Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator comprises: a main body forming a storage chamber; a door provided to open and close the storage chamber; and a door opening device provided to open the door. The door comprises: a door panel forming a front surface of the door; a lower cap disposed below the door panel and including a handle and a sensor mounting portion formed in front of the handle; and a touch sensor mounted on the sensor mounting portion and provided to receive a touch signal for operating the door opening device. The touch sensor comprises: a bottom surface touch portion positioned below the sensor mounting portion and provided to receive a touch signal from a lower side of the touch sensor; and a front surface touch portion positioned below the sensor mounting portion, positioned in front of the bottom surface touch portion, and provided to receive a touch signal from a front side of the touch sensor.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator having a door opening device.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device that maintains food freshness by including a main body with a storage compartment and a cooling system that supplies cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment, which is maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius, for refrigerated storage of food, and a freezer compartment, which is maintained at approximately -17 to -23 degrees Celsius, for frozen storage of food. The storage compartment is designed to have an open front for food entry and exit.

[0003] A refrigerator uses a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator to repeat the cooling cycle of compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating the refrigerant. A single evaporator located in the freezer can cool both the freezer and refrigerator compartments, or the freezer and refrigerator can each have their own evaporators, allowing for independent cooling.

[0004] The refrigerator includes a door configured to open and close the storage compartment. The door is configured to rotate relative to the main body, allowing the storage compartment to be opened and closed.

[0005] The door may be designed so that a user can open and close it by grasping a handle provided on the door and rotating it relative to the main body. Alternatively, the refrigerator may include a door opening device that opens the door for easy opening. The user can operate the door opening device by inputting a door opening signal to the input device.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having a door opening device configured to open a door and a touch sensor that receives a touch signal for operating the door opening device.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having a touch sensor of an improved structure to enhance user convenience.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having a touch sensor having an improved structure for efficiently receiving a touch signal.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having a touch sensor having an improved structure to improve precision and accuracy of touch signal input.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure to prevent a touch sensor from interfering with an adjacent door and to prevent the touch sensor from misdetecting a signal.

[0011] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment, and a door opening device configured to open the door. The door may include a door panel forming a front surface of the door, a lower cap disposed on a lower side of the door panel and including a handle and a sensor mounting portion formed in front of the handle, and a touch sensor mounted on the sensor mounting portion and configured to receive a touch signal for operating the door opening device. The touch sensor may include a bottom touch portion positioned below the sensor mounting portion and configured to receive a touch signal from a lower side of the touch sensor, and a front touch portion positioned below the sensor mounting portion and in front of the bottom touch portion and configured to receive a touch signal from a front of the touch sensor.

[0013] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment, and a door opening device configured to open the door. The door may include a lower cap provided at a lower portion of the door, the lower cap including a handle and a sensor mounting portion formed in front of the handle, and a touch sensor coupled to the sensor mounting portion and configured to receive a touch signal for operating the door opening device. The touch sensor may include a printed circuit board, and a signal conductor mounted on the printed circuit board, configured to transmit a touch signal to the printed circuit board, and positioned below the sensor mounting portion.

[0014] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment, and a door opening device configured to open the door. The door may include a door panel forming a front surface of the door, a lower cap disposed on a lower side of the door panel and including a handle, and a sensor mounting portion formed in front of the handle and recessed upward from an opening, and a touch sensor inserted and mounted on the sensor mounting portion and configured to receive a touch signal for operating the door opening device. The touch sensor may include a bottom touch portion disposed on the opening of the sensor mounting portion and configured to receive a touch signal from a lower side of the touch sensor.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator with its door closed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an open door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating some components of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from above.

[0018] FIG. 4 is an enlarged drawing of a main body, a right door, and a door opening device configured to open the right door when the right door of a refrigerator is closed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a right door being opened by a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7 is an enlarged drawing showing some components of a door, such as a door panel, a lower cap, and a touch sensor, of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a bottom view of some components of a door, such as a door panel, a lower cap, and a touch sensor, of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a touch sensor separated from a lower cap of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing some components of a door, such as a door panel, a lower cap, and a touch sensor, of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view illustrating a touch sensor of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a touch sensor of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a touch sensor of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a printed circuit board and signal conductor of a touch sensor of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from below.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing some components of a door, such as a door panel, a lower cap, and a touch sensor, of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a rear view of a touch sensor of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a bottom view of some components of a door, such as a door panel, a lower cap, and a touch sensor, of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing some components of a door, such as a door panel, a lower cap, and a touch sensor, of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view showing the upper door of a refrigerator closed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the upper door of a refrigerator closed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0036] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0037] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] In this disclosure, each of the phrases "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 any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0039] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0040] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0041] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0042] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0043] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0044] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0045] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0046] The “body” may include an inner case, an outer case placed on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0047] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The "outer case" may form the outer appearance of the body, and may be joined to the outer side of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0048] "Insulation" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment. In one embodiment, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0049] In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation material instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation material described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0050] A "storage room" may include a space defined by an interior wall. The storage room may further include an interior wall that defines a corresponding space. The storage room may store various items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room may be configured to be open on at least one side for the entry and exit of items.

[0051] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator includes two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To achieve this, each storage compartment may be separated from the others by a partition wall containing insulation.

[0052] The storage room may be provided to be maintained at an appropriate temperature range depending on its intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished by their intended use and / or temperature range. A refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and a freezer may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +5 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them frozen, and for example, a freezer may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -23 degrees Celsius to -17 degrees Celsius. A variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer, at the user's option or not.

[0053] In addition to names such as "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room," a storage room may also be called by various other names such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice room." The terms "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room" used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0054] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the main body in a pivotal or sliding manner.

[0055] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the back of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided on the interior of these.

[0057] The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by contacting the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0058] In one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

[0059] Depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment, refrigerators can be classified into French door type, side-by-side type, bottom mounted freezer (BMF), top mounted freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerator.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0061] A “cold air supply device” may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool a storage room.

[0062] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

[0064] The "machine room" may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be connected to the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0065] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to a user without having to open the door.

[0066] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0068] The “control unit” may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0069] Memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. Memory can store temporary data generated during the generation of control signals for controlling components within the refrigerator. Memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0070] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The processor may generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cooling system based on the temperature information.

[0071] Additionally, the processor may process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and / or data stored / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor may transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0072] The processor and memory may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0073] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components within the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories that individually control the components within the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cooling device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0074] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0075] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0076] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0077] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0078] Meanwhile, the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the terms "front" and "rear" below may mean the front and rear of the refrigerator in the X direction based on the drawing, respectively. The terms "upper" and "lower" below may mean the upper side in the Z direction of the refrigerator and the lower side in the Z direction based on the drawing, respectively. The terms "left" and "right" below may mean the left side in the Y direction of the refrigerator and the right side in the Y direction based on the drawing, respectively.

[0079] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator with its door closed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator with its door open according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10), a storage compartment (20) provided inside the main body (10), a door (30) for opening and closing the storage compartment (20), and a cooling system for supplying cold air to the storage compartment (20).

[0081] The main body (10) may include an inner case (11) forming a storage compartment (20) and an outer case (12) forming the exterior of the refrigerator (1). The outer case (12) may be formed to have a shape of a box with an approximately open front. The outer case (12) may form the top, bottom, left and right sides, and the rear of the refrigerator (1). The inner case (11) may be open at the front. The inner case (11) may have a storage compartment (20) provided therein, which may be provided on the inner side of the outer case (12). The inner wall of the inner case (11) may form the inner wall of the storage compartment (20).

[0082] A body insulation material may be provided between the outer case (12) and the inner case (11) of the main body (10) so that the outer case (12) and the inner case (11) can be insulated from each other. The body insulation material may be foamed between the inner case (11) and the outer case (12) to connect the inner case (11) and the outer case (12) to each other. The body insulation material may prevent heat exchange between the inside of the storage compartment (20) and the outside of the main body (10), thereby improving the cooling efficiency inside the storage compartment (20). As the body insulation material provided in the main body (10), urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation (EPS insulation), vacuum insulation (vacuum insulation panel), etc. may be used. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the body insulation material may be composed of various materials.

[0083] The main body (10) may further include a top table (13) provided on the upper portion of the main body (10). Specifically, the top table (13) may be coupled to the upper portion of the outer body (12). The top table (13) may be coupled to the upper surface of the outer body (12).

[0084] The top table (13) can cover various electrical components. A storage space for accommodating various electrical components can be formed inside the top table (13). For example, the top table (13) can cover a door opening device (100) described below, and the door opening device (100) can be accommodated inside the top table (13).

[0085] A storage compartment (20) may be formed inside the main body (10). For example, the storage compartment (20) may include a refrigerator that is maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius and used to refrigerate food. For example, the storage compartment (20) may include a freezer that is maintained at approximately -23 to -17 degrees Celsius and used to freeze food.

[0086] For example, the storage room (20) can be divided into a plurality of areas by partitions (15). Specifically, the storage room (20) can be divided into a first storage room (21) at the top and a third storage room (22, 23) at the bottom by a first partition (17) extending in the horizontal direction. In addition, the lower storage room (22, 23) of the storage room (20) can be divided into a second storage room (22) at the left and a third storage room (23) at the right by a second partition (19) extending in the vertical direction. In this case, for example, the first storage room (21) can be used as a refrigerator, and both the second storage room (22) and the third storage room (23) can be used as freezers, or one of the two can be used as a freezers and the other of the two can be used as a refrigerator.

[0087] The above-described division method of the storage room (20) and the use of each of the divided storage rooms (21, 22, 23) are only an example and are not limited thereto.

[0088] Inside the storage room (20), a shelf (24) for placing food and a storage container (26) for storing food can be provided.

[0089] A refrigerator (1) may include a cooling system that generates cold air using a cooling cycle and supplies the generated cold air to a storage compartment (20). The cooling system may generate cold air using a cooling cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant. For example, the cooling system may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a blower fan, and the like. The cold air generated by the cooling system may be supplied to the storage compartment (20) through a cold air supply duct formed at the rear portion of the inner case (11).

[0090] A door (30) may be provided to open and close the storage room (20). The door (30) may be provided to open and close an opening formed on one side of the main body (10). The door (30) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the main body (10).

[0091] The outer surface of the door (30) may form a part of the exterior of the refrigerator (1). When the door (30) is closed, the outer surface of the door (30) may form at least a part of the front exterior of the refrigerator (1). When the door (30) is closed, the inner surface of the door (30) may face the interior of the storage compartment (20). The inner surface of the door (30) referred to herein means one side of the door (30) that faces the storage compartment (20) when the door (30) closes the storage compartment (20). In addition, the outer surface of the door (30) referred to herein means the other side opposite to the inner surface of the door (30) that faces the storage compartment (20) when the door (30) closes the storage compartment (20), and means the front of the door (30) that is visible when the refrigerator (1) is viewed from the front.

[0092] A door basket (38) for storing food may be provided on the inner surface of the door (30). A door gasket (39) may be provided on the inner surface of the door (30) to seal the gap between the door (30) and the main body (10) and prevent cold air from leaking from the storage compartment (20).

[0093] The refrigerator (1) may include an upper door and a lower door that are arranged side by side in a vertical direction (Z). The refrigerator (1) may include a left door and a right door that are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction (Y). The refrigerator (1) may include a plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) that open and close each of the partitioned storage compartments (21, 22, 23).

[0094] The first storage compartment (21) can be opened and closed by a pair of upper doors (30A, 30B). The refrigerator (1) may include a first door (30A) for opening and closing a portion of the first storage compartment (21), and a second door (30B) for opening and closing another portion of the first storage compartment (21). The first door (30A) and the second door (30B) may be provided to be rotatable independently of each other with respect to the main body (10). The first door (30A) and the second door (30B) may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction (Y direction). For example, the first door (30A) may be provided to open and close the left portion of the first storage compartment (21), and the second door (30B) may be provided to open and close the right portion of the first storage compartment (21).

[0095] A rotation bar (80) may be provided on one of the pair of upper doors (30A, 30B) (e.g., the first door (30A)) so as to be rotatable relative to that one door and to cover the gap between the pair of upper doors (30A, 30B) when the first storage compartment (21) is closed.

[0096] The second storage compartment (22) can be opened and closed by the lower left door (30C). The refrigerator (1) may include a third door (30C) provided to open and close the second storage compartment (22). The third door (30C) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the main body (10). For example, the first door (30A) and the third door (30C) may be arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction (Z).

[0097] The third storage compartment (23) can be opened and closed by the lower right door (30D). The refrigerator (1) may include a fourth door (30D) provided to open and close the third storage compartment (23). The fourth door (30D) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the main body (10). For example, the second door (30B) and the fourth door (30D) may be arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction (Z). In addition, the third door (30C) and the fourth door (30D) may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction (Y).

[0098] Each of the plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) may be provided with a handle. The user may hold the handle provided on each of the plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) with his / her hand to open or close each of the doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D). In other words, the user may hold the handle provided on each of the plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) with his / her hand to open or close each of the storage compartments (21, 22, 23). For example, the handle provided on each of the plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) may include a groove shape that is concavely formed so as to be gripped.

[0099] As described below, the upper door can be opened by a door opening device (100). For example, the first door (30A) can be opened by a first door opening device (100A) positioned on the left. For example, the second door (30B) can be opened by a second door opening device (100B) positioned on the left.

[0100] As described below, the upper door may include a touch sensor (200) configured to receive a touch signal for operating the door opening device (100). For example, the first door (30A) may include a first touch sensor (200A) configured to receive a touch signal for operating the first door opening device (100A). For example, the second door (30B) may include a second touch sensor (200B) configured to receive a touch signal for operating the second door opening device (100B).

[0101] The refrigerator (1) may include a hinge (40) connecting the main body (10) and the door (30). The hinge (40) may be provided so that the door (30) can rotate relative to the main body (10).

[0102] The hinge (40) can be fixed to the main body (10). Specifically, the hinge (40) can be coupled to the outer body (12).

[0103] The hinge (40) can rotatably support the door (30). The door (30) can be rotatably connected to the main body (10) by the hinge (40).

[0104] In detail, the refrigerator (1) may include a plurality of hinges (41, 42, 43) provided to support each of the plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D). For example, the refrigerator (1) may include a pair of upper door hinges (41) that are coupled to the upper portion of the main body (10) and rotatably support the first door (30A) and the second door (30B), respectively. In addition, for example, the refrigerator (1) may include a pair of lower door hinges (43) that are coupled to the lower portion of the main body (10) and rotatably support the third door (30C) and the fourth door (30D), respectively. In addition, for example, the refrigerator (1) may include a pair of middle hinges (42) that are arranged between the upper door hinge (41) and the lower door hinge (43) and are coupled to the middle portion of the main body (10) (specifically, the first partition (17)) to rotatably support each of the first door (30A), the second door (30B), the third door (30B), and the fourth door (30D).

[0105] The configuration of the refrigerator (1) described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 is merely an example for explaining a refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure may be provided to include various configurations for performing the function of supplying cold air to a storage room for storing food.

[0106] The type of refrigerator to which the refrigerator according to the invention of the present disclosure is applied is not limited to the type of refrigerator (1) illustrated in the drawing, and the refrigerator according to the invention of the present disclosure may include various types of refrigerators such as a side-by-side type, a French door type, a BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer) type, and a TMF (Top Mounted Freezer) type.

[0107] In addition, the above description is made as an example of the present disclosure on the premise that the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a direct-cooling refrigerator, but the idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can also be applied to a direct-cooling refrigerator.

[0108] However, for convenience of explanation, the refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure will be described in detail below based on the refrigerator (1) according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 20.

[0109] FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main body, a right door, and a door opening device configured to open the right door when the right door of the refrigerator is closed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a right door being opened by a door opening device of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a door opening device (100) configured to open a door (30). The door opening device (100) may be configured to rotate the door (30) relative to the main body (10) to open the storage compartment (20). Specifically, the door opening device (100) may be configured to pressurize the door (30) to open the door (30).

[0111] In detail, the refrigerator (1) may include a first door opening device (100A) configured to open a first door (30A) and a second door opening device (100B) configured to open a second door (30B). That is, the door opening device (100) may be configured to open a first storage compartment (21).

[0112] The first door opening device (100A) may be provided to open the first door (30A). The first door opening device (100A) may be provided to pressurize the first door (30A) to open a portion of the first storage room (21).

[0113] Additionally, the second door opening device (100B) may be provided to open the second door (30B). The second door opening device (100B) may be provided to pressurize the second door (30B) to open another portion of the first storage compartment (21).

[0114] The operation of the first door opening device (100A) opening the first door (30A) and the operation of the second door opening device (100B) opening the second door (30B) can be performed independently of each other.

[0115] The door opening device (100) can be mounted on the main body (10). For example, the door opening device (100) can be mounted on the upper part of the main body (10). More specifically, the door opening device (100) can be accommodated on the inside of the top table (13). The door opening device (100) can be covered from above by the top table (13). The door opening device (100) can be placed on the upper surface of the outer case (12). For example, the first door opening device (100A) can be placed on the left side with respect to the center on the upper part of the main body (10), and the second door opening device (100B) can be placed on the right side with respect to the center on the upper part of the main body (10). That is, the first door opening device (100A) and the second door opening device (100B) can be placed parallel to each other in the horizontal direction (Y). The first door opening device (100A) mounted on the upper part of the main body (10) may be provided to pressurize the upper part of the first door (30A), and the second door opening device (100B) mounted on the upper part of the main body (10) may be provided to pressurize the upper part of the second door (30B).

[0116] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the door opening device (100) may be mounted at various locations of the main body (10), and may be configured to pressurize various parts other than the upper portion of the first door (30A) or the second door (30B) to open the first storage compartment (21). For example, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 2, the door opening device (100) may be mounted at the first partition (17) and configured to pressurize the lower portion of the first door (30A) or the second door (30B).

[0117] The first door opening device (100A) and the second door opening device (100B) may have corresponding structures. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate in detail the structure of the second door opening device (100B) configured to open the second door (30B), and the structure of the second door opening device (100B) illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 may also be applied to correspond to the structure of the first door opening device (100A).

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the door opening device (100) may include a door pusher (120) configured to pressurize the door (30) to open the door (30). The door pusher (120) may be configured to be movable relative to the main body (10). The door pusher (120) may be configured to pressurize the door (30) while moving relative to the main body (10). Specifically, the door pusher (120) may pressurize the door (30) while moving forward from the main body (10) toward the door (30), thereby opening the door (30) that was closed.

[0119] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the door pusher (120) may be provided to be linearly reciprocally movable relative to the main body (10). The door pusher (120) may be provided to be linearly movable in the forward and backward direction (X) relative to the main body (10). Alternatively, the door pusher (120) may also be provided to be non-linearly movable relative to the main body (10).

[0120] The door opening device (100) may include a pusher case (110) that supports a door pusher (120). The pusher case (110) may movably support the door pusher (120). The pusher case (110) may form a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of the door pusher (120). As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the door pusher (120) may be provided to be movable between a position where it is maximally retracted into the receiving space of the pusher case (110) and a position where it is extended forward from the receiving space of the pusher case (110).

[0121] The pusher case (110) can be mounted on the main body (10). The pusher case (110) can be fixed to the main body (10). For example, the pusher case (110) can be coupled to the top table (13). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the pusher case (110) can be coupled to various locations of the main body (10).

[0122] The door opening device (100) may include a power source (130) configured to generate power for opening the door (30). The power source (130) may be configured to generate power for moving the door pusher (120). For example, the power source (130) may include a driving motor and a motor driver connected to the driving motor. The driving motor may receive a driving current from the motor driver to generate power. The motor driver may be electrically connected to a control unit of the refrigerator (1) and may operate based on a control signal received from the control unit. That is, the power source (130) may be controlled by the control unit of the refrigerator (1).

[0123] The power source (130) can be supported by the pusher case (110). The power source (130) can be accommodated inside the pusher case (110).

[0124] The door opening device (100) may include a power transmission member (140) configured to transmit power generated by a power source (130) to a door pusher (120).

[0125] For example, the power transmission member (140) may include at least one gear. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the power transmission member (140) may include a plurality of gears. The door pusher (120) may include a pusher gear portion (121) that is provided to mesh with the power transmission member (140), and the door pusher (120) may receive power from the gear of the power transmission member (140) through the pusher gear portion (121). For example, the power transmission member (140) and the pusher gear portion (121) may form a rack-and-pinion gear structure.

[0126] The power transmission member (140) can be supported by the pusher case (110). The power transmission member (140) can be accommodated inside the pusher case (110).

[0127] The door opening device (100) may include a position detection sensor (150) configured to detect the position of the door pusher (120). The position detection sensor (150) may detect the position of the door pusher (120) in various ways. For example, the position detection sensor (150) may include various types of magnetic field sensors, such as a hall sensor configured to detect the magnetic field of a magnet (160) mounted on the door pusher (120). The control unit may control the power source (130) to move or stop the door pusher (120) based on an electrical signal received from the position detection sensor (150).

[0128] For example, the position detection sensor (150) may be supported by the pusher case (110). The position detection sensor (150) may be accommodated within the pusher case (110).

[0129] With this configuration, the door opening device (100) can open the door (30). The door opening device (100) can operate based on a door opening signal for opening the door (30). The door opening signal for opening the door (30) can be generated based on a user input for opening the door (30). The user input for opening the door (30) can include a touch signal for operating the door opening device (100) input through a touch sensor (200).

[0130] The touch sensor (200) may be provided to receive a touch signal for operating the door opening device (100). The touch sensor (200) may receive a touch signal by a user's touching action. Specifically, the touch sensor (200) may receive a touch signal by a user touching a part of the touch sensor (200) or at least placing a body (e.g., a hand, etc.) very close to the touch sensor (200). For example, the touch sensor (200) may include a capacitance sensor configured to detect a change in capacitance due to the user's touching action. The touch signal may be input to the touch sensor (200) based on a change in capacitance according to the user's touching action, and the touch sensor (200) may generate a door opening signal based on a change in capacitance according to the user's touching action.

[0131] The door opening device (100) can open the door (30) based on the touch signal received by the touch sensor (200). The control unit of the refrigerator (1) can control the power source (130) to open the door (30) based on the touch signal received by the touch sensor (200), i.e., to move the door pusher (120) in the direction of pressing the door (30).

[0132] The first door (30A) and the second door (30B) may each include a touch sensor (200). For example, the first door (30A) may include a first touch sensor (200A) provided to receive a touch signal for operating the first door opening device (100A), and the first door opening device (100A) may open the first door (30A) based on the touch signal received by the first touch sensor (200A). In addition, the second door (30B) may include a second touch sensor (200B) provided to receive a touch signal for operating the second door opening device (100B), and the second door opening device (100B) may open the second door (30B) based on the touch signal received by the second touch sensor (200B).

[0133] The structure of the door opening device (100) described above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 is merely an example, and the spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include door opening devices of various structures capable of opening the door (30) based on a touch signal input through a touch sensor (200) provided on the door (30).

[0134] For example, unlike the above-described refrigerator (1) may include a door opening device mounted on the door (30) and configured to open the door (30). Such a door opening device may include, for example, a body pusher that is movably mounted on the door (30) and configured to press the body (10) while moving toward the body (10), and may be configured to open the door (30) as a reaction when the body pusher presses the body (10).

[0135] Hereinafter, the structure of the touch sensor (200) provided on the door (30) will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 20.

[0136] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 6, a door (30) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a door panel (31). The door panel (31) may form an outer surface of the door (30). The door panel (31) may form a front surface of the door (30). The front surface of the door (30) referred to herein means a surface of the door (30) that faces the front of the refrigerator (1) when the door (30) is closed. Hereinafter, in defining the positional relationship of components included in the door (30), the direction in which the door panel (31) faces is defined as the front of the door (30), and the opposite direction is defined as the rear surface of the door (30).

[0138] For example, the door panel (31) may have a roughly flat rectangular plate shape, but its shape is not limited thereto.

[0139] The door (30) may include a door body (32). The door body (32) may support a door panel (31). The door panel (31) may be mounted to the door body (32). For example, the door panel (31) may be detachably mounted to the door body (32). The door body (32) may be positioned at the rear of the door panel (31). The door panel (31) may be mounted at the front portion of the door body (32).

[0140] The door body (32) can be coupled to a hinge (40). The door body (32) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (10) via the hinge (40).

[0141] The door body (32) may include a front frame (33). The front frame (33) may be provided at the front portion of the door body (32) facing the door panel (31). The front frame (33) may form the front of the door body (32). The front frame (33) may be positioned at the rear of the door panel (31). The door panel (31) may be mounted on the front frame (33).

[0142] The door body (32) may include a rear frame (34). The rear frame (34) may be provided at the rear portion of the door body (32) facing the storage compartment (20) when the door (30) is closed. The rear frame (34) may form the rear of the door body (32). The rear frame (34) may be positioned at the rear of the front frame (33). For example, the rear frame (34) may include a dyke that protrudes rearward so that a door basket (38, see FIG. 2) is mounted thereon.

[0143] For example, the front frame (33) and the rear frame (34) may be formed as separate structures. The front frame (33) and the rear frame (34) may be coupled to each other. Specifically, the rear frame (34) may be coupled to the rear portion of the front frame (33).

[0144] In contrast, for example, the front frame (33) and the rear frame (34) may be formed integrally with each other.

[0145] The door body (32) may include an upper cap (35). The upper cap (35) may form the upper surface of the door body (32). Furthermore, the upper cap (35) may form the upper surface of the door (30).

[0146] The upper cap (35) may be positioned on the upper side of the door panel (31). The upper cap (35) may be coupled to the upper portion of the door panel (31). The upper cap (35) may support the upper portion of the door panel (31). For example, the upper cap (35) may support the upper portion of the door panel (31). The upper cap (35) may be coupled to the upper portion of the front frame (33). The upper cap (35) may be coupled to the upper portion of the rear frame (34).

[0147] For example, the upper door hinge (41) described above can be coupled to the upper cap (35).

[0148] The door body (32) may include a lower cap (36). The lower cap (36) may form the bottom surface of the door body (32). Furthermore, the lower cap (36) may form the bottom surface of the door (30).

[0149] The lower cap (36) may be positioned on the lower side of the door panel (31). The lower cap (36) may be coupled to the lower portion of the door panel (31). The lower cap (36) may support the lower portion of the door panel (31). For example, the lower cap (36) may support the lower portion of the door panel (31). The lower cap (36) may be coupled to the lower portion of the front frame (33). The upper cap (35) may be coupled to the lower portion of the rear frame (34).

[0150] For example, the aforementioned intermediate hinge (42) can be coupled to the lower cap (36).

[0151] A door insulation (37, see FIGS. 10 and 15) may be provided inside the door body (32). A foaming space may be formed inside the door body (32) so that the door insulation (37) may be foamed. For example, the foaming space may be formed between the front frame (33), the rear frame (34), the upper cap (35), and the lower cap (36). The door insulation (37) may prevent heat exchange between the inside and the outside of the storage compartment (20) through the door (30) when the door (30) is closed. The door insulation (37) may improve the insulation performance between the inside of the storage compartment (20) and the outside of the door (30).

[0152] As the door insulation (37), urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation, vacuum insulation panel, etc. can be used. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the door insulation (37) can be composed of various materials.

[0153] The door (30) may include a touch sensor (200). The touch sensor (200) may be provided to receive a touch signal for operating the door opening device (100).

[0154] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10, a handle (36a, see FIG. 8, etc.) that can be held by the user to open and close the door (30) may be positioned at the bottom of the door (30). Specifically, the handle (36a) may be positioned at the bottom cap (36).

[0155] The touch sensor (200) may be positioned adjacent to the position of the handle (36a). That is, the touch sensor (200) may be positioned at the bottom of the door (30). Specifically, the touch sensor (200) may be mounted at the bottom of the door body (32). The touch sensor (200) may be mounted on the lower cap (36). As the touch sensor (200) is positioned adjacent to the position of the handle (36a) in this way, a touch signal may be input to the touch sensor (200) simply by performing a natural and simple action that the user typically performs to open the door (30), such as holding the handle (36a) with his or her hand. Accordingly, the user may easily input a touch signal to the touch sensor (200) even without recognizing the intention of inputting the touch signal to the touch sensor (200). Furthermore, even if the user does not necessarily learn the manual on how to input a touch signal to the touch sensor (200), the user can easily learn how to input a touch signal to the touch sensor (200) to operate the door opening device (100) while using the product. Due to the arrangement of the touch sensor (200) as described above, the touch sensor (200) can more efficiently receive a touch signal for opening the door (30), and user convenience can be improved.

[0156] In the above, the door (30) includes a door body (32) and a door panel (31) detachably mounted on the door body (32), and the door body (32) is formed by combining a front frame (33), a rear frame (34), an upper cap (35), and a lower cap (36), which are separate components, with the description being made based on this embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least some components among the front frame (33), the rear frame (34), the upper cap (35), and the lower cap (36) may be formed integrally with each other, and the touch sensor (200) may be mounted on a portion corresponding to the lower cap (36) of the door body (32). Alternatively, for example, the door panel (31) and the door body (32) may be formed integrally with each other, and the touch sensor (200) may be mounted on a portion corresponding to the lower cap (36) of the door body (32) in the entire door (30).

[0157] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of some components of a door, such as a door panel, a lower cap, and a touch sensor, of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a view illustrating some components of a door, such as a door panel, a lower cap, and a touch sensor, of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from below. FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a state in which a touch sensor is separated from a lower cap of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating some components of a door, such as a door panel, a lower cap, and a touch sensor, of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut away.

[0158] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower cap (36) of the first door (30A) and the lower cap (36) of the second door (30B) may have shapes that are symmetrical to each other. In addition, the first touch sensor (200A) and the second touch sensor (200B) may have structures that correspond to each other. FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate in detail the structures of the second touch sensor (200B) mounted on the second door (30B) and the lower cap (36) of the second door (30B), and the structure of the second touch sensor (200B) illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10 may also be applied to correspond to the structure of the first touch sensor (200A).

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, a door (30) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a handle (36a). The handle (36a) may be provided at the bottom of the door (30). The bottom cap (36) may include the handle (36a).

[0160] The handle (36a) may be formed by recessing the bottom surface of the lower cap (36) upwardly. Specifically, the lower cap (36) may include a handle opening (36aa) formed on the bottom surface, and the handle (36a) may be formed by recessing upward from the handle opening (36aa). The handle (36a) may have a groove shape that is recessed upward from the handle opening (36aa). A user can access the handle (36a) through the handle opening (36aa). The user can open the door (30) by holding the handle (36a) with his / her hand.

[0161] At least a portion of the handle (36a) may be positioned adjacent to the center of the refrigerator (1). For example, the handle (36a) of the first door (30A) may be positioned adjacent to the right end of the first door (30A). The handle (36a) of the second door (30B) may be positioned adjacent to the left end of the second door (30B). Since the right end of the first door (30A) is further from the rotational axis of the first door (30A) than the left end, the user can easily open the first door (30A) with less force by gripping a portion of the handle (36a) adjacent to the right end of the first door (30A). Likewise, since the left end of the second door (30B) is further from the rotation axis of the second door (30B) than the right end, the user can easily open the second door (30B) with little force by gripping a part of the handle (36a) adjacent to the left end of the second door (30B).

[0162] The handle (36a) can extend in the horizontal direction (Y). The handle (36a) can extend in the horizontal direction (Y) from one side adjacent to the center of the refrigerator (1) toward the other side.

[0163] The shape of the handle (36a) is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, and may have various shapes so that a user can hold it with his or her hand.

[0164] The touch sensor (200) can be mounted on the lower cap (36) of the door (30). The touch sensor (200) can be mounted on the lower part of the lower cap (36). The touch sensor (200) can be mounted on the lower side of the lower cap (36).

[0165] The touch sensor (200) may be positioned forward of the handle (36a). That is, when the door (30) is closed, the touch sensor (200) may be positioned forward of the handle (36a). The lower cap (36) may include a sensor mounting portion (36b) on which the touch sensor (200) is mounted. The sensor mounting portion (36b) may be formed forward of the handle (36a). Since the touch sensor (200) is positioned forward of the handle (36a), the touch sensor (200) may be positioned closer to the user than the handle (36a) when the door (30) is closed. Therefore, it is possible for the user to touch the touch sensor (200) before holding the handle (36a) with his / her hand, and the touch sensor (200) may receive a touch signal more efficiently, and the user may input a touch signal to the touch sensor (200) more conveniently.

[0166] The touch sensor (200) may include a sensor case (210). The sensor case (210) may form the exterior of the touch sensor (200). The sensor case (210) may accommodate various components of the touch sensor (200).

[0167] The sensor case (210) can be mounted on the lower cap (36). The sensor case (210) can be mounted on the sensor mounting portion (36b). For example, the sensor case (210) can include a door mounting portion (212d), and can be coupled to the sensor mounting portion (36b) by a fastening member (F), such as a screw, that penetrates the door mounting portion (212d) and the sensor mounting portion (36b) of the lower cap (36). The present invention is not limited thereto, and the sensor case (210) can be coupled to the sensor mounting portion (36b) by various configurations.

[0168] A portion of the touch sensor (200) may be inserted into the sensor mounting portion (36b). A portion of the sensor case (210) may be inserted into the sensor mounting portion (36b). The sensor case (210) may be mounted on the sensor mounting portion (36b) by having a portion thereof inserted into the sensor mounting portion (36b).

[0169] For example, the sensor mounting portion (36b) may be formed by recessing the bottom surface of the lower cap (36) upwardly so that a portion of the sensor case (210) can be inserted therein. The sensor mounting portion (36b) may be formed by recessing upward from an opening (36ba) formed in the bottom surface of the lower cap (36). In other words, the sensor mounting portion (36b) may be formed by recessing upward from an opening (36ba) provided at the lower end of the lower cap (36). The sensor mounting portion (36b) may have the shape of a groove that is recessed upward from the opening (36ba). A portion of the touch sensor (200) may be inserted into the sensor mounting portion (36b) through the opening (36ba). A portion of the sensor case (210) may be inserted into the sensor mounting portion (36b) through the opening (36ba). At least the upper part of the sensor case (210) can be inserted into the sensor mounting portion (36b) and coupled to the lower cap (36).

[0170] The sensor mounting portion (36b) may be formed in various ways depending on the shape of the sensor case (210). For example, the sensor mounting portion (36b) may include a front sensor groove (36bb) and a rear sensor groove (36bc) having different lengths that are recessed upward from the opening (36ba). The front sensor groove (36bb) may be formed in front of the rear sensor groove (36bc). At least a portion of the front portion of the sensor case (210) may be inserted into the front sensor groove (36bb), and at least a portion of the rear portion of the sensor case (210) may be inserted into the rear sensor groove (36bc). For example, the front sensor groove (36bb) may be formed at a position adjacent to the front end (36c) of the lower cap (36). The front sensor groove (36bb) and the rear sensor groove (36bc) may be connected to each other. For example, the sensor case (210) may have a vertical (Z) length of the rear portion longer than the vertical (Z) length of the front portion, and the length of the rear sensor home (36bb) recessed upward from the opening (36ba) may be longer than the length of the front sensor home (36bb) recessed upward from the opening (36ba).

[0171] For example, the length by which the handle (36a) is recessed upward from the handle opening (36aa) may be longer than the length by which the sensor mounting portion (36b) is recessed upward from the opening (36ba).

[0172] The structure of the sensor mounting portion (36b) is not limited to that described above, and the sensor mounting portion (36b) may have various structures to ensure that the sensor case (210) is stably mounted.

[0173] The touch sensor (200) may be positioned so that at least a portion of the touch sensor (200) is positioned below the door panel (31). In addition, the touch sensor (200) may be positioned so that at least a portion of the touch sensor (200) is positioned below the lower cap (36). The lower portion of the touch sensor (200) may be positioned below the door panel (31) and may be positioned below the lower cap (36). The touch sensor (200) may be positioned below the entire lower cap (36), or may be positioned below at least a portion of the lower cap (36) that is positioned forward of the touch sensor (200). The touch sensor (200) may be positioned so that the lower portion of the touch sensor (200) protrudes downward from the lower cap (36). The touch sensor (200) may be exposed to the lower side of the lower cap (36) while being mounted to the lower cap (36).

[0174] In detail, the touch sensor (200) may be arranged to penetrate the opening (36ba) of the sensor mounting portion (36b). The sensor case (210) may be arranged to penetrate the opening (36ba) of the sensor mounting portion (36b). A portion of the sensor case (210) may be arranged inside the sensor mounting portion (36b). Another portion of the sensor case (210) may be arranged outside the sensor mounting portion (36b). In other words, a portion of the sensor case (210) may be inserted into the sensor mounting portion (36b), and another portion of the sensor case (210) may protrude outside the sensor mounting portion (36b) through the opening (36ba). At least the upper portion of the sensor case (210) may be arranged above the opening (36ba) and may be inserted into the sensor mounting portion (36b). At least the lower portion of the sensor case (210) may be positioned below the opening (36ba) and may be positioned outside the lower portion of the sensor mounting portion (36b). With this structure, at least the lower portion of the sensor case (210) may be exposed to the outside of the lower cap (36). At least the bottom and front surfaces of the sensor case (210) may be exposed to the outside of the lower cap (36).

[0175] The touch sensor (200) can receive a touch signal from the lower side. The touch sensor (200) can include a bottom touch portion (210a) that is provided to receive a touch signal from the lower side of the touch sensor (200). The bottom touch portion (210a) can be provided on the bottom side of the touch sensor (200). Specifically, the bottom touch portion (210a) can be provided on the bottom side of the sensor case (210). The bottom touch portion (210a) can be exposed downward so that a user can touch it from the lower side. When a user touches the bottom touch portion (210a), the touch sensor (200) can receive a touch signal from the lower side. The bottom touch portion (210a) can be located below the front touch portion (210b) that will be described later.

[0176] The bottom touch portion (210a) may be positioned below at least a portion of the lower cap (36). The bottom touch portion (210a) may be positioned below the sensor mounting portion (36b). The bottom touch portion (210a) may be positioned below the lower end of the sensor mounting portion (36b). The bottom touch portion (210a) may be positioned below the opening (36ba) of the sensor mounting portion (36b). In other words, the bottom touch portion (210a) may be provided on the bottom of the sensor case (210) disposed below the opening (36ba). Accordingly, the bottom touch portion (210a) may be exposed downward and may receive a touch signal from below.

[0177] In addition, the bottom touch portion (210a) may be positioned below a portion of the bottom cap (36) that is positioned forward of the bottom touch portion (210a). That is, the bottom touch portion (210a) may be positioned below a portion of the bottom cap (36) that is positioned forward of the sensor mounting portion (36b). The bottom touch portion (210a) may be positioned below the front end (36c) of the bottom cap (36). The bottom touch portion (210a) may be positioned below the front lower portion of the bottom cap (36). In addition, the bottom touch portion (210a) may be positioned below the lower portion of the door panel (31). This prevents interference by the structure of the door (30) that is positioned forward of the bottom touch portion (210a) when a user attempts to input a touch signal to the bottom touch portion (210a).

[0178] The touch sensor (200) can receive a touch signal from the front. The touch sensor (200) can include a front touch portion (210b) that is provided to receive a touch signal from the front of the touch sensor (200). Here, the front of the touch sensor (200) means the front of the door (30) toward which the door panel (31) faces when the door (30) is closed. The front touch portion (210b) can form the front of the touch sensor (200). Here, the front of the touch sensor (200) means one side of the touch sensor (200) that faces the front of the door (30) when the door (30) is closed. Specifically, the front touch portion (210b) can form the front of the sensor case (210). The front touch portion (210b) can be exposed forward so that a user can touch it from the front. When a user touches the front touch portion (210b), the touch sensor (200) can receive a touch signal from the front. The front touch portion (210b) can be located in front of the bottom touch portion (210a).

[0179] The front touch portion (210b) may be positioned below at least a portion of the lower cap (36). The front touch portion (210b) may be positioned below the sensor mounting portion (36b). The front touch portion (210b) may be positioned below the sensor mounting portion (36b). The front touch portion (210b) may be positioned below the lower end of the sensor mounting portion (36b). The front touch portion (210b) may be positioned below the opening (36ba) of the sensor mounting portion (36b). In other words, the front touch portion (210b) may be provided on the front of the sensor case (210) that is positioned below the opening (36ba). Accordingly, the front touch portion (210b) may be exposed downward and may receive a touch signal from the front.

[0180] In addition, the front touch portion (210b) may be positioned below a portion of the lower cap (36) that is positioned forward of the front touch portion (210b). That is, the front touch portion (210b) may be positioned below a portion of the lower cap (36) that is positioned forward of the sensor mounting portion (36b). The front touch portion (210b) may be positioned below the front end (36c) of the lower cap (36). The front touch portion (210b) may be positioned below the front lower portion of the lower cap (36). In addition, the front touch portion (210b) may be positioned below the lower portion of the door panel (31). As a result, the front touch portion (210b) may be exposed without being covered by the structure of the door (30) that is positioned forward of the front touch portion (210b). In addition, when a user wishes to input a touch signal to the front touch portion (210b), interference can be prevented by the structure of the door (30) located in front of the front touch portion (210b).

[0181] As illustrated in FIG. 7, each of the pair of upper doors (30A, 30B) may include a touch sensor (200). The lower cap (36) of each of the pair of upper doors (30A, 30B) may be equipped with a touch sensor (200). The lower cap (36) of each of the pair of upper doors (30A, 30B) may be formed with a sensor mounting portion (36b).

[0182] For example, the first door (30A) may include a first touch sensor (200A) mounted on the lower cap (36) of the first door (30A). The first touch sensor (200A) may be mounted on the lower portion of the lower cap (36) of the first door (30A). Also, for example, the second door (30B) may include a second touch sensor (200B) mounted on the lower cap (36) of the second door (30B). The second touch sensor (200B) may be mounted on the lower portion of the lower cap (36) of the second door (30B).

[0183] The first touch sensor (200A) and the second touch sensor (200B) may be arranged at corresponding heights. The first touch sensor (200A) and the second touch sensor (200B) may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction.

[0184] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first touch sensor (200A) and the second touch sensor (200B) may be respectively positioned adjacent to the central portion of the refrigerator (1). That is, the sensor mounting portion (36b) formed on the lower cap (36) of the first door (30A) and the sensor mounting portion (36b) formed on the lower cap (36) of the second door (30B) may each be positioned adjacent to the central portion of the refrigerator (1). The first touch sensor (200A) may be positioned adjacent to the right end of the first door (30A). The sensor mounting portion (36b) of the first door (30A) may be formed at a position adjacent to the right end of the lower cap (36). The second touch sensor (200B) may be positioned adjacent to the left end of the second door (30B). In the second door (30B), the sensor mounting portion (36b) may be formed adjacent to the left end of the lower cap (36). Since the right end of the first door (30A) is further from the rotation axis of the first door (30A) than the left end, general users tend to grip the portion adjacent to the right end of the first door (30A) in order to open the first door (30A) with less force. Similarly, since the left end of the second door (30B) is further from the rotation axis of the second door (30B) than the right end, general users tend to grip the portion adjacent to the left end of the second door (30B) in order to open the second door (30B) with less force. Therefore, the first touch sensor (200A) and the second touch sensor (200B) can receive the user's touch signal more efficiently by being respectively disposed adjacent to the central portion of the refrigerator (1).

[0185] The first touch sensor (200A) may be positioned above the third door (30C), which is a lower door located below the first door (30A). At this time, the first touch sensor (200A) may be positioned apart from the upper part of the third door (30C) so as not to interfere with the third door (30C). The lower part of the first touch sensor (200A) may be positioned apart from the upper part of the third door (30C). The front touch portion (210b) and the bottom touch portion (210a) of the first touch sensor (200A) may be positioned apart from the upper part of the third door (30C). As a result, the first touch sensor (200A) may not interfere with the third door (30C), and the first touch sensor (200A) may be prevented from erroneously detecting a signal by the third door (30C).

[0186] The second touch sensor (200B) may be positioned above the fourth door (30D), which is a lower door located below the second door (30B). At this time, the second touch sensor (200B) may be positioned apart from the upper part of the fourth door (30D) so as not to interfere with the fourth door (30D). The lower part of the second touch sensor (200B) may be positioned apart from the upper part of the fourth door (30D). The front touch portion (210b) and the bottom touch portion (210a) of the second touch sensor (200B) may be positioned apart from the upper part of the fourth door (30D). As a result, the second touch sensor (200B) may not interfere with the fourth door (30D), and the second touch sensor (200B) may be prevented from erroneously detecting a signal by the fourth door (30D).

[0187] In one embodiment, a front end (36c) of a lower cap (36) may be mounted on a portion of an upper surface of a sensor case (210) of a touch sensor (200). The sensor case (210) may include a stepped portion (212bb) formed in a step manner so that the front end (36c) of the lower cap (36) may be mounted thereon. The front end (36c) of the lower cap (36) may be in contact with the stepped portion (212bb).

[0188] The step portion (212bb) may be formed at the front end of the sensor case (210). The step portion (212bb) may have a stepped shape such that the upper surface of a portion of the front end of the sensor case (210) is positioned lower than the upper surface of another portion. As illustrated in Fig. 10, the portion whose upper surface is positioned lower may be positioned further forward than the other portion. With this shape, the step portion (212bb) may contact the bottom and rear surfaces of the front end (36c) of the lower cap (36), respectively, and the front end (36c) of the lower cap (36) may be seated on the step portion (212bb).

[0189] For example, the front touch portion (210b) may be provided on the lower side of the step portion (212bb). The front touch portion (210b) may extend downward from the step portion (212bb).

[0190] For example, the front end (36c) of the lower cap (36) may form the front side edge of the front sensor home (36bc). The step portion (212bb) may be a portion inserted into the front sensor home (36bc) of the sensor case (210).

[0191] As the sensor case (210) includes the step portion (212bb) in this way, the sensor case (210) can be stably supported on the lower cap (36) by contacting the front end (36c) of the lower cap (36) while reducing the degree to which a portion of the sensor case (210) is inserted into the sensor mounting portion (36b) and protrudes downward from the lower cap (36). The sensor case (210) can be stably mounted on the lower cap (36) by including the step portion (212bb) while reducing the degree to which the sensor case (210) protrudes downward from the lower cap (36), thereby preventing interference with the upper end of the lower door. That is, by this structure, the touch sensor (200) provided on the lower part of the upper door can be prevented from interfering with the upper end of the lower door.

[0192] For example, the step portion (212bb) may be formed on the second case front portion (212b) of the second sensor case (212) described later, but is not limited thereto.

[0193] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view illustrating a touch sensor of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is an exploded view illustrating a touch sensor of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is an exploded view illustrating a touch sensor of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a printed circuit board and a signal conductor of a touch sensor of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from below. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating some components of a door, such as a door panel, a lower cap, and a touch sensor, of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut away. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a rear cross-sectional view illustrating a touch sensor of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 16, a touch sensor (200) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a sensor case (210) and a printed circuit board (230) accommodated in the sensor case (210) and having electronic components mounted thereon.

[0195] The printed circuit board (230) may include a circuit capable of detecting changes in electrostatic capacitance. For example, a sensor chip (231) may be mounted on the printed circuit board (230). The sensor chip (231) may be configured to detect a touch signal based on changes in electrostatic capacitance. For example, the sensor chip (231) may include an integrated circuit (IC).

[0196] The printed circuit board (230) can be electrically connected to a control unit, a power supply unit, etc., which are disposed on the main body (10) side, by wires (not shown) that pass through the upper cap (35) or the lower cap (36). A socket (233) to which wires are connected can be mounted on the printed circuit board (230) so that the sensor chip (231) can be electrically connected to the control unit, the power supply unit, etc. through the wires. For example, the wire connected to the socket (233) can be connected to the control unit and transmit a signal output from the sensor chip (231) to the control unit. For example, the wire connected to the socket (233) can be connected to the power supply unit and supply power to the printed circuit board (230). For example, the wire connected to the socket (233) can be connected to the ground. Alternatively, for example, the printed circuit board (230) can be wirelessly connected to a control unit, etc., which are disposed on the main body (10) side.

[0197] The touch sensor (200) may include a signal conductor (240) configured to transmit a touch signal to a printed circuit board (230). The signal conductor (240) may be mounted on the printed circuit board (230). The signal conductor (240) may be configured to transmit a touch signal input from a bottom touch portion (210a) or a front touch portion (210b) to the printed circuit board (230).

[0198] For example, the signal conductor (240) may include a conductive material and be connected to an electrode (232) mounted on a printed circuit board (230) to transmit a touch signal to a sensor chip (231) through the electrode (232).

[0199] The signal conductor (240) may include a conductive layer (242) provided along the edge of the signal conductor (240). The conductive layer (242) may include a conductive material. The conductive layer (242) may be provided to be attached to the electrode (232) to transmit a touch signal to the electrode (232). For example, the conductive layer (242) may include a conductive tape having electrical conductivity, and the signal conductor (240) may be attached to one surface of the electrode (232) and the printed circuit board (230) on which the electrode (232) is arranged by the conductive layer (242).

[0200] The signal conductor (240) may be provided to be elastically deformable. By providing the signal conductor (240) to be elastically deformable, the signal conductor (240) can be easily inserted into the signal conductor receiving groove (211f) of the first sensor case (211) described below, and can be pressed by the fixing rib (211g) to be in close contact with the front surface (211b) of the first case.

[0201] For example, the signal conductor (240) may include an elastic member (241) that is elastically deformable. A conductive layer (242) may surround the elastic member (241).

[0202] The signal conductor (240) may include various types of touch gaskets.

[0203] The sensor case (210) of the touch sensor (200) can support a printed circuit board (230) and a signal conductor (240). The sensor case (210) can accommodate the printed circuit board (230) and the signal conductor (240).

[0204] The sensor case (210) may include a first sensor case (211) and a second sensor case (212). The second sensor case (212) may be placed below the first sensor case (211). The second sensor case (212) may cover the lower portion of the first sensor case (211). The second sensor case (212) may support the first sensor case (211) from the lower side.

[0205] The first sensor case (211) may include a first case front portion (211b) forming the front of the first sensor case (211). The first case front portion (211b) may cover the front of the signal conductor (240). For example, the first case front portion (211b) may be provided in front of a signal conductor receiving groove (211f) described later. The first case front portion (211b) may form the front of the signal conductor receiving groove (211f) described later.

[0206] For example, the front surface of the first case (211b) may include a touch protrusion (211ba). The touch protrusion (211ba) may be formed to protrude forwardly through the second sensor case (212). The touch protrusion (211ba) may be provided so that a user can touch the front surface of the touch sensor (200). The touch protrusion (211ba) may be arranged in front of the signal conductor (240). The touch protrusion (211ba) may be formed in front of the signal conductor receiving groove (211f) described below. As a result, the signal conductor (240) may more efficiently transmit a touch signal from the front to the printed circuit board (230).

[0207] The first sensor case (211) may include a first base (211c) forming a bottom surface of the first sensor case (211). The first base (211c) may cover a lower side of a signal conductor (240). The first base (211c) may support the signal conductor (240) from the lower side. The first base (211c) may contact a bottom surface of the signal conductor (240). For example, the first base (211c) may be provided below a signal conductor receiving groove (211f) described later. The first base (211c) may form a bottom surface of the signal conductor receiving groove (211f) described later.

[0208] The second sensor case (212) may include a second case front portion (212b) forming a front surface forming the bottom surface of the second sensor case (212). The second case front portion (212b) may be positioned in front of the signal conductor (240). The second case front portion (212b) may be positioned in front of the first case front portion (211b). The second case front portion (212b) may cover the first case front portion (211b) from the front.

[0209] The second case front part (212b) can form the front of the sensor case (210). That is, the second case front part (212b) can form the front of the touch sensor (200).

[0210] For example, the front surface of the first case (212b) may include a protrusion hole (212ba) formed so that a touch protrusion (211ba) may pass through it. The touch protrusion (211ba) may be exposed forward by the protrusion hole (212ba). As a result, the touch protrusion (211ba) may form a part of the front surface of the sensor case (210). That is, the touch protrusion (211ba) may form a part of the front surface of the touch sensor (200).

[0211] The second sensor case (212) may include a second base (212c) forming a bottom surface of the second sensor case (212). The second base (212c) may be positioned lower than the signal conductor (240). The second base (212c) may cover the lower side of the first sensor case (211). The second base (212c) may cover the lower side of the first base (211c). The first base (211c) may be mounted on the second base (212c), and the second base (212c) may support the first base (212c).

[0212] The second base (212c) can form the bottom surface of the sensor case (210). That is, the second base (212c) can form the bottom surface of the touch sensor (200).

[0213] For example, the first sensor case (211) may include a plastic material. For example, the second sensor case (212) may include a plastic material. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first sensor case (211) and the second sensor case (212) may each include various materials.

[0214] For example, the first sensor case (211) and the second sensor case (212) may be formed as separate parts and coupled to each other. The first sensor case (211) may include a first case coupling portion (211a), the second sensor case (212) may include a second case coupling portion (212a), and the first sensor case (211) and the second sensor case (212) may be coupled to each other by coupling the first case coupling portion (211a) and the second case coupling portion (212a). As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the second case coupling portion (212a) may have a hole shape and the first case coupling portion (211a) may have a protrusion shape that is fitted into the hole; however, the coupling structure of the first sensor case (211) and the second sensor case (212) is not limited thereto.

[0215] Alternatively, as an example, the first sensor case (211) and the second sensor case (212) may be formed integrally.

[0216] The first sensor case (211) and the second sensor case (212) can be mounted on the sensor mounting portion (36b) in a combined state or as an integral part. At least a portion of the first sensor case (211) can be inserted into the sensor mounting portion (36b). At least a portion of the second sensor case (212) can be inserted into the sensor mounting portion (36b).

[0217] The aforementioned door mounting portion (212d) may be provided, for example, in the second sensor case (212). Since the second sensor case (212) is positioned on the lower side of the first sensor case (211), the first sensor case (211) and the second sensor case (212) may be more firmly mounted to the lower cap (36) by a fastening member (F) that penetrates the door mounting portion (212d) and the lower cap (36) from bottom to top. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a structure that is coupled to the lower cap (36) may also be provided in the first sensor case (211).

[0218] A space for accommodating a printed circuit board (230) and a signal conductor (240) may be formed inside the sensor case (210). The sensor case (210) may include board fixing portions (211d, 211e) provided to fix the printed circuit board (230). For example, the sensor case (210) may include a first board fixing portion (211d) for supporting the upper portion of the printed circuit board (230) and a second board fixing portion (211e) for supporting the lower portion of the printed circuit board (230), and the printed circuit board (230) may be fixed to the sensor case (210) by being supported at the upper and lower portions by the first board fixing portion (211d) and the second board fixing portion (211e). For example, the first board fixing portion (211d) may be provided at the upper portion of the first sensor case (211). For example, the second substrate fixing portion (211e) may be provided at the bottom of the first sensor case (211). However, this is not limited thereto, and the sensor case (210) may include various structures for fixing the printed circuit board (230).

[0219] The sensor case (210) may include a signal conductor receiving groove (211f) that receives a signal conductor (240). The signal conductor (240) may be inserted into the signal conductor receiving groove (211f). The signal conductor receiving groove (211f) may be formed adjacent to the front of the sensor case (210) so that the signal conductor (240) can efficiently transmit a touch signal from the front to the printed circuit board (230). The printed circuit board (230) coupled with the signal conductor (240) may be positioned at the rear of the signal conductor receiving groove (211f). For example, the signal conductor (240) may be inserted from the rear to the front into the signal conductor receiving groove (211f).

[0220] For example, a signal conductor receiving groove (211f) may be formed on the inside of a first sensor case (211). A first case front portion (211b) may be provided in front of the signal conductor receiving groove (211f). A first base (211c) may be provided below the signal conductor receiving groove (211f).

[0221] The configuration of the sensor case (210), such as the first sensor case (211) and the second sensor case (212), is not limited to that described above, and the sensor case (210) may include various configurations that support the printed circuit board (230) and the signal conductor (240) and enable it to be mounted on the lower cap (36).

[0222] As described above, the touch sensor (200) can receive a touch signal (TS1) from the lower side of the touch sensor (200) or a touch signal (TS2) from the front of the touch sensor (200).

[0223] When a user touches the bottom touch portion (210a), a touch signal (TS1) input to the bottom touch portion (210a) can be transmitted to the printed circuit board (230) through the signal conductor (240). Specifically, the bottom touch portion (210a) can cover the lower side of the signal conductor (240). The bottom touch portion (210a) can be positioned below the signal conductor (240). The bottom touch portion (210a) can be positioned below the signal conductor receiving groove (211f). For example, the bottom touch portion (210a) and the signal conductor (240) can be positioned parallel to each other in the vertical direction (Z).

[0224] For example, the bottom touch portion (210a) may be provided on the second base (212c) described above. That is, when a user touches the second base (212c), a touch signal (TS1) resulting from a change in electrostatic capacitance on the lower side may be transmitted to the printed circuit board (230) through the signal conductor (240).

[0225] In order to efficiently receive a touch signal (TS1) from the lower side, the bottom touch portion (210a) may be positioned lower than the sensor mounting portion (36b). Specifically, the bottom touch portion (210a) may be positioned lower than the opening (36ba) of the sensor mounting portion (36b). In addition, the signal conductor (240) may be positioned lower than the sensor mounting portion (36b).

[0226] When a user touches the front touch portion (210b), a touch signal (TS2) input to the front touch portion (210b) can be transmitted to the printed circuit board (230) through the signal conductor (240). Specifically, the front touch portion (210b) can cover the front of the signal conductor (240). The front touch portion (210b) can be arranged in front of the signal conductor (240). The front touch portion (210b) can be arranged in front of the signal conductor receiving groove (211f). For example, the front touch portion (210b) and the signal conductor (240) can be arranged parallel to each other in the front-back direction (X).

[0227] For example, the front touch portion (210b) may be formed by the second case front portion (212b) and the touch protrusion (211ba) described above. That is, when a user touches the second case front portion (212b) or the touch protrusion (211ba), a touch signal (TS2) resulting from a change in electrostatic capacity at the front may be transmitted to the printed circuit board (230) through the signal conductor (240).

[0228] In order to efficiently receive a touch signal (TS2) from the front, the front touch portion (210b) may be positioned lower than the sensor mounting portion (36b). Specifically, the front touch portion (210b) may be positioned lower than the opening (36ba) of the sensor mounting portion (36b). In addition, the front touch portion (210b) may be positioned lower than the lower portion of the door panel (31) and the front lower portion of the lower cap (36).

[0229] In addition, in order to efficiently receive the touch signal (TS2) from the front, as described above, the signal conductor (240) may be positioned below the sensor mounting portion (36b). The signal conductor (240) may be positioned below the lower end of the sensor mounting portion (36b). In particular, the signal conductor (240) may be positioned below the opening (36ba) of the sensor mounting portion (36b). In addition, the signal conductor (240) may be positioned below the lower end of the door panel (31). In addition, the signal conductor (240) may be positioned below the lower front end of the lower cap (36). That is, the signal conductor (240) may be positioned on the lower outside of the sensor mounting portion (36b). By this configuration, the signal conductor (240) is arranged parallel to the front touch portion (210b) in the front-back direction (X), so that the touch signal (TS2) input through the front touch portion (210b) can be efficiently transmitted to the printed circuit board (230).

[0230] In addition, in order to efficiently receive a touch signal (TS2) from the front, the signal conductor (240) may extend from the printed circuit board (230) toward the front touch portion (210b). That is, the signal conductor (240) may extend forward from the printed circuit board (230) toward the front touch portion (210b). The signal conductor (240) may extend in the front-back direction (X) within the signal conductor receiving groove (211f).

[0231] With this configuration, the touch sensor (200) can receive a touch signal (TS1) from the lower side or a touch signal (TS2) from the front, that is, a touch signal from at least two directions. As a result, the touch sensor (200) can receive a touch signal more efficiently, and user convenience can be improved.

[0232] The sensor case (210) may include a fixing rib (211g) that fixes the signal conductor (240). The fixing rib (211g) may press the signal conductor (240) to fix the signal conductor (240). The fixing rib (211g) may fix the signal conductor (240) to the sensor case (210).

[0233] In detail, the fixed rib (211g) can fix the signal conductor (240) by pressing it from the upper side to the lower side of the signal conductor (240). The fixed rib (211g) can fix the signal conductor (240) by pressing it to the bottom touch portion (210a).

[0234] For example, as described above, the signal conductor (240) may be provided to be elastically deformable, and when inserted into the signal conductor receiving groove (211f), the signal conductor (240) may be fixed to the sensor case (210) by being sandwiched between the fixing rib (211g) and the first base (211c).

[0235] For example, the fixed rib (211g) may be provided on the inside of the signal conductor receiving groove (211f). For example, the fixed rib (211g) may have a shape that protrudes downward from the inner surface of the first sensor case (211).

[0236] For example, the fixed ribs (211g) may be provided in multiples. FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment in which the fixed ribs (211g) are provided in pairs, but the number of fixed ribs (211g) that may be provided in the sensor case (210) is not limited thereto.

[0237] The fixed rib (211g) can prevent the signal conductor (240) from moving within the sensor case (210) by pressing the signal conductor (240) against the bottom touch portion (210a) to fix it, and can maintain a constant gap between the signal conductor (240) and the bottom touch portion (210a). In addition, the fixed rib (211g) can reduce a gap (e.g., an air gap) between the signal conductor (240) and the first base (211c) by pressing the signal conductor (240) downward.

[0238] In this way, the sensor case (210) can fix the signal conductor (240) using the fixed rib (211g), thereby improving the precision and accuracy of touch signal input.

[0239] FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a bottom view of some components of a door, such as a door panel, a lower cap, and a touch sensor, of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating some components of a door, such as a door panel, a lower cap, and a touch sensor, of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0240] When describing the configurations of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the same configurations as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 16 may be given the same drawing reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0241] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, a door (30) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a touch sensor (1200) configured to receive a touch signal (TS1) for opening a door opening device (100) from the lower side. Unlike the touch sensor (200) in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 16, the touch sensor (1200) in FIGS. 17 and 18 may be configured not to receive a touch signal from the front.

[0242] The touch sensor (1200) may include a printed circuit board (1230), a signal conductor (1240) mounted on the printed circuit board (1230) and configured to transmit a touch signal to the printed circuit board (1230), and a sensor case (1210) that supports the printed circuit board (1230) and the signal conductor (1240). For example, the sensor case (1210) may include a first sensor case (1211) and a second sensor case (1212). A detailed description of the components of the touch sensor (1200), such as the printed circuit board (1230), the signal conductor (1240), and the sensor case (1210), is omitted.

[0243] The touch sensor (1200) can be mounted on the lower cap (36) of the door (30). The touch sensor (1200) can be mounted on the sensor mounting portion (36b). The sensor mounting portion (36b) can be formed in front of the handle (36a), and the touch sensor (1200) can be positioned in front of the handle (36a).

[0244] The touch sensor (1200) can be inserted and mounted into the sensor mounting portion (36b). The touch sensor (1200) can be inserted and mounted into the sensor mounting portion (36b) through the opening (36ba). The sensor case (1210) can be inserted and mounted into the sensor mounting portion (36b).

[0245] The touch sensor (1200) may include a bottom touch portion (1210a) configured to receive a touch signal (TS1) from the bottom of the touch sensor (1200). The bottom touch portion (1210a) may be provided on the bottom of the touch sensor (1200). The bottom touch portion (1210a) may be provided on the bottom of the sensor case (1210). The bottom touch portion (1210a) may be exposed downward so that a user may touch it from the bottom. When a user touches the bottom touch portion (1210a), the touch sensor (1200) may receive a touch signal from the bottom. The bottom touch portion (1210a) may cover the bottom of the signal conductor (1240). The signal conductor (1240) may transmit a touch signal input from the bottom touch portion (1210a) to the printed circuit board (1230). For example, the bottom touch portion (1210a) may be provided on the second base (1212c) forming the bottom surface of the second sensor case (1212).

[0246] The signal conductor (1240) can be accommodated in a signal conductor accommodation groove (1211f) formed on the inside of the first sensor case (1211). The signal conductor (1240) can be supported by the first base (1211c) of the first sensor case (1211).

[0247] The first sensor case (1240) may include a fixing rib (1211g) for fixing the signal conductor (1240), and the fixing rib (1211g) may press the signal conductor (1240) toward the bottom touch portion (1210a) from the upper side of the signal conductor (1240). For example, the fixing rib (1211g) may be positioned within the signal conductor receiving groove (1211f).

[0248] The bottom touch portion (1210a) of the touch sensor (1200) mounted on the upper door can be positioned apart from the top of the lower door. As a result, the touch sensor (1200) can be prevented from interfering with the lower door, and the touch sensor (1200) can be prevented from erroneously detecting a signal by the lower door.

[0249] The degree to which the touch sensor (1200) of FIGS. 17 and 18 protrudes downward from the sensor mounting portion (36b) may be smaller than the degree to which the touch sensor (200) of FIGS. 1 to 16 protrudes downward from the sensor mounting portion (36b). Almost all of the touch sensor (1200) may be inserted into the sensor mounting portion (36b). Almost all of the sensor case (1210) may be inserted into the sensor mounting portion (36b). This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the touch sensor (1200) from interfering with the adjacent lower door, and more effectively prevent the touch sensor (1200) from misdetecting a signal.

[0250] In this way, in order to reduce the degree to which the touch sensor (1200) protrudes downward from the sensor mounting portion (36b) while being configured to receive a touch signal from the lower side of the touch sensor (1200), the bottom touch portion (1210a) may be placed at approximately the same height as the lower end of the sensor mounting portion (36b). Specifically, the bottom touch portion (1210a) may be placed in the opening (36ba) of the sensor mounting portion (36b).

[0251] Additionally, the signal conductor (1240) may be located on the inside of the sensor mounting portion (36b). The signal conductor (1240) may be positioned at approximately the same height as or above the lower end of the sensor mounting portion (36b). The signal conductor (91240) may be positioned at approximately the same height as or above the opening (36ba) of the sensor mounting portion (36b).

[0252] In addition, at least a majority of the front of the sensor case (1210) disposed in front of the signal conductor (1240) can be inserted into the sensor mounting portion (36b). At least a majority of the front of the sensor case (1210) can be positioned at the same height as or above the opening (36ba) of the sensor mounting portion (36b). The front of the sensor case (1210) can be covered by the lower cap (36). For example, the front end of the lower cap (36) can be positioned in front of the first case front portion (1211b) of the first sensor case (1211) and the second case front portion (1212b) of the second sensor case (1212).

[0253] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a closed upper door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a closed upper door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0254] When describing the configurations of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the same configurations as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 18 may be given the same drawing reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0255] Referring to FIG. 19, a touch sensor (200-1) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may extend from one side adjacent to the center of the refrigerator (1) to the other side located at the center of the door (30).

[0256] For example, the first touch sensor (200A-1) provided on the first door (30A) may extend in the horizontal direction (Y) from one side adjacent to the right end of the first door (30A) to the other side located at the center of the first door (30A). The right end of the first door (30A) may be an end that is farther away from the rotation axis of the first door (30A) in the horizontal direction (Y).

[0257] Additionally, for example, a second touch sensor (200B-1) provided on a second door (30B) may extend in a horizontal direction (Y) from one side adjacent to the left end of the second door (30B) to the other side located at the center of the second door (30B). The left end of the second door (30B) may be an end that is farther away from the rotational axis of the second door (30B) in the horizontal direction (Y).

[0258] Referring to FIG. 20, a touch sensor (200-1) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may extend from one side adjacent to the center of the refrigerator (1) to the other side adjacent to the rotation axis of the door (30).

[0259] For example, the first touch sensor (200B-1) provided on the first door (30A) may extend from one side adjacent to the right end of the first door (30A) to the other side adjacent to the left end of the first door (30A). The distance between the other side of the first touch sensor (200B-1) adjacent to the left end of the first door (30A) and the left end of the first door (30A) may be shorter than the distance between the left end of the first door (30A) and the center of the first door (30A). That is, the first touch sensor (200B-1) may be arranged horizontally across almost the entire area at the bottom of the first door (30A).

[0260] In addition, for example, the second touch sensor (200B-2) provided on the second door (30B) may extend from one side adjacent to the left end of the second door (30B) to the other side adjacent to the right end of the second door (30B). The distance between the other side of the second touch sensor (200B-2) adjacent to the right end of the second door (30B) and the right end of the second door (30B) may be shorter than the distance between the right end of the second door (30B) and the center of the second door (30B). That is, the second touch sensor (200B-2) may be arranged over almost the entire area in the horizontal direction at the bottom of the second door (30B).

[0261] According to the embodiment in FIG. 19 or FIG. 20, the area in which the touch sensor (200-1 or 200-2) can receive a touch signal is expanded, so that the touch sensor can receive a touch signal more efficiently.

[0262] In FIGS. 19 and 20, an embodiment of a touch sensor (200-1, 200-2) including both a front touch portion and a bottom touch portion, like the touch sensor (200) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16, is illustrated, but is not limited thereto, and the contents described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20 can be equally applied to an embodiment of a touch sensor including only a bottom touch portion and not including a front touch portion, like the touch sensor (1200) of FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0263] Meanwhile, unlike what has been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20, a refrigerator according to one embodiment may include only one door opening device configured to open only one door, and a touch sensor may be provided only on one door, and the configurations of the present disclosure may be equally applied to such an embodiment.

[0264] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10) forming a storage compartment (20), a door (30) configured to open and close the storage compartment, and a door opening device (100) configured to open the door. The door may include a door panel (31) forming a front surface of the door, a lower cap (36) disposed on a lower side of the door panel and including a handle (36a) and a sensor mounting portion (36b) formed in front of the handle, and a touch sensor (200) mounted on the sensor mounting portion and configured to receive a touch signal for operating the door opening device. The touch sensor may include a bottom touch portion (210a) positioned below the sensor mounting portion and configured to receive a touch signal from a lower side of the touch sensor, and a front touch portion (210b) positioned below the sensor mounting portion, in front of the bottom touch portion, and configured to receive a touch signal from a front of the touch sensor.

[0265] The above front touch portion (210b) may be located below the front lower portion of the lower cap (36).

[0266] The above touch sensor may further include a printed circuit board (230) and a signal conductor (240) mounted on the printed circuit board and configured to transmit a touch signal to the printed circuit board. The bottom touch portion (210a) may cover the lower side of the signal conductor (240). The front touch portion (210b) may cover the front of the signal conductor (240).

[0267] The above signal conductor (240) may be located below the sensor mounting portion (36b).

[0268] The above signal conductor (240) may be positioned below the front lower portion of the lower cap (36).

[0269] The signal conductor (240) may extend from the printed circuit board (230) toward the front touch portion (210b).

[0270] The above touch sensor may include a sensor case (210) coupled to the sensor mounting portion (36b) and supporting the printed circuit board (230) and the signal conductor (240). The bottom touch portion (210a) may be provided on the bottom surface of the sensor case, and the front touch portion (210b) may be provided on the front surface of the sensor case.

[0271] The above sensor case may include a fixing rib (211g) provided to fix the signal conductor (240) by pressing the signal conductor (240) to the bottom touch portion (210a) from the upper side of the signal conductor (240).

[0272] The above signal conductor (240) may include a conductive material and be provided to be elastically deformable.

[0273] The above touch sensor may include a sensor case (210) mounted on the sensor mounting portion. The sensor case may include a stepped portion (212bb) formed in a step manner so that the front end (36c) of the lower cap (36) is secured thereto. The stepped portion may contact the bottom surface and the rear surface of the front end of the lower cap, respectively.

[0274] The above front touch portion (210b) can extend downward from the step portion (212bb).

[0275] The above touch sensor may include a sensor case (210). The sensor mounting portion (36b) may be formed by being recessed upward from an opening (36ba) provided on the bottom surface of the lower cap so that a portion of the sensor case may be inserted. Another portion of the sensor case may protrude outward from the sensor mounting portion through the opening of the sensor mounting portion.

[0276] The sensor case may be provided with the bottom touch portion (210a) disposed on the bottom surface of the sensor case, which is disposed on the lower side of the opening. The front touch portion (210b) may be provided on the front surface of the sensor case, which is disposed on the lower side of the opening.

[0277] The upper part of the sensor case can be inserted into the sensor mounting portion and connected to the lower cap.

[0278] The above door is an upper door, and the refrigerator may further include a lower door positioned below the upper door and arranged vertically parallel to the upper door. The upper end of the lower door may be spaced apart from the front touch portion and the bottom touch portion.

[0279] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10) forming a storage compartment (20), a door (30) configured to open and close the storage compartment, and a door opening device (100) configured to open the door. The door may include a lower cap (36) provided at a lower portion of the door and including a handle (36a) and a sensor mounting portion (36b) formed in front of the handle, and a touch sensor (200) coupled to the sensor mounting portion and configured to receive a touch signal for operating the door opening device. The touch sensor may include a printed circuit board (230), and a signal conductor (240) mounted on the printed circuit board, configured to transmit a touch signal to the printed circuit board, and positioned below the sensor mounting portion (36b).

[0280] The above touch sensor may further include a sensor case (210) coupled to the sensor mounting portion (36b) and supporting the printed circuit board and the signal conductor (240). The sensor case may include a bottom touch portion (210a) covering the signal conductor (240) from below, and a front touch portion (210b) located below the sensor mounting portion (36b) and covering the signal conductor (240) from the front. The signal conductor (240) may be provided to transmit a touch signal input from the bottom touch portion (210a) or a touch signal input from the front touch portion (210b) to the printed circuit board.

[0281] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10) forming a storage compartment (20), a door (30) configured to open and close the storage compartment, and a door opening device (100) configured to open the door. The door may include a door panel (31) forming a front surface of the door, a lower cap (36) disposed on a lower side of the door panel and including a handle (36a), and a sensor mounting portion (36b) formed in front of the handle and recessed upward from an opening (36ba), and a touch sensor (1200) inserted and mounted in the sensor mounting portion (36b) and configured to receive a touch signal for operating the door opening device. The touch sensor may include a bottom touch portion (1210a) disposed in the opening (36ba) of the sensor mounting portion (36b) and configured to receive a touch signal from a lower side of the touch sensor.

[0282] The above touch sensor may further include a printed circuit board (1230), and a signal conductor (1240) mounted on the printed circuit board and configured to transmit a touch signal input from the bottom touch portion (1210a) to the printed circuit board, and positioned above the opening (36ba) of the sensor mounting portion (36b). The bottom touch portion (1210a) may cover the lower side of the signal conductor.

[0283] The above touch sensor may include a sensor case (1210) inserted into the sensor mounting portion. The bottom touch portion may be provided on the bottom surface of the sensor case. The front of the sensor case may be covered by the bottom cap.

[0284] According to the invention of the present disclosure, the door can include a touch sensor to receive a touch signal for operating a door opening device.

[0285] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a touch sensor is placed in front of the door handle so as to efficiently receive a touch signal from a user, thereby improving user convenience.

[0286] According to the invention of the present invention, the touch sensor is arranged to protrude downward from the lower cap, so as to receive a touch signal from the lower side or the front.

[0287] According to the invention of the present disclosure, the touch sensor includes a fixing rib that presses the signal conductor downward to fix the signal conductor, thereby improving the precision and accuracy of touch signal input.

[0288] According to the invention, the touch sensor is mounted on the lower cap so as to protrude downward by a short length, thereby preventing the touch sensor from interfering with an adjacent door and preventing the touch sensor from misrecognizing a signal.

[0289] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the touch sensor is inserted and mounted in the sensor mounting portion of the lower cap, and the bottom touch portion that receives the touch signal from the lower side is arranged in the opening of the sensor mounting portion, thereby preventing the touch sensor from interfering with an adjacent door and preventing the touch sensor from falsely detecting a signal.

[0290] The effects according to the idea of ​​the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0291] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A body forming a storage room; A door provided to open and close the above storage room; and A door opening device provided to open the door; The above door, A door panel forming the front of the door; A lower cap disposed on the lower side of the door panel, comprising a handle and a sensor mounting portion formed in front of the handle; and A touch sensor is mounted on the sensor mounting portion and is provided to receive a touch signal for operating the door opening device; The above touch sensor, A bottom touch part positioned below the sensor mounting part and configured to receive a touch signal from the lower side of the touch sensor; and A refrigerator including a front touch unit positioned below the sensor mounting unit, positioned in front of the bottom touch unit, and configured to receive a touch signal from the front of the touch sensor.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the front touch portion is located below the front lower part of the lower cap.

3. In paragraph 1, The above touch sensor, printed circuit board; and Further comprising a signal conductor mounted on the printed circuit board and configured to transmit a touch signal to the printed circuit board; The above-mentioned bottom touch portion covers the lower side of the signal conductor, A refrigerator in which the front touch portion covers the front of the signal conductor.

4. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator wherein the signal conductor is located below the sensor mounting portion.

5. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator wherein the signal conductor is positioned below the front lower part of the lower cap.

6. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator wherein the signal conductor extends from the printed circuit board toward the front touch unit.

7. In paragraph 3, The above touch sensor, A sensor case coupled to the sensor mounting portion and supporting the printed circuit board and the signal conductor; The above-mentioned bottom touch portion is provided on the bottom of the sensor case, A refrigerator in which the front touch part is provided on the front of the sensor case.

8. In paragraph 7, The above sensor case, A refrigerator comprising a fixing rib configured to fix the signal conductor by pressing the signal conductor to the bottom touch portion on the upper side of the signal conductor.

9. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator wherein the signal conductor comprises a conductive material and is provided to be elastically deformable.

10. In paragraph 1, The above touch sensor includes a sensor case mounted on the sensor mounting portion, The above sensor case includes a stepped portion formed in a step manner so that the front end of the lower cap is secured, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned step portion is in contact with the lower surface and the rear surface of the front end of the lower cap, respectively.

11. In paragraph 10, A refrigerator in which the front touch portion extends downward from the step portion.

12. In paragraph 1, The above touch sensor includes a sensor case, The above sensor mounting portion is formed by recessing upward from an opening provided on the bottom surface of the lower cap so that a part of the sensor case can be inserted, A refrigerator in which another part of the sensor case protrudes outwardly from the sensor mounting portion through the opening of the sensor mounting portion.

13. In paragraph 12, The above sensor case, The above-mentioned bottom touch portion is provided on the bottom surface of the sensor case which is arranged on the lower side of the above-mentioned opening, A refrigerator in which the front touch portion is provided on the front of the sensor case which is positioned on the lower side of the opening.

14. In paragraph 10, The upper part of the above sensor case is, A refrigerator inserted into the above sensor mounting portion and coupled to the lower cap.

15. In paragraph 1, The above door is the upper door, Further comprising a lower door positioned below the upper door and arranged vertically parallel to the upper door; A refrigerator in which the upper part of the lower door is spaced apart from the front touch part and the bottom touch part.

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