Touchscreen assembly and refrigerator comprising same

Abstract

A touchscreen assembly disposed in the front side of a refrigerator, according to an embodiment, comprises a touchscreen module in which a display panel, a touch panel, and a glass panel are disposed sequentially toward the front. The glass panel may include: a first glass panel disposed at the very front; and a second glass panel that is disposed between the first glass panel and the touch panel, and is larger than the first glass panel so as to cover at least a portion of an inactive region of the touch panel.

Description

Touch screen assembly and refrigerator including the same

[0001] This relates to a touch screen assembly and a refrigerator including the same.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that generally stores items, such as food, at low temperatures by being equipped with a storage compartment for storing items and a cold air supply device that supplies cold air to this compartment.

[0003] The refrigerator is positioned at the front of the storage compartment and includes a door for opening and closing the storage compartment. For the convenience of the user, a touch screen module for receiving user touch input may be positioned at the front of this door.

[0004] A touch screen module may include a touch area that receives touch input and a bezel area positioned at the edge of the touch area. Since a plurality of wires connected to the touch area are positioned in the bezel area, its minimum width may be determined.

[0005] However, as the proportion of the bezel area to the total area of ​​the touch screen module increases, the aesthetic appeal of the touch screen module and the refrigerator containing it may be degraded.

[0006] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body providing a storage compartment and a door having a touch screen assembly disposed on the front that opens and closes the storage compartment.

[0007] The touch screen assembly may include a touch screen module and a module case that supports the touch screen module.

[0008] The touch screen module may include: a display panel; a touch panel disposed in front of the display panel and comprising an active area for detecting touch input and an inactive area disposed at the edge of the active area; and a glass panel disposed in front of the touch panel.

[0009] The glass panel may include a first glass panel positioned at the very front, and a second glass panel positioned between the first glass panel and the touch panel, which is larger than the first glass panel to cover at least a portion of the inactive area.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view showing the door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a door according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a touch screen assembly is separated from a door plate of a door according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5a is a partial perspective view showing the state before the inner case is assembled on the door plate of FIG. 4.

[0015] FIG. 5b is a partial perspective view showing the state after the inner case is assembled on the door plate of FIG. 4.

[0016] FIG. 6 is an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of the door of FIG. 4 cut in the horizontal direction.

[0017] Figure 7 is an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of the door of Figure 4 cut in the vertical direction.

[0018] FIG. 8 is an assembled perspective view showing a touch screen assembly according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 9 is an assembled perspective view showing a touch screen assembly according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the touch screen assembly of FIG. 8.

[0021] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a touch screen module of a touch screen assembly according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a touch panel according to one embodiment is unfolded.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a front view of a touch screen assembly according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a rear view of a touch screen assembly according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a touch screen assembly according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the state before a touch screen assembly is assembled to a door according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly of a touch screen assembly on a door according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process of assembling a touch screen assembly to a door according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which a touch screen assembly is assembled to a door according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a part of the door of FIG. 19.

[0031] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of another part of the door of FIG. 19.

[0032] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0033] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0034] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] In the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0036] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0037] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0038] Additionally, terms such as 'front,' 'rear,' 'top,' 'bottom,' 'side,' 'left,' 'right,' 'top,' and 'bottom' used in this disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0039] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0040] When it is said that one component is “connected,” “combined,” “supported,” or “in contact” with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0041] When it is said that a component is located “on” another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0042] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0043] The “main body” may include an inner body, an outer body positioned on the outside of the inner body, and an insulating material provided between the inner body and the outer body.

[0044] The “inner body” may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage chamber. The inner body may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. The “outer body” may form the exterior of the main body and may be coupled to the outer side of the inner body so that an insulating material is placed between the inner body and the outer body.

[0045] The “insulating material” can insulate the interior and exterior of the storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room is maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the external environment. According to one embodiment, the insulating material may include a foamed insulating material. The foamed insulating material can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, which is a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the insulation material may additionally include a vacuum insulation material in addition to a foam insulation material, or the insulation material may consist solely of a vacuum insulation material instead of a foam insulation material. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation material or vacuum insulation material described above and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0047] The “storage room” may include a space defined by an internal structure. The storage room may further include an internal structure defining a space corresponding to the storage room. Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics may be stored in the storage room, and the storage room may be formed so that at least one side is open to allow for the retrieval and retrieval of items.

[0048] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in a refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different use and may be maintained at a different temperature. To this end, each storage compartment may be partitioned from one another by a partition containing insulation.

[0049] The storage room may be provided to be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to its intended use and may include a “refrigeration room,” “freezing room,” or “variable temperature room” distinguished according to its intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for refrigerated storage of goods, and the freezer room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for frozen storage of goods. “Refrigeration” may mean cooling goods to a temperature that does not freeze them; for example, the refrigerator room may be maintained within a range of 0°C to 7°C. “Freezing” may mean cooling goods to freeze them or to maintain them in a frozen state; for example, the freezer room may be maintained within a range of -20°C to -1°C. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, with or without the user's choice.

[0050] Storage rooms may be referred to by various names, such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice-making room," in addition to terms like "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room." The terms "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room" used below should be understood as encompassing storage rooms with corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close one side of the storage compartment. The door may be provided to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed to be rotatable or sliding on the front of the main body.

[0052] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage room when the door is closed. The door may include door insulation material, similar to the main body, to insulate the storage room when the door is closed.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door plate forming the front of the door, a door liner forming the rear of the door and facing the storage room, and a door insulation material provided inside them.

[0054] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the door liner to seal the storage compartment by adhering to the front of the main body when the door is closed. The door liner may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be mounted.

[0055] Refrigerators can be classified into French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer), TMF (Top Mounted Freezer), or 1-door refrigerators depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device arranged to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0057] The “cold air supply device” may include a machine, apparatus, electronic device, and / or a system combining these that can generate cold air and guide cold air to cool a storage room.

[0058] According to one embodiment, a cold supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to one embodiment, the cold supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage chamber through heat generation and cooling action via the Peltier effect.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room arranged to accommodate at least some parts belonging to a cold air supply device.

[0060] The “machine room” may be configured to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components placed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed inside the machine room.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0062] The “control unit” may include a memory that stores or remembers a program and / or data for controlling a refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc., according to the program and / or data stored in the memory.

[0063] The memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc., necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated while generating control signals to control the components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0064] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of an artificial intelligence model. Additionally, the processor may include a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the cold air supply unit. For example, the processor can receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply unit based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0065] Additionally, the processor can process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface according to programs and / or data stored in memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. For example, the user interface may be a touch screen module capable of touch input. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor can transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface to display an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0066] The processor and memory may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memory units.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories that individually control the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cold air supply device according to the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately provide a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface according to user input.

[0068] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through nearby Access Points (APs). The Access Point (AP) can connect the Local Area Network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to the Wide Area Network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can be connected to the server through the Wide Area Network (WAN).

[0069] The input interface may include keys, touchscreens, microphones, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0070] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0071] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view showing the door (3) of the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the door (3) of the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment from a different angle.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment includes a main body (2) providing at least one storage compartment and at least one door (3) for opening and closing the storage compartment of the main body (2). Although the refrigerator (1) is illustrated in the embodiment, it is not necessarily limited thereto and can be modified in various ways as long as it is a home appliance in which a touch screen assembly (10) can be placed.

[0073] The main body (2) may include an inner part forming a storage room, an outer part forming the outer part of the main body (2), and an insulating material filled between them.

[0074] The door (3) may be provided to open and close each of one or more storage rooms, or a single door (3) may be provided to open and close multiple storage rooms. The door (3) may be rotatably installed on the front of the main body (2). There may be multiple doors (3). For example, the door (3) may be two doors (3) arranged side by side. However, the arrangement and number of doors (3) are not limited thereto and may vary.

[0075] The door (3) may include a door plate (31) forming the front of the door (3), a door liner (34) forming the rear of the door (3), and a door insulation material (not shown) disposed between the door plate (31) and the door liner (34).

[0076] The door plate (31) may include a metal material. For example, the door plate (31) may include stainless steel. The door liner (34) may include a material different from the material of the door plate (31). For example, the door liner (34) may include plastic. The door insulation may include polyurethane, etc.

[0077] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a touch screen assembly (10) is separated from a door plate (31) of a door (3) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b are partial perspective views showing the state before and after the inner case (33) is assembled on the door plate (31) of FIG. 4.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5a, the door (3) may have a touch screen assembly (10) positioned on the front. The door plate (31) may be provided with an opening (32) into which the touch screen assembly (10) can be inserted. Through the opening (32), the touch screen assembly (10) may be positioned on the front of the door (3).

[0079] The door plate (31) may include a front plate (311) and a side plate (312) bent backward from the front plate (311). The side plate (312) may have a step. However, since the step of the side plate (312) is optional, it may be omitted as needed.

[0080] An opening (32) may be positioned in the front plate (311). The opening (32) may be positioned close to some side plate (312) on the front plate (311). For example, the opening (32) may be positioned to be in contact with the side plate (312) positioned on the left side of the front plate (311).

[0081] The door plate (31) may include a partition defining the opening (32). The partition may be a portion bent from the door plate (31). The partition may include a first partition (321) bent backward from the front plate (311). The partition may include a second partition (322) bent from the side plate (312). The second partition (322) may be bent in a direction parallel to the front plate (311). The first partition (321) may be positioned on the upper, lower, and one side of the opening (32), e.g., the right side, and the second partition (322) may be positioned on the other side of the opening (32), e.g., the left side. The door plate (31) may have a structure in which one side of the opening (32) is open.

[0082] An inner case (33) may be placed on the rear of the door plate (31). The inner case (33) may have a predetermined shape. The inner case (33) may provide a module space (334) for accommodating a touch screen assembly (10) inserted through an opening (32). A door insulation may be placed at the rear of the inner case (33). When pressure is applied by the door insulation during the process of filling the door insulation so that the door insulation is placed between the door plate (31) and the door liner (34), the module space (334) may be maintained by the inner case (33).

[0083] The inner case (33) may include a material that is easy to shape to provide a module space (334) and to form a structure for assembly with surrounding components, such as a door plate (31) and a touch screen assembly (10). For example, the inner case (33) may include an insulating material. For example, the inner case (33) may include a foamed material. The inner case (33) may include a material different from the material of the door plate (31).

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the inner case (33) may be positioned to cover the opening (32) of the door plate (31). For example, the inner case (33) may be configured to be assembled at the rear of the door plate (31) to cover the opening (32) of the door plate (31).

[0085] The partitions of the door plate (31) may have a structure for supporting the inner case (33). For example, a plurality of partitions may include hook holes (3210) for supporting the inner case (33). For example, at least one hook hole (3210) may be disposed in each of the plurality of first partitions (321).

[0086] The inner case (33) may be configured to be assembled to the partition of the door plate (31). For example, the inner case (33) may include a contact support (331) that contacts and is supported by the door plate (31). The contact support (331) may be located at the edge of the inner case (33). The contact support (331) may be positioned to face the inner surface of the first partition (321) and the second partition (322).

[0087] The contact support member (331) may include a hook projection (3311) for assembly to a bulkhead. The hook projection (3311) may be inserted into a hook hole (3210) of the first bulkhead (321). As the hook projection (3311) is inserted into the hook hole (3210), the inner case (33) may be joined to the door plate (31) by a hook method. However, the assembly method of the inner case (33) and the door plate (31) is not necessarily limited to the hook method, and may be assembled by other methods depending on the material or structure of the door plate (31) and the inner case (33).

[0088] FIG. 6 is an example of a cross-sectional perspective view in which the door plate (31) of FIG. 4 is cut in the horizontal direction, and FIG. 7 is an example of a cross-sectional perspective view in which the door plate (31) of FIG. 4 is cut in the vertical direction.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, the inner case (33) may provide a module space (334) for accommodating a touch screen assembly (10). The module space (334) may include a main space (3341) facing the rear of the touch screen assembly (10) and a wire space (3342) for wires connected to the touch screen assembly (10) to be drawn out to the outside of the inner case (33). The depth of the wire space (3342) may be greater than the depth of the main space (3341).

[0090] The inner case (33) may further include a contact extension (332) that is connected to the contact support (331) and extends along the front plate (311) or side plate (312). The contact extension (332) may be bent from the contact support (331). The contact extension (332) may be positioned to face the inner surface of the front plate (311) or side plate (312). By forming a long narrow space between the door plate (31) and the inner case (33), the contact extension (332) can prevent the door insulation from overflowing into the module space (334) during the process of filling the door insulation from the rear of the inner case (33).

[0091] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the touch screen assembly (10) may be positioned on the front of the door plate (31). The touch screen assembly (10) may be exposed on the front of the refrigerator (1). The touch screen assembly (10) may be configured to be assembled from the front. As the touch screen assembly (10) is assembled from the front, a door insulation may be positioned behind the touch screen assembly (10) inside the door (3). For example, the door insulation may be positioned between the inner case (33) supporting the touch screen assembly (10) and the door liner (34).

[0092] However, when the touch screen assembly (10) is assembled from the front, a bezel area (142) in which touch input is impossible in the touch screen module (100) may be exposed to the front. The bezel area (142) of the touch screen module (100) may require a width greater than a predetermined size depending on the size of the touch area (or screen).

[0093] If the bezel area (142) occupies a large proportion of the total area of ​​the touch screen module (100), the aesthetic appeal may be reduced. In particular, if the touch screen module (100) has a small size, the impact of the bezel area (142) on the aesthetic appeal may be greater.

[0094] The touch screen assembly (10) according to the embodiment can improve the aesthetics of the refrigerator (1) by reducing the width of the bezel area (142) of the touch screen module (100) exposed on the front of the door (3) of the refrigerator (1). In particular, the touch screen assembly (10) according to the embodiment can provide a structure that allows assembly on the front of the door (3) while preventing the wiring area (123) of the touch panel (120), which requires the largest width in the bezel area (142), from being exposed to the outside.

[0095] FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 9 are assembled perspective views showing a touch screen assembly (10) according to one embodiment from different angles, FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the touch screen assembly (10) of FIG. 8, and FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a touch screen module (100) of the touch screen assembly (10) according to one embodiment.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, a touch screen assembly (10) according to one embodiment may include a touch screen module (100) and a module case (170) that supports the touch screen module (100).

[0097] The touch screen module (100) may be positioned at the front of the module case (170). Alternatively, the module case (170) may be positioned at the rear of the touch screen module (100). The touch screen module (100) may be fixed to the front of the module case (170) by an adhesive method. For example, the touch screen module (100) and the module case (170) may be bonded by double-sided tape (160). However, the adhesive method as a fixing method for the touch screen module (100) and the module case (170) is merely an example, and other methods may be used as a fixing method for the touch screen module (100) and the module case (170) as needed.

[0098] The module case (170) may include a circuit board (180) electrically connected to the touch screen module (100). The touch panel (120) of the touch screen module (100) may be electrically connected to the circuit board (180). For example, a part of the touch panel (120) or a flexible circuit connected to the touch panel (120) may be bent backward and connected to the circuit board (180).

[0099] A protective cover (190) for protecting the circuit board (180) may be placed in the module case (170). The protective cover (190) may be placed at the rear of the circuit board (180).

[0100] Referring to FIG. 11, the touch screen module (100) may include a display panel (110), a touch panel (120) positioned in front of the display panel (110), and a glass panel (130) positioned in front of the touch panel (120).

[0101] The display panel (110) may include a display area (111) and a non-display area (112) positioned at the border of the display area (111). The display area (111) is an area on the display panel (110) where an image is displayed, and may be composed of a plurality of pixels (not shown). The display area (111) may be exposed to the front through a glass panel (130). The non-display area (112) surrounds the border of the display area (111) and is an area where an image is not displayed. A plurality of wires connected to the display area (111) may be positioned in the non-display area (112).

[0102] The touch panel (120) may include an active area (121) that detects touch input and an inactive area (122) placed at the edge of the active area (121).

[0103] The active area (121) may include a plurality of touch electrodes (not shown) for detecting touch input. The active area (121) can detect a change in capacitance applied to the touch electrodes.

[0104] The active area (121) may be positioned in front of the display area (111) of the display panel (110). The active area (121) may transmit light so that the display area (111) is exposed to the front. The shape of the active area (121) may correspond to the shape of the display area (111). The size of the active area (121) may be the same as or slightly larger than the size of the display area (111). If the size of the active area (121) is slightly larger than the size of the display area (111), a swipe motion during a user's touch input can be detected. Here, "slightly larger" may be defined as a difference of several mm, for example, 3 mm or less.

[0105] The inactive area (122) is an area that transmits a signal detected in the active area (121) to an external circuit. The inactive area (122) may include a pad area (124) and a wiring area (123). A plurality of touch pads may be placed in the pad area (124) as an area for electrically connecting to an external configuration. A plurality of wires may be placed in the wiring area (123) to electrically connect the pad area (124) and the active area (121).

[0106] The inactive area (122) may be positioned in front of the non-display area (112) of the display panel (110). The shape of the inactive area (122) may have a shape different from that of the non-display area (112). For example, a portion of the inactive area (122) may protrude from the non-display area (112) in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. For example, the inactive area (122) may have a portion of the wiring area (123) and a pad area (124) protruding from the non-display area (112). A portion of the wiring area (123) may be a bundled wiring portion (1231) where a plurality of wires are gathered so that one end of a plurality of wires is connected to the pad area (124).

[0107] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a touch panel (120) according to one embodiment is unfolded.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the inactive area (122) of the touch panel (120) may include a wiring area (123) in which a plurality of wires are arranged to electrically connect the active area (121) and the pad area (124).

[0109] The wiring area (123) may include a bundled wiring portion (1231) in which the plurality of wirings are gathered so that one end of the plurality of wirings is connected to the pad area (124). For example, in the bundled wiring portion (1231), a plurality of first wirings (L1) drawn from one side of the active area (121), for example, the left side, a plurality of second wirings (L2) drawn from another side of the active area (121), for example, the right side, and a plurality of third wirings (L3) drawn from yet another side of the active area (121), for example, the bottom side, may be gathered. In the bundled wiring portion (1231), the plurality of wirings may be arranged in a fan shape.

[0110] In the wiring area (123), the assembly wiring portion (1231) may protrude outward relative to other parts of the wiring area (123). A pad area (124) may be placed at the end of the assembly wiring portion (1231). The pad area (124) may be connected to a circuit board (180) located at the rear of the touch panel (120). The touch panel (120) may be electrically connected to the circuit board (180).

[0111] In order for the touch panel (120) to be connected to a circuit board (180; see FIG. 10) located at the rear, the wiring area (123) may be bent backward. The assembly wiring portion (1231) of the wiring area (123) may be bent backward.

[0112] If a portion of the assembly wiring portion (1231) is bent backward, a portion of the assembly wiring portion (1231) is positioned forward, and the remainder of the assembly wiring portion (1231) may be bent backward. For example, if the assembly wiring portion (1231) is bent backward relative to the dotted line (DL), the upper portion of the part indicated by the dotted line (DL) in the assembly wiring portion (1231) may be positioned forward, and the lower portion indicated by the dotted line (DL) may be bent backward. When viewing the touch panel (120) from the front, the wiring area (123) of the touch panel (120) may have a structure in which a portion of the assembly wiring portion (1231) protrudes outward. In other words, a portion of the wiring area (123) of the touch panel (120) may protrude outward. For example, the width of the protruding portion of the wiring area (123) positioned forward may be 15 mm or more. Here, the width of the wiring area (123) can be defined as the width from the outer edge of the active area (121) (or display area (111)) to the outer edge of the wiring area (123).

[0113] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a front view of a touch screen assembly (10) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a rear view of a touch screen assembly (10) according to one embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a touch screen assembly (10) according to one embodiment.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 11, 13 to 15, the glass panel (130) may include a first glass panel (140) positioned at the very front and a second glass panel (150) positioned at the rear of the first glass panel (140).

[0115] The first glass panel (140) may include a transparent area (141) that transmits the display area (111) of the display panel (110) and a bezel area (142) that blocks the front exposure of the non-display area (112). The transparent area (141) transmits the active area (121) of the touch panel (120), and the bezel area (142) may block the front exposure of the inactive area (122). The bezel area (142) may have a constant width. Here, the fact that the bezel area (142) has a constant width may include not only that the width of all parts including the corner parts of the bezel area (142) is constant, but also that the width of the remaining parts excluding the corner parts is constant.

[0116] The shape of the first glass panel (140) may correspond to the shape of the opening (32) of FIG. 4. Alternatively, the opening (32) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the first glass panel (140). The size of the first glass panel (140) may correspond to the size of the opening (32). The outer line of the bezel area (142) may correspond to the opening (32). The size of the first glass panel (140) may be larger than the size of the display panel (110). The size of the first glass panel (140) may be smaller than the size of the touch panel (120) placed in front of the display panel (110).

[0117] A second glass panel (150) may be placed between the first glass panel (140) and the touch panel (120). The second glass panel (150) and the first glass panel (140) may be fixed by adhesive. The second glass panel (150) and the touch panel (120) may be fixed by adhesive. As an example for this, an optical adhesive layer (not shown) may be placed between the first glass panel (140) and the second glass panel (150), and between the second glass panel (150) and the touch panel (120).

[0118] The second glass panel (150) may be configured to cover at least a portion of the inactive area (122) of the touch panel (120). For example, the second glass panel (150) may have a different size from the first glass panel (140). For example, the size of the second glass panel (150) may be larger than the size of the first glass panel (140). For example, the second glass panel (150) may include a protrusion (1521) positioned in front of the assembly wiring portion (1231) of the touch panel (120). The protrusion (1521) may protrude outward from the first glass panel (140). The protrusion (1521) may protrude outward from the first glass panel (140). For example, the protrusion (1521) may protrude downward, which is one of the upper, lower, left, or right sides. As the protruding part (1521) protrudes to one side, the touch screen assembly (10) can be assembled on the front of the door plate (31).

[0119] A second glass panel (150) may be positioned at the rear of the first glass panel (140) such that at least a portion of the protruding part (1521) protrudes outward from the bezel area (142) of the first glass panel (140). When viewing the glass panel (130) from the front, the protruding part (1521) of the second glass panel (150) positioned at the rear of the first glass panel (140) may protrude outward from the first glass panel (140).

[0120] The second glass panel (150) may include a second transparent area (151) that transmits the display area (111) and the active area (121), and a second bezel area (152) disposed at the edge of the second transparent area (151). In the second bezel area (152), the width of the portion where the protruding portion (1521) is disposed may be larger than the width of the other portion. For example, when the size of the display area (111) of the touch screen module (100) is 10 inches or less, the width of the protruding portion (1521) in the second bezel area (152) may exceed 10 mm, and the width of the remaining portion in the second bezel area (152) may be 10 mm or less.

[0121] The second transparent area (151) may be positioned behind the first transparent area (141) of the first glass panel (140). The second bezel area (152) may be positioned behind the bezel area (142) of the first glass panel (140).

[0122] The protruding portion (1521) of the second bezel area (152) may protrude from the bezel area (142) in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the protruding portion (1521) of the second bezel area (152) may protrude outward from the bezel area (142). For example, the protruding portion (1521) may protrude downward from the bezel area (142).

[0123] The assembly wiring portion (1231) of the touch panel (120) can be protected by the protruding portion (1521) of the second glass panel (150). The size of the second glass panel (150) may be the same as or larger than the size of the touch panel (120) positioned in front of the display panel (110).

[0124] A touch panel (120) is positioned behind a second glass panel (150), and a display panel (110) may be positioned behind the touch panel (120). The second glass panel (150) and the touch panel (120), and the touch panel (120) and the display panel (110) may be fixed by adhesive. As an example for this, an optical adhesive layer (not shown) may be placed between the second glass panel (150) and the touch panel (120), and between the touch panel (120) and the display panel (110).

[0125] The thickness of the second glass panel (150) may be smaller than the thickness of the first glass panel (140). The thickness of the second glass panel (150) may be smaller than half the thickness of the first glass panel (140). The thickness of the touch panel (120) may be smaller than the thickness of the second glass panel (150). The thickness of the touch panel (120) may be smaller than the thickness of the display panel (110). Here, the thickness may be defined as the thickness along the front-rear direction.

[0126] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the state before the touch screen assembly (10) is assembled to the door (3) according to one embodiment, FIG. 17 is a perspective view for explaining the assembly of the touch screen assembly (10) to the door (3) according to one embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the process of assembling the touch screen assembly (10) to the door (3) according to one embodiment, FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the state in which the touch screen assembly (10) is assembled to the door (3) according to one embodiment, FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a part of the door (3) of FIG. 19, and FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of another part of the door (3) of FIG. 19.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 16, an inner case (33) may be assembled on the rear of the door plate (31) before assembling the touch screen assembly (10). For example, the hook projection (3311) of the inner case (33) may be inserted into the hook hole (3210) of the door plate (31) so that the inner case (33) can be assembled on the rear of the door plate (31). By the inner case (33), a module space (334) for assembling the touch screen assembly (10) can be maintained.

[0128] The inner case (33) may include an inner groove (333) for receiving a protruding part (1521). When the door plate (31) is viewed from the front, the inner groove (333) is covered by the front plate (311) and is not exposed to the front. One of the plurality of partitions may include a cutout (3211) into which the protruding part (1521) of the touch panel (120) can be inserted. For example, the cutout (3211) may be placed in the lower first partition (321) among the plurality of first partitions (321).

[0129] A module case (170) supporting a touch screen module (100) may be configured to be assembled to an inner case (33). For example, the module case (170) may be configured to be coupled to the inner case (33) by a hook method. For example, the edge of the module case (170) may include a plurality of first hook members (1701). The inner case (33) may include a second hook member (3312) that can be fastened to the first hook members (1701).

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 21, we examine the assembly process of the touch screen assembly (10) described above on the door (3).

[0131] Referring to FIG. 16, first, a door plate (31) can be prepared in which the rear of the opening (32) is blocked by an inner case (33). As an example for this, the inner case (33) can be assembled to a plurality of partitions at the rear of the door plate (31). The inner case (33) can be pressed forward from the rear of the door plate (31) so that the hook projection (3311) of the inner case (33) is inserted into the hook groove of the first partition (321). Subsequently, door insulation can be filled between the door plate (31) and the door liner (34).

[0132] Referring to FIG. 17, in order to assemble the touch screen assembly (10) at the front of the door plate (31), a part of the touch screen assembly (10) can first be inserted into the inner case (33). For example, the touch screen assembly (10) can be tilted at an angle at the front of the door plate (31) so that a protruding part (1521) of the touch screen assembly (10) can be inserted into the inner groove (333) of the inner case (33).

[0133] Referring to FIG. 18, the touch screen assembly (10) can be pressed backward while the protruding part (1521) is inserted into the internal groove (333). For example, the upper part of the touch screen assembly (10) is pressed to set up the touch screen assembly (10) which is tilted at an angle.

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, during the pressurization process, a touch screen assembly (10) can be assembled to an inner case (33). The touch screen assembly (10) can be assembled to the inner case (33) such that the first hook member (1701) of the touch screen assembly (10) is hooked onto the second hook member (3312) of the inner case (33). Since the inner case (33) is assembled to the door plate (31), the touch screen assembly (10) can be fixed in position relative to the door plate (31).

[0135] A touch screen assembly (10) installed on a door plate (31) can be positioned so that the first glass panel (140) is exposed to the front through an opening (32), and the protruding part (1521) of the second glass panel (150) is received in an internal groove (333) and is not exposed to the front of the door plate (31). In this way, since only the first glass panel (140) is exposed to the front of the door plate (31) and the protruding part (1521) of the second glass panel (150) is not exposed, the bezel area of ​​the touch screen assembly (10) exposed to the front of the door plate (31) can correspond to the bezel area (142) of the first glass panel (140). Accordingly, the width of the bezel area (142) exposed to the front of the door plate (31) can be smaller than the width of the second bezel area (152) and can have a constant width. Accordingly, the aesthetic appeal of the touch screen assembly (10) appearing on the front of the door (3) can be improved.

[0136] The touch screen assembly (10) having the glass panel (130) described above can be applied to a touch screen assembly (10) having a small display panel. For example, the size of the display area (111) of the touch screen assembly (10) may be 10 inches or less. Accordingly, because the size of the display area (111) is small, the change in the width of the bezel area (142) exposed to the front may feel relatively large. By reducing the width of the bezel area (142) exposed to the front of the touch screen assembly (10) according to the embodiment, the aesthetics of the touch screen assembly (10) and the refrigerator including it can be improved.

[0137] Meanwhile, in the process of separating the touch screen assembly (10) from the door plate (31), first, a work tool can be inserted between the touch screen assembly (10) and the partition wall of the door plate (31), for example, the second partition wall (322), and then the touch screen assembly (10) can be pressed forward using the lever principle. The assembly of the touch screen assembly (10) and the inner case (33) can be released by the applied pressure. Subsequently, the separation process of separating the touch screen assembly (10) from the door plate (31) may be in the reverse order of the assembly process described above. For example, the upper part of the touch screen assembly (10) can be pulled to tilt the touch screen assembly (10), and then the protruding part (1521) of the touch screen assembly (10) can be separated from the inner groove (333) of the inner case (33). Accordingly, the touch screen assembly (10) can be separated from the door plate (31).

[0138] Meanwhile, the above-described embodiment was explained primarily in the case where the protruding portion (1521) of the second glass panel (150) is positioned at the bottom of the touch screen assembly (10). However, the position of the protruding portion (1521) of the second glass panel (150) is not necessarily limited to this, and it is obvious that it may vary depending on the position change of the assembly wiring portion (1231) of the touch panel (120).

[0139] The above examples are merely illustrative, and various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom for those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention must be determined by the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

[0140] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a touch screen assembly that can be assembled on the front of a door, and by reducing the thickness of the bezel area exposed to the front of the door, can improve aesthetics without reducing the thermal insulation of the door, and a refrigerator including the same.

[0141] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body providing a storage compartment and a door having a touch screen assembly disposed on the front that opens and closes the storage compartment.

[0142] The touch screen assembly may include a touch screen module and a module case that supports the touch screen module.

[0143] The touch screen module may include: a display panel; a touch panel disposed in front of the display panel and comprising an active area for detecting touch input and an inactive area disposed at the edge of the active area; and a glass panel disposed in front of the touch panel.

[0144] The glass panel may include a first glass panel positioned at the very front, and a second glass panel positioned between the first glass panel and the touch panel, which is larger than the first glass panel to cover at least a portion of the inactive area.

[0145] The above-mentioned inactive area includes a pad area and a wiring area in which a plurality of wires are arranged to electrically connect the pad area and the active area, and the wiring area includes a bundled wiring portion in which the plurality of wires are gathered so that one end of the plurality of wires is connected to the pad area, and the second glass panel may include a protruding portion protruding outwardly from the first glass panel so as to be positioned in front of the bundled wiring portion.

[0146] The display panel includes a display area and a non-display area disposed at the edge of the display area, and the first glass panel includes a transparent area that transmits the display area and a bezel area that blocks the front exposure of the non-display area, and the second glass panel may be disposed behind the first glass panel such that at least a portion of the protruding part protrudes outward from the bezel area.

[0147] The above door includes a door plate having an opening in which the touch screen assembly is disposed, wherein the opening has a shape corresponding to the shape of the first glass panel, and the second glass panel may have a shape different from the shape of the opening.

[0148] The above door may further include an inner case that is assembled to the rear of the door plate to cover the opening and supports the touch screen assembly, and a door insulation material disposed at the rear of the inner case.

[0149] The door plate includes a plurality of partitions that define the opening and support the inner case, and the plurality of partitions and the inner case may be configured to be joined by a hook method.

[0150] One of the plurality of partitions includes an incision into which the protruding part can be inserted, and the inner case may include an inner groove that accommodates the protruding part inserted through the incision.

[0151] The touch screen assembly can be positioned so that the first glass panel is exposed to the front through the opening, and the protruding part is received in the inner groove and is not exposed to the front of the door plate.

[0152] In the touch screen assembly, the bezel area exposed on the front of the door plate may have a certain width.

[0153] The above module case and the above inner case can be configured to be joined by a hook method.

[0154] The above door plate includes a metal material, and the above inner case may include a material different from the material of the door plate.

[0155] A touch screen assembly according to one embodiment includes a touch screen module and a module case supporting the touch screen module, wherein the touch screen module may include a display panel; a touch panel disposed in front of the display panel and comprising an active area for detecting touch input and an inactive area disposed at the edge of the active area; and a glass panel disposed in front of the touch panel.

[0156] The glass panel may include a first glass panel positioned at the very front, and a second glass panel positioned between the first glass panel and the touch panel, which is larger than the first glass panel to cover at least a portion of the inactive area.

[0157] The above-mentioned inactive area includes a pad area and a wiring area in which a plurality of wires are arranged to electrically connect the pad area and the active area, and the wiring area includes a bundled wiring portion in which the plurality of wires are gathered so that one end of the plurality of wires is connected to the pad area, and the second glass panel may include a protruding portion protruding outwardly from the first glass panel so as to be positioned in front of the bundled wiring portion.

[0158] The display panel includes a display area and a non-display area disposed at the edge of the display area, and the first glass panel includes a transparent area that transmits the display area and a bezel area that blocks the front exposure of the non-display area, and the second glass panel may be disposed behind the first glass panel such that at least a portion of the protruding part protrudes outward from the bezel area.

[0159] The above bezel area may have a constant width.

[0160] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a touch screen assembly and a refrigerator including the same can improve aesthetics without reducing the thermal insulation of the door by reducing the thickness of the bezel area exposed to the front of the door while enabling the touch screen assembly to be assembled on the front of the door.

[0161] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

Claims

1. A refrigerator (1) comprising a main body (2) providing a storage room and a door having a touch screen assembly (10) positioned on the front that opens and closes the storage room, The above touch screen assembly (10) includes a touch screen module (100) and a module case (170) that supports the touch screen module. The above touch screen module (100) is, Display panel (110); A touch panel (120) comprising an active area (121) positioned in front of the display panel and detecting touch input, and an inactive area (122) positioned at the edge of the active area; and It includes a glass panel (130) positioned in front of the touch panel, The above glass panel (130) is, A first glass panel (140) positioned at the very front, and A refrigerator comprising a second glass panel (150) that is larger than the first glass panel and is positioned between the first glass panel and the touch panel to cover at least a portion of the inactive area.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above inactive area (122) includes a pad area (124) and a wiring area (123) in which a plurality of wires are arranged to electrically connect the pad area and the active area. The wiring area (123) includes a bundled wiring portion (1231) where the plurality of wires are gathered so that one end of the plurality of wires is connected to the pad area, and A refrigerator, wherein the second glass panel includes a protruding portion (1521) protruding outwardly from the first glass panel so as to be positioned in front of the assembly wiring portion.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above display panel includes a display area (111) and a non-display area (112) placed at the border of the display area, and The first glass panel (140) includes a transparent area (141) that transmits the display area and a bezel area (142) that blocks the front exposure of the non-display area. A refrigerator in which the second glass panel is positioned behind the first glass panel such that at least a portion of the protruding part protrudes outward from the bezel area.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above door includes a door plate (31) having an opening (32) in which the touch screen assembly is placed, and The above opening has a shape corresponding to the shape of the first glass panel, and A refrigerator in which the second glass panel has a shape different from the shape of the opening.

5. In Paragraph 4, A refrigerator, wherein the above door further comprises an inner case (33) assembled to the rear of the door plate to cover the opening and supporting the touch screen assembly, and a door insulation material disposed at the rear of the inner case.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above door plate includes a plurality of partitions (321, 322) that define the opening and support the inner case, and A refrigerator configured such that the plurality of partitions and the inner case are joined by a hook method.

7. In Paragraph 6, One of the plurality of partitions includes an incision (3211) into which the protruding part can be inserted, and A refrigerator, wherein the inner case includes an inner groove (333) that accommodates the protruding part inserted through the cut.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above touch screen assembly is a refrigerator in which the first glass panel is exposed to the front through the opening, and the protruding part is received in the internal groove and positioned so as not to be exposed to the front of the door plate.

9. In Paragraph 8, A refrigerator in which the bezel area exposed on the front of the door plate in the above touch screen assembly has a constant width.

10. In any one of paragraphs 5 through 9, A refrigerator configured such that the above module case and the above inner case are joined by a hook method.

11. In any one of paragraphs 5 through 9, The above door plate includes a metal material, and A refrigerator in which the inner case comprises a material different from the material of the door plate.

12. A touch screen assembly (10) comprising a touch screen module (100) and a module case (170) supporting the touch screen module, The above touch screen module is, Display panel (110); A touch panel (120) comprising an active area (121) that detects touch input and an inactive area (122) that is positioned in front of the display panel and positioned at the edge of the active area; and It includes a glass panel (130) positioned in front of the touch panel, The above glass panel is, A first glass panel (140) positioned at the very front, and A touch screen assembly comprising a second glass panel (150) that is larger than the first glass panel and is disposed between the first glass panel and the touch panel and covers at least a portion of the inactive area.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above inactive area (122) includes a pad area (124) and a wiring area (123) in which a plurality of wires are arranged to electrically connect the pad area and the active area. The wiring area above includes a bundled wiring portion (1231) where the plurality of wires are gathered so that one end of the plurality of wires is connected to the pad area, and A touch screen assembly in which the second glass panel includes a protruding portion (1521) protruding outwardly from the first glass panel so as to be positioned in front of the assembly wiring portion.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above display panel (110) includes a display area (111) and a non-display area (112) placed at the border of the display area. The first glass panel (140) includes a transparent area (141) that transmits the display area and a bezel area (142) that blocks the front exposure of the non-display area. A touch screen assembly in which the second glass panel is positioned behind the first glass panel such that at least a portion of the protruding portion protrudes outward from the bezel area.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above bezel area (142) is a touch screen assembly having a constant width.

Images