KR102674393B1 - Refirgerator - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

Refrigerator

The present invention relates to refrigerators.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at low temperatures in an internal storage space shielded by a door. To this end, refrigerators are designed to keep stored food in optimal condition by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle.

Recently, refrigerators are gradually becoming larger and more multi-functional in accordance with changes in eating habits and the trend of higher quality products, and refrigerators equipped with various structures and convenience devices are being released to ensure user convenience and efficient use of internal space. .

The storage space of the refrigerator can be opened and closed by a door. Refrigerators can be classified into various types depending on the arrangement of the storage space and the structure of the door that opens and closes the storage space.

Additionally, a separate storage space accessible from the outside may be provided on the door of the refrigerator. Through this storage space, the storage space can be accessed by opening some of the auxiliary doors or home bar doors without opening the entire refrigerator door.

Therefore, frequently used foods can be stored in a separate storage space provided on the refrigerator door. In addition, since the entire refrigerator door is not opened to store food, there is an advantage in minimizing the leakage of cold air inside the refrigerator to the outside.

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

To solve this problem, a portion of the front of the refrigerator door may be made of a transparent material, but in this case, insulation problems inside the refrigerator may occur. Also, if the inside of the refrigerator can be seen even when it is not in use, there is a problem in that food is exposed to the outside, resulting in a very poor appearance.

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

An embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator in which at least a portion of the front of the refrigerator door is made of half glass, and in which the lighting unit inside the refrigerator is turned on and off by the user's operation when the refrigerator door is closed to allow selective viewing of the interior of the refrigerator. The purpose is to

The purpose of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that allows the interior of the refrigerator to be visualized by selectively making the refrigerator door transparent by a knocking operation.

The purpose of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that is provided in the refrigerator door and has a structure that allows the inside of the refrigerator to be seen even when the refrigerator door is closed and at the same time provides insulation.

The purpose of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that allows the interior of the refrigerator to be seen when the lighting unit is turned on by a user's operation, and is formed like a mirror surface to form the appearance of a refrigerator door when the lighting unit is turned off. do.

The purpose of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which a portion of the refrigerator door is made of a half-glass material, allowing selective viewing of the inside of the refrigerator, while improving productivity and durability.

The purpose of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can prevent exposure of a detection device that detects an operation to selectively manipulate at least a portion of the refrigerator door to make it transparent and can expand the viewing area.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet forming a storage space; a door that opens and closes the cabinet and has an opening communicating with the storage space; A sensing device provided on the door and detecting a user's operation; a lighting unit that turns on/off when the door is closed by a signal from the sensing device and illuminates the inside of the cabinet; and a panel assembly provided in the opening and transmitting light so as to selectively see the inside of the cave by turning on/off the lighting unit.

The detection device is provided on the back of the panel assembly and is characterized as a knock detection device that detects a user's knocking operation on the panel assembly.

The panel assembly includes: a front panel that forms the front of the sub door and is formed of a half mirror that reflects part of the light and transmits part of the light to be selectively transparent; a plurality of insulation panels spaced apart from the front panel and made of transparent tempered glass; and a gap provided between the front panel, the insulation panel, and the plurality of insulation panels to space and airtight the front panel, the insulation panel, and the plurality of insulation panels.

The front panel includes a glass layer made of transparent glass; A vacuum deposition layer formed by vacuum deposition of a titanium compound on the back of the glass layer; and a bezel layer printed on the back of the vacuum deposition layer along the edge of the glass layer to prevent light from transmitting.

The front panel further includes a transparent printing layer printed with a transparent material on the entire back surface of the vacuum deposition layer.

The front panel includes a glass layer made of transparent glass; A ceramic print layer formed on the front surface of the glass layer by screen printing with reflective ink containing a titanium compound and then heating; and a bezel layer formed along the back edge of the glass layer and printed so as not to transmit light.

The front panel includes a glass layer made of transparent glass; A hard coating layer coated on the entire surface of the glass layer with a triple layer of iron, cobalt, and chrome; 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 formed by atmospheric chemical vapor deposition (APCAVD) or spray spraying.

The bezel layer is characterized by being printed with ceramic pigment containing glass powder.

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

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

The space between the panels spaced apart based on the gap is filled with an inert gas.

The space between the panels spaced apart based on the gap is characterized in that it is vacuum treated.

The front panel forms the entire front of the door, and the insulation panel is formed in a smaller size than the front panel and is disposed in an inner area of the front panel.

A bezel layer printed on the edge of the front panel outside the insulation panel is formed to prevent light from transmitting.

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

The insulation panel is characterized by being low-ε glass with a low-emissivity coating layer formed thereon.

A refrigerator according to another aspect includes a cabinet forming a storage space; a main door rotatably connected to the cabinet by a hinge to open and close the storage space, and including a first frame having a first opening communicating with the storage space; a display unit mounted on the first frame within the first opening and displaying operation information of the refrigerator; a sub-door including a second frame that opens and closes the first opening and has a second opening, and a panel assembly that covers the second opening; And it may include a lighting unit provided in the main door or the cabinet.

When the main door and the sub-door are closed, the lighting unit is turned on, and the display unit is turned on, information displayed on the display unit may be confirmed through the panel assembly.

When the sub door is closed, the display unit may be located at the rear of the panel assembly.

The panel assembly may include a front panel, an insulating panel spaced apart from the front panel, and a gap disposed between the front panel and the insulating panel.

When the sub door is closed, the display unit may be located behind the insulation panel.

The display unit may be mounted on the first frame at the bottom of the first opening.

Display mounting protrusions may be formed on both inner sides of the first opening, and display guides opening downward may be provided on both sides of the display unit to engage the display mounting protrusions.

A plurality of display mounting protrusions may be arranged to be spaced apart in the vertical direction.

A display connection portion for electrically connecting to the display unit may be formed at the bottom of the first opening by being recessed downward.

A display connector may be provided at the bottom of the display unit, and a door connector protruding upward may be provided at the bottom of the display connector to be connected to the display connector.

A case extension for screw fastening to the first frame may be provided at the rear bottom of the display unit.

The display unit includes an outer case coupled to the first frame, an inner case located inside the outer case, a display PCB accommodated in the inner case, and a front exterior of the display unit covering the display PCB. It may include a display cover forming.

The display unit may include a display that displays operation information of the refrigerator and a plurality of operation buttons for setting operation of the refrigerator.

The display may be turned on when the sub-door is opened or a knock-on operation applied to the sub-door is detected by a knock detection mechanism.

When the display is turned on, a first screen displaying operation information of the refrigerator is displayed, and after a set time has elapsed, the first screen is converted to a second screen, and other operation information of the refrigerator can be displayed on the second screen. there is.

When the display is turned on, a first screen displaying operation information of the refrigerator is displayed, and when one of the plurality of operation buttons is selected by the user, the first screen is converted to a screen corresponding to the selected operation button. It can be.

After the screen corresponding to the selected operation button is displayed, if no user operation is detected for a set time, the display may display the first screen again.

When the closing of the sub-door is detected, when the display is turned on and a set time elapses, or when an additional knock-on operation is detected on the sub-door by the knock detection mechanism, the display may be turned off.

A refrigerator according to another aspect includes a cabinet forming a storage space; a door that opens and closes at least a portion of the storage space; A door switch that detects whether the door is open; a lighting unit that illuminates the storage space; and a display unit disposed in the storage space, including a display that can switch from a first screen to a second screen and operation buttons that can be operated based on information provided from the screens. And when the door opening is detected by the door switch, power is supplied to the lighting unit, power is supplied to the display to display the first screen, and the user operates the operation button based on the first screen information. It is characterized by having a control unit that controls the display to be switched to the second screen.

The lighting unit may include a door lighting unit mounted on the door and a main lighting unit mounted on the cabinet.

The storage space may include a first storage room located at the top and a second storage room located at the bottom. The display unit may be located below the first storage compartment.

The door may include a left door that opens and closes the left side of the first storage compartment and a right door that opens and closes the right side. The display unit may be installed closer to the right door than to the left door.

The right door may include a main door that is coupled to the cabinet and rotates, and a sub door that is coupled to the main door and rotates. The display unit may be mounted on the main door.

An opening through which the sub door opens and closes is formed in the main door, and the display unit may be installed in the opening.

The door includes a panel assembly capable of viewing the inside of the storage space, and the display unit can be viewed from the outside of the storage space through the panel assembly.

It includes a first door that opens and closes the first storage compartment and a second door that opens and closes the second storage compartment, and a door handle recessed in the lower side of the first door to be adjacent to the display located on the lower side of the first storage compartment. can be formed.

The first screen may display the temperatures of the first storage room and the second storage room together.

In the first screen state, the second screen may be automatically switched to the second screen displaying the temperature of the first storage room after a set time.

When the door switch detects that the door is closed, the power to the display can be cut off.

The display unit may have a plurality of operation buttons disposed on both sides of the display.

The operation button may have printed characters or designs that can be identified by the user, and the characters or designs may be displayed on the display.

A design that can confirm the location of the storage space may be formed on the operation button.

The power of the display can be cut off while the screen is displaying the temperature of the storage room.

The control unit may include a main control unit installed in the cabinet.

When the door opening is detected by the door switch, power is supplied to the lighting unit and the display at the same time to display the first screen.

The following effects can be expected from the refrigerator according to the proposed embodiment.

In the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the door is provided with a panel assembly that selectively transmits and reflects light, and a lighting unit that is turned on and off by the user's operation is provided inside the door so that the user can control the light while the door is closed. By manipulating the lighting unit, it is possible to see through the inside of the room.

Therefore, the space inside the cabinet can be checked even without opening the door, and the location of the food can be easily confirmed, thereby improving convenience of use. In addition, unnecessary opening and closing of the door can be prevented, thereby preventing loss of cold air, thereby improving power consumption and improving storage performance.

In addition, the panel assembly has a half-glass-like structure, allowing the interior to be seen when the lighting unit is turned on, and has a mirror-like shape when the lighting unit is not turned on, making the exterior of the refrigerator door stand out more. You can do this.

Additionally, a microphone may be provided on the back of the panel assembly to detect sound caused by vibration when a user knocks on the panel assembly. Accordingly, the lighting unit can be controlled to turn on and off by a user's knock operation, and the panel assembly can be selectively made transparent.

Therefore, the panel assembly can be made transparent through a simple operation, and the sound of vibration transmitted through the same medium is the same no matter where the front of the panel assembly is knocked, so there is an advantage of easy operation and effective detection.

Additionally, the panel assembly is composed of a front panel made of a half-mirror material and a plurality of insulating panels made of insulating glass to prevent heat loss through the panel assembly. In addition, the space between the front panel, the insulation panel, and the plurality of insulation panels is sealed with a gap and sealant to form an insulation space, and the insulation space is filled with a vacuum or inert gas, which has the effect of further improving insulation performance. can be expected.

Additionally, a metal deposition layer is formed on the back of the front panel, allowing the front plate to have a half mirror-like structure and improving the appearance of the door.

In addition, a ceramic printed layer or a hard coating layer is formed on the front of the front panel, and it is fired on the glass layer by strengthening by high-temperature heating to have a structure like a half mirror, and the production cost and process are relatively cheaper. Productivity can be improved through reduction in number.

In addition, a bezel is formed on the front panel, and the detection device is located on the bezel so that a knock operation on the front panel can be easily recognized, while at the same time preventing the detection device from being exposed to the outside, thereby improving the appearance. There will be. Additionally, by forming the sensing device on the bezel at the bottom of the front panel, the bezels at other locations on the front panel can be relatively thin, and thus the visible portion of the door can be made to appear wider.

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

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail along with the drawings. However, the present invention cannot be said to be limited to the embodiments in which the idea of the present invention is presented, and other inventions that are regressive or other embodiments included within the scope of the present invention can be easily developed by adding, changing, or deleting other components. can be suggested.

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 2 is a front view with all doors of the refrigerator open. And, Figure 3 is a perspective view with the sub door of the refrigerator open.

As shown in the drawing, the external appearance of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be 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 divided into upper and lower sections by a barrier 11, and a refrigerating compartment 12 may be formed at the top of the cabinet 10 and a freezer compartment 13 may be formed at the bottom of the cabinet 10. This can be formed.

Additionally, various storage members 121 such as shelves, drawers, or baskets may be provided inside the refrigerating compartment 12. The storage member 121 may be withdrawn and withdrawn when the door is opened as needed, and food can be stored by being withdrawn and withdrawn. The refrigerating compartment 12 may be equipped with a main lighting unit 85 to illuminate the refrigerating compartment. The main lighting unit 85 may also be placed in the freezer 13 and may be placed anywhere on the inner wall of the freezer.

Inside the freezer 12, a drawer-shaped freezer storage member 131 that can be withdrawn and withdrawn may be mainly disposed, and these freezer compartment storage members 131 may be configured to be withdrawn and withdrawn in conjunction with the opening of the freezer door 30. It may be possible. Additionally, a first sensing device 31 capable of detecting the user's human body may be provided on the front of the freezer door 30. A detailed description of the first sensing device 31 will be reviewed below.

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

The refrigerating compartment door 20 and the freezer compartment door 30 may be provided with a plurality of door baskets, and the door basket is a storage member ( 121,131) and can be configured so as not to interfere with them.

The refrigerator compartment door 20 and the freezer compartment door 30 form an overall appearance when viewed from the front and are made of a metal material, so that the entire refrigerator 1 can have a metal texture. Additionally, if necessary, the refrigerating compartment door 20 may be equipped with a dispenser for dispensing water or ice.

Meanwhile, in an embodiment of the present invention, a bottom freeze type refrigerator with a freezer compartment provided at the bottom is described as an example, and a refrigerator with a French type door that opens and closes a space by rotating a pair of doors, respectively, is described as an example. However, the present invention It can be applied to all types of refrigerators equipped with doors, regardless of the shape of the refrigerator.

Meanwhile, among the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 20, the refrigerating compartment door 20 on the right side (as seen in FIG. 1) may be configured to be dually opened and closed. In detail, the refrigerating compartment door 20 located on the right has a main door 40 whose exterior is made of metal and opens and closes the refrigerating compartment 12, and is rotatably disposed on the inside of 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 (as seen in FIG. 1) of the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 20, and has a main hinge 401 and a middle hinge 402. It is rotatably mounted on the cabinet 10 to open and close a part of the refrigerating compartment 12. The main hinge 401 and the middle hinge 402 may be referred to as the first hinge.

And, an opening 403 (or first opening) is formed in the main door 40. A door basket 404 is mounted on the back of the main door 40, including the inside of the opening 403. Accordingly, the user can access the door basket 404 through the opening 403 without opening the main door 40. At this time, 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. Also, at least a portion of the sub door 50 is made of a transparent material such as glass. Therefore, by opening the sub-door 50, access to the opening 403 is possible, and at the same time, the inside of the opening 403 can be seen even when the sub-door 50 is closed. Accordingly, the sub door 50 may be called a see-through door.

Meanwhile, the glass material constituting the sub door 50 can be configured to adjust the light transmittance and reflectance so that it can be selectively manipulated into a transparent or opaque state according to the user's manipulation. Therefore, it becomes transparent only in the state desired by the user to make the interior visible, and in other states it can remain opaque.

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

As shown in the drawing, when 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 is an opaque black color or mirror. It becomes 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 inner space of the refrigerating compartment 12.

Accordingly, the sub door 50 maintains its black color, and the exterior of the refrigerator has a beautiful black mirror-like texture, allowing it to have a simple and beautiful appearance. In addition, this appearance is harmonized with the metal texture of the main door 40, the refrigerator door 20, and the freezer door 30, giving a more luxurious image.

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

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

Additionally, when the sub-door 50 becomes transparent, the display unit 60 disposed behind the sub-door 50 also becomes visible and can display the operating state of the refrigerator to the outside.

The specific 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 that enables this will be discussed in more detail below. .

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the main door and sub door of the refrigerator combined. And, Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the main door and the sub door separated. And, Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the main door.

As shown in the drawing, the main door 40 includes an out plate 41 made of metal, a door liner 42 coupled to the out plate 41, and the out plate 41 and the door liner 42. ) The appearance can be formed by the door cap deco (45, 46) provided at the top and bottom of the door.

The out plate 41 may be formed of a plate-shaped stainless material and may be bent to form a portion of the front and peripheral surfaces of the main door 40. And, the area corresponding to the opening 403 is formed to be open.

Additionally, the door liner 42 may be injection-molded from a plastic material and forms the back of the main door 40. Additionally, the door liner 42 is also formed to have an open area corresponding to the opening 403. In addition, a plurality of uneven structures may be formed in the opening 403 so that the door basket 404 can be mounted.

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 perimeter of the cabinet 10 to prevent cold air leakage between the main door 40 and the cabinet 10.

Additionally, a door lighting unit 49 may be provided on the upper surface of the door liner 42 to illuminate the inside of the opening 403. The door lighting unit 49 can illuminate the entire opening, including the door basket 404, by irradiating light from the top to the bottom of the opening 403, and can make the sub-door 50 transparent. You can.

The cap decos 45 and 46 form the upper and lower surfaces of the main door 40, and each has a hinge mounting portion 451 that allows the main door 40 to be rotatably mounted on the cabinet 10. ) can be formed. The upper end of the main door 40 may be coupled to the main hinge 401, and the lower end of the main door 40 may be coupled to the middle hinge 402 so that the main door 40 can be rotated from the upper and lower ends. I will support it.

Additionally, the door handle 462 may be recessed on the lower surface of the main door 40, that is, the cap deco 46, and the user may place his or her hand on the door handle 462 to rotate the main door 40. The refrigerating compartment 12 can be opened and closed by operation.

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

When the out plate 41, the door liner 42, the door frame 43, and the cap decos 45 and 46 are combined, the inner space of the main door 40 is filled with foaming liquid to form an insulation material. It becomes possible. That is, an insulating material is disposed inside the peripheral area of the opening 403 to insulate the inner space and the outer space.

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

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

The frame step portion 431 may be provided with a front gasket 434. The front gasket 434 comes into contact with the back of the sub door 50 when the sub door 50 is closed and seals the space between the main door 40 and the sub door 50. Of course, the front gasket 434 may be omitted as needed. Additionally, the front gasket 434 may be formed in a sheet shape made of metal, and may be configured to come into close contact with the sub-door gasket 591, which has magnetic force, by magnetic force.

A frame heater 432 may be provided on the rear side of the frame step portion 431. The frame heater 432 is disposed along the frame step portion 431 to heat the frame step portion 431. The frame step portion 431 may have a relatively low surface temperature due to the influence of cold air inside the refrigerator. Therefore, condensation may occur on the surface of the frame step portion 431, and condensation can be prevented by driving the frame heater 432.

In addition, a hinge hole 433 is opened on one side of the door frame 43, into which sub hinges 51 and 52 for mounting the sub door 50 are mounted. 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 the second hinge.

Meanwhile, a hinge case 47 may be provided on the inner surface (surface in contact with the insulation material) of the door frame 43 corresponding to the hinge hole 433. The hinge case 47 is formed by combining a first case 471 and a second case 472 at the top and bottom. In addition, the hinge case 47 allows a portion of the sub-hinges 51 and 52 inserted through the hinge hole 433 to rotate when the first case 471 and the second case 472 are combined. A space that can be accepted is created.

In addition, 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 combining the first case 471 and the second case 472. You can. The hinge mounting member 473 may be made of a steel material, and an axis insertion portion 4731 into which the hinge axes of the sub-hinges 51 and 52 are inserted may be formed.

The hinge cases 47 may be mounted in the hinge holes 433 formed at the top and bottom of the door frame 43, respectively. Additionally, each hinge case 47 arranged up and down may have the same structure and shape.

Meanwhile, a hinge frame 48 may be provided on the outside of the door frame 43. The hinge frame 48 extends upward and downward to secure the hinge case 47 disposed above and below, respectively.

In detail, the hinge frame 48 is made of metal or a plastic material with excellent strength, and may be formed in a plate shape and extend in the vertical direction. The upper and lower ends 482 and 483 of the hinge frame 48 may be respectively bent and fixed to the cap decos 45 and 46 at the upper and lower ends of the main door 40, respectively. That is, the upper and lower ends of the hinge frame 48 are fixed to the cap decos 45 and 46, so that the mounting position can be maintained, and indirectly supports the sub-hinges 51 and 52.

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

Additionally, a frame reinforcement portion 484 may be recessed between the case fixing portions 481 formed at the upper and lower portions of the hinge frame 48, respectively. Additionally, a plurality of frame openings 485 may be formed in the frame reinforcement portion 484. The frame reinforcement portion 484 can reinforce the strength of the hinge frame 48 and prevent bending or deformation to maintain the mounting position of the hinge case 47.

And when the foaming liquid is injected into the main door 40, the surface area is increased to improve adhesion to the foaming liquid. In addition, the foaming liquid can pass through the frame opening 485, thereby improving the flowability of the foaming liquid, and when forming the insulating material, the hinge frame 48 can be embedded and fixed in the insulating material.

The sub hinges 51 and 52 may be composed of an upper hinge 51 mounted on the top of the sub door 50 and a lower hinge 52 mounted on the bottom of the sub door 50. Additionally, the upper hinge 51 and the lower hinge 52 may extend laterally toward the hinge hole 433 and be coupled to the inside of the main door 40 .

Accordingly, the sub hinges 51 and 52 can be mounted at precise positions and have a structure extending laterally. Therefore, since the interference structure of the sub hinges 51 and 52 does not exist in the gap between the main door 40 and the sub door 50, the gap between the main door 40 and the sub door 50 is By keeping it very narrow, the exterior can look more beautiful. In addition, while maintaining a very narrow gap between the main door 40 and the sub door 50, sagging of the sub door 50 is effectively prevented, so that when the sub door 50 rotates, the main door ( 40) and is formed so that no interference occurs.

In addition, a hinge cover 53 may be further provided above the upper hinge 51 to shield the upper hinge 51 and guide the entrance and exit of electric wires of the sub door 50. The specific structures of the sub-hinges 51 and 52 and the structure of the hinge cover 53 will be examined in more detail below.

Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the main door and display unit. And, Figures 10a and 10b are partial perspective views showing the display unit in an installed state.

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 a user can identify it from the outside through the sub door 50 when the sub door 50 is in a transparent state. It is composed. That is, when the sub-door 50 is opaque, it is not visible 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 equipped 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. The operation of the refrigerator 1 can be controlled by operating the button 62.

The display unit 60 may be provided detachably at the bottom of the opening 403. Accordingly, when inspection or repair of the display unit 60 is necessary, it can be detached. Also, after assembling the main door 40, the display unit 60 assembled as a separate module can be easily mounted and assembled. Additionally, a display unit 60 with necessary functions may be optionally installed depending on the specifications of the refrigerator 1.

In order to attach and detach the display unit 60, display mounting protrusions 435 are formed on both inner sides of the opening 403. Additionally, a display connector 436 may be provided at the bottom of the opening 403 to be electrically connected to the display unit 60.

The display mounting protrusion 435 may be formed by protruding a side of the opening 403, more specifically, 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 combining the liner side mounting portion 4352 and the frame side mounting portion 4351 and may be formed in a protrusion shape with a circular cross section. Therefore, when the display unit 60 is mounted, the display mounting protrusions 435 remain coupled to each other so that the coupling between the door liner 42 and the door frame 43 can be maintained more firmly. there is. The display mounting protrusions 435 may be formed in plural numbers and may be spaced apart in the vertical direction.

The display mounting protrusion 435 has a structure that is aligned with the display guide 634 formed on both left and right sides of the display unit 60. The display guide 634 has a structure that opens downward. Accordingly, when the display unit 60 is moved from upward to downward, the display mounting protrusion 435 and the display guide 634 are coupled to each other. Additionally, the display unit 60 may be seated and fixed at the bottom of the opening 403 in the mounted state.

The display connection portion 436 may be formed on the bottom surface of the door liner 42. The display connection portion 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.

Additionally, the display connection part 436 may be provided with a door connector 4361. The door connector 4361 is connected to a wire for transmitting power and signals for operation of the display unit 60, and the display unit 60 is connected by a detachable structure of the display 61 that is detachable in the vertical direction. It may have a structure that is electrically connected to.

That is, the door connector 4361 protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the display connection portion 436, and the 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 composed of a plurality of doors, 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 can be formed independently, and can be configured to transmit separate power and signals to each. .

Meanwhile, a case extension 635 is formed at the bottom of the rear of the display unit 60. In addition, a screw hole 6351 into which a screw is fastened is formed in the case extension 635, allowing the display unit 60 to remain coupled to the main door 40.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the display unit in a mounted state. And, Figure 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 the outer shape, an inner case 64 provided inside the outer case 63, a display PCB 65, and a display cover. It may be configured including (66).

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

The receiving space opens forward, and a connector opening 631 may be formed on the bottom of the space through which an electric wire connected to the display connector 651 to be coupled to the door connector 4361 enters and exits. 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.

Therefore, when the display unit 60 is mounted on the opening 403 of the main door 40, the display connector 651 and the door connector 4361 are connected by moving the display unit 60 up and down. may be combined and connected to each other. This connection makes it possible to supply power and transmit signals to the display unit 60.

In addition, a plurality of case engaging protrusions 632 are formed at the inner top and bottom of the receiving space so as to be coupled with the inner case 64. The engaging protrusions 632 may be formed on the open entrance side of the receiving space, and may be formed in plural numbers at regular intervals.

Additionally, case supports 633 supporting the inner case 64 protrude inward on both left and right sides of the inner surface of the receiving space. A screw hole 6331 into which a screw is inserted may be further formed in the case support portion 633, and the inner case 64 may be fixedly mounted.

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 that protrudes from both left and right sides of the outer case 63. Additionally, the display guide 634 is formed to open downward, and the display mounting protrusion 435 is formed to be inserted through the lower opening.

The display guide 634 is formed to become narrower in width upward from the opened inlet 6343, and the upper end 6341 of the display guide 634 has a diameter equal to the diameter of the display mounting protrusion 435. It can be formed to have any size. Accordingly, the display mounting protrusion 435 can be easily inserted into the display guide and can be restrained at the upper end 6341 of the display guide 634.

Additionally, a fixing portion 6342 protruding inward is further formed on the display guide 634. The distance between the fixing parts 6342 may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the display mounting protrusion 435. Accordingly, the display guide 634 may be elastically deformed while passing through the fixing part 6342, and may be press-fitted 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 for the display PCB 65 to be mounted. A depression is formed in the center of the inner case 64 with a size corresponding to the display PCB 65, and a plurality of case coupling grooves 641 are formed around the inner case 64 to form the case coupling protrusion 632. ) is combined with.

In addition, case seating portions 642 are formed on both sides of the inner case 64 and extend laterally and are seated on the case support portion 633. The inner case 64 is coupled to the outer case 63 by a screw fastened to the screw hole 6421 of the case seating portion 642.

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

The display PCB 65 may be accommodated in a space formed inside the inner case 64. The display PCB 65 may be equipped with a display 61 and a plurality of operation buttons 62 in a module form. Additionally, the elements on the display PCB 65 may be configured to be surrounded and sealed with a resin material for waterproofing and moisture proofing.

The display 61 may be formed in the form of a panel capable of displaying the operating status and operating information of the refrigerator 1. Additionally, a plurality of the operation buttons 62 are provided on both left and right sides of the display 61 and can be configured to be operated by the user pressing the display cover 66.

When 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 inside the outer case 63. It is combined to shield the opening of. Accordingly, the display PCB 65 and the inner case 64 can be shielded by the cover display 61.

The display cover 66 may be formed in a size corresponding to the open front surface of the outer case 63. Accordingly, the display cover 66 can form the front exterior of the display unit 60. In addition, 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 an opening in the display cover 66, or a portion of the display cover 66 may be transparent 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 be displayed on both sides of the display cover 66 corresponding thereto. The operation button 62 displayed on the display cover 66 is not actually an actual operation button 62, but is displayed at a corresponding position and can be touched or pressed by the user.

Case fixing members 661 are protruding from both left and right ends of the display cover 66 to securely mount the display cover 66. The case fixing member 661 may have a hook-shaped end, and is locked with the case restraint grooves 636 formed on both sides of the outer case 63 so that the display cover 66 can be fixedly mounted. do.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13' of Figure 1.

As shown in the drawing, the door lighting unit 49 may be provided on the upper part of the main door 40. The door lighting unit 49 may be formed in the 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 the door liner 42 or the door frame 43, and illuminate the inside of the opening 403. Can be placed in a location where

The door lighting unit 49 includes a lamp case 491 mounted on the inside of the main door 40, and a lamp PCB ( 492) and a lamp cover that shields the opening surface of the lamp case 491 and is exposed to the opening 403.

The lamp cover 493 extends long along the door liner 42 and includes a recess 4914 forming a recessed space therein to accommodate the lamp PCB 492. In detail, the depression 4914 may be formed so that the surface facing the lamp PCB 492 is rounded, and the light emitted from the lamp PCB 492 passes through the round surface 4915 having a predetermined curvature. It is reflected and directed to the lamp case 491. Additionally, a film may be attached or coated on the inner surface of the depression 4914, especially the round surface 4915, to increase light reflectance.

A lamp PCB mounting portion 4913 on which the lamp PCB 492 is mounted is formed on one surface facing the round surface 4915. The lamp PCB mounting portion 4913 allows the lamp PCB 492 to be fixedly mounted in a direction perpendicular to the lamp cover 493. At this time, the positions of the lamp PCB mounting portion 4913 and the lamp PCB 492 are located above the door frame 43, so that they can be obscured 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, thereby preventing the appearance of light condensation.

Additionally, a first case mounting portion 4911 and a second case mounting portion 4912 are formed at both ends of the recessed portion 4914. The first case mounting portion 4911 and the second case mounting portion 4912 are mounted to make surface contact with the inner surfaces of the door liner 42 and the door frame 43, respectively, so that the lamp case 491 is mounted on the main door ( 40) so that it can be caught or glued on the inside.

Additionally, cover insertion grooves 4916 and 4917 may be formed in the first case mounting portion 4911 and the second case mounting portion 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 portion 4911, the door liner 42, the second case mounting portion 4912, and the door frame A space is formed between (43) into which both ends of the lamp cover 493 can be inserted.

The lamp cover 493 is formed so that light reflected from the round surface 4915 of the depression 4914 can be transmitted, and shields the opening of the depression 4914 and at the same time covers the door liner 42 and the door liner 42. The space between the door frames 43 is shielded.

The lamp cover 493 is made transparent or translucent so that light reflected from the round surface 4915 and spread evenly can be transmitted. Therefore, the light passing through the lamp cover 493 illuminates the inside of the cupboard in an indirect lighting manner and has the same effect as surface light emission.

Additionally, the lamp cover 493 may have a film attached or be coated to diffuse light more effectively. Also, if necessary, particles or materials that diffuse light may be added during injection molding of the lamp cover 493.

Meanwhile, cover fixing parts 4931 and 4932 inserted into the inside of the cover insertion grooves 4916 and 4917 may be formed to protrude at both ends of the lamp cover 493 so that the lamp cover 493 can be fixedly mounted. there is. The cover fixing parts 4931 and 4932 on both sides of the lamp cover 493 are hook-shaped or press-fitted 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 can be selectively turned on/off according to the user's operation, and when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, the opening 403 and the sub-door 50 The back side becomes brighter. When the inside of the door becomes brighter than the outside of the door due to the lighting of the door lighting unit 49, the light emitted by the door lighting unit 49 passes through the sub-door 50. Accordingly, the user can recognize the sub door 50 transparently and the storage space inside the main door 40 can be viewed from the outside through the sub door 50.

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 can be accessed from the outside through the sub door 50. You might be able to see it. The main lighting unit 85 provided inside the refrigerating compartment 12 may be turned on/off together with the door lighting unit 49 or independently.

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

In addition, the frame heater 432 heats the corners of the frame step portion 431 where there is a high possibility of condensation. The edge of the frame step portion 431 is in contact with the outer portion of the sub-door gasket 591, and has a relatively low temperature and is in contact with the outside air, so there is 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.

Meanwhile, the main door 40 and the sub door 50 are provided with door restraint members 4361 and 5721 at corresponding positions. The door restraint members 4361 and 5721 bind the sub door 50 to the main door 40 by magnetic force without a separate restraint structure, and the sub door 50 is bound to the main door 40 by inertia generated when the main door 40 rotates. Ensure that the door 50 is not opened arbitrarily.

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

In addition, a second magnetic mounting part 572 is formed on the upper part of the sub door 50 corresponding to the first magnetic mounting part 436, and the second magnetic mounting part 5721 is attached to the second magnetic mounting part 572. It is fixedly installed. The second magnetic mounting portion 572 is formed on the inner surface of the upper cap deco 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 opposite each other, and the opposing surfaces are arranged to have different polarities. Accordingly, the sub door 50 is maintained in a closed state due to the attractive force of the first magnet 4361 and the second magnet 5721. Of course, when the rotational force of the sub-door 50 becomes greater than the magnetic force of the first magnet 4361 and the second magnet 5721 due to the user's manipulation, the sub-door 50 becomes rotatable.

The first magnet 4361 and the second magnet 5721 exert strong magnetic force when they are located on the same extension line, and the arrangement structure of the first magnet 4361 and the second magnet 5721 is similar to that of the sub door. It is arranged parallel to the direction of extension of the rotation axis of (50). Accordingly, when the sub door 50 begins to open, the first magnet 4361 and the second magnet 5721 may become crossed with each other, thereby greatly weakening the magnetic force. Therefore, after the sub door 50 is rotated by a certain angle, the sub door 50 can be opened smoothly.

Meanwhile, the cap deco 45 is provided at the top of the main door 40, and although not shown, the out plate 41, door liner 42, door frame 43, and cap deco 45 are provided. A foaming liquid is injected into the formed internal space to form the insulation material therein. The cap deco 45 is depressed 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.

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

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

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

A rack gear 741 for gear engagement with the gears 73 is formed on the outer surface of the push rod 74, and therefore, as the drive motor 72 rotates, the rod on the back of the main door 40 Entry and exit is possible through the hall 4511.

And, the push rod 74 is formed to have a predetermined curvature. Therefore, even when the main door 40 is rotated, the cabinet 10 is continuously pushed while the front end of the push rod 74 maintains stable contact with the front of the cabinet 10. 40) can be opened.

The main door 40 is opened at a predetermined angle by the door opening device 70 so that the user can open the main door 40 by inserting a part of the body such as the elbow while holding food and not being able to use both hands. can be rotated

For example, by the operation of the door opening device 70, the gap D between the main door 40 and the neighboring refrigerating compartment door 20 may be opened to approximately 90 mm, and at this time, the main door ( The rotation angle of 40) can be between 24° and 26°. When the refrigerating compartment door 20 is automatically opened by this distance D, the user inserts his elbow or part of his body into the open gap of the refrigerating compartment door 20 even when he is holding an object and cannot use both hands. The door 20 can be additionally opened.

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

The door opening device 70 may be mounted on the opening device receiving portion 452 with a screw. In addition, the door opening device 70 can be supported inside the opening device receiving portion 452 by a buffer member penetrated by a screw, thereby preventing vibration noise generated when the door opening device operates. There will be.

Meanwhile, the door opening device 70 is selectively driven by user manipulation, and when a door opening 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 cannot be used, the operation input of the door opening device 70 can be made by detecting the position and motion rather than a direct input method by touching the user's body. A detailed explanation of this will be discussed below.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16' of Figure 1.

As shown in the drawing, the main door 40 is formed by combining the out plate 41, the door frame 43, and the door liner 42 to form the outer shape of both sides of the opening 403.

At this time, a front support portion 437 bent to support the out plate 41 is formed at the front end of the door frame 43, and an end of the out plate 41 is formed at an end of the front support portion 437. A front receiving portion 4371 may be formed to allow introduction in a bent state.

The end of the out plate 41 located in the front receiving portion 4371 forms a multiple bent portion 411 that is continuously bent multiple times, and the multiple bent portion 411 has one end of the opening 403. is formed. At this time, one end of the opening 403 where the multiple bent portion 411 is located is adjacent to the handle 561 formed on the second side frame 56 of the sub door 50.

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

Additionally, a second bent portion 4112 that is bent in the opposite direction to the first bent portion 4111 is formed at an end of the first bent portion 4111. And a third bent part 4113 that is 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 portion 4112 and the third bent portion 4113 are located inside the front receiving portion 4371 and may be supported in close contact with the front support portion 437.

Accordingly, one end of the opening 403 where the multiple bent portions 411 are formed is 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 contact 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 bent portion 4111 of the multiple bent portion 411. This becomes possible. At the same time, the strength can be strengthened by the shape of the multiple bent portions 411, and the out plate 41 can be prevented from being deformed due to impacts generated during the frequent movement of the user's hands.

The handle 561 forms one side of the sub-door 50 and is formed to be long up and down, and is formed to have a predetermined space between one end of the opening 403 so that the user can insert his/her hand and pull it. It can be.

Meanwhile, the frame heater 432 and the heater support part 435 are protruding from the rear surface of the frame step portion 431 of the door frame 43 to heat the frame step portion and prevent condensation.

Figure 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 seen from the rear.

As shown in the drawing, the sub door 50 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 403. The sub door 50 includes a panel assembly 54 composed of a plurality of glasses 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 comprised of a sub door liner 59 forming the rear perimeter, and an upper cap deco 57 and a lower cap deco 58 forming the upper and lower surfaces of the sub door 50. The side frames 55 and 56, upper cap deco 57, lower cap deco 58, and door liner 59 can be collectively referred to as the second frame (or door 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 be composed of a front panel 541 that forms the front exterior and an insulating panel 542 spaced apart from the rear of the front panel 541. The insulation panel 542 may be composed of a plurality of insulation panels 542, and an interstitial bar 543 is provided between the front panel 541 and the insulation panel 542 and the plurality of 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 insulation panel 542 are made of glass or a material capable of seeing the inside, and are configured to selectively see through the inside of the refrigerator. Additionally, the front panel 541 and the insulation panel 542 may have an insulating material or an insulating structure and may be configured to prevent cold air from leaking out. The configuration of the panel assembly 54 will be discussed in more detail below.

The side frames 55 and 56 form left and right sides of the sub door 50. The side frames 55 and 56 may be made of metal and connect the panel assembly 54 and the door liner 42.

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 forming a handle 561 for rotation by the user. It can be composed of (56).

The first side frame 55 extends vertically and is configured to connect the upper hinge 51 and the lower hinge 52. In detail, hinge insertion portions 551 and 552 into which the upper hinge 51 and lower hinge 52 are inserted are formed at the upper and lower ends of the first side frame 55. The hinge insertion portions 551 and 552 are recessed at the top and bottom of the first side frame 55, and are formed in corresponding shapes so that parts of the upper hinge 51 and lower hinge 52 can be joined. It can be.

The first side frame 55 may be formed of a metal such as aluminum or a high-strength material, and the upper hinge 51 and lower hinge 52 maintain the correct mounting position to maintain the correct mounting position of the sub door 50. Make sure the mounting position does not change due to weight. Therefore, 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 to each other. Interference does not occur when rotating while maintaining the distance.

Like the first side frame 55, the second side frame 56 may be made of metal or a high-strength material. The second side frame 56 may extend from the top to the bottom of the sub door 50, and has a recessed handle 561 through which the user can insert his/her hand.

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

And, an upper hinge mounting portion 571 is formed at one end of the upper cap deco 57. The upper hinge mounting portion 571 is recessed so that the upper hinge 51 and the hinge cover 53 can be mounted, and when the hinge cover 53 is mounted, the hinge cover 53 and the upper cap The upper surface of the decor 57 forms the same plane. Since the upper hinge 51 is accommodated in the upper hinge mounting portion 571, the upper hinge mounting portion 571 may also be referred to as a receiving portion.

The lower cap deco 58 forms the 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.

Also, a lower hinge mounting portion 581 is formed at one end of the lower cap deco 58. The lower hinge mounting portion 581 is recessed so that the lower hinge 52 can be mounted. In addition, the lower cap deco 58 is formed with a sensing device accommodating portion 582 on which the second sensing device 81 and the knock sensing device 82 are mounted, and the sensing device accommodating portion 582 is a receiving portion cover. It can be shielded by (583).

The second detection device 81 mounted on the lower cap deco 58 is a device for checking the user's proximity, and the knock detection device 82 detects the user's knocking operation on the sub-door 50. It is a device for doing this. The second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 are attached to the rear of the front panel 541 and are provided at the bottom of the front panel 541 adjacent to the second side frame 56. It can be. The sub-door 50 is selectively made transparent by the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82, allowing the inside of the sub-door 50 to be seen. The specific structures of the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 will be reviewed 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 combined with the first side frame 55, the second side frame 56, the upper cap deco 57, and the lower cap deco 58. In addition, a foaming liquid is injected into the inner space around the sub door 50 formed by the sub door liner 59 to fill it with an insulating material (not shown) to provide an insulating structure around the sub door 50. do.

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

The sensing device accommodating portion 582 may be separated from the second insulation space.

A sub door gasket 591 is provided on the rear side 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, leakage of cold air between the main door 40 and the sub door 50 can be prevented.

Figure 20 is a perspective view cut away at 20-20' of Figure 17. And, Figure 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 a panel assembly 54, and a first side frame 55 and a second side frame 56 are coupled to both ends of the panel assembly 54. do. And, the space formed by the panel assembly 54 and the first side frame 55 and the second side frame 56 is filled with a foaming liquid to form an insulating material.

The panel assembly 54 includes a front panel 541 that forms the entire front surface of the sub-door 50, at least one insulating panel 542 disposed behind the front panel 541, and the front panel. It may be configured to include (541) and an insulation panel (542) and a gap (543) supporting between the plurality of insulation panels (542).

The front panel 541 may be made of a glass material that allows selective internal transparency depending on the transmittance and reflectance of light, and may be called a half mirror. The front panel 541 is configured to selectively view the rear of the sub door 50 depending on whether the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 in the room is turned on or off.

That is, when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, the light inside the door passes through the front panel 541 and the front panel 541 appears 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, when the door lighting unit 49 is turned off, light does not pass through the front panel 541 but 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 rear circumference of the front panel 541. The bezel 5411 may be formed so that light cannot pass through, and includes side frames 55, 56, upper cap deco 57, lower cap deco 58, and gap ( 543) is not exposed to the front through the front panel 541.

In addition, the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 can be placed on the bezel 5411 formed at the bottom of the front panel 541, and the knock detection device 82 can be hidden. It is formed so that

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

That is, the bezel 5411 may be printed to have a predetermined width along the perimeter of the front panel 541, excluding the transparent portion 5412. The transmission portion 5412 allows the light irradiated from the second sensing device 81 to be transmitted and received through the front panel 541 without being interfered with by the bezel 5411.

Additionally, the front surface of the second sensing device 81 in contact with the transparent portion 5412 may be formed in the same color as the bezel 5411. Accordingly, even when the front of the second sensing device 81 is exposed by the transparent part 5412, the area of the transparent part 5412 is not easily exposed and can have a sense of unity with the entire front panel 541. In this specification, the transparent portion 5412 may be referred to as a first area, and the bezel 5411 may be referred to as a second area located outside the first area.

At this time, 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 back of the front panel 541. The first side frame 55 and the second side frame 56 are respectively attached to both ends of the back of the front panel 541 and may be attached to the inside of the bezel 5411.

And, an interstitial bar 543 is formed around the rear surface of the front panel 541. The gap 543 separates the front panel 541 and the insulation panel 542 from each other, and allows the front panel 541 and the insulation panel 542 to be spaced apart from each other, so that the space between them can be sealed. .

The gap 543 may also be disposed between the plurality of insulation panels 542. In addition, the front panel 541, the insulation panel 542, and the plurality of gaps 543 can be attached to each other by an adhesive, and a sealant is applied to form the front panel 541, the insulation panel 542, and the gap bars ( 543) to maintain confidentiality.

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

Additionally, a low-emissivity coating layer may be formed on the back of the insulation panel 542 to reduce heat transfer into the storage compartment by radiation. Glass on which the low-emission coating layer is formed is called low-emission glass, and the low-emission coating layer can be formed by depositing silver or the like on the surface of the glass, usually by sputtering or the like.

In addition, the sealed space between the front panel 541 and the insulation panel 542 formed by the gap 543 and the sealed space between the plurality of insulation panels can be formed in a vacuum state to be insulated. .

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

The insulation panel 542 may be formed as a single panel and mounted to be spaced apart from the front panel 541. If necessary, it may be possible to configure two or more insulation panels 542 to be spaced apart.

Hereinafter, we will look at the structure of the front panel 541 having various applicable half-mirror structures.

Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a front panel of a panel assembly.

As shown in the drawing, the front panel 541 according to an example includes a glass layer 5413 forming the exterior, a vacuum deposition layer 5414 formed on the back of the glass layer 5413, and the vacuum deposition layer. (5414) It may be composed of a bezel printed layer 5415 formed on the back, and a transparent printed layer 5416 formed on the entire back 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 commonly used as transparent glass, and forms the entire surface of the front panel 541. Of course, in addition to the blue glass, various other transparent glasses, such as white glass, may be used.

The vacuum deposition layer 5414 allows the front panel 541 to have characteristics like half glass, and a titanium compound (TiO ₂ ) can be formed on the back 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 and appears on the front panel. When (541) is viewed from the front, it can be seen like a mirror.

The bezel print layer 5415 forms a perimeter around the back of the front panel 541, and the bezel 5411 can be formed by the bezel print layer 5415. The bezel printed layer 5415 is formed so that light does not transmit even when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, and can shield components arranged along the rear circumference of the front panel 541.

Additionally, a transparent printing layer 5416 may be formed on the entire rear surface of the front panel 541, including the bezel printing layer 5415 and the vacuum deposition layer 5414. The transparent printing layer 5416 may be transparent to allow light to pass through, and protects 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 to have an intermediate bar 543 attached thereto for coupling with the insulation panel 542. At this time, the front panel 541 can be manufactured and transported separately from the insulation panel 542. In this process, if the transparent printing layer 5416 is not present, the vacuum deposition layer 5414 is damaged and the function of the half glass is lost. There is a problem that cannot be performed. In addition, the vacuum deposition layer 5414 has a problem in that it may be oxidized and damaged when exposed to air for a long period of time. Therefore, in a structure in which the vacuum deposition layer 5414 is formed on the back of the glass layer 5413, a transparent printing layer 5416 is necessarily required.

Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing 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 the exterior, a ceramic printed layer 5417 formed on the front of the glass layer 5413, and the glass layer ( It may be composed of a bezel printing layer 5415 formed on the back of 5413).

In detail, the glass layer 5413 is formed of a glass material capable of transmitting and seeing light, and so-called dark gray glass, which has a slightly dark gray color in a transparent state, may be used.

The dark gray color of the glass layer 5413 is such 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 resembles an actual mirror. It provides an auxiliary color that allows them to appear together.

The ceramic print layer 5417 is formed over the entire front surface of the glass layer 5413, and can be formed by silkscreen printing using reflective ink that can reflect light.

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

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

The ceramic printed layer 5417 is formed separately on the surface of the glass layer 5413 and has a refractive index different from that of the glass. Therefore, the light incident on the front panel 541 from the outside may be partially reflected by the ceramic printed layer 5417, and the remaining portion 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 appear like a mirror when viewed from the outside by using the interference effect of light reflected from the boundary surface of media with 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 illuminates the ceramic printed layer 5417. It will pass. Accordingly, the front panel 541 can be seen transparently by the user when viewed from the outside of the cupboard, and the user can see through the space inside the cupboard.

At this time, the ceramic printed layer 5417 is formed so that the transmittance of the front panel 541 is approximately 20% to 30%. If the transmittance is less than 20%, the transparency of the front panel 541 is low even when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, making it difficult to identify the space within the refrigerator. In addition, when the transmittance is 30% or more, the space inside the cabinet is illuminated even when the door lighting unit 49 is turned off, and a glass-like surface effect cannot be expected. Therefore, it would be desirable to set the transmittance of the front panel 541 to approximately 20% to 30% to best demonstrate 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 with high brightness like a mirror, and through heating, organic components are completely removed and titanium compound (TiO ₂ ) is added to the glass layer. (5413) is fired on the surface.

Meanwhile, when the front panel 541 is heated after printing the ceramic print layer 5417 by silk screen printing, it is heated at a high temperature so that the organic components of the reflective ink are completely removed and the titanium compound is fired, but not too much. If heated from a high temperature to an excessive temperature, bending may occur, so it is desirable to heat within a range that does not deform the surface. In addition, the front panel 541 is connected to each other for removal of organic components and sintering of the titanium compound. It can be heated stepwise at different temperatures.

Additionally, the bezel printed layer 5415 forms a perimeter around the back of the front panel 541, and the bezel 5411 can be formed by the bezel printed layer 5415. The bezel printed layer 5415 is formed so that light does not transmit even when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, and can shield components disposed along the rear circumference of the front panel 541.

Meanwhile, the bezel printing layer 5415 may be formed using an inorganic printing method (vitreous printing). The bezel print layer 5415 may be printed using a ceramic pigment mixed with glass powder (Frit), an inorganic pigment, and oil as its main ingredient. Therefore, in the bezel printing layer 5415, the resin is decomposed and volatilized by heating during the glass strengthening process, and the glass powder melts, surrounds the pigment, and melts and adheres to the surface of the glass layer.

This inorganic printing method has a lower coating thickness and stronger durability than general organic printing methods. In addition, the glass component can be melted and molded integrally with the glass layer 5413, thereby reducing heat loss during double-layer processing with the additional insulation panel 542, and also has the advantage of excellent adhesion.

Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing 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 the exterior, a hard coating layer 5418 formed on the front of the glass layer 5413, and the glass layer ( It may be composed of a bezel printing layer 5415 formed on the back of 5413).

In detail, the glass layer 5413 is formed of a glass material capable of transmitting and seeing light, and so-called gray glass, which has a slightly 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 printing layer 5417 and the hard coating layer 5418 formed on the glass layer 5413. It can be said that it is.

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 that allows for

The hard coating layer 5418 is formed over the entire front 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 the characteristics of a half mirror. This allows the transmittance and reflectance to increase simultaneously.

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, considering transmittance, reflectance, and color difference, one or two of the three layers may be omitted.

In addition, this hard coating layer 5418 may be formed by Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (APCAVD), which forms a vaporized coating material on the entire surface of the glass layer 5413, and may be in a liquid state. It can be formed by spraying a coating material of.

The hard coating layer 5418 is formed separately on the surface of the glass layer 5413 and has a refractive index different from that of the glass layer 5413. Accordingly, the light incident on the front panel 541 from the outside is partially reflected by the hard coating layer 5418, and the remaining portion is reflected by the glass layer 5413. Accordingly, the front panel 541 can have a mirror-like effect due to the interference effect of reflected light. That is, the front panel 541 can appear like a mirror when viewed from the outside by using the interference effect of light reflected from the boundary surface of media with different refractive indices.

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

The hard coating layer 5418 is formed so that the transmittance of the front panel 541 is approximately 20% to 30%. If the transmittance is less than 20%, the transparency of the front panel 541 is low even when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, making it difficult to identify the space within the refrigerator. In addition, when the transmittance is 30% or more, the space inside the cabinet is illuminated even when the door lighting unit 49 is turned off, and a glass-like surface effect cannot be expected. Therefore, it would be desirable to set the transmittance of the front panel 541 to approximately 20% to 30% to best demonstrate the effect of the half mirror.

The bezel print layer 5415 forms a perimeter around the back of the front panel 541, and the bezel 5411 can be formed by the bezel print layer 5415. The bezel printed layer 5415 is formed so that light does not transmit even when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, and can shield components arranged along the rear circumference of the front panel 541. The bezel printing layer 5415 may be formed using an inorganic printing method.

Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view showing 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 can be attached and fixed to the front panel and are combined with the sub-door liner to form a space in which the insulation material is accommodated, and can insulate the perimeter 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 another side of the sub door 50. Additionally, a first front bent portion 553 and a first rear bent portion 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 spacer 543. Therefore, the temperature outside the sub door 50 can be transmitted to the back of the front panel 541 along the first side frame 55 made of metal, and thus the first front bent portion 553 and Condensation can be prevented on one side of the front panel 541 that is in contact.

In addition, a first heater mounting groove 5531 on 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 the end of the first front bent portion 553 to allow the sub-door heater 502 to be placed adjacent to the gap 543. Accordingly, the sub-door heater 502 may be disposed long in the vertical direction along the first side frame 55. And, due to the nature of the first side frame 55 made of a metal material, the rear surface of the front panel 541 in contact with the first front bent portion 553 is heated to prevent condensation from occurring on the front panel 541. It can be prevented.

The first rear bent portion 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 portion 554 is configured to support the sub-door liner 59, and supports the load transmitted through the sub-door gasket 591 when the sub-door 50 is closed. It can be configured to support.

The second side frame 56 is provided at a position facing the first side frame 55 and may be configured to form another 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. Additionally, a second front bent portion 562 and a second rear bent portion 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 recessed so that the user can insert his/her hand to form a handle 561. The handle 561 may be formed in a shape that is recessed 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 to the front.

Additionally, the second front bent portion 562 forms the handle 561 and may extend from one end of the second side frame 56 to contact the rear surface of the front panel 541. Therefore, the temperature outside the sub door 50 can be transmitted to the back of the front panel 541 along the second side frame 56 made of metal, and thus the second front bent portion 562 and Condensation can be prevented on one side of the front panel 541 that is in contact.

In detail, the second front bent portion 562 is recessed toward the front panel 541 from a point further outward than the front panel 541, and the recessed end is further inward than the outer end of the front panel 541. It can be formed to collapse. In addition, the second front bent portion 562 is located at the rear of the front panel 541 so that the user inserts his hand inside the handle 561 formed by the second front bent portion 562. The sub door 50 can be rotated.

In addition, a second heater mounting groove 5621 on which the sub-door heater 502 is mounted is further formed in the second front bent portion 562. The second heater mounting groove 5621 allows the sub-door heater 502 to be placed adjacent to the gap 543. Accordingly, the sub-door heater 502 may be disposed long in the vertical direction along the second side frame 56. And, due to the nature of the second side frame 56 made of a metal material, it is possible to prevent condensation from forming on the front panel 541 by heating the rear surface of the front panel in contact with the second front bent portion 562. there is.

The portion of the inner surface of the second front bent portion 562 that is in contact with the front panel 541 may be rounded to facilitate the user's grip and easy pulling forward.

Meanwhile, the second rear bent portion 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 portion 563 is configured to support the sub-door liner 59, and supports the load transmitted through the sub-door gasket 591 when the sub-door 50 is closed. It can be configured to support.

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

As shown in the drawing, a recessed upper hinge mounting portion 571 may be formed on 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 portion 571 is formed at the top 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 portion 551 at the top of the first side frame 55 and the upper hinge mounting portion 571 of the upper cap deco 57 may be connected to each other, and thus the upper hinge 51 may be connected to the upper hinge mounting portion 571 of the upper cap deco 57. It can be mounted on a corner of the sub door 50 where the upper hinge mounting portion 571 and the hinge inserting portion 551 are connected. Although not shown, the lower cap deco 58 at the bottom 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 receiving portion 5711 recessed into a shape corresponding to the upper hinge 51 is formed in the upper hinge mounting portion 571. And the hinge receiving portion 5711 is formed with a hinge fixing hole 5712 into which a screw penetrating the upper hinge 51 is fastened.

In addition, a wire guide portion 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 portion 5714 is connected to the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 provided on the sub door 50, and the lower cap deco 58 ) and the second side frame 56 before being guided to the upper cap deco (57). In addition, the wire flows into the wire guide part 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 part 5714. You can. The wire L guided along the wire guide portion 5714 is guided in the direction in which the upper hinge 51 extends, and is guided through the hinge hole of the main door 40 along with one side of the upper hinge 51. It flows into the inside of the main door 40 through 433).

Meanwhile, the upper hinge 51 is fixedly mounted on the upper hinge mounting part 571 with screws, and is rotatably coupled to the door mounting part 511 fixed to the sub door 50 and the main door 40. It may be composed of a rotational coupling portion 512.

In addition, the door mounting part 511 consists of 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. It can be. The horizontal portion 5111 and the vertical portion 5112 are formed perpendicular to each other to maintain the upper hinge 51 fixed to the upper edge of the sub door 50.

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

In addition, a cut portion 5122 is formed in the rotational coupling portion 512 so that the rotational coupling portion 512 is formed in a laterally bent shape. The cutout portion 5122 is formed by recessing inward from one side where the hinge shaft 5121 is formed. Additionally, the rotation coupling portion 512 may be cut roundly in the direction of the rotation radius of the sub door 50 when the sub door 50 is opened and closed. Therefore, when the upper hinge 51 is coupled to the main door 40 and the sub door 50 is rotated to open, the hinge hole 433 is formed inside the cutout 5122. One end of the door frame 43 is inserted.

Additionally, a border 5123 may be formed along the outer edge of the rotary coupling portion 512 to prevent deformation of the rotary coupling portion 512 and reinforce its strength. The edge 5123 may be formed to extend in a direction that perpendicularly intersects the rotary coupling portion 512.

Additionally, a stopper 5124 may be further formed at one end of the rotational coupling portion 512. The stopper 5124 is formed on one side of the rotational coupling portion 512 adjacent to the hinge axis 5121, extends downward, and rotates so that the sub-door 50 is completely opened and the hinge hole ( 433) or interferes with one side of the main door 40 to prevent the sub door 50 from being opened any more.

The hinge cover 53 is formed to shield the opening of the upper hinge mounting portion 571 and at the same time shield the upper hinge 51 from above. The hinge cover 53 is composed of a cap deco shielding portion 531 that shields the upper hinge mounting portion 571 and a hinge shielding portion 532 that shields the rotational coupling portion 512 of the upper hinge 51. You can.

The cap deco shielding portion 531 has a shape corresponding to the upper hinge mounting portion 571, and a plurality of screw holes 5311 are formed so that screws are directly fastened to the upper cap deco 57 or the door. It may be formed so that a screw penetrating the mounting portion 511 can enter and exit.

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

Figure 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 on the upper hinge mounting portion 571 of the upper cap deco 57 and has a structure that is shielded by the hinge cover 53.

In addition, 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 rotational coupling portion 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 can be inserted into the shaft mounting portion 438 of the main door 40. The shaft mounting portion 438 may be fixed to the inside of the main door 40 by a separate member, or may be formed integrally with the door frame 43 constituting the main door 40. The shaft mounting portion 438 forms a space into which the hinge shaft 5121 can be inserted, and is configured to allow the rotation shaft to rotate while inserted into the shaft mounting portion 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 Accordingly, the upper hinge 51 also rotates, and at this time, the side end of the hinge hole 433 is inserted into the cutout portion 5122 of the upper hinge 51 to avoid interference.

Due to this structure of the upper hinge 51, the sub door 50 can be rotatably placed 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 to the inside of the main door 40, so that the upper hinge 51 does not interfere with the sub door 50 when it is closed. Accordingly, the outer surface of the sub door 50 and the inner surface of the opening 403 can be formed very closely, and are stably supported by the upper hinge 51 even when the sub door 50 is rotated. The structure prevents the sub door 50 from sagging or deforming.

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

Figure 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 bending direction is upward. In order to mount the lower hinge 52, the lower hinge mounting portion 581 is recessed in the lower cap deco 58, and the lower hinge 52 is connected to the lower hinge mounting portion 581 and the first side frame. It can be fixedly mounted on the hinge insertion portion 552 of (55). That is, the lower hinge 52 has a structure that is fixedly mounted on the lower edge of the sub door 50.

Meanwhile, the upper hinge 51 and the lower hinge 52 each have a structure that is inserted and fixed by the first side frame 55. Due to the nature of the first side frame 55 being made 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 deforming even in an environment where a load is applied. It must have a fixed structure. In addition, because of this, the space between the sub door 50 and the main door 40 can be designed and maintained very narrow, making the appearance more attractive.

The lower hinge 52 may be composed of a door mounting portion 521 fixed to the lower hinge mounting portion 581 with a screw and a rotary coupling portion 522 rotatably coupled to the main door 40. .

The door mounting part 521 may be composed of 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. there is. Additionally, the rotational coupling portion 522 extends from the end of the horizontal portion 5211 to pass through the hinge hole 433 of the main door 40, and a hinge shaft 5221 is formed at one end of the extension.

The hinge shaft 5221 can be inserted into the shaft mounting portion 439 inside the main door 40, and allows the lower hinge 52 to be rotatably coupled. Additionally, a cutout portion 5222 is formed in the rotary coupling portion 522 so that one end of the hinge hole 433 can be inserted when the sub door 50 rotates. In addition, a stopper 5224 that limits rotation of the sub door 50 may be further formed on the rotational coupling portion 522.

In this way, the sub door 50 can be rotatably mounted on the main door 40 by the upper hinge 51 and lower hinge 52 extending laterally from the top and bottom of one side, and the panel The sub door 50, which is relatively heavy due to the assembly 54, can be stably fixed inside the opening 403.

Figure 30 is an exploded perspective view of the combined structure of the second detection device and the knock detection device of the sub door as seen from the front. And, Figure 31 is an exploded perspective view of the combination structure of the second detection device and the knock detection device 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 bottom of the sub door 50. The second sensing device 81 is used to detect the user's location and checks whether the user is standing in front of the refrigerator 1 to operate the refrigerator 1.

Additionally, 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 at the bottom of the sub door 50, which allows detection for general adults, but is lower than the height of the second detection device 81 for short infants, animals, etc. In the case of other objects, they are not detected.

Additionally, the knock detection device 82 is configured to recognize whether the user has knocked on the front panel 541 of the sub-door 50. A specific operation of the refrigerator 1 can be instructed 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 knocking operation, and through this, the sub-door 50 may become transparent.

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

The specific structures of the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 will be discussed in more detail below.

A lower hinge 52 may be mounted on the lower cap deco 58, which forms the lower surface of the sub door 50, and is located on one side away from the lower hinge 52, that is, the second side frame 56 and A sensing device receiving portion 582 is recessed on one adjacent side.

The sensing device accommodating portion 582 is sized to accommodate the second sensing device 81 and the knock sensing device 82. And, the open lower surface of the sensing device accommodating part 582 can be shielded by the accommodating part cover 583.

A case fixing portion 481 is formed on one side of the accommodating cover 583 to which a screw is fastened to secure the accommodating cover 583 to the lower cap deco 58. And, an inlet cover part 5831 is further formed on the other side of the receiving part cover 583. The inlet cover portion 5831 is formed on the lower cap deco 58 to shield the first inlet 5824 through which the foaming liquid charged for forming the insulation material 501 is injected. In addition, a plurality of hook parts 5832 are formed on the upper surface of the injection hole cover 5831 so that they can be press-fitted into the first injection hole 5824. Therefore, the inlet cover part 5831 is press-fitted into the first inlet 5824, the case fixing part 481 is screwed and fixed to the lower cap deco 58, and the receiving part cover 583 The entire unit is fixedly mounted on the lower cap deco (58).

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

And, a PCB mounting portion 5833 is further formed on the upper surface of the receiving portion cover 583. The PCB mounting unit 5833 is equipped with a detection device PCB 83 for signal processing of the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82. The sensing device PCB 83 is connected to the second sensing device 81 and/or the knock sensing device 82 and may be mounted on the PCB mounting portion 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 adjacent to and is configured to process signals.

If the PCB that processes the signal is located at a long distance, there is a problem that noise generated when the detected signal moves through the signal line to be processed may increase. However, by arranging the detection device PCB 83 together at the location where the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 are mounted, the main control unit 2 receives only whether or not a valid knock on signal is input. Through this, the noise effect caused by the signal line between the main control unit 2 and the sensing device PCB 83 can be minimized. That is, the main control unit 2 receives a signal with minimized noise through the sensing device PCB 83. Therefore, 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, which controls the overall operation of the refrigerator, basically receives signals in V units. am. Therefore, due to the difference in scale of these physical signals, it is not desirable for the main control unit 2 to determine whether it is a normal knock-on signal.

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

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

Meanwhile, a second inlet 584 through which foaming liquid is injected is further formed on one side of the lower cap deco 58 adjacent to the lower hinge 52, and the second inlet 584 is a separate inlet cover ( 5841) can be shielded. Additionally, a plurality of hook portions 5842 are formed on the upper surface of the inlet cover 5841 so that the inlet cover 5841 can be press-fitted into the second inlet cover 584.

On the bottom of the detection device receiving portion 582, there is a first boss 5821 to which a screw for fixing the second detection device 81 is fastened, and a second boss for fixing the knock detection device 82. (5822) is formed, respectively.

Also, a wire hole 5823 is formed on one surface of the sensing device receiving portion 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. .

Meanwhile, the front of the detection device accommodating portion 582 in contact with the front panel 541 has an opening so that the second detection device 81 and the knock detection device 82 can be in close contact with the front panel 541. Penetrating portions 5823 may be formed, respectively.

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

Looking at the structure of the knock detection device 82 in detail with reference to the drawings, the knock detection device 82 includes a microphone module 821 that detects a knock-on signal, and a device in which the microphone module 821 is accommodated. A holder 823 and an elastic member 824 that presses and adheres the holder 823 and the microphone module 821 toward the front panel 541, and a support that supports the elastic member 824 and the holder 823. It may be configured to include a member 825.

The microphone module 821 includes a microphone 8211 that directly senses sound waves and a microphone accommodating portion 8212 that accommodates the microphone 8211. The microphone 8211 directly senses sound waves, is formed in a circular shape with 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 that receives sound waves, and the sound wave receiving unit 8213 is disposed to face the opening 8214 of the microphone receiving unit 8212. Additionally, a signal line 8216 is connected to the other side of the microphone 8211, and the signal line 8216 can be connected to the sensing device PCB 83.

The microphone receiving portion 8212 is made of an elastic material such as rubber and is formed to be in close contact with the front panel 541. For this purpose, an opening 8214 is formed on one side of the microphone accommodating part 8212 adjacent to the microphone 8211 mounted inside the microphone accommodating part 8212, and a circular protrusion is formed around the opening 8214 ( 8215) can be formed. In addition, the protrusion 8215 is not tilted in one direction when the microphone receiving portion 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. Make sure to maintain the status quo.

A predetermined sealed space may be formed between the sound wave receiving unit 8213 and the opening 8214 that is in close contact with the protrusion 8215. Therefore, the front of the close contact space is sealed by a medium, that is, the front panel 541. Accordingly, the vibration transmitted through the inside of the medium causes the air within the predetermined space to vibrate, and sound waves caused by this vibration can be received by the microphone 8211.

Due to this sealing, it is possible to minimize external noise or vibration from entering the predetermined space. This can significantly reduce knock-on judgment errors and malfunctions due to external noise, and ensures a very accurate knock-on recognition rate. In other words, when a knock on input is applied, the accuracy of judging it as a knock on can be dramatically increased.

The holder 823 accommodates the microphone module 821, and a module seating portion 8231 that opens toward the front panel 541 may be formed. When the microphone module 821 is seated on the module seating portion 8231, at least the protrusion 8215 may be formed to protrude further than the front surface of the holder 823.

Additionally, a holder slot 8232 is formed in the holder 823 through which the signal line connected to the microphone 8211 enters and exits. The holder slot 8232 is formed to be open on one side of the module seating portion 8231.

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

And, holder coupling portions 8234 are formed on both sides of the holder 823 in a hook shape and coupled to the support member 825. The holder 823 is coupled to the support member 825 by the holder coupling portion 8234 so that it cannot be removed. And, due to the hook shape of the holder coupling portion 8234, the movement of the holder 823 in the direction in which it is inserted into the support member 825 is not restricted.

The support member 825 is formed to have an open front surface, and the holder 823 is formed to be inserted through the opened front surface. In addition, a second elastic member fixing portion 8251 may be formed inside the holder 823 to protrude so that the elastic member 824 is fixedly mounted. The second elastic member fixing part 8251 is located 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 can stably press the holder 823 toward the front panel 541. do.

The microphone module 821 is maintained in close contact with the front panel 541 by the elastic member 824, and in particular, shock generated when opening and closing the main door 40 and the sub door 50 Alternatively, the microphone module 821 can always remain in close contact with the front panel 541 without changing its position due to inertia when the main door 40 and the sub door 50 rotate.

A support member slot 8252 may be formed on 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, the signal line passing through the holder slot 8232 may pass through the support member slot 8252 and be connected to the sensing device PCB 83.

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

Meanwhile, the knock detection device 82 is mounted in the bezel 5411 area of the front panel 541, and therefore, the knock detection device 82 does not appear to the outside when viewed from the outside of the front panel 541. It won't happen.

The knock detection device 82 is located at the edge of the front panel 541, but the effective input portion of the user's knock operation is not limited to this. Due to the nature of the microphone (8211), which detects sound waves caused by vibration rather than the vibration itself, in an environment where the microphone is in close contact with the medium, no matter where the knock is performed, the sound waves are transmitted through the same continuous medium and can be effectively detected. Accordingly, the knock detection device 82 can be placed at one end to maximize the placement of electric wires and the visible area of the sub-door 50. At the same time, no matter which point the user knocks on the front panel 541, detection is possible through the microphone 8211 attached to the same medium.

In detail, the area where the user applies the knock input may be any area defined by the front 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.

Therefore, the knock detection device 82 is preferably located in the bezel 5411 area of the front panel 541. In particular, locating it at the bottom rather than the left and right sides of the front panel 541 can be a way to minimize the bezel on the left and right sides and top of the front panel 541. Due to the shape of the bezel 5411, the see-through area can be expanded and is located at the bottom where the user's gaze is relatively less visible, making the see-through area appear wider to the user.

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

Meanwhile, in addition to the knocking operation, there may be many environmental factors that apply vibration to the front of the front panel 541. The front of the sub-door 50 may vibrate due to shock caused by opening and closing the main door 40 and the sub-door 50, strong external noise, etc., and input from this external environment may be judged as a knock signal. There is also room.

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

For example, if the user knocks on the front of the sub-door 50 twice within a predetermined time, it can 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 and second knocks is less than about 600 ms. That is, considering that 1 second (s) is 1000 ms, the occurrence of the first and second knocks with an interval of less than 1 second can be judged as a normal knock input.

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

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

Conversely, this means that the recognition of abnormal inputs as knock inputs can be significantly reduced.

Figure 35 is an exploded perspective view showing the combined structure of the second sensing device. And, Figure 36 is a partial perspective view showing the second detection device installed.

As shown in the drawing, the second detection device 81 is located inside the detection device accommodation portion 582 and may be located on the side of the knock detection device 82.

The second sensing device 81 is a device for detecting the user's proximity, and a Position Sensing Device (PSD) may be used. That is, the second sensing device 81 is composed of a light emitting unit 811 and a light receiving unit 812. The light emitting unit 811 emits infrared rays and the angle of the reflected light is measured by the light receiving unit 812 to determine the user's location. It is configured to recognize. The proximity distance detectable by the PSD can be set, and the second detection device 81 sets the detectable distance to 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. It is recognized as being located in front of the refrigerator 1.

The mounting location of the second detection device 81 corresponds to the bottom of the sub-door 50, which is located above, similar to the knock detection device 82, and this location corresponds to a height of approximately 1 m above the ground. Therefore, it is possible to prevent short infants or other low-height objects from being detected.

A pressing member 813 may be further provided behind the second sensing device 81. The pressing member 813 not only fixes the second sensing device 81 to the sensing device receiving portion 582, but also pressurizes the second sensing device 81 to be in close contact with the front panel 541. It is structured so that it can be done.

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

In addition, an elastic part 8132 is formed between the detection device fixing parts 8131 and protrudes roundly to the rear. The elastic part 8132 can be elastically deformed by pressure, and the end of the elastic part 8132 that protrudes when the second sensing device 81 is mounted is on the wall of the sensing device receiving portion 582. It adheres closely to and is elastically deformed. Accordingly, the second sensing device 81 can be brought into close contact with the front panel 541 by the elastic restoring force of the elastic portion 8132. Accordingly, the light emitting unit 811 and the light receiving unit 812 of the second sensing device 81 can be completely adhered to the back of the front panel 541.

At this time, the front of the second sensing device 81 passes through the through portion 5823 on the front of the sensing device accommodating portion 582, and is located in the area of the transparent portion 5412 formed transparently on the bezel 5411. can be placed.

Therefore, the second sensing device 81 has a structure that is exposed to the outside through the transparent portion 5412, but the second sensing device 81 is formed in black or dark gray and has the half mirror structure on the front surface. It has a color that is the same or similar to that of the panel 541, so that it is not easily visible when viewed from the outside.

That is, while preventing the light irradiated by the second sensing device 81 from being interfered with by the bezel 5411, the second sensing device 81 is prevented from being conspicuously exposed and impairing the appearance when viewed from the outside. I do it.

Meanwhile, a pressing member fixing part 8133 is formed on one side of the pressing member 813. The pressing member fixing part 8133 extends outward 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. .

Figure 37 is a diagram showing the arrangement of wires inside the sub door.

As shown in the drawing, the sub door 50 is connected to the detection device accommodating portion 582 by the accommodating portion 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 receiving portion cover 583, and is connected to the second sensing device 81, the knock sensing device 82, and the sensing device receiving portion 582. The wire (L) is guided to the outside of the sensing device receiving portion 582 through the wire hole 5823.

The outer perimeter of the panel assembly 54 in the sub door 50, that is, the upper cap deco 57, the lower cap deco 58, and the inside of the first side frame 55 and the second side frame 56. In the area, the space where the insulation material 501 is formed is defined.

Therefore, an empty space is formed before injection of the foaming liquid for molding the insulation material 501, and the wire L entering and exiting through the wire hole 5823 of the sensing device receiving portion 582 is connected to the second side frame. It can be guided along the space formed by (56) and the upper cap deco (57).

Then, the wire L enters the upper hinge mounting part 571 through the electric wire hole 5713 of the upper hinge mounting part 571, and the electric wire L can be covered by the hinge cover 53. In addition, 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 guided to the outside during the rotation of the sub door 50. will not be exposed.

Meanwhile, the first injection port 5824 and the second injection port 584 are formed in the lower cap deco 58, and the injection port cover portion 5831 and the injection port cover 5841 are formed on the receiving portion cover 583, respectively. ) can be shielded by.

The first injection port 5824 is located on the side of the sensing device receiving portion 582 and may be formed adjacent to the second side frame 56. The first inlet 5824 is formed as externally as possible, and is formed at a point where at least a portion 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 it may interfere due to the shape of the handle 561 formed on the second side frame 56, so it can be placed as outside as possible.

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

The second injection port 584 is formed on the lower cap deco 58 adjacent to the lower hinge mounting portion 581. The second injection port is positioned to avoid interference with the lower hinge mounting portion 581. At this time, the second injection hole 584 may be formed at a position spaced further laterally than the space between the first side frame 55 and the panel assembly 54.

The width of the space formed between the first side frame 55 and the panel assembly 54 is narrow, so the foaming liquid may overflow when the foaming liquid is directly injected. To solve this problem, a relatively small space is required. After the foaming liquid is initially injected into the wide space formed by the lower cap deco 58 and the panel assembly 54, a space is naturally formed between the first side frame 55 and the panel assembly 54. Allow it to flow into the space.

In this way, the first injection port 5824 and the second injection port 584 have differences in the fluidity of the foaming liquid depending on their positions, and the foaming liquid flows simultaneously from both sides of the first injection port 5824 and the second injection port 584. It is possible to fill the circumference of the sub door 50 with foaming liquid by injecting it.

Figure 38 is a perspective view showing the foaming liquid injection state of the sub door. And, Figure 39 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the vent hole of the sub door.

Referring to the drawing, the foaming liquid is injected into the opened first injection port 5824 and second injection port 584 with the receiving portion cover 583 and the injection port cover 5841 opened.

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

Looking at the flow path of the foaming liquid with reference to FIG. 38, the foaming liquid injected into the first injection port 5824 flows into the second side frame 56 and the panel assembly 54 through the foaming liquid guide portion 585. flows into the space formed by Next, the foaming liquid sequentially flows into the space formed by the upper cap deco 57 and the panel assembly 54.

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

The foam liquid simultaneously injected into the first injection port 5824 and the second injection port 584 meets each other in the upper cap deco 57 area (A) or the first side frame 55 area (B). After the foaming liquid is completely filled in the space 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 in the space formed, and after the filling is completed, the first injection port 5824 and the second injection port 584 are shielded with the receiving portion cover 583 and the injection port 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 the gasket mounting groove 592 where the sub-door gasket 591 formed along the sub-door liner 59 is mounted.

The gasket mounting groove 592 is recessed along the circumference of the sub-door liner 59, and the vent holes 5921 may be formed on the gasket mounting groove 592 at regular intervals. And, after the foaming liquid is completely filled, the sub-door gasket 591 is installed 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 some sections of the entire gasket mounting groove 592. The vent holes 5921 may be formed at regular intervals along the areas A and B where the upper cap deco 57 and the first side frame 55 are disposed, especially the upper cap deco 57. and the first side frame 55 may be formed at regular intervals based on edges where they meet each other.

Therefore, the air inside the sub door 50 can be discharged from an area adjacent to the point where the foaming liquid injected through the first injection hole 5824 and the second injection hole 584 meet, and the foaming liquid can be completely filled. Continuous discharge of air is possible until the

Figure 40 is a perspective view showing the operating state of the projection device of the refrigerator. And, Figure 41 is a cutaway perspective view showing the internal structure of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator.

As shown in the drawing, the freezer compartment 13 can be opened and closed by a pair of freezer compartment doors 30. Additionally, the right-side freezer door 30 (as seen in FIG. 40) of the freezer compartment doors 30 may be equipped with a first detection device 31 and a projection device 32.

The first sensing device 31 and the projection device are preferably disposed on the right freezer door 30 where the sub door 50 is located among the pair of freezer doors 30. Additionally, the first sensing device 31 may be arranged vertically on the same extension line as the second sensing device 81.

The lower part of the freezer door 30 may be formed with an inclined surface 331 that is inclined downward and toward the inside. Additionally, the first sensing device 31 and the projection device 32 may be provided on the inclined surface 331.

The projection device 32 is capable of irradiating light onto the bottom surface in front of the refrigerator 1, and an image P such as a predetermined design or letter can be projected through the projection device. For example, when the projection device 32 is turned on, an image P with letters such as “Door open” may be displayed on the floor in front of the refrigerator 1.

Meanwhile, a first sensing device 31 may be disposed below the projection device 32. The projection device 32 and the first sensing 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 the position, and is provided below the projection device 32 to detect the image (P) projected by the projection device 32. It detects whether there is an object at the location of .

That is, when the user places his or her body, such as the user's feet, on the part of the image P projected by the projection device 32, the first sensing device 31 can detect this. 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 and 20 cm may be used.

The projection device 32 and the first sensing device 31 are mounted on the inclined surface to project an image and detect an object substantially directly in front of the refrigerator 1 or below the inclined surface 331. do. Therefore, it prevents misdetection from occurring due to people or animals simply passing in front of the refrigerator 1, or objects moving for cleaning. That is, the user stands at a point close to the refrigerator 1 for detection by the first sensing device 31, and at this time, the user's feet will be located directly in front of the inclined surface 331 or below the inclined surface 331. so that it can be detected when

Detection by the first detection device 31 obscures at least part of the area of the image P projected by the projection device 32 for a set time, passes through the image area, or otherwise detects the image P projected by the projection device 32. It may include making different gestures that can be recognized in (31).

In addition, by combining the first detection device 31 and the second detection device 81, it is possible to minimize malfunctions by detecting that the user is in a position to operate the refrigerator 1 only when simultaneously detected. For this purpose, the projection device 32 can be operated when the user is detected by the second sensing device 81, and the detection value of the first sensing device 31 It may be possible to make this valid.

In this way, 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, the main door 40 is described as being 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 ) may be opened.

Meanwhile, the freezer door 30 can be rotated by a user holding the freezer handle, and the freezer compartment 13 can be opened and closed by rotating the freezer door 30. In addition, the freezer door hinge 301 that supports the freezer door 30 so that it can rotate may be equipped with an open/close detection device 302, and the open/close detection device 302 determines whether the freezer door 30 is open or not. can be judged.

Then, when the freezer compartment door 30 is opened more than a set angle and the freezer compartment storage member 131 provided inside the freezer door 30 can be withdrawn, the freezer compartment storage member 131 is a storage member extraction device. It can be automatically drawn forward by driving (34).

To this end, the freezer storage member 131 in the shape of a drawer or basket may be supported by a sliding rail 1311 so that it can be taken in and out of the freezer 13. Additionally, the storage member extractor 34 provided inside the freezer 13 may be configured to extract and retract the insertion and insertion rod 341 by driving a motor and a gear assembly.

The pull-out rod 341 may be connected to the freezer compartment storage member 131, and thus the freezer compartment storage member 131 can be automatically withdrawn by driving the storage member extractor 34. At this time, even when a plurality of the freezer compartment storage members 131 are provided, the pull-out rod 341 and the plurality of freezer compartment storage members 131 can all be connected by the connecting member 342, and thus, the plurality of freezer compartment storage members 131 can be connected to each other. The storage member 131 can be withdrawn and retracted at the same time.

Then, the freezer compartment door 30 is rotated to close, and when it is determined that the freezer compartment door 30 has been rotated more than a certain angle before coming into contact with the pulled out freezer storage member 131, the storage member extraction device ( 34) rotates in reverse so that the withdrawing and retracting rod 341 is retracted, and can be slidably retracted into the initial position of the freezer storage member 131.

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

Figure 42 is a block diagram showing the flow of control signals of the refrigerator. And, Figure 43 is a flowchart sequentially showing the operation of the sub door of the refrigerator.

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

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

The main control unit 2 is connected to the display unit 60 and can control the operation of the display unit 60, and can also receive a manipulation 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 extraction device 34 to control the operations of the door opening device 70 and the storage member extraction 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, program upgrades, and usage pattern information of the refrigerator 1, and is a device capable of short-distance communication such as NFC, WIFI, and Bluetooth. It can be configured. And, settings of the communication module 84 can 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 the operation signals generated 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 is connected to the detection device PCB 83, the detection device PCB 83 may be connected to the main control unit 2. Also, the knock detection device 82 and the detection device PCB 83 may be integrated.

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

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

In this state, when the user positions himself in front of the refrigerator 1 to open the main door 40 or sub door 50 of the refrigerator 1, the second detection device 81 detects the user's location. is detected. At this time, if the user is a child rather than an adult, it is not detected due to the nature of the position of the second detection device 81, and if the height of the object being cleaned or moved is lower than the second detection device 81, it is not detected and malfunctions. Make sure it doesn't happen. Meanwhile, detection by the second detection device 81 is not essential and may be selectively set by user manipulation. [S120]

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

In detail, when the user taps the front panel 541, the wave caused by the vibration moves along the front panel 541, which is the same medium, and a sound wave is transmitted from the microphone 8211 in close contact with the front panel 541. You will receive it.

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. The detection device PCB 83 determines the knock using the collected and analyzed signal so as to detect the knock signal. do.

That is, in the case of sound waves generated by noise or impact inside or outside the cavity, there is a difference in their characteristics from the sound waves generated by knocking, and therefore the detection device PCB 83 transmits a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the knock signal. It is determined whether the user knocked.

Of course, a signal similar to a knock signal may be generated in certain situations, an impact similar to a knock may be generated on the front panel 541 due to the user's carelessness or inexperience in operation, and external noise may be similar to the wavelength of the knock signal. It may be perceived as a signal.

In order to prevent misrecognition in such special situations, the sensing device PCB 83 checks whether the knock signal is continuously generated according to a set pattern and determines whether this pattern occurs within a set time.

For example, in order to be detected as a valid knock-on signal, the signal recognized as a knock may be set to occur twice within 1 second. As a result of analyzing the knocking pattern of a typical user, two consecutive knocks are performed and the time interval is less than 1 second. Therefore, if set in this way, not only can misrecognition in special situations be prevented, but the user's knocking operation is accurately recognized. You can do it. Of course, the number of knock signals and the set time to be judged as a valid knock-on signal can be changed in various ways.

If the second detection device 81 does not detect a detection signal or determines 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. It will remain in standby mode without doing so.

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]

Meanwhile, when a valid knock-on signal is detected and a valid signal is transmitted from the detection device PCB 83 to the main control unit 2, the main control unit 2 operates 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 compartment becomes bright, and the light inside the compartment passes through the panel assembly 54. In particular, as it passes through the front panel 541, the front panel 541 becomes transparent, allowing the interior to be seen as shown in FIG. 5.

When the sub door 50 becomes transparent, the user can check the storage space or interior space of the main door 40 and open the sub door 50 or perform necessary work to store food.

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

The main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 that is illuminated remains illuminated for a set time, for example, 10 seconds, so that the user can sufficiently check the condition of the interior. Of course, the display unit 60 can also remain illuminated for a set time.

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

Additionally, while the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, a valid knock on operation signal may be input by the user before a set time has elapsed.

In other words, if the user performs a knock-on operation to check the interior of the interior and no additional work is required, the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 can be turned off before the set time has elapsed. there is.

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

If the knock operation at this time is determined to be 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 output of information. . Of course, the validity determination of the knock operation at this time may be set the same as in [S130], and may be set to a different knock input pattern as needed. [S160]

If 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 cupboard becomes dark and the outside of the cupboard becomes bright. In this state, light from the outside is reflected from the front panel 541, so that the front of the sub door 50 is mirror-like, making it impossible to see through the inside. Accordingly, the sub door 50 maintains an opaque state until a new operation is input. [S170]

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

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

As shown in the drawing, the display unit 60 is provided at the bottom 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 becomes transparent, it turns on together to open the sub door 50 even when the sub door 50 is closed. Through this, information on the display unit 60 can be confirmed.

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

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

The display 61 is a screen that outputs operation information of the refrigerator 1 and can be selectively turned on/off according to the 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, including a communication button 621, a lock button 622, an auto door button 623, an auto drawer button 624, and a constant temperature button for the refrigerator. It may be composed of (625), a freezer constant temperature button (626), an air purification button (627), and a quick freeze button (628). It should be noted that the combination of the operation buttons 62 is an example for convenience of explanation and is not limited thereto.

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

As shown in the figure, the display 61 remains in an off state until the front panel 541 is knocked on. Also, 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 displays the temperature inside the refrigerator and the currently operating function. Alternatively, the second screen 612 may be output.

At this time, the main lighting unit 85 or the door lighting unit 49 turns on and the sub door 50 becomes transparent, so the information on the display 61 is displayed even when the sub door 50 is closed. can be displayed.

Then, when the 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 the sub door 50 becomes opaque and the display 61 cannot be viewed from the outside.

Figure 47 is a diagram showing a change in the state 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 door switch 21 detects the opening of the sub door 50, and the main control unit 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 displays the operation information of the refrigerator 1. Other operation information is displayed. At this time, the information displayed on the first screen 611 and the second screen 612 can be changed through user manipulation.

For example, the first screen 611 can display the temperatures of both the refrigerator compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13 and display the currently operating function. Additionally, the second screen 612 may display information about the temperature of either the refrigerating compartment 12 or the freezing compartment 13 and the functions operating in the storage space.

Meanwhile, 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 control unit 2 detects the display 61. ) is turned off.

Figure 48 is a diagram showing changes in display status when the auto door function of the display unit is set.

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

And, when the auto door button 623 is operated again while the display 61 is displaying the third screen 613 or the fourth screen 614, the third screen 613 and the fourth screen ( 614 can be switched between each other, and the door opening device 70 can also substantially change its state.

That is, if the user does not want to use the door opening device 70, the setting can be made by manipulating the auto door button 623, and in this state, the door opening device 70 is not operated. You won't lose.

Meanwhile, when the state is switched to the third screen 613 and the fourth screen 614 and there is no user operation for more than a set time, the display 61 displays the first screen 611 or the second screen showing the temperature inside the refrigerator. The state is converted to screen 2 (612). Also, 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.

Figure 49 is a diagram showing changes in display status when the auto drawer function of the display unit is set.

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

And, when the auto draw button 624 is operated again while the display 61 is displaying the fifth screen 615 or the sixth screen 616, the fifth screen 615 and the sixth screen are displayed. 616 can be switched between each other, and the storage member extraction device 34 can also substantially change its state.

That is, if the user does not want to use the storage member extraction device 34, the setting can be made by manipulating the auto drawer button 624, and in this state, the storage member extraction device 34 No action occurs.

Meanwhile, when the state is switched to the fifth screen 615 and the sixth screen 616 and there is no user operation for more than a set time, the display 61 displays the first screen 611 or the second screen showing the temperature inside the refrigerator. 2 The state is converted to screen 612. Also, at this time, if the storage member extraction 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.

Figure 50 is a diagram showing changes in display status when the constant temperature function of the display unit is set.

As shown in the drawing, when the sub door 50 is opened and the display 61 is turned on, and the user presses the refrigerator compartment temperature button 625, the main control unit 2 determines the temperature inside the refrigerator. The operation can be controlled to maintain the set temperature, and the seventh screen 617 indicating this is displayed. And, if the refrigerator compartment constant temperature mode is not set, the display 61 displays the eighth screen 618 indicating that the refrigerator compartment constant temperature mode is deactivated.

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

That is, if the user does not want to use the refrigerator compartment constant temperature mode function, it can be set by manipulating the refrigerator compartment constant temperature button 625. In this state, the refrigerator compartment constant temperature mode is not operated.

Meanwhile, when the state is switched to the seventh screen 617 and the eighth screen 618 and there is no user operation for more than a set time, the display 61 displays the first screen 611 or the second screen showing the temperature inside the refrigerator. The state is converted to screen 2 (612). Also, at this time, if the refrigerator compartment constant temperature mode is activated, the refrigerator compartment constant temperature button 625 may be turned on, and if it is deactivated, the refrigerator compartment constant temperature button 625 may be turned off.

Also, when operating the freezer constant temperature button 626, air clean button 627, quick freeze button 628, and communication button 621, only the screen content is different and the status of the display 61 is displayed in the manner described above. is changed in the same way, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Claims (17)

A cabinet with a refrigerator compartment at the top and a freezer compartment at the bottom;
A refrigerating compartment door that opens and closes the refrigerating compartment;
A door switch that detects whether the refrigerating compartment door is open;
a lighting unit that illuminates the refrigerating compartment;
a display unit disposed in the refrigerating compartment, including a display capable of switching from a first screen to a second screen, and a plurality of operation buttons that a user can operate based on information provided on the first screen; and
When the door opening is detected by the door switch,
Supplying power to the lighting unit and supplying power to the display to display the first screen,
A control unit that controls the display to be switched to the second screen when the user operates a selected operation button among the plurality of operation buttons based on first screen information,
The information provided on the first screen includes an operating function and temperature, and the operating function and temperature are displayed together. According to claim 1,
The lighting unit is a refrigerator characterized in that it includes a plurality of main lighting units installed on the ceiling and side walls of the refrigerator. According to claim 1,
Forming a recessed door handle on the lower surface of the refrigerator compartment door,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the display unit is disposed at the lower part of the refrigerating compartment. According to claim 1,
The refrigerating compartment door includes a left door that opens and closes the left side of the refrigerating compartment and a right door that opens and closes the right side of the refrigerating compartment,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the display unit is installed closer to the right door than to the left door. According to claim 1,
The refrigerator door is,
a main door rotatably coupled to the cabinet and having an opening providing access to the refrigerating compartment;
A refrigerator comprising a sub-door that is rotatably coupled to the main door to open and close the opening. According to claim 5,
The lighting unit includes a door lighting unit installed on the main door,
A refrigerator, wherein the display unit is installed in the opening. According to claim 1,
The refrigerating compartment door further includes a panel assembly capable of seeing into the refrigerating compartment,
Through the panel assembly outside the refrigerator,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the information provided on the display can be checked. According to claim 1,
A refrigerator, wherein among the information provided on the first screen, the operating function is displayed as “refrigeration” or “freezing.” According to claim 8,
In the first screen,
A refrigerator characterized in that the temperature of the refrigerator compartment and the temperature of the freezer compartment are displayed together so that the user can distinguish between them. According to claim 1,
On the second screen,
A refrigerator characterized by automatically switching to a third screen that displays the temperature of the refrigerator compartment when a set time has elapsed. According to claim 1,
A refrigerator, characterized in that when a set time elapses while power is supplied to the lighting unit and the display, the power supply to the lighting unit and the display is cut off. According to claim 1,
The display unit is,
A case in which a receiving space is formed,
a display PCB on which the display and the plurality of operation buttons are formed and seated in the receiving space;
A refrigerator comprising a display cover that is partially transparent so that information displayed on the display can be seen through, thereby shielding the front of the display PCB. According to claim 1,
A refrigerator, wherein activation or deactivation of a specific function is selected by operating one or more operation buttons among a plurality of operation buttons in the second screen state. According to claim 13,
If the setting of the function in operation is canceled through one or more operation buttons in the second screen state,
A refrigerator characterized by switching to a fourth screen that displays the name of the function in operation as well as the inactive state. According to claim 10,
A refrigerator characterized in that the power supplied to the display is cut off when the third screen displays the temperature of the refrigerator compartment. According to claim 1,
A refrigerator, wherein the lighting unit can be turned on/off by user manipulation. According to claim 1,
When the door opening is detected by the door switch,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the first screen is displayed by supplying power to the lighting unit and simultaneously supplying power to the display.

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