KR20220128602A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator includes: a cabinet having a storage space; and a door for opening and closing the cabinet. A panel assembly mounted on the door includes: a front panel formed of a transparent material, and forming the front surface of a door the front side; a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel; and an outer spacer positioned between the front panel and the rear panel and being in contact with the rear panel; a light guide plate disposed behind the front panel; and a display light for radiating light to the light guide plate. The display light is mounted on the inner surface of the outer spacer, and the outer spacer is formed of a metal material capable of transferring heat.

Description

refrigerator { Refrigerator }

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND ART In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that can store food at a low temperature in an internal storage space that is shielded by a door. To this end, the refrigerator is configured to store the stored food in an optimal state 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 multifunctional in accordance with changes in dietary habits and the trend of high-end products. .

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

In general, there is a problem in that the refrigerator cannot check the food inside unless the door is opened. That is, the door must be opened in order to check whether the desired food is stored in the space in the refrigerator or in a separate storage space provided in the door. In addition, if the storage location of the food is not accurately known, the opening time of the door may be increased or the number of times may be increased, and there is a problem in that unnecessary leakage of cold air may occur.

In recent years, in order to solve this problem, refrigerators have been developed in which a part of the door of the refrigerator is made transparent or the interior of the refrigerator is visible.

An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which a transparent panel assembly is mounted on a door.

An embodiment of the present invention aims to form an outer spacer on which a display light is mounted to a heat transferable metal material.

An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which a transparent panel assembly can be easily mounted.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigerator including a cabinet having a storage space and a door opening and closing the storage space, wherein the panel assembly mounted on the door is formed of a transparent material to form a front surface of the door. front panel; a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel; an outer spacer positioned between the front panel and the rear panel and in contact with the rear panel; a light guide plate disposed behind the front panel; and a display light irradiating light to the light guide plate, wherein the display light is mounted on an inner surface of the outer spacer, and the outer spacer is formed of a heat transferable metal material.

The outer spacer may include a portion extending in one direction to which the display light is mounted, and a portion bent at an end of the portion on which the display light is mounted to contact the front panel.

The outer spacer may include one surface extending parallel to the light guide plate and another surface extending in a direction crossing the light guide plate, and the display light may be disposed at a corner where the one surface and the other surface meet.

The outer spacer may have a front end in contact with a rear surface of the front panel and a rear end in contact with a front surface of the rear panel.

A heater mounting part protruding from an outer surface of the outer spacer and to which a heater is mounted may be formed.

The door may include an outer plate made of a metal material forming a front exterior, and a plate opening in which the panel assembly is mounted may be formed in the outer plate.

A support frame may be provided outside the outer spacer, and the support frame may include the out plate and a support frame that supports the front panel and is coupled to the outer spacer.

A spacer protrusion may be formed on an outer surface of the outer spacer, and a coupling member penetrating the support frame may be coupled to the spacer protrusion so that the panel assembly may be fixedly mounted.

The spacer protrusion may protrude at the same height as the rear panel, and a sealant may be filled between the spacer protrusion and the front panel and the rear panel.

The rear panel may have a smaller size than the front panel, and the support frame may support a protruding circumference of the front panel.

In another aspect, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an outer plate forming a part of an exterior of a door; a door liner coupled to the outer plate and having a liner opening; a panel assembly having one side coupled to the out plate and the other side coupled to the door liner, respectively; a support frame surrounding at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the panel assembly; and an insulating material filled in a space formed by the outer plate, the door liner, and the support frame, wherein the panel assembly includes: a front panel formed of a transparent material to form a front surface of the door; a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel and formed of a transparent material to shield the liner opening; and an outer spacer positioned between the front panel and the rear panel to form a space between the front panel and the rear panel, wherein the support frame includes a plate support part having a flat section facing the front of the door. However, the plate support is characterized in that a plurality of irregularities are formed and the adhesive member is covered.

A plate opening may be formed in the out plate, and a front surface of the panel assembly may be coupled to shield the plate opening.

The support frame may be formed along the circumference of the plate opening.

The plate support part may be coupled to support a rear surface of the out plate.

The support frame may further include a frame coupling part coupled to an outer surface of the outer spacer.

The frame coupling part may extend in a direction crossing the plate support part.

A frame opening may be formed in the center of the support frame, and the frame opening may be formed to be smaller than the size of the front panel and larger than the rear panel.

The panel assembly may be supported by the support frame in a mounted state, and the rear panel may pass through the frame opening and be seated on the door liner.

The support frame may support a rear surface of the front panel.

At least one intermediate panel may be further provided between the front panel and the rear panel, and a plurality of spacers may be provided on the front and rear surfaces of the intermediate panel to maintain a distance from the front panel and the rear panel.

In another aspect, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet having a storage space and a door for opening and closing the storage space, wherein the door includes an outer plate made of a metal and a panel assembly mounted on the door. and the panel assembly includes: a front panel made of a transparent material to form a front surface of the door; a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel; an outer spacer formed of a metal material, positioned between the front panel and the rear panel, and connected to the out plate; a display light mounted on an inner surface of the outer spacer; and a light guide plate for guiding the light emitted from the display light toward the front panel, wherein heat generated from the display light passes through the outer spacer and is transmitted to the outer plate.

The outer spacer may connect between the front panel and the rear panel.

The outer spacer may extend to provide a surface on which the display light is mounted, and one end of the outer spacer may be bent to support the light guide plate.

The door may include a support frame connecting the out plate and the panel assembly, and the support frame may be disposed along a circumference of the panel assembly.

A spacer protrusion may be formed on an outer surface of the outer spacer, and a coupling member penetrating the support frame may be coupled to the spacer protrusion so that the panel assembly may be fixedly mounted.

A sealant may be filled between the spacer protrusion and the rear panel and the front panel, and the sealant may be filled at the same height as the spacer protrusion and the rear panel.

The front panel may be formed to be larger than the rear panel, and may protrude more outward than a surface filled with the sealant.

A heater mounting portion protruding from an outer surface of the outer spacer to which a heater is mounted may be formed, and the heater mounting portion may protrude at the same height as the spacer protrusion.

At least a portion of the out plate may be in contact with the panel assembly.

A plate opening may be formed in the out plate, and the panel assembly may shield the plate opening.

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

In the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the inside of the refrigerator can be selectively visualized by selectively changing the transparent opaque part of the see-through part of the panel assembly.

In the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the outer spacer provided in the panel assembly is made of a metal material to transfer heat, and the panel can be heated through the metal material outer spacer.

In particular, the outer spacer has a predetermined thickness and comes in contact with the front panel, so that it is possible to heat a larger area than when the heater comes into contact with the front panel, thereby more effectively preventing dew condensation.

In the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, there is an advantage that the panel assembly can be securely mounted to the door by the support frame.

1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator.
3 is a perspective view showing an open sub-door of the refrigerator.
4 is a perspective view showing an open main door of the refrigerator.
5 is a perspective view of the sub-door viewed from the front.
6 is a perspective view of the sub-door viewed from the rear.
7 is an exploded perspective view of the sub-door.
8 is a perspective view of a transparent panel assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
9 is an exploded perspective view of the transparent panel assembly.
10 is a cross-sectional view of the transparent panel assembly.
11 is a partial perspective view illustrating an arrangement state of a display cable of the transparent panel assembly.
12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a sealant is applied to both ends of the transparent panel assembly.
13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a sealant is applied to upper and lower ends of the transparent panel assembly.
14 is a view illustrating a process of applying a sealant to the transparent panel assembly.
15 is a perspective view of the support frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front.
16 is a perspective view of the support frame viewed from the rear.
17 is a view showing a coupled state of part A of FIG. 16 .
18 is a cross-sectional view 18-18' of FIG. 17 .
19 is a partial perspective view of a side frame constituting the support frame.
20 is a partial perspective view of a lower frame constituting the support frame.
21 is a cut-away perspective view in which the out plate and the support frame are combined according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
22 is an exploded cut-away perspective view showing the coupling structure of the out plate and the support frame.
23 is a perspective view taken 23-23' of FIG. 5;
24 is a cross-sectional view 24-24' of FIG. 5 .
25 is a cross-sectional view of the main door and the sub door.
FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 25 .
27 is an enlarged view of part C of FIG. 35 .
28 is a longitudinal sectional view of the main door and the sub door.
29 is an enlarged view of part D of FIG. 28 .
30 is an enlarged view of part E of FIG. 28 .
31 is a view illustrating a state in which the inside of the cabinet can be seen through the transparent panel assembly.
32 is a view illustrating a state in which a screen is output through the transparent panel assembly.
33 is a cross-sectional view of a door according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
34 is a cross-sectional view of a door according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
35 is a cross-sectional view of a door according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
36 is a cross-sectional view of a door according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
37 is a cross-sectional view of a door according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
38 is a cross-sectional view of a door according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
39 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
40 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
41 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

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

1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator.

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

The interior of the cabinet 10 may be partitioned up and down by a barrier (11 in FIG. 4 ), a refrigerating compartment 12 may be formed at an upper portion of the cabinet 10 , and a freezing compartment at a lower portion of the cabinet 10 . (13) can be formed.

In addition, a control unit 14 for controlling the overall operation of the refrigerator 10 may be formed on the upper surface of the cabinet 10 . The control unit 14 may be configured to control not only the cooling operation of the refrigerator 10 , but also electronic components for the selective viewing of the see-through unit 21 and the output of the screen.

The door may include a refrigerator compartment door 20 and a freezer compartment door 30 . The refrigerating compartment door 20 may be configured to open and close the opened front of the refrigerating compartment 12 by rotating, and the freezing compartment door 30 may be configured to open and close the opened front of the freezing compartment 13 by rotating.

In addition, the refrigerating compartment door 20 may be provided with a pair of left and right so that the refrigerating compartment 12 is shielded by the pair of doors. In addition, the freezer compartment door 30 may be provided with a pair of left and right so as to open and close the freezing compartment 13 by the pair of doors. Of course, the freezer compartment door 30 may be configured to be withdrawable in a drawer type, if necessary, and may be configured as one or more.

On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator to which a pair of doors is rotated to open and close one space in a bottom-freeze type refrigerator in which the freezing compartment 13 is provided below is described as an example of a refrigerator to which a French type door is applied. , the present invention may be applied to any type of refrigerator provided with a door regardless of the shape of the refrigerator.

In addition, recessed handle grooves 201 and 301 may be formed at the lower end of the refrigerating compartment door 20 and the upper end of the freezing compartment door 30 . A user can open and close the refrigerator compartment door 20 or the freezer compartment door 30 by putting a user's hand into the handle grooves 201 and 301 .

On the other hand, at least one side of the door may be formed so as to be able to see through the inside of the refrigerator. The refrigerating compartment door 20 may be provided with a see-through portion 21 that is an area through which a storage space and/or a space inside the refrigerator can be seen through the rear surface of the door. The see-through part 21 may constitute at least a portion of the front surface of the refrigerator compartment door 20 . The see-through part 21 may be selectively transparent or opaque according to a user's manipulation, and through the see-through part 21, it is possible to accurately identify the food stored in the refrigerator.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, the see-through part 21 is formed on the refrigerator compartment door 20 as an example. ) may be provided in various other types of refrigerator doors, including.

3 is a perspective view showing an open sub-door of the refrigerator. And, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the refrigerator in which the main door is opened.

As shown in the drawing, the right side (as seen in FIG. 3 ) of the refrigerating compartment door 20 among the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 20 may be configured to be double-opened. In detail, the refrigerating compartment door 20 located on the right side includes a main door 40 for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment 12 , and an opening formed in the main door 40 rotatably disposed on the main door 40 . 41) may be configured as a sub-door 50 that opens and closes.

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

In addition, the main door 40 is formed with an opening 41 having a predetermined size. A door basket 431 may be mounted on the rear surface of the main door 40 including the inside of the opening 41 . In this case, the size of the opening 41 may be formed to occupy most of the front surface of the main door 40 except for a portion of the circumference of the main door 40 .

In addition, a main gasket 45 is provided around the rear surface of the main door 40 to prevent cold air from leaking in the interior space of the cabinet 10 when the main door 40 is opened and closed.

The sub door 50 is rotatably mounted on the front surface of the main door 40 to open and close the opening 41 . Accordingly, the opening 41 may be exposed through the opening of the sub-door 50 .

The size of the sub door 50 may be the same as the size of the main door 40 to shield the entire front surface of the main door 40 . In addition, when the sub-door 50 is closed, the main door 40 and the sub-door 50 are coupled to each other, so that the size and shape of the refrigerator compartment door 20 formed on the left side may be the same. . In addition, a sub gasket 503 is provided on the rear surface of the sub door 50 to seal between the main door 40 and the sub door 50 .

In the center of the sub-door 50, a transparent panel assembly 60 capable of selectively viewing the inside and outputting a screen is provided. Accordingly, even when the sub-door 50 is closed, the inside of the opening 41 can be selectively seen through, and it is also possible to output an image. The see-through part 21 may be defined as a portion in which the inner side of the cabinet is visible on the sub-door 50 , and may be referred to as a visualization area. Also, the see-through portion 21 may not necessarily coincide with the entire transparent panel assembly 60 .

The transparent panel assembly 60 may be configured to selectively change a transparent or opaque state according to a user's manipulation. Therefore, it becomes transparent only in a state desired by the user to visualize the inside of the chamber, and it is possible to maintain an opaque state in the other state. Also, it may be possible to output a screen while the transparent panel assembly 60 is transparent or opaque.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the transparent panel assembly 60 is configured to shield the open portion of the sub-door 50, but according to the shape of the door, it is one like the door 20 on the right side of the refrigerating compartment 12. Even when it is configured as a door of a , an opening is formed in the door 20 and may be mounted to shield the opening of the door 20 . That is, it should be noted that the transparent panel assembly 60 can be applied to any type of door in which an opening passing through the door is formed, regardless of the shape of the refrigerator and the shape of the door.

The sub-door 50 is provided with a sub-upper hinge 501 and a sub-lower hinge 502 at upper and lower ends, respectively, and may be rotatably mounted on the front surface of the main door 40 . An opening device 59 may be provided in the sub door 50 , and a locking unit 42 may be provided in the main door 40 corresponding to the opening device 59 . Accordingly, the sub-door 50 can maintain a closed state by the combination of the opening device 59 and the locking unit 42 , and the opening device 59 and the opening device 59 and When the restraint of the locking unit 42 is released, the sub-door 50 may be opened based on the main door 40 .

A damping device ( 504 in FIG. 6 ) may be provided at the lower end of the sub door 50 . The damping device 504 is configured to reduce an impact when the heavy sub-door 50 is closed by the transparent panel assembly 60 so as to be adjacent to the sub-lower hinge 502 . ) can be located at the bottom and side edge corners.

Meanwhile, a storage case 43 may be provided on the rear surface of the main door 40 . A plurality of door baskets 431 may be disposed in the storage case 43 , and a case door 432 may be provided in the storage case 43 .

5 is a perspective view of the sub-door viewed from the front. 6 is a perspective view of the sub-door viewed from the rear. And, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the sub-door.

As shown in the drawing, the sub-door 50 includes an outer plate 51 forming an exterior, a door liner 56 spaced apart from the outer plate 51, and the outer plate 51 and the door liner ( 56) may include a transparent panel assembly 60 mounted in the opening, and an upper cap deco 54 and a lower cap deco 55 forming the upper and lower surfaces of the sub-door 50, and The appearance can be formed by bonding.

The outer plate 51 forms a part of the front exterior and circumferential surface of the sub-door 50 and may be formed of a plate-shaped stainless material. The outer plate 51 may be configured to form a part of the exterior including the front surface of the sub-door 50 . In addition, the outer plate 51 may be formed of the same material as the front surfaces of the refrigerating compartment door 20 and the freezing compartment door 30 . The front surface of the out plate 51 may be subjected to various surface treatments such as fingerprint coating, hairline, coating or film attachment to implement a color or pattern.

The out plate 51 may include a front portion 512 that forms the exterior of the front surface, and a side portion 513 that forms the exterior of the side exposed to the outside. In addition, the plate opening 511 may be formed in the center of the front part 512 , and the plate opening 511 may be formed to be shielded by the transparent panel assembly 60 . In addition, the inside of the plate opening 511 may be referred to as the see-through part 21 because the inside of the refrigerator can be viewed through the transparent panel assembly 60 that shields the plate opening 511 .

The front part 512 may be formed to have a curvature such that it becomes lower toward the outside from the center side of the refrigerator 1 as a whole. The front part 512 may be formed to have a round shape corresponding to the front surface of the refrigerator compartment door 20 adjacent thereto, and the front exterior of the refrigerator 1 may be viewed three-dimensionally as a whole.

In addition, a plate bending portion 514 bent backward may be formed on a circumferential surface of the plate opening 511 . The plate bent portion 514 is formed along the circumference of the plate opening 511 , and may extend by a predetermined length so as to be inserted into and fixed to the support frame 70 , which will be described in detail below. Accordingly, the plate opening 511 may be defined by the plate bending portion 514 .

The side portions 513 bent backward may be formed at both ends of the front portion 512 . The side part 513 may form the exterior of the side surface of the sub-door 50 . In addition, an end of the side part 513 may also be bent inwardly to be coupled to the door liner 56 . In addition, the upper end and lower end of the front portion 512 may also be bent inwardly to be coupled to the upper cap deco 54 and the lower cap deco 55 .

Meanwhile, the upper and lower ends of the out plate 51 may also be bent, and may be combined with the upper cap deco 54 and the lower cap deco 55 . Accordingly, the outer plate 51 may form the exterior of the sub door 50 by combining the door liner 56 with the upper cap decor 54 and the lower cap decor 55 .

The door liner 56 forms a rear surface of the sub door 50 , and a liner opening 561 is formed in an area where the transparent panel assembly 60 is disposed. In addition, a sub gasket 503 for sealing the space between the sub door 50 and the main door 40 may be mounted on the rear surface of the door liner 56 .

In addition, door lights 57 may be provided on both sides of the liner opening 561 . The door light 57 is configured to illuminate the rear side of the sub-door 50 and the rear side of the transparent panel assembly 60 . The door light 57 may be referred to as a lighting member, and the lighting member may include, as well as the door light 57, other lights provided inside the storage space to illuminate the interior of the refrigerator.

Therefore, it is possible to illuminate the inner space of the storage case 43 by the door light 57 , and at the same time serve as an auxiliary backlight of the transparent panel assembly 60 to output the screen of the transparent panel assembly 60 . You can also make the screen clearer. When the door light 57 is turned on, the inside of the storage case 43 is brightened, and thus the inside of the box is brighter than the outside of the box, so that the space behind the sub door 50 through the transparent panel assembly 60 is visualization is possible.

The door lights 57 may be disposed in opposite directions from both sides of the transparent panel assembly 60 . The mounting position of the door light 57 may be variously arranged if it can have sufficient brightness at the rear of the sub door 50 .

In addition, the opening device 59 may be mounted on the door liner 56 . The opening device 59 includes an operation member 591 exposed to the lower end of the sub-door 50 , a rod 592 extending from the operation member 591 , and a locking member 593 protruding from the rear surface of the door liner 56 . ) may be included. The rod 592 moves the locking member 593 by the user's manipulation of the operating member 591 so that the sub-door 50 is selectively restrained by the main door 40, Opening and closing of the door 50 can be operated.

The upper cap deco 54 forms the upper surface of the sub door 50 and is coupled to the top of the outer plate 51 and the door liner 56 . The upper surface of the upper cap decor 54 is opened to form a decor opening 542 that communicates with the space above the transparent panel assembly 60 , and is shielded by the decor cover 543 . In addition, a PCB mounting part 543a is formed on the decoration cover 543 , so that PCBs 602 , 603 , and 604 for operation of electric components inside the transparent panel assembly 60 and the sub-door 50 may be mounted. The PCBs 602 , 603 , and 604 may be configured in the form of at least one module, and may be provided in a closed space above the sub-door 50 .

At this time, the space above the sub-door 50 may be partitioned back and forth by the upper part of the support frame 70, the heat insulating material 531a is disposed in the front space, and the PCBs 602, 603, 604 are disposed in the rear space. can be placed The structure of the upper space of the sub-door 50 may refer to FIG. 29 below.

The lower cap deco 55 forms a lower surface of the sub door 50 and is coupled to the lower end of the outer plate 51 and the door liner 56 .

The transparent panel assembly 60 may be disposed between the outer plate 51 and the door liner 56 . In addition, the transparent panel assembly 60 may be configured to shield the plate opening 511 and the door liner opening 561 . In addition, the transparent panel assembly 60 may be selectively manipulated by a user in any one of transparent, semi-transparent, opaque, and screen output states.

Accordingly, the user can selectively see through the inner space of the sub-door 50 through the transparent panel assembly 60 and view the screen output through the transparent panel assembly 60 .

Of course, the transparent panel assembly 60 may not include a display 62 for screen output, and the transparent panel assembly 60 not provided with the display 62 has a difference in that only a screen is not output. It may have the same external structure as the transparent panel assembly 60 provided with the display 62 , and a structure for fixing and supporting the transparent panel assembly 60 and the surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 . A structure for preventing condensation from occurring may be equally applicable.

A support frame 70 for supporting the transparent panel assembly 60 is mounted around the plate opening 511 of the out plate 51 . The transparent panel assembly 60 may be fixedly mounted to the out plate 51 by the support frame 70 . In particular, the front surface of the out plate 51 and the front surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 are the same. It is arranged on an extension line so that the front surface of the sub-door 50 can have a sense of unity.

A frame opening 701 is formed in the center of the support frame 70, and the frame opening 701 is formed slightly smaller than the size of the plate opening 511 so that the transparent panel assembly 60 can be seated. structure will be provided. In addition, the frame opening 701 may be formed smaller than the front panel 61 and larger than the rear panel 65 . Accordingly, when the transparent panel assembly 60 is mounted, the rear panel 65 may pass sequentially through the plate opening 511 and the frame opening 701 to be seated on the door liner 56 .

In addition, the support frame 70 may have a structure coupled to the out plate 51 , and the ends of the out plate 51 and the transparent panel assembly 60 may be mounted in close contact with each other. Therefore, when the sub-door 50 is viewed from the front, the end of the out plate 51 and the periphery of the transparent panel assembly 60 are in close contact with each other so that the gap between them is hardly visible or in the form of a line. It can be seen that the front appearance is continuous and has a sense of unity.

Meanwhile, a bezel 611 may be formed around the transparent panel assembly 60 to prevent light from being transmitted through and to shield the coupling structure around the transparent panel assembly 60 . The bezel 611 may be made of a black color capable of completely shielding the inside, and may be formed to have a predetermined width. Accordingly, an inner region of the bezel 611 may be defined as the see-through portion 21 . In addition, a portion of the support frame 70 that supports the circumference of the transparent panel assembly 60 may be located in the area of the bezel 611 to be hidden from view from the outside.

Hereinafter, the structure of the transparent panel assembly and the support frame will be described in more detail.

8 is a perspective view of a transparent panel assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the transparent panel assembly. And, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the transparent panel assembly.

As shown in the drawing, the transparent panel assembly 60 may have a size capable of shielding the plate opening 511 and the liner opening 561 from the inside of the sub-door 50 . In addition, the see-through part 21 may be formed so that the space inside the refrigerator can be selectively visualized or a screen can be output.

The transparent panel assembly 60 may include a plurality of panels formed in a plate shape, and each of the panels may be spaced apart from each other by at least one spacer at regular intervals. The transparent panel assembly 60 may be composed of a front panel 61 and a rear panel 65 forming at least a front surface and a rear surface, and a spacer connecting the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65, It may have a structure in which an additional panel and a spacer are further provided in the inner space formed by the spacer. In addition, a vacuum or a heat insulating gas may be injected into the space formed by the spacer and the panels to provide a heat insulating structure to the inside of the transparent panel assembly.

Looking at the transparent panel assembly 60 in more detail with reference to the drawings, the transparent panel assembly 60 includes a front panel 61 and a rear panel 65 forming front and rear surfaces, and the front panel 61 . ) and the outer spacer 67 connecting between the rear panel 65 may form an outer shape.

A display 62 and a light guide plate 64 may be disposed between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65, and a first spacer for supporting the display 62 and the light guide plate 64 ( 63 may be further provided, and a display light 68 for irradiating light to the light guide plate 64 may be provided.

Looking at this in more detail, the front panel 61 forms the front exterior of the transparent panel assembly 60 and may be formed of a transparent glass material (eg, blue glass). Of course, the front panel 61 may be made of another material that can see through and can be touched.

In addition, a film that selectively transmits light according to the on/off of the light in the cabinet or the light provided in the sub-door 50 may be disposed on the rear surface of the front panel 61 to selectively appear transparent or opaque There will be.

The front panel 61 may be formed to have a size corresponding to the size of the plate opening 511 , and may be formed to be larger than the size of the frame opening 701 . Accordingly, the front panel 61 may be circumferentially supported by the support frame 70 . In addition, in a state in which the transparent panel assembly 60 is mounted, an end of the front panel 61 may be in contact with an end of the plate opening 511 , and between the plate opening 511 and the front panel 61 . This can be done so that no space is formed in the

In detail, the front panel 61 may have a front protrusion 613 protruding further outward than the rear panel 65 . Due to a structural characteristic of being inserted and mounted from the front of the out plate 51 , the front protrusion 613 may protrude more in both the vertical and horizontal directions than the rear panel 65 and the outer spacer 67 . Accordingly, the front panel 61 forming the front surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 may further extend to the outside of the frame opening 701 to be stably supported by the support frame 70 , and the outer spacer The rear panel 65 including the 67 may be inserted into the frame opening 701 .

In addition, the support frame 70 and the outer spacer 67 of the transparent panel assembly 60 may be coupled to each other by a separate coupling structure or a coupling member 78 such as a screw. Accordingly, when the transparent panel assembly 60 is mounted, the front protrusion 613 can be supported by the support frame 70 , and the support frame 70 is coupled to the outer spacer 67 at the same time. The heavy transparent panel assembly 60 can maintain a stable fixed mounting state even when the sub-door 50 is opened and closed.

Meanwhile, a bezel 611 may be formed around the rear surface of the front panel 61 . The bezel 611 may be formed by printing in an opaque color, such as black, so that the outer spacer 67 , the first spacer 63 , and the support frame 70 are not visible from the outside. The bezel 611 may be formed to have a width from the outer end of the front panel 61 to at least the first spacer 63 , and define the see-through part 21 and the outer spacer 67 . and the first spacer 63 and the support frame 70 may be formed to have a width that can be covered.

A touch sensor 612 may be disposed on the rear surface of the front panel 61 . The touch sensor 612 may be formed on the rear surface of the front panel 61 by a printing method, and may be configured to detect a user's touch manipulation of the front panel 61 . Of course, the touch sensor 612 may use various other methods for inputting by touching the front panel 61 , such as a film adhesion method rather than a printing method.

A touch cable 601 connected to the touch sensor 612 may be provided at an upper end of the front panel 61 . The touch cable 601 may be configured as a flexible film-type cable such as a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible print cable or flexible print circuit board (FPC), and a printed circuit is formed on the touch cable 601 . It may be printed to form at least a part of the touch PCB 603 . In addition, the touch cable 601 may be configured to be connected to the touch PCB 603 provided above the sub-door 50 .

The touch cable 601 is connected to the touch sensor 612 and may extend upward. In addition, the touch cable 601 may be configured such that wiring is disposed on a base of a resin material such as a film, and may extend upward along the rear surface of the front panel 61 . The touch cable 601 may be formed to have a thin thickness and a wide width like a sheet, and may be configured to be flexibly bent.

In addition, the touch cable 601 may be of a film type and have a structure in which an end thereof is easily inserted into the connector of the touch PCB 603 when connected to the touch PCB 603 . To this end, the touch cable 601 may be bent multiple times, and an end of the touch cable 601 may be formed to face a connector on the touch PCB 603 . In addition, the touch cable 601 is bent to be disposed along a wall surface of the inner space of the sub-door 50 , so that the space inside the sub-door 50 can be efficiently arranged.

In addition, the touch cable 601 as well as the display cable 605 and the display light cable 606 may be formed to have the same structure. All of the cables 601 , 605 , and 606 formed in a flat cable shape can extend to the upper end of the transparent panel assembly 60 , and can be efficiently disposed on the sub-door 50 , which is thin and wide. there will be In addition, it is possible to provide a simple connection structure with the PCBs 602 , 603 , and 604 disposed above the sub-door 50 .

Meanwhile, the display 62 may be provided on the rear surface of the front panel 61 . The display 62 may be configured as an LCD module on which a screen is output, and may be configured to be transparent so that the screen is transparent when the screen is not output.

A source board 621 may be provided at one end of both left and right sides of the display 62 . The source board 621 is for outputting a screen of the display 62 and may be connected to the display 62 in an assembled state. In addition, the source board 621 may also include a cable structure in the form of a flexible film.

In addition, a width of the source board 621 may be formed to be smaller than a thickness of the transparent panel assembly 60 , and the transparent panel assembly 60 may be bent during assembling. In this case, the source board 621 may be disposed between the outer spacer 67 and the first spacer 63 , and the outer spacer 67 may be perpendicular to the front panel 61 . ) can be in contact with the inner surface of

In addition, a display cable 605 may be connected to the source board 621 , and the display cable 605 may be connected to the T-CON board 602 at an upper portion of the sub-door 50 . .

In detail, when the source board 621 is disposed on the rear surface of the display 62 , there is a possibility that the source board 621 may be exposed to the outside through the see-through part 21 due to the characteristics of the transparent display 62 . In addition, when the source board 621 has a structure that protrudes laterally, there is a problem in that the size of the sub-door 50 increases.

Accordingly, the source board 621 may be formed at the peripheral end of the display 62 and provided between the outer spacer 67 and the first spacer 63 . In addition, the source board 621 may be formed to have a corresponding size so as not to deviate from the area of the outer spacer 67 in a state of being in close contact with the outer spacer 67 .

Meanwhile, the source board 621 may be formed of two upper and lower portions, and may be respectively connected to a pair of display cables 605 . The display cable 605 may have a flexible and flat structure like the touch cable 601 , and may have a freely bendable structure.

The display cable 605 extends along the circumferential surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 , and passes through a sealant 608 forming the circumferential surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 . It may extend outward.

In addition, the display cable 605 may be bent to extend along a circumferential surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 , and may be bent so that an end thereof extends upwardly of the transparent panel assembly 60 . Accordingly, it is possible to be coupled with the Ticon board 602 above the sub door 50 .

Meanwhile, both ends of the display 62 may be supported by the first spacers 63 . The first spacer 63 may be formed in a bar shape extending from the top to the bottom of the display 62 , and may be formed of an aluminum material.

The light guide plate 64 is positioned at the rear of the display 62 , and may be spaced apart from the display 62 by a predetermined distance by the first spacer 63 . In this case, there may be a difference in the sense of depth of the screen output from the display 62 according to the position of the light guide plate 64 .

The light guide plate 64 is for diffusion or scattering of light irradiated from the display light 68 and may be formed of various materials. For example, it may be formed of a polymer material, and a pattern may be formed on the surface or may be formed by attaching a film. The light guide plate 64 is configured to illuminate the display 62 from the rear while the display light 68 is turned on. To this end, the light guide plate 64 may be formed in a plate shape having the same size or slightly larger size than that of the display 62 , and the display light 68 is positioned corresponding to the upper and lower ends of the light guide plate 64 . may be provided.

Of course, when the display 62 is not provided, a separate glass or insulating glass may be disposed instead of the light guide plate 64 .

The rear panel 65 may be disposed behind the light guide plate 64 . The rear panel 65 forms the rear surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 and may be formed to be larger than the size of the light guide plate 64 and smaller than the size of the front panel 61 . In addition, the rear panel 65 may be formed to be larger than the liner opening 561 , and may shield the liner opening 561 .

Meanwhile, a periphery of the rear panel 65 may protrude further outward than the outer spacer 67 to form a rear panel protrusion 651 . The rear panel protrusion 651 may have a protruding portion when the transparent panel assembly 60 is mounted on the door liner 56 and may be filled with a sealant applied to the periphery of the sub-door 50 . space can be formed.

The rear panel 65 may be formed of low-ε glass for thermal insulation. Accordingly, the rear panel 65 may prevent the cold air from being transferred to the outside through the transparent panel assembly 60 .

A pair of second spacers 66 may be provided between the rear panel 65 and the light guide plate 64 . The second spacer 66 may be formed in a rectangular frame shape formed along the circumference of the light guide plate 64 , and is adhered to the light guide plate 64 and the rear panel 65 to form the light guide plate 64 and The rear panel 65 may be spaced apart from each other. In addition, insulating glass 69 may be provided between the pair of second spacers 66 . A multilayer heat insulating layer may be provided between the light guide plate 64 and the rear panel by the insulating glass 69 . Of course, a structure in which the light guide plate 64 and the rear panel 65 are fixed by one of the second spacers 66 without the insulating glass 69 may also be possible, if necessary.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the spacers 63 , 66 , and 67 all have different structures, but are supported so as to maintain a gap between the adjacent panels 61 and 65 or the light guide plate 64 . Various forms such as a form or a form of accommodating a moisture absorbent therein will be possible.

In addition, a heat insulating panel 69 and a light guide plate 64 are provided between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65. In this case, the heat insulation panel 69 and the light guide plate 64 are connected to the front panel 61. A plate-shaped member provided between the rear panel 65 and the rear panel 65 may be provided alone or together, and may be referred to as an intermediate panel. At least one intermediate panel may be provided, and the intermediate panel may not be provided between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 as long as a see-through part that can see through the inside is formed.

The distance between the front panel 61 and the light guide plate 64 is maintained at a fixed distance for the screen output of the display 62 . The distance between the light guide plate 64 and the rear panel 65 may be determined according to the thickness of the sub-door 50 or the entire thickness of the transparent panel assembly 60 . That is, by adjusting the thickness of the second spacer 66 , the total thickness of the transparent panel assembly 60 may be determined and mounted according to the specification of the sub-door 50 .

Meanwhile, the rear panel 65 comes into contact with the door light 57 , and the distance between the display 62 and the door light 57 may be determined according to the position of the rear panel 65 . The space behind the transparent panel assembly 60 may be illuminated by the door light 57 , thereby making it possible to visualize the storage space. In addition, the door light 57 may serve as an auxiliary backlight of the display 62 in a lit state.

A space between the light guide plate 64 and the rear panel 65 may be airtight by the second spacer 66 . Accordingly, the space between the second spacer 66 and the light guide plate 64 may be created in a vacuum state or an insulating gas such as argon may be injected for thermal insulation to further improve thermal insulation performance.

In a state in which the rear panel 65 is attached to the second spacer 66 , an outer end of the rear panel 65 may extend further outward than the second spacer 66 . In addition, the outer spacer 67 is mounted on the outer end of the rear panel 65 so that the rear panel 65 and the front panel 61 can be fixed to each other.

The outer spacer 67 may be formed in a rectangular frame shape, and the outer spacer 67 connects the rear surface of the front panel 61 and the front surface of the rear panel 65 and the transparent panel assembly. A circumferential surface of (60) may be formed.

In detail, the outer spacer 67 forms a periphery of the outer portion of the transparent panel assembly 60 and has a structure in which the front panel 61 is connected to maintain a predetermined interval.

A space between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65, that is, an inner space of the outer spacer, may be completely airtight by the coupling of the outer spacer 67 . In addition, the inside of the outer spacer 67 may be further airtight by the sealant 608 applied around the outer spacer 67 .

The display 62 and the light guide plate 64 may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction inside the space sealed by the outer spacer 67, and a first spacer 63 for maintaining the distance between the light guide plate 64. and a second spacer 66 may also be provided in the inner space of the outer spacer 67 .

Of course, an additional heat insulating panel 69 may be further provided inside the outer spacer 67 or a multi-layered glass structure may be further provided, and all of these configurations are in the space formed by the outer spacer 67 . can be provided.

That is, the overall appearance of the transparent panel assembly 60 is formed by the front panel 61 , the rear panel 65 and the outer spacer 67 , and all other components are inside the outer spacer 67 . can be provided. Accordingly, by sealing only the space between the outer spacer 67 and the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65, the multilayered panel structure can be completely airtight.

In particular, even when a plate-like structure including the light guide plate 64 is further provided inside the outer spacer 67, only the outermost outer spacer 67 is adhered to the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65. When this is done, the airtight structure of the transparent panel assembly 60 can be completed. This airtight structure can maintain a minimum sealing point even in a multi-layer structure by a plurality of panels including the light guide plate 64 .

Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the possibility of external air being introduced into the transparent panel assembly or dew condensation inside due to moisture permeation. In addition, when the inside of the outer spacer 67 is evacuated or gas for insulation is injected, a heat insulation layer can be formed on the entire multi-layer structure inside the transparent panel assembly 60 to further improve insulation performance. may be

As a result, by disposing the transparent panel assembly 60 inside the sub-door 50 to enable viewing and screen output in the refrigerator, the insulation structure can be completed in the multi-layered panel structure with the minimum sealing point. performance can be ensured.

In addition, a space in which the display light 68 can be mounted may be provided on an inner surface of the outer spacer 67 . A display light 68 may be mounted at the upper end and lower end of the outer spacer 67 , respectively, and the light guide plate 64 is disposed between the display light 68 disposed at the upper end and lower end of the outer spacer 67 . can be located.

Accordingly, the light irradiated through the display light 68 may be directed toward the end of the light guide plate 64, and may be moved along the light guide plate 64 so that the light guide plate 64 emits light on the entire surface. .

Meanwhile, the display light 68 positioned at the inner upper end and lower end of the transparent panel assembly 60 may be connected to a display light cable 606 . The display light cable 606 may be formed in a flexible and flat shape like the touch cable 601 and the display cable 605 .

The display light cable 606 may be connected to the display light 68 mounted inside the outer spacer 67 , and may extend outside the transparent panel assembly 60 .

In addition, the display light cable 606 may extend along the circumference of the transparent display 62 so as not to be exposed through the transparent display 62 . In addition, the display light cable 606 may be extended upwardly in a state of being in close contact with the rear panel 65 , and may be bent while being adhered to the rear surface of the rear panel 65 as necessary to form the sub-door. (50) may be connected to the docking PCB 604 above.

At this time, since the display light cable 606 extends in close contact with the circumferential surface of the rear protrusion 651 of the rear panel 65 , when viewed from the outside of the sub-door 50 , the transparent panel assembly 60 is not exposed through

A sealant 608 may be applied around the outer spacer 67 . The sealant 608 may be applied to form a peripheral surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 , and form a peripheral surface between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 .

The sealant 608 seals the transparent panel assembly 60 to prevent air from entering, and may be formed of a polysulfide (also called thiochol) material. Of course, if necessary, it may be formed of other sealant materials such as silicone or urethane that can be in direct contact with the foaming liquid injected to form the insulator 531 .

By the sealant 608, the outer spacer 67, the front panel 61, and the rear panel 65 can be maintained in combination, and at the same time, the connection portions of each component are completely sealed to prevent moisture or moisture from entering. can be prevented. In addition, the sealant 608 is a portion in direct contact with the foaming liquid when the heat insulating material 531 is molded, and may protect the periphery of the transparent panel assembly 60 .

In addition, the sealant 608 allows the cables 601 , 605 , and 606 connected to the touch sensor 612 , the display panel 62 , and the display light 68 inside the transparent panel assembly 60 to enter and exit. That is, the sealant 608 blocks the outer surfaces of the cables 601 , 605 , and 606 when the cables 601 , 605 , and 606 extend outside through the circumferential surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 , so that the cables 601 , 605 , 606 enter and exit the space. Or it can block the ingress of moisture.

In addition, on the circumferential surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 to which the sealant 608 is applied, a spacer protrusion 672 forming a space filled with the sealant 608 and a heater mounting part 673 in which the heater 532 is mounted. ) may be protruded, and the sealant 608 may be filled in a space between the spacer protrusion 672 and the heater mounting unit 673 . A more detailed structure of the spacer protrusion 672 and the heater mounting part 673 will be described again below.

11 is a partial perspective view illustrating an arrangement state of a display cable of the transparent panel assembly.

As shown in the figure, the display cable 605 is connected to the source board 621 and extends upward, and after extending along the periphery of the side surface of the transparent panel assembly 60, the Ticon board 602 and can be connected

The display cable 605 may be connected to the source board 621 inside the transparent panel assembly 60 , and the outer spacer 67 may be connected between the rear panel 65 and the outer spacer 67 . ) can be guided outward.

In detail, a cable connection part 605a may be formed on the display cable 605 . The cable connection part 605a may be introduced into a space between the rear panel 65 and an end of the outer spacer 67 and may be introduced into the transparent panel assembly 60 of the transparent display 62 . It may be connected to the source board 621 in the inner space.

The cable connection part 605a is connected to the outer surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 through a gap between the adhesive member 671 bonding the rear panel 65 and the outer spacer 67 and the sealant 608 . can be guided. Accordingly, the display cable 605 may be guided to the outside by passing through the periphery of the airtight transparent panel assembly 60 .

The adhesive member 671 may also be provided between the front panel 61 and an end of the outer spacer 67 . The adhesive member 671 may be formed thin so that heat generated from the outer spacer 67 can be sufficiently transferred to the front panel 61 . Of course, the outer spacer 67 may be coupled to the front panel 61 by other methods without being attached to the front panel 61 by the adhesive member 671 . In this case, the outer spacer 67 may be directly connected to the front panel 61 . It may have a structure capable of heat transfer in contact.

In such a state, the display cable 605 may extend upwardly in a bent state to come into contact with the outer surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 to which the sealant is applied, and then be bent again to form the Ticon board 602 and can be connected That is, the display cable 605 may be extended to be connected to the Ticon board 602 in a state exposed to the outside of the transparent panel assembly 60 .

The outer surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 may be exposed while the sealant 608 is applied, and the spacer protrusion 672 and the heater mounting part 673 may be exposed between the sealant 608 . It can be configured to Accordingly, the transparent panel assembly 60 may be mounted on the door 50 in an assembled state, and the transparent panel assembly 60 may be mounted on the door 50 while the transparent panel assembly 60 is mounted on the door 50 . It is possible to perform the operation of fixing the heater 532 or connecting the mounted heater 532 .

12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a sealant is applied to both ends of the transparent panel assembly. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a sealant is applied to upper and lower ends of the transparent panel assembly. 14 is a view illustrating a process of applying a sealant to the transparent panel assembly.

As shown in the drawing, the sealant 608 may be applied around the left and right side surfaces and upper and lower surfaces of the transparent panel assembly 60 . The sealant 608 is applied between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 and may be configured to cover the outer side of the outer spacer 67 .

The transparent panel assembly 60 may be mounted on the door 50 while the sealant 608 is applied, and has a structure supported by the support frame 70 . Accordingly, when the sealant 608 does not have a uniform surface, it may be misassembled or defective due to interference with the support frame 70 or other neighboring components when assembling the transparent panel assembly 60 . there is a problem

In particular, when the distance between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 is long, it is not easy to apply the sealant 608 uniformly, and the surface is biased to one side or has irregularities in a local section. may be formed.

In order to prevent this problem, a spacer protrusion 672 and the heater mounting part 673 may be formed on the outer surface of the outer spacer 67 . The spacer protruding part 672 and the heater mounting part 673 may be disposed side by side at a position spaced apart from each other, and may protrude at the same height. In addition, the sealant 608 may be filled to a uniform height in a space between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 , the spacer protrusion 672 , and the heater mounting part 673 .

The spacer protrusion 672 may be positioned at one side of the outer spacer 67 in the width direction, and may be formed at a position close to the front panel 61 . In this case, the spacer protrusion 672 may be positioned between the heater mounting part 673 and the front panel 61 .

In addition, the outer spacer 67 may extend in a longitudinal direction. The spacer protrusion 672 may continuously extend from one end to the other end of the outer spacer 67 , or may be continuously formed along the circumference of the transparent panel assembly 60 . Of course, if necessary, the spacer protrusions 672 having a predetermined length may be arranged at regular intervals.

After the sealant 608 is applied, an outer surface of the spacer protrusion 672 may be exposed as a peripheral surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 . In addition, a plurality of fastening holes 672a may be formed on the exposed outer surface of the spacer protrusion 672 . The coupling hole 672a is a coupling member 78 coupled to the transparent panel assembly 60 to be coupled, and a plurality of coupling holes 672a may be formed along the spacer protrusion 672 . The fastening hole 672a may be disposed along the spacer protrusion 672 and positioned below the outer spacer 67 not interfered with by the cable 605 .

In addition, the heater mounting part 673 may be disposed on one side of the outer spacer 67 in the width direction and may be formed close to the rear panel 65 . That is, the heater mounting part 673 may be positioned between the rear panel 65 and the spacer protrusion 672 . In addition, the heater mounting part 673 may extend in parallel with the spacer protrusion 672 , and may continuously extend from one end of the outer spacer 67 to the other end. In addition, a plurality of the heater mounting parts 673 may be configured to be continuously disposed at regular intervals.

In addition, a heater groove 673a may be formed in an outer surface of the heater mounting part 673 . The heater groove 673a is formed along the heater mounting part 673 and may be formed to have a corresponding size and shape so that the heater 532 can be inserted and mounted from the outside. The heater groove 673a may be formed to have a size in which the heater 532 can be press-fitted and fixed, or may be formed to be fixed by a separate fixing member.

In addition, the heater groove 673a is formed to be exposed to the outside, and the heater 532 is disposed in the heater groove 673a exposed while the transparent panel assembly 60 is mounted on the door 50 . can be installed. That is, the heater mounting part 673 is located closer to the rear panel 65 than the front panel 61 so that the transparent panel assembly 60 can be exposed to the outside when the door 50 is mounted. When the user performs the operation of mounting the heater 532 , the operation may be facilitated by not interfering with other components inside the door 50 . Of course, the transparent panel assembly 60 may be mounted on the door 50 while the heater 532 is mounted on the heater groove 673a.

Meanwhile, the outer spacer 67 may be formed of a metal material, and in particular, may be formed of an aluminum material having excellent heat transfer performance. Accordingly, when the heater 532 generates heat while the heater 532 is mounted on the heater mounting part 673 , the outer spacer 67 may also generate heat, and the Heat can be transferred to the front panel 61 .

That is, the end of the outer spacer 67 in contact with the front panel 61 may generate heat. Therefore, the end of the outer spacer 67 having a larger area is in contact with the heater 532 itself compared to that in contact with the front panel 61 to provide a larger heating area to the front panel 61, which is effective Condensation suppression becomes possible.

In addition, the region where the outer spacer 67 and the front panel 61 come in contact is substantially the closest region to the outside of the see-through part 21, and the innermost region that can be heated while preventing the heater 532 from being exposed. can be That is, the end of the outer spacer 67 may preferably be in contact with the bezel 611 area of the front panel 61 , and thus the outer spacer 67 is covered by the bezel 611 and exposed to the outside. it won't happen

In addition, a position where the outer spacer 67 is disposed may be a substantially non-insulating area. In detail, the insulating space of the transparent panel assembly 60 is located inside the outer spacer 67 based on the outer spacer 67, and the periphery of the door 50 is insulated by the insulating material 531, while the outer spacer ( 67) to the position of the insulator 531 is not provided with a configuration for thermal insulation, so dew condensation is inevitably generated on the front surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 adjacent to the non-insulation region R.

In addition, the non-insulation region R is a region where the distance between the door liner 56 and the front panel 61 is close, and thus the insulation is relatively weak. Accordingly, there is a high possibility that dew condensation is generated on the front surface of the front panel 61 at the corresponding position.

The outer spacer 67 is positioned around the transparent panel assembly 60 corresponding to the non-insulation region R and having a high probability of occurrence of condensation, and a heater 532 is mounted to the outer spacer 67 , By heating the non-insulating region R by the heat of the outer spacer 67 itself, it is possible to prevent condensation from occurring on the front surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 .

The heater 532 may be formed in a wire shape, and a generally used sheath heater may be used. The heater 532 may have a diameter that can be inserted into the heater groove 673a and may be formed over four surfaces around the transparent panel assembly 60 .

Meanwhile, the heater 532 may be formed only on both left and right side surfaces and a lower surface of the periphery of the transparent panel assembly 60 . That is, since the upper portion of the transparent panel assembly 60 can be heated by heat generated during operation of the plurality of PCBs 602 , 603 , and 604 , the heater 532 is formed on at least a portion of the upper surface of the periphery of the transparent panel assembly 60 . it may not be

In addition, the spacer protrusion 672 and the heater mounting part 673 may protrude to a height corresponding to the height of the rear panel 65 . Accordingly, four spaces may be divided between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 by the spacer protrusion 672 and the heater mounting unit 673, and sealants ( 608) can be filled in.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 14 , the sealant 608 is placed in a space 674 formed by the spacer protrusion 672 and the heater mounting part 673 so that the sealant 608 has a uniform height. After filling, the level of the sealant 608 can be adjusted using a separate jig or scraper S.

In detail, when the jig or scraper S is brought into contact with the peripheral surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 while the sealant 608 is filled between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65, the The lower end of the jig or scraper S is in contact with the protruding ends of the spacer protrusion 672 and the heater mounting part 673 of the rear panel 65 having the same height. The other side of the jig or scraper S comes into contact with the rear side of the front panel 61, and when the jig or scraper S is moved in this state, the rear panel 65 and the heater mounting part (673) Each space between the spacer protrusion 672 and the front panel 61 is filled with a sealant 608 to the height of the spacer protrusion 672, the heater mounting part 673, and the rear panel 65, and the remaining The part may be removed by the jig or scraper (S).

Accordingly, when the jig or scraper S is moved along the circumference of the transparent panel assembly 60 , the sealant 608 having a uniform height can be applied to the circumference of the transparent panel assembly 60 . In addition, when the transparent panel assembly 60 is mounted, the sealant 608 may not interfere with the support frame 70 or other neighboring components.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the spacer protrusion 672 may be formed around both left and right side surfaces and upper and lower surfaces of the transparent panel assembly 60 . Accordingly, the sealant 608 can be applied to the entire circumference of the transparent panel assembly 60 , and the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the transparent panel assembly 60 can be stably fixed to the support frame 70 . structure can be provided.

Also, as shown in FIG. 14 , in a state in which the sealant 608 is applied at a uniform height, the ends of the heater mounting part 673, that is, the ends of the heater groove 673a and the spacer protrusion 672 are exposed. state can be Accordingly, it is possible to provide a structure capable of coupling between the transparent panel assembly and the support frame 70 through the mounting of the heater 532 and the coupling of the coupling member 78 .

15 is a perspective view of the support frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front. And, Figure 16 is a perspective view of the support frame viewed from the rear.

As shown in the drawings, the support frame 70 may be injection-molded with a plastic material. It is formed in a rectangular frame shape, and the frame opening 701 is formed in the center. The support frame 70 may be formed to have a predetermined width to fix the out plate 51 and to support the transparent panel assembly 60 at the same time.

The support frame 70 includes an upper frame 71 forming an upper portion, a lower frame 72 forming a lower portion, and a side frame connecting between both ends of the upper frame 71 and the lower frame 72 ( 73) may be included.

The support frame 70 can form the overall shape of the support frame 70 having a rectangular frame shape by combining the upper frame 71 , the lower frame 72 , and the lower frame 72 . As such, the support frame 70 may be formed by combining a plurality of components, and thus each component having a relatively complex structure may be more easily formed.

Meanwhile, the upper frame 71 forms the upper shape of the support frame 70 , and may partition the upper space of the sub-door 50 back and forth. That is, a frame barrier 711 extending to the upper surface of the sub-door 50 may be formed in the upper frame 71 , and the space above the sub-door 50 is moved forward and backward by the frame barrier 711 . can be partitioned.

In addition, side barriers 712 may be formed at both left and right ends of the frame barrier 711 . Accordingly, the upper side of the sub door 50 may be partitioned back and forth by the upper frame 71 , and an independent space in which the PCBs 602 , 603 , and 604 can be accommodated may be provided in the rear space. In addition, the space in which the PCBs 602 , 603 , and 604 are accommodated may communicate with the decor opening 542 of the upper cap decor 54 . In addition, a space in which the heat insulating material 531a is accommodated may be formed in the front space.

The lower frame 72 may be coupled to a lower end of the side frame 73 and may be configured to support a lower portion of the out plate 51 and a lower end of the transparent panel assembly 60 .

The side frame 73 forms both left and right sides of the support frame 70 , and extends long in the vertical direction to connect between the upper frame 71 and the lower frame 72 . That is, the side frame 73 has a structure capable of being coupled to both ends of the upper frame 71 and the lower frame 72 .

By the combination of the upper frame 71, the lower frame 72, and the side frame 73, the overall structure may be configured in a rectangular frame shape. In addition, in the state in which the support frame 70 is assembled, the side frame 73 , the upper frame 71 , and the lower frame 72 come into contact with the end of the plate opening 511 of the out plate 51 . The plate 51 is supported. In addition, the side frame 73 , the upper frame 71 , and the lower frame 72 may be configured to support the circumferential surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 .

In addition, left and right both ends of the upper frame 71 and the lower frame 72 may extend toward the side frame 73 , wherein the extending portion has a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the side frame 73 . to have a sense of unity when combined. Accordingly, it is easy to form a coupling structure between the side frame and the upper frame 71 and the lower frame 72 .

In the present embodiment, the support frame 70 has a structure in which four parts are separately molded and coupled, but the support frame 70 may be capable of combining two or more components as needed.

On the other hand, the support frame 70 has a structure for supporting the outer plate 51 and the front panel 61 , and such a structure includes the upper frame 71 , the lower frame 72 , and the side frame 73 . ) has the same structure.

Hereinafter, the structure formed on the side frame 73 will be described based on the description, and the same structure may be applied to the upper frame 71 and the lower frame 72 .

The support frame 70 may include a plate support part 74 , a plate receiving groove 75 , and a panel support part 76 as a whole.

The plate support part 74 forms the outermost part of the support frame 70 , and has a flat front surface and may be formed to be in close contact with the rear surface of the out plate 51 . That is, the outermost circumference of the support frame 70 supports the rear surface of the out plate 51 , and is adhered to the rear surface of the out plate 51 by an adhesive member 692 such as a double-sided tape or an adhesive. can be

A plurality of irregularities 741 may be formed on the plate support part 74 in contact with the out plate 51 , and thus, the contact area of the adhesive or the adhesive member 742 for adhesion to the out plate 51 is reduced. It can be increased to improve bonding strength.

The plate support part 74 may be formed in both the upper frame 71 and the lower frame 72 and the side frame 73 constituting the support frame 70 , and along the circumference of the support frame 70 . formed to form the front surface of the support frame 70 .

The plate receiving groove 75 may be recessed at the end of the plate support part 74 , and the plate bent part 514 bent along the opening of the out plate 51 may be inserted thereinto.

Accordingly, in a state in which the out plate 51 is adhered to the upper frame 71 , the plate bent part 514 may be inserted into the plate receiving groove 75 . In addition, the plate bent portion 514 may be in contact with the peripheral end of the transparent panel assembly 60 while being inserted into the plate receiving groove 75 . Accordingly, when viewed from the front, the outer plate 51 and the front surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 may be closely adhered without a gap.

A guide rib 751 may be formed inside the plate receiving groove 75 . The guide rib 751 allows the plate bent portion 514 inserted into the plate receiving groove 75 to be in close contact with the transparent panel assembly 60 , and the inner side of the plate receiving groove 75 . It guides you to maintain the correct position while inserted into the

The guide rib 751 may protrude to contact the inner surface of the plate bent part 514 and extend in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the plate bent part 514 . A plurality of the guide ribs 751 may be disposed adjacent to each other, and may be formed at regular intervals to support the entire circumference of the plate bent portion 514 .

The guide rib 751 may extend from one side of an inner surface of the plate receiving groove 75 to a bottom surface of the plate receiving groove 75 . In addition, the guide rib 751 may form an inclined portion 751a having an inclination to protrude more and more from a point closer to the plate support portion 74 . Accordingly, when the plate bent portion 514 is inserted into the plate receiving groove 75, it can be inserted along the inclined portion 751a.

A vertical portion 751b is formed at an end of the inclined portion 751a, and the vertical portion 751b is in contact with the inner surface of the plate bent portion 514 to support the plate bent portion 514. there will be Accordingly, in a state in which the plate bent portion 514 is completely inserted into the plate receiving groove 75 , it may be supported by the vertical portion 751b.

Accordingly, while the plate bent portion 514 is moved along the inclined portion 751a in the process of being inserted into the plate receiving groove 75, it is inserted into the plate receiving groove 75 and at the same time as the front panel. It is moved toward the end of (61).

Then, when the plate bent part 514 is completely inserted into the plate receiving groove 75, the plate bent part 514 can be moved to a position in contact with the front panel 61 by the vertical part 751b. And, it is possible to support the plate bent portion 514 in a pressurized state. Accordingly, the plate bent portion 514 inserted into the plate receiving groove 75 can be maintained in a fixed state, and can be maintained in contact with or close to the end of the front panel 61 . do.

On the other hand, a restraining protrusion 752 that is caught with one side of the plate bent part 514 may be formed inside the plate receiving groove 75, and when the plate bent part 514 is mounted, the out plate ( A restraint member 514b for guiding the 51 to be mounted in place may be further formed.

A panel support 76 may be formed in a portion more inner than the plate receiving groove 75 . The panel support part 76 is for supporting the rear surface of the front panel 61 forming the front surface of the transparent panel assembly 60, and is located at the rear of the plate support part 74, so that the plate support part 74 and the plate support part 74 and It may be formed to be stepped. In this case, a height difference between the panel support part 76 and the plate support part 74 may be formed to correspond to a thickness of the front panel 61 .

Accordingly, in a state in which the transparent panel assembly 60 is seated on the support frame 70 , a step or gap is not generated in the front surface of the sub-door 50 . That is, the outer end of the transparent panel assembly 60 and the end of the plate opening 511 of the out plate 51 may be in contact with each other, and the front surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 and the out plate 51 may be in contact with each other. ) may be positioned on the same plane so that the entire front surface of the sub-door 50 has a sense of unity without a step difference. Also, the panel support 76 may be formed along the side frame 73 and the lower frame 72 except for the upper frame 71 .

Meanwhile, a frame coupling part 77 bent in a vertical direction may be formed at an end of the panel support part 76 . The frame coupling part 77 may be coupled to the outer spacer 67 by a coupling member 78 to fix the transparent panel assembly 60 . Accordingly, the frame coupling portion 77 may extend at least higher than the spacer protrusion 672 to which the coupling member 78 is fastened.

In addition, the frame coupling part 77 may be formed to be lower than the height of the heater mounting part 673 . Therefore, even when the transparent panel assembly 60 is coupled to the door 50, the frame coupling part 77 may not cover the heater mounting part 673, and the heater groove 673a may be A structure in which the heater 532 can be mounted may be provided.

17 is a view showing a coupled state of part A of FIG. 16 . And, FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view 18-18' of FIG. 17 . 19 is a partial perspective view of a side frame constituting the support frame. And, Figure 20 is a partial perspective view of the lower frame constituting the support frame.

The support frame 70 has a structure in which both ends of the upper frame 71 and both ends of the lower frame 72 are coupled to both ends of the side frame 73 , and the coupling structure is the same and there is only a difference in position. . Therefore, a description will be given below with reference to the part A of FIG. 16 of the support frame 70 .

As shown, the lower end of the side frame 73 may be coupled to the upper end of the lower frame 72 . To this end, a frame coupling protrusion 731 may be formed at a lower end of the side frame 73 , and a frame coupling groove 721 may be formed at an upper end of the lower frame 72 corresponding thereto.

Looking at this in more detail, the frame coupling protrusion 731 protrudes from the lower end of the side frame 73 , and both sides of the plate receiving groove 75 , the panel support part 76 , and the heater receiving groove 761 . It may be formed to extend from the end of the.

In addition, the frame coupling groove 721 forms a predetermined space to accommodate the frame coupling protrusion 731 , and the plate receiving recess 75 and the panel support part 76 on the lower frame 72 . And it may be formed in the heater receiving groove (761).

Meanwhile, a frame locking protrusion 731a may be formed on one side of the frame coupling protrusion 731 . In addition, a frame locking groove 721a into which the frame locking protrusion 731a can be inserted may be formed at one side of the frame defect hole 721 . The frame locking protrusion 731a may be coupled to the frame locking protrusion 731a in a state in which the frame coupling protrusion 731 and the frame coupling groove 721 are coupled to each other, and thus the side frame 73 and the lower Frame 72 is able to remain fully engaged.

The frame coupling protrusion 731 and the frame coupling groove 721 are formed along the plate receiving recess 75, the panel support part 76, and the heater receiving recess 761, and at least some of them are bent or cross each other. is formed to extend to the frame coupling protrusion 731 and the frame coupling groove 721 are coupled to each other, even if a torsional moment or a local load is applied to the support frame 70, a stable coupling state can be maintained. do.

In addition, when the side frame 73 and the lower frame 72 are coupled to each other, the parting lines L ₁ , L ₂ , and L ₃ at the ends that come into contact with each other may be disposed to be shifted from each other. That is, the parting line (L ₁ ) at the position where the side frame 73 and the plate support part 74 of the lower frame 72 contact each other, and the parting line L ₂ at the position where the plate receiving groove 75 contacts, and The parting line L ₃ at a position where the panel support part 76 and the other end part 77 are in contact with each other may be disposed to be shifted from each other or disposed to be stepped.

Accordingly, when the foaming liquid is injected in order to form the heat insulating material 531 inside the sub-door 50, the foaming liquid permeates along the parting lines L ₁ , L ₂ , L ₃ to form the transparent panel assembly 60 ) to prevent contamination. That is, even if the foam liquid injected into the sub-door 50 flows along the parting line L ₁ of the plate support part 74, the plate receiving groove 75 and the panel support part 76 are displaced. It becomes difficult to flow into the parting lines L ₂ , L ₃ of the , and thus it is possible to finally prevent the foaming liquid from flowing into the transparent panel assembly 60 side.

The reinforcing rib 771 may be formed at the lower end of the frame coupling part 77 , and the frame coupling part 77 coupled to the transparent panel assembly 60 by the reinforcing rib 771 is deformed and breakage is prevented. In addition, a coupling hole 772 passing through the coupling member 78 may be formed on the frame coupling part 77 .

21 is a cut-away perspective view in which the out plate and the support frame are combined according to the first embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 22 is an exploded cut-away perspective view showing the coupling structure of the out plate and the support frame.

Looking at the coupling structure of the support frame 70 and the out plate 51 in more detail with reference to the drawings, the plate bent part 514 is formed along the plate opening 511 in the center of the out plate 51 . can be bent.

The support frame 70 may be mounted on the rear surface of the out plate 51 . The support frame 70 may be disposed along the circumference of the plate opening 511 .

The side frame 73 may be disposed at both left and right ends of the plate opening 511 . In this case, the plate bending part 514 may be inserted into the plate receiving groove 75 .

Meanwhile, a guide rib 751 including the vertical portion 527a and the inclined portion 527b may be formed inside the plate receiving groove 75 . Accordingly, while the plate bent portion 514 is inserted into the plate receiving groove 75, the plate bent portion 514 is inserted while moving along the inclined portion 527b, and the vertical portion 527a ) so that the inner surface can be supported.

The plate bent portion 514 may be guided toward the inside of the plate opening 511 by the guide rib 751 , and the plate bent portion 514 is completely inserted into the plate receiving groove 75 . to keep it in position. In this case, the guide rib 751 may support the plate bent portion 514 in a form of slightly pressing from the inside, and it is possible to prevent the out plate 51 from being dislodged or from flowing.

Accordingly, in the state in which the transparent panel assembly 60 is mounted, as shown in FIG. 21 , the plate bent portion 514 is positioned inside the plate receiving groove 75 , and the front panel 61 is It is possible to maintain a state in close contact with the outer end of the Due to this structure, the gap or gap between the transparent panel assembly 60 and the out plate 51 on the front surface of the sub-door 50 is virtually invisible, and the boundary between the transparent panel assembly 60 and the Since the boundary of the out plate 51 is completely adhered, the overall appearance of the front surface of the sub-door 50 may have a sense of unity.

On the other hand, a guide insertion part 514a may be formed on one side of the plate bending part 514 so that the out plate 51 can be mounted at an accurate position on the support frame 70. The guide insertion part ( 514a is formed to have a predetermined width at the end of the plate bent portion 514 , and may be formed to pass through the support frame 70 .

In addition, an insertion guide hole 753 through which the guide insertion part 514a passes may be formed in the support frame 70 . The insertion guide hole 753 is formed in the bottom surface of the plate receiving groove 75, and may be formed in a size through which the guide insertion part 514a can pass.

Accordingly, when the out plate 51 and the support frame 70 are coupled, the guide insertion part 514a may be aligned to pass through the insertion guide hole 753 , and the plate bending part 514 may be aligned. may be disposed at an accurate position on the inside of the plate receiving groove 75 .

On the other hand, when the plate bending part 514 is inserted into the plate receiving groove 75 at the original position, the restraining protrusion 752 formed inside the plate receiving groove 75 is formed on the plate bending part 514 . It is possible to be combined with the constraint (514b) formed on the. In a state in which the plate bent portion 514 is completely inserted into the plate receiving groove 75 and fixed, the restraining protrusion 752 and the restraining member 514b are coupled to each other so that the plate bent portion 514 is inserted. state can be maintained.

A plurality of the guide insertion part 514a and the restraint member 514b may be formed on the plate bending part 514 at regular intervals. In addition, a plurality of guide insertion portions 514a and restraints 514b may be formed over the entire plate bending portion 514 .

In this state, an adhesive or an adhesive member is applied to the plate support part 74 to maintain a state of being fixedly mounted on the rear surface of the out plate 51 . Accordingly, even in a situation where the foaming liquid is injected into the sub-door 50 , the support frame 70 can maintain a fixedly mounted position on the outer plate 51 .

Meanwhile, the transparent panel assembly 60 may be inserted and mounted from the front to the rear of the plate opening 511 in a state in which the support frame 70 is mounted on the out plate 51 . In this case, the narrow rear panel 65 is inserted first, and in a state in which the transparent panel assembly 60 is inserted, the rear surface of the front panel 61 can be seated on the panel support 76 .

In the state in which the transparent panel assembly 60 is fully inserted and mounted, the coupling member 78 fastened through the frame coupling part 77 is fastened to the coupling hole 672a of the outer spacer 67. can The periphery of the transparent panel assembly 60 may be coupled to the frame coupling part 77 by the plurality of coupling members 78 , and the transparent panel assembly 60 may be fixedly mounted.

Accordingly, the transparent panel assembly 60 can be securely mounted even in a state in which an adhesive structure between the periphery of the front panel 61 and the panel support 76 is not provided, and the opening and closing shock of the sub-door 50 . It is possible to maintain a stable mounting state even during the

Due to this structure, when a problem occurs in the transparent panel assembly 60 and a service is required, the transparent panel assembly 60 can be easily disassembled. And, when the transparent panel assembly 60 is disassembled, since the adhesive or adhesive member is not applied to the bezel 611 around the front panel 61, it is not only easy to separate, but also the bezel ( 611) is prevented from being damaged. Accordingly, the service operation is facilitated, and the expensive and undamaged transparent panel assembly 60 can be recycled, and can be reused after servicing.

23 is a perspective view taken 23-23' of FIG. 5; And, Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view 24-24' of Figure 5.

As shown in the drawing, in a state in which the out plate 51 and the transparent panel assembly 60 are mounted on the support frame 70 , the transparent panel assembly 60 is connected to the It can be fixedly mounted to the support frame 70 . Then, the door liner 56 is coupled, and the door light 57 and the gasket 503 are mounted, so that the sub-door 50 is assembled.

In addition, in a state in which the transparent panel assembly 60 is mounted, an end of the heater mounting part 673 may be exposed to the outside, and the heater 532 may be mounted in the heater groove 673a. . In a state in which the transparent panel assembly 60 is mounted, the heater 532 is mounted around the transparent panel assembly 60 , and an electric wire for supplying power can be connected.

A shielding member 79 may be attached to the frame coupling part 77 and the door liner 56 or the rear panel 65 . The shielding member 79 is formed of an attachable material such as a tape to completely block a gap between the shielding member 79 and the door liner 56 or the rear panel 65 . Accordingly, it is possible to completely block the foaming liquid filled in the sub-door 50 from flowing into the transparent panel assembly 60 side.

The display cable 605 or heater 532 guided along the circumferential surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 , that is, the outer surface of the sealant 608 by blocking the inflow of the foaming liquid by the shielding member 79 , is connected to the heater 532 . It is possible to prevent the foaming liquid from being smeared or contaminated. That is, the display cable 605 may be positioned between the frame coupling part 77 and the sealant 608 . Therefore, even if the foaming liquid is injected into the sub-door 50 , it does not flow into the display cable 605 and the heater 532 side by the frame coupling part 77 . In addition, the display cable 605 and the heater 532 do not get wet with the foaming liquid, so that the display cable 605 is not damaged and can be reused even when the transparent panel assembly 60 is replaced or separated for service. do.

Meanwhile, a foaming liquid may be injected into the assembled sub-door 50 , and the heat insulating material 531 may be formed. The heat insulating material 531 fills the outside of the transparent panel assembly 60 to insulate the circumferential space of the sub-door 50 . In addition, a heat insulating panel 69 is provided between the front panel and the rear panel of the transparent panel assembly 60 or a sealed heat insulating layer is formed to be insulated. Accordingly, heat insulation can be made over the entire surface of the sub-door 50 . Of course, the insulating material 531 may be inserted and mounted around the sub-door 50 after the transparent panel assembly 60 is mounted in a pre-molded state.

Hereinafter, an operation of the transparent display assembly will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

25 is a cross-sectional view of the main door and the sub door. And, FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 25 . And, FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of part C of FIG. 35 . And, FIG. 28 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main door and the sub-door. And, FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of part D of FIG. 28 . And, FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of part E of FIG. 28 . And, FIG. 31 is a view showing a state in which the inside of the cabinet can be seen through the transparent panel assembly. And, FIG. 32 is a view showing a state in which a screen is output through the transparent panel assembly.

As shown in the drawing, in a state in which the locking member 593 of the opening device 59 is inserted into the latch hole 421, the sub-door 50 remains closed, and in this state, the The door light 57 remains off. The open/closed state of the sub-door 50 may be detected through a separately provided door switch.

In a state in which the door light 57 is turned off, as shown in FIG. 1 , the space behind the sub door 50 is darkened so that the inside of the cabinet cannot be seen through the see-through part 21 . Therefore, when there is no separate operation while the sub-door 50 is closed, the door light 57 may remain turned off so that the inside cannot be seen through the see-through part 21 .

In this state, the user may touch the front panel 51 to turn on the door light 57 . When the door light 57 is turned on, the light irradiated from the lighting module 575 is irradiated from the rear left and right sides of the rear panel 65 to positions facing each other.

The door light 57 may extend from an upper end to a lower end of the rear panel 65 . That is, the light irradiated by the door light 57 can illuminate the entire rear area of the rear panel 65 from both left and right sides of the rear panel 65 .

At this time, if the display light 68 is lit together, light is irradiated from above and below by the display light 68 , and light can be irradiated from the left and right sides by the door light 57 . . As a result, the see-through unit 21 may be irradiated with light in all directions up and down, left and right, and the area of the see-through unit 21 may be illuminated with maximum brightness.

The door light 57 irradiates light in a direction facing each other while being close to the rear panel 65 . The light irradiated by the door light 57 may not only illuminate the space inside the storage case 43 , but may also pass through the rear panel 65 and illuminate the front area. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 28 , the door light 57 serves as a light to illuminate the interior space seen through the see-through unit 21 and at the same time as an auxiliary backlight that allows the display 62 to be seen more clearly. role can be expected.

That is, in a state in which a screen is being output through the display 62 , the space inside the cabinet through the see-through unit 21 , that is, the space behind the sub-door 50 may be selectively viewed. The door light 57 may be turned on so that the space behind the sub door 50 can be seen through the see-through part 21 .

Of course, depending on the degree of visualization of the inside of the storage case 43 through the see-through unit 21 , various expressions may be achieved through an on/off combination of the display light 68 and the door light 57 .

And, when the user operates the front panel 61 of the front of the refrigerator 1, the display light 68 is turned on and the display 62 is turned on, so that the transparent panel assembly 60 is shown in FIG. Screen output is possible as in In this case, the manipulation of the front panel 61 may be input to any one of a specific position, a number of touches, or a pattern. Of course, if necessary, it may be possible to detect a user's manipulation using a separate physical button or sensor.

On the display 62, a screen for displaying and operating the refrigerator may be output, and various screens such as output using the Internet, an image output external input device, and information on stored food may be output.

In detail, the display light 68 disposed at the top and bottom of the light guide plate 64 together with the display 62 may be turned on by a user's manipulation. When the display light 68 is turned on, the light guide plate 64 diffusely reflects and diffuses the light of the display light 68 so that the light can be irradiated with uniform brightness as a whole toward the front display 62 .

Light is irradiated from the rear of the display 62 toward the display 62 by the light guide plate 64 , and at the same time, the display 62 outputs a screen based on input image information. Accordingly, through the see-through unit 21, the user can check the clearly output screen.

On the other hand, the operation of the display 62 or the operation of the door light 57 is controlled by the PCBs 602, 603, 604 such as the Ticon board 602 or the docking PCB 604 above the sub door 50. can be In addition, these PCBs 602 , 603 , and 604 may be disposed in a space behind the sub-door 50 that is partitioned by a barrier 711 that forms an upper end of the support frame 70 . In addition, the space in front of the sub-door 50 partitioned by the barrier 711 may be filled with a heat insulating material 531a, thus preventing condensation from occurring on the front upper portion of the sub-door 50. .

Also, when the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 is maintained to be cooled to a set temperature by the operation of the refrigerator 1 , dew condensation may be generated on the front surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 corresponding to a non-insulated area having weak thermal insulation.

The heater 532 may be operated to prevent condensation of the transparent panel assembly 60 . The heater 532 may be in the on state, or may be configured to repeat on/off for a set time.

When the heater 532 is turned on to generate heat, the outer spacer 67 to which the heater 532 is mounted may be heated. The outer spacer 67 is formed of a metal material so that the heat of the heater 532 can be transferred along the outer spacer 67 , and thus the outer spacer 67 is in contact with the periphery of the front panel 61 . can be heated.

In this case, the end of the outer spacer 67 in contact with the front panel 61 has a larger area than that of the heater 532 , so that a relatively large portion of the front panel 61 can be heated. .

26 and 27 and 29 and 30 , the heater 532 is disposed on both upper, lower, left, and right side surfaces of the outer spacer 67 and may be disposed along the circumferential surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 . can

Accordingly, the front edge of the front panel 61 in contact with the outer spacer 67 may be heated as a whole, and the edge of the front panel 61 corresponding to the non-insulated area R may cause condensation due to heating. This can be prevented. In addition, one side of the front panel 61 in contact with the outer spacer 67 is located inside the area of the bezel 611 to prevent exposure of the heater 532 as well as the outer spacer 67 to the outside. .

Meanwhile, the refrigerator according to the present invention may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments.

A second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the heater mounting portion to which the heater is mounted is provided at an end of the outer frame in contact with the front panel.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, except for the configuration of the heater mounting unit, other configurations are the same as those of the aforementioned embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as those of the above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. do. And reference numerals not shown will be the same as those of the drawings in the above-described embodiment.

33 is a cross-sectional view of a door according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the circumferential shape of the door 50 may be formed by the bent out plate 51 made of a metal material. The outer plate 51 may form a circumference of the front and side surfaces of the door 50 . In addition, the outer plate 51 is coupled to a door liner 56 forming the rear surface of the door 50 , and a transparent panel assembly 60 is provided in the opening of the outer plate 51 and the door liner 56 . It is provided so that the inner side of the cavity can be selectively viewed. In addition, the insulating material 531 may be filled around the door 50 on the outside of the transparent panel assembly 60 .

The transparent panel assembly 60 includes a front panel 61 forming a front surface, a rear panel 65 forming a rear surface, and an insulating panel 69 between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 . can be provided. A metal deposition layer or a film layer may be formed on the rear surface of the front panel 61 to selectively transmit light, so that the door light 57 or a lamp in the refrigerator selectively visualizes the inside of the cabinet as the light is turned on. can

In addition, the display 62 may be provided on the rear surface of the front plate 61 , and in this case, the light guide plate 64 may be provided on the rear surface of the display 62 . In addition, the heat insulation panel 69 may be omitted or provided in plurality, if necessary.

A pair of second spacers 66 may be respectively supported between the rear panel 65 and the heat insulating panel 69 and the light guide plate 64 , and between the light guide plate 64 and the front panel 61 . may be supported by the first spacer 63 . In addition, an outer spacer 67 may be provided outside the first spacer 63 and the second spacer 66 . The outer spacer 67 may be configured to support between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 . At least one of the space between the first spacer 63 and the second spacer 66 or the space between the outer spacer 67 may be injected with a vacuum or insulating gas to form an insulating space.

Meanwhile, the spacer protrusion 672 may be formed outside the outer spacer 67 . In addition, the spacer protrusion 672 may be coupled to the support frame 70 by a coupling member 78 .

In addition, a sealant 608 for sealing the peripheral surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 may be applied to a space between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 based on the spacer protrusion 672 . have.

A heater mounting part 675 may be formed at a front end of the outer spacer 67 , that is, at an end of the outer spacer 67 in contact with the front panel 61 . In addition, a heater groove 675a into which the heater 532 is inserted may be formed in the heater mounting part 675 . The heater 532 mounted in the heater groove 675a may be positioned in a direction facing or in contact with the front panel 61 .

An adhesive member 671 may be further formed at the front end of the outer spacer 67 , and the front end of the outer spacer 67 may be adhesively fixed to the front panel 61 . Of course, the adhesive member 671 may not be provided at the end of the outer spacer 67 , and the ends of the heater groove 675a and the outer spacer 67 are in direct contact with the rear surface of the front panel 61 . It may be configured to

When the heater 532 generates heat, the heat of the heater 532 may be transferred to the outer spacer 67 made of a metal material. The outer spacer 67 is in contact with the front panel 61 with a larger area than that of the heater 532 , and thus the heat transferred to the outer spacer 67 causes the front panel 61 to move to the heater ( 532), it is possible to heat a larger area compared to heating only. In addition, the front panel 61 can be heated more effectively through direct heating by the heater 532 and the expansion of the heating area by the outer spacer 67 .

Therefore, effective heating of the non-insulating area formed between the insulating space of the transparent panel assembly 60 and the insulating material of the door 50 is possible, and condensation generated on the front surface of the transparent panel assembly can be effectively prevented. be able to

Meanwhile, the support frame 70 is coupled to a plate support part 74 for supporting the out plate 51 , a panel support part 76 for supporting the circumference of the front panel 61 , and the outer spacer 67 . A frame coupling portion 77 may be formed.

The plate support part 74 may be adhered to the rear surface of the out plate 51 by an adhesive member. In this case, the end of the plate support 74 may be located at a position corresponding to the end forming the opening of the out plate 51 .

In addition, the panel support 76 is formed to be stepped from the plate support 74 so that the periphery of the front panel 61 protruding further to the outside can be seated therein. In this case, the panel support part 76 may be formed to have a step difference by the thickness of the plate support part 74 and the front panel 61 .

Accordingly, in a state in which the transparent panel assembly 60 is mounted, the front surfaces of the out plate 51 and the front panel 61 may be positioned at the same height and may be positioned on the same plane. In addition, the end of the out plate 51 and the outer end of the front panel 61 are in contact with each other, so that the gap between the out plate 51 and the front panel 61 is not visible when viewed from the outside. can

The frame coupling part may extend from the panel support part 76 , and may extend vertically from an end of the panel support part 76 to a position passing the spacer protrusion part 672 . Accordingly, the coupling member 78 passing through the frame coupling part 77 is fastened to the spacer protrusion 672 so that the transparent panel assembly 60 can be firmly fixed on the support frame 70 . . Accordingly, the transparent panel assembly 60 may have a structure capable of being adhered to the support frame 70 without a special adhesive composition.

That is, the transparent panel assembly 60 may be fixedly mounted to the support frame 70 by the frame coupling part 77 . Accordingly, the transparent panel assembly 60 may be firmly fixed, and separation and serviceability of the transparent panel assembly 60 may be improved.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator according to the present invention may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments.

A third embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the heater mounting portion is formed in the first half of the outer spacer and the spacer protrusion is formed in the second half.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the remaining components except for a part of the outer spacer and the support frame are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. .

34 is a cross-sectional view of a door according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the door 50 may be formed by coupling the out plate and the door liner, and a transparent panel assembly 60 is provided in the opening of the out plate 51 and the door liner 56 . This allows selective fluoroscopy of the inner side of the high chamber. In addition, the insulating material 531 may be filled around the door outside the transparent panel assembly 60 .

The transparent panel assembly 60 includes a front panel 61 forming a front surface, a rear panel 65 forming a rear surface, and an insulating panel 69 between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 . can be provided. A metal deposition layer or a film layer may be formed on the rear surface of the front panel 61 to selectively transmit light, so that the door light 57 or a lamp in the refrigerator selectively visualizes the inside of the cabinet as the light is turned on. can

In addition, the display 62 may be provided on the rear surface of the front plate, and in this case, the light guide plate 64 may be provided on the rear surface of the display 62 . In addition, the heat insulation panel 69 may be omitted or provided in plurality, if necessary.

A pair of second spacers 66 may be respectively supported between the rear panel 65 and the heat insulating panel 69 and the light guide plate 64 , and between the light guide plate 64 and the front panel 61 . may be supported by the first spacer 63 . In addition, an outer spacer 67 may be provided outside the first spacer 63 and the second spacer 66 . The outer spacer 67 may be configured to support between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 . At least one of the space between the first spacer 63 and the second spacer 66 or the space between the outer spacer 67 may be injected with a vacuum or insulating gas to form an insulating space.

Meanwhile, the heater mounting part 673 and the spacer protrusion 672 may be formed outside the outer spacer 67 . The heater mounting part 673 and the spacer protrusion 672 may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction, and may protrude outward by the same height. The sealant 608 may be applied between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 , the spacer protrusion 672 , and the heater mounting part 673 .

The heater mounting part 673 is positioned close to the front panel 61 and may protrude between the spacer protrusion 672 and the front panel 61 . In addition, the heater 532 may be inserted into the heater groove 673a formed in the heater mounting part 673 .

In addition, the spacer protrusion 672 may be positioned further behind the heater mounting part 673 to protrude between the heater mounting part 673 and the rear panel 65 . In addition, the spacer protrusion 672 may be coupled to the support frame 70 by a coupling member 78 .

Due to this structure, the heater 532 is mounted on the heater mounting part 673 before the transparent panel assembly 60 is fixedly mounted on the door 50 . In addition, the transparent panel assembly 60 in which the heater 532 is mounted may be coupled to the support frame 70 by a coupling member 78 , and may be fixedly mounted to the door 50 . .

Meanwhile, when the heater 532 generates heat, the heat of the heater 532 may be transferred to the outer spacer 67 made of a metal material. The outer spacer 67 is in contact with the front panel 61 with a larger area than that of the heater 532 , and thus the heat transferred to the outer spacer 67 causes the front panel 61 to move to the heater ( 532), it is possible to heat a larger area compared to heating only.

Accordingly, effective heating of the non-insulating area R formed between the heat insulating space of the transparent panel assembly 60 and the heat insulating material 531 of the door is possible, and it occurs on the front surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 . Condensation can be effectively prevented.

Meanwhile, the support frame 70 is coupled to a plate support part 74 for supporting the out plate 51 , a panel support part 76 for supporting the circumference of the front panel 61 , and the outer spacer 67 . A frame coupling portion 77 may be formed.

The frame coupling part 77 may extend vertically rearward from the panel support part 76 , and may extend further rearward at least than the spacer protrusion part 672 . Accordingly, the coupling member 78 passing through the frame coupling part 77 may be coupled to the spacer protrusion 672 .

Meanwhile, the refrigerator according to the present invention may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a protrusion is formed on the outer spacer, and both the mounting of the heater and coupling with the support frame can be made on the protrusion.

In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the rest of the configuration except for the configuration of the outer spacer is the same as the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

35 is a cross-sectional view of a door according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the door 50 may be formed by coupling the out plate and the door liner, and a transparent panel assembly 60 is provided in the opening of the out plate 51 and the door liner 56 . This allows selective fluoroscopy of the inner side of the high chamber. In addition, the insulating material may be filled around the door outside the transparent panel assembly 60 .

The transparent panel assembly 60 includes a front panel 61 forming a front surface, a rear panel 65 forming a rear surface, and an insulating panel 69 between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 . can be provided. A metal deposition layer or a film layer may be formed on the rear surface of the front panel 61 to selectively transmit light, so that the door light 57 or a lamp in the refrigerator selectively visualizes the inside of the cabinet as the light is turned on. can

In addition, the display 62 may be provided on the rear surface of the front panel 61 , and in this case, the light guide plate 64 may be provided on the rear surface of the display 62 . In addition, the heat insulation panel 69 may be omitted or provided in plurality, if necessary.

A pair of second spacers 66 may be respectively supported between the rear panel, the heat insulation panel 69 and the light guide plate 64 , and a first space between the light guide plate 64 and the front panel 61 is provided. It may be supported by spacers 63 . In addition, an outer spacer 67 may be provided outside the first spacer 63 and the second spacer 66 . The outer spacer 67 may be configured to support between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 . At least one of the space between the first spacer 63 and the second spacer 66 or the space between the outer spacer 67 may be injected with a vacuum or insulating gas to form an insulating space.

Meanwhile, the protrusion 676 may be formed outside the outer spacer 67 . The protrusion 676 may protrude outwardly between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 . In addition, the protrusion 676 may be formed to have a height corresponding to that of the rear panel 65 , and the sealant 608 is disposed between the protrusion 676 and the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 . can be filled.

In addition, the protrusion 676 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the frame coupling part 77 of the support frame 70 , and the coupling member 78 passing through the frame coupling part 77 may be fastened. A fastening hole 676a may be formed.

In addition, a heater groove 676b in which the heater 532 is mounted may be formed at a side of the fastening hole 676a. That is, the fastening hole 676a and the heater groove 676b are formed at the outer end of the protrusion 676 to be coupled to the support frame 70 and the heater 532 through the protrusion 676 . All installations are possible.

The heater groove 676b may be located more rearward than the fastening hole 676a, and is positioned more rearward than the frame coupling part 77 to be exposed to the outside in a state in which the coupling member 78 is fastened. can That is, in a state in which the transparent panel assembly 60 is fixedly mounted to the door 50 , the heater 532 may be mounted in the heater groove 676b.

Meanwhile, when the heater 532 generates heat, the heat of the heater 532 may be transferred to the outer spacer 67 made of a metal material. The outer spacer 67 is in contact with the front panel 61 with a larger area than that of the heater 532 , and thus the heat transferred to the outer spacer 67 causes the front panel 61 to move to the heater ( 532), it is possible to heat a larger area compared to heating only.

Accordingly, effective heating of the non-insulating region R formed between the insulating space of the transparent panel assembly 60 and the insulating material 531 of the door 50 is possible, and the It is possible to effectively prevent dew condensation occurring on the front surface.

Meanwhile, the support frame 70 is coupled to a plate support part 74 for supporting the out plate 51 , a panel support part 76 for supporting the circumference of the front panel 61 , and the outer spacer 67 . A frame coupling portion 77 may be formed.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator according to the present invention may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that only the heater mounting part is provided in the outer spacer.

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, except for the configuration of the outer spacer, the remaining configuration is the same as the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

36 is a cross-sectional view of a door according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the door 50 may be formed by coupling the out plate and the door liner, and a transparent panel assembly 60 is provided in the opening of the out plate 51 and the door liner 56 . This allows selective fluoroscopy of the inner side of the high chamber. In addition, the insulating material 531 may be filled around the door 50 on the outside of the transparent panel assembly 60 .

The transparent panel assembly 60 includes a front panel 61 forming a front surface, a rear panel 65 forming a rear surface, and an insulating panel 69 between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 . can be provided. A metal deposition layer or a film layer may be formed on the rear surface of the front panel 61 to selectively transmit light, so that the door light 57 or a lamp in the refrigerator selectively visualizes the inside of the cabinet as the light is turned on. can

In addition, the display 62 may be provided on the rear surface of the front panel 61 , and in this case, the light guide plate 64 may be provided on the rear surface of the display 62 . In addition, the heat insulation panel 69 may be omitted or provided in plurality, if necessary.

A pair of second spacers 66 may be respectively supported between the rear panel 65 and the heat insulating panel 69 and the light guide plate 64 , and between the light guide plate 64 and the front panel 61 . may be supported by the first spacer 63 . In addition, an outer spacer 67 may be provided outside the first spacer 63 and the second spacer 66 . The outer spacer 67 may be configured to support between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 . At least one of the space between the first spacer 63 and the second spacer 66 or the space between the outer spacer 67 may be injected with a vacuum or insulating gas to form an insulating space.

Meanwhile, the heater mounting part 673 may be formed outside the outer spacer 67 . The heater mounting part 673 may protrude outwardly between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 . In addition, the heater mounting part 673 may be formed to have a height corresponding to the rear panel 65 , and the sealant ( 608) may be filled.

In addition, a heater groove 673a in which the heater 532 is mounted may be formed on an outer surface of the heater mounting part 673 . The heater groove 673a may be formed to have a size that can accommodate the heater 532 , and may be located approximately at the center of the outer spacer 67 or slightly rearward than the center of the outer spacer 67 . Accordingly, the heater 532 can be more easily mounted to the outer spacer 67 with the transparent panel assembly 60 disposed on the door 50 , and when the heater 532 is mounted, the It is possible to prevent interference by the internal configuration of the door 50 . Of course, if necessary, the transparent panel assembly 60 may be mounted to the door 50 while the heater 532 is mounted around the transparent panel assembly 60 .

Meanwhile, when the heater 532 generates heat, the heat of the heater 532 may be transferred to the outer spacer 67 made of a metal material. The outer spacer 67 is in contact with the front panel 61 with a larger area than that of the heater 532 , and thus the heat transferred to the outer spacer 67 causes the front panel 61 to move to the heater ( 532), it is possible to heat a larger area compared to heating only.

Accordingly, effective heating of the non-insulating region R formed between the insulating space of the transparent panel assembly 60 and the insulating material 531 of the door 50 is possible, and the It is possible to effectively prevent dew condensation occurring on the front surface.

Meanwhile, the support frame 70 may include a plate support part 74 supporting the out plate 51 and a panel support part 76 supporting the circumference of the front panel 61 .

Meanwhile, the refrigerator according to the present invention may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a third spacer and a fourth spacer are provided in the transparent panel assembly, and a heater mounting part and a spacer protrusion are provided in the third spacer and the fourth spacer, respectively.

In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, except for the configuration of the transparent panel assembly, the configuration is the same as the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

37 is a cross-sectional view of a door according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the door 50 may be formed by coupling the out plate and the door liner, and a transparent panel assembly 60 is provided in the opening of the out plate 51 and the door liner 56 . This allows selective fluoroscopy of the inner side of the high chamber. In addition, the insulating material 531 may be filled around the door 50 on the outside of the transparent panel assembly 60 .

The transparent panel assembly 60 may include a front panel 61 forming a front surface and a rear panel 65 forming a rear surface. A metal deposition layer or a film layer may be formed on the rear surface of the front panel 61 to selectively transmit light, so that the door light 57 or a lamp in the refrigerator selectively visualizes the inside of the cabinet as the light is turned on. can

In addition, the display 62 may be provided on the rear surface of the front panel 61 , and in this case, the light guide plate 64 may be provided on the rear surface of the display 62 . In addition, when the display 62 is omitted, the light guide plate 64 may be omitted and a heat insulating panel 69 may be provided. The light guide plate 64 and the heat insulation panel 69 provided between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 may be referred to as an intermediate panel, and a plurality of intermediate panels may be provided. Hereinafter, description will be made on the basis that the light guide plate 64 is provided between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 .

A third spacer 663 and a fourth spacer 661 may be provided between the front panel 61 , the light guide plate 64 , and the rear panel 65 . The third spacer 663 and the fourth spacer 661 are disposed along the periphery of the front and rear surfaces of the light guide plate 64 , and come into contact with the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 , respectively. In this case, the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 may protrude to the outside of the third spacer 663 and the fourth spacer 661 , respectively. The third spacer 663 and the fourth spacer 661 allow the front panel 61 , the light guide plate 64 , and the rear panel 65 to maintain a set distance.

In detail, the third spacer 663 may be provided between the front panel 61 and the light guide plate 64 . Accordingly, the light guide plate 64 maintains a set distance between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 , and may be disposed at an appropriate distance for visualization of the display 62 .

The heater mounting part 664 may be formed outside the third spacer 663 . The heater mounting part 664 may protrude outwardly between the front panel 61 and the light guide plate 64 . The heater mounting part 664 may protrude to a height corresponding to the rear panel 65 and provide a space where the sealant 608 may be applied.

A heater groove 664a in which the heater 532 is mounted may be formed in an outer surface of the heater mounting part 664 . The heater groove 664a may be formed to have a size that can accommodate the heater 532 . Accordingly, when the heater 532 generates heat, the heat of the heater 532 may be transferred to the outer spacer 67 made of a metal material. The outer spacer 67 is in contact with the front panel 61 with a larger area than that of the heater 532 , and thus the heat transferred to the outer spacer 67 causes the front panel 61 to move to the heater ( 532), it is possible to heat a larger area compared to heating only.

Accordingly, effective heating of the non-insulating region R formed between the insulating space of the transparent panel assembly 60 and the insulating material 531 of the door 50 is possible, and the It is possible to effectively prevent dew condensation occurring on the front surface.

Meanwhile, the fourth spacer 661 supports between the light guide plate 64 and the rear panel 65 . The light guide plate 64 and the rear panel 65 may maintain a set distance by the fourth spacer 661 .

In addition, a spacer protrusion 662 may be formed outside the fourth spacer 661 . A fastening hole 662a may be formed in an outer surface of the spacer protrusion 662 , and a coupling member 78 penetrating the support frame 70 may be configured to be fastened to the fastening hole 662a. Accordingly, the transparent panel assembly 60 may be mounted on the door 50 while being fixed by the support frame 70 .

In addition, the spacer protrusion 662 may protrude to have a height corresponding to the rear panel 65 and the heater mounting unit 664 . Accordingly, the sealant 608 may be filled between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 , the heater mounting portion 664 , and the spacer protrusion 662 .

Accordingly, the sealant 608 may be applied to the entire circumferential surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 at a uniform height, and the transparent panel assembly 60 may be further airtight by the sealant 608 . . In addition, the inside of the airtight transparent panel assembly 60 may be in a vacuum state or an insulating gas may be injected to form an insulating space.

Meanwhile, the support frame 70 is coupled to a plate support part 74 for supporting the out plate 51 , a panel support part 76 for supporting the circumference of the front panel 61 , and the outer spacer 67 . A frame coupling portion 77 may be formed.

The frame coupling part 77 may extend upwardly from the end of the plate support part 74 , and may extend further rearward or at a position where the spacer protrusion 662 is formed. Accordingly, the coupling member 78 may be coupled to the frame coupling part 77 , and the transparent panel assembly 60 may be maintained in a fixedly mounted state inside the door 50 .

Meanwhile, the refrigerator according to the present invention may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments.

According to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, the transparent plate is provided with a light guide plate and a fifth spacer between the front panel and the rear panel, and the distance between the front panel, the rear panel, and the light guide plate is maintained by the fifth spacer. characterized in that

Configurations other than the configuration of the transparent panel assembly are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

38 is a cross-sectional view of a door according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the door 50 may be formed by coupling the out plate 51 and the door liner 56 , and a transparent panel is provided in the opening of the out plate 51 and the door liner 56 . An assembly 60 is provided to selectively see the inside of the bin. In addition, the insulating material 531 may be filled around the door 50 on the outside of the transparent panel assembly 60 .

The transparent panel assembly 60 may include a front panel 61 forming a front surface and a rear panel 65 forming a rear surface. A metal deposition layer or a film layer may be formed on the rear surface of the front panel 61 to selectively transmit light, so that the door light 57 or a lamp in the refrigerator selectively visualizes the inside of the cabinet as the light is turned on. can

In addition, the display 62 may be provided on the rear surface of the front panel 61 , and in this case, the light guide plate 64 may be provided on the rear surface of the display 62 . In addition, when the display 62 is omitted, the light guide plate 64 may be omitted and a heat insulating panel 69 may be provided. The heat insulation panel 69 and the light guide plate 64 provided between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 may be referred to as an intermediate panel, and a plurality of intermediate panels may be provided. Hereinafter, a light guide plate is provided between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 as a reference.

A fifth spacer 666 may be provided between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 . Both ends of the fifth spacer 666 come into contact with the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 . In addition, a panel groove 667 may be formed on an inner surface of the fifth spacer 666 . The light guide plate 64 may be inserted into the panel groove 667 . Accordingly, the front panel 61 , the light guide plate 64 , and the rear panel 65 can maintain a set distance by the fifth spacer 666 .

In detail, the panel groove 667 may be formed at a position spaced apart from the front panel 61 by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, the light guide plate 64 maintains a set distance between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 , and may be disposed at an appropriate distance for visualization of the display 62 .

A spacer protrusion 668 may be formed outside the fifth spacer 666 . The spacer protrusion 668 may protrude from a position close to the front panel 61 , and may protrude between the front panel 61 and the heater mounting unit 669 . In addition, the spacer protrusion 668 may protrude to a height corresponding to the rear panel 65 and the heater mounting unit 669 .

A fastening hole 668a is formed in the outer surface of the spacer protrusion 668 , and the coupling member 78 penetrating the support frame 70 may be configured to be fastened to the fastening hole 668a. Accordingly, the transparent panel assembly 60 may be mounted on the door 50 while being fixed by the support frame 70 .

In addition, the heater mounting part 669 may be formed outside the fifth spacer 666 . The heater mounting part 669 may protrude from a position close to the rear panel 65 , and may protrude outwardly between the rear panel 65 and the heater mounting part 669 .

The heater mounting part 669 may protrude to a height corresponding to the rear panel 65 and may be formed to be exposed to the outside together with an end of the spacer protrusion 668 while the sealant 608 is applied. .

A heater groove 669a in which the heater 532 is mounted may be formed in an outer surface of the heater mounting part 669 . The heater groove 669a may have a size that can accommodate the heater 532 . Accordingly, when the heater 532 generates heat, the heat of the heater 532 may be transferred to the outer spacer 67 made of a metal material. The outer spacer 67 comes into contact with the front panel 61 with a larger area than that of the heater 532 , and thus the heat transferred to the outer spacer 67 causes the front panel 61 to move to the heater ( 532), it is possible to heat a larger area compared to heating only.

Accordingly, effective heating of the non-insulating region R formed between the insulating space of the transparent panel assembly 60 and the insulating material 531 of the door 50 is possible, and the It is possible to effectively prevent dew condensation occurring on the front surface.

Meanwhile, the spacer protrusion 668 and the heater mounting part 669 may protrude to have a height corresponding to that of the rear panel 65 . Accordingly, the sealant 608 may be filled between the front panel 61 and the rear panel 65 , the heater mounting part 669 , and the spacer protrusion 668 .

Accordingly, the sealant 608 may be applied to the entire circumferential surface of the transparent panel assembly 60 at a uniform height, and the transparent panel assembly 60 may be further airtight by the sealant 608 . . In addition, the inside of the airtight transparent panel assembly 60 may be in a vacuum state or an insulating gas may be injected to form an insulating space.

Meanwhile, the support frame 70 is coupled to a plate support part 74 for supporting the out plate 51 , a panel support part 76 for supporting the circumference of the front panel 61 , and the outer spacer 67 . A frame coupling portion 77 may be formed.

The frame coupling part 77 may extend upwardly from the end of the plate support part 74 , and may extend further rearward or at a position where the spacer protrusion 668 is formed, and has a height that does not cover the heater mounting part 669 . can be extended up to

A coupling member 78 may be coupled to the frame coupling part 77 to maintain the transparent panel assembly 60 fixedly mounted inside the door. In addition, even in a state in which the coupling member 78 coupled to the frame coupling part 77 is fastened to the spacer mounting part 668 , the heater mounting part 669 may be exposed to the outside, and The mounting operation can be made easily.

On the other hand, various embodiments other than the above-described embodiments of the present invention will be possible.

Eighth to tenth embodiments of the present invention are characterized in that the doors of the above-described embodiments can be applied to refrigerators having various structures.

The following embodiments differ only in the position and size of the door, and since the structure of the door of the above-described embodiments may be applied, the same reference numerals are used, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

39 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the refrigerator 1 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is formed by a cabinet 10 in which a storage space is formed and a plurality of doors 20, 30, and 50 for opening and closing the storage space. can be Inside the cabinet 10 , a first storage space 12 and a second storage space 13 may be vertically partitioned. In addition, the first storage space 12 and the second storage space 13 may be controlled to have different temperatures, for example, may be composed of a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. The first storage space 12 and the second storage space 13 may be configured to be opened and closed by a pair of doors 20 , 30 , 50 , respectively.

A pair of doors 20 and 50 for opening and closing the first storage space 12 may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet 10 . In addition, the pair of doors 50 and 50 may be composed of a door 20 for shielding the left side of the first storage space 12 and a door 50 for shielding the right side of the first storage space 12 . can

The door 50 includes a see-through part capable of selectively seeing through the inside, and the see-through part may be constituted by the transparent panel assembly 60 . Meanwhile, the configuration of the door 50 may be the same as any one of the above-described embodiments, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, the door 50 and/or the first storage space 12 may further include a lighting member, and when the lighting member is turned on, the transparent panel assembly 60 becomes transparent so that the interior space can be viewed through. do. In addition, when the lighting member is turned off, the transparent panel assembly 60 becomes opaque, making it impossible to see through the interior space.

40 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the refrigerator 1 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention may be formed by a cabinet 10 in which a storage space is formed and a pair of doors 30 and 50 for opening and closing the storage space. have. Inside the cabinet 10, a first storage space 12 and a second storage space 13 may be partitioned left and right. In addition, the first storage space 12 and the second storage space 13 may be controlled to have different temperatures, for example, may be composed of a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment. The first storage space 12 and the second storage space 13 may be configured to be opened and closed by one door 30 and 50, respectively.

The pair of doors 30 and 50 may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet 10 . In addition, the pair of doors 30 and 50 may be composed of a door 30 for shielding the second storage space 13 on the left side and a door 50 for shielding the first storage space 12 on the right side. can

The door 50 includes a see-through part capable of selectively seeing through the inside, and the see-through part may be constituted by the transparent panel assembly 60 . Meanwhile, the configuration of the door 50 may be the same as any one of the above-described embodiments, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, the door 50 and/or the first storage space 12 may further include a lighting member, and when the lighting member is turned on, the transparent panel assembly 60 becomes transparent so that the interior space can be viewed through. do. In addition, when the lighting member is turned off, the transparent panel assembly 60 becomes opaque, making it impossible to see through the interior space.

41 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the refrigerator 1 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention may be formed by a cabinet 10 in which a storage space is formed and a pair of doors 30 and 50 for opening and closing the storage space. have. A first storage space 12 and a second storage space 13 may be partitioned vertically inside the cabinet 10 . In addition, the first storage space 12 and the second storage space 13 may be controlled to have different temperatures, for example, may be composed of a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment. The first storage space 12 and the second storage space 13 may be configured to be opened and closed by one door 30 and 50, respectively.

The pair of doors 30 and 50 may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet 10 . In addition, the pair of doors 30 and 50 may include a door 50 for shielding the first storage space 12 and a door 30 for shielding the second storage space 13 .

The door 50 includes a see-through part capable of selectively seeing through the inside, and the see-through part may be constituted by the transparent panel assembly 60 . Meanwhile, the configuration of the door 50 may be the same as any one of the above-described embodiments, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, the door 50 and/or the first storage space 12 may further include a lighting member, and when the lighting member is turned on, the transparent panel assembly 60 becomes transparent so that the interior space can be viewed through. do. In addition, when the lighting member is turned off, the transparent panel assembly 60 becomes opaque, making it impossible to see through the interior space.

As described above, the present invention may be applied to any type of refrigerator provided with a door capable of shielding at least a portion of the storage space regardless of the shape of the refrigerator.

Claims (30)

A refrigerator comprising a cabinet having a storage space and a door opening and closing the storage space,
A panel assembly mounted on the door,
a front panel formed of a transparent material to form a front surface of the door;
a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel;
an outer spacer positioned between the front panel and the rear panel and in contact with the rear panel;
a light guide plate disposed behind the front panel; and
Including; a display light irradiating light to the light guide plate;
The display light is mounted on an inner surface of the outer spacer, and the outer spacer is formed of a heat transferable metal material.
The method of claim 1,
The outer spacer,
a portion extending in one direction to which the display light is mounted;
and a portion bent at an end of a portion on which the display light is mounted and in contact with the front panel.
The method of claim 1,
The outer spacer includes one surface extending parallel to the light guide plate and the other surface extending in a direction crossing the light guide plate,
The display light is disposed at a corner where the one side and the other side meet.
The method of claim 1,
The outer spacer has a front end in contact with a rear surface of the front panel and a rear end in contact with a front surface of the rear panel.
The method of claim 1,
A refrigerator having a heater mounting portion protruding from an outer surface of the outer spacer and having a heater mounted thereon.
The method of claim 1,
The door includes an outer plate of a metal material that forms the exterior of the front,
A refrigerator in which a plate opening in which the panel assembly is mounted is formed in the outer plate.
7. The method of claim 6,
A support frame is provided on the outside of the outer spacer,
The support frame includes a support frame that supports the outer plate and the front panel and is coupled to the outer spacer.
8. The method of claim 7,
A spacer protrusion is formed on the outer surface of the outer spacer,
A refrigerator in which a coupling member passing through the support frame is fastened to the spacer protrusion so that the panel assembly is fixedly mounted.
9. The method of claim 8,
The spacer protrusion protrudes at the same height as the rear panel,
A refrigerator in which a sealant is filled between the spacer protrusion and the front panel and the rear panel.
The method of claim 1,
The rear panel is formed in a size smaller than that of the front panel,
The support frame supports the protruding circumference of the front panel.
an out plate forming part of the door exterior;
a door liner coupled to the outer plate and having a liner opening;
a panel assembly having one side coupled to the out plate and the other side coupled to the door liner, respectively;
a support frame surrounding at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the panel assembly; and
and an insulating material filled in the space formed by the out plate, the door liner, and the support frame,
The panel assembly,
a front panel formed of a transparent material to form a front surface of the door;
a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel and formed of a transparent material to shield the liner opening; and
an outer spacer positioned between the front panel and the rear panel to form a space between the front panel and the rear panel;
The support frame includes a plate support part having a flat section facing forward of the door, wherein a plurality of irregularities are formed on the plate support part and an adhesive member is covered.
12. The method of claim 11,
A plate opening is formed in the outer plate, and a front surface of the panel assembly is coupled to shield the plate opening.
13. The method of claim 12,
The support frame is formed along the circumference of the plate opening.
12. The method of claim 11,
The plate support unit is coupled to support a rear surface of the out plate.
12. The method of claim 11,
The support frame further comprises a frame coupling portion coupled to the outer surface of the outer spacer.
16. The method of claim 15,
The frame coupling portion extends in a direction crossing the plate support portion.
12. The method of claim 11,
A frame opening is formed in the center of the support frame,
The frame opening is formed to be smaller than the size of the front panel and larger than the size of the rear panel.
18. The method of claim 17,
The panel assembly is supported by the support frame in a mounted state, and the rear panel passes through the frame opening and is seated on the door liner.
12. The method of claim 11,
The support frame is a refrigerator supporting a rear surface of the front panel.
12. The method of claim 11,
At least one intermediate panel is further provided between the front panel and the rear panel,
A refrigerator is provided with a plurality of spacers on the front and rear surfaces of the middle panel to maintain a distance from the front panel and the rear panel.
A refrigerator comprising a cabinet having a storage space and a door opening and closing the storage space,
The door is composed of an outer plate made of a metal material and a panel assembly mounted on the door,
The panel assembly,
a front panel formed of a transparent material to form a front surface of the door;
a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel;
an outer spacer formed of a metal material, positioned between the front panel and the rear panel, and connected to the out plate;
a display light mounted on an inner surface of the outer spacer; and
and a light guide plate for guiding the light emitted from the display light toward the front panel,
The refrigerator, characterized in that the heat generated by the display light is transferred to the outer plate through the outer spacer.
22. The method of claim 21,
The outer spacer connects between the front panel and the rear panel.
23. The method of claim 22,
The outer spacer extends to provide a surface on which the display light is mounted,
One end of the outer spacer is bent to support the light guide plate.
22. The method of claim 21,
The door includes a support frame connecting the out plate and the panel assembly,
The support frame is disposed along a circumference of the panel assembly.
25. The method of claim 24,
A spacer protrusion is formed on the outer surface of the outer spacer,
A refrigerator in which a coupling member passing through the support frame is fastened to the spacer protrusion so that the panel assembly is fixedly mounted.
26. The method of claim 25,
A sealant is filled between the spacer protrusion and the rear panel and the front panel,
The sealant is filled to the same height as the spacer protrusion and the rear panel.
27. The method of claim 26,
The front panel is formed to be larger than the rear panel, and the refrigerator protrudes more outward than a surface filled with the sealant.
27. The method of claim 26,
A heater mounting portion is formed that protrudes from the outer surface of the outer spacer and is mounted with a heater,
The heater mounting portion protrudes at the same height as the spacer protrusion.
22. The method of claim 21,
At least a portion of the out plate is in contact with the panel assembly.
22. The method of claim 21,
A plate opening is formed in the outer plate, and the panel assembly is mounted to shield the plate opening.

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