 3,
And the blocking member is disposed between the shroud and the heat radiating cover. The method according to claim 1,
The heat-
A cover portion; And
And a suction grille mounted on the cover portion and having the outer suction hole formed therein,
And the blocking member is disposed in contact with the cover portion. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the suction grille is a mesh composed of a plurality of wires,
Wherein the thickness of the wire is not less than 1 mm and not more than 1.6 mm. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the cover portion includes a depression formed to be recessed toward the rear and to which the suction grille is mounted,
And the blocking member is disposed in contact with the depression. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the blocking member is made of a porous material. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a plurality of outer suction holes are provided,
Wherein a distance between a pair of outer suction holes adjacent to each other in the outer suction hole is not less than 1 mm and not more than 1.5 mm. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a plurality of outer suction holes are provided,
Wherein a center-to-center distance between a pair of outer suction holes adjacent to each other in the outer suction hole is 7 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a plurality of outer suction holes are provided,
Wherein the outer suction hole is formed in a circular shape having a diameter of 7 mm or more and 8 mm or less.

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