WO2025146935A1 - Refrigerator and method for controlling refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigerator according to the present disclosure comprises: a first storage chamber; a first cooling device which supplies cold air to the first storage chamber and comprises a thermoelectric element; a second storage chamber; a second cooling device which supplies cold air to the second storage chamber and comprises an evaporator and a compressor; a defrost heater which defrosts the evaporator; a flow path guiding the cold air generated by the second cooling device to the first storage chamber; a damper which opens or closes the flow path; and a controller which controls the damper so as to close the flow path, drives the thermoelectric element, and drives the defrost heater, in a defrost mode of the evaporator.

Description

Refrigerator and refrigerator control method

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator having a thermoelectric element and an evaporator for cooling a storage room and a method for controlling the refrigerator.

A refrigerator is a home appliance that has a main body with a storage compartment and a cold air supply device that supplies cold air to the storage compartment to keep things fresh.

A thermoelectric cooling device that generates heat and cooling through the Peltier effect can be used as a cold air supply device of a refrigerator. The thermoelectric cooling device can include a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element has a heating part formed on one side and a cooling part formed on the opposite side, and when current is applied to the thermoelectric element, a heating action can occur in the heating part and a heat absorption action can occur in the cooling part.

The thermoelectric cooling device may be equipped with a heat sink, a cooling sink, a heat sink fan, a cooling fan, a heat duct, and a cooling duct to increase the efficiency of cooling the storage room through the thermoelectric cooling device.

The present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator that minimizes temperature changes in a refrigerator compartment.

The present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a method of controlling the refrigerator that minimizes temperature changes in a freezer.

The present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a method of controlling the refrigerator for defrosting an evaporator without impairing the cooling performance of the refrigerator.

The present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a control method of the refrigerator that defrosts a thermoelectric element without impairing the cooling performance of the refrigerator.

The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator comprises: a first storage compartment; a first cooling device configured to supply cold air to the first storage compartment and including a thermoelectric element; a second storage compartment; a second cooling device configured to supply cold air to the second storage compartment and including an evaporator and a compressor; a defrost heater configured to defrost the evaporator; a path for guiding cold air generated by the second cooling device to the first storage compartment; a damper for opening or closing the path; and a control unit for controlling the damper to close the path, driving the thermoelectric element, and driving the defrost heater in a defrost mode of the evaporator.

A method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: closing the path, driving the thermoelectric element, and driving the defrost heater in the defrost mode of the evaporator.

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

FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a state in which the doors of a refrigerator are opened according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a thermoelectric cooling device according to one embodiment.

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

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an operation sequence diagram in the defrosting mode of an evaporator in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a flow chart of an operation for terminating the defrosting mode of an evaporator in a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a flow chart of an operation for starting a defrosting mode of a thermoelectric element in a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a flow chart of operations for maintaining the temperature of a first storage compartment when performing a cooling mode in a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a flow chart of operations for maintaining the temperature of a second storage chamber when performing a cooling mode in a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification at the time of filing of the present application.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit and/or restrict the disclosed invention.

For example, in this specification, a singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Additionally, terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude the possibility of the additional presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “contacted” with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

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

Additionally, terms that include ordinal numbers, such as “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit one component.

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

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosed invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers or symbols presented in the accompanying drawings may represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

The body may include an insulating material. The insulating material may insulate the inside of the storage compartment and the outside of the storage compartment so that the temperature inside the storage compartment can be maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the environment outside the storage compartment. In one embodiment, the insulating material may include a foam insulating material such as polyurethane foam. In one embodiment, the insulating material may additionally include a vacuum insulating material in addition to the foam insulating material, or the insulating material may be composed only of the vacuum insulating material instead of the foam insulating material.

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

The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different purpose and may be maintained at a different temperature. For this purpose, each storage compartment may be separated from each other by a partition containing insulation.

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

In addition to being called by names such as "refrigerator", "freezer", and "variable temperature room", a storage room may also be called by various names such as "vegetable room", "freshness room", "cooling room", and "ice room". The terms "refrigerator", "freezer", and "variable temperature room" used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or one door may be configured to open and close a plurality of storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the main body in a manner that it can rotate or slide.

The door may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, like the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming a front side of the door, a door inner panel forming a rear side of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by being pressed against the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that projects rearwardly to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

According to one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to a front side of the door body and forming a front surface of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming a front surface of the door body, a door inner panel forming a rear surface of the door body and facing a storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

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

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

A cold air supply device may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and/or combinations thereof capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool a storage compartment.

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

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

The machine room may be provided with a partition and insulation from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components placed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be in communication with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed inside the machine room.

In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided in the door to provide water and/or ice. The dispenser may be provided in the door so as to be accessible to a user without opening the door.

According to one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice making device configured to produce ice. The ice making device may include an ice making tray that stores water, an ice separating device that separates ice from the ice making tray, and an ice bucket that stores ice produced in the ice making tray.

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

The control unit may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and/or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and/or data stored in the memory.

The memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. required for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated during the process of generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory can include at least one of volatile memory and nonvolatile memory, or a combination of both.

The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control components of the refrigerator by executing a program stored in the memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of the artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit, a graphics processor (GPU), etc. The processor may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply unit. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply unit based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

In addition, the processor can process user input of the user interface and control operation of the user interface according to the program and/or data stored/stored in the memory. The user interface can be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. In addition, the processor can transmit a display control signal and image data to the user interface for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

The processor and memory may be provided integrally or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

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

The communication module can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a surrounding access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which a refrigerator or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

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

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

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

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

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

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (100), storage chambers (11, 12, 13) formed inside the main body (100), and doors (21, 22, 23, 24) provided to open and close the storage chambers (11, 12, 13).

The main body (100) may include an inner case (170), an outer case (180) coupled to the outside of the inner case (170), and an insulating material (190) provided between the inner case (170) and the outer case (180) (see FIG. 6). The inner case (170) may form a storage chamber (11, 12, 13), and the outer case (180) may form the outer appearance of the main body (100).

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

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

The storage rooms (11, 12, 13) can accommodate items. The storage rooms (11, 12, 13) can be formed so that the front side is open so that items can be put in or taken out. The main body (100) can include a horizontal partition (160) that divides the first storage room (11) from the second storage room (12) and the third storage room (13), and a vertical partition (161) that divides the second storage room (12) from the third storage room (13). The first storage room (11) can be provided at the upper part of the main body (100), and the second storage room (12) and the third storage room (13) can be provided at the lower part of the main body (100). The first storage room (11) can be a refrigerator, the second storage room (12) can be a freezer, and the third storage room (13) can be a variable temperature room.

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

The second set temperature can be set lower than the first set temperature and the third set temperature. The second set temperature, the first set temperature and the third set temperature can be set by the user.

The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can open and close the storage rooms (11, 12, 13). The first door (21) and the second door (22) can open and close the first storage room (11), the third door (23) can open and close the second storage room (12), and the fourth door (24) can open and close the third storage room (13). The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (100).

The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) by hinges. For example, the first door (21) and the second door (22) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) by a hinge (31) provided on the upper portion of the main body (100) and a hinge provided in the middle of the main body (100), respectively. The hinge (31) may include a hinge pin that protrudes vertically to form a rotational axis of the door. The hinge (31) may be covered by a top cover (300) provided to cover the upper front portion of the main body (100).

A rotating bar (40) may be provided on one of the first door (21) and the second door (22) to cover a gap formed between the first door (21) and the second door (22) when the first door (21) and the second door (22) are closed. The rotating bar (40) may be provided rotatably on one of the first door (21) and the second door (22). The rotating bar (40) may have a bar shape that is formed long in a vertical direction. The rotating bar (40) may also be referred to as a pillar, a mullion, etc.

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

The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a gasket (51). The gasket (51) may be pressed against the front surface of the body (100) when the doors (21, 22, 23, 24) are closed. The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a dyke (52) that protrudes rearward. A door shelf (53) capable of storing items may be mounted on the dyke (52). A rotating bar (40) may be rotatably installed on the dyke (52).

Although the number and arrangement of storage compartments and the number and arrangement of doors have been described above, there are no limitations on the number and arrangement of storage compartments and the number and arrangement of doors of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) configured to cool the storage compartment (11).

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

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

The thermoelectric element (530) includes a heating part (531) and a cooling part (532). When current is applied to the thermoelectric element (530), a heating action may occur in the heating part (531) and a heat absorption action may occur in the cooling part (532). The thermoelectric element (530) may have a thin hexahedral shape. A heating part (531) may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric element (530) and a cooling part (532) may be provided on the opposite surface.

The thermoelectric element (530) may be provided on the upper wall (110) such that the heating portion (531) faces above the thermoelectric element (530) and the cooling portion (532) faces below the thermoelectric element (530). That is, the heating portion (531) may face the outside of the main body (100) and the cooling portion (532) may face the inside of the storage chamber (11). Accordingly, air that has been warmed by heat exchange with the heating portion (531) may be discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and air that has been cooled by heat exchange with the cooling portion (532) may be supplied to the storage chamber (11).

The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat sink (520) that contacts the heat generating unit (531) so that heat exchange between the heat generating unit (531) and the air outside the main body (100) is efficiently performed.

The heat sink (520) may be located outside the main body (100). The heat sink (520) may contact the heat generating part (531) to absorb heat from the heat generating part (531) and release heat to the outside of the main body (100). The heat sink (520) may also be referred to as a hot sink, a heat dissipation heat sink, a hot heat sink, etc.

The heat sink (520) may be formed of a metal material having good thermal conductivity. For example, the heat sink (520) may be formed of aluminum or copper.

The heat sink (520) may include a heat sink base (521) that contacts the heat generating portion (531) and a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) that protrude from the heat sink base (521) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude upward from the heat sink base (521).

The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling sink (570) in contact with the cooling unit (532) to efficiently exchange heat between the cooling unit (532) and the air inside the storage chamber (11).

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

The cooling sink (570) may be formed of a metal material having good thermal conductivity. For example, the cooling sink (570) may be formed of aluminum or copper.

The cooling sink (570) may include a cooling sink base (571) that contacts the cooling unit (532) and a plurality of cooling fins (575) that protrude from the cooling sink base (571) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of cooling fins (525) may protrude downward from the cooling sink base (571). The cooling sink base (571) and the plurality of cooling fins (575) may be formed integrally.

The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat dissipation fan (600) that flows air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the air outside the main body (100).

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

The heat dissipation fan (600) may be a centrifugal fan that sucks in air in an axial direction and discharges it in radial directions. The centrifugal fan may include a blower fan. The rotation axis (610) of the heat dissipation fan (600) may be arranged vertically on the upper surface of the upper wall (110).

The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat dissipation duct (700) provided to guide air flowing by a heat dissipation fan (600). The heat dissipation duct (700) may guide air from outside the main body (100) to be sucked in and heat-exchanged with a heat dissipation sink (520), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) back to the outside of the main body (100).

The heat dissipation duct (700) can draw air from the external space on the upper side of the main body (100). The heat dissipation duct (700) can discharge air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the external space on the upper side of the main body (100). The heat dissipation fan (600) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct (700). The heat dissipation sink (520) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct (700). The heat dissipation duct (700) can be provided on the upper surface of the upper wall (110).

The heat dissipation duct (700) may include an outside air intake port (751) that draws air from outside the main body (100) into the inside of the heat dissipation duct (700), and an outside air discharge port (782) that discharges air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the outside of the main body (100).

The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling fan (800) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the cooling sink (570) and the air inside the storage chamber (11).

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

The cooling fan (800) may be a centrifugal fan that sucks in air in an axial direction and discharges it in radial directions. The rotation axis (810) of the cooling fan (800) may be arranged vertically on the bottom surface of the upper wall (110).

The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a temperature sensor (112) (hereinafter referred to as “second temperature sensor”) for measuring the temperature of air cooled by the cooling fan (800).

The second temperature sensor (112) can measure the temperature of the cooling sink (570). Measuring the temperature of the cooling sink (570) can include measuring the temperature of the air surrounding the cooling sink (570) and measuring the temperature of the cooling sink (570) itself.

The second temperature sensor (112) may be provided in the cooling sink (570) or in the cooling duct (900).

The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling duct (900) provided to guide air flowing by a cooling fan (800). The cooling duct (700) may guide air inside the storage room (11) to be sucked in and heat-exchanged with the cooling sink (570), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) back into the storage room (11).

The cooling fan (800) may be located inside the cooling duct (900). The cooling sink (570) may be located inside the cooling duct (900). The cooling duct (900) may be provided on the lower surface of the upper wall (110).

The cooling duct (900) may include an intake port (991) for drawing air inside the storage room (11) into the interior of the cooling duct (900), and an exhaust port (992) for discharging air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) into the interior of the storage room (11).

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

According to various embodiments, the evaporator may not be provided at the rear side of the first storage compartment (11). That is, the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include only one evaporator (3), and the evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear side of the second storage compartment (12). In addition, the evaporator (3) may be provided at the lower side based on the horizontal bulkhead (160).

The refrigerator (1) may include a temperature sensor (111) (hereinafter referred to as “first temperature sensor”) for measuring the temperature of the evaporator (3).

The first temperature sensor (111) can measure the temperature of the evaporator (3). Measuring the temperature of the evaporator (3) may include measuring the temperature of the air surrounding the evaporator (3) and measuring the temperature of the evaporator (3) itself.

The first temperature sensor (111) may be provided in the evaporator (3) or in the evaporator ducts (60, 70).

The refrigerator (1) may include evaporator ducts (60, 70) that guide cold air generated in the evaporator (3). The first evaporator duct (60) may be provided at the rear side of the second storage room (12) and the third storage room (13). The second evaporator duct (70) may be provided at the rear side of the first storage room (11).

The cold air generated in the evaporator (3) can be sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) by the evaporator fan (80). The cold air sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) can be discharged to the second storage room (12) or the third storage room (13) through a cold air discharge port (not shown) formed at the front. In addition, the cold air sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) can be guided to the internal passage (78) of the second evaporator duct (70). The first evaporator duct (60) can be provided with a damper (61) that controls the supply of the cold air inside the first evaporator duct (60) to the second evaporator duct (70). A connecting duct (90) may be provided between the first evaporator duct (60) and the second evaporator duct (70) to connect the first evaporator duct (60) and the second evaporator duct (70).

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

The damper (61) can open or close the internal path (78).

When the internal passage (78) is opened by the damper (61), the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) can be guided to the first storage chamber (11).

If the internal passage (78) is closed by the damper (61), the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) may be blocked by the damper (61) and may not be guided to the first storage chamber (11).

Cold air introduced into the internal path (78) of the second evaporator duct (70) can be supplied to the first storage room (11) through the cold air discharge port (72) formed at the front of the second evaporator duct (70).

However, unlike the above embodiment, the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) may be supplied directly to the second evaporator duct (70) without passing through the first evaporator duct (60). In addition, a separate evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear side of the first storage chamber (11) and configured to supply the cold air to the second evaporator duct (70).

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

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

As such, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) and a refrigeration cycle device, but is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator may include only a thermoelectric cooling device (400).

Meanwhile, although the thermoelectric cooling device (400) is described as being provided on the upper wall (110) of the main body (100), the location of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) is not limited thereto.

According to various embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may be provided on at least one of the upper wall (110), the lower wall (120), the left wall (130), the right wall (140), and the rear wall (150).

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a thermoelectric cooling device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric module (500).

The thermoelectric element (530), the heat sink (520), and the cooling sink (570) described above can be assembled integrally to form a thermoelectric module (500). That is, the thermoelectric module (500) can include a thermoelectric element (530), a heat sink (520), a cooling sink (570), and a module plate (550).

The module plate (550) can serve as a skeleton of the thermoelectric module (500). The module plate (550) can be formed of a resin material having low thermal conductivity. The module plate (550) can maintain a gap between the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) and support the heat sink (520) and the cooling sink (570). The module plate (550) can be formed integrally with a fan case (650) to be described later. However, the module plate (550) can also be provided separately from the fan case (650).

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

The module plate (550) may include a module plate opening (551). The thermoelectric element (530) may be arranged inside the module plate opening (551). The vertical length of the module plate opening (551) may be greater than the vertical length of the thermoelectric element (530), and the thermoelectric element (530) may be arranged at the upper end of the module plate opening (551). The reason why the thermoelectric element (530) is arranged at the upper end inside the module plate opening (551) is that the heat generation amount of the thermoelectric element (530) is typically higher than the heat absorption amount, and the positioning of the thermoelectric element (530) at the upper end of the module plate opening (551) is advantageous for heat dissipation of the heat generating part (531).

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

The thermoelectric module (500) may include a module plate (550) and an element insulation material (540) that insulates the thermoelectric element (530). The element insulation material (540) may be placed in the module plate opening (551) so that a side of the thermoelectric element (530) does not contact the module plate (550). The element insulation material (540) includes an element insulation opening (541), and the thermoelectric element (530) may be accommodated in the element insulation opening (541).

The thermoelectric module (500) may include a sink insulation (580) provided between the module plate (550) and the cooling sink (570). The sink insulation (580) may prevent heat from being transferred between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) through the module plate (550). The sink insulation (580) may include a sink insulation opening (581). However, the sink insulation (580) may be omitted, in which case the heat dissipation sink (520) may be supported on the upper surface of the module plate (550) and the cooling sink (570) may be supported on the lower surface of the module plate (550).

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

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

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

The case scroll member (670) may be formed to surround the heat dissipation fan (600). The case scroll member (670) may have a scroll member opening (673) open toward the heat dissipation sink (520). The case scroll member (670) may include a downstream end (671) along the rotational direction (R) of the heat dissipation fan (600) and an upstream end (672) along the rotational direction (R).

The fan case (650) may include a case guide (680) provided to guide air flowing from the heat dissipation fan (600) to the area around the downstream end (671) of the case scroll section (670).

The heat sink (520) may include a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525). The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude from an upper surface (522) of the heat dissipation sink base (521). The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface (522) of the heat dissipation sink base (521).

Heat dissipation channels may be formed between the plurality of heat dissipation fins (525).

The heat dissipation fan (600) can blow air toward the heat dissipation sink (520), and the air flowing by the heat dissipation fan (600) can pass through the heat dissipation channels and exchange heat with a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525).

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

Cooling channels may be formed between the plurality of cooling fins (575).

Air flowing through the cooling fan (800) can pass through the cooling channels and exchange heat with a plurality of cooling fins (575).

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

Referring to FIG. 7, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include a first temperature sensor (111), a second temperature sensor (112), an internal sensor (113), an external sensor (114), a communication interface (250), a first cooling device (400), a second cooling device (450), and a control unit (350).

The first temperature sensor (111) can measure the temperature of the evaporator (3). The first temperature sensor (111) can transmit information about the temperature of the evaporator (3) to the control unit (350).

The second temperature sensor (112) can measure the temperature of the cooling sink (570). The first temperature sensor (111) can transmit information about the temperature of the cooling sink (570) to the control unit (350).

The refrigerator (1) may include an internal sensor (113) for measuring the temperature and/or humidity of the storage compartment (11), and an external sensor (114) for measuring the temperature and/or humidity outside the main body (100).

The internal sensor (113) may include a first internal temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the first storage room (11), a first internal humidity sensor for measuring the humidity of the first storage room (11), a second internal temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the second storage room (12), and/or a second internal humidity sensor for measuring the humidity of the second storage room (12). According to various embodiments, the internal sensor (113) may further include a third internal temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the third storage room (13), and a third internal humidity sensor for measuring the humidity of the third storage room (13).

Information acquired from the internal sensor (113) can be transmitted to the control unit (350).

The external sensor (114) may include an external temperature sensor for measuring the temperature outside the main body (100) and/or an external humidity sensor for measuring the humidity outside the main body (100).

Information acquired from the external sensor (114) can be transmitted to the control unit (350).

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

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

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

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

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

In one embodiment, the communication interface (250) can communicate with an external device through a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator (1) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator (1) can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

The refrigerator (1) can receive various signals (e.g., weather information, remote instructions) from an external device (e.g., server, user device) through a communication interface (250).

The refrigerator (1) can transmit various signals to an external device through a communication interface (250).

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

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

When power is supplied to the thermoelectric element (530), heat exchange can occur between the cooling sink (570) and the heat sink (520). For example, the thermoelectric element (530) can convert electrical energy into heat energy, thereby causing a heat generation operation in the heating unit (531) and a heat absorption operation in the cooling unit (532).

When heat generation occurs in the heating unit (531), air warmed by the heat sink (520) in contact with the heating unit (531) is discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and air cooled by the cooling sink (570) in contact with the cooling unit (532) can be supplied to the first storage room (11).

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

Driving the thermoelectric element (530) may include supplying electrical energy to the thermoelectric element (530), i.e., supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530). Supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) may include applying voltage and/or current to the thermoelectric element (530).

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

Turning the thermoelectric element (530) OFF may include not supplying electrical energy to the thermoelectric element (530), i.e., not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530). Not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) may include not applying voltage and/or current to the thermoelectric element (530). Not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) may include not PWM controlling the thermoelectric element (530).

In the present disclosure, turning off the thermoelectric element (530) may not include intermittently not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) according to the on/off duty ratio while PWM controlling the thermoelectric element (530). That is, even if power is not intermittently supplied to the thermoelectric element (530) according to the on/off duty ratio while PWM controlling the thermoelectric element (530), there is no change in the fact that the thermoelectric element (530) is being driven.

When the thermoelectric element (530) is driven, the heat sink (520) can contact the heating element (531) to absorb heat from the heating element (531) and release heat to the outside of the main body (100).

When the thermoelectric generator (530) is driven, the cooling sink (570) can cool the first storage room (11) by taking away the heat from the storage room (11) and transferring it to the cooling unit (532).

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may control the thermoelectric element (530) in the cooling mode to maintain the temperature of the first storage compartment (11) at the set temperature of the first storage compartment (11) (hereinafter, “the first set temperature”). The set temperature of the first storage compartment (11) may be set through the user interface of the refrigerator (1) or may be set remotely from an external device through the communication interface (250).

The heat dissipation fan (600) can guide air from outside the main body (100) to be sucked in and exchanged with the heat dissipation sink (520), and can discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) back to the outside of the main body (100).

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

The fan motor of the heat dissipation fan (600) may include a BLDC motor whose speed can be controlled.

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

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

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

The fan motor of the cooling fan (800) may include a BLDC motor with controllable speed.

As the cooling fan (800) operates, the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) flows, thereby rapidly cooling the inside of the storage room (11). As the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) flows, the heat generation action in the heating unit (531) and the heat absorption action in the cooling unit (532) can occur smoothly.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can operate the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric device (530) being turned on. Operating the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric device (530) being turned on can include operating the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) after a predetermined time has elapsed after the thermoelectric device (530) is turned on and/or operating the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) before a predetermined time before the thermoelectric device (530) is turned on and/or operating the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) when the thermoelectric device (530) is turned on.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can turn off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric device (530) being turned off. Turning off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric device (530) being turned off can include turning off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) after a predetermined time has elapsed after the thermoelectric device (530) is turned off and/or turning off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) before a predetermined time before the thermoelectric device (530) is turned off and/or turning off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) when the thermoelectric device (530) is turned off.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may drive the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric device (530) being turned off in the defrosting mode of the thermoelectric device (530). That is, the control unit (350) may turn off the thermoelectric device (530) to defrost the thermoelectric device (530) and drive the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600).

Defrosting the thermoelectric element (530) may include defrosting the cooling sink (570). Defrosting the cooling sink (570) may include removing frost formed on the cooling sink (570).

Driving the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric device (530) being turned off may include driving the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) after a predetermined time has elapsed after the thermoelectric device (530) is turned off and/or driving the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) before a predetermined time before the thermoelectric device (530) is turned off and/or driving the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) when the thermoelectric device (530) is turned off.

The refrigerator (1) may include a second cooling device (450) configured to supply cold air to the second storage compartment (12).

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

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

The control unit (350) can control the temperature of the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) by controlling the compressor (2). For example, the control unit (350) can control the compressor (2) so that the temperature measured by the internal temperature sensor is maintained at a predetermined target temperature.

Controlling the compressor (2) may include controlling the on/off of the compressor (2) or controlling the operating frequency of the compressor (2).

The control unit (350) can blow the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) to the second storage room (12) by controlling the evaporator fan (80).

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

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may control the compressor (2) in cooling mode to maintain the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) at a first set temperature.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may drive the evaporator fan (80) or may not drive it when driving the compressor (2) to maintain the temperature of the first storage room (11) at the first set temperature. For example, the control unit (350) may not drive the evaporator fan (80) when driving the compressor (2) to maintain the temperature of the first storage room (11) at the first set temperature when the temperature of the second storage room (12) is lower than or equal to the second set temperature.

As another example, the control unit (350) may drive the evaporator fan (80) when driving the compressor (2) to maintain the temperature of the first storage room (11) at the first set temperature while the temperature of the second storage room (12) is higher than the second set temperature.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may control the compressor (2) in the cooling mode to maintain the temperature of the second storage room (12) at the set temperature of the second storage room (12) (hereinafter, “second set temperature”).

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may drive the evaporator fan (80) when driving the compressor (2) to maintain the temperature of the second storage chamber (12) at the second set temperature.

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

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

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

When the evaporator (3) is implanted with a temperature sensor, the temperature of the evaporator (3) measured by the first temperature sensor (111) drops below a predetermined temperature.

When the heater (3h) is operated, the frost formed on the evaporator (3) melts, and accordingly, the temperature of the evaporator (3) measured by the first temperature sensor (111) increases.

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

The refrigerator (1) may include a damper (61) that opens or closes a passage (78) to guide cold air generated by the second cooling device (450) to the first storage room (11).

The cold air generated by the second cooling device (450) may be the cold air generated by the evaporator (3).

The damper (61) may be replaced with various configurations that can open or close the urea (78). In one embodiment, the damper (61) may be an electronically controlled damper and/or a mechanically controlled damper. The damper (61) may be implemented in various forms, such as a rotary damper, a valve-type damper, a sliding damper, etc.

The control unit (350) can drive the second cooling device (450) to lower the temperature of the first storage room (11) and control the damper (61) to open the duct (78). Driving the second cooling device (450) can include driving the compressor (2).

The control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to close the path (78) in the defrost mode of the evaporator (3). For example, the control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to close the path (78) before driving the defrost heater (3h).

According to the present disclosure, when the defrost heater (3h) is driven, the temperature of the first storage room (11) can be prevented from rising due to the driving of the defrost heater (3h) by closing the passage (78) connecting the space heated by the defrost heater (3h) and the first storage room (11).

The control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to open the passage (78) to cool the first storage chamber (11) in the cooling mode. For example, the control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to open the passage (78) after driving the compressor (2) or before driving the compressor (2).

The control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to close the passage (78) to maintain the temperature of the first storage room (11) in the cooling mode. For example, when the temperature of the first storage room (11) is maintained at the first set temperature and the second storage room (12) needs to be cooled, the control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to close the passage (78) to prevent the temperature of the first storage room (11) from becoming lower than the first set temperature.

The control unit (350) may include at least one processor (351) that controls the operation of the refrigerator (1) and at least one memory (352) that stores a program and data for controlling the operation of the refrigerator (1).

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

At least one processor (351) controls the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). Specifically, at least one processor (351) may be connected to each component of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., the first temperature sensor (111), the second temperature sensor (112), the internal sensor (113), the external sensor (114), the communication interface (250), the first cooling device (400), the second cooling device (450), the defrost heater (3h), and/or the damper (61)) to control the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). For example, at least one processor (351) may be electrically connected to the memory (352) to control the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). The processor (351) may be composed of one or more processors.

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

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

In one embodiment, when the control unit (350) is performing the cooling mode, if the defrosting condition of the evaporator (3) is satisfied, the control unit (350) can start the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3).

In the present disclosure, the cooling mode may be a mode for maintaining the temperature of the first storage room (11) at the first set temperature and maintaining the temperature of the second storage room (12) at the second set temperature.

The refrigerator (1) can independently perform an operation to maintain the temperature of the first storage compartment (11) at a first set temperature and an operation to maintain the temperature of the second storage compartment (12) at a second set temperature in cooling mode.

The refrigerator (1) can keep the defrost heater (3h) off in cooling mode.

In the present disclosure, the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) is a mode for removing frost formed on the evaporator (3), and may be a mode in which the defrost heater (3h) is driven.

The refrigerator (1) can operate the defrost heater (3h) in the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) and may not operate the compressor (2) even if the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) and/or the second storage chamber (12) rises.

That is, the refrigerator (1) can keep the compressor (2) in the off state regardless of the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) and/or the second storage chamber (12) in the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3).

In the present disclosure, the defrosting mode of the thermoelectric element (530) is a mode for removing frost formed on the cooling sink (570), and may be a mode in which the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are driven while the thermoelectric element (530) is not driven.

That is, the refrigerator (1) can keep the thermoelectric element (530) in the off state regardless of the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) in the defrosting mode of the thermoelectric element (530).

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, a control method of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include an operation (1000) of determining whether a defrosting condition of an evaporator (3) is satisfied.

The defrosting conditions of the evaporator (3) may include various conditions, such as the temperature of the evaporator (3) measured by the first temperature sensor (111) dropping to a predetermined temperature and/or the cumulative number of operations of the compressor (2) reaching a predetermined number.

A method for controlling a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include an operation (1100) of starting a defrosting mode of an evaporator (3) in response to a defrosting condition of the evaporator (3) being satisfied (example of 1000).

The control unit (350) can start the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) in response to the defrosting condition of the evaporator (3) being satisfied.

For example, the control unit (350) can start the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) in response to the temperature of the evaporator (3) measured by the first temperature sensor (111) dropping to a predetermined temperature.

As another example, the control unit (350) may initiate the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) in response to the cumulative number of operations of the compressor (2) reaching a predetermined number.

A method for controlling a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include an operation (S1) of performing a defrosting mode of an evaporator (3) based on the start of the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3).

The operation (S1) for performing the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) may include an operation (1150) of closing the flow path (78), an operation (1200) of driving a thermoelectric element (530), and an operation (1250) of driving a defrost heater (3h).

Although not shown in the drawing, the operation (S1) of performing the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) may include an operation of turning off the compressor (2).

The operation (1150) of closing the euro (78), the operation (1200) of driving the thermoelectric element (530), and the operation (1250) of driving the defrost heater (3h) may be performed sequentially, or the order may be changed and performed.

In the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3), the control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to close the path (78).

If the damper (61) has already closed the passage (78) before the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) starts, controlling the damper (61) to close the passage (78) may include controlling the damper (61) to maintain the passage (78) in a closed state.

In the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3), the control unit (350) can drive the thermoelectric element (530).

In the defrost mode of the evaporator (3), the control unit (350) can drive the defrost heater (3h).

In the defrost mode of the evaporator (3), the control unit (350) can turn off the compressor (2).

If the compressor (2) is already turned off before the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) starts, turning off the compressor (2) may include not driving the compressor (2).

That is, the control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to keep the duct (78) closed in the defrost mode of the evaporator (3), drive the thermoelectric element (530) without driving the compressor (2), and drive the defrost heater (3h).

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an operation sequence diagram in the defrosting mode of an evaporator in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to close the path (78) in response to the start of the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) (1150).

For example, the control unit (350) may control the damper (61) to close the path (78) in response to the evaporator (3) having a defrost condition satisfied.

The control unit (350) can drive the thermoelectric element (530) in response to the start of the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) (1200).

For example, the control unit (350) can drive the thermoelectric element (530) in response to the evaporator (3)'s defrosting condition being satisfied.

The operation of controlling the damper (61) to close the euro (78) and the operation of driving the thermoelectric element (530) may be performed simultaneously, or one operation may be performed faster.

Although not shown in the drawing, the control unit (350) can turn off the compressor (2) in response to the start of the defrost mode of the evaporator (3).

The control unit (350) controls the damper (61) to close the filament (78), and after driving the thermoelectric element (530), it can determine whether the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) is below a predetermined temperature (1220).

The control unit (350) controls the damper (61) to close the filament (78), and after driving the thermoelectric element (530), the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) can be driven to drive the defrost heater (3h) in response to the temperature falling below a predetermined temperature (example of 1220) (1250).

That is, even if the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) starts, the control unit (350) may not operate the defrost heater (3h) until the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) drops below a predetermined temperature.

Here, the predetermined temperature may be preset regardless of the first set temperature, but preferably, it may be preset to a temperature lower than the first set temperature.

According to the present disclosure, even if the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) starts, if the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) has not sufficiently dropped, the defrost heater (3h) is not driven, thereby preventing the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) from rising when the defrost heater (3h) is driven.

According to the present disclosure, when the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) starts, the passage (78) is closed so that the heat generated from the defrost heater (3h) is not supplied to the first storage chamber (11), thereby preventing the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) from rising when the defrost heater (3h) is driven.

According to the present disclosure, the temperature change in the first storage chamber (11) can be minimized in the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3).

According to various embodiments, in response to the start of the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) as described above, the refrigerator (1) may perform operations 1150, 1200 and 1250 without limitation in that order.

According to various embodiments, operation 1220 may or may not be performed according to a user's settings via a user interface provided in the refrigerator (1) and/or a user's settings corresponding to remote instructions received from an external device via a communication interface (250).

Referring again to FIG. 8, the control method of the refrigerator (1) may include an operation (1300) of determining whether the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) has ended.

The control method of the refrigerator (1) may include an operation (1350) of turning off the defrosting heater (3h) when the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) is terminated.

The control unit (350) can turn off the defrost heater (3h) in response to the termination of the defrost mode of the evaporator (3).

The refrigerator (1) can terminate the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) based on the detection of a defrosting termination condition of the evaporator (3).

The conditions for terminating the defrost of the evaporator (3) may include various conditions, such as the temperature of the evaporator (3) measured by the first temperature sensor (111) rising to the target temperature and/or the operation time of the defrost heater (3h) reaching the operation target time.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a flow chart of an operation for terminating the defrosting mode of an evaporator in a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the control method of the refrigerator (1) may include an operation (1310) of determining an operation target time of the defrost heater (3h) based on the external temperature and/or the external humidity.

The control unit (350) can determine the target operation time of the defrost heater (3h) based on the external temperature and/or external humidity.

The outdoor temperature and outdoor humidity can be acquired by the outdoor sensor (114). The outdoor temperature and outdoor humidity can also be acquired from an external device (e.g., a server) through a communication interface (250).

The control unit (350) can determine the target operation time of the defrost heater (3h) according to a lookup table in which the high outdoor temperature and/or high outdoor humidity correspond to the target operation time of the defrost heater (3h).

The control unit (350) can determine the target operation time of the defrost heater (3h) according to an algorithm that calculates the target operation time of the defrost heater (3h) based on the external temperature and/or external humidity.

As the external temperature and/or external humidity increases, the air that has been warmed through heat exchange with the heating unit (531) is not smoothly discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and as a result, the air that has been cooled through heat exchange with the cooling unit (532) is not smoothly supplied to the first storage chamber (11). In other words, the higher the external temperature and/or external humidity, the lower the efficiency of the thermoelectric element (530).

If the efficiency of the thermoelectric element (530) decreases, the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) may gradually rise even if the thermoelectric element (530) is operated while the heater (3h) is operated.

Accordingly, the control unit (350) can determine a shorter target operation time of the defrost heater (3h) as the external temperature and/or external humidity is higher.

Although not shown in the drawing, the control method of the refrigerator (1) may further include an operation of determining a target temperature based on the external temperature and/or the external humidity.

Likewise, the control unit (350) can determine the target temperature according to a lookup table in which the high outdoor temperature and/or high outdoor humidity correspond to the target temperature, or can determine the target temperature of the defrost heater (3h) according to an algorithm that calculates the target temperature based on the high outdoor temperature and/or high outdoor humidity.

The control unit (350) can determine the target temperature to be lower as the external temperature and/or external humidity is higher.

The control unit (350) can terminate the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) in response to the temperature of the evaporator (3) measured by the first temperature sensor (111) reaching the target temperature (example of 1320) (1340).

The control unit (350) can terminate the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) in response to the defrost heater (3h) operating for the target time (example of 1330) (1340).

The control unit (350) can count the operation time of the defrost heater (3h) from the time the defrost heater (3h) is driven, and can terminate the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) in response to the operation time of the defrost heater (3h) reaching the target time.

As explained above, in an environment where the efficiency of the thermoelectric element (530) is low, the target time may be set short or the target temperature may be set low, so that the defrosting mode may be terminated quickly.

That is, when the efficiency of the thermoelectric element (530) is low, the defrost heater (3h) may be turned off quickly.

According to the present disclosure, in an environment where the efficiency of the thermoelectric element (530) is low, the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) can be prevented from rising by terminating the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) sooner than in a normal environment.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the control method of the refrigerator (1) may include an operation (1400) of starting the defrosting mode of the thermoelectric element (530) based on the termination of the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3).

In one embodiment, the operation (1400) of starting the defrost mode of the thermoelectric element (530) may be performed simultaneously with the operation (1350) of turning off the defrost heater (3h) in response to the termination of the defrost mode of the evaporator (3).

In one embodiment, the operation (1400) of starting the defrost mode of the thermoelectric element (530) may be performed after the operation (1350) of turning off the defrost heater (3h) in response to the termination of the defrost mode of the evaporator (3).

Although not shown in the drawing, the control method of the refrigerator (1) may include an operation of driving the compressor (2) based on the termination of the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) and/or an operation of opening the duct (78) based on the termination of the defrost mode of the evaporator (3).

However, in order to minimize the temperature change in the first storage room (11), the refrigerator (1) can drive the compressor (2) and open the duct (78) based on the termination of the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3).

The control unit (350) can start the defrost mode of the thermoelectric element (530) based on the termination of the defrost mode of the evaporator (3).

In the defrosting mode of the thermoelectric element (530), the control unit (350) can turn off the thermoelectric element (530).

In the defrosting mode of the thermoelectric generator (530), the control unit (350) can drive the heat dissipation fan (600) and/or the cooling fan (800).

The control unit (350) may start the defrosting mode of the thermoelectric element (530) in response to the defrosting heater (3h) being turned off, or may start the defrosting mode of the thermoelectric element (530) in response to the defrosting condition of the thermoelectric element (530) being satisfied after the defrosting heater (3h) is turned off.

Initiating the defrost mode of the thermoelectric generator (530) may include turning off the thermoelectric generator (530) and driving the heat sink fan (600) and/or the cooling fan (800) (1450).

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a flow chart of an operation for starting a defrosting mode of a thermoelectric element in a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

In one embodiment, the conditions for thawing the thermoelectric element (530) may include that the accumulated operating time of the thermoelectric element (530) has elapsed for a predetermined time (e.g., 2 hours) and/or that the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) has fallen below a predetermined temperature (target temperature).

Referring to FIG. 11, the control method of the refrigerator (1) may include an operation (1410, 1420) of determining whether the defrosting condition of the thermoelectric element (530) is satisfied after the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) is terminated.

The operation (1410, 1420) for determining whether the condition for the thermoelectric element (530) is satisfied may include the operation (1410) for determining whether the accumulated operation time of the thermoelectric element (530) has passed a predetermined time and/or the operation (1420) for determining whether the temperature of the first storage room (11) is lower than or equal to the target temperature.

The refrigerator (1) can perform operation 1450 in response to the defrosting condition of the thermoelectric element (530) being satisfied after the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) is terminated.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may turn off the thermoelectric element (530) in response to the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) dropping below a predetermined temperature after the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) is terminated or a predetermined time (e.g., 2 hours) has elapsed after the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) is terminated. Here, the predetermined temperature may be predetermined regardless of the first set temperature, but preferably, it may be predetermined as the first set temperature or a temperature lower than the first set temperature.

That is, even if the defrost heater (3h) is turned off, the refrigerator (1) may not perform the defrost mode of the thermoelectric element (530) until the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) drops to a certain degree.

According to the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1) can minimize the temperature change of the first storage compartment (11) by performing the defrost mode of the thermoelectric element (530) when the temperature of the first storage compartment (11) drops to a certain degree instead of performing the defrost mode of the thermoelectric element (530) immediately after the defrost heater (3h) is turned off.

The control unit (350) can drive the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) when the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off in the defrosting mode of the thermoelectric element (530).

When the thermoelectric generator (530) is turned off and the heat dissipation fan (600) and cooling fan (800) are operated, the frost formed on the cooling sink (570) can be naturally removed by air circulation.

As described above, the control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to open the duct (78) and drive the compressor (2) based on the termination of the defrost mode of the evaporator (3).

That is, the control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to open the duct (78) in the defrosting mode of the thermoelectric element (530) and drive the compressor (2).

According to the present disclosure, the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) can be maintained by opening the path (78) during operation of the compressor (2) in the defrosting mode of the thermoelectric element (530).

Referring again to FIG. 8, a control method of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include an operation (1500) of determining whether the defrosting mode of a thermoelectric element (530) has ended, and an operation (1600) of ending the defrosting mode of the thermoelectric element (530) and performing a cooling mode when the defrosting mode of the thermoelectric element (530) has ended.

The termination condition of the defrosting operation of the thermoelectric element (530) may include that the temperature of the cooling sink (570) measured by the second temperature sensor (112) has reached a predetermined target temperature. At this time, the predetermined target temperature may be determined in advance as the temperature of the image. That is, the termination condition of the defrosting operation of the cooling sink (570) may include that the temperature of the cooling sink (570) measured by the second temperature sensor (112) has reached a predetermined target temperature.

The termination condition for the defrost of the thermoelectric element (530) may include that the execution time of the defrost mode of the thermoelectric element (530) has elapsed for a predetermined time.

In the present disclosure, the cooling mode may mean a mode for cooling the first storage room (11) and the second storage room (12). In the cooling mode, the control unit (350) may perform an operation for maintaining the temperature of the first storage room (11) at a first set temperature and maintaining the temperature of the second storage room (12) at a second set temperature.

If the defrosting condition of the evaporator (3) is satisfied while the refrigerator (1) is in the cooling mode, the refrigerator can perform the operations 1100 to 1500 described above again.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a flow chart of operations for maintaining the temperature of a first storage compartment when performing a cooling mode in a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a flow chart of operations for maintaining the temperature of a second storage compartment when performing a cooling mode in a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

The operations illustrated in Fig. 12 and the operations illustrated in Fig. 13 can be performed independently of each other.

That is, in cooling mode, the refrigerator (1) can independently perform operations for cooling the first storage compartment (11) and for cooling the second storage compartment (12).

Referring to FIG. 12, in the cooling mode, the control unit (350) can compare the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) with the first set temperature (TS1).

The control unit (350) can determine whether the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) is higher than the first set temperature (TS1) by the first reference temperature (TT1) (1610).

That is, the control unit (350) can determine whether the difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) has reached the first reference temperature (TT1).

The difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) reaching the first reference temperature (TT1) may include the difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) being equal to or greater than the first reference temperature (TT1).

The control unit (350) controls the damper (61) to open the duct (78) in response to the difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage chamber (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) reaching the first reference temperature (TT1) (example of 1610), and can drive the compressor (2) (1612). In the case where the compressor (2) is driven in response to the difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage chamber (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) reaching the first reference temperature (TT1), the control unit (350) may not operate the evaporator fan (80).

When the duct (78) is opened and the compressor (2) is driven, cold air generated in the evaporator (3) is supplied to the first storage room (11) through the duct (78), so that the first storage room (11) can be cooled.

Meanwhile, if an object with a large heat capacity enters the first storage room (11) or the first door (21) and/or the second door (22) are opened for a long period of time, the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) may rise rapidly.

If the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) rises rapidly, the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) cannot be quickly lowered to the first set temperature (TS1) simply by supplying the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) to the first storage room (11).

When an object with a large heat capacity enters the first storage room (11) or the first door (21) and/or the second door (22) are opened for a long period of time, the difference between the temperature (TR) of the first storage room (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) may reach the second reference temperature (TT2). Here, the second reference temperature (TT2) may be preset to a temperature higher than the first reference temperature (TT1).

When the difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) reaches the second reference temperature (TT2), there is a need to rapidly cool the first storage room (11), and accordingly, the refrigerator (1) can cool the first storage room (11) by using the first cooling device together with the second cooling device.

The control unit (350) can drive the thermoelectric generator (530) in response to the difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) reaching the second reference temperature (TT2) (example of 1614) (1616).

Driving the thermoelectric element (530) may include driving the first cooling device (400). In cooling mode, the control unit (350) may drive the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) together when driving the thermoelectric element (530).

The difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) reaching the second reference temperature (TT2) may include the difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) being equal to or greater than the second reference temperature (TT2).

In cooling mode, the control unit (350) may control the damper (61) to close the duct (78), turn off the compressor (2), and turn off the thermoelectric element (530) in response to the temperature (TR1) of the first storage chamber (11) dropping below the first set temperature (TS1) after operation 1612 and/or operation 1616 (example of 1618) (1619).

The control unit (350) can turn off the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) together when turning off the thermoelectric generator (530) in cooling mode.

According to the present disclosure, when the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) rises rapidly, the first storage room (11) can be quickly cooled by using both the first cooling device (400) and the second cooling device (450).

According to the present disclosure, if the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) does not rise rapidly, the first storage room (11) can be cooled slowly using only the first cooling device (400).

Although not shown in the drawing, in various embodiments, the control unit (350) may turn off the thermoelectric element (530) in response to the difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage chamber (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) falling below the first reference temperature (TT1) after operation 1616.

Although not shown in the drawing, according to various embodiments, the control unit (350) may control the damper (61) to close the duct (78) and turn off the compressor (2) in response to the difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage chamber (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) dropping below the first reference temperature (TT1) after operation 1616.

According to the present disclosure, the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) can be maintained at the first set temperature (TS1) with minimal energy usage.

In cooling mode, the euro (78) can be opened only when cooling the first storage chamber (11).

Referring to FIG. 13, in the cooling mode, the control unit (350) can compare the temperature (TR2) of the second storage room (12) with the second set temperature (TS2).

The control unit (350) can determine whether the temperature (TR2) of the second storage room (12) is higher than the second set temperature (TS2) by the reference temperature (TT) (1620).

That is, the control unit (350) can determine whether the difference between the temperature (TR2) of the second storage room (12) and the second set temperature (TS2) has reached the reference temperature (TT).

The difference between the temperature (TR2) of the second storage room (12) and the second set temperature (TS2) reaching the reference temperature (TT) may include the difference between the temperature (TR2) of the second storage room (12) and the second set temperature (TS2) being equal to or greater than the reference temperature (TT).

The control unit (350) can drive the compressor (2) in response to the difference between the temperature (TR2) of the second storage room (12) and the second set temperature (TS2) reaching the reference temperature (TT) (example of 1620) (1622).

In cooling mode, the control unit (350) can drive the evaporator fan (80) together with the compressor (2).

When the compressor (2) and the evaporator fan (80) are driven, cold air generated in the evaporator (3) is supplied to the second storage room (12), so that the second storage room (12) can be cooled.

Meanwhile, when the control unit (350) drives the compressor (2) in response to the difference between the temperature (TR2) of the second storage room (12) and the second set temperature (TS2) reaching the reference temperature (TT) (example of 1620), the control unit (350) can maintain the closed state of the path (78). That is, the control unit (350) may not control the damper (61) while performing operations for controlling the temperature of the second storage room (12) (operations of FIG. 13).

However, if operation 1612 of FIG. 12 is to be performed while the control unit (350) is performing operation (1622) of driving the compressor (2) to control the temperature of the second storage room (12), the control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to open the path (78).

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may control the damper (61) to open the duct (78) when the difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage chamber (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) reaches the first reference temperature (TT1) while driving the compressor (2) in response to the difference between the temperature (TR2) of the second storage chamber (12) and the second set temperature (TS2) reaching the reference temperature (TT).

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may drive the compressor (2) in response to the difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage chamber (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) reaching the first reference temperature (TT1), and may drive the evaporator fan (80) when the difference between the temperature (TR2) of the second storage chamber (12) and the second set temperature (TS2) reaches the reference temperature (TT).

In cooling mode, the control unit (350) can turn off the compressor (2) (1626) in response to the temperature (TR2) of the second storage chamber (12) dropping below the second set temperature (TS2) after operation 1622 (example of 1624).

The control unit (350) can turn off the evaporator fan (80) together with the compressor (2) in cooling mode.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may keep the compressor (2) running and turn off only the evaporator fan (80) if the temperature (TR1) of the first storage room (11) does not fall below the first set temperature (TS1) after operation 1612 even if the temperature (TR2) of the second storage room (12) falls below the second set temperature (TS2) after operation 1622.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) controls the damper (61) to close the path (78) and turn off the thermoelectric element (530), but maintains the operation of the compressor (2) if the temperature (TR1) of the first storage chamber (11) has fallen below the first set temperature (TS1) after operation 1612 and/or 1616, but the temperature (TR2) of the second storage chamber (12) has not fallen below the second set temperature (TS2) after operation 1622.

According to the present disclosure, in the cooling mode, the passage (78) is opened to efficiently supply cold air to the first storage room (11) to cool the first storage room (11), and in the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3), the passage (78) is closed to maintain the temperature of the first storage room (11) to prevent the temperature of the first storage room (11) from rising.

A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first storage compartment (11); a first cooling device (400) configured to supply cold air to the first storage compartment (11) and including a thermoelectric device (530); a second storage compartment (12); a second cooling device (450) configured to supply cold air to the second storage compartment (12) and including an evaporator (3) and a compressor (2); a defrost heater (3h) configured to defrost the evaporator (3); a passage (78) for guiding cold air generated by the second cooling device (450) to the first storage compartment (11); a damper (61) for opening or closing the passage (78); and a control unit (350) for controlling the damper (61) to close the passage (78), driving the thermoelectric device (530), and driving the defrost heater (3h) in a defrost mode of the evaporator (3).

The control unit (350) controls the damper (61) to close the path (78) and drives the thermoelectric element (530) in response to the start of the defrost mode of the evaporator (3), and can drive the defrost heater (3h) in response to the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) dropping below a predetermined temperature.

In cooling mode, the control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to open the duct (78) and drive the compressor (2) in response to the difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage chamber (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) reaching the first reference temperature (TT1).

In cooling mode, the control unit (350) can drive the thermoelectric element (530) in response to the difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage chamber (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) reaching a second reference temperature (TT2) higher than the first reference temperature (TT1).

In cooling mode, the control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to close the duct (78) and turn off the compressor (2) in response to the temperature (TR1) of the first storage chamber (11) reaching the first set temperature (TS1).

In cooling mode, the control unit (350) can drive the compressor (2) in response to the difference between the temperature (TR2) of the second storage chamber (12) and the second set temperature (TS2) reaching the reference temperature (TT).

The control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to turn off the defrost heater (3h) and open the path (78) in response to the termination of the defrost mode of the evaporator (3).

The control unit (350) terminates the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) in response to the temperature of the evaporator (3) reaching the target temperature or the defrosting heater (3h) operating for the target time, and can determine the target time based on at least one of the high external temperature and the high external humidity.

The control unit (350) can turn off the thermoelectric element (530) in response to the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) dropping below a predetermined temperature after the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) is terminated or a predetermined time has elapsed after the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) is terminated.

The first cooling device may further include a heat dissipation fan (600) that blows air toward a heat dissipation sink (520) that contacts a heating portion (531) of a thermoelectric element (530), and a cooling fan (800) that blows air toward a cooling sink (570) that contacts a cooling portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530).

The control unit (350) can drive the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) when the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off.

A control method of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a first storage compartment (11); a first cooling device (400) configured to supply cold air to the first storage compartment (11) and including a thermoelectric device (530); a second storage compartment (12); a second cooling device (450) configured to supply cold air to the second storage compartment (12) and including an evaporator (3) and a compressor (2); and a flow path (78) for guiding cold air generated by the second cooling device (450) to the first storage compartment (11); The control method may include: in a defrost mode of the evaporator (3), closing the flow path (78), driving the thermoelectric device (530), and driving a defrost heater (3h) configured to defrost the evaporator (3).

Closing the flow path (78), driving the thermoelectric element (530), and driving the defrost heater (3h) in the defrost mode of the evaporator (3) may include: closing the flow path (78) and driving the thermoelectric element (530) in response to the start of the defrost mode of the evaporator (3), and driving the defrost heater (3h) in response to the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) dropping below a predetermined temperature.

The control method of the refrigerator (1) may further include opening the duct (78) and driving the compressor (2) in response to the difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage chamber (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) reaching the first reference temperature (TT1).

The control method of the refrigerator (1) may further include driving the thermoelectric element (530) in response to the difference between the temperature (TR1) of the first storage chamber (11) and the first set temperature (TS1) reaching a second reference temperature (TT2) higher than the first reference temperature (TT1) in the cooling mode.

The control method of the refrigerator (1) may further include closing the duct (78) and turning off the compressor (2) in response to the temperature (TR1) of the first storage chamber (11) reaching the first set temperature (TS1) in the cooling mode.

The control method of the refrigerator (1) may further include driving the compressor (2) in response to the difference between the temperature (TR2) of the second storage chamber (12) and the second set temperature (TS2) reaching the reference temperature (TT) in the cooling mode.

The control method of the refrigerator (1) may further include turning off the defrost heater (3h) and opening the path (78) in response to the termination of the defrost mode of the evaporator (3).

The control method of the refrigerator (1) may further include determining a target time based on at least one of an external temperature or an external humidity; and terminating the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) in response to the temperature of the evaporator (3) reaching the target temperature or the defrosting heater (3h) operating for the target time.

The control method of the refrigerator (1) may further include turning off the thermoelectric element (530) in response to the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) dropping below a predetermined temperature after the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) is terminated or a predetermined time elapses after the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) is terminated.

The control method of the refrigerator (1) may further include driving a heat dissipation fan (600) that blows air toward a heat dissipation sink (520) in contact with a heating portion (531) of the thermoelectric element (530) and a cooling fan (800) that blows air toward a cooling sink (570) in contact with a cooling portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530) when the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program codes, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

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

In addition, the computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term 'non-transitory storage medium' means a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and cases where data is stored temporarily. For example, the 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer where data is temporarily stored.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a commodity. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play StoreTM) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable recording medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or an intermediary server.

As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims (15)

Storage room 1; A first cooling device configured to supply cold air to the first storage room and including a thermoelectric element; Second storage room; A second cooling device configured to supply cold air to the second storage room and including an evaporator and a compressor; A defrost heater configured to defrost the above evaporator; A path for guiding the cold air generated by the second cooling device to the first storage room; A damper for opening or closing the above-mentioned euro; and A refrigerator including a control unit that controls the damper to close the path, drives the thermoelectric element, and drives the defrost heater in the defrost mode of the evaporator. In the first paragraph, The above control unit, In response to the start of the defrost mode of the above evaporator, the damper is controlled to close the above path and the thermoelectric element is driven. A refrigerator that operates the defrost heater in response to the temperature of the first storage compartment falling below a predetermined temperature. In the first paragraph, In cooling mode, the control unit, A refrigerator that controls the damper to open the passage and drives the compressor in response to the difference between the temperature of the first storage room and the first set temperature reaching the first reference temperature. In the third paragraph, In the above cooling mode, the control unit, A refrigerator that operates the thermoelectric element in response to the difference between the temperature of the first storage room and the first set temperature reaching a second reference temperature higher than the first reference temperature. In the third paragraph, In the above cooling mode, the control unit, A refrigerator that controls the damper to close the passage and turns off the compressor in response to the temperature of the first storage room reaching the first set temperature. In the third paragraph, In the above cooling mode, the control unit, A refrigerator that operates the compressor in response to the difference between the temperature of the second storage room and the second set temperature reaching a reference temperature. In the first paragraph, The above control unit, A refrigerator that controls the damper to turn off the defrost heater and open the duct in response to the termination of the defrost mode of the evaporator. In Article 7, The above control unit, Terminate the defrost mode of the evaporator in response to the temperature of the evaporator reaching the target temperature or the defrost heater operating for the target time. A refrigerator that determines the target time based on at least one of an external temperature and an external humidity. In Article 7, The above control unit, A refrigerator that turns off the thermoelectric element in response to the temperature of the first storage chamber dropping below a predetermined temperature after the defrost mode of the evaporator ends or a predetermined time elapses after the defrost mode of the evaporator ends. In Article 9, The above first cooling device, It further includes a heat dissipation fan that blows air toward a heat sink in contact with the heating portion of the thermoelectric element, and a cooling fan that blows air toward a cooling sink in contact with the cooling portion of the thermoelectric element; The above control unit, A refrigerator that operates the heat dissipation fan and the cooling fan when the above thermoelectric element is turned off. A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: a first storage room; a first cooling device configured to supply cold air to the first storage room and including a thermoelectric element; a second storage room; a second cooling device configured to supply cold air to the second storage room and including an evaporator and a compressor; and a path for guiding cold air generated by the second cooling device to the first storage room; A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: in the defrost mode of the evaporator, closing the passage, driving the thermoelectric element, and driving a defrost heater configured to defrost the evaporator. In Article 11, In the defrost mode of the above evaporator, closing the above path, driving the thermoelectric element, and driving the defrost heater are performed. In response to the start of the defrosting mode of the above evaporator, the above path is closed and the above thermoelectric element is driven. A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: driving the defrost heater in response to the temperature of the first storage compartment falling below a predetermined temperature. In Article 11, A control method of a refrigerator further comprising: in a cooling mode, opening the passage and driving the compressor in response to a difference between the temperature of the first storage compartment and the first set temperature reaching a first reference temperature; In Article 13, A control method for a refrigerator further comprising: in the cooling mode, driving the thermoelectric element in response to the difference between the temperature of the first storage compartment and the first set temperature reaching a second reference temperature higher than the first reference temperature. In Article 13, A control method of a refrigerator further comprising: in the cooling mode, closing the passage and turning off the compressor in response to the temperature of the first storage compartment reaching the first set temperature.

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