Patent Description:
A refrigerator is an apparatus that prevents food from rotting and spoiling and preserves medicine or cosmetic by keeping them cool.

A refrigerator includes a storage chamber for keeping food, medicine, or cosmetic, and a cooling device for cooling the storage chamber.

The cooling device, for example, may be a refrigeration cycle device including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion unit, and an evaporator.

Alternatively, the cooling device, for example, may be a thermoelectric module (TEM) that uses a phenomenon in which a temperature difference is generated at both cross-sections of different metals coupled to each other when current is applied to the metals.

The refrigeration cycle device has a problem in that, while efficiency is high, loud noise is generated when the compressor is driven, as compared with the thermoelectric module.

However, the thermoelectric module, when compared with the refrigeration cycle device, is low in efficiency, but has the advantage of less noise and can be used for small refrigerators, etc..

An example of a refrigerator designed such that a thermoelectric module cools the inside of the refrigerator has been disclosed in <CIT>). This refrigerator includes a refrigerator body formed by insulating walls, a thermoelectric element using an inner side of the refrigerator as a heat-absorbing surface and an outer side of the refrigerator as a heat-dissipating surface, an inner conductive block disposed to be able to transmit heat to the heat-absorbing surface of the thermoelectric element, an internal heat exchanger disposed to transmit heat by heat exchange with air inside the refrigerator to the inner conductive block, and an external heat exchanger accelerating heat dissipation of the thermoelectric element, in which the internal heat exchanger cools one storage chamber.

Meanwhile, a refrigerator may have a temperature controlled chamber, which is cooled colder than a storage chamber, in the storage chamber, and may cool the temperature controlled chamber with a thermoelectric module.

An example of a refrigerator in which a thermoelectric module cools a temperature control chamber has been disclosed in <CIT>). According to this refrigerator, a compressor, an evaporator, and a blowing fan are disposed at an upper portion in the refrigerator and maintain a refrigerating chamber at a refrigeration temperature. Further, the thermoelectric module is disposed behind the temperature controlled chamber defined in the refrigerating chamber. Further, cold air blown to the refrigerating chamber by the blowing fan increases in temperature while passing through the refrigerating chamber, flows to a heat dissipating member of the thermoelectric element, and then flows to the evaporator through a guide duct.

However, according to the refrigerator disclosed in <CIT>), a compressor and an evaporator are installed to cool the refrigerating chamber, so loud noise is generated. Further, the cold air that increases in temperature while cooling the refrigerating chamber removes heat of the heat dissipating member of the thermoelectric module, so there is a limit as to reducing the temperature of a heat absorbing unit of the thermoelectric module.

<CIT> presents quick ice-making units in a freezing compartment which use a cooling technique based on directing ambient air forcibly by a fan - motor mechanism located in a freezing compartment to the compartment of a cooling element such as an evaporator, and cooling this air while passing over the cooling element and re-transferring it into the freezing compartment or the ice chamber from air blowers. The quick ice-making unit are described with thermoelectric cooler and with cold air blower inlet. Both units have the ability to be used together or separately in a freezing compartment. Moreover, <CIT> discloses a refrigerator comprising:.

<CIT> relates to a cyclone type vacuum cleaner which has a filter rotatably mounted on an outer casing of a dirt collector, between an open/suction space and a closed space of the body of the cleaner, which includes vanes, external or internal, to allow the filter to rotate under the power of air currents generated by a vacuum motor mounted in closed space. The suction space is contained within a dirt collecting container, detachably mounted to the cleaner body. The filter may be mounted via a rotational support member which may be an annular bearing. The filter may have a closed bottom and a plurality of air holes formed along the outer circumference, and at least four vanes to allow filter rotation.

<CIT> relates to a distributed refrigeration appliance system. The system can include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. <CIT> relates to a refrigerator for preserving blood in Dewar vessels embedded in plastics foam and which comprises a heat transfer section separated from the environmental chamber by a horizontal heat insulating plate adjacent which a tangential double fan supplies a current of air which circulates in the direction of the arrows around the plate and flows through heat exchangers arranged in the heat transfer section and on the cold side of Peltier cascades, the warm sides of which cascades are connected to heat exchangers on the outside of the refrigerator.

<CIT> relates to a cooling storage chamber which is formed such that a deep freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber are partitioned from each other in a heat insulation box body, the cooling storage chamber comprising a cooling device having a refrigerant circuit consisting of a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, and a vaporizing pipe; and a Peltier element situated in the deep freezing chamber.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that may maximally reduce the temperature range of a freezing chamber and may minimize noise.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claim. Any "aspect", "example" and "embodiment" of the description not falling within the scope of the claims does not form part of the invention and is provided for illustrative purposes only.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a main body that includes an inner case including a storage chamber; a refrigerating chamber discharge duct that divides the storage chamber into a heat exchange chamber and a refrigerating chamber and includes refrigerating chamber discharge holes for allowing cold air to pass between the heat exchange chamber and the refrigerating chamber; a refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module including a first heat absorbing unit and a first heat dissipating unit configured to dissipate heat absorbed from the refrigerating chamber to an outside of the refrigerator, the first heat absorbing unit disposed in the heat exchange chamber for cooling the cold air; a refrigerating chamber cooling fan to circulate the cold air in the refrigerating chamber to the heat exchange chamber and the refrigerating chamber; a freezing compartment disposed in the refrigerating chamber and including a freezing chamber; a refrigerating chamber heat dissipating fan for blowing external air to the first heat dissipating unit; a freezing compartment thermoelectric module including a second heat absorbing unit disposed in the freezing compartment and a second heat dissipating unit disposed between the freezing compartment and the inner case; a freezing chamber heat dissipating fan that blows the cold air from the heat exchange chamber to the second heat dissipating unit; and an air guide that forms a channel for guiding the cold air from the heat exchange chamber to the second heat dissipating unit, the air guide is disposed over the refrigerating chamber discharge duct, wherein the air guide includes an expanding portion disposed between an upper end of the refrigerating chamber discharge duct and the second heat dissipating unit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, since it is possible to cool the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber by using the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module and the freezing compartment thermoelectric element, it is possible to minimize noise in comparison to using a compressor and it is also possible to efficiently cool the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber without a compressor.

Further, the cold air cooled by the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module absorbs the heat of the freezing compartment by being guided to the second heat dissipating unit through the air guide and it is possible to maximally lower the temperature of the freezing chamber by using the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module, the air guide, and the freezing chamber thermoelectric module.

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The configuration or control method of devices to be described below are provided to describe embodiments of the present invention without limiting the scope of the present invention, and same reference numerals used throughout the specification may indicate the same components.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A refrigerator according to the embodiment includes a main body <NUM>, a refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM>, a refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM>, a freezing compartment <NUM>, and a freezing compartment thermoelectric module <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> includes an inner case <NUM> having a storage chamber.

The storage chamber may be formed in the inner case <NUM>. A front side of the inner case <NUM> may be open.

A thermoelectric module seat 11a may be formed at the inner case <NUM>. The thermoelectric module seat 11a may be formed by protruding rearward a portion from the rear side of the inner case <NUM>. A thermoelectric module seat hole 11b may be formed at the inner case <NUM>, preferably at the rear side of the inner case <NUM> or at a side facing the front side of the inner case <NUM>. The refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM> may be set into or disposed through the thermoelectric module seat hole 11b. The thermoelectric module seat hole 11b may be formed at the thermoelectric module seat 11a.

The main body <NUM> may further include a cabinet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that surrounds the inner case <NUM>. The cabinet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may form the external appearance of the refrigerator. A heat insulator <NUM> may be disposed between the cabinet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the inner case <NUM>.

The cabinet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed by combining a plurality of members. The cabinet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include an outer cabinet <NUM>, a top cover <NUM>, and a back plate <NUM>.

The outer cabinet <NUM> may be disposed outside the inner case <NUM>. In detail, the outer cabinet <NUM> may be disposed at left and right sides of and under the inner case <NUM>. However, the positional relationship of the outer cabinet <NUM> and the inner case <NUM> may be changed, as necessary.

The outer cabinet <NUM> may be disposed to cover the left side, the right side, and the bottom of the inner case <NUM> and may constitute the left side, the right side, and the bottom of the refrigerator.

The outer cabinet <NUM> may be composed of a plurality of members. The outer cabinet <NUM> may include a base forming the external appearance of the bottom of the refrigerator, a left cover disposed on the left side of the base, and a right cover disposed on the right side of the base. The members constituting the outer cabinet <NUM> may be made of different materials. For example, the base may be made of synthetic resin and the left plate and the right plate may be made of metal such as steel or aluminum.

The outer cabinet <NUM> may be formed by a single member, and in this case, the outer cabinet <NUM> may have a bottom plate, a left plate, and a right plate that are curved or bent. When the outer cabinet <NUM> is formed by one member, it may be made of steel such as steel or aluminum.

The top cover <NUM> may be disposed over the inner case <NUM>. The top cover <NUM> may form the top of the refrigerator.

The back plate <NUM> may be vertically disposed. The back plate <NUM> may be disposed behind the inner case <NUM>. The back plate <NUM> may be disposed to face the rear side of the inner case <NUM> in the front-rear direction.

The back plate <NUM> may be disposed in contact with the inner case <NUM>. The back plate <NUM> may be disposed close to the thermoelectric module seat 11a of the inner case <NUM>.

A through-hole 14a through which the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM> is disposed may be formed at the back plate <NUM>. The through-hole 14a may be formed at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric module seat hole 11b of the inner case <NUM>. The size of the through-hole 14a may be the same as or larger than the size of the thermoelectric module seat hole 11b of the inner case <NUM>.

A door <NUM> may open/close the storage chamber. The front side of the inner case <NUM> may be open, and the door <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the main body <NUM>, thereby being able to open/close the front side of the inner case <NUM>.

The refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> may be disposed in the inner case <NUM>. The refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> divides the storage chamber into a heat exchange chamber H and a refrigerating chamber R.

The heat exchange chamber H may be a space defined between the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> and the inner case <NUM>.

A refrigerating chamber suction port <NUM> for suctioning cold air in the refrigerating chamber R to the heat exchange chamber H may be formed at the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM>.

Refrigerating chamber discharge ports <NUM> for discharging cold air cooled through the heat exchange chamber H to the refrigerating chamber R are formed at the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM>.

The refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM> has a first thermoelectric element <NUM>, a first heat absorbing unit <NUM>, and a first heat dissipating unit <NUM> and cools the refrigerating chamber R.

The first thermoelectric element <NUM> may be disposed between the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> and the first heat dissipating unit <NUM>. The first thermoelectric element <NUM>, which is a component that absorbs or generates heat using Peltier effect, uses a phenomenon in which a temperature difference is generated at both cross-sections of different metals coupled to each other when current is applied to the metals.

The first thermoelectric element <NUM> may have a cold side and a hot side and the temperature difference between the cold side and the hot side may depend on the voltage that is applied to the first thermoelectric element <NUM>.

The first thermoelectric element <NUM> may be operated such that the temperature difference between the hot side and the cold side is about <NUM> to <NUM>, and when the temperature of the hot side is about <NUM>, the temperature of the cold side may be -<NUM> to +<NUM>.

The first heat absorbing unit <NUM> is disposed in the heat exchange chamber H and cools the refrigerating chamber R. The first heat absorbing unit <NUM> is a cooling plate that absorbs surrounding heat and transmits the heat to the first thermoelectric element <NUM>. The first heat absorbing unit <NUM> may be disposed in contact with the cold side of the first thermoelectric element <NUM>. The first heat absorbing unit <NUM> may absorb heat of air flowing to the heat exchange chamber H from the refrigerating chamber R and transmit the heat to the cold side of the first thermoelectric element <NUM>.

The first heat dissipating unit <NUM> dissipates heat absorbed from the refrigerating chamber R to the outside of the refrigerator. The first heat dissipating unit <NUM> may be a heat sink that is increased in temperature by the first thermoelectric element <NUM>. The first heat dissipating unit <NUM> may be disposed in contact with the hot side of the first thermoelectric element <NUM> and may dissipate heat from the hot side of the first thermoelectric element <NUM> to the outside of the refrigerator.

The refrigerator further includes a refrigerating chamber cooling fan <NUM> and a refrigerating chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM>.

The refrigerating chamber cooling fan <NUM> circulates cold air in the refrigerating chamber R to the heat exchange chamber H and the refrigerating chamber R.

The refrigerating chamber cooling fan <NUM> may be disposed to face the suction port <NUM>. When the refrigerating chamber cooling fan <NUM> is driven, the air in the refrigerating chamber R may flow to the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> through the suction port <NUM> and may be cooled by exchanging heat with the first heat absorbing unit <NUM>. The air cooled by the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> may be discharged to the refrigerating chamber R through the discharge ports <NUM>, whereby the refrigerating chamber R may be maintained at low temperature.

The refrigerating chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> blows external air to the first heat dissipating unit <NUM>. The refrigerating chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> may be disposed to face the first heat dissipating unit <NUM> and may blow the air outside the refrigerator to the first heat dissipating unit <NUM>.

The freezing compartment <NUM> is disposed in the refrigerating chamber R and a freezing chamber F is formed in the freezing compartment <NUM>.

The freezing compartment <NUM> may include a freezing compartment inner case <NUM> having an open front side. The freezing compartment inner case <NUM> may have a hexahedral shape. The freezing chamber F may be a space defined in the freezing compartment inner case <NUM>. The freezing compartment <NUM> may further include a freezing chamber door <NUM> for opening/closing the freezing chamber F.

A freezing compartment through-hole through which the compartment thermoelectric module <NUM> is disposed may be formed at the freezing compartment <NUM>. The freezing compartment through-hole may be formed through a rear plate of the freezing compartment inner case <NUM>.

At least one receiving member <NUM> may be disposed in the refrigerating chamber R. Food may be placed in or accommodated in the receiving member <NUM>. The receiving member <NUM> may be a shelf and/or a drawer disposed in the refrigerating chamber inner case <NUM>. The receiving member <NUM> may be disposed separately from the freezing compartment <NUM> in the freezing chamber F.

The freezing chamber F may be smaller in volume than the refrigerating chamber R. The freezing compartment thermoelectric module <NUM> may be smaller in size than the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM>.

The refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM> has a second thermoelectric element <NUM>, a second heat absorbing unit <NUM>, and a second heat dissipating unit <NUM> and the second heat absorbing unit <NUM> may cool the freezing chamber F.

The second thermoelectric element <NUM> may be disposed between the second heat absorbing unit <NUM> and the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>.

Similar to the first thermoelectric element <NUM>, the second thermoelectric element <NUM> uses heat absorption or heat generation by Peltier effect and may have the same configuration as the first thermoelectric element <NUM>.

The second thermoelectric element <NUM> may be smaller in size than the first thermoelectric element <NUM>.

The second thermoelectric element <NUM>, similar to the first thermoelectric element <NUM>, may have a cold side and a hot side and the temperature difference between the cold side and the hot side may depend on the voltage that is applied to the second thermoelectric element <NUM>.

The freezing compartment thermoelectric module <NUM> transmits heat absorbed from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R and the second thermoelectric element <NUM> may be operated such that the temperature difference between the hot side and the cold side is about <NUM> to <NUM>, in which when the temperature of the hot side is about <NUM> to <NUM>, the temperature of the cold side may be -<NUM> to -<NUM>.

The second heat absorbing unit <NUM> is disposed in the freezing compartment <NUM> and cools the freezing chamber F. The second heat absorbing unit <NUM> is a freezing compartment cooling plate that absorbs surrounding heat and transmits the heat to the second thermoelectric element <NUM>. The second heat absorbing unit <NUM> may be disposed in contact with the cold side of the second thermoelectric element <NUM> and may absorb and transmit heat of the freezing chamber F to the second thermoelectric element <NUM>.

The second heat dissipating unit <NUM> may discharge the heat absorbed from the freezing chamber F to the refrigerating chamber R outside the freezing compartment <NUM>. The second heat dissipating unit <NUM> may be a freezing compartment heat sink that is increased in temperature by the second thermoelectric element <NUM>. The second heat dissipating unit <NUM> may be disposed in contact with the hot side of the second thermoelectric element <NUM> and may dissipate heat from the hot side of the second thermoelectric element <NUM> to the outside of the freezing compartment <NUM>.

The second heat dissipating unit <NUM> is disposed between the freezing compartment <NUM> and the inner case <NUM>. The second heat dissipating unit <NUM> may be spaced apart from the inner case <NUM>. A gap may be formed between the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> and the inner case <NUM>.

The refrigerator may further include a freezing chamber cooling fan <NUM> and a freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM>.

The freezing chamber cooling fan <NUM> may circulate cold air in the freezing compartment F to the second heat absorbing unit <NUM> and the freezing compartment F.

When the freezing chamber cooling fan <NUM> is driven, the air in the freezing chamber F may circulate through the second heat absorbing unit <NUM> and the freezing chamber F and the air cooled by the second heat absorbing unit <NUM> may keep the freezing chamber F at low temperature.

The freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> may blow cold air in the heat exchange chamber H to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>. The freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> may be disposed to face the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> and may blow cold air in a channel P to be described below to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>.

The freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> may blow cold air, which is discharged from the heat exchange chamber H to the refrigerating chamber R, to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> and may blow cold air, which flows from the heat exchange chamber H to an air guide <NUM>, and to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>.

The refrigerator includes the air guide <NUM> that forms the channel P for guiding cold air from the heat exchange chamber H to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>.

The channel P may be formed in the air guide <NUM> or may be formed between the inner case <NUM> and the air guide <NUM>.

The air guide <NUM> may have an inlet at a lower portion through which air from the heat exchange chamber H flows inside and an outlet at an upper portion through which air passing through the channel P flows to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>. The inlet of the air guide <NUM> may be formed at an end of the air guide <NUM> and the outlet of the air guide <NUM> may be formed at the other end of the air guide <NUM>.

When the refrigerator includes the air guide <NUM>, the freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> may directly send the cold air in the heat exchange chamber H to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>.

The air guide <NUM> is disposed between the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> and the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>. The air guide <NUM> may be disposed between the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> and the freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM>. The freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> may be disposed between the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> and the air guide <NUM> and blows the cold air guided to the air guide <NUM> to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>.

When at least one of the refrigerating chamber cooling fan <NUM> and the freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> is driven, the cold air in the heat exchange chamber H is guided to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> through the air guide <NUM>. The air guide <NUM> is disposed over the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM>. The air guide <NUM> may extend behind the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> over the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM>.

When the refrigerator includes the air guide <NUM>, some of the cold air cooled by the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> in the heat exchange chamber H may flow to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> without causing increase in temperature to the food, etc., in the refrigerating chamber R.

The cold air guided to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> by the air guide <NUM> has not exchanged heat with food, etc., in the refrigerating chamber R and is lower in temperature than the cold air that has exchanged heat with the food, etc., after being discharged to the refrigerating chamber R through the refrigerating chamber discharge ports <NUM>.

The second heat dissipating unit <NUM> and the second heat absorbing unit <NUM> have a predetermined temperature difference (about <NUM> to <NUM>). When some of the cold air cooled by the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> in the heat exchange chamber H flows to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> without exchanging heat with food, etc., the temperatures of the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> and the second heat absorbing unit <NUM> may be lowered, as compared with the case in which cold air that has exchanged heat with food, etc., is supplied to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>.

That is, when the refrigerator includes the air guide <NUM>, the temperature of the freezing chamber F may be further lowered, when compared with the case where the refrigerator does not include the air guide <NUM>.

A first end <NUM> of the air guide <NUM> may be in contact with the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> and a second end <NUM> may face the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the air guide <NUM> may be connected to an upper end <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the air guide <NUM> may be positioned behind the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>.

The second end <NUM>, which faces the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>, of the air guide <NUM> may be spaced apart from a rear end <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the freezing compartment <NUM> and cold air flowing to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> from the air guide <NUM> may flow to the refrigerating chamber R after exchanging heat with the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>.

The air guide <NUM> further has an expanding portion <NUM> that gradually expands upward. The freezing compartment <NUM> may be disposed higher than the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM>. The channel P may increase in cross-section as it goes upward from the lower portion of the expanding portion <NUM>. The expanding portion <NUM> is disposed between the upper end <NUM> of the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> and the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>.

The refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> may be disposed closer to the inner case <NUM> than the freezing compartment <NUM> and the rear end <NUM> of the freezing compartment <NUM> may be spaced apart from the rear plate of the inner case <NUM> in the front-rear direction. The expanding portion <NUM> may be inclined at a predetermined angle or may be rounded between the upper end <NUM> of the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> and the rear end <NUM> of the freezing compartment <NUM>.

The refrigerator may further include a freezing compartment damper <NUM> that controls the cold air that flows to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> through the channel P.

The freezing compartment damper <NUM> passes or blocks the cold air, which flows toward the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>, of the cold air cooled in the heat exchange chamber H and may have a closing mode and an opening mode that are selectively performed.

The freezing compartment damper <NUM> may be disposed in at least any one of the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> and the air guide <NUM>.

The freezing compartment damper <NUM> may include a flow path body having a passage for air, a damper body <NUM> that opens/closes the passage of the flow path body, and a driving unit <NUM>, such as a motor, that is connected to the damper body <NUM> directly or through at least one power transmission member to open/close the damper body <NUM>.

The flow path body may be disposed in one of the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> and the air guide <NUM>, the damper body <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the flow path body, and the driving unit <NUM>, such as a motor, is mounted on the flow path body and rotate the damper body <NUM>.

The freezing compartment damper <NUM> may be disposed with the damper body <NUM> rotatably disposed in one of the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> and the air guide <NUM> without a specific flow path body, and in this case, the driving unit <NUM>, such as a motor, may be mounted in the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> or the air guide <NUM> and rotate the damper body <NUM>.

In the opening mode of the freezing compartment damper <NUM>, the damper body <NUM> may be rotated to open the channel P and the cold air in the heat exchange chamber H may flow toward the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> through the channel P.

In the closing mode of the freezing compartment damper <NUM>, the damper body <NUM> may be rotated to close the channel P and the cold air in the heat exchange chamber H is blocked by the damper body <NUM>, so it cannot flow directly to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the cold air that cannot flow to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> by being blocked by the freezing compartment damper <NUM> may be discharged to the refrigerating chamber R through the refrigerating chamber discharge ports <NUM>.

The area of the channel P that is opened by the freezing compartment damper <NUM> may be controlled in several steps and, in this case, the flow rate of the cold air flowing to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> from the heat exchange chamber H may be more finely controlled in several steps.

<FIG> is a control block diagram of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing airflow when the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is in simultaneous operation, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing airflow when the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is in an exclusive freezing chamber operation, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing airflow when the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is in an exclusive refrigerating chamber operation, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing airflow when the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is in an exclusive defrosting operation, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing airflow when the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is in simultaneous defrosting operation.

The refrigerator may further include a controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> includes a microprocessor based electronic circuit, a logical electronic circuit and/or integrated circuit (IC). The controller <NUM> may control the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM>, the refrigerating chamber cooling fan <NUM>, the refrigerating chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM>, the freezing compartment thermoelectric module <NUM>, the freezing chamber cooling fan <NUM>, and the freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may also control the freezing compartment damper <NUM>.

The refrigerator may further include a refrigerating chamber temperature sensor <NUM> that senses the temperature of the refrigerating chamber R and a freezing chamber temperature sensor <NUM> that senses the temperature of the freezing chamber F.

The refrigerator may control the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM>, the refrigerating chamber cooling fan <NUM>, the refrigerating chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM>, the freezing compartment thermoelectric module <NUM>, the freezing chamber cooling fan <NUM>, the freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM>, and the freezing compartment damper <NUM> on the basis of the refrigerating chamber temperature sensed by the refrigerating chamber temperature sensor <NUM> and the freezing chamber temperature sensed by the freezing chamber temperature sensor <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may control a temperature of the cold air that is blown to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> by changing a voltage of the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM>.

When the controller <NUM> applies high voltage to the first thermoelectric element <NUM>, the temperature of the cold air flowing to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> is low because the temperature of the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> is low, so the temperature of the second heat absorbing unit <NUM> is low.

On the contrary, when the controller <NUM> applies low voltage to the first thermoelectric element <NUM>, the temperature of the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> is higher than the case where high voltage is applied and the temperature of the cold air flowing to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> is also higher, so the temperature of the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> and the temperature of the second heat absorbing unit <NUM> are higher than the case where high voltage is applied.

The controller <NUM> may change the temperature of the freezing chamber F by changing a rotational speed of at least one of the refrigerating chamber cooling fan <NUM>, the freezing chamber cooling fan <NUM>, and the freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM>.

The refrigerator may be controlled in various operation modes, depending on the modes of the freezing chamber F. The refrigerator may be configured such that a user may select a high-temperature cooling mode and a low-temperature cooling mode for the freezing compartment <NUM> and the controller <NUM> may differently control the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM>, the freezing compartment thermoelectric module <NUM>, the freezing chamber cooling fan <NUM>, and the freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> in accordance with the high-temperature cooling mode and the low-temperature cooling mode of the freezing compartment <NUM>.

When the freezing compartment <NUM> is in the high-temperature cooling mode, the controller <NUM> may apply low voltage to at least one of the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM> and the freezing compartment thermoelectric module <NUM>. When the freezing compartment <NUM> is in the high-temperature cooling mode, the controller <NUM> may rotate at least one of the freezing chamber cooling fan <NUM> and the freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> at a low rotational speed.

When the freezing compartment <NUM> is in the low-temperature cooling mode, the controller <NUM> may apply high voltage to at least one of the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM> and the freezing compartment thermoelectric module <NUM>. When the freezing compartment <NUM> is in the low-temperature cooling mode, the controller <NUM> may rotate at least one of the freezing chamber cooling fan <NUM> and the freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> at a high rotational speed. The target temperature range of the freezing chamber F may be lower in the low-temperature cooling mode than in the high-temperature cooling mode.

For example, the high-temperature cooling mode may be a mode for cooling items such as fish or vegetables having a target temperature range higher than that for meat and the low-temperature cooling mode may be a mode for cooling items such as meat having a target temperature range relatively lower than that of fish or vegetables.

The controller <NUM> may differently control the first thermoelectric element <NUM>, the second thermoelectric element <NUM>, the freezing chamber cooling fan <NUM>, and the freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> in accordance with the high-temperature cooling mode and the low-temperature cooling mode.

For example, when the freezing chamber F is set in the high-temperature cooling mode having a relatively high target temperature range such as fish/vegetables, the controller <NUM> may drive the refrigerating chamber cooling fan <NUM> and the refrigerating chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM>, may operate the first thermoelectric element <NUM> and the second thermoelectric element <NUM> at low voltage, and may drive the freezing chamber cooling fan <NUM> and the freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> at low rotational speeds.

In contrast, when the freezing chamber F is set in the low-temperature cooling mode having a relatively low target temperature range such as meat, the controller <NUM> may drive the refrigerating chamber cooling fan <NUM> and the refrigerating chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM>, may operate the first thermoelectric element <NUM> and the second thermoelectric element <NUM> at high voltage, and may drive the freezing chamber cooling fan <NUM> and the freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> at high rotational speeds.

The refrigerator, as shown in <FIG>, may be selectively operated in several operation modes. The operation modes may include simultaneous operation (see <FIG>) in which the freezing chamber F and the refrigerating chamber R are both cooled, an exclusive freezing chamber operation (see <FIG>) in which only the freezing chamber F is cooled and cooling the refrigerating chamber R is temporarily stopped, an exclusive refrigerating chamber operation (see <FIG>) in which only the refrigerating chamber R is cooled and cooling the freezing chamber F is temporarily stopped, and defrosting operation (see <FIG> and <FIG>) in which at least one of the freezing chamber F and the refrigerating chamber R is defrosted.

In the simultaneous operation, the controller <NUM> can drive the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM>, the refrigerating chamber cooling fan <NUM>, the refrigerating chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM>, the freezing compartment thermoelectric module <NUM>, the freezing chamber cooling fan <NUM>, and the freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> and can open the freezing compartment damper <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may perform the simultaneous operation regardless of the freezing chamber temperature when the refrigerating chamber temperature is in a dissatisfactory range, and may perform the simultaneous operation when the refrigerating chamber temperature is in a dissatisfactory range and the freezing chamber temperature is in a dissatisfactory range.

In the simultaneous operation, the cold air in the refrigerating chamber R, as shown in <FIG>, may be sucked into the heat exchange chamber H through the refrigerating chamber suction port <NUM> of the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> and then may flow to the first heat absorbing unit <NUM>. The cold air flowing to the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> may be cooled by the first heat absorbing unit <NUM>. Some of the cold air cooled by the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> is discharged to the refrigerating chamber R through refrigerating chamber discharge ports <NUM>, whereby it may cool the refrigerating chamber R. The other portion of the cold air cooled by the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> may flow into channel P of the air guide <NUM>.

The cold air flowing in the channel P of the air guide <NUM> may be sent to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> by the air guide <NUM>, and then may flow to the refrigerating chamber R after further cooling by the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>. The cold air flowing to the refrigerating chamber R after further cooling by the second heat dissipation unit <NUM> may be mixed with the cold air in the refrigerating chamber R.

In the simultaneous operation, the refrigerating chamber R and the freezing chamber F may be simultaneously cooled.

In the exclusive freezing chamber operation, the controller <NUM> may drive the freezing compartment thermoelectric module <NUM>, freezing chamber cooling fan <NUM>, and the freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM> and may open the freezing compartment damper <NUM>. In the exclusive freezing chamber operation, the controller <NUM> may drive the refrigerating chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM>. In the exclusive freezing chamber operation, the controller <NUM> may drive the refrigerating chamber cooling fan <NUM>. In the exclusive freezing chamber operation, the controller <NUM> may keep the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM> off.

When the refrigerating chamber temperature is in a satisfactory range, the controller <NUM> may perform the exclusive freezing chamber operation.

The satisfactory range of the refrigerating chamber temperature, which is a range of the refrigerating chamber target temperature, may be the range from a lower limit target temperature that is set lower by a set temperature (e.g., <NUM>) lower than the refrigerating chamber target temperature) to an upper limit target temperature that is set higher by a set temperature (e.g., <NUM>) higher than the refrigerating chamber target temperature).

In the exclusive freezing chamber operation, the cold air in the refrigerating chamber R, as shown in <FIG>, may be sucked into the heat exchange chamber H through the refrigerating chamber suction port <NUM> of the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> and then may flow to the first heat absorbing unit <NUM>. The air flowing to the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> may pass through the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> and then flow into the channel P of the air guide <NUM>. The cold air flowing in the channel P of the air guide <NUM> may be sent to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> by the air guide <NUM>, and then may flow to the refrigerating chamber R after removing heat from the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>. The cold air flowing to the refrigerating chamber R after removing heat from the second heat dissipation unit <NUM> may be mixed with the cold air in the refrigerating chamber R.

In the exclusive freezing chamber operation, the cold air in the refrigerating chamber R may circulate through the channel guide <NUM>, the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>, and the refrigerating chamber R. Further, the cold air in the refrigerating chamber R may be used to remove heat from the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> and the freezing chamber F may be cooled.

The controller <NUM> having the simultaneous operation as a fundamental operation, may enter the exclusive freezing chamber operation when the refrigerating chamber temperature satisfies the refrigerating chamber temperature range, and may return to the simultaneous operation when the refrigerating chamber temperature becomes in the dissatisfactory range. That is, the controller <NUM> may alternately perform the simultaneous operation and the exclusive freezing chamber operation in accordance with the freezing chamber temperature and the refrigerating chamber temperature.

In the exclusive freezing chamber operation described above, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber R may be gradually increased by heat dissipated by the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>, and the temperature of the refrigerating chamber R may become in the dissatisfactory range. The controller <NUM> may stop the exclusive freezing chamber operation and enter into the simultaneous operation to cool the refrigerating chamber R.

The controller <NUM> may also perform the exclusive refrigerating chamber operation other than alternately performing the simultaneous operation and the exclusive freezing chamber operation.

In the exclusive refrigerating chamber operation, the controller <NUM> may drive the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM>, the refrigerating chamber cooling fan <NUM>, and the refrigerating chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM>. In the exclusive refrigerating chamber operation, the controller <NUM> may stop the freezing compartment thermoelectric module <NUM>, the freezing chamber cooling fan <NUM>, and the freezing chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM>. In the exclusive refrigerating chamber operation, the controller <NUM> may open or close the freezing compartment damper <NUM>, but it may be preferable to close the freezing compartment damper <NUM> so that the cold air cooled by the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> may be quickly supplied to the refrigerating chamber R.

When the refrigerating chamber temperature is in a dissatisfactory range and the freezing chamber temperature is in a satisfactory range, the controller <NUM> may start the exclusive refrigerating chamber operation.

The satisfactory range of the freezing chamber temperature, which is a range of the freezing chamber target temperature, may be the range from a lower limit target temperature that is set lower by a set temperature (e.g., <NUM>) lower than the freezing chamber target temperature) to an upper limit target temperature that is set higher by a set temperature (e.g., <NUM>) higher than the freezing chamber target temperature).

In the exclusive refrigerating chamber operation, the cold air in the refrigerating chamber R, as shown in <FIG>, may be sucked into the heat exchange chamber H through the refrigerating chamber suction port <NUM> of the refrigerating chamber discharge duct <NUM> and then may flow to the first heat absorbing unit <NUM>. The air flowing to the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> may be cooled by the first heat absorbing unit <NUM>, and the whole cold air cooled by the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> is blocked by the freezing compartment damper <NUM>, so it may be discharged to the refrigerating chamber R through the refrigerating chamber discharge ports <NUM> without flowing to the channel P of the air guide <NUM>. Further, the cold air in the refrigerating chamber R may cool the refrigerating chamber R by circulating through the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> and the refrigerating chamber R. In the exclusive refrigerating chamber operation, the refrigerating chamber R may be quickly cooled without the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> being increased in temperature.

When the refrigerator is in the exclusive refrigerating chamber operation, the freezing chamber temperature may become in a dissatisfactory range, and in this case, the controller <NUM> may stop the exclusive refrigerating chamber operation and enter into the simultaneous operation to cool the freezing chamber F.

In the defrosting operation, the controller <NUM> may defrost at least one of the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> and the second heat absorbing unit <NUM>. When an accumulated operation time of the first thermoelectric element <NUM> reaches a predetermined time, the controller <NUM> may start the defrosting operation to defrost the first heat absorbing unit <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may naturally defrost the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> using the cold air in the refrigerating chamber R. Further, the controller <NUM> may defrost the second heat absorbing unit <NUM> by applying an inverse voltage to the second thermoelectric element <NUM>.

The defrosting operation may be an exclusive refrigerating chamber defrosting operation (see <FIG>) in which only the refrigerating chamber R is defrosted and may be a simultaneous defrosting operation (see <FIG>) in which both of the refrigerating chamber R and the freezing chamber F are defrosted.

The controller <NUM> may sequentially perform the exclusive refrigerating chamber defrosting operation and the simultaneous defrosting operation or may perform only the simultaneous defrosting operation.

When the controller <NUM> sequentially performs the exclusive refrigerating chamber defrosting operation and the simultaneous defrosting operation and the refrigerator satisfies a defrosting condition, the controller <NUM> may perform the exclusive refrigerating chamber defrosting operation that turns off the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM> and drives the refrigerating chamber cooling fan <NUM> and the refrigerating chamber heat dissipating fan <NUM>.

In the exclusive refrigerating chamber defrosting operation, the cold air in the refrigerating chamber R may defrost the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> by flowing to the first heat absorbing unit <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and the cold air that has defrosted the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> may be discharged to the refrigerating chamber R through the refrigerating chamber discharge ports <NUM>.

In the exclusive refrigerating chamber defrosting operation, the controller <NUM> may open the freezing compartment damper <NUM>.

In the exclusive refrigerating chamber defrosting operation, when the freezing compartment damper <NUM> is opened, some of the cold air that has defrosted the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> may flow to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> through the channel P of the air guide <NUM> and then may be discharged to the refrigerating chamber R after being increased in temperature by the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>. When the exclusive refrigerating chamber defrosting operation is performed with the freezing compartment damper <NUM> opened, the cold air increased in temperature by the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> may be discharged to the refrigerating chamber R. The air circulating through the refrigerating chamber R, the first heat absorbing unit <NUM>, the air guide <NUM>, and the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> may quickly defrost the first heat absorbing unit <NUM>, so the entire time for the exclusive refrigerating chamber defrosting operation may be reduced.

When the refrigerating chamber temperature becomes higher by a set temperature than the refrigerating chamber target temperature during the exclusive refrigerating chamber defrosting operation, the controller <NUM> may start the simultaneous defrosting operation. In the simultaneous defrosting operation, the controller <NUM> may drive the refrigerating chamber cooling fan <NUM> and perform an inverse voltage control on the freezing compartment thermoelectric module <NUM> while keeping the refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module <NUM> off. When the freezing compartment damper <NUM> is closed in the exclusive refrigerating chamber defrosting operation, the controller <NUM> may open the freezing compartment damper <NUM>, and when the freezing compartment damper <NUM> is open in the exclusive refrigerating chamber defrosting operation, the controller <NUM> may keep the freezing compartment damper <NUM> open. The simultaneous defrosting operation may be an operation that is performed with the freezing compartment damper <NUM> open.

The set temperature may be a temperature that is set such that a rapid increase of the temperature of the refrigerating chamber R may be sensed, such as <NUM>.

In inverse voltage control of the freezing compartment thermoelectric module <NUM>, the second thermoelectric element <NUM> may heat the second heat absorbing unit <NUM> and cool the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>. In the simultaneous defrosting operation, the cold air in the refrigerating chamber R may defrost the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> by flowing to the first heat absorbing unit <NUM>, like shown in <FIG>, and the cold air that has defrosted the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> may be discharged to the refrigerating chamber R through the refrigerating chamber discharge ports <NUM>. The other portion of the cold air that has defrosted the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> may flow to the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> through the channel P of the air guide <NUM> and then may be discharged to the refrigerating chamber R after being cooled by the second heat dissipating unit <NUM>. The air cooled by the second heat dissipating unit <NUM> may be discharged to the refrigerating chamber R and lower the temperature of the refrigerating chamber R. In this case, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber R may drop and the temperature of the refrigerating chamber R may drop under a set temperature without being maintained over the set temperature for a long time.

In the simultaneous defrosting operation, the first heat absorbing unit <NUM> may be gradually naturally defrosted by the cold air in the refrigerating chamber R, the second heat absorbing unit <NUM> may be defrosted by the second thermoelectric element <NUM>, and the temperature of the refrigerating chamber R is not rapidly increased.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a main body (<NUM>) that includes an inner case (<NUM>) including a storage chamber;
a refrigerating chamber discharge duct (<NUM>) that divides the storage chamber into a heat exchange chamber (H) and a refrigerating chamber (R) and includes refrigerating chamber discharge holes (<NUM>) for allowing cold air to pass between the heat exchange chamber (H) and the refrigerating chamber (R);
a refrigerating chamber thermoelectric module (<NUM>) including a first heat absorbing unit (<NUM>) and a first heat dissipating unit (<NUM>) configured to dissipate heat absorbed from the refrigerating chamber (R) to an outside of the refrigerator, the first heat absorbing unit (<NUM>) disposed in the heat exchange chamber (H) for cooling the cold air;
a refrigerating chamber cooling fan (<NUM>) to circulate the cold air in the refrigerating chamber (R) to the heat exchange chamber (H) and the refrigerating chamber (R);
a freezing compartment (<NUM>) disposed in the refrigerating chamber (R) and including a freezing chamber (F);
a refrigerating chamber heat dissipating fan (<NUM>) for blowing external air to the first heat dissipating unit (<NUM>);
a freezing compartment thermoelectric module (<NUM>) including a second heat absorbing unit (<NUM>) disposed in the freezing compartment (<NUM>) and a second heat dissipating unit (<NUM>) disposed between the freezing compartment (<NUM>) and the inner case (<NUM>);
a freezing chamber heat dissipating fan (<NUM>) that blows the cold air from the heat exchange chamber (H) to the second heat dissipating unit (<NUM>); and
an air guide (<NUM>) that forms a channel (P) for guiding the cold air from the heat exchange chamber (H) to the second heat dissipating unit (<NUM>), the air guide (<NUM>) is disposed over the refrigerating chamber discharge duct (<NUM>),
wherein the air guide (<NUM>) includes an expanding portion (<NUM>) disposed between an upper end (<NUM>) of the refrigerating chamber discharge duct (<NUM>) and the second heat dissipating unit (<NUM>).