Doors for home appliance and control method of the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a door for a home appliance and a method for controlling the door for a home appliance. The present invention may include a door body disposed in front of a storage space of a home appliance and a door panel having a transparent portion formed in the center. A variable transmittance portion may be disposed between a plurality of panels so as to overlap with at least a portion of the transparent portion. A detection module that detects vibrations caused by a knock input to the door body or the door panel may be disposed. At this time, the control unit may control the on / off of the variable transmittance portion using a signal detected by the detection module. Accordingly, a user can switch between the blocking mode and the transmission mode of the variable transmittance portion simply by tapping the surface of the door, and the convenience of operation of the home appliance may be improved.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a door for a home appliance and a method for controlling the door for a home appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Home appliances that accommodate objects within an internal space and are equipped with doors, such as cooking appliances, refrigerators, and clothing processing units, are widely used. These appliances may be equipped with a storage space for accommodating objects and a door for opening and closing the storage space, inside a cabinet that forms the exterior.

[0003] Recently, products equipped with transparent sections on the doors of home appliances that allow viewing of the interior are also being used. For example, if a transparent section is provided on a refrigerator door, users can observe the food stored in the compartments. Furthermore, if a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crustal (PLCC) film with variable transmittance is applied to such appliance doors, the door's transmittance can be varied. Variable transmittance allows for the selective exposure of the interior of the storage compartment. Therefore, users can selectively observe the storage compartment through the PLCC.

[0004] However, since polymer-dispersed liquid crystals operate through a power supply, users face the inconvenience of having to press a button to operate the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal. In other words, convenience is reduced because users must press an operation button whenever they want to observe the inside of a home appliance through the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal. The problem to be solved

[0005] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the prior art as described above. The objective of the present invention is to provide a variable transmittance section on the door of a home appliance so that the appearance of the storage space is selectively transmitted, and to enable the user to switch between the transmission mode and the blocking mode of the variable transmittance section with a simple operation.

[0006] Another objective of the present invention is to place an image acquisition device (camera device) on the door to photograph the interior of the storage space, and to automatically control the on / off operation of the variable transmittance part according to whether the image acquisition device is operating.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to improve sensing sensitivity by placing a sensor device that detects a user's operation signal inside the door, while simultaneously ensuring that the sensor device has durability in the high-temperature environment inside the door. means of solving the problem

[0008] According to the features of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention may include a door body disposed in front of the storage space of a home appliance and a door panel having a transparent portion formed in the center. A variable transmittance portion may be disposed between a plurality of panels so as to overlap with at least a portion of the transparent portion. A detection module that detects vibrations caused by a knock input to the door body or the door panel may be disposed. At this time, the control unit may control the on / off of the variable transmittance portion using a signal detected by the detection module. Accordingly, a user can switch between the blocking mode and the transmission mode of the variable transmittance portion simply by tapping the surface of the door, and the convenience of operation of the home appliance may be improved.

[0009] Additionally, an electronic component including an image acquisition device for photographing the storage space may be disposed in the door body. The detection module may be disposed inside the electronic component.

[0010] Alternatively, the door body may be equipped with an image acquisition device for capturing the storage space. When vibration caused by the knock is detected by the detection module, the control unit may determine the operating state of the image acquisition device and selectively operate the variable transmittance unit to activate the transmission mode.

[0011] Additionally, the door body may be equipped with a lighting device that illuminates the storage space. When vibration caused by the knock is detected by the detection module, the control unit may determine the operating state of the lighting device and operate the lighting device while activating the transmission mode of the variable transmittance unit.

[0012] Alternatively, if multiple vibrations caused by the knock are detected by the detection module with a time difference and the time difference is shorter than the set time, the control unit can activate the blocking mode of the variable transmittance unit.

[0013] Additionally, the door body may be equipped with an operating unit. When a signal to operate the image acquisition device is input through the operating unit, the control unit can determine the operating state of the variable transmittance unit. At this time, if the variable transmittance unit is in a transmission mode, the control unit can activate the blocking mode of the variable transmittance unit and then operate the image acquisition device.

[0014] Alternatively, if vibration caused by the knock is detected by the detection module, the control unit can determine the operating status of the image acquisition device. If the image acquisition device is in operation, the control unit can notify the user that the image acquisition device is in operation.

[0015] In addition, the detection module may be positioned outside the edge of the variable transmittance portion.

[0016] Alternatively, the detection module may be positioned between the plurality of panels, or the detection module may be positioned at a location away from the edge of the door panel.

[0017] Additionally, the plurality of panels may include a front panel and an insulation panel spaced apart from the front panel and positioned closer to the storage space than the front panel. In this case, the sensing module may be positioned closer to the front panel than to the insulation panel.

[0018] Alternatively, the door panel may be provided with a panel perimeter that surrounds the edge of the transparent portion and has a lower light transmittance than the transparent portion. The sensing module may be disposed on the panel perimeter.

[0019] According to another feature of the present invention, the present invention may provide a control method for a door for a home appliance equipped with a variable transmittance unit that varies the transmittance of the door. The control method may include the step of detecting an applied knock by a detection module disposed on the door, and the step of determining the on / off state of the variable transmittance unit when the knock signal is detected by the detection module. At this time, if the knock signal is detected when the variable transmittance unit is in a blocking mode, the control unit may switch the variable transmittance unit to a transmittance mode.

[0020] Additionally, the door body may be equipped with an image acquisition device for capturing the storage space of the home appliance. When vibration caused by the knock is detected by the detection module, the control unit may determine the operating state of the image acquisition device and selectively operate the variable transmittance unit to activate the transmission mode, the step of which may be included.

[0021] Alternatively, if multiple vibrations caused by the knock are detected by the detection module with a time difference, the control unit may include a step of activating the blocking mode of the variable transmittance unit if the time difference is shorter than the set time. Effects of the invention

[0022] The door for a home appliance and the method for controlling the door for a home appliance according to the present invention, as examined above, have the following effects.

[0023] In the present invention, a variable transmittance unit is disposed on the door of a home appliance, thereby enabling a transparent mode in which the interior of the home appliance is visible through the door and a blocked mode in which it is not visible. At this time, the door is equipped with a detection module to detect vibrations caused by a knock input to the door, and the control unit can control the on / off of the variable transmittance unit using the signal detected by the detection module. Accordingly, the user can switch between the blocked mode and the transparent mode of the variable transmittance unit simply by tapping the surface of the door, and the convenience of operating the home appliance can be improved.

[0024] In addition, in the present invention, an image acquisition device (camera device) is disposed inside the door to photograph the interior of the storage space. At this time, the control unit determines whether the image acquisition device is operating and can switch the variable transmittance unit to a blocking mode when the interior of the storage space is being photographed. Accordingly, the user does not need to individually control the image acquisition device and the variable transmittance unit. Through this, the convenience of operating the home appliance can be further improved.

[0025] In particular, when the image acquisition device is operated (shooting), the variable transmittance part automatically switches to a blocking mode, so that the appearance of a user located in front of the home appliance is prevented from being transmitted into the interior of the door and captured by the camera device. Therefore, the door of the present invention may prevent the user's privacy from being infringed by shooting by the camera device.

[0026] In addition, when the image acquisition device is operated (captured), the variable transmittance unit automatically switches to a blocking mode, thereby reducing power consumption for operating the variable transmittance unit. Therefore, the door for home appliances according to the present invention also has the effect of increasing energy efficiency.

[0027] In addition, in the present invention, the sensing module is placed between a plurality of panels constituting the door panel, so that the heat resistance of the sensing module can be improved.

[0028] At the same time, the detection module is positioned on the rear of the front panel among the multiple panels, allowing the user to respond sensitively to the knock-on signal. Through this, the detection module can detect the user's operation signal more accurately, and the responsiveness of the appliance door can be improved.

[0029] In addition, when a knock-on signal is input to switch the variable transmittance unit to a transmission mode while the image acquisition device is in a shooting operation according to the present invention, the control unit may notify the user that the image acquisition device is shooting. In this case, the user may decide whether to (i) stop the shooting of the image acquisition device by inputting the knock-on signal again and observe the inside of the home appliance directly with the naked eye, or (ii) continue the shooting of the image acquisition device without inputting the knock-on signal. Since the user only needs to input the knock-on signal again, the operation for switching the mode of the refrigerator door can be performed very easily. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a home appliance to which an embodiment of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a home appliance to which an embodiment of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of an embodiment of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of an embodiment of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention from an angle different from FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the parts of an embodiment of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI' of FIG. 3. FIGS. 7(a) and FIGS. 7(b) are exemplary drawings showing the appearance of a variable transmittance part constituting an embodiment of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention in a blocking mode, and the appearance of a home appliance when the variable transmittance part is in a blocking mode, respectively. FIGS. 8(a) and FIGS. 8(b) are exemplary drawings showing the appearance of a variable transmittance part constituting an embodiment of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention in a transmittance mode, and the appearance of a home appliance when the variable transmittance part is in a transmittance mode, respectively. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the components of a variable transmittance part constituting an embodiment of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of a variable transmittance portion constituting an embodiment of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a circuit conceptual diagram showing the circuit structure of a variable transmittance part constituting an embodiment of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a front view showing an embodiment of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is a simplified example diagram showing an embodiment of a structure in which a variable transmittance portion is disposed on a front panel constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention. FIG. 14 is a simplified example diagram showing a second embodiment of a structure in which a variable transmittance portion is disposed on a front panel constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention. FIGS. 15(a) to 15(c) are graphs showing the voltage applied to a variable transmittance part constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention and the change in transparency accordingly. FIG. 16 is a front view showing a sensing module arranged on a door for a home appliance according to the present invention. FIG. 17 is a front view showing another embodiment in which a sensing module is arranged on a door for a home appliance according to the present invention. FIG. 18 is a block diagram schematically showing the components constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention. FIGS. 19 to 22 are graphs illustrating a control method for a door for a home appliance according to the present invention. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of a home appliance to which a door for a home appliance according to the present invention is applied. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0031] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0032] The present invention relates to a home appliance and a door for the home appliance (hereinafter referred to as "door (60)"). Here, the home appliance may mean having a storage space (41) inside. The door (60) may be positioned in front of the storage space (41). Here, "front" refers to the direction facing the user when the user is positioned in front of the home appliance. Referring to FIG. 1, the X-axis direction may be the front. The Y-axis direction may be the left-right width direction of the door (60). The Z-axis direction may be the up-down width direction, which is the height direction of the door (60). The following description will be based on these directions.

[0033] The above-mentioned door (60) for home appliances can be applied not only to the door (60) of home appliances such as cooking appliances, refrigerators, freezers, kimchi refrigerators, plant cultivation devices, clothing processors, washing machines, and dryers, but also to the door of furniture or entrance door. The present invention can be applied to various home appliances equipped with one or multiple doors (60). Among these, cooking appliances may include sealed cooking appliances such as ovens and microwave ovens. Below, the door (60) of the present invention will be described as being applied to a cooking appliance as an example.

[0034] In this embodiment, electronic components may be placed inside the door (60). The electronic components may provide various functions to the door (60). For example, if the electronic components are an electronic component unit (100, see FIG. 2), an internal image of the storage space (41) can be obtained through the electronic component unit (100). The door (60) can increase the internal illuminance of the storage space (41). To this end, the electronic component unit (100) may be equipped with an image acquisition device (120) and a lighting device (130).

[0035] For reference, looking at FIG. 4, the lighting device (130) is positioned on both sides with the image acquisition device (120) in between. The lighting device (130) may include a plurality of lights (130a, 130b). At this time, the plurality of lights (130a, 130b) may irradiate light in different directions.

[0036] As another example, a display device (not shown) as an electronic component may be placed in the door (60). The display device can provide information about the home appliance to the user. The user can input operation commands through the display device.

[0037] A part of the electronic component unit (100) or display device may be provided inside the door (60). At this time, electronic components such as the electronic component unit (100) or display device may exchange electrical signals with a main control unit provided in the main body (10) of the home appliance, or may be connected to the main body (10) by a wire for power supply. Hereinafter, the electronic component placed in the door (60) will be described as an example of the electronic component unit (100).

[0038] For reference, FIG. 4 shows a front panel (Ga) forming the front of the door (60) and illustrates the electronic component unit (100) and a harness guide (160) for supplying power to the electronic component unit (100). In reality, the electronic component unit (100) and the harness guide (160) are placed inside the door (60) and are not exposed from the front of the door (60). Referring to FIG. 4, a wire storage section (WG) is formed inside the harness guide (160) to accommodate a wire harness (not shown).

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, the front of the cooking appliance of the present embodiment may include a door (60) and an operating unit (15). Reference numeral 16 indicates a display unit exposed on the front of the operating unit (15). Inside the door (60), the previously described image acquisition device (120) and the transmittance variable unit (200) may be arranged. The appliance may be a built-in appliance. For example, the appliance may be a cooking appliance installed in a built-in manner.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, the direction in which external light is transmitted into the interior of the door (60) is indicated by an arrow. Here, the external light may be visible light reflected from an external object placed outside the home appliance. The path in which this visible light passes through the front panel (Ga) of the door (60) and is reflected inside the door (60) is indicated by a dotted arrow (arrow ①), and the path in which the visible light does not reach the interior of the door (60) and is reflected again is indicated by a solid arrow (arrow ②). As such, in this embodiment, external visible light may enter or be blocked from entering the interior of the door (60), and this difference can be achieved by the variable transmittance part (200) described below. In FIG. 2, F' is an example of an external object representing a user.

[0041] The above-mentioned variable transmittance section (200) can allow external visible light to pass through the transparent section (V) formed on the front panel (Ga) of the door (60), or prevent visible light from passing through the transparent section (V). At this time, the state in which visible light does not pass through the transparent section (V) is designated as the blocking mode, and the state in which it passes through is designated as the transmission mode. Alternatively, the state in which visible light does not pass through the transparent section (V) can be considered as the first state, and the state in which it passes through as the second state.

[0042] When the above-mentioned variable transmittance unit (200) is in transmission mode, external visible light can pass through the front panel (Ga) of the door (60) and the above-mentioned variable transmittance unit (200) respectively and enter the interior of the door (60). When external visible light enters the interior of the door (60), it can reach the image acquisition device (120) while being reflected inside the door (60) (see path of dotted arrow (①) in FIG. 2). More precisely, external visible light can reach the image acquisition device (120) after being reflected on the surface of another panel placed behind the front panel (Ga). Accordingly, an image of an external object (F', see FIG. 2) can be formed on the image acquisition device (120).

[0043] Conversely, when the variable transmittance unit (200) is in a blocking mode, external visible light is reflected by the variable transmittance unit (200) positioned behind the front panel (Ga) and cannot enter the interior of the door (60), and therefore, external visible light cannot reach the image acquisition device (120). The structure and operation of the variable transmittance unit (200) will be explained again below.

[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention. For reference, FIG. 2 illustrates a transparent view of a storage space (41) formed inside the inner casing (40) of the home appliance. The inner casing (40) may be provided inside the main body (10). The inner casing (40) may be wrapped by the side cover (12), etc., of the main body (10).

[0045] A workpiece (F, see FIG. 2) may be placed in the storage space (41). The workpiece (F) may not be easily visible from the outside, that is, in front of the door (60). In this embodiment, the door (60) is provided with a transparent section (V), so the user can observe the inside of the storage space (41) through the transparent section (V); however, if the illuminance of the storage space (41) is low, it is difficult for the user to accurately observe the inside of the storage space (41) with the naked eye. In this embodiment, since the electronic component includes a lighting device (130), the illuminance of the storage space (41) can be sufficiently increased. For reference, when the variable transmittance section (200) is in transmission mode, external visible light can pass through the transparent section (V).

[0046] At this time, the light irradiated from the lighting device (130) can be reflected from the inner wall of the storage space (41) and then transmitted to the door (60). The light transmitted to the door (60) in this way can expose components placed at the rear of the door (60) toward the user. In this embodiment, the door (60) is provided with a panel perimeter (PA) surrounding the edge of the transparent part (V) to prevent the exposure of these components. The panel perimeter (PA) can be formed to be opaque or translucent surrounding the transparent part (V). The variable transmittance part (200) can be positioned closer to the center of the door (60) than the panel perimeter (PA). The structure of the panel perimeter (PA) will be examined in detail below.

[0047] FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 illustrate an embodiment of a door (60) according to the present invention. For reference, in the drawings, the reference numeral "I" indicates the inside of the door (60), i.e., the direction of the storage space (41), and the reference numeral "O" indicates the outside of the door (60), the exterior of the home appliance. For reference, FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 illustrate a structure in which the rear frame (80), inner frame (90), and insulation panel (IP) constituting the door body (70, 80, 90) of the door (60) are omitted.

[0048] The front of the door (60) may be composed of a front frame (70), a front panel (Ga), and a door handle (75), which will be described below. The front panel (Ga) and the door handle (75) may each be attached to the front frame (70). Here, the front panel (Ga) is made of a transparent or translucent material so as to allow the storage space (41) to be seen through. Only a portion of the front panel (Ga) may be visible from the front and rear.

[0049] In FIG. 3, the arrow indicates the direction in which visible light passes through the door (60). Visible light from outside the home appliance can selectively pass through the viewing section (V) of the door (60). A variable transmittance section (200) positioned behind the viewing section (V) can selectively allow visible light to pass through. By user operation or automatic control by the main control unit, the variable transmittance section (200) can be switched from a blocking mode to a transmitting mode to allow visible light to pass through.

[0050] A door handle (75) is provided on the front of the door (60). The door handle (75) is the part that the user grasps when opening the door (60). In this embodiment, the door (60) may operate in a pull-down manner in which the upper part rotates up and down around the lower part. The user can grasp the door handle (75) and pull the door handle (75) to open the door (60) downward. As another example, the door (60) may operate in a side-swing manner to open sideways.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 4, the door (60) is shown as viewed from the rear. A transparent section (V) is formed in the center of the door (60). The transparent section (V) is intended to allow viewing of the storage space (41). The transparent section (V) may be formed in the center of the door panel (G). More precisely, the door panel (G) is composed of a plurality of panels (Ga, Gb, Gc), and the transparent section (V) may be formed in the center of each of the plurality of panels (Ga, Gb, Gc). The door panel (G) may be made of a material that transmits light, such as glass.

[0052] In this embodiment, a transparent portion (V) is formed at the center of the front panel (Ga), and a printing area is formed on the outer edge of the transparent portion (V). The printing area becomes the panel periphery portion (PA) described above, and the panel periphery portion (PA) may not allow the door (60) to be viewed in the front-rear direction, or may allow only a very small portion of light to be transmitted. At this time, the transmittance variable portion (200) is disposed on the surface of the front panel (Ga) to block or allow visible light passing through the transparent portion (V). That is, the passage of visible light can be blocked at the periphery portion of the front panel (Ga) by the panel periphery portion (PA), and the passage of visible light can be blocked at the center (transparent portion (V)) of the front panel (Ga) by the transmittance variable portion (200).

[0053] Among the plurality of panels (Ga, Gb, Gc) above, a panel perimeter (PA) that surrounds the edge of the transparent portion (V) may be formed on the front panel (Ga). The panel perimeter (PA) prevents the storage space (41) from being visible. In FIG. 4, the panel perimeter (PA) may include an upper perimeter (PA1) that surrounds the upper edge of the transparent portion (V), a lower perimeter (PA2) that surrounds the lower edge of the transparent portion (V), and side perimeters (PA3) that surround the edges of both sides of the transparent portion (V). The upper perimeter (PA1), lower perimeter (PA2), and side perimeter (PA3) are connected to each other to form a roughly rectangular shape. Alternatively, the upper perimeter (PA1) may be referred to as the first perimeter, the lower perimeter (PA2) as the second perimeter, and the side perimeter (PA3) as the third perimeter.

[0054] The panel perimeter (PA) can prevent components placed behind the front panel (Ga) from being exposed. For example, the panel perimeter (PA) can cover the inner frame (90) and the electronic component unit (100) described later. In this embodiment, the electronic component unit (100) is placed behind the upper perimeter (PA1). For reference, FIG. 12 shows the electronic component unit (100) covered by the panel perimeter (PA) in a transparent view, but in reality, the electronic component unit (100) is covered by the panel perimeter (PA). The panel perimeter (PA) not only covers the components but can also be printed with a specific color or shape to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the door (60). The structure of the panel perimeter (PA) will be explained again below.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the variable transmittance portion (200) is positioned on the inside of the panel perimeter portion (PA). The variable transmittance portion (200) is positioned closer to the center of the front panel (Ga) than the panel perimeter portion (PA) so as to block the viewing portion (V). The variable transmittance portion (200) can be positioned on the surface where the panel perimeter portion (PA) is printed on the front panel (Ga), that is, on the rear surface of the front panel (Ga).

[0056] A front opening (72) may be formed at the center of the front frame (70). The front opening (72) penetrates the center of the front frame (70) and exposes a portion of the front panel (Ga). The transparent portion (V), a portion of the panel perimeter portion (PA), and the variable transmittance portion (200) may be exposed in the front opening (72).

[0057] With reference to FIGS. 4 and FIG. 5, the components constituting the present embodiment will be examined in detail. The door body (70, 80, 90) forming the frame of the door (60) may be composed of a plurality of frame components. In the present embodiment, the door body (70, 80, 90) may include a front frame (70), a rear frame (80), and an inner frame (90). These can be combined to form a single door body (70, 80, 90). Here, 'front' refers to the front of the door (60) (right side based on FIG. 5).

[0058] The front frame (70) may be positioned in front of the door body (70, 80, 90). More precisely, the front frame (70) may form the front frame of the door body (70, 80, 90). The front frame (70) includes a roughly rectangular front frame body (71). A front opening (72) is formed through the center of the front frame body (71) to expose the door panel (G). A front bracket (73) protrudes from the bottom of the front frame body (71), and the front bracket (73) may be combined with the rear bracket (83) of the rear frame (80) to be described later. Reference numeral 74 is a side cover portion, and the harness guide (160) may be housed inside the side cover portion (74).

[0059] Of the two surfaces of the front frame (70), the front panel (Ga) is in close contact with the rear surface (71B) of the front frame (70). Since the perimeter of the front frame (70) is wider than the perimeter of the front panel (Ga), even when the front panel (Ga) is in close contact with the rear surface (71B) of the front frame (70), an installation area is formed on the rear surface (71B) of the front frame (70) that is not covered by the front panel (Ga). The installation area (not shown) may be formed on the surface of the door body (70, 80, 90) extending beyond the edge of the door panel (G).

[0060] A door hinge (78) may be provided on the door body (70, 80, 90). In FIG. 5, the door hinge (78) is shown in a disassembled state, and in FIG. 6, the door hinge (78) is shown positioned between the front frame (70) and the inner frame (90). A hinge hook arm (78a) may protrude from the door hinge (78).

[0061] A rear frame (80) can be attached to the front frame (70) with the door panel (G) in between. The rear frame (80) includes a rear frame body (81) in the shape of a roughly rectangular frame. When the door (60) is closed, the rear frame (80) can face the open entrance of the storage space (41). A rear opening (82) can be opened at the center of the rear frame body (81). The rear opening (82) may have a structure that is open to the front and rear so that the transparent part (V) can see inside the storage space (41). Reference numeral 88 indicates a hook arm passage hole through which the hinge hook arm (78a) protrudes. A rear fastening hole (87) may be formed in the rear frame (80). The rear fastening hole (87) above is the part through which the door (60) fastening member (not shown) passes.

[0062] A cooling channel (85) may be formed in the rear frame (80). Air introduced into the interior of the door (60) through the cooling channel may be transferred to the main body (10) of the cooking appliance to perform a cooling function. Conversely, heat from the main body (10) of the cooking appliance may be introduced into the cooling channel (85), pass through the interior of the door (60), and be discharged to the outside.

[0063] The rear opening (82) of the rear frame (80) does not obstruct the transparent portion (V), but may obstruct a part of the electronic component unit (100). More precisely, through the rear opening (82), the image acquisition device (120) and the lighting device (130) constituting the electronic component unit (100) are exposed toward the rear storage space (41) (based on the closed state), but a part of the electronic component unit (100) corresponding to the upper portion of the image acquisition device (120) and the lighting device (130) may be obscured by the rear frame (80). Accordingly, even if the user opens the door (60), the remaining portion, excluding the parts of the image acquisition device (120) and the lighting device (130), may not be exposed through the transparent portion (V).

[0064] The inner frame (90) may be coupled to the rear frame (80). The inner frame (90) may be positioned between the rear frame (80) and the front frame (70). The rear panel (IP) may be positioned between the inner frame (90) and the rear frame (80). Insulators (97, 98) may also be positioned between the inner frame (90) and the rear frame (80). When the inner frame (90) is coupled to the rear frame (80), the rear panel (IP) and the insulators (97, 98) may be fixed.

[0065] In this embodiment, the inner frame (90) is composed of a first inner frame (91) and a second inner frame (95). A first inner opening (92) and a second inner opening (96) are opened at the center of the first inner frame (91) and the second inner frame (95), respectively. The first inner opening (92) and the second inner opening (96) are connected to the rear opening (82) to expose the transparent portion (V). A hinge avoidance portion (93) is formed in a recessed shape on the side of the first inner frame (91). The hinge avoidance portion (93) may be in a recessed shape to avoid the part where the door hinge (78) is mounted. As another example, the inner frame (90) may be omitted or may be composed as part of the rear frame (80).

[0066] Insulators (97, 98) are disposed between the inner frame (90) and the rear frame (80). The insulators (97, 98) are disposed at the top and bottom of the rear panel (IP), respectively, to perform an insulating function.

[0067] The first rear panel (Gb) and the second rear panel (Gc) constituting the rear panel (IP) are spaced apart from the front panel (Ga). An air passage (A, see FIG. 6), which is a flow space for air to flow, may be formed between the rear panel (IP) and the front panel (Ga) that are spaced apart in this way. Additionally, the rear panel (IP) may form an insulating space within it so that the internal heat of the storage space (41) is not transferred to the front, i.e., toward the door (60). Therefore, the rear panel (IP) may be viewed as an insulating panel (IP). As another example, the rear panel (IP) may be composed of only one panel or may be composed of three or more panels.

[0068] An electronic component unit (100) is disposed on the front panel (Ga). In this embodiment, the electronic component unit (100) is in close contact with the front panel (Ga). As another example, the electronic component unit (100) may be spaced apart from the front panel (Ga).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic component unit (100) includes two casings (110). An image acquisition device (120) and a lighting device (130) may be provided between the two casings (110A, 110B). The image acquisition device (120) can be viewed as a type of camera device for photographing the storage space (41). The lighting device (130) is a light source for illuminating the storage space (41) and may include LED elements. In this embodiment, the electronic component unit (100) includes both the image acquisition device (120) and the lighting device (130). As another example, the electronic component unit (100) may be provided with only one of the image acquisition device (120) and the lighting device (130).

[0070] The electronic component unit (100) may include a main unit (100A) and a connection unit (100B). The image acquisition device (120) and the lighting device (130) may be placed in the main unit (100A). A wire harness for transmitting power and signals to the image acquisition device (120) and the lighting device (130) may be placed in the connection unit (100B). In this embodiment, the main unit (100A) and the connection unit (100B) extend in different directions. As another example, the connection unit (100B) may be omitted.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic component unit (100) can be positioned at a location spaced apart toward the transmission portion (V) from the edge (Ga') of the front panel (Ga). The electronic component unit (100) is positioned at a location spaced apart from the upper edge of the edge (Ga') of the front panel (Ga) toward the center (Va) of the transmission portion (V). In this way, the electronic component unit (100) is positioned closer to the transmission portion (V), thereby securing a wider field of view and illumination angle.

[0072] The electronic component unit (100) may be placed on the panel perimeter (PA). The panel perimeter (PA) is formed around the edge of the transparent portion (V). The electronic component unit (100) placed on the panel perimeter (PA) is covered by the panel perimeter (PA) and is not exposed to the front, i.e., the direction of the user. In this embodiment, the electronic component unit (100) is placed on the upper perimeter (PA1) of the panel perimeter (PA).

[0073] Since the electronic component unit (100) is positioned relatively closer to the transparent portion (V) than to the edge of the door body (70, 80, 90), the electronic component unit (100) and the edge of the door body (70, 80, 90) are spaced apart. Accordingly, the electronic component unit (100) can maintain a fixed state by relying on the door panel (G), more precisely, the front panel (Ga). For example, the electronic component unit (100) can be fixed to the surface of the front panel (Ga) using an adhesive component such as double-sided tape.

[0074] At this time, the front panel (Ga) of the door (60) is provided with a panel periphery (PA) along with the transmission portion (V), so that light can be transmitted only through the transmission portion (V). The panel periphery (PA) is composed of a printed layer (140) as described below, so that light is not transmitted or the amount of transmitted light can be significantly reduced. Of course, light passing through the transmission portion (V) can be blocked by the variable transmittance portion (200).

[0075] When the above-mentioned variable transmittance part (200) is in a transmittance mode, light (visible light) is transmitted to the transmittance part (V) of the front panel (Ga) constituting the door (60), but the panel perimeter part (PA) arranged around the transmittance part (V) may not transmit light. As shown in FIG. 4, since the home appliance component unit (100) is placed on the rear of the upper perimeter part (PA1), the upper perimeter part (PA1) can cover the home appliance component unit (100) so that it is not exposed to the front.

[0076] In this embodiment, the storage space (41) is made of metal, so the surface has a high light reflectivity. Also, the inner frame (90) and rear frame (80) placed behind the front panel (Ga) are also made of metal, so they can reflect light well. However, since the panel perimeter (PA) blocks light, the reflected light can only be transmitted forward through the variable transmittance part (200) and the transparent part (V).

[0077] FIGS. 7(a) and FIGS. 7(b) illustrate the appearance of a variable transmittance part (200) constituting an embodiment of a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention in a blocking mode, and the appearance of the home appliance when the variable transmittance part (200) is in a blocking mode. Looking at FIG. 7(b), when the variable transmittance part (200) is in a blocking mode, visible light cannot pass through the variable transmittance part (200) positioned behind the front panel (Ga), so the object to be worked on inside cannot be observed from the outside. To this end, the power supply to the variable transmittance part (200) must be cut off so that it becomes a blocking mode. FIG. 7(a) illustrates the appearance of the variable transmittance part (200) in a blocking mode.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 7(a), the cross-section of the variable transmittance portion (200) is enlarged. As shown in the figure, the variable transmittance portion (200) may be configured to include an active layer (211). In this embodiment, the active layer (211) may be composed of a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crustal) film. The PDLC film may exhibit an opaque state (blocked mode) when no voltage is applied, and a transparent state (transmitting mode) when voltage is applied.

[0079] Looking at the structure of the above PDLC film, the PDLC film may have a first cover layer (230A) equipped with a first electrode layer (220A) and a second cover layer (230B) equipped with a second electrode layer (220B) facing each other at a certain distance. Between the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B), an active layer (211) composed of a prepolymer (212) in which liquid crystal (214) is dispersed may be located. In this embodiment, the PDLC film may be made by inserting an active layer (211), which is a mixture of the prepolymer (212) and the liquid crystal (214), between the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B), which are transparent indium tin oxide (ITO). For example, the active layer (211) can be formed by coating a PDLC solution between a pair of ITO films, a first electrode layer (220A) and a second electrode layer (220B).

[0080] Here, the active layer (211) composed of the prepolymer (212) and the liquid crystal (214) becomes a dielectric, and the two electrode layers (220A, 220B) facing each other with the dielectric in between can form a type of capacitor structure.

[0081] The first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B) may be composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). As another example, the first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B) may be made of transparent materials such as glass, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyepoxy, but are not limited thereto.

[0082] The first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B) may be formed by including at least one of ITO, IZO (In-ZnO), GZO (Ga-ZnO), AZO (Al-ZnO), AGZO (Al-GaZnO), IGZO (In-Ga ZnO), IrOx, RuOx, RuOx / ITO, Ni / IrOx / Au, and Ni / IrOx / Au / ITO, but are not limited thereto.

[0083] The active layer (211) may be composed of a prepolymer (212), which is a polymer matrix in which liquid crystal (214) is dispersed. The active layer (211) may be formed by mixing a raw material of a polymer material that hardens by ultraviolet rays or heat with the liquid crystal (214), injecting it into a liquid crystal specimen, and then exposing it to ultraviolet rays or heat. That is, when the raw materials of the polymer material are exposed to ultraviolet rays or heat to form a polymer, phase separation occurs with the liquid crystal, and accordingly, liquid crystal can be formed between the polymer mesh. The liquid crystal (214) may be a nematic liquid crystal, a cholesteric liquid crystal, a smectic liquid crystal, a ferroelectric liquid crystal, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0084] The active layer (211) can form a transmittance variable layer (210) together with the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B). The first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B) can be laminated on each side of the transmittance variable layer (210). A film structure composed of the transmittance variable layer (210), the first cover layer (230A), and the second cover layer (230B) can form the transmittance variable portion (200).

[0085] The active layer (211) is a portion in which the transmittance varies depending on whether power is applied. In this embodiment, the transmittance variable layer (210) is composed of a PDLC film, but as another example, the transmittance variable layer (210) may be composed of a PNLC film (Polymer Network Liquid Crystal) or an electrochromic film including an electrochromic element. The PNLC film has a three-dimensional network structure in which the liquid crystal is in a continuous phase and the polymer is cross-linked. Alternatively, the transmittance variable layer (210) may be a Reverse Mode PDLC film. A Reverse Mode PDLC film has the characteristic of becoming opaque when power is applied and, conversely, becoming transparent when power is applied.

[0086] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 7(a), when driving power is not applied to the variable transmittance unit (200), the liquid crystal (214) in the active layer (211) is arranged in any direction, and a difference occurs between the effective refractive index of the liquid crystal (214) and the refractive index of the polymer, and thus incident light can be scattered opaquely. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the object (F) placed behind the front panel (Ga) is not observed from the outside.

[0087] On the other hand, when a driving power supply is applied to the variable transmittance unit (200) as in FIG. 8(a), the liquid crystal (214) in the active layer (211) aligns in one direction so that the refractive index of the liquid crystal (214) and the polymer matrix (212) become equal, and incident light can pass through the active layer (211). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the workpiece (F) placed behind the front panel (Ga) can be observed from the outside.

[0088] FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 illustrate the structure of the variable transmittance section (200) of the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10, the first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B) may be disposed on each side of the variable transmittance layer (210) placed in the center. The first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B) may each be thin plates and may be seen as forming the framework of the variable transmittance section (200).

[0089] The first surface of the variable transmittance portion (200) may be in close contact with the surface of the front panel (Ga) among the plurality of panels. At this time, the first surface may be the surface of the first cover layer (230A). An adhesive layer (250) may be laminated on the surface of the first cover layer (230A). The adhesive layer (250) may be positioned between the first cover layer (230A) and the front panel (Ga) to adhere the first cover layer (230A) to the surface of the front panel (Ga). The adhesive layer (250) may be a thin film structure in which an adhesive material is formed on each of its surfaces. As another example, the adhesive layer (250) may be formed by directly applying an adhesive material to the surface of the first cover layer (230A).

[0090] The adhesive layer (250) is made of a transparent material and can transmit visible light. The adhesive layer (250) may contain a dye to express a specific color, but even in this case, the adhesive layer (250) is made transparent. As the dye, one or more types may be selected and combined from azo dye, anthraquinone dye, phenylene dye, melocyanine dye, azomethine dye, phthaloperylene dye, indigo dye, azulene dye, dioxazine dye, and polythiophene dye.

[0091] The adhesive layer (250) may be formed over the entire first surface, or the adhesive layer (250) may be formed around the edge of the first surface. If the adhesive layer (250) is formed over the entire first surface of the variable transmittance part (200), the variable transmittance part (200) can be fixed more strongly to the surface of the front panel (Ga). If the adhesive layer (250) is formed around the edge of the first surface of the variable transmittance part (200), the variable transmittance part (200) can reduce the decrease in transmittance caused by the adhesive layer (250).

[0092] As shown in FIG. 10, when the variable transmittance part (200) is in a transmission mode, external visible light can pass through the variable transmittance part (200). More specifically, external visible light that has passed through the transmission part (V) of the front panel (Ga) can pass through the adhesive layer (250), the first cover layer (230A), the variable transmittance layer (210), and the second cover layer (230B) in sequence and pass through the rear panel (IP) of the door (60).

[0093] FIG. 11 conceptually illustrates the circuit structure of the transmittance variable layer (210) constituting the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B) are arranged on both sides of the central active layer (211). Here, the active layer (211), the first electrode layer (220A), and the second electrode layer (220B) can form a capacitor structure. When power is supplied to the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B), the liquid crystals (214) of the active layer (211) arranged between them are aligned, and the transmittance variable layer (210) can be switched to a transmittance mode.

[0094] In FIG. 11, the reference numeral P represents a power supply unit (P), which may be placed inside the door (60) or on the main body of the appliance. To receive power from the power supply unit (P), a first electrode (260A) and a second electrode (260B) may be connected to the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B), respectively. The power supply unit (P) may form a power supply structure together with a wire harness. This structure will be explained again below.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 11, the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B) can form a circuit equipped with a type of resistor (225). Also, the interior of the active layer (211) can be a type of capacitor (215) having a predetermined capacitance. In the drawing, three resistors are included in each of the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode (260B), and a structure is shown in which the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode (260B) are connected in parallel through the capacitor (215) of the active layer (211); this is a simplified representation to aid understanding. Through the active layer (211), the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode (260B) can have numerous parallel connection structures. In this way, the transmittance variable part (200) including the active layer (211) can have a uniform transmittance from the top to the bottom.

[0096] Fig. 12 illustrates a view of the door (60) of the present embodiment from the front. As shown, a front panel (Ga) is positioned at the center of the door (60), and the front panel (Ga) includes a panel perimeter (PA) surrounding the viewing portion. At this time, the variable transmittance portion (200) is positioned behind the transparent portion (V). Since the variable transmittance portion (200) is positioned behind the transparent portion (V), it can be observed from the outside of the door (60) only through the transparent portion (V). If a blocking mode is activated, the variable transmittance portion (200) becomes darker overall, and both the variable transmittance portion (200) and the transparent portion (V) can be shielded.

[0097] FIG. 13 illustrates, in a simplified form, an embodiment of a structure in which a variable transmittance portion (200) is disposed on a front panel (Ga) constituting the door (60) of the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a view of the front panel (Ga) from the rear, i.e., from the storage space (41). Reference numeral K indicates the boundary portion (K) between the transparent portion (V) and the panel perimeter portion (PA). The transparent portion (V) and the panel perimeter portion (PA) may be partitioned based on the boundary portion (K). The boundary portion (K) is rectangular along the edge of the transparent portion (V). As another example, the boundary portion (K) may be polygonal or circular.

[0098] Drawing symbols T1 and T2 indicate a first placement area (T1) and a second placement area (T2), respectively, where the electronic component unit (100) and the harness guide (160) are placed. The harness guide (160) is a part in which a wire harness, which will be described below, is housed, and the harness guide (160) can guide the wire harness in an extended direction by fixing it.

[0099] In this embodiment, some of the edges of the variable transmittance portion (200) may be positioned outside the transparent portion (V). The edges of the variable transmittance portion (200) are positioned outside the boundary portion (K). Here, "outside" means a direction closer to the outer edge of the door (60) than to the center of the door (60). In this way, the variable transmittance portion (200) can have a larger area than the transparent portion (V) while covering the entire boundary portion (K).

[0100] In other words, it can be seen that some of the edges of the variable transmittance section (200) are positioned away from the transparent section (V), and some of the edges of the variable transmittance section (200) are positioned to overlap with the transparent section (V). More specifically, among the perimeter surfaces formed around the edges of the variable transmittance section (200), the upper first perimeter surface (201) is positioned outside the upper edge of the transparent section (V). Among the perimeter surfaces of the variable transmittance section (200), the second perimeter surface (202) and the third perimeter surface (203) at both ends are positioned outside the edges of both sides of the transparent section (V). Among the perimeter surfaces of the variable transmittance section (200), the lower fourth perimeter surface (204) is positioned outside the lower edge of the transparent section (V). Based on the drawing, the first perimeter surface (201) can be considered an upper perimeter surface, and the fourth perimeter surface (204) can be considered a lower perimeter surface.

[0101] At this time, among the perimeter surfaces formed around the edge of the variable transmittance part (200), the first perimeter surface (201) facing the surface (T1A) of the image acquisition device (120) may be arranged in a direction parallel to the surface of the image acquisition device (120). Referring to FIG. 12, the first perimeter surface (201) extends in a direction parallel to the bottom surface (T1A) of the electronic component unit (100) including the image acquisition device (120). This appearance can also be confirmed in FIG. 13, where, as shown in FIG. 13, the first perimeter surface (201) extends in a direction parallel to the first placement area (T1) where the electronic component unit (100) including the image acquisition device (120) is placed.

[0102] In this way, the first perimeter surface (201) can be positioned adjacent to the electronic component unit (100). If the first electrode (260A), the second electrode (260B), and the wire harness extend from the first perimeter surface (201) adjacent to the electronic component unit (100), (i) the first electrode (260A), the second electrode (260B), and the wire harness can be housed in the electronic component unit (100), and / or (ii) the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) may protrude toward the electronic component unit (100) and be directly connected to the electronic component unit (100).

[0103] Among the perimeter surfaces formed around the edge of the variable transmittance part (200), the second perimeter surface (202) or the third perimeter surface (203) forming the side surface may be arranged in a direction parallel to the harness guide (160). Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the third perimeter surface (203) forming the side surface among the perimeter surfaces of the variable transmittance part (200) is arranged parallel to the harness guide (160). The third perimeter surface (203) may be parallel to the surface (T2A) of the harness guide (160). As another example, the second perimeter surface (202) forming the side surface among the perimeter surfaces of the variable transmittance part (200) may be arranged parallel to the harness guide (160). Since FIG. 13 is a view of the door (60) from the opposite direction to FIG. 12, unlike FIG. 12, the second placement area (T2) where the harness guide (160) is placed is provided on the right side.

[0104] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a structure in which a variable transmittance part (200) is disposed on a front panel (Ga) constituting a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention. To explain a structure different from the previous embodiment, a fixing film (270) may be laminated on the edge of the second surface of the variable transmittance part (200), which is opposite to the first surface. That is, the first surface of the variable transmittance part (200) is in close contact with the surface of the front panel (Ga) among the plurality of panels, and a fixing film (270) is laminated on the edge of the second surface of the variable transmittance part (200), which is opposite to the first surface.

[0105] A portion of the fixing film (270) may be laminated to the edge of the first surface, and the remaining portion of the fixing film (270) may be laminated to the surface of the front panel (Ga). Through this, the fixing film (270) can adhere the edge of the first surface to the surface of the front panel (Ga). That is, the fixing film (270) can ensure that the edge of the transmittance variable portion (200) is firmly fixed without lifting off the surface of the front panel (Ga).

[0106] The above fixing film (270) may be a thin film structure with adhesive applied to only one surface. The surface of the fixing film (270) with adhesive applied may be adhered to the edge of the transmittance variable portion (200) and the surface of the front panel (Ga).

[0107] The above fixing film (270) may be made of a transparent / translucent material or an opaque material. If the above fixing film (270) is placed outside the transparent portion (V), the above fixing film (270) is placed behind the panel perimeter portion (PA), so it does not need to be made of a transparent material. As another example, if all or part of the above fixing film (270) is placed inside the transparent portion (V), that is, behind the transparent portion (V), it is preferable that the above fixing film (270) be made of a transparent / translucent material so that visible light passing through the transparent portion (V) can pass through.

[0108] FIGS. 15(a) to 15(c) respectively show graphs illustrating the voltage applied to the variable transmittance part (200) constituting the door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention and the change in transparency accordingly. First, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the power supplied to the variable transmittance part (200) is an AC power source, and the phase can change at regular intervals. Although a pulse wave is shown in FIG. 15(a), as another example, various waveforms such as a sine wave, a triangular wave, a step wave, or a rectangular wave can be applied to the power source.

[0109] In this embodiment, an AC power source or a switching power source by a switching device may be applied to the variable transmittance unit (200). The AC power source may be formed by an AC voltage of 10V to 150V.

[0110] At this time, the pulse duty ratio formed by the waveform of the current applied to the variable transmittance unit (200) can be varied by the main control unit so that the light transmittance of the variable transmittance unit (200) can be adjusted. In this way, when applying a pulse wave with the power source in this embodiment, the transmittance of the variable transmittance unit (200) can be adjusted by applying various duty ratios.

[0111] Table 1 below summarizes the values ​​obtained by applying various duty cycles to the pulse waves of the driving power source and testing the transmittance of the variable transmittance unit (200) accordingly. For reference, the duty cycle refers to the ratio of the pulse wave width to one cycle of the pulse wave. That is, the duty cycle is the ratio of the portion of the pulse that rises to a high level during one cycle of the pulse wave.

[0112] Duty (%) Voltage (V) Light transmittance (%) 1 10 33 24 2 20 47 41 3 30 58 59 4 40 71 71 5 50 79 78 6 60 82 79 7 70 91 80 8 80 96 81 9 90 103 81 10 100 110 82

[0113] As shown in the table above, changing the duty cycle changes the light transmittance of the variable transmittance unit (200). In this embodiment, the main control unit (not shown) can adjust the light transmittance of the variable transmittance unit (200) by adjusting the duty cycle of the power applied to the variable transmittance unit (200). Through this, the variable transmittance unit (200) can achieve various light transmittances and change the aesthetic appearance of the door (60).

[0114] FIG. 15(b) shows the transparency (light transmittance) of the variable transmittance unit (200) according to the change in voltage applied through the duty cycle adjustment. The main control unit may adjust the transparency (light transmittance) of the variable transmittance unit (200) by varying the duty cycle of the current supplied to the variable transmittance unit (200) and / or by varying the DC link voltage input to the inverter. The graph in FIG. 15(c) shows the change in light transmittance of the variable transmittance unit (200) when the duty cycle of the current supplied to the variable transmittance unit (200) is varied and when the DC link voltage is varied.

[0115] As shown here, when the voltage exceeds a certain level (about 80V), it can be seen that the light transmittance becomes similar when the current duty cycle is varied and when the DC link voltage is varied. Therefore, the main control unit can adjust the transparency of the transmittance variable unit (200) by varying the duty cycle or varying the DC link voltage.

[0116] FIG. 16 illustrates a configuration in which a detection module (300) is positioned on a door for a home appliance according to the present invention. The detection module (300) may include a sensor device (300) that detects vibrations generated by a user. Here, the vibration may be generated by the user applying an external force to the surface of the door (60), such as a knock.

[0117] The detection module (300) can detect a knock input applied to the door (60). Specifically, the detection module (300) can be a sensor that detects vibrations propagated by a medium. The detection module (300) can detect vibrations generated by a knock when they are transmitted through a medium. For example, the detection module (300) may be configured to include a 3-axis sensor module and a sensor microcomputer. As another example, the detection module (300) may further include a filter section and an amplification section. As yet another example, the detection module (300) may be configured with a microphone device that detects the knock input as a sound wave and a sensor microcomputer.

[0118] At this time, since the temperature and pressure of the home appliance may affect the vibration detection performance of the detection module (300), it is desirable to install the detection module (300) in a location where the vibration detection performance is not affected by temperature and pressure, taking this into consideration. In this embodiment, the detection module (300) may be placed between a plurality of panels constituting the door panel (G). When the detection module (300) is placed between the plurality of panels, the heat from the storage space (41) transmitted to the detection module (300) is reduced.

[0119] The detection module (300) may be positioned at the rear of the front panel (Ga). Referring to FIG. 16, the detection module (300) is positioned at the rear of the front panel (Ga) constituting the door panel (G), but is positioned at a location that extends beyond the edge of the transparent portion (V). At this time, the detection module (300) may be positioned at the panel perimeter portion (PA). Accordingly, the detection module (300) may be concealed and not exposed to the front.

[0120] As another example, the detection module (300) may be positioned away from the edge of the door panel (G). Alternatively, the detection module (300) may be positioned away from the door panel (G) and within the door body (70, 80, 90). In this way, the detection module (300) is moved away from the storage space (41), and the door body (70, 80, 90) can cool the detection module (300) by acting as a heat dissipation mechanism. This improves the heat resistance of the detection module (300).

[0121] The detection module (300) may be positioned closer to the front panel (Ga) than to the insulation panel (IP). In this way, the detection module (300) is positioned closer to the front of the door (60), thereby improving sensitivity to the knock-on signal, which is a user input signal. At the same time, since the detection module (300) is spaced apart from the insulation panel (IP), the heat transmitted to the detection module (300) can also be reduced.

[0122] FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of a structure in which the detection module (300) is placed. As shown in the figure, the detection module (300) can be placed in the electronic component unit (100). When the detection module (300) is placed in the electronic component unit (100), the distance between the detection module (300) and the control unit (20) can be reduced. Additionally, when the detection module (300) is placed inside the electronic component unit (100), the detection module (300) is shielded by the housing of the electronic component unit (100), thereby improving durability.

[0123] The above control unit (20, see FIG. 18) can control the transmittance variable unit (200) with a signal detected by the detection module (300). Here, the control unit (20) may be the main control unit or a sub-control unit (not shown) independent of the main control unit. The sub-control unit may be placed inside the electronic component unit (100). The control unit (20) may be placed inside the main body (10) or in the operating unit (15). Alternatively, the control unit (20) may be placed inside the door (60).

[0124] Referring to FIG. 18, the control unit (20) can receive a signal from a sensor device including the detection module (300). The sensor device may include a temperature / humidity sensor in addition to the detection module (300). The control unit (20) can also receive a signal from the operation unit (15). The control unit (20) may also exchange signals with a user's terminal (RT). The control unit (20) may be wirelessly connected to the user's terminal (RT).

[0125] The control unit (20) can control at least one of the image acquisition device (120), the lighting device (130), and the transmittance variable unit (200). Depending on the operating state of the image acquisition device (120), the lighting device (130), and the transmittance variable unit (200), the control unit (20) can cause them to be linked together or operated individually.

[0126] The control unit (20) can control the on / off of the variable transmittance unit (200). That is, the control unit (20) can switch the variable transmittance unit (200) between a transmittance mode and a blocking mode. For example, the control unit (20) can switch the variable transmittance unit (200) to a blocking mode when the image acquisition device (120) is in operation.

[0127] FIG. 19 illustrates a flowchart of a door control method according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, when a knock signal is input by a user (S10), vibration occurs in the door (60) (S11). When such vibration occurs, the detection module (300) can detect it. Of course, as previously explained, the detection module (300) may detect the knock input as a sound wave instead of vibration.

[0128] At this time, the control unit (20) can determine whether the image acquisition device (120) is in operation (ON) (S12). If the image acquisition device (120) is in operation, the control unit (20) can notify (warn) the user that a picture is being taken by the image acquisition device (120) (S20). Here, the notification may be displayed on the display unit (16), or made as voice through a speaker (not shown), or through the user's terminal (RT).

[0129] In this way, when vibration caused by the knock is detected by the detection module (300), the control unit (20) determines the operating state of the image acquisition device (120) and can selectively operate the transmittance variable unit (200) to activate the transmission mode.

[0130] Meanwhile, if the image acquisition device (120) is not in operation, the delay count is reset (S13). The delay count is intended to calculate the time difference between the knock input and another knock input. For example, the delay count can be 10 seconds.

[0131] Next, the control unit (20) can turn ON the variable transmittance unit (200) and the lighting device (130), respectively (S14). Since the variable transmittance unit (200) is switched to a transmission mode, the user can observe the inside of the storage space (41). In this way, when a vibration caused by the knock is detected by the detection module (300), the control unit (20) can determine the operating state of the lighting device (130) and activate the transmission mode of the variable transmittance unit (200) and operate the lighting device (130).

[0132] At the same time, the control unit (20) can start the delay count and determine whether the delay time is shorter than the set time N1 (S15). If the delay time is shorter than N1, the control unit (20) can determine whether an additional knock signal is input again within a time shorter than N1 seconds (S16). If the knock signal is input again, the control unit (20) determines that the user has stopped directly observing the storage space (41) through the transmittance variable unit (200) and can turn off the transmittance variable unit (200) and the lighting device (130), respectively. And, if the knock signal is not input again, the control unit (20) can count the delay time again.

[0133] Consequently, when the user inputs multiple knock signals with a time interval shorter than the set time (N1), the variable transmittance unit (200) and the lighting device (130) are switched to the ON state and then switched back to the OFF state. During this time interval, the user can observe the interior of the storage space (41).

[0134] FIG. 20 illustrates a process following the notification (S20) by the control unit (20) mentioned earlier. As shown in the figure, after the control unit (20) notifies the shooting status of the image acquisition device (120), the control unit (20) can start a delay count to determine whether the delay time is shorter than the set time N2 (S21). Then, the control unit (20) can determine whether a knock signal is re-input within a time shorter than N2 (S22).

[0135] If a knock signal is repeatedly input with a time interval shorter than N2 hours, the control unit (20) can determine that the user recognizes the shooting state of the image acquisition device (120) and wishes to stop it. Accordingly, the control unit (20) can turn off the shooting state of the image acquisition device (120) (S23). Subsequently, the control unit (20) can turn on the lighting device (130) and the transmittance variable unit (200) respectively so that the user can directly observe the storage space (41) (S24). As another example, the control unit (20) may turn off both the lighting device (130) and the transmittance variable unit (200) without turning them on. Meanwhile, if a knock signal is not repeatedly input with a time interval shorter than N2 hours, the control unit (20) can maintain the shooting state of the image acquisition device (120).

[0136] FIG. 21 illustrates a flowchart of a control method when a user inputs a shooting signal of an image acquisition device (120). A user can input a shooting signal of an image acquisition device (120) through the control unit (21), the display unit (16), the terminal (RT), or the detection module (300) (S30). Here, input through the detection module (300) can be made by inputting multiple knock-on signals with a time interval shorter than the set time. For example, if a user inputs a total of three or more knock-on signals within three seconds, the image acquisition device (120) can take a shot.

[0137] At this time, the control unit (20) can determine whether the variable transmittance unit (200) is in an ON state, that is, in a transmission mode (S31). If the variable transmittance unit (200) is in a transmission mode, an external object may be reflected inside the door and captured by the image acquisition device (120), so it is necessary to switch the variable transmittance unit (200) to a blocking mode. Therefore, the control unit (20) switches the variable transmittance unit (200) to an OFF state, that is, in a blocking mode (S32). In other words, if multiple vibrations caused by the knock are detected by the detection module (300) with a time difference and the time difference is shorter than the set time, the control unit (20) can perform the step of activating the blocking mode of the variable transmittance unit (200).

[0138] If the variable transmittance unit (200) is already in a blocking mode, the control unit (20) does not control the variable transmittance unit (200) and switches only the lighting device (130) to an ON state to help the image acquisition device (120) take a picture (S33). Subsequently, the image acquisition device (120) may start taking a picture by the control unit (20) (S34).

[0139] Meanwhile, FIG. 22 illustrates the process of ending the shooting inside the storage space (41). A signal to stop the shooting of the image acquisition device (120) can be input by the user. As before, the user can input a signal to stop the shooting of the image acquisition device (120) through the control unit (21), the display unit (16), the terminal (RT), or the detection module (300) (S40).

[0140] When a signal to stop shooting is input from the image acquisition device (120), the control unit (20) can turn off the transmittance variable unit (200) and the lighting device (130) (S41). Although the transmittance variable unit (200) is already in an OFF state while the image acquisition device (120) is shooting, the control unit (20) can terminate the transmission mode of the transmittance variable unit (200) due to an error by turning off the transmittance variable unit (200) once again. Finally, the control unit (20) can stop shooting by the image acquisition device (120) (S42).

[0141] FIG. 23 illustrates a second embodiment of a home appliance to which a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, the home appliance may be equipped with two doors (60A, 60B). Each of the two doors (60A, 60B) may have a variable transmittance unit (200A, 200B) disposed therein. The two variable transmittance units (200A, 200B) may be controlled independently of each other, thereby varying the light transmittance.

[0142] Meanwhile, although not illustrated, the image acquisition device (120) may be placed on the handle (75) rather than inside the door (60). As another example, the image acquisition device (120) may be placed on the surface of the insulation panel (IP) rather than between the front panel (Ga) and the insulation panel (IP).

[0143] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0144] 10: Main body 40: Inner casing 60: Door 70: Front frame 72: Front opening 75: Door handle 76: Handle connection part 80: Rear frame 82: Rear opening 90: Inner frame 100: Electronic component unit 120: Image acquisition device 130: Lighting device 160: Harness guide 200: Variable transmittance section 210: Variable transmittance layer 230A: 1st cover layer 230B: 2nd cover layer 250: Adhesive layer G: Door panel Ga: Front panel

Claims

Claim 1 A door for a home appliance comprising: a door body positioned in front of a storage space of the home appliance; a door panel coupled to the door body and including a plurality of panels, with a transparent portion formed in the center; a variable transmittance portion positioned between the plurality of panels to overlap with at least a portion of the transparent portion and receiving power to vary the transmittance; a sensing module for detecting vibrations caused by a knock input to the door body or the door panel; an image acquisition device provided on the door body for photographing the storage space; and a control unit for controlling the on / off of the variable transmittance portion using a signal detected by the sensing module; wherein the control unit activates a transmission mode or a blocking mode of the variable transmittance portion according to the operating state of the image acquisition device. Claim 2 A door for a home appliance according to claim 1, wherein when vibration caused by the knock is detected by the sensing module, the control unit determines the operating state of the image acquisition device. Claim 3 A door for a home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the door body is provided with a lighting device that irradiates light into the storage space, and when a vibration caused by the knock is detected by the detection module, the control unit determines the operating state of the lighting device, and the control unit activates the transmission mode of the variable transmittance unit and turns the lighting device ON. Claim 4 A door for a home appliance according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of vibrations caused by the knock are detected by the detection module at time intervals, and if the time interval is shorter than a set time, the control unit activates the blocking mode of the variable transmittance unit. Claim 5 A door for a home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the door body is provided with an operating unit, and when a signal to operate the image acquisition device is input through the operating unit, the control unit determines the operating state of the variable transmittance unit, and if the variable transmittance unit is in a transmittance mode, the control unit activates the blocking mode of the variable transmittance unit and then operates the image acquisition device. Claim 6 A door for a home appliance according to claim 1, wherein when vibration caused by the knock is detected by the detection module, the control unit determines the operating state of the image acquisition device, and if the image acquisition device is operating, the control unit notifies the user that the image acquisition device is operating. Claim 7 A door for a home appliance according to claim 1, wherein an electronic component including an image acquisition device is disposed in the door body, and a sensing module is disposed inside the electronic component. Claim 8 In claim 1, the sensing module is a door for a home appliance positioned outside the edge of the variable transmittance portion. Claim 9 A door for a home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the sensing module is disposed between the plurality of panels or the sensing module is disposed at a position away from the edge of the door panel. Claim 10 A door for a home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels include a front panel and an insulating panel spaced apart from the front panel and positioned closer to the storage space than the front panel, and the sensing module is positioned closer to the front panel than the insulating panel. Claim 11 A door for a home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the door panel is provided with a panel perimeter that surrounds the edge of the transparent portion and has a lower light transmittance than the transparent portion, and the sensing module is disposed on the panel perimeter. Claim 12 A control method for a door for a home appliance equipped with a variable transmittance unit for varying the transmittance of the door, comprising: a step in which the door is equipped with an image acquisition device for capturing a storage space, and a knock applied to the door is detected by a detection module disposed on the door; a step in which, when a knock signal is detected by the detection module, a control unit determines the state of the variable transmittance unit in a blocking mode or a transmittance mode; and a step in which, when it is determined that the variable transmittance unit is in a blocking mode, the control unit activates the transmittance mode or the blocking mode of the variable transmittance unit according to the operating state of the image acquisition device. Claim 13 A method for controlling a door of a home appliance according to claim 12, wherein when vibration caused by the knock is detected by the sensing module, the control unit determines the operating state of the image acquisition device. Claim 14 A control method for a door of a home appliance according to claim 12, wherein the door is provided with a lighting device that irradiates light into the storage space, and when a vibration caused by the knock is detected by the detection module, the control unit determines the operating state of the lighting device and operates the lighting device while activating the transmission mode of the variable transmittance unit. Claim 15 A control method for a door of a home appliance according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of vibrations caused by the knock are detected by the sensing module at time intervals, and if the time interval is shorter than a set time, the control unit activates the blocking mode of the variable transmittance unit. Claim 16 A method for controlling a door for a home appliance according to claim 12, wherein the door is provided with an operating unit, and when a signal to operate the image acquisition device is input through the operating unit, the control unit determines the operating state of the variable transmittance unit, and if the variable transmittance unit is in a transmittance mode, the control unit activates the blocking mode of the variable transmittance unit and then operates the image acquisition device. Claim 17 A method for controlling a door for a home appliance according to claim 12, wherein when vibration caused by the knock is detected by the sensing module, the control unit further comprises the step of determining the operating state of the image acquisition device, and if the image acquisition device is operating, the control unit notifies the user that the image acquisition device is operating.

Images