Refrigerator

Abstract

The refrigerator includes: a storage compartment; an openable door provided in the storage compartment; and a display provided in the door and including an electric heating material and a light scattering material, in which the display may be configured to emit heat from the storage compartment to an outside of the storage compartment based on a first voltage applied to the electric heating material and the light scattering material being lower than a specified voltage, and may be configured to reduce scattering of light incident on the display based on a second voltage applied to the electrical heating material and the light scattering material being higher than a specified voltage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to refrigerators including displays. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator is a household appliance that includes a main body with a storage compartment, a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment, a door for opening and closing the storage compartment, and for storing food in a fresh state.

[0003] In recent years, displays (or windows) have been provided in refrigerator doors to allow users to check the status of the storage compartment, run multiple applications, and perform Internet of Things (IoT) functions without opening the door.

[0004] However, because heat is transferred to the storage compartment through the display provided in the door, the refrigerator's energy efficiency may be reduced, or the display's haze (and / or transmittance) may be difficult to control. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a refrigerator that includes a display capable of cooling the storage compartment.

[0007] Technical solution

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a refrigerator that includes a display with adjustable haze.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a refrigerator includes: a storage compartment; a door provided on the storage compartment and configured to open and close; and a display provided on the door and including an electrothermal material and a light-scattering material, wherein the display is configured to: release heat from the storage compartment to the outside of the storage compartment based on a change in the electrothermal material caused by applying a first voltage less than a specified voltage to the display, and is configured to reduce the scattering of light incident on the display based on a change in the light-scattering material caused by applying a second voltage greater than a specified voltage to the display.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a refrigerator includes: a main body, a door pivotally connected to the main body, and a window provided on the door, the window including a first window layer and a second window layer further away from the interior of the main body than the first window layer, wherein the window is configured to: transfer heat from the interior of the first window layer to the second window layer based on applying a voltage to the first window layer and removing a voltage from the second window layer; and transfer heat from the interior of the main body to the first window layer and heat from the interior of the second window layer to the exterior of the main body and the exterior of the window based on removing a voltage from the first window layer and applying a voltage to the second window layer.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a refrigerator includes: a body; a door pivotally connected to the body; and a window provided on the door and including a light-scattering material, wherein the light-scattering material is aligned based on the application of a voltage to the light-scattering material, and the scattering of light incident on the window is reduced, and the haze of the window is reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a front view of a refrigerator according to various embodiments;

[0014] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to various embodiments;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a display in a refrigerator according to various embodiments;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a display in a refrigerator according to various embodiments;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a table showing the operating voltage range of the display in a refrigerator according to various embodiments;

[0018] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a display in a refrigerator according to various embodiments;

[0019] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a display in a refrigerator according to various embodiments;

[0020] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a display in a refrigerator according to various embodiments;

[0021] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an example construction of a refrigerator according to various embodiments;

[0022] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a display in a refrigerator according to various embodiments;

[0023] Figures 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are diagrams illustrating displays in a refrigerator according to various embodiments; and

[0024] Figure 12 It is a graph about the display in a refrigerator according to various implementations. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The various exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure and shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and are not intended to represent all aspects of this disclosure, so that various equivalents and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0026] In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements or components that have essentially the same function.

[0027] The terminology used herein is for describing various embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, expressions used in the singular include expressions used in the plural. Throughout this disclosure, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of features, figures, processes, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed herein, and are not intended to exclude the possibility that one or more other features, figures, processes, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof may be present or added.

[0028] Additionally, as used herein, the expressions “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C” and “at least one of A, B or C” may include only one of the listed items or any combination thereof.

[0029] Additionally, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0030] Furthermore, it will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. The terms above are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first component discussed below may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may be referred to as the first component. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any combination of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0031] Additionally, as used herein, the term "identical" means similar in nature or similar within a certain range. The term "identical" can also mean, for example, "substantially identical." Values ​​within the manufacturing tolerance range, or values ​​corresponding to negligible differences with respect to standard values, should be understood as falling within the substantially identical range.

[0032] As used herein, the terms “unit,” “device,” “block,” “component,” and “module” refer to a unit used to perform at least one function or operation. For example, these terms may refer to one or more hardware components such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more software components or processors stored in memory.

[0033] The terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” etc., used throughout this disclosure are defined based on the accompanying drawings, and the shape and position of each element are not limited by these terms.

[0034] In the following, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a front view of a refrigerator according to various embodiments. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to various embodiments.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The refrigerator 1 may include a main body 10, storage compartments 21, 22 and 23 formed in the main body 10, doors 31, 32, 33 and 34 for opening and closing the storage compartments 21, 22 and 23, and a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartments 21, 22 and 23.

[0037] The main body 10 may include: an inner box 11 forming storage chambers 21, 22, and 23; an outer box 12 connected to the outside of the inner box 11 and defining the appearance; and a heat insulation material (not shown) disposed between the inner box 11 and the outer box 12 to insulate the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23.

[0038] Storage rooms 21, 22, and 23 can be divided into multiple storage rooms by horizontal partitions 24 and vertical partitions 25. Storage rooms 21, 22, and 23 can be divided into upper storage room 21 and lower storage rooms 22 and 23 by horizontal partitions 24, and lower storage rooms 22 and 23 can be divided into lower left storage room 22 and lower right storage room 23 by vertical partitions 25.

[0039] The upper storage compartment 21 can be used as a refrigerator compartment, and the lower storage compartments 22 and 23 can be used as freezer compartments. However, the division and use of storage compartments 21, 22 and 23 as described above are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0040] Shelves 26 for placing food and storage containers 27 can be provided in storage rooms 21, 22 and 23.

[0041] The cooling air supply unit can generate cooling air using a cooling cycle of compressing, condensing, expanding and evaporating refrigerant, and supply the generated cooling air to storage chambers 21, 22 and 23.

[0042] Storage compartment 21 can be opened and closed via a pair of doors 31 and 32. Doors 31 and 32 are pivotally connected to the main body 10. Storage compartment 22 can be opened and closed via door 33, and door 33 is also pivotally connected to the main body 10. Storage compartment 23 can be opened and closed via door 34, and door 34 is also pivotally connected to the main body 10. The main body 10 may be provided with hinges 35, 36, and 37 to pivotally connect doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 to the main body 10.

[0043] Door guards 38 can be installed on the rear surfaces of doors 31, 32, 33 and 34 for storing food, and door gaskets 39 can be provided to make tight contact with the front side of the body 10 to seal storage compartments 21, 22 and 23.

[0044] Refrigerator 1 may include a display 100. The display 100 may be provided on doors 31, 32, 33, and 34. The display 100 may display various information related to the status and operation of the refrigerator, or display various applications for user convenience. Users can view the interior of the main body 10, such as storage compartments 21, 22, and 23, from the outside of the main body 10 through the display 100. The display 100 may serve as a window 100 and / or an inspection window 100. Although in this embodiment the display 100 is provided on door 32, the display 100 may also be provided on other doors 31, 33, and 34.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a display in a refrigerator according to various embodiments.

[0046] Reference Figure 3 The refrigerator according to the embodiment may include a display 100. The display 100 may include an electrothermal material 103a and a light-scattering material 103b. Both the electrothermal material 103a and the light-scattering material 103b may be located in the variation layer 103. However, the electrothermal material 103a and the light-scattering material 103b may be arranged in different layers.

[0047] The electrothermal material 103a may include materials in which an electrothermal effect occurs. The electrothermal effect refers to the phenomenon that an electric field (and / or voltage) applied to a dielectric material changes the orientation of its electric dipoles, thereby causing changes in entropy and temperature.

[0048] When an electric field (and / or voltage) is applied to the electrothermal material 103a according to the embodiment, the electric dipoles in the electrothermal material 103a are oriented along the direction of the electric field, so that the temperature of the electrothermal material 103a can rise. As the temperature of the electrothermal material 103a rises, the electrothermal material 103a can release heat to the outside.

[0049] According to the embodiment, by removing the electric field from the heating material 103a after it releases heat, the orientation of the electric dipoles in the heating material 103a disappears, allowing the temperature of the heating material 103a to decrease. As the temperature of the heating material 103a decreases, the heating material 103a can absorb heat from the outside.

[0050] Therefore, when an electric field is applied to the variable layer 103 containing the heating material 103a, the temperature of the heating material 103a and the variable layer 103 increases, causing heat to be released from the heating material 103a and the variable layer 103 to the outside of the display 100. Subsequently, when the electric field is removed from the variable layer 103 containing the heating material 103a, the temperature of the heating material 103a and the variable layer 103 decreases, allowing the heating material 103a and the variable layer 103 to absorb heat from the outside of the display 100.

[0051] For example, when the temperature of the display 100 and the outside air is 25°C, by applying an electric field to the variation layer 103 where the electrothermal material 103a is located, the temperature of the display 100 can be raised to a temperature higher than 25°C (e.g., 26°C). Thereafter, the display 100 can release heat to the outside of the body 10 and / or doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 and return to 25°C. By removing the electric field from the variation layer 103 where the electrothermal material 103a is located, the temperature of the display 100 can be lowered to a temperature lower than 25°C (e.g., 24°C). Thereafter, the display 100 can absorb heat from the interior of storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 and return to 25°C.

[0052] In the refrigerator according to the embodiment, by repeatedly applying an electric field (and / or voltage) to and removing the electric field (and / or voltage) from the changing layer 103, the display 100 can absorb heat from the interior of the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 and release the heat to the exterior of the display 100 and the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23. The exterior of the display 100 and the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 may include the exterior of the doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 and the exterior of the main body 10. By applying an electric field to the electrothermal material 103a, the display 100, which releases heat to the exterior of the display 100 and the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23, can be switched to a heat release state. The heat release state may include an opaque state. An opaque state may be represented as a cloudy state, a non-transmissive state, a high absorption state, and / or a high refractive index difference state. The heat release state may also be represented as a heat release mode.

[0053] Therefore, the display 100, including the electrothermal material 103a, can improve the thermal insulation of storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 by minimizing and / or reducing heat transfer through the display 100 to storage chambers 21, 22, and 23. Additionally, the display 100 can cool the interior of storage chambers 21, 22, and 23.

[0054] Although the electrothermal material 103a is distributed throughout the entire variation layer 103 in the accompanying drawings, the arrangement of the electrothermal material 103a is not limited to this, and the electrothermal material 103a can be densely arranged on one side of the variation layer 103.

[0055] The electrothermal material 103a can be mixed with the light-scattering material 103b. The light-scattering material 103b can be of various types. It may include liquid crystal, polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), electrochromic material, and suspended particulate device. Alternatively, the light-scattering material 103b may include a light-absorbing material. Various light-scattering materials 103b can be dispersed within the electrothermal material 103a. Light incident on the color-changing layer 103 can be scattered by collisions with the light-scattering material 103b.

[0056] By applying an electric field to the light scattering material 103b, the light scattering material 103b can be moved and / or changed. For example, by applying an electric field to the light scattering material 103b, the light scattering material 103b can be oriented along the direction of the electric field. When the light scattering material 103b is oriented, the collision rate between the light incident on the changing layer 103 and the light scattering material 103b can be reduced, and the light can pass through the changing layer 103 with reduced light scattering. As light scattering decreases, the haze of the changing layer 103 and the display 100 can be reduced. With the lower haze of the display 100, the user can see the interior of storage rooms 21, 22, and 23 through the display 100.

[0057] In the absence of an applied electric field, the orientation of the light-scattering material 103b can disappear. When the orientation of the light-scattering material 103b disappears, the collision rate between light incident on the variation layer 103 and the light-scattering material 103b can increase, thus allowing light to pass through the variation layer 103 with increased light scattering. As light scattering increases, the haze of the variation layer 103 and the display 100 can increase.

[0058] Haze can be expressed as light absorptivity, refractive index, transmittance, and / or transparency. Therefore, by applying an electric field to the variation layer 103 and the display 100, the light absorptivity, refractive index, transmittance, and / or transparency of the variation layer 103 and the display 100 can be changed.

[0059] For example, by applying an electric field to the variation layer 103, which includes the light-scattering material 103b, and the display 100, the light absorption rate of the variation layer 103 and the display 100 can be reduced, the difference in refractive index between the light-scattering material 103b and other materials of the variation layer 103 with respect to the incident direction of light can be reduced, and its transmittance and transparency can be increased. By removing the electric field from the variation layer 103, which includes the light-scattering material 103b, and the display 100, the light absorption rate of the variation layer 103 and the display 100 can be increased, the difference in refractive index between the light-scattering material 103b and other materials of the variation layer 103 with respect to the incident direction of light can be increased, and its transmittance and transparency can be reduced.

[0060] However, by applying an electric field to the variation layer 103, including the light-scattering material 103b, and the display 100, the light absorption rate of the variation layer 103 and the display 100 can increase, the difference in refractive index between the light-scattering material 103b and other materials of the variation layer 103 with respect to the incident direction of light can increase, and its transmittance and transparency can decrease. By removing the electric field from the variation layer 103, including the light-scattering material 103b, and the display 100, the light absorption rate of the variation layer 103 and the display 100 can decrease, the difference in refractive index between the light-scattering material 103b and other materials of the variation layer 103 with respect to the incident direction of light can decrease, and its transmittance and transparency can increase.

[0061] By applying an electric field to the light-scattering material 103b, the state of the display 100 with reduced haze can be transformed into a transparent state. The transparent state can be represented as a clear state, a high transmittance state, a low absorption state, and / or a state with a small refractive index difference. The transparent state can also be represented as a transparent mode.

[0062] The display 100 may include multiple thin films. The multiple thin films may include transparent substrates 101 and 105 and transparent electrodes 102 and 104.

[0063] The display 100 may further include transparent electrodes 102 and 104. The transparent electrodes 102 and 104 may allow current to flow or remain still within the variation layer 103, where the electrothermal material 103a and the light-scattering material 103b are located. For example, the transparent electrodes 102 and 104 may apply an electric field to or remove an electric field from the variation layer 103.

[0064] Transparent electrodes 102 and 104 may include indium tin oxide (ITO), antimony tin oxide (ATO), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene, and silver nanowires (AgNW).

[0065] Multiple transparent electrodes 102 and 104 can be provided. The multiple transparent electrodes 102 and 104 may include a first transparent electrode 102 and a second transparent electrode 104. The multiple transparent electrodes 102 and 104 can be disposed on both sides of the variation layer 103. For example, the first transparent electrode 102 can be disposed on a first side of the variation layer 103. Additionally, for example, the second transparent electrode 104 can be disposed on a second side of the variation layer 103 opposite to the first side of the variation layer 103.

[0066] The display 100 may further include transparent substrates 101 and 105. Transparent substrates 101 and 105 can protect the transition layer 103 and / or the transparent electrodes 102 and 104 from damage. Transparent substrates 101 and 105 may include a transparent film and a transparent cover. Multiple transparent substrates 101 and 105 may be provided.

[0067] The plurality of transparent substrates 101 and 105 may include a first transparent substrate 101 and a second transparent substrate 105. The first transparent substrate 101 may be disposed on one side of the first transparent electrode 102. For example, the first transparent substrate 101 may be disposed on a first side of the first transparent electrode 102, and the variation layer 103 may be disposed on a second side of the first transparent electrode 102. The first transparent electrode 102 may be in contact with the first transparent substrate 101.

[0068] The second transparent substrate 105 can be disposed on one side of the second transparent electrode 104. For example, the variation layer 103 can be disposed on the first side of the second transparent electrode 104, and the second transparent substrate 105 can be disposed on the second side of the second transparent electrode 104. The second transparent electrode 104 can be in contact with the second transparent substrate 105.

[0069] Users can see the interiors of storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 through the change layer 103, transparent electrodes 102 and 104, and transparent substrates 101 and 105 that become transparent by applying an electric field, without opening doors 31, 32, 33, and 34. Therefore, user convenience can be improved (e.g., see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0070] Although the light in the figure travels from the second transparent substrate 105 through the change layer 103 to the first transparent substrate 101, the light path is not limited to this.

[0071] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a display in a refrigerator according to various embodiments. Figure 5 This is a table showing the operating voltage range of the refrigerator's display according to various embodiments.

[0072] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5In the refrigerator according to the embodiment, the haze (e.g., opacity) of the display 100 can be changed according to the voltage (and / or electric field) applied to the variation layer 103. For example, as the voltage applied to the variation layer 103 increases, the haze of the display 100 can decrease.

[0073] According to the embodiment, the refrigerator can prevent and / or reduce heat loss by means of the electrothermal effect of the electrothermal material 103a at a voltage lower than a preset (e.g., specified) voltage, transferring heat from the interior of the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 to the exterior of the main body 10, doors 31, 32, 33, and 34, and storage compartments 21, 22, and 23. In other words, the display 100 can minimize / reduce and / or prevent / reduce heat transfer from the exterior of the main body 10, doors 31, 32, 33, and 34, and storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 through the display 100 to the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 by means of the electrothermal effect of the electrothermal material 103a at a voltage lower than a preset voltage.

[0074] The voltage applied to the display 100 that is lower than a preset voltage can be a first voltage V1. For example, the preset voltage can be 40V and the first voltage V1 can be equal to or lower than 40V.

[0075] In the refrigerator according to the embodiment, the display 100 can absorb heat from the storage compartments 21, 22 and 23 and release heat to the outside of the storage compartments 21, 22 and 23 by repeatedly applying a first voltage V1 to the change layer 103 and removing the first voltage V1 from the change layer 103.

[0076] In the refrigerator according to the embodiment, the haze of the variation layer 103 can be reduced as light scattering by the light-scattering material 103b decreases at a voltage greater than a preset voltage. Because the haze of the variation layer 103 is reduced, the user can see the interior of storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 through the display 100, thus improving user convenience. The voltage applied to the display 100 that is greater than the preset voltage can be a second voltage V2. Therefore, the second voltage V2 can be greater than the first voltage V1. For example, the preset voltage can be 40V and the second voltage V2 can be a voltage equal to or greater than 40V.

[0077] For example, based on applying a first voltage V1 to the display 100, the haze of the variation layer 103 and / or the display 100 can be 50% or greater. Additionally, for example, based on applying a second voltage V2 to the display 100, the haze of the variation layer 103 and / or the display 100 can be 50% or less. Furthermore, for example, the difference between the haze when the first voltage V1 is applied to the display 100 and the haze when the second voltage V2 is applied to it can be 50% or greater.

[0078] For example, when a first voltage V1 is applied, the display 100 may be opaque, and when a second voltage V2 is applied, the display 100 may be more transparent than when the first voltage V1 is applied. Therefore, according to the embodiment, the transparency of the display 100 can be adjusted by controlling the voltage applied to the display 100 in the refrigerator.

[0079] According to the embodiment, the refrigerator utilizes the effect of orienting the light-scattering material 103b during the application of a second voltage V2 to the display 100 to allow the user to see the interior of storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 through the display 100. At the same time, the display 100 performs heat insulation by utilizing the electrothermal effect obtained by the electrothermal material 103a during the application of a first voltage V1 to the display 100 to prevent and / or reduce heat transfer to storage compartments 21, 22, and 23.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a display in a refrigerator according to various embodiments. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a display in a refrigerator according to various embodiments. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a display in a refrigerator according to various embodiments.

[0081] Reference Figure 6 The display 100 may include multiple thin films. The multiple thin films may include transparent substrates 101 and 105 and transparent electrodes 102 and 104.

[0082] Multiple transparent electrodes 102 and 104 can be provided. Multiple transparent electrodes 102 and 104 may include a first transparent electrode 102 and a second transparent electrode 104.

[0083] The first transparent electrode 102 may be closer to the storage chamber than the second transparent electrode 104. The first transparent electrode 102 may be disposed between the first transparent substrate 101 and the changing layer 103. The first transparent electrode 102 may be in contact with the first transparent substrate 101. A portion of the first transparent electrode 102 may be in contact with the changing layer 103. The first transparent electrode 102 may exchange heat with the changing layer 103. The second transparent electrode 104 may be further away from the storage chamber than the first transparent electrode 102. The second transparent electrode 104 may be disposed between the second transparent substrate 105 and the changing layer 103. The second transparent electrode 104 may be in contact with the second transparent substrate 105. A portion of the second transparent electrode 104 may be in contact with the changing layer 103. The second transparent electrode 104 may exchange heat with the changing layer 103.

[0084] Multiple transparent substrates 101 and 105 can be provided. Multiple transparent substrates 101 and 105 may include a first transparent substrate 101 and a second transparent substrate 105.

[0085] The first transparent substrate 101 may be closer to the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 than the second transparent substrate 105. The first transparent substrate 101 may be disposed between the first transparent electrode 102 and the first heat transfer member 108. The first transparent substrate 101 may be in contact with the first transparent electrode 102 and the first heat transfer member 108. The first transparent substrate 101 may exchange heat with the first heat transfer member 108. The second transparent substrate 105 may be further away from the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 than the first transparent substrate 101. The second transparent substrate 105 may be disposed between the second transparent electrode 104 and the second heat transfer member 109. The second transparent substrate 105 may be in contact with the second transparent electrode 104 and the second heat transfer member 109. The second transparent substrate 105 may exchange heat with the second heat transfer member 109.

[0086] The multiple thin films may further include heat transfer components 108 and 109. Heat transfer components 108 and 109 may contact and exchange heat with transparent substrates 101 and 105. Heat transfer components 108 and 109 may include transparent films, transparent substrates, etc. Heat transfer components 108 and 109 may include materials with high thermal conductivity. For example, heat transfer components 108 and 109 may include graphene.

[0087] The heat transfer components 108 and 109 may include multiple heat transfer components 108 and 109. The multiple heat transfer components 108 and 109 may include a first heat transfer component 108 and a second heat transfer component 109.

[0088] The first heat transfer member 108 may be closer to the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 than the second heat transfer member 109, the transparent electrodes 102 and 104, and the transparent substrates 101 and 105. The first heat transfer member 108 may be disposed between the first transparent substrate 101 and the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23. The first heat transfer member 108 may be in contact with the first transparent substrate 101. The first heat transfer member 108 may receive heat (Q) from the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 and transfer the heat to the first transparent substrate 101.

[0089] The second heat transfer member 109 may be located further away from the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 than the first heat transfer member 108, transparent electrodes 102 and 104, and transparent substrates 101 and 105. The second heat transfer member 109 may be disposed between the second transparent substrate 105 and the exterior of the display 100. The second heat transfer member 109 may be in contact with the second transparent substrate 105. The second heat transfer member 109 may receive heat (Q) from the second transparent substrate 105 and release the heat to the exterior of the display 100.

[0090] The display 100 may include a barrier wall 106. The barrier wall 106 may be disposed between the first transparent electrode 102 and the second transparent electrode 104. The barrier wall 106 may form a space 107 in which the variation layer 103 and an inert gas are located. Multiple barrier walls 106 may be provided to support the space between the first transparent electrode 102 and the second transparent electrode 104. The inert gas may be located in the space 107 formed by the barrier wall 106. For example, the inert gas may include argon (Ar). Due to the very low thermal conductivity of argon, the space 107 may have excellent thermal insulation between the first transparent electrode 102 and the second transparent electrode 104. Therefore, heat introduced from outside the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 into the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 can be minimized / reduced. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto; the interior of the space 107 may be in a vacuum state. For example, the barrier wall 106 may include polyurethane foam.

[0091] The change layer 103 can be moved. For example, refer to... Figure 7 The variable layer 103 can contact the second transparent electrode 104 based on the application of a first voltage V1 thereto. Based on the contact between the variable layer 103 and the second transparent electrode 104, the first voltage V1 can be applied to the variable layer 103. When the first voltage V1 is applied to the variable layer 103, the temperature of the variable layer 103 can rise, and heat can be transferred from the variable layer 103 to the second transparent electrode 104 in contact with it. Because the elevated temperature T1 of the variable layer 103 can be higher than the temperature outside the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 and the temperature outside the display 100, heat can be transferred from the variable layer 103 to the outside of the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 and the outside of the display 100 through the second transparent electrode 104, the second transparent substrate 105, and the second heat transfer member 109. For example, based on the application of the first voltage V1 to the variable layer 103, heat inside the display can be released to the outside of the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23. The change layer 103 can return to the initial temperature T0 by releasing heat to the outside of the storage chambers 21, 22 and 23.

[0092] Additionally, refer to Figure 8Based on the removal of the first voltage V1, the change layer 103 can come into contact with the first transparent electrode 102. Based on the contact between the change layer 103 and the first transparent electrode 102, the first voltage V1 can be removed from the change layer 103. When the first voltage V1 is removed from the change layer 103, the temperature of the change layer 103 can decrease, and heat can be transferred from the first transparent electrode 102 in contact with it to the change layer 103. Because the decreased temperature T2 of the change layer 103 can be lower than the temperature inside the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23, heat can be transferred from the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 to the change layer 103 through the first heat transfer member 108, the first transparent substrate 101, and the first transparent electrode 102. For example, based on the removal of the first voltage V1 from the change layer 103, heat inside the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 can be transferred to the change layer 103. The decreased temperature T2 of the change layer 103 can be lower than the initial temperature T0 of the change layer 103.

[0093] By repeatedly applying and removing the first voltage V1 from the changing layer 103, heat inside the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 can be transferred to the display 100, and heat from the display 100 can be transferred to the outside of the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 and the outside of the display 100. Therefore, the refrigerator according to the embodiment can cool the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 by switching the voltage to the display 100 on / off.

[0094] The change layer 103 can be moved by the drive device 300. The drive device 300 can be controlled by the processor 210 (see...). Figure 9 )control.

[0095] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an example construction of a refrigerator according to various embodiments.

[0096] Reference Figure 9 The refrigerator may further include a drive unit 300. The drive unit 300 can move the changing layer 103. The drive unit 300 can move the changing layer 103 to contact the first transparent electrode 102 or the second transparent electrode 104 based on applying or removing a first voltage V1 to the changing layer 103. For example, in response to applying the first voltage V1 to the changing layer 103, the drive unit 300 can move the changing layer 103 to contact the second transparent electrode 104. Alternatively, for example, in response to removing the first voltage V1 from the changing layer 103, the drive unit 300 can move the changing layer 103 to contact the first transparent electrode 102.

[0097] After the drive device 300 moves the change layer 103, the first voltage V1 can be applied to the change layer 103 or removed from the change layer 103.

[0098] The drive device 300 may include an actuator, a motor, etc. However, the drive device 300 is not limited to these; it can be used as long as the drive device 300 moves the changing layer 103.

[0099] The refrigerator may include a user interface (e.g., including circuitry) 40. The user interface 40 may be provided at doors 31, 32, 33, and 34, display 100, and / or the like. A user can manipulate the user interface 40 to apply a first voltage V1 or a second voltage V2 to display 100. The user interface 40 may include both an input interface and an output interface. For example, the input interface may include a touch panel. For example, based on a user's touch on the touch panel, the second voltage V2 may be applied to display 100 where the first voltage V1 has been applied. The user interface 40 may be formed by partially patterning display 100. Additionally, the user interface 40 may display the voltage applied to display 100 while the first voltage V1 or the second voltage V2 is being applied to display 100.

[0100] The refrigerator may include at least one sensor 50. The sensor 50 can detect whether a user is approaching the refrigerator. For example, the sensor 50 can detect whether a user is approaching doors 31, 32, 33 and 34 and / or display 100, and transmit the sensor 50's value regarding the user's approach to the controller 200 and / or processor 210.

[0101] For example, at least one sensor 50 may include a camera, an infrared sensor, and a proximity sensor. However, the type and location of the user's sensor 50 are not limited to this.

[0102] The refrigerator may include a controller 200. The controller 200 may include hardware components such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcomputer (Micom), or memory, and software components such as a control program. For example, the controller 200 may include at least one memory 220 and at least one processor (e.g., including processing circuitry) 210, the at least one memory 220 being used to store data in the form of algorithms and programs for controlling the operation of components of the refrigerator, and the at least one processor 210 being configured to perform the aforementioned operations and operations described below using the data stored in the at least one memory 220. The memory 220 and the processor 210 may be implemented as separate chips. The processor 210 may include one or two or more processor chips or one or two or more processing cores. The memory 220 may include one or two or more memory chips or one or two or more memory blocks. Alternatively, the memory 220 and the processor 210 may be implemented as a single chip. The chip of the controller 200 may be located in the display 10. Furthermore, the processor 210 may include various processing circuitry and / or multiple processors. For example, as used herein (including the claims), the term "processor" can include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of the at least one processor can be configured individually and / or collectively in a distributed manner to perform the various functions described herein. As used herein, when "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform a number of functions, these terms cover, for example, a situation where one processor performs some of the functions and other processors perform other functions, and also cover a situation where a single processor can perform all of the functions. Additionally, at least one processor can include, for example, a combination of processors performing the various described / disclosed functions in a distributed manner. At least one processor can execute program instructions to implement or perform the various functions.

[0103] The processor 210 can move the change layer 103 by controlling the drive device 300. The processor 210 can move the change layer 103 by controlling the drive device 300 during the thermal release state of the display 100. For example, based on applying a first voltage V1 to or removing the first voltage V1 from the change layer 103, the processor 210 can control the drive device 300 to move the change layer 103 to contact the first transparent electrode 102 or the second transparent electrode 104.

[0104] For example, in the heat-release state of the display 100, the processor 210 can control the driving device 300 to move the change layer 103 to contact the second transparent electrode 104 in response to applying a first voltage V1 to the change layer 103. Alternatively, for example, in response to removing the first voltage V1 from the change layer 103, the processor 210 can control the driving device 300 to move the change layer 103 to contact the first transparent electrode 102.

[0105] Based on the value obtained from sensor 50, processor 210 can switch the state of display 100 to a thermally released state or a transparent state. For example, in response to a user not approaching doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 and / or display 100, processor 210 can control display 100 to operate in a thermally released state. Alternatively, in response to a user approaching doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 and / or display 100, processor 210 can control display 100 to operate in a transparent state.

[0106] The heat release state can include an opaque state. An opaque state can also be represented as a cloudy state, a non-transmittent state, a high-absorption state, and / or a high refractive index difference state. A transparent state can be represented as a clear state, a high-transmittance state, a low-absorption state, and / or a small refractive index difference state. The heat release state can also be represented as a heat release mode. A transparent state can also be represented as a transparent mode.

[0107] Additionally, the processor 210 can control the voltage applied to the variation layer 103 when it receives a signal from at least one sensor 50. The processor 210 can apply a first voltage V1 or a second voltage V2 to the variation layer 103 based on the value obtained from the sensor 50.

[0108] For example, based on the assumption that the user does not approach doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 and / or display 100, processor 210 may repeatedly apply or remove the first voltage V1 from the change layer 103. By applying or removing the first voltage V1 from the change layer 103, heat can be released from storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 to the outside of storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 through display 100. When display 100 is in a heat release state, processor 210 may repeatedly switch the first voltage V1 on / off on the change layer 103.

[0109] Based on the user's approach to doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 and / or display 100, processor 210 can continuously apply a second voltage V2 to the change layer 103. When the second voltage V2 is applied to the change layer 103, the haze of display 100 decreases to allow the user to see the interior of storage rooms 21, 22, and 23 without opening doors 31, 32, 33, and 34. When display 100 is in a transparent state, processor 210 can continuously apply the second voltage V2 to the change layer 103.

[0110] Additionally, upon receiving an input signal from the user interface 40, the processor 210 can control the voltage applied to the variation layer 103. For example, based on user input, the processor 210 can cool the interior of storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 by applying a first voltage V1 to the variation layer 103, or can reduce the haze of the display 100 by applying a second voltage V2 to the variation layer 103, so that the user can see the interior of storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 without opening the doors.

[0111] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a display in a refrigerator according to various embodiments.

[0112] Reference Figure 10 The display 100 may include multiple display layers 110 and 120. The multiple display layers 110 and 120 may be stacked. The multiple display layers 110 and 120 may be in contact with each other. The multiple display layers 110 and 120 may include a first display layer 110 and a second display layer 120.

[0113] The first display layer 110 may include a first transparent substrate 111, a second transparent substrate 115, a first transparent electrode 112, a second transparent electrode 114, and a transition layer 113. The second display layer 120 may include a first transparent substrate 121, a second transparent substrate 125, a first transparent electrode 122, a second transparent electrode 124, and a transition layer 123. The first transparent substrates 111 and 121, the second transparent substrates 115 and 125, the first transparent electrodes 112 and 122, the second transparent electrodes 114 and 124, and the transition layers 113 and 123 of the first display layer 110 and the second display layer 120 may have the following characteristics: Figure 3 The structures and properties of the first transparent substrate 101, the second transparent substrate 105, the first transparent electrode 102, the second transparent electrode 104, and the variation layer 103 described herein are substantially the same. Therefore, each of the variation layers 113 and 123 of the first display layer 110 and the second display layer 120 may include an electrothermal material and a light-scattering material. Furthermore, each of the first display layer 110 and the second display layer 120 may further include a first heat transfer member 108 and a second heat transfer member 109.

[0114] The first display layer 110 and the second display layer 120 can be stacked and in contact with each other. For example, the first transparent substrate 111 of the first display layer 110 can be in contact with the second transparent substrate 125 of the second display layer 120.

[0115] The first display layer 110 can be positioned closer to the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 than the second display layer 120. The first display layer 110 can receive heat Q1 from the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 and transfer heat Q1 to the second display layer 120. For example, based on applying a first voltage V1 lower than a preset voltage to a variation layer 113 of the first display layer 110, the first display layer 110 can transfer heat from the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 to the second display layer 120.

[0116] The second display layer 120 can be configured to be further away from the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 than the first display layer 110. When receiving heat from the first display layer 110, the second display layer 120 can release the heat to the outside of the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23. For example, based on applying a first voltage V1 less than a preset voltage to the variation layer 123 of the second display layer 120, the second display layer 120 can transfer heat Q2 from the first display layer 110 to the outside of the body 10.

[0117] For example, by applying an electric field to the variation layer 123 of the second display layer 120, the temperature of the second display layer 120 can be increased, and heat can be transferred from the second display layer 120 to the outside of the body 10 and the outside of the display 100. Conversely, by removing the electric field from the variation layer 113 of the first display layer 110, the temperature of the first display layer 110 can be decreased, and heat can be transferred from the storage chambers 21, 22 and 23 to the first display layer 110.

[0118] By removing the electric field from the variation layer 123 of the second display layer 120 and applying the electric field to the variation layer 113 of the first display layer 110, the temperature of the second display layer 120 can be reduced and the temperature of the first display layer 110 can be increased, so that heat can be transferred from the first display layer 110 to the second display layer 120.

[0119] Therefore, the heat inside storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 can be released to the outside of storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 and the outside of the main body 10 along the first display layer 110 and the second display layer 120. Furthermore, these processes can be repeated at a first voltage V1 less than a preset voltage.

[0120] In other words, because heat can be transferred from the interior of storage compartments 21, 22 and 23 to the exterior of storage compartments 21, 22 and 23 based on the application of a first voltage V1 to the variable layers 113 and 123 in the refrigerator according to the embodiment, the interior of storage compartments 21, 22 and 23 can be insulated or cooled.

[0121] In addition, because multiple display layers 110 and 120, including the first display layer 110 and the second display layer 120, are stacked, there may be a large difference between the low and high temperatures of the display 100. The display 100 is very efficient in cooling and can reduce the power required to operate the evaporators used to cool the storage chambers 21, 22 and 23.

[0122] Furthermore, since the light scattering of the light scattering material 103b is reduced in the refrigerator according to the embodiment based on the application of a second voltage V2 to the change layers 113 and 123, the haze of the change layers 113 and 123 can be reduced, and the user can see the interior of the storage compartments 21, 22 and 23 through the display 100, thereby improving the user's convenience.

[0123] The first display layer 110 can be the first window layer, and the second display layer 120 can be the second window layer.

[0124] Figures 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are diagrams illustrating displays in refrigerators according to various embodiments. Figure 12 It is a graph about the display in a refrigerator according to various implementations.

[0125] Referring to Figures 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D... Figure 12 The display 100 may include multiple display layers 110, 120, 130, and 140. The multiple display layers 110, 120, 130, and 140 may be stacked. The multiple display layers 110, 120, 130, and 140 may be in contact with each other. The multiple display layers 110, 120, 130, and 140 may include a first display layer 110, a second display layer 120, a third display layer 130, and a fourth display layer 140.

[0126] Each of the plurality of display layers 110, 120, 130 and 140 may include a first transparent substrate 101, a second transparent substrate 105, a first transparent electrode 102, a second transparent electrode 104, a first heat transfer member 108, a second heat transfer member 109 and a variation layer 103.

[0127] The first display layer 110 can be configured to be closer to the storage rooms 21, 22 and 23 than the second display layer 120, the third display layer and the fourth display layer 140, and further away from the outside of the storage rooms 21, 22 and 23 and the outside of the display 100.

[0128] The second display layer 120 can be configured to be farther away from the storage rooms 21, 22 and 23 than the first display layer 110, and closer to the storage rooms 21, 22 and 23 than the third display layer 130 and the fourth display layer 140.

[0129] The third display layer 130 can be configured to be closer to the storage rooms 21, 22 and 23 than the first display layer 110 and the second display layer 120, and farther away from the storage rooms 21, 22 and 23 than the fourth display layer 140.

[0130] The fourth display layer 140 can be configured to be further away from the storage rooms 21, 22 and 23 than the first display layer 110, the second display layer and the third display layer 130, and closer to the outside of the storage rooms 21, 22 and 23 and the outside of the display 100.

[0131] The multiple display layers 110, 120, 130, and 140 may comprise the same or different types of electrothermal materials. According to the following process, the multiple display layers 110, 120, 130, and 140 can operate within different temperature ranges respectively.

[0132] Referring to FIG11A, the second display layer 120 can be in contact with the third display layer 130, and a first voltage V1 can be applied to the second display layer 120 and the fourth display layer 140, and the voltage can be removed from the first display layer 110 and the third display layer 130. Therefore, the temperature of the second display layer 120 and the fourth display layer 140 increases while the temperature of the first display layer 110 and the third display layer 130 decreases, resulting in heat transfer from the second display layer 120 to the third display layer 130.

[0133] Referring to Figure 11B, heat can be released from the fourth display layer 140 to the exterior of the display 100 and the exterior of storage chambers 21, 22, and 23. Additionally, heat can be transferred from storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 to the first display layer 110. The first display layer 110 can absorb heat from storage chambers 21, 22, and 23. The second display layer 120 and the third display layer 130 can be in thermal equilibrium.

[0134] Referring to FIG11C, the first display layer 110 may be in contact with the second display layer 120, and the third display layer 130 may be in contact with the fourth display layer 140. Furthermore, a first voltage V1 may be applied to the first display layer 110 and the third display layer 130, and the voltage may be removed from the second display layer 120 and the fourth display layer 140. Therefore, the temperature of the first display layer 110 and the third display layer 130 increases, while the temperature of the second display layer 120 and the fourth display layer 140 decreases, allowing heat to be transferred from the first display layer 110 to the second display layer 120, and from the third display layer 130 to the fourth display layer 140.

[0135] Referring to FIG11D, through heat transfer, the first display layer 110 and the second display layer 120 can be in thermal equilibrium, and the third display layer 130 and the fourth display layer 140 can also be in thermal equilibrium. Afterwards, the process can return to the process shown in FIG11(a).

[0136] Reference Figure 12 Each of the multiple display layers 110, 120, 130, and 140 can operate within a different temperature range. Furthermore, the temperature ranges of the multiple display layers 110, 120, 130, and 140 can partially overlap with each other.

[0137] The temperature of the first display layer 110 can be reduced by removing voltage from it (110a). The first display layer 110 can absorb heat from storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 (110b). The temperature of the first display layer 110 can be increased by applying voltage to it (110c). The first display layer 110 can transfer heat to the second display layer 120 (110d).

[0138] The temperature of the second display layer 120 can be increased by applying a voltage to it (120a). The second display layer 120 can transfer heat to the third display layer 130 (120b). The temperature of the second display layer 120 can be decreased by removing the voltage from it (120c). The second display layer 120 can receive heat from the first display layer 110 (120d).

[0139] The temperature of the third display layer 130 can be reduced by removing voltage from it (130a). The third display layer 130 can absorb heat from the second display layer 120 (130b). The temperature of the third display layer 130 can be increased by applying voltage to the third display layer 130 (130c). The third display layer 130 can transfer heat to the fourth display layer 140 (130d).

[0140] The temperature of the fourth display layer 140 can be increased by applying a voltage to it (140a). The fourth display layer 140 can dissipate heat to the exterior of the display 100 and the exterior of storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 (140b). The temperature of the fourth display layer 140 can be decreased by removing the voltage from it (140c). The fourth display layer 140 can receive heat from the third display layer 130 (140d).

[0141] According to the process described above, the multiple display layers 110, 120, 130, and 140 can transfer heat to each other while operating within different temperature ranges. Therefore, the refrigerator according to the embodiment can include a display 100 having a wider temperature range (ΔTt) than the temperature range (ΔTn) available to a single display layer. Because the temperature range (ΔTt) between the highest and lowest temperatures of the display 100, which includes multiple display layers 110, 120, 130, and 140, is widened, the refrigerator can achieve efficient cooling using the display 100.

[0142] The first display layer 110 can be the first window layer, the second display layer 120 can be the second window layer, the third display layer 130 can be the third window layer, and the fourth display layer 140 can be the fourth window layer.

[0143] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a refrigerator is provided that includes a display having adjustable haze (e.g., opacity) to allow the interior of the storage compartment to be visible or invisible, and has improved energy efficiency by cooling the storage compartment using a single display.

[0144] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the disclosure, including the claims, other effects not mentioned above.

[0145] A refrigerator according to an example embodiment may include a storage compartment, a door provided to cover the storage compartment and configured to open and close, and a display provided on the door and including an electrothermal material and a light-scattering material, wherein the display is configured to release heat from the storage compartment to the outside of the storage compartment based on a change in the electrothermal material caused by applying a first voltage less than a specified voltage to the display, and to reduce the scattering of light incident on the display based on a change in the light-scattering material caused by applying a second voltage greater than a specified voltage to the display.

[0146] The display may include a display layer, wherein the display layer may further include: a first transparent substrate; a first transparent electrode disposed on the first transparent substrate; a second transparent electrode disposed on the first transparent electrode; a second transparent substrate disposed on the second transparent electrode; and a change layer disposed between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode and including an electrothermal material and a light scattering material, wherein when it is determined that the voltage applied to the change layer is a first voltage, the display is configured to be in a heat release state, in which the temperature of the electrothermal material rises to release heat to the outside of the storage chamber, and when it is determined that the voltage applied to the change layer is a second voltage, the display is configured to be in a transparent state, in which the light scattering material is oriented to reduce the scattering of light incident on the display.

[0147] The display layer may include multiple display layers, wherein the multiple display layers include: a first display layer; and a second display layer, in contact with the first display layer and configured to be further away from the storage chamber than the first display layer, wherein the display is configured to, in a heat release state, transfer heat from inside the first display layer to the second display layer based on applying a first voltage to a changing layer of the first display layer and removing the voltage from a changing layer of the second display layer, and transfer heat from the storage chamber to the first display layer based on removing the voltage from the changing layer of the first display layer and applying the first voltage to a changing layer of the second display layer, and transfer heat from the second display layer to the outside of the storage chamber and the outside of the display.

[0148] In the heat release state of the display, heat can be released from the change layer to the outside of the storage chamber by increasing the temperature of the electrothermal material by applying a first voltage to the change layer and decreasing the temperature of the electrothermal material by removing the first voltage from the change layer. The application of the first voltage to the change layer and the removal of the first voltage from the change layer can be repeated in the heat release state of the display.

[0149] The refrigerator may further include a drive unit comprising an actuator configured to move the changing layer to contact a first transparent electrode or a second transparent electrode.

[0150] The first transparent electrode may be closer to the storage compartment than the second transparent electrode, and the refrigerator may further include: at least one processor, including processing circuitry, individually and / or collectively configured to: control a drive device to contact the changing layer with the second transparent electrode based on applying a first voltage to the changing layer in a thermally released state of the display, and configured to control the drive device to contact the changing layer with the first transparent electrode based on removing the first voltage from the changing layer.

[0151] At least one processor may be configured individually and / or collectively to apply a second voltage to the changing layer when the display is in a transparent state.

[0152] The refrigerator may further include at least one sensor configured to detect whether a user is approaching the refrigerator, wherein at least one processor is individually and / or collectively configured to apply a first voltage or a second voltage to the changing layer in response to receiving information about the user's approach.

[0153] At least one processor may be configured individually and / or collectively to apply a second voltage to the changing layer to control the display to be in a transparent state based on the user's proximity to the refrigerator.

[0154] The display layer may further include a barrier wall disposed between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode to form a space in which the change layer moves.

[0155] The display layer may further include an inert gas between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode.

[0156] The second transparent substrate may be positioned further away from the storage chamber than the first transparent substrate, and the display may include: a first heat transfer member, including a thermally conductive material, disposed on one side of the first transparent substrate within a first specified distance from the storage chamber, and configured to transfer heat from the storage chamber to the display layer; and a second heat transfer member, including a thermally conductive material, disposed on one side of the second transparent substrate at a second specified distance from the storage chamber greater than the first specified distance, and configured to release heat from the display layer to the outside of the storage chamber.

[0157] The display layer may include multiple display layers, and the multiple display layers may include a first display layer; a second display layer configured to receive heat from the first display layer and configured to be further away from the storage chamber than the first display layer; a third display layer configured to receive heat from the second display layer and configured to be further away from the storage chamber than the second display layer; and a fourth display layer configured to receive heat from the third display layer and configured to be further away from the storage chamber than the third display layer, wherein the display layers are configured to release heat received from the storage chamber to the first layer and to the outside of the storage chamber via the second, third, and fourth display layers.

[0158] In the heat release state of the display, based on applying a first voltage to the second and fourth display layers and removing the voltage from the first and third display layers, the display is configured to transfer heat from the interior of the storage chamber to the first display layer, from the second display layer to the third display layer, and from the fourth display layer to the exterior of the storage chamber.

[0159] A refrigerator according to an example embodiment may include: a main body; a door pivotally connected to the main body; and a window provided on the door, and including a first window layer and a second window layer further inside the main body than the first window layer, wherein the window is configured to transfer heat from inside the first window layer to the second window layer based on applying a voltage to the first window layer and removing a voltage from the second window layer, and is configured to transfer heat from inside the main body to the first window layer and transfer heat from inside the second window layer to the outside of the main body and the outside of the window based on removing a voltage from the first window layer and applying a voltage to the second window layer.

[0160] Each of the first window layer and the second window layer may include an electrothermal material whose temperature can be increased based on applying a voltage to the first window layer and the second window layer, and whose temperature can be decreased based on removing the voltage from the first window layer and the second window layer, wherein heat is released from the first window layer and the second window layer to the outside of the body, and the application of voltage to the first window layer and the removal of voltage from the first window layer and the second window layer can be repeated.

[0161] The window may include: a third window layer configured to receive heat from the second window layer and configured to be further away from the interior of the body than the second window layer; and a fourth window layer configured to receive heat from the third window layer and configured to be further away from the interior of the body than the third window layer, wherein heat transferred from the interior of the body to the first window layer can be released to the exterior of the body through the second window layer, the third window layer and the fourth window layer.

[0162] Each of the first window layer, the second window layer, the third window layer, and the fourth window layer may further include: a first transparent substrate; a first transparent electrode disposed on the first transparent substrate; a second transparent electrode disposed on the first transparent electrode; a second transparent substrate disposed on the second transparent electrode; and a variation layer disposed between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode and provided with an electrothermal material and a light scattering material, wherein, in a heat release state where the temperature of the electrothermal material increases, the display may be configured to release heat to the outside of the body when a first voltage is determined to be less than a specified voltage, and in a transparent state where the light scattering material is oriented, the display may be configured to reduce the scattering of light incident on the display when a second voltage is determined to be greater than a preset voltage.

[0163] A refrigerator according to an example embodiment includes: a main body, a door pivotally connected to the main body, and a window provided on the door and including a light-scattering material, wherein the light-scattering material is configured to be oriented by applying a voltage to the light-scattering material to reduce the scattering of light incident on the window and reduce the haze of the window.

[0164] The window may further include: a first transparent substrate; a first transparent electrode disposed on the first transparent substrate; a second transparent electrode disposed on the first transparent electrode; a second transparent substrate disposed on the second transparent electrode; and a change layer disposed between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode, and including a light scattering material and an electrothermal material, wherein the display may have a heat release state and a transparent state. In the heat release state, when it is determined that the voltage applied to the change layer is a first voltage less than a preset voltage, the temperature of the electrothermal material increases to release heat to the outside of the body. In the transparent state, when it is determined that the voltage applied to the change layer is a second voltage greater than a preset voltage, the light scattering material is oriented to reduce the scattering of light incident on the display.

[0165] In the heat release state of the display, the display can be configured to release heat from the change layer to the outside of the body by increasing the temperature of the electrothermal material based on applying a first voltage to the change layer and decreasing the temperature of the electrothermal material based on removing the first voltage from the change layer, and the application of the first voltage to the change layer and the removal of the first voltage from the change layer can be repeated in the heat release state of the display.

[0166] The refrigerator may further include at least one processor, the at least one processor including processing circuitry, individually and / or collectively configured to apply a first voltage to the changing layer in a thermally released state of the display, and configured to apply a second voltage to the changing layer in a transparent state of the display.

[0167] While various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been provided for illustrative purposes, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Various exemplary embodiments can be modified and altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the principles and spirit of this disclosure (including the appended claims and their equivalents). It should also be understood that any of the embodiments described herein can be used in conjunction with any other embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: Storage room; A door is provided on the storage room and is configured to open and close; as well as A display, provided on the door, includes an electrothermal material and a light-scattering material. The display is configured to release heat from the storage chamber to the outside of the storage chamber by means of a change in the electrothermal material caused by applying a first voltage less than a specified voltage to the display, and is configured to reduce the scattering of light incident on the display by means of a change in the light scattering material caused by applying a second voltage greater than the specified voltage to the display.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The display includes a display layer. The display layer includes: First transparent substrate; A first transparent electrode disposed on the first transparent substrate; A second transparent electrode disposed on the first transparent electrode; A second transparent substrate disposed on the second transparent electrode; and A transition layer, disposed between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode, includes the electrothermal material and the light-scattering material. In the heat release state of the heated material, the display is configured to release heat to the outside of the storage chamber when the voltage applied to the changing layer is determined to be the first voltage, and in the transparent state of the light scattering material being oriented, the display is configured to reduce the scattering of light incident on the display when the voltage applied to the changing layer is determined to be the second voltage.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, The display layer includes multiple display layers. The plurality of display layers include: First display layer; and The second display layer is in contact with the first display layer and is positioned further away from the storage compartment than the first display layer. The display is configured such that, in the heat release state, Based on the changing layer that applies the first voltage to the first display layer and removes the voltage from the changing layer of the second display layer, heat within the first display layer is transferred to the second display layer, and Based on removing the voltage from the changing layer of the first display layer and applying the first voltage to the changing layer of the second display layer, heat in the storage chamber is transferred from the storage chamber to the first display layer and heat in the second display layer is transferred to the outside of the storage chamber and the outside of the display.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, In the heat release state of the display, the display is configured to release heat from the changing layer to the outside of the storage chamber by raising the temperature of the electrothermal material based on applying the first voltage to the changing layer and lowering the temperature of the electrothermal material based on removing the first voltage from the changing layer. In the heat release state of the display, the first voltage is repeatedly applied to the changing layer and the first voltage is removed from the changing layer.

5. The refrigerator of claim 4, further comprising a drive device including an actuator configured to move the changing layer to contact the first transparent electrode or the second transparent electrode.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, The first transparent electrode is closer to the storage chamber than the second transparent electrode, and The refrigerator further includes at least one processor, including processing circuitry, individually and / or collectively configured to: control the drive device to contact the changing layer with the second transparent electrode based on applying the first voltage to the changing layer in the heat release state of the display; And based on removing the first voltage from the changing layer, control the driving device to make the changing layer contact the first transparent electrode.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, At least one processor is individually and / or collectively configured to apply the second voltage to the changing layer when the display is in a transparent state.

8. The refrigerator of claim 5, further comprising at least one sensor configured to detect whether a user is approaching the refrigerator. in, At least one processor is configured individually and / or collectively to apply the first voltage or the second voltage to the changing layer in response to receiving information about a user's proximity from the sensor.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein, At least one processor is configured individually and / or collectively to apply the second voltage to the changing layer based on the user's approach to the refrigerator in order to control the display to be in the transparent state.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, The second transparent substrate is positioned further away from the storage chamber than the first transparent substrate. The display layer includes: A barrier wall is disposed between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode to form a movable space in the variable layer; An inert gas is provided between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode; A first heat transfer component, including a thermally conductive material, is disposed on one side of the first transparent substrate, within a first specified distance from the storage chamber, and is configured to transfer heat from the storage chamber to the display layer; and The second heat transfer component, including a thermally conductive material, is disposed on one side of the second transparent substrate, within a second specified distance from the storage chamber that is greater than the first specified distance, and is configured to release heat from the display layer to the outside of the storage chamber.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, The display layer includes multiple display layers. The plurality of display layers include: First display layer; The second display layer is configured to receive heat from the first display layer and is set to be further away from the storage chamber than the first display layer; A third display layer is configured to receive heat from the second display layer and is positioned further away from the storage chamber than the second display layer; and A fourth display layer is configured to receive heat from the third display layer and is positioned further away from the storage chamber than the third display layer. The display is configured to release heat received from the storage chamber to the first display layer, and then to the outside of the storage chamber through the second, third, and fourth display layers.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein, In the heat release state of the display, the display is configured to: Based on applying the first voltage to the second and fourth display layers and removing the voltage from the first and third display layers, Heat is transferred from the interior of the storage chamber to the first display layer. Heat is transferred from the second display layer to the third display layer, and Heat is released from the fourth display layer to the outside of the storage chamber.

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