Door for home appliance and home appliance including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a door for a home appliance and a home appliance including same. The present invention may include: door bodies (70, 80, 90) disposed in front of an accommodation space (41) of the home appliance; and a door panel (G) coupled to the door bodies (70, 80, 90). The door panel (G) may include a plurality of panels (Ga, Gb, Gc). An image acquisition device (120) may be disposed between the plurality of panels (Ga, Gb, Gc). The image acquisition device (120) may acquire an image of the accommodation space (41) via a transmissive part (V) of the door panel (G). A transmittance variable part (200) may be provided between the plurality of panels (Ga, Gb, Gc) so as to overlap with at least a portion of the transmissive part (V). The transmittance variable part (200) may receive power and change in transmittance. In this case, the transmittance variable part (200) may block outside light from entering the inside of the door (60) and thereby prevent light from reaching the image acquisition device (120).

Description

Doors for home appliances and home appliances including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a door for a home appliance and a home appliance including the same.

[0002] Home appliances with doors that accommodate objects within their internal spaces, such as cooking appliances, refrigerators, and clothes washers, are widely used. These appliances may have a cabinet that forms the exterior, with a storage space for the object and a door for opening and closing the storage space.

[0003] Recently, various electronic components are being installed inside the doors of home appliances. For example, the door may be equipped with a light to illuminate objects within the interior space. Alternatively, the door may be equipped with a camera to photograph objects within the interior space. These electronic components can illuminate or photograph objects within the interior space through a transparent portion formed within the door.

[0004] At this time, the door of the appliance may be configured by stacking multiple glass panels. To reduce the influence of temperature and humidity within the appliance, the camera may be positioned between the multiple panels. The panels may be made of a transparent material, such as glass.

[0005] However, when a camera is placed between multiple panels, ghosting can occur, where objects outside the appliance are reflected between the panels and captured by the camera. When these external objects are captured by the camera, they overlap with objects inside the appliance, preventing the camera from providing an accurate image to the user.

[0006] In particular, if a user is positioned in front of an appliance, their image may be reflected on the door panels and captured by the camera. This can lead to privacy violations.

[0007] Additionally, multiple panels can reflect light from lights placed outside or inside the appliance. This reflected light can be transmitted to the camera, potentially causing light scattering or flare in captured images.

[0008] To solve this problem, the transparent portion of the door panel can be reduced so that images of external objects in the appliance are not transmitted to the camera, but this has the problem that the user cannot directly observe the inside of the appliance.

[0009] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and the purpose of the present invention is to selectively block external light (visible light) from reaching the inside of the door by arranging a variable transmittance portion in a door for a home appliance.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to ensure that the variable transmittance portion is stably fixed inside the door.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to supply power to a variable transmittance part through a power supply structure that electrically connects the main body and the door of a home appliance.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an area for shielding a camera and a variable transmittance area independently of each other.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to control the light transmittance of a transmittance variable portion by controlling the current applied to the transmittance variable portion.

[0014] According to a feature of the present invention for achieving the above-described object, the present invention may include a door body arranged in front of a storage space of a home appliance, and a door panel coupled to the door body. The door panel may include a plurality of panels. An image acquisition device may be arranged between the plurality of panels. The image acquisition device may acquire an image of the storage space through a transparent portion of the door panel. At this time, a transmittance variable portion may be provided between the plurality of panels so as to overlap at least a portion of the transparent portion. The transmittance variable portion may be changed by receiving power. The transmittance variable portion may block external light from entering the interior of the door, thereby preventing light from reaching the image acquisition device.

[0015] In addition, the first surface of the transmittance variable portion can be in close contact with the surface of the front panel among the plurality of panels. Accordingly, the area in which the transmittance variable portion makes surface contact with the front panel can be expanded.

[0016] An adhesive layer may be laminated on the first surface to secure the variable transmittance portion to the surface of the front panel. Accordingly, the variable transmittance portion can remain firmly secured to the door panel.

[0017] The adhesive layer may be formed over the entire first surface, or the adhesive layer may be formed around the edge of the first surface.

[0018] Among the peripheral surfaces formed around the edge of the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion, the first peripheral surface facing the surface of the image acquisition device may be arranged in a direction parallel to the surface of the image acquisition device. Accordingly, the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion may be fixed via the image acquisition device or electrically connected to the control unit via the image acquisition device.

[0019] Some of the edges of the above-mentioned variable transmittance portion may be positioned outside the transmission portion. Some of the edges of the above-mentioned variable transmittance portion may be positioned so as to overlap the transmission portion. When the above-mentioned variable transmittance portion is positioned outside the transmission portion, the electrodes or fixing members of the above-mentioned variable transmittance portion may not be exposed to the outside through the transmission portion.

[0020] The left-right width of the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion may be smaller than the left-right width of the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion. The vertical width of the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion may be smaller than the vertical width of the above-mentioned transmittance portion. In this case, the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion may be arranged to be spaced apart from the center of the above-mentioned transmittance portion in the direction of the image acquisition device. In this way, even if the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion is manufactured to be small, the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion can effectively prevent light from being reflected toward the image acquisition device.

[0021] The first surface of the variable transmittance portion may be in close contact with the surface of the front panel among the plurality of panels. A fixed film may be laminated on the edge of the second surface of the variable transmittance portion, which is opposite the first surface. A portion of the fixed film may be laminated on the edge of the first surface. The remaining portion of the fixed film may be laminated on the surface of the front panel, so that the fixed film may adhere the edge of the first surface to the surface of the front panel. The fixed film may prevent the edge portion of the variable transmittance portion from being lifted, thereby increasing durability.

[0022] The door panel may be provided with a panel perimeter that surrounds the edge of the transparent portion and has a lower light transmittance than the transparent portion. A portion of the fixed film may adhere to the panel perimeter. The fixed film may be covered by the panel perimeter and not exposed to the outside.

[0023] The wire harness connected to the electrode of the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion can be connected to the inside of the main body through a hinge portion connecting the door body and the main body of the home appliance. Through this, the wire harness can be connected to the main body without being exposed.

[0024] The above transmittance variable portion may be provided with a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode may be respectively arranged on the same circumferential surface of the transmittance variable portion.

[0025] The above-mentioned transmittance variable portion may be provided with a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode may each protrude in the direction of the image acquisition device.

[0026] The above-mentioned transmittance variable portion may be provided with a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode may each protrude in the lateral direction of the door body.

[0027] The door panel may be provided with a panel perimeter having a printed layer formed on the surface and surrounding the edge of the transparent portion. The image acquisition device may be positioned at the rear of the panel perimeter. The transmittance variable portion may be positioned at the rear of the transparent portion.

[0028] The door panel may be provided with a panel perimeter having a printed layer formed on the surface and surrounding the edge of the transparent portion. A portion of the variable transmittance portion may be positioned at the rear of the panel perimeter, and the remaining portion of the variable transmittance portion may be positioned at the rear of the transparent portion.

[0029] The door panel may be provided with a panel perimeter having a printed layer formed on the surface and surrounding the edge of the transparent portion. A wire harness connected to the electrode of the transmittance variable portion may extend around the edge of the transmittance variable portion. The wire harness may be positioned at the rear of the panel perimeter.

[0030] A harness guide may be placed between the plurality of panels. A wire harness connected to the variable transmittance portion may be guided to the hinge portion through the harness guide.

[0031] The above-mentioned transmittance variable portion may be provided with an electrode coupled to the wire harness. The electrode may protrude toward either the image acquisition device or the wire harness.

[0032] The above-mentioned transmittance variable portion includes a polymer dispersed liquid crystal and can be switched between an opaque or translucent blocking mode and a transparent transmitting mode depending on the application or blocking of power.

[0033] The door panel may include a transparent portion and a panel peripheral portion arranged around the edge of the transparent portion. The image acquisition unit may be arranged on the panel peripheral portion. The transmittance variable portion may shield all or part of the transparent portion.

[0034] One end of the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion may be arranged on a first circumference of the panel circumference where the image acquisition unit is arranged. The other end of the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion may be arranged on the transmission portion, or the other end of the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion may be arranged on a second circumference formed on the opposite side of the first circumference of the panel circumference.

[0035] One end of the above-described transmittance variable portion may be connected to the image capture device. The other end of the above-described transmittance variable portion may be arranged to be spaced apart from each of the plurality of panels.

[0036] The above-mentioned transmittance variable section can be supplied with switching power by an AC power source or a switching device.

[0037] An AC voltage of 10 V to 150 V can be applied to the above-mentioned transmittance variable section.

[0038] The pulse duty ratio formed by the waveform of the current applied to the above transmittance variable portion can be varied by the main control portion, thereby controlling the light transmittance of the above transmittance variable portion.

[0039] As discussed above, the door for a home appliance according to the present invention and the home appliance including the same have the following effects.

[0040] In the present invention, a door for a home appliance is provided with a variable transmittance portion whose transmittance changes when power is applied. The variable transmittance portion can selectively block visible light passing through the door's transparent portion. This prevents external light from being transmitted to the interior of the door, reflected off the rear panel, and transmitted to a camera device (image acquisition device), thereby enabling the camera device to accurately capture images of only objects placed inside the home appliance. Consequently, the image quality of the camera device can be improved.

[0041] In particular, the variable transmittance portion can prevent the user's image located in front of the appliance from being transmitted to the interior of the door and captured by the camera device. Accordingly, the door of the present invention can also prevent the user's privacy from being violated by the camera device's capture.

[0042] In addition, in the present invention, an adhesive layer is provided between the surface of the front panel among the plurality of panels constituting the variable transmittance portion and the door, thereby enabling the variable transmittance portion to be secured to the door. Accordingly, the variable transmittance portion can not only be stably secured to the interior of the door, but also adhere closely to the front panel, thereby directly blocking external light from the front of the door.

[0043] In addition, a fixing film may be laminated on the edge of the variable transmittance portion of the present invention. The fixing film may secure the second side of the variable transmittance portion, which is opposite the first side to which the adhesive layer is adhered, to the door. Accordingly, in the present invention, two different sides of the variable transmittance portion can be secured to the door, thereby increasing the installation stability of the variable transmittance portion.

[0044] Additionally, in the present invention, the wire harness that supplies power to the variable transmittance unit can be connected to the main body of the home appliance via a hinge that connects the door and the main body of the home appliance. Through this structure, the variable transmittance unit can stably receive control signals and / or power from the main body of the home appliance.

[0045] Additionally, the wire harness supplying power to the transmittance variable section can extend along the camera device. At this time, the wire harness can be positioned between the panels forming the door, along with the camera device's wire harness. Therefore, the wire harness supplying power to the transmittance variable section can be easily accommodated within the door.

[0046] Additionally, in the present invention, the wire harness that supplies power to the variable transmittance portion can extend along a harness guide positioned within the camera device housing and within the door. In this way, the wire harness can be guided to a specific location and direction within the door, thereby improving the convenience of storage and preventing the wire harness from being exposed to the door's transmittance portion.

[0047] In addition, in the present invention, the door may be provided with a transparent portion that shields the variable transmittance portion, and a panel perimeter that surrounds the transparent portion. The camera device may be placed at the rear of the panel perimeter so as not to be exposed to the outside, and the transparent portion may be shielded by the variable transmittance portion. In this way, in the present invention, the area (panel perimeter) for shielding the camera device and the area (variable transmittance portion) for shielding the transparent portion may be provided independently of each other. In this way, not only can the camera device always be shielded regardless of whether the variable transmittance portion is in operation, but also, since the panel perimeter is responsible for shielding the camera device, the size of the variable transmittance portion can be reduced, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost.

[0048] Additionally, in the present invention, the electrode for supplying power to the variable transmittance portion may protrude toward the edge of the door panel. The edge of the door panel may be provided with a panel perimeter, which can naturally conceal the electrode and the wire harness connected to the electrode. This can enhance the aesthetics of the door and the appliance.

[0049] In particular, when the transmittance variable portion is switched to blocking mode, the transmittance variable portion can take on a color corresponding to the panel perimeter. In this way, the transmittance portion positioned in front of the transmittance variable portion and the panel perimeter can provide a unified aesthetic to the user.

[0050] In addition, in the present invention, the electrode of the transmittance variable portion may protrude toward the housing constituting the camera device. At this time, the electrode may be inserted into the housing, or the wire harness connected to the electrode may be stored within the housing. Accordingly, the installation convenience of the electrode and wire harness of the transmittance variable portion may be improved. In some cases, the electrode may be directly connected to the control unit built into the housing of the camera device, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0051] In addition, in the present invention, the pulse duty ratio formed by the waveform of the current applied to the transmittance variable portion can be varied by the main control unit. When the duty ratio is varied, the light transmittance of the transmittance variable portion can be adjusted. By adjusting the light transmittance of the transmittance variable portion, the main control unit can set different exposure levels of objects stored in the home appliance, thereby allowing the home appliance to provide users with a variety of aesthetics and uses.

[0052] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a home appliance to which an example of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention is applied.

[0053] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a home appliance to which an example of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention is applied.

[0054] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of an example of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of an example of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention from a different angle than Fig. 3.

[0056] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of parts of an example of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0057] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line V-V' of Figure 3.

[0058] FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b) are exemplary views showing an example of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention, in which a variable transmittance part is in blocking mode, and an example of a home appliance when the variable transmittance part is in blocking mode.

[0059] FIG. 8(a) and FIG. 8(b) are exemplary views showing an example of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention, in which a variable transmittance part is in a transmittance mode, and an example of a home appliance when the variable transmittance part is in a transmittance mode.

[0060] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a component of a variable transmittance part constituting an example of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0061] Fig. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of a variable transmittance portion constituting one example of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0062] Fig. 11 is a circuit diagram showing the circuit structure of a variable transmittance part constituting one example of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0063] Fig. 12 is a front view showing an example of a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0064] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a structure in which a variable transmittance part is arranged on a front panel constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0065] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of a structure in which a variable transmittance portion is arranged on a front panel constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0066] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a third embodiment of a structure in which a variable transmittance part is arranged on a front panel constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0067] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth embodiment of a structure in which a variable transmittance part is arranged on a front panel constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0068] Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a fifth embodiment of a structure in which a variable transmittance part is arranged on a front panel constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0069] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a structure in which an electrode and a wire harness of a variable transmittance part constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention are arranged.

[0070] Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of a structure in which an electrode and a wire harness of a variable transmittance part constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention are arranged.

[0071] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a third embodiment of a structure in which an electrode and a wire harness of a variable transmittance part constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention are arranged.

[0072] Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth embodiment of a structure in which an electrode and a wire harness of a variable transmittance part constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention are arranged.

[0073] Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a fifth embodiment of a structure in which an electrode and a wire harness of a variable transmittance part constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention are arranged.

[0074] Figures 23(a) to 23(c) are graphs showing the voltage applied to the transmittance variable part constituting the door for a home appliance according to the present invention and the change in transparency accordingly.

[0075] Fig. 24 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of an insulation structure inside a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0076] Fig. 25 is an exemplary diagram showing a second embodiment of an insulation structure inside a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0077] Fig. 26 is an exemplary diagram showing a third embodiment of an insulation structure inside a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0078] Fig. 27 is an exemplary diagram showing the fourth embodiment of the insulation structure inside a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0079] Fig. 28 is an exemplary diagram showing a fifth embodiment of an insulation structure inside a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0080] Fig. 29 is an exemplary diagram showing a sixth embodiment of an insulation structure inside a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0081] Fig. 30 is an exemplary diagram showing a seventh embodiment of an insulation structure inside a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0082] Figure 31 is a conceptual diagram showing a second embodiment of a power supply structure of a variable transmittance part constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0083] Figures 32(a) and 32(b) are exemplary diagrams showing the circuit structure and the appearance of the door when power is applied in the open state of the circuit structure of the transmittance variable part illustrated in Figure 31.

[0084] Figures 33(a) and 33(b) are exemplary diagrams showing the circuit structure and the appearance of the door when the power is cut off while the circuit structure of the transmittance variable part illustrated in Figure 31 is open.

[0085] Figures 34(a) and 34(b) are exemplary diagrams showing the circuit structure and the appearance of the door when power is applied while the circuit structure of the transmittance variable part illustrated in Figures 32(a) and 32(b) is closed, respectively.

[0086] Figure 35 is a conceptual diagram showing a third embodiment of a power supply structure of a variable transmittance part constituting a door for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0087] Fig. 36 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of a home appliance to which a door for home appliances according to the present invention is applied.

[0088] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known structure or function is deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0089] The present invention relates to a home appliance and a door for the home appliance (hereinafter referred to as "door (60)"). Here, the home appliance may mean one having a storage space (41) inside. The door (60) may be arranged in front of the storage space (41). Here, the front refers to a direction facing a user when the user is positioned in front of the home appliance. Referring to Fig. 1, the X-axis direction may be the front. The Y-axis direction may be the left-right width direction of the door (60). The Z-axis direction may be the vertical width direction, which is the height direction of the door (60). The following description will be made based on these directions.

[0090] The above-described door (60) for home appliances can be applied not only to doors (60) of home appliances such as cooking appliances, refrigerators, freezers, kimchi refrigerators, plant cultivation devices, clothes processors, washing machines, and dryers, but can also be applied to doors or entrance doors of furniture. The present invention can be applied to various home appliances equipped with one or more doors (60). Among these, cooking appliances can include sealed cooking appliances such as ovens and microwave ovens. Hereinafter, the application of the door (60) of the present invention to cooking appliances will be described as an example.

[0091] In this embodiment, electronic components may be placed inside the door (60). The electronic components may provide various functions to the door (60). For example, when the electronic components are electronic component units (100, see FIG. 2), an internal image of the storage space (41) may be acquired through the electronic component unit (100). The door (60) may increase the internal illuminance of the storage space (41). To this end, the electronic component unit (100) may be equipped with an image acquisition device (120) and a lighting device (130).

[0092] For reference, referring to Fig. 4, the lighting device (130) is positioned on both sides with the image acquisition device (120) in between. The lighting device (130) may include a plurality of lights (130a, 130b). At this time, the plurality of lights (130a, 130b) may irradiate light in different directions.

[0093] As another example, a display device (not shown) made of electronic components may be placed on the door (60). The display device can provide information about the home appliance to the user. The user can input operating commands through the display device.

[0094] The electronic component unit (100) or a part of the display device may be provided inside the door (60). At this time, the electronic component unit (100) or the electronic component such as the display device may exchange electric signals with the main control unit provided in the main body (10) of the home appliance, or may be connected to the main body (10) by a wire for power supply. Hereinafter, the electronic component arranged in the door (60) will be described as the electronic component unit (100) as an example.

[0095] For reference, in FIG. 4, the front panel (Ga) constituting the front of the door (60) is viewed through, and the electronic component unit (100) and the harness guide (160) for supplying power to the electronic component unit (100) are expressed. In reality, the electronic component unit (100) and the harness guide (160) are arranged inside the door (60), so they are not exposed from the front of the door (60). Referring to FIG. 4, a wire storage portion (WG) in which a wire harness (not shown) is stored is formed inside the harness guide (160).

[0096] Referring to Fig. 1, the front of the cooking appliance of the present embodiment may include a door (60) and an operating unit (15). Reference numeral 16 represents a display unit exposed on the front of the operating unit (15). The image acquisition device (120) and the transmittance variable unit (200) described above may be arranged inside the door (60). The home appliance may be a built-in home appliance. For example, the home appliance may be a cooking appliance installed in a built-in manner.

[0097] Referring to Fig. 2, the direction in which external light is transmitted into the interior of the door (60) is represented by an arrow. Here, the external light may be visible light reflected by an external object placed outside the home appliance. The path along which the visible light passes through the front panel (Ga) of the door (60) and is reflected inside the door (60) is represented by a dotted arrow (arrow ①), and the path along which the visible light does not reach the interior of the door (60) and is reflected again is represented by a solid arrow (arrow ②). In this way, in the present embodiment, external visible light may enter or be blocked into the interior of the door (60), and this difference may be achieved by the transmittance variable portion (200) described below. In Fig. 2, F' represents a user as an external object.

[0098] The above-described transmittance variable portion (200) can allow external visible light to pass through the transmitting portion (V) formed on the front panel (Ga) of the door (60), or can prevent visible light from passing through the transmitting portion (V). At this time, the state in which visible light does not pass through the transmitting portion (V) is referred to as a blocking mode, and the state in which visible light passes through is referred to as a transmitting mode. In other words, the state in which visible light does not pass through the transmitting portion (V) can be regarded as a first state, and the state in which visible light passes through can be regarded as a second state.

[0099] When the above transmittance variable part (200) is in the transmission mode, external visible light can pass through the front panel (Ga) of the door (60) and the above transmittance variable part (200) and enter the interior of the door (60). When the external visible light enters the interior of the door (60), it can reach the image acquisition device (120) while being reflected inside the door (60) (see the path of the dotted arrow (①) in FIG. 2). More precisely, the external visible light can reach the image acquisition device (120) after being reflected on the surface of another panel arranged at the rear of the front panel (Ga). Accordingly, an image of an external object (F', see FIG. 2) can be formed on the image acquisition device (120).

[0100] Conversely, when the transmittance variable portion (200) is in blocking mode, external visible light is reflected by the transmittance variable portion (200) positioned at the rear of the front panel (Ga) and cannot enter the interior of the door (60), and thus external visible light cannot reach the image acquisition device (120). The structure and operation of the transmittance variable portion (200) will be described again below.

[0101] Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention. For reference, Fig. 2 illustrates a storage space (41) formed inside the inner casing (40) of the home appliance in a transparent manner. The inner casing (40) may be provided inside the main body (10). The inner casing (40) may be covered by a side cover (12) of the main body (10), etc.

[0102] A cooking object (F, see FIG. 2) may be placed in the storage space (41). The cooking object (F) may not be visible from the outside, i.e., in front of the door (60). In the present embodiment, the door (60) is provided with a transparent portion (V), so that the user can observe the inside of the storage space (41) through the transparent portion (V). However, if the illuminance of the storage space (41) is low, it is difficult for the user to accurately observe the inside of the storage space (41) with the naked eye. In the present embodiment, since the electronic component includes a lighting device (130), the illuminance of the storage space (41) can be sufficiently increased. For reference, when the transmittance variable portion (200) is in a transparent mode, external visible light can pass through the transparent portion (V).

[0103] At this time, the light irradiated from the lighting device (130) may be reflected from the inner wall of the storage space (41) and then transmitted to the door (60) again. The light transmitted to the door (60) in this way may expose components arranged at the rear of the door (60) toward the user. In the present embodiment, the door (60) is provided with a panel perimeter (PA) surrounding the edge of the transmission portion (V), thereby preventing exposure of these components. The panel perimeter (PA) may be formed to be opaque or translucent surrounding the transmission portion (V). The transmittance variable portion (200) may be arranged closer to the center of the door (60) than the panel perimeter (PA). The structure of the panel perimeter (PA) will be examined in detail again below.

[0104] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment of a door (60) according to the present invention. For reference, in the drawings, reference numeral "I" indicates the inside of the door (60), i.e., the direction of the storage space (41), and reference numeral "O" indicates the outside of the door (60), i.e., the exterior of the home appliance. For reference, FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a structure in which the rear frame (80), inner frame (90), and insulation panel (IP), which constitute the door body (70, 80, 90) of the door (60), are omitted.

[0105] The front of the door (60) may be composed of a front frame (70), a front panel (Ga), and a door handle (75) to be described below. The front panel (Ga) and the door handle (75) may be respectively coupled to the front frame (70). Here, the front panel (Ga) is made of a transparent or translucent material, so that the storage space (41) can be seen through. Only a portion of the front panel (Ga) can be seen through in the front and rear directions.

[0106] In Fig. 3, the arrow indicates the direction in which visible light passes through the door (60). Visible light from outside the home appliance can selectively pass through the transparent portion (V) of the door (60). The transmittance variable portion (200) arranged at the rear of the transparent portion (V) can selectively allow visible light to pass through. By the user's operation or the automatic control of the main control unit, the transmittance variable portion (200) can be switched from the blocking mode to the transmitting mode, thereby allowing visible light to pass through.

[0107] A door handle (75) is provided on the front of the door (60). The door handle (75) is a part that a user holds when opening the door (60). In the present embodiment, the door (60) can be operated in a pull-down manner in which the upper portion rotates up and down around the lower portion. The user can open the door (60) downward by holding the door handle (75) and pulling the door handle (75). As another example, the door (60) can be operated in a side-swing manner in which it opens to the side.

[0108] Referring to Fig. 4, a view of the door (60) as viewed from the rear is illustrated. A transparent portion (V) is formed in the center of the door (60). The transparent portion (V) is for viewing the storage space (41). The transparent portion (V) may be formed in the center of the door panel (G). More precisely, the door panel (G) is composed of a plurality of panels (Ga, Gb, Gc), and the transparent portion (V) may be formed in the center of each of the plurality of panels (Ga, Gb, Gc). The door panel (G) may be made of a material that can transmit light, such as glass.

[0109] In this embodiment, a transmission portion (V) is formed at the center of the front panel (Ga), and a printing area is formed on the periphery of the transmission portion (V). The printing area becomes the panel periphery (PA) described above, and the panel periphery (PA) may not transmit the door (60) in the front-back direction, or may transmit only a very small amount of light. At this time, the transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged on the surface of the front panel (Ga), so as to block or transmit visible light passing through the transmission portion (V). That is, the periphery of the front panel (Ga) may have visible light blocked by the panel periphery (PA), and the center (transmission portion (V)) of the front panel (Ga) may have visible light blocked by the transmittance variable portion (200).

[0110] Among the plurality of panels (Ga, Gb, Gc), a front panel (Ga) may be formed with a panel perimeter (PA) that surrounds the edge of the transparent portion (V). The panel perimeter (PA) prevents the storage space (41) from being seen through. In Fig. 4, the panel perimeter (PA) may include an upper perimeter (PA1) that surrounds the upper edge of the transparent portion (V), a lower perimeter (PA2) that surrounds the lower edge of the transparent portion (V), and side perimeters (PA3) that surround both end edges of the transparent portion (V). The upper perimeter (PA1), the lower perimeter (PA2), and the side perimeters (PA3) are connected to each other to form an approximately rectangular shape. In other words, the upper circumference (PA1) may be referred to as the first circumference, the lower circumference (PA2) may be referred to as the second circumference, and the side circumference (PA3) may be referred to as the third circumference.

[0111] The above panel perimeter (PA) can prevent components arranged on the rear side of the front panel (Ga) from being exposed. For example, the panel perimeter (PA) can cover the inner frame (90) and the electronic component unit (100) which will be described later. In the present embodiment, the electronic component unit (100) is arranged on the rear side of the upper perimeter (PA1). For reference, although FIG. 12 illustrates the electronic component unit (100) covered by the panel perimeter (PA) in a transparent manner, in reality, the electronic component unit (100) is covered by the panel perimeter (PA). The panel perimeter (PA) not only covers the components, but can also be printed with a specific color or shape to enhance the aesthetics of the door (60). The structure of the panel perimeter (PA) will be described again below.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 4, the transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged on the inside of the panel perimeter (PA). The transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged closer to the center of the front panel (Ga) than the panel perimeter (PA), so as to cover the transparent portion (V). The transmittance variable portion (200) may be arranged on the surface of the front panel (Ga) on which the panel perimeter (PA) is printed, i.e., on the rear surface of the front panel (Ga).

[0113] A front opening (72) may be formed at the center of the front frame (70). The front opening (72) penetrates the center of the front frame (70) and exposes a portion of the front panel (Ga). The front opening (72) may expose the transmission portion (V), a portion of the panel perimeter (PA), and the transmittance variable portion (200).

[0114] Let's take a detailed look at the components that make up this embodiment with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The door body (70, 80, 90) that forms the skeleton of the door (60) may be configured to include a plurality of frame components. In this embodiment, the door body (70, 80, 90) may include a front frame (70), a rear frame (80), and an inner frame (90). These may be combined with each other to form a single door body (70, 80, 90). Here, "front" refers to the front of the door (60) (right side based on FIG. 5).

[0115] The front frame (70) may be arranged at the front of the door body (70, 80, 90). More precisely, the front frame (70) may form a front skeleton of the door body (70, 80, 90). The front frame (70) includes a front frame body (71) having a substantially rectangular shape. A front opening (72) may be formed through the center of the front frame body (71) to expose the door panel (G). A front bracket (73) protrudes from the lower end of the front frame body (71), and the front bracket (73) may be coupled with a rear bracket (83) of a rear frame (80) to be described later. Reference numeral 74 denotes a side cover, and the harness guide (160) may be accommodated inside the side cover (74).

[0116] Among the two surfaces of the front frame (70), the front panel (Ga) is adhered to the rear surface (71B) of the front frame (70). Since the circumference of the front frame (70) is wider than the circumference of the front panel (Ga), even if the front panel (Ga) is adhered to the rear surface (71B) of the front frame (70), an installation area that is not covered by the front panel (Ga) is formed on the rear surface (71B) of the front frame (70). The installation area (not shown) may be formed on the surface of the door body (70, 80, 90) that extends beyond the edge of the door panel (G).

[0117] The door body (70, 80, 90) may be provided with a door hinge (78). FIG. 5 illustrates the door hinge (78) in an exploded state, and FIG. 6 illustrates the door hinge (78) positioned between the front frame (70) and the inner frame (90). A hinge hook arm (78a) may protrude from the door hinge (78).

[0118] A rear frame (80) may be coupled to the front frame (70) with the door panel (G) interposed therebetween. The rear frame (80) includes a rear frame body (81) having a substantially square frame shape. When the door (60) is closed, the rear frame (80) may face the opened entrance of the storage space (41). A rear opening (82) may be opened at the center of the rear frame body (81). The rear opening (82) may have a structure that is opened in the front and rear directions so that the transparent portion (V) may see through the inside of the storage space (41). Drawing reference numeral 88 indicates a hanging arm passage hole through which the hinge hanging arm (78a) protrudes. A rear fastening hole (87) may be formed in the rear frame (80). The above rear fastening hole (87) is the part through which the door (60) fastening hole (not shown) passes.

[0119] A cooling channel (85) may be formed in the rear frame (80). Air introduced into the door (60) through the cooling channel may be transferred to the main body (10) of the cooking appliance, thereby performing a cooling function. Conversely, heat from the main body (10) of the cooking appliance may be introduced into the cooling channel (85), then passed through the interior of the door (60) and discharged to the outside.

[0120] The rear opening (82) of the rear frame (80) does not cover the transparent portion (V), but may cover a part of the electronic component unit (100). More precisely, through the rear opening (82), the image acquisition device (120) and the lighting device (130) constituting the electronic component unit (100) are exposed toward the rear storage space (41) (based on the closed state), but a part of the electronic component unit (100) corresponding to the upper portion of the image acquisition device (120) and the lighting device (130) may be covered by the rear frame (80). Accordingly, even if a user opens the door (60), the remaining portion excluding the image acquisition device (120) and the lighting device (130) may not be exposed through the transparent portion (V).

[0121] The inner frame (90) may be coupled to the rear frame (80). The inner frame (90) may be positioned between the rear frame (80) and the front frame (70). The rear panel (IP) may be positioned between the inner frame (90) and the rear frame (80). Insulators (97, 98) may also be positioned between the inner frame (90) and the rear frame (80). When the inner frame (90) is coupled to the rear frame (80), the rear panel (IP) and the insulators (97, 98) may be fixed.

[0122] In this embodiment, the inner frame (90) is composed of a first inner frame (91) and a second inner frame (95). A first inner opening (92) and a second inner opening (96) are opened in the center of the first inner frame (91) and the second inner frame (95), respectively. The first inner opening (92) and the second inner opening (96) are connected to the rear opening (82) to expose the transmission portion (V). A hinge avoidance portion (93) is formed to be recessed on a side surface of the first inner frame (91). The hinge avoidance portion (93) may be recessed to avoid a portion where the door hinge (78) is mounted. As another example, the inner frame (90) may be omitted or may be formed as a part of the rear frame (80).

[0123] Insulators (97, 98) are placed between the inner frame (90) and the rear frame (80). The insulators (97, 98) are placed at the top and bottom of the rear panel (IP), respectively, and can perform an insulating function.

[0124] The first rear panel (Gb) and the second rear panel (Gc) constituting the rear panel (IP) are spaced apart from the front panel (Ga). An air passage (A, see FIG. 6), which is a flow space in which air flows, may be formed between the rear panel (IP) and the front panel (Ga) so spaced apart. In addition, the rear panel (IP) may form an insulating space therein so that the internal heat of the storage space (41) is not transmitted to the front, i.e., toward the door (60). Therefore, the rear panel (IP) may also be viewed as an insulating panel (IP). As another example, the rear panel (IP) may be composed of only one panel, or may be composed of three or more panels.

[0125] An electronic component unit (100) is arranged on the front panel (Ga). In the present embodiment, the electronic component unit (100) is in close contact with the front panel (Ga). As another example, the electronic component unit (100) may be spaced apart from the front panel (Ga).

[0126] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic component unit (100) includes two casings (110). An image acquisition device (120) and a lighting device (130) may be provided between the two casings (110A, 110B). The image acquisition device (120) may be viewed as a type of camera device for photographing the storage space (41). The lighting device (130) may include an LED element as a light for irradiating light into the storage space (41). In the present embodiment, the electronic component unit (100) includes both the image acquisition device (120) and the lighting device (130). As another example, the electronic component unit (100) may include only one of the image acquisition device (120) and the lighting device (130).

[0127] The above electronic component unit (100) may include a main unit (100A) and a connection unit (100B). The image acquisition device (120) and the lighting device (130) may be arranged in the main unit (100A). A wire harness for transmitting power and signals to the image acquisition device (120) and the lighting device (130) may be arranged in the connection unit (100B). In the present embodiment, the main unit (100A) and the connection unit (100B) extend in different directions. As another example, the connection unit (100B) may be omitted.

[0128] As shown in Fig. 4, the electronic component unit (100) can be positioned at a position spaced apart from the edge (Ga') of the front panel (Ga) toward the transmission portion (V). The electronic component unit (100) is positioned at a position spaced apart from the upper edge of the edge (Ga') of the front panel (Ga) toward the center (Va) of the transmission portion (V). In this way, the electronic component unit (100) can be positioned closer to the transmission portion (V), thereby securing a wider field of view and irradiation angle.

[0129] The electronic component unit (100) may be arranged on the panel periphery (PA). The panel periphery (PA) is formed around the edge of the transparent portion (V). The electronic component unit (100) arranged on the panel periphery (PA) is covered by the panel periphery (PA) and is not exposed forward, i.e., toward the user. In the present embodiment, the electronic component unit (100) is arranged on the upper periphery (PA1) of the panel periphery (PA).

[0130] Since the electronic component unit (100) is positioned relatively closer to the transmission portion (V) than the edge of the door body (70, 80, 90), a gap is formed between the electronic component unit (100) and the edge of the door body (70, 80, 90). Accordingly, the electronic component unit (100) can be maintained in a fixed state by relying on the door panel (G), more precisely, the front panel (Ga). For example, the electronic component unit (100) can be fixed to the surface of the front panel (Ga) using an adhesive component such as a double-sided tape.

[0131] At this time, since the front panel (Ga) of the door (60) is provided with a panel perimeter (PA) together with the transmission portion (V), light can be transmitted only through the transmission portion (V). The panel perimeter (PA) is composed of a printed layer (140) as described below, and can opaquely transmit light or significantly reduce the amount of transmitted light. Of course, light passing through the transmission portion (V) can be blocked by the transmittance variable portion (200).

[0132] When the above-mentioned transmittance variable part (200) is in the transmission mode, light (visible light) is transmitted through the transmission part (V) of the front panel (Ga) constituting the door (60), but the panel perimeter (PA) arranged around the transmission part (V) may not transmit light. As shown in Fig. 4, since the home appliance component unit (100) is arranged on the rear side of the upper perimeter (PA1), the upper perimeter (PA1) can cover the home appliance component unit (100) so that it is not exposed to the front.

[0133] In this embodiment, the storage space (41) is made of metal, so its surface has a high light reflectance. In addition, the inner frame (90) and the rear frame (80) arranged at the rear of the front panel (Ga) are also made of metal, so they can reflect light well. However, since the panel perimeter (PA) blocks light, the reflected light can only be transmitted forward through the transmittance variable portion (200) and the transmission portion (V).

[0134] FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b) illustrate an example of a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention, in which the transmittance variable part (200) is in blocking mode, and an example of the home appliance when the transmittance variable part (200) is in blocking mode. Referring to FIG. 7(b), when the transmittance variable part (200) is in blocking mode, visible light cannot pass through the transmittance variable part (200) arranged at the rear of the front panel (Ga), so that the inside object (F) cannot be observed from the outside. To this end, the power supply to the transmittance variable part (200) must be cut off to enter blocking mode. FIG. 7(a) illustrates an example of the transmittance variable part (200) in blocking mode.

[0135] Referring to Fig. 7(a), a cross-section of the transmittance variable portion (200) is enlarged. As can be seen, the transmittance variable portion (200) may be configured to include an active layer (211). In the present embodiment, the active layer (211) may be configured as a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crustal) film. The PDLC film may exhibit an opaque state (blocking mode) when no voltage is applied, and a transparent state (transmitting mode) when voltage is applied.

[0136] Looking at the structure of the PDLC film, the PDLC film may have a first cover layer (230A) having a first electrode layer (220A) and a second cover layer (230B) having a second electrode layer (220B) facing each other with a certain interval between them. An active layer (211) composed of a prepolymer (212) in which a liquid crystal (214) is dispersed may be positioned between the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B). In the present embodiment, the PDLC film may be made by inserting an active layer (211) which is a mixture of a prepolymer (212) and a liquid crystal (214) between the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B) which are transparent indium tin oxide (ITO). For example, the active layer (211) can be formed by coating a PDLC solution between a first electrode layer (220A) and a second electrode layer (220B), which are a pair of ITO films.

[0137] Here, the active layer (211) composed of the above prepolymer (212) and liquid crystal (214) becomes a dielectric, and the two electrode layers (220A, 220B) facing each other with the dielectric in between can form a type of capacitor structure.

[0138] The first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B) may be composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). As another example, the first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B) may be composed of a transparent material such as glass, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, or polyepoxy, but are not limited thereto.

[0139] The first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B) may be formed by including at least one of ITO, IZO (In-ZnO), GZO (Ga-ZnO), AZO (Al-ZnO), AGZO (Al-GaZnO), IGZO (In-Ga ZnO), IrOx, RuOx, RuOx / ITO, Ni / IrOx / Au, and Ni / IrOx / Au / ITO, but are not limited thereto.

[0140] The above active layer (211) may be composed of a prepolymer (212), which is a polymer matrix in which a liquid crystal (214) is dispersed. The active layer (211) may be formed by mixing raw materials of a polymer material that is cured by ultraviolet rays or heat with a liquid crystal (214), injecting the mixture into a liquid crystal specimen, and then exposing the mixture to ultraviolet rays or heat. That is, when the raw materials of the polymer material are exposed to ultraviolet rays or heat to form a polymer, phase separation occurs with the liquid crystal, and thus a liquid crystal may be formed between the polymer meshes. The liquid crystal (214) may be a nematic liquid crystal, a cholesteric liquid crystal, a smectic liquid crystal, a ferroelectric liquid crystal, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0141] The above active layer (211) can form a transmittance variable layer (210) together with the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B). The first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B) can be laminated on both sides of the transmittance variable layer (210), respectively. In this way, a film structure composed of the transmittance variable layer (210), the first cover layer (230A), and the second cover layer (230B) can form the transmittance variable portion (200).

[0142] The active layer (211) is a portion whose transmittance varies depending on whether power is applied. In the present embodiment, the transmittance variable layer (210) is composed of a PDLC film, but as another example, the transmittance variable layer (210) may be composed of a PNLC film (Polymer Network Liquid Crystal, PNLC) or an electrochromic film including an electrochromic element. The PNLC film has a three-dimensional network-like structure in which the liquid crystal is a continuous phase and the polymer is cross-linked. Alternatively, the transmittance variable layer (210) may be a reverse mode PDLC film. The reverse mode PDLC film has the characteristic of becoming opaque when power is applied, and conversely, becoming transparent when power is applied.

[0143] At this time, the transmittance variable portion (200) may be dyed or deposited, so that a specific color may be colored in the transmittance variable portion (200). The transmittance variable portion (200) may have various colors. When a specific color is colored in the transmittance variable portion (200), the transmittance variable portion (200) may have a color that is unified with that of other parts of the door (60), and may also block electromagnetic waves and prevent light reflection, as will be described below.

[0144] In this way, when a specific color is colored in the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion (200), the storage space (41) can be exposed through the transmittance portion (V) and the color layer having a specific color in the transmittance mode.

[0145] The above-mentioned transmittance variable portion (200) may be dyed with a dye or a specific material may be deposited to color the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion (200) with a specific color. In the present embodiment, the first cover layer (230A) or the second cover layer (230B) may be dyed with a dye or a metal material may be deposited on the surface of the first cover layer (230A) or the second cover layer (230B). Accordingly, the first cover layer (230A) or the second cover layer (230B) may be colored with the specific color.

[0146] As previously described, the first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B) may be composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The specific color may be colored onto the polyethylene terephthalate material. The coloring method may be achieved by coating a color resin mixed with a dye onto the polyethylene terephthalate material, or by directly mixing a dye during the process of manufacturing the polyethylene terephthalate material.

[0147] As another example, the first electrode layer (220A) or the second electrode layer (220B) may be dyed with a dye, so that the first electrode layer (220A) or the second electrode layer (220B) may be colored with the specific color. The first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B) may be laminated on the first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B), respectively. At this time, the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B) may be made by depositing a metal material on the first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B). Here, the deposition may be a low-temperature deposition of an ITO thin film using sputtering. The first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B) may be formed by including at least one of ITO, IZO (In-ZnO), GZO (Ga-ZnO), AZO (Al-ZnO), AGZO (Al-GaZnO), IGZO (In-Ga ZnO), IrOx, RuOx, RuOx / ITO, Ni / IrOx / Au, and Ni / IrOx / Au / ITO.

[0148] The metal material may be mixed with a dye to impart a specific color. For example, a dye with high saturation may be mixed with the metal material to impart a specific color to the first electrode layer (220A) or the second electrode layer (220B).

[0149] As another example, the metallic color of the first electrode layer (220A) or the second electrode layer (220B) can be made to have a specific color by varying the concentration of the metal material constituting the first electrode layer (220A) or the second electrode layer (220B). For example, the metallic color can be strongly realized by increasing the concentration of the electrode material on which ITO, nickel, or nickel-chromium alloy constituting the first electrode layer (220A) or the second electrode layer (220B) is deposited.

[0150] In this way, a metal material is deposited on the surface of the first cover layer (230A) facing the first surface of the active layer (211) and the surface of the second cover layer (230B) facing the second surface of the active layer (211), so that the first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B) can be colored with the specific color. At this time, since the metal material is deposited on the first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B), the surface of the first cover layer (230A) and the surface of the second cover layer (230B) can become the first electrode layer (220A) or the second electrode layer (220B), which are conductors, respectively. Accordingly, when an external power source is applied to the first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B), a voltage difference may occur in the active layer (211) disposed between the first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B).

[0151] A plurality of metal materials may be laminated on the first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B). A first metal material may be deposited on the surface of the first cover layer (230A) facing the first surface of the active layer (211) and on the surface of the second cover layer (230B) facing the second surface of the active layer (211), respectively. In addition, a second metal material may be deposited on the surface of the first cover layer (230A) and the surface of the second cover layer (230B) so as to cover the first metal material, respectively. Accordingly, the first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B) may be colored with the specific color by the first metal material and the second metal material. For example, the first metal material may be ITO (transparent indium tin oxide), and the second metal material may be nickel or a nickel-chromium alloy material.

[0152] Meanwhile, the active layer (211) may be colored with a specific color. The prepolymer (212) constituting the active layer (211) may be dyed with a dye, so that the active layer (211) may be colored with the specific color. For example, a PDLC may be made using a dye that is selectively soluble only in polymers.

[0153] The adhesive layer (250) may be dyed with a dye to be colored in a specific color. The adhesive layer (250) may be dyed with a dye to be colored in a specific color. Since the adhesive layer (250) is positioned between the first cover layer (230A) and the front panel (Ga), if the adhesive layer (250) has a specific color, the user can observe the specific color of the adhesive layer (250) through the transparent portion (V).

[0154] The portion colored with the specific color based on the direction in which the plurality of panels are spaced apart from each other may be provided so as to overlap with the image acquisition device (120). In this case, the image acquisition device (120) may be covered by the portion colored with the specific color. Of course, the image acquisition device (120) may be shielded by the panel perimeter (PA), but the portion colored with the specific color may prevent exposure of the image acquisition device (120) together with the panel perimeter (PA). As another example, the panel perimeter (PA) may be omitted from the portion colored with the specific color.

[0155] In the above-described transmittance variable portion (200), the portion colored with the specific color may be formed along the periphery of the above-described transmittance variable portion (200). That is, the portion colored with the specific color may be formed around the edge of the front panel (Ga). Since the periphery of the above-described transmittance variable portion (200) is adjacent to the panel periphery (PA), the portion colored with the specific color may be made to be continuous with the panel periphery (PA).

[0156] If the portion colored with the specific color and the panel perimeter (PA) are formed to have different light transmittances, the portion colored with the specific color, the panel perimeter (PA), and the transparent portion (V) can implement a type of gradient shape. More specifically, the door (60) panel may be provided with a panel perimeter (PA) that surrounds the edge of the transparent portion (V) and has lower light transmittance than the transparent portion (V). In the transmittance variable portion (200), the portion colored with the specific color may have higher brightness than the panel perimeter (PA). Accordingly, the light transmittance may gradually increase from the outer edge of the door (60) toward the center of the transparent portion (V), thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the door (60).

[0157] At this time, the specific color may be grayscale. The grayscale may be in harmony with the color of the front frame (70) constituting the door (60). For example, when the front frame (70) has a metallic color, the grayscale-colored transmittance variable portion (200) may have a color corresponding to the front frame (70). At this time, the transmittance variable portion (200) and the front frame (70) may have different brightnesses. For example, the transmittance variable portion (200) may have a higher brightness than the front frame (70).

[0158] At least two of the first electrode layer (220A), the second electrode layer (220B), the first cover layer (230A), or the second cover layer (230B) may be colored with different specific colors. In this way, the plurality of thin film layers constituting the transmittance variable portion (200) may be colored with different colors. The different colors realized by the plurality of thin film layers may be mixed with each other to provide a new sense of color to the user. Accordingly, there is an effect that colors that are difficult to realize by each thin film layer constituting the transmittance variable portion (200) alone can be obtained. For example, if the first electrode layer (220A) and the first cover layer (230A) are colored to have yellow and cyan, respectively, they can be mixed to realize green.

[0159] Meanwhile, the transmittance variable portion (200) may be composed of a plurality of different regions. The plurality of regions may be colored with different specific colors. Although not shown, the upper portion of the transmittance variable portion (200) may be colored with a first color, and the lower portion may be colored with a second color. For example, if the upper portion of the transmittance variable portion (200) closer to the user's line of sight is colored with a specific color having high light transmittance, the lower portion of the transmittance variable portion (200) relatively far from the user's line of sight may be colored with a specific color having low light transmittance.

[0160] Among the plurality of panels, a panel color layer having a specific color different from the color of the specific color of the portion of the transmittance variable portion (200) may be laminated on the front panel (Ga). For example, a transparent film having a specific color may be attached to the front panel (Ga). When the transmittance variable portion (200) and the front panel (Ga) are each colored in this way, they can be mixed to produce various colors.

[0161] Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 7(a), when driving power is not applied to the transmittance variable portion (200), the liquid crystals (214) in the active layer (211) are arranged in a random direction, so that a difference occurs between the effective refractive index of the liquid crystals (214) and the refractive index of the polymer, and thus the incident light may be scattered opaquely. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 7(b), the object (F) arranged at the rear of the front panel (Ga) cannot be observed from the outside.

[0162] On the other hand, when driving power is applied to the transmittance variable part (200) as shown in Fig. 8(a), the liquid crystals (214) in the active layer (211) are aligned in one direction so that the refractive indices of the liquid crystals (214) and the polymer matrix (212) become the same, and the incident light can transmit through the active layer (211). Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 8(b), the object (F) arranged at the rear of the front panel (Ga) can be observed from the outside.

[0163] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the structure of the transmittance variable portion (200) of the present embodiment. As can be seen therein, the first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B) may be arranged on both sides of the transmittance variable layer (210) arranged in the center. The first cover layer (230A) and the second cover layer (230B) may each be in the form of a thin plate, and may be considered to form the framework of the transmittance variable portion (200).

[0164] The first surface of the above-described transmittance variable portion (200) may be in close contact with the surface of the front panel (Ga) among the plurality of panels. At this time, the first surface may be the surface of the first cover layer (230A). An adhesive layer (250) may be laminated on the surface of the first cover layer (230A). The adhesive layer (250) may be disposed between the first cover layer (230A) and the front panel (Ga), and may adhere the first cover layer (230A) to the surface of the front panel (Ga). The adhesive layer (250) may have a thin film structure in which an adhesive material is formed on each of both surfaces. As another example, the adhesive layer (250) may be formed by directly applying an adhesive material to the surface of the first cover layer (230A).

[0165] The above adhesive layer (250) is made of a transparent material and can transmit visible light. The adhesive layer (250) may contain a dye to express a specific color, but even in this case, the adhesive layer (250) is made transparent. The dye may be one or two or more selected from azo dyes, anthraquinone dyes, phenylene dyes, melocyanine dyes, azomethine dyes, phthaloperylene dyes, indigo dyes, azulene dyes, dioxazine dyes, and polythiophene dyes, and may be combined.

[0166] The adhesive layer (250) may be formed over the entire first surface, or the adhesive layer (250) may be formed around the edge of the first surface. When the adhesive layer (250) is formed over the entire first surface of the transmittance variable portion (200), the transmittance variable portion (200) may be more strongly fixed to the surface of the front panel (Ga). When the adhesive layer (250) is formed around the edge of the first surface of the transmittance variable portion (200), the transmittance variable portion (200) may reduce a decrease in transmittance caused by the adhesive layer (250).

[0167] As shown in Fig. 10, when the transmittance variable portion (200) is in the transmission mode, external visible light can pass through the transmittance variable portion (200). More specifically, external visible light that has passed through the transmission portion (V) of the front panel (Ga) can sequentially pass through the adhesive layer (250), the first cover layer (230A), the transmittance variable layer (210), and the second cover layer (230B) and then pass through the rear panel (IP) of the door (60).

[0168] Fig. 11 conceptually illustrates the circuit structure of the transmittance variable layer (210) constituting the present embodiment. As can be seen therein, the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B) are arranged on both sides of the central active layer (211). Here, the active layer (211), the first electrode layer (220A), and the second electrode layer (220B) can form a type of capacitor structure. When power is supplied to the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B), the liquid crystals (214) of the active layer (211) arranged therebetween are aligned, and the transmittance variable layer (210) can be switched to a transmission mode.

[0169] In Fig. 11, the reference numeral P represents a power supply unit (P), which may be disposed inside the door (60) or may be disposed in the main body of the home appliance. A first electrode (260A) and a second electrode (260B) may be connected to the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B), respectively, so as to receive power from the power supply unit (P). The power supply unit (P) may form a power supply structure together with a wire harness. This structure will be described again below.

[0170] As shown in Fig. 11, the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B) can form a circuit equipped with a kind of resistor (225). And the inside of the active layer (211) can be a kind of capacitor (215) having a predetermined capacity. In the drawing, the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode (260B) each include three resistors, and the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode (260B) are connected in parallel to each other through the capacitor (215) of the active layer (211). However, this is a simplified representation to help understanding. The first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode (260B) can have numerous parallel connection structures through the active layer (211). In this way, the transmittance variable portion (200) including the active layer (211) can have a uniform transmittance from the top to the bottom.

[0171] Referring to Fig. 12, a front view of the door (60) of the present embodiment is illustrated. As can be seen therein, a front panel (Ga) is arranged at the center of the door (60), and the front panel (Ga) includes a panel periphery (PA) surrounding the transparent portion. At this time, the transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged at the rear of the transparent portion (V). Since the transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged at the rear of the transparent portion (V), it can be observed from the outside of the door (60) only through the transparent portion (V). If the blocking mode is entered, the transmittance variable portion (200) becomes dark overall, so that not only the transmittance variable portion (200) but also the transparent portion (V) can be shielded.

[0172] FIG. 13 schematically illustrates an example of a structure in which a transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged on a front panel (Ga) constituting a door (60) of the present embodiment. Reference drawing FIG. 13 is a view of the front panel (Ga) as viewed from the rear, i.e., from the storage space (41) side. Drawing symbol K indicates a boundary portion (K) between the transmittance portion (V) and the panel perimeter portion (PA). The transmittance portion (V) and the panel perimeter portion (PA) can be divided based on the boundary portion (K). The boundary portion (K) has a rectangular shape along the edge of the transmittance portion (V). As another example, the boundary portion (K) may have a polygonal or circular shape.

[0173] Drawing symbols T1 and T2 indicate the first arrangement area (T1) and the second arrangement area (T2), respectively, where the electronic component unit (100) and the harness guide (160) are arranged. The harness guide (160) is a portion where the wire harness, which will be described below, is stored, and the harness guide (160) can fix the wire harness and guide its extension direction.

[0174] In this embodiment, some of the edges of the transmittance variable portion (200) may be positioned outside the transmission portion (V). The edges of the transmittance variable portion (200) are positioned outside the boundary portion (K). Here, the outside refers to a direction closer to the outer edge of the door (60) than the center of the door (60). In this way, the transmittance variable portion (200) may have a larger area than the transmission portion (V) while covering the entire boundary portion (K).

[0175] In other words, it can be seen that some of the edges of the transmittance variable portion (200) are arranged at a position outside the transmittance portion (V), and some of the edges of the transmittance variable portion (200) are arranged to overlap the transmittance portion (V). More specifically, among the peripheral surfaces formed around the edges of the transmittance variable portion (200), the first peripheral surface (201) at the top is arranged outside the upper edge of the transmittance portion (V). Among the peripheral surfaces of the transmittance variable portion (200), the second peripheral surfaces (202) and the third peripheral surfaces (203) at both ends are arranged outside the edges of both sides of the transmittance portion (V). Among the peripheral surfaces of the transmittance variable portion (200), the fourth peripheral surface (204) at the bottom is arranged outside the lower edge of the transmittance portion (V). Based on the drawing, the first circumferential surface (201) can be said to be the upper circumferential surface, and the fourth circumferential surface (204) can be said to be the lower circumferential surface.

[0176] At this time, among the peripheral surfaces formed around the edge of the transmittance variable portion (200), the first peripheral surface (201) facing the surface (T1A) of the image acquisition device (120) may be arranged in a direction parallel to the surface of the image acquisition device (120). Referring to Fig. 12, the first peripheral surface (201) extends in a direction parallel to the lower surface (T1A) of the electronic component unit (100) including the image acquisition device (120). This appearance can also be confirmed in Fig. 13, and as shown in Fig. 13, the first peripheral surface (201) extends in a direction parallel to the first arrangement area (T1) where the electronic component unit (100) including the image acquisition device (120) is arranged.

[0177] In this case, the first peripheral surface (201) can be arranged adjacent to the electronic component unit (100). If the first electrode (260A), the second electrode (260B), and the wire harness extend from the first peripheral surface (201) adjacent to the electronic component unit (100), (i) the first electrode (260A), the second electrode (260B), and the wire harness can be accommodated in the electronic component unit (100), and / or (ii) the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) can protrude toward the electronic component unit (100) and be directly connected to the electronic component unit (100).

[0178] Among the peripheral surfaces formed around the edge of the transmittance variable portion (200), the second peripheral surface (202) or the third peripheral surface (203) forming the side surface may be arranged in a direction parallel to the harness guide (160). Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the third peripheral surface (203) forming the side surface among the peripheral surfaces of the transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged parallel to the harness guide (160). The third peripheral surface (203) may be parallel to the surface (T2A) of the harness guide (160). As another example, the second peripheral surface (202) forming the side surface among the peripheral surfaces of the transmittance variable portion (200) may also be arranged parallel to the harness guide (160). Since Fig. 13 is a view of the door (60) viewed from the opposite direction from Fig. 12, unlike Fig. 12, the second arrangement area (T2) where the harness guide (160) is arranged is provided on the right side.

[0179] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a structure in which a transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged on a front panel (Ga) constituting a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention. A structure different from the previous embodiment will be described in that a fixed film (270) may be laminated on the edge of the second surface of the transmittance variable portion (200), which is opposite the first surface. That is, the first surface of the transmittance variable portion (200) is in close contact with the surface of the front panel (Ga) among the plurality of panels, and the fixed film (270) is laminated on the edge of the second surface of the transmittance variable portion (200), which is opposite the first surface.

[0180] A portion of the fixed film (270) may be laminated on the edge of the first surface, and the remaining portion of the fixed film (270) may be laminated on the surface of the front panel (Ga). Through this, the fixed film (270) may adhere the edge of the first surface to the surface of the front panel (Ga). That is, the fixed film (270) may ensure that the edge of the transmittance variable portion (200) is firmly fixed without being lifted from the surface of the front panel (Ga).

[0181] The above-mentioned fixed film (270) may be a thin film structure with adhesive applied to only one surface. The surface of the fixed film (270) to which the adhesive is applied may be adhered to the edge of the transmittance variable portion (200) and the surface of the front panel (Ga).

[0182] The above-mentioned fixed film (270) may be made of a transparent / semitransparent material, or may be made of an opaque material. If the above-mentioned fixed film (270) is placed on the outside of the transmission portion (V), the fixed film (270) is placed at the rear of the panel perimeter (PA), and therefore does not need to be made of a transparent material. As another example, if all or part of the above-mentioned fixed film (270) is placed on the inside of the transmission portion (V), i.e., at the rear of the transmission portion (V), the above-mentioned fixed film (270) is preferably made of a transparent / semitransparent material so that visible light passing through the transmission portion (V) can pass through.

[0183] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a third embodiment of a structure in which a transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged on a front panel (Ga) constituting a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention. A structure different from the previous embodiment will be described. The transmittance variable portion (200) may be arranged at the rear of the transmittance portion (V). At this time, the entire edge of the transmittance variable portion (200) may be arranged inside the boundary portion (K) between the transmittance portion (V) and the panel periphery (PA). That is, the edge of the transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged closer to the center portion (Va) of the transmittance portion (V) than the boundary portion (K). In this way, the entire edge of the transmittance variable portion (200) may be arranged so as not to overlap the panel periphery (PA) on which the image acquisition device (120) is arranged.

[0184] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a fourth embodiment of a structure in which a transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged on a front panel (Ga) constituting a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention. A structure different from the previous embodiment will be described. One end of the transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged on a first circumference (PA1) of the panel circumference (PA) in which the image acquisition device (120) is arranged, and the other end of the transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged on the transmission portion (V). Referring to FIG. 16, it can be seen that the upper edge of the transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged on the first circumference (PA1), but the lower edge of the transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged to cross the transmission portion (V).

[0185] In this embodiment, the transmittance variable portion (200) can only block a portion of the transmission portion (V). When external visible light passes through the transmission portion (V) of the front panel (Ga) and is reflected by the rear panel (IP), it reaches the image acquisition device (120). Even if the transmittance variable portion (200) blocks only the upper portion of the transmission portion (V), the path through which the external visible light reaches the image acquisition device (120) can be blocked. At this time, the vertical height of the transmittance variable portion (200) can be formed to be 1 / 2 to 1 / 3 of the vertical height of the transmission portion (V).

[0186] FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a fifth embodiment of a structure in which a transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged on a front panel (Ga) constituting a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention. Regarding a structure different from the previous embodiment, the left-right width and the up-down width of the transmittance variable portion (200) are formed to be smaller than the left-right width and the up-down width of the transmittance portion (V), respectively.

[0187] The above-mentioned transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged adjacent to the first arrangement area (T1) where the image acquisition device (120) is arranged. More precisely, the transmittance variable portion (200) is arranged at a position spaced apart from the center (Va) of the transmission portion (V) toward the first arrangement area (T1). When external visible light passes through the transmission portion (V) of the front panel (Ga) and is reflected by the rear panel (IP), it reaches the image acquisition device (120). Even if the transmittance variable portion (200) shields only a part of the transmission portion (V), that is, the periphery of the image acquisition device (120), the path through which the external visible light reaches the image acquisition device (120) can be blocked. Although not shown, in this embodiment, the edge of the transmittance variable portion (200) can be fixed to the rear surface of the front panel (Ga) by the fixed film.

[0188] Fig. 18 schematically illustrates the structure in which the electrodes and wire harness of the transmittance variable part (200) constituting the door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention are arranged. Fig. 18 illustrates the door (60) as viewed from the rear, i.e., from the storage space (41) side. As can be seen therein, the transmittance variable part (200) may be provided with electrodes (260A, 260B). The electrodes (260A, 260B) protrude outward from the edge of the transmittance variable part (200) and may receive power from the outside.

[0189] The electrodes (260A, 260B) include a first electrode (260A) and a second electrode (260B). The first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) are electrically connected to the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B) of the transmittance variable portion (200), respectively. The first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) may be a type of busbar structure coupled to the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B), respectively. As another example, the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) may be a part of the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B), respectively.

[0190] The first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) may be provided at the edges of the transmittance variable portion (200), respectively. In the present embodiment, the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) protrude from the same edge of the transmittance variable portion (200). That is, the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) are respectively disposed on the same circumferential surface of the transmittance variable portion (200). The first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) protrude toward the main unit (100A) in which the image acquisition device (120) is provided, respectively. The first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) may also be inserted into the interior of the main unit (100A). As another example, the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) may be arranged so as to overlap the main unit (100A) from the outside of the main unit (100A).

[0191] A first wire (W1) and a second wire (W2) are connected to the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B), respectively. The first wire (W1) and the second wire (W2) may form a single wire harness. The first wire (W1) and the second wire (W2) may serve to supply external power to the transmittance variable unit (200). For this purpose, the first wire (W1) and the second wire (W2) are connected to a power supply unit (P).

[0192] As shown in Fig. 18, the wire harness connected to the electrode of the transmittance variable part (200) can be connected to the inside of the main body through a hinge part (HP) connecting the door (60) and the main body of the home appliance. The hinge part (HP) includes the door hinge (78, see Fig. 5) and a hinge joint part (not shown) of the main body to which the door hinge (78) is connected. The wire harness extended into the main body through the hinge part (HP) can be connected to a power supply part (P) of the main body.

[0193] More precisely, the wire harness is stored in the harness guide (160) arranged in the door (60), and a portion of the wire harness that comes out of the harness guide (160) can enter the main body through the hinge portion (HP). Fig. 18 schematically illustrates the hinge portion (HP) through which the wire harness passes, and the hinge portion (HP) is provided at the lower side end of the door (60).

[0194] The wire harness connected to the electrode of the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion (200) may extend around the edge of the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion (200). Referring to FIG. 18, the wire harness may be arranged around the upper and side ends of the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion (200), respectively. At this time, the wire harness may be arranged at the rear of the panel periphery (PA). Accordingly, even when the above-mentioned transmittance variable portion (200) is in the transmission mode, the wire harness is covered by the panel periphery (PA) and cannot be observed by the user.

[0195] FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a structure in which electrodes and wire harnesses of a transmittance variable portion (200) constituting a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention are arranged. In a different embodiment from the previous embodiment, the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) may protrude downward from the lower edge of the transmittance variable portion (200). That is, the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) may be arranged along the lower peripheral surface of the transmittance variable portion (200). In this way, the distance from the first wire (W1) and the second wire (W2) connected to the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B), respectively, to the hinge portion (HP) may be formed short.

[0196] FIG. 20 schematically illustrates a third embodiment of a structure in which electrodes and wire harnesses of a transmittance variable portion (200) constituting a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention are arranged. Regarding a difference from the previous embodiment, the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) may protrude downward from the side edge of the transmittance variable portion (200). That is, the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) may be arranged along the side edge of the transmittance variable portion (200). At this time, the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) may protrude toward the harness guide (160).

[0197] In this way, the first wire (W1) and the second wire (W2) connected to the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B), respectively, can be directly stored in the harness guide (160) to form a single wire harness together with the wire connected to the image acquisition device (120). In addition, in the present embodiment, the distance from the first wire (W1) and the second wire (W2) connected to the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B), respectively, to the hinge portion (HP) can be formed relatively short compared to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18.

[0198] FIG. 21 schematically illustrates a fourth embodiment of a structure in which electrodes and wire harnesses of a transmittance variable portion (200) constituting a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention are arranged. Regarding differences from the previous embodiments, the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) may be arranged on both edges of the transmittance variable portion (200), respectively. The first electrode (260A) may be arranged on the left peripheral surface of the transmittance variable portion (200), and the second electrode (260B) may be arranged on the right peripheral surface of the transmittance variable portion (200).

[0199] In this way, the first wire (W1) connected to the first electrode (260A) and the second wire (W2) connected to the second electrode (260B) can be connected to the main body through different hinge parts (HP). Accordingly, the wire harness can be formed to be relatively thin.

[0200] FIG. 22 schematically illustrates a fifth embodiment of a structure in which electrodes and wire harnesses of a transmittance variable portion (200) constituting a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention are arranged. In a different embodiment from the previous embodiment, the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) may each be arranged at the upper edge of the transmittance variable portion (200). At this time, the left-right width and the upper-lower width of the transmittance variable portion (200) are formed to be smaller than the left-right width and the upper-lower width of the transmittance portion (V), respectively. Accordingly, the left-right and lower perimeter surfaces, excluding the upper perimeter surface of the transmittance variable portion (200), may all be arranged at the rear of the transmittance portion (V).

[0201] In this embodiment, the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) can be connected to the main unit (100A), i.e., the image acquisition device (120), respectively. Fig. 22 illustrates a state in which the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) have entered the interior of the main unit (100A), respectively.

[0202] FIGS. 23(a) to 23(c) illustrate graphs showing voltages applied to a transmittance variable portion (200) constituting a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention, and changes in transparency accordingly. First, as shown in FIG. 23(a), the power supplied to the transmittance variable portion (200) is an AC power source, and the phase can be changed at regular intervals. Although a pulse wave is illustrated in FIG. 23(a), various waveforms such as a sine wave, a triangular wave, a step wave, and a rectangular wave can be applied to the power source.

[0203] In this embodiment, the transmittance variable portion (200) may be supplied with an AC power source or a switching power source by a switching device. The AC power source may be formed by an AC voltage of 10 V to 150 V.

[0204] At this time, the pulse duty ratio formed by the waveform of the current applied to the transmittance variable part (200) can be varied by the main control part, so that the light transmittance of the transmittance variable part (200) can be adjusted. In this way, in this embodiment, when applying a pulse wave to the power source, the transmittance of the transmittance variable part (200) can be adjusted by applying various duty ratios.

[0205] Table 1 below summarizes the values ​​obtained by applying various duty ratios to the pulse wave of the driving power source and testing the transmittance of the transmittance variable portion (200) accordingly. For reference, the duty ratio refers to the ratio of the pulse wave width to one cycle of the pulse wave. In other words, the duty ratio is the ratio of the portion of the pulse wave in which the pulse rises to a high level during one cycle of the pulse wave.

[0206] Duty cycle (%) Voltage (V) Light transmittance (%) 11033242204741330585944071715507978660827977091808809681990103811010011082

[0207] As shown in the table above, if the duty ratio is changed, the light transmittance of the transmittance variable part (200) changes. In the present embodiment, the main control unit (not shown) can control the light transmittance of the transmittance variable part (200) by controlling the duty ratio of the power applied to the transmittance variable part (200). Through this, the transmittance variable part (200) can implement various light transmittances and can provide different aesthetics to the door (60). Fig. 23(b) shows the transparency (light transmittance) of the transmittance variable part (200) according to the change in the voltage applied through the duty ratio control. The main control unit can also control the transparency (light transmittance) of the transmittance variable part (200) by varying the duty ratio of the current supplied to the transmittance variable part (200) and / or by varying the DC link voltage input to the inverter. The graph of Fig. 23(c) shows the change in light transmittance of the transmittance variable part (200) when the duty ratio of the current supplied to the transmittance variable part (200) is varied and when the DC link voltage is varied. As can be seen, when the voltage exceeds a certain level (approximately 80 V), the light transmittance when the duty ratio of the current is varied and when the DC link voltage is varied become similar. Therefore, the main control part can adjust the transparency of the transmittance variable part (200) by varying the duty ratio or varying the DC link voltage.

[0208] Fig. 24 schematically illustrates an example of an insulation structure inside a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention. As can be seen therein, the transmittance variable portion (200) may be arranged between the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb) constituting the door panel (G). At this time, a spacer block (SB) may be provided between the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb), so that an air path (A), which is a predetermined empty space, may be formed between the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb). The air flowing through the air path (A) may cool the image acquisition device (120) and the transmittance variable portion (200). For reference, drawing symbol GbA represents the rear side of the first rear panel (Gb) facing the second rear panel (Gc, see FIG. 5), and drawing symbol GbB represents the front side of the first rear panel (Gb) facing the front panel (Ga).

[0209] The above-described transmittance variable portion (200) can be closely attached to the rear surface (GaB) of the front panel (Ga). Accordingly, the transmittance variable portion (200) can be spaced apart from the insulation panel (IP). More precisely, the transmittance variable portion (200) can be spaced apart from the first rear panel (Gb). Since the first rear panel (Gb) is arranged relatively close to the high-temperature storage space (41), it can be at a higher temperature than the front panel (Ga). When the transmittance variable portion (200) is spaced apart from the first rear panel (Gb) in this way, the air flow path (A) becomes a kind of insulation space, thereby preventing the temperature of the transmittance variable portion (200) from rising.

[0210] Fig. 25 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of an insulation structure inside a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention. Regarding a structure different from the previous embodiment, the transmittance variable portion (200) may be positioned to be spaced apart from the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb). Accordingly, the transmittance variable portion (200) is not in close contact with the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb). In this way, the transmittance variable portion (200) is not affected by the temperatures of the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb).

[0211] Although not shown, one end of the transmittance variable portion (200) may be fixed to the image acquisition device (120). An electrode provided at one end of the transmittance variable portion (200) may be electrically connected to the image acquisition device (120). As another example, the transmittance variable portion (200) may be fixed to the door body (70, 80, 90), or as another example, may be fixed to the spacer block (SB).

[0212] Fig. 26 schematically illustrates a third embodiment of an insulation structure inside a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention. Describing a structure different from the previous embodiment, the transmittance variable portion (200) may be arranged to be in close contact with the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb), respectively. More precisely, both sides of the transmittance variable portion (200) may be in close contact with the rear surface (GaB) of the front panel (Ga) and the front surface (GbB) of the first rear panel (Gb), respectively.

[0213] At this time, the first adhesive layer (250A) and the second adhesive layer (250B) disposed on both surfaces of the transmittance variable portion (200) can be adhered to the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb), respectively. The first adhesive layer (250A) can function as an insulating material between the transmittance variable portion (200) and the front panel (Ga). The second adhesive layer (250B) can function as an insulating material between the transmittance variable portion (200) and the first rear panel (Gb).

[0214] The first adhesive layer (250A) and the second adhesive layer (250B) may be formed of an optically clear adhesive (OCA) in the form of a film, such as a double-sided tape. As another example, the first adhesive layer (250A) and the second adhesive layer (250B) may be formed of an optically clear resin (OCR) in the form of an irregular liquid. Such an OCA or OCR may provide a basic heat dissipation function to the variable transmittance portion (200).

[0215] Fig. 27 schematically illustrates a fourth embodiment of an insulation structure inside a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention. A structure different from the previous embodiment may be described in that the transmittance variable portion (200) may be arranged between the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb) constituting the door panel (G). At this time, a spacer block (SB) may be provided between the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb), so that an air path (A), which is a predetermined empty space, may be formed between the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb). The air flowing through the air path (A) may cool the image acquisition device (120) and the transmittance variable portion (200).

[0216] The front surface of the first rear panel (Gb) faces the variable transmittance portion (200), and an insulating layer may be disposed on the rear surface of the first rear panel (Gb). Here, the insulating layer may include a low-emission layer (280) and an infrared blocking layer (290) to be described below. More specifically, the insulating layer may include at least one of the low-emission layer (280) and the infrared blocking layer (290).

[0217] As shown in Fig. 27, the low-emissivity layer (280) may be arranged on the rear surface of the first rear panel (Gb). The low-emissivity layer (280) may transmit most visible light, but may block infrared radiation. Through this, the low-emissivity layer (280) may perform an insulating function between the storage space (41) and the first rear panel (Gb). Based on the direction in which the plurality of panels (Ga, Gb, Gc) are spaced from each other, the low-emissivity layer (280) may be arranged to overlap the transmittance variable portion (200).

[0218] The low-emissivity layer (280) may be composed of a low-emissivity film. To aid understanding, the thickness of the low-emissivity layer (280) is expressed to be thicker than the actual thickness in FIG. 27, but the thickness of the low-emissivity layer (280) may be less than 1 / 50 of the thickness of the first rear panel (Gb). The low-emissivity layer (280) is disposed only on the rear surface of the first rear panel (Gb), but as another example, the low-emissivity layer (280) may also be disposed on the front surface of the first rear panel (Gb). As another example, the low-emissivity layer (280) may be composed by stacking a plurality of low-emissivity films.

[0219] At this time, based on the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the plurality of panels (Ga, Gb, Gc) are spaced from each other, the low-emissivity layer (280) can extend further toward the edge of the door panel (G) than the transmittance variable portion (200). That is, the area of ​​the low-emissivity layer (280) is wider than the area of ​​the transmittance variable portion (200), so that the entire transmittance variable portion (200) can be covered based on the front-rear direction. In this way, the low-emissivity layer (280) can protect the transmittance variable portion (200) between the transmittance variable portion (200) and the main body (10).

[0220] Based on the direction in which the plurality of panels (Ga, Gb, Gc) are spaced from each other, the low-emissivity layer (280) may be arranged to overlap the image acquisition device (120). In other words, at least a portion of the low-emissivity layer (280) may extend to a position facing the image acquisition device (120). In this way, the low-emissivity layer (280) may protect the image acquisition device (120) between the image acquisition device (120) and the main body (10). That is, the low-emissivity layer (280) may block heat transmitted to the image acquisition device (120).

[0221] Fig. 28 schematically illustrates a fifth embodiment of an insulation structure inside a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention. Regarding a structure different from the previous embodiment, the transmittance variable portion (200) may be positioned in close contact with the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb), respectively. More precisely, both sides of the transmittance variable portion (200) may be in close contact with the rear surface of the front panel (Ga) and the front surface of the first rear panel (Gb), respectively.

[0222] At this time, the first adhesive layer (250A) and the second adhesive layer (250B) disposed on both surfaces of the transmittance variable portion (200) can be adhered to the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb), respectively. The first adhesive layer (250A) can function as an insulating material between the transmittance variable portion (200) and the front panel (Ga). The second adhesive layer (250B) can function as an insulating material between the transmittance variable portion (200) and the first rear panel (Gb).

[0223] Meanwhile, the front surface (GbB) of the first rear panel (Gb) faces the variable transmittance portion (200), and a low-emissivity layer (280) may be arranged on the back surface (GbA) of the first rear panel (Gb). The low-emissivity layer (280) may transmit most visible light, but block infrared radiation. Through this, the low-emissivity layer (280) may perform an insulating function between the storage space (41) and the first rear panel (Gb).

[0224] The above-mentioned insulation panel (IP) may include a first surface (GbA) facing the variable transmittance portion (200), and a second surface (GbB) formed on the opposite side of the first surface (GbA) and facing the storage space. At this time, the low-emissivity layer (280) may be arranged on at least one of the first surface (GbA) or the second surface (GbB) to block radiation in the infrared region.

[0225] Although not shown, the low-emissivity layer (280) may be provided along the perimeter of the insulating panel (IP). That is, the low-emissivity layer (280) may be arranged along a portion of the edge, rather than the entire area of ​​the insulating panel (IP). Since the electrodes (260A, 260B) of the transmittance variable portion (200) and the image acquisition device (120) are arranged at positions spaced apart from the edge of the insulating panel (IP), the low-emissivity layer (280) may be provided along the perimeter of the insulating panel (IP) to protect them.

[0226] Fig. 29 schematically illustrates a sixth embodiment of an insulation structure inside a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention. A structure different from the previous embodiment may be described in that the transmittance variable portion (200) may be arranged between the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb) constituting the door panel (G). At this time, a spacer block (SB) may be provided between the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb), so that an air path (A), which is a predetermined empty space, may be formed between the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb). The air flowing through the air path (A) may cool the image acquisition device (120) and the transmittance variable portion (200).

[0227] At this time, an infrared blocking layer (290) may be arranged on the front surface of the first rear panel (Gb), i.e., the surface facing the transmittance variable portion (200). The infrared blocking layer (290) may block infrared rays and perform an insulating function between the transmittance variable portion (200) and the first rear panel (Gb). The infrared blocking layer (290) may be composed of an infrared ray shielding film that adheres to the front surface of the first rear panel (Gb).

[0228] To aid understanding, the thickness of the infrared blocking layer (290) is expressed to be thicker than the actual thickness in FIG. 29, but the thickness of the infrared blocking layer (290) may be less than 1 / 50 of the thickness of the first rear panel (Gb). The infrared blocking layer (290) is disposed only on the front side (GbB) of the first rear panel (Gb), but as another example, the infrared blocking layer (290) may also be disposed on the back side (GbA) of the first rear panel (Gb). As another example, the infrared blocking layer (290) may be configured by stacking a plurality of infrared blocking films.

[0229] Fig. 30 schematically illustrates a seventh embodiment of an insulation structure inside a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention. A structure different from the previous embodiment may be described in that the transmittance variable portion (200) may be arranged between the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb) constituting the door panel (G). At this time, a spacer block (SB) may be provided between the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb), so that an air path (A), which is a predetermined empty space, may be formed between the front panel (Ga) and the first rear panel (Gb). The air flowing through the air path (A) may cool the image acquisition device (120) and the transmittance variable portion (200).

[0230] At this time, an infrared blocking layer (290) is disposed on the front surface of the first rear panel (Gb), i.e., the surface facing the transmittance variable portion (200). In addition, a low-emission layer (280) may be disposed on the back surface of the first rear panel (Gb). When the infrared blocking layer (290) and the low-emission layer (280) are disposed on each of the two surfaces of the first rear panel (Gb), the first rear panel (Gb) can perform its insulation function more effectively, thereby increasing the durability of the transmittance variable portion (200) and the image acquisition device (120).

[0231] Although not shown, an insulating layer (280) that blocks infrared radiation may be placed on the second cover layer (230B) constituting the transmittance variable portion (200). In this way, by the insulating layer (280) being in close contact with the transmittance variable portion (200), the heat resistance of the transmittance variable portion (200) can be increased.

[0232] In addition, the insulating layer (280) may be composed of regions having different radiation blocking rates. For example, the peripheral portion of the insulating layer (280) may have a relatively high radiation blocking rate, thereby increasing the radiation blocking rate transmitted to the electrodes (260A, 260B) and the image acquisition device (120). This may further enhance the heat resistance of the electrodes (260A, 260B) and the image acquisition device (120).

[0233] Meanwhile, FIG. 31 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a power supply structure of a transmittance variable part (200) constituting a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention. Regarding a difference from the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 18, the transmittance variable part (200) may be provided with a plurality of electrodes (260A-260D). The plurality of electrodes (260A-260D) may be respectively provided in the transmittance variable part (200) to receive an electric signal and / or power. In the present embodiment, the transmittance variable part (200) may include a plurality of regions having different light transmittances through a circuit structure formed by the plurality of electrodes (260A-260D).

[0234] Here, the plurality of electrodes (260A-260D) may include (i) a first electrode (260A) and a second electrode (260B) for supplying power, and (ii) a third electrode (260C) and a fourth electrode (260D) for forming a control circuit. An AC power source or a switching power source may be supplied to the first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B).

[0235] A control resistor (282) and a control switch (285) may be arranged between the third electrode (260C) and the fourth electrode (260D). As the control switch (285) opens and closes, the transmittance variable layer (210) may form an open circuit or a closed circuit. As another example, the control resistor (282) and the control switch (285) may be provided inside the main control unit (not shown), or as another example, the control resistor (282) and the control switch (285) may be viewed as a part of the main control unit. At this time, as the control circuit of the main control unit operates, the transmittance variable layer (210) may form a closed circuit or an open circuit.

[0236] The first electrode (260A) and the second electrode (260B) may be a pair of power electrodes. The third electrode (260C) and the fourth electrode (260D) may be a pair of control electrodes. The pair of power electrodes and the pair of control electrodes may form a single electric circuit. The pair of control electrodes may be connected to and controlled by the control circuit.

[0237] At this time, the first electrode (260A) may be referred to as a first power electrode (260A), and the second electrode (260B) may be referred to as a second power electrode (260B). The third electrode (260C) may be referred to as a first control electrode (260C), and the fourth electrode (260D) may be referred to as a second control electrode (260D). The first power electrode (260A) and the second power electrode (260B) may be regarded as parts to which power is applied, and the first control electrode (260C) and the second control electrode (260D) may allow the electric circuit formed by the transmittance variable portion (200) to be switched between an open circuit and a closed circuit.

[0238] Specifically, the first power electrode (260A) and the first control electrode (260C) may be provided on the first electrode layer (220A). The second power electrode (260B) and the second control electrode (260D) may each be provided on the second electrode layer (220B). A power supply unit (P) may be connected to the first power electrode (260A) and the second power electrode (260B). A control resistor (282) and a control switch (285) may be connected between the first control electrode (260C) and the second control electrode (260D). Accordingly, when the first control electrode (260C) and the second control electrode (260D) are connected to each other, the entire transmittance variable layer (210) becomes a closed circuit structure, and when the first control electrode (260C) and the second control electrode (260D) are blocked, the entire transmittance variable layer (210) becomes an open circuit structure.

[0239] As a result, the control switch (285) may be provided between the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B). Depending on the operation of the control switch (285), the transmittance variable part (200) may form a closed circuit.

[0240] The first power electrode (260A), the second power electrode (260B), the first control electrode (260C), and the second control electrode (260D) may be arranged on the upper and lower peripheral surfaces of the transmittance variable portion (200). More precisely, with reference to FIG. 31, the first power electrode (260A) and the second power electrode (260B) for supplying power may be provided on the upper peripheral surface of the transmittance variable portion (200). The first control electrode (260C) and the second control electrode (260D) for forming a control circuit may be provided on the lower peripheral surface of the transmittance variable portion (200). Accordingly, the first power electrode (260A) and the second power electrode (260B) and the first control electrode (260C) and the second control electrode (260D) can be placed on opposite sides of each other.

[0241] The first wire (W1), the second wire (W2), the third wire (W3), and the fourth wire (W4), which are respectively connected to the first power electrode (260A), the second power electrode (260B), the first control electrode (260C), and the second control electrode (260D), may extend toward the main body through the hinge portion (HP) around the circumference of the transmittance variable portion (200). In the present embodiment, the first power electrode (260A) and the second power electrode (260B) may be accommodated in the image acquisition device (120) and the harness guide (160), respectively, and then extended to the hinge portion (HP).

[0242] In the present embodiment, a pair of power electrodes including the first power electrode (260A) and the second power electrode (260B) are provided at the first end of the transmittance variable portion (200). In addition, the first control electrode (260C) and the second control electrode (260D), which constitute the pair of control electrodes, are provided at the second end of the transmittance variable portion (200) corresponding to the opposite side of the first end. In this way, as will be described later, the light transmittance of the transmittance variable portion (200) can be gradually reduced as the voltage difference gradually increases from the first end to the second end.

[0243] Although not shown, a current limiting circuit may be connected to the pair of control electrodes. The current limiting circuit may serve to limit the current that can be delivered to the load in order to protect the control circuit from short-circuit or overcurrent problems in the control circuit. The current limiting circuit may include an NPN transistor or a PNP transistor depending on the load applied to the control circuit. The current limiting circuit may be included in the main control unit. Alternatively, the current limiting circuit may be configured separately from the main control unit.

[0244] FIG. 32(a) and FIG. 32(b) illustrate the circuit structure of the transmittance variable part (200) illustrated in FIG. 31 and the appearance of the door (60) when the transmittance variable part (200) is in the blocking mode. FIG. 32(a) shows the circuit configuration when the control switch (285) is open. At this time, when AC power is applied to the first power electrode (260A) and the second power electrode (260B) of the transmittance variable layer (210), the transmittance variable layer (210) has high impedance, so that the voltage drop at each position of each electrode (260A-260D) almost does not occur across the entire transmittance variable layer (210). Accordingly, the transmittance variable layer (210) is deflected across the entire electrode by the driving voltage and becomes uniformly transparent. That is, the above-mentioned transmittance variable part (200) becomes a transmission mode, which can be considered to be the same as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18 above. FIG. 32(b) represents a state in which the above-mentioned transmittance variable part (200) becomes a transmission mode state, and the object (F) arranged at the rear of the front panel (Ga) is observed.

[0245] Figures 33(a) and 33(b) illustrate a state in which power supply to the transmittance variable layer (210) is cut off. That is, when the control switch (285) is in the open state and power supply to the first power electrode (260A) and the second power electrode (260B) is cut off, the transmittance variable layer (210) can form a circuit as shown in Figure 33(a). At this time, since the power supply itself is cut off, the transmittance variable part (200) enters a blocking mode, so that the object (F) arranged at the rear of the front panel (Ga) cannot be observed. This state is illustrated in Figure 33(b).

[0246] In this way, when the control switch (285) is opened, the circuit of the transmittance variable layer (210) has high impedance, so that each electrode (260A-260D) experiences almost no voltage drop at each position across the entire transmittance variable layer (210). Accordingly, the transmittance variable layer (210) is biased across the entire electrode by the driving voltage, thereby becoming uniformly transparent. This can be considered to constitute the same circuit as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18 above.

[0247] Meanwhile, FIG. 34(a) and FIG. 34(b) illustrate the circuit structure of the transmittance variable part (200) illustrated in FIG. 31 when the circuit structure is closed and the state of the door (60), respectively. First, FIG. 34(a) shows the circuit configuration when the control switch (285) is closed. At this time, when AC power is applied to the first power electrode (260A) and the second power electrode (260B) of the transmittance variable layer (210), the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B) are connected to each other through the control switch (285) to form a closed circuit in which a control resistor (282) is connected in series to the power part (P).

[0248] In this case, a voltage gradient is formed for each section of the first electrode layer (220A) and the second electrode layer (220B). Accordingly, the light transmittance around the power supply unit (P) where the voltage difference between the facing electrodes is large is formed high, and the opposite side connected to the control switch (285) has a relatively low voltage difference, so the light transmittance is maintained low. Fig. 34(b) shows a state in which the transmittance variable unit (200) is in a transmission mode, and the object (F) arranged at the rear of the front panel (Ga) is observed. As can be seen, the transparency of the upper part where the power supply unit (P) is located can be formed higher than the transparency of the opposite side.

[0249] In this way, when the circuit structure of the transmittance variable portion (200) is closed, the first point forming the upper peripheral surface (201) of the transmittance variable portion (200) and the second point forming the lower peripheral surface (204) formed on the opposite side of the upper peripheral surface (201) have different light transmittances. At this time, the light transmittance size of the transmittance variable portion (200) can gradually decrease from the first point toward the second point.

[0250] At this time, the light transmittance of the transmittance variable part (200) may vary depending on the size of the control resistor (282). When the control resistor (282) is low, the lower part of the transmittance variable layer (210), that is, the opposite side from the power unit (P), may maintain a weak electric field through a low voltage drop. Through this, the difference in light transmittance between the upper part and the lower part of the transmittance variable part (200) may be increased. Conversely, when the control resistor (282) is high, the lower part of the transmittance variable layer (210), that is, the opposite side from the power unit (P), may maintain a relatively high electric field through a high voltage drop. Through this, the difference in light transmittance between the upper part and the lower part of the transmittance variable part (200) may be reduced.

[0251] The above control resistor (282) may be configured as a variable resistor. For example, the control resistor (282) may be configured as an electronic variable resistor (digital potentiometer). The main control unit may adjust the size of the electronic variable resistor to make the light transmittance of the upper and lower portions of the transmittance variable portion (200) different.

[0252] Meanwhile, although not shown, at least one of the first electrode layer (220A) or the second electrode layer (220B) may be provided with an insulating line that is a non-conductor. The insulating line may partition the first electrode layer (220A) or the second electrode layer (220B), thereby separating the first electrode layer (220A) or the second electrode layer (220B) into different electrode parts. Taking the first electrode layer (220A) as an example, if one insulating line is provided to cross the first electrode layer (220A), the first electrode layer (220A) may be separated into two electrode parts based on the insulating line. The two electrode parts are electrically isolated from each other.

[0253] At this time, voltages of different magnitudes can be formed at the different electrode portions. Different power electrodes are connected to the different electrode portions, so that power can be supplied independently. Accordingly, the different electrode portions can be supplied with different magnitudes of power and realize different light transmittances.

[0254] The above-described insulating line can be formed by etching the first electrode layer (220A). This etching process can be performed by laser processing or chemical corrosion processing. In this way, through etching, the first electrode layer (220A) or the second electrode layer (220B) can be simply divided into a plurality of electrode sections.

[0255] Each of the plurality of electrode sections may be connected to a pair of power electrodes and a pair of control electrodes. In this way, each of the electrode sections constituting the plurality of electrode sections may include regions having different light transmittances. Since this structure has been previously described, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0256] Fig. 35 is a conceptual diagram showing a third embodiment of a power supply structure of a transmittance variable part (200) constituting a door (60) for a home appliance according to the present invention. Different from the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 31 above, the transmittance variable part (200) may be provided with a plurality of electrodes (260A-260D). The plurality of electrodes (260A-260D) are each provided in the transmittance variable part (200) and may receive an electric signal and / or power.

[0257] Here, the plurality of electrodes (260A-260D) may include (i) a first power electrode (260A) and a second power electrode (260B) for supplying power, and (ii) a first control electrode (260C) and a second control electrode (260D) for forming a control circuit. An AC power source or a switching power source may be supplied to the first power electrode (260A) and the second power electrode (260B). A control resistor (282) and a control switch (285) may be arranged between the first control electrode (260C) and the second control electrode (260D). As the control switch (285) is opened and closed, the transmittance variable layer (210) may form an open circuit or a closed circuit.

[0258] The first power electrode (260A), the second power electrode (260B), the first control electrode (260C), and the second control electrode (260D) may be arranged on the side peripheral surface of the transmittance variable portion (200). More precisely, with reference to FIG. 35, the first power electrode (260A) and the second power electrode (260B) for supplying power may be provided on the right peripheral surface of the transmittance variable portion (200). The first control electrode (260C) and the second control electrode (260D) for forming a control circuit may be provided on the left peripheral surface of the transmittance variable portion (200). Accordingly, the first power electrode (260A) and the second power electrode (260B) can be placed on opposite sides of the first control electrode (260C) and the second control electrode (260D).

[0259] In this way, the gradient of the light transmittance may not be formed from the top to the bottom of the transmittance variable portion (200), but may be formed from the left end to the right end of the transmittance variable portion (200). For example, the light transmittance of the left end of the transmittance variable portion (200) may be formed to be higher than the light transmittance of the right end of the transmittance variable portion (200).

[0260] As another example, although not shown, the electrodes may be composed of the first to eighth electrodes, and two electrodes may be arranged on each circumferential surface of the transmittance variable portion (200). In this case, the main control unit may select which of the electrodes to supply power to, thereby changing the slope of the light transmittance. Specifically, two of the four circumferential surfaces of the transmittance variable portion (200) may be provided with a pair of power electrodes each connected to a power supply unit (P). In addition, the remaining two of the four circumferential surfaces of the transmittance variable portion (200) may be provided with a pair of control electrodes each connected to a control circuit. In this way, depending on which power electrode is supplied with power, the direction in which the light transmittance of the transmittance variable portion (200) gradually decreases may change.

[0261] Meanwhile, the first wire (W1), the second wire (W2), the third wire (W3), and the fourth wire (W4), which are respectively connected to the first power electrode (260A), the second power electrode (260B), the first control electrode (260C), and the second control electrode (260D), can extend toward the main body through the hinge portion (HP) around the periphery of the transmittance variable portion (200).

[0262] Although not shown, two of the four peripheral surfaces of the transmittance variable portion (200) may be provided with a pair of power electrodes each connected to a power source (P). In addition, the remaining two of the four peripheral surfaces of the transmittance variable portion (200) may be provided with a pair of control electrodes each connected to a control circuit. In this way, depending on which of the power electrodes power is applied to, the direction in which the light transmittance of the transmittance variable portion (200) gradually decreases may change.

[0263] Fig. 36 illustrates a second embodiment of a home appliance to which a door (60) for home appliances according to the present invention is applied. As shown therein, the home appliance may be equipped with two doors (60A, 60B). Transmittance variable parts (200A, 200B) may be arranged on each of the two doors (60A, 60B). The two transmittance variable parts (200A, 200B) may be independently controlled, thereby varying the light transmittance.

[0264] Meanwhile, although not shown, the image acquisition device (120) may be placed on the handle (75) rather than inside the door (60). As another example, the image acquisition device (120) may be placed on the surface of the insulation panel (IP) rather than between the front panel (Ga) and the insulation panel (IP).

[0265] The above description is merely an illustrative illustration of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. Door body placed in front of the storage space of the home appliance; A door panel coupled to the above door body, comprising a plurality of panels, and having a transparent portion formed in the center; An image acquisition device arranged between the plurality of panels and obtaining an image of the storage space through the transmission part; and A door for a home appliance, comprising a variable transmittance portion arranged between the plurality of panels so as to overlap at least a portion of the transparent portion, and having a variable transmittance when power is applied.

2. In claim 1, the first surface of the variable transmittance portion is in close contact with the surface of the front panel among the plurality of panels, A door for home appliances, wherein an adhesive layer is laminated on the first surface to fix the variable transmittance portion to the surface of the front panel.

3. A door for a home appliance according to claim 2, wherein the adhesive layer is formed on the entire first surface, or the adhesive layer is formed around the edge of the first surface.

4. In claim 1, a door for a home appliance, wherein among the peripheral surfaces formed around the edge of the variable transmittance portion, the first peripheral surface facing the surface of the image acquisition device is arranged in a direction parallel to the surface of the image acquisition device.

5. A door for a home appliance according to claim 1, wherein some of the peripheral surfaces formed around the edge of the variable transmittance portion are arranged to overlap with the image acquisition device.

6. In claim 1, some of the edges of the transmittance variable portion are positioned outside the transmittance portion, A door for home appliances, wherein some of the edges of the above-mentioned variable transmittance portion are arranged to overlap the above-mentioned transmittance portion.

7. In claim 1, the left-right width of the variable transmittance portion is smaller than the left-right width of the transmittance portion, The vertical width of the above-mentioned variable transmittance portion is smaller than the vertical width of the above-mentioned transmittance portion, A door for home appliances in which the above-mentioned transmittance variable part is positioned apart from the center of the above-mentioned transmittance part in the direction of the image acquisition device.

8. In claim 1, the first surface of the transmittance variable portion is in close contact with the surface of the front panel among the plurality of panels, A fixed film is laminated on the edge of the second surface of the variable transmittance portion opposite the first surface, A door for a home appliance, wherein a part of the fixed film is laminated on the edge of the first surface, and the remaining part of the fixed film is laminated on the surface of the front panel, so that the fixed film adheres the edge of the first surface to the surface of the front panel.

9. In claim 8, the door panel is provided with a panel perimeter that surrounds the edge of the transmission portion and has a lower light transmittance than the transmission portion. A door for home appliances in which a portion of the above fixed film adheres to the perimeter of the panel.

10. In claim 1, the transmittance variable portion is provided with an electrode connected to a wire harness, The above wire harness is a door for a home appliance that is connected to the inside of the main body through a hinge that connects between the door body and the main body of the home appliance.

11. In claim 1, the transmittance variable portion is provided with a first electrode and a second electrode, A door for a home appliance, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are respectively arranged on the same circumferential surface of the transmittance variable portion.

12. In claim 1, the transmittance variable portion is provided with a first electrode and a second electrode, A door for a home appliance, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode each protrude in the direction of the image acquisition device.

13. In claim 1, the transmittance variable portion is provided with a first electrode and a second electrode, A door for a home appliance, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode each protrude in the lateral direction of the door body.

14. In claim 1, the door panel is provided with a panel perimeter that surrounds the edge of the transmission portion and has a lower light transmittance than the transmission portion. The above image acquisition device is placed at the rear of the panel periphery, A door for home appliances in which the above-mentioned transmittance variable part is placed at the rear of the above-mentioned transmittance part.

15. In claim 1, the door panel is provided with a panel perimeter that surrounds the edge of the transmission portion and has a lower light transmittance than the transmission portion. A door for a home appliance, wherein a part of the above-mentioned variable transmittance portion is disposed at the rear of the panel perimeter, and the remaining part of the above-mentioned variable transmittance portion is disposed at the rear of the above-mentioned transparent portion.

16. In claim 1, the door panel is provided with a panel perimeter that surrounds the edge of the transmission portion and has a lower light transmittance than the transmission portion. The wire harness connected to the electrode of the above transmittance variable portion extends around the edge of the above transmittance variable portion, The above wire harness is a door for home appliances placed at the rear of the panel perimeter.

17. In claim 1, the variable transmittance part includes a polymer dispersion liquid crystal, and is a door for a home appliance that switches between an opaque or translucent blocking mode and a transparent transmitting mode depending on the application or blocking of power.

18. In claim 1, the door panel Transmission section; and A panel perimeter is arranged around the edge of the above-mentioned transparent portion and has a lower light transmittance than the above-mentioned transparent portion; The above image acquisition unit is arranged around the panel, The above-mentioned transmittance variable part is a door for home appliances that shields all or part of the above-mentioned transmittance part.

19. In claim 1, one end of the transmittance variable portion is disposed on a first peripheral portion of the panel peripheral portion where the image acquisition unit is disposed, A door for a home appliance, wherein the other end of the above-mentioned variable transmittance portion is disposed in the above-mentioned transmissivity portion, or the other end of the above-mentioned variable transmittance portion is disposed in a second circumference formed on the opposite side of the first circumference portion among the panel circumference portions.

20. A home appliance comprising a door for a variable device according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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