US20230243581A1 - Home appliance and refrigerator - Google Patents
Home appliance and refrigerator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230243581A1 US20230243581A1 US18/102,478 US202318102478A US2023243581A1 US 20230243581 A1 US20230243581 A1 US 20230243581A1 US 202318102478 A US202318102478 A US 202318102478A US 2023243581 A1 US2023243581 A1 US 2023243581A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- door
- sensor
- refrigerator
- detection
- cover
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
- F25D23/028—Details
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D27/00—Lighting arrangements
- F25D27/005—Lighting arrangements combined with control means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25D29/005—Mounting of control devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2327/00—Lighting arrangements not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2327/001—Lighting arrangements on the external side of the refrigerator, freezer or cooling box
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/04—Sensors detecting the presence of a person
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to home appliances and refrigerators.
- a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at a low temperature in an internal storage space shielded by a refrigerator door and is configured so that the stored food can be stored in an optimal state by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle.
- refrigerators are gradually becoming larger and multifunctional according to changes in dietary habits and the trend of luxury products, and refrigerators with various structures and convenience devices in consideration of user convenience are being released.
- Refrigerators are being developed that are provided with a proximity detection device for detecting a user's proximity to the refrigerator and perform an operation according to the user's proximity detection.
- a detection device which is installed at the bottom of the lower door to detect a user's foot and opens the door based on the detection result.
- An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance and a refrigerator having a proximity sensor that is disposed not to be easily seen by a user while ensuring the user's proximity detection performance.
- An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance and a refrigerator that detects a user's proximity and changes the outer appearance of a front door.
- a refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage space; a door opening and closing the cabinet; and a detection device provided on one surface of the door and recognizing a user in front of the door or detecting ambient brightness, in which a portion of the detection device protrudes in one direction from the door, and the other portion thereof is accommodated inside the door.
- the detection device may include a detection member for detecting a user's proximity, and a case mounted on a lower surface of the door to shield the detection member and exposed to the lower surface of the door, an opening shielded by the case may be formed on the lower surface of the door, and a portion of the detection member may protrude downward from the opening.
- the detection member may be inclined with respect to the lower surface of the door, and a front end of the detection member may protrude downward more than the rear end thereof.
- the door may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet by a hinge device, the detection member may be provided on one side close to the hinge device among the left and right sides of the door, and one side end of the left and right ends of the detection member closer to the hinge device may be disposed to face more forward than one side end farther from the hinge device.
- the case may include a case body for shielding the opening of the lower surface of the door, a detection member accommodation portion protruding downward from the case body and forming a recessed portion in which the detection member is accommodated, the detection member accommodation portion may include a front surface extending downward from the case body and disposed with the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion of the detection member, and a lower surface extending from the lower end of the front surface toward the case body, the detection member may be supported by the front and bottom surfaces.
- the front surface may be formed to be inclined toward the rear with respect to the front surface of the door as it extends downward.
- a fixing portion to which a screw penetrating the detection member is fastened may be formed in the case body in a state where the detection member is accommodated in the detection member accommodation portion.
- a PCB mounting portion extending upward and intersecting the case body may be formed on the case body, and a PCB connected to the detection member may be mounted in the PCB mounting portion.
- a light mounting portion which is opened downward and in which a door light radiating downward is accommodated may be formed on the case body, and a light cover which is formed of a material capable of transmitting light and for shielding the door light may be mounted on the light mounting portion.
- the door may include an upper door connected to the cabinet by a hinge device to be rotatable; and a lower door disposed below the upper door, a handle for opening the lower door may be provided on the upper end of the lower door, and the detection device may protrude between the upper door and the lower door.
- the door may include an upper door for opening and closing the upper storage space; and a lower door that opens and closes the lower storage space, the upper door may include a door body; a panel assembly coupled to the door body to form a front outer appearance of the door; and, a door cover forming an upper surface of the door, and the detection device may be mounted on the door cover.
- the detection device may include an illuminance sensor; a sensor module mounting portion recessed downward from the door cover and accommodating the illuminance sensor; and a sensor cover formed of a material capable of transmitting light and shielding an opening of the sensor module mounting portion.
- the sensor cover may include a cover protrusion protruding upward from the door cover and accommodating an upper end portion of the illuminance sensor therein; and a first inclined portion extending forward from the cover protrusion and inclined downward toward the front; and the detection portion of the illuminance sensor may detect light entering through the first inclined portion.
- the illuminance sensor may be mounted in a state of being inclined at a set angle in the sensor module mounting portion.
- the sensor module mounting portion may include a body portion having an upper surface open and recessed downward from the door cover and accommodating the illuminance sensor; and the illuminance sensor may be mounted in a state of being inclined backward as it goes upward from the lower end of the body portion.
- An electric wire connected to the detection device may be connected to the sensor PCB.
- the door may include a door body; and a panel assembly coupled to the door body to form the front outer appearance of the door; the panel assembly may include a front plate forming an outer appearance of the front surface of the door and through which light is transmitted; a lighting device that irradiates light; and a control portion for controlling the operation of the lighting device; and the control portion may be configured to control the intensity of a light source of the lighting device based on the external illuminance value detected by the detection device.
- a refrigerator may include a cabinet having an upper storage space and a lower storage space; an upper door opening and closing the upper storage space; and a lower door opening and closing the lower storage space, in which the lower door may include a door body; an upper cap deco connected to an upper end of the door body and forming a portion of the front surface and the upper surface of the lower door; and a detection device for recognizing a user in front of the door or detecting ambient brightness, the detection device may be provided inside the upper cap deco, and a detection hole communicating with the sensor module may be formed on the front surface of the upper cap deco.
- the door may include a door body; and a panel assembly coupled to the door body to form the front outer appearance of the door; the panel assembly may include a front plate forming an outer appearance of the front surface of the door and through which light is transmitted; a lighting device that irradiates light; and a control portion for controlling the operation of the lighting device, and the control portion may be configured to adjust the intensity of the light source of the lighting device when the detection device detects that the user is adjacent to the door.
- An embodiment of the present disclosure has an advantage of providing a home appliance and a refrigerator that change the outer appearance of the front door by detecting a user's proximity or ambient brightness.
- FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure in which the door panel and the door body are coupled.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the door panel is viewed from the front.
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating portion A of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state where the door is viewed from below.
- FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a mounting structure of a detection device and a door according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the detection device is viewed from one direction.
- FIG. 10 is a cutaway perspective view taken along line 10 - 10 of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a state where the refrigerator detects a user.
- FIG. 13 is an enlarged view illustrating section B of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view illustrating the lower portion of the door from which the detection device is separated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the detection device is viewed from one direction.
- FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the detection device is viewed from another direction.
- FIG. 18 is a cutaway perspective view taken along line 18 - 18 ′ of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a state where the refrigerator detects a user.
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the front.
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a state where an upper door equipped with a sensor module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the front.
- FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where an upper door equipped with the sensor module is viewed from above.
- FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a state where a sensor cover, which is one component of the sensor module is viewed from below.
- FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a state where a door cover on which the sensor module is mounted is viewed from above.
- FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the door cover where the sensor module is mounted.
- FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a state where the sensor module is mounted.
- FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the door cover is coupled to the door body.
- FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the door cover is viewed from the front.
- FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where an upper door equipped with a sensor module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from above.
- FIG. 31 is a view illustrating a state where the door cover on which the sensor module is mounted is viewed from above.
- FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the sensor module is mounted on the door cover.
- FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of control signals of the refrigerator.
- FIG. 34 is a control flowchart illustrating a method of controlling brightness of a light source according to ambient brightness.
- FIG. 35 is a view illustrating a change in outer appearance of a refrigerator according to ambient brightness.
- FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 37 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the front.
- FIG. 38 is a front view illustrating a state where the door of the refrigerator is opened.
- FIG. 39 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a lower door equipped with a sensor module according to a fourth embodiment is viewed from the front.
- FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the sensor module is viewed from the front.
- FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the sensor module is viewed from the rear.
- FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 42 - 42 in FIG. 39 .
- FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 43 - 43 of FIG. 39 .
- FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 44 - 44 of FIG. 39 .
- FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where a sensor module according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the front.
- FIG. 46 is a control flowchart illustrating a method of controlling brightness of a light source according to ambient brightness.
- FIG. 47 is a view illustrating a change in outer appearance of a refrigerator according to ambient brightness.
- FIG. 48 is a control flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the brightness of a light source according to a users distance detection.
- FIG. 49 is a view illustrating changes in outer appearance of a refrigerator according to a users distance detection.
- FIG. 50 is a view illustrating an example of adjusting the color of home appliances to which the panel assembly is applied using a remote device.
- the direction in which the front surface of the door faces as illustrated in FIG. 1 can be defined as a front direction
- the direction facing the cabinet with respect to the front surface of the door can be defined as a rear direction
- the direction facing the bottom surface on which the refrigerator is installed can be defined as a downward direction
- the direction away from the bottom surface can be defined as upward direction.
- FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a state where a door of the refrigerator is opened.
- the outer appearance of the refrigerator 1 A may be formed by a cabinet 10 forming a storage space and a door 20 opening and closing the storage space of the cabinet 10 .
- the cabinet 10 may form a storage space divided in the up and down direction, with a refrigerating chamber 11 formed at an upper portion and a freezing chamber 12 formed at a lower portion.
- the refrigerating chamber 11 may be referred to as an upper storage space
- the freezing chamber 12 may be referred to as a lower storage space.
- the door 20 may be configured to open and close the refrigerating chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12 , respectively.
- the door 20 may be rotatably mounted on the cabinet 10 by being connected by hinge devices 204 and 205 , and the refrigerating chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12 may be opened and closed by rotation, respectively.
- the door 20 may include a refrigerating chamber door 201 opening and closing the refrigerating chamber 11 and a freezing chamber door 202 opening and closing the freezing chamber 12 .
- the refrigerating chamber door 201 may be referred to as an upper door, and the freezing chamber door 202 may be referred to as a lower door.
- Handles 201 a and 202 a may be formed on the refrigerating chamber door 201 and the freezing chamber door 202 .
- the door 20 forms the front outer appearance of the refrigerator 1 A in a closed state, and may form the front outer appearance of the refrigerator 1 A in a state where the refrigerator 1 A is installed.
- At least a portion of the front surface of the door 20 may be configured to shine in a color set by the operation of the lighting device 36 .
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure in which the door panel and the door body are coupled
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the door panel is viewed from the front.
- the door 20 may include a door body 40 forming the overall shape of the door and opening and closing the storage space, and a panel assembly 30 forming the front outer appearance of the door 20 .
- the door 20 may be configured such that the panel assembly 30 is mounted on the front surface of the door body 40 .
- the door body 40 may include a body plate 41 forming a front surface and a door liner 42 forming a rear surface.
- the body plate 41 may be disposed to face the rear surface of the panel assembly 30 .
- the door liner may include a gasket that is in close contact with the cabinet 10 along a rear circumference.
- the door body 40 may include side decos 44 forming both left and right sides of the door body 21 .
- the door body 40 may include an upper cap deco 43 and a lower cap deco 45 forming upper and lower surfaces of the door body 40 .
- An insulator 400 may be filled inside the door body 40 .
- the panel assembly 30 is formed in a plate shape, and may form the front outer appearance of the door 20 in a state of being mounted on the front surface of the door body 40 .
- the panel assembly 30 may be detachably mounted to the door body 40 in an assembled state.
- the upper and lower ends of the panel assembly 30 may be fixed to the upper cap deco 43 and the lower cap deco 45 .
- the panel assembly 30 may have a structure that can be separated from and mounted on the door body 40 for service and maintenance.
- the panel assembly 30 may be configured to emit light from the entire front surface and may be configured to shine in various colors.
- the panel assembly 30 may include a front plate 31 forming a front outer appearance and a lighting device 36 radiating light so that the front plate 31 shines.
- the panel assembly 30 may include a light guide plate 33 guiding light emitted from the lighting device 36 .
- Light emitted from the lighting device 36 may be guided to the front plate 31 by the light guide plate 33 so that the front surface of the panel assembly 30 may be configured to shine in various colors.
- the front plate 31 may be transparent so that light reflected by the light guide plate 33 may pass through.
- the front plate 31 may be formed to have a color and may be formed to appear in a different color according to an operation or an on/off state of the lighting device 36 .
- components inside the panel assembly 30 may be prevented from being visible to the outside through the front plate 31 due to the color of the front plate 31 itself.
- the light guide plate 33 may be located at a rear spaced apart from the front plate 31 and may be configured to guide light emitted from a lighting device 36 disposed below the light guide plate 33 forward.
- Light can be transmitted to the front plate 31 by the light guide plate 33 , and at this time, the pattern of the light guide plate 33 can be set so that the entire front surface of the front plate 31 can shine with uniform brightness.
- a support member 32 may be provided between the front plate 31 and the light guide plate 33 if necessary.
- the support member 32 is a component to which the light guide plate 33 and the front plate 31 are fixedly mounted, and in particular, the light guide plate 33 and the front plate 31 can be maintained at a predetermined distance.
- An upper bracket 34 may be provided at an upper end of the panel assembly 30 .
- the upper bracket 34 may have a structure coupled to the support member 32 and a structure coupled to the back cover 39 .
- a lower bracket 35 may be provided at a lower end of the panel assembly 30 .
- the lower bracket 35 may have a structure coupled to the support member 32 and a structure coupled to the back cover 39 .
- a lighting device 36 may be mounted on the lower bracket 35 .
- the lighting device 36 emits light for determining the color and brightness of the front surface of the panel assembly and is configured to emit light toward the light guide plate 33 .
- the back cover 39 forms a rear surface of the panel assembly 30 and may be combined with the upper bracket 34 and the lower bracket 35 .
- the back cover 39 may be formed of a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum.
- the panel assembly 30 is provided with a lighting device 36 , and the light emitted from the lighting device 36 passes through the front plate 31 , so that the front surface of the door can be brightly lit.
- the structure of the panel assembly 30 and the door body 40 may be applied to both the upper door 201 and the lower door 202 . Accordingly, front surfaces of both the upper door 201 and the lower door 202 may be brightly lit by the lighting device 36 .
- the panel assembly 30 may not include a light guide plate, and a lighting device may be disposed behind the panel. That is, the panel assembly 30 may be configured in a direct type method in which light is directly radiated toward the lighting panel.
- the panel assembly 30 may have an LCD display structure or an electrophoretic display structure. That is, the panel assembly 30 may be configured with various panel structures capable of changing the front outer appearance of the door 20 .
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating portion A of FIG. 1
- FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state where the door is viewed from below
- FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a mounting structure of a detection device and a door according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- a refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage space; a door opening and closing the cabinet; and a detection device 50 according to the first embodiment provided on a lower surface of the door and recognizing a user in front of the door, and a portion of the detection device 50 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the door, and the remaining portion thereof may be accommodated inside the door.
- the detection device 50 may include a detection member 52 that detects a user's proximity: a case 51 mounted on the lower surface of the door to shield the detection member 52 and exposed to the lower surface of the door.
- An opening shielded by the case 51 is formed on a lower surface of the door, and a portion of the detection member 52 may protrude downward from the opening.
- the detection member 52 is disposed inclined with respect to the lower surface of the door, and the front end of the detection member 52 may protrude downward more than the rear end.
- the door is rotatably mounted to the cabinet by a hinge device 205 , and the detection member 52 may be provided on one side close to the hinge device 205 among both left and right sides of the door.
- a shielding portion 452 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the door and covers at least a portion of the hinge device 205 , and the protruding height of the detection device 50 may be equal to or smaller than the protruding height of the shielding portion.
- the detection member 52 may be disposed inclined with respect to the front surface of the door.
- one end closer to the hinge device 205 may be disposed to face more forward than one end farther from the hinge device 205 .
- the detection member 52 is disposed inclined with respect to the lower surface of the door, and the front end of the detection member 52 may be disposed lower than the rear end.
- the case 51 may include a case body 511 for shielding the opening of the lower surface of the door, and a detection member accommodation portion 512 protruding downward from the case body 511 and forming a recessed portion in which the detection member 52 is accommodated.
- the detection member accommodation portion 512 may include a front surface extending downward from the case body 511 and disposed with a light receiving portion and a light emitting portion of the detection member 52 ; and a lower surface extending from the lower end of the front surface toward the case body 511 , and the detection member 52 may be supported by the front surface and the lower surface.
- the front surface may be inclined toward the rear with respect to the front surface of the door.
- the front surface may be disposed so as to be inclined away from the front surface of the door as the front surface extends laterally based on the front surface of the door.
- At least the front surface of the case 51 may be formed of a light-transmitting material.
- a fixing portion to which a screw penetrating the detection member 52 is fastened may be formed in a state where the detection member 52 is accommodated in the detection member accommodation portion 512 .
- the case body 511 is formed with a PCB mounting portion 614 that extends upward and intersects the case body 511 , and a PCB connected to the detection member 52 may be mounted on the PCB mounting portion 614 .
- a light mounting portion 513 which is opened downward and in which a door light 53 for irradiating light downward is accommodated is formed, and in the light mounting portion 513 , a light cover which is formed of a material capable of transmitting light and shielding the door light 53 may be mounted.
- the door may include a lower cap deco 35 forming a lower surface, and a mounting portion for a detection device 50 recessed to accommodate the detection member 52 may be formed on the lower surface of the lower cap deco 35 , and a support portion 455 may protrude from the inside of the mounting portion for a detection device 50 to support the detection member 52 from the rear.
- the door may be connected to the cabinet by a hinge device 205 and include a rotatable upper door and a lower door disposed below the upper door, a handle for opening the lower door may be provided on an upper end of the lower door, and the detection device 50 may protrude between the upper door and the lower door.
- the detection device 50 may be disposed on one side close to the hinge device 205 among both left and right sides of the upper door.
- the lower surface of the door 20 may be provided with a detection device 50 for detecting a user's proximity.
- the detection device 50 may be provided on the lower surface of the upper door 201 in a state where the upper door 201 and the lower door 202 are disposed vertically and may protrude downward, that is, toward the upper surface of the lower door 202 . Therefore, the detection device 50 may detect the proximity of the user to the front of the refrigerator 1 A.
- the lower surface of the door 20 may be formed by the lower cap deco 35 .
- a hinge bracket 451 coupled to the hinge device 205 may be mounted on the lower cap deco 35 .
- the hinge bracket 451 may be provided at one end of both left and right ends of the lower surface of the door 20 .
- a hinge hole 451 a into which a hinge shaft of the hinge device 205 is inserted may be formed in the hinge bracket 451 .
- a door stopper 451 b protruding downward may be formed on the hinge bracket 451 .
- the door stopper 451 b allows the door 20 to stop at a set angle when the door 20 is opened.
- a door opening device 453 may be provided at a side of the hinge bracket 451 .
- the door opening device 453 is for automatically opening the door 20 and may push the cabinet 10 to open the door 20 when an open signal is input to the door.
- the door opening device 453 may be mounted on the lower surface of the door 20 , that is, the lower cap deco 35 .
- the lower cap deco 35 may be formed with a shielding portion 452 that shields at least a portion of the hinge device 205 .
- the shielding portion 452 may be formed at the front corresponding to the hinge bracket 451 and may extend downward from the lower cap deco 35 .
- the shielding portion 452 may extend in left and right direction and may extend further than at least the hinge bracket 451 .
- the shielding portion 452 may extend further than the door opening device 453 to shield the stopper 451 b and the door opening device 453 . To this end, the shielding portion 452 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the door 20 by a set height H 2 .
- the protrusion height H 2 of the shielding portion 452 may be smaller than the distance H 1 between the lower surface of the upper door 201 and the upper surface of the lower door 202 . Therefore, when opening and closing the door 20 , the shielding portion 452 is not interfered with the door.
- a handle 201 a may be further formed on the lower surface of the lower cap deco 35 .
- the handle 201 a is for opening the upper door 201 , and may be recessed so that the user can insert his or her hand.
- the handle 201 a may be formed on one side opposite to the arrangement position of the hinge device 205 among the left and right sides of the door 20 . That is, the handle 201 a may be disposed at a location far from the hinge device 205 and may facilitate opening of the door 20 .
- a detection device 50 may be mounted on the lower cap deco 35 .
- the detection device 50 may be located between the hinge bracket 451 and the handle 201 a without interference. Among the left and right sides of the door 20 , the detection device 50 may be located on one side closer to the hinge device 205 .
- a portion of the detection device 50 is may be located in the center of the lower cap deco 35 .
- the detection member 52 which is a main component of the detection device 50 , may be located on one side close to the hinge device 205 among both left and right sides of the door 20 .
- the detection device 50 may be provided on one door 20 among the doors 20 on both left and right sides.
- the detection device 50 may be mounted on a detection device mounting portion 454 mounted on the lower surface of the door 20 .
- the detection device 50 may form a portion of the lower surface of the door 20 in a state of being mounted on the detection device mounting portion 454 .
- the detection device 50 may include a detection member 52 that detects a user's proximity and a case 51 in which the detection member 52 is mounted.
- the case 51 may include a case body 511 for shielding the opening of the detection device mounting portion 454 and a detection member accommodation portion 512 protruding downward from the case body 511 .
- the case body 511 may form the same plane as the lower surface of the lower cap deco 35 in a state of being mounted on the door 20 .
- the detection member accommodation portion 512 includes the detection member 52 therein, and may be formed of a light-transmitting material so that light irradiated from the detection member 52 can pass therethrough. Alternatively, only the front surface 512 a through which light is substantially transmitted among the detection member accommodation portion 512 may be formed of a light-transmitting material, if necessary.
- the detection member accommodation portion 512 or the entire case 51 may be formed of a light-transmitting material.
- the detection member accommodation portion 512 may be formed to protrude obliquely from the lower surface of the door 20 to facilitate a user's detection.
- the detection member accommodation portion 512 may also be referred to as a case protrusion.
- the detection member accommodation portion 512 may include a front surface 512 a protruding outward from the case body 511 .
- the front surface 512 a may be in contact with the light receiving portion 522 and the light emitting portion 523 of the detection member 52 .
- the front surface 512 a is formed to face forward and may be disposed to face a user located in front of the refrigerator 1 A. Accordingly, the front surface 512 a may determine a substantially inclined direction of the detection member accommodation portion 512 .
- the front surface 512 a may be formed in a planar shape and may be inclined with respect to the front surface of the door 20 . At this time, the front surface 512 a may be formed to secure an area for disposing the light receiving portion 522 and the light emitting portion 523 of the detection member 52 while minimizing the height H 3 protruding downward from the door 20 at the same time.
- the protruding height H 3 of the detection member accommodation portion 512 is smaller than the distance H 1 between the lower surface of the upper door 201 and the upper surface of the lower door 202 and can be formed equal to or smaller than the protruding height H 2 of the shielding portion 452 .
- the front surface 512 a may be inclined toward the rear as it extends downward.
- an angle ⁇ 1 between the front surface 512 a and the lower surface of the door 20 may be approximately 30°. Accordingly, by minimizing the protrusion of the detection member accommodation portion 512 , the outer appearance is improved, and the users hand is prevented from being pinched or interfered with the front surface.
- the detection member accommodation portion 512 is located at a position facing the handle 202 a at the upper end of the lower door 202 .
- the users hand can be prevented from interfering with the protruding detection member accommodation portion 512 .
- the front surface 512 a may be disposed in an inclined state with respect to the front surface of the door 20 .
- the front surface 512 a may extend away from the front surface of the door 20 as it moves away from the hinge device 205 .
- an angle ⁇ 2 between the front surface 512 a and the front surface of the door 20 may be approximately 15°. Therefore, while the detection member 52 is disposed at an eccentric position on one side of the door 20 , it radiates light toward the front of the center of the refrigerator 1 A, so that the user can easily detect proximity and ensure reliable operation.
- the detection device 50 can accurately detect the user and minimize external exposure to improve the appearance. In addition, it is possible to prevent the users hand from being caught or interfered with the door when the user operates the door 20 .
- the detection member accommodation portion 512 may further include a lower surface 512 b forming a lower surface of the detection member accommodation portion 512 .
- the lower surface 512 b may extend from the lower end of the front surface 512 a to the case body 511 .
- the lower surface 512 b may have an inclination that increases toward the rear with respect to the lower surface of the door 20 .
- the detection member accommodation portion 512 may further include side surfaces 512 c forming protruding side surfaces of the detection member accommodation portion 512 .
- the side surface 512 c may connect the front surface 512 a and the lower surface 512 b and the case body 511 .
- a detection member restricting portion 512 d may be formed at one side of the circumference of the detection member accommodation portion 454 .
- the detection member restricting portion 512 d may be formed at a corner portion where end portions of the front surface 512 a and the side surface 512 c meet and may protrude into the detection member accommodation portion 454 . Accordingly, the detection member restraining portion 512 d may temporarily restrain one side of the detection member 52 in a state where the detection member 52 is inserted into the detection member accommodation portion 454 .
- the screw 525 may be fastened in a state where the detection member 52 is constrained to the detection member restricting portion 512 d.
- a light cover 55 that shields the door light 53 and transmits light of the door light 53 may be provided on the case body 511 . Therefore, through the detection device 50 , the user can be detected and the lower portion of the upper door 201 can be illuminated.
- the light cover 55 may be disposed on a side of the detection member accommodation portion 512 .
- the detection member 52 and the door light 53 may be mounted on the door 20 while being coupled to the case body 511 .
- the lower cap deco 35 may be formed with the detection device mounting portion 454 recessed to mount the detection device 50 thereon.
- the detection device mounting portion 454 forms a space in which the detection device 50 can be accommodated and may form an opening shielded by the case body 511 . That is, an opening may be formed on the lower surface of the door 20 by the detection device mounting portion 454 .
- the case body 511 may form the same plane as the lower surface of the lower cap deco 35 .
- the detection member 52 and the door light 53 may maintain a state accommodated in a space inside the detection device mounting portion 454 .
- a support portion 455 may be formed inside the detection device mounting portion 454 .
- the support portion 455 may be formed at a position corresponding to the detection member 52 and may protrude from a circumferential surface of the detection device mounting portion 454 .
- the support portion 455 may protrude to support the detection member 52 from the rear in a state where the detection device 50 is mounted.
- the support portion 455 may be inclined or stepped toward the front from the bottom to the top. Therefore, when the detection device 50 is mounted, the detection member 52 is supported from the rear by the support portion 455 and may be in close contact with the detection member accommodation portion 512 . Even when the door 20 is repeatedly opened and closed, the detection member 52 may not be separated or moved.
- a support rib 456 may be formed inside the detection device mounting portion 454 .
- the support rib 456 is for supporting one side of the case body 511 and may protrude from the circumferential surface of the detection device mounting portion 454 .
- the support ribs 456 extend in the vertical direction, and a plurality of support ribs may be continuously arranged at regular intervals.
- the end portion of the support rib 456 can support the case body 511 from below, and thus, when the detection device 50 is mounted, it is possible to keep the case body 511 mounted in an accurate position.
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the detection device is viewed from one direction
- FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the detection device is viewed from another direction
- FIG. 10 is a cutaway perspective view taken along line 10 - 10 of FIG. 4 .
- the detection device 50 may include the case 51 and the detection member 52 .
- the case 51 may be mounted on the door 20 with the detection member 52 coupled thereto.
- the case 51 may be formed by injection molding of a plastic material, and at least the front surface of the detection member accommodation portion 512 may be formed of a material capable of transmitting light.
- the case 51 may include the case body 511 formed in a plate shape.
- the case body 511 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the opening formed in the lower cap deco 35 .
- Body protrusions 511 a and 511 b are formed at both left and right ends of the case body 511 and can be coupled to the lower cap deco 35 .
- a guide rib 511 c may protrude from an upper surface of the case body 511 .
- the guide rib 511 c may be formed along at least a portion of the circumference of the case body 511 .
- the guide rib 511 c is in contact with the inner surface of the detection device mounting portion 454 to further fix the case body 511 .
- the detection member accommodation portion 512 may be formed in the case body 511 .
- the detection member accommodation portion 512 may form a recessed space on the upper surface of the case body 511 so that the detection member 52 can be accommodated therein. At this time, the detection member accommodation portion 512 may protrude downward from the case body 511 .
- the detection member accommodation portion 512 may include the front surface 512 a , the lower surface 512 b , and the side surface 512 c and may be formed in a shape corresponding to the detection member 52 .
- the detection member accommodation portion 512 may be inserted and mounted with the detection member 52 , and may be fixed in contact with the front, bottom and side surfaces of the detection member 52 in a state where the detection member 52 is mounted.
- the front ends of the light receiving portion 522 and the light emitting portion 523 for irradiating and receiving light for the user's detection are disposed on the front surface of the detection member 52 , and the front surface of the detection member 52 may be in close contact with the front surface 512 a of the detection member accommodation portion 512 . That is, the shape of the detection member accommodation portion 512 may be formed in a corresponding shape so that the front and bottom surfaces of the detection member 52 and both left and right sides may be in close contact with each other.
- a fastening portion 515 for fixing the detection member 52 may be formed on one side of the case body 511 .
- the fastening portion 515 may protrude from a position adjacent to the detection member accommodation portion 512 .
- the fastening portion 515 is fastened to the screw 525 penetrating the detection member 52 and may be formed at a position corresponding to the fixed end 524 of the detection member 52 .
- the detection member 52 is inserted into the detection member accommodation portion 512 and is primarily fixed, and may be firmly fixed to the fastening portion 515 by fastening the screw 525 .
- the detection member 52 is for sensing the user's proximity and may be referred to as a proximity sensor.
- the detection member 52 may include an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a magnetic sensor, a vision camera, and the like, and various devices capable of detecting a user's proximity in a non-contact manner may be used.
- the detection member 52 may be configured as an infrared sensor.
- the detection member 52 may include a detection member case 51 forming an external shape.
- the detection member case 51 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the detection member accommodation portion 512 and inserted into the detection member accommodation portion 512 .
- the detection member case 51 may include a light emitting portion 523 in which a light emitting element 523 a is disposed and a light receiving portion 522 in which a light receiving element 522 a is disposed.
- the light emitting portion 523 and the light receiving portion 522 may be disposed on both sides of the detection member case 51 , and may have an open front surface to emit light and receive light to detect a user's proximity.
- Opened front surfaces of the light emitting portion 523 and the light receiving portion 522 may be in close contact with the front surface of the detection member accommodation portion 512 .
- the fixed end 524 may be formed on both sides of the rear end of the detection member case 51 .
- the fixing end 524 on one side of the fixed ends 524 on both sides may be disposed to overlap the fastening portion 515 , and may be fixed to each other by fastening the screw 525 . Accordingly, the detection member 52 can maintain a state of being firmly fixed to the case 51 and maintain its mounting position even when the door 20 is repeatedly opened and closed.
- the rear end of the detection member 52 may be supported by the support portion 455 , and the front end of the detection member 52 , that is, the light emitting portion 523 and the light receiving portion 522 may be kept a state of being in close contact with the front surface of detection member accommodation portion 512 .
- the recognition performance of the detection member 52 may be guaranteed.
- a PCB mounting portion 514 may be formed on one side of the case body 511 .
- the PCB mounting portion 514 may extend upward from one end of the case body 511 .
- the PCB mounting portion 514 extends along the front end of the case body 511 , and the PCB for controlling the operation of the detection member 52 may be mounted thereon.
- the PCB 54 may be connected to the door light 53 in addition to the detection member 52 to control the operation of the door light 53 .
- the PCB mounting portion 514 is inserted into the detection device mounting portion 454 and may come into contact with the inner wall surface of the detection device mounting portion 454 . Therefore, when the detection device 50 is mounted, it can serve as an auxiliary guide and support for the detection device 50 .
- a light mounting portion 513 to which the door light 53 is mounted may be further formed on the case body 511 .
- the light mounting portion 513 may be disposed on the side of the detection member accommodation portion 512 .
- the light mounting portion 513 may be disposed farther than the detection member accommodation portion 512 based on the hinge device 205 . Accordingly, the door light 53 can be disposed closer to the door 20 or the center of the refrigerator 1 A, and can effectively illuminate the lower side of the door 20 .
- the door light 53 may include a substrate 531 and a plurality of LEDs 532 disposed along a lower surface of the substrate 531 .
- a connector 533 is provided at one end of the substrate 531 and may be connected to the connector 533 disposed on one side of the light mounting portion 513 .
- the light mounting portion 513 is recessed upward from the case body 511 , and a lower surface thereof may be opened.
- the open lower surface of the light mounting portion 513 may be shielded by a light cover 55 .
- the light cover 55 may be formed of a transparent material capable of transmitting light.
- Cover protrusions 552 and 553 are formed on both left and right sides of the light cover 55 so that the light cover 55 can be detachably attached to the light mounting portion 513 .
- a cover rib 554 may be formed on an upper surface of the light cover 55 .
- the cover rib 554 may extend upward along the circumference of the light cover 55 and may be in contact with the inner surface of the light mounting portion 513 .
- a door light fixing portion for fixing the door light 53 may be formed inside the light mounting portion 513 .
- the door light fixing portion may include a plurality of upper support portions 513 b disposed along the upper surface of the light mounting portion 513 and a lower support portion 513 a disposed below and away from the upper support portion 513 b .
- the upper support portion 513 b extends in the front and rear direction, and a plurality of upper support portions may be continuously arranged at regular intervals in the left and right direction.
- At least a portion of the upper support portion 513 b may be formed in a hook shape so that the substrate 531 is caught and restrained.
- the lower support portion 513 a may be positioned below the upper support portion 513 b by a thickness of the substrate 531 and may be disposed on at least one end of both left and right ends of the light mounting portion 513 . Accordingly, the substrate 531 may be inserted and fixed between the upper support portion 513 b and the lower support portion 513 a.
- FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a state where the refrigerator detects a user.
- the refrigerator 1 A may detect the proximity of the user U by the detection device 50 when the user U approaches within a set distance.
- the user U who does not intend to operate the refrigerator 1 A usually passes the refrigerator at a distance of 600 mm or more. Normally, the user U opens and closes the door 20 at a distance of about 300 m from the front of the refrigerator 1 A. Therefore, in order to determine that the user U is approaching to use the refrigerator 1 A, it is necessary to effectively determine the user U within a set distance of approximately 300 mm to 600 mm.
- the detection device 50 may be located on one door 20 of the pair of upper doors 201 disposed on both left and right sides.
- the detection device 50 may be provided in the door 20 on the left side among doors on both sides.
- the detection device 50 may be located on the left side close to the hinge device 205 located on the left side of both left and right sides to prevent interference during the opening and closing operation of the upper door 201 and the lower door 202 by the user U.
- the detection device 50 is located at a position biased to one side, the detection device 50 may be inclined with respect to the front surface of the door 20 . Therefore, the light emitted from the detection member 52 to detect the user U is radiated toward the front and right directions, and an approach of the user U within the set distance from the center of the refrigerator 1 A can be effectively detected.
- the detection device 50 may be provided at a lower end of the upper door 201 located above the lower door 202 .
- the detection device 50 may be disposed inclined with respect to the lower surface of the upper door 201 . Accordingly, the light emitted from the detection member 52 to detect the user U is radiated forward and downward, and it is possible to effectively detect that the user U is approaching within the set distance.
- the detection device 50 is located higher than the lower door 202 and therefore may be disposed at an appropriate height for detecting a user within the set distance.
- the detection device 50 is located at a higher position than the lower door 202 from the ground, but due to the inclined arrangement structure, the user U approaching the refrigerator 1 A is effectively detected, and A user (U) located far beyond the set distance is not detected, and thus there is an advantage in preventing the operation of the lighting device 36 due to false detection.
- the detection device 50 can effectively detect a user U approaching to use the refrigerator 1 A due to its arrangement structure, and at the same time, it does not interfere with opening and closing the door 20 , external exposure can also be minimized.
- the refrigerator 1 A may perform various operations.
- the lighting device 36 may be turned on so that the front surface of the door 20 is illuminated. If the front surface of the door 20 is already shining, it may be made to glow in a different color when the user approaches.
- the user's glare may be prevented by lowering the front illumination of the door 20 .
- the door 20 may perform a specific lighting pattern operation. For example, a plurality of doors 20 may be sequentially illuminated or may show a specific flow, or the outer appearance state of the doors 20 may show various dynamic changes. Alternatively, if the user moves away from the refrigerator 1 A again, it may return to its original state.
- the detection device 50 may be operated in conjunction with the door light 53 as well as the lighting device 36 . That is, when a user's approach is detected, the door light 53 is turned on to visualize the positions of the handles 201 a and 202 a.
- the detection device 50 may be linked with various devices provided in the refrigerator 1 A.
- the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments and may have various embodiments.
- Another embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that a refrigerator having a door arrangement structure different from the refrigerator of the present disclosure is provided with a detection device, and the detection device has a structure configured independently without a door light.
- FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 13 is an enlarged view illustrating section B of FIG. 12
- FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state where the door of the refrigerator is viewed from below
- FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view illustrating the lower portion of the door from which the detection device is separated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- a refrigerator 1 B may include a cabinet 10 and a door 20 forming a storage space.
- the cabinet 10 may include an upper storage space and a lower storage space.
- the upper storage space may be opened and closed by an upper door 201 .
- the upper door 201 is a rotational door and can be rotatably mounted to the cabinet 10 by hinge devices 204 and 205 .
- a handle 201 a may be formed at a lower end of the upper door 201 .
- the lower storage space may be opened and closed by a lower door 203 .
- the lower door 203 may be configured as a door 20 introduced and withdrawn in a draw manner.
- a handle 203 a is formed at an upper end of the lower door 203 so that the lower door 203 can be introduced and withdrawn.
- a plurality of lower doors 203 may be provide and may be arranged vertically.
- the lower storage space consists of one storage space and can be opened and closed by two lower doors 203 .
- the lower storage space may be configured as a separate space partitioned vertically and opened and closed by each of the lower doors 203 .
- a detection device 60 may be mounted at the lower end of the upper door 201 , that is, the lower cap deco 45 .
- the detection device 60 may be mounted at a position biased toward one side closer to the hinge device 205 among the left and right sides of the lower surface of the upper door 201 .
- the detection device 60 may be disposed on the side of the hinge bracket 451 to which the hinge device 205 is mounted.
- a hinge hole 451 a into which a hinge shaft is inserted may be formed in the hinge bracket 451 .
- a restraining member 457 for maintaining the upper door 201 in a closed state may be provided in the hinge bracket 451 .
- a shielding portion 452 may be formed in front of the hinge bracket 451 .
- the shielding portion 452 extends downward from the lower surface of the upper door 201 and may shield at least a portion of the hinge bracket 451 from the front.
- the shielding portion 452 may shield the restraining member 457 from the front.
- the detection device 60 may be mounted on the detection device mounting portion 454 opened to the lower surface of the upper door 201 .
- the detection device mounting portion 454 may be formed on the lower surface of the lower cap deco 45 .
- the detection device mounting portion 454 is opened downward and may form a space recessed into the upper door 201 . Accordingly, a portion of the detection device 60 including the detection member 52 may be accommodated inside the detection device mounting portion 454 .
- a support rib 456 for supporting the PCB mounting portion 614 may be formed on an inner surface of the detection device mounting portion 454 .
- a support portion 455 for supporting the detection member 52 from the rear may be further formed on an inner surface of the detection device mounting portion 454 .
- the support portion 455 may be formed at a position facing the rear surface of the detection member 52 .
- the support portion 455 may protrude to have a slope corresponding to that of the rear surface of the detection member 52 . Therefore, when the detection device 60 is mounted on the detection device mounting portion 454 , the support portion 455 may support the detection member 52 from the rear, and the detection member 52 may be in close contact with the inside of the detection member accommodation portion 612 .
- the detection device 60 may include a case 61 for shielding the detection device mounting portion 454 .
- the case 61 may include a case body 611 for shielding the detection device mounting portion 454 and a detection member accommodation portion 612 protruding from the case body 611 and accommodating the detection member 52 .
- the case body 611 may form a portion of the lower surface of the upper door 201 .
- the detection member accommodation portion 612 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the upper door 201 .
- the detection member accommodation portion 612 may also be referred to as a case protrusion.
- the protrusion height H 3 of the detection member accommodation portion 612 may be smaller than the distance H 1 between the lower surface of the upper door 201 and the upper surface of the lower door 203 .
- the protruding height H 3 of the detection member accommodation portion 612 may be equal to or smaller than the protruding height H 2 of the shielding portion 452 .
- the detection device 60 can easily detect the user and minimized protruding height to prevent interference during the user's opening/closing manipulation of the door 20 .
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the detection device is viewed from one direction
- FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the detection device is viewed from another direction
- FIG. 18 is a cutaway perspective view taken along line 18 - 18 ′ of FIG. 13 .
- the detection member 52 and the detection device case 61 to which the detection member 52 is mounted may be included.
- the detection device case 61 may be mounted on the detection device mounting portion 454 in a state of being coupled with the detection member 52 .
- the case 61 may include a case body 611 for shielding the detection device mounting portion 454 and a detection member accommodation portion in which the detection member 52 is mounted.
- the case body 611 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the detection member accommodation portion 612 .
- body protrusions 611 a and 611 b are formed on the case body 611 so that the case body 611 can be mounted on the detection device mounting portion 454 .
- a guide rib 611 c may be formed along the circumference of the detection device mounting portion 454 .
- the detection member accommodation portion 612 may be mounted on the case body 611 .
- the detection member accommodation portion 612 may be formed in the same shape as the detection member accommodation portion 512 of the above-described embodiment.
- the detection member accommodation portion 612 may be formed in a corresponding shape so that the detection member 52 can be accommodated.
- the detection member accommodation portion 612 may include a front surface 612 a extending downward from the case body 611 , a lower surface 162 b connected to the lower end of the front surface 612 a and the case body 611 , and the both side surfaces 162 c connecting the front surface 612 a and the lower surface 612 b may be included.
- the front surface 612 a may protrude downward from the door 20 when the detection device 60 is mounted and may be exposed forward. In this case, the front surface 612 a may be inclined toward the rear as it extends downward. For example, an angle ⁇ 1 between the front surface 612 a and the lower surface of the door 20 may be approximately 30°.
- the front surface 612 a may be disposed in an inclined state with respect to the front surface of the door 20 .
- the front surface 612 a may extend away from the front surface of the door 20 as it moves away from the hinge device 205 .
- an angle ⁇ 2 between the front surface 612 a and the front surface 612 a of the door 20 may be approximately 15°.
- the detection member 52 may be inclined to correspond to the front surface 612 a of the detection member accommodation portion 612 in a state of being mounted on the detection member accommodation portion 612 . That is, the detection member 52 may be substantially inclined with respect to the lower surface and the front surface of the door 20 .
- a fastening portion 615 for fixing the detection member 52 may protrude from the case body 611 .
- the fastening portion 615 may be coupled to each other by a fixed end 524 of the detection member 52 and a screw 525 .
- the detection member 52 may have the same structure as the detection member 52 of the above-described embodiment. That is, the detection member 52 includes a detection member case 61 , and the detection member case 61 may include a light emitting portion 523 in which a light emitting member 523 a is disposed and a light receiving portion 522 in which a light receiving member 522 a is disposed. In addition, the fixed end 524 may be further formed in the detection member case 61 .
- the front surface of the detection member 52 may be in close contact with the front surface 612 a of the detection member accommodation portion 612 . That is, the front surfaces of the light emitting portion 523 and the light receiving portion 522 are in close contact with the front surface of the detection member accommodation portion 612 , and all the light emitted from the light emitting portion 523 and the light incident on the light receiving portion 522 may pass through the front surface 612 a of the detection member accommodation portion 612 .
- the front surface 612 a of the detection member accommodation portion 612 may be formed of a material capable of transmitting light.
- the entire case 61 or the detection member accommodation portion 612 may be formed of a material capable of transmitting light.
- a PCB mounting portion 614 may be formed on one side of the case body 611 .
- the PCB mounting portion 614 protrudes upward from the case body 611 , and a PCB 64 connected to the detection member 52 may be mounted therein.
- FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a state where the refrigerator detects a user.
- the refrigerator 1 B can detect the proximity of the user U by the detection device 60 when the user approaches within a set distance.
- the detection device 60 in order to determine that the user U is approaching to use the refrigerator 1 B, the detection device 60 must be able to effectively detect when the user U is located within a set distance from at least the front of the refrigerator 1 B.
- the detection device 60 is configured to prevent interference when the user U opens and closes the upper door 201 and the lower door 203 and, to do this, the detection device 60 may be located on the right side close to the hinge device 205 among the left and right sides of the door 20 . Although the detection device 60 is located at a position biased to one side, the detection device 60 may be inclined with respect to the front surface of the door 20 . Therefore, the light emitted from the detection member 52 to sense the user is directed forward and to the left, and it is possible to effectively detect that the user is approaching from the center of the refrigerator 1 B within the set distance.
- the detection device may be provided at a lower end of the upper door 201 located above the lower door 203 .
- the detection device 60 may be disposed inclined with respect to the lower surface of the upper door 201 . Accordingly, the light emitted from the detection member 52 to detect the user U is radiated forward and downward, and it is possible to effectively detect that the user U is approaching within the set distance.
- the detection device 60 is located higher than the lower door 203 , and thus can be disposed at an appropriate height for detecting the user U within the set distance.
- the detection device 60 is located at a higher position from the ground than the lower door 203 , but due to its inclined arrangement structure, the detection device 60 effectively detects the user U approaching the refrigerator 1 B and does not detect the user located at the location which is far beyond the set distance, and thus there is an advantage in that the operation of the lighting device 36 due to false detection is prevented.
- the detection device 60 can effectively detect a user U approaching to use the refrigerator 1 B due to its arrangement structure, and at the same time, the detection device does not interfere with opening and closing the door 20 and external exposure may also be minimized.
- the refrigerator 1 B may perform various operations as in the above-described embodiment.
- the detection device 60 may include an illuminance sensor for detecting ambient brightness.
- the detection device 60 equipped with an illuminance sensor may detect ambient brightness and control the brightness of the door according to the detected brightness.
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the front.
- a refrigerator includes a cabinet having an upper storage space and a lower storage space; an upper door opening and closing the upper storage space; a lower door opening and closing the lower storage space; and a sensor module 150 that detects ambient light where the cabinet is disposed, wherein the upper door includes a door body; and a panel assembly coupled to the door body to form a front outer appearance of the door; and a door cover 146 forming an upper surface of the door, and the sensor module 150 may be mounted on the door cover 146 .
- the sensor module 150 may also be referred to as a detection device.
- the sensor module 150 may include an illuminance sensor 152 , a sensor module mounting portion 153 recessed downward from the door cover 146 and accommodating the illuminance sensor 152 , and a sensor cover 151 ( 151 ) made a material capable of transmitting light and shielding the opening of the sensor module mounting portion 153 .
- This sensor module 150 is equipped with a detection sensor capable of detecting user approach and may also be used as a sensor for user detection.
- the sensor cover 151 includes a cover protrusion 1511 which protrudes upward from the door cover 146 and in which an upper end of the illuminance sensor 152 is accommodated, and a first inclined portion 1512 extending forward from the cover protrusion 1511 and formed to be inclined downward toward the front and the detection portion 1521 of the illuminance sensor 152 may detect light entering through the first inclined portion 1512 .
- the sensor cover 151 may include a first extension portion 1514 a extending from the front end of the first inclined portion 1512 toward the panel assembly.
- the illuminance sensor 152 may be mounted on the sensor module mounting portion 153 in an inclined state at a set angle.
- a sensor fixing portion 1534 to which an upper end of the illuminance sensor 152 is fixed is provided on the lower surface of the sensor cover 151 , and the sensor fixing portion 1534 may include a cutout formed by cutting one side.
- the sensor module mounting portion 153 includes a body portion 1532 having an open upper surface and being recessed downward from the door cover 146 to accommodate the illuminance sensor 152 .
- the body portion 1532 may be mounted in an inclined state toward the rear as it goes upward from the lower end.
- the sensor module mounting portion 153 includes a fixing portion 1534 protruding obliquely upward from the rear surface of the body portion 1532 , and the illuminance sensor 152 may have a fixing hole through which the fixing portion 1534 passes.
- a mounting portion 1536 is formed on the lower surface of the body portion 1532 and protrudes upward to mount on the lower portion of the illuminance sensor 152 , and the lower portion of the illuminance sensor 152 may be disposed closer to the front surface of the front and rear surfaces of the body portion 1532 and the upper end of the illuminance sensor 152 may be disposed closer to the rear surface of the front and rear surfaces of the body portion 1532 .
- a microphone mounting portion 161 to which the microphone module 160 is mounted may be formed on the door cover 146 .
- An open electric wire opening 1533 may be formed on one side of the body portion 1532 so that electric wires can be introduced and withdrawn.
- the door cover 146 includes a cover portion 1461 forming an upper surface of the upper door and a PCB mounting portion 147 extending downward from a lower surface of the cover portion 1461 , a sensor PCB is mounted on one side of the PCB mounting portion 147 , and an electric wire connected to the sensor module 150 may be introduced and withdrawn through the electric wire opening 1533 to be connected to the sensor PCB.
- the upper door may include an upper cap deco that forms the upper surface of the door body and has an upper surface that is open to form a space in which the PCB mounting portion 147 is accommodated, the panel assembly may include a rearwardly protruding mounting protrusion 302 , and a protrusion accommodation portion 1433 into which the mounting protrusion 302 is inserted may provide on the front surface of the upper cap deco.
- the upper cap deco 143 may include a cap deco electric wire hole 1435 prepared to allow electric wires to be introduced and withdrawn, and an electric wire which connects to the PCB mounted on the PCB mounting portion 147 and electrical components inside the upper door may be introduced and withdrawn through the upper cap deco electric wire hole 1435 .
- the refrigerator 1 C may be mounted in harmony with furniture or walls in an indoor space.
- the front surface of the refrigerator 1 C that is, the front surfaces of the doors 20 and 30 may be configured to be very close to the furniture or walls and be located on the same or adjacent plane to create a sense of unity.
- the refrigerator 1 C is installed adjacent to the furniture or wall 0 to have a sense of unity with each other, which can be referred to as a built-in structure.
- the refrigerator 1 C may be installed independently without being disposed adjacent to the furniture or wall.
- a sensor module 150 for detecting brightness around the refrigerator 1 C may be provided in the door 20 .
- the sensor module 150 may detect the brightness of indoor lighting or ambient brightness.
- the sensor module 150 may be mounted on the upper door 21 of the upper door 21 and the lower door 22 .
- the sensor module 150 may be provided on an upper surface of the upper door 21 .
- the sensor module 150 may be provided on a door cover 146 forming an upper surface of the upper door 21 . Since the sensor module 150 is provided on one side of the upper surface of the upper door 21 , exposure of the sensor module 150 from the front of the refrigerator can be minimized.
- a manipulation portion 14 for controlling the overall operation of the refrigerator 1 C may be provided on the upper surface of the cabinet 10 .
- the manipulation portion 14 may also be referred to as a controller.
- the manipulation portion 14 may control the lighting device 36 as well as the cooling operation of the refrigerator so that the front surface of the door is brightly lit in a color set by the user.
- the controller 14 may receive a user's voice signal and control the operation of the refrigerator according to the user's voice command.
- a microphone module 160 capable of receiving a user's voice signal may be provided on an upper surface of the upper door 21 .
- the microphone module 160 may be provided on one side of the door cover 146 forming the upper surface of the upper door 21 .
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a state where an upper door equipped with a sensor module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the front
- FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where an upper door equipped with the sensor module is viewed from above.
- the door body 40 may include an upper cap deco 143 and a lower cap deco forming upper and lower surfaces of the door body 40 .
- the open upper surface of the upper cap deco 143 may be shielded by the door cover 146 .
- the sensor module 150 may be provided on the door cover 146 .
- the sensor module 150 may be disposed adjacent to one end of the door cover 146 .
- the door cover 146 includes a cover portion 1461 that shields the open upper surface of the upper cap deco 143 , and a sensor module mounting portion 153 recessed from the cover portion 1461 in the direction of the upper cap deco 143 and thus in which the illuminance sensor 152 is mounted.
- the sensor module mounting portion 153 may be formed by opening a portion of the cover portion 1461 and recessed downward.
- the sensor module mounting portion 153 provides a space in which the illuminance sensor 152 for detecting ambient brightness may be mounted.
- the illuminance sensor 152 may be provided in the accommodation space 1431 of the upper cap deco 143 while being mounted on the sensor module mounting portion 153 .
- the sensor module 150 includes a sensor cover 151 covering the opening 1531 of the sensor module mounting portion 153 .
- the sensor cover 151 may be formed of an injection-molded material through which light around the refrigerator is installed.
- the sensor cover 151 is formed of a transparent injection molding material or a glass material through which light can pass through, so that the illuminance sensor 152 can detect external light.
- the illuminance sensor 152 is installed on the sensor module mounting portion 153 , the sensor module mounting portion 153 may be covered by the sensor cover 151 .
- ambient light may pass through the sensor cover 151 , and the illuminance of light passing through the sensor cover 151 may be detected by the illuminance sensor 152 .
- the sensor module 150 may be provided on the upper left door 21 a . At this time, the sensor module 150 may be provided on one side adjacent to the upper right door 21 b among both left and right sides of the upper left door 21 a . That is, the sensor module 150 may be disposed close to the center when looking at the refrigerator as a whole.
- the sensor module 150 is preferably disposed close to the center of the cabinet. In this case, ambient brightness in which the refrigerator is installed may be recognized more accurately.
- a microphone mounting portion 161 to which the microphone module 160 is mounted may be formed on one side of the door cover 146 .
- the microphone mounting portion 161 may be provided to be spaced apart from one side where the sensor module 150 is installed. That is, the microphone mounting portion 161 may be provided on the other side adjacent to the furniture or wall among the left and right sides of the door cover 146 .
- the microphone mounting portion 161 may include a microphone protrusion 1611 protruding upward from the door cover 146 and a microphone inclination portion 1612 inclined downward from the front surface of the microphone protrusion 1611 toward the front.
- a microphone hole 1613 may be formed in the microphone inclined portion 1612 .
- the microphone module 160 may be provided below the microphone mounting portion 161 .
- the microphone module 160 is configured to receive a user's voice. With this structure, the user's voice received through the microphone hole 1613 can be transmitted to the controller 14 through the microphone module 160 .
- the sensor module 150 may include, for example, a door cover 146 , an illuminance sensor 152 , and a sensor cover 151 .
- the sensor module 150 may include, for example, a sensor module mounting portion 153 , an illuminance sensor 152 , and a sensor cover 151 .
- FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a state where a sensor cover, which is one component of the sensor module is viewed from below.
- the sensor cover 151 may be formed of a transparent plastic injection molding material or a glass material so that the illuminance sensor 152 can detect the external light.
- the sensor cover 151 may be mounted at a position corresponding to the opening 1531 of the sensor module mounting portion 153 to shield the opening 1531 .
- the sensor cover 151 may include a cover protrusion 1511 protruding upward from the opening 1531 .
- the sensor cover 151 may include a first inclined portion 1512 extending forward from the cover protruding portion 1511 and a second inclined portion 1513 extending backward from the cover protruding portion 1511 .
- the cover protrusion 1511 may protrude upward from the door cover 146 .
- a structure in which an upper surface of the illuminance sensor 152 can be mounted may be provided on the lower surface of the cover protrusion 1511 . That is, the cover protrusion 1511 and the illuminance sensor 152 may be disposed to contact each other.
- the cover protrusion 1511 may be formed to have a minimum height at which the detection portion 1521 formed in the illuminance sensor 152 can recognize external light.
- the detection portion 1521 of the illuminance sensor 152 may be spaced apart from an upper end of the illuminance sensor 152 downward by a set distance. Therefore, in order for the sensor 1521 to detect external light coming from the front of the sensor cover 151 , the sensor cover 151 needs to protrude beyond the door cover 146 to a set height.
- the first inclined portion 1512 is provided at the front end of the cover protrusion 1511 to minimize the height h 1 of the cover protrusion 1511 , and the detection portion 1521 can detect external light.
- the first inclined portion 1512 may be formed to be inclined downward from the front end of the cover protrusion 1511 toward the front.
- the first inclined portion 1512 may extend from a front end of the cover protrusion 1511 to a front end of the opening 1531 of the sensor module mounting portion 153 .
- an area through which light from the outside is transmitted can be maximized by the first inclined portion 1512 .
- a light is provided in a room where the refrigerator 1 C is installed, and light emitted from the light may pass through the first inclined portion 1512 and reach the detection portion 1521 .
- the angle ⁇ 2 formed by an imaginary line L 3 extending in the front and rear direction of the first extension portion 1514 a and a center line L 4 of a vertical section of the first inclined portion 1512 may be 15 degrees to 30 degrees, preferably 15 degrees to 25 degrees, and more preferably 18 degrees to 22 degrees.
- the detection portion 1521 within the angle range, light entering the space between the upper surface of the cabinet and the wall or furniture reaches the detection portion 1521 as much as possible, thereby improving reliability of the sensor module 150 .
- the sensor cover 151 may further include a second inclined portion 1513 inclined downward toward the rear from the rear end of the cover protrusion 1511 .
- the second inclined portion 1513 may be shorter than the length of the first inclined portion 1512 extending in the front and rear direction.
- the second inclined portion 1513 allows the sensor cover 151 to be more stably mounted on the door cover 146 .
- the second inclined portion 1513 may provide a portion of a space in which the illuminance sensor 152 can be mounted on the sensor module mounting portion 153 .
- at least a portion of the fixing portion 1534 to which the illuminance sensor 152 is fixed may be accommodated in a space between the opening 1531 formed in the second inclined portion 1513 and the sensor cover 151 .
- the sensor cover 151 may include an extension portion 1514 seated on an upper surface of the sensor module mounting portion 153 .
- the extension portion 1514 may be formed to extend along the circumferences of the cover protrusion 1511 and the first and second inclined portions 1513 .
- the sensor cover 151 may include a first extension portion 1514 a extending forward from one end of the first inclined portion 1512 .
- the first extension portion 1514 a may be located in a mounting groove 1536 provided on an upper surface of the sensor module mounting portion 153 .
- the first extension portion 1514 a may extend from one end of the first inclined portion 1512 in a direction in which the panel assembly 30 is provided.
- a first hooking portion 1515 a may be provided on a lower surface of the first extension portion 1514 a to be hooked into the first coupling groove 1535 a of the sensor module mounting portion 153 .
- the first extension portion 1514 a may extend from the front end of the opening 1531 to the front end of the door cover 146 . External light is transmitted through the first extension portion 1514 a , and the sensor 1521 can detect the brightness of the external light. Therefore, it is preferable to secure a wide area as much as possible for the first extension portion 1514 a.
- the sensor cover 151 may further include a second extension portion 1514 b extending rearward from one end of the second inclined portion 1513 .
- the second extension portion 1514 b may be shorter than the length of the first extension portion 1514 a in the front and rear direction.
- the second extension portion 1514 b may be mounted in a mounting groove 1536 provided in the sensor module mounting portion 153 .
- a second hooking portion 1515 b may be provided on a lower surface of the second extension portion 1514 to be hooked into the second coupling groove 1535 b of the sensor module mounting portion 153 .
- a pair of third hooking portions 1515 c that are hooked and constrained by the third coupling groove 1535 c of the sensor module mounting portion 153 may be provided.
- a cover coupling portion 1516 protruding downward from the lower surface of the sensor cover 151 and provided with the first, second, and third hooking portions may be formed.
- the cover coupling portion 1516 may be disposed along the circumference of the opening 1531 .
- the cover coupling portion 1516 is accommodated in the coupling groove 1535 to prevent the sensor cover 151 from being separated from the sensor module mounting portion 153 .
- a sensor fixing portion 1534 for fixing the illuminance sensor 152 may be provided on a lower surface of the sensor cover 151 .
- the sensor fixing portion 1534 may be formed to protrude downward from a lower surface of the sensor cover 151 at a position corresponding to an upper end of the illuminance sensor 152 .
- the sensor fixing portion 1534 may include a first sensor fixing portion 1534 extending downward from the front end of the cover protrusion 1511 and a second sensor fixing portion 1534 extending downward from the rear end of the cover protrusion 1511 .
- the illuminance sensor 152 may be mounted between the first sensor fixing portion 1534 and the second sensor fixing portion 1534 .
- the first sensor fixing portion 1534 may contact at least a portion of the front surface of the illuminance sensor 152 .
- a length at which the first sensor fixing portion 1534 extends from the cover protrusion 1511 may be extended to a set length that does not interfere with light detection of the detection portion 1521 .
- the lower end of the first sensor fixing portion 1534 may be spaced upward from the upper end of the detection portion 1521 .
- the first sensor fixing portion 1534 may have a first cutout 1517 c in which a portion thereof is cut.
- the detection portion 1521 may be located below the first cutout 1517 c.
- the first cutout 1517 c may minimize interference of light entering the sensor cover 151 by the sensor fixing part 1534 in a state where the illuminance sensor 152 is mounted on the sensor fixing portion 1534 .
- the second sensor fixing portion 1534 may be spaced apart from the first sensor fixing portion 1534 to the rear.
- the second sensor fixing portion 1534 may contact at least a portion of the rear surface of the illuminance sensor 152 .
- the length of the second sensor fixing portion 1534 extending downward from the cover protrusion 1511 is longer than the length extending downward of the first sensor fixing portion 1534 , so that the an area in contact with the illuminance sensor 152 may be maximized.
- the illuminance sensor 152 when the illuminance sensor 152 is inclined at an angle set in the sensor module mounting portion 153 , the illuminance sensor 152 may be biased backward due to a load. At this time, the second sensor fixing portion 1534 can more stably support the rear surface of the illuminance sensor 152 .
- the second sensor fixing portion 1534 may have a second cutout 1517 d in which a portion thereof is cut.
- the second cutout 1517 d forms a space so that a fixing portion 1534 , which will be described later, can be inserted into the illuminance sensor 152 . That is, the fixing portion 1534 passes through the second cutout 1517 d and may be inserted into the illuminance sensor 152 so that the illuminance sensor 152 is inclinedly mounted to the sensor module mounting portion 153 at a set angle.
- the second cutout 1517 d may have a size corresponding to that of the fixing portion 1534 .
- the length of the second cutout 1517 d in the horizontal direction may be shorter than the length of the first cutout 1517 c in the horizontal direction.
- the second sensor fixing portion 1534 may have a third cutout 1517 e formed at both side ends.
- the third cutout 1517 e may provide a space through which an electric wire connected to the sensor PCB 1523 provided in the illuminance sensor 152 can be introduced and withdrawn.
- FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a state where a door cover on which the sensor module is mounted is viewed from above
- FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the door cover where the sensor module is mounted.
- a sensor module mounting portion 153 recessed downward to receive the illuminance sensor 152 may be formed in the door cover 146 .
- the sensor module mounting portion 153 is formed on the door cover 146 as an example, but is not limited thereto.
- the sensor module mounting portion 153 may be formed on a hinge cover that shields a hinge connecting the cabinet 10 and the door 20 from above.
- the illuminance sensor 152 may be mounted to the sensor module mounting portion 153 in an inclined state at a set angle.
- the illuminance sensor 152 may be disposed inclined forward from the top to the bottom. In other words, the illuminance sensor 152 may be inclined so as to approach the panel assembly 30 from top to bottom.
- the illuminance sensor 152 by arranging the illuminance sensor 152 at an angle, the amount of light detectable by the detection portion 1521 can be maximized.
- a space through which external light can enter upward of the refrigerator 1 C may be limited.
- the external light may be located higher than the refrigerator 1 C and reach the detection portion 1521 along a path inclined downward. At this time, by disposing the illuminance sensor 152 inclined at a set angle, it is possible to more reliably recognize the light emitted from the external light.
- the sensor module mounting portion 153 may be provided with a structure in which the illuminance sensor 152 can be fixed in an inclined state at a set angle.
- the sensor module mounting portion 153 may be formed closer to the front end of the front end and the rear end of the door cover 146 . That is, the sensor module mounting portion 153 may be formed adjacent to the panel assembly 30 .
- the sensor module mounting portion 153 includes an opening 1531 provided to allow the illumination sensor 152 to be introduced and withdrawn, and a body portion 1532 that provides a space recessed downward from the door cover 146 to accommodate the illumination sensor 152 .
- the sensor module mounting portion 153 may be recessed downward along the circumference of the opening 1531 and may include a mounting groove 1536 in which the extension portion 1514 of the sensor cover 151 is seated.
- the sensor module mounting portion 153 includes a coupling groove 1535 provided to be constrained to the hanging portion.
- the mounting groove 1536 and the coupling groove 1535 may be formed stepwise by having different recessed depths from the door cover 146 downward.
- a fixing portion 1534 on which the illuminance sensor 152 is mounted may be formed on one surface of the body portion 1532 .
- a fixing hole 1522 may be provided at one side of an upper end of the illuminance sensor 152 . At least a portion of the fixing portion 1534 may pass through the fixing hole 1522 so that the illuminance sensor 152 may be fixed to the fixing portion 1534 .
- the upper end of the illuminance sensor 152 may be fixed to the fixing portion 1534 .
- the fixing portion 1534 may protrude forward from the rear surface of the body portion 1532 .
- the fixing portion 1534 may extend to be inclined upward from the rear surface of the body portion 1532 toward the front. That is, the fixing portion 1534 may extend from the body portion 1532 toward the fixing hole 1522 .
- the fixing portion 1534 may include a first fixing portion 1534 a connected to the rear surface of the body portion 1532 and a second fixing portion 1534 b inserted into the fixing hole 1522 .
- the second fixing portion 1534 b may support the illuminance sensor 152 from the rear in a state where the illuminance sensor 152 is mounted on the first fixing portion 1534 a.
- the illuminance sensor 152 When the illuminance sensor 152 is mounted on the first fixing portion 1534 a , it is possible to prevent the illuminance sensor 152 from moving.
- a second fixing hole into which a fastening member passing through the fixing hole 1522 is inserted may be provided in the second fixing portion 1534 b .
- the fastening member passes through the fixing hole 1522 and the second fixing hole, so that the illuminance sensor 152 may be more firmly mounted to the fixing portion 1534 .
- the first fixing portion 1534 a and the second fixing portion 1534 b may have different diameters.
- the diameter of the first fixing portion 1534 a may be larger than the diameter of the second fixing portion 1534 b .
- a mounting portion 1536 protruding upward from a lower surface of the body portion 1532 and supporting a lower end of the illuminance sensor 152 may be provided.
- the mounting portion 1536 is provided to contact at least a portion of the lower end of the illuminance sensor 152 to fix the position of the illuminance sensor 152 .
- the mounting portion 1536 may be provided at a position biased forward from the central portion of the body portion 1532 . That is, the lower end of the illuminance sensor 152 may be mounted adjacent to the front surface of the body portion 1532 . An upper end of the illuminance sensor 152 may be mounted adjacent to a rear surface of the body portion 1532 . With this structure, the illuminance sensor 152 may be disposed closer to the front from top to bottom.
- the mounting portion 1536 may include a pair of first mounting portions 1537 supporting both left and right sides of the illuminance sensor 152 .
- the first mounting portion 1537 may be provided on one side and the other side of the illuminance sensor 152 , respectively.
- the illuminance sensor 152 may be inserted between the pair of first mounting portions 1537 .
- the mounting portion 1536 may include a second mounting portion 1538 supporting both front and rear sides of the illuminance sensor 152 .
- the second mounting portion 1538 may protrude upward from a lower surface of the body portion 1532 and support the front and rear sides of the illuminance sensor 152 .
- a plurality of second mounting portion 1538 may be provided as needed.
- the second mounting portion 1538 may include a 2 - 1 mounting portion 1538 a that contacts the front surface of the illuminance sensor 152 and supports the illuminance sensor 152 from the front.
- a plurality of the 2 - 1 mounting portions 1538 a may be formed to be spaced apart in a horizontal direction.
- the 2 - 1 mounting portion 1538 a may vertically extend upward from the lower surface of the body portion 1532 . Accordingly, the 2 - 1 mounting portion 1538 a may prevent the lower end of the illuminance sensor 152 from moving forward as the illuminance sensor 152 is inclined.
- the second mounting portion 1538 may include a 2 - 2 mounting portion 1538 b that contacts the rear surface of the illuminance sensor 152 and supports the illuminance sensor 152 from the rear.
- the 2 - 2 mounting portion 1538 b may be disposed rearwardly spaced from the 2 - 1 mounting portion 1538 a.
- the 2 - 2 mounting portion 1538 b may be inclined in a direction closer to the rear surface of the body portion 1532 from the lower side to the upper side. With this structure, the rear surface of the inclined illuminance sensor 152 may be stably supported.
- the sensor module mounting portion 153 may further include a separation portion 1537 protruding upward from a lower surface of the body portion 1532 and contacting the lower surface of the illuminance sensor 152 .
- the illuminance sensor 152 may be spaced apart from the lower surface of the body portion 1532 by the separation portion 1537 .
- the illuminance sensor 152 can be stably mounted on the sensor module mounting portion 153 in an inclined state.
- An electric wire opening 1533 may be formed in the sensor module mounting portion 153 so that an electric wire connected to the sensor PCB 1523 may be introduced and withdrawn.
- at least a portion of one surface of the body portion 1532 may be opened.
- at least a portion of one side surface or lower surface of the body portion 1532 is opened to allow electric wires to be introduced and withdrawn.
- the sensor module detects light from an external light source and detects ambient brightness
- FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a state where the sensor module is mounted.
- the illuminance sensor 152 may have a lower end adjacent to the front surface of the body portion 1532 and an upper end adjacent to the rear surface of the body portion 1532 .
- the angle formed between the center line L 1 of the vertical section of the illuminance sensor 152 and the center line L 2 of the vertical section of the front surface of the body portion 1532 may be approximately 10 to 30 degrees, preferably to 30 degrees, more preferably 25 degrees.
- the body portion 1532 may be formed to extend in a vertical direction parallel to an extension line of the panel assembly in a vertical direction.
- an angle between the center line L 1 of the vertical section of the illuminance sensor 152 and the vertical extension line of the panel assembly may be about 10 to 30 degrees, preferably 20 to 30 degrees, more preferably 25 degrees.
- the angle ⁇ 1 between the center line L 1 of the vertical section of the first mounting portion 1537 and the center line L 2 of the vertical section of the 2 - 1 mounting portion 1538 a may be approximately 10 to 30 degrees, Preferably 20 to 30 degrees, more preferably 25 degrees.
- the illuminance sensor 152 is disposed obliquely, even if the detection portion 1521 is not disposed higher than the door cover 146 , there is an advantage in that light from an external light source can be detected.
- the cover protrusion 1511 may be formed to have a height of approximately 1 to 4 mm, 2 to 3.5 mm, or approximately 2.9 mm based on the upper surface of the door cover 146 .
- the angle formed between the first inclined portion 1512 and the upper surface of the door cover 146 may be approximately 15 degrees to 30 degrees, preferably 15 degrees to 25 degrees, more preferably 18 degrees to 22 degrees.
- the external light source may be provided above the upper surface of the refrigerator 1 C. Accordingly, the light emitted from the external light source may pass through the sensor cover 151 along an inclined path. In addition, light passing through the sensor cover 151 may reach the detection portion 1521 .
- FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure in which a door panel, a door body, and a door cover are coupled according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the door cover is coupled to the door body
- FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the door cover is viewed from the front.
- the upper surface of the door body 40 may be formed by an upper cap deco 143 , and the upper cap deco 143 may be combined with an upper end of the panel assembly 30 and an upper end of the door liner 42 .
- a protrusion accommodation portion 1433 into which the mounting protrusion 302 formed in the panel assembly 30 is inserted may be formed in the upper cap deco 143 .
- the panel assembly 30 may include an upper bracket 34 forming an upper surface of the panel assembly 30 .
- the panel assembly 30 may further include a lower bracket 35 forming a lower surface of the panel assembly 30 .
- Upper and lower ends of the back cover 39 forming the rear surface of the panel assembly 30 may be coupled to the upper bracket 34 and the lower bracket 35 , respectively.
- a mounting protrusion 302 protruding rearward may be formed on a rear surface of the upper bracket 34 .
- a plurality of the mounting protrusions 302 protrude along the rear surface of the upper bracket 34 , and may be coupled to the protrusion receiving portion 1433 of the upper cap deco 143 .
- the upper cap deco 143 includes a front portion 1431 facing the upper bracket 34 and a bottom portion 1432 seated in the space between the door body 40 and the door liner 42 to shield and the upper surface of the door body 40 which is opened.
- a protrusion accommodation portion 1433 accommodating the mounting protrusion 302 is formed on the front portion 1431 .
- the protrusion accommodation portion 1433 may be formed in a structure surrounding the outer surface of the mounting protrusion 302 .
- a protrusion opening 393 through which the mounting protrusion 302 of the upper bracket 34 passes when the upper bracket 34 is mounted may be formed at an upper end of the circumference of the back cover 39 .
- the mounting protrusion 302 is inserted into the protrusion accommodation portion 1433 so that the panel assembly 30 can be combined with the upper cap deco 143 .
- the door cover 146 includes a restricting portion 1462 extending downward from the cover portion 1461 and inserted into the accommodation groove 1434 .
- a protrusion 1463 protruding upward from the bottom portion 1432 may be formed on the door cover 146 , and a restraining portion 1462 may be provided on the protrusion 1463 .
- An accommodation groove 1434 in which the restraining portion 1462 of the door cover 146 is accommodated may be formed in the upper cap deco 143 .
- the restraining portion 1462 is inserted into the accommodation groove 1434 , and the door cover 146 can be combined with the upper cap deco 143 .
- a cap deco electric wire hole 1435 may be formed in the upper cap deco 143 to allow electric wires to be introduced and withdrawn.
- the cap deco electric wire hole 1435 may extend upward from the bottom surface of the upper cap deco 143 .
- the cap deco electric wire hole 1435 allows electric wires connected to a plurality of PCBs mounted on the PCB mounting portion 147 provided on the door cover 146 to be connected to electric wires connected to electric components inside the door.
- the door cover 146 may include a cover portion 1461 for shielding the upper cap deco 143 and a PCB mounting portion 147 on which PCBs are mounted.
- the cover portion 1461 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the opening of the upper cap deco 143 .
- a microphone mounting portion 161 may be integrally formed on one side of the cover portion 1461 .
- a sensor module may be provided on the other side of the cover portion 1461 .
- the PCB mounting portion 147 may be formed to extend downward from the lower surface of the cover portion 1461 , and a plurality of PCBs 160 and 61 may be mounted on the front surface facing the panel assembly 30 . Alternatively, if necessary, a plurality of PCBs 160 and 61 may be disposed on both sides of the front and rear surfaces of the PCB mounting portion 147 .
- the PCBs 160 and 61 mounted on the PCB mounting portion 147 may include a door PCB 160 which controls the operation of the lighting device 36 or the like or processes a voice signal received from the microphone module 160 .
- the PCBs mounted on the PCB mounting portion 147 may include a sensor PCB 1523 that recognizes and processes information detected by the sensor module 150 .
- Cables 162 connected to the door PCB 160 and the sensor PCB 1523 may be disposed in the PCB mounting portion 147 .
- the cables 162 connected to the plurality of PCBs 160 and 61 may be configured to be connected to a connection cable connected to the manipulation portion 14 .
- the PCB mounting portion 147 may further include a PCB fixing portion 1471 protruding along the circumference of the plurality of PCBs 160 and 61 to maintain the mounted state of the PCBs 160 and 61 .
- a plurality of PCB fixing portion 1471 may be formed in a shape corresponding to each of the PCBs 160 and 61 .
- the PCB fixing portion 1471 may include a first PCB fixing portion 1471 a formed along the circumference of the sensor PCB 1523 .
- the first PCB fixing portion 1471 a may be disposed on one side adjacent to the sensor module 150 .
- the sensor PCB 1523 may be connected to the sensor module 150 through a connection cable 162 .
- An electric wire opening 1533 may be formed on one side of the sensor module mounting portion 153 and thus a connection cable 162 may connect the PCB 1523 mounted on the illuminance sensor 152 and the sensor PCB 1523 mounted on the PCB mounting portion 147 .
- the PCB fixing portion 1471 may include a second PCB fixing portion 1471 b formed along the circumference of the door PCB 160 .
- the second PCB fixing portion 1471 b may be disposed adjacent to the first PCB fixing portion 1471 a .
- the door PCB 160 may be electrically connected to the microphone module 160 and a connection cable 162 .
- a plurality of cable fixing portions 1534 for fixing the connection cable 162 may be formed in the PCB mounting portion 147 .
- the cable fixing portion 1534 may protrude from the PCB mounting portion 147 and may be formed to accommodate the connection cable 162 .
- the cable fixing portion 1534 may include a first cable fixing portion 1472 a disposed between an upper end of the PCB mounting portion 147 and the first PCB fixing portion 1471 a.
- the cable fixing portion 1534 may include a plurality of second cable fixing portions 1472 b arranged below the PCB mounting portion 147 along the lower end of the PCB mounting portion 147 .
- the cable fixing portion 1534 may include a plurality of third cable fixing portions 1472 c arranged from the side of the second PCB fixing portion 1471 b toward the microphone mounting portion 161 .
- the electric wire 162 connected to the illuminance sensor 152 may pass through the electric wire opening 1533 formed in the body portion 1532 and be connected to the sensor PCB 1523 .
- electric wires connected to the sensor PCB 1523 may be guided to one side of the PCB mounting portion 147 .
- electric wires connected to the sensor PCB 1523 may be fixed to the second cable fixing portion 1472 b .
- the electric wires guided to one end of the second cable fixing portion 1472 b may be electrically connected to the electric wires connected to the manipulation portion 14 while being mounted on the third cable fixing portion 1472 c.
- electric wires extending to one side of the PCB mounting portion 147 pass through cap deco electric wire holes 1435 and can be connected to electric wires connected to electric components inside the door 20 , such as the lighting device 36 .
- FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where an upper door equipped with a sensor module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from above
- FIG. 31 is a view illustrating a state where the door cover on which the sensor module is mounted is viewed from above
- FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the sensor module is mounted on the door cover.
- the illuminance sensor 172 may be vertically mounted on the sensor module mounting portion 173 .
- the illuminance sensor 172 may be disposed so that the illuminance sensor 172 is perpendicular to a virtual center line of the upper surface of the door cover 146 .
- the sensor module 170 according to the third embodiment only has a different structure for vertically mounting the illuminance sensor 172 on the sensor module mounting portion 173 and may be the same as the sensor module 150 according to the above-described embodiment.
- the sensor cover 171 includes a cover protrusion 1711 protruding upward from the door cover 146 so that an upper end of the illuminance sensor 172 is partially accommodated.
- a first inclined portion 1712 inclined downward from the front end of the cover protruding portion 1711 is included.
- a second inclined portion 1713 inclined downward from the rear end of the cover protruding portion 1711 may be included.
- the angle 63 between the door cover 146 and the first inclined portion 1712 of the first inclined portion 1712 may be approximately 30 to 50 degrees or 40 to 50 degrees.
- cover protrusion 1511 of the sensor cover 151 described above may be referred to as a first cover protrusion
- the cover protrusion 1511 formed on the sensor cover 171 according to the other embodiment may be referred to as a second cover protrusion.
- the second cover protrusion 1711 may have a height greater than that of the first cover protrusion 1511 relative to the door cover 146 .
- the lower surface of the sensor cover 171 may include a sensor fixing portion 1734 for supporting the upper end of the illuminance sensor 172 .
- the sensor fixing portion 1734 may include a first sensor fixing portion 1734 a contacting the front surface of the illuminance sensor 152 and a second sensor fixing portion 1734 b contacting the rear surface of the illuminance sensor 152 .
- first sensor fixing portion 1734 may be provided with the first cutout to minimize interference with the detection portion 1521 .
- the sensor module mounting portion 173 may include a third mounting portion 1736 protruding upward from the lower surface of the door body 40 .
- the third mounting portions 1736 may be formed as a pair spaced apart in the front and rear direction. A lower end of the illuminance sensor 172 may be inserted and fixed between the pair of third mounting portions 1736 .
- the pair of third mounting portions 1736 may include a 3 - 1 mounting portion 1736 a supporting the front surface of the illuminance sensor and a 3 - 2 mounting portion 1736 b supporting the rear surface of the illuminance sensor.
- the third mounting portion 1736 may be formed to extend vertically upward from the lower surface of the body portion 1732 .
- the front surface of the door 20 may have a structure in which light can be selectively emitted.
- the front surface of the door 20 may be configured to shine with a color or brightness set by the user. Therefore, the user can change the color of the front surface of the door 20 without replacing the door 20 .
- FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of control signals of the refrigerator.
- the color of the panel 31 may be determined by the operation of the lighting device 36 .
- the lighting device 36 may be operated and set through a remote device 2 separated from the refrigerator.
- the refrigerator can communicate with the remote device 2 through the communication unit 17 connected to the control portion 13 , and the user can manipulate the operation of the lighting device 36 through the remote device 2 .
- the user can generally manipulate and set the operating state of the lighting device 36 , such as the operating time, operating conditions, and light emission color of the light source, through manipulation of the remote device 2 .
- the operating state of the lighting device 36 such as the operating time, operating conditions, and light emission color of the light source
- simple manipulation and setting of the lighting device 36 may be possible through an application installed in a users mobile phone or a dedicated program.
- the operation of the lighting device 36 may be performed through a user's manipulation of the manipulation portion 14 .
- the manipulation portion 14 may be provided on one side of the refrigerator 1 E and may be input by a manipulation such as touching or knocking on the panel 31 .
- the lighting device 36 may be operated by a sensor.
- the sensor may be, for example, a user proximity sensor 151 that detects the users proximity.
- the user detection sensor 151 detects this and transmits a signal to the control portion 13 and the lighting device 36 may be turned on. In addition, when the user moves away from the refrigerator, the user detection sensor 151 detects this and transmits a signal to the control portion 13 so that the lighting device 36 is turned off.
- the lighting device 36 may be turned off or the brightness may be gradually dimmed to prevent the user from glare. In addition, when the user moves away from the refrigerator 1 E again, the lighting device 36 may be turned on again or returned to its original brightness.
- the senor may be the illuminance sensor 152 .
- the illuminance sensor 152 detects the illuminance of an indoor space and may be disposed at the same position as the position where the user sensor 151 is disposed.
- the lighting device 36 may be operated according to the detected illuminance of the illuminance sensor 152 .
- the control portion 13 may lower the amount of light output from the lighting device 36 to prevent the users glare.
- the control portion 13 may increase the amount of light output from the lighting device 36 .
- the sensors may include both the illuminance sensor 152 and the user sensor 151 , and the illuminance sensor 152 and the user sensor 151 act in combination to control the control portion 13 and thus the lighting device 36 may be turned on or off or controlled to adjust the amount of light output from the lighting device 36 .
- the control portion 13 may be connected to the microphone 18 . Therefore, according to the voice signal received from the microphone 18 , the LED 362 can be made to shine in a set color, and the front color of the door 20 may indicate the input state of the voice signal or the set state of the function.
- the lighting device 36 may be turned on and off at a time set by the timer 16 .
- the brightness and color of the front surface of the door 20 may be adjusted according to a users setting.
- FIG. 34 is a control flowchart illustrating a method of controlling brightness of a light source according to ambient brightness
- FIG. 35 is a view illustrating a change in outer appearance of a refrigerator according to ambient brightness.
- the control portion controls the intensity of the light source of the lighting device to be less than 50% with respect to 100% when the external illuminance value is less than the first set value, when the external illuminance value is greater than or equal to the first set value and less than a second set value, the intensity of the light source of the lighting device is controlled to 50% or more to less than 70% with respect to 100%, and when the external illuminance value is greater than or equal to the second set value, the intensity of the light source of the lighting device may be controlled to 70% or more to less than 100%.
- the refrigerator 1 C of the present disclosure can adjust the amount of light output from the lighting device 36 according to the surrounding brightness in which the refrigerator is installed.
- control portion 13 may perform step S 1 of detecting the illuminance of the room in which the refrigerator 1 C is installed (hereinafter referred to as ‘external illuminance’) by the illuminance sensor.
- the lighting device 36 performs a step S 3 of adjusting the output of the light source to be 50% or less based on the maximum output of the light source of 100%.
- the step of adjusting the output of the light source of the lighting device 36 may be performed so that the difference between the external illuminance and the illuminance of the front surface of the door satisfies a set range.
- the lighting device 36 may perform a step S 5 of adjusting the output of the light source to be 70% or less based on 100% of the maximum output of the light source.
- the second reference value has a larger value than the first reference value.
- the lighting device 36 may perform a step S 7 of adjusts the output of the light source to be 100% or less based on the maximum output of 100% of the light source.
- control portion 14 can adjust the brightness of the panel assembly 30 by detecting the ambient brightness where the refrigerator is installed and adjusting the output of the light source of the lighting device 36 .
- the light source of the lighting device 36 may be controlled so that the front surface of the door is illuminated more brightly according to the ambient brightness.
- the intensity of the light source of the lighting device 36 may be controlled to be lowered.
- the brightness of light emitted from the front of the door is also adjusted to be dark, so that the user's glare can be prevented.
- FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the display portion 180 may be provided on the front side of the door 20 disposed on one side of the upper door 21 .
- the display portion 180 can display and manipulate the operating state of the refrigerator 1 D.
- the display portion 180 may include a display for displaying state information of the refrigerator 1 D and various manipulation buttons for setting an operation of the refrigerator 1 D.
- the operation of the refrigerator 1 D can be operated by manipulating the manipulation buttons.
- the display portion 180 may be provided to output set image information.
- the display portion 180 may be controlled to output an image having a color harmonizing with the light color of the door 20 equipped with the lighting device 36 . Therefore, the door with the display portion 180 and the door without the display portion 180 can be controlled to form a sense of unity.
- FIG. 37 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the front and
- FIG. 38 is a front view illustrating a state where the door of the refrigerator is opened.
- the refrigerator 1 E includes a door 20 configured to open and close an upper storage space and a lower storage space, respectively.
- the door 20 may include an upper door 201 that is rotatably mounted on the cabinet 10 to open and close the upper storage space 11 and a lower door 202 that opens and closes the lower storage space 12 by being introduced and withdrawn from the cabinet 10 in a draw manner
- a shelf 110 may be provided in the upper storage space 11 .
- a sensor module may be provided in the lower door 202 .
- FIG. 39 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a lower door equipped with a sensor module according to a fourth embodiment is viewed from the front
- FIG. is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the sensor module is viewed from the front
- FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the sensor module is viewed from the rear
- FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 42 - 42 in FIG. 39
- FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 43 - 43 of FIG. 39
- FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 44 - 44 of FIG. 39 .
- the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment includes a cabinet 10 having an upper storage space and a lower storage space; an upper door 201 opening and closing the upper storage space; and a lower door 202 opening and closing the lower storage space
- the lower door 202 includes a door body 40 , an upper cap deco 243 connected to an upper end of the door body 40 and forming a portion of a front surface and an upper surface of the lower door 202 , and a sensor module 250 that senses the surroundings where the cabinet 10 is disposed, and the sensor module 250 is provided inside the upper cap deco 243 , and a detection hole communicating with the sensor module 250 may be formed on the front surface of the upper cap deco 243 .
- the sensor module 250 may include at least one of an illuminance sensor for measuring external illuminance and a proximity sensor for detecting a distance to a user.
- a sensor opening 2431 into which the sensor module 250 is inserted may be formed on an upper surface of the upper cap deco 243 .
- the sensor module 250 may include a cover 252 for shielding the sensor opening 2431 , a sensor device 253 including the illuminance sensor or proximity sensor, and a fixing member 254 coupled with the sensor device 253 and the cover 252 .
- the cover 252 may include a shielding portion 2521 formed in a plate shape to shield the sensor opening 2431 from above, and a cover coupling portion 2522 coupled to the upper cap deco 243 .
- the cover coupling portion 2522 includes a plurality of cap deco coupling portions 2522 a coupled to the upper cap deco 243 and a fixing member coupling portion 2522 b inserted into the fixing member 254 , and the fixing member coupling portion 2522 b may be formed longer in a horizontal direction than the cap deco coupling portion 2522 a.
- the fixing member 254 includes a recessed portion recessed backward on the front portion forming the front surface of the sensor module 250 , and a detection portion to which the light of the sensor device 253 is irradiated may be disposed on the rear surface of the recessed portion.
- the fixing member 254 includes a front portion forming a front surface of the sensor module 250 , and an insertion portion into which the cover coupling portion 2522 is inserted at a rear surface of the front portion, and the insertion portion may include an insertion hole whose upper surface is open so that the cover coupling portion 2522 is inserted from above and a locking hole that is engaged with the cover coupling portion 2522 .
- the fixing member 254 may protrude backward at a position corresponding to the recessed portion to form a detection portion accommodation portion 2545 in which the detection portion is accommodated.
- the fixing member 254 includes a side portion that is bent and extended from the front portion to form a side surface of the sensor module 250 , and device fixing portions 2546 that are formed to come into contact with both side surfaces of the sensor device 253 and fix the sensor device 253 may be formed between the side portions and the detection portion accommodating portion.
- the side portion may be mounted on the fixing rib 2433 formed on the upper cap deco 243 .
- the sensor module 250 may include an illuminance sensor 152 that detects the indoor illuminance. The amount of light emitted from the light source of the lighting device 36 may be adjusted according to the ambient brightness detected by the illuminance sensor 152 .
- the sensor module 250 may include a proximity sensor 151 capable of recognizing a distance between the refrigerator and a user.
- the proximity sensor 151 is equipped with an infrared sensor or the like to recognize a user's approach. When it is sensed that the user is close to the refrigerator, the amount of light of the light source may be adjusted so that the front surface of the door is brighter than when the user is not near the refrigerator.
- the sensor module 250 may be provided above the lower door 202 .
- the sensor module 250 can detect the distance between the refrigerator and the user and the indoor illumination more accurately than when the sensor module 250 is provided on the upper door 201 .
- the sensor module 250 may not be able to detect whether or not the user is close.
- the sensor module 250 when the sensor module 250 is provided above the upper door 201 , the sensor module is adjacent to the indoor lighting, so that the user can perceive it as brighter than the indoor illumination felt by the user. Therefore, the sensor module 250 is preferably provided in the lower door 202 of the upper door 201 or the lower door 202 , and more preferably provided in the upper portion of the lower door 202 .
- the sensor module 250 may be provided inside the upper cap deco 243 forming the upper surface of the lower door 202 .
- the lower door 202 may have a handle portion 243 formed to be gripped by a user at an upper portion.
- the handle portion is not limited, but may be recessed more rearward than the door panel 31 of the lower door.
- the sensor module 250 may be provided on the lower door 202 singly or in plural numbers.
- the sensor module 250 may be spaced apart from both sides of the lower door 202 and mounted as a pair.
- the sensor module 250 may be mounted singly on one side of the lower door 202 .
- a sensor opening 2431 into which the sensor module 250 can be inserted may be formed on an upper surface of the upper cap deco 243 .
- the sensor opening 2431 may be formed so that the sensor module 250 can be inserted and mounted from the outside.
- the sensor opening 2431 may be shielded by the cover 252 of the sensor module 250 .
- the front surface of the sensor module 250 may be closely attached to the rear surface of the front plate 31 in a state of being inserted inside the upper cap deco 243 .
- a detection hole 2432 may be formed on the front surface of the upper cap deco 243 .
- the detection hole 2432 may be formed by opening.
- the light emitted from the detection hole 2432 is reflected to the user and enters the detection hole 2432 , so that the presence of the user can be detected.
- indoor light enters through the detection hole 2432 so that the illuminance sensor 152 can detect the indoor illuminance.
- the detection hole 2432 may have a smaller diameter in a direction closer to the detection portion 2531 . In this case, since light rays received through the detection hole 2432 can be concentrated on the detection portion 2531 , reliability can be further improved.
- a sensor opening 2431 into which the sensor module 250 is inserted may be formed on an upper surface of the door 20 , and the detection hole 2432 may be formed on a front surface of the door 20 . Since the sensor module 250 must be inserted into the sensor opening 2431 , the size of the sensor opening 2431 may be larger than that of the detection hole 2432 .
- the detection hole 2432 may be formed to a size capable of allowing light rays to go out or enter. With this structure, when a user looks at the refrigerator door 20 from the front, the relatively large sensor opening 2431 is located on the upper surface of the door and may not be visible from the outside.
- the detection hole 2432 is located on the front side of the door, there is an advantage in that it can accurately measure whether or not the user is approaching and the indoor illumination without interference from other components.
- the sensor module 250 may include a cover 252 , a sensor device 253 to which the illuminance sensor 152 and the proximity sensor 151 are mounted, and a fixing member 254 for fixing the sensor device 253 inside the upper cap deco 243 .
- the cover 252 is formed in a plate shape and includes a shielding portion 2521 that shields the sensor opening 2431 from above and a cover coupling portion 2522 coupled to the upper cap deco 243 .
- the shielding portion 2521 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the sensor opening 2431 .
- both sides of the front surface of the upper cap deco 243 may include rounded portions 243 a protruding forward in a rounded manner.
- the sensor module 250 may be accommodated inside the rounded portion 243 a .
- the front end of the cover 252 may include a curved surface in a shape corresponding to the outer end of the rounded portion 243 a.
- the cover coupling portion 2522 may be formed to extend downward from the shielding portion 2521 .
- the cover coupling portion 2522 may be formed at a front end, a rear end, and both side ends of the shielding portion 2521 , respectively.
- the cover coupling portion 2522 is not limited, but may be formed in a hook shape.
- a plurality of cover coupling portions 2522 may be formed, some of which may be coupled to the upper cap deco 243 , and the rest of them may be coupled to the fixing member 254 .
- a sensor coupling portion 2434 protruding inward may be included below the sensor opening 2431 .
- the cover coupling portion 2522 is combined with the sensor coupling portion 2434 so that the sensor module 250 can be inserted into the upper cap deco 243 and fixedly mounted.
- the cover coupling portion 2522 coupled to the sensor coupling portion 2434 is coupled to the upper cap deco 243 , it may be referred to as a cap deco coupling portion.
- the cap deco coupling portion 2522 a may be formed in plurality by extending downward from both side ends and the rear end of the cover 252 , respectively.
- the cover coupling portion 2522 may be inserted into the fixing member 254 to couple the cover 252 to the fixing member 254 .
- the cover coupling portion 2522 coupled to the fixing member 254 may also be referred to as a fixing member coupling portion 2522 b.
- the fixing member coupling portion 2522 b may be formed in a hook shape to be inserted into and coupled to the insertion portion 2544 of the fixing member 254 .
- the fixing member coupling portion 2522 b may be formed longer in a horizontal direction than the cap deco coupling portion 2522 a.
- a reinforcing rib 2523 may be further included in the fixing member coupling portion 2522 b .
- the reinforcing rib 2523 may connect the lower surface of the fixing member coupling portion 2522 b and the shielding portion 2521 .
- the reinforcing rib 2523 may guide a direction in which it is inserted into the insertion portion 2544 .
- the fixing member 254 may include a front portion 2541 forming a front surface of the sensor module 250 and a side portion 2542 bent and extended backward from the front portion 2541 .
- a recessed portion 2543 recessed inward (rearward) may be formed on the front surface of the front portion 2541 .
- a detection portion 2531 of the sensor device 253 may be disposed on a rear surface of the recessed portion 2543 .
- the thickness of the fixing member 254 in the front and rear direction may be smaller than the thickness of the front portion 2541 excluding the recessed portion 2543 .
- Light irradiated from the detection portion 2531 passes through the recessed portion 2543 , and at this time, there is an advantage in that light lost by the recessed portion 2543 can be minimized.
- light lost by the recessed portion 2543 can be minimized. Therefore, there is an advantage of more accurately detecting the distance between users or ambient brightness detected by the sensor module 250 .
- An insertion portion 2544 into which the fixing member coupling portion 2522 b of the cover 252 is inserted may be included on the rear surface of the front portion 2541 .
- the insertion portion 2544 may include an insertion hole 2544 a having an open upper surface so that the fixing member coupling portion 2522 b can be inserted from above, and a locking hole 2544 b engaged with the fixing member coupling portion 2522 b.
- a guide rib 2544 c for guiding a direction in which the fixing member coupling portion 2522 b is inserted may be further formed on a surface facing the locking hole 2544 b .
- the guide rib 2544 c may include a plurality of ribs 2544 c that protrude rearward from the rear surface of the front portion 2541 and extend in the vertical direction.
- the front portion 2541 may include a detection portion accommodation portion 2545 formed to protrude rearward from a position corresponding to the recessed part 2543 on the rear surface of the front portion 2541 .
- the sensing unit accommodation portion 2545 may protrude rearward from the rear surface of the front portion 2541 and surround the detection portion 2531 so that the detection portion 2531 can be accommodated inwardly.
- the detection portion accommodation portion 2545 may be larger than the entire area of the detection portion 2531 , so that the detection portion 2531 may be spaced apart from the detection portion accommodation portion 2545 inwardly.
- a device fixing portion 2546 for fixing the sensor device 253 may be included on a rear surface of the front portion 2541 .
- the device fixing portions 2546 protrude from the rear surface of the front portion 2541 to the rear and may be provided as a pair on both sides of the detection portion accommodation portion 2545 .
- the device fixing portion 2546 may protrude longer than the protruding length of the detection portion accommodation portion 2545 from the rear surface of the front portion 2541 .
- the device fixing portion 2546 may extend in the vertical direction longer than the length of the detection portion accommodation portion 2545 extending in the vertical direction.
- the distance between the pair of device fixing portions 2546 may correspond to the distance from the width of the sensor device 253 . Both ends of the sensor device 253 may be fixed by the device fixing portion 2546 while the detection portion 2531 is accommodated in the detection portion accommodation portion 2545 . With this structure, it is possible to prevent the sensor device 253 from moving in the left and right directions and being separated from the fixing member 254 .
- Each of the pair of device fixing portions 2546 may further include a protrusion 2546 a extending from the rear end toward the inside, that is, in a direction closer to the detection portion 2531 .
- the protrusion 2546 a may be coupled with the protrusion accommodation portion 2532 provided in the sensor device 253 .
- the protrusion 2546 a and the protrusion accommodation portion 2532 may guide the sensor device 253 to be properly mounted on the fixing member 254 .
- the protrusion 2546 a is inserted into and fixed to the protrusion accommodation portion 2532 , it is possible to prevent the sensor device 253 from moving in a vertical direction.
- a device coupling portion 2567 may be further included between the side portion 2542 and the device fixing portion 2546 on the rear surface of the front portion 2541 .
- the device coupling portion 2567 may extend rearward from the rear surface of the front portion 2541 and may be formed in a hook shape to come into contact with a portion of the rear surface of the sensor device 253 .
- a plurality of device coupling portions 2567 may be formed.
- a reinforcing rib 2567 a may be further formed on the device coupling portion 2567 to prevent the device coupling portion 2567 from being damaged in the process of mounting the sensor device 253 to the fixing member 254 .
- the side portion 2542 may be bent and extended backward from the front portion 2541 and mounted on the fixing rib 2433 formed on the upper cap deco 243 .
- the fixing rib 2433 is accommodated between the side portion 2542 and the device coupling portion 2567 , so that the sensor module 250 may be mounted on the upper cap deco 243 .
- the sensor device 253 may be formed in a plate-like rectangular shape as a whole.
- the sensor device 253 may include the illuminance sensor 152 and the proximity sensor 151 .
- the illuminance sensor 152 and the proximity sensor 151 may be separately provided in the sensor device 253 .
- a proximity and illuminance sensor in which the illuminance sensor and the proximity sensor are integrally implemented may be used.
- the sensor device 253 may include a detection portion 2531 that emits light to the outside or receives light entering the sensor module 250 .
- the detection portion 2531 may include a light emitting portion that emits infrared light and an infrared light receiving portion for detecting proximity by detecting infrared rays of the light emitting portion reflected from an object.
- it may include a visible light receiving portion for detecting ambient visible light to detect the illuminance.
- the detection portion 2531 may include, for example, an optical sensor in which the light emitting portion, the infrared light receiving portion, and the visible light receiving portion are integrally formed.
- the sensor device 253 may include the detection portion 2531 and a PCB substrate 2533 on which the detection portion 2531 is mounted.
- the sensor device 253 may be inserted inward through the sensor opening 2431 of the upper cap deco 243 in a state of being mounted on the fixing member 254 and mounted thereon.
- the detection portion 2531 may irradiate or receive light rays through the detection hole 2432 formed in the upper cap deco 243 to detect whether or not the user is approaching and the brightness of the room.
- the front surface of the door 20 may have a structure capable of selectively emitting light and may be configured to emit light with a set color or brightness. Accordingly, the user can change the color or brightness of the front surface of the door 20 without separating or disassembling the door 20 , and can change the overall outer appearance of the refrigerator 1 E.
- FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where a sensor module according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the front.
- the sensor module 250 ′ may provide a sensor device 253 ′ equipped with a proximity sensor and an illuminance sensor, and a space in which the sensor device 253 ′ is accommodated, and may include a case 255 to which the sensor device 253 ′ is fixed.
- the sensor module includes a recessed portion 2543 ′ recessed in a direction in which the sensor device 253 ′ is accommodated on one surface of the case 255 , and within the area of the recessed portion 2543 ′, a detection portion 2531 ′ through which light from the sensor device is irradiated may be located.
- the sensor module 250 ′ may include a protrusion 2548 a which is mounted on the recessed portion 2543 ′, shields the recessed portion 2543 ′, and protrudes forward from a position corresponding to the detection portion 2531 ′, and the protrusion 2548 a may be inserted into the detection hole 2432 ′.
- a sensor module 250 ′ may be mounted on the upper portion of the lower door 202 .
- a detection hole 2432 ′ may be formed on the front surface of the upper cap deco 243 forming the upper surface of the lower door 202 and through which light rays of the detection portion 2531 ′ of the sensor module come out.
- the sensor module 250 ′ includes a sensor device 253 ′ in which the proximity sensor 151 and the illuminance sensor 152 are mounted and a case 255 which provides a space in which the sensor device 253 ′ is accommodated and to which the sensor device 253 ′ is fixed.
- the sensor module 250 ′ may further include a cover 252 ′ that opens and closes the open detection hole 2432 ′.
- the sensor device 253 ′ may include a detection portion 2531 ′ through which light is irradiated or received, and a PCB substrate on which the proximity sensor 151 and the illuminance sensor 152 are mounted.
- the sensor device 253 ′ may be accommodated inside the case 255 .
- the case 255 may have a sensor opening 2431 ′ through which light emitted from the detection portion 2531 ′ passes at a position corresponding to the detection portion 2531 ′.
- a recessed portion 2543 ′ recessed in a direction in which the sensor device 253 ′ is accommodated may be provided in one surface of the case 255 .
- the sensor hole 2543 a ′ may be provided in an area of the recessed portion 2543 ′.
- the sensor module 250 ′ may further include a transmission portion 2548 having a size corresponding to that of the recessed portion 2543 ′ and mounted on the recessed portion 2543 ′.
- the transmission portion 2548 may include a protrusion 2548 a protruding forward from a position corresponding to the detection portion 2531 ′ while shielding the recessed portion 2543 ′. This protrusion 2548 a may be inserted into the open detection hole.
- the transmission portion 2548 may be formed of an injection-molded material of a transparent material.
- the transmission portion 2548 may be made of a transparent ABS injection molding material.
- the sensor module 250 ′ may be inserted inside the door 20 while the sensor device 253 ′ is mounted on the case 255 .
- the sensor module 250 ′ may be shielded by a cover 252 ′.
- the cover 252 ′ may include an upper portion 2521 ′ which contacts the upper surface of the upper cap deco 243 inwardly and a front portion 2522 ′ which extends downward from the upper surface portion 2521 ′ and forms a front surface of the cover 252 .
- An open detection hole 2432 ′ may be formed in the front portion 2522 ′ at a position corresponding to the protrusion 2548 a and the detection portion 2531 ′.
- the cover 252 ′ may be formed in the same color as the upper cap deco 243 .
- the opened detection hole 2432 ′ is shielded by the transmission portion 2548 , and the sensor module 250 ′ may be prevented from being exposed in front of the door 20 .
- the control portion may control the illuminance of light emitted from the lighting device to be lowered.
- the control portion may increase the amount of light output from the lighting device when the proximity sensor detects that the user is close to the refrigerator.
- the control portion may turn off the lighting device or control the amount of light output to be smaller than the amount of light output when it is detected that the user is close to the refrigerator.
- FIG. 46 is a control flowchart illustrating a method of controlling brightness of a light source according to ambient brightness
- FIG. 47 is a view illustrating a change in outer appearance of a refrigerator according to ambient brightness.
- the refrigerator 1 E of the present disclosure may set a first mode for adjusting the amount of light output from the lighting device 36 according to ambient brightness in which the refrigerator is installed. For example, when the first mode is activated, the amount of light output from the lighting device 36 may be adjusted so that the brightness of the front surface of the door becomes dark accordingly when ambient brightness becomes dark.
- the control portion 13 may perform a first mode checking step S 10 of detecting whether the first mode is activated.
- a step S 11 of detecting the illuminance of the room in which the refrigerator 1 E is installed (hereinafter referred to as ‘external illuminance’) by the illuminance sensor and determining whether the external illuminance is equal to or less than a reference value may be performed.
- the step S 12 of adjusting the output of the light source of the lighting device 36 so that the difference between the external illuminance and the illuminance of the front surface of the door is within a set range may be performed.
- control portion may control the illuminance of light emitted from the lighting device to be lowered.
- a step S 13 of determining whether a set time has elapsed (S 13 ) may be performed.
- the proximity sensor 151 may detect the external illuminance and a step S 11 of determining whether the external illuminance is equal to or less than a reference value may be performed.
- the light source of the lighting device 36 is adjusted, and thus it can be controlled so that the difference between the external illuminance and the illuminance value of the front surface of the door satisfies a set range. That is, when the external illuminance exceeds a standard, the front surface of the door may be controlled to shine more brightly.
- the light source of the lighting device 36 is adjusted and thus it can be controlled so that the difference between the external illuminance and the illuminance value of the front surface of the door satisfies a set range. Therefore, in a dark room, the brightness of light emitted from the front of the door is also adjusted to be dark, so that the user's glare can be prevented.
- FIG. 48 is a control flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the brightness of a light source according to a user's distance detection
- FIG. 49 is a view illustrating changes in outer appearance of a refrigerator according to a user's distance detection.
- the refrigerator 1 E of the present disclosure may set a second mode in which the front surface of the door is brightly lit by increasing the amount of light output from the lighting device 36 when recognizing that the user is approaching the refrigerator.
- the lighting device 36 when the second mode is activated by the user, the lighting device 36 is turned off in a state where the user is not close to the refrigerator 1 E, or the amount of light output from the lighting device 36 can be controlled to be less than or equal to a set value.
- the amount of light output from the lighting device 36 may be adjusted so that the front surface of the refrigerator door is brightly lit.
- control portion 13 may perform a second mode checking step S 20 of detecting whether the second mode is activated.
- control portion 13 may perform a step S 21 in which the proximity sensor 151 detects a user's approach.
- control portion 13 may perform step S 22 of increasing the output of the light source of the lighting device 36 .
- the amount of light output from the lighting device 36 may be controlled to be a set value or more. These setting values may be set by the user.
- the speed of change of the output of the light source may be controlled to be a set value or less. That is, when the control portion 13 detects a user's approach, the control portion 13 controls the speed change of the amount of light on the front of the door to be a set value or less, so that the user can recognize that the front surface of the door is gradually getting brighter.
- a step S 23 in which the control portion 13 turns off the lighting device 36 or controls the output of the light source of the lighting device 36 to a set value or less when the user does not approach the refrigerator (S 23 ) can be performed.
- the lighting device 36 when the user does not approach the refrigerator ( FIG. 49 ( a ) ), the lighting device 36 is turned off, and the outer appearance of the front surface of the door may be formed using the color of the panel assembly itself (S 24 ).
- the lighting device 36 is turned on, and the front surface of the door may be illuminated in a color set by the user. At this time, the output of the light source of the lighting device 36 may be controlled to a set value or less.
- the lighting device 36 is turned on, and the front surface of the door may be illuminated in a color set by the user.
- the front surface of the door may shine brighter than the brightness of the light in a state where the user does not approach.
- the rate of change of the output of the light source is the set value or less, so that the user can recognize that the front of the door is slowly and brightly lit.
- FIG. 50 is a view illustrating an example of adjusting the color of home appliances to which the panel assembly is applied using a remote device.
- the outer appearance of the home appliance may be formed by the panel assembly 30 , and the outer appearance may be changed to a color set by the user according to the operation of the lighting device 36 .
- the panel assembly may be expressed in various colors by light emitted from the rear.
- the home appliance may be any one of a refrigerator 1 E, an air conditioner 5 , a dishwasher 6 , a clothes care machine 7 , a washing machine 8 , or a cooking appliance 9 , and the same structure as the panel assembly 30 of an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to each of them so that the outer appearance color of the front surface can be freely changed.
- the panel assembly 30 may be provided on the front surface of the door 20 that opens and closes the cabinet 10 .
- the panel assembly 30 lights up in a set color according to a user setting, and the outer appearance color of the front surface of the refrigerator 1 E can be changed.
- the indoor device of the air conditioner 5 , the dishwasher 6 , the clothes care machine 7 , the washing machine 8 , or the cooking appliance 9 for example, each form an outer appearance, and a heat exchange device and a fan are provided inside, or Cases 51 , 61 , 71 , 81 , and 91 forming a washing space or a space for storing or washing or drying clothes or a cooking space may be included.
- the front surface of the case may be formed by panel assemblies 511 , 621 , 721 , 811 , and 921 . This panel assembly has the same structure as the above-described panel assembly 30 of the refrigerator and can emit light.
- the panel assembly can shine in a set color according to a user setting, and the front outer appearance color of the home appliance can be changed to the set color.
- the user can control the color of the panel assembly by manipulating the remote device 2 .
- the remote device outputs the menu screen 2 b first and manipulates the panel color change menu 2 b 1 through the menu screen 2 b.
- the remote device 2 When the user selects the panel color change menu 2 b 1 , the remote device 2 outputs the color selection screen 2 c from the menu screen 2 b , and the user can select the position of the panel 31 to be changed and the color of the panel 31 to be changed on the color selection screen.
- a panel position selection menu 2 c 1 is displayed on the color selection screen 2 c , and the panel 31 mounted on the door 20 at a desired position among the plurality of doors 20 can be selected.
- the panel 31 of the door 20 selected by the user may be displayed in the panel position selection menu 2 c 1 .
- the user can select and input the color selection menus 2 c 2 and 2 c 3 displayed on the color selection screen 2 c .
- the color selection menus 2 c 2 and 2 c 3 may display all colors that can be displayed on the panel 31 in the form of a color picker capable of checking and extracting color codes.
- control portion 13 may control the lighting device 36 to be turned on in the second color so that the panel 31 is displayed in the third color.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
A refrigerator includes: a cabinet defining a storage space, a door configured to open and close the cabinet, and a detection device provided at a first surface of the door and configured to detect a target in front of the door or ambient brightness. A first portion of the detection device protrudes in a first direction from the door, and a second portion of the detection device is accommodated inside the door.
Description
- The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0013733, filed on Jan. 28, 2022, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0076729, filed on Jun. 23, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0088733, filed on Jul. 19, 2022, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- The present disclosure relates to home appliances and refrigerators.
- In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at a low temperature in an internal storage space shielded by a refrigerator door and is configured so that the stored food can be stored in an optimal state by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle.
- As such, refrigerators are gradually becoming larger and multifunctional according to changes in dietary habits and the trend of luxury products, and refrigerators with various structures and convenience devices in consideration of user convenience are being released.
- Refrigerators are being developed that are provided with a proximity detection device for detecting a user's proximity to the refrigerator and perform an operation according to the user's proximity detection.
- In Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 10-2021-0145302, a detection device is disclosed which is installed at the bottom of the lower door to detect a user's foot and opens the door based on the detection result.
- However, in the prior art, even if a sensor for detecting the surrounding state is provided, there is a problem in that the sensor cannot accurately detect the surrounding state due to a problem of a location where the sensor is provided or a structure in which the sensor is mounted.
- An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance and a refrigerator having a proximity sensor that is disposed not to be easily seen by a user while ensuring the user's proximity detection performance.
- An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance and a refrigerator that detects a user's proximity and changes the outer appearance of a front door.
- A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet having a storage space; a door opening and closing the cabinet; and a detection device provided on one surface of the door and recognizing a user in front of the door or detecting ambient brightness, in which a portion of the detection device protrudes in one direction from the door, and the other portion thereof is accommodated inside the door.
- The detection device may include a detection member for detecting a user's proximity, and a case mounted on a lower surface of the door to shield the detection member and exposed to the lower surface of the door, an opening shielded by the case may be formed on the lower surface of the door, and a portion of the detection member may protrude downward from the opening.
- The detection member may be inclined with respect to the lower surface of the door, and a front end of the detection member may protrude downward more than the rear end thereof.
- The door may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet by a hinge device, the detection member may be provided on one side close to the hinge device among the left and right sides of the door, and one side end of the left and right ends of the detection member closer to the hinge device may be disposed to face more forward than one side end farther from the hinge device.
- The case may include a case body for shielding the opening of the lower surface of the door, a detection member accommodation portion protruding downward from the case body and forming a recessed portion in which the detection member is accommodated, the detection member accommodation portion may include a front surface extending downward from the case body and disposed with the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion of the detection member, and a lower surface extending from the lower end of the front surface toward the case body, the detection member may be supported by the front and bottom surfaces.
- The front surface may be formed to be inclined toward the rear with respect to the front surface of the door as it extends downward.
- A fixing portion to which a screw penetrating the detection member is fastened may be formed in the case body in a state where the detection member is accommodated in the detection member accommodation portion.
- A PCB mounting portion extending upward and intersecting the case body may be formed on the case body, and a PCB connected to the detection member may be mounted in the PCB mounting portion.
- A light mounting portion which is opened downward and in which a door light radiating downward is accommodated may be formed on the case body, and a light cover which is formed of a material capable of transmitting light and for shielding the door light may be mounted on the light mounting portion.
- The door may include an upper door connected to the cabinet by a hinge device to be rotatable; and a lower door disposed below the upper door, a handle for opening the lower door may be provided on the upper end of the lower door, and the detection device may protrude between the upper door and the lower door.
- The door may include an upper door for opening and closing the upper storage space; and a lower door that opens and closes the lower storage space, the upper door may include a door body; a panel assembly coupled to the door body to form a front outer appearance of the door; and, a door cover forming an upper surface of the door, and the detection device may be mounted on the door cover.
- The detection device may include an illuminance sensor; a sensor module mounting portion recessed downward from the door cover and accommodating the illuminance sensor; and a sensor cover formed of a material capable of transmitting light and shielding an opening of the sensor module mounting portion.
- The sensor cover may include a cover protrusion protruding upward from the door cover and accommodating an upper end portion of the illuminance sensor therein; and a first inclined portion extending forward from the cover protrusion and inclined downward toward the front; and the detection portion of the illuminance sensor may detect light entering through the first inclined portion.
- The illuminance sensor may be mounted in a state of being inclined at a set angle in the sensor module mounting portion.
- The sensor module mounting portion may include a body portion having an upper surface open and recessed downward from the door cover and accommodating the illuminance sensor; and the illuminance sensor may be mounted in a state of being inclined backward as it goes upward from the lower end of the body portion.
- The door cover may include a cover portion forming an upper surface of the upper door; and a PCB mounting portion extending downward from the lower surface of the cover portion, a sensor PCB may be mounted on one side of the PCB mounting portion, and an electric wire connected to the detection device may be connected to the sensor PCB.
- An electric wire connected to the detection device may be connected to the sensor PCB.
- The door may include a door body; and a panel assembly coupled to the door body to form the front outer appearance of the door; the panel assembly may include a front plate forming an outer appearance of the front surface of the door and through which light is transmitted; a lighting device that irradiates light; and a control portion for controlling the operation of the lighting device; and the control portion may be configured to control the intensity of a light source of the lighting device based on the external illuminance value detected by the detection device.
- A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet having an upper storage space and a lower storage space; an upper door opening and closing the upper storage space; and a lower door opening and closing the lower storage space, in which the lower door may include a door body; an upper cap deco connected to an upper end of the door body and forming a portion of the front surface and the upper surface of the lower door; and a detection device for recognizing a user in front of the door or detecting ambient brightness, the detection device may be provided inside the upper cap deco, and a detection hole communicating with the sensor module may be formed on the front surface of the upper cap deco.
- A sensor opening which is opened and into which the sensor module is inserted may be formed on the upper surface of the upper cap deco, the detection device may include a cover for shielding the sensor opening; a sensor device having the illuminance sensor or proximity sensor; and a fixing member to which the sensor device and the cover are coupled.
- The door may include a door body; and a panel assembly coupled to the door body to form the front outer appearance of the door; the panel assembly may include a front plate forming an outer appearance of the front surface of the door and through which light is transmitted; a lighting device that irradiates light; and a control portion for controlling the operation of the lighting device, and the control portion may be configured to adjust the intensity of the light source of the lighting device when the detection device detects that the user is adjacent to the door.
- In the refrigerator and home appliance according to the proposed embodiment, the following effects can be expected.
- According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is an advantage in providing a refrigerator and home appliances equipped with a detection device disposed not to be easily seen by a user while ensuring detection performance.
- An embodiment of the present disclosure has an advantage of providing a home appliance and a refrigerator that change the outer appearance of the front door by detecting a user's proximity or ambient brightness.
-
FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a state where a door of the refrigerator is opened. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure in which the door panel and the door body are coupled. -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the door panel is viewed from the front. -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating portion A ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state where the door is viewed from below. -
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a mounting structure of a detection device and a door according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the detection device is viewed from one direction. -
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the detection device is viewed from another direction. -
FIG. 10 is a cutaway perspective view taken along line 10-10 ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a state where the refrigerator detects a user. -
FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view illustrating section B ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state where the door of the refrigerator is viewed from below. -
FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view illustrating the lower portion of the door from which the detection device is separated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the detection device is viewed from one direction. -
FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the detection device is viewed from another direction. -
FIG. 18 is a cutaway perspective view taken along line 18-18′ ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a state where the refrigerator detects a user. -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the front. -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a state where an upper door equipped with a sensor module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the front. -
FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where an upper door equipped with the sensor module is viewed from above. -
FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a state where a sensor cover, which is one component of the sensor module is viewed from below. -
FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a state where a door cover on which the sensor module is mounted is viewed from above. -
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the door cover where the sensor module is mounted. -
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a state where the sensor module is mounted. -
FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure in which a door panel, a door body, and a door cover are coupled according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the door cover is coupled to the door body. -
FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the door cover is viewed from the front. -
FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where an upper door equipped with a sensor module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from above. -
FIG. 31 is a view illustrating a state where the door cover on which the sensor module is mounted is viewed from above. -
FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the sensor module is mounted on the door cover. -
FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of control signals of the refrigerator. -
FIG. 34 is a control flowchart illustrating a method of controlling brightness of a light source according to ambient brightness. -
FIG. 35 is a view illustrating a change in outer appearance of a refrigerator according to ambient brightness. -
FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 37 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the front. -
FIG. 38 is a front view illustrating a state where the door of the refrigerator is opened. -
FIG. 39 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a lower door equipped with a sensor module according to a fourth embodiment is viewed from the front. -
FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the sensor module is viewed from the front. -
FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the sensor module is viewed from the rear. -
FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 42-42 inFIG. 39 . -
FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 43-43 ofFIG. 39 . -
FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 44-44 ofFIG. 39 . -
FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where a sensor module according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the front. -
FIG. 46 is a control flowchart illustrating a method of controlling brightness of a light source according to ambient brightness. -
FIG. 47 is a view illustrating a change in outer appearance of a refrigerator according to ambient brightness. -
FIG. 48 is a control flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the brightness of a light source according to a users distance detection. -
FIG. 49 is a view illustrating changes in outer appearance of a refrigerator according to a users distance detection. -
FIG. 50 is a view illustrating an example of adjusting the color of home appliances to which the panel assembly is applied using a remote device. - Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with drawings. However, the present disclosure cannot be said to be limited to the embodiments in which the spirit of the present disclosure is presented, and other disclosures that are degenerative by addition, change, deletion, or the like of other components or other embodiments included within the scope of the present disclosure can be easily suggested.
- Before the description, the direction is defined. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction in which the front surface of the door faces as illustrated in
FIG. 1 can be defined as a front direction, the direction facing the cabinet with respect to the front surface of the door can be defined as a rear direction, the direction facing the bottom surface on which the refrigerator is installed can be defined as a downward direction, and the direction away from the bottom surface can be defined as upward direction. -
FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a state where a door of the refrigerator is opened. - As illustrated, the outer appearance of the
refrigerator 1A according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed by acabinet 10 forming a storage space and adoor 20 opening and closing the storage space of thecabinet 10. - For example, the
cabinet 10 may form a storage space divided in the up and down direction, with a refrigeratingchamber 11 formed at an upper portion and a freezingchamber 12 formed at a lower portion. The refrigeratingchamber 11 may be referred to as an upper storage space, and the freezingchamber 12 may be referred to as a lower storage space. - The
door 20 may be configured to open and close the refrigeratingchamber 11 and the freezingchamber 12, respectively. For example, thedoor 20 may be rotatably mounted on thecabinet 10 by being connected byhinge devices chamber 11 and the freezingchamber 12 may be opened and closed by rotation, respectively. - The
door 20 may include a refrigeratingchamber door 201 opening and closing the refrigeratingchamber 11 and a freezingchamber door 202 opening and closing the freezingchamber 12. The refrigeratingchamber door 201 may be referred to as an upper door, and the freezingchamber door 202 may be referred to as a lower door. -
Handles chamber door 201 and the freezingchamber door 202. - Meanwhile, the
door 20 forms the front outer appearance of therefrigerator 1A in a closed state, and may form the front outer appearance of therefrigerator 1A in a state where therefrigerator 1A is installed. - At least a portion of the front surface of the
door 20 may be configured to shine in a color set by the operation of thelighting device 36. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure in which the door panel and the door body are coupled, andFIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the door panel is viewed from the front. - The
door 20 may include adoor body 40 forming the overall shape of the door and opening and closing the storage space, and apanel assembly 30 forming the front outer appearance of thedoor 20. Thedoor 20 may be configured such that thepanel assembly 30 is mounted on the front surface of thedoor body 40. - The
door body 40 may include abody plate 41 forming a front surface and adoor liner 42 forming a rear surface. Thebody plate 41 may be disposed to face the rear surface of thepanel assembly 30. The door liner may include a gasket that is in close contact with thecabinet 10 along a rear circumference. - The
door body 40 may includeside decos 44 forming both left and right sides of thedoor body 21. - The
door body 40 may include anupper cap deco 43 and alower cap deco 45 forming upper and lower surfaces of thedoor body 40. Aninsulator 400 may be filled inside thedoor body 40. - The
panel assembly 30 is formed in a plate shape, and may form the front outer appearance of thedoor 20 in a state of being mounted on the front surface of thedoor body 40. - The
panel assembly 30 may be detachably mounted to thedoor body 40 in an assembled state. The upper and lower ends of thepanel assembly 30 may be fixed to theupper cap deco 43 and thelower cap deco 45. - The
panel assembly 30 may have a structure that can be separated from and mounted on thedoor body 40 for service and maintenance. - The
panel assembly 30 may be configured to emit light from the entire front surface and may be configured to shine in various colors. - The
panel assembly 30 may include afront plate 31 forming a front outer appearance and alighting device 36 radiating light so that thefront plate 31 shines. - The
panel assembly 30 may include alight guide plate 33 guiding light emitted from thelighting device 36. Light emitted from thelighting device 36 may be guided to thefront plate 31 by thelight guide plate 33 so that the front surface of thepanel assembly 30 may be configured to shine in various colors. - The
front plate 31 may be transparent so that light reflected by thelight guide plate 33 may pass through. - The
front plate 31 may be formed to have a color and may be formed to appear in a different color according to an operation or an on/off state of thelighting device 36. - In a state where the
lighting device 36 is turned off, components inside thepanel assembly 30 may be prevented from being visible to the outside through thefront plate 31 due to the color of thefront plate 31 itself. - The
light guide plate 33 may be located at a rear spaced apart from thefront plate 31 and may be configured to guide light emitted from alighting device 36 disposed below thelight guide plate 33 forward. - Light can be transmitted to the
front plate 31 by thelight guide plate 33, and at this time, the pattern of thelight guide plate 33 can be set so that the entire front surface of thefront plate 31 can shine with uniform brightness. - Meanwhile, a
support member 32 may be provided between thefront plate 31 and thelight guide plate 33 if necessary. Thesupport member 32 is a component to which thelight guide plate 33 and thefront plate 31 are fixedly mounted, and in particular, thelight guide plate 33 and thefront plate 31 can be maintained at a predetermined distance. - An
upper bracket 34 may be provided at an upper end of thepanel assembly 30. Theupper bracket 34 may have a structure coupled to thesupport member 32 and a structure coupled to theback cover 39. - A
lower bracket 35 may be provided at a lower end of thepanel assembly 30. Thelower bracket 35 may have a structure coupled to thesupport member 32 and a structure coupled to theback cover 39. - A
lighting device 36 may be mounted on thelower bracket 35. Thelighting device 36 emits light for determining the color and brightness of the front surface of the panel assembly and is configured to emit light toward thelight guide plate 33. - The
back cover 39 forms a rear surface of thepanel assembly 30 and may be combined with theupper bracket 34 and thelower bracket 35. Theback cover 39 may be formed of a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum. - In this way, the
panel assembly 30 is provided with alighting device 36, and the light emitted from thelighting device 36 passes through thefront plate 31, so that the front surface of the door can be brightly lit. - The structure of the
panel assembly 30 and thedoor body 40 may be applied to both theupper door 201 and thelower door 202. Accordingly, front surfaces of both theupper door 201 and thelower door 202 may be brightly lit by thelighting device 36. - Meanwhile, the
panel assembly 30 may not include a light guide plate, and a lighting device may be disposed behind the panel. That is, thepanel assembly 30 may be configured in a direct type method in which light is directly radiated toward the lighting panel. - In addition, the
panel assembly 30 may have an LCD display structure or an electrophoretic display structure. That is, thepanel assembly 30 may be configured with various panel structures capable of changing the front outer appearance of thedoor 20. -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating portion A ofFIG. 1 ,FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state where the door is viewed from below, andFIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a mounting structure of a detection device and a door according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. - A refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet having a storage space; a door opening and closing the cabinet; and a
detection device 50 according to the first embodiment provided on a lower surface of the door and recognizing a user in front of the door, and a portion of thedetection device 50 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the door, and the remaining portion thereof may be accommodated inside the door. - The
detection device 50 may include adetection member 52 that detects a user's proximity: acase 51 mounted on the lower surface of the door to shield thedetection member 52 and exposed to the lower surface of the door. - An opening shielded by the
case 51 is formed on a lower surface of the door, and a portion of thedetection member 52 may protrude downward from the opening. - The
detection member 52 is disposed inclined with respect to the lower surface of the door, and the front end of thedetection member 52 may protrude downward more than the rear end. - The door is rotatably mounted to the cabinet by a
hinge device 205, and thedetection member 52 may be provided on one side close to thehinge device 205 among both left and right sides of the door. - A shielding
portion 452 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the door and covers at least a portion of thehinge device 205, and the protruding height of thedetection device 50 may be equal to or smaller than the protruding height of the shielding portion. - The
detection member 52 may be disposed inclined with respect to the front surface of the door. - Among both left and right ends of the
detection member 52, one end closer to thehinge device 205 may be disposed to face more forward than one end farther from thehinge device 205. - The
detection member 52 is disposed inclined with respect to the lower surface of the door, and the front end of thedetection member 52 may be disposed lower than the rear end. - The
case 51 may include acase body 511 for shielding the opening of the lower surface of the door, and a detectionmember accommodation portion 512 protruding downward from thecase body 511 and forming a recessed portion in which thedetection member 52 is accommodated. - The detection
member accommodation portion 512 may include a front surface extending downward from thecase body 511 and disposed with a light receiving portion and a light emitting portion of thedetection member 52; and a lower surface extending from the lower end of the front surface toward thecase body 511, and thedetection member 52 may be supported by the front surface and the lower surface. - As the front surface extends downward, the front surface may be inclined toward the rear with respect to the front surface of the door.
- The front surface may be disposed so as to be inclined away from the front surface of the door as the front surface extends laterally based on the front surface of the door.
- At least the front surface of the
case 51 may be formed of a light-transmitting material. - In the
case body 511, a fixing portion to which a screw penetrating thedetection member 52 is fastened may be formed in a state where thedetection member 52 is accommodated in the detectionmember accommodation portion 512. - The
case body 511 is formed with aPCB mounting portion 614 that extends upward and intersects thecase body 511, and a PCB connected to thedetection member 52 may be mounted on thePCB mounting portion 614. - In the
case body 511, alight mounting portion 513 which is opened downward and in which adoor light 53 for irradiating light downward is accommodated is formed, and in thelight mounting portion 513, a light cover which is formed of a material capable of transmitting light and shielding the door light 53 may be mounted. - The door may include a
lower cap deco 35 forming a lower surface, and a mounting portion for adetection device 50 recessed to accommodate thedetection member 52 may be formed on the lower surface of thelower cap deco 35, and asupport portion 455 may protrude from the inside of the mounting portion for adetection device 50 to support thedetection member 52 from the rear. - The door may be connected to the cabinet by a
hinge device 205 and include a rotatable upper door and a lower door disposed below the upper door, a handle for opening the lower door may be provided on an upper end of the lower door, and thedetection device 50 may protrude between the upper door and the lower door. - The
detection device 50 may be disposed on one side close to thehinge device 205 among both left and right sides of the upper door. - The lower surface of the
door 20 may be provided with adetection device 50 for detecting a user's proximity. Thedetection device 50 may be provided on the lower surface of theupper door 201 in a state where theupper door 201 and thelower door 202 are disposed vertically and may protrude downward, that is, toward the upper surface of thelower door 202. Therefore, thedetection device 50 may detect the proximity of the user to the front of therefrigerator 1A. - Looking at this in more detail, the lower surface of the
door 20 may be formed by thelower cap deco 35. Ahinge bracket 451 coupled to thehinge device 205 may be mounted on thelower cap deco 35. Thehinge bracket 451 may be provided at one end of both left and right ends of the lower surface of thedoor 20. Ahinge hole 451 a into which a hinge shaft of thehinge device 205 is inserted may be formed in thehinge bracket 451. - A
door stopper 451 b protruding downward may be formed on thehinge bracket 451. Thedoor stopper 451 b allows thedoor 20 to stop at a set angle when thedoor 20 is opened. - A
door opening device 453 may be provided at a side of thehinge bracket 451. Thedoor opening device 453 is for automatically opening thedoor 20 and may push thecabinet 10 to open thedoor 20 when an open signal is input to the door. Thedoor opening device 453 may be mounted on the lower surface of thedoor 20, that is, thelower cap deco 35. - The
lower cap deco 35 may be formed with a shieldingportion 452 that shields at least a portion of thehinge device 205. The shieldingportion 452 may be formed at the front corresponding to thehinge bracket 451 and may extend downward from thelower cap deco 35. The shieldingportion 452 may extend in left and right direction and may extend further than at least thehinge bracket 451. - The shielding
portion 452 may extend further than thedoor opening device 453 to shield thestopper 451 b and thedoor opening device 453. To this end, the shieldingportion 452 may protrude downward from the lower surface of thedoor 20 by a set height H2. The protrusion height H2 of the shieldingportion 452 may be smaller than the distance H1 between the lower surface of theupper door 201 and the upper surface of thelower door 202. Therefore, when opening and closing thedoor 20, the shieldingportion 452 is not interfered with the door. - A
handle 201 a may be further formed on the lower surface of thelower cap deco 35. Thehandle 201 a is for opening theupper door 201, and may be recessed so that the user can insert his or her hand. Thehandle 201 a may be formed on one side opposite to the arrangement position of thehinge device 205 among the left and right sides of thedoor 20. That is, thehandle 201 a may be disposed at a location far from thehinge device 205 and may facilitate opening of thedoor 20. - A
detection device 50 may be mounted on thelower cap deco 35. Thedetection device 50 may be located between thehinge bracket 451 and thehandle 201 a without interference. Among the left and right sides of thedoor 20, thedetection device 50 may be located on one side closer to thehinge device 205. - Alternatively, as in the present embodiment, when a pair of
doors 20 are disposed on both left and right sides and the horizontal width of thedoor 20 is small, a portion of thedetection device 50 is may be located in the center of thelower cap deco 35. However, thedetection member 52, which is a main component of thedetection device 50, may be located on one side close to thehinge device 205 among both left and right sides of thedoor 20. - When a pair of
doors 20 are disposed on both left and right sides, thedetection device 50 may be provided on onedoor 20 among thedoors 20 on both left and right sides. - The
detection device 50 may be mounted on a detectiondevice mounting portion 454 mounted on the lower surface of thedoor 20. Thedetection device 50 may form a portion of the lower surface of thedoor 20 in a state of being mounted on the detectiondevice mounting portion 454. Thedetection device 50 may include adetection member 52 that detects a user's proximity and acase 51 in which thedetection member 52 is mounted. - In addition, the
case 51 may include acase body 511 for shielding the opening of the detectiondevice mounting portion 454 and a detectionmember accommodation portion 512 protruding downward from thecase body 511. Thecase body 511 may form the same plane as the lower surface of thelower cap deco 35 in a state of being mounted on thedoor 20. - The detection
member accommodation portion 512 includes thedetection member 52 therein, and may be formed of a light-transmitting material so that light irradiated from thedetection member 52 can pass therethrough. Alternatively, only thefront surface 512 a through which light is substantially transmitted among the detectionmember accommodation portion 512 may be formed of a light-transmitting material, if necessary. - The detection
member accommodation portion 512 or theentire case 51 may be formed of a light-transmitting material. In addition, the detectionmember accommodation portion 512 may be formed to protrude obliquely from the lower surface of thedoor 20 to facilitate a user's detection. The detectionmember accommodation portion 512 may also be referred to as a case protrusion. - The detection
member accommodation portion 512 may include afront surface 512 a protruding outward from thecase body 511. Thefront surface 512 a may be in contact with thelight receiving portion 522 and thelight emitting portion 523 of thedetection member 52. - The
front surface 512 a is formed to face forward and may be disposed to face a user located in front of therefrigerator 1A. Accordingly, thefront surface 512 a may determine a substantially inclined direction of the detectionmember accommodation portion 512. - The
front surface 512 a may be formed in a planar shape and may be inclined with respect to the front surface of thedoor 20. At this time, thefront surface 512 a may be formed to secure an area for disposing thelight receiving portion 522 and thelight emitting portion 523 of thedetection member 52 while minimizing the height H3 protruding downward from thedoor 20 at the same time. - The protruding height H3 of the detection
member accommodation portion 512 is smaller than the distance H1 between the lower surface of theupper door 201 and the upper surface of thelower door 202 and can be formed equal to or smaller than the protruding height H2 of the shieldingportion 452. - The
front surface 512 a may be inclined toward the rear as it extends downward. For example, an angle α1 between thefront surface 512 a and the lower surface of thedoor 20 may be approximately 30°. Accordingly, by minimizing the protrusion of the detectionmember accommodation portion 512, the outer appearance is improved, and the users hand is prevented from being pinched or interfered with the front surface. - In particular, the detection
member accommodation portion 512 is located at a position facing thehandle 202 a at the upper end of thelower door 202. When the user grabs thehandle 202 a of thelower door 202 to open and close thelower door 202, the users hand can be prevented from interfering with the protruding detectionmember accommodation portion 512. - The
front surface 512 a may be disposed in an inclined state with respect to the front surface of thedoor 20. Thefront surface 512 a may extend away from the front surface of thedoor 20 as it moves away from thehinge device 205. For example, an angle α2 between thefront surface 512 a and the front surface of thedoor 20 may be approximately 15°. Therefore, while thedetection member 52 is disposed at an eccentric position on one side of thedoor 20, it radiates light toward the front of the center of therefrigerator 1A, so that the user can easily detect proximity and ensure reliable operation. - Since the
front surface 512 a has a structure having an inclination with the front and bottom surfaces of thedoor 20, thedetection device 50 can accurately detect the user and minimize external exposure to improve the appearance. In addition, it is possible to prevent the users hand from being caught or interfered with the door when the user operates thedoor 20. - The detection
member accommodation portion 512 may further include alower surface 512 b forming a lower surface of the detectionmember accommodation portion 512. Thelower surface 512 b may extend from the lower end of thefront surface 512 a to thecase body 511. - The
lower surface 512 b may have an inclination that increases toward the rear with respect to the lower surface of thedoor 20. - The detection
member accommodation portion 512 may further include side surfaces 512 c forming protruding side surfaces of the detectionmember accommodation portion 512. Theside surface 512 c may connect thefront surface 512 a and thelower surface 512 b and thecase body 511. - Meanwhile, a detection
member restricting portion 512 d may be formed at one side of the circumference of the detectionmember accommodation portion 454. The detectionmember restricting portion 512 d may be formed at a corner portion where end portions of thefront surface 512 a and theside surface 512 c meet and may protrude into the detectionmember accommodation portion 454. Accordingly, the detectionmember restraining portion 512 d may temporarily restrain one side of thedetection member 52 in a state where thedetection member 52 is inserted into the detectionmember accommodation portion 454. Thescrew 525 may be fastened in a state where thedetection member 52 is constrained to the detectionmember restricting portion 512 d. - A
light cover 55 that shields thedoor light 53 and transmits light of the door light 53 may be provided on thecase body 511. Therefore, through thedetection device 50, the user can be detected and the lower portion of theupper door 201 can be illuminated. Thelight cover 55 may be disposed on a side of the detectionmember accommodation portion 512. - When the
detection device 50 is mounted, thedetection member 52 and the door light 53 may be mounted on thedoor 20 while being coupled to thecase body 511. - Meanwhile, the
lower cap deco 35 may be formed with the detectiondevice mounting portion 454 recessed to mount thedetection device 50 thereon. The detectiondevice mounting portion 454 forms a space in which thedetection device 50 can be accommodated and may form an opening shielded by thecase body 511. That is, an opening may be formed on the lower surface of thedoor 20 by the detectiondevice mounting portion 454. - Therefore, when the
detection device 50 is mounted on the detectiondevice mounting portion 454, thecase body 511 may form the same plane as the lower surface of thelower cap deco 35. Thedetection member 52 and the door light 53 may maintain a state accommodated in a space inside the detectiondevice mounting portion 454. - Meanwhile, a
support portion 455 may be formed inside the detectiondevice mounting portion 454. Thesupport portion 455 may be formed at a position corresponding to thedetection member 52 and may protrude from a circumferential surface of the detectiondevice mounting portion 454. - The
support portion 455 may protrude to support thedetection member 52 from the rear in a state where thedetection device 50 is mounted. Thesupport portion 455 may be inclined or stepped toward the front from the bottom to the top. Therefore, when thedetection device 50 is mounted, thedetection member 52 is supported from the rear by thesupport portion 455 and may be in close contact with the detectionmember accommodation portion 512. Even when thedoor 20 is repeatedly opened and closed, thedetection member 52 may not be separated or moved. - A
support rib 456 may be formed inside the detectiondevice mounting portion 454. Thesupport rib 456 is for supporting one side of thecase body 511 and may protrude from the circumferential surface of the detectiondevice mounting portion 454. - The
support ribs 456 extend in the vertical direction, and a plurality of support ribs may be continuously arranged at regular intervals. The end portion of thesupport rib 456 can support thecase body 511 from below, and thus, when thedetection device 50 is mounted, it is possible to keep thecase body 511 mounted in an accurate position. - Hereinafter, the structure of the
detection device 50 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the detection device is viewed from one direction,FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the detection device is viewed from another direction, andFIG. 10 is a cutaway perspective view taken along line 10-10 ofFIG. 4 . - The
detection device 50 may include thecase 51 and thedetection member 52. Thecase 51 may be mounted on thedoor 20 with thedetection member 52 coupled thereto. - The
case 51 may be formed by injection molding of a plastic material, and at least the front surface of the detectionmember accommodation portion 512 may be formed of a material capable of transmitting light. Thecase 51 may include thecase body 511 formed in a plate shape. Thecase body 511 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the opening formed in thelower cap deco 35. -
Body protrusions case body 511 and can be coupled to thelower cap deco 35. - A
guide rib 511 c may protrude from an upper surface of thecase body 511. Theguide rib 511 c may be formed along at least a portion of the circumference of thecase body 511. When thecase body 511 is mounted on thelower cap deco 35, theguide rib 511 c is in contact with the inner surface of the detectiondevice mounting portion 454 to further fix thecase body 511. - The detection
member accommodation portion 512 may be formed in thecase body 511. The detectionmember accommodation portion 512 may form a recessed space on the upper surface of thecase body 511 so that thedetection member 52 can be accommodated therein. At this time, the detectionmember accommodation portion 512 may protrude downward from thecase body 511. - The detection
member accommodation portion 512 may include thefront surface 512 a, thelower surface 512 b, and theside surface 512 c and may be formed in a shape corresponding to thedetection member 52. The detectionmember accommodation portion 512 may be inserted and mounted with thedetection member 52, and may be fixed in contact with the front, bottom and side surfaces of thedetection member 52 in a state where thedetection member 52 is mounted. - In particular, the front ends of the
light receiving portion 522 and thelight emitting portion 523 for irradiating and receiving light for the user's detection are disposed on the front surface of thedetection member 52, and the front surface of thedetection member 52 may be in close contact with thefront surface 512 a of the detectionmember accommodation portion 512. That is, the shape of the detectionmember accommodation portion 512 may be formed in a corresponding shape so that the front and bottom surfaces of thedetection member 52 and both left and right sides may be in close contact with each other. - A
fastening portion 515 for fixing thedetection member 52 may be formed on one side of thecase body 511. Thefastening portion 515 may protrude from a position adjacent to the detectionmember accommodation portion 512. Thefastening portion 515 is fastened to thescrew 525 penetrating thedetection member 52 and may be formed at a position corresponding to thefixed end 524 of thedetection member 52. - The
detection member 52 is inserted into the detectionmember accommodation portion 512 and is primarily fixed, and may be firmly fixed to thefastening portion 515 by fastening thescrew 525. - meanwhile, the
detection member 52 is for sensing the user's proximity and may be referred to as a proximity sensor. For example, thedetection member 52 may include an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a magnetic sensor, a vision camera, and the like, and various devices capable of detecting a user's proximity in a non-contact manner may be used. - In this embodiment, the
detection member 52 may be configured as an infrared sensor. In addition, thedetection member 52 may include adetection member case 51 forming an external shape. Thedetection member case 51 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the detectionmember accommodation portion 512 and inserted into the detectionmember accommodation portion 512. - The
detection member case 51 may include alight emitting portion 523 in which alight emitting element 523 a is disposed and alight receiving portion 522 in which alight receiving element 522 a is disposed. Thelight emitting portion 523 and thelight receiving portion 522 may be disposed on both sides of thedetection member case 51, and may have an open front surface to emit light and receive light to detect a user's proximity. - Opened front surfaces of the
light emitting portion 523 and thelight receiving portion 522 may be in close contact with the front surface of the detectionmember accommodation portion 512. - The
fixed end 524 may be formed on both sides of the rear end of thedetection member case 51. When thedetection member 52 is mounted, the fixingend 524 on one side of the fixed ends 524 on both sides may be disposed to overlap thefastening portion 515, and may be fixed to each other by fastening thescrew 525. Accordingly, thedetection member 52 can maintain a state of being firmly fixed to thecase 51 and maintain its mounting position even when thedoor 20 is repeatedly opened and closed. - In particular, the rear end of the
detection member 52 may be supported by thesupport portion 455, and the front end of thedetection member 52, that is, thelight emitting portion 523 and thelight receiving portion 522 may be kept a state of being in close contact with the front surface of detectionmember accommodation portion 512. - Even without a separate fixing operation, when the
detection device 50 is mounted on the detectiondevice mounting portion 454 in a state where thedetection member 52 is coupled to thecase 51, naturally, the flow of thedetection member 52 is restricted by thesupport portion 455 and can be maintained in close contact with the detectionmember accommodating portion 512. - When the open front surfaces of the
light emitting portion 523 and thelight receiving portion 522 are kept in close contact with the front surface of the detectionmember accommodation portion 512 through which light can pass through, the recognition performance of thedetection member 52 may be guaranteed. - Meanwhile, a
PCB mounting portion 514 may be formed on one side of thecase body 511. ThePCB mounting portion 514 may extend upward from one end of thecase body 511. For example, thePCB mounting portion 514 extends along the front end of thecase body 511, and the PCB for controlling the operation of thedetection member 52 may be mounted thereon. Alternatively, thePCB 54 may be connected to the door light 53 in addition to thedetection member 52 to control the operation of thedoor light 53. - When the
detection device 50 is mounted on the detectiondevice mounting portion 454, thePCB mounting portion 514 is inserted into the detectiondevice mounting portion 454 and may come into contact with the inner wall surface of the detectiondevice mounting portion 454. Therefore, when thedetection device 50 is mounted, it can serve as an auxiliary guide and support for thedetection device 50. - A
light mounting portion 513 to which thedoor light 53 is mounted may be further formed on thecase body 511. Thelight mounting portion 513 may be disposed on the side of the detectionmember accommodation portion 512. - The
light mounting portion 513 may be disposed farther than the detectionmember accommodation portion 512 based on thehinge device 205. Accordingly, the door light 53 can be disposed closer to thedoor 20 or the center of therefrigerator 1A, and can effectively illuminate the lower side of thedoor 20. - The door light 53 may include a
substrate 531 and a plurality ofLEDs 532 disposed along a lower surface of thesubstrate 531. Aconnector 533 is provided at one end of thesubstrate 531 and may be connected to theconnector 533 disposed on one side of thelight mounting portion 513. - The
light mounting portion 513 is recessed upward from thecase body 511, and a lower surface thereof may be opened. - The open lower surface of the
light mounting portion 513 may be shielded by alight cover 55. Thelight cover 55 may be formed of a transparent material capable of transmitting light. Coverprotrusions light cover 55 so that thelight cover 55 can be detachably attached to thelight mounting portion 513. - A
cover rib 554 may be formed on an upper surface of thelight cover 55. Thecover rib 554 may extend upward along the circumference of thelight cover 55 and may be in contact with the inner surface of thelight mounting portion 513. - A door light fixing portion for fixing the door light 53 may be formed inside the
light mounting portion 513. The door light fixing portion may include a plurality ofupper support portions 513 b disposed along the upper surface of thelight mounting portion 513 and alower support portion 513 a disposed below and away from theupper support portion 513 b. Theupper support portion 513 b extends in the front and rear direction, and a plurality of upper support portions may be continuously arranged at regular intervals in the left and right direction. - At least a portion of the
upper support portion 513 b may be formed in a hook shape so that thesubstrate 531 is caught and restrained. Thelower support portion 513 a may be positioned below theupper support portion 513 b by a thickness of thesubstrate 531 and may be disposed on at least one end of both left and right ends of thelight mounting portion 513. Accordingly, thesubstrate 531 may be inserted and fixed between theupper support portion 513 b and thelower support portion 513 a. - Hereinafter, the operation of the
refrigerator 1A will be described in more detail with reference to drawings. -
FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a state where the refrigerator detects a user. - As illustrated in the drawing, the
refrigerator 1A may detect the proximity of the user U by thedetection device 50 when the user U approaches within a set distance. - In detail, in order to determine that the user U is approaching to use the
refrigerator 1A, it must be able to effectively detect when the user U is located within a set distance from at least the front surface of therefrigerator 1A. - For example, the user U who does not intend to operate the
refrigerator 1A usually passes the refrigerator at a distance of 600 mm or more. Normally, the user U opens and closes thedoor 20 at a distance of about 300 m from the front of therefrigerator 1A. Therefore, in order to determine that the user U is approaching to use therefrigerator 1A, it is necessary to effectively determine the user U within a set distance of approximately 300 mm to 600 mm. - As illustrated in (a) of
FIG. 11 , thedetection device 50 may be located on onedoor 20 of the pair ofupper doors 201 disposed on both left and right sides. For example, thedetection device 50 may be provided in thedoor 20 on the left side among doors on both sides. - The
detection device 50 may be located on the left side close to thehinge device 205 located on the left side of both left and right sides to prevent interference during the opening and closing operation of theupper door 201 and thelower door 202 by the user U. - Although the
detection device 50 is located at a position biased to one side, thedetection device 50 may be inclined with respect to the front surface of thedoor 20. Therefore, the light emitted from thedetection member 52 to detect the user U is radiated toward the front and right directions, and an approach of the user U within the set distance from the center of therefrigerator 1A can be effectively detected. - As illustrated in (b) of
FIG. 11 , thedetection device 50 may be provided at a lower end of theupper door 201 located above thelower door 202. Thedetection device 50 may be disposed inclined with respect to the lower surface of theupper door 201. Accordingly, the light emitted from thedetection member 52 to detect the user U is radiated forward and downward, and it is possible to effectively detect that the user U is approaching within the set distance. - In particular, the
detection device 50 is located higher than thelower door 202 and therefore may be disposed at an appropriate height for detecting a user within the set distance. - The
detection device 50 is located at a higher position than thelower door 202 from the ground, but due to the inclined arrangement structure, the user U approaching therefrigerator 1A is effectively detected, and A user (U) located far beyond the set distance is not detected, and thus there is an advantage in preventing the operation of thelighting device 36 due to false detection. - That is, the
detection device 50 can effectively detect a user U approaching to use therefrigerator 1A due to its arrangement structure, and at the same time, it does not interfere with opening and closing thedoor 20, external exposure can also be minimized. - When the user (U) is sensed through the
detection device 50, therefrigerator 1A may perform various operations. - For example, when the user U approaches, the
lighting device 36 may be turned on so that the front surface of thedoor 20 is illuminated. If the front surface of thedoor 20 is already shining, it may be made to glow in a different color when the user approaches. - Alternatively, when the user approaches, the user's glare may be prevented by lowering the front illumination of the
door 20. Alternatively, when a user approaches, thedoor 20 may perform a specific lighting pattern operation. For example, a plurality ofdoors 20 may be sequentially illuminated or may show a specific flow, or the outer appearance state of thedoors 20 may show various dynamic changes. Alternatively, if the user moves away from therefrigerator 1A again, it may return to its original state. - The
detection device 50 may be operated in conjunction with the door light 53 as well as thelighting device 36. That is, when a user's approach is detected, thedoor light 53 is turned on to visualize the positions of thehandles - In addition, the
detection device 50 may be linked with various devices provided in therefrigerator 1A. - Meanwhile, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments and may have various embodiments. Another embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that a refrigerator having a door arrangement structure different from the refrigerator of the present disclosure is provided with a detection device, and the detection device has a structure configured independently without a door light.
- In order to prevent duplication of description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, if necessary, it may be indicated on the drawings using reference numerals without separate explanation.
- Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
-
FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG. 13 is an enlarged view illustrating section B ofFIG. 12 ,FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state where the door of the refrigerator is viewed from below, andFIG. 15 is a partial perspective view illustrating the lower portion of the door from which the detection device is separated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. - As illustrated in the drawings, a
refrigerator 1B according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include acabinet 10 and adoor 20 forming a storage space. - The
cabinet 10 may include an upper storage space and a lower storage space. The upper storage space may be opened and closed by anupper door 201. Theupper door 201 is a rotational door and can be rotatably mounted to thecabinet 10 byhinge devices handle 201 a may be formed at a lower end of theupper door 201. The lower storage space may be opened and closed by alower door 203. - The
lower door 203 may be configured as adoor 20 introduced and withdrawn in a draw manner. In addition, ahandle 203 a is formed at an upper end of thelower door 203 so that thelower door 203 can be introduced and withdrawn. A plurality oflower doors 203 may be provide and may be arranged vertically. The lower storage space consists of one storage space and can be opened and closed by twolower doors 203. Alternatively, the lower storage space may be configured as a separate space partitioned vertically and opened and closed by each of thelower doors 203. - A
detection device 60 may be mounted at the lower end of theupper door 201, that is, thelower cap deco 45. Thedetection device 60 may be mounted at a position biased toward one side closer to thehinge device 205 among the left and right sides of the lower surface of theupper door 201. - The
detection device 60 may be disposed on the side of thehinge bracket 451 to which thehinge device 205 is mounted. Ahinge hole 451 a into which a hinge shaft is inserted may be formed in thehinge bracket 451. In addition, a restrainingmember 457 for maintaining theupper door 201 in a closed state may be provided in thehinge bracket 451. - A shielding
portion 452 may be formed in front of thehinge bracket 451. The shieldingportion 452 extends downward from the lower surface of theupper door 201 and may shield at least a portion of thehinge bracket 451 from the front. In addition, the shieldingportion 452 may shield the restrainingmember 457 from the front. - The
detection device 60 may be mounted on the detectiondevice mounting portion 454 opened to the lower surface of theupper door 201. The detectiondevice mounting portion 454 may be formed on the lower surface of thelower cap deco 45. The detectiondevice mounting portion 454 is opened downward and may form a space recessed into theupper door 201. Accordingly, a portion of thedetection device 60 including thedetection member 52 may be accommodated inside the detectiondevice mounting portion 454. - A
support rib 456 for supporting thePCB mounting portion 614 may be formed on an inner surface of the detectiondevice mounting portion 454. Asupport portion 455 for supporting thedetection member 52 from the rear may be further formed on an inner surface of the detectiondevice mounting portion 454. Thesupport portion 455 may be formed at a position facing the rear surface of thedetection member 52. - The
support portion 455 may protrude to have a slope corresponding to that of the rear surface of thedetection member 52. Therefore, when thedetection device 60 is mounted on the detectiondevice mounting portion 454, thesupport portion 455 may support thedetection member 52 from the rear, and thedetection member 52 may be in close contact with the inside of the detectionmember accommodation portion 612. - The
detection device 60 may include acase 61 for shielding the detectiondevice mounting portion 454. - The
case 61 may include acase body 611 for shielding the detectiondevice mounting portion 454 and a detectionmember accommodation portion 612 protruding from thecase body 611 and accommodating thedetection member 52. Thecase body 611 may form a portion of the lower surface of theupper door 201. - The detection
member accommodation portion 612 may protrude downward from the lower surface of theupper door 201. The detectionmember accommodation portion 612 may also be referred to as a case protrusion. At this time, the protrusion height H3 of the detectionmember accommodation portion 612 may be smaller than the distance H1 between the lower surface of theupper door 201 and the upper surface of thelower door 203. - The protruding height H3 of the detection
member accommodation portion 612 may be equal to or smaller than the protruding height H2 of the shieldingportion 452. Thedetection device 60 can easily detect the user and minimized protruding height to prevent interference during the user's opening/closing manipulation of thedoor 20. - Hereinafter, the
detection device 60 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the detection device is viewed from one direction,FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the detection device is viewed from another direction, andFIG. 18 is a cutaway perspective view taken along line 18-18′ ofFIG. 13 . - As illustrated in the drawing, the
detection member 52 and thedetection device case 61 to which thedetection member 52 is mounted may be included. Thedetection device case 61 may be mounted on the detectiondevice mounting portion 454 in a state of being coupled with thedetection member 52. - The
case 61 may include acase body 611 for shielding the detectiondevice mounting portion 454 and a detection member accommodation portion in which thedetection member 52 is mounted. Thecase body 611 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the detectionmember accommodation portion 612. In addition,body protrusions case body 611 so that thecase body 611 can be mounted on the detectiondevice mounting portion 454. - A
guide rib 611 c may be formed along the circumference of the detectiondevice mounting portion 454. - The detection
member accommodation portion 612 may be mounted on thecase body 611. The detectionmember accommodation portion 612 may be formed in the same shape as the detectionmember accommodation portion 512 of the above-described embodiment. The detectionmember accommodation portion 612 may be formed in a corresponding shape so that thedetection member 52 can be accommodated. - The detection
member accommodation portion 612 may include afront surface 612 a extending downward from thecase body 611, a lower surface 162 b connected to the lower end of thefront surface 612 a and thecase body 611, and the both side surfaces 162 c connecting thefront surface 612 a and thelower surface 612 b may be included. - The
front surface 612 a may protrude downward from thedoor 20 when thedetection device 60 is mounted and may be exposed forward. In this case, thefront surface 612 a may be inclined toward the rear as it extends downward. For example, an angle α1 between thefront surface 612 a and the lower surface of thedoor 20 may be approximately 30°. - In addition, the
front surface 612 a may be disposed in an inclined state with respect to the front surface of thedoor 20. Thefront surface 612 a may extend away from the front surface of thedoor 20 as it moves away from thehinge device 205. For example, an angle α2 between thefront surface 612 a and thefront surface 612 a of thedoor 20 may be approximately 15°. - The
detection member 52 may be inclined to correspond to thefront surface 612 a of the detectionmember accommodation portion 612 in a state of being mounted on the detectionmember accommodation portion 612. That is, thedetection member 52 may be substantially inclined with respect to the lower surface and the front surface of thedoor 20. - Meanwhile, a
fastening portion 615 for fixing thedetection member 52 may protrude from thecase body 611. Thefastening portion 615 may be coupled to each other by afixed end 524 of thedetection member 52 and ascrew 525. - The
detection member 52 may have the same structure as thedetection member 52 of the above-described embodiment. That is, thedetection member 52 includes adetection member case 61, and thedetection member case 61 may include alight emitting portion 523 in which alight emitting member 523 a is disposed and alight receiving portion 522 in which alight receiving member 522 a is disposed. In addition, thefixed end 524 may be further formed in thedetection member case 61. - The front surface of the
detection member 52 may be in close contact with thefront surface 612 a of the detectionmember accommodation portion 612. That is, the front surfaces of thelight emitting portion 523 and thelight receiving portion 522 are in close contact with the front surface of the detectionmember accommodation portion 612, and all the light emitted from thelight emitting portion 523 and the light incident on thelight receiving portion 522 may pass through thefront surface 612 a of the detectionmember accommodation portion 612. - Accordingly, the
front surface 612 a of the detectionmember accommodation portion 612 may be formed of a material capable of transmitting light. In addition, theentire case 61 or the detectionmember accommodation portion 612 may be formed of a material capable of transmitting light. - A
PCB mounting portion 614 may be formed on one side of thecase body 611. ThePCB mounting portion 614 protrudes upward from thecase body 611, and aPCB 64 connected to thedetection member 52 may be mounted therein. - Hereinafter, the operation of the
refrigerator 1B will be described in more detail with reference to drawings. -
FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a state where the refrigerator detects a user. - As illustrated in the figure, the
refrigerator 1B can detect the proximity of the user U by thedetection device 60 when the user approaches within a set distance. - In detail, in order to determine that the user U is approaching to use the
refrigerator 1B, thedetection device 60 must be able to effectively detect when the user U is located within a set distance from at least the front of therefrigerator 1B. - For example, in order to determine that a user approaches to use the
refrigerator 1B, it is necessary to effectively determine a user within a set distance of approximately 300 mm to 600 mm. - As illustrated in (a) of
FIG. 19 , thedetection device 60 is configured to prevent interference when the user U opens and closes theupper door 201 and thelower door 203 and, to do this, thedetection device 60 may be located on the right side close to thehinge device 205 among the left and right sides of thedoor 20. Although thedetection device 60 is located at a position biased to one side, thedetection device 60 may be inclined with respect to the front surface of thedoor 20. Therefore, the light emitted from thedetection member 52 to sense the user is directed forward and to the left, and it is possible to effectively detect that the user is approaching from the center of therefrigerator 1B within the set distance. - As illustrated in (b) of
FIG. 19 , the detection device may be provided at a lower end of theupper door 201 located above thelower door 203. Thedetection device 60 may be disposed inclined with respect to the lower surface of theupper door 201. Accordingly, the light emitted from thedetection member 52 to detect the user U is radiated forward and downward, and it is possible to effectively detect that the user U is approaching within the set distance. - In particular, the
detection device 60 is located higher than thelower door 203, and thus can be disposed at an appropriate height for detecting the user U within the set distance. Thedetection device 60 is located at a higher position from the ground than thelower door 203, but due to its inclined arrangement structure, thedetection device 60 effectively detects the user U approaching therefrigerator 1B and does not detect the user located at the location which is far beyond the set distance, and thus there is an advantage in that the operation of thelighting device 36 due to false detection is prevented. - That is, the
detection device 60 can effectively detect a user U approaching to use therefrigerator 1B due to its arrangement structure, and at the same time, the detection device does not interfere with opening and closing thedoor 20 and external exposure may also be minimized. - When detecting the user U through the
detection device 60, therefrigerator 1B may perform various operations as in the above-described embodiment. - Meanwhile, the
detection device 60 may include an illuminance sensor for detecting ambient brightness. Thedetection device 60 equipped with an illuminance sensor may detect ambient brightness and control the brightness of the door according to the detected brightness. -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the front. - A refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet having an upper storage space and a lower storage space; an upper door opening and closing the upper storage space; a lower door opening and closing the lower storage space; and a
sensor module 150 that detects ambient light where the cabinet is disposed, wherein the upper door includes a door body; and a panel assembly coupled to the door body to form a front outer appearance of the door; and adoor cover 146 forming an upper surface of the door, and thesensor module 150 may be mounted on thedoor cover 146. - Here, the
sensor module 150 may also be referred to as a detection device. - The
sensor module 150 may include anilluminance sensor 152, a sensormodule mounting portion 153 recessed downward from thedoor cover 146 and accommodating theilluminance sensor 152, and a sensor cover 151 (151) made a material capable of transmitting light and shielding the opening of the sensormodule mounting portion 153. - This
sensor module 150 is equipped with a detection sensor capable of detecting user approach and may also be used as a sensor for user detection. - The
sensor cover 151 includes acover protrusion 1511 which protrudes upward from thedoor cover 146 and in which an upper end of theilluminance sensor 152 is accommodated, and a firstinclined portion 1512 extending forward from thecover protrusion 1511 and formed to be inclined downward toward the front and thedetection portion 1521 of theilluminance sensor 152 may detect light entering through the firstinclined portion 1512. - The
sensor cover 151 may include afirst extension portion 1514 a extending from the front end of the firstinclined portion 1512 toward the panel assembly. - The
illuminance sensor 152 may be mounted on the sensormodule mounting portion 153 in an inclined state at a set angle. - A
sensor fixing portion 1534 to which an upper end of theilluminance sensor 152 is fixed is provided on the lower surface of thesensor cover 151, and thesensor fixing portion 1534 may include a cutout formed by cutting one side. - The sensor
module mounting portion 153 includes abody portion 1532 having an open upper surface and being recessed downward from thedoor cover 146 to accommodate theilluminance sensor 152. In theilluminance sensor 152, thebody portion 1532 may be mounted in an inclined state toward the rear as it goes upward from the lower end. - The sensor
module mounting portion 153 includes a fixingportion 1534 protruding obliquely upward from the rear surface of thebody portion 1532, and theilluminance sensor 152 may have a fixing hole through which the fixingportion 1534 passes. - A mounting
portion 1536 is formed on the lower surface of thebody portion 1532 and protrudes upward to mount on the lower portion of theilluminance sensor 152, and the lower portion of theilluminance sensor 152 may be disposed closer to the front surface of the front and rear surfaces of thebody portion 1532 and the upper end of theilluminance sensor 152 may be disposed closer to the rear surface of the front and rear surfaces of thebody portion 1532. - A
microphone mounting portion 161 to which themicrophone module 160 is mounted may be formed on thedoor cover 146. - An open
electric wire opening 1533 may be formed on one side of thebody portion 1532 so that electric wires can be introduced and withdrawn. - The
door cover 146 includes acover portion 1461 forming an upper surface of the upper door and aPCB mounting portion 147 extending downward from a lower surface of thecover portion 1461, a sensor PCB is mounted on one side of thePCB mounting portion 147, and an electric wire connected to thesensor module 150 may be introduced and withdrawn through theelectric wire opening 1533 to be connected to the sensor PCB. - The upper door may include an upper cap deco that forms the upper surface of the door body and has an upper surface that is open to form a space in which the
PCB mounting portion 147 is accommodated, the panel assembly may include a rearwardly protruding mountingprotrusion 302, and aprotrusion accommodation portion 1433 into which the mountingprotrusion 302 is inserted may provide on the front surface of the upper cap deco. - The
upper cap deco 143 may include a cap decoelectric wire hole 1435 prepared to allow electric wires to be introduced and withdrawn, and an electric wire which connects to the PCB mounted on thePCB mounting portion 147 and electrical components inside the upper door may be introduced and withdrawn through the upper cap decoelectric wire hole 1435. - The
refrigerator 1C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be mounted in harmony with furniture or walls in an indoor space. - In this arrangement structure of the
refrigerator 1C, the front surface of therefrigerator 1C, that is, the front surfaces of thedoors - In this way, the
refrigerator 1C is installed adjacent to the furniture orwall 0 to have a sense of unity with each other, which can be referred to as a built-in structure. - Alternatively, the
refrigerator 1C may be installed independently without being disposed adjacent to the furniture or wall. - A
sensor module 150 for detecting brightness around therefrigerator 1C may be provided in thedoor 20. Thesensor module 150 may detect the brightness of indoor lighting or ambient brightness. - The
sensor module 150 may be mounted on theupper door 21 of theupper door 21 and thelower door 22. Thesensor module 150 may be provided on an upper surface of theupper door 21. - The
sensor module 150 may be provided on adoor cover 146 forming an upper surface of theupper door 21. Since thesensor module 150 is provided on one side of the upper surface of theupper door 21, exposure of thesensor module 150 from the front of the refrigerator can be minimized. - A
manipulation portion 14 for controlling the overall operation of therefrigerator 1C may be provided on the upper surface of thecabinet 10. Themanipulation portion 14 may also be referred to as a controller. - The
manipulation portion 14 may control thelighting device 36 as well as the cooling operation of the refrigerator so that the front surface of the door is brightly lit in a color set by the user. - The
controller 14 may receive a user's voice signal and control the operation of the refrigerator according to the user's voice command. - A
microphone module 160 capable of receiving a user's voice signal may be provided on an upper surface of theupper door 21. Themicrophone module 160 may be provided on one side of thedoor cover 146 forming the upper surface of theupper door 21. -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a state where an upper door equipped with a sensor module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the front, andFIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where an upper door equipped with the sensor module is viewed from above. - The
door body 40 may include anupper cap deco 143 and a lower cap deco forming upper and lower surfaces of thedoor body 40. - The open upper surface of the
upper cap deco 143 may be shielded by thedoor cover 146. - The
sensor module 150 may be provided on thedoor cover 146. Thesensor module 150 may be disposed adjacent to one end of thedoor cover 146. - The
door cover 146 includes acover portion 1461 that shields the open upper surface of theupper cap deco 143, and a sensormodule mounting portion 153 recessed from thecover portion 1461 in the direction of theupper cap deco 143 and thus in which theilluminance sensor 152 is mounted. - The sensor
module mounting portion 153 may be formed by opening a portion of thecover portion 1461 and recessed downward. - The sensor
module mounting portion 153 provides a space in which theilluminance sensor 152 for detecting ambient brightness may be mounted. Theilluminance sensor 152 may be provided in theaccommodation space 1431 of theupper cap deco 143 while being mounted on the sensormodule mounting portion 153. - In addition, the
sensor module 150 includes asensor cover 151 covering theopening 1531 of the sensormodule mounting portion 153. Thesensor cover 151 may be formed of an injection-molded material through which light around the refrigerator is installed. For example, thesensor cover 151 is formed of a transparent injection molding material or a glass material through which light can pass through, so that theilluminance sensor 152 can detect external light. - That is, while the
illuminance sensor 152 is installed on the sensormodule mounting portion 153, the sensormodule mounting portion 153 may be covered by thesensor cover 151. In addition, ambient light may pass through thesensor cover 151, and the illuminance of light passing through thesensor cover 151 may be detected by theilluminance sensor 152. - The
sensor module 150 may be provided on the upperleft door 21 a. At this time, thesensor module 150 may be provided on one side adjacent to the upperright door 21 b among both left and right sides of the upperleft door 21 a. That is, thesensor module 150 may be disposed close to the center when looking at the refrigerator as a whole. - In other words, the
sensor module 150 is preferably disposed close to the center of the cabinet. In this case, ambient brightness in which the refrigerator is installed may be recognized more accurately. - Meanwhile, a
microphone mounting portion 161 to which themicrophone module 160 is mounted may be formed on one side of thedoor cover 146. Themicrophone mounting portion 161 may be provided to be spaced apart from one side where thesensor module 150 is installed. That is, themicrophone mounting portion 161 may be provided on the other side adjacent to the furniture or wall among the left and right sides of thedoor cover 146. - The
microphone mounting portion 161 may include a microphone protrusion 1611 protruding upward from thedoor cover 146 and a microphone inclination portion 1612 inclined downward from the front surface of the microphone protrusion 1611 toward the front. Amicrophone hole 1613 may be formed in the microphone inclined portion 1612. - The
microphone module 160 may be provided below themicrophone mounting portion 161. Themicrophone module 160 is configured to receive a user's voice. With this structure, the user's voice received through themicrophone hole 1613 can be transmitted to thecontroller 14 through themicrophone module 160. - The
sensor module 150 may include, for example, adoor cover 146, anilluminance sensor 152, and asensor cover 151. Alternatively, thesensor module 150 may include, for example, a sensormodule mounting portion 153, anilluminance sensor 152, and asensor cover 151. -
FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a state where a sensor cover, which is one component of the sensor module is viewed from below. - Describing the
sensor cover 151, thesensor cover 151 may be formed of a transparent plastic injection molding material or a glass material so that theilluminance sensor 152 can detect the external light. - The
sensor cover 151 may be mounted at a position corresponding to theopening 1531 of the sensormodule mounting portion 153 to shield theopening 1531. - The
sensor cover 151 may include acover protrusion 1511 protruding upward from theopening 1531. - The
sensor cover 151 may include a firstinclined portion 1512 extending forward from thecover protruding portion 1511 and a secondinclined portion 1513 extending backward from thecover protruding portion 1511. - The
cover protrusion 1511 may protrude upward from thedoor cover 146. A structure in which an upper surface of theilluminance sensor 152 can be mounted may be provided on the lower surface of thecover protrusion 1511. That is, thecover protrusion 1511 and theilluminance sensor 152 may be disposed to contact each other. - The
cover protrusion 1511 may be formed to have a minimum height at which thedetection portion 1521 formed in theilluminance sensor 152 can recognize external light. - The
detection portion 1521 of theilluminance sensor 152 may be spaced apart from an upper end of theilluminance sensor 152 downward by a set distance. Therefore, in order for thesensor 1521 to detect external light coming from the front of thesensor cover 151, thesensor cover 151 needs to protrude beyond thedoor cover 146 to a set height. - Meanwhile, when the
sensor cover 151 excessively protrudes upward with respect to thedoor cover 146, there is a problem in that thesensor cover 151 can be easily exposed from the outside. In addition, when therefrigerator 1C is disposed adjacent to furniture or a wall, a space into which light from external lighting or natural light can enter may be limited. - In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first
inclined portion 1512 is provided at the front end of thecover protrusion 1511 to minimize the height h1 of thecover protrusion 1511, and thedetection portion 1521 can detect external light. - In detail, the first
inclined portion 1512 may be formed to be inclined downward from the front end of thecover protrusion 1511 toward the front. The firstinclined portion 1512 may extend from a front end of thecover protrusion 1511 to a front end of theopening 1531 of the sensormodule mounting portion 153. - With this structure, since the
cover protrusion 1511 is located at the rear of the sensormodule mounting portion 153 based on the center, exposure thereof to the outside can be minimized. - In addition, an area through which light from the outside is transmitted can be maximized by the first
inclined portion 1512. For example, a light is provided in a room where therefrigerator 1C is installed, and light emitted from the light may pass through the firstinclined portion 1512 and reach thedetection portion 1521. - For example, in the first
inclined portion 1512, the angle θ2 formed by an imaginary line L3 extending in the front and rear direction of thefirst extension portion 1514 a and a center line L4 of a vertical section of the firstinclined portion 1512 may be 15 degrees to 30 degrees, preferably 15 degrees to 25 degrees, and more preferably 18 degrees to 22 degrees. Within the angle range, light entering the space between the upper surface of the cabinet and the wall or furniture reaches thedetection portion 1521 as much as possible, thereby improving reliability of thesensor module 150. - The
sensor cover 151 may further include a secondinclined portion 1513 inclined downward toward the rear from the rear end of thecover protrusion 1511. The secondinclined portion 1513 may be shorter than the length of the firstinclined portion 1512 extending in the front and rear direction. The secondinclined portion 1513 allows thesensor cover 151 to be more stably mounted on thedoor cover 146. - In addition, the second
inclined portion 1513 may provide a portion of a space in which theilluminance sensor 152 can be mounted on the sensormodule mounting portion 153. In detail, at least a portion of the fixingportion 1534 to which theilluminance sensor 152 is fixed may be accommodated in a space between theopening 1531 formed in the secondinclined portion 1513 and thesensor cover 151. - Meanwhile, the
sensor cover 151 may include anextension portion 1514 seated on an upper surface of the sensormodule mounting portion 153. Theextension portion 1514 may be formed to extend along the circumferences of thecover protrusion 1511 and the first and secondinclined portions 1513. - The
sensor cover 151 may include afirst extension portion 1514 a extending forward from one end of the firstinclined portion 1512. - The
first extension portion 1514 a may be located in a mountinggroove 1536 provided on an upper surface of the sensormodule mounting portion 153. Thefirst extension portion 1514 a may extend from one end of the firstinclined portion 1512 in a direction in which thepanel assembly 30 is provided. - A first hooking
portion 1515 a may be provided on a lower surface of thefirst extension portion 1514 a to be hooked into thefirst coupling groove 1535 a of the sensormodule mounting portion 153. - The
first extension portion 1514 a may extend from the front end of theopening 1531 to the front end of thedoor cover 146. External light is transmitted through thefirst extension portion 1514 a, and thesensor 1521 can detect the brightness of the external light. Therefore, it is preferable to secure a wide area as much as possible for thefirst extension portion 1514 a. - The
sensor cover 151 may further include asecond extension portion 1514 b extending rearward from one end of the secondinclined portion 1513. Thesecond extension portion 1514 b may be shorter than the length of thefirst extension portion 1514 a in the front and rear direction. - The
second extension portion 1514 b may be mounted in a mountinggroove 1536 provided in the sensormodule mounting portion 153. A second hookingportion 1515 b may be provided on a lower surface of thesecond extension portion 1514 to be hooked into thesecond coupling groove 1535 b of the sensormodule mounting portion 153. - On both sides of the
sensor cover 151, a pair of third hookingportions 1515 c that are hooked and constrained by thethird coupling groove 1535 c of the sensormodule mounting portion 153 may be provided. - A
cover coupling portion 1516 protruding downward from the lower surface of thesensor cover 151 and provided with the first, second, and third hooking portions may be formed. Thecover coupling portion 1516 may be disposed along the circumference of theopening 1531. Thecover coupling portion 1516 is accommodated in thecoupling groove 1535 to prevent thesensor cover 151 from being separated from the sensormodule mounting portion 153. - A
sensor fixing portion 1534 for fixing theilluminance sensor 152 may be provided on a lower surface of thesensor cover 151. - The
sensor fixing portion 1534 may be formed to protrude downward from a lower surface of thesensor cover 151 at a position corresponding to an upper end of theilluminance sensor 152. Thesensor fixing portion 1534 may include a firstsensor fixing portion 1534 extending downward from the front end of thecover protrusion 1511 and a secondsensor fixing portion 1534 extending downward from the rear end of thecover protrusion 1511. - The
illuminance sensor 152 may be mounted between the firstsensor fixing portion 1534 and the secondsensor fixing portion 1534. - The first
sensor fixing portion 1534 may contact at least a portion of the front surface of theilluminance sensor 152. - A length at which the first
sensor fixing portion 1534 extends from thecover protrusion 1511 may be extended to a set length that does not interfere with light detection of thedetection portion 1521. - In detail, the lower end of the first
sensor fixing portion 1534 may be spaced upward from the upper end of thedetection portion 1521. - The first
sensor fixing portion 1534 may have afirst cutout 1517 c in which a portion thereof is cut. In addition, thedetection portion 1521 may be located below thefirst cutout 1517 c. - The
first cutout 1517 c may minimize interference of light entering thesensor cover 151 by thesensor fixing part 1534 in a state where theilluminance sensor 152 is mounted on thesensor fixing portion 1534. - The second
sensor fixing portion 1534 may be spaced apart from the firstsensor fixing portion 1534 to the rear. The secondsensor fixing portion 1534 may contact at least a portion of the rear surface of theilluminance sensor 152. - The length of the second
sensor fixing portion 1534 extending downward from thecover protrusion 1511 is longer than the length extending downward of the firstsensor fixing portion 1534, so that the an area in contact with theilluminance sensor 152 may be maximized. - In particular, when the
illuminance sensor 152 is inclined at an angle set in the sensormodule mounting portion 153, theilluminance sensor 152 may be biased backward due to a load. At this time, the secondsensor fixing portion 1534 can more stably support the rear surface of theilluminance sensor 152. - The second
sensor fixing portion 1534 may have asecond cutout 1517 d in which a portion thereof is cut. Thesecond cutout 1517 d forms a space so that a fixingportion 1534, which will be described later, can be inserted into theilluminance sensor 152. That is, the fixingportion 1534 passes through thesecond cutout 1517 d and may be inserted into theilluminance sensor 152 so that theilluminance sensor 152 is inclinedly mounted to the sensormodule mounting portion 153 at a set angle. - The
second cutout 1517 d may have a size corresponding to that of the fixingportion 1534. The length of thesecond cutout 1517 d in the horizontal direction may be shorter than the length of thefirst cutout 1517 c in the horizontal direction. - The second
sensor fixing portion 1534 may have athird cutout 1517 e formed at both side ends. Thethird cutout 1517 e may provide a space through which an electric wire connected to thesensor PCB 1523 provided in theilluminance sensor 152 can be introduced and withdrawn. -
FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a state where a door cover on which the sensor module is mounted is viewed from above, andFIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the door cover where the sensor module is mounted. - A sensor
module mounting portion 153 recessed downward to receive theilluminance sensor 152 may be formed in thedoor cover 146. - In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor
module mounting portion 153 is formed on thedoor cover 146 as an example, but is not limited thereto. For example, the sensormodule mounting portion 153 may be formed on a hinge cover that shields a hinge connecting thecabinet 10 and thedoor 20 from above. - In the sensor module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
illuminance sensor 152 may be mounted to the sensormodule mounting portion 153 in an inclined state at a set angle. Theilluminance sensor 152 may be disposed inclined forward from the top to the bottom. In other words, theilluminance sensor 152 may be inclined so as to approach thepanel assembly 30 from top to bottom. - With this structure, a height required for the
detection portion 1521 to detect external light can be minimized. Accordingly, a height at which thecover protrusion 1511 protrudes upward can be minimized, thereby preventing thesensor module 150 from being exposed to the outside. - In addition, by arranging the
illuminance sensor 152 at an angle, the amount of light detectable by thedetection portion 1521 can be maximized. In particular, when therefrigerator 1C is installed adjacent to a furniture or a wall, a space through which external light can enter upward of therefrigerator 1C may be limited. In addition, the external light may be located higher than therefrigerator 1C and reach thedetection portion 1521 along a path inclined downward. At this time, by disposing theilluminance sensor 152 inclined at a set angle, it is possible to more reliably recognize the light emitted from the external light. - Accordingly, the sensor
module mounting portion 153 may be provided with a structure in which theilluminance sensor 152 can be fixed in an inclined state at a set angle. - The sensor
module mounting portion 153 may be formed closer to the front end of the front end and the rear end of thedoor cover 146. That is, the sensormodule mounting portion 153 may be formed adjacent to thepanel assembly 30. - In detail, the sensor
module mounting portion 153 includes anopening 1531 provided to allow theillumination sensor 152 to be introduced and withdrawn, and abody portion 1532 that provides a space recessed downward from thedoor cover 146 to accommodate theillumination sensor 152. - The sensor
module mounting portion 153 may be recessed downward along the circumference of theopening 1531 and may include a mountinggroove 1536 in which theextension portion 1514 of thesensor cover 151 is seated. - In addition, the sensor
module mounting portion 153 includes acoupling groove 1535 provided to be constrained to the hanging portion. The mountinggroove 1536 and thecoupling groove 1535 may be formed stepwise by having different recessed depths from thedoor cover 146 downward. - A fixing
portion 1534 on which theilluminance sensor 152 is mounted may be formed on one surface of thebody portion 1532. A fixing hole 1522 may be provided at one side of an upper end of theilluminance sensor 152. At least a portion of the fixingportion 1534 may pass through the fixing hole 1522 so that theilluminance sensor 152 may be fixed to the fixingportion 1534. - With this structure, the upper end of the
illuminance sensor 152 may be fixed to the fixingportion 1534. - The fixing
portion 1534 may protrude forward from the rear surface of thebody portion 1532. The fixingportion 1534 may extend to be inclined upward from the rear surface of thebody portion 1532 toward the front. That is, the fixingportion 1534 may extend from thebody portion 1532 toward the fixing hole 1522. - The fixing
portion 1534 may include afirst fixing portion 1534 a connected to the rear surface of thebody portion 1532 and asecond fixing portion 1534 b inserted into the fixing hole 1522. - The
second fixing portion 1534 b may support theilluminance sensor 152 from the rear in a state where theilluminance sensor 152 is mounted on thefirst fixing portion 1534 a. - When the
illuminance sensor 152 is mounted on thefirst fixing portion 1534 a, it is possible to prevent theilluminance sensor 152 from moving. - If necessary, a second fixing hole into which a fastening member passing through the fixing hole 1522 is inserted may be provided in the
second fixing portion 1534 b. The fastening member passes through the fixing hole 1522 and the second fixing hole, so that theilluminance sensor 152 may be more firmly mounted to the fixingportion 1534. - The
first fixing portion 1534 a and thesecond fixing portion 1534 b may have different diameters. The diameter of thefirst fixing portion 1534 a may be larger than the diameter of thesecond fixing portion 1534 b. With this structure, it is possible to prevent theilluminance sensor 152 from being biased backward. - A mounting
portion 1536 protruding upward from a lower surface of thebody portion 1532 and supporting a lower end of theilluminance sensor 152 may be provided. - The mounting
portion 1536 is provided to contact at least a portion of the lower end of theilluminance sensor 152 to fix the position of theilluminance sensor 152. - The mounting
portion 1536 may be provided at a position biased forward from the central portion of thebody portion 1532. That is, the lower end of theilluminance sensor 152 may be mounted adjacent to the front surface of thebody portion 1532. An upper end of theilluminance sensor 152 may be mounted adjacent to a rear surface of thebody portion 1532. With this structure, theilluminance sensor 152 may be disposed closer to the front from top to bottom. - The mounting
portion 1536 may include a pair of first mountingportions 1537 supporting both left and right sides of theilluminance sensor 152. - The
first mounting portion 1537 may be provided on one side and the other side of theilluminance sensor 152, respectively. Theilluminance sensor 152 may be inserted between the pair of first mountingportions 1537. - The mounting
portion 1536 may include asecond mounting portion 1538 supporting both front and rear sides of theilluminance sensor 152. - The
second mounting portion 1538 may protrude upward from a lower surface of thebody portion 1532 and support the front and rear sides of theilluminance sensor 152. A plurality ofsecond mounting portion 1538 may be provided as needed. - In detail, the
second mounting portion 1538 may include a 2-1mounting portion 1538 a that contacts the front surface of theilluminance sensor 152 and supports theilluminance sensor 152 from the front. A plurality of the 2-1mounting portions 1538 a may be formed to be spaced apart in a horizontal direction. - The 2-1
mounting portion 1538 a may vertically extend upward from the lower surface of thebody portion 1532. Accordingly, the 2-1mounting portion 1538 a may prevent the lower end of theilluminance sensor 152 from moving forward as theilluminance sensor 152 is inclined. - The
second mounting portion 1538 may include a 2-2mounting portion 1538 b that contacts the rear surface of theilluminance sensor 152 and supports theilluminance sensor 152 from the rear. The 2-2mounting portion 1538 b may be disposed rearwardly spaced from the 2-1mounting portion 1538 a. - The 2-2
mounting portion 1538 b may be inclined in a direction closer to the rear surface of thebody portion 1532 from the lower side to the upper side. With this structure, the rear surface of theinclined illuminance sensor 152 may be stably supported. - The sensor
module mounting portion 153 may further include aseparation portion 1537 protruding upward from a lower surface of thebody portion 1532 and contacting the lower surface of theilluminance sensor 152. Theilluminance sensor 152 may be spaced apart from the lower surface of thebody portion 1532 by theseparation portion 1537. - With this structure, the
illuminance sensor 152 can be stably mounted on the sensormodule mounting portion 153 in an inclined state. - An
electric wire opening 1533 may be formed in the sensormodule mounting portion 153 so that an electric wire connected to thesensor PCB 1523 may be introduced and withdrawn. In detail, at least a portion of one surface of thebody portion 1532 may be opened. For example, at least a portion of one side surface or lower surface of thebody portion 1532 is opened to allow electric wires to be introduced and withdrawn. - Hereinafter, a structure in which the sensor module detects light from an external light source and detects ambient brightness will be described in detail.
-
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a state where the sensor module is mounted. - The
illuminance sensor 152 may have a lower end adjacent to the front surface of thebody portion 1532 and an upper end adjacent to the rear surface of thebody portion 1532. - At this time, the angle formed between the center line L1 of the vertical section of the
illuminance sensor 152 and the center line L2 of the vertical section of the front surface of thebody portion 1532 may be approximately 10 to 30 degrees, preferably to 30 degrees, more preferably 25 degrees. - In other words, the
body portion 1532 may be formed to extend in a vertical direction parallel to an extension line of the panel assembly in a vertical direction. - In addition, an angle between the center line L1 of the vertical section of the
illuminance sensor 152 and the vertical extension line of the panel assembly may be about 10 to 30 degrees, preferably 20 to 30 degrees, more preferably 25 degrees. - To this end, the angle θ1 between the center line L1 of the vertical section of the
first mounting portion 1537 and the center line L2 of the vertical section of the 2-1mounting portion 1538 a may be approximately 10 to 30 degrees, Preferably 20 to 30 degrees, more preferably 25 degrees. - In this way, since the
illuminance sensor 152 is disposed obliquely, even if thedetection portion 1521 is not disposed higher than thedoor cover 146, there is an advantage in that light from an external light source can be detected. - For example, the
cover protrusion 1511 may be formed to have a height of approximately 1 to 4 mm, 2 to 3.5 mm, or approximately 2.9 mm based on the upper surface of thedoor cover 146. - In addition, the angle formed between the first
inclined portion 1512 and the upper surface of thedoor cover 146 may be approximately 15 degrees to 30 degrees, preferably 15 degrees to 25 degrees, more preferably 18 degrees to 22 degrees. - Meanwhile, the external light source may be provided above the upper surface of the
refrigerator 1C. Accordingly, the light emitted from the external light source may pass through thesensor cover 151 along an inclined path. In addition, light passing through thesensor cover 151 may reach thedetection portion 1521. - Hereinafter, the coupling structure of the
door cover 146, thepanel assembly 30, and thedoor body 40 will be described in detail. -
FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure in which a door panel, a door body, and a door cover are coupled according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the door cover is coupled to the door body, andFIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the door cover is viewed from the front. - The upper surface of the
door body 40 may be formed by anupper cap deco 143, and theupper cap deco 143 may be combined with an upper end of thepanel assembly 30 and an upper end of thedoor liner 42. - To this end, a
protrusion accommodation portion 1433 into which the mountingprotrusion 302 formed in thepanel assembly 30 is inserted may be formed in theupper cap deco 143. - In detail, the
panel assembly 30 may include anupper bracket 34 forming an upper surface of thepanel assembly 30. In addition, thepanel assembly 30 may further include alower bracket 35 forming a lower surface of thepanel assembly 30. - Upper and lower ends of the
back cover 39 forming the rear surface of thepanel assembly 30 may be coupled to theupper bracket 34 and thelower bracket 35, respectively. - A mounting
protrusion 302 protruding rearward may be formed on a rear surface of theupper bracket 34. A plurality of the mountingprotrusions 302 protrude along the rear surface of theupper bracket 34, and may be coupled to theprotrusion receiving portion 1433 of theupper cap deco 143. - The
upper cap deco 143 includes afront portion 1431 facing theupper bracket 34 and abottom portion 1432 seated in the space between thedoor body 40 and thedoor liner 42 to shield and the upper surface of thedoor body 40 which is opened. - A
protrusion accommodation portion 1433 accommodating the mountingprotrusion 302 is formed on thefront portion 1431. Theprotrusion accommodation portion 1433 may be formed in a structure surrounding the outer surface of the mountingprotrusion 302. - A
protrusion opening 393 through which the mountingprotrusion 302 of theupper bracket 34 passes when theupper bracket 34 is mounted may be formed at an upper end of the circumference of theback cover 39. - The mounting
protrusion 302 is inserted into theprotrusion accommodation portion 1433 so that thepanel assembly 30 can be combined with theupper cap deco 143. - Meanwhile, the
door cover 146 includes a restrictingportion 1462 extending downward from thecover portion 1461 and inserted into the accommodation groove 1434. - A
protrusion 1463 protruding upward from thebottom portion 1432 may be formed on thedoor cover 146, and a restrainingportion 1462 may be provided on theprotrusion 1463. - An accommodation groove 1434 in which the restraining
portion 1462 of thedoor cover 146 is accommodated may be formed in theupper cap deco 143. The restrainingportion 1462 is inserted into the accommodation groove 1434, and thedoor cover 146 can be combined with theupper cap deco 143. - A cap deco
electric wire hole 1435 may be formed in theupper cap deco 143 to allow electric wires to be introduced and withdrawn. The cap decoelectric wire hole 1435 may extend upward from the bottom surface of theupper cap deco 143. The cap decoelectric wire hole 1435 allows electric wires connected to a plurality of PCBs mounted on thePCB mounting portion 147 provided on thedoor cover 146 to be connected to electric wires connected to electric components inside the door. - Meanwhile, the
door cover 146 may include acover portion 1461 for shielding theupper cap deco 143 and aPCB mounting portion 147 on which PCBs are mounted. Thecover portion 1461 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the opening of theupper cap deco 143. - A
microphone mounting portion 161 may be integrally formed on one side of thecover portion 1461. In addition, a sensor module may be provided on the other side of thecover portion 1461. - The
PCB mounting portion 147 may be formed to extend downward from the lower surface of thecover portion 1461, and a plurality ofPCBs panel assembly 30. Alternatively, if necessary, a plurality ofPCBs PCB mounting portion 147. - The
PCBs PCB mounting portion 147 may include adoor PCB 160 which controls the operation of thelighting device 36 or the like or processes a voice signal received from themicrophone module 160. In addition, the PCBs mounted on thePCB mounting portion 147 may include asensor PCB 1523 that recognizes and processes information detected by thesensor module 150. -
Cables 162 connected to thedoor PCB 160 and thesensor PCB 1523 may be disposed in thePCB mounting portion 147. In addition, thecables 162 connected to the plurality ofPCBs manipulation portion 14. - The
PCB mounting portion 147 may further include aPCB fixing portion 1471 protruding along the circumference of the plurality ofPCBs PCBs PCB fixing portion 1471 may be formed in a shape corresponding to each of thePCBs - For example, the
PCB fixing portion 1471 may include a firstPCB fixing portion 1471 a formed along the circumference of thesensor PCB 1523. The firstPCB fixing portion 1471 a may be disposed on one side adjacent to thesensor module 150. In addition, thesensor PCB 1523 may be connected to thesensor module 150 through aconnection cable 162. - An
electric wire opening 1533 may be formed on one side of the sensormodule mounting portion 153 and thus aconnection cable 162 may connect thePCB 1523 mounted on theilluminance sensor 152 and thesensor PCB 1523 mounted on thePCB mounting portion 147. - The
PCB fixing portion 1471 may include a secondPCB fixing portion 1471 b formed along the circumference of thedoor PCB 160. The secondPCB fixing portion 1471 b may be disposed adjacent to the firstPCB fixing portion 1471 a. Thedoor PCB 160 may be electrically connected to themicrophone module 160 and aconnection cable 162. - Meanwhile, a plurality of
cable fixing portions 1534 for fixing theconnection cable 162 may be formed in thePCB mounting portion 147. Thecable fixing portion 1534 may protrude from thePCB mounting portion 147 and may be formed to accommodate theconnection cable 162. - The
cable fixing portion 1534 may include a firstcable fixing portion 1472 a disposed between an upper end of thePCB mounting portion 147 and the firstPCB fixing portion 1471 a. - The
cable fixing portion 1534 may include a plurality of secondcable fixing portions 1472 b arranged below thePCB mounting portion 147 along the lower end of thePCB mounting portion 147. - The
cable fixing portion 1534 may include a plurality of thirdcable fixing portions 1472 c arranged from the side of the secondPCB fixing portion 1471 b toward themicrophone mounting portion 161. - For example, the
electric wire 162 connected to theilluminance sensor 152 may pass through theelectric wire opening 1533 formed in thebody portion 1532 and be connected to thesensor PCB 1523. In addition, electric wires connected to thesensor PCB 1523 may be guided to one side of thePCB mounting portion 147. In this case, electric wires connected to thesensor PCB 1523 may be fixed to the secondcable fixing portion 1472 b. The electric wires guided to one end of the secondcable fixing portion 1472 b may be electrically connected to the electric wires connected to themanipulation portion 14 while being mounted on the thirdcable fixing portion 1472 c. - In addition, electric wires extending to one side of the
PCB mounting portion 147 pass through cap decoelectric wire holes 1435 and can be connected to electric wires connected to electric components inside thedoor 20, such as thelighting device 36. - Hereinafter, the
sensor module 150 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail. -
FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where an upper door equipped with a sensor module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from above,FIG. 31 is a view illustrating a state where the door cover on which the sensor module is mounted is viewed from above, andFIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the sensor module is mounted on the door cover. - In the
sensor module 170 according to the third embodiment, theilluminance sensor 172 may be vertically mounted on the sensormodule mounting portion 173. In other words, theilluminance sensor 172 may be disposed so that theilluminance sensor 172 is perpendicular to a virtual center line of the upper surface of thedoor cover 146. - The
sensor module 170 according to the third embodiment only has a different structure for vertically mounting theilluminance sensor 172 on the sensormodule mounting portion 173 and may be the same as thesensor module 150 according to the above-described embodiment. - The
sensor cover 171 according to the other embodiment includes acover protrusion 1711 protruding upward from thedoor cover 146 so that an upper end of theilluminance sensor 172 is partially accommodated. In addition, a firstinclined portion 1712 inclined downward from the front end of thecover protruding portion 1711 is included. In addition, a secondinclined portion 1713 inclined downward from the rear end of thecover protruding portion 1711 may be included. In this case, the angle 63 between thedoor cover 146 and the firstinclined portion 1712 of the firstinclined portion 1712 may be approximately 30 to 50 degrees or 40 to 50 degrees. - In this case, the
cover protrusion 1511 of thesensor cover 151 described above may be referred to as a first cover protrusion, and thecover protrusion 1511 formed on thesensor cover 171 according to the other embodiment may be referred to as a second cover protrusion. - The
second cover protrusion 1711 may have a height greater than that of thefirst cover protrusion 1511 relative to thedoor cover 146. - The lower surface of the
sensor cover 171 according to the other embodiment may include asensor fixing portion 1734 for supporting the upper end of theilluminance sensor 172. Thesensor fixing portion 1734 may include a firstsensor fixing portion 1734 a contacting the front surface of theilluminance sensor 152 and a secondsensor fixing portion 1734 b contacting the rear surface of theilluminance sensor 152. - In addition, the first
sensor fixing portion 1734 may be provided with the first cutout to minimize interference with thedetection portion 1521. - The sensor
module mounting portion 173 according to the other embodiment may include athird mounting portion 1736 protruding upward from the lower surface of thedoor body 40. Thethird mounting portions 1736 may be formed as a pair spaced apart in the front and rear direction. A lower end of theilluminance sensor 172 may be inserted and fixed between the pair of third mountingportions 1736. - In detail, the pair of third mounting
portions 1736 may include a 3-1mounting portion 1736 a supporting the front surface of the illuminance sensor and a 3-2mounting portion 1736 b supporting the rear surface of the illuminance sensor. - The
third mounting portion 1736 may be formed to extend vertically upward from the lower surface of thebody portion 1732. - Meanwhile, the front surface of the
door 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a structure in which light can be selectively emitted. In addition, the front surface of thedoor 20 may be configured to shine with a color or brightness set by the user. Therefore, the user can change the color of the front surface of thedoor 20 without replacing thedoor 20. -
FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of control signals of the refrigerator. - In the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the color of the
panel 31 may be determined by the operation of thelighting device 36. For example, thelighting device 36 may be operated and set through aremote device 2 separated from the refrigerator. The refrigerator can communicate with theremote device 2 through thecommunication unit 17 connected to thecontrol portion 13, and the user can manipulate the operation of thelighting device 36 through theremote device 2. - The user can generally manipulate and set the operating state of the
lighting device 36, such as the operating time, operating conditions, and light emission color of the light source, through manipulation of theremote device 2. For example, simple manipulation and setting of thelighting device 36 may be possible through an application installed in a users mobile phone or a dedicated program. - Meanwhile, the operation of the
lighting device 36 may be performed through a user's manipulation of themanipulation portion 14. Themanipulation portion 14 may be provided on one side of therefrigerator 1E and may be input by a manipulation such as touching or knocking on thepanel 31. - In addition, the
lighting device 36 may be operated by a sensor. The sensor may be, for example, auser proximity sensor 151 that detects the users proximity. - When a user approaches the
refrigerator 1E by a set distance to use the refrigerator, theuser detection sensor 151 detects this and transmits a signal to thecontrol portion 13 and thelighting device 36 may be turned on. In addition, when the user moves away from the refrigerator, theuser detection sensor 151 detects this and transmits a signal to thecontrol portion 13 so that thelighting device 36 is turned off. - In addition, when the
user detection sensor 151 detects that the user is very close to the refrigerator, thelighting device 36 may be turned off or the brightness may be gradually dimmed to prevent the user from glare. In addition, when the user moves away from therefrigerator 1E again, thelighting device 36 may be turned on again or returned to its original brightness. - In addition, the sensor may be the
illuminance sensor 152. Theilluminance sensor 152 detects the illuminance of an indoor space and may be disposed at the same position as the position where theuser sensor 151 is disposed. - In addition, the
lighting device 36 may be operated according to the detected illuminance of theilluminance sensor 152. For example, when the detected illuminance of theilluminance sensor 152 becomes less than the set illuminance and becomes dark, thecontrol portion 13 may lower the amount of light output from thelighting device 36 to prevent the users glare. When the detected illuminance of the illuminance sensor becomes higher than the set illuminance and becomes brighter, thecontrol portion 13 may increase the amount of light output from thelighting device 36. - Meanwhile, the sensors may include both the
illuminance sensor 152 and theuser sensor 151, and theilluminance sensor 152 and theuser sensor 151 act in combination to control thecontrol portion 13 and thus thelighting device 36 may be turned on or off or controlled to adjust the amount of light output from thelighting device 36. - The
control portion 13 may be connected to themicrophone 18. Therefore, according to the voice signal received from themicrophone 18, theLED 362 can be made to shine in a set color, and the front color of thedoor 20 may indicate the input state of the voice signal or the set state of the function. - Meanwhile, the
lighting device 36 may be turned on and off at a time set by thetimer 16. - Regardless of the operating state of the
refrigerator 1E, the brightness and color of the front surface of thedoor 20 may be adjusted according to a users setting. -
FIG. 34 is a control flowchart illustrating a method of controlling brightness of a light source according to ambient brightness, andFIG. 35 is a view illustrating a change in outer appearance of a refrigerator according to ambient brightness. - The control portion controls the intensity of the light source of the lighting device to be less than 50% with respect to 100% when the external illuminance value is less than the first set value, when the external illuminance value is greater than or equal to the first set value and less than a second set value, the intensity of the light source of the lighting device is controlled to 50% or more to less than 70% with respect to 100%, and when the external illuminance value is greater than or equal to the second set value, the intensity of the light source of the lighting device may be controlled to 70% or more to less than 100%.
- The
refrigerator 1C of the present disclosure can adjust the amount of light output from thelighting device 36 according to the surrounding brightness in which the refrigerator is installed. - In detail, the
control portion 13 may perform step S1 of detecting the illuminance of the room in which therefrigerator 1C is installed (hereinafter referred to as ‘external illuminance’) by the illuminance sensor. - If the detected external illuminance is equal to or less than the first reference value S2, the
lighting device 36 performs a step S3 of adjusting the output of the light source to be 50% or less based on the maximum output of the light source of 100%. - Alternatively, the step of adjusting the output of the light source of the
lighting device 36 may be performed so that the difference between the external illuminance and the illuminance of the front surface of the door satisfies a set range. - In addition, when the external illuminance exceeds the first reference value and is less than or equal to the second reference value S4, the
lighting device 36 may perform a step S5 of adjusting the output of the light source to be 70% or less based on 100% of the maximum output of the light source. - At this time, the second reference value has a larger value than the first reference value.
- In addition, when the external illuminance exceeds the second reference value (S6), the
lighting device 36 may perform a step S7 of adjusts the output of the light source to be 100% or less based on the maximum output of 100% of the light source. - In this way, the
control portion 14 can adjust the brightness of thepanel assembly 30 by detecting the ambient brightness where the refrigerator is installed and adjusting the output of the light source of thelighting device 36. - When the ambient brightness in which the refrigerator is installed is bright (
FIG. 34 (a) ), the light source of thelighting device 36 may be controlled so that the front surface of the door is illuminated more brightly according to the ambient brightness. - When the ambient brightness in which the refrigerator is installed becomes dark (
FIG. 34 (b) ), the intensity of the light source of thelighting device 36 may be controlled to be lowered. - Therefore, in a dark room, the brightness of light emitted from the front of the door is also adjusted to be dark, so that the user's glare can be prevented.
-
FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. - In the refrigerator 1D according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
display portion 180 may be provided on the front side of thedoor 20 disposed on one side of theupper door 21. Thedisplay portion 180 can display and manipulate the operating state of the refrigerator 1D. - The
display portion 180 may include a display for displaying state information of the refrigerator 1D and various manipulation buttons for setting an operation of the refrigerator 1D. The operation of the refrigerator 1D can be operated by manipulating the manipulation buttons. - In addition, the
display portion 180 may be provided to output set image information. Thedisplay portion 180 may be controlled to output an image having a color harmonizing with the light color of thedoor 20 equipped with thelighting device 36. Therefore, the door with thedisplay portion 180 and the door without thedisplay portion 180 can be controlled to form a sense of unity. -
FIG. 37 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the front andFIG. 38 is a front view illustrating a state where the door of the refrigerator is opened. - The
refrigerator 1E according to the fourth embodiment includes adoor 20 configured to open and close an upper storage space and a lower storage space, respectively. - The
door 20 may include anupper door 201 that is rotatably mounted on thecabinet 10 to open and close theupper storage space 11 and alower door 202 that opens and closes thelower storage space 12 by being introduced and withdrawn from thecabinet 10 in a draw manner - A
shelf 110 may be provided in theupper storage space 11. - Meanwhile, in the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment, a sensor module may be provided in the
lower door 202. -
FIG. 39 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a lower door equipped with a sensor module according to a fourth embodiment is viewed from the front, FIG. is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the sensor module is viewed from the front,FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the sensor module is viewed from the rear,FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 42-42 inFIG. 39 ,FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 43-43 ofFIG. 39 , andFIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 44-44 ofFIG. 39 . - The refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment includes a
cabinet 10 having an upper storage space and a lower storage space; anupper door 201 opening and closing the upper storage space; and alower door 202 opening and closing the lower storage space, and thelower door 202 includes adoor body 40, anupper cap deco 243 connected to an upper end of thedoor body 40 and forming a portion of a front surface and an upper surface of thelower door 202, and asensor module 250 that senses the surroundings where thecabinet 10 is disposed, and thesensor module 250 is provided inside theupper cap deco 243, and a detection hole communicating with thesensor module 250 may be formed on the front surface of theupper cap deco 243. - The
sensor module 250 may include at least one of an illuminance sensor for measuring external illuminance and a proximity sensor for detecting a distance to a user. - A
sensor opening 2431 into which thesensor module 250 is inserted may be formed on an upper surface of theupper cap deco 243. - The
sensor module 250 may include acover 252 for shielding thesensor opening 2431, asensor device 253 including the illuminance sensor or proximity sensor, and a fixingmember 254 coupled with thesensor device 253 and thecover 252. - The
cover 252 may include ashielding portion 2521 formed in a plate shape to shield thesensor opening 2431 from above, and acover coupling portion 2522 coupled to theupper cap deco 243. - The
cover coupling portion 2522 includes a plurality of capdeco coupling portions 2522 a coupled to theupper cap deco 243 and a fixingmember coupling portion 2522 b inserted into the fixingmember 254, and the fixingmember coupling portion 2522 b may be formed longer in a horizontal direction than the capdeco coupling portion 2522 a. - The fixing
member 254 includes a recessed portion recessed backward on the front portion forming the front surface of thesensor module 250, and a detection portion to which the light of thesensor device 253 is irradiated may be disposed on the rear surface of the recessed portion. - The fixing
member 254 includes a front portion forming a front surface of thesensor module 250, and an insertion portion into which thecover coupling portion 2522 is inserted at a rear surface of the front portion, and the insertion portion may include an insertion hole whose upper surface is open so that thecover coupling portion 2522 is inserted from above and a locking hole that is engaged with thecover coupling portion 2522. - The fixing
member 254 may protrude backward at a position corresponding to the recessed portion to form a detectionportion accommodation portion 2545 in which the detection portion is accommodated. - The fixing
member 254 includes a side portion that is bent and extended from the front portion to form a side surface of thesensor module 250, anddevice fixing portions 2546 that are formed to come into contact with both side surfaces of thesensor device 253 and fix thesensor device 253 may be formed between the side portions and the detection portion accommodating portion. - The side portion may be mounted on the fixing
rib 2433 formed on theupper cap deco 243. - The
sensor module 250 may include anilluminance sensor 152 that detects the indoor illuminance. The amount of light emitted from the light source of thelighting device 36 may be adjusted according to the ambient brightness detected by theilluminance sensor 152. - The
sensor module 250 may include aproximity sensor 151 capable of recognizing a distance between the refrigerator and a user. Theproximity sensor 151 is equipped with an infrared sensor or the like to recognize a user's approach. When it is sensed that the user is close to the refrigerator, the amount of light of the light source may be adjusted so that the front surface of the door is brighter than when the user is not near the refrigerator. - The
sensor module 250 may be provided above thelower door 202. When thesensor module 250 is provided on the upper portion of thelower door 202, thesensor module 250 can detect the distance between the refrigerator and the user and the indoor illumination more accurately than when thesensor module 250 is provided on theupper door 201. - If the
sensor module 250 is provided above theupper door 201, according to the height of the user, thesensor module 250 may not be able to detect whether or not the user is close. - In addition, when the
sensor module 250 is provided above theupper door 201, the sensor module is adjacent to the indoor lighting, so that the user can perceive it as brighter than the indoor illumination felt by the user. Therefore, thesensor module 250 is preferably provided in thelower door 202 of theupper door 201 or thelower door 202, and more preferably provided in the upper portion of thelower door 202. - The
sensor module 250 may be provided inside theupper cap deco 243 forming the upper surface of thelower door 202. - Alternatively, the
lower door 202 may have ahandle portion 243 formed to be gripped by a user at an upper portion. The handle portion is not limited, but may be recessed more rearward than thedoor panel 31 of the lower door. - The
sensor module 250 may be provided on thelower door 202 singly or in plural numbers. - For example, when the lower storage space is opened and closed by introducing and withdrawing the
lower door 202 as a drawer-type door, thesensor module 250 may be spaced apart from both sides of thelower door 202 and mounted as a pair. - Alternatively, when the lower storage space is opened and closed by rotation of the
lower door 202 by a hinge device, thesensor module 250 may be mounted singly on one side of thelower door 202. - A
sensor opening 2431 into which thesensor module 250 can be inserted may be formed on an upper surface of theupper cap deco 243. Thesensor opening 2431 may be formed so that thesensor module 250 can be inserted and mounted from the outside. - The
sensor opening 2431 may be shielded by thecover 252 of thesensor module 250. The front surface of thesensor module 250 may be closely attached to the rear surface of thefront plate 31 in a state of being inserted inside theupper cap deco 243. - A
detection hole 2432 may be formed on the front surface of theupper cap deco 243. Thedetection hole 2432 may be formed by opening. - When a user approaches the front of the door, the light emitted from the
detection hole 2432 is reflected to the user and enters thedetection hole 2432, so that the presence of the user can be detected. In addition, indoor light enters through thedetection hole 2432 so that theilluminance sensor 152 can detect the indoor illuminance. - The
detection hole 2432 may have a smaller diameter in a direction closer to thedetection portion 2531. In this case, since light rays received through thedetection hole 2432 can be concentrated on thedetection portion 2531, reliability can be further improved. - A
sensor opening 2431 into which thesensor module 250 is inserted may be formed on an upper surface of thedoor 20, and thedetection hole 2432 may be formed on a front surface of thedoor 20. Since thesensor module 250 must be inserted into thesensor opening 2431, the size of thesensor opening 2431 may be larger than that of thedetection hole 2432. - The
detection hole 2432 may be formed to a size capable of allowing light rays to go out or enter. With this structure, when a user looks at therefrigerator door 20 from the front, the relativelylarge sensor opening 2431 is located on the upper surface of the door and may not be visible from the outside. - Since the
detection hole 2432 is located on the front side of the door, there is an advantage in that it can accurately measure whether or not the user is approaching and the indoor illumination without interference from other components. - The
sensor module 250 may include acover 252, asensor device 253 to which theilluminance sensor 152 and theproximity sensor 151 are mounted, and a fixingmember 254 for fixing thesensor device 253 inside theupper cap deco 243. - The
cover 252 is formed in a plate shape and includes ashielding portion 2521 that shields thesensor opening 2431 from above and acover coupling portion 2522 coupled to theupper cap deco 243. - The shielding
portion 2521 may be formed in a shape corresponding to thesensor opening 2431. For example, both sides of the front surface of theupper cap deco 243 may includerounded portions 243 a protruding forward in a rounded manner. - The
sensor module 250 may be accommodated inside therounded portion 243 a. The front end of thecover 252 may include a curved surface in a shape corresponding to the outer end of therounded portion 243 a. - The
cover coupling portion 2522 may be formed to extend downward from the shieldingportion 2521. Thecover coupling portion 2522 may be formed at a front end, a rear end, and both side ends of the shieldingportion 2521, respectively. - The
cover coupling portion 2522 is not limited, but may be formed in a hook shape. A plurality ofcover coupling portions 2522 may be formed, some of which may be coupled to theupper cap deco 243, and the rest of them may be coupled to the fixingmember 254. - In detail, a
sensor coupling portion 2434 protruding inward may be included below thesensor opening 2431. Thecover coupling portion 2522 is combined with thesensor coupling portion 2434 so that thesensor module 250 can be inserted into theupper cap deco 243 and fixedly mounted. - Since among the plurality of
cover coupling portions 2522, thecover coupling portion 2522 coupled to thesensor coupling portion 2434 is coupled to theupper cap deco 243, it may be referred to as a cap deco coupling portion. The capdeco coupling portion 2522 a may be formed in plurality by extending downward from both side ends and the rear end of thecover 252, respectively. - The
cover coupling portion 2522 may be inserted into the fixingmember 254 to couple thecover 252 to the fixingmember 254. Among the plurality ofcover coupling portions 2522, thecover coupling portion 2522 coupled to the fixingmember 254 may also be referred to as a fixingmember coupling portion 2522 b. - The fixing
member coupling portion 2522 b may be formed in a hook shape to be inserted into and coupled to theinsertion portion 2544 of the fixingmember 254. - The fixing
member coupling portion 2522 b may be formed longer in a horizontal direction than the capdeco coupling portion 2522 a. - A reinforcing
rib 2523 may be further included in the fixingmember coupling portion 2522 b. For example, the reinforcingrib 2523 may connect the lower surface of the fixingmember coupling portion 2522 b and the shieldingportion 2521. With this structure, the reinforcingrib 2523 may guide a direction in which it is inserted into theinsertion portion 2544. - The fixing
member 254 may include afront portion 2541 forming a front surface of thesensor module 250 and aside portion 2542 bent and extended backward from thefront portion 2541. - A recessed
portion 2543 recessed inward (rearward) may be formed on the front surface of thefront portion 2541. Adetection portion 2531 of thesensor device 253 may be disposed on a rear surface of the recessedportion 2543. - Due to the recessed
portion 2543, the thickness of the fixingmember 254 in the front and rear direction may be smaller than the thickness of thefront portion 2541 excluding the recessedportion 2543. - Light irradiated from the
detection portion 2531 passes through the recessedportion 2543, and at this time, there is an advantage in that light lost by the recessedportion 2543 can be minimized. In addition, when external light enters thesensor module 250, light lost by the recessedportion 2543 can be minimized. Therefore, there is an advantage of more accurately detecting the distance between users or ambient brightness detected by thesensor module 250. - An
insertion portion 2544 into which the fixingmember coupling portion 2522 b of thecover 252 is inserted may be included on the rear surface of thefront portion 2541. Theinsertion portion 2544 may include aninsertion hole 2544 a having an open upper surface so that the fixingmember coupling portion 2522 b can be inserted from above, and alocking hole 2544 b engaged with the fixingmember coupling portion 2522 b. - A
guide rib 2544 c for guiding a direction in which the fixingmember coupling portion 2522 b is inserted may be further formed on a surface facing thelocking hole 2544 b. Theguide rib 2544 c may include a plurality ofribs 2544 c that protrude rearward from the rear surface of thefront portion 2541 and extend in the vertical direction. - The
guide rib 2544 c comes into contact with the fixingmember coupling portion 2522 b when the fixingmember coupling portion 2522 b is inserted, so that the fixingmember 254 may be more firmly mounted to thecover 252. - The
front portion 2541 may include a detectionportion accommodation portion 2545 formed to protrude rearward from a position corresponding to the recessedpart 2543 on the rear surface of thefront portion 2541. The sensingunit accommodation portion 2545 may protrude rearward from the rear surface of thefront portion 2541 and surround thedetection portion 2531 so that thedetection portion 2531 can be accommodated inwardly. - The detection
portion accommodation portion 2545 may be larger than the entire area of thedetection portion 2531, so that thedetection portion 2531 may be spaced apart from the detectionportion accommodation portion 2545 inwardly. - A
device fixing portion 2546 for fixing thesensor device 253 may be included on a rear surface of thefront portion 2541. - The
device fixing portions 2546 protrude from the rear surface of thefront portion 2541 to the rear and may be provided as a pair on both sides of the detectionportion accommodation portion 2545. - The
device fixing portion 2546 may protrude longer than the protruding length of the detectionportion accommodation portion 2545 from the rear surface of thefront portion 2541. Thedevice fixing portion 2546 may extend in the vertical direction longer than the length of the detectionportion accommodation portion 2545 extending in the vertical direction. - An upper end of the
device fixing portion 2546 may be positioned higher than the detectionportion accommodation portion 2545. In addition, the lower end of thedevice fixing portion 2546 may be positioned on the same plane as the lower end of the detectionportion accommodation portion 2545. - The distance between the pair of
device fixing portions 2546 may correspond to the distance from the width of thesensor device 253. Both ends of thesensor device 253 may be fixed by thedevice fixing portion 2546 while thedetection portion 2531 is accommodated in the detectionportion accommodation portion 2545. With this structure, it is possible to prevent thesensor device 253 from moving in the left and right directions and being separated from the fixingmember 254. - Each of the pair of
device fixing portions 2546 may further include aprotrusion 2546 a extending from the rear end toward the inside, that is, in a direction closer to thedetection portion 2531. Theprotrusion 2546 a may be coupled with theprotrusion accommodation portion 2532 provided in thesensor device 253. Theprotrusion 2546 a and theprotrusion accommodation portion 2532 may guide thesensor device 253 to be properly mounted on the fixingmember 254. In addition, since theprotrusion 2546 a is inserted into and fixed to theprotrusion accommodation portion 2532, it is possible to prevent thesensor device 253 from moving in a vertical direction. - A
device coupling portion 2567 may be further included between theside portion 2542 and thedevice fixing portion 2546 on the rear surface of thefront portion 2541. Thedevice coupling portion 2567 may extend rearward from the rear surface of thefront portion 2541 and may be formed in a hook shape to come into contact with a portion of the rear surface of thesensor device 253. A plurality ofdevice coupling portions 2567 may be formed. A reinforcingrib 2567 a may be further formed on thedevice coupling portion 2567 to prevent thedevice coupling portion 2567 from being damaged in the process of mounting thesensor device 253 to the fixingmember 254. - The
side portion 2542 may be bent and extended backward from thefront portion 2541 and mounted on the fixingrib 2433 formed on theupper cap deco 243. The fixingrib 2433 is accommodated between theside portion 2542 and thedevice coupling portion 2567, so that thesensor module 250 may be mounted on theupper cap deco 243. - The
sensor device 253 may be formed in a plate-like rectangular shape as a whole. Thesensor device 253 may include theilluminance sensor 152 and theproximity sensor 151. Theilluminance sensor 152 and theproximity sensor 151 may be separately provided in thesensor device 253. Alternatively, a proximity and illuminance sensor in which the illuminance sensor and the proximity sensor are integrally implemented may be used. - The
sensor device 253 may include adetection portion 2531 that emits light to the outside or receives light entering thesensor module 250. - For example, the
detection portion 2531 may include a light emitting portion that emits infrared light and an infrared light receiving portion for detecting proximity by detecting infrared rays of the light emitting portion reflected from an object. In addition, it may include a visible light receiving portion for detecting ambient visible light to detect the illuminance. - Alternatively, the
detection portion 2531 may include, for example, an optical sensor in which the light emitting portion, the infrared light receiving portion, and the visible light receiving portion are integrally formed. - The
sensor device 253 may include thedetection portion 2531 and aPCB substrate 2533 on which thedetection portion 2531 is mounted. - The
sensor device 253 may be inserted inward through thesensor opening 2431 of theupper cap deco 243 in a state of being mounted on the fixingmember 254 and mounted thereon. - The
detection portion 2531 may irradiate or receive light rays through thedetection hole 2432 formed in theupper cap deco 243 to detect whether or not the user is approaching and the brightness of the room. - Meanwhile, the front surface of the
door 20 may have a structure capable of selectively emitting light and may be configured to emit light with a set color or brightness. Accordingly, the user can change the color or brightness of the front surface of thedoor 20 without separating or disassembling thedoor 20, and can change the overall outer appearance of therefrigerator 1E. -
FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where a sensor module according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the front. - The
sensor module 250′ according to the fifth embodiment may provide asensor device 253′ equipped with a proximity sensor and an illuminance sensor, and a space in which thesensor device 253′ is accommodated, and may include acase 255 to which thesensor device 253′ is fixed. - The sensor module includes a recessed
portion 2543′ recessed in a direction in which thesensor device 253′ is accommodated on one surface of thecase 255, and within the area of the recessedportion 2543′, adetection portion 2531′ through which light from the sensor device is irradiated may be located. - The
sensor module 250′ may include aprotrusion 2548 a which is mounted on the recessedportion 2543′, shields the recessedportion 2543′, and protrudes forward from a position corresponding to thedetection portion 2531′, and theprotrusion 2548 a may be inserted into thedetection hole 2432′. - A
sensor module 250′ according to the fifth embodiment may be mounted on the upper portion of thelower door 202. Adetection hole 2432′ may be formed on the front surface of theupper cap deco 243 forming the upper surface of thelower door 202 and through which light rays of thedetection portion 2531′ of the sensor module come out. - The
sensor module 250′ includes asensor device 253′ in which theproximity sensor 151 and theilluminance sensor 152 are mounted and acase 255 which provides a space in which thesensor device 253′ is accommodated and to which thesensor device 253′ is fixed. - The
sensor module 250′ may further include acover 252′ that opens and closes theopen detection hole 2432′. - The
sensor device 253′ may include adetection portion 2531′ through which light is irradiated or received, and a PCB substrate on which theproximity sensor 151 and theilluminance sensor 152 are mounted. - The
sensor device 253′ may be accommodated inside thecase 255. Thecase 255 may have asensor opening 2431′ through which light emitted from thedetection portion 2531′ passes at a position corresponding to thedetection portion 2531′. - A recessed
portion 2543′ recessed in a direction in which thesensor device 253′ is accommodated may be provided in one surface of thecase 255. Thesensor hole 2543 a′ may be provided in an area of the recessedportion 2543′. - The
sensor module 250′ may further include a transmission portion 2548 having a size corresponding to that of the recessedportion 2543′ and mounted on the recessedportion 2543′. - The transmission portion 2548 may include a
protrusion 2548 a protruding forward from a position corresponding to thedetection portion 2531′ while shielding the recessedportion 2543′. Thisprotrusion 2548 a may be inserted into the open detection hole. - The transmission portion 2548 may be formed of an injection-molded material of a transparent material. For example, the transmission portion 2548 may be made of a transparent ABS injection molding material.
- Meanwhile, the
sensor module 250′ according to the fifth embodiment may be inserted inside thedoor 20 while thesensor device 253′ is mounted on thecase 255. Thesensor module 250′ may be shielded by acover 252′. - The
cover 252′ may include anupper portion 2521′ which contacts the upper surface of theupper cap deco 243 inwardly and afront portion 2522′ which extends downward from theupper surface portion 2521′ and forms a front surface of thecover 252. - An
open detection hole 2432′ may be formed in thefront portion 2522′ at a position corresponding to theprotrusion 2548 a and thedetection portion 2531′. - The
cover 252′ may be formed in the same color as theupper cap deco 243. The openeddetection hole 2432′ is shielded by the transmission portion 2548, and thesensor module 250′ may be prevented from being exposed in front of thedoor 20. - Meanwhile, when the external illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor is less than or equal to a reference value, the control portion may control the illuminance of light emitted from the lighting device to be lowered. The control portion may increase the amount of light output from the lighting device when the proximity sensor detects that the user is close to the refrigerator.
- When the proximity sensor does not detect that the user is close to the refrigerator, the control portion may turn off the lighting device or control the amount of light output to be smaller than the amount of light output when it is detected that the user is close to the refrigerator.
-
FIG. 46 is a control flowchart illustrating a method of controlling brightness of a light source according to ambient brightness andFIG. 47 is a view illustrating a change in outer appearance of a refrigerator according to ambient brightness. - The
refrigerator 1E of the present disclosure may set a first mode for adjusting the amount of light output from thelighting device 36 according to ambient brightness in which the refrigerator is installed. For example, when the first mode is activated, the amount of light output from thelighting device 36 may be adjusted so that the brightness of the front surface of the door becomes dark accordingly when ambient brightness becomes dark. - The
control portion 13 may perform a first mode checking step S10 of detecting whether the first mode is activated. - When the first mode is activated, a step S11 of detecting the illuminance of the room in which the
refrigerator 1E is installed (hereinafter referred to as ‘external illuminance’) by the illuminance sensor and determining whether the external illuminance is equal to or less than a reference value may be performed. - When the external illuminance is equal to or less than the reference value, the step S12 of adjusting the output of the light source of the
lighting device 36 so that the difference between the external illuminance and the illuminance of the front surface of the door is within a set range may be performed. - Alternatively, the control portion may control the illuminance of light emitted from the lighting device to be lowered.
- In the state where the output of the light source is adjusted, a step S13 of determining whether a set time has elapsed (S13) may be performed. When the set time has elapsed, the
proximity sensor 151 may detect the external illuminance and a step S11 of determining whether the external illuminance is equal to or less than a reference value may be performed. - As illustrated in
FIG. 47 , when the ambient brightness in which the refrigerator is installed is bright (FIG. 47 (a) ), the light source of thelighting device 36 is adjusted, and thus it can be controlled so that the difference between the external illuminance and the illuminance value of the front surface of the door satisfies a set range. That is, when the external illuminance exceeds a standard, the front surface of the door may be controlled to shine more brightly. - When the ambient brightness in which the refrigerator is installed becomes dark (
FIG. 47 (b) ), the light source of thelighting device 36 is adjusted and thus it can be controlled so that the difference between the external illuminance and the illuminance value of the front surface of the door satisfies a set range. Therefore, in a dark room, the brightness of light emitted from the front of the door is also adjusted to be dark, so that the user's glare can be prevented. -
FIG. 48 is a control flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the brightness of a light source according to a user's distance detection, andFIG. 49 is a view illustrating changes in outer appearance of a refrigerator according to a user's distance detection. - The
refrigerator 1E of the present disclosure may set a second mode in which the front surface of the door is brightly lit by increasing the amount of light output from thelighting device 36 when recognizing that the user is approaching the refrigerator. - For example, when the second mode is activated by the user, the
lighting device 36 is turned off in a state where the user is not close to therefrigerator 1E, or the amount of light output from thelighting device 36 can be controlled to be less than or equal to a set value. - When it is detected that the
refrigerator 1E is close to the refrigerator for use by user, the amount of light output from thelighting device 36 may be adjusted so that the front surface of the refrigerator door is brightly lit. - In detail, the
control portion 13 may perform a second mode checking step S20 of detecting whether the second mode is activated. - When the second mode is activated, the
control portion 13 may perform a step S21 in which theproximity sensor 151 detects a user's approach. - When a user's approach is detected by the
proximity sensor 151, thecontrol portion 13 may perform step S22 of increasing the output of the light source of thelighting device 36. - When the user approach is detected, the amount of light output from the
lighting device 36 may be controlled to be a set value or more. These setting values may be set by the user. - At this time, the speed of change of the output of the light source may be controlled to be a set value or less. That is, when the
control portion 13 detects a user's approach, thecontrol portion 13 controls the speed change of the amount of light on the front of the door to be a set value or less, so that the user can recognize that the front surface of the door is gradually getting brighter. - Meanwhile, a step S23 in which the
control portion 13 turns off thelighting device 36 or controls the output of the light source of thelighting device 36 to a set value or less when the user does not approach the refrigerator (S23) can be performed. - That is, as illustrated in
FIG. 49 , when the user does not approach the refrigerator (FIG. 49 (a) ), thelighting device 36 is turned off, and the outer appearance of the front surface of the door may be formed using the color of the panel assembly itself (S24). - Alternatively, in a state where the user does not approach the refrigerator, the
lighting device 36 is turned on, and the front surface of the door may be illuminated in a color set by the user. At this time, the output of the light source of thelighting device 36 may be controlled to a set value or less. - In a state where the user approaches the refrigerator (
FIG. 49 (b) ), thelighting device 36 is turned on, and the front surface of the door may be illuminated in a color set by the user. - At this time, by controlling the output of the light source of the
lighting device 36 to exceed a set value, the front surface of the door may shine brighter than the brightness of the light in a state where the user does not approach. - When the
lighting device 36 increases the output of the light source to exceed the set value, the rate of change of the output of the light source is the set value or less, so that the user can recognize that the front of the door is slowly and brightly lit. -
FIG. 50 is a view illustrating an example of adjusting the color of home appliances to which the panel assembly is applied using a remote device. - Although the present disclosure has been described by taking a refrigerator as an example for convenience of explanation, it is not limited thereto, and it is possible to apply it to home appliances that can form an outer appearance by the
panel assembly 30. - In detail, the outer appearance of the home appliance according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed by the
panel assembly 30, and the outer appearance may be changed to a color set by the user according to the operation of thelighting device 36. The panel assembly may be expressed in various colors by light emitted from the rear. - The home appliance may be any one of a
refrigerator 1E, anair conditioner 5, adishwasher 6, a clothes care machine 7, awashing machine 8, or acooking appliance 9, and the same structure as thepanel assembly 30 of an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to each of them so that the outer appearance color of the front surface can be freely changed. - For example, as in the above-described embodiment, in the
refrigerator 1E, thepanel assembly 30 may be provided on the front surface of thedoor 20 that opens and closes thecabinet 10. In addition, thepanel assembly 30 lights up in a set color according to a user setting, and the outer appearance color of the front surface of therefrigerator 1E can be changed. - The indoor device of the
air conditioner 5, thedishwasher 6, the clothes care machine 7, thewashing machine 8, or thecooking appliance 9, for example, each form an outer appearance, and a heat exchange device and a fan are provided inside, orCases panel assemblies panel assembly 30 of the refrigerator and can emit light. - Accordingly, the panel assembly can shine in a set color according to a user setting, and the front outer appearance color of the home appliance can be changed to the set color.
- In the home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user can control the color of the panel assembly by manipulating the
remote device 2. - The remote device outputs the
menu screen 2 b first and manipulates the panelcolor change menu 2b 1 through themenu screen 2 b. - When the user selects the panel
color change menu 2b 1, theremote device 2 outputs the color selection screen 2 c from themenu screen 2 b, and the user can select the position of thepanel 31 to be changed and the color of thepanel 31 to be changed on the color selection screen. - A panel position selection menu 2 c 1 is displayed on the color selection screen 2 c, and the
panel 31 mounted on thedoor 20 at a desired position among the plurality ofdoors 20 can be selected. Thepanel 31 of thedoor 20 selected by the user may be displayed in the panel position selection menu 2c 1. - After selecting a desired position of the
panel 31, the user can select and input the color selection menus 2 c 2 and 2 c 3 displayed on the color selection screen 2 c. For example, the color selection menus 2 c 2 and 2 c 3 may display all colors that can be displayed on thepanel 31 in the form of a color picker capable of checking and extracting color codes. - According to the user's selection of the third color, the
control portion 13 may control thelighting device 36 to be turned on in the second color so that thepanel 31 is displayed in the third color.
Claims (20)
1. A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet defining a storage space;
a door configured to open and close the cabinet; and
a detection device provided at a first surface of the door and configured to detect a target in front of the door or ambient brightness,
wherein a first portion of the detection device protrudes in a first direction from the door, and a second portion of the detection device is accommodated inside the door.
2. The refrigerator of claim 1 , wherein the detection device includes:
a detection member configured to detect a proximity of the target, and
a case disposed at a lower surface of the door, covering the detection member, and facing the lower surface of the door,
wherein the lower surface of the door defines an opening covered by the case, and
wherein a portion of the detection member protrudes downward from the opening.
3. The refrigerator of claim 2 ,
wherein the detection member is inclined with respect to the lower surface of the door, and
wherein a front end and a rear end of the detection member protrude downward, and the front end of the detection member protrudes at a greater distance than the rear end of the detection member.
4. The refrigerator of claim 3 ,
wherein the door is rotatably coupled to the cabinet by a hinge device,
wherein the detection member is provided at one side closer to the hinge device among left and right sides of the door, and
wherein a first side end among left and right ends of the detection member closer to the hinge device protrudes forward relative to a second side end farther from the hinge device.
5. The refrigerator of claim 3 ,
wherein the case includes:
a case body covering the opening of the lower surface of the door, and
a detection member accommodation portion protruding downward from the case body and defining a recessed portion accommodating the detection member,
wherein the detection member accommodation portion includes:
a front surface extending downward from the case body and accommodating a light receiving portion and a light emitting portion of the detection member, and
a lower surface extending from a lower end of the front surface toward the case body, and
wherein the detection member is supported by the front and lower surfaces of the detection member accommodation portion.
6. The refrigerator of claim 5 ,
wherein the front surface of the detection member is inclined toward a rear side with respect to the front surface of the door as the front surface of the detection member extends downward.
7. The refrigerator of claim 5 ,
wherein the case body provides a fixing portion to which a screw passing through the detection member is coupled based on the detection member being accommodated in the detection member accommodation portion.
8. The refrigerator of claim 5 ,
wherein the case body provides a printed circuit board (PCB) mounting portion extending upward, and
wherein the PCB mounting portion accommodates a PCB connected to the detection member.
9. The refrigerator of claim 5 ,
wherein the case body provides a light mounting portion defining an opening at a lower side and accommodating a door light configured to radiate downward, and
wherein the light mounting portion is coupled to a light cover made of a material capable of transmitting light and covering the door light.
10. The refrigerator of claim 1 ,
wherein the door includes:
an upper door connected to the cabinet by a hinge device to be rotatable, and
a lower door disposed below the upper door,
wherein an upper end of the lower door provides a handle configured to open and close the lower door, and
wherein the detection device protrudes between the upper door and the lower door.
11. The refrigerator of claim 1 ,
wherein the door includes:
an upper door configured to open and close an upper storage space, and
a lower door configured to open and close a lower storage space,
wherein the upper door includes:
a door body,
a panel assembly coupled to the door body and defining a front outer appearance of the door, and
a door cover defining an upper surface of the door, and
wherein the detection device is mounted on the door cover.
12. The refrigerator of claim 11 ,
wherein the detection device includes:
an illuminance sensor,
a sensor module mounting portion recessed downward from the door cover and accommodating the illuminance sensor, and
a sensor cover made of a material capable of transmitting light and covering an opening defined at the sensor module mounting portion.
13. The refrigerator of claim 12 ,
wherein the sensor cover includes:
a cover protrusion protruding upward from the door cover and accommodating an upper end portion of the illuminance sensor therein, and
a first inclined portion extending forward from the cover protrusion and inclined downward toward the front, and
wherein a detection portion of the illuminance sensor is configured to detect light entering through the first inclined portion.
14. The refrigerator of claim 13 ,
wherein the illuminance sensor is mounted in the sensor module mounting portion and inclined at a set angle.
15. The refrigerator of claim 14 ,
wherein the sensor module mounting portion includes:
a body portion that has an upper surface defining an opening and recessed downward from the door cover and that accommodates the illuminance sensor, and
wherein the illuminance sensor is inclined backward and upward from a lower end of the body portion.
16. The refrigerator of claim 11 ,
wherein the door cover includes:
a cover portion defining an upper surface of the upper door, and
a PCB mounting portion extending downward from a lower surface of the cover portion,
wherein a first side of the PCB mounting portion accommodates a sensor PCB, and
wherein an electric wire connected to the detection device is connected to the sensor PCB.
17. The refrigerator of claim 1 ,
wherein the door includes:
a door body,
a panel assembly coupled to the door body and defining a front outer appearance of the door,
wherein the panel assembly includes:
a front plate defining an outer appearance of a front surface of the door and through which light is transmitted,
a lighting device configured to irradiate the light, and
a controller configured to control an operation of the lighting device, and
wherein the controller is configured to control intensity of a light source of the lighting device based on an external illuminance value detected by the detection device.
18. A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet defining an upper storage space and a lower storage space;
an upper door configured to open and close the upper storage space; and
a lower door configured to open and close the lower storage space,
wherein the lower door includes:
a door body,
an upper cap deco connected to an upper end of the door body and defining a portion of a front surface and an upper surface of the lower door, and
a detection device including a sensor module and configured to detect a target in front of the upper and lower doors or ambient brightness,
wherein the detection device is provided inside the upper cap deco, and
wherein the front surface of the upper cap deco defines a detection hole facing the sensor module.
19. The refrigerator of claim 18 ,
wherein the upper surface of the upper cap deco defines a sensor opening into which the sensor module is inserted, and
wherein the detection device includes:
a cover covering the sensor opening,
a sensor device including an illuminance sensor or a proximity sensor, and
a member coupling the sensor device and the cover.
20. The refrigerator of claim 18 ,
wherein the upper door includes a door body,
wherein each of the upper and lower doors includes:
a panel assembly coupled to the door body and defining a front outer appearance of the door,
wherein the panel assembly includes:
a front plate defining an outer appearance of the front surface of the door and through which light is transmitted,
a lighting device configured to irradiate the light, and
a controller configured to control an operation of the lighting device, and
wherein the controller is configured to, based on the detection device detecting that the target is within a predetermined distance from the upper and lower doors, adjust intensity of a light source of the lighting device.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR10-2022-0013733 | 2022-01-28 | ||
KR1020220013733A KR20230116592A (en) | 2022-01-28 | 2022-01-28 | Home appliance |
KR10-2022-0076729 | 2022-06-23 | ||
KR1020220076729A KR20240000148A (en) | 2022-06-23 | 2022-06-23 | Home appliance and method for controlling same |
KR1020220088733A KR20240011372A (en) | 2022-07-19 | 2022-07-19 | Refrigerator |
KR10-2022-0088733 | 2022-07-19 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20230243581A1 true US20230243581A1 (en) | 2023-08-03 |
Family
ID=85132698
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/102,478 Pending US20230243581A1 (en) | 2022-01-28 | 2023-01-27 | Home appliance and refrigerator |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20230243581A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4220048A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP6403366B2 (en) * | 2013-07-08 | 2018-10-10 | 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 | refrigerator |
US10578349B2 (en) * | 2015-04-27 | 2020-03-03 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator and control method for refrigerator and method for opening a refrigerator door |
KR101810760B1 (en) * | 2016-01-05 | 2017-12-19 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refirgerator and control merthod thereof |
WO2018075157A1 (en) * | 2016-09-09 | 2018-04-26 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Insulating container with sensor technology |
KR20210027912A (en) * | 2019-09-03 | 2021-03-11 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator and control method thereof |
CN113865248A (en) * | 2021-10-09 | 2021-12-31 | 长虹美菱股份有限公司 | Refrigerator lighting device and control method thereof |
-
2023
- 2023-01-27 US US18/102,478 patent/US20230243581A1/en active Pending
- 2023-01-27 EP EP23153674.9A patent/EP4220048A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP4220048A1 (en) | 2023-08-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
KR101730183B1 (en) | refrigerator and dispenser for refrigerator | |
CN112212604B (en) | Refrigerator with a door | |
US7670018B2 (en) | Illumination device for refrigerator and method of controlling the same | |
RU2426963C1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
KR20170093994A (en) | A method of manufacturing a refrigerator and a refrigerator door having a door | |
EP3789713B1 (en) | Refrigerator and control method thereof | |
KR20190036746A (en) | refrigerator and control method | |
US20230243581A1 (en) | Home appliance and refrigerator | |
EP4179949A1 (en) | Home appliance | |
KR102157878B1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
KR102167542B1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
KR20170044628A (en) | refrigerator and dispenser for refrigerator | |
KR20230116592A (en) | Home appliance | |
KR20230011150A (en) | Refrigerator and home appliance | |
EP4435358A1 (en) | Home appliance | |
KR20240000148A (en) | Home appliance and method for controlling same | |
KR102096932B1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
KR102596929B1 (en) | Refrigerator and home appliance | |
KR20240011372A (en) | Refrigerator | |
KR20230071625A (en) | Home appliance | |
CN111076489B (en) | Front panel assembly of drawer of refrigerator, drawer and refrigerator | |
US20230194155A1 (en) | Refrigerator and home appliance | |
US20230160568A1 (en) | Home appliance | |
CN219797606U (en) | Refrigerator with a refrigerator body | |
KR20230071577A (en) | Home appliance |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LG ELECTRONICS INC., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHO, YONGHYUN;CHEON, SANGHYUN;YEOM, NAMGYEOL;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:063775/0471 Effective date: 20230201 |