WO2018169328A1

WO2018169328A1 - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: WO2018169328A1
Application number: PCT/KR2018/003055
Authority: WO
Inventors: 오민규; 설혜연; 김석현; 임형근; 최지훈
Original assignee: 엘지전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2017-03-15
Filing date: 2018-03-15
Publication date: 2018-09-20

Abstract

A refrigerator of the present invention comprises: a cabinet forming a storage room; a door for opening or closing the storage room; a thermoelectric element module which is disposed at the cabinet to cool the storage room and includes a thermoelectric element, a cooling sink in contact with the thermoelectric element, and a heat sink in contact with the thermoelectric element; and a sensor module which is installed in the cooling sink and includes a defrost temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the cooling sink.

Description

Refrigerator

The present specification relates to a refrigerator.

The thermoelectric element refers to a device that implements heat absorption and heat generation using the Peltier Effect. The Peltier effect refers to the effect that when a voltage is applied to both ends of the device, an endothermic phenomenon occurs on one side and an exothermic phenomenon occurs on the opposite side depending on the direction of the current. This thermoelectric element may be used in a refrigerator instead of a refrigeration cycle device.

In general, the refrigerator forms a food storage space capable of blocking heat penetrating from the outside by cabinets and doors filled with heat insulating material therein. The refrigerator may include a freezing device including an evaporator for absorbing heat inside the food storage space and a heat dissipation device for discharging heat collected outside the food storage space. The refrigerator maintains the food storage space in a low temperature temperature area where microorganisms cannot survive and multiply by using the freezing device, and stores the stored food without deterioration for a long time.

The refrigerator may be formed by being divided into a refrigerating chamber storing food in a temperature region of an image and a freezing chamber storing food in a sub-zero temperature region. According to the arrangement of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment, a top freezer refrigerator having an upper freezer compartment and a lower refrigerator compartment, a bottom freezer refrigerator having a lower freezer compartment and an upper refrigerator compartment, and a left freezer compartment and a right freezer compartment Side by side refrigerators and the like can be classified.

In addition, the refrigerator may include a plurality of shelves and drawers in the food storage space in order for the user to conveniently load or withdraw the food stored in the food storage space.

If the refrigeration apparatus for cooling the food storage space is implemented as a refrigeration cycle device consisting of a compressor, a condenser, an expander, an evaporator, it is difficult to fundamentally block the vibration and noise generated from the compressor.

In particular, recently, the installation place of the refrigerator, such as a cosmetic refrigerator, is not limited to the kitchen but is expanded to the living room or the bedroom, etc., if noise and vibration are not blocked at the source, it causes great inconvenience to the refrigerator user.

If the thermoelectric element is applied to a refrigerator, the food storage space can be cooled without a refrigeration cycle device. In particular, thermoelectric elements do not generate noise and vibration unlike compressors. Therefore, if the thermoelectric element is applied to the refrigerator, even if the refrigerator is installed in a space other than the kitchen, the problems of noise and vibration can be solved.

In this regard, Korean Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2010-0057216 (2010.05.31.) Discloses a configuration of cooling an ice making chamber using a thermoelectric element. In addition, Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1997-0002215 (1997.01.24.) Discloses a control method of a refrigerator having a thermoelectric element.

However, the cold power obtained using the thermoelectric element is smaller than that of the refrigeration cycle apparatus. In addition, thermoelectric elements have inherent characteristics that are distinguished from refrigeration cycle devices. Therefore, a cooling operation method different from a refrigerator having a refrigeration cycle apparatus should be applied to a refrigerator having a thermoelectric element.

An object of the present invention is to propose a refrigerator capable of accurately measuring the temperature of a cooling sink by forming a defrost temperature sensor in the cooling sink.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a refrigerator in which a sensor module having a defrost temperature sensor is easily mounted.

Another object of the invention is to propose a refrigerator which is prevented from flowing of liquid to the wires connected to the defrost temperature sensor.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a control method suitable for a refrigerator having a thermoelectric element and a fan and a refrigerator controlled by the control method in consideration of the characteristics of a thermoelectric element that cools or generates heat depending on the polarity of the voltage.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a refrigerator for driving defrosting operation based on a driving integration time of a thermoelectric element module, an external temperature of a refrigerator, a temperature of a thermoelectric element module, and the like so as to ensure reliability of a defrosting operation.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a refrigerator that can improve defrosting efficiency by operating a natural defrosting operation which naturally removes frost and a heat source defrosting operation using a heat source.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a refrigerator which is formed to end the defrosting operation on the basis of the temperature condition to ensure the reliability of the defrosting operation.

According to an aspect, a refrigerator includes: a cabinet forming a storage compartment; A door for opening and closing the storage compartment; A thermoelectric module provided in the cabinet to cool the storage chamber, the thermoelectric element including a thermoelectric element, a cooling sink in contact with the thermoelectric element, and a heat sink in contact with the thermoelectric element; And a sensor module installed in the cooling sink and having a defrost temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the cooling sink.

The cooling sink includes a base and cooling fins extending from the base and arranged with a plurality of fins spaced apart from each other, and the sensor module includes a sensor holder supporting the defrost temperature sensor and coupled to the cooling fins.

The sensor holder may be installed at the upper corner of the cooling fin.

The cooling fin may include a plurality of fins extending in a vertical direction and spaced apart in a horizontal direction, and the sensor holder may be coupled to a part of fins spaced apart from the plurality of fins.

The heat dissipation fin may include a first fin protruding from the base, a second fin and a third plate having a protruding length shorter than the first fin from the base, and the sensor holder having the second fin and the third fin. Can be combined.

The third pin may be located at the outermost part of the plurality of pins.

The sensor holder may include a holder frame accommodating the defrost temperature sensor and a plurality of pin coupling parts extending from the holder frame, and the plurality of pin coupling parts may be coupled to the second pin and the third pin.

Each of the pin coupling portions includes a first extension portion extending vertically from the holder frame and a second extension portion extending vertically from an end portion of the first extension portion and disposed to face a side surface of the holder frame. The second pin and the third pin may be fitted between the side of the holder frame and the second extension part.

At least one of the holder frame and the second extension part may have an anti-slip protrusion.

The holder frame elastically supports a sensor accommodating space for accommodating the defrost temperature sensor, a retracting opening for introducing the defrost temperature sensor into the sensor accommodating space, and the defrost temperature sensor introduced into the sensor accommodating space. It may include a support and a removal prevention projection for preventing the removal of the defrost temperature sensor accommodated in the sensor receiving space.

A plurality of support parts may be spaced apart from the holder frame, and a stopper for limiting the movement of the defrost temperature sensor may be provided in an area between the plurality of support parts.

The heat dissipation fin may include a fourth fin positioned between the second fin and the third fin and having a protruding length from the base that is shorter than the second fin and the third fin and in contact with the defrost temperature sensor. Can be.

A portion of the defrost temperature sensor may protrude to the outside of the holder frame in a state accommodated in the sensor accommodating space, and the fourth pin may contact the protruding portion of the defrost temperature sensor.

The defrost temperature sensor may be formed to have a length longer than a width, and the sensor holder may be coupled to the heat dissipation fin while the defrost temperature sensor is standing in the sensor holder.

An upper surface of the holder frame may cover an upper surface of the defrost temperature sensor, and a lower surface of the holder frame may include a drawing opening through which a wire connected to the defrost temperature sensor is drawn out.

Refrigerator according to another aspect, the door is formed to open and close the storage compartment; A thermoelectric module formed to cool the storage chamber; A defrost temperature sensor installed at the thermoelectric module and configured to sense a temperature of the thermoelectric module; And a controller configured to control the output of the thermoelectric module.

The thermoelectric device module may include a thermoelectric device including a heat absorbing part and a heat radiating part; A cooling sink disposed in contact with the heat absorbing portion and configured to exchange heat with an inside of the storage compartment; A first fan installed to face the cooling sink and generating wind to promote heat exchange of the cooling sink; A heat sink disposed in contact with the heat dissipation unit and configured to exchange heat with an outer side of the storage compartment; And a second fan installed to face the heat sink and generating wind to promote heat exchange of the second heat sink.

The controller operates a natural defrosting operation to remove frost formed on the thermoelectric element module at predetermined intervals based on a driving integration time of the thermoelectric element module, and the temperature of the thermoelectric element module measured by the defrost temperature sensor. When the reference defrost end temperature is reached, the natural defrosting operation is terminated.

The predetermined period for determining the operation of the natural defrosting operation is changed based on whether the door is open.

When the natural defrosting operation is activated, the operation of the thermoelectric element is stopped, the first fan is continuously rotated, and the second fan is temporarily stopped and then rotated again after a predetermined time elapses.

The refrigerator further includes an outside air temperature sensor configured to measure an external temperature of the refrigerator.

The control unit is configured to operate a heat source defrosting operation when the external temperature measured by the outside air temperature sensor is equal to or less than a reference external temperature, and the temperature of the thermoelectric element module measured by the defrost temperature sensor reaches the reference defrost end temperature. When the heat source defrosting operation is terminated.

The control unit is configured to operate a heat source defrosting operation when the temperature of the thermoelectric module measured by the defrost temperature sensor is equal to or less than a reference thermoelectric module temperature, and the temperature of the thermoelectric module measured by the defrost temperature sensor is The heat source defrosting operation is terminated when reaching a temperature higher by a predetermined width than the reference defrost end temperature.

When the heat source defrosting operation is operated, a reverse voltage is applied to the thermoelectric element, and the first fan and the second fan are rotated.

When the door is opened, a predetermined period for determining the operation of the natural defrosting operation is shortened in inverse proportion to the opening time of the door.

The predetermined period for determining the operation of the natural defrosting operation is reduced to a shorter value than before the door is opened by the opening of the door.

When the temperature of the storage compartment rises by a predetermined temperature within a predetermined time after the door is opened and closed, the controller is configured to operate a load corresponding to lower the temperature of the storage compartment, and when the load corresponding operation is activated, the natural defrost The predetermined period for determining the operation of the operation is reduced to a shorter value than before the operation of the load corresponding operation.

The refrigerator further includes an internal temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the storage compartment, and a rotation speed of the first fan and the second fan is measured by the internal temperature sensor during a cooling operation of cooling the storage compartment. The rotational speed of the first fan in the defrosting operation is greater than the rotational speed of the first fan in the cooling operation, and the rotational speed of the second fan in the defrosting operation. The rotation speed of the second fan is greater than or equal to that.

The rotational speed of the first fan in the defrosting operation and the maximum rotational speed of the first fan in the cooling operation are the same, and the rotational speed of the second fan in the defrosting operation and the maximum of the second fan in the cooling operation. The rotation speeds are the same.

According to the present invention having the above configuration, since the sensor module having a defrost temperature sensor is installed in the cooling sink, there is an advantage that the temperature of the cooling sink can be accurately measured by the defrost temperature sensor.

In addition, since a part of the pin constituting the cooling fin is coupled to the pin coupling portion provided in the sensor holder, there is an advantage that the sensor holder can be easily coupled to the cooling fin.

In addition, since the sensor holder is installed on the uppermost side of the cooling fin, it is possible to minimize the flow of liquid such as defrost water to the defrost temperature sensor in the sensor holder during the defrosting process.

In addition, since openings for drawing wires are formed in the lower side of the holder frame, and the pin coupling portions are located at both sides of the holder frame, the liquid falling along the pin coupling portion can be minimized to flow to the wire side.

The defrosting operation is operated by the driving integration time of the thermoelectric element module, and the defrosting cycle is shorter than the original based on the opening of the door, so that the reliability of the defrosting operation can be improved by changing the defrosting cycle according to the operation status of the refrigerator. .

In addition, the defrosting operation may be additionally operated based on the temperature of the thermoelectric module measured by the defrost temperature sensor or the external temperature of the refrigerator measured by the outside temperature sensor as well as the driving integration time of the thermoelectric module. The defrosting operation can be operated efficiently based on the variables.

In addition, the present invention, when the defrosting is not required to operate the natural defrosting operation is implemented to reduce the power consumption, if the need for rapid defrosting heat source defrosting operation can be operated to maximize the effect of the defrosting operation. .

In addition, since the defrosting operation is terminated based on the temperature of the thermoelectric element module measured by the defrosting temperature sensor, the present invention can improve the reliability of the defrosting operation. In addition, in the defrosting condition, the defrosting operation is terminated at a temperature higher than the original reference defrosting end temperature at which the defrosting operation is terminated, so that problems such as clogging of the cooling sink passage due to the overdeposition can be solved.

1 is a conceptual view illustrating a first embodiment of a refrigerator having a thermoelectric module.

2 is an exploded perspective view of a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a perspective view of a thermoelectric module and a defrost temperature sensor.

4 is a plan view of the thermoelectric element module and the defrost temperature sensor shown in FIG.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a refrigerator proposed by the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual view illustrating a control method of a refrigerator based on which section of a first temperature section to a third temperature section belongs to a storage compartment.

7 is a flowchart illustrating defrost operation control of the refrigerator proposed by the present invention.

8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the output of the thermoelectric element, the rotational speed of the first fan, and the rotational speed of the second fan according to the passage of time according to the cooling operation and the natural defrosting operation.

9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the output of the thermoelectric element, the rotational speed of the first fan, and the rotational speed of the second fan according to the passage of time according to the cooling operation and the heat source defrosting operation.

10 is a flowchart illustrating load control operation control of a refrigerator having a thermoelectric module.

11 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an open state of the door in FIG. 11; FIG.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the refrigerator of FIG. 11; FIG.

14 is an exploded perspective view of a cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

15 is a view showing a state before the middle plate is assembled according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

16 is a view showing a state in which the middle plate is assembled according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

17 is a perspective view of an installation bracket according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

18 is a perspective view of a cooling apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

19 is a plan view of the cooling device of FIG.

20 and 21 are exploded perspective views of the cooling device of FIG.

22 is a front view showing a state in which a sensor module according to a second embodiment of the present invention is installed in a cooling sink.

23 is a perspective view illustrating a sensor module installed in a cooling sink according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

24 is a top view of a cooling sink according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

25 is a perspective view of a sensor module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

26 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sensor holder according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the refrigerator which concerns on this invention is demonstrated in detail with reference to drawings. In the present specification, different embodiments are given the same or similar reference numerals for the same or similar components, and description thereof is replaced with the first description. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The refrigerator 100 of the present invention is configured to simultaneously perform the functions of a small side table and the refrigerator 100. A side table refers to a small table that is originally used by the bedside or on the side of the kitchen. The side table is made so that a stand or the like can be placed on the upper surface thereof, and an accessory can be stored therein. The refrigerator 100 of the present invention is made so that food and the like can be stored at a low temperature therein, while maintaining the original function of the side table where a stand or the like can be placed.

Referring to FIG. 1, the exterior of the refrigerator 100 is formed by a cabinet 110 and a door 130.

The cabinet 110 may be formed by the inner case 111, the out case 112, and the heat insulating material 113.

The inner case 111 is installed inside the outer case 112, and forms a storage compartment 120 capable of storing food at a low temperature. Since the size of the refrigerator 100 may be limited in order to use the refrigerator 100 as a side table, the size of the storage compartment 120 formed by the inner case 111 should also be limited to about 200L or less.

The out case 112 forms the appearance of a side table. Since the front part of the refrigerator 100 is provided with a door 130, the out case 112 forms the exterior of the remaining part except the front part of the refrigerator 100. The upper surface of the outer case 112 is preferably formed flat so that you can put a prop, such as a stand.

The heat insulating material 113 is arrange | positioned between the inner case 111 and the out case 112. As shown in FIG. The heat insulator 113 is configured to suppress heat transfer from the relatively hot outside to the relatively cold storage compartment 120.

The door 130 is mounted to the front of the cabinet 110. The door 130 forms the exterior of the refrigerator 100 together with the cabinet 110. The door 130 is configured to open and close the storage compartment 120 by a slide movement. The door 130 may be provided with two or more 131, 132 in the refrigerator 100, and as shown in FIG. 1, each door 130 may be disposed along the vertical direction.

A drawer 140 may be installed in the storage room 120 to efficiently utilize space. The drawer 140 forms a food storage area in the storage compartment 120. The drawer 140 is coupled to the door 130 and is formed to be withdrawn from the storage chamber 120 according to the slide movement of the door 130.

Two

drawers

141 and 142 may be disposed along the up and down direction similarly to the door 130. One

drawer

141, 142 is coupled to each

door

131, 132, and is coupled to each

door

131, 132 each time the

door

131, 132 is slid. The

drawers

141 and 142 may be withdrawn from the storage compartment 120 along the

doors

131 and 132.

The machine room 150 may be formed behind the storage room 120. The out case 112 may include a partition wall 112a to form the machine room 150. In this case, the heat insulating material 113 is disposed between the partition wall 112a and the inner case 111. In the machine room 150, various electrical equipment and mechanical equipment for driving the refrigerator 100 may be installed.

The support 160 may be installed on the bottom surface of the cabinet 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the support 160 may be formed to separate the cabinet 110 from the floor where the refrigerator 100 is to be installed. The refrigerator 100 installed in the bedroom has a higher frequency of access by the user than the refrigerator 100 installed in the kitchen. Therefore, in order to easily clean the dust accumulated between the refrigerator 100 and the floor, the refrigerator 100 is preferably spaced apart from the floor. Since the support 160 separates the cabinet 110 from the floor where the refrigerator 100 is to be installed, using this structure can facilitate cleaning.

The refrigerator 100 operates 24 hours unlike other home appliances. Therefore, if the refrigerator 100 is placed next to the bed, the noise and vibration in the refrigerator 100 is transmitted to the person who sleeps in the bed, especially at night time, thereby disturbing sleep. Therefore, in order to perform the functions of the side table and the refrigerator 100 at the same time by arranging the refrigerator 100 by the bed, the refrigerator 100 must have sufficient low noise and low vibration performance.

If a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a compressor is used for cooling the storage compartment 120 of the refrigerator 100, it is difficult to fundamentally block noise and vibration generated from the compressor. Therefore, in order to ensure low noise and low vibration performance, a refrigeration cycle apparatus should be used only in a limited manner, and the refrigerator 100 of the present invention uses the thermoelectric module 170 to cool the storage compartment 120.

The thermoelectric element 170 is installed on the rear wall 111a of the storage chamber 120 to cool the storage chamber 120. The thermoelectric module 170 includes a thermoelectric device, and the thermoelectric device refers to a device that implements cooling and heat generation by using the Peltier effect as described in the technical item that is the background of the invention. When the heat absorbing side of the thermoelectric element is disposed to face the storage chamber 120 and the heat generating side of the thermoelectric element is disposed to face the outside of the refrigerator 100, the storage chamber 120 may be cooled by operating the thermoelectric element.

The controller 180 is formed to control the overall operation of the refrigerator 100. For example, the controller 180 may control the output of the thermoelectric element or the fan provided in the thermoelectric element module 170, and control the operation of various components included in the refrigerator 100. The controller 180 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) and a microcomputer. The controller 180 may be installed in the machine room 150, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

When the controller 180 controls the thermoelectric module 170, the output of the thermoelectric element may be controlled based on a set temperature input by a temperature user of the storage chamber 120, an external temperature of the refrigerator 100, and the like. . The cooling operation, the defrosting operation, the load response operation, and the like are determined by the control of the controller 180, and the output of the thermoelectric element depends on the operation determined by the controller 180.

The temperature of the storage compartment 120 or the external temperature of the refrigerator may be measured by the

sensor units

191, 192, 193, 194, and 195 provided in the refrigerator. The

sensor units

191, 192, 193, 194, and 195 may be formed of at least one device that measures physical properties such as the

temperature sensors

191, 192, 193, the humidity sensor 194, and the wind pressure sensor 195. For example, the

temperature sensors

191, 192, and 193 may be installed in the storage chamber 120, the thermoelectric module 170, and the out case 112, respectively. The temperature of the installed area is measured.

The internal temperature sensor 191 is installed in the storage compartment 120 and is formed to measure the temperature of the storage compartment 120. The defrost temperature sensor 192 is installed in the thermoelectric module 170 and is formed to measure the temperature of the thermoelectric module 170. The outside temperature sensor 193 is installed in the out case 112 and is formed to measure the outside temperature of the refrigerator 100.

The humidity sensor 194 is installed in the storage compartment 120. It is formed to measure the humidity of the storage compartment 120. The wind pressure sensor 195 is installed in the thermoelectric module 170 to measure the wind pressure of the first fan 173 (see FIG. 2).

The detailed configuration of the thermoelectric module 170 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

2 is an exploded perspective view of a thermoelectric module.

The thermoelectric module 170 includes a thermoelectric element 171, a cooling sink 172, a first fan 173, a heat sink 175, a second fan 176, and a heat insulator 177. The thermoelectric module 170 operates between the first and second regions which are separated from each other, and absorbs heat in one region and radiates heat in the other region.

The first area and the second area refer to areas that are spatially separated from each other by a boundary. If the thermoelectric module 170 is applied to the refrigerator (100 in FIG. 1), the first area corresponds to any one of the outside of the storage compartment (120 in FIG. 1) and the refrigerator (100 in FIG. 1), and the second region is It corresponds to the other one.

The thermoelectric element 171 is formed by forming a PN junction with a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor, and connecting a plurality of PN junctions in series.

The thermoelectric element 171 includes a heat absorbing portion 171a and a heat radiating portion 171b facing in opposite directions. For effective heat transfer, it is preferable that the heat absorbing portion 171a and the heat dissipating portion 171b have a shape capable of surface contact. Therefore, the heat absorbing portion 171a may be referred to as a heat absorbing surface, and the heat radiating portion 171b may be referred to as a heat radiating surface. In addition, the heat absorbing portion 171a and the heat dissipating portion 171b may be generically named as the first portion and the second portion, or may be named as the first surface and the second surface. This is for convenience of description only and does not limit the scope of the invention.

The cooling sink 172 is disposed to contact the heat absorbing portion 171a of the thermoelectric element 171. The cooling sink 172 is configured to heat exchange with the first region. The first area corresponds to the storage compartment (120 of FIG. 1) of the refrigerator (100 of FIG. 1), and the heat exchange target of the cooling sink 172 is air inside the storage compartment (120 of FIG. 1).

The first fan 173 is installed to face the cooling sink 172 and generates wind to promote heat exchange of the cooling sink 172. Since the heat exchange is a natural phenomenon, even without the first fan 173, the cooling sink 172 may exchange heat with air in the storage compartment 120 (FIG. 1). However, as the thermoelectric module 170 includes the first fan 173, heat exchange of the cooling sink 172 may be further promoted.

The first fan 173 may be wrapped by the cover 174. The cover 174 may include portions other than the portion 174a surrounding the first fan 173. A plurality of holes 174b may be formed in the portion 174a surrounding the first fan 173 to allow air inside the storage compartment 120 (FIG. 1) to pass through the cover 174.

In addition, the cover 174 may have a structure that can be fixed to the rear wall (111a of FIG. 1) of the storage compartment (120 of FIG. 1). For example, in FIG. 2, the cover 174 includes a portion 174c extending from both sides of the portion 174a surrounding the first fan 173, and a screw fastening hole that can be screwed into the extended portion 174c. The structure in which 174e) is formed is shown. In addition, a screw 179c may be inserted into a portion surrounding the first fan 173 to further fix the cover 174 to the rear wall 111a of FIG. 1.

Holes

174b and 174d through which air can pass may be formed in the portion 174a surrounding the first fan 173 and the extending portion 174c.

The heat sink 175 is disposed to contact the heat dissipation part 171b of the thermoelectric element 171. The heat sink 175 is configured to heat exchange with the second region. The second area corresponds to an outer space of the refrigerator 100 (in FIG. 1), and the heat exchange target of the heat sink 175 is air outside the refrigerator 100 (FIG. 1).

The second fan 176 is installed to face the heat sink 175 and generates wind to promote heat exchange of the heat sink 175. The second fan 176 promotes heat exchange of the heat sink 175 is the same as the first fan 173 promotes heat exchange of the cooling sink 172.

The second fan 176 may optionally have a shroud 176c. The shroud 176c is made to guide the wind. For example, the shroud 176c may be configured to surround the vanes 176b at a position spaced apart from the vanes 176b as shown in FIG. 2. In addition, the shroud 176c may be provided with a screw fastening hole 176d for fixing the second fan 176.

The cooling sink 172 and the first fan 173 correspond to the heat absorbing side of the thermoelectric module 170. The heat sink 175 and the second fan 176 correspond to the heat generating side of the thermoelectric module 170.

At least one of the cooling sink 172 and the heat sink 175 includes a

base

172a and 175a and

fins

172b and 175b, respectively. However, hereinafter, the cooling sink 172 and the heat sink 175 will be described on the premise that both of the

base

172a, 175a and the

fins

172b, 175b.

The

bases

172a and 175a are in surface contact with the thermoelectric element 171. The base 172a of the cooling sink 172 is in surface contact with the heat absorbing portion 171a of the thermoelectric element 171, and the base 175a of the heat sink 175 is in contact with the heat radiating portion 171b of the thermoelectric element 171. Contact with cotton.

Since the thermal conductivity increases as the heat transfer area increases, the

bases

172a and 175a and the thermoelectric element 171 may be in surface contact with each other. In addition, a thermal grease or a thermal compound may be used to increase the thermal conductivity by filling a minute gap between the

bases

172a and 175a and the thermoelectric element 171.

Fins

172b and 175b protrude from

base

172a and 175a to exchange heat with air in the first region or air in the second region. Since the first region corresponds to the storage compartment (120 of FIG. 1) and the second region corresponds to the exterior of the refrigerator (100 of FIG. 1), the fins 172b of the cooling sink 172 are the storage compartment (120 of FIG. 1). The heat sink 175 and the fins 175b of the heat sink 175 are made to heat exchange with the outside air of the refrigerator (100 of FIG. 1).

The

pins

172b and 175b are spaced apart from each other. This is because the heat exchange area may increase as the

fins

172b and 175b are spaced apart from each other. If the

fins

172b and 175b are stuck together, there will be no heat exchange area between the

fins

172b and 175b, but because the

fins

172b and 175b are spaced apart from each other, the

fins

172b and 175b are spaced apart from each other. There may also be a heat exchange area in between. Since the thermal conductivity increases as the heat transfer area increases, the area of the fins exposed to the first and second areas should be increased to improve the heat transfer performance of the heat sink.

In addition, in order to realize a sufficient cooling effect of the cooling sink 172 corresponding to the heat absorbing side, the thermal conductivity of the heat sink 175 corresponding to the heat generating side should be larger than that of the cooling sink 172. This is because sufficient heat absorption is achieved at the heat absorbing portion 171a only when heat is radiated more quickly at the heat radiating portion 171b of the thermoelectric element 171. This is due to the fact that the thermoelectric element 171 is not a simple thermal conductor, but an endotherm is made by applying a voltage and heat is radiated from the other side. Therefore, sufficient heat dissipation must be made in the heat dissipating portion 171b of the thermoelectric element 171 to achieve sufficient cooling in the heat absorbing portion 171a.

Considering this point, if endothermic heat is generated in the cooling sink 172 and heat dissipation is performed in the heat sink 175, the heat exchange area of the heat sink 175 must be larger than the heat exchange area of the cooling sink 172. Assuming that all the heat exchange areas of the cooling sink 172 are all used for heat exchange, it is preferable that the heat exchange area of the heat sink 175 is three times or more than the heat exchange area of the cooling sink 172.

This is the same principle that applies to the first fan 173 and the second fan 176. In order to realize a sufficient cooling effect on the endothermic side, the air volume and the wind speed formed by the second fan 176 are preferably larger than the air volume and the wind speed formed by the first fan 173.

Since the heat sink 175 requires a larger heat exchange area than the cooling sink 172, the area of the base 175a and the fins 175b is larger than those of the cooling sink 172 (172a) 172b. Even bigger. Further, the heat sink 175 may be provided with a heat pipe 175c to quickly distribute the heat transferred to the base 175a of the heat sink 175 to the fins.

The heat pipe 175c is configured to receive a heat transfer fluid therein, one end of the heat pipe 175c passes through the base 175a and the other end passes through the fins 175b. Heat pipe 175c is a device that transfers heat from base 175a to fins 175b through evaporation of the heat transfer fluid contained therein. Without the heat pipe 175c, heat exchange would be concentrated only in the adjacent fins 175b of the base 175a. This is because heat is not sufficiently distributed to the pins 175b which are far from the base 175a.

However, as the heat pipe 175c is present, heat exchange may occur at all fins 175b of the heat sink 175. This is because the heat of the base 175a can be evenly distributed to the pins 175b disposed relatively far from the base 175a.

The base 175a of the heat sink 175 may be formed of two layers (two layers) 175a1 and 175a2 for embedding the heat pipe 175c. The first layer 175a1 of the base 175a surrounds one side of the heat pipe 175c, and the second layer 175a2 covers the other side of the heat pipe 175c, and two layers 175a1 and 175a2 May be arranged to face each other.

The first layer 175a1 may be disposed to be in contact with the heat dissipation unit 171b of the thermoelectric element 171 and may have a size that is the same as or similar to that of the thermoelectric element 171. The second layer 175a2 is connected to the pins 175b, and the pins 175b protrude from the second layer 175a2. The second layer 175a2 may have a larger size than the first layer 175a1. One end of the heat pipe 175c is disposed between the first layer 175a1 and the second layer 175a2.

The heat insulator 177 is installed between the cooling sink 172 and the heat sink 175. The heat insulator 177 is formed to surround the edge of the thermoelectric element 171. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a hole 177a may be formed in the heat insulating material 177, and a thermoelectric element 171 may be disposed in the hole 177a.

As described above, the thermoelectric element module 170 is a device that realizes cooling of the storage chamber (120 of FIG. 1) through endothermic and heat dissipation formed at one side and the other side of the thermoelectric element 171, but is not a simple thermal conductor. Therefore, it is not preferable that heat of the cooling sink 172 is directly transferred to the heat sink 175. This is because a decrease in the temperature difference between the cooling sink 172 and the heat sink 175 due to the direct heat transfer causes a decrease in the performance of the thermoelectric element 171. In order to prevent this phenomenon, the insulation 177 is configured to block direct heat transfer between the cooling sink 172 and the heat sink 175.

The fastening plate 178 is disposed between the cooling sink 172 and the heat insulator 177 or between the heat sink 175 and the heat insulator 177. The fastening plate 178 is for fixing the cooling sink 172 and the heat sink 175, and the cooling sink 172 and the heat sink 175 may be screwed to the fastening plate 178 by screws. .

The fastening plate 178 may be formed to surround the edge of the thermoelectric element 171 together with the heat insulating material 177. The fastening plate 178 has a hole 178a corresponding to the thermoelectric element 171, similar to the heat insulating material 177, and the thermoelectric element 171 may be disposed in the hole 178a. However, the fastening plate 178 is not an essential configuration of the thermoelectric module 170, and may be replaced with another configuration capable of fixing the cooling sink 172 and the heat sink 175.

A plurality of screw fastening holes 178b and 178c may be formed in the fastening plate 178 to fix the cooling sink 172 and the heat sink 175. The cooling sink 172 and the heat insulator 177 are formed with screw fastening holes 172c and 177b corresponding to the fastening plate 178, and screws 179a are formed in the three

screw fastening holes

172c, 177b and 178b. The cooling sink 172 may be inserted in order to fix the cooling sink 172 to the fastening plate 178. A screw fastening hole 175d corresponding to the fastening plate 178 is also formed in the heat sink 175, and the screw 179b is sequentially inserted into the two screw fastening holes 178c and 175d to connect the heat sink 175. It may be fixed to the fastening plate 178.

The fastening plate 178 may have a recess 178d formed to accommodate one side of the heat pipe 175c. The recess 178d may be formed to correspond to the heat pipe 175c and partially wrap. Although the heat sink 175 includes the heat pipe 175c, since the fastening plate 178 has the recessed portion 178d, the heat sink 175 may be in close contact with the fastening plate 178, and the thermoelectric element The overall thickness of module 170 can be made thinner.

At least one of the first fan 173 and the second fan 176 described above includes

hubs

173a and 176a and

vanes

173b and 176b.

Hubs

173a and 176a are coupled to a central axis of rotation (not shown).

Vanes

173b and 176b are radially installed around the

hubs

173a and 176a.

Axial flow fans

173 and 176 are separated from the centrifugal fan. The

axial flow fans

173 and 176 are formed to cause wind in the rotation axis direction, and air enters the rotation axis direction of the

axial flow fans

173 and 176 to exit in the rotation axis direction. In contrast, the centrifugal fan is formed to cause wind in the centrifugal direction (or circumferential direction), and air enters the centrifugal direction in the direction of the rotation axis of the centrifugal fan.

The defrost temperature sensor 192 is mounted on the thermoelectric module and is formed to measure the temperature of the thermoelectric module 170. Referring to FIG. 2, the defrost temperature sensor 192 is coupled to the cooling sink 172. The structure of the defrost temperature sensor 192 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

3 is a perspective view of the thermoelectric module and the defrost temperature sensor 192. 4 is a plan view of the thermoelectric element module 170 and the defrost temperature sensor 192 shown in FIG.

The defrost temperature sensor 192 is coupled to the fin 172b of the cooling sink 172. The fins 172b of the cooling sink 172 protrude from the base 172a, some of which have a shorter protruding length p2 compared to the other fins.

The defrost temperature sensor 192 is wrapped by the sensor holder 192a, and the sensor holder 192a has a shape that can be fitted to a pin having a shorter protruding length than other pins. 3 illustrates a structure in which both legs of the sensor holder 192a are fitted to two pins. If the distance d2 between both legs of the sensor holder 192a is slightly smaller than the distance d1 between the outer surfaces of the two pins, the sensor holder 192a may be fitted to the two pins.

The position of the defrost temperature sensor 192 is selected as the place where the temperature rise takes the longest in the cooling sink 172 during the defrosting operation. This is because the reliability of the defrosting operation can be improved. The position of the defrost temperature sensor 192 is determined by the position of the sensor holder 192a.

Since the fin disposed at the center of the cooling sink 172 is closest to the base 172a, the temperature rises rapidly during the defrosting operation. On the other hand, since the fins disposed outside the cooling sink 172 are far from the base 172a, the temperature rise is slow during defrosting operation.

However, the outermost fin is not only influenced by the thermoelectric module 170 but also by the air outside the thermoelectric module 170. Therefore, it is preferable that the sensor holder 192a is coupled to the pin just inside the outermost pin. In addition, the upper and lower positions of the sensor holder 192a are preferably the uppermost or lower side of the pin. In FIG. 3, the sensor holder 192a is coupled to the uppermost side of the pin.

Even if the protruding length of the pin is constant, the sensor holder 192a may be fitted to the pin. However, if the length of the fin is constant, accurate temperature measurement becomes difficult because the defrost temperature sensor 192 is spaced too far from the base 172a. Therefore, it is preferable that the protruding length p2 of the pin to which the sensor holder 192a is coupled has a length shorter than the protruding length p1 of the other pin.

First, the thermoelectric module starts cooling operation when the thermoelectric module is supplied with power for the first time. Since the power of the thermoelectric element module may be cut off due to natural defrosting, if the power is again supplied to the thermoelectric element module after the natural defrost is completed, the thermoelectric element module resumes the cooling operation.

Next, the driving time of the thermoelectric module is integrated. Integration refers to the cumulative counting of the driving time of the thermoelectric module. Integration of the driving time of the thermoelectric module is continued during the control process of the refrigerator, which is the basis for inputting the defrosting operation.

Next, the external temperature of the refrigerator, the temperature of the storage compartment, and the temperature of the thermoelectric module are measured. The temperatures measured at this stage may be used to control the output of the thermoelectric element or the fan at the control unit together with the set temperature input by the user.

(S400) It is determined whether the load response operation. The load response operation refers to an operation of rapidly cooling a storage compartment as hot food or the like is put into a storage compartment of a refrigerator. The reason for determining the necessity of load response operation is mentioned later. If it is determined that the load response operation is necessary, the thermoelectric element is operated at the preset output by operating the load response operation, and the fan is rotated at the preset rotation speed. If it is determined that no load response operation is necessary, the process proceeds to the next step.

(S500) Determine the need for defrosting operation. The defrosting operation refers to an operation of preventing frost from forming on the thermoelectric module or removing frost formed on the thermoelectric module. Similarly, the basis for determining the necessity of defrosting operation will be described later. If it is determined that defrosting operation is necessary, the defrosting operation is performed to operate the thermoelectric element at a preset output, and the fan is rotated at a preset rotational speed. However, in the case of natural defrosting, the power supplied to the thermoelectric element may be cut off. If it is determined that defrosting is not necessary, the process proceeds to the next step.

(S600) Since the load corresponding operation and the defrost operation precede the cooling operation, the cooling operation is input when it is determined that the load corresponding operation and the defrost operation are not necessary. The cooling operation is controlled based on the temperature of the storage compartment and the temperature input by the user. The result of the control is the output of the thermoelectric element and the output of the fan.

In the present invention, the output of the thermoelectric element is determined based on the temperature of the storage compartment, the set temperature input by the user, and the external temperature of the refrigerator. In the present invention, the rotation speed of the fan is determined based on the temperature of the storage compartment. Here, the fan refers to at least one of the first fan and the second fan of the thermoelectric module.

For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 5, when the temperature of the storage compartment corresponds to the third temperature section, the thermoelectric element is operated at the third output, and the fan is rotated at the third rotational speed. When the temperature of the storage compartment corresponds to the second temperature section, the thermoelectric element is operated at the second output, and the fan is rotated at the second rotational speed. When the temperature of the storage compartment corresponds to the first temperature section, the thermoelectric element is driven at the first output, and the fan is rotated at the first rotational speed.

The output of the thermoelectric element and the rotational speed of the fan are relative concepts, which will be described later in detail.

Hereinafter, the control of the thermoelectric element and the fan for each temperature section will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and Table 1. FIG. However, the figures in the figures and tables are only examples for explaining the concept of the present invention, and do not mean an absolute value necessary for the control method proposed by the present invention.

The temperature of the storage compartment is divided into a first temperature section, a second temperature section, and a third temperature section. Here, the first temperature section is a section including the set temperature input by the user. The second temperature section is a section of temperature higher than the first temperature section. The third temperature section is a section of temperature higher than the second temperature section. Therefore, the temperature increases sequentially from the first temperature section to the third temperature section.

Since the first temperature section includes the set temperature input by the user, when the temperature of the storage compartment is in the first temperature section, it means that the temperature of the storage compartment has already been lowered to the preset temperature due to the operation of the thermoelectric module. Therefore, the first temperature section is a section satisfying the set temperature.

The second temperature section and the third temperature section are unsatisfactory sections that do not satisfy the set temperature because they are higher than the set temperature input by the user. Therefore, the thermoelectric element module operates in the second temperature section and the third temperature section to lower the temperature of the storage compartment to the set temperature. However, since the third temperature section corresponds to a higher temperature than the second temperature section, the third temperature section is a section requiring more powerful cooling. In order to distinguish the second temperature section from the third temperature section, the second temperature section may be referred to as an unsatisfactory section, and the third temperature section may be referred to as an upper limit section.

The boundary of each temperature range depends on whether the temperature of the storage compartment rises or falls. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the temperature of the storage compartment increases, and the rising entry temperature at which the storage chamber rises from the first temperature section to the second temperature section is N + 0.5 ° C. On the contrary, the falling entry temperature at which the temperature of the storage compartment falls to enter the first temperature section from the second temperature section is N-0.5 ° C. Thus, the rising entry temperature is higher than the falling entry temperature.

The rising entry temperature N + 0.5 ° C. at which the temperature of the storage compartment enters the second temperature section from the first temperature section may be higher than the set temperature N input by the user. On the contrary, the falling entrance temperature N-0.5 ° C. at which the temperature of the storage compartment enters the first temperature section from the second temperature section may be lower than the set temperature N input by the user.

Similarly, the rising entry temperature at which the temperature of the storage compartment rises and rises from the second temperature section to the third temperature section is N + 3.5 ° C based on FIG. 6. On the contrary, the falling entry temperature at which the temperature of the storage compartment falls to enter the second temperature section from the third temperature section is N + 2.0 ° C. Thus, the rising entry temperature is higher than the falling entry temperature.

If the rising entry temperatures are equal to the falling entry temperatures, the control of the thermoelectric element or fan is changed again without the storage compartment being sufficiently cooled. For example, as soon as the set temperature of the storage compartment is satisfied and the thermoelectric element and the fan are stopped as soon as the second temperature section enters the first temperature section, the temperature of the storage compartment immediately enters the second temperature section. In order to prevent this phenomenon and to sufficiently maintain the temperature of the storage compartment in the first temperature section, the falling entry temperature must be lower than the rising entry temperature.

First, the output of the thermoelectric element and the rotation speed of the fan at an arbitrary set temperature will be described. Next, the change of control according to set temperature is demonstrated.

The output of the thermoelectric element at any set temperature (N1) is shown in Table 1. In Table 1, in the Hot / Cool item, if one surface of the thermoelectric element in contact with the cooling sink corresponds to the heat absorbing surface that is endothermic, it is marked as Cool. To be displayed. RT also refers to the room temperature of the refrigerator.

순서order	조건(제1설정온도, N1)Condition (1st set temperature, N1)	Hot/CoolHot / Cool	RT<12℃RT <12 ℃	RT>12℃RT> 12 ℃	RT>18℃RT> 18 ℃	RT>27℃RT> 27 ℃
1One	제3온도구간Third temperature section	CoolCool	+22V+ 22V	+22V+ 22V	+22V+ 22V	+22V+ 22V
22	제2온도구간Second temperature section	CoolCool	+12V+ 12V	+14V+ 14V	+16V+16 V	+22V+ 22V
33	제1온도구간1st temperature section	CoolCool	0V0 V	0V0 V	+12V+ 12V	+16V+16 V

The output of the thermoelectric element is determined based on (a) which of the first temperature section, the second temperature section and the third temperature section the temperature of the storage compartment.

The higher the voltage applied to the thermoelectric element, the larger the output of the thermoelectric element, and thus the output of the thermoelectric element can be known from the voltage applied to the thermoelectric element. As the output of the thermoelectric element increases, the thermoelectric element may realize stronger cooling.

Meanwhile, the rotation speed of the fan is determined based on (a) which of the first temperature section, the second temperature section and the third temperature section the temperature of the storage compartment belongs to. The fan refers to the first fan and / or the second fan of the thermoelectric module.

The rotational speed of the fan can be known from the rotational speed (RPM) of the fan per unit time. Larger RPMs mean that the fans spin faster. As the fan receives a higher voltage, the fan speed increases. The faster the fan rotates, the more the heat sinks in the cooling sink and / or heat sink can be promoted, resulting in stronger cooling.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the temperature of the storage chamber corresponds to the third temperature section, the thermoelectric element is operated at the third output. In Table 1, the third output is + 22V regardless of the external temperature. Thus, the third output is a constant value regardless of the external temperature.

The third output (+ 22V) is a value exceeding the first output (0V, + 12V, + 16V in Table 1) of the first temperature section. The third output is a value equal to or greater than the second output (+ 12V, + 14V, + 16V, + 22V in Table 1) of the second temperature section.

The third output may correspond to the maximum output of the thermoelectric element. In this case, the output of the thermoelectric element in the third temperature section is kept constant at the maximum output.

In addition, when the temperature of the storage compartment corresponds to the third temperature section, the fan is rotated at the third rotational speed. Here, the third rotational speed is a value exceeding the first rotational speed of the first temperature section. The third rotation speed is a value equal to or greater than the second rotation speed in the second temperature section.

If the temperature of the storage compartment corresponds to the second temperature section, the thermoelectric element is operated at the second output. Here, the second output is not a constant value but a value that is gradually changed (increased) in accordance with an increase in the external temperature measured by the outside temperature sensor. In Table 1, the second output is gradually increased to + 12V, + 14V, + 16V, + 22V as the external temperature increases.

The second output is a value greater than or equal to the first output of the first temperature section under the same external temperature condition. Referring to Table 1, the second output + 12V under RT <12 ℃ condition is above the first output 0V. At RT> 12 ° C, the second output of + 14V is greater than or equal to the first output of 0V. At RT> 18 ° C, the second output of + 16V is greater than the first output of + 12V. At RT> 27 ° C, the second output of + 22V is greater than the first output of + 16V.

The second output is a value less than or equal to the third output of the third temperature section. Referring to Table 1, under all external temperature conditions, the second output (+ 12V, + 14V, + 16V, + 22V) is less than or equal to the third output (+ 22V).

On the other hand, when the temperature of the storage compartment corresponds to the second temperature section, the fan is rotated at the second rotational speed. Here, the second rotational speed is a value greater than or equal to the first rotational speed of the first temperature section. The second rotational speed is a value less than or equal to the third rotational speed of the third temperature section.

If the temperature of the storage compartment corresponds to the first temperature section, the thermoelectric element is operated at the first output. Here, the first output is not a constant value but a value that is gradually changed (increased) in accordance with an increase in the external temperature measured by the outside temperature sensor. However, when the external temperature is higher than the reference external temperature in the first temperature section, the first output is gradually changed (increased) as the external temperature increases, such as 0V, + 12V, and + 16V. However, when the external temperature is less than the reference external temperature in the first temperature section, the first output is maintained at zero. The operation of the thermoelectric element is kept at a standstill. In Table 1, the reference external temperature may be referred to as a value (eg, 15 ° C.) between 12 ° C. and 18 ° C.

Comparing the first temperature section and the second temperature section of Table 1, the number of stepwise increases of the second output is greater than the number of stepwise increases of the first output in the same temperature range. The second output changes in four steps: +12, +14, +16, and +22, but within the same temperature range, the first output changes in three steps: 0V, + 12V, + 16V. Accordingly, the second temperature section corresponds to all the entire variable sections, and the first temperature section corresponds to the partial variable sections.

The first output is a value less than or equal to the second output of the second temperature section under the same external temperature condition.

Referring to Table 1, the first output 0V is less than + 12V the second output under the conditions RT <12 ℃. At RT> 12 ° C, the first output, 0V, is below the second output, + 14V. At RT> 18 ° C, the first output of + 12V is less than or equal to the second output of + 16V. At RT> 27 ° C, the first output, + 16V, is below the second output, + 22V.

And the first output is a value less than the third output of the third temperature section. Referring to Table 1, under all external temperature conditions, the first output (0V, 0V, + 12V, + 16V) is less than the third output (+ 22V).

The first output includes zero. The output 0 means that the thermoelectric element is stopped because no voltage is applied to the thermoelectric element. That is, when the temperature of the storage compartment is lowered to the set temperature input by the user, the operation of the thermoelectric element may be stopped.

On the other hand, when the temperature of the storage compartment corresponds to the first temperature section, the fan is rotated at the first rotational speed. Here, the first rotational speed is a value less than or equal to the second rotational speed of the second temperature section. The first rotational speed is a value less than the third rotational speed of the third temperature section.

The first rotational speed of the fan has a value greater than zero. This is different from the first output of the thermoelement including zero. This means that the fan can continue to rotate even when no voltage is applied to the thermoelectric element.

For example, when the temperature of the storage compartment is lowered under the condition of RT <12 ° C., the voltage may not be applied to the thermoelectric element when the temperature falls into the first temperature section from the second temperature section. This is because the first output is shown as 0V in Table 1. However, even when the temperature of the storage room enters the first temperature section from the second temperature section, only the rotation speed of the fan is lowered, and the fan still continues to rotate.

The reason is that even if the operation of the thermoelectric element is stopped, the thermoelectric element does not immediately change to room temperature, but maintains a cold temperature for a long time. Therefore, if the fan continues to rotate, the heat exchange of the cooling sink can be continuously promoted, and the temperature of the storage compartment can be sufficiently maintained in the first temperature section.

In the conventional refrigerator, the temperature section of the storage compartment is satisfied and divided into two stages of dissatisfaction, and the refrigeration cycle device is operated only in the dissatisfaction section to lower the temperature of the storage compartment to the set temperature. In particular, in the case of a refrigerator provided with a refrigeration cycle device, it was not possible to control the temperature of the storage compartment up to three stages step by step. This is because excessively turning on and off the compressor of the refrigeration cycle system adversely affects the mechanical reliability of the compressor. Losing the reliability of the compressor is more critical than gaining from extending the temperature range.

On the contrary, a refrigerator having a thermoelectric module as in the present invention can perform more detailed control by dividing the temperature of the storage compartment into three stages as in the control method proposed by the present invention. The thermoelectric module is only turned on and off electrically by the application of voltage, so it is independent of mechanical reliability and does not lose its reliability even in frequent on and off operations.

In particular, the cooling performance of the thermoelectric element module does not reach the refrigeration cycle apparatus having a compressor. Therefore, when the temperature of the storage compartment rises into an unsatisfactory region due to the initial power supply, the thermoelectric element stop, the input of a load such as food in the storage compartment, it takes a long time to enter the satisfaction region again. Therefore, if the temperature of the storage compartment is additionally defined in three stages in addition to the satisfaction and dissatisfaction, it is possible to implement a control to rapidly lower the temperature of the storage compartment at the highest output in the third highest temperature section.

In addition, the first temperature section and the second temperature section are not only for cooling but also for reducing power consumption and low noise of the fan. According to the present invention, the temperature section of the storage compartment is subdivided, and as the temperature of the storage compartment is lowered, the output of the thermoelectric element and the rotation speed of the fan are lowered, thereby reducing power consumption and low noise of the fan.

Hereinafter, a defrosting operation capable of implementing defrost efficiency and power consumption reduction will be described.

When the thermoelectric module operates cumulatively, frost is formed on the cooling sink and the first fan. Defrost operation refers to the action of removing this frost.

The concept of the extended defrost proposed by the present invention is to implement a fast defrost and power consumption reduction by using a combination of the heat source defrost and natural defrost according to the conditions. The heat source defrosting operation means to defrost the thermoelectric module by supplying energy to the thermoelectric element, and the natural defrosting operation means to defrost naturally without supplying energy to the thermoelectric element. However, a heat source is also required for natural defrosting operation. The heat source of natural defrosting operation is the waste heat of the heat sink and the air inside the storage compartment. Even in the natural defrosting operation, at least one of the first fan and the second fan may be rotated.

In order to reduce power consumption of the refrigerator, natural defrosting operation is preferable to heat source defrosting. Therefore, the normal defrosting operation is usually set as the basic operation, and the heat source defrosting is set as the special operation for a special case requiring rapid defrosting.

(S510) The operation to be performed for the operation of the defrosting operation is to determine the necessity of the defrosting operation. First, it is necessary to determine the necessity of defrosting operation through external temperature measurement, integration of the driving time of the thermoelectric element module, and measurement of the temperature of the defrost temperature sensor.

Cooling sink and first fan when the external temperature measured by the outside temperature sensor is too low, the operating time of the thermoelectric element module exceeds the preset time, or the temperature of the thermoelectric element module measured by the defrost temperature sensor is too low. It is easy to frost on. Therefore, in these cases, it may be determined that the defrosting operation is necessary.

Of these, integrating the driving time of the thermoelectric module to determine the operation of the defrosting operation is to operate the defrosting operation periodically according to the natural flow of time. This case cannot be regarded as a case where relatively fast defrosting is required. Therefore, the defrosting operation which is operated by integrating the driving of the thermoelectric element module is selected as the natural defrosting operation.

The reason why the natural defrosting operation is operated based on time is to improve the reliability of the defrosting operation. If the natural defrosting operation is operated on the basis of temperature, the defrosting operation may not be operated simply because of a slight temperature difference even though the defrosting is already required. However, if the temperature conditions are alleviated too much, the heat source defrost will be operated unnecessarily even if the natural defrosting operation alone is sufficient, thereby worsening the power consumption.

If the external temperature is too low or the temperature of the thermoelectric element module is too low, there is a concern of over-deposition, it requires a quick defrost. Therefore, the defrosting operation which is operated based on the temperature is selected as the heat source defrosting operation. The need for rapid defrosting is a special case, so the thermoelectric defrosting operation may be operated on the basis of temperature.

Next, it is determined whether the outside temperature measured by the outside temperature sensor is higher or lower than the reference outside temperature. The controller is configured to operate the heat source defrosting operation when the external temperature measured by the ambient air temperature sensor is equal to or less than the reference external temperature. Referring to FIG. 7, 8 ° C. is selected as an example of the reference external temperature.

An external temperature above 8 ° C means that it is relatively warm. In warm environments, frost is not easily implanted. Therefore, the heat source defrosting operation is operated only when the external temperature is 8 ° C. or less (NO).

Next, it is determined whether the temperature of the thermoelectric module measured by the defrost temperature sensor is higher or lower than the reference thermoelectric module temperature. The controller is configured to operate the heat source defrosting operation when the temperature of the thermoelectric element module measured by the defrost temperature sensor is equal to or lower than the reference thermoelectric module temperature. Referring to FIG. 7, -10 ° C is selected as an example of the reference thermoelectric module temperature.

If the temperature of the thermoelectric module exceeds -10 ℃ means that the temperature of the thermoelectric module is not excessively low. If the temperature of the thermoelectric element module is not excessively low, frost is not easily implanted. Therefore, the heat source defrosting operation is operated only when the thermoelectric module is below -10 ° C (NO).

If the heat source defrosting operation is not operated, the natural defrosting operation is performed at predetermined intervals by accumulating the driving time of the thermoelectric module. The controller is configured to operate a natural defrosting operation for removing frost formed on the thermoelectric module at predetermined intervals based on the driving integration time of the thermoelectric module. However, here, the predetermined period for determining the operation of the natural defrosting operation is changed based on whether the door is opened, as in the load corresponding operation. Therefore, in order to determine the predetermined period, it is first determined whether there is an opening of the door, such as a load response operation, before the operation of the natural defrosting operation.

If it is not after the load corresponding operation or if there is no opening of the preceding door (NO), it is determined whether the integration time has reached a cycle set as a default value. In FIG. 7, 9 hours is selected as an example of the default value. When the integration time reaches 9 hours, the natural defrosting operation is activated.

On the other hand, after the load response operation, the integration time is changed to a value shorter than the period set as the default value. In FIG. 7, one hour is selected as an example of a time shorter than the default value. There may be a number of factors that change the integration time to a short value.

First, the door is open. The predetermined period for determining the operation of the natural defrosting operation can be reduced to a shorter value than before the door is opened by the door opening.

Secondly, the opening time of the door. The predetermined period for determining the operation of the natural defrosting operation can be shortened in inverse proportion to the opening time of the door. For example, the period per second of opening time of the door can be reduced by 7 minutes.

Third is the operation of load response operation. When the temperature of the storage compartment rises by a predetermined temperature within a predetermined time after the door is opened and closed, the controller is configured to operate a load corresponding operation for lowering the temperature of the storage compartment. When the load corresponding operation is activated, the predetermined period for determining the operation of the natural defrosting operation is reduced to a shorter value than before the load corresponding operation.

According to such factors, there is a high possibility that the thermoelectric module operates at the maximum output after the door is opened and closed. This is because the opening of the door, the load response operation, and the like require lowering the temperature of the storage compartment. After operating at the maximum output of the thermoelectric module, frost easily forms, so rapid defrosting should be achieved. Therefore, if these factors exist before the operation of the natural defrosting operation, the integration time for determining the operation of the natural defrosting operation should be changed to a value shorter than the default value.

(S551) When the natural defrosting operation is started, the operation of the thermoelectric element is stopped. The voltage supplied to the thermoelectric element becomes 0V. However, the voltage supplied to the thermoelectric element does not suddenly change to 0 V, and the thermoelectric module performs pre-cooling operation. Pre-cooling operation means that the power of the thermoelectric element module is not immediately cut off, but the output of the thermoelectric element is sequentially reduced to converge to zero.

When the natural defrosting operation is activated, the first fan is continuously rotated, and the second fan is temporarily stopped. Since the frost is formed on the cooling sink and the first fan which are kept at a low temperature during the cooling operation, the rotation of the first fan must be maintained during the natural defrosting operation. This is to remove frost by promoting heat exchange of the cooling sink.

On the other hand, frost is not easily implanted in the second fan. This is because the second fan corresponds to the heat dissipation side of the thermoelectric element. Therefore, the rotation of the second fan throughout the natural defrosting operation wastes power consumption without any particular effect. In order to reduce power consumption, the rotation of the second fan is temporarily stopped until the frost melts.

The second fan is rotated again after a preset time elapses.

Once natural defrosting is in operation, frost is removed within 3 to 4 minutes. As the frost melts, condensate may form in the cooling sink and the first fan, and dew may form on the heat sink and the second fan. Condensate generated in the cooling sink and the first fan is removed by the rotation of the first fan. Dew formed on the heat sink and the second fan is removed by the rotation of the second fan.

Since condensate and dew cause frosting, even condensate and dew must be removed to complete the natural defrosting operation. Thus, if frost can be removed within 3-4 minutes, the preset time may be, for example, 5 minutes.

As such, since no voltage is applied to the thermoelectric element during the natural defrosting operation, power consumption to the thermoelectric element may be reduced. In addition, since the second fan is temporarily stopped and then rotated again, power consumption can be further reduced while the rotation of the second fan is stopped.

When the temperature of the thermoelectric element module measured by the defrost temperature sensor reaches the reference defrost end temperature, the controller is configured to end the natural defrosting operation. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the reference defrost end temperature may be 5 ° C. FIG.

The end of the natural defrosting operation is determined based on the temperature. This also applies to the heat source defrosting operation described later. The reason why the end of the defrosting operation is based on the temperature is to improve the reliability of the defrosting operation.

If the defrosting operation is terminated based on time, there is a fear that the defrosting operation ends before the defrosting is completed. Even if the two refrigerators installed in different environments terminate the defrosting operation according to the same time condition, there is a problem of scattering in which one of the refrigerators is defrosted and in another, the defrost is not completed. Therefore, in order to solve such a problem of dispersion, it is preferable that the defrosting operation is finished based on the temperature.

On the other hand, if the external temperature is less than the reference external temperature, the heat source defrosting operation is operated. The controller is configured to operate the heat source defrosting operation when the outside temperature of the refrigerator measured by the outside air temperature sensor is equal to or less than the reference outside temperature.

When the heat source defrosting operation is activated, a reverse voltage is applied to the thermoelectric element. For example, a voltage of -10V can be applied to the thermoelectric element. The first fan and the second fan are rotated throughout the operation of the heat source defrosting operation.

When a reverse voltage is applied to the thermoelectric element, the heat absorbing side and the heat dissipating side of the thermoelectric element are switched. For example, the cooling sink and the first fan become the heat dissipating side of the thermoelectric module, and the heat sink and the second fan become the heat absorbing side of the thermoelectric module. Since the cooling sink is warmed, the cooling sink and the frost formed on the first layer can be removed.

When a reverse voltage is applied to the thermoelectric element, a temperature difference occurs on one side and the other side of the thermoelectric element. Therefore, the first fan and the second fan continuously rotate to promote heat exchange between the cooling sink and the heat sink, so that the frost can be removed quickly.

When the temperature of the thermoelectric element module measured by the defrost temperature sensor reaches the reference defrost end temperature, the controller is configured to end the heat source defrosting operation. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the reference defrost end temperature may be 5 ° C. FIG.

On the other hand, when the temperature of the thermoelectric module is less than the reference thermoelectric module temperature, the heat source defrosting operation is operated. The controller is configured to operate the heat source defrosting operation when the temperature of the thermoelectric element module measured by the defrost temperature sensor is equal to or lower than the reference thermoelectric module temperature.

As described above, when the heat source defrosting operation is operated, a reverse voltage is applied to the thermoelectric element. For example, a voltage of -10V can be applied to the thermoelectric element. The first fan and the second fan are rotated throughout the operation of the heat source defrosting operation.

When the temperature of the thermoelectric element module measured by the defrost temperature sensor reaches a temperature higher than the reference defrost end temperature by a predetermined width, the controller is configured to end the heat source defrosting operation. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the temperature higher by the predetermined width than the reference defrost end temperature may be 7 ° C. FIG.

If the temperature of the thermoelectric element module is less than the reference thermoelectric module temperature, it means that a condition in which an electrodeposition phase can be easily formed. Therefore, the reliability of the defrosting operation can be improved only when the heat source defrosting operation is terminated at a temperature higher than the end temperature of the natural defrosting operation.

Hereinafter, operations of the thermoelectric element, the first fan, and the second fan during the natural defrosting operation and the heat source defrosting operation will be described.

The horizontal axis reference line means time, and the vertical axis reference line means the output of the thermoelectric element or the rotation speed of the first fan and the second fan.

In the cooling operation, the third temperature section, the second temperature section, and the first temperature section are sequentially displayed. In the cooling operation, the output of the thermoelectric element and the rotation speed of the first fan and the second fan are determined based on the temperature of the storage chamber measured by the temperature sensor in the refrigerator.

In the third temperature section, the thermoelectric element operates at the third output, the first fan is rotated at the third rotational speed, and the second fan is also rotated at the third rotational speed. However, the third rotational speed of the first fan and the third rotational speed of the second fan are different from each other, and the rotational speed of the second fan is faster.

Subsequently, in the second temperature section, the thermoelectric element is operated at the second output, the first fan is rotated at the second rotational speed, and the second fan is also rotated at the second rotational speed. However, the second rotational speed of the first fan and the second rotational speed of the second fan are different from each other, and the rotational speed of the second fan is faster.

Next, in the first temperature section, the thermoelectric element operates at the first output, the first fan is rotated at the first rotational speed, and the second fan is also rotated at the first rotational speed. However, the first rotational speed of the first fan and the first rotational speed of the second fan are different from each other, and the rotational speed of the second fan is faster.

When the natural defrosting operation is activated, the operation of the thermoelectric element is stopped. The first fan is rotated at a third rotational speed. The second fan is temporarily stopped and then rotates at a third rotational speed after a predetermined time elapses.

Therefore, the rotational speed of the first fan in the defrosting operation is more than the rotational speed of the first fan in the cooling operation. The rotation speed of the first fan in the defrosting operation and the maximum rotation speed of the first fan in the cooling operation may be the same.

In addition, the rotation speed of the second fan in the defrosting operation is more than the rotation speed of the second fan in the cooling operation. The rotation speed of the second fan in the defrosting operation and the maximum rotation speed of the second fan in the cooling operation may be the same.

The description of the cooling operation is replaced with the description of FIG. 8. The output of the thermoelectric element and the rotational speed of the fan are determined based on the temperature of the storage compartment measured by the temperature sensor in the refrigerator.

When the heat source defrosting operation is activated, a reverse voltage is applied to the thermoelectric element. The first fan and the second fan are rotated at a third rotational speed, respectively. The third rotational speed of the first fan and the third rotational speed of the second fan are different from each other, and the rotational speed of the second fan is faster.

Therefore, the fan rotation speed during the defrosting operation is faster than during the defrosting operation. The fan rotation speed during defrost operation and the fan rotation speed during cooling operation may be the same.

Next, the load response operation | movement which becomes the basis of the fluctuation of integration time is demonstrated.

(S410) First it detects whether the door is opened or closed. The load means that the storage compartment needs to be cooled rapidly due to the opening of the door or the introduction of food after opening the door. Therefore, whether the load-response operation is input may be determined after the door is opened.

If it is detected that the door is opened and closed, it is determined whether the re-input prevention time of the load response operation reaches zero. Once the load-response operation is completed, even if the situation where the storage chamber needs to be cooled again occurs, the load-response operation can be operated after a preset time rather than being restarted immediately. This is to prevent overcooling. When this preset time is counted and reaches zero, the load response operation can be started again.

Next, it is checked whether the load response determination time is greater than zero. The load response operation can be operated as rain after the door is opened and closed. For example, if the temperature of the storage compartment rises by 2 ° C or more within 5 minutes after the door is closed, the load response operation may be activated. Since the load response determination time is counted after the door is closed, even if the temperature of the storage compartment rises by 2 ° C or more than before the door is opened, the load response operation is not activated because the load response determination time is 0 before the door is still closed.

If the temperature of the storage compartment rises by a predetermined temperature within a predetermined time after the door is opened and closed, the controller is configured to operate the load corresponding operation.

Next, the type of load response operation is determined.

The first load response operation is operated when hot food is put into the storage compartment and rapid cooling is required. For example, the first load-response operation is activated when the temperature of the storage compartment rises by 2 ° C or more within 5 minutes after the door is opened and closed.

The second load-response operation is operated when the temperature is not so high but food with a large heat capacity is input and continuous cooling is required. For example, the second load-response operation is activated when the temperature of the storage compartment rises 8 ° C or more with respect to the set temperature input by the user within 20 minutes after the door is opened and closed. If it is determined that the first load correspondence operation, the first load correspondence operation is not operated.

If none of the first load corresponding operation and the second load corresponding operation is applied, the control unit does not operate the load corresponding operation.

In operation S450, the thermoelectric element is operated at the third output regardless of which of the first temperature section, the second temperature section, and the third temperature section belongs to the temperature of the storage compartment. . The third output may correspond to the maximum output of the thermoelectric element.

The need for a load-response operation means that the temperature of the storage compartment has already entered or is very likely to enter the third temperature range, so that the thermoelectric element is operated at the third output for rapid cooling.

In addition, the load response operation is configured such that the fan is rotated at the third rotational speed regardless of which of the first temperature section, the second temperature section and the third temperature section belongs to the storage compartment. However, the third rotational speed of the first fan and the third rotational speed of the second fan are different from each other, and the second fan is rotated at a higher speed than the first fan.

Similarly, the need for load-response operation means that the temperature of the storage compartment has already entered or is very likely to enter the third temperature range, so that the fan is rotated at the third rotational speed for rapid cooling. This is to reduce fan noise.

Next, the load response operation is completed based on the temperature or the time. For example, the load response operation may be completed when the temperature of the storage compartment becomes lower than the preset temperature by a preset temperature or when a predetermined time elapses since the load response operation is operated.

(S470) Finally, the time for preventing restart of the load response operation is initialized and counted again.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an open state of the door in FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is a plan view of the refrigerator of FIG. 11.

11 to 13, the refrigerator 400 according to the present embodiment includes a cabinet 410 including a storage compartment 411 and a cabinet 410 connected to the cabinet 410 to open and close the storage compartment 511. A door 420 may be included.

The cabinet 410 may include an inner case 510 forming the storage compartment 511 and an outer case 411 surrounding the inner case 510.

The outer case 411 may be formed of a metal material. For example, the outer case 411 may have an aluminum (Al) material. The outer case 411 may be formed by bending or bending at least twice. Alternatively, the outer case 411 may be formed by bonding a plurality of metal plates.

For example, the outer case 411 may include, for example, a pair of

side panels

412 and 413.

The inner case 510 may be fixed to the outer case 411 directly or indirectly while being positioned between the pair of

side panels

412 and 413.

The front end portions 412a of the pair of

side panels

412 and 413 may be located in front of the front surface of the inner case 510. The left and right widths of the door 420 may be equal to or smaller than the distance between the pair of

side panels

412 and 413.

Accordingly, a space in which the door 420 may be positioned may be formed between the pair of

side panels

412 and 413.

For example, the door 420 may be located between the pair of

side panels

412 and 413 with the door 420 closing the storage compartment 511.

At this time, the front surface of the door 420 is the front side of each side panel 412 so that the appearance of the door 420 and the cabinet 410 has a sense of unity in a state in which the door 420 is closed the storage compartment 511. , 413 may be coplanar with the front end portion 412a.

That is, the front surface of the door 420 and the front end portion 412a of each

side panel

412 and 413 may form a front appearance of the refrigerator 400.

The door 420 may include a front panel 421 and a door liner 422 coupled to a rear surface of the front panel 421.

Although not limited, the front panel 421 may be formed of a wood material.

For example, the front panel 421 and the door liner 422 may be fastened by a fastening member such as a screw. The front panel 421 and the door liner 422 form a foaming space, and as the foaming liquid is filled in the foaming space, a heat insulating material may be provided between the front panel 421 and the door liner 422. have.

The door 420 may define a handle space 690 into which the user's hand can be drawn so that the user can hold the door 420 to open the door 420.

For example, the handle space 690 may be formed as a portion of the upper side of the door liner 422 is recessed downward.

The handle space 690 may be located between the front panel 421 and the cabinet 410 with the door 420 closing the storage compartment 511. Accordingly, the user may open the door 420 by pulling the door 420 after entering the hand into the handle space 690 while the door 420 closes the storage compartment 511. .

According to the present embodiment, since the handle-like structure does not protrude to the outside in the state in which the door 420 is closed, the aesthetics of the refrigerator 400 is improved.

The height of the refrigerator 400 is not limited, but may be lower than that of a general adult. As the capacity of the refrigerator 400 is lower, the height of the refrigerator 400 may be lower.

When there is a handle space 690 on the upper side of the door 420 as in this embodiment, even if the height of the refrigerator 400 is lowered, the door 420 in a standing or sitting state of the user There is an advantage that can be easily opened.

The upper end portion 412b of each of the pair of

side panels

412 and 413 may be positioned higher than the upper end portion of the inner case 510.

Therefore, a space may be formed above the inner case 510, and a cabinet cover 590 may be located in the space. The cabinet cover 590 may form an upper appearance of the cabinet 410. That is, the cabinet cover 590 forms an upper appearance of the refrigerator 400.

The cabinet cover 590 may be directly fixed to the inner case 510 or fixed to a middle plate 550 surrounding the inner case 510.

The cabinet cover 590 may be located between the pair of

side panels

412 and 413 while the cabinet cover 590 covers the inner case 510.

In addition, the upper surface of the cabinet cover 590 may be flush with the upper ends 412b of the

side panels

412 and 413 so that the exterior of the cabinet cover 590 and the cabinet 410 may have a sense of unity. It can be located on the same height.

The cabinet cover 590 may be formed of, for example, a wood material.

That is, the front panel 421 and the cabinet cover 590 may be formed of the same material.

According to the present embodiment, since the front panel 421 and the cabinet cover 590 of the door 420 are each formed of a wood material, the door 420 and the cabinet cover with the door 420 closed. There is an advantage that the aesthetics are improved because of the uniformity of the material between 590.

In addition, when the height of the refrigerator 400 is low, the user can visually check the cabinet cover 590. The cabinet cover 590 is formed of a wood material, thereby improving the basic aesthetics as well as the refrigerator ( 400 has the advantage of having a sense of unity with the surrounding furniture is located.

The refrigerator 400 of the present embodiment may be used as a side table refrigerator as an example.

The side table refrigerator may also function as a side table in addition to the food storage function. Unlike common refrigerators, which are often provided in kitchens, side table refrigerators can be used by the bedroom bed. According to the present embodiment, since the cabinet cover 590 and the front panel 421 are formed of a wood material, the cabinet cover 590 and the front panel 421 may be harmonized with surrounding furniture even when the refrigerator 400 is placed in the bedroom.

For the convenience of the user, the height of the side table refrigerator is preferably similar to that of the bed, for example, and may be formed to have a height lower than that of a general refrigerator and compact.

The front surface 590a of the cabinet cover 590 may be located in front of the front surface of the inner case 510. Accordingly, the cabinet cover 590 may cover a part of the door liner 422 from the upper side while the door 420 closes the storage compartment 511.

The refrigerator 400 may further include one or

more drawer assemblies

430 and 440 accommodated in the storage compartment 511.

In order to improve the storage space, a plurality of

drawer assemblies

430 and 440 may be provided in the storage compartment 511.

The plurality of

drawer assemblies

430 and 440 may include an upper drawer assembly 430 and a lower drawer assembly 440. In some cases, the upper drawer assembly 430 may be omitted.

The door 420 may open and close the storage compartment 511 while moving in a forward and backward sliding manner.

According to the present embodiment, even when the refrigerator 400 is disposed in a narrow space such as a kitchen, a living room, or a room, the door 420 opens and closes the storage compartment 511 in a sliding manner, so that the door ( 420 has the advantage of being possible to open.

The refrigerator 400 may further include a rail assembly (not shown) for sliding in and out of the door 420.

The rail assembly (not shown) may have one side connected to the door 420 and the other side connected to the lower drawer assembly 440.

11 to 14, the cabinet 410 according to the present exemplary embodiment may include an outer case 411, an inner case 510, and a cabinet cover 590.

The outer case 410 may include a pair of side panels 412 and 13. The pair of

side panels

412 and 413 may form a side surface of the refrigerator 400.

The outer case 411 may further include a rear panel 560 forming a rear exterior of the refrigerator 400.

Therefore, the exterior of the refrigerator 400 except for the door 420 may be formed by the

side panels

412 and 413, the cabinet cover 590, and the rear panel 560.

The cabinet 410 may further include a case supporter 530 supporting the inner case 510, and a base 520 coupled to the lower side of the case supporter 530.

The cabinet 410 may further include a middle plate 550 forming a foaming space together with the inner case 510. The middle plate 550 may cover the upper side and the rear side of the inner case 510 at a position spaced apart from the inner case 510.

The display unit 540 may be coupled to one or more of the middle plate 550 and the

side panels

412 and 413.

The cabinet 410 may further include a cooling device 700 for cooling the storage compartment 511. The cooling device 700 may include a thermoelectric module, a cooling fan, and a heat radiating fan, and the size of the refrigerator may be reduced by a thermoelectric element.

A foaming space is formed by the inner case 510, the

side panels

412 and 413, the case supporter 530, and the middle plate 550, and a foaming liquid for filling a heat insulating material may be filled in the foaming space. .

15 is a view showing a state before the middle plate is assembled according to the second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 16 is a view showing a state in which the middle plate is assembled according to the second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 17 is A perspective view of an installation bracket according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

15 to 17, the middle plate 550 may cover the inner case 510 at the rear of the inner case 510.

The middle plate 550 includes a rear plate 552 covering a rear surface of the inner case 510 and an upper plate 554 covering an upper surface of the inner case 510. can do.

The upper plate 554 may extend horizontally from an upper end of the rear plate 552. Therefore, the middle plate 550 may be formed in the form of "a".

The upper plate 554 may be seated on the upper front of the inner case 510. For example, the upper plate 554 may be attached to the front upper end of the inner case 510 by an adhesive means.

The upper plate 554 is spaced apart from the upper surface of the inner case 510 in a state in which the upper plate 554 is seated on the front upper end of the inner case 510. Therefore, the foam space 517 may be defined between the upper plate 554 and the upper surface of the inner case 510.

The rear plate 552 may be coupled to the case supporter 530. A plate fastening rib 538 may be formed in the case supporter 530.

Fastening

holes

538a and 555 for fastening bolts may be formed in the plate fastening ribs 538 and the rear plate 552, respectively.

The rear plate 552 may be fastened to the plate fastening rib 538 by a bolt in a state of being in contact with the rear surface of the plate fastening rib 538.

In this case, the middle plate 550 may be assembled while the mounting bracket 600 is fastened to the rear plate 552 between the rear plate 552 and the rear surface of the inner case 510.

The rear plate 552 may be spaced apart from the rear surface of the inner case 510. Accordingly, a foam space 518 may be defined between the rear plate 552 and the rear surface of the inner case 510.

The fixing bracket 558 may be fixed at the rear side of the rear plate 552, and the fixing bracket 558 may be fixed to each

side panel

412 and 413. Therefore, not only the rear plate 552 is fixed to the

side panels

412 and 413 by the fixing bracket 558, but the deformation of the rear plate 552 may be prevented in the process of filling the foam liquid.

An injection hole 553 may be formed in the rear plate 552 to inject the foam liquid. The inlet 553 may be blocked by a packing not shown.

The rear plate 552 may further include a passage hole 552a through which the cooling device 700 passes.

In the state in which the middle plate 550 is assembled, the upper surface of the upper plate 554 may be lower than the upper end portions 412b of the

side panels

412 and 413. Therefore, a space in which the cabinet cover 590 may be located is located above the upper plate 554.

In addition, in the state in which the middle plate 550 is assembled, the rear surface of the rear plate 552 is disposed to be spaced inward from the rear ends of the

respective side panels

412 and 413. Accordingly, a heat dissipation passage 690 may exist behind the rear plate 552 to allow air for heat dissipation of the cooling apparatus 700 to flow.

The mounting bracket 600 may include a mounting plate 610 in the form of a plate. The installation plate 610 may be fastened to the rear plate 552 by a fastening member such as a screw.

The mounting plate 610 may include a first surface 610a and a second surface 610b facing the first surface 610a.

A fastening extension part 552b for fastening the mounting bracket 600 may be formed in the through hole 552a in the rear plate 552, and a fastening hole 552c is formed in the extension part 552b. Can be formed.

The first surface 610a of the mounting plate 610 may be in contact with the extension 552b.

The installation plate 610 may include a receiving portion 611 for receiving a portion of the cooling device 700. For example, the accommodation part 611 may be formed as a portion of the first surface 610a is recessed toward the second surface 610b. A portion of the accommodating part 611 may protrude from the second surface 610b.

The bottom of the receiving portion 611 may be provided with an opening 612 for penetrating the cooling sink 200 to be described later.

The receiving portion 611 includes a wall 611a surrounding the cooling sink 200 passing through the opening 612, and a reinforcing rib 611b is formed in part or all of the wall 611a. Can be.

A fastening boss 627 for fastening with the middle plate 550 may be formed on the second surface 610b of the installation plate 610. The fastening boss 627 may protrude in a direction away from the first surface 610a on the second surface 610b.

In addition, a plurality of

first fastening parts

621a and 621b may be formed on the second surface 610b of the mounting plate 610 for fastening with the cooling device 700. The plurality of

first fastening parts

621a and 621b may protrude in a direction away from the first surface 610a on the second surface 610b.

Although not limited, a plurality of

first fastening parts

621a and 621b may be disposed at both sides of the opening 612 to secure the fastening with the cooling device 700. For example, the plurality of

first fastening parts

621a and 621b may be spaced apart in the vertical direction on both sides of the opening 612.

The

first fastening protrusions

714 and 715 of the cooling device 700 to be described later are accommodated in a portion corresponding to the plurality of

first fastening parts

621a and 621b on the first surface 610a of the mounting plate 610. First protrusion

part receiving grooves

621 and 622 may be formed. When the

first fastening protrusions

714 and 715 are accommodated in the first

protrusion accommodating grooves

621 and 622, the

first fastening protrusions

714 and 715 are temporarily fixed, so that the

first fastening protrusions

714 and 715 are easily fixed. 714 and 715 and the

first fastening portions

621a and 621b.

A rib receiving groove 625 may be formed in the second surface 610b of the installation plate 610. The rib receiving groove 625 connects the space in the receiving portion 611 with the first

protrusion receiving grooves

621 and 622.

The installation plate 610 may further include a second fastening part 623 for fastening with the inner case 510. The second fastening portion 623 may be formed on both sides of the receiving portion 611, respectively.

The second fastening part 623 may protrude from the second surface 610b of the installation plate 610. In addition, the inner case 510 may be provided with a plate fastening boss 516 aligned with the second fastening part 623. The plate fastening boss 116 may protrude from the rear surface of the inner case 510.

In order to maximize the coupling force between the inner case 510 and the mounting plate 610, the second fastening part 623 is positioned at two points or two adjacent points of the mounting plate 610. Can be.

For example, the second fastening part 623 may be located in an area corresponding to an area between the plurality of

first fastening parts

621a and 621b.

In addition, the installation plate 610 may include a second protrusion accommodating groove 624 for accommodating the second fastening protrusion 718 of the cooling apparatus 700 to be described later. The second protrusion accommodating groove 624 may be aligned with the second fastening portion 623.

18 is a perspective view of a cooling apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is a plan view of the cooling apparatus of FIG. 18, and FIGS. 20 and 21 are exploded perspective views of the cooling apparatus of FIG. 18.

15 and 18 to 21, the cooling device 700 may include a thermoelectric module. The thermoelectric module may include a thermoelectric element 720, a cooling sink 200, a heat sink 750, and a module frame 710.

The thermoelectric module may maintain the temperature of the storage compartment 511 by utilizing a Peltier effect. Since the thermoelectric module itself is a well-known technology, details of driving principles will be omitted.

The cooling device 700 may pass through the middle plate 550 and may be disposed in front of the rear panel 560.

The thermoelectric element 720 may include a low temperature part and a high temperature part, and the low temperature part and the high temperature part may be determined according to a direction of a voltage applied to the thermoelectric element 720. The low temperature portion of the thermoelectric element 720 may be disposed closer to the inner case 510 than the high temperature portion.

The low temperature part may contact the cooling sink 200, and the high temperature part may contact the heat sink 750. The cooling sink 200 cools the storage compartment 511, and heat dissipation may occur in the heat sink 750.

When a fuse 725 is connected to the thermoelectric element 720 and an overvoltage is applied to the thermoelectric element 720, the fuse 725 may block a voltage applied to the thermoelectric element 720.

The cooling device 700 further includes a cooling fan for flowing air from the storage compartment 511 to the cooling sink 200 and a heat dissipation fan 790 for flowing external air to the heat sink 750. can do.

The cooling fan may be disposed in front of the cooling sink 730, and the heat radiating fan 790 may be disposed at the rear of the heat sink 750.

The cooling fan may be disposed to face the cooling sink 530, and the heat radiating fan 590 may be disposed to face the heat sink 550.

The cooling fan may be disposed inside the inner case 510. The cooling fan may be covered by a fan cover.

The cooling device 700 may further include a sensor module 300. The sensor module 300 may be disposed in the cooling sink 200. A structure for installing the sensor module 300 in the cooling sink 200 will be described later with reference to the drawings.

The cooling device 700 may further include a heat insulating member 770 surrounding the thermoelectric element 720. The thermoelectric element 720 may be located in the heat insulating member 770.

The heat insulating member 770 may be provided with an element mounting hole 771 opened in the front-rear direction. The thermoelectric element 720 may be located in the element mounting hole 771.

The thickness in the front-rear direction of the heat insulating member 770 may be thicker than the thickness of the thermoelectric element 771.

The heat insulating member 770 may prevent the heat of the thermoelectric element 720 from being conducted around the thermoelectric element 720, thereby increasing the cooling efficiency of the thermoelectric element 720. Since the circumference of the thermoelectric element 720 is covered by the heat insulating member 770, heat transmitted from the cooling sink 200 to the heat sink 750 may not be dissipated to the periphery.

The cooling sink 200 may be disposed to contact the thermoelectric element 720. The cooling sink 200 may be maintained at a low temperature in contact with the low temperature portion of the thermoelectric element 720.

The cooling sink 200 may include a base 210 and a cooling fin 220.

The base 210 may be disposed to contact the thermoelectric element 720. At least a portion of the base 210 may be inserted into an element mounting hole 771 formed in the heat insulating member 770 to be in contact with the thermoelectric element 720.

For example, the base 210 may include a protrusion 211a having a protruding shape to be inserted into the device mounting hole 771.

The base 210 may be in contact with the low temperature portion of the thermoelectric element 720 to conduct cold air to the cooling fin 220.

The cooling fin 220 may be disposed to contact the base 210. The base 210 may be located between the cooling fins 220 and the thermoelectric element 720, and the cooling fins 220 may be located in front of the base 210.

The cooling fin 220 may be positioned in the storage compartment 511 through the inner case 510.

The inner case 510 may include a flow path forming part 515 forming a cooling flow path. The cooling fin 220 may be positioned in the cooling flow path, and may cool the air by heat exchange with air in the cooling flow path. In order to increase the heat exchange area with air, the cooling fins 220 may include a plurality of fins, and the plurality of fins may contact the base 210. Each of the plurality of pins may extend in the vertical direction and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

The module frame 710 may include a box-shaped frame body 711.

A space 712 may be formed in the frame body 711 to accommodate the heat insulating member 770 or the thermoelectric element 720. Since the thermoelectric element 720 is accommodated in the heat insulating member 770, the thermoelectric element 720 may be located in the space 712.

The module frame 710 may be formed of a material capable of minimizing heat loss due to heat conduction. For example, the module frame 710 may have a non-metallic material such as plastic. The module frame 710 may prevent the heat of the heat sink 750 from being conducted to the cooling sink 200.

A gasket 719 may be coupled to the front surface of the frame body 711. The gasket 719 may have an elastic material such as rubber. For example, the gasket 719 may be formed in a rectangular ring shape, but is not limited thereto. The gasket 719 may be a sealing member. A gasket groove 711a may be formed on the front surface of the frame body 711 to accommodate the gasket 719.

The frame body 711 may be accommodated in the accommodation portion 611 of the installation plate 610. The frame body 711 may be in contact with the wall 611a forming the receiving portion 611. In addition, the gasket 719 coupled to the frame body 711 may be in contact with the bottom of the receiving portion 611.

Therefore, the heat dissipation passage 690 formed between the middle plate 550 and the rear panel 560 and the cooling passage may be prevented from communicating by the gasket 719.

The module frame 710 may further include a coupling plate 713 extending from the frame body 711. For example, the coupling plate 713 may extend from both sides of the frame body 711, for example. The coupling plate 713 is configured to be coupled to the mounting bracket 600.

For example, the coupling plate 713 may be provided with a plurality of

first fastening protrusions

714 and 715 for fastening with the plurality of

first fastening parts

621a and 621b. The plurality of

first fastening protrusions

714 and 715 may be spaced apart in the vertical direction.

In addition, the coupling plate 713 may further include a second fastening protrusion 718 for fastening with the second fastening portion 623.

In order to maximize the coupling force between the inner case 510 and the module frame 710 and the mounting bracket 600, the second fastening protrusion 718 has a point that divides the height of the module frame 710 into two or It may be located adjacent to the bisecting point.

The fastening member may fasten the plate fastening boss 516, the second fastening part 623, and the second fastening protrusion 718.

In the present embodiment, the coupling plate 713 is minimized so that the coupling plate 713 is deformed with respect to the frame body 711 while the coupling member is fastened to the plurality of

first coupling protrusions

714 and 715. A connecting rib 716 connecting the frame body 711 and the

first fastening protrusions

714 and 715 may protrude from the 713.

The fastening member fastened to the second fastening protrusion 718 allows the gasket 719 of the frame body 711 to be in contact with the bottom of the receiving portion 611.

The heat sink 750 may include a heat dissipation plate 753, a heat dissipation pipe 752, and a heat dissipation fin 751.

For example, the heat dissipation fins 751 may include a plurality of fins stacked in a state spaced apart in the vertical direction.

The heat dissipation plate 753 is formed in a thin plate shape and is coupled to contact the heat dissipation fin 751.

The heat sink 750 may further include an element contact plate 754 for contacting the thermoelectric element 720. An area of the device contact plate 754 may be smaller than that of the heat dissipation plate 753.

The device contact plate 754 may be formed to be substantially the same size as the thermoelectric device 720. The device contact plate 754 may be located in the device mounting hole 771 formed in the heat insulating member 770.

Since the thermal conductivity increases as the heat transfer area increases, the device contact plate 754 and the thermoelectric element 720 may be in surface contact with each other. In addition, a thermal grease or a thermal compound may be applied between the device contact plate 754 and the thermoelectric device 720 to increase a thermal conductivity by filling a minute gap.

The heat dissipation plate 753 may be in contact with a high temperature portion of the thermoelectric element 720 to conduct heat to the heat dissipation pipe 752 and the plurality of heat dissipation fins 751.

The heat dissipation fin 751 may be located behind the middle plate 550. The heat dissipation fin 751 may be positioned between the middle plate 550 and the rear panel 560, and may radiate heat by exchanging heat with external air sucked by the heat dissipation fan 790.

The heat dissipation fan 790 may be disposed to face the heat sink 750, and may blow external air to the heat sink 750.

The heat radiating fan 790 may include a fan 792 and a shroud 793 surrounding the outside of the fan 792. The fan 792 may be, for example, an axial fan.

The heat radiating fan 790 may be spaced apart from the heat sink 750. As a result, the flow resistance of the air blown by the heat radiating fan 790 may be minimized, and heat exchange efficiency of the heat sink 750 may be increased.

The heat radiating fan 790 may be fixed to the heat sink 750 by a fixing pin 780. For example, the fixing pin 780 may be coupled to the plurality of heat dissipation fins 751.

The fixing pin 780 may pass through the shroud 793. The shroud 793 may be spaced apart from the heat dissipation fin 751 while the shroud 793 is coupled to the fixing pin 780.

The fixing pin 780 may be formed of a material having low thermal conductivity such as rubber or silicon. Therefore, since the heat radiating fan 790 is coupled to the fixing fin 780, vibration generated in the rotation process of the fan 792 may be minimized to be transmitted to the heat sink 750.

FIG. 22 is a front view illustrating a sensor module installed in a cooling sink according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating a sensor module installed in a cooling sink according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

24 is a top view of a cooling sink according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a sensor module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 26 is a sensor holder according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of.

22 to 26, the sensor module 300 according to the present exemplary embodiment may include a defrost temperature sensor 350 and a sensor holder 301 to which the defrost temperature sensor 350 is mounted.

The sensor holder 301 may be mounted to the cooling sink 200.

As described above, the cooling sink 200 may include a base 210 and a cooling fin 220 extending from the base 210. The cooling fins 220 may include a plurality of

fins

221, 231, 232, and 234.

Although not limited, the plurality of

pins

221, 231, 232, and 234 may be arranged in parallel in a state spaced apart in the horizontal direction. When the plurality of

pins

221, 231, 232, and 234 are spaced apart in the horizontal direction as in the present embodiment, the plurality of

pins

221, 231, 232, and 234 may extend in the vertical direction.

According to the arrangement of the plurality of

fins

221, 231, 232, 234, not only can the air smoothly flow between the fins in the vertical direction, but also liquid such as defrost water can easily flow downward.

The sensor module 300 may be coupled to some of the

pins

221, 231, 232, and 234. When the sensor module 300 is coupled to some of the

pins

221, 231, 232, and 234, the defrost temperature sensor 350 adjusts the temperatures of the plurality of

pins

221, 231, 232, and 234. It has the advantage of being able to measure accurately.

The plurality of

pins

221, 231, 232, and 234 may include a plurality of first pins 221.

The upper and lower lengths of the plurality of first pins 221 are not limited, but may be the same as the upper and lower lengths of the base 210.

The plurality of

pins

221, 231, 232, and 234 may include a second pin 231 and a third pin 232 to which the sensor holder 301 is coupled.

The second pin 231 and the third pin 232 may be collectively referred to as a coupling pin. In this case, the second pin 231 may be referred to as a first coupling pin, and the third pin 232 may be referred to as a second coupling pin.

The second pin 231 and the third pin 232 may be spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

The protruding length of each of the second pin 231 and the third pin 232 from the base 210 is shorter than the protruding length of the first pin 221.

Protruding lengths of the second pin 231 and the third pin 232 from the base 210 may be the same.

The protruding length of each of the second fin 231 and the third fin 232 is shorter than the protruding length of the first fin 221 is because of the second fin 231 and the third fin 232. This is to minimize the length of the sensor holder 301 protrudes forward of the first pin 221 in the state in which the sensor holder 301 is coupled to the sensor holder 301.

The third pin 232 may be located at the outermost position among the plurality of

pins

221, 231, 232, and 234.

The highest point of the second pin 232 and the highest point of the third pin 233 may be located at the same height.

The sensor holder 301 is coupled to the second pin 232 and the third pin 233 at a position close to the highest point or the highest point of the second pin 232 and the third pin 233. Can be. The reason is to minimize the flow of liquid such as defrost water to the sensor module (300).

The vertical length of the third pin 232 may be shorter than the vertical length of the second pin 231. This is to secure a space in which a fastening member for fastening the base 210 to the heat insulating material 113 is positioned below the third pin 232.

However, a fifth fin 233 having the same shape as the third fin 232 may be provided below the third fin 232 so as to prevent the cooling performance from being lowered.

One or more fourth pins 234 may be provided between the second pin 231 and the third pin 232.

The fourth pin 234 serves to support the sensor module 300 coupled to the second pin 231 and the third pin 232. Therefore, the fourth pin 234 may be referred to as a support pin.

In order for the fourth pin 234 to support the sensor module 300, the protruding length of the fourth pin 234 from the base 210 may be the second pin 231 and the third pin ( It is formed shorter than the protruding length of 232).

In order to stably support the sensor module 300, a plurality of fourth pins 234 may be located between the second pin 231 and the third pin 232.

The sensor module 300 includes the second pin 231 and the third pin 232 in a direction closer to the base 210 in front of the second pin 231 and the third pin 232. Is coupled to.

The sensor module 300 may contact the fourth pin 234 while the sensor module 300 is coupled to the second pin 231 and the third pin 232. When the sensor module 300 is in contact with the fourth pin 234, the coupling of the sensor module 300 may be terminated.

As the sensor module 300 is in contact with the fourth pin 234, the second pin 231 or the third pin 232 may be disconnected due to excessive force. Deformation can be prevented.

The sensor holder 301 may include a holder frame 310 surrounding the defrost temperature sensor 350.

The holder frame 310 may include a sensor accommodating space 312 for accommodating the defrost temperature sensor 350.

The defrost temperature sensor 350 is not limited, but is formed in a shape that extends upward and downward, and the holder frame 310 is a rectangular parallelepiped having a longer length than the left and right widths to accommodate the defrost temperature sensor 350. It may be formed in the form.

At least a portion of the defrost temperature sensor 350 may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

The holder frame 310 may include an inlet opening 311 for accommodating the defrost temperature sensor 350 into the sensor accommodation space 312.

The inlet opening 311 of the holder frame 310 may be provided with a plurality of anti-separation protrusions 314 for preventing the defrost temperature sensor 350 introduced into the sensor accommodation space 312 from falling out. have.

For example, the plurality of anti-separation protrusions 314 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction as well as spaced apart from each other. That is, the plurality of anti-separation protrusions 314 may be arranged up and down on each of the left and right sides of the holder frame 310.

The holder frame 310 may be provided with a support 332 for elastically supporting the defrost temperature sensor 350 introduced into the sensor accommodating space 312. Although not limited, a pair of supports 332 arranged up and down may support the defrost temperature sensor 350.

The pair of support portions 332 may be arranged spaced apart in the vertical direction.

The support part 332 may be provided in a form deformable in the holder frame 310 so that the support part 332 elastically supports the defrost temperature sensor 350.

For example, as the slit 330 is formed in the holder frame 310, the support part 332 may be deformable with respect to the holder frame 310.

Although not limited, the slits 330 may be formed at both sides of the support part 332.

In addition, the support part 332 may include a convex part 334 to enable elastic support of the defrost temperature sensor 350 by the support part 332.

The convex portion 334 may be convex toward the inlet opening 311. The defrost temperature sensor 350 may contact the convex portion 334.

At this time, the defrosting temperature sensor 350 presses the convex portion 334 so that the plurality of anti-separation protrusions 314 may contact the defrosting temperature sensor 350 while the support portion 332 is elastically deformed. Can be. By this structure, the defrost temperature sensor 350 may be prevented from moving in the holder frame 310.

Stoppers

335 and 336 for limiting the movement of the defrost temperature sensor 350 may be provided in an area between the pair of support parts 332 of the holder frame 310. For example, the

stoppers

335 and 336 may protrude in directions close to each other on both inner side surfaces of the holder frame 310. For example, a pair of

stoppers

335 and 336 may be provided in the holder frame 310 in a state spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

At the bottom of the holder frame 310, a drawing opening 326 for drawing the wire 360 connected to the defrost temperature sensor 350 may be formed.

The sensor holder 301 may be coupled to the cooling fin 220 while the defrost temperature sensor 350 is standing.

Based on a state in which the sensor holder 301 is coupled to the cooling fin 220, the holder frame 310 may cover the top surface of the defrost temperature sensor 350. Therefore, the liquid such as the defrost water can be prevented from falling directly to the upper surface of the defrost temperature sensor 350.

The sensor holder 301 may further include a pin coupling part 341 to be coupled to the cooling fin 220. The pin coupling part 341 may be provided at both sides of the holder frame 310.

Accordingly, the pin coupling portion 341 of one side of the holder frame 310 may be coupled to the second pin 231, and the pin coupling portion 341 of the other side may be coupled to the third pin 232. .

The second pin 231 and the third pin 232 may be fitted to the pin coupling portion 341.

To this end, the pin coupling portion 341 includes a first extension portion 342 extending vertically from the holder frame 310 and a second extension portion extending vertically from an end of the first extension portion 342. 344 may be included.

The second extension part 344 is disposed to face each other in a state spaced apart from the side of the holder frame 310. That is, the first extension part 342 serves to allow the second extension part 344 to be spaced apart from the holder frame 310.

Therefore, the coupling pin may be inserted between the holder frame 310 and the second extension portion 344.

The side of the holder frame 310 and the second side to prevent the sensor holder 301 from falling downward in the state that the coupling pin is inserted into the holder frame 310 and the second extension portion 344 At least one of the extensions 344 may be formed with

anti-slip protrusions

328 and 345. Although not limited, the plurality of

anti-slip protrusions

328 and 345 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the vertical direction.

The user may fix the sensor holder 301 to the cooling fin 220 only by moving the sensor holder 301 toward the cooling fin 220.

For example, when the pin holder 341 is aligned with the coupling pin, the sensor holder 301 is moved toward the cooling fin 220, and the coupling pin is fitted to the pin coupling part 341. .

As described above, when the coupling pin is fitted to the pin coupling portion 341, the sensor holder 301 is prevented from sliding downward with respect to the coupling pin by the

anti-slip protrusions

328 and 345. Can be.

As shown in FIG. 23, the sensor holder 301 is coupled to an upper corner of the cooling fin 220, so that liquid such as the defrost water may fall to the sensor holder 310.

When the sensor holder 301 is coupled to the cooling fins, the defrost temperature sensor 350 is elastically supported by the support 334 so that the defrost temperature sensor 350 contacts the fourth fin 234. Can remain in one state.

For example, in a state where the defrost temperature sensor 350 is accommodated in the sensor accommodating space 312, a part of the defrost temperature sensor 350 protrudes out of the holder frame 310, and the defrost temperature sensor ( The protruding portion of 350 may contact the fourth pin 234.

Therefore, the defrost temperature sensor 350 can accurately measure the temperature of the cooling fin 220, and thus can accurately determine the defrost need time.

In addition, a drawing opening 326 for drawing out the wire 360 is formed below the holder frame 310, and the pin coupling part 341 is positioned at both sides of the holder frame 310, thereby providing the pins with the pins. The flow of the liquid falling along the coupling portion 341 to the wire 60 side can be minimized.

The refrigerator described above is not limited to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, but the embodiments may be configured by selectively combining all or some of the embodiments so that various modifications can be made.

Claims

A cabinet forming a storage compartment;

A door for opening and closing the storage compartment;

A thermoelectric module provided in the cabinet to cool the storage chamber, the thermoelectric element including a thermoelectric element, a cooling sink in contact with the thermoelectric element, and a heat sink in contact with the thermoelectric element; And

And a sensor module installed at the cooling sink, the sensor module including a defrost temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the cooling sink.
The method of claim 1,

The cooling sink includes a base and a cooling fin extending from the base and having a plurality of fins spaced apart from each other.

The sensor module includes a sensor holder for supporting the defrost temperature sensor and coupled to the cooling fins.
The method of claim 2,

The cooling fins include a plurality of fins extending in the vertical direction and spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

The refrigerator is coupled to the sensor holder to a portion of the pin is spaced apart from the plurality of pins.
The method of claim 3, wherein

The heat dissipation fins, the first fins protruding from the base,

A second pin and a third pin protruding from the base and shorter than the first pin,

The sensor holder is coupled to the second pin and the third pin.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The third fin is a refrigerator located at the outermost of the plurality of pins.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The sensor holder includes a holder frame for receiving the defrost temperature sensor and a plurality of pin coupling portions extending from the holder frame,

And a plurality of pin coupling parts coupled to the second pin and the third pin.
The method of claim 6,

Each of the pin coupling parts includes a first extension part extending vertically from the holder frame;

A second extension extending vertically from an end of the first extension and disposed to face a side of the holder frame;

And a second pin and a third pin respectively inserted between the side of the holder frame and the second extension part.
The method of claim 7, wherein

At least one of the holder frame and the second extension part is provided with a non-slip protrusion.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The holder frame may include a sensor accommodating space for accommodating the defrost temperature sensor,

An entrance opening for introducing the defrost temperature sensor into the sensor accommodation space;

A support part for elastically supporting the defrost temperature sensor drawn into the sensor accommodation space;

And a removal prevention protrusion for preventing removal of the defrost temperature sensor accommodated in the sensor accommodation space.
The method of claim 9,

A plurality of support parts are spaced apart from the holder frame,

And a stopper for limiting movement of the defrost temperature sensor in a region between the plurality of supports.
The method of claim 9,

The heat dissipation fin includes a fourth fin positioned between the second fin and the third fin, the protruding length from the base being shorter than the second fin and the third fin and in contact with the defrost temperature sensor. Refrigerator.
The method of claim 11,

A part of the defrost temperature sensor is protruded out of the holder frame in a state accommodated in the sensor receiving space,

The fourth pin is in contact with the protruding portion of the defrost temperature sensor.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The defrost temperature sensor is formed in a shape longer than the width,

The sensor holder is coupled to the heat dissipation fin with the defrost temperature sensor standing up in the sensor holder,

The upper surface of the holder frame covers the upper surface of the defrost temperature sensor,

And a drawing opening at a lower surface of the holder frame to draw out a wire connected to the defrost temperature sensor.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The sensor module is installed in the upper corner of the heat sink fin.