KR102259771B1 - Refirgerator - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that at least a part of the refrigerator door is selectively made transparent by a user's manipulation so that the interior of the refrigerator can be seen through when the refrigerator door is closed.

Description

Refrigerator {Refrigerator}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND ART In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance for storing food at a low temperature in an internal storage space that is shielded by a door. To this end, the refrigerator is configured so that the stored food can be stored in an optimal state by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle.

Recently, refrigerators are gradually becoming larger and multifunctional in accordance with changes in dietary habits and the trend of luxury products, and refrigerators equipped with various structures and convenient devices that allow users' convenience and efficient use of internal space are being released. .

The storage space of the refrigerator may be opened and closed by a door. In addition, the refrigerator may be classified into various types of refrigerators according to the arrangement of the storage space and the structure of a door that opens and closes the storage space.

In addition, a separate storage space accessible from the outside may be provided in the door of the refrigerator. Through such a storage space, it is possible to access the storage space by opening some auxiliary doors or home bar doors without opening the entire refrigerator door.

Accordingly, frequently used foods may be stored in a separate storage space provided in the refrigerator door. Also, since the entire door of the refrigerator is not opened to accommodate food, there is an advantage in that it is possible to minimize the leakage of cold air in the refrigerator to the outside.

However, even in this structure, there is a problem that the food inside cannot be checked unless the refrigerator door is opened fundamentally. That is, the door must be opened in order to check whether the desired food is stored in the space in the refrigerator or in a separate storage space provided in the door. In addition, if there is no desired food when the auxiliary door or home bar is opened, there is an inconvenience such as having to open the main door again, and there is a problem in that unnecessary leakage of cold air may occur.

In order to solve this problem, a part of the front of the refrigerator door may be formed of a transparent material, but in this case, an insulation problem in the refrigerator may occur. In addition, when the inside of the refrigerator can be seen through even when the refrigerator is not in use, the food is exposed to the outside as it is, which is very bad in appearance.

An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which at least a part of the refrigerator door can be selectively made transparent by a user's manipulation so that the interior of the refrigerator can be seen through when the refrigerator door is closed.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator in which at least a part of the front surface of the refrigerator door is made of half glass, and when the refrigerator door is closed, a lighting unit in the refrigerator is turned on and off by a user's manipulation to selectively see through the interior of the refrigerator aim to do

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which the interior of a refrigerator can be visualized by selectively making a refrigerator door transparent by a knock operation.

An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that is provided on a refrigerator door so that the inside of the refrigerator can be seen through even when the refrigerator door is closed and that has a structure capable of insulating at the same time.

An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which the interior of the refrigerator can be viewed through a user's operation when the lighting unit is turned on, and is formed like a mirror surface to form the exterior of the refrigerator door when the lighting unit is turned off. do.

An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which a part of a refrigerator door is formed of a half-glass material so that selective viewing of the inside of the cabinet is possible, but productivity and durability are further improved.

An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of preventing exposure of a sensing device that detects a manipulation for selectively and transparently manipulating at least a part of the refrigerator door and extending a see-through area.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cabinet forming a storage space; a door opening and closing the cabinet and having an opening communicating with the storage space; a sensing device provided on the door and sensing a user's manipulation; a lighting unit which is turned on/off in a state in which the door is closed by the signal of the detection device and illuminates the inside of the cabinet; and a panel assembly provided in the opening through which light is transmitted so as to selectively see the inside of the cabinet by turning on/off the lighting unit.

The detection device may be a knock detection device provided on a rear surface of the panel assembly and sensing a user's knock operation of the panel assembly.

The panel assembly may include a front panel formed of a half mirror that forms a front surface of the sub-door, and partially reflects light and transmits a portion of the light to be selectively transparent; a plurality of heat insulating panels spaced apart from the front panel and formed of transparent tempered glass; And it is provided between the front panel, the heat insulating panel, and the plurality of heat insulating panels, characterized in that it comprises a bar for spaced apart and airtight between the front panel and the heat insulating panel and the plurality of heat insulating panels.

The front panel may include a glass layer formed of transparent glass; a vacuum deposition layer in which a titanium compound is formed by vacuum deposition on the rear surface of the glass layer; and a bezel layer printed on the rear surface of the vacuum deposition layer so that light is not transmitted along the edge of the glass layer.

The front panel is characterized in that it further comprises a transparent printing layer printed with a transparent material on the entire rear surface of the vacuum deposition layer.

The front panel may include a glass layer formed of transparent glass; a ceramic printing layer formed on the entire surface of the glass layer by heating after screen printing with a reflective ink containing a titanium compound; and a bezel layer formed along the rear edge of the glass layer and printed so as not to transmit light.

The front panel may include a glass layer formed of transparent glass; a hard coating layer coated with a triple layer of iron, cobalt, and chrome on the entire surface of the glass layer; and a bezel layer formed along the rear edge of the glass layer and printed so as not to transmit light.

The hard coating layer is characterized in that it is formed by atmospheric chemical vapor deposition (APCAVD) or spray spraying.

The bezel layer is characterized in that it is printed with a ceramic pigment containing glass powder.

The glass layer is characterized in that the gray color glass.

The ceramic printing layer or the hard coating layer is characterized in that the front panel is formed to have a transmittance of 20% to 30%.

An inert gas is filled in the space between the panels spaced apart from the interstitial rod.

The space between the panels spaced apart from the interstitial rod is characterized in that the vacuum treatment.

The front panel may form the entire front surface of the door, and the heat insulation panel may have a smaller size than the front panel and be disposed in an inner region of the front panel.

A bezel layer that is printed so as not to transmit light is formed on an edge of the front panel outside the heat insulation panel.

The sensing device is provided on the bezel layer and is not exposed to the outside.

The insulation panel is characterized in that the low-e glass (Low-ε Glass) is formed with a low-emission coating layer.

A refrigerator according to another aspect includes: a cabinet forming a storage space; and a door positioned in front of the cabinet and rotatable with respect to the cabinet.

The door includes a frame for forming a space into which a foaming liquid for forming a thermal insulation material can be injected, a first injection hole provided on a first surface of the frame, and a first injection hole for injecting the foaming liquid into the space, and the frame of the frame. a second inlet for injecting the foamed liquid into the space, a gasket installed on the second surface of the frame, and a second surface provided on the second surface of the frame It may include a plurality of vent holes spaced apart from the first injection hole and the second injection hole.

A first surface of the frame may be provided at an upper or lower side of the frame, and a second surface of the frame may be disposed at a rear side of the frame.

The frame may include an upper cap decoration, a lower cap decoration, first and second side frames, and a door liner. The first surface of the frame may be one surface of the lower cap decoration.

A portion of the space may be formed by the first side frame and the second side frame, and a portion of the space formed by the first side frame and the second side frame may extend in a vertical direction.

At least a portion of the first injection hole may be disposed to overlap a portion of the space extending in the vertical direction.

The door liner may include a gasket mounting groove for mounting the gasket. The plurality of vent holes may be formed in the gasket mounting groove.

The frame may include a handle, and the first inlet may be located closer to the handle than the second inlet.

The frame may include a hinge mounting portion, and the second inlet may be located closer to the hinge mounting portion than the first inlet.

A distance between the second injection hole and the hinge mounting portion may be shorter than a distance between the central portion of the first surface and the first injection hole.

The first injection hole may be located on the opposite side of the second injection hole with respect to the central portion of the first surface.

A refrigerator according to another aspect includes: a cabinet forming a storage space; a main door rotatably connected to the cabinet to open and close the storage space; and a sub-door rotatably connected to the main door.

The sub-door, which forms a space into which a foaming liquid for forming a heat insulating material can be injected, includes a frame having an opening, and a panel assembly contacting the frame, the panel assembly having a front surface formed of a transparent material It may include a panel and a heat insulating panel spaced apart from the front panel and covering the opening.

The frame is provided on a first surface of the frame, a first inlet for injecting the foaming liquid into the space, and the first inlet and spaced apart from the first inlet on the first surface of the frame, foaming into the space A second inlet for injecting a liquid, a gasket installed on the second surface of the frame, and a plurality of vent holes provided on the second surface of the frame and spaced apart from the first inlet and the second inlet. can

A first surface of the frame may be provided at an upper or lower side of the frame, and a second surface of the frame may be disposed at a rear side of the frame.

The frame may include an upper cap decoration, a lower cap decoration, first and second side frames, and a door liner. The first side of the frame is one side of the lower cap decoration.

A portion of the space may be formed by the first side frame and the second side frame, and a portion of the space formed by the first side frame and the second side frame may extend in a vertical direction.

At least a portion of the first injection hole may be disposed to overlap a portion of the space extending in the vertical direction.

The door liner may include a gasket mounting groove for mounting the gasket, and the plurality of vent holes may be formed in the gasket mounting groove.

The lower cap decoration may include a hinge mounting portion, and the second inlet may be located closer to the hinge mounting portion than the first inlet.

The second injection hole may be positioned between the hinge mounting portion and a central portion of the first surface.

The frame may include a handle, and the first inlet may be located closer to the handle than the second inlet.

The first injection hole may be located on the opposite side of the second injection hole with respect to the central portion of the first surface.

In the refrigerator according to the proposed embodiment, the following effects can be expected.

In the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, a panel assembly for selectively transmitting and reflecting light is provided on a part of the door, and a lighting unit that is turned on and off by a user's operation is provided inside the door, so that the user can By operating the lighting unit, it is possible to see through the interior of the refrigerator.

Accordingly, it is possible to check the space in the refrigerator even when the door is not opened, and it is possible to easily check the position of the food, thereby improving the usability. In addition, it is possible to prevent unnecessary opening and closing of the door, thereby preventing loss of cold air, thereby improving power consumption and improving storage performance can be expected.

In addition, the panel assembly has a half-glass-like structure, so that the interior can be seen through when the lighting unit is turned on, and when the lighting unit is not turned on, it has a mirror-like shape, so that the exterior of the refrigerator door is more prominent. can make it

In addition, a microphone may be provided on the rear surface of the panel assembly to sense a sound caused by vibration when a user knocks on the panel assembly. Accordingly, the on/off of the lighting unit can be controlled by the user's knock operation, and the panel assembly can be selectively made transparent.

Therefore, the panel assembly can be made transparent by a simple operation, and no matter where the front surface of the panel assembly is knocked, the sound of vibration transmitted from the same medium is the same, so that the operation is easy and effective detection is possible.

In addition, the panel assembly is composed of a front panel made of a half-mirror material and a plurality of heat insulation panels made of an insulating glass material to prevent heat loss through the panel assembly. In addition, the heat insulating space is formed by sealing the front panel, the heat insulating panel, and the plurality of heat insulating panels with an interstitial sealant and a sealant, and the heat insulating space is filled with a vacuum or an inert gas to further improve the heat insulating performance. can be expected

In addition, a metal deposition layer is formed on the rear surface of the front panel so that the front plate can have a half-mirror-like structure, and the appearance of the door can be further improved.

In addition, a ceramic printed layer or a hard coating layer is formed on the front surface of the front panel, and it is fired on a glass layer by strengthening it by high temperature heating to have a half-mirror-like structure. By reducing the number, productivity can be improved.

In addition, a bezel is formed on the front panel and the sensing device is positioned on the bezel, so that the knock operation of the front panel can be easily recognized while preventing the sensing device from being exposed to the outside, thereby further improving the appearance. there will be In addition, the sensing device may be formed on the lower bezel of the front panel, so that the bezel at other positions of the front panel may be relatively thin, and thus the visible portion of the door may appear wider.

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a front view of the refrigerator in which all doors are opened.
3 is a perspective view showing an open sub-door of the refrigerator.
4 is a front view of the sub-door in an opaque state.
5 is a front view of the sub-door in a transparent state.
6 is a perspective view in which a main door and a sub door of the refrigerator are combined.
7 is an exploded perspective view in which the main door and the sub-door are separated.
8 is an exploded perspective view of the main door.
9 is an exploded perspective view of the main door and the display unit.
10A and 10B are partial perspective views illustrating a mounting state of the display unit.
11 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the display unit is mounted.
12 is an exploded perspective view of the display assembly.
13 is a cross-sectional view 13-13' of FIG. 1 .
14 is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting structure of a door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a view showing an operating state of the door opening device.
16 is a cross-sectional view 16-16' of FIG. 1 .
17 is a perspective view of the sub-door.
18 is an exploded perspective view of the sub-door viewed from the front.
19 is an exploded perspective view of the sub-door viewed from the rear.
20 is a perspective view taken 20-20' of FIG. 17;
21 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
22 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a front panel of the panel assembly.
23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of the front panel of the panel assembly.
24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of the front panel of the panel assembly.
25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of the sub-door.
26 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an upper hinge coupling structure of the sub-door.
27 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state in which the upper hinge is mounted.
28 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the coupling structure of the upper hinge.
29 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the coupling structure of the lower hinge of the sub-door.
30 is an exploded perspective view of a structure in which the second detection device and the knock detection device of the sub-door are coupled from the front.
31 is an exploded perspective view of a structure in which a second detection device and a knock detection device of the sub-door are coupled, as viewed from below.
32 is an exploded perspective view of the knock detection device.
FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view 33-33' of FIG. 17 .
34 is a cross-sectional view of the microphone module of the knock detection device.
35 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure of the second sensing device.
36 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state in which the second sensing device is mounted.
37 is a view showing the arrangement of wires inside the sub-door.
38 is a perspective view showing a state in which the foam liquid is injected into the sub-door.
39 is a view showing the arrangement of the vent hole of the sub door.
40 is a perspective view illustrating an operating state of the projection device of the refrigerator.
41 is a cut-away perspective view illustrating an internal structure of a freezing compartment of the refrigerator.
42 is a block diagram illustrating a flow of a control signal of the refrigerator.
43 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating sub-door operations of the refrigerator.
44 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting state of the display unit.
45 is a view showing the front configuration of the display unit.
46 is a diagram illustrating a change in a display state of the display unit according to a knock-on operation.
47 is a view illustrating a state change of the display when the sub-door is opened and closed.
48 is a view illustrating a change in a display state when an auto door function of the display unit is set.
49 is a view showing a change in display state when the auto-drawer function of the display unit is set.
50 is a diagram illustrating a change in a display state when a constant temperature function of the display unit is set.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail together with the drawings. However, the present invention cannot be said to be limited to the embodiments in which the spirit of the present invention is presented, and other inventions that are degenerative by addition, change, deletion, etc. of other elements or other embodiments included within the scope of the present invention are easy. can suggest

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 2 is a front view of the refrigerator in which all doors are opened. And, FIG. 3 is a perspective view in which the sub-door of the refrigerator is opened.

As shown in the drawings, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have an external shape formed by a cabinet 10 forming a storage space and a door opening and closing the storage space.

The interior of the cabinet 10 may be partitioned up and down by a barrier 11 , a refrigerating compartment 12 may be formed at an upper portion of the cabinet 10 , and a freezing compartment 13 may be formed at a lower portion of the cabinet 10 . can be formed.

In addition, various accommodating members 121 such as shelves, drawers or baskets may be provided inside the refrigerating compartment 12 . The storage member 121 may be taken out and taken out with the door open if necessary, and food can be stored and stored by taking out the storage member 121 . The refrigerating compartment 12 may be provided with a main lighting unit 85 for illuminating the refrigerating compartment. The main lighting unit 85 may be disposed in the freezing compartment 13 , and may be disposed at any position on the inner wall surface of the refrigerator.

A freezer compartment accommodating member 131 in the shape of a drawer that can be drawn out and pulled out may be mainly disposed inside the freezing compartment 12 , and these freezer compartment accommodating members 131 are configured to be pulled out and pulled out in conjunction with the opening of the freezing compartment door 30 . may be In addition, a first sensing device 31 capable of detecting a user's body may be provided on the front of the freezing compartment door 30 . A detailed description of the first sensing device 31 will be described below.

The door may include a refrigerator compartment door 20 and a freezer compartment door 30 . The refrigerating compartment door 20 may be configured to open and close the open front of the refrigerating compartment 12 by rotating, and the freezing compartment door 30 may be configured to open and close the opened front of the freezing compartment 13 by rotating. In addition, the refrigerator compartment door 20 and the freezer compartment door 30 are provided with a left and right pair so as to shield the freezing compartment 13 and the freezing compartment 13, respectively.

A plurality of door baskets may be provided in the refrigerating compartment door 20 and the freezing compartment door 30, and the door basket includes a storage member provided in the refrigerator when the refrigerating compartment door 20 and the freezing compartment door 30 are closed. 121 and 131) and may be configured not to interfere with each other.

The refrigerator compartment door 20 and the freezer compartment door 30 form an overall exterior when viewed from the front and are formed of a metal material, so that the entire refrigerator 1 has a texture of a metal material. And, if necessary, a dispenser for taking out water or ice may be provided in the refrigerator compartment door 20 .

On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator to which a pair of doors is rotated to open and close a single space in a bottom freeze type refrigerator having a freezer compartment below is described as an example of a refrigerator to which a French type door is applied, but the present invention can be applied to any type of refrigerator provided with a door regardless of the shape of the refrigerator.

Meanwhile, the refrigerating compartment door 20 on the right side (as seen in FIG. 1 ) among the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 20 may be configured to open and close double. In detail, the refrigerating compartment door 20 located on the right side is formed of a metallic material to open and close the main door 40 and the refrigerating compartment 12 , and is rotatably disposed inside the main door 40 . It may be composed of a sub-door 50 that opens and closes the opening of the main door 40 .

The main door 40 may be formed to have the same size as the refrigerating compartment door 20 on the left side (as seen in FIG. 1 ) among the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 20 , and include a main hinge 401 and a middle hinge 402 . is rotatably mounted to the cabinet 10 to open and close a portion of the refrigerating compartment 12 . The main hinge 401 and the middle hinge 402 may be referred to as a first hinge.

In addition, an opening 403 (or a first opening) is formed in the main door 40 . A door basket 404 is mounted on the rear surface of the main door 40 including the inside of the opening 403 . Accordingly, the user can access the door basket 404 without opening the main door 40 through the opening 403 . In this case, the size of the opening 403 occupies most of the front surface of the main door 40 except for a portion of the circumference of the main door 40 .

The sub-door 50 is rotatably mounted inside the opening 403 to open and close the opening 403 . In addition, at least a part of the sub-door 50 is formed of a transparent material such as glass. Accordingly, access to the opening 403 is possible through the opening of the sub-door 50 and, at the same time, the inside of the opening 403 can be seen through even when the sub-door 50 is closed. Accordingly, the sub door 50 may be called a see-through door.

On the other hand, the glass material constituting the sub-door 50 may be configured such that the transmittance and reflectance of light are adjusted to enable selective manipulation of a transparent or opaque state according to a user's manipulation. Accordingly, it becomes transparent only in a state desired by the user to visualize the interior of the chamber, and in other states, it is possible to maintain an opaque state.

4 is a front view of the sub-door in an opaque state.

As shown in the drawing, in a state in which both the main door 40 and the sub-door 50 are closed and there is no operation on the refrigerator 1, the sub-door 50 has an opaque black color or a mirror. become like cotton. Accordingly, the sub-door 50 cannot visualize the space inside the sub-door 50, that is, the storage space of the main door 40 and the internal space of the refrigerating compartment 12.

Accordingly, the sub-door 50 maintains a black color, and the exterior of the refrigerator has a beautiful black mirror-like texture so that it can have a simple and beautiful appearance. In addition, such an appearance can be harmonized with the metal texture of the main door 40 and the refrigerating compartment door 20 and the freezing compartment door 30 to give a more luxurious image.

5 is a front view of the sub-door in a transparent state.

As shown in the drawing, the sub-door 50 may be made transparent through a specific operation by the user in a state in which both the main door 40 and the sub-door 50 are closed. When the sub-door 50 is in a transparent state, the storage space of the main door 40 and the internal space of the refrigerating compartment 12 may be visualized. Accordingly, the user can check the food storage state of the storage space of the main door 40 and the interior space of the refrigerating compartment 12 without opening the main door 40 and the sub-door 50 .

In addition, when the sub-door 50 is in a transparent state, the display unit 60 disposed behind the sub-door 50 also becomes visible, so that the operating state of the refrigerator can be displayed to the outside.

A detailed operation method for visualizing the storage space of the main door 40 and the internal space of the refrigerating compartment 12 through the sub-door 50 and the configuration enabling this will be described in more detail below. .

6 is a perspective view in which a main door and a sub door of the refrigerator are combined. And, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view in which the main door and the sub-door are separated. And, FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the main door.

As shown in the drawing, the main door 40 includes an outer plate 41 made of a metal material, a door liner 42 coupled to the outer plate 41 , and the outer plate 41 and the door liner 42 . ), the outer shape may be formed by the door cap decorations 45 and 46 provided at the upper and lower ends.

The out plate 41 may be formed of a plate-shaped stainless material, and may be bent to form a part of the front and peripheral surfaces of the main door 40 . In addition, a region corresponding to the opening 403 is formed to be opened.

In addition, the door liner 42 may be injection-molded from a plastic material, and form the rear surface of the main door 40 . In addition, the door liner 42 is also formed such that an area corresponding to the opening 403 is opened. In addition, a plurality of concavo-convex structures may be formed in the opening 403 so that the door basket 404 can be mounted thereon.

A rear gasket 44 may be provided around the rear surface of the door liner 42 . The rear gasket 44 is in close contact with the periphery of the cabinet 10 to prevent leakage of cold air between the main door 40 and the cabinet 10 .

In addition, a door lighting unit 49 for illuminating the inside of the opening 403 may be provided on the upper surface of the door liner 42 . The door lighting unit 49 can illuminate the entire opening including the door basket 404 by irradiating light from the upper side to the lower side of the opening 403, so that the sub-door 50 is in a transparent state. can

The cap deco 45 and 46 form an upper surface and a lower surface of the main door 40 , respectively, and a hinge mounting part 451 that allows the main door 40 to be rotatably mounted to the cabinet 10 . ) can be formed. An upper end of the main door 40 may be coupled to the main hinge 401, and a lower end of the main door 40 may be coupled to a middle hinge 402 to rotate the main door 40 from upper and lower ends. will support

In addition, a door handle 462 may be recessed in the lower surface of the main door 40 , that is, the Cap Deco 46 , and the user puts a hand on the door handle 462 to rotate the main door 40 . By manipulating, the refrigerating compartment 12 can be opened and closed.

Meanwhile, a door frame 43 may be further formed between the outer plate 41 and the door liner 42 . The door frame 43 (or the first frame) is coupled between the outer plate 41 and the door liner 42 , respectively, and forms a perimeter of the opening 403 .

In a state in which the outer plate 41, the door liner 42, the door frame 43, and the cap deco 45 and 46 are combined, a foaming liquid is filled in the inner space of the main door 40 to form an insulating material. can become That is, a heat insulating material is disposed inside the peripheral area of the opening 403 to insulate the inside space and the outside space.

The door frame 43 may be injection-molded with a plastic material different from that of the door liner 42 . Of course, if necessary, the door frame 43 may be integrally formed with the door liner 42 and directly coupled to the outer plate 41 .

In addition, a frame step portion 431 protruding inwardly may be formed on the inner surface of the door frame 43 . Accordingly, when the sub-door 50 is closed, the frame step 431 can support the sub-door 50 .

A front gasket 434 may be provided on the frame step 431 . When the sub-door 50 is closed, the front gasket 434 comes in contact with the rear surface of the sub-door 50 to seal the space between the main door 40 and the sub-door 50 . Of course, the front gasket 434 may be omitted if necessary. In addition, the front gasket 434 may be formed in a sheet shape of a metal material, and may be configured to be in close contact with the sub-door gasket 591 having a magnetic force by magnetic force.

A frame heater 432 may be provided on a rear surface of the frame step portion 431 . The frame heater 432 is disposed along the frame step 431 to heat the frame step 431 . The surface temperature of the frame step 431 may be relatively low due to the influence of cold air in the refrigerator. Accordingly, dew condensation may be generated on the surface of the frame step 431 , and dew condensation may be prevented by driving the frame heater 432 .

In addition, a hinge hole 433 in which the sub hinges 51 and 52 for mounting the sub door 50 are mounted is opened at one side of the door frame 43 . The hinge hole 433 is opened at a position facing the side of the sub door 50 and is formed so that the sub hinges 51 and 52 can be inserted. The sub hinges 51 and 52 may be referred to as second hinges.

Meanwhile, a hinge case 47 may be provided on an inner surface (a surface in contact with an insulating material) of the door frame 43 corresponding to the hinge hole 433 . The hinge case 47 is configured such that the first case 471 and the second case 472 are coupled to each other at the upper and lower sides. In addition, the hinge case 47 allows a portion of the sub-hinges 51 and 52 inserted through the hinge hole 433 to be rotatable when the first case 471 and the second case 472 are combined. It creates a space that can be accommodated.

And, a hinge mounting member 473 is provided in the recessed space of the hinge case 47, and the hinge mounting member 473 is fixed by the coupling of the first case 471 and the second case 472. can The hinge mounting member 473 may be formed of a steel material, and a shaft insertion portion 4731 into which the hinge shafts of the sub-hinges 51 and 52 are inserted may be formed.

The hinge case 47 may be mounted in each of the hinge holes 433 formed above and below the door frame 43 . In addition, each hinge case 47 disposed vertically may have the same structure and shape.

Meanwhile, a hinge frame 48 may be provided outside the door frame 43 . The hinge frame 48 extends vertically to fix the hinge case 47 disposed above and below, respectively.

In detail, the hinge frame 48 may be formed of a metal or a plastic material having excellent strength, and may be formed in a plate shape to extend in the vertical direction. The upper end 482 and the lower end 483 of the hinge frame 48 may be respectively bent and fixed to the cap deco 45 and 46 of the upper and lower ends of the main door 40, respectively. That is, the hinge frame 48 can maintain the mounting position by fixing the upper and lower ends to the cap deco 45 and 46 , and indirectly support the sub hinges 51 and 52 .

In addition, case fixing parts 481 may be formed on upper and lower portions of the hinge frame 48 . The case fixing part 481 may be formed by cutting a part of the hinge frame 48 . Accordingly, the portion forming the recessed space of the hinge case 47 may be accommodated in the cut-out case fixing portion 481 of the hinge frame 48 and coupled and fixed. In this case, the hinge case 47 may be coupled to the hinge frame 48 by a separate coupling member such as a screw.

In addition, a frame reinforcing part 484 may be recessed between the case fixing parts 481 respectively formed on the upper and lower portions of the hinge frame 48 . In addition, a plurality of frame openings 485 may be formed in the frame reinforcement portion 484 . The frame reinforcing part 484 may reinforce the strength of the hinge frame 48 and prevent bending or deformation from occurring to maintain the mounting position of the hinge case 47 .

And when the foam liquid is injected into the main door 40, the surface area is increased to improve adhesion to the foam liquid. In addition, since the foaming liquid can pass through the frame opening 485 , the flowability of the foaming liquid can be improved, and the hinge frame 48 can be embedded and fixed in the insulation when the insulation is formed.

The sub-hinges 51 and 52 may include an upper hinge 51 mounted on an upper end of the sub-door 50 and a lower hinge 52 mounted on a lower end of the sub-door 50 . In addition, the upper hinge 51 and the lower hinge 52 may extend laterally toward the hinge hole 433 to be coupled inside the main door 40 .

Accordingly, the sub-hinges 51 and 52 can be mounted at precise positions and have a structure extending laterally. Therefore, the interfering structure of the sub-hinges 51 and 52 does not exist in the gap between the main door 40 and the sub-door 50, so that the gap between the main door 40 and the sub-door 50 is reduced. By keeping it very narrow, the exterior can look more beautiful. In addition, while maintaining a very narrow state between the main door 40 and the sub-door 50 as described above, the sagging of the sub-door 50 is effectively prevented, so that when the sub-door 50 is rotated, the main door ( 40) and is formed so that interference does not occur.

In addition, a hinge cover 53 for shielding the upper hinge 51 and guiding the electric wire entry and exit of the sub-door 50 may be further provided above the upper hinge 51 . The detailed structure of the sub-hinges 51 and 52 and the structure of the hinge cover 53 will be described in more detail below.

9 is an exploded perspective view of the main door and the display unit. 10A and 10B are partial perspective views illustrating a mounting state of the display unit.

As shown in the drawing, a display unit 60 may be provided in the opening of the main door 40 . The display unit 60 is for displaying and manipulating the operating state of the refrigerator 1 so that when the sub-door 50 becomes transparent, a user can identify it from the outside through the sub-door 50 . is composed That is, when the sub-door 50 is opaque, it cannot be seen from the outside, and when the sub-door 50 is transparent, various information can be displayed to the outside.

Of course, the display unit 60 may be provided with a display 61 for displaying status information of the refrigerator 1 and various operation buttons 62 for setting the operation of the refrigerator 1, and the operation The operation of the refrigerator 1 can be operated by manipulating the button 62 .

The display unit 60 may be detachably provided at the lower end of the opening 403 . Accordingly, when inspection or repair of the display unit 60 is necessary, it may be detached. In addition, after assembly of the main door 40, the display unit 60 assembled as a separate module can be simply mounted and assembled. In addition, the display unit 60 having a necessary function according to the specification of the refrigerator 1 may be selectively mounted.

In order to detach the display unit 60 , display mounting protrusions 435 are formed on both inner side surfaces of the opening 403 . In addition, a display connection part 436 for electrically connecting to the display unit 60 may be provided at a lower end of the opening 403 .

The display mounting protrusion 435 may be formed by protruding a side surface of the opening 403 , more particularly, a portion of the door liner 42 and a portion of the door frame 43 . That is, the display mounting protrusion 435 is formed by coupling the liner side mounting part 4352 and the frame side mounting part 4351 to each other, and may be formed in a protrusion shape having a circular cross section. Accordingly, when the display unit 60 is mounted, the display mounting protrusions 435 may be maintained in a state coupled to each other, so that the coupling between the door liner 42 and the door frame 43 may be more firmly maintained. have. A plurality of the display mounting protrusions 435 may be formed, and may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

The display mounting protrusion 435 has a structure that matches the display guides 634 formed on both left and right sides of the display unit 60 . The display guide 634 has a structure that is opened downward. Accordingly, when the display unit 60 is moved from the upper side to the lower side, the display mounting protrusion 435 and the display guide 634 are coupled to each other. In addition, the display unit 60 may be seated and fixed at the lower end of the opening 403 in a mounted state.

The display connection part 436 may be formed on a bottom surface of the door liner 42 . The display connection part 436 may be formed to be recessed or stepped downward, and may be formed so that at least a portion of the display unit 60 can be inserted when the display unit 60 is mounted.

In addition, a door connector 4361 may be provided at the display connection part 436 . The door connector 4361 is connected to a power supply for operation of the display unit 60 and an electric wire for signal transmission, and the display unit 60 has a detachable structure of the display 61 that is detachable in the vertical direction. and may have a structure electrically connected to the

That is, the door connector 4361 protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the display connector 436 , and includes a display connector 651 provided on the bottom of the display unit 60 when the display unit 60 is mounted. combined so that they can be electrically connected.

The door connector 4361 may be configured in plurality, and may be formed separately for each function of the display unit 60 . That is, the door connector 4361 corresponding to the display 61 and the operation buttons 62 of the display unit 60 may be formed independently, and may be configured to transmit separate power and signals to each. .

On the other hand, a case extension 635 is formed on the lower rear surface of the display unit 60 . In addition, a screw hole 6351 to which a screw is fastened is formed in the case extension part 635 , so that the display unit 60 can be maintained in a coupled state to the main door 40 .

11 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the display unit is mounted. And, FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the display assembly.

As shown in the drawing, the display unit 60 includes an outer case 63 forming an external shape, an inner case 64 provided inside the outer case 63, a display PCB 65, and a display cover. (66) may be included.

The outer case 63 forms the overall appearance of the display unit 60 , and forms an accommodating space in which the inner case 64 can be accommodated.

The accommodation space is opened forward, and a connector opening 631 through which a wire connected to the display connector 651 to be coupled to the door connector 4361 enters and exits may be formed on the bottom surface of the space. The display connector 651 may be provided below the connector opening 631 , and if necessary, the display connector 651 may be fixed to the connector opening 631 .

Accordingly, when the display unit 60 is mounted in the opening 403 of the main door 40 , the display connector 651 and the door connector 4361 are operated by an operation of moving the display unit 60 up and down. may be connected to each other. By such a connection, it is possible to supply power to the display unit 60 and transmit a signal.

In addition, a plurality of case coupling protrusions 632 protruding to be coupled to the inner case 64 are formed at the inner upper end and lower end of the accommodating space. The coupling protrusions 632 may be formed on the opening side of the entrance of the accommodation space, and a plurality of coupling protrusions 632 may be formed at regular intervals.

In addition, case support parts 633 supporting the inner case 64 protrude inward from both left and right sides of the inner surface of the accommodating space. A screw hole 6331 into which a screw is inserted may be further formed in the case support part 633 , and the inner case 64 may be fixedly mounted therein.

Display guides 634 are formed on both left and right sides of the outer case 63 . The display guide 634 may be formed in a rib shape protruding from both left and right side surfaces of the outer case 63 . In addition, the display guide 634 is formed to be opened downward, and the display mounting protrusion 435 is formed to be inserted through the opened downward direction.

The display guide 634 is formed such that its width becomes narrower toward the upper side with respect to the opened inlet 6343 , and the upper end 6341 of the display guide 634 has the same diameter as the display mounting protrusion 435 . It may be formed to have a size. Accordingly, the display mounting protrusion 435 may be easily inserted into the display guide, and may be constrained by the upper end 6341 of the display guide 634 .

In addition, a fixing part 6342 protruding inward is further formed in the display guide 634 . A distance between the fixing parts 6342 may be slightly smaller than a diameter of the display mounting protrusion 435 . Accordingly, the display guide 634 may be elastically deformed while passing through the fixing portion 6342 , and may be press-fitted and fixed when moving to the upper end 6341 of the display guide 634 .

The inner case 64 may be injection-molded from a plastic material, and provides a space in which the display PCB 65 is mounted. The inner case 64 is recessed to a size corresponding to the display PCB 65 at the center of the inner case 64 , and a plurality of case coupling grooves 641 are formed around the inner case 64 to form the case coupling protrusions 632 . ) is combined with

In addition, case seating parts 642 extending laterally and seated on the case support part 633 are formed on both side surfaces of the inner case 64 . The inner case 64 is coupled to the outer case 63 by screws fastened to the screw holes 6421 of the case seating part 642 .

In addition, a case hole 643 is formed on one side of the inner case 64 . The case hole 643 may be connected to the display connector 651 through the connector opening 631 through the case hole 643 , as wires connected to the display PCB 65 enter and exit the case hole 643 .

The display PCB 65 may be accommodated in a space formed inside the inner case 64 . A display 61 and a plurality of operation buttons 62 may be mounted on the display PCB 65 in the form of a module. In addition, the elements on the display PCB 65 may be configured to be sealed by being surrounded by a resin material for waterproofing and moistureproofing.

The display 61 may be formed in the form of a panel capable of displaying the operation state and operation information of the refrigerator 1 . In addition, a plurality of the manipulation buttons 62 are provided on both left and right sides with respect to the display 61 , and may be configured to be operated by a user pressing and manipulating the display cover 66 .

In a state in which the display PCB 65 is mounted on the inner case 64 , the inner case 64 is accommodated inside the outer case 63 , and the cover display 61 is disposed on the outer case 63 . is coupled to shield the opening of the Accordingly, the display PCB 65 and the inner case 64 may be shielded by the cover display 61 .

The display cover 66 may be formed to have a size corresponding to the opened front surface of the outer case 63 . Accordingly, the display cover 66 may form the front exterior of the display unit 60 . And, the center of the display cover 66 is configured so that information output from the display 61 can be seen through. The display 61 may be exposed through the opening of the display cover 66 , or a portion of the display cover 66 may be transparently formed and exposed to the outside.

In addition, a plurality of operation buttons 62 may be provided on both left and right sides of the display 61 , and the operation buttons 62 may also be displayed on both sides of the display cover 66 corresponding thereto. Although the operation button 62 displayed on the display cover 66 is not actually the operation button 62, it is displayed at a corresponding position and can be touched or pressed by the user.

A case fixing member 661 for fixing and mounting the display cover 66 is formed protruding from both left and right ends of the display cover 66 . The case fixing member 661 may have an end formed in a hook shape, and is locked with the case restraining grooves 636 formed on both sides of the outer case 63 so that the display cover 66 can be fixedly mounted. do.

13 is a cross-sectional view 13-13' of FIG. 1 .

As shown in the drawing, the door lighting unit 49 may be provided at an upper portion of the main door 40 . The door lighting unit 49 may be formed in a space between the door liner 42 and the door frame 43 . Of course, the door lighting unit 49 is not limited in its mounting position, and may be formed on either side of the door liner 42 or the door frame 43 , and can illuminate the inside of the opening 403 . can be placed in a position where

The door lighting unit 49 includes a lamp case 491 mounted inside the main door 40, and a lamp PCB provided at one side of the lamp case 491 and in which a plurality of LEDs 4921 are disposed. 492 ), and a lamp cover that shields the opening surface of the lamp case 491 and is exposed through the opening 403 .

The lamp cover 493 extends along the door liner 42 and includes a recessed portion 4914 that forms a recessed space to accommodate the lamp PCB 492 therein. In detail, the recessed portion 4914 may be formed so that a surface facing the lamp PCB 492 is rounded, and the light irradiated from the lamp PCB 492 through the round surface 4915 having a predetermined curvature is emitted. It is reflected and directed toward the lamp case 491 . In addition, a film for increasing the reflectance of light may be attached or coated on the inner surface of the recessed portion 4914 , particularly the round surface 4915 .

A lamp PCB mounting part 4913 on which the lamp PCB 492 is mounted is formed on one surface facing the round surface 4915 . The lamp PCB mounting part 4913 allows the lamp PCB 492 to be fixedly mounted in a direction perpendicular to the lamp cover 493 . At this time, the lamp PCB mounting part 4913 and the lamp PCB 492 are positioned above the door frame 43 so that they can be covered by the end of the door frame 43 when viewed from below. do. Accordingly, the LED 4921 can be covered by the end of the door frame 43 without a separate bezel, so that a phenomenon in which light appears to be formed can be prevented.

In addition, a first case mounting part 4911 and a second case mounting part 4912 are formed at both ends of the recessed part 4914 . The first case mounting part 4911 and the second case mounting part 4912 are mounted so as to be in surface contact with the inner surfaces of the door liner 42 and the door frame 43, respectively, so that the lamp case 491 is connected to the main door ( 40) so that it can be jammed or fixed by adhesive.

In addition, cover insertion grooves 4916 and 4917 may be formed in the first case mounting part 4911 and the second case mounting part 4912 . The cover insertion grooves 4916 and 4917 are formed to be stepped, so that when the lamp case 491 is mounted, the first case mounting part 4911 , the door liner 42 , the second case mounting part 4912 , and the door frame A space in which both ends of the lamp cover 493 can be inserted is formed between 43 .

The lamp cover 493 is formed so that light reflected from the round surface 4915 of the recessed part 4914 can be transmitted, and shields the opening of the recessed part 4914 and simultaneously with the door liner 42 and the door liner 42 . The space between the door frames 43 is shielded.

The lamp cover 493 is formed to be transparent or translucent so that light that is reflected from the round surface 4915 and spread evenly can be transmitted. Accordingly, the light passing through the lamp cover 493 illuminates the inside of the cabinet by indirect lighting and has the same effect as surface light emission.

In addition, the lamp cover 493 may have a film attached thereto or may be coated in order to more effectively diffuse the light. Also, if necessary, particles or materials for diffusing light may be added during injection molding of the lamp cover 493 .

On the other hand, at both ends of the lamp cover 493, cover fixing parts 4931 and 4932 inserted into the cover insertion grooves 4916 and 4917 can be formed to protrude so that the lamp cover 493 can be fixedly mounted. have. The cover fixing portions 4931 and 4932 on both sides of the lamp cover 493 are coupled or press-fitted in a hook shape to the inside of the cover insertion grooves 4916 and 4917 so that the lamp cover 493 can be fixedly mounted. .

The door lighting unit 49 may be selectively turned on/off according to a user's operation, and when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, the opening 403 and the sub-door 50 are turned on. The back becomes bright. When the inner side of the cabinet is brighter than the outer side of the cabinet by turning on the door lighting unit 49 , the light irradiated by the door lighting unit 49 passes through the sub-door 50 . Accordingly, the user can transparently recognize the sub-door 50 and can see the storage space inside the main door 40 through the sub-door 50 from the outside.

Of course, a separate main lighting unit 85 may be provided inside the refrigerating compartment 12 , and by turning on/off the main lighting unit 85 , the interior space of the refrigerator is opened from the outside through the sub door 50 . you may see The main lighting unit 85 provided in the refrigerating compartment 12 may be turned on/off together with the door lighting unit 49 or may be independently turned on/off.

On the other hand, a heater support part 435 protruding rearward is formed on the rear surface of the frame step part 431 . The heater support part 435 is formed along the circumference of the frame step part 431 and may be formed to protrude rearward. In addition, the protruding position of the heater support 435 is located outside (upper side in FIG. 13 ) of the frame step 431 so that the frame heater can be located at the outer end of the frame step 431 . .

In addition, the frame heater 432 heats the edge of the frame step 431 having a high possibility of condensation. The edge of the frame step portion 431 is a portion in contact with the outer portion of the sub-door gasket 591 , and has a relatively low temperature and a portion in contact with the outside air, and thus has a high possibility of condensation. Accordingly, the outside of the frame step portion 431 is heated by the frame heater 432 to prevent condensation from occurring.

On the other hand, the main door 40 and the sub-door 50 are provided with door restraining members 4361 and 5721 at positions corresponding to each other. The door restraining members 4361 and 5721 are restrained by the sub-door 50 by magnetic force without a separate restraining structure to the main door 40, and the sub-door 50 is restrained by the inertia generated when the main door 40 is rotated. Do not open the door 50 arbitrarily.

In detail, a first magnetic mounting part 436 is formed on the inner surface of the door frame 43 forming the upper surface of the opening 403 , and the first magnetic 4361 is fixedly mounted to the first magnetic mounting part 436 . do.

In addition, a second magnetic mounting portion 572 is formed on the upper portion of the sub-door 50 corresponding to the first magnetic mounting portion 436, and the second magnetic 5721 is disposed on the second magnetic mounting portion 572. fixedly mounted The second magnetic mounting part 572 is formed on the inner surface of the upper cap decor 57 forming the upper surface of the sub door 50 , and therefore the second magnetic 5721 is not exposed to the outside.

When the sub-door 50 is closed, the first magnet 4361 and the second magnet 5721 are positioned to face each other, and the faces facing each other are disposed to have different polarities. Accordingly, the sub-door 50 is maintained in a closed state by the attractive force of the first magnetic 4361 and the second magnetic 5721 . Of course, when the rotational force of the sub-door 50 is greater than the magnetic force of the first and second magnets 4361 and 5721 by the user's manipulation, the sub-door 50 is rotatable.

When the first magnet 4361 and the second magnet 5721 are positioned on the same extension line, a magnetic force is strongly applied, and the arrangement structure of the first magnet 4361 and the second magnet 5721 is the sub-door. (50) is arranged parallel to the extension direction of the axis of rotation. Accordingly, when the sub-door 50 starts to be opened, the first magnetic 4361 and the second magnetic 5721 may cross each other, and magnetic force may be greatly weakened. Therefore, after the sub-door 50 is rotated by a predetermined angle, the opening operation of the sub-door 50 can be smoothly performed.

Meanwhile, the cap deco 45 is provided at the upper end of the main door 40, and although not shown, the out plate 41, the door liner 42, the door frame 43, and the cap deco 45 are provided. The foaming liquid is injected into the inner space to form, and the heat insulating material is formed therein. The cap deco 45 is recessed downward to form an opening device accommodating part 452 , and the opening device accommodating part 452 can be shielded by the cap deco cover 453 .

14 is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting structure of a door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 15 is a view showing an operating state of the door opening device.

As shown in the drawing, the opening device accommodating part 452 is formed in the cap deco 45 on the upper surface of the main door 40 . In addition, a door opening device 70 may be provided inside the opening device accommodating part 452 . And, the opened upper surface of the opening device receiving portion 452 is shielded by the cap deco cover (453).

The door opening device 70 is for automatic opening of the main door 40, and a push rod 74 for pushing the driving motor 72 and the main door 40 inside the opening device case 71 to open it. And it may be composed of gears 73 for transmitting the power of the driving motor 72 to the push rod (74).

A rack gear 741 for gear-engaging with the gears 73 is formed on the outer surface of the push rod 74 , and thus the rod on the rear surface of the main door 40 according to the rotation of the driving motor 72 . It is possible to enter and exit through the hole 4511 .

And, the push rod 74 is formed to have a predetermined curvature. Therefore, even when the main door 40 is rotated, the front end of the push rod 74 continuously pushes the cabinet 10 in a state in which the front end of the push rod 74 stably maintains contact with the front surface of the cabinet 10 to the main door ( 40) can be opened.

The main door 40 is opened by the door opening device 70 by a predetermined angle so that the user can open the main door 40 by putting a body part such as an elbow in a state where the user cannot use both hands because he is holding food. can be rotated.

For example, by the operation of the door opening device 70, the distance D between the main door 40 and the adjacent refrigerating compartment door 20 may be opened to be approximately 90 mm, and at this time, the main door ( 40) can be between 24° and 26°. When the refrigerating compartment door 20 is automatically opened by this interval D, the user puts his or her elbow or a body part into the open gap of the refrigerating compartment door 20 even in a state where both hands cannot be used because the user is holding an object. The door 20 may be further opened.

Of course, since the door opening device 70 is disposed inside the cap deco 45 having a limited width, there is a restriction on the length of the push rod 74 that is drawn in and out. Therefore, the door opening device 70 is located at a position adjacent to the rotation axis of the main hinge 401 as much as possible so as to minimize the length of the push rod 74 , but effectively uses the force for opening the main door 40 . It should be placed in a position where it can be delivered And, in order to secure the opening angle of the main door 40, a combination of the gears 73 is arranged so that the push rod 74 of a certain length can be drawn out as much as possible.

The door opening device 70 may be mounted to the opening device accommodating part 452 by means of a screw. And, the door opening device 70 can be supported inside the opening device accommodating part 452 by the buffer member penetrated by the screw, and thus it is possible to prevent vibration noise generated during the operation of the door opening device. there will be

Meanwhile, the door opening device 70 is selectively driven by a user's manipulation, and when a door open signal is input by the user, the main door 40 is rotated by the operation of the driving motor 72 . At this time, since the user's both hands are in a state that cannot be used, the operation input of the door opening device 70 may be made by position detection and motion detection, not by a direct input method by the user's body contact. A detailed description thereof will be reviewed again below.

16 is a cross-sectional view 16-16' of FIG. 1 .

As shown in the drawing, the main door 40 forms the outer shape of both sides of the opening 403 by combining the outer plate 41, the door frame 43, and the door liner 42. As shown in FIG.

In this case, a bent front support part 437 is formed at the front end of the door frame 43 to support the out plate 41 , and an end of the out plate 41 is formed at an end of the front support part 437 . A front receiving part 4371 may be formed to allow the inflow in a bent state.

The end of the out plate 41 positioned in the front receiving part 4371 forms a multi-bent portion 411 that is continuously bent a plurality of times, and the multi-fold portion 411 forms an end of the opening 403 . will form At this time, one end of the opening 403 in which the multi-bent portion 411 is positioned is a portion adjacent to the handle 561 formed in the second side frame 56 of the sub-door 50 .

The multi-bent portion 411 is bent to have a predetermined inclination at a portion forming the front surface of the main door 40 to form a first bent portion 4111 . An inclined surface of the first bent part 4111 may be formed to face the opening 403 , and an end of the first bent part 4111 forms one end of the opening 403 .

A second bent part 4112 bent in a direction opposite to that of the first bent part 4111 is formed at an end of the first bent part 4111 . A third bent part 4113 bent parallel to the front surface of the main door 40 is formed at the extended end of the second bent part 4112 . The second bent part 4112 and the third bent part 4113 may be positioned inside the front receiving part 4371 and may be supported by being in close contact with the front supporting part 437 .

Accordingly, one end of the opening 403 in which the multi-bent portion 411 is formed is a portion where the handle 561 of the sub-door 50 is located, and the user's hand frequently enters and exits. The user's hand may come into contact with one end of the opening 403 during the entry/exit process, and at this time, the user's hand can enter and exit smoothly without being caught or scratched by the inclined surface of the first bending part 4111 of the multi-folding part 411 . This becomes possible. At the same time, the strength can be reinforced by the shape of the multi-bent portion 411, and it is possible to prevent the out plate 41 from being deformed by the impact generated during the process of frequently entering and exiting the user's hand.

The handle 561 forms one side of the sub-door 50 and is vertically elongated, and is formed to have a predetermined space between one end of the opening 403 and one end of the opening 403 so that a user can put and pull it. can be

On the other hand, the frame heater 432 and the heater support part 435 are protruded from the rear surface of the frame step portion 431 of the door frame 43 to heat the frame step portion to prevent dew condensation.

17 is a perspective view of the sub-door. And, Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of the sub-door viewed from the front. And, Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of the sub-door viewed from the rear.

As shown in the drawing, the sub-door 50 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 403 . The sub-door 50 includes a panel assembly 54 in which a plurality of glasses are stacked at regular intervals, side frames 55 and 56 forming both sides of the sub-door 50, and the sub-door 50. It may be configured to include a sub door liner 59 that forms a periphery of the rear surface, and an upper cap deco 57 and a lower cap deco 58 that form the upper and lower surfaces of the sub door 50 . The side frames 55 and 56, the upper cap decor 57, the lower cap decor 58, and the door liner 59 may be collectively referred to as a second frame. In this case, the second frame may have a second opening. The second opening may be covered by the panel assembly.

The panel assembly 54 forms the entire front surface of the sub door 50 . The panel assembly 54 may include a front panel 541 forming a front exterior and a heat insulating panel 542 spaced apart from the rear surface of the front panel 541 . The heat insulation panel 542 may be configured in plurality, and an interstitial rod 543 is provided between the front panel 541 , the heat insulation panel 542 , and the plurality of heat insulation panels 542 . An insulating space is formed between the at least one insulating panel 542 and the front panel 541 .

The front panel 541 and the heat insulation panel 542 are made of glass or a material that can see through the inside, and are configured to selectively see through the inside of the refrigerator. In addition, the front panel 541 and the heat insulation panel 542 may have a heat insulation material or a heat insulation structure, and may be configured to prevent cold air from leaking out. The configuration of the panel assembly 54 will be described in more detail below.

The side frames 55 and 56 form left and right side surfaces of the sub door 50 . The side frames 55 and 56 may be formed of a metal material, and connect the panel assembly 54 and the door liner 42 to each other.

The side frames 55 and 56 include a first side frame 55 forming one surface on which the sub hinges 51 and 52 are mounted, and a second side frame having a handle 561 for a user to rotate and operate. (56) may consist of.

The first side frame 55 is formed to extend vertically and is configured to connect between the upper hinge 51 and the lower hinge 52 . In detail, hinge insertion parts 551 and 552 into which the upper hinge 51 and the lower hinge 52 are inserted are formed at the upper end and lower end of the first side frame 55 . The hinge insertion parts 551 and 552 are recessed into the upper and lower ends of the first side frame 55 , and are formed in corresponding shapes so that parts of the upper hinge 51 and the lower hinge 52 can be molded together. can be

The first side frame 55 may be formed of a metal such as aluminum or a material with high strength, and the upper hinge 51 and the lower hinge 52 maintain an accurate mounting position of the sub door 50 . Make sure that the mounting position is not changed by the weight. Accordingly, the sub-door 50 can maintain its initial mounting position on the main door 40 , and the outer end of the sub-door 50 and the opening 403 of the main door 40 are very close together. Interference does not occur during rotation while maintaining the distance

Like the first side frame 55 , the second side frame 56 may be formed of a metal or a material having high strength. The second side frame 56 may extend from the upper end to the lower end of the sub door 50 , and a recessed handle 561 is formed so that a user can put his or her hand there.

The upper cap deco 57 forms an upper surface of the sub door 50 and connects upper ends of the first side frame 55 and the second side frame 56 . And, it is coupled with the upper end of the panel assembly 54 and the upper end of the sub-door liner 59 .

In addition, an upper hinge mounting part 571 is formed at one end of the upper cap deco 57 . The upper hinge mounting part 571 is recessed so that the upper hinge 51 and the hinge cover 53 can be mounted, and the hinge cover 53 and the upper cap are mounted in a state in which the hinge cover 53 is mounted. The upper surface of the deco 57 is to form the same plane. Since the upper hinge 51 is accommodated in the upper hinge mounting part 571 , the upper hinge mounting part 571 may be referred to as a receiving part.

The lower cap deco 58 forms a lower surface of the sub door 50 and connects the lower ends of the first side frame 55 and the second side frame 56 . And, it is coupled to the lower end of the panel assembly 54 and the lower end of the sub-door liner 59 .

In addition, a lower hinge mounting portion 581 is formed at one end of the lower cap deco 58 . The lower hinge mounting part 581 is recessed so that the lower hinge 52 can be mounted thereon. In addition, the lower cap deco 58 is provided with a sensing device accommodating part 582 in which the second sensing device 81 and the knock sensing device 82 are mounted, and the sensing device accommodating part 582 is the receiving part cover. 583 .

The second detection device 81 mounted on the lower cap deco 58 is a device for confirming the proximity of the user, and the knock detection device 82 detects a knock operation of the sub door 50 by the user. It is a device for The second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 are attached to the rear surface of the front panel 541 and are provided at the lower end of the front panel 541 adjacent to the second side frame 56 . can be The sub-door 50 is selectively made transparent by the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 so that the inside of the sub-door 50 can be seen through. Specific structures of the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 will be described again below.

The sub-door liner 59 forms a shape around the rear surface of the sub-door 50 and may be injection-molded from a plastic material. The sub door liner 59 is coupled to the first side frame 55 and the second side frame 56 , and the upper cap decor 57 and the lower cap decor 58 . In addition, foaming liquid is injected into the inner space around the sub-door 50 formed by the sub-door liner 59 to be filled with a heat insulating material (not shown), and to provide a heat insulating structure around the sub door 50 . do.

That is, the central portion of the sub-door 50 has a heat insulating structure formed by the heat insulating panel 542 constituting the panel assembly 54, and the periphery of the panel assembly 54 is formed with the heat insulating structure by the heat insulating material. can be formed A space formed by the front panel and the heat insulation panel 542 may be referred to as a first insulation space, and a space formed between the panel assembly and the frames may be referred to as a second insulation space.

The sensing device accommodating part 582 may be partitioned from the second insulating space.

A sub-door gasket 591 is provided on the rear surface of the sub-door liner 59 . The sub-door gasket 591 is configured to be in close contact with the main door 40 when the sub-door 50 is closed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent leakage of cold air between the main door 40 and the sub-door 50 .

20 is a perspective view taken 20-20' of FIG. 17; And, FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the overall appearance of the sub-door is formed by the panel assembly 54, and the first side frame 55 and the second side frame 56 are coupled to both ends of the panel assembly 54. do. In addition, the foamed liquid is filled in the space formed by the panel assembly 54 and the first side frame 55 and the second side frame 56 to form a heat insulating material.

The panel assembly 54 includes a front panel 541 forming the entire front surface of the sub door 50 , at least one heat insulation panel 542 disposed behind the front panel 541 , and the front panel 541 and the heat insulation panel 542 and the plurality of heat insulation panels 542 may be configured to include a cross rod 543 for supporting it.

The front panel 541 may be formed of a glass material that can selectively see the inside according to light transmittance and reflectance, and may be referred to as a half mirror. The front panel 541 is configured to selectively see through the rear of the sub door 50 according to the on/off of the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 in the refrigerator.

That is, when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, the light inside the cabinet passes through the front panel 541 and the front panel 541 is transparent. Accordingly, the interior space behind the sub-door 50 or the storage space formed in the main door 40 can be viewed from the outside when the sub-door 50 is closed.

And, in a state in which the door lighting unit 49 is turned off, light does not pass through the front panel 541 and is reflected, and thus the front panel 541 becomes like a mirror surface. In this state, the interior space behind the sub door 50 or the storage space formed in the main door 40 cannot be seen from the outside.

A bezel 5411 is formed along the circumference of the rear surface of the front panel 541 . The bezel 5411 may be formed so that light cannot pass through, and the side frames 55 and 56 coupled to the front panel 541, the upper cap deco 57, the lower cap deco 58, and the inter rod ( 543 is not exposed forward through the front panel 541 .

In addition, the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 may be disposed on the bezel 5411 formed at the lower end of the front panel 541 , and the knock detection device 82 may be covered. formed to be

Meanwhile, a transmission portion 5412 may be formed at a position corresponding to the bezel 5411 formed at the lower end of the front panel 541 and the second sensing device 81 . The transmission portion may be formed in a shape corresponding to the front surface of the second sensing device, and the bezel 5411 is not printed.

That is, the bezel 5411 may be printed to have a predetermined width along the periphery of the front panel 541 , except for the transmission part 5412 . The transmitting part 5412 allows the light beam irradiated from the second sensing device 81 to pass through the front panel 541 without being interfered with by the bezel 5411 to be transmitted/received.

In addition, the front surface of the second sensing device 81 in contact with the transmission part 5412 may be formed in the same color as the color of the bezel 5411 . Accordingly, even in a state in which the front surface of the second sensing device 81 is exposed by the transmission portion 5412 , the transmission portion 5412 is not easily exposed and has a sense of unity with the entire front panel 541 . In this specification, the transmission part 5412 may be referred to as a first area, and the bezel 5411 may be referred to as a second area positioned outside the first area.

In this case, the light transmittance of the second area is smaller than the light transmittance of the first area.

Meanwhile, a first side frame 55 and a second side frame 56 are mounted on the rear surface of the front panel 541 . The first side frame 55 and the second side frame 56 may be adhered to both ends of the rear surface of the front panel 541 , respectively, and may be adhered inside the area of the bezel 5411 .

In addition, an interstitial rod 543 is formed around the rear surface of the front panel 541 . The interstitial rod 543 separates the front panel 541 and the heat insulation panel 542 from each other, and allows the front panel 541 and the heat insulation panel 542 to be spaced apart from each other and seals the space therebetween. .

The interstitial rod 543 may also be disposed between the plurality of heat insulation panels 542 . In addition, the front panel 541, the heat insulation panel 542, and the plurality of inter rods 543 may be attached to each other by an adhesive, and a sealant is applied to the front panel 541, the heat insulation panel 542, and the inter rods ( 543) to maintain confidentiality.

The heat insulation panel 542 may be formed to be smaller in size than the front panel 541 and may be located in an inner region of the front panel 541 . In addition, the heat insulation panel 542 is preferably chemically strengthened glass by immersing glass in an electrolyte solution above the glass transition temperature and chemically strengthening it.

In addition, a low-emission coating layer may be formed on the rear surface of the heat insulation panel 542 to reduce heat transfer into the storage chamber due to radiation. The glass on which the low-emission coating layer is formed is called low-e glass, and the low-emission coating layer can be formed by depositing silver or the like on the surface of the glass by sputtering or the like.

In addition, the sealed space between the front panel 541 and the heat insulating panel 542 formed by the interstitial rod 543 and the sealed space between the plurality of heat insulating panels may be formed in a vacuum state to be insulated. .

If necessary, an inert gas such as argon gas for insulation may be filled between the sealed space between the front panel 541 and the heat insulation panel 542 and the closed space between the plurality of heat insulation panels 542 . Inert gas has better thermal insulation properties than general air. For this reason, it is possible to secure thermal insulation performance by forming a predetermined space filled with an inert gas between the front panel 541 and the thermal insulation panel 542 and between the plurality of thermal insulation panels 542 .

The heat insulation panel 542 may be formed as a single panel and mounted to be spaced apart from the front panel 541 , and if necessary, two or more heat insulation panels 542 may be configured to be spaced apart.

Hereinafter, the structure of the front panel 541 having various types of applicable half-mirror structures will be described.

22 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a front panel of the panel assembly.

As shown in the drawing, the front panel 541 according to an example has a glass layer 5413 forming an exterior, a vacuum deposition layer 5414 formed on the rear surface of the glass layer 5413, and the vacuum deposition layer (5414) may include a bezel printed layer 5415 formed on the rear surface, and a transparent printed layer 5416 forming the entire rear surface of the bezel printed layer 5415 and the vacuum deposition layer 5414.

In detail, the glass layer 5413 may be formed of green glass, which is generally used as a transparent glass, and forms the entire surface of the front panel 541 . Of course, in addition to the blue glass, various other glass of a transparent material such as white glass may be used.

The vacuum deposition layer 5414 allows the front panel 541 to have the same characteristics as half glass, and a titanium compound (TiO ₂ ) may be formed on the rear surface of the glass layer 5413 by vacuum deposition. . That is, a vacuum deposition layer 5414 is formed on the entire rear surface of the glass layer 5413 , and when the door lighting unit 49 is not turned on, light is reflected by the vacuum deposition layer 5414 to the front panel (541) can be seen as a mirror when viewed from the front.

The bezel printed layer 5415 forms a circumference of the rear surface of the front panel 541 , and the bezel 5411 can be formed by the bezel printed layer 5415 . The bezel printing layer 5415 is formed so that light is not transmitted even when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, so that it is possible to shield the components disposed along the rear circumference of the front panel 541 .

In addition, a transparent printed layer 5416 may be formed on the entire rear surface of the front panel 541 including the bezel printed layer 5415 and the vacuum deposition layer 5414 . The transparent printing layer 5416 may be formed to be transparent to allow light to pass through, and protect the front panel 541 from being damaged during processing of the front panel 541 or the panel assembly 54 .

In particular, the transparent printing layer 5416 prevents the vacuum deposition layer 5414 from being damaged. The front panel 541 is configured such that a bar 543 and the like are attached for coupling with the heat insulation panel 542 . In this case, the front panel 541 may be manufactured and transported separately from the heat insulating panel 542 , and in this process, if the transparent printed layer 5416 is not present, the vacuum deposition layer 5414 is damaged and functions as a half glass. There is a problem that cannot be done. In addition, there is a problem that the vacuum deposition layer 5414 may be oxidized and damaged when exposed to air for a long period of time. Accordingly, in the structure in which the vacuum deposition layer 5414 is formed on the rear surface of the glass layer 5413 , the transparent printing layer 5416 is necessarily required.

23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of the front panel of the panel assembly.

As shown in the drawing, the front panel 541 according to another example includes a glass layer 5413 forming an exterior, a ceramic printed layer 5417 formed on the entire surface of the glass layer 5413, and the glass layer ( 5413 may be formed of a bezel printed layer 5415 formed on the rear surface.

In detail, the glass layer 5413 is formed of a glass material that can transmit and see light, so-called dark gray glass, which is slightly dark gray in a transparent state, may be used.

The dark gray color of the glass layer 5413 shows that when the front panel 541 is in a mirror-like state when the door lighting unit 49 is not turned on, the texture of the front panel 541 is the same as the actual mirror. A color that can be seen together is provided as an auxiliary.

The ceramic printing layer 5417 is formed over the entire surface of the glass layer 5413 and may be formed by silkscreen printing using a reflective ink capable of reflecting light.

The reflective ink may be composed of a titanium compound (TiO ₂ ) as a main component and include a viscosity control resin, an organic solvent, and an additive. Such a reflective ink may be formed to have a predetermined viscosity for silk screen printing.

In addition, the ceramic printed layer 5417 may be formed to have a thickness of 40 to 400 nm. In addition, the ceramic printed layer 5417 may have a flatness similar to a mirror surface through silk screen printing using a reflective ink, and may be formed like a mirror surface when strengthened by heating.

The ceramic printing layer 5417 is separately formed on the surface of the glass layer 5413 and has a refractive index different from that of the glass. Accordingly, light incident from the outside to the front panel 541 may be partially reflected by the ceramic printed layer 5417 , and the remaining part may be reflected by the glass layer 5413 , due to the interference effect of the reflected light. It can have a mirror-like effect. That is, the front panel 541 can look like a mirror when viewed from the outside using the interference effect of light reflected from the interface of the medium having different refractive indices.

On the other hand, when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, light is irradiated from the inside of the cabinet toward the glass layer 5413 , and the light passing through the glass layer 5413 causes the ceramic printing layer 5417 . will pass Accordingly, the user can see the front panel 541 transparently when viewed from the outside of the cabinet, and can see through the space inside the cabinet.

At this time, the ceramic printed layer 5417 is formed so that the transmittance of the front panel 541 can be approximately 20% to 30%. When the transmittance is less than 20%, even when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, the transparency of the front panel 541 is low, making it difficult to identify the space in the refrigerator. In addition, when the transmittance is 30% or more, even when the door lighting unit 49 is turned off, the space inside the refrigerator is reflected, so that a surface effect like glass cannot be expected. Accordingly, it may be desirable to allow the transmittance of the front panel 541 to be approximately 20% to 30% to best represent the effect of the half mirror.

In addition, the ceramic printed layer 5417 is strengthened by heating to a predetermined temperature to form a surface having high luminance such as a mirror surface, organic components are completely removed through heating, and a titanium compound (TiO ₂ ) is added to the glass layer. (5413) is fired on the surface.

On the other hand, when the front panel 541 is heated after the ceramic printing layer 5417 is printed by the silk screen printing, it is heated at a high temperature so that the organic component of the reflective ink is completely removed and the titanium compound is fired. When heating from a high temperature to an excessive temperature, warping may occur, so it is preferable to heat within a range in which the surface is not deformed. And, the front panel 541 is connected to each other for the removal of organic components and the firing of the titanium compound. It can be heated stepwise at different temperatures.

The bezel printed layer 5415 forms a periphery of the rear surface of the front panel 541 , and the bezel 5411 can be formed by the bezel printed layer 5415 . The bezel printing layer 5415 is formed so that light is not transmitted even when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, and thus can shield components disposed along the rear circumference of the front panel 541 .

Meanwhile, the bezel printing layer 5415 may be formed by an inorganic printing method (vitreous printing). The bezel printing layer 5415 may be printed using, as a main component, a ceramic pigment in which glass powder (Frit), an inorganic pigment, and oil are mixed. Accordingly, in the bezel printing layer 5415, the resin is decomposed and volatilized by heating during the glass strengthening process, and the glass powder is melted to surround the pigment and melt and adhere to the surface of the glass layer.

Such an inorganic printing method has a lower coating film than a general organic printing method and has strong durability. In addition, since the glass component is melted and formed integrally with the glass layer 5413 , heat loss can be reduced during multilayer processing with the additional heat insulation panel 542 , and adhesion is also excellent.

24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of the front panel of the panel assembly.

As shown in the figure, the front panel 541 according to another example includes a glass layer 5413 forming an exterior, a hard coating layer 5418 formed on the entire surface of the glass layer 5413, and the glass layer ( 5413 may be formed of a bezel printed layer 5415 formed on the rear surface.

In detail, the glass layer 5413 is formed of a glass material that can transmit and see light, and so-called gray glass, which has a fine dark gray color in a transparent state, may be used.

At this time, the gray glass has a slightly brighter color than the dark gray glass in the above-described example, and this difference is due to the difference between the ceramic printed layer 5417 and the hard coating layer 5418 formed on the glass layer 5413 . it can be said that

The gray color of the glass layer 5413 makes the texture of the front panel 541 look like an actual mirror when the front panel 541 is in a mirror-like state when the door lighting unit 49 is not turned on. It provides an auxiliary color to make it possible.

The hard coating layer 5418 is formed over the entire entire surface of the glass layer 5413, and is formed to have a light transmittance of 25-50% and a reflectance of 45-65%) to have a half-mirror characteristic. This allows the transmittance and reflectance to be increased at the same time.

The hard coating layer 5418 may be formed to a thickness of approximately 30 to 80 nm, and may be composed of a triple layer of iron, cobalt, and chrome. Of course, one or two of the three layers may be omitted in consideration of transmittance, reflectance, and color difference.

In addition, the hard coating layer 5418 may be formed by an atmospheric chemical vapor deposition (APCAVD) method in which a vaporized coating material is formed on the entire surface of the glass layer 5413, and may be formed in a liquid state. It may be formed by a spray method of spraying a coating material of

The hard coating layer 5418 is separately formed on the surface of the glass layer 5413 and has a refractive index different from that of the glass layer 5413 . Accordingly, light incident from the outside to the front panel 541 is partially reflected by the hard coating layer 5418 , and the other part is reflected by the glass layer 5413 . Accordingly, the front panel 541 may have a mirror-like effect due to the interference effect of the reflected light. That is, the front panel 541 can look like a mirror when viewed from the outside using the interference effect of light reflected from the interface of the medium having different refractive indices.

On the other hand, when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, light is irradiated from the inside of the cabinet toward the glass layer 5413 , and the light passing through the glass layer 5413 passes through the hard coating layer 5418 . will do Accordingly, the user can see the front panel 541 transparently when viewed from the outside of the cabinet, and can see through the space inside the cabinet.

The hard coating layer 5418 is formed so that the transmittance of the front panel 541 can be approximately 20% to 30%. When the transmittance is less than 20%, even when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, the transparency of the front panel 541 is low, making it difficult to identify the space in the refrigerator. In addition, when the transmittance is 30% or more, even when the door lighting unit 49 is turned off, the space inside the refrigerator is reflected, so that a surface effect like glass cannot be expected. Accordingly, it may be desirable to allow the transmittance of the front panel 541 to be approximately 20% to 30% to best represent the effect of the half mirror.

The bezel printed layer 5415 forms a circumference of the rear surface of the front panel 541 , and the bezel 5411 can be formed by the bezel printed layer 5415 . The bezel printing layer 5415 is formed so that light is not transmitted even when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, so that it is possible to shield the components disposed along the rear circumference of the front panel 541 . The bezel printing layer 5415 may be formed by an inorganic printing method.

25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of the sub-door.

As shown in the drawing, side frames 55 and 56 are provided on both sides of the panel assembly 54 . The side frames 55 and 56 may be attached to and fixed to the front panel, and may be combined with the sub-door liner to form a space for accommodating the insulator, and insulate the periphery of the sub-door 50 . .

The second side frame 56 is formed at a position facing the first side frame 55 , and may be configured to form the other side of the sub door 50 . In addition, first front bent portions 553 and first rear bent portions 554 may be formed at both ends of the first side frame 55 .

The first front bent portion 553 is bent to contact the rear surface of the front panel 541 and may extend to the position of the interstitial rod 543 . Accordingly, the temperature of the outside of the sub-door 50 may be transmitted along the first side frame 55 made of metal to the rear surface of the front panel 541 , and thus the first front bent part 553 and Condensation may be prevented on one side of the front panel 541 in contact.

In addition, a first heater mounting groove 5531 in which the sub door heater 502 is mounted is further formed in the first side frame 55 . The first heater mounting groove 5531 is formed at an end of the first front bent part 553 so that the sub-door heater 502 can be disposed at a position adjacent to the interstitial rod 543 . Accordingly, the sub-door heater 502 may be vertically disposed along the first side frame 55 . In addition, due to the characteristics of the first side frame 55 formed of a metal material, the rear surface of the front panel 541 in contact with the first front bent part 553 is heated to prevent condensation from occurring on the front panel 541. can be prevented.

The first rear bent part 554 is bent at the rear end of the first side frame 55 and is coupled to the sub-door liner 59 . At this time, the first rear bent part 554 is configured to support the sub-door liner 59, and when the sub-door 50 is closed, the load transmitted through the sub-door gasket 591 is applied. It can be configured to support.

The second side frame 56 may be provided at a position facing the first side frame 55 , and may be configured to form the other side of the sub door 50 . The second side frame 56 is formed to be positioned adjacent to one surface of the opening 403 of the main door 40 . In addition, second front bent portions 562 and second rear bent portions 563 may be formed at both ends of the second side frame 56 .

The second front bent portion 562 extends from the end of the second side frame 56 and is depressed so that a user can put his or her hand therein to form a handle 561 . The handle 561 may be formed in a shape that is depressed toward the side of the panel assembly 54 . Accordingly, when viewed from the front, the handle 561 is not exposed, and only a portion of the second side frame 56 may be exposed forward.

The second front bent part 562 may be formed to form the handle 561 , but may extend from one end of the second side frame 56 and be in contact with the rear surface of the front panel 541 . Accordingly, the temperature of the outside of the sub-door 50 may be transmitted along the second side frame 56 made of metal to the rear surface of the front panel 541 , and thus the second front bent portion 562 and Condensation may be prevented on one side of the front panel 541 in contact.

In detail, the second front bent part 562 is recessed toward the front panel 541 from the outside more than the front panel 541 , and the recessed end is more inward than the outside edge of the front panel 541 . It may be formed to be depressed. In addition, the second front bent part 562 is located at the rear of the front panel 541 so that the user puts his or her hand inside the handle 561 formed by the second front bent part 562 . The sub-door 50 may be rotated.

In addition, a second heater mounting groove 5621 in which the sub door heater 502 is mounted is further formed in the second front bent part 562 . The second heater mounting groove 5621 allows the sub-door heater 502 to be disposed at a position adjacent to the interstitial rod 543 . Accordingly, the sub-door heater 502 may be vertically disposed along the second side frame 56 . In addition, due to the characteristics of the second side frame 56 formed of a metal material, it is possible to prevent condensation from occurring on the front panel 541 by heating the rear surface of the front panel in contact with the second front bent part 562 . have.

A portion of the inner surface of the second front bent portion 562 in contact with the front panel 541 may be formed to be rounded so that the user can easily grip it and easily pull it forward.

Meanwhile, the second rear bent part 563 is bent at the rear end of the second side frame 56 and is coupled to the sub-door liner 59 . At this time, the second rear bent part 563 is configured to support the sub-door liner 59, and when the sub-door 50 is closed, the load transmitted through the sub-door gasket 591 is applied. It can be configured to support.

26 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an upper hinge coupling structure of the sub-door. And, FIG. 27 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the upper hinge is mounted.

As shown in the drawing, a recessed upper hinge mounting portion 571 may be formed in the upper cap deco 57 of the sub door 50 so that the upper hinge 51 and the hinge cover 53 can be mounted. . The upper hinge mounting part 571 may be formed on the upper end of the upper cap deco 57 and may be formed to be connected to the adjacent first side frame 55 .

That is, the hinge insertion part 551 of the upper end of the first side frame 55 and the upper hinge mounting part 571 of the upper cap deco 57 may be connected to each other, and thus the upper hinge 51 is the The upper hinge mounting part 571 and the hinge inserting part 551 may be mounted on the edge of the sub door 50 to which they are connected. Also, although not shown, the lower cap deco 58 at the lower end of the sub door 50 may also have the same structure, and the lower hinge 52 may be mounted at the corner of the sub door 50 .

A hinge accommodating part 5711 recessed in a shape corresponding to the upper hinge 51 is formed in the upper hinge mounting part 571 . In addition, a hinge fixing hole 5712 through which a screw passing through the upper hinge 51 is fastened is formed in the hinge receiving part 5711 .

In addition, a wire guide 5714 and a wire hole 5713 through which the wire L disposed on the upper hinge 51 enters and exits may be formed on one side of the upper hinge mounting part 571 . The wire L guided through the wire guide 5714 is connected to the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 provided in the sub-door 50, and the lower cap deco 58 ) and the second side frame 56 are guided to the upper cap deco 57 . And, it flows into the wire guide 5714 through the wire hole 5713 formed in the upper hinge mounting part 571, and is guided to the outside of the sub-door 50 through the wire guide 5714. can The electric wire L guided along the electric wire guide 5714 is guided in the direction in which the upper hinge 51 extends, and the hinge hole of the main door 40 together with one side of the upper hinge 51 ( 433 ) is introduced into the main door 40 .

Meanwhile, the upper hinge 51 is fixedly mounted to the upper hinge mounting unit 571 by a screw, and is rotatably coupled to the door mounting unit 511 fixed to the sub-door 50 and the main door 40 . It may be composed of a rotation coupling portion 512 that is.

In addition, the door mounting part 511 includes a horizontal part 5111 fixed to the upper hinge mounting part 571 and a vertical part 5112 fixed to the hinge insertion part 551 of the first side frame 55 . can be The horizontal part 5111 and the vertical part 5112 are formed to be perpendicular to each other so that the upper hinge 51 can be maintained in a state fixed to the upper edge of the sub-door 50 .

The rotation coupling part 512 may extend from an end of the horizontal part 5111 and may be formed to extend outside the sub-door 50 . The rotation coupling part 512 may be formed in a shape bent in one direction, and a hinge shaft 5121 may be formed at an extended end thereof. The hinge shaft 5121 extends downward from the plate-shaped rotation coupling part 512 .

In addition, a cutout 5122 is formed in the rotation coupling part 512 to form a shape in which the rotation coupling part 512 is bent laterally. The cutout 5122 is formed by being depressed inwardly from one side where the hinge shaft 5121 is formed. In addition, the rotation coupling part 512 may be cut to be round in a rotational radius direction of the sub-door 50 when the sub-door 50 is opened and closed. Accordingly, when the sub-door 50 is rotated to open while the upper hinge 51 is coupled to the main door 40, the hinge hole 433 is formed inside the cutout 5122. One end of the door frame 43 is inserted.

And, along the outer end of the rotation coupling portion 512, a rim 5123 for preventing deformation of the rotation coupling portion 512 and reinforcing strength may be formed. The edge 5123 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the rotation coupling part 512 .

In addition, a stopper 5124 may be further formed at one end of the rotation coupling part 512 . The stopper 5124 is formed on one side of the rotation coupling part 512 adjacent to the hinge shaft 5121, and extends downward to the hinge hole ( 433) or interfere with one side of the main door 40 so that the sub-door 50 is no longer opened.

The hinge cover 53 is formed to shield the opening of the upper hinge mounting part 571 and at the same time to shield the upper hinge 51 from above. The hinge cover 53 may include a cap deco shield 531 that shields the upper hinge mounting part 571 and a hinge shield 532 that shields the rotation coupling part 512 of the upper hinge 51. can

The cap deco shielding part 531 has a shape corresponding to the upper hinge mounting part 571, and a plurality of screw holes 5311 are formed so that the screw is directly fastened to the upper cap deco 57, or the door It may be formed so that a screw passing through the mounting portion 511 can be entered and exited.

The hinge shielding part 532 may be formed to extend along the shape of the rotation coupling part 512 of the upper hinge 51 , and may be formed to surround the rotation coupling part 512 from above. In addition, the hinge shielding part 532 is disposed to be somewhat spaced apart from the rotation coupling part 512 to form a space between the rotation coupling part 512 and the wire passing through the wire guide part 5714 ( L) may be guided through the space between the hinge shielding part 532 and the rotation coupling part 512 .

28 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the coupling structure of the upper hinge.

As shown in the drawing, the upper hinge 51 is fixedly mounted to the upper hinge mounting part 571 of the upper cap deco 57 and has a structure that is shielded by the hinge cover 53 .

And, when the sub-door 50 is mounted on the main door 40, the upper hinge 51 is inserted into the hinge hole 433, and the rotation coupling part of the upper hinge 51 ( 512 is located inside the main door 40 .

In this state, the hinge shaft 5121 of the upper hinge 51 may be inserted into the shaft mounting portion 438 of the main door 40 . The shaft mounting part 438 may be fixed to the inside of the main door 40 by a separate member, or may be integrally formed with the door frame 43 constituting the main door 40 . The shaft mounting part 438 forms a space into which the hinge shaft 5121 can be inserted, and is configured to rotate while the rotation shaft is inserted into the shaft mounting part 438 .

And, when the sub-door 50 is rotated to open the sub-door 50 while the upper hinge 51 is coupled to the main door 40, the rotation of the sub-door 50 is Accordingly, the upper hinge 51 also rotates, and at this time, the side end of the hinge hole 433 is inserted into the cutout 5122 of the upper hinge 51 to avoid interference.

Due to the structure of the upper hinge 51 as described above, the sub-door 50 may be rotatably disposed inside the opening 403 of the main door 40 when the sub-door 50 is closed. . In addition, the upper hinge 51 extends laterally and is rotatably coupled inside the main door 40 so that the upper hinge 51 does not interfere with the sub-door 50 in a closed state. Accordingly, the outer surface of the sub-door 50 and the inner surface of the opening 403 may be formed very closely, and even when the sub-door 50 is rotated, it is stably supported by the upper hinge 51 . The structure prevents the sub-door 50 from sagging or deforming.

In addition, the electric wire L flowing in through the electric wire guide 5714 of the upper cap deco 57 passes through the hinge hole 433 through the hinge shield 532 of the hinge cover 53 and passes through the hinge hole 433. It can be guided to the inside of the main door (40). Accordingly, during the rotation process of the sub door 50 , the electric wire L may be guided inside the main door 40 while being shielded by the hinge cover 53 without being exposed to the outside.

29 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the coupling structure of the lower hinge of the sub-door.

As shown in the drawing, the lower hinge 52 has the same structure as the upper hinge 51, and has a structure in which only the bent direction is bent upward. The lower hinge mounting part 581 is recessed in the lower cap deco 58 for mounting the lower hinge 52, and the lower hinge 52 includes the lower hinge mounting part 581 and the first side frame. It may be fixedly mounted to the hinge insertion portion 552 of the 55 . That is, the lower hinge 52 has a structure to be fixedly mounted to the corner of the lower end of the sub-door 50 .

Meanwhile, the upper hinge 51 and the lower hinge 52 have a structure in which they are inserted and fixed by the first side frame 55 , respectively. Since the first side frame 55 is formed of a metal material, it stably supports the upper hinge 51 and the lower hinge 52 so that the sub-door 50 is stable without sagging or deformation even in an environment where a load is applied. to have a fixed structure. And, as a result, the space between the sub-door 50 and the main door 40 can be designed and maintained to be very narrow, thereby further enhancing the appearance.

The lower hinge 52 may include a door mounting part 521 fixedly mounted to the lower hinge mounting part 581 by a screw and a rotation coupling part 522 rotatably coupled to the main door 40. .

The door mounting part 521 may include a horizontal part 5211 fixed to the lower hinge mounting part 581 and a vertical part 5212 fixed to the hinge insertion part 552 of the first side frame 55 . have. In addition, the rotation coupling part 522 extends from an end of the horizontal part 5211 to pass through the hinge hole 433 of the main door 40 , and a hinge shaft 5221 is formed at the extended end.

The hinge shaft 5221 may be inserted into the shaft mounting portion 439 inside the main door 40 , so that the lower hinge 52 is rotatably coupled. In addition, a cutout 5222 is formed in the rotation coupling part 522 so that one end of the hinge hole 433 may be inserted when the sub door 50 is rotated. In addition, a stopper 5224 for limiting rotation of the sub-door 50 may be further formed in the rotation coupling part 522 .

As such, the sub door 50 may be rotatably mounted to the main door 40 by an upper hinge 51 and a lower hinge 52 extending laterally from the upper end and lower end of one side, and the panel The assembly 54 is provided so that the sub-door 50 in a relatively heavy state can be stably fixed inside the opening 403 .

30 is an exploded perspective view of a structure in which the second detection device and the knock detection device of the sub-door are coupled from the front. And, FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the second detection device and the knock detection device coupling structure of the sub door viewed from below.

As shown in the drawing, a second detection device 81 and a knock detection device 82 may be provided at the lower end of the sub-door 50 . The second sensing device 81 is for detecting the user's position and checks whether the user is standing in front of the refrigerator 1 to operate the refrigerator 1 .

In addition, the second sensing device 81 may be positioned vertically on the same extension line as the first sensing device 31 . In addition, the height at which the second detection device 81 is installed is the lower end of the sub-door 50, which can be detected by a general adult, but is lower than the height of the second detection device 81 for small children or animals In the case of other objects, it will not be detected.

In addition, the knock detection device 82 is configured to recognize whether the user has knocked on the front panel 541 of the sub door 50 . It is possible to instruct a specific operation of the refrigerator 1 by a knock operation detected by the knock detection device 82 . For example, the door lighting unit 49 may be turned on by a user's knock operation, and through this, the sub-door 50 may be made transparent.

The knock detection device 82 may be located closer to the boundary line between the first area and the second area than to the end of the second area of the front panel.

Specific structures of the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 will be described in more detail below.

A lower hinge 52 may be mounted on the lower cap deco 58 forming the lower surface of the sub door 50 , and one side separated from the lower hinge 52 , that is, the second side frame 56 and A sensing device accommodating part 582 is recessed on one side adjacent to it.

The sensing device accommodating part 582 is formed to be sized to accommodate the second sensing device 81 and the knock sensing device 82 . In addition, the opened lower surface of the sensing device accommodating part 582 can be shielded by the accommodating part cover 583 .

A case fixing part 481 to which a screw for fixing the accommodating part cover 583 to the lower cap decor 58 is fastened is formed on one side of the accommodating part cover 583 . In addition, the injection port cover portion 5831 is further formed on the other side of the receiving portion cover 583 . The inlet cover 5831 is formed on the lower cap deco 58 to shield the first inlet 5824 through which the foaming liquid filled for molding the insulating material 501 is injected. In addition, a plurality of hook portions 5832 are formed on the upper surface of the inlet cover portion 5831 to be press-fitted into the first inlet 5824 . Accordingly, the inlet cover part 5831 is press-fitted into the first inlet 5824, the case fixing part 481 is fixed to the lower cap deco 58 by screwing the case fixing part 481, and the receiving part cover 583. The whole is fixedly mounted to the lower cap deco 58 .

When the accommodating part cover 583 is mounted on the lower cap decor 58, the sensing device accommodating part 582 can be shielded, and at the same time, the first inlet 5824 can be shielded.

In addition, a PCB mounting part 5833 is further formed on the upper surface of the receiving part cover 583 . A detection device PCB 83 for processing signals of the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 is mounted on the PCB mounting unit 5833 . The detection device PCB 83 may be connected to the second detection device 81 and/or the knock detection device 82 and be seated on the PCB mounting unit 5833 .

The detection device PCB 83 is capable of processing signals from the second detection device 81 and/or the knock detection device 82 , and the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 . It is located in a position adjacent to and is configured to process a signal.

When the PCB that processes the signal is located at a long distance, there is a problem that noise generated when the sensed signal moves through the signal line to be processed may increase. However, by arranging the detection device PCB 83 at a position where the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 are mounted, the main control unit 2 receives only whether a valid knock-on signal is input. Through this, it is possible to minimize the effect of noise due to the signal line between the main control unit 2 and the sensing device PCB 83 . That is, the main control unit 2 receives a signal with minimized noise through the sensing device PCB 83 . Accordingly, it is possible to secure an accurate recognition rate.

In particular, in the case of the knock detection device 82, the signal output by the microphone 8211 is in mV units, whereas the main control unit 2 that controls the overall operation of the refrigerator basically receives a V unit signal. to be. Therefore, it is not preferable for the main control unit 2 to determine whether the knock-on signal is a normal knock-on signal due to the difference in the scale of the physical signal.

Refrigerator is an electronic device that uses high voltage/high current. Accordingly, the amount of electrical noise generated is relatively large. This means that the mV signal output by the microphone 8211 may be more vulnerable to electrical noise.

Accordingly, by arranging the detection device PCB 83 at a position adjacent to the knock detection device 82 , it is possible to significantly reduce noise and thereby improve the recognition rate.

On the other hand, on one side of the lower cap deco 58 adjacent to the lower hinge 52, a second inlet 584 through which the foaming liquid is injected is further formed, and the second inlet 584 is a separate inlet cover ( 5841) can be shielded. In addition, a plurality of hooks 5842 are formed on the upper surface of the inlet cover 5841 to allow the inlet cover 5841 to be press-fitted into the second inlet 584 .

A first boss 5821 to which a screw for fixing the second detection device 81 is fastened to the bottom surface of the detection device accommodating part 582 , and a second boss for fixing the knock detection device 82 . 5822 are respectively formed.

In addition, a wire hole 5823 is formed on one surface of the sensing device accommodating part 582 . The wire L connected to the detection device PCB 83, the second detection device 81, and the knock detection device 82 may be guided to the outside of the sub-door 50 through the wire hole 5823. .

On the other hand, on the front surface of the sensing device accommodating part 582 in contact with the front panel 541 , the second sensing device 81 and the knock sensing device 82 are opened to be in close contact with the front panel 541 . Penetrating portions 5823 may be formed, respectively.

32 is an exploded perspective view of the knock detection device. And, FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view 33-33' of FIG. 17 . 34 is a cross-sectional view of the microphone module of the knock detection device.

Referring to the drawings in detail with respect to the structure of the knock detection device 82, the knock detection device 82 includes a microphone module 821 for detecting a knock-on signal, and a microphone module 821 in which the microphone module 821 is accommodated. A holder 823 and an elastic member 824 for pressing and adhering the holder 823 and the microphone module 821 to the front panel 541 side, and a support for supporting the elastic member 824 and the holder 823 A member 825 may be included.

The microphone module 821 includes a microphone 8211 for directly sensing sound waves and a microphone receiving unit 8212 for accommodating the microphone 8211 . The microphone 8211 directly senses sound waves, is formed in a circular shape having a predetermined thickness, and is fixedly mounted inside the microphone module 821 . One surface of the microphone 8211 may be referred to as a sound wave receiving unit 8213 for receiving sound waves, and the sound wave receiving unit 8213 is disposed to face the opening 8214 of the microphone receiving unit 8212 . A signal line 8216 is connected to the other side of the microphone 8211 , and the signal line 8216 may be connected to the sensing device PCB 83 .

The microphone receiving part 8212 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and is formed to be in close contact with the front panel 541 . To this end, an opening 8214 is formed in the microphone accommodating part 8212 on one side adjacent to the microphone 8211 mounted in the microphone accommodating part 8212, and a circular protrusion ( 8215) may be formed. In addition, the protrusion 8215 does not tilt in one direction when the microphone receiving part 8212 is in close contact with the front panel 541 and the opened front surface of the opening 403 is in close contact with the front panel 541 as a whole. to maintain the status quo.

A sealed predetermined space may be formed between the opening 8214 in close contact with the protrusion 8215 and the sound wave receiving unit 8213 . Accordingly, the front of the close contact space is sealed by the medium, that is, the front panel 541 . Accordingly, the vibration transmitted through the inside of the medium vibrates the air in the predetermined space, and the sound wave by the vibration may be received by the microphone 8211 .

Due to this sealing, it is possible to minimize the introduction of external noise or vibration into the predetermined space. This can significantly reduce knock-on judgment errors and malfunctions due to external noise, and ensure a very accurate knock-on recognition rate. That is, when a knock-on input is applied, it is possible to remarkably increase the accuracy of determining the knock-on input as knock-on.

The holder 823 accommodates the microphone module 821 , and a module seating part 8231 opened toward the front panel 541 may be formed. The microphone module 821 may be formed so that at least the protrusion 8215 protrudes more than the front surface of the holder 823 in a state where it is seated on the module seating part 8231 .

In addition, a holder slot 8232 through which the signal line connected to the microphone 8211 enters and exits is formed in the holder 823 . The holder slot 8232 is formed to be opened from one side of the module seating part 8231 .

In addition, a first elastic member fixing part 8233 protruding so that the elastic member 824 is fixedly mounted is formed on the rear surface of the holder 823 . The first elastic member fixing part 8233 may be formed to extend through one end of the coil-shaped elastic member 824 .

Further, on both sides of the holder 823, a holder coupling portion 8234 formed in a hook shape and coupled to the support member 825 is formed. The holder 823 is coupled by the holder coupling part 8234 so as not to be detached by the support member 825 . Also, due to the hook shape of the holder coupling portion 8234 , the holder 823 is not limited in movement in the direction in which it is inserted into the support member 825 .

The support member 825 is formed to have an open front surface, and is formed so that the holder 823 can be inserted through the open front surface. In addition, a second elastic member fixing part 8251 protruding so that the elastic member 824 is fixedly mounted may be formed inside the holder 823 . The second elastic member fixing part 8251 is positioned on the same extension line as the first elastic member fixing part 8233 and is inserted to penetrate one end of the elastic member 824 .

Therefore, even if the elastic member 824 is compressed to press the holder 823, the elastic member 824 does not buckle and stably press the holder 823 in the direction of the front panel 541. do.

The microphone module 821 is kept in close contact with the front panel 541 by the elastic member 824, and in particular, an impact generated when the main door 40 and the sub door 50 are opened and closed. Alternatively, the position of the microphone module 821 is not changed even by inertia when the main door 40 and the sub-door 50 are rotated, and the microphone module 821 can always maintain a state in close contact with the front panel 541 .

A support member slot 8252 may be formed at one side of the support member 825 . The support member slot 8252 may be formed on the same extension line as the holder slot 8232 . Accordingly, a signal line passing through the holder slot 8232 may pass through the support member slot 8252 to be connected to the sensing device PCB 83 .

A support member fixing part 8253 is formed on the other side of the support member 825 . The support member fixing part 8253 extends outward and is seated on the second boss 5822 protruding from the sensing device receiving part 582 . Then, the screw is fastened to the second boss 5822 through the screw hole 8254 of the support member fixing part 8253 so that the support member 825 is fixedly mounted on the lower cap deco 58 . .

On the other hand, the knock detection device 82 is mounted on the bezel 5411 area of the front panel 541 , and thus the knock detection device 82 does not appear outside when viewed from the outside of the front panel 541 . won't

Although the knock detection device 82 is positioned at an edge of the front panel 541 , an effective input part of a user's knock operation is not limited thereto. Due to the nature of the microphone 8211 that detects sound waves by vibration rather than vibration itself, in an environment in close contact with a medium, sound waves are transmitted through the same medium continuously and can be effectively detected no matter where a knock operation is performed. Accordingly, the position of the knock detection device 82 can be arranged at one end that maximizes the arrangement of wires and the visible area of the sub-door 50 . At the same time, even if the user knocks at any point on the front panel 541 , sensing is possible through the microphone 8211 in close contact with the same medium.

In detail, the area to which the user applies the knock input may be all areas defined by the front surface of the front panel 541 . In addition, most of the front panel 541 except for the edge portion is a see-through area that is substantially selectively transparent, and the knock-on detection device cannot be disposed.

Accordingly, the knock detection device 82 is preferably located in the bezel 5411 area of the front panel 541 . In particular, being positioned at the lower end rather than the left and right sides of the front panel 541 may be a method to minimize the bezels on the left and right sides and the top of the front panel 541 . The see-through area can be expanded by the shape of the bezel 5411 as described above, and the see-through area can be viewed more widely by the user because it is located at the lower end where the user's gaze does not go relatively much.

Although the knock detection device 82 is located in the area of the bezel 5411 and is not exposed to the outside, it has a structure in close contact with the front panel 541 , so that the user can determine which position of the front panel 541 . Even if it knocks, it becomes possible to detect a user's knock.

On the other hand, in addition to the knock operation, environmental factors that apply vibrations to the front surface of the front panel 541 may be very numerous. The front of the sub door 50 may vibrate due to an impact caused by the opening and closing of the main door 40 and the sub door 50, strong external noise, etc., and the input by the external environment may be determined as a knock signal. There is also room.

Accordingly, the sensing device PCB 83 may determine that the user knocks on the front surface of the sub-door 50 multiple times as a normal knock input. More specifically, tapping multiple times at a predetermined time interval may be determined as a normal knock input.

For example, when the user taps the front of the sub-door 50 twice within a predetermined time, it may be determined as a normal knock input. Analyzing the knock pattern of a typical user, it can be seen that the interval between the first knock and the second knock is less than about 600 ms. That is, considering that 1 second (s) is 1000 ms, it is possible to determine that the first knock and the second knock are generated with an interval of less than 1 second as a normal knock input.

Therefore, by setting such a time interval, it is possible to significantly prevent an abnormal input from being mistaken for a knock signal.

Meanwhile, the strength of the knock may vary from user to user. However, since the medium is the same, it can be seen that the deviation of the intensity may be large, but the deviation of the vibration pattern is very small. Accordingly, the knock intensity deviation can be offset through an algorithm, and a normal knock input can be effectively recognized by using the time interval between the knock input pattern and the knock as a factor.

On the contrary, it means that the recognition of an abnormal input as a knock input can be significantly reduced.

35 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure of the second sensing device. And, FIG. 36 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the second sensing device is mounted.

As shown in the drawing, the second sensing device 81 may be located inside the sensing device accommodating part 582 , and may be located on the side of the knock sensing device 82 .

The second sensing device 81 is a device for detecting the proximity of the user, and a PSD (Position Sensing Device) may be used. That is, the second sensing device 81 is composed of a light emitting unit 811 and a light receiving unit 812 , and the light receiving unit 812 measures the angle of the reflected light by irradiating infrared rays from the light emitting unit 811 to determine the position of the user. is configured to recognize The proximity distance detectable by the PSD can be set, and the second sensing device 81 sets the detectable distance within 1 m so that when the user is located within 1 m of the front of the refrigerator 1, the user can operate it. To be recognized as being located in the front of the refrigerator (1).

The mounting position of the second detection device 81 corresponds to the lower end of the sub-door 50 located above the knock detection device 82 as in the knock detection device 82 , and this position corresponds to a height of approximately 1 m above the ground. This makes it impossible to detect short infants or other low-profile objects.

A pressing member 813 may be further provided at the rear of the second sensing device 81 . The pressing member 813 presses so that the second sensing device 81 is fixedly mounted to the sensing device accommodating part 582 and the second sensing device 81 is closely attached to the front panel 541 . configured to do so.

In detail, a sensing device fixing part 8131 fixed to the rear surface of the second sensing device 81 is formed on the pressing member 813 . The detection device fixing part 8131 is coupled to both ends of the second detection device 81 so that the pressing member 813 and the second detection device fixing part 8131 can be integrally coupled.

In addition, an elastic part 8132 protruding roundly to the rear is formed between the sensing device fixing parts 8131 . The elastic part 8132 may be elastically deformed by pressure, and the end of the elastic part 8132 protruding in a state in which the second sensing device 81 is mounted is on the wall surface of the sensing device accommodating part 582 . adhered to and elastically deformed. Accordingly, the second sensing device 81 may be in close contact toward the front panel 541 by the elastic restoring force of the elastic part 8132 . Accordingly, the light emitting unit 811 and the light receiving unit 812 of the second sensing device 81 can be completely in close contact with the rear surface of the front panel 541 .

At this time, the front surface of the second sensing device 81 passes through the through portion 5823 of the front surface of the sensing device receiving portion 582 , and in the region of the transmitting portion 5412 which is transparently formed on the bezel 5411 . can be placed.

Accordingly, although the second sensing device 81 has a structure exposed to the outside through the transparent portion 5412, the second sensing device 81 is formed in black or dark gray and has the half-mirror structure. The color of the panel 541 may be the same or similar to that of the panel 541 , so that it may not be easily seen from the outside.

That is, while preventing the light beam irradiated by the second sensing device 81 from being interfered with by the bezel 5411, the second sensing device 81 is notably exposed when viewed from the outside, thereby preventing deterioration of the appearance. will do

Meanwhile, a pressing member fixing part 8133 is formed on one side of the pressing member 813 . The pressing member fixing part 8133 is extended outwardly and is seated on the first boss 5821 protruding from the sensing device receiving part 582 . Then, the screw passes through the screw hole 8134 of the pressing member fixing part 8133 and is fastened to the first boss 5821 so that the pressing member 813 is fixedly mounted on the lower cap deco 58 . .

37 is a view showing the arrangement of wires inside the sub-door.

As shown in the drawing, the sub-door 50 is connected to the sensing device accommodating part 582 by the accommodating part cover 583 in a state in which the second sensing device 81 and the knock sensing device 82 are assembled. ) is shielded. At this time, the sensing device PCB 83 is mounted on the inner surface of the housing cover 583 , and is connected to the second sensing device 81 , the knock sensing device 82 , and the sensing device accommodating part 582 . The electric wire L is guided to the outside of the sensing device accommodating part 582 through the wire hole 5823 .

In the sub-door 50 , the outer perimeter of the panel assembly 54 , that is, the upper cap deco 57 and the lower cap deco 58 , and the inner side of the first side frame 55 and the second side frame 56 . A space in which the heat insulating material 501 is formed is braked in the region.

Therefore, an empty space is formed before the injection of the foaming liquid for molding the heat insulating material 501, and the electric wire L entering and exiting through the electric wire hole 5823 of the sensing device accommodating part 582 is the second side frame. (56) and the upper capdeco 57 may be guided along the space formed.

In addition, the upper hinge mounting unit 571 enters and exits the upper hinge mounting unit 571 through the wire hole 5713 of the upper hinge mounting unit 571 , and the electric wire L can be covered by the hinge cover 53 . And, the electric wire L is guided to the inside of the main door 40 through the space between the hinge cover 53 and the upper hinge 51, and is also guided to the outside during the rotation of the sub door 50. will not be exposed.

On the other hand, the first inlet 5824 and the second inlet 584 are formed in the lower cap deco 58, and the inlet cover 5831 and the inlet cover 5841 formed in the receiving part cover 583, respectively. ) can be shielded by

The first injection hole 5824 may be located on the side of the sensing device receiving part 582 , and may be formed adjacent to the second side frame 56 . The first injection hole 5824 is formed outside as much as possible, and is formed at a point where at least a part of the space between the panel assembly 54 and the second side frame 56 overlaps with the panel assembly 54 . It will be easy to inject the foaming liquid between the second side frames 56, but may interfere due to the shape of the handle 561 formed on the second side frame 56, so it can be arranged outside as much as possible.

In addition, a foaming liquid guide 585 formed to be rounded toward the second side frame 56 from the inside of the first injection hole 5824 may be formed inside the lower cap deco 58 . Accordingly, when the foaming liquid is injected through the first inlet 5824 , the foaming liquid can naturally flow into the space between the second side frame 56 and the panel assembly 54 .

The second injection hole 584 is formed on the lower cap deco 58 adjacent to the lower hinge mounting part 581 . The second inlet is positioned to avoid interference with the lower hinge mounting portion 581 . In this case, the second injection hole 584 may be formed at a position more laterally spaced apart from the area of the space between the first side frame 55 and the panel assembly 54 .

Since the width of the space formed between the first side frame 55 and the panel assembly 54 is narrow, the foam liquid may overflow when the foam liquid is directly injected. After the foaming liquid is primarily injected into the space formed by the wide lower cap deco 58 and the panel assembly 54, naturally between the first side frame 55 and the panel assembly 54 are formed. allow it to enter the space.

As such, the first inlet 5824 and the second inlet 584 have a difference in the fluidity of the foaming liquid according to their positions, and the foaming liquid is simultaneously formed on both sides of the first inlet 5824 and the second inlet 584 It is possible to fill the periphery of the sub-door 50 by injecting the foamed liquid.

38 is a perspective view showing a state in which the foam liquid is injected into the sub-door. And, FIG. 39 is a view showing the arrangement of the vent hole of the sub-door.

Referring to the drawings, the foamed liquid is injected toward the first inlet 5824 and the second inlet 584 that are opened in a state in which the receiving part cover 583 and the inlet cover 5841 are opened. The space for foaming may include a first foaming passage formed by the first side frame 55 and a second foaming passage formed by the second side frame 56 . The first and second foam passages may extend in a vertical direction.

At this time, the pressure of the foaming liquid injected into the first inlet 5824 and the second inlet 584 may be set differently. That is, the foaming liquid injected into the first injection port 5824 flowing into a relatively wide space may be injected at a relatively high pressure.

Referring to the flow path of the foaming liquid with reference to FIG. 38 , the foaming liquid injected into the first inlet 5824 passes through the foaming liquid guide 585 to the second side frame 56 and the panel assembly 54 . flows into the space (the first foaming passage) formed by the Next, the foaming liquid sequentially flows into the space formed by the subsequent upper cap deco 57 and the panel assembly 54 .

In addition, the foaming liquid injected into the second injection port 584 is first injected into the space (second foaming passage) formed by the lower cap deco 58 and the panel assembly 54, and then the first It sequentially flows into the space between the side frame 55 and the panel assembly 54 .

The foamed liquid simultaneously injected into the first inlet 5824 and the second inlet 584 meet each other in the area A of the upper cap deco 57 or the area B of the first side frame 55 . After all the foaming liquid is filled in the spaces formed by the upper cap deco 57, the first side frame 55, and the second side frame 56, the lower cap deco 58 and the panel assembly 54 ) is finally filled with the foaming liquid, and after the filling is completed, the first inlet 5824 and the second inlet 584 are shielded with the receiving part cover 583 and the inlet cover 5841 .

Meanwhile, a vent hole 5921 is formed in the sub-door liner 59 through which air remaining inside the sub-door 50 can be discharged when the foaming liquid is injected. The vent hole 5921 may be formed in a gasket mounting groove 592 in which the sub-door gasket 591 formed along the sub-door liner 59 is mounted.

The gasket mounting grooves 592 are recessed along the periphery of the sub-door liner 59 , and the vent holes 5921 may be formed on the gasket mounting grooves 592 at regular intervals. And, after the foaming liquid is completely filled, the sub-door gasket 591 is mounted in the gasket mounting groove 592 . Accordingly, the vent hole 5921 can be covered by the sub-door gasket 591 and is not exposed to the outside.

Meanwhile, the vent hole 5921 may be formed in a portion of the entire gasket mounting groove 592 . The vent holes 5921 may be formed at regular intervals along the regions A and B where the upper cap decor 57 and the first side frame 55 are disposed, and in particular, the upper cap decor 57 . and the first side frame 55 may be formed at regular intervals based on the corners where they meet.

Accordingly, the air inside the sub-door 50 may be discharged from the area adjacent to the point where the foamed liquid injected into the first inlet 5824 and the second inlet 584 meet each other, and the foamed liquid may be completely filled. It is possible to continuously release the air until

40 is a perspective view illustrating an operating state of the projection device of the refrigerator. And, FIG. 41 is a cut-away perspective view showing the internal structure of the freezing compartment of the refrigerator.

As shown in the drawing, the freezing compartment 13 may be opened and closed by a pair of freezing compartment doors 30 . In addition, a first sensing device 31 and a projection device 32 may be provided in the freezer compartment door 30 on the right side (as seen in FIG. 40 ) of the freezing compartment door 30 .

Preferably, the first detection device 31 and the projection device are disposed on the right side of the freezer compartment door 30 in which the sub-door 50 is located among the pair of the freezer compartment doors 30 . In addition, the first sensing device 31 may be vertically disposed on the same extension line as the second sensing device 81 .

The lower portion of the freezing compartment door 30 may be formed with an inclined surface 331 inclined toward the inner side toward the lower side. In addition, the first sensing device 31 and the projection device 32 may be provided on the inclined surface 331 .

The projection device 32 is to irradiate light to the bottom surface of the front of the refrigerator 1, and through the projection device, it is possible to project an image P such as a predetermined design or letters. For example, when the projection device 32 is turned on, the image P in letters such as “Door open” may be displayed on the floor in front of the refrigerator 1 .

Meanwhile, the first sensing device 31 may be disposed below the projection device 32 . The projection device 32 and the first detection device 31 may be configured as one module, and may be mounted together on the inclined surface 331 .

The first detection device 31 may be configured as a type of proximity sensor capable of detecting a position, and is provided below the projection device 32 and projected by the projection device 32 . It detects whether there is an object at the position of

That is, when a user places a body, such as a user's feet, on a portion of the image P projected by the projection device 32 , the first sensing device 31 can detect it. The first sensing device 31 may be a PSD sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, and various types of proximity sensors capable of recognizing a distance between approximately 10-20 cm may be used.

The projection device 32 and the first detection device 31 are mounted on the inclined surface so as to project an image directly in front of the refrigerator 1 or below the inclined surface 331 and detect an object. do. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a false sense from occurring due to a person or an animal simply passing in front of the refrigerator 1 or an object moving for cleaning. That is, the user stands at a point close to the refrigerator 1 in order to detect the first sensing device 31 , and at this time, the user's feet are positioned directly in front of the inclined surface 331 or below the inclined surface 331 . to be detected when

Sensing of the first sensing device 31 is to cover at least a part of the region of the image P projected by the projection device 32 for a set time, to pass through the region of the image, or otherwise, the first sensing device It may include taking other gestures that can be recognized in (31).

In addition, the combination of the first sensing device 31 and the second sensing device 81 allows the user to detect that the refrigerator 1 is positioned for operation only when simultaneously sensing, thereby minimizing malfunction. To this end, the projection device 32 may be operated when the user is detected by the second detection device 81 for the operation of the projection device 32 , and the detection value of the first detection device 31 . You might be able to make this valid.

As described above, when both the first detection device 31 and the second detection device 81 are effectively detected, the door opening device 70 may operate to open the main door 40 . In the embodiment of the present invention, it is described that the main door 40 is opened by the door opening device 70 , but depending on the position of the door opening device 70 , the sub door 50 or the freezer door 30 ) could be opened.

Meanwhile, the freezing compartment door 30 may be rotated by a user holding the freezing compartment handle, and the freezing compartment 13 may be opened and closed by the rotation of the freezing compartment door 30 . In addition, an opening/closing detection device 302 may be provided on the freezing compartment door hinge 301 that supports the freezing compartment door 30 to be rotatable, and whether the freezing compartment door 30 is opened by the opening/closing detection device 302 . can be judged

And, when the freezer compartment door 30 is opened at a predetermined angle or more and the freezer compartment accommodating member 131 provided inside the freezing compartment door 30 is in a state in which it is possible to withdraw, the freezing compartment accommodating member 131 is a accommodating member withdrawing device. (34) can be automatically drawn forward by the drive.

To this end, the freezer compartment accommodating member 131 in the shape of a drawer or a basket may be supported by a sliding rail 1311 so as to be able to be drawn in and out of the freezer compartment 13 . In addition, the receiving member take-out device 34 provided in the freezing compartment 13 may be configured such that the pull-out rod 341 is drawn-out by driving a motor and a gear assembly.

The pull-out rod 341 may be connected to the freezer compartment accommodating member 131 , and thus, the freezing compartment accommodating member 131 may be automatically withdrawn by the driving of the accommodating member take-out device 34 . At this time, even when a plurality of the freezer compartment accommodating members 131 are provided, the pull-out rod 341 and the plurality of freezing compartment accommodating members 131 may all be connected by the connecting member 342 , and thus the plurality of the freezing compartments may be connected. The accommodating member 131 may be drawn in and out simultaneously.

Then, the freezing chamber door 30 is rotated to close, and when it is determined that the freezing chamber door 30 has rotated more than a certain angle before contacting the drawn out freezing chamber storage member 131, the storage member withdrawal device ( 34) is rotated in reverse, so that the pull-out rod 341 is retracted, and can be slidably retracted to the initial position of the freezing compartment accommodating member 131 .

Hereinafter, the operation of the sub-door of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention having the above structure will be described.

42 is a block diagram illustrating a flow of a control signal of the refrigerator. And, FIG. 43 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating the operation of the sub-door of the refrigerator.

As shown in the drawing, the refrigerator 1 includes a main controller 2 that controls the operation of the refrigerator, and the main controller 2 may be connected to a door switch 21 . The door switch 21 is provided in the cabinet 10 to detect the opening of the refrigerator compartment door 20 or the main door 40 , and is provided in the main door 40 to the sub door 50 . It can also detect the opening of

In addition, the main controller 2 may be connected to the main lighting unit 85 provided in the cabinet 10 to illuminate the interior of the refrigerator when the refrigerator compartment door 20 or the main door 40 is opened. In addition, the main control unit 2 may be connected to the door lighting unit 49 to be turned on when the sub-door 50 is opened or a knock-on signal is input.

The main controller 2 may be connected to the display unit 60 to control the operation of the display unit 60 , and may receive an operation signal through the display unit 60 . In addition, the main control unit 2 may be connected to the door opening device 70 and the storage member take-out device 34 to control the operations of the door opening device 70 and the storage member take-out device 34 .

The main control unit 2 may be connected to the communication module 84 . The communication module 84 is for transmitting and receiving data such as status information of the refrigerator 1, program upgrade, and transmission of usage pattern information, and is a device capable of short-range communication such as NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. can be configured. And, the setting of the communication module 84 may be made in the display unit 60 .

The main control unit 2 may be directly or indirectly connected to the first detection device 31, the second detection device 81, the knock detection device 82, and the projection device 32, and an operation signal by these It will be possible to receive or control the operation. In addition, when the knock detection device 82 and/or the first detection device 31 are connected to the detection device PCB 83 , the detection device PCB 83 may be connected to the main controller 2 . In addition, the knock detection device 82 and the detection device PCB 83 may be integrally configured.

The refrigerator 1 having such a configuration may be in a mirror-like state with the sub-door 50 opaque as shown in FIG. 4 in a general situation without a separate operation. In such a state, it becomes impossible to see the inside of the chamber.

And in this state, the first detection device 31, the second detection device 81, and the knock detection device 82 are activated and maintain a state in which a user's manipulation input is possible at any time. [S110]

In this state, when the user is positioned at the front of the refrigerator 1 to open the main door 40 or the sub-door 50 of the refrigerator 1, the second sensing device 81 determines the user's position. will detect At this time, if the user is an infant, not an adult, the second sensing device 81 is not detected due to the nature of the position, and if the height of the object being cleaned or moved is also lower than the second sensing device 81, it is not detected and malfunctions. make sure it doesn't happen Meanwhile, sensing by the second sensing device 81 is not essential, and may be selectively set by a user's manipulation. [S120]

Next, when the user taps the front of the sub-door 50, that is, the front panel 541, the knock-on operation is detected by the knock detection device 82, and the detection device PCB 83 in the It is determined whether the knock-on operation is a valid operation.

In detail, when the user taps the front panel 541, the wavelength of the vibration generated at this time moves along the front panel 541 of the same medium, and a sound wave is emitted from the microphone 8211 in close contact with the front panel 541. will receive

The received sound wave is filtered and amplified as it passes through the filter and amplifier, and is transmitted to the detection device PCB 83, and the detection device PCB 83 determines the knock by the signal collected and analyzed so as to detect the knock signal. do.

That is, in the case of a sound wave generated by noise or impact inside or outside the box, there is a difference between the sound wave generated by the knock and the characteristic thereof, and thus the sensing device PCB 83 uses a signal corresponding to the characteristic of the knock signal through a signal corresponding to the characteristic of the knock signal. It is determined whether the user knocks.

Of course, a signal similar to a knock signal may be generated in a specific situation, and an impact similar to a knock may be generated in the front panel 541 due to the user's carelessness or inexperienced operation, and external noise may be similar to the wavelength of the knock signal. It may be recognized as a signal.

In order to prevent erroneous recognition in such a special situation, the sensing device PCB 83 checks whether the knock signal is continuously generated by a set pattern, and determines whether the knock signal is generated within a set time.

For example, in order to be detected as a valid knock-on signal, it may be set that a signal recognized as a knock is generated twice within 1 second. In general, as a result of analyzing the knock pattern of a general user, knocking is performed twice in a row and the time interval is within 1 second. Therefore, this setting can prevent misrecognition in special situations as well as accurately recognize the user's knock operation. be able to do Of course, the number and set time of the knock signal to be determined as such an effective knock-on signal may be variously changed.

When the second detection device 81 does not detect a detection signal or it is determined that a valid knock-on signal is not generated through the knock detection device 82 , the main control unit 2 performs a separate control operation without doing so, it will remain on standby.

In addition, when the main door 40 or the sub-door 50 is opened, the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 are deactivated or the input signal is ignored to prevent malfunction. can do. [S130]

On the other hand, when a valid knock-on signal is detected and a valid signal is transmitted from the sensing device PCB 83 to the main control unit 2, the main control unit 2 controls the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit ( 49) is turned on.

When the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, the inside of the cabinet becomes bright, and the light inside the cabinet passes through the panel assembly 54 . In particular, as it passes through the front panel 541 , the front panel 541 becomes transparent, so that the inside can be seen through as shown in FIG. 5 .

When the sub-door 50 becomes transparent, the user can check the storage space or the storage space inside the main door 40, and open the sub-door 50 to accommodate food or perform a necessary operation.

At this time, the display unit 60 may also be turned on, and operation information of the refrigerator 1 may be displayed. Accordingly, the user can check information output from the display 61 disposed inside the main door 40 through the sub-door 50 . [S140]

The main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 that is turned on maintains the lighting state for a set period of time, for example, 10 seconds, so that the user can sufficiently check the state of the interior of the refrigerator. Of course, the display unit 60 can also maintain a lit state for a set time.

Then, it is determined whether a set time has elapsed while the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit is turned on, and when the set time has elapsed, the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 is turned off do. [S150]

In addition, a valid knock-on operation signal may be input by the user before a set time elapses while the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 is turned on.

That is, if the user performs a knock-on operation to check the interior of the refrigerator and does not require a separate operation after checking the interior, the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 can be turned off before the set time elapses. have.

For example, within 5 seconds after the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, the user confirms the storage state in the refrigerator or completes checking the information displayed on the display unit 60 If the sub-door 50 is to be in an opaque state, the front of the sub-door 50, that is, the front panel 541 is knocked again.

If it is determined that the knock operation at this time is valid, the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 may be turned off before the set time elapses, and the display unit 60 may also end the output of information. . Of course, the validity determination of the knock operation at this time may be set the same as in [S130], or may be set to a different knock input pattern if necessary. [S160]

When a set time elapses or a valid knock-on signal is input after the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 may be turned off .

When the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 is turned off, the inside of the cabinet becomes dark, and the outside of the cabinet becomes bright. In this state, the light outside the high is reflected from the front panel 541, so that the front of the sub-door 50 is in a mirror-like state, so that it is impossible to see the inside. Accordingly, the sub-door 50 maintains an opaque state until a new manipulation is input. [S170]

Hereinafter, the operation of the display unit 60 of the refrigerator will be described with reference to the drawings.

44 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting state of the display unit. And, FIG. 45 is a view showing the front configuration of the display unit.

As shown in the drawing, the display unit 60 is provided at the lower end of the opening of the main door 40 . In addition, when the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 is turned on so that the sub-door 50 is transparent, the sub-door 50 is turned on even when the sub-door 50 is closed. Through this, it is possible to check information of the display unit 60 .

The display unit 60 may be turned on even when the sub-door 50 is opened. A user may open the sub-door 50 to operate the display unit 60, and when the opening of the sub-door 50 is detected by the door switch 21, the display unit 60 can be activated.

The display 61 may be provided at the front center of the display unit 60 , and a plurality of operation buttons 62 may be provided on left and right sides of the display 61 .

The display 61 is a screen for outputting operation information of the refrigerator 1 and may be selectively turned on/off according to a knock-on of the front panel 541 or the opening and closing of the sub-door 50 .

In addition, the operation button 62 is a button for setting the operation of the refrigerator, and includes a communication button 621 , a lock button 622 , an auto door button 623 , an auto drawer button 624 , and a refrigerator compartment constant temperature button. 625 , a freezer compartment constant temperature button 626 , an air cleaning button 627 , and a quick freezing button 628 . It should be noted that the combination of the operation buttons 62 is not limited thereto as an example for convenience of description.

46 is a diagram illustrating a change in a display state of the display unit according to a knock-on operation.

As shown in the drawing, the display 61 maintains an off state before a knock-on operation of the front panel 541 is performed. And, when the user knocks-on the front panel 541, the display 61 is turned on. At this time, the display 61 displays a first screen 611 that outputs the temperature in the refrigerator and the function currently in operation. Alternatively, the second screen 612 may be output.

At this time, since the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 is turned on and the sub-door 50 is in a transparent state, the information of the display 61 is displayed even when the sub-door 50 is closed. can be displayed.

And, when a set time elapses after the display unit 60 is turned on, or when the user knocks on the front panel 541 again, the display 61 is turned off, and at this time, the main lighting unit 85 or The door lighting unit 49 is also turned off, so that the sub-door 50 is in an opaque state and the display 61 cannot be checked from the outside.

47 is a view illustrating a state change of the display when the sub-door is opened and closed.

As shown in the drawing, when the sub-door 50 is closed, the display 61 is turned off. And, when the sub-door 50 is opened, the opening of the sub-door 50 is sensed by the door switch 21 , and the main controller 2 turns on the display 61 .

When the display 61 is turned on, operation information of the refrigerator 1 is displayed on the first screen 611 , and after a set time has elapsed, the screen is switched and the second screen 612 is displayed on the refrigerator 1 . Other operation information will be displayed. In this case, the information displayed on the first screen 611 and the second screen 612 may be set and changed by a user's manipulation.

For example, on the first screen 611 , both the temperatures of the refrigerating compartment 12 and the freezing compartment 13 may be displayed, and functions currently being operated may be displayed. In addition, on the second screen 612 , information on the temperature of any one of the refrigerating compartment 12 or the freezing compartment 13 and functions operating in the corresponding storage space may be displayed.

On the other hand, when the sub-door 50 is closed, the display 61 detects the closing of the sub-door 50 by the door switch 21, and the main controller 2 controls the display 61 ) is turned off.

48 is a view illustrating a change in a display state when an auto door function of the display unit is set.

As shown in the drawing, when the user presses the auto door button 623 in a state in which the sub-door 50 is opened and the display 61 is turned on, the display 61 opens the door opening device 70 ) is activated, the third screen 613 for displaying it is displayed. And, if the door opening device 70 is not activated, the display 61 displays a fourth screen 614 indicating the deactivated state of the door opening device 70 .

And, when the auto door button 623 is operated again in a situation where the display 61 is displaying the third screen 613 or the fourth screen 614, the third screen 613 and the fourth screen 613 614) can be switched to each other, and the door opening device 70 can also be substantially changed in state.

That is, when the user does not want to use the door opening device 70 , it is possible to set it by manipulating the auto door button 623 , and in this state, the door opening device 70 is operated. won't be supported

On the other hand, when there is no user manipulation for more than a set time in the state in which the third screen 613 and the fourth screen 614 are switched, the display 61 displays the first screen 611 or the first screen 611 indicating the temperature in the refrigerator. 2 is switched to the state of the screen 612 . At this time, if the door opening device 70 is activated, the auto door button 623 may be turned on, and if it is deactivated, the auto door button 623 may be turned off.

49 is a view illustrating a change in display state when an auto draw function of the display unit is set.

As shown in the drawing, when the user presses the auto drawer button 624 in a state where the sub-door 50 is opened and the display 61 is turned on, the display 61 is a receiving member withdrawal device. In the activated state (34), a fifth screen 615 for displaying it is displayed. And, if the storage member take-out device 34 is not activated, the display 61 displays a sixth screen 616 indicating a state in which the storage member take-out device 34 is deactivated.

And, when the auto drawer button 624 is operated again in a situation where the display 61 is displaying the fifth screen 615 or the sixth screen 616, the fifth screen 615 and the sixth screen 616 can be switched to each other, and the housing member withdrawing device 34 can also be substantially changed in state.

That is, if the user does not want to use the storage member withdrawing device 34, it can be set through the operation of the auto drawer button 624, and in this state, the storage member withdrawing device 34 is action will not occur.

On the other hand, when there is no user manipulation for more than a set time in the state in which the fifth screen 615 and the sixth screen 616 are switched, the display 61 displays the first screen 611 or the second screen indicating the temperature in the refrigerator. 2 is switched to the state of the screen 612 . At this time, if the storage member withdrawal device 34 is activated, the auto drawer button 624 may be turned on, and if it is deactivated, the auto drawer button 624 may be turned off.

50 is a view illustrating a change in display state when the constant temperature function of the display unit is set.

As shown in the drawing, when the user presses the refrigerator compartment constant temperature button 625 while the sub-door 50 is opened and the display 61 is turned on, the temperature inside the refrigerator is controlled by the main controller 2 The operation may be controlled to maintain the set temperature, and a seventh screen 617 displaying this may be displayed. And, if the refrigerating compartment steady temperature mode is not set, the display 61 displays an eighth screen 618 indicating a state in which the refrigerating compartment steady temperature mode is deactivated.

And, when the refrigerator compartment constant temperature button 625 is operated again in a situation where the display 61 is displaying the seventh screen 617 or the eighth screen 618, the seventh screen 617 and the eighth screen ( 618) can be switched to each other, and the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 can also be substantially switched.

That is, when the user does not want to use the refrigerating compartment constant temperature mode function, it is possible to set it by manipulating the refrigerating compartment constant temperature button 625 , and in this state, the refrigerating compartment constant temperature mode operation is not performed.

On the other hand, when there is no user manipulation for more than a set time in the state in which the state of the seventh screen 617 and the eighth screen 618 is switched, the display 61 displays the first screen 611 or the first screen 611 indicating the temperature in the refrigerator. 2 is switched to the state of the screen 612 . At this time, if the refrigerating compartment constant temperature mode is activated, the refrigerating compartment constant temperature button 625 may be turned on, and if it is deactivated, the refrigerating compartment constant temperature button 625 may be turned off.

And, even when the freezing compartment constant temperature button 626, air cleaning button 627, quick freezing button 628, and communication button 621 are operated, only the contents of the screen are different, but the state of the display 61 in the above-described manner is changed in the same way, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Claims (18)

a cabinet forming a storage space; and
a door positioned in front of the cabinet and rotatable with respect to the cabinet;
The door includes a frame forming a space into which a foaming liquid for forming a heat insulating material can be injected;
a first injection port provided on the first surface of the frame and for injecting the foaming liquid into the space;
a second inlet arranged to be spaced apart from the first inlet on the first surface of the frame, and a second inlet for injecting the foaming liquid into the space;
a gasket installed on the second surface of the frame;
It is provided on the second surface of the frame and includes a plurality of vent holes spaced apart from the first inlet and the second inlet,
The first surface of the frame is provided on the upper side or the lower side of the frame, the second surface of the frame is disposed on the rear side of the frame,
The frame includes an upper cap decor, a lower cap decor, first and second side frames, and a door liner,
The door liner includes a gasket mounting groove for mounting the gasket,
The plurality of vent holes are formed in the gasket mounting groove. The method of claim 1,
The first side of the frame is one side of the lower cap decoration of the refrigerator. The method of claim 2,
A part of the space is formed by the first side frame and the second side frame,
A part of the space formed by the first side frame and the second side frame extends in a vertical direction. The method of claim 3,
At least a portion of the first inlet is disposed to overlap a portion of the space extending in the vertical direction. delete The method of claim 1,
The frame includes a handle,
The first inlet is located closer to the handle than the second inlet. The method of claim 1,
The frame includes a hinge mounting portion,
The second inlet is located closer to the hinge mounting portion than the first inlet. The method of claim 7,
A distance between the second inlet and the hinge mounting portion is shorter than a distance between the central portion of the first surface and the first inlet. The method of claim 1,
The first inlet is located on the opposite side of the second inlet with respect to the central portion of the first surface. a cabinet forming a storage space;
a main door rotatably connected to the cabinet to open and close the storage space;
and a sub-door rotatably connected to the main door,
The sub-door includes a frame having an opening and forming a space into which a foaming liquid for forming a heat insulating material can be injected;
a panel assembly in contact with the frame;
The panel assembly includes a front panel formed of a transparent material;
and a thermal insulation panel spaced apart from the front panel and covering the opening,
The frame is provided on the first surface of the frame, and a first injection port for injecting the foaming liquid into the space;
a second inlet arranged to be spaced apart from the first inlet on the first surface of the frame, and a second inlet for injecting the foaming liquid into the space;
a gasket installed on the second surface of the frame;
It is provided on the second surface of the frame and includes a plurality of vent holes spaced apart from the first inlet and the second inlet,
The first surface of the frame is provided on the upper side or the lower side of the frame, the second surface of the frame is disposed on the rear side of the frame,
The frame includes an upper cap decor, a lower cap decor, first and second side frames, and a door liner,
The door liner includes a gasket mounting groove for mounting the gasket,
The plurality of vent holes are formed in the gasket mounting groove. The method of claim 10,
The first side of the frame is one side of the lower cap decoration of the refrigerator. The method of claim 11,
A part of the space is formed by the first side frame and the second side frame,
A part of the space formed by the first side frame and the second side frame extends in a vertical direction. The method of claim 12,
At least a portion of the first inlet is disposed to overlap a portion of the space extending in the vertical direction. delete The method of claim 11,
The lower cap decoration includes a hinge mounting portion,
The second inlet is located closer to the hinge mounting portion than the first inlet. The method of claim 15,
The second inlet is located between the hinge mounting part and a central part of the first surface. The method of claim 10,
The frame includes a handle,
The first inlet is located closer to the handle than the second inlet. The method of claim 10,
The first inlet is located on the opposite side of the second inlet with respect to the central portion of the first surface.

Images