Refrigerator including touch sensor

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a touch sensor. The refrigerator may include a door including a panel that is displaced in a first direction when touched by a user. In the refrigerator, a PCB for detecting the user's touch made on the panel may include a pattern coil that functions as an inductive sensor and is disposed to face the first direction, and a touch IC that processes the user's touch by using inductive sensing according to a change in a magnetic field caused by the user's touch.

Description

Refrigerator with touch sensor

[0001] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a home appliance including a touch sensor operated by one of an inductive sensor and a capacitive sensor, regardless of the type of panel.

[0002] Home appliances may include electrical appliances and machines used in the home. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, home appliances may include devices that are fixedly placed in the home or devices that can be moved in the home. Here, the home may mean not only a home but also an indoor space such as an office. Televisions, DVD (digital video disk) players, audio, refrigerators, air conditioners, air dressers, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air purifiers, set-top boxes, home automation control panels, security control panels, media boxes (e.g., Samsung HomeSync) TM (etc.), game consoles, electronic dictionaries, electronic keys, camcorders, electronic picture frames, speakers, e-book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, servers, PDAs, portable multimedia players (PMPs), MP3 players, medical devices, cameras, etc. Home appliances may include an input interface for receiving input from a user and an output interface for outputting information to the user. At this time, the input interface may include various input interfaces, such as a touch-type input key. Touch methods can be divided into capacitive sensing and inductive sensing methods, and recently, home appliances have been able to be mounted on a surface that the user touches by selecting a metal panel, glass panel, plastic panel, or other materials. Therefore, regardless of the material of the panel, it is necessary to realize a function that operates when the user touches a certain part of the panel.

[0003] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator including a touch sensor is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to a storage compartment, a storage compartment for maintaining and storing food at a low temperature with the cold air supplied from the cold air supply device, and a door formed of a panel that seals the storage compartment and causes displacement in a first direction when a user touches it. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include a PCB for detecting a user's touch on the panel. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB of the refrigerator may include a pattern coil that functions as an inductive sensor and is arranged to face the first direction. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB of the refrigerator may include a touch IC that processes a user's touch by inductive sensing in response to a change in a magnetic field caused by the user's touch.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator including a touch sensor is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to a storage compartment, a storage compartment for maintaining and storing food at a low temperature with cold air supplied from the cold air supply device, and a door formed of a panel that seals the storage compartment. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include a PCB for detecting a user's touch on the door. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB may include a pattern coil that functions as an inductive sensor or a capacitive sensor and is arranged to face a first direction. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB of the refrigerator may include a touch IC that acquires touch data generated by the pattern coil in response to a user's touch, determines whether a panel on which the user's touch is made is a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel based on the acquired touch data, and processes the user's touch by either inductive sensing or capacitive sensing depending on whether the determined panel is a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel.

[0005] The above features and aspects will become more apparent from the detailed description and accompanying drawings below.

[0006] FIG. 1A is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key employing a capacitive sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 1b is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key employing a capacitive sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2A is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key employing an inductive sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2b is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key employing an inductive sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3A illustrates a refrigerator door using a side-protruding touch module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3b is a drawing showing a protruding touch module arranged on the right side of a door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a PCB equipped with a touch sensor implementing multi-sensing attached to a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a PCB including an inductive sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing inductive sensing when a touch is made on a conductive panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6b is a cross-section showing inductive sensing when a touch is made on a non-conductive panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a front view showing a touch recognition area when using an inductive sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing a multi-sensor implemented in a conductive panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view showing a multi-sensor implemented in a non-conductive panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 9a is a cross-sectional view showing a multi-sensor implemented through a cavity created by etching a PCB according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view showing a multi-sensor implemented through a cavity created by etching a PCB according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a touch recognition area when using a multi-sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a touch key according to a capacitive sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a touch detection circuit diagram according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a pattern coil operates as a multi-sensor depending on the material of a panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a refrigerator using a touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a dishwasher using a touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an electric oven using a touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a washing machine using a touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing an air conditioner using a touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] The terms used in this disclosure will be briefly explained, and one embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described.

[0033] The terms used in this disclosure are selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of one embodiment of the disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant embodiments of the disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the disclosure.

[0034] In this disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” may refer to “a”, “b”, “c”, “a and b”, “a and c”, “b and c”, “all of a, b and c”, or variations thereof.

[0035] Throughout this disclosure, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "part," "module," etc., used in this disclosure refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and "part" and "module" may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0036] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted to clearly describe one embodiment of the present disclosure, and similar parts are designated with similar drawing reference numerals throughout the present disclosure.

[0037] Home appliances may include an input interface for receiving user commands. Touch-sensing is increasingly being used as input interfaces these days. For example, a refrigerator door may feature a touch-sensing input interface that automatically opens or closes the door upon receiving a user's touch. However, recent trends have allowed users to freely customize the panel used on the refrigerator door. In other words, users can freely choose the panel color and material. If the refrigerator door panel is made of metal, the touch sensing method should be inductive. Conversely, if the refrigerator door panel is made of glass or plastic, the touch sensing method should be capacitive. Therefore, a multi-sensing input interface capable of both inductive and capacitive touch sensing is required, regardless of the panel material. Alternatively, an input interface capable of touch sensing regardless of the panel material is required.

[0038] Throughout this disclosure, "touch" or "touch input" may include contact touch, which involves contact without force, and force touch, which involves pressing with force (pressure). Accordingly, a touch or touch input that generates an input signal in a home appliance may include contact touch input, which generates an input signal by a capacitive sensing method, and force touch input, which generates an input signal by an inductive sensing method.

[0039] FIG. 1A is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key employing a capacitive sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 1a, a first capacitance (401) exists between the touch key (1401) and the ground. When the SW (1403) operates, the first capacitance (401) between the power source (Vcc) and the ground is charged, and the charging time at this time is t1. If a person touches the touch key (1401), the entire circuit becomes a circuit with a second capacitance (402) added between the person and the ground. Therefore, the size of the capacitance that must be finally charged is C1+C2. In addition, the final charging time is a charging time (>t1) equal to the amount of the second capacitance (402) added. Fig. 1b is a graph representing this.

[0041] FIG. 1b is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key employing a capacitive sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] In the above drawing 1a, when SW (1403) operates, the first capacitance (401) between the power source (Vcc) and the ground is charged, and the charging time at this time is t1. When a person touches the touch key (1401), the entire circuit becomes a circuit in which a second capacitance (402) is added between the person and the ground, so the size of the capacitance that must be finally charged becomes C1+C2. Accordingly, when a touch occurs, the second capacitance (402) is added to the first capacitance (401), and the final charging time becomes t2 (>t1).

[0043] In this way, it is possible to identify whether a touch has been made to the touch key (1403) based on changes in the charging time. This is the operating principle of a touch key employing a capacitive sensing method.

[0044] FIG. 2A is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key employing an inductive sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Referring to Fig. 2a, the operating principle of an inductive sensing type touch key (1501) is illustrated. The inductive sensing type touch key (1501) can detect the presence or absence of a conductive object such as a metal based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. When an AC current flows through a coil (1510), a magnetic field is generated. This magnetic field changes along with the displacement change of a nearby conductive object such as a metal - approaching or moving away. This change in the magnetic field causes a change in the inductance of the path through which the AC current flows. Based on this change in inductance, the value of the AC current also changes. The home appliance can detect the change in the AC current to determine whether a push pressure has been applied to the inductive sensing type touch key (1501) (whether a touch has been made).

[0046] FIG. 2b is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key employing an inductive sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] In Fig. 2b, when a high-frequency voltage is applied to the coil (1510), a current inversely proportional to the inductance size of the coil flows. At this time, when a metal (1502), which is a material with high magnetic permeability, approaches the coil (1510), the overall inductance of the coil increases, resulting in a decrease in the current. This decrease in current, which detects the approach of the metal (1502), is the operating principle of a touch key according to the inductive sensing method. The 'detection distance' at which the approach of the metal (1502) to the coil (1501) is detected is the longest for a high-magnetism metal such as iron, and the shorter for a metal with a relatively low magnetic permeability such as aluminum. For example, the detection distance of aluminum is about half of the detection distance of iron. Therefore, an inductive sensor using this principle is a sensor that can detect a touch only when there is movement (displacement difference) of the metal (1502). Ultimately, when implementing an inductive sensor in a home appliance, a structure that can cause movement of the metal (1502) according to touch is required.

[0048] Inductive sensors use the magnetic force of an electromagnetic field to detect the proximity (touch) of a conductive material. Capacitive sensors, on the other hand, use the electric force of an electromagnetic field to detect the user's touch. While capacitive sensors measure changes in capacitance, inductive sensors measure changes in inductance.

[0049] FIG. 3A illustrates a refrigerator door using a side-protruding touch module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 3A, a refrigerator (2000) includes a protruding touch key (2301) on the side of a door (2030). The door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000) may be formed of various panels even in the same refrigerator model. For example, panels of various materials such as metal, glass, aluminum, and plastic may be used for the door (2030). In this case, a touch module may be provided on the door (2030) to detect a user's touch when the door (2030) is touched. However, if the panel is a metal panel, a capacitive sensing type touch module cannot be used. This is because touch recognition using the capacitive sensing type is performed through a very small capacitance change in the pF unit, but if the touch key is on a metal panel, the small capacitance value in the pF unit is not detected (sensed) by the touch module because the amount of capacitance that the metal panel has is relatively large. Therefore, when a panel of conductive material is used on the door, a touch module that implements a capacitive sensing method of touch cannot recognize the touch.

[0051] When a metal panel is used for the door (2030), a protruding touch key (2032) may be placed on the side of the door (2030) to implement a capacitive sensing touch. However, if such a protruding touch key (2032) is placed on the door (2030), the aesthetic effect is reduced and it does not fit with the trend of pursuing increasingly minimalist designs. Therefore, a touch recognition method that is not affected by the material of the panel needs to be applied to the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000).

[0052] FIG. 3b is a drawing showing a protruding touch module arranged on the right side of a door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 3b, the front view of the door (2030) is shown on the left, and the side view of the door (2030) is shown on the right. For convenience, the front view of the door (2030) is referred to as the first direction, and the side view of the door (2030) is referred to as the second direction.

[0054] The door (2030) includes a conductive panel (2210), so that a capacitive sensing type touch key cannot be positioned in the first direction. Accordingly, the refrigerator (2000) includes a protruding capacitive sensing type touch key (2301) in the second direction. The conductive panel (2210) may include, for example, a metal panel.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a PCB equipped with a touch sensor implementing multi-sensing attached to a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 4, a touch key (2031) that receives a user's touch in a first direction, which is the same direction as the direction in which the door faces, may be positioned on the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000). The touch key (2031) may be referred to as a touch detection area on the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000) that can detect a touch.

[0057] A PCB (2100) including a touch sensor including an inductive sensor (2110) may be positioned below the touch key (2031). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB (2100) may have a patterned coil (2111) that can operate as the inductive sensor (2110) patterned and printed on the PCB (2100). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the PCB (2100) on which the pattern coil (2111) is printed may operate as a touch pad whose capacitance changes when a touch made on the touch key (2031) is to be processed by a capacitive sensing method. However, this is only one embodiment, and the PCB (2100) on which the pattern coil (2111) is printed may only detect a touch by an inductive sensing method when a user's touch is made in a first direction. In other words, the PCB (2100) can operate only by inductive sensing when a user touches the PCB in the first direction, regardless of the material of the panel. This will be explained in more detail later.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pattern coil (2111) may operate as an inductive sensor (2110) when a user's touch on the touch key (2031) is to be processed in an inductive sensing manner, and on the other hand, the pattern coil (2111) may also operate as a capacitive sensor (2120) when a user's touch on the touch key (2031) is to be processed in a capacitive sensing manner.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a touch key (2033) capable of detecting a touch may be provided on the side of the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000). Of course, this is only one embodiment, and the touch key (2033) provided on the side of the door (2030) may be omitted. According to one embodiment, the side touch key (2033) may be a non-protruding touch key. According to one embodiment, a touch gasket (2133) may function as a touch key for the side touch key (2033). The touch gasket (2133) may be electrically connected to the PCB (2100).

[0060] The touch gasket (2133) may be configured to be wrapped with a polyurethane sponge and attached to a PCB or device using a conductive double-sided tape. Refer to FIG. 11 to explain capacitive sensing by the touch gasket (2133).

[0061] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a touch key according to a capacitive sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] The touch key (1200) is not a key that makes an electrical connection through physical pressing unlike a mechanical key, but rather a key that determines the 'user's input intention' through changes in the capacitance or resistance of the inside of the touch key (1200) or the circuit connected to the touch key (1200) when the user touches it. The touch key (1200) may also be referred to as an electronic key to distinguish it from a mechanical key. The touch key (1200) can detect a change in capacitance resulting from a change in the permittivity of the monopolar plate when a conductor such as a user's finger approaches or comes into contact with the monopolar plate and the resultant change can be used to generate a switching signal.

[0063] The touch key (1200) can be implemented with a touch panel (1210), a touch gasket (2133), an electrode (1230), and a touch sensor module (1240), as shown in FIG. 11.

[0064] The touch panel (1210) can detect a user's touch input and output a touch event value corresponding to the detected touch signal. When the touch panel (1210) is combined with a display panel (not shown) to form a touch screen (not shown), the touch screen can be implemented with various types of touch sensor modules (1250), such as a capacitive, pressure-sensitive, or piezoelectric type. The capacitive type uses a dielectric coated on the surface of the touch screen to detect micro-electricity generated by the user's body when a part of the user's body touches the surface of the touch screen, thereby calculating touch coordinates. The pressure-sensitive type includes two electrode plates built into the touch screen, and when the user touches the screen, the upper and lower plates of the touched point come into contact, causing current to flow, thereby calculating touch coordinates. The touch event generated on the touch screen can be mainly generated by a human finger, but can also be generated by an object made of a conductive material that can apply a change in electrostatic capacity.

[0065] A touch sensed by a touch sensor module (1240) can be processed into data through a touch integrated circuit (2130). The touch panel (1210) is an interface portion where a user directly touches. When a user touches the touch panel (1210), the touch gasket (2133) acts as an electrode connecting the touch panel (1210) where the touch is made and the touch sensor module (1240) or electrode (1230) in the electrostatic touch input method. In one embodiment, a touch spring or a conductive bar may be used instead of the touch gasket (2133) to configure a touch key (1200).

[0066] The electrode (1230) serves to electrically connect the touch gasket (2133) and the touch sensor module (1240). The touch IC (2130) can process data by touch detected by the touch sensor module (1240). For example, the touch IC (2130) can transmit data by touch detected by the touch sensor module (1240) to a processor (not shown) through communication. The touch key (1200) according to FIG. 11 may be electrically connected to the PCB (2100) as shown in FIG. 4 or may be mounted on the PCB (2100) as a part of the PCB (2100). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch key (1200) according to FIG. 11 may include a side touch key (2033) of a refrigerator (2000).

[0067] Let's go back to Figure 4 and continue the explanation.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB (2100) may include a touch IC (2130). The touch IC (2130) is an IC that includes a circuit that processes a touch when a user touches a touch key (2031) and / or a side touch key (2033) on the door (2030). According to one embodiment, the touch IC (2130) may determine what type (material) of panel of the door (2030) is based on touch data generated according to a touch inside. In addition, the touch IC (2130) may generate a signal to perform a function of the refrigerator (2000) based on the touch data. In one embodiment, the touch IC (2130) may generate a control signal to automatically open or automatically close the door (2030) based on the touch data. Of course, this is only one example, and a processor (not shown) can determine what type (material) of panel the door (2030) is based on touch data generated by a touch inside, and generate a control signal to automatically open or automatically close the door (2030) based on the touch data.

[0069] According to one embodiment, an air gap (not shown) may exist between the door (2030) and the PCB (2100) to allow displacement of the touch key (2031) so that the pattern coil (2111) may operate as an inductive sensor. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air gap between the touch key (2031) and the PCB (2100) may be a space created by a support structure between the PCB (2100) and a panel included in the door (2030). Alternatively, according to one embodiment, the air gap between the touch key (2031) and the PCB (2100) may be a space created by etching the surface of the PCB (2100). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB (2100) may include a first PCB (not shown) on which the pattern coil (2111) is printed and a second PCB (not shown) soldered on the first PCB as an interposer layer. At this time, an air gap that may cause displacement of the touch key (2031) may be created by a second PCB soldered on the first PCB. In one embodiment, the second PCB, which is an interposer layer, may also include a printed circuit.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a PCB including an inductive sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a PCB (2100) may include an inductive sensor (2110) capable of implementing an inductive sensing method. The inductive sensor (2110) may include a pattern coil (2111) capable of generating a magnetic field change according to a displacement difference of adjacent metals. The pattern coil (2111) may be a coil printed on the PCB (2100).

[0072] In the case of Fig. 5, when the user's touch is made toward the door (2030) (perpendicular to the door), a change in the magnetic field may occur in the pattern coil (2111) based on a slight displacement difference of the panel constituting the door (2030). The change in the magnetic field causes a change in the inductance of the path through which the AC current flows. Based on this change in inductance, the value of the AC current also changes, and the touch may be recognized according to the change in the value of the AC current. At this time, the material of the panel does not matter. If the panel is a conductive panel and the user touches the panel, a change in the magnetic field occurs in the pattern coil (2111) based on the displacement difference of the panel. If the panel is a non-conductive panel, a conductive material may be attached to the bottom of the panel. Even if the panel is a glass panel or a plastic panel, by attaching the conductive material to the bottom, a change in the magnetic field may occur in the pattern coil (2111) based on the displacement difference of the panel when the user touches the panel. Therefore, touch detection by inductive sensing becomes possible even when a non-conductive panel is provided on the door (2030).

[0073] As previously described, the touch IC (2130) is a hardware chip that is connected to the pattern coil (2111) and includes a circuit for processing the user's touch data. The operation of the touch IC (2130) will be described in more detail later.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pattern coil (2111) may be a touchpad according to a capacitive sensing method. When the panel of the door (2030) is a non-conductive panel, such as a glass panel or a plastic panel, and a conductive material is not attached to the non-conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) may be used as a touchpad to detect a user's touch according to a change in capacitance.

[0075] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing inductive sensing when a touch is made on a conductive panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] In FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, a touch sensor may be provided on the side of the refrigerator (2000) to detect touch, but this is not described separately here.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 6A, when a user touches a conductive panel (2210), the inductive sensor (2110) of the PCB (2100) on the main body (2010) can sense the touch according to the displacement difference of the conductive panel (2210). As described above, the inductive sensor (2110) recognizes the touch through the change in the magnetic field generated in the pattern coil (not shown) included in the inductive sensor (2110) when the conductive panel (2210) causes a displacement change in the direction of the pattern coil (not shown) included in the inductive sensor (2110) due to the user's touch pressure. The inductive sensor (2110) recognizes the touch by responding to even a slight displacement change of the conductive panel (2210). For example, the inductive sensor (2110) can detect a displacement change of 20 um to 50 um of the conductive panel (2210). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6a, if there is no support structure around the PCB (2100), the movement of the conductive panel (2210) can be increased over the entire area of ​​the conductive panel (2210), so the touch recognition area (15) can be significantly expanded.

[0078] FIG. 6b is a cross-section showing inductive sensing when a touch is made on a non-conductive panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] In FIG. 6b, even if a user touches the non-conductive panel (2220), the inductive sensor (2110) of the PCB (2100) on the main body (2010) does not respond to the displacement difference of the non-conductive panel (2220). Therefore, when the non-conductive panel (2220) is used in a door, touch sensing cannot be performed with the inductive sensor (2110). Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a conductive copper foil (2045) may be attached to the non-conductive panel (2220) on the lower side of the non-conductive panel (2220), the side facing the PCB (2100), in order for the inductive sensor (2110) to sense a touch made on the non-conductive panel (2220). The conductive copper foil (2045) may include a metallic copper foil. When the copper foil (2045) attached to the non-conductive panel (2220) changes displacement in the direction of the pattern coil (not shown) included in the inductive sensor (2110) due to the user's touch pressure on the non-conductive panel (2220), touch recognition is performed through the change in the magnetic field generated in the pattern coil (2111). This is because even if the non-conductive panel (2220) is made of glass or plastic, a minute displacement change can occur when a touch occurs, making the above touch recognition possible. The inductive sensor (2110) recognizes the touch in response to this minute displacement change. As shown in FIG. 6b, if there is no support structure around the PCB (2100), the movement of the non-conductive panel (2220) can extend to the entire area of ​​the non-conductive panel (2220), so the touch recognition area (15) can be significantly expanded. However, in this case, the touch recognition area (15) will be proportional to the size of the copper foil (2045), so the copper foil (2045) needs to be attached to the non-conductive panel (2220) so as to cover a sufficiently wide range.

[0080] In the same manner as in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a user's touch on the door (2030) can be detected by the inductive sensor (2110) regardless of whether the panel of the refrigerator (2000) is a conductive panel (2210) or a non-conductive panel (2220).

[0081] FIG. 7 is a front view showing a touch recognition area when using an inductive sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] According to FIG. 7, a PCB area (2101) where a PCB (2100) including an inductive sensor (2110) is located is shown. The PCB (2100) is located at a location corresponding to the PCB area (2101) at the bottom of the panel (2200).

[0083] A touch recognition area (15) capable of sensing by an inductive sensor (2110) is separately illustrated on the panel (2200) of the refrigerator (2000). The reason why the touch recognition area (15) can be distributed considerably wider than the PCB area (2101) where the PCB (2100) is located is that even if a touch occurs at a location further away from the inductive sensor (2110) included in the PCB (2100), the displacement difference of the panel (2200) can be detected on the inductive sensor (2110). Therefore, when there is no support structure around the PCB (2100), the touch recognition area (15) can be distributed relatively widely as shown in FIG. 7. Of course, FIG. 7 is merely a simple example, and depending on the thickness and elasticity of the panel (2200), the touch recognition area (15) may be wider or slightly smaller than the area according to FIG. 7. However, as long as there is no support structure around the PCB (2100) - for example, within 3 to 15 cm from the edge of the PCB (2100), the possibility that the inductive sensor (2110) will recognize a touch made on the panel (2200) increases even if the distance from the PCB (2100) is large.

[0084] Even if there is no support structure around the PCB (2100), a contact area may occur between the panel (2200) and the main body (2010) including the PCB (2100), for example, along the edge of the panel (2200). This contact area between the panel (2200) and the main body (2010) may serve as a type of support structure. Despite this contact area, at least 50% of the vertical direction of the door (2030) from the PCB area (2101) may be a touch recognition area (15). Referring to FIG. 7, 50% of the distance from the PCB area (2101) to the upper edge may be a touch recognition area (15), and the same applies downwardly. In the horizontal direction, the entire area may be a touch recognition area (15) regardless of the PCB area (2101). However, the touch recognition area (15) is only an example showing that it is relative depending on the size of the refrigerator (2000). For example, in the case of a small refrigerator with a height of 60 cm or less, almost the entire area of ​​the panel (2200) can become the touch recognition area (15).

[0085] If the panel (2200) is a non-conductive panel (2220), it is necessary to attach a copper foil to the bottom of the non-conductive panel (2220), as shown in FIG. 6b. In this case, the touch recognition area (15) may vary depending on the width of the copper foil. In other words, if the width of the copper foil is wide, the touch recognition area (15) may also be wide, and if the width of the motion is small, the influence of the copper foil, which causes a change in the magnetic field in the inductive sensor (2110), may be limited, so the touch recognition area (15) may be relatively small.

[0086] In one embodiment, the copper foil may comprise a copper foil tape having an adhesive on one side.

[0087] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing a multi-sensor implemented in a conductive panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] A refrigerator (2000) according to FIG. 8A comprises a main body (2010) and a conductive panel (2210) including a touch key. An area of ​​the conductive panel (2210) where the touch key is located can be used as a user input interface. The PCB (2100) can include an inductive sensor (2110). The inductive sensor (2110) can be implemented as a pattern coil (2111) printed on the PCB (2100).

[0089] When a user presses the conductive panel (2210), a displacement difference of the conductive panel (2210) must occur in order for an inductance change to occur in the inductive sensor (2110) of the PCB (2100). The displacement difference of the conductive panel (2210) may be caused by an air gap (2140) placed between the PCB (2100) and the conductive panel (2210). The displacement difference of the conductive panel (2210) causes an inductance change in the inductive sensor (2110), and the touch on the conductive panel (2210) is detected by a change in the AC current of the inductive sensor (2110) due to the inductance change that occurs. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a touch key may be provided on the conductive panel (2210), or a touch area that is simply a part of the conductive panel (2210) may be provided without a separate touch key, and a touch may be detected when a user touches the touch area.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 8a, in order for a displacement difference to occur when a user touches a touch key or a touch area on a conductive panel (2210), a space (air gap (2140)) must be formed between the PCB (2100) and the conductive panel (2210). The air gap (2140) provides a space where a displacement difference occurs between the PCB (2100) and the conductive panel (2210). To form the air gap (2140), a support structure (2400), such as rubber or double-sided tape, may be used between the PCB (2100) and the conductive panel (2210).

[0091] In Fig. 8a, a conductive panel (2210) can be installed on the door (2030) of a refrigerator (2000). Recently, products have been released that allow users to freely select the color or material of the panel installed on the door (2030). If the panel is a conductive panel (2210) such as metal, the function of the door (2030) - for example, an automatic opening and closing function - can be implemented according to touch detection according to the inductive sensing method described in Fig. 8a. In addition to the refrigerator (2000), an inductive sensor (2110) can be implemented in home appliances including air conditioners, washing machines, dryers, air dressers, electric ovens, dishwashers, etc., when a conductive panel (2210) must be implemented on the surface.

[0092] FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view showing a multi-sensor implemented in a non-conductive panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] A refrigerator (2000) according to FIG. 8B is composed of a main body (2010) and a non-conductive panel (2220) including a touch key. The non-conductive panel (2220) may include, but is not limited to, a glass panel or a plastic panel, for example. An area of ​​the non-conductive panel (2220) where the touch key is located may be used as a user input interface. The PCB (2100) may include a capacitive sensor (2120). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the capacitive sensor (2120) of the PCB (2100) may be implemented by a pattern coil (2111) used as an inductive sensor (2110) in FIG. 8A. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a pattern coil (2111) printed on a PCB (2100) functions as a touch pad when a user touches an area that operates as a touch key on a non-conductive panel (2220) when the door (2030) of a refrigerator (2000) is made of a non-conductive panel (2220). Accordingly, when the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000) is made of a non-conductive panel (2220), the pattern coil (2111) can function as a touch pad for performing a capacitive sensing method.

[0094] When a user presses a touch key for touch detection included in a non-conductive panel (2220) - or a touch recognition area included in a non-conductive panel (2220), a pattern coil (2111) corresponding to a capacitive sensor (2120) of a PCB (2100) acts as a touch pad and combines with a capacitor formed between the user and the ground, causing a capacitance change. According to this capacitance change, a touch IC (2130) included in the PCB (2100) detects a touch according to a capacitive sensing method.

[0095] Therefore, whether the panel is a conductive panel (2210) or a non-conductive panel (2220), the refrigerator (2000) can detect when a user touches the panel.

[0096] In Fig. 8b, a non-conductive panel (2220) may be provided on the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000). If the panel (2200) is a non-conductive panel (2220) such as glass, the function of the door (2030) - for example, an automatic opening and closing function - may be implemented based on touch detection according to the capacitive sensing method described in Fig. 8b. In addition to the refrigerator (2000), a capacitive sensor (2120) may be implemented when a non-conductive panel (2220) is used on the surface of a home appliance including an air conditioner, a washing machine, a dryer, an air dresser, an electric oven, a dishwasher, and the like.

[0097] In FIG. 8b, there is no support structure around the PCB (2100), but in one example, there may be a support structure around the PCB (2100). In this case, the non-conductive panel (2220) may have a portion that is in close contact with the body (2010) along the edge, thereby maintaining a gap around the PCB (2100). Since it is difficult for the capacitive sensor (2120) to recognize a touch at a location far away from the capacitive sensor (2120), the touch recognition area may be limited to the area around the capacitive sensor (2120).

[0098] FIG. 9a is a cross-sectional view showing a multi-sensor implemented through a cavity created by etching a PCB according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator (2000) according to FIG. 9A has a structure in which a cavity (2060) is provided between a PCB (2100) and a conductive panel (2210). A case such as FIG. 9A may be applied when a panel included in a door (2030) of a refrigerator (2000) is in close contact with a PCB (2100) included in a main body (2010), and thus an appropriate space for touch sensing does not exist between the panel and the PCB (2100).

[0100] The touch key or touch area on the conductive panel (2210) can be used as a user input interface. When the user presses the touch key (or touch recognition area) included in the conductive panel (2210), the pattern coil (2111) printed on the PCB (2100) operates as an inductive sensor (2110). In order for an inductance change to occur in the pattern coil (2111) operating as the inductive sensor (2110), a displacement difference of the touch key included in the conductive panel (2210) must occur. The displacement difference of the touch key can be generated by a cavity (2060) placed between the PCB (2100) and the conductive panel (2210). The cavity (2060) is a type of air gap. The cavity (2060) can be created by a process of cutting the PCB (2100) with a laser or cutting the PCB (2100) with sandblasting. According to FIG. 9a, a structure having a cavity (2060) provides a space in which a displacement difference of the touch key can be created between the conductive panel (2210) and the inductive sensor (2110) without a separate spacer.

[0101] A change in inductance occurs in the inductive sensor (2110) due to a displacement difference of the touch key, and a touch is detected by a change in current of the inductive sensor (2110) due to the change in inductance that occurs. According to one embodiment, a pattern coil (2111) operating as an inductive sensor (2110) may be placed on a surface of the PCB (2100) that contacts the cavity (2060).

[0102] FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view showing a multi-sensor implemented through a cavity created by etching a PCB according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator (2000) according to FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view of a structure in which a cavity (2060) is formed by etching a PCB (2100) as in FIG. 9a, but a non-conductive panel (2220) is installed in the refrigerator (2000) instead of a conductive panel (2210).

[0104] A touch key or touch area on a non-conductive panel (2220) can be used as a user input interface. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a user touches a touch key (or touch recognition area) included in a non-conductive panel (2220), a pattern coil (2111) printed on a PCB (2100) becomes a touch pad and operates as a capacitive sensor (2120). When a user touches a touch key or touch recognition area on a non-conductive panel (2220), a capacitance due to the user's touch is added to the capacitance due to the pattern coil (2111), causing a change in the overall capacitance, and a touch IC (not shown) of the PCB (2100) detects a touch according to the change in capacitance.

[0105] As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 8A to 9B, when a user touches the panel (2200), the refrigerator (2000) may detect the touch by inductive sensing or capacitive sensing. When a user touches the side of the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000), the touch may be detected by capacitive sensing using a touch gasket, but is not limited thereto.

[0106] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inductive sensing method can recognize that a touch has occurred if the detected inductance change amount (Delta-I) through detection of the inductance change amount (Delta-I) of the pattern coil (2111) is greater than or equal to a predetermined inductance threshold. According to one embodiment, when a touch is recognized, the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000) can be opened as an operation according to the touch. Conversely, if the detected inductance change amount (Delta-I) is less than the predetermined inductance threshold, it is recognized that no touch has occurred, and the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000) does not operate. If the detected inductance change amount (Delta-I) is greater than or equal to the predetermined inductance threshold while the door (2030) is open, it is recognized that a touch has occurred, and the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000) closes. Conversely, if the inductance change (Delta-I) detected when the door (2030) is open is less than a predetermined inductance threshold, it is recognized that no touch has occurred and the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000) does not operate.

[0107] The inductance change amount (Delta-I) can be detected through the touch IC (2130). The inductance change amount (Delta-I) can be obtained by subtracting the inductance reference value (Baseline-I) from the real-time inductance sensing value (Rawcount-I). The inductance reference value (Baseline-I) can be set as the average of the inductance values ​​sensed several times in a state where no touch is made on the initial panel (2200).

[0108] A predetermined inductance threshold is a reference value for the inductance change amount used to determine whether a touch has been made, and can be set to a value corresponding to approximately 90 to 100% of the inductance value determined to indicate a valid touch through an experiment, for example.

[0109] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the capacitive sensing method detects a capacitance change (Delta-C) when the pattern coil (2111) operates as a touch pad, and if the detected capacitance change (Delta-C) is greater than or equal to a predetermined capacitance threshold, it is recognized that a touch has occurred and an action corresponding to the touch is performed. According to one embodiment, the action corresponding to the touch may include opening the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000). Conversely, if the detected capacitance change (Delta-C) is less than the predetermined capacitance threshold, it is recognized that no touch has occurred and an action corresponding to the touch is not performed. For example, if a touch is not recognized, the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000) does not operate. If the capacitance change (Delta-C) detected while the door (2030) is open is greater than a predetermined capacitance threshold, it is recognized that a touch has occurred and the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000) is closed. Conversely, if the capacitance change (Delta-C) detected while the door (2030) is open is less than a predetermined capacitance threshold, it is recognized that no touch has occurred and the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000) is not operated.

[0110] The capacitance change amount (Delta-C) can be detected through the touch IC (2130). The capacitance change amount (Delta-C) can be obtained by subtracting the capacitance reference value (Baseline-C) from the real-time capacitance sensing value (Rawcount-C). The capacitance reference value (Baseline-C) can be set as the average of the capacitance values ​​sensed several times in a state where no touch is made on the initial panel (2200).

[0111] A predetermined capacitance threshold is a capacitance change reference value for determining whether a touch has occurred, and can be set to a value corresponding to approximately 90 to 100% of the capacitance value determined to be a valid touch through an experiment, for example.

[0112] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a touch recognition area when using a multi-sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] In FIG. 10, 101 is a front view showing a touch recognition area (16) when the panel (2200) is a conductive panel (2210) in a structure in which a support structure is present around the PCB (2100) as in FIG. 8a or FIG. 9a or in which the PCB (2100) is etched and supported. As shown in FIG. 101, unlike the case of FIG. 7, it can be confirmed that the touch recognition area (16) is relatively reduced compared to the touch recognition area (15) of FIG. 7 due to the support structure (etched structure). In other words, in a structure in which a support structure is present around the PCB (2100) as in FIG. 8a or FIG. 9a or in which the PCB (2100) is etched, a touch is recognized only around the PCB area (2101) - where the inductive sensor is present.

[0114] Likewise, 102 is a front view showing a touch recognition area (17) when there is no support structure around the PCB (2100) as in FIG. 8b or FIG. 9b, or when the panel (2200) is a non-conductive panel (2220) in an etched structure of the PCB (2100). As shown in 102, unlike the case of FIG. 7, the area where the capacitive sensor (2120) performs touch recognition is relatively limited, so it is confirmed that the touch recognition area (17) is relatively reduced compared to the touch recognition area (15) of FIG. 7.

[0115] FIG. 12 is a touch detection circuit diagram according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the touch IC (2130) can read a signal from the pattern coil (2111) through a receiving path (RX). The signal read by the touch IC (2130) may be, for example, in the form of a pulse per unit time. However, the signal read by the touch IC (2130) may vary depending on the specifications of the touch IC (2130).

[0117] For example, when the touch IC (2130) detects a signal through the receiving path (RX), a difference may occur depending on whether the panel (2200) is a conductive panel (2210) or a non-conductive panel (2220). In addition, IND_N0 and IND_P0, which are located between the receiving path (RX) and the capacitance (C103), may be converted to a state as shown in Table 1 depending on the touch data detected through the receiving path (RX).

[0118] Conductive panel (inductive sensing method)Non-conductive panel (capacitive sensing method)Touch data>19,000≤19,000IND_P0HighHigh ImpedanceIND_N0LowHigh Impedance

[0119] According to Table 1, when the panel (2200) is a conductive panel (2210), the touch data detected in the receiving path (RX) of the touch IC (2130) is greater than 19,000. Conversely, when the panel (2200) is a non-conductive panel (2220), the touch data detected in the receiving path (RX) of the touch IC (2130) is less than or equal to 19,000. Of course, the data value 19,000 detected from the pattern coil (2111) here is just an example, and the data value may vary depending on the circuit configuration or the specifications of the touch IC (2130). The important point is that when a user's touch is made on the panel (2200), the touch data detected by the touch IC (2130) can be distinguished depending on whether the material of the panel (2200) is conductive or non-conductive.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the material of the panel (2200) facing the pattern coil (2111) can be determined based on touch data read from the touch IC (2130). If the panel (2200) is determined to be a conductive panel (2210) based on the touch data (touch data > 19,000 according to Table 1), the processor (not shown) of the refrigerator (2000) can control the IND_P0 port to be high and the IND_N0 port to be low to operate the pattern coil (2111) connected to the touch IC (2130) in an inductive sensing manner. The reason the processor controls the IND_P0 port to be high and the IND_N0 port to be low is to enable the peripheral circuits of the touch IC (2130), including the pattern coil (2111), to operate as an inductive sensor. In one embodiment, the processor may include a touch IC (2130), and some functions of the touch IC (2130) may function as a processor.

[0121] If the panel (2200) is determined to be a non-conductive panel (2220) based on the touch data (touch data ≤ 19,000 according to Table 1), the processor (not shown) of the refrigerator (2000) may cause the IND_P0 port and the IND_N0 port to be in a high-impedance state to operate the pattern coil (2111) connected to the touch IC (2130) in a capacitive sensing manner. The high-impedance state may include an open state. In one embodiment, the processor may include the touch IC (2130), and some functions of the touch IC (2130) may function as the processor.

[0122] Of course, how to set the status of the IND_P0 port and IND_N0 port as peripheral circuits of the touch IC (2130) as above may vary depending on the specifications of the touch IC (2130). The important point is that when the material of the panel (2200) is determined by the received touch data, the processor can change the peripheral circuit configuration of the touch IC (2130) to operate in either the inductive sensing method or the capacitive sensing method.

[0123] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a pattern coil operates as a multi-sensor depending on the material of a panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] In step S1301, the user touches the touch recognition area of ​​the home appliance.

[0125] At this time, the panel including the touch recognition area may be a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel.

[0126] In step S1303, a touch sensor located below a touch recognition area generates touch data according to a touch by a user. The touch sensor may include a pattern coil (2111). The pattern coil (2111) generates different touch data according to the type of panel touched by the user. When a touch is made to the pattern coil (2111), a data value that distinguishes between a conductive panel and a non-conductive panel may be referred to as a predetermined panel identification value. For example, the predetermined panel identification value may vary depending on the specifications of the touch IC (2130), the pattern coil (2111), and the designer's settings.

[0127] In step S1305, the home appliance compares the touch data acquired by the touch sensor with a predetermined panel identification value. Based on the comparison value, the home appliance can determine the material of the panel on which the touch was made. The home appliance can distinguish whether the panel is a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel by comparing the touch data with the predetermined panel identification value. If the result of the comparison between the touch data and the predetermined panel identification value satisfies Condition 1, the panel is determined to be a conductive panel. If the result of the comparison between the touch data and the predetermined panel identification value satisfies Condition 2, the panel is determined to be a non-conductive panel. For example, Condition 1 may be that the touch data is greater than or equal to the predetermined panel identification value, and Condition 2 may be that the touch data is less than the predetermined panel identification value. Of course, this is only an example, and depending on the circuit configuration, Condition 1 may be that the touch data is less than or equal to the predetermined panel identification value, and Condition 2 may be that the touch data is greater than the predetermined panel identification value.

[0128] In steps S1307 and S1309, the home appliance sets the peripheral circuit configuration of the touch IC (2130) based on the material of the determined panel. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the home appliance may set a predetermined port to a high, low state, or a high-impedance state so that the touch sensor operates as an inductive sensor (2110) or a capacitive sensor (2120).

[0129] When the setting of the circuit configuration surrounding the touch IC (2130) is completed, in step 1311, if the panel is determined to be a conductive panel, the touch sensor including the pattern coil (2111) operates as an inductive sensor (2110). In addition, in step 1313, if the panel is determined to be a non-conductive panel, the touch sensor including the pattern coil (2111) operates as a capacitive sensor (2120). At this time, the pattern coil (2111) can operate as a touch pad for capacitive sensing.

[0130] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a refrigerator using a touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] A refrigerator (2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (2010).

[0132] The main body (2010) may include an inner case, an outer case arranged on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0133] The "inner case" may include a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. The "outer case" may form the outer appearance of the main body and may be joined to the outer surface of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0134] "Insulation" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment of the storage room. In one embodiment, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers after securing them with a jig or the like.

[0135] In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior at a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. The vacuum insulation may further include an adsorbent that adsorbs gases and moisture to stably maintain a vacuum state. However, the insulation is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0136] A refrigerator (2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to a storage compartment.

[0137] A "refrigeration supply device" may include a system comprising a machine, mechanism, electronic device and / or a combination thereof that can generate and guide cold air to cool a storage room.

[0138] In one embodiment, a refrigeration supply device can generate refrigeration through a refrigeration cycle comprising the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the refrigeration supply device can include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle.

[0139] A refrigerator (2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to a cooling air supply device are arranged.

[0140] The "machine room" may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be in communication with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0141] A refrigerator (2000) is a type of home appliance that supplies cold air generated by a compressor in a refrigeration supply unit to a storage compartment, allowing various foods to remain fresh for long periods of time. In addition to this long-term preservation function, the refrigerator (2000) is equipped with various additional features. Representative features include a communication function that enables the establishment of an IoT network and the ability to output sound via speakers built into the refrigerator (2000).

[0142] Referring to FIG. 14, a refrigerator (2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (2010) and a door (2030a, 2030b, 2030c, 2030d) that can open and close a storage compartment.

[0143] A refrigerator (2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a door (2030) configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment.

[0144] The refrigerator (2000) according to FIG. 14 is illustrated with four doors (2030), but the number of doors (2030) is not limited thereto. The upper door (2030a) and the lower door (2030b) on the right side of the refrigerator (2000) may be configured as one door, and one door may include a panel. The panel may include a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel. The upper door (2030c) and the lower door (2030d) on the left side of the refrigerator (2000) may be configured as one door. One door may include a panel. The panel may include a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel. In addition, the refrigerator (2000) may have more or less than four doors. In addition, the location of the door (2030) may also be changed in various ways. Depending on the arrangement of the door (2030) and storage compartment, the refrigerator (2000) may be a French door type refrigerator, a side-by-side type refrigerator, etc.

[0145] The door (2030) may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door (2030) is closed. The door (2030) may include insulation, similar to the body (2010), to insulate the storage compartment when the door (2030) is closed.

[0146] A refrigerator (2000) according to one embodiment may include a touch recognition area (15) on a door (2030) - a panel (2200) included in the door (2030). The touch recognition area (15) may be an area provided to perform a predetermined operation - automatically opening or closing the door (2030) - when a user touches the area. The touch recognition area (15) has a relatively wide range when the pattern coil (2111) included in the PCB (2100) operates only as an inductive sensor (2110) without a support structure around the PCB (2100) as illustrated in FIG. 6A or FIG. 6B. In order for the pattern coil (2111) to operate only as an inductive sensor (2110), a copper foil may be attached to the lower portion of the panel when the panel of the door (2030) is a non-conductive panel.

[0147] The touch recognition area (15) has a relatively smaller range than the previous case when there is a support structure around the PCB (2100) as shown in FIGS. 8a to 9b and the pattern coil (2111) operates by selecting an inductive sensor (2110) or a capacitive sensor (2120) depending on the material of the panel.

[0148] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a dishwasher using a touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 15, a dishwasher (3000) may be composed of a main body (3010) and a door (3030) for putting dishes to be washed into and taking them out of the main body (3010). A user interface (3040) may be included at the upper end of the door (3030). The user interface (3040) of the dishwasher (3000) according to FIG. 15 is disposed on a cross-section that appears only when the door (3030) is opened from the main body (3010), but is not limited thereto. The user interface (3040) may be a part of the main body (3010) or may be disposed on the front of the door (3030). The user interface (3040) may include an input panel as an input interface for receiving operation commands from a user and a display as an output interface for displaying operation information of the dishwasher (3000). The input panel as an input interface may include a touch key that is operated by touch. In Fig. 15, a touch recognition area (15) is shown on the front of the door (3030). A user interface (3040) may be placed on a part of the touch recognition area (15).

[0150] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a user touches the touch recognition area (15), the dishwasher (3000) can operate in an inductive sensing manner regardless of the material of the panel included in the door (3030). If the panel of the door (3030) is a conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) positioned below the touch recognition area (15) can operate as an inductive sensor (2110). If the panel of the door (3030) is a non-conductive panel, a copper foil can be attached to the bottom of the non-conductive panel. When a touch is made to the non-conductive panel by the copper foil attached to the bottom of the non-conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) positioned below the touch recognition area (15) can operate as an inductive sensor (2110) by a minute displacement difference of the non-conductive panel.

[0151] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a user touches a touch recognition area (15), the dishwasher (3000) can determine the type of panel included in the door (3030) and determine whether to operate in an inductive sensing manner or a capacitive sensing manner. When the user's touch is made on a panel of the door (3030), touch data acquired by the pattern coil (2111) is compared with a predetermined panel distinction value, thereby determining the type of panel of the door (3030).

[0152] If the panel of the door (3030) is a conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) disposed below the touch recognition area (15) operates as an inductive sensor (2110). In order for the pattern coil (2111) to operate as an inductive sensor (2110), the processor of the dishwasher (3000) may perform appropriate settings so that the peripheral circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) operates in an inductive sensing manner. For example, the processor may set some ports of the touch IC (2130) or some points of the circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) to be in any one of a high, low, or high impedance state. According to one embodiment, the processor may include the touch IC (2130), or the touch IC (2130) may include the processor.

[0153] When the panel of the door (3030) is determined to be a non-conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) disposed below the touch recognition area (15) operates as a capacitive sensor (2120). In order for the pattern coil (2111) to operate as a capacitive sensor (2120), the processor of the dishwasher (3000) may make appropriate settings so that the peripheral circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) operates in a capacitive sensing manner. For example, the processor may set some ports of the touch IC (2130) or some points of the circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) to be in any one of a high, low, or high impedance state. According to one embodiment, the processor may include the touch IC (2130), or the touch IC (2130) may include the processor.

[0154] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an electric oven using a touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0155] An electric oven (4000) is a cooking appliance that enables cooking, such as baking. Because the internal temperature of an electric oven (4000) increases, the external panel is often made of metal rather than plastic. However, these days, the external panel can be made of heat-resistant glass or plastic, requiring a touch sensor that is independent of the panel material.

[0156] An electric oven (4000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a user interface (4040). The user interface (4040) may include a display unit for displaying information to a user and a touch key for receiving user input. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch key may be a touch key that operates by an inductive sensing method or a capacitive sensing method.

[0157] At least a portion of the user interface (4040) may function as a touch recognition area (15) that performs a function of opening or closing the door (4030) by a user's touch. The touch recognition area (15) may be arranged on at least a portion of the user interface (4040), or may be arranged on the front of the door (4030) as shown in FIG. 16.

[0158] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a user touches the touch recognition area (15), the electric oven (4000) can operate in an inductive sensing manner regardless of the material of the panel included in the door (4030). If the panel of the door (4030) is a conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) positioned below the touch recognition area (15) can operate as an inductive sensor (2110). If the panel of the door (4030) is a non-conductive panel, a copper foil is attached to the bottom of the non-conductive panel. When a touch is made to the non-conductive panel by the copper foil attached to the bottom of the non-conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) positioned below the touch recognition area (15) can operate as an inductive sensor (2110) by a minute displacement difference of the non-conductive panel.

[0159] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a user touches a touch recognition area (15), the electric oven (4000) can determine the type of panel included in the door (4030) and determine whether to operate in an inductive sensing manner or a capacitive sensing manner. When the user's touch is made on the panel of the door (4030), touch data acquired by the pattern coil (2111) is compared with a predetermined panel distinction value, thereby determining the type of panel of the door (4030).

[0160] If the panel of the door (4030) is a conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) disposed below the touch recognition area (15) operates as an inductive sensor (2110). In order for the pattern coil (2111) to operate as an inductive sensor (2110), the processor of the electric oven (4000) may perform appropriate settings so that the peripheral circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) operates in an inductive sensing manner. For example, the processor may set some ports of the touch IC (2130) or some points of the circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) to be in any one of a high, low, or high impedance state. According to one embodiment, the processor may include the touch IC (2130), or the touch IC (2130) may include the processor.

[0161] When the panel of the door (4030) is determined to be a non-conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) disposed below the touch recognition area (15) operates as a capacitive sensor (2120). In order for the pattern coil (2111) to operate as a capacitive sensor (2120), the processor of the electric oven (4000) may perform appropriate settings so that the peripheral circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) operates in a capacitive sensing manner. For example, the processor may set some ports of the touch IC (2130) or some points of the circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) to be in any one of a high, low, or high impedance state. According to one embodiment, the processor may include the touch IC (2130), or the touch IC (2130) may include the processor.

[0162] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a washing machine using a touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] A washing machine (5000) according to FIG. 17 may include a main body (5010), a water tank (not shown) installed inside the main body (5010), and a drum (5011) installed inside the water tank. A lifter (5012) may be installed inside the drum (5011) to lift laundry upwards while the drum (5011) rotates and then drop it by gravity. The drum (5011) may perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration while rotating inside a tub described below. The drum (5011) may include a hole connecting the internal space of the drum (5011) and the internal space of the tub. The drum (5011) may have a generally cylindrical shape with one end open.

[0164] The main body (5010) may generally have a hexahedral shape, but is not limited thereto. An opening (5013) may be formed at the front center of the main body (5010) through which laundry can be put into or taken out of the drum (5011), and a door (5030) that opens and closes the opening (5013) may be rotatably installed. At least a portion of the door (5030) may be provided to be transparent or translucent so that the interior surrounding the drum (5011) is visible. At least a portion of the door (5030) may include a touch recognition area (15) in which a touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is arranged.

[0165] Although not illustrated in FIG. 17, the washing machine (5000) may include a tub provided inside the water tank to store water. The tub may be supported inside the water tank. The tub may have a generally cylindrical shape with one end open. The tub may be elastically supported from the water tank by a damper. The damper may connect the water tank and the tub. The damper may be provided to absorb vibration energy between the tub and the water tank when vibration generated when the drum (5011) rotates is transmitted to the tub and / or the water tank, thereby attenuating the vibration.

[0166] A user interface (5040) may be installed on the front upper side of the main body (5010) to display the operating status of the washing machine (5000) to the user or to enable the user to directly control the washing operation. The user interface (5040) may include an input unit as an input interface for receiving operation commands from the user and a display unit as an output interface for displaying operation information of the washing machine (5000).

[0167] The input unit can provide an electrical output signal corresponding to a user input to a control unit (not shown) including a processor. The input unit can include, for example, a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. The input button can include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch. At least a portion of the surface of the washing machine (5000) or the user interface (5040) of the washing machine (5000) can be a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel.

[0168] The display unit can receive a signal from the processor and display information corresponding to the received signal. The display unit can include a screen that displays a washing course selected by rotating the course selection dial (or pressing the course selection button) and the operating time of the washing machine, and an indicator that displays a washing setting / rinse setting / spin setting selected by the setting button. The display unit can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or the like.

[0169] Although not shown in FIG. 17, the washing machine (5000) may include a drive device configured to rotate the drum (5011).

[0170] A driving device (not shown) may include a driving motor and a rotating shaft (not shown) for transmitting driving force generated by the driving motor to the drum (5011). The rotating shaft may pass through the tub and be connected to the drum (5011). The driving device may be configured to rotate the drum (5011) forward or backward to perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations.

[0171] A control unit including a processor can control various components of a washing machine (e.g., a drive motor, a water inlet valve). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one operation, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to user input inputted to a control panel. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of a tub, or control the water inlet valve of a water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0172] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory storing program-type data, and at least one processor performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0173] At least a portion of the user interface (5040) may function as a touch recognition area (15) that performs a function of opening or closing the door (5030) by a user's touch. The touch recognition area (15) may include at least a portion of the user interface (5040), or may be a portion of the door (5030), as shown in FIG. 17.

[0174] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a user touches the touch recognition area (15), the washing machine (5000) can operate in an inductive sensing manner regardless of the material of the panel forming at least a portion of the door (5030) or the user interface (5040). If at least a portion of the door (5030) or the user interface (5040) is a conductive panel, a pattern coil (2111) of a PCB (2100) positioned below or near the touch recognition area (15) can operate as an inductive sensor (2110). If at least a portion of the door (5030) or the user interface (5040) is a non-conductive panel, a copper foil is attached to the bottom of the non-conductive panel. When a touch is made on the non-conductive panel by the copper foil attached to the bottom of the non-conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) placed near the touch recognition area (15) can operate as an inductive sensor (2110) due to the minute displacement difference of the non-conductive panel.

[0175] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a user touches a touch recognition area (15), the washing machine (5000) can determine the type of panel forming at least a part of a door (5030) or a user interface (5040) and determine whether to operate in an inductive sensing manner or a capacitive sensing manner. When a user's touch is made on a touch recognition area (15) forming at least a part of a door (5030) or a user interface (5040), touch data acquired by a pattern coil (2111) can be compared with a predetermined panel distinction value to determine the type of panel corresponding to the touch recognition area (15).

[0176] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the panel corresponding to the touch recognition area (15) is a conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) disposed under the touch recognition area (15) operates as an inductive sensor (2110). In order for the pattern coil (2111) to operate as an inductive sensor (2110), the processor of the washing machine (5000) may perform appropriate settings so that the peripheral circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) operates in an inductive sensing manner. For example, the processor may set some ports of the touch IC (2130) or some points of the circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) to be in any one of a high, low, or high impedance state. According to one embodiment, the processor may include the touch IC (2130), or the touch IC (2130) may include the processor.

[0177] If the panel corresponding to the touch recognition area (15) is determined to be a non-conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) placed near the touch recognition area (15) operates as a capacitive sensor (2120). In order for the pattern coil (2111) to operate as a capacitive sensor (2120), the processor of the washing machine (5000) may perform appropriate settings so that the peripheral circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) operates in a capacitive sensing manner. For example, the processor may set some ports of the touch IC (2130) or some points of the circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) to be in any one of a high, low, or high impedance state. According to one embodiment, the processor may include the touch IC (2130), or the touch IC (2130) may include the processor.

[0178] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing an air conditioner using a touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0179] An air conditioner (6000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can absorb heat from an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor") and release heat from the outside of the air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as "outdoor") for cooling the air-conditioned space, which is the target of air conditioning. In addition, the air conditioner (6000) can absorb heat from the outdoors and release heat to the indoors for heating the indoor space.

[0180] The air conditioner (6000) may include one or more outdoor units (6100) installed outdoors and one or more indoor units (6200) installed indoors. The outdoor unit (6100) may be electrically connected to the indoor unit (6200). For example, a user may input information (or commands) for controlling the indoor unit (6200) through a user interface (6040), and the outdoor unit (6100) may operate in response to the user input of the indoor unit (6200).

[0181] The outdoor unit (6100) can be fluidly connected to the indoor unit (6200) through a refrigerant pipe.

[0182] The outdoor unit (6100) is installed outdoors. The outdoor unit (6100) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). This heat exchange can be achieved through an outdoor heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit (6100). For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor unit (6100), the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air. While the refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor unit (6100), the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0183] An indoor unit (6200) is installed indoors. The indoor unit (6200) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). At this time, the heat exchange can be performed through an indoor heat exchanger included in the indoor unit (6200). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit (6200), the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air, thereby cooling the indoor space. While the refrigerant condenses in the indoor unit (6200), the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air, thereby heating the indoor space. The air conditioner (6000) may include a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger. The air conditioner (6000) may include a refrigerant pipe connecting the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0184] An indoor unit (6200) of an air conditioner (6000) may include a user interface (6040) that displays operation information of the air conditioner (6000) and can receive commands from a user. A display unit of the user interface (6040) may receive information regarding the operation of the air conditioner (6000) from a processor that controls the operation of the air conditioner (6000) and display information corresponding to the received information. The display unit may include an indicator that displays the operation type of the air conditioner (6000) selected by the user or whether the power of the indoor unit (6200) is on or off. The indicator may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or a plurality of LEDs. At least a portion of the surface of the air conditioner (6000) or at least a portion of the user interface (6040) may be formed of a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel.

[0185] The outdoor unit (6100) includes an outdoor unit body (6101) forming the exterior of the outdoor unit (6100), and an outdoor unit fan (6102) provided on one side of the outdoor unit body (6101) to discharge heat-exchanged air.

[0186] The indoor unit (6200) may include an indoor unit body (6201) forming the exterior of the indoor unit (6200), an indoor unit discharge port (6202) provided on the front of the indoor unit body (6201) for discharging heat-exchanged air, and a user interface (6040) for receiving operation commands for the air conditioner (6000) from a user.

[0187] The touch recognition area (15) illustrated in Fig. 18 is only an example, and its location and size may vary depending on the application.

[0188] At least a portion of the user interface (6040) may function as a touch-sensitive area (15) that performs a specific function upon a user's touch. The touch-sensitive area (15) may include at least a portion of the user interface (6040) or may be located in another area. For example, when the touch-sensitive area (15) is touched, a function of operating or stopping the air conditioner (6000) may be performed.

[0189] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a user touches a touch recognition area (15), the touch recognition area (15) can operate in an inductive sensing manner regardless of the material of the panel corresponding to the touch recognition area (15). If the panel corresponding to the touch recognition area (15) is a conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) positioned below or near the touch recognition area (15) can operate as an inductive sensor (2110). If the panel corresponding to the touch recognition area (15) is a non-conductive panel, a copper foil is attached to the bottom of the non-conductive panel. When a touch is made to the non-conductive panel by the copper foil attached to the bottom of the non-conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) positioned near the touch recognition area (15) can operate as an inductive sensor (2110) by a minute displacement difference of the non-conductive panel.

[0190] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a user touches a touch recognition area (15), the air conditioner (6000) can determine whether to operate in an inductive sensing manner or a capacitive sensing manner by determining the type of panel corresponding to the touch recognition area (15). When a user touches the touch recognition area (15), touch data acquired by the pattern coil (2111) is compared with a predetermined panel distinction value, and the type of panel corresponding to the touch recognition area (15) can be determined.

[0191] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the panel corresponding to the touch recognition area (15) is a conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) disposed under the touch recognition area (15) operates as an inductive sensor (2110). In order for the pattern coil (2111) to operate as an inductive sensor (2110), the processor of the air conditioner (6000) may perform appropriate settings so that the peripheral circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) operates in an inductive sensing manner. For example, the processor may set some ports of the touch IC (2130) or some points of the circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) to be in any one of a high, low, or high impedance state. According to one embodiment, the processor may include the touch IC (2130), or the touch IC (2130) may include the processor.

[0192] If the panel corresponding to the touch recognition area (15) is determined to be a non-conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) placed near the touch recognition area (15) operates as a capacitive sensor (2120). In order for the pattern coil (2111) to operate as a capacitive sensor (2120), the processor of the air conditioner (6000) may perform appropriate settings so that the peripheral circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) operates in a capacitive sensing manner. For example, the processor may set some ports of the touch IC (2130) or some points of the circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) to be in any one of a high, low, or high impedance state. According to one embodiment, the processor may include the touch IC (2130), or the touch IC (2130) may include the processor.

[0193] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 19, a refrigerator (2000) according to the present disclosure may include a control unit (2500), a cold air supply device (2800), a storage compartment (2700), a door (2030), and a power conversion device (2600).

[0195] Each component of the refrigerator (2000) has been described in detail with reference to Figure 14, so any duplicate description will be omitted here.

[0196] The cold air supply device (2800) may include a compressor (2810), a condenser (2820), an expansion device (2830), and an evaporator (2840) capable of driving a refrigeration cycle. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cold air supply device (2800) may further include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may cool the storage compartment (2700) through heat generation and cooling through the Peltier effect. The storage compartment (2700) may include a refrigerator compartment (2702a) and a freezer compartment (2702b) as described above. The refrigerator (2000) may further include an alternating temperature compartment (2702c), which may or may not be included depending on the design specifications or model of the refrigerator (2000). The refrigerator (2702a), freezer (2702b), and variable temperature room (2702c) of the storage room (2700) may be called by various names such as “vegetable room,” “fresh room,” “cooling room,” and “ice room,” and the terms “refrigerator room,” “freezer room,” and “variable temperature room” should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges, respectively.

[0197] The door (2030) is used to preserve the coldness of the storage compartment (2700) of the refrigerator (2000) while allowing the user to put food stored in the storage compartment (2700) into and take it out of the refrigerator (2000). In the case of a double-door refrigerator, the door (2030) may include two doors that open on both sides. The door (2030) may also include a transparent door. The door (2030) may be divided into an upper door and a lower door.

[0198] The control unit (2500) may include a processor (2510), a first communication unit (2520), a memory (2550), a display (2540), and a PCB (2100). Components of the control unit (2500), excluding the display (2540), may constitute a printed board assembly (PBA) of the refrigerator (2000). The PCB (2100) may be integral with the PBA or may be separate. In addition, the touch IC (2130) included in the PCB (2100) may be a part of the processor (2510) of the control unit (2500), or conversely, the processor (2510) may be included in the touch IC (2130).

[0199] The processor (2510) included in the control unit (2500) may be implemented as one or more processors. In addition, the processor (2510) may be equipped with an artificial intelligence (AI) processor. The artificial intelligence (AI) processor may be manufactured in the form of a dedicated hardware chip for artificial intelligence (AI), or may be manufactured as part of an existing general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU or application processor) or a graphics-only processor (e.g., GPU) and installed in the refrigerator (2000).

[0200] The processor (2510) can control the first communication unit (2520), the display (2540), and the memory (2550) by executing programs stored in the memory (2550). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (2510) can also control the PCB (2100). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (2510) can be an artificial intelligence (AI) processor. The AI ​​processor can be manufactured in the form of a dedicated hardware chip for artificial intelligence (AI), or can be manufactured as a part of an existing general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or an application processor) or a graphics-only processor (e.g., a GPU) and mounted on the refrigerator (2000). The processor (2510) can receive temperature information of the storage compartment (2700) from a temperature sensor (not shown) and generate a cooling control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device (2800) based on the temperature information of the storage compartment (2700). The processor (2510) can receive a user touch input through the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) and perform a predetermined function of the refrigerator (2000) in response to the user touch input. The predetermined function may include, but is not limited to, functions such as opening and closing the door (2030) or displaying information on the display (2540).

[0201] The processor (2510) may output a control signal for driving the power conversion device (2600), and control the operation of the refrigerator (2000) based on the 'overheating' information transmitted from the power conversion device (2600). The processor (2510) may control the display (2540) to display information or notifications, such as an overheating status or error of the refrigerator (2000), to the user. For example, when overheating occurs in a specific location of the refrigerator (2000), the processor (2510) may control the display (2540) to display the overheating status along with the overheating location, such as "Overheating has currently occurred at XXX", based on the overheating information transmitted from the power conversion device (2600). The first communication unit (2520) may include one or more components that enable communication between the refrigerator (2000) and a server device (not shown), or between the refrigerator (2000) and a mobile device (not shown). For example, the first communication unit (2520) may include a short-range communication unit (2521), a long-range communication unit (2523), etc.

[0202] The short-range communication unit (2521) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, an NFC (Near Field Communication unit), a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an ANT+ communication unit, etc. The long-range communication unit (2523) may be used to communicate with a server device (not shown) when the refrigerator (2000) is remotely controlled by the server device in an IoT (Internet of Things) environment. The long-range communication unit (2523) may include the Internet, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN), and a mobile communication unit. The mobile communications unit may include, but is not limited to, 3G modules, 4G modules, 5G modules, LTE modules, NB-IoT modules, LTE-M modules, etc.

[0203] The display (2540) is used to display the required data.

[0204] When the display (2540) is configured as a touch screen by forming a layer structure together with a touchpad, the display (2540) can also be used as an input interface. The display (2540) can include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3D display, and an electrophoretic display. In addition, depending on the implementation form of the refrigerator (2000), the refrigerator (2000) can include two or more displays (2540).

[0205] The PCB (2100) may include a touch sensor (2102) for receiving a touch input from a user. The touch sensor (2102) may include a pattern coil (2111) printed on the PCB (2100). The pattern coil (2111) may operate as an inductive sensor (2110) or a capacitive sensor (2120) depending on certain conditions.

[0206] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB (2100) may be positioned at the bottom of the panel (2200). The touch sensor (2102) of the PCB (2100) may recognize a user's touch made on the panel (2200) and generate a control signal corresponding to the touch. A function of the refrigerator (2000) corresponding to the generated control signal may be performed. The touch sensor (2102) including the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) may be combined with the touch recognition area (15) of the panel (2200) to operate as an input interface that can process a user's touch input. Since the operation of the PCB (2100) may be related to the panel (2200) included in the door (2030), a description will be given of the panel (2200).

[0207] The panel (2200) may be either a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel. The conductive panel may include, for example, a metal panel. The non-conductive panel may include, for example, a glass panel or a plastic panel. The panel (2200) may be included in the door (2030) of the refrigerator (2000) or may replace the door (2030). The panel (2200) may include a touch recognition area (15) on its surface that recognizes a user's touch. The range of the touch recognition area (15) may vary depending on whether the pattern coil (2111) operates in an inductive sensing manner or in a capacitive sensing manner. In addition, the range of the touch recognition area (15) may vary depending on whether a support structure is present between the panel (2200) and the PCB (2100). As previously described, if there is a support structure between the panel (2200) and the PCB (2100), the range of the touch recognition area (15) may be relatively narrowed. In this case, the presence of a support structure between the panel (2200) and the PCB (2100) may mean that the support structure is located near the PCB (2100). The term “near the PCB (2100)” may vary depending on the size of the PCB (2100), but may include, for example, an area within 3 to 15 cm from the edge of the PCB (2100).

[0208] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pattern coil (2111) may operate by an inductive sensing method or a capacitive sensing method. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pattern coil (2111) may perform a function of opening or closing the door (2030) by recognizing a user's touch by an inductive sensing method or a capacitive sensing method. The touch recognition area (15) may be located on the panel (2200) of the door (2030).

[0209] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a user touches the touch recognition area (15) on the panel (2200), the pattern coil (2111) can operate in an inductive sensing manner regardless of the material of the panel (2200) included in the door (2030). If the panel (2200) is a conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) positioned below the touch recognition area (15) can operate as an inductive sensor (2110). If the panel (2200) is a non-conductive panel, a copper foil can be attached to the bottom of the non-conductive panel. When a touch is made to the non-conductive panel by the copper foil attached to the bottom of the non-conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) positioned below the touch recognition area (15) can operate as an inductive sensor (2110).

[0210] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a user touches a touch recognition area (15), the processor (2510) can determine the type of the panel (2200) and determine whether the pattern coil (2111) will operate in an inductive sensing manner or a capacitive sensing manner. When the user's touch is made on the panel (2200), the touch data acquired by the pattern coil (2111) can be compared with a predetermined panel distinction value to determine the type of the panel (2200). The touch data acquired by the pattern coil (2111) may vary depending on the type of the panel (2200). For example, if the panel (2200) is a conductive panel, the acquired touch data may be a value greater than the predetermined panel distinction value, and conversely, if the panel (2200) is a non-conductive panel, the acquired touch data may be a value less than the predetermined panel distinction value.

[0211] When the panel (2200) is determined to be a conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) disposed below the touch recognition area (15) operates as an inductive sensor (2110). In order for the pattern coil (2111) to operate as an inductive sensor (2110), the processor (2510) may perform appropriate settings so that the peripheral circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) operates in an inductive sensing manner. For example, the processor (2510) may cause some ports of the touch IC (2130) or some points of the circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) to be in one of a high, low, or high impedance state. According to one embodiment, the processor (2510) may include the touch IC (2130), and the touch IC (2130) may include the processor (2510).

[0212] If the panel (2200) is determined to be a non-conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) disposed below the touch recognition area (15) can operate as a capacitive sensor (2120). In order for the pattern coil (2111) to operate as a capacitive sensor (2120), the processor (2510) can perform appropriate settings so that the peripheral circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) operates in a capacitive sensing manner. For example, the processor (2510) can cause some ports of the touch IC (2130) or some points of the circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) to be in any one of a high, low, or high impedance state. According to one embodiment, the processor (2510) may include the touch IC (2130), and the touch IC (2130) may include the processor (2510).

[0213] The memory (2550) may store a program for processing and controlling the processor (2510), and may store input / output data. The memory (2550) may also store an artificial intelligence model. For example, the memory (2550) may store an artificial intelligence model for sound recognition, an artificial intelligence model for sound output, etc. The memory (2550) may store a program and / or data for controlling components included in the refrigerator (2000), and may store temporary data generated during the process of generating a control signal for controlling components included in the refrigerator (2000).

[0214] The memory (2550) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. In addition, the refrigerator (2000) may operate a web storage or cloud server that performs a storage function on the Internet. The memory (2550) is illustrated as a separate block from the processor (2510) in FIG. 19, but may also be included in the processor (2510).

[0215] The power conversion device (2600) may include a switched mode power supply (SMPS).

[0216] The power conversion device (2600) can convert the AC voltage of the input power input to the refrigerator (2000) into a DC voltage and supply the DC voltage to the control unit (2500) and other components of the refrigerator (2000). The power conversion device (2600) can include a PWM controller (2630) to control PWM switching for converting power. Power can be converted by operating the switch (2640) by the PWM controller (2630). Various power switches can be used as the switch (2640). For example, the switch (2640) can be a transistor, a field effect transistor (FET), a metal oxide silicon field effect transistor (MOSFET), an insulated gate bipolar mode transistor (IGBT), etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0217] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0218] As illustrated in FIG. 20, a home appliance (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a processor (1001), a communication interface (1300), a user interface (1400), and a memory (1500).

[0219] Below, we will look at the above components in turn.

[0220] The processor (1001) can control the overall operation of the home appliance (1000). The processor (1001) is a hardware device that controls the overall operation of the home appliance (1000). The processor (1001) is a hardware component (chip) that includes an integrated circuit in which electrical circuits are integrated. The processor (1001) can control the communication interface (1300), the user interface (1400), and the memory (1500) by executing programs stored in the memory (1500). The home appliance (1000) can include at least one processor. For example, the processor (1001) may be one or multiple. In addition, when multiple processors are provided, the operations by the processor in the present disclosure can be performed by any one of the multiple processors. The home appliance (1000) may include only a main processor, or may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor.

[0221] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance (1000) may be equipped with an artificial intelligence (AI) processor. The AI ​​processor may be manufactured in the form of a dedicated hardware chip for artificial intelligence (AI), or may be manufactured as part of an existing general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU or application processor) or a graphics-only processor (e.g., GPU) and equipped in the home appliance (1000).

[0222] The communication interface (1300) may include one or more components that enable communication between the home appliance (1000) and a server device (not shown) or between the home appliance (1000) and a user terminal (not shown). For example, the communication interface (1300) may include a short-range wireless communication interface (1310) and a long-range wireless communication interface (1320). The short-range wireless communication interface (1310) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication interface, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication interface, a near field communication interface, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication interface, a Zigbee communication interface, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication interface, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication interface, an UWB (Ultra Wideband) communication interface, an ANT+ communication interface, etc. The remote communication unit (1320) may include the Internet, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN), and a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signals may include various types of data according to transmission and reception of voice call signals, video call signals, or text / multimedia messages. The mobile communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a 3G module, a 4G module, an LTE module, a 5G module, a 6G module, an NB-IoT module, an LTE-M module, and the like.

[0223] The user interface (1400) may include an output interface (1410) and an input interface (1420). The output interface (1410) is for outputting an audio signal or a video signal and may include a display and an audio output unit, etc.

[0224] When the display and the touchpad are configured as a touch screen in a layered structure, the display can be used as an input interface (1420) in addition to the output interface (1410). The display can include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3D display, and an electrophoretic display. In addition, depending on the implementation form of the home appliance (1000), the home appliance (1000) can include two or more displays.

[0225] The audio output unit can output audio data received from the communication interface (1300) or stored in the memory (1500). In addition, the audio output unit can output audio signals related to functions performed in the home appliance (1000). The audio output unit can include a speaker, a buzzer, etc.

[0226] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the output interface (1410) can display information about the home appliance (1000). For example, the output interface (1410) can output a GUI (Graphical User Interface) corresponding to the current status, fault information, or product type information of the home appliance (1000).

[0227] The input interface (1420) is for receiving input from a user. The input interface (1420) may be at least one of a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact electrostatic capacitance type, pressure resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezo effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, and a jog switch, but is not limited thereto.

[0228] The input interface (1420) may include a voice recognition module. For example, the home appliance (1000) may receive a voice signal, which is an analog signal, through a microphone, and convert the voice portion into computer-readable text using an Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) model. The home appliance (1000) may interpret the converted text using a Natural Language Understanding (NLU) model to obtain the user's speech intent. Here, the ASR model or the NLU model may be an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be processed by an artificial intelligence-dedicated processor designed with a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence model may be created through learning. Here, being created through learning means that a basic artificial intelligence model is learned using a plurality of learning data by a learning algorithm, thereby creating a predefined operation rule or artificial intelligence model set to perform a desired characteristic (or purpose). The artificial intelligence model may be composed of a plurality of neural network layers. Each of the multiple neural network layers has multiple weight values, and performs neural network operations through operations between the operation results of the previous layer and the multiple weight values.

[0229] Linguistic understanding is the technology of recognizing, applying, and processing human language / characters, including natural language processing, machine translation, dialog systems, question answering, and speech recognition / synthesis.

[0230] The memory (1500) may store a program for processing and controlling the processor (1001), and may store input / output data. The memory (1500) may also store an artificial intelligence model.

[0231] The memory (1500) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. In addition, the home appliance (1000) may also operate a web storage or cloud server that performs a storage function on the Internet.

[0232] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pattern coil (2111) may operate by an inductive sensing method or a capacitive sensing method. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pattern coil (2111) may recognize a user's touch by an inductive sensing method or a capacitive sensing method, thereby performing a specific function of the home appliance (1000). The touch recognition area (15) may be located on the panel (2200).

[0233] The PCB (2100) is a block for recognizing and processing a touch made on the panel (1010). A pattern coil (2111) that can operate as an inductive sensor (2111) or a capacitive sensor (2120) can be printed on the PCB (2100). Touch data acquired by the pattern coil (2111) can be processed by the touch IC (2130) to enable the home appliance (1000) to perform a specific function in response to a touch.

[0234] The panel (1010) may include a touch recognition area (15) that recognizes a touch. The panel (1010) may be a conductive panel made of metal, such as metal, or at least one of a non-conductive panel made of glass or plastic. When the touch recognition area (15) is made of a conductive panel and pressure is applied to the conductive panel by a user's push, the pattern coil (2111) may operate as an inductive sensor (2110) due to a displacement difference of the conductive panel. The inductive sensor (2110) may detect a touch due to the displacement difference of the conductive panel. The displacement difference of the conductive panel may be generated by a cavity (or air gap) formed between the conductive panel and the inductive sensor (2110). The cavity formed between the conductive panel and the inductive sensor (2110) may be created by etching the PCB (2100) or may be created by a support structure around the PCB (2100). The inductive sensor (2110) can be implemented by a pattern coil (2111) printed on a PCB (2100) under a conductive panel.

[0235] If the panel (1010) is a non-conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) may act as a type of touch pad and may be a capacitive sensor (2120).

[0236] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a user touches a touch recognition area (15) on a panel (1010), the pattern coil (2111) can operate in an inductive sensing manner regardless of the material of the panel (1010). If the panel (1010) is a conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) positioned below the touch recognition area (15) can operate as an inductive sensor (2110). If the panel (1010) is a non-conductive panel, a copper foil can be attached to the bottom of the non-conductive panel. When a touch is made to the non-conductive panel by the copper foil attached to the bottom of the non-conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) positioned below the touch recognition area (15) can operate as an inductive sensor (2110).

[0237] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a user touches a touch recognition area (15), the processor (1001) can determine the type of the panel (1010) and determine whether the pattern coil (2111) will operate in an inductive sensing manner or a capacitive sensing manner. When the user's touch is made on the panel (1010), touch data acquired by the pattern coil (2111) can be compared with a predetermined panel distinction value to determine the type of the panel (1010). The touch data acquired by the pattern coil (2111) may vary depending on the type of the panel (1010). For example, if the panel (1010) is a conductive panel, the acquired touch data may be a value greater than the predetermined panel distinction value, and conversely, if the panel (1010) is a non-conductive panel, the acquired touch data may be a value less than the predetermined panel distinction value. Of course, this is only an example, and conversely, if the panel (1010) is a conductive panel, the acquired touch data may be a value smaller than a predetermined panel distinction value, and if the panel (1010) is a non-conductive panel, the acquired touch data may be a value larger than a predetermined panel distinction value.

[0238] When the panel (1010) is determined to be a conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) disposed below the touch recognition area (15) can operate as an inductive sensor (2110). In order for the pattern coil (2111) to operate as an inductive sensor (2110), the processor (1001) can perform appropriate settings so that the peripheral circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) operates in an inductive sensing manner. For example, the processor (1001) can cause some ports of the touch IC (2130) or some points of the circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) to be in any one of a high, low, or high impedance state. According to one embodiment, the processor (1001) may include the touch IC (2130), and the touch IC (2130) may include the processor (1001).

[0239] If the panel (1010) is determined to be a non-conductive panel, the pattern coil (2111) of the PCB (2100) disposed below the touch recognition area (15) can operate as a capacitive sensor (2120). In order for the pattern coil (2111) to operate as a capacitive sensor (2120), the processor (1001) can perform appropriate settings so that the peripheral circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) operates in a capacitive sensing manner. For example, the processor (1001) can cause some ports of the touch IC (2130) or some points of the circuit connected to the touch IC (2130) to be in any one of a high, low, or high impedance state. According to one embodiment, the processor (1001) may include the touch IC (2130), or the touch IC (2130) may include the processor (1001).

[0240] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator including a touch sensor is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to a storage compartment, a storage compartment for maintaining and storing food at a low temperature with the cold air supplied from the cold air supply device, and a door formed of a panel that seals the storage compartment and causes displacement in a first direction when a user touches it. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include a PCB for detecting a user's touch on the panel. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB of the refrigerator may include a pattern coil that functions as an inductive sensor and is arranged to face the first direction. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB of the refrigerator may include a touch IC that processes a user's touch by inductive sensing in response to a change in a magnetic field caused by the user's touch.

[0241] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the panel may be a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel.

[0242] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the panel is a non-conductive panel, the lower portion of the panel may include a conductive material.

[0243] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the conductive material may be a metallic copper foil.

[0244] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure is provided between the panel and the PCB, wherein there is no support structure within a predetermined distance from the PCB.

[0245] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a capacitive sensor for detecting a user touch in a second direction, wherein a side of the refrigerator may be formed of a non-conductive material.

[0246] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and is a lateral direction of the refrigerator.

[0247] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the capacitive sensor may be a touch gasket.

[0248] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator can have its door automatically opened or closed by a user's touch on the panel.

[0249] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator including a touch sensor is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to a storage compartment, a storage compartment for maintaining and storing food at a low temperature with cold air supplied from the cold air supply device, and a door formed of a panel that seals the storage compartment. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include a PCB for detecting a user's touch on the door. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB may include a pattern coil that functions as an inductive sensor or a capacitive sensor and is arranged to face a first direction. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB of the refrigerator may include a touch IC that acquires touch data generated by the pattern coil in response to a user's touch, determines whether a panel on which the user's touch is made is a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel based on the acquired touch data, and processes the user's touch by either inductive sensing or capacitive sensing depending on whether the determined panel is a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel.

[0250] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, touch data acquired to determine whether a panel on which a user's touch is made is a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel is data related to a change in inductance of a pattern coil.

[0251] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the panel is determined to be a conductive panel, the pattern coil operates as an inductive sensor for detecting a change in inductance, and when the panel is determined to be a non-conductive panel, the pattern coil operates as a touch pad for capacitive sensing, at least a portion of the PCB on which the pattern coil is etched.

[0252] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the panel is determined to be a non-conductive panel, at least a portion of the PCB on which the pattern coil is etched operates as a touch pad having a capacitance that varies depending on a user's touch.

[0253] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first direction in which the pattern coil faces is the same as the direction in which the door faces.

[0254] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second capacitive sensor is provided on the door facing a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the second capacitive sensor is mounted on the PCB.

[0255] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a side touch key for receiving a user's side touch for touch sensing by a second capacitive sensor may include a touch gasket.

[0256] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a processor may be included that sets a circuit connected to a touch IC to correspond to inductive sensing or capacitive sensing to process a user's touch by either inductive sensing or capacitive sensing depending on whether the determined panel is a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel.

[0257] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may include a touch IC or the touch IC may include the processor.

[0258] In a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the door can be automatically opened or closed by a user's touch on the door.

[0259] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a support structure for a gap between the panel and the PCB may be further included.

[0260] A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. The program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the present disclosure or may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of program commands include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0261] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave, or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. Furthermore, some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented as a computer program or computer program product containing computer-executable instructions, such as a computer program that is executed by a computer.

[0262] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0263] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

Claims

1. A cold air supply device for supplying cold air; A storage room that receives the supplied cold air so that food can be stored at a low temperature; A door for opening or closing the storage room and sealing the storage room from the outside temperature; said panel on said door, which causes displacement in a first direction based on a user's touch on the panel; and Including the PCB on the back of the above panel, The above PCB is, A pattern coil that functions as an inductive sensor and faces the first direction, and A refrigerator comprising a touch IC that processes the user's touch by inductive sensing according to a change in the magnetic field in the panel coil, based on the panel causing displacement in the first direction by the user's touch on the panel.

2. In paragraph 1, The above panel is a refrigerator, which is a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel.

3. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator wherein the above panel is a non-conductive panel and a conductive material is disposed at the lower portion of the panel.

4. In paragraph 3, The above conductive material is a metal copper foil, refrigerator.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, A refrigerator, wherein there is no support structure between the panel and the PCB within a predetermined distance from the PCB.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, Further comprising a capacitive sensor for detecting a user touch in a second direction on the side of the refrigerator, The side of the refrigerator is made of a non-conductive material, 7. In paragraph 6, A refrigerator wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

8. In any one of paragraphs 6 to 7, The above capacitive sensor is a touch gasket, refrigerator.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, A refrigerator in which the door automatically opens and closes based on processing the user's touch made on the panel.

10. A cooling supply device for supplying cooling air; A storage room that receives the supplied cold air so that food can be stored at a low temperature; A door for opening or closing the storage room and sealing the storage room from the outside temperature; a panel on the above door; and Including the PCB on the back of the above panel, The above PCB is, A pattern coil that functions as an inductive sensor and a capacitive sensor and faces the first direction, and A refrigerator comprising a touch IC that acquires touch data generated by the pattern coil based on a touch of the user on the panel, determines whether the panel on which the user's touch was made is a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel based on the acquired touch data, processes the user's touch by inductive sensing based on the determined panel being determined to be a conductive panel, and processes the user's touch by capacitive sensing based on the determined panel being determined to be a non-conductive panel.

11. In paragraph 10, The touch data obtained to determine whether the panel touched by the user is a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel is data related to the amount of change in inductance of the pattern coil, a refrigerator.

12. In any one of paragraphs 10 to 11, A refrigerator in which, based on the panel being determined to be a conductive panel, the pattern coil operates as an inductive sensor for detecting a change in inductance, and based on the panel being determined to be a non-conductive panel, the pattern coil operates as a touch pad for capacitive sensing, at least a portion of the PCB on which the pattern coil is etched.

13. In paragraph 12, A refrigerator, wherein at least a portion of the PCB on which the pattern coil is etched operates as a touch pad having a capacitance that varies depending on the user's touch, based on the panel being determined to be a non-conductive panel.

14. In any one of paragraphs 10 to 13, A refrigerator comprising a processor that sets a circuit connected to the touch IC to correspond to inductive sensing or capacitive sensing to process the user's touch by either inductive sensing or capacitive sensing depending on whether the determined panel is a conductive panel or a non-conductive panel.

15. In any one of paragraphs 10 to 14, A refrigerator further comprising a support structure for a gap between the panel and the PCB.

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