WO2025188123A1 - Refrigerator and method for controlling refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigerator according to the present disclosure includes: a main body forming a storage chamber; a door opening and closing the storage chamber; a cooling cycle device including a compressor and an evaporator and cooling the storage chamber; a thermoelectric element cooling the storage chamber; at least one sensor generating sensor data related to the refrigerator; and at least one processor which drives the compressor to perform a cooling cycle on the basis of the satisfaction of a cooling condition, starts a cooling mode on the basis of the satisfaction of a predetermined condition related to the opening time of the door, obtains a predicted temperature value of the storage chamber from a temperature prediction model on the basis of the sensor data generated by the at least one sensor and on the basis of the start of the cooling mode, and drives the thermoelectric element to cool the storage chamber on the basis of a difference between the predicted temperature value and a target temperature value being greater than a predetermined value.

Description

Refrigerator and refrigerator control method

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator having a thermoelectric element for cooling a storage room and a cooling cycle device, 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 food fresh.

A thermoelectric cooling device that generates heat and cooling through the Peltier effect can be used as a cooling device for a refrigerator. The thermoelectric cooling device may include a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element has a heating element formed on one side and a cooling element formed on the opposite side. When current is applied to the thermoelectric element, heat generation occurs in the heating element and heat absorption occurs in the cooling element.

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 consumes energy economically and has improved temperature control performance.

The present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a control method for the refrigerator that can minimize temperature changes due to opening and closing of a door.

The present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator capable of minimizing temperature changes due to objects with large heat capacity.

The present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a control method of the refrigerator that improves the temperature control performance by using not only the current temperature of the storage room but also the predicted temperature.

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 main body forming a storage compartment; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; a cooling cycle device including a compressor and an evaporator and cooling the storage compartment; a thermoelectric element for cooling the storage compartment; at least one sensor for generating sensor data related to the refrigerator; and at least one processor for driving the compressor to perform a cooling cycle based on satisfaction of a cooling condition, starting a cooling mode based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition related to an opening time of the door, obtaining a predicted temperature value of the storage compartment from a temperature prediction model based on the sensor data generated by the at least one sensor based on the start of the cooling mode, and driving the thermoelectric element to cool the storage compartment based on a difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and a target temperature value being greater than a predetermined value.

The at least one processor ends the cooling mode by stopping the operation of the thermoelectric element when the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value falls below a reference value after driving the thermoelectric element to cool the storage room.

The at least one processor terminates the cooling mode without driving the thermoelectric element based on a difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value being less than or equal to the predetermined value until the cooling cycle is performed a preset number of times.

The at least one processor determines the target temperature value based on the set temperature and the sensor data generated by the at least one sensor.

The at least one processor drives the thermoelectric element to cool the storage compartment based on a difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value exceeding the predetermined value while performing the cooling cycle, thereby driving the compressor and the thermoelectric element together.

The at least one processor drives the thermoelectric element to cool the storage compartment based on the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value exceeding the predetermined value in a state where the cooling cycle is not performed, thereby driving only the thermoelectric element among the compressor and the thermoelectric element.

The at least one processor drives the thermoelectric element to cool the storage compartment based on a first control parameter when a difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value is greater than the predetermined value, and drives the thermoelectric element to cool the storage compartment based on a second control parameter when a control condition having a higher priority than the cooling mode is satisfied and the thermoelectric element is driven according to a second control parameter even when the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value is greater than the predetermined value during operation in the cooling mode.

The at least one processor obtains the predicted temperature value of the storage room from the temperature prediction model at each preset period, and changes the preset period based on the temperature of the storage room.

The at least one processor obtains the predicted temperature value of the storage room from the temperature prediction model at each preset period, and changes the preset period based on a difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value.

The at least one processor includes a first processor that controls the cooling cycle device and the thermoelectric element; and a second processor that obtains a predicted temperature value of the storage compartment from the temperature prediction model; wherein the first processor, in response to the cooling mode being started, transmits an instruction to the second processor to obtain the predicted temperature value from the temperature prediction model, and the second processor, in response to receiving the instruction from the first processor, obtains the predicted temperature value from the temperature prediction model and transmits the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model to the first processor.

The at least one processor controls the duty ratio of the thermoelectric element based on the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value.

The at least one processor determines whether to drive the compressor based on a difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value.

The above predetermined condition includes that the cumulative time that the door has been open exceeds a predetermined time, and the at least one processor initializes the cumulative time based on starting the cooling mode.

A method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: driving a compressor to perform a cooling cycle based on satisfaction of a cooling condition; starting a cooling mode based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition related to an opening time of a door for opening and closing a storage compartment; obtaining a predicted temperature value of the storage compartment from a temperature prediction model based on sensor data related to the refrigerator based on the start of the cooling mode, and driving a thermoelectric element for cooling the storage compartment based on a difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and a target temperature value being greater than a predetermined value.

The control method of the refrigerator further includes: terminating the cooling mode by stopping the operation of the thermoelectric element when the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value falls below a reference value after driving the thermoelectric element to cool the storage compartment;

The control method of the refrigerator further includes terminating the cooling mode without driving the thermoelectric element based on a difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value being less than or equal to the predetermined value until the cooling cycle is performed a preset number of times.

The control method of the refrigerator further includes determining the target temperature value based on the set temperature and the sensor data generated by the at least one sensor.

Driving the thermoelectric element includes driving the thermoelectric element to cool the storage compartment based on the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value exceeding the predetermined value while performing the cooling cycle, thereby driving the compressor and the thermoelectric element together.

Driving the thermoelectric element includes driving the thermoelectric element to cool the storage chamber based on the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value exceeding the predetermined value in a state where the cooling cycle is not performed, thereby driving only the thermoelectric element among the compressor and the thermoelectric element.

The control method of the refrigerator obtains the predicted temperature value of the storage compartment from the temperature prediction model at each preset cycle, and changes the preset cycle based on at least one of the temperature of the storage compartment or the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value.

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

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the doors of a refrigerator in an open state 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 cooling a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Figure 9 illustrates an example of operating conditions of a thermoelectric element according to one embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example in which a refrigerator according to one embodiment starts cooling mode but the thermoelectric element is not driven.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example in which a compressor and a thermoelectric element are driven together when a refrigerator according to one embodiment starts a cooling mode.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example in which, when a refrigerator according to one embodiment starts a cooling mode, only the thermoelectric element among the compressor and the thermoelectric element is driven.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example in which a compressor is driven while a thermoelectric element is driven when a refrigerator according to one embodiment starts a cooling mode.

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 this 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 express 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 “in contact 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 piece of hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array)/ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one piece of software stored in 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 attached drawings. The same reference numbers or symbols used in the attached drawings may represent parts or components that perform substantially the same functions.

A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

The body may include insulation. The insulation may insulate the interior and exterior of the storage compartment so that the temperature inside the storage compartment can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment of the storage compartment. In one embodiment, the insulation may include a foam insulation, such as polyurethane foam. In another embodiment, the insulation may additionally include a vacuum insulation in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation instead of the foam insulation.

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 taking items in and out.

A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator includes two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To achieve this, each storage compartment may be separated from the others by a partition wall containing insulation.

The storage room may be provided 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 according to the intended use and/or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and the freezer room may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them in a frozen state, and for example, a freezer room may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, at the user's option or not.

In addition to names such as "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room," a storage room may also be called by various other names such as "vegetable room," "fresh 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.

In 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 one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the main body in a pivotal or sliding manner.

The door may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to 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 the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the back of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided on the interior of these.

The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by contacting the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

In one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and 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, bottom mounted freezer (BMF), top mounted freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerator.

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

The cold air supply device may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and/or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool the storage room.

In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device 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 a storage compartment by generating heat 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 designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be connected to the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and/or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to a user without having to open the door.

In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store 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 memorized in the memory.

Memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. Memory can store temporary data generated during the generation of control signals for controlling components within the refrigerator. Memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The processor may generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cooling system based on the temperature information.

Additionally, the processor may process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and/or data stored/stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor may transmit display control signals 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 as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components within the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories that individually control the components within the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cooling device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface based on user input.

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

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 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is opened. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the 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 taken 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 outer side 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 compartments (11, 12, 13) can accommodate items. The storage compartments (11, 12, 13) can be formed to have an open front side so that items can be put in or taken out. The main body (100) can include a horizontal partition wall (160) that divides the first storage compartment (11) from the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13), and a vertical partition wall (161) that divides the second storage compartment (12) from the third storage compartment (13). The first storage compartment (11) can be provided at the upper part of the main body (100), and the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13) can be provided at the lower part of the main body (100). The first storage compartment (11) can be a refrigerator compartment, the second storage compartment (12) can be a freezer compartment, and the third storage compartment (13) can be a variable temperature compartment.

Doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can open and close 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 either the first door (21) or the second door (22) to cover the gap formed between the first door (21) and the second door (22) when the first door (21) and the second door (22) are closed. The rotating bar (40) may be provided rotatably on either the first door (21) or the second door (22). The rotating bar (40) may have a rod shape that is formed long in a vertical direction. The rotating bar (40) may also be referred to as a pillar, a mullion, or the like.

A guide protrusion (46) may be provided at the top of the rotating bar (40), and a rotation guide (119) that guides the rotation of the guide protrusion (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 of the body (100) when the doors (21, 22, 23, 24) are closed. The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a ditch (52) that protrudes rearward. A door shelf (53) capable of storing items may be mounted on the ditch (52). A rotating bar (40) may be rotatably installed on the ditch (52).

Although the number and arrangement of storage compartments and the number and arrangement of doors have been described above, there is no limitation 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) arranged 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).

A 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 portion (531) and a cooling portion (532). When current is applied to the thermoelectric element (530), a heating action may occur in the heating portion (531) and a heat absorption action may occur in the cooling portion (532). The thermoelectric element (530) may have a thin hexahedral shape. The heating portion (531) may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric element (530) and the cooling portion (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 through heat exchange with the heating portion (531) may be discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and air that has been cooled through 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.

A heat sink (520) may be located outside the main body (100). The heat sink (520) may contact the heat generating portion (531) to absorb heat from the heat generating portion (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 with 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) so that heat exchange between the cooling unit (532) and the air inside the storage chamber (11) is efficiently performed.

A cooling sink (570) may be located inside the storage compartment (11). The cooling sink (570) may cool the storage compartment (11) by taking away heat from the storage compartment (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 with 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 circulates 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 horizontally with respect to 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 draws 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 perpendicular to 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 exchange heat with the 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 in 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 outside the main body (100) into the inside of the heat dissipation duct (700), and an outside air exhaust port (782) that discharges air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the outside of the main body (100).

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 horizontally with respect to the cooling sink (570). The cooling fan (800) may be arranged inside the storage compartment (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 perpendicular to the bottom surface of the upper wall (110).

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

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

The second defrost 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 chamber (11) to exchange heat with the cooling sink (570), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) back into the storage chamber (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 cooling cycle device (450, see FIG. 7) to cool the storage compartment through a refrigeration cycle. The cooling cycle device (450) may include a compressor (2), a condenser (not shown), an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator (3). The evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear of the storage compartment (12, 13).

The refrigerator (1) may include a temperature sensor (111) (hereinafter referred to as “first defrost 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 defrost 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 compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13). The second evaporator duct (70) may be provided at the rear side of the first storage compartment (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 chamber (12) or the third storage chamber (13) through a cold air discharge port (not shown) formed on 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) may 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).

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

In this way, since the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a thermoelectric cooling device (400) and a cooling cycle device (450) for cooling the storage compartment (11), a method for 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 cooling cycle device (450), and a third method of supplying both cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400) and cold air generated by the cooling cycle device (450).

The refrigerator (1) can supply cold air to the storage compartment (11) in an appropriate manner depending on external and internal conditions. For example, the refrigerator (1) can cool the storage compartment (11) in one of the methods 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 compartment (11) can be cooled only by cold air generated by the cooling cycle device (450). 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 cooling cycle device (450), the storage compartment (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 noise reduction is required. When it is necessary to rapidly cool the storage room (11), the refrigerator (1) can simultaneously supply cold air generated through the thermoelectric cooling device (400) and cold air generated through the cooling cycle device (450) to the storage room (11).

Thus, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) and a cooling cycle device (450), but is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator may include only a thermoelectric cooling device (400).

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

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), heat sink (520), and 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 dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) and support the heat dissipation 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 disposed 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 disposed on the upper side of the module plate opening (551). The reason why the thermoelectric element (530) is disposed on the upper side inside the module plate opening (551) is because 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) on the upper side 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 which guides the 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 (660) 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 (660) to guide air blown from the heat dissipation fan (600) toward a heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) is a centrifugal fan, and may be installed on the case bottom (660) so that the rotation axis (610) is perpendicular to the case bottom (660). 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) can be made compact.

The case scroll portion (670) may be formed to surround the heat dissipation fan (600). The case scroll portion (670) may have a scroll portion opening (673) open toward the heat dissipation sink (520). The case scroll portion (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 the 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 by 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 sensor unit (340), a cooling cycle device (450), a thermoelectric cooling device (400), and/or a control unit (350).

The sensor unit (340) may include at least one sensor that collects sensor data related to the refrigerator (1).

Sensor data related to the refrigerator (1) may include data related to the internal environment of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., internal temperature, internal humidity, internal image, etc.) (e.g., temperature data, humidity data, image data, etc.) and/or data related to the external environment of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., external temperature, external humidity, proximity of a user).

Sensor data related to the refrigerator (1) may include data related to the status of the components of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., cooling cycle device (450), thermoelectric cooling device (400), doors (21, 22, 23, 24)).

For example, sensor data related to a refrigerator (1) may include whether the cooling cycle device (450) is operating, whether the thermoelectric cooling device (400) is operating, and whether the doors (21, 22, 23, 24) are open or closed.

In one embodiment, the sensor unit (340) may include a first defrost sensor (111), a second defrost sensor (112), an internal sensor (341), an external sensor (342), and/or a door sensor (343).

However, the example of the sensor unit (340) is not limited thereto, and any sensor capable of collecting sensor data related to the refrigerator (1) described above may be employed as an example of the sensor unit (340).

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

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

The internal sensor (341) of the refrigerator (1) can measure the temperature and/or humidity of the storage compartment (11, 12, 13). The internal sensor (341) can transmit information about the temperature and/or humidity of the storage compartment (11, 12, 13) to the control unit (350).

The external sensor (342) can measure the temperature and/or humidity outside the main body (100). The external sensor (342) can transmit information about the temperature and/or humidity outside the main body (100) to the control unit (350).

The door sensor (343) can detect whether the doors (21, 22, 23, 24) are open or closed. The door sensor (343) can transmit information related to the opening or closing of the doors (21, 22, 23, 24) to the control unit (350). For example, the door sensor (343) can transmit information related to the opening or closing of the first door (21) and/or the second door (22) that open or close the first storage compartment (11) to the control unit (350).

The processor (351) of the control unit (350) can control various components of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., thermoelectric cooling device (400), cooling cycle device (450)) based on information transmitted from the sensor unit (340).

The memory (352) of the control unit (350) can store information transmitted from the sensor unit (340).

The cooling cycle device (450) can cool the storage room (11, 12, 13).

The cooling cycle device (450) may include a compressor (2), a condenser (not shown), an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator (3), and may include an evaporator fan (80) for blowing cold air generated in the evaporator (3) to a storage room (11, 12, 13).

The cold air generated in the evaporator (3) may be discharged to the second storage room (12) or the third storage room (13), or may be supplied to the first storage room (11) through the first evaporator duct (60), the second evaporator duct (70), and the damper (61).

According to various embodiments, the control unit (350) can open the damper (61) when cold air needs to be supplied to the first storage room (11) by controlling the opening and closing of the damper (61) when the cooling cycle device (450) is driven, and can close the damper (61) when cold air does not need to be supplied to the first storage room (11).

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 sensor (341) maintains a predetermined target temperature.

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

Driving the compressor (2) may include driving the evaporator fan (80) together. The control unit (350) may drive the evaporator fan (80) together when driving the compressor (2).

The thermoelectric cooling device (400) can cool the storage room (11).

A thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric element (530), a heat dissipation fan (600), and 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 thermal energy, thereby causing a heat generation process in the heating element (531) and an absorption process in the cooling element (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 storage room (11).

The control unit (350) can drive the thermoelectric element (530). Driving the thermoelectric element (530) may include controlling a driving circuit that applies power to the thermoelectric element (530).

Driving the thermoelectric element (530) may include turning the thermoelectric element (530) on. Driving the thermoelectric element (530) may include turning the thermoelectric element (530) on/off at a predetermined duty ratio.

Turning on 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).

Turning off the thermoelectric element (530) 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).

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

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

The heat dissipation fan (600) guides air from outside the main body (100) to exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink (520), and can discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) back 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) may include controlling the fan motor of the heat dissipation fan (600). Controlling the heat dissipation fan (600) may include driving the heat dissipation fan (600) and turning off the heat dissipation fan (600). Driving the heat dissipation fan (600) may include rotating the heat dissipation fan (600) at a predetermined speed. Turning off the heat dissipation fan (600) may include stopping the rotation of the heat dissipation fan (600).

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 quickly dissipate heat. As the heat dissipation sink (520) quickly dissipates heat, the heat generation action in the heating part (531) and the heat absorption action in 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) may include controlling the fan motor of the cooling fan (800). Controlling the cooling fan (800) may include driving the cooling fan (800) and turning off the cooling fan (800). Driving the cooling fan (800) may include rotating the cooling fan (800) at a predetermined speed. Turning off the cooling fan (800) may include stopping the rotation of the cooling fan (800).

The fan motor of the cooling fan (800) may include a BLDC motor whose speed can be controlled.

As the cooling fan (800) operates, the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) flows, thereby rapidly cooling the interior of the storage chamber (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.

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

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may drive the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric element (530) being turned on. Driving the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric element (530) being turned on may include driving the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) after a predetermined time has elapsed after the thermoelectric element (530) is turned on and/or driving the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) before a predetermined time before the thermoelectric element (530) is turned on and/or driving the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) when the thermoelectric element (530) is turned on.

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

The opposite of driving a particular configuration in this disclosure may be turning off a particular configuration or not driving a particular configuration.

In the present disclosure, driving the cooling cycle device (450) may include driving the compressor (2).

In the present disclosure, driving the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include driving the thermoelectric element (530).

The refrigerator (1) may include a communication interface (360) for communicating with an external device (e.g., a server, a user device) via wires and/or wirelessly.

The communication interface (360) may include at least one processor (361) that controls a communication module for transmitting and receiving data with an external device and at least one memory (362) that stores a program and data for controlling the communication module.

At least one memory (362) can store data required for various embodiments. The memory (362) may be implemented as a memory embedded in the refrigerator (1) or as a memory detachable 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 detachable from the refrigerator (1). Meanwhile, in the case of memory embedded in the refrigerator (1), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD)). In addition, in the case of memory that can be attached or detached to the refrigerator (1), it may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card)), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc.

According to various embodiments, at least one memory (352, 362) can store a learned artificial intelligence model (e.g., a temperature prediction model), and at least one processor (351, 361) can obtain a predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) using the learned artificial intelligence model (e.g., a temperature prediction model).

In various embodiments, the learned artificial intelligence model (e.g., a temperature prediction model) may be stored on an external device (e.g., a server).

A temperature prediction model can be trained to output a temperature value (hereinafter, "predicted temperature value") of a storage room (11) in the near future using sensor data related to a refrigerator (1) as input data. Here, the near future may mean a time point after a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed from the present time point.

The temperature prediction model can output a predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) using sensor data collected by the sensor unit (340).

The predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) may mean the predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) at a point in time when a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed from the current point in time.

In one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can obtain a predicted temperature value of the storage compartment (11) using a temperature prediction model. In one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can obtain a predicted temperature value of the storage compartment (11) using the temperature prediction model only when a specific condition is satisfied.

The control unit (350) and the communication interface (360) of the refrigerator (1) can be connected wired or wirelessly. For example, the processor (351) of the control unit (350) and the processor (361) of the communication interface (360) can transmit and receive various information, commands, or instructions to each other wired or wirelessly.

In one embodiment, when a temperature prediction model is stored in the memory (352) of the control unit (350) and the processor (351) of the control unit (350) can perform the operation of the artificial intelligence model, the processor (351) can execute the temperature prediction model stored in the memory (352) and obtain the predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) by inputting sensor data collected from the sensor unit (340) into the temperature prediction model.

However, since the processor (351) of the control unit (350) is configured to control the overall configuration of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., the thermoelectric cooling device (400) and the cooling cycle device (450)), the data processing load may be excessive for the processor (351) of the control unit (350) to execute the temperature prediction model.

In one embodiment, a temperature prediction model is stored in the memory (362) of the communication interface (360), and the processor (361) of the communication interface (360) can perform the operation of the artificial intelligence model. In this case, the processor (351) of the control unit (350) can instruct the processor (361) of the communication interface (360) to perform the temperature prediction model, and the processor (361) of the communication interface (360) can, in response to receiving the instruction, input sensor data collected from the sensor unit (340) into the temperature prediction model to obtain a predicted temperature value of the storage room (11), and transmit it to the processor (351) of the control unit (350).

When the processor (351) of the control unit (350) instructs the execution of a temperature prediction model, it can transmit sensor data collected by the sensor unit (340) to the processor (361) of the communication interface (360).

According to the present disclosure, the data processing burden of the processor (351) of the control unit (350) can be alleviated by executing a temperature prediction model using the processor (361) of the communication interface (360).

Meanwhile, according to various embodiments, a temperature prediction model may be stored in an external device and the external device may perform the operation of the artificial intelligence model. In this case, the processor (351) of the control unit (350) may control the communication interface (360) to instruct the external device to perform the temperature prediction model, and the external device may, in response to receiving the instruction, input sensor data collected from the sensor unit (340) into the temperature prediction model to obtain a predicted temperature value of the storage room (11), and transmit the same to the processor (351) of the control unit (350).

When the processor (351) of the control unit (350) instructs the execution of a temperature prediction model, it can transmit sensor data collected by the sensor unit (340) to an external device through a communication interface (360).

In one embodiment, to alleviate the data processing burden, the refrigerator (1) can execute the temperature prediction model at preset intervals when a predetermined condition is satisfied (e.g., when the cooling mode is started).

The communication interface (360) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device) or receive data from an external device. To this end, the communication interface (360) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication interface (360) can include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module can communicate with the external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) 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 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).

The 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, an 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 communication and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

In one embodiment, the communication interface (360) can communicate with external devices via a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect the 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 via the wide area network (WAN).

The refrigerator (1) can receive various signals (e.g., remote instructions) from an external device through a communication interface (360).

The refrigerator (1) can transmit various signals to an external device through a communication interface (360).

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 as a memory embedded in the refrigerator (1) or as a memory detachable 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 detachable from the refrigerator (1). Meanwhile, in the case of memory embedded in the refrigerator (1), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD)). In addition, in the case of memory that can be attached or detached to the refrigerator (1), it may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card)), 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) is connected to each component of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., sensor unit (340), cooling cycle device (450), thermoelectric cooling device (400), communication interface (360)) to control the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). For example, at least one processor (351) is electrically connected to a 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. 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. At least one processor (351) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in the memory (352). For example, at least one processor (351) may perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (352).

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can perform cooling operation in various ways.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can perform cooling operation by driving only the thermoelectric element (530) among the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530) to supply only the cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400) to the storage room (11).

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can perform cooling operation by driving only the compressor (2) among the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530) to supply only the cold generated in the cooling cycle device to the storage room (11).

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can perform cooling operation by driving both the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530) to supply both the cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400) and the cold air generated by the cooling cycle device to the storage room (11).

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can drive the compressor (2) to perform a cooling cycle based on the current temperature of the storage compartment (11, 12, 13) and the target temperature of the storage compartment (11, 12, 13).

For example, the control unit (350) may drive the compressor (2) to perform a cooling cycle based on the temperature of the first storage room (11) being higher than the target temperature (hereinafter, “first target temperature”) of the first storage room (11). In this case, the control unit (350) may open the damper (61).

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may determine the first target temperature based on the set temperature of the first storage chamber (11) (hereinafter referred to as the “first set temperature”). Here, the set temperature may refer to a temperature that can be set by a user.

For example, the control unit (350) may determine the first target temperature by correcting the first set temperature based on sensor data (e.g., high-temperature data, high-humidity data, etc.) collected from the sensor unit (340). Accordingly, the first target temperature may be similar to or identical to the first set temperature.

The control unit (350) can end the cooling cycle by stopping the operation of the compressor (2) based on the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) falling below the first target temperature.

As another example, the control unit (350) may drive the compressor (2) to perform a cooling cycle based on the temperature of the second storage chamber (12) being higher than the target temperature (hereinafter referred to as the “second target temperature”) of the second storage chamber (12). In this case, the control unit (350) may open or close the damper (61) depending on the temperature of the first storage chamber (11).

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can determine the second target temperature based on the set temperature of the second storage room (12) (hereinafter, “second set temperature”).

For example, the control unit (350) may determine the second target temperature by correcting the second set temperature based on sensor data collected from the sensor unit (340). Accordingly, the second target temperature may be similar to or identical to the second set temperature.

The control unit (350) can end the cooling cycle by stopping the operation of the compressor (2) based on the temperature of the second storage chamber (11) falling below the second target temperature.

In the present disclosure, the cooling cycle may mean a period between the time when the operation of the compressor (2) starts and the time when the operation of the compressor (2) ends.

In the present disclosure, the number of times the refrigerator (1) performs a cooling cycle may mean the number of times the operation of the compressor (2) is terminated after the operation of the compressor (2) is started.

In one embodiment, the driving conditions of the compressor (2) and the driving conditions of the thermoelectric element (530) may be independent of each other.

Conventional refrigerators operate the compressor to perform the cooling cycle only when the storage compartment temperature rises above the target temperature. If the cooling cycle is only performed when the storage compartment temperature rises above the target temperature, the temperature in the storage compartment may deviate significantly from the target temperature if the storage compartment contains objects with a high thermal mass or the door is opened for a long time, which could lead to a rapid temperature rise.

To solve this problem, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent a rapid temperature rise in the storage compartment (11) by driving a thermoelectric element (530) and, furthermore, optionally driving a compressor (2) when a rapid temperature rise in the storage compartment (11) is predicted using a temperature prediction model.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include various configurations in addition to the configurations described above. For example, the refrigerator (1) may include a user interface device (e.g., a display, an input device, a speaker, etc.) for receiving user input and providing various types of information to the user to interact with the user.

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

Referring to FIG. 8, the control unit (350) can determine whether the temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13) satisfies the first cooling condition (1100). Here, the temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13) may refer to the temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13) at the current point in time as measured by the internal sensor (341).

The first cooling condition may also be referred to as a temperature condition, as it is a condition related to the temperature of the storage chamber (11, 12, 13).

The first cooling condition may include that the temperature of the storage chamber (11, 12, 13) exceeds the target temperature.

The control unit (350) can determine that the first cooling condition is satisfied based on the temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13) exceeding the target temperature.

For example, the control unit (350) may determine that the first cooling condition is satisfied based on the temperature of the first storage compartment (11) exceeding the first target temperature. The control unit (350) may determine that the first cooling condition is satisfied based on the temperature of the second storage compartment (12) exceeding the second target temperature. The control unit (350) may determine that the first cooling condition is satisfied based on the temperature of the third storage compartment (13) exceeding the third target temperature.

The first cooling condition may further include a rapid cooling condition.

The control unit (350) can determine whether the temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13) satisfies the rapid cooling condition (1110).

Rapid cooling conditions may include that the temperature of the storage chamber (11, 12, 13) exceeds the target temperature, and the difference between the temperature of the storage chamber (11, 12, 13) and the target temperature is greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 3°C).

For example, the control unit (350) may determine that the rapid cooling condition is satisfied based on the temperature of the first storage compartment (11) exceeding the first target temperature and the difference between the temperature of the first storage compartment (11) and the first target temperature being greater than a first predetermined value. The control unit (350) may determine that the rapid cooling condition is satisfied based on the temperature of the second storage compartment (12) exceeding the second target temperature and the difference between the temperature of the second storage compartment (12) and the second target temperature being greater than a second predetermined value. The control unit (350) may determine that the rapid cooling condition is satisfied based on the temperature of the third storage compartment (13) exceeding the third target temperature and the difference between the temperature of the third storage compartment (13) and the third target temperature being greater than a third predetermined value.

The control unit (350) can perform only the cooling cycle (1130) based on whether the first cooling condition of the storage room (11, 12, 13) is satisfied and the rapid cooling condition is not satisfied (yes of 1100, no of 1110).

Performing only the cooling cycle may include driving only the compressor (2) among the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530).

The control unit (350) can perform a cooling cycle and drive the thermoelectric element (530) based on whether the rapid cooling condition of the storage room (11, 12, 13) is satisfied (example of 1110) (1120).

Performing the cooling cycle and driving the thermoelectric element (530) may include driving both the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530).

The control unit (350) can determine whether the temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13) satisfies the cooling end condition (1140).

The cooling end condition may include the temperature of the storage chamber (11, 12, 13) dropping to the target temperature.

The control unit (350) can terminate cooling of the storage room (11, 12, 13) based on the satisfaction of the cooling termination condition of the storage room (11, 12, 13) (example of 1140).

Terminating cooling of the storage chamber (11, 12, 13) may include stopping operation of the compressor (2) to terminate the cooling cycle, and optionally may include stopping operation of the thermoelectric element (530).

The control unit (350) can terminate the operation of the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530) based on the satisfaction of the cooling termination condition during operation 1120.

The control unit (350) can terminate the operation of the compressor (2) based on the satisfaction of the cooling termination condition during operation 1130.

In this way, the first cooling condition is a condition related to the current temperature of the storage chamber (11, 12, 13). Accordingly, if the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530) are controlled solely based on the first cooling condition, the storage chamber may be vulnerable to rapid temperature changes.

The control unit (350) can determine whether the second cooling condition is satisfied (1200).

The second cooling condition is different from the first cooling condition and may be referred to as a constant temperature condition in that it is a condition for minimizing temperature changes in the storage chamber (11, 12, 13).

The second cooling condition may include a first condition for driving the thermoelectric element (530) and optionally a second condition for driving the compressor (2). The first condition and the second condition may be independent of each other.

The first condition may be referred to as an operating condition (or control condition) of the thermoelectric element (530), and the second condition may be referred to as an operating condition (or control condition) of the compressor (2).

Figure 9 illustrates an example of operating conditions of a thermoelectric element according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, the first condition may include multiple first conditions having priorities.

Each of the plurality of first conditions may include a priority and a control parameter. The control parameter may include an output voltage and/or an on/off duty ratio of the thermoelectric element (530).

The plurality of first conditions may each include a start condition and an end condition. When the start condition is satisfied, the control unit (350) may control the thermoelectric element (530) based on the corresponding control parameter, and when the end condition is satisfied, the control of the thermoelectric element (530) may be stopped.

Here, controlling the thermoelectric element (530) may include not only driving the thermoelectric element (530) but also maintaining the thermoelectric element (530) in an off state.

In one embodiment, the first condition may include receiving a user command to drive the thermoelectric element (530).

When the control unit (350) receives a user command to drive the thermoelectric element (530), the control unit (350) can control the thermoelectric element (530) with control parameters according to user settings. When the control unit (350) receives a user command to drive the thermoelectric element (530), the control unit (350) can control the thermoelectric element (530) with control parameters according to user settings until a user command to terminate the drive of the thermoelectric element (530) is received or a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

In one embodiment, the first condition may include condition M1. Condition M1 may be a condition related to a cooling mode, which will be described later.

For example, the starting condition of condition M1 may include that the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value of the storage chamber (11) after the cooling mode starts is greater than a predetermined value.

Cooling mode will be explained in detail later.

Here, the termination condition of condition M1 may include that the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value of the storage chamber (11) falls below the reference value after the thermoelectric element (530) is driven.

The control unit (350) can control the thermoelectric element (530) based on the control parameter M2 based on the satisfaction of condition M1.

In one embodiment, the first condition may include a condition L1 having a higher priority than condition M1.

In one embodiment, when the thermoelectric element (530) is controlled based on the satisfaction of a first condition with a high priority, even if the first condition with a low priority is satisfied, the thermoelectric element (530) may not be controlled with a control parameter corresponding to the first condition with a low priority.

That is, when the thermoelectric element (530) is controlled by the control parameter L2 according to the satisfaction of the condition L1, the control unit (350) can maintain the control of the thermoelectric element (530) by the control parameter L2 without controlling the thermoelectric element (530) by the control parameter M2 even if the condition M1 with a lower priority is satisfied.

Condition L1 may include initial installation conditions of the refrigerator (1) and various conditions related to sensor data collected by the sensor unit (340).

For example, the start condition of condition L1 may include that a certain amount of time has passed since the refrigerator (1) was turned on. The end condition of condition L1 may include that the temperature of the storage compartment (11) has fallen below a certain temperature. If the start condition of condition L1 includes that a certain amount of time has passed since the refrigerator (1) was turned on, the output voltage (or duty ratio) L2 may have a relatively large value other than 0.

When the control unit (350) controls the thermoelectric element (530) with the control parameter L2 based on the satisfaction of condition L1, the control unit (350) can control the thermoelectric element (530) based on the control parameter L2 even if condition M1, which has a lower priority than condition L1, is satisfied.

As another example, condition L1 may include various conditions under which the thermoelectric element (530) does not operate efficiently. In this case, the output voltage (or duty ratio) L2 for condition L1 may be set to 0.

If a condition is satisfied that the thermoelectric element (530) does not operate efficiently, the control unit (350) may not operate the thermoelectric element (530) even if condition M1, which has a lower priority than condition L1, is satisfied.

The starting conditions for the condition in which the efficiency is not achieved even if the thermoelectric element (530) operates may include, for example, that a certain period of time has not passed immediately after the power of the refrigerator (1) has been turned on, that a temperature lower than a predetermined temperature has been detected by the second defrost sensor (112) for a certain period of time, that a failure of the cooling cycle device (450) has been detected, that the opening of the first door (21) or the second door (22) has been continuously detected for a certain period of time (e.g., 5 minutes), and/or that the external temperature is higher than a certain temperature (e.g., 39°C).

Termination conditions under which the thermoelectric element (530) does not operate efficiently may include, for example, a certain period of time elapsed immediately after the refrigerator (1) is turned on, a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature is detected by the second defrost sensor (112), a failure of the cooling cycle device (450) is not detected, the closure of the first door (21) or the second door (22) is detected, and/or the external temperature becomes lower than a predetermined temperature (e.g., 39°C).

Condition L1 may include various conditions in addition to the conditions described above.

In one embodiment, the first condition may include a condition N1 having a lower priority than condition M1.

According to various embodiments, condition N1 may include conditions regarding external temperature and humidity.

For example, condition N1 may include that the outdoor temperature is in a first range and the outdoor humidity is greater than or equal to a predetermined humidity, that the outdoor temperature is in a second range lower than the first range and the outdoor humidity is greater than or equal to a predetermined humidity, and/or that the outdoor temperature is in a third range lower than the first range and the outdoor humidity is greater than or equal to a predetermined humidity.

The output voltage or duty ratio of the control parameter N2 corresponding to the condition that the outdoor temperature is in the first range and the outdoor humidity is equal to or greater than a predetermined humidity may be greater than the output voltage or duty ratio of the control parameter N2 corresponding to the condition that the outdoor temperature is in the second range and the outdoor humidity is equal to or greater than a predetermined humidity.

According to the present disclosure, the thermoelectric element (530) can operate according to the first condition regardless of whether the compressor (2) is operating.

The second condition is an operating condition of the compressor (2) that is unrelated to the first cooling condition, and may include multiple second conditions. The second condition may include a start condition and an end condition. The second condition may include a control parameter. Here, the control parameter may include the operating frequency of the compressor (2) and whether the damper (61) is opened or closed.

In one embodiment, the second condition may be related to a predicted temperature value of the second storage compartment (12) and optionally may be related to a predicted temperature value of the first storage compartment (11).

The control unit (350) can drive the compressor (2) in response to the satisfaction of the start condition of the second condition, and can stop the drive of the compressor (2) in response to the satisfaction of the end condition of the second condition.

The control unit (350) can perform a hybrid cooling operation based on the satisfaction of the second cooling condition (1210).

The hybrid cooling operation may include driving the thermoelectric element (530) based on the satisfaction of a start condition of a first condition, driving the compressor (2) based on the satisfaction of a start condition of a second condition, and driving both the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530) based on the satisfaction of both the start conditions of the first condition and the second condition.

The control unit (350) can drive the thermoelectric element (530) based on the satisfaction of the start condition of the first condition. The control unit (350) can drive the compressor (2) based on the satisfaction of the start condition of the second condition.

The control unit (350) can terminate the hybrid cooling operation (1230) based on the satisfaction of the second cooling termination condition (example of 1220).

The second cooling termination condition may correspond to the termination condition of the first condition and/or the termination condition of the second condition.

The control unit (350) can stop the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) based on the satisfaction of the termination condition of the first condition. The control unit (350) can stop the operation of the compressor (2) based on the satisfaction of the termination condition of the second condition.

According to the present disclosure, a refrigerator (1) and a control method of the refrigerator (1) that perform a hybrid cooling operation depending on whether a constant temperature condition is satisfied as well as a temperature condition are provided.

Below, the cooling mode related to condition M1 is described in detail.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit (350) can determine whether a predetermined condition related to opening of the door (21, 22, 23, 24) is satisfied (2100).

The predetermined conditions related to the opening of the doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include predetermined conditions related to the opening of the first door (21) and/or the second door (22) for opening and closing the first storage room (11).

Certain conditions related to the opening of the door (21, 22, 23, 24) may include certain events in which a rapid temperature change of the first storage room (11) is predicted.

For example, a predetermined condition associated with the opening of a door (21, 22) may include that the time for which the door (21, 22) is continuously open exceeds a first predetermined time (e.g., approximately 10 seconds).

The control unit (350) may determine that a predetermined condition related to the opening of the door (21, 22) is satisfied when a first predetermined time elapses without the door (21, 22) being closed after the door sensor (343) detects the opening of the door (21, 22).

As another example, a predetermined condition associated with the opening of a door (21, 22) may include that the cumulative time that the door (21, 22) has been open exceeds a second predetermined time (e.g., approximately 1 minute).

The control unit (350) accumulates and counts the time from the time when the opening of the door (21, 22) is detected by the door sensor (343) to the time when the closing of the door (21, 22) is detected, and if the counted time (cumulative time when the door (21, 22) is opened) exceeds a second predetermined time (e.g., approximately 1 minute), it can be determined that a predetermined condition related to the opening of the door (21, 22) is satisfied.

As another example, a predetermined condition related to the opening of the door (21, 22) may include that the heat capacity of an object stored in the storage room (11) after the door (21, 22) is opened is greater than a predetermined size.

When the opening of the door (21, 22) is detected by the door sensor (343), the control unit (350) turns on a camera (e.g., an infrared camera) that photographs the interior of the storage room (11), and, based on an image obtained from the camera that photographs the interior of the storage room (11), identifies the heat capacity of an object stored in the storage room (11) after the door (21, 22) is opened, and if the heat capacity of the identified object is greater than a predetermined size, determines that a predetermined condition related to the opening of the door (21, 22) is satisfied.

The control unit (350) can start the cooling mode (2200) based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition related to the opening of the door (21, 22, 23, 24) (e.g., 2100).

In the present disclosure, the cooling mode corresponds to a mode for obtaining a predicted temperature value of the storage compartment (11) and determining whether to drive the thermoelectric element (530) based on the predicted temperature value of the storage compartment (11). In the present disclosure, even if the cooling mode is started, if it is determined that the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) is not necessary, the cooling mode may be terminated without driving the thermoelectric element (530), and if it is determined that the operation of the thermal residual element is necessary, the cooling mode may be terminated as the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) is stopped after the operation of the thermoelectric element (530).

Based on the cooling mode starting (2200), the control unit (350) can initialize values related to predetermined conditions related to opening of the door.

For example, a predetermined condition related to the door opening time may include that the cumulative time that the door has been opened exceeds a predetermined time, and the control unit (350) may initialize the cumulative time based on starting the cooling mode.

Based on the cooling mode starting (2200), the control unit (350) can obtain the predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) by inputting the sensor data collected by the sensor unit (340) into the temperature prediction model (2300).

As described above, the control unit (350) can obtain the predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) by inputting sensor data into the temperature prediction model in various ways.

In one embodiment, to alleviate the burden of data processing, the control unit (350) can obtain the predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) by inputting sensor data into the temperature prediction model at preset intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes).

However, if a rapid temperature change in the storage room (11) is predicted, there is a need to quickly check the predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) by changing the preset cycle.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can change the preset cycle.

For example, the control unit (350) can change the preset cycle based on the temperature of the storage room (11). The control unit (350) can change the preset cycle based on the change value of the temperature of the storage room (11) per unit time. The control unit (350) can linearly or nonlinearly shorten the preset cycle as the change value of the temperature of the storage room (11) per unit time increases.

According to the present disclosure, a refrigerator (1) is provided that can obtain a predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) at relatively short intervals when the temperature change of the storage room (11) is large, thereby obtaining a more accurate predicted temperature value.

As another example, the control unit (350) can change the preset cycle based on the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value. The control unit (350) can linearly or nonlinearly shorten the preset cycle as the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value increases.

According to the present disclosure, a refrigerator (1) is provided that can obtain a predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) at relatively short intervals when the temperature change of the storage room (11) is expected to be large, thereby obtaining a more accurate predicted temperature value.

The control unit (350) can compare the predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) with the target temperature value of the storage room (11) (2400).

More specifically, the control unit (350) can determine whether the predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) is greater than the target temperature value of the storage room (11) by a predetermined value. That is, the control unit (350) can determine whether the difference between the predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) and the target temperature value of the storage room (11) is greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 10°C).

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the difference between the predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) and the target temperature value of the storage room (11) is referred to as a ‘difference value.’

As described above, the control unit (350) can determine the target temperature based on the set temperature of the storage room (11) and the external sensor data collected by the external sensor (342). For example, the control unit (350) can determine the target temperature to be lower than the set temperature of the storage room (11) when the external temperature and/or humidity is high.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example in which a refrigerator according to one embodiment starts a cooling mode but the thermoelectric element (530) is not driven.

Referring to FIG. 11, the control unit (350) can terminate the cooling mode without driving the thermoelectric element (530) based on maintaining the difference value to be less than a predetermined value (T1) until the cooling cycle is performed a preset number of times (e.g., 2 times) from the time t0 when the cooling mode starts (No of 2400, Yes of 2450).

That is, the control unit (350) can terminate the cooling mode without driving the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference value being less than or equal to a predetermined value (T1) until the cooling cycle is performed a preset number of times (2700).

The reason the control unit (350) terminates the cooling mode is that if the difference value remains smaller than a predetermined value even though the cooling cycle has been performed a preset number of times, it means that there is no longer room for the temperature of the storage room (11) to rise due to an event related to the opening of the door (21, 22).

The control unit (350) can count the number of times the cooling cycle is performed, including the cooling cycle currently being performed, when the cooling cycle is being performed.

The control unit (350) can count the number of times a cooling cycle is to be performed in the future when the cooling cycle is not being performed.

That is, the control unit (350) can count the number of times the cooling cycle is performed based on the change from the compressor (2) being operated to the stopped state.

The control unit (350) can terminate the cooling mode at a point in time (t2) when the number of times the cooling cycle is performed exceeds a preset number while maintaining the difference value to be less than or equal to a predetermined value.

According to various embodiments, the control unit (350) may terminate the cooling mode without driving the thermoelectric element (530) based on the elapsed time of a reference time while maintaining the difference value to be less than or equal to a predetermined value.

According to various embodiments, the control unit (350) may terminate the cooling mode without driving the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference value remaining below a predetermined value and the slope of the difference value changing from a positive value to a negative value.

According to the present disclosure, in cases where the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) is not necessary to maintain the temperature of the storage room (11), the energy consumed can be saved by terminating the cooling mode without operating the thermoelectric element (530).

As illustrated in Fig. 11, if the cooling mode is started while the cooling cycle is being performed by the compressor (2), the predicted temperature of the storage compartment (11) may not rise significantly. However, even if the cooling mode is started while the cooling cycle is being performed by the compressor (2), if the opening time of the door (21, 22) is significant or if an object with a significant heat capacity is stored inside the storage compartment (11), the predicted temperature of the storage compartment (11) may rise significantly.

The control unit (350) can drive the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference value being greater than a predetermined value (example of 2400) while operating in cooling mode (2500).

A condition in which the difference value is greater than a predetermined value while operating in cooling mode may correspond to condition M1 described in Fig. 9.

The control unit (350) may drive the thermoelectric element (530) with a first control parameter (M1) when the difference value is greater than a predetermined value while operating in cooling mode. Here, the first control parameter may include a lookup table in which the difference value and the on/off duty ratio of the thermoelectric element (530) are matched.

The control unit (350) can control the duty ratio of the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference value when the difference value is greater than a predetermined value. For example, the control unit (350) can control the duty ratio of the thermoelectric element (530) to be greater as the difference value increases when the difference value is greater than the predetermined value.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may maintain control of the thermoelectric element (530) based on the second control parameter if a control condition having a higher priority than the cooling mode is satisfied and the thermoelectric element (530) is controlled according to the second control parameter, even if the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value is greater than a predetermined value while operating in the cooling mode.

Here, the control condition having a higher priority than the cooling mode may include the control condition L1 having a higher priority than the control condition M1 corresponding to the cooling mode.

That is, even if condition M1 is satisfied, if condition L1 is satisfied and the thermoelectric element (530) is controlled according to control parameter L2, the control unit (350) can maintain control of the thermoelectric element (530) based on control parameter L2.

For example, the control unit (350) may not drive the thermoelectric element (530) if the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off according to condition L1 even if the difference value is greater than a predetermined value while operating in cooling mode.

As another example, the control unit (350) may drive the thermoelectric element (530) at the first duty ratio when the difference value is greater than a predetermined value while operating in the cooling mode, but may maintain driving the thermoelectric element (530) at the second duty ratio when the thermoelectric element (530) is being driven at the second duty ratio according to condition L1 even when the difference value is greater than the predetermined value while operating in the cooling mode.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can drive the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference value being greater than a predetermined value while operating in cooling mode, regardless of whether the compressor (2) is operating (whether the cooling cycle is in progress).

Accordingly, the control unit (350) may drive the thermoelectric element (530) while the cooling cycle is in progress, drive the thermoelectric element (530) while the cooling cycle is not in progress, or start the cooling cycle while driving the thermoelectric element (530).

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may terminate the cooling mode by stopping the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference value falling below a reference value (example of 2600) after driving the thermoelectric element (530) (2700). Here, the reference value may be less than a predetermined value and greater than a target temperature value.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example in which a compressor and a thermoelectric element are driven together when a refrigerator according to one embodiment starts a cooling mode.

Referring to FIG. 12, the control unit (350) can start the cooling mode at a time t0 when a predetermined condition related to the opening time of the door is satisfied while the cooling cycle is not in progress.

Afterwards, as the temperature of the storage chamber (11, 12, 13) rises, a cooling cycle may be initiated, and the difference value at a time point t1 before or after the cooling cycle is initiated may exceed a predetermined value (T1).

The thermoelectric element (530) can be driven based on the difference value exceeding a predetermined value (T1), and if the thermoelectric element (530) is driven while the cooling cycle is being performed, the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530) can be driven together, and if the thermoelectric element (530) is driven while the cooling cycle is not being performed, only the thermoelectric element (530) can be driven.

That is, the control unit (350) can start a cooling cycle based on the satisfaction of the cooling condition, and can drive the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value exceeding a predetermined value while performing the cooling cycle, thereby allowing the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530) to be driven together.

Thereafter, the control unit (350) can end the cooling mode by stopping the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) at a time point t2 when the difference value falls below the reference value (T2).

FIG. 13 illustrates an example in which, when a refrigerator according to one embodiment starts a cooling mode, only the thermoelectric element among the compressor and the thermoelectric element is driven.

Referring to FIG. 13, the control unit (350) can start the cooling mode at a time t0 when a predetermined condition related to the opening time of the door is satisfied while the cooling cycle is in progress.

Depending on the event related to the opening time of the door thereafter, the difference value at time t1 may exceed a predetermined value (T1) even though the cooling cycle is in progress.

Even if the temperature of the storage chamber (11, 12, 13) decreases upon completion of the cooling cycle, the thermoelectric element (530) can be driven based on the difference value exceeding a predetermined value (T1).

That is, even if the temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13) is maintained below the target temperature, if the predicted temperature value of the storage room (11) is high, only the thermoelectric element (530) among the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530) can be driven.

That is, the control unit (350) can drive the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference value exceeding a predetermined value in a state where the cooling cycle is not performed, thereby driving only the thermoelectric element (530) among the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530).

Thereafter, the control unit (350) can end the cooling mode by stopping the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) at a time point t2 when the difference value falls below the reference value (T2).

If the temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13) satisfies the cooling condition before reaching time point t2, the control unit (350) can drive the compressor (2), thereby allowing the thermoelectric element (530) and the compressor (2) to be driven together.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13) can be maintained with minimal energy consumption by managing the future temperature of the storage room (11) through driving the thermoelectric element (530) and managing the current temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13) through driving the compressor (2).

Meanwhile, if the difference value increases significantly while operating in cooling mode, the temperature of the storage room (11) may not be maintained by driving only the thermoelectric element (530).

According to various embodiments, the control unit (350) may drive the compressor (2) when the difference value exceeds the maximum set value while operating in cooling mode.

That is, the control unit (350) can determine whether to drive the compressor (2) based on the difference value.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example in which a compressor is driven while a thermoelectric element is driven when a refrigerator according to one embodiment starts a cooling mode.

Referring to FIG. 14, the control unit (350) can start the cooling mode at a time t0 when a predetermined condition related to the opening time of the door is satisfied after the cooling cycle is completed.

If certain conditions related to the door opening time are met immediately after the end of the cooling cycle, the predicted temperature value is likely to rise sharply. The predicted temperature value may rise sharply, and the difference value at time t1 may exceed a predetermined value (T1).

The thermoelectric element (530) may be driven based on the difference value exceeding a predetermined value (T1), but the difference value may rise steeply and exceed the maximum set value (T3).

The compressor (2) can be operated at a point ta when the difference value reaches the maximum set value (T3).

However, to prevent excessive energy consumption, the compressor (2) can be stopped at a point tb when the difference value falls to a preset value that is less than the maximum set value (T3) and greater than the predetermined value (T1).

Afterwards, the thermoelectric element (530) can be stopped at a point t2 when the difference value drops to the reference value (T2).

The control unit (350) can drive the compressor (2) based on the difference value reaching the maximum set value (T3). For example, the control unit (350) can drive the compressor (2) based on the difference value reaching the maximum set value (T3) regardless of whether the cooling condition is satisfied.

The control unit (350) can stop the operation of the compressor (2) based on the difference value after the operation of the compressor (2) falling below a preset value. Here, the preset value can be preset to a value between the maximum set value (T3) and a predetermined value (T1).

The control unit (350) can terminate the cooling mode by stopping the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference value falling below the reference value (T2) after the compressor (2) stops.

According to the present disclosure, when the predicted temperature of the storage room (11) rises sharply, it is possible to preemptively respond to a rapid temperature change in the storage room (11) by pre-cooling the storage room (11) using not only the thermoelectric element (530) but also the compressor (2).

A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a main body (100) forming a storage compartment (11, 12, 13); a door (21, 22, 23, 24) for opening and closing the storage compartment (11, 12, 13); a cooling cycle device (450) including a compressor (2) and an evaporator (3) for cooling the storage compartment (11, 12, 13); a thermoelectric element (530) for cooling the storage compartment (11, 12, 13); at least one sensor (340) for collecting sensor data related to the refrigerator (1); And at least one processor (351, 361) for driving the compressor (2) to perform a cooling cycle based on the satisfaction of a cooling condition, and starting a cooling mode based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition related to the opening time of the door (21, 22, 23, 24); and, based on the start of the cooling mode, the at least one processor (351, 361) can obtain a predicted temperature value of the storage compartment (11, 12, 13) by inputting the sensor data into a temperature prediction model, and can drive the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value being greater than a predetermined value (T1).

The at least one processor (351, 361) can end the cooling mode by stopping the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) when the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value falls below the reference value (T2) after driving the thermoelectric element (530).

The at least one processor (351, 361) may terminate the cooling mode without driving the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value being less than or equal to the predetermined value (T1) until the cooling cycle is performed a preset number of times.

The at least one processor (351, 361) can determine the target temperature value based on the set temperature and the sensor data.

The at least one processor (351, 361) may drive the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value exceeding the predetermined value (T1) while performing the cooling cycle, thereby driving the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530) together.

The at least one processor (351, 361) may drive the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value exceeding the predetermined value (T1) while not performing the cooling cycle, thereby driving only the thermoelectric element (530) among the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530).

The at least one processor (351, 361) may drive the thermoelectric element (530) based on the first control parameter when the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value is greater than the predetermined value (T1).

The at least one processor (351, 361) may maintain control of the thermoelectric element (530) based on the second control parameter if a control condition having a higher priority than the cooling mode is satisfied and the thermoelectric element (530) is controlled according to the second control parameter, even if the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value is greater than the predetermined value (T1) while operating in the cooling mode.

The above at least one processor (351, 361) can obtain the predicted temperature value of the storage room (11, 12, 13) at preset intervals.

The at least one processor (351, 361) can change the preset cycle based on the temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13).

The at least one processor (351, 361) can change the preset cycle based on the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value.

The at least one processor (351, 361) may include a first processor (351) that controls the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530); and a second processor (361) that obtains a predicted temperature value of the storage chamber (11, 12, 13) using the temperature prediction model.

The first processor (351) may, in response to the cooling mode being started, instruct the second processor (361) to perform the temperature prediction model, and the second processor (361) may, in response to receiving the instruction from the first processor (351), obtain the predicted temperature value and transmit the predicted temperature value to the first processor (351).

The at least one processor (351, 361) can control the duty ratio of the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value.

The at least one processor (351, 361) can determine whether to drive the compressor (2) based on the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value.

The above-mentioned predetermined condition may include that the cumulative time that the door (21, 22, 23, 24) has been open exceeds a predetermined time.

The at least one processor (351, 361) may initialize the accumulated time based on starting the cooling mode.

A control method of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: driving a compressor (2) to perform a cooling cycle based on satisfaction of a cooling condition; starting a cooling mode based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition related to an opening time of a door (21, 22, 23, 24) for opening and closing a storage compartment (11, 12, 13); obtaining a predicted temperature value of the storage compartment (11, 12, 13) by inputting sensor data related to the refrigerator (1) into a temperature prediction model based on the start of the cooling mode, and driving a thermoelectric element (530) for cooling the storage compartment (11, 12, 13) based on a difference between the predicted temperature value and a target temperature value being greater than a predetermined value (T1).

The control method of the refrigerator (1) may further include terminating the cooling mode by stopping the operation of the thermoelectric element (530) when the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value falls below the reference value (T2) after operating the thermoelectric element (530).

The control method of the refrigerator (1) may further include terminating the cooling mode based on the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value being less than or equal to the predetermined value (T1) until the cooling cycle is performed a preset number of times.

Driving the thermoelectric element (530) may include driving the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value exceeding the predetermined value (T1) while performing the cooling cycle, thereby driving the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530) together.

Driving the thermoelectric element (530) may include driving the thermoelectric element (530) based on the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value exceeding the predetermined value (T1) in a state where the cooling cycle is not performed, thereby driving only the thermoelectric element (530) among the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530).

Driving the thermoelectric element (530) includes driving the thermoelectric element (530) based on a first control parameter, and the control method of the refrigerator (1) may further include maintaining control of the thermoelectric element (530) based on the second control parameter if a control condition having a higher priority than the cooling mode is satisfied and the thermoelectric element (530) is controlled according to a second control parameter even if the difference between the predicted temperature value and the target temperature value is greater than the predetermined value (T1) during operation in the cooling mode.

The above predetermined condition includes that the cumulative time that the door (21, 22, 23, 24) has been opened exceeds a predetermined time, and the control method of the refrigerator (1) may further include initializing the cumulative time based on starting the cooling mode.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, 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 disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which 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 as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

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

Claims (15)

In the refrigerator, The body forming the storage room; A door for opening and closing the above storage room; A refrigeration cycle device comprising a compressor and an evaporator and cooling the storage chamber; A thermoelectric element for cooling the above storage chamber; At least one sensor generating sensor data related to the refrigerator; and Drive the compressor to perform a cooling cycle based on the cooling conditions being satisfied, Starting the cooling mode based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition related to the opening time of the above door, Based on the above cooling mode being started, Obtaining a predicted temperature value of the storage room from a temperature prediction model based on the sensor data generated by the at least one sensor, A refrigerator comprising at least one processor that drives the thermoelectric element to cool the storage compartment based on a difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value being greater than a predetermined value. In the first paragraph, At least one processor, A refrigerator that ends the cooling mode by stopping the operation of the thermoelectric element when the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value falls below a reference value after driving the thermoelectric element to cool the storage room. In the first paragraph, At least one processor, A refrigerator that terminates the cooling mode without operating the thermoelectric element based on the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value being less than or equal to the predetermined value until the cooling cycle is performed a preset number of times. In the first paragraph, At least one processor, A refrigerator that determines the target temperature value based on the set temperature and the sensor data generated by the at least one sensor. In the first paragraph, At least one processor, A refrigerator in which the compressor and the thermoelectric element are driven together by driving the thermoelectric element to cool the storage compartment based on the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value exceeding the predetermined value while performing the cooling cycle. In the first paragraph, At least one processor, A refrigerator in which the thermoelectric element is driven to cool the storage compartment based on the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value exceeding the predetermined value in a state in which the cooling cycle is not performed, thereby driving only the thermoelectric element among the compressor and the thermoelectric element. In the first paragraph, At least one processor, When the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value is greater than the predetermined value, the thermoelectric element is driven to cool the storage room based on the first control parameter, A refrigerator that operates the thermoelectric element to cool the storage compartment based on the second control parameter if a control condition having a higher priority than the cooling mode is satisfied and the thermoelectric element is operated according to the second control parameter, even if the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value is greater than the predetermined value while operating in the cooling mode. In the first paragraph, At least one processor, Obtaining the predicted temperature value of the storage room from the temperature prediction model at preset intervals, A refrigerator that changes the preset cycle based on the temperature of the storage compartment. In the first paragraph, At least one processor, Obtaining the predicted temperature value of the storage room from the temperature prediction model at preset intervals, A refrigerator that changes the preset cycle based on the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value. In the first paragraph, At least one processor, A first processor controlling the cooling cycle device and the thermoelectric element; and A second processor for obtaining a predicted temperature value of the storage room from the temperature prediction model; The above first processor, In response to the cooling mode being started, an instruction is transmitted to the second processor to obtain the predicted temperature value from the temperature prediction model, The second processor, A refrigerator that obtains the predicted temperature value from the temperature prediction model in response to receiving the instruction from the first processor, and transmits the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model to the first processor. In the first paragraph, At least one processor, A refrigerator that controls the duty ratio of the thermoelectric element based on the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value. In the first paragraph, At least one processor, A refrigerator that determines whether to operate the compressor based on the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value. In the first paragraph, The above conditions are, Including that the cumulative time that the above door has been open exceeds a predetermined time, At least one processor, A refrigerator that resets the accumulated time based on starting the cooling mode. Drive the compressor to perform a cooling cycle based on the cooling conditions being satisfied; Starting the cooling mode based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition related to the opening time of the door that opens and closes the storage room; Based on the above cooling mode being started, Obtaining a predicted temperature value of the storage room from a temperature prediction model based on sensor data related to the refrigerator, A control method for a refrigerator, comprising: driving a thermoelectric element for cooling the storage compartment based on a difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value being greater than a predetermined value. In Article 14, A control method for a refrigerator, further comprising: terminating the cooling mode by stopping the operation of the thermoelectric element when the difference between the predicted temperature value obtained from the temperature prediction model and the target temperature value falls below a reference value after driving the thermoelectric element to cool the storage room.