refrigerator

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator comprises: a storage compartment for providing a storage space; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; a first cap door arranged on an upper portion of the door; a first accommodation unit arranged on the first cap door; a printed board assembly (PBA) arranged on the first accommodation unit and having a flat plate shape extended along one plane; and a voice reception unit disposed on one surface of the printed board assembly.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] This relates to an electronic device including a voice receiving unit and an acoustic output unit.

[0002] A refrigerator includes a storage compartment for storing food and other items, and a cooling device that supplies cold air to this storage compartment. Depending on the method of generating cold air, such a cooling device can be classified into a refrigeration cycle device using a refrigeration cycle and a cooling device using a cooling element.

[0003] A refrigeration cycle device is a method of obtaining cold air by circulating refrigerant along a closed circuit consisting of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator. A cooling device using a cooling element is a method of obtaining cold air by utilizing a cooling element. For example, a Peltier element can be used as a cooling element. The Peltier effect caused by a Peltier element refers to the phenomenon in which, when a potential difference is applied across an object, heat flows along with the current, causing one side to heat up and the other side to cool down.

[0004] To control the operation of the refrigerator, it may include a voice receiver for receiving a user's voice and a voice recognition unit for identifying received voice information. Additionally, it may include an audio output unit for outputting the operating status of the refrigerator to the user. The voice receiver for receiving the user's voice and the audio output unit for outputting audio information to the user may be positioned on the exterior of the main body of the refrigerator.

[0005] A refrigerator according to one example may include a storage room providing storage space and a door for opening and closing the storage room.

[0006] Additionally, a refrigerator according to one example may include a first cap door disposed on the upper part of the door and a first receiving portion disposed on the first cap door.

[0007] Additionally, a refrigerator according to one example may include a printed board assembly (PBA) in the shape of a flat plate extending along a plane, which is disposed in the first receiving portion.

[0008] In addition, a refrigerator according to one example may include a voice receiver disposed on one side of the printed circuit board assembly.

[0009] FIG. 1a is a front view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 1b is a front view of a refrigerator with the door open according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 1c is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to one example.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a door according to one example.

[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the door, voice recognition module, and sound emission module shown in FIG. 3.

[0015] Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the M region shown in Figure 3.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a partial front view of a door according to one example.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a separated perspective view in which the upper case of the voice entry module in FIG. 5 is separated from the first cap door.

[0018] FIG. 8a is a front perspective view of a printed circuit board assembly according to one example.

[0019] FIG. 8b is a side view of a printed circuit board assembly according to one example.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a voice entry module according to one example.

[0021] FIG. 10a is a perspective view of a first cap door according to one example.

[0022] FIG. 10b is a partial perspective view of a first cap door according to one example.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a separated perspective view in which a voice entry module according to one example is separated from the first cap door.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a door cut along line AA shown in FIG. 5.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a door according to one example.

[0026] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a printed circuit board assembly according to one example.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a door cut along the BB line shown in FIG. 13.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a door according to one example.

[0029] FIG. 17a is a perspective view of an acoustic output module according to one example.

[0030] FIG. 17b is a perspective view of an acoustic output module according to one example.

[0031] FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a door cut along the CC line shown in FIG. 16.

[0032] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document 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 an item may include one or plural items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] In this document, 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] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another corresponding component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0037] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that the component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0038] 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 document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0042] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0043] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 disposed between the inner body and the outer body.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. "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 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, with or without the user's choice.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage room when the door is closed. The door may include insulation material, similar to the main body, to insulate the storage room when the door is closed.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door and facing the storage room, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation material provided inside the same.

[0055] A sealing portion may be provided at the edge of the door inner panel to seal the storage compartment by adhering to the front of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be mounted.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation material provided inside them.

[0057] 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.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cooling device provided to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0059] The "cooling 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.

[0060] According to one embodiment, a cooling 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 cooling 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 cooling 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.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room arranged to accommodate at least some parts belonging to a cooling device.

[0062] 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.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to a user without opening the door.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to generate ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-removing device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket that stores the ice generated from the ice-making tray.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0066] 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 cooling device, etc., according to the program and / or data stored in the memory.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 cooling device based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0069] 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. 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 cooling 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.

[0072] 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).

[0073] The input interface may include keys, touchscreens, microphones, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0074] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0075] Refrigerators according to various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0076] Refrigerators according to various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0077] FIG. 1a is a front view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 1b is a front view of a refrigerator with the door open according to one embodiment. FIG. 1c is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 1a to 1c, a refrigerator (1) according to one example can cool a stored item contained in a storage room (8). To cool a stored item contained in a storage room (8), the refrigerator (1) may include a cooling device (30).

[0079] A cooling device (30) according to one example can implement a refrigeration cycle that cools a storage room (8) provided in the main body (5) by utilizing a refrigerant, which is a substance that changes sensitively to temperature and pressure, through a thermodynamic process that generally absorbs heat at low temperature and low pressure and releases heat at high temperature and high pressure. As an example, the cooling device (30) may include an evaporator (33) to supply cooling air to the storage room (8), a condenser (35) that converts a high temperature and high pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high temperature and high pressure liquid refrigerant, an expander (not shown) that converts the high temperature and high pressure liquid refrigerant into a low temperature and low pressure liquid refrigerant, and a compressor (36) that converts the low temperature and low pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high temperature and high pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0080] According to one example, the main body (5) can form the exterior of the refrigerator (1). The main body (5) may include a storage room (8) formed vertically within the interior and a plurality of doors (6) for opening and closing the storage room (8).

[0081] The storage room (8) may be divided into multiple sections by a partition section (15), and multiple shelves and storage containers may be arranged inside the storage room (8) to store food items, etc. The storage room (8) may be divided into multiple storage rooms (8) by a partition section (15). The partition section (15) may include a first partition section (15-1) that is horizontally connected inside the storage room (8) to divide the storage room (8) into an upper storage room (8-1) and lower storage rooms (8-2, 8-3), and a second partition section (15-2) that is vertically connected to the lower storage rooms (8-2, 8-3) to divide the lower storage rooms (8-2, 8-3).

[0082] A partition (15) having a T-shape formed by combining a first partition (15-1) and a second partition (15-2) can divide the storage room (8) into three spaces. Among the upper storage room (8-1) and lower storage rooms (8-2, 8-3) divided by the first partition (15-1), the upper storage room (8-1) can be used as a refrigerator, and the lower storage rooms (8-2, 8-3) can be used as a freezer.

[0083] The division of the storage room (8) as described above is an example, and each storage room (8) may be used differently from the description above.

[0084] The storage room (8) can be opened and closed by a plurality of doors (6). The plurality of doors (6) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. As an example, the plurality of doors (6) can be arranged on the front of the main body (5) to open and close an opening provided in the main body (5).

[0085] The upper storage room (8-1) can be opened and closed by an upper door (6-1) which is rotatably coupled to the main body (5) where the storage room (8) is provided. The lower storage room (8-2, 8-3) can be opened and closed by a lower door (6-2) which is rotatably coupled to the main body (5) where the storage room (8) is provided.

[0086] According to one example, the air in the storage room (8) can be moved to the evaporator (33) through the storage room (8) return duct (32) by a blower fan (not shown). The air moved through the storage room (8) return duct (32) can be cooled by performing heat exchange with the evaporator (33). The process of the cooled air being discharged back to the storage room (8) through the cold air outlet (not shown) of the cold air duct (34-1, 34-2) can be repeated.

[0087] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to one example. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a door according to one example. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the door, voice recognition module, and sound emission module shown in FIG. 3.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a refrigerator (1) according to one example may include a voice recognition module (10) and a sound output module (20) for controlling the operation of the refrigerator (1) or indicating the operating status. As an example, the voice recognition module (10) may receive voice generated by a user and recognize the meaning of the received voice. Additionally, the sound output module (20) may output sound to the outside to inform the user of the control status or operating status of the refrigerator (1).

[0089] According to one example, a voice recognition module (10) is included in the refrigerator (1), so that complex refrigerator (1) settings can be easily changed by voice without the need for an input unit, such as a touchscreen. When the refrigerator is controlled by voice without touchscreen contact, more hygienic use may be possible.

[0090] In addition, when cooking or returning from shopping with items in both hands, control of the refrigerator (1) can be performed by voice command, such as adjusting the temperature of the refrigerator (1), setting functions, playing music, etc. In addition, more accurate and personalized services can be provided by learning the user's voice patterns and preferences.

[0091] According to one example, the voice recognition module (10) may include a voice receiver (100) capable of receiving a user's voice, for example, the voice receiver (100) may be a microphone. The voice received through the voice receiver (100) may be transmitted to a voice recognition unit (160). The voice recognition unit (160) may recognize the voice received through the voice receiver (100) using voice recognition software. As an example, the voice recognition software included in the voice recognition unit (160) may recognize the voice received through the voice receiver (100) using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. According to the voice command recognized through the voice recognition unit (160), the processor (90) may control the operation of the refrigerator (1).

[0092] According to one example, the sound output module (20) can output sound to the outside. To output sound to the outside, the sound output module (20) may include a sound output unit (200). A processor (90) can check the operating status of the refrigerator (1) and transmit output information regarding the status information of the refrigerator (1) to the user via the sound output unit (200). The sound output unit (200) can output sound according to the output information received from the processor (90).

[0093] According to one example, when a wave-shaped voice having a predetermined frequency is received from the outside, an open-shaped voice entry hole (110: see FIG. 5) must be provided for the voice to enter. Additionally, when a wave-shaped sound having a predetermined frequency is output to the outside, an open-shaped sound exhaust hole (253: see FIG. 17b) must be provided for the sound to be discharged to the outside. If the open-shaped voice entry hole (110) and the sound exhaust hole (253: see FIG. 17b) are provided in the main body part (5) that forms the exterior of the refrigerator (1), the aesthetic appeal of the refrigerator (1) may be reduced. Therefore, the voice entry hole (110) and the sound exhaust hole (253: see FIG. 17b) must be provided in a location on the main body part (5) that is not visible from the outside.

[0094] According to one example, the door (6) may have a flat shape having a predetermined thickness. When the door (6) has a flat shape having a predetermined thickness, the door (6) may include a front portion (601) exposed to the outside, a rear portion (602) positioned to face the storage room (8) while the storage room (8) is closed, an upper portion (603) positioned between the front portion (601) and the rear portion (602), a lower portion (604), a first side portion (605), and a second side portion (606).

[0095] In this specification, with respect to the door (6), the first direction (X) refers to the longitudinal direction of the door (6), for example, from the upper surface (603) to the lower surface (604). Additionally, the second direction (Y) refers to the width direction of the door (6), for example, from the first side surface (605) to the second side surface (606). Additionally, the third direction (Z) refers to the thickness direction of the door (6), for example, from the front surface (601) to the rear surface (602).

[0096] According to one example, the first cap door (300) may be positioned at the top of the door (6), and the second cap door (400) may be positioned at the bottom of the door (6). As an example, the voice recognition module (10) may be positioned in the first cap door (300), and the sound emission module (20) may be positioned in the second cap door (400).

[0097] As illustrated in FIGS. 1a to 1c, the door (6) may include an upper door (6-1) for opening and closing the upper storage room (8-1) and a lower door (6-2) for opening and closing the lower storage rooms (8-2, 8-3). The door (6) on which the voice recognition module (10) and the sound emission module (20) are placed may be the upper door (6-1) for opening and closing the upper storage room (8-1). According to one example, the voice recognition module (10) may be placed on a first cap door (300) placed on the upper surface (603) of the upper door (6-1) to consider the sound reception efficiency according to the user's height. Additionally, the sound emission module (20) may be placed on a second cap door (400) placed on the lower surface (604) of the upper door (6-1) to consider external visibility and the reverberation of sound by the lower door (6-2).

[0098] In the example described above, a refrigerator (1) is described in which the storage compartment (8) is separated vertically, for example, into an upper storage compartment (8-1) and a lower storage compartment (8-2, 8-3), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As an example, in the case of a side-by-side refrigerator (1) in which the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment are separated horizontally, the voice recognition module (10) may be placed at the top of either of the left or right doors. Additionally, the sound emission module (20) may be placed at the bottom of either of the left or right doors, taking into account external visibility and sound reflection from the ground.

[0099] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the M area shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a partial front view of a door according to one example.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, when a voice recognition module (10) according to one example is placed in a first cap door (300), a voice entry hole (110) for receiving user voice may be placed at a position protruding from the uppermost surface of the first cap door (300), for example, the upper surface (310) of the first cap door (300). According to one example, the voice entry hole (110) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, when the voice receiving unit (100) includes multiple voice receiving units, for example, a first voice receiving unit (101; see FIG. 8a) and a second voice receiving unit (102; see FIG. 8a), the voice entry hole (110) may also include multiple voice entry holes, for example, a first voice entry hole (111) and a second voice entry hole (112), to correspond to the multiple voice receiving units (100).

[0101] As an example, the voice entry hole (110) may be placed in an upper case (120) that is coupled to the upper part of the first cap door (300). According to one example, the upper part of the refrigerator (1) that is visible from the outside may be the upper surface (310) of the first cap door (300) and the upper surface (121) of the upper case (120). In this case, the upper surface (121) of the upper case (120) may be placed at a position protruding by a predetermined height difference (H) from the upper surface (310) of the first cap door (300).

[0102] When the voice entry hole (110) is positioned at a location protruding above the upper surface (310) of the first cap door (300), the voice entry hole (110) having an opening shape may be exposed to the outside. Additionally, when the upper surface (121) of the upper case (120) is positioned above the upper surface (310) of the first cap door (300), the overall height of the refrigerator (1) may increase. When the height of the refrigerator (1) increases, the height of the refrigerator (1) becomes greater than the height of the existing refrigerator (1) or the height of the space where the refrigerator (1) is generally installed. Consequently, a restriction may occur on the installation space of the refrigerator (1). For example, due to the height difference, it may not be possible to install the refrigerator (1) in the space where the refrigerator (1) is previously installed. Such a restriction on the installation space of the refrigerator (1) can serve as an important factor in a consumer's product selection.

[0103] In order to minimize the phenomenon of the voice entry hole (110) being exposed to the outside and the increase in height of the refrigerator (1), the height difference (H) between the upper surface (121) of the upper case (120) and the upper surface (310) of the first cap door (300) can be designed to be minimized. In this way, when the height difference (H) between the upper surface (121) and the upper surface (310) of the first cap door (300) is limited, the size of the voice entry hole (110) can be limited.

[0104] If the size of the voice entry hole (110) is limited, the reception efficiency of receiving voice generated by the user may be limited. In order to offset the problem of limited reception efficiency caused by the limited size of the voice entry hole (110), the voice transmission efficiency of the voice introduced through the voice entry hole (110) to the voice receiver (100) must be improved.

[0105] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view in which the upper case of the voice entry module in FIG. 5 is separated from the first cap door. FIG. 8a is a front perspective view of a printed circuit board assembly according to one example. FIG. 8b is a side view of a printed circuit board assembly according to one example. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a voice entry module according to one example.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 9, a voice receiving unit (100) according to one example may be placed on one side (501) of a printed circuit board assembly (PBA: Printed Board Assembly: 500). The printed circuit board assembly (500) on which the voice receiving unit (100) is placed may be received in a first receiving unit (330) placed in a first cap door (300).

[0107] A voice receiver (100) according to one example can receive a voice command from a user. For example, the voice receiver (100) may include a microphone capable of receiving a voice command from a user. According to one example, a gasket (150) may be placed between the voice receiver (100) and the voice entry hole (110). The gasket (150) is a voice transmission member for transmitting a voice received through the voice entry hole (110) to the voice receiver (100). As an example, the gasket (150) may be placed to be attached to the front end of the voice receiver (100). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the gasket (150) may be omitted in consideration of the sound reception efficiency.

[0108] As an example, the voice receiver (100) may be provided in multiple units. Each of the voice receivers (100) provided in multiple units may be arranged so as to be spaced apart from one side (501) of the printed circuit board assembly (500) at a predetermined distance. According to one example, the multiple voice receivers (100) may include a first voice receiver (101) and a second voice receiver (102). The first voice receiver (101) and the second voice receiver (102) may be arranged so as to be spaced apart from one side (501) of the printed circuit board assembly (500) at a predetermined distance. As an example, the first voice receiver (101) and the second voice receiver (102) may be arranged so as to be spaced apart from one side (501) of the printed circuit board assembly (500) at a predetermined distance along a second direction (Y direction), for example, the width direction of the door (6). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the voice receiving unit (100) may be provided as a single unit, or the plurality of voice receiving units (100) may include three or more voice receiving units.

[0109] According to one example, the voice receiver (100) may be positioned at the top of one side (501) of the printed circuit board assembly (500) along the first direction (X direction), for example, the length direction of the door (6). As the voice receiver (100) is positioned at the top of the printed circuit board assembly (500) along the first direction (X direction), it is possible to prevent the printed circuit board assembly (500) from being positioned at a location protruding beyond the top surface of the first cap door (300), for example, the upper surface (310) of the first cap door (300).

[0110] According to one example, the printed circuit board assembly (500) may include a printed circuit board (510) and one or more electronic components (520) disposed on the printed circuit board (510). For example, one or more electronic components (520) may include one or more of a communication chip, a memory, and a CPU. According to one example, one or more electronic components (520) may be disposed on another side (502) of the printed circuit board assembly (500). In this case, one or more electronic components (520) may have a predetermined height along a third direction (Z direction), for example, the thickness direction of the door (6).

[0111] A printed circuit board assembly (500) according to one example may be supported by an upper case (120). As an example, the upper case (120) may include a first support member (125) and a second support member (126) for supporting the printed circuit board assembly (500). The first support member (125) and the second support member (126) may extend along a first direction (X direction), for example, the length direction of the door (6). At this time, the first support member (125) and the second support member (126) may be spaced apart along a second direction (Y direction), for example, the width direction of the door (6). One side (501) of the printed circuit board assembly (500) may be supported in a fitted manner by the first support member (125) and the second support member (126). Accordingly, the printed circuit board assembly (500) can be coupled to be fixed to the upper case (120).

[0112] According to one example, the upper case (120) can be coupled to the upper part of the first receiving portion (330) provided in the first cap door (300). Accordingly, the printed circuit board assembly (500) can be received in the first receiving portion (330). As the printed circuit board assembly (500) is received in the first receiving portion (330), the voice receiver (100) disposed on one side (501) of the printed circuit board assembly (500) can also be received in the first receiving portion (330) disposed in the first cap door (300).

[0113] FIG. 10a is a perspective view of a first cap door according to one example. FIG. 10b is a partial perspective view of a first cap door according to one example. FIG. 11 is a separated perspective view of a voice entry module separated from the first cap door according to one example.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 7, 10a to 11, a first cap door (300) according to one example may be positioned to be coupled to the upper part of a door (6), as shown in FIG. 4. For example, the lower part (320) and the side part (325) of the first cap door (300) may have a shape corresponding to the upper part of the door (6) so that they can be coupled to the upper part of the door (6).

[0115] According to one example, when the first cap door (300) is coupled to the upper part of the door (6), the upper surface (310) of the first cap door (300) may be defined as the upper part of the refrigerator (1) exposed to the outside. Since the first cap door (300) may be an exterior material exposed to the outside, it may include a material that is easy to design and manufacture to create a sophisticated appearance. For example, the first cap door (300) may include a plastic material such as polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first cap door (300) may include other materials such as tempered glass or metal.

[0116] According to one example, the first receiving portion (330) may be placed in the first cap door (300). The first receiving portion (330) may have a receiving space for receiving a printed circuit board assembly (500). According to one example, with the printed circuit board assembly (500) placed in the first receiving portion (330), one side (501) of the printed circuit board assembly (500) on which the voice receiver (100) is placed may be positioned parallel to the front portion (601) of the door (6) extended along one plane, for example, the XY plane.

[0117] According to one example, the stepped portion (340) may be positioned on the upper surface portion (310) of the first cap door (300). The stepped portion (340) may form a voice entry path through which voice received through the voice entry hole (110) can pass. The stepped portion (340) may be formed at a position lower than the upper surface portion (310) of the first cap door (300) along the first direction (X direction), for example, the length direction of the door (6). Additionally, the stepped portion (340) may be positioned between the door (6) and the first receiving portion (330).

[0118] According to one example, a voice entry groove (350) may be disposed between the first receiving portion (330) and the step portion (340). The voice entry groove (350) may be disposed on the side wall (331) of the first receiving portion (330) corresponding to the voice receiving portion (100). In other words, the voice entry groove (350) may be disposed on the side wall (331) of the first receiving portion (330) disposed between the step portion (340) and the voice receiving portion (100).

[0119] As the voice entry groove (350) is positioned on the side wall (331) of the first receiving portion (330) corresponding to the voice receiving portion (100), voice transmitted through the step portion (340) can be transmitted to the voice receiving portion (100) through the voice entry groove (350). At this time, the voice receiving portion (100) may not be positioned at a location protruding beyond the uppermost surface of the first cap door (300), for example, the upper surface portion (310) of the first cap door (300). In other words, the voice receiving portion (100) can receive the voice received through the voice entry hole (110) while not being positioned at a location protruding beyond the uppermost surface of the first cap door (300), for example, the upper surface portion (310) of the first cap door (300).

[0120] According to one example, the upper case (120) includes a first fastening part (161), and the first cap door (300) may include a second fastening part (162) corresponding to the first fastening part (161). As an example, the first fastening part (161) may be placed on the lower surface (129) of the upper case (120). At this time, the second fastening part (162) may be placed on the upper surface (310) of the first cap door (300). For example, the second fastening part (162) may have a groove shape extending along the periphery of the first receiving part (330). At this time, the first fastening part (161) may have a protruding shape corresponding to the second fastening part (162). As the first fastening part (161) is inserted into and fastened to the second fastening part (162), the upper case (120) can be coupled to align the position of the first cap door (300). In the example described above, the first fastening part (161) and the second fastening part (162) are described as having a groove shape and a corresponding protruding shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first fastening part (161) and the second fastening part (162) may be replaced with fastening members having any position guide function capable of aligning the position of the upper case (120) with the first cap door (300).

[0121] According to one example, as the upper case (120) is joined so that its position is aligned with the first cap door (300), the position of the printed circuit board assembly (500) supported by the upper case (120) and the position of the voice receiver (100) placed on one side (501) of the printed circuit board assembly (500) can also be aligned with the first receiving portion (330). Accordingly, the position of the voice receiver (100) and the voice entry path (V; see FIG. 13) extending along the voice entry hole (110), the stepped portion (340), and the voice entry groove portion (350) can be aligned so that they correspond to each other.

[0122] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a door cut along line AA shown in FIG. 5.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 12, a voice entry hole (110) according to one example may be exposed to the outside to receive a user's voice. For example, the voice entry hole (110) may be placed in an upper case (120). Voice received through the voice entry hole (110) may be transmitted to the voice receiver (100) through a voice entry path (V) extending from the voice entry hole (110) to the voice receiver (100). As an example, if multiple voice entry holes (110) and voice receivers (100) are provided, multiple corresponding voice entry paths (V) may also be provided. For example, if a first voice entry hole (111) and a first voice receiver (101) are arranged to correspond to each other, a first voice entry path may be formed between the first voice entry hole (111) and the first voice receiver (101). Additionally, when the second voice entry hole (112) and the second voice receiver (102) are arranged to correspond to each other, a second voice entry path may be formed between the second voice entry hole (112) and the second voice receiver (102).

[0124] According to one example, a voice entry path (V) may be formed in a spaced-out space formed between the upper case (120) and the first cap door (300). As an example, a stepped portion (340) may be disposed on the upper surface portion (310) of the first cap door (300). Additionally, a voice entry groove portion (350) may be disposed between the first receiving portion (330) and the stepped portion (340). The stepped portion (340) and the voice entry groove portion (350) may be formed at a position lower than the upper surface portion (310) of the first cap door (300) along the first direction (X direction), for example, the length direction of the door (6). Above the stepped portion (340) and the voice entry groove portion (350), the lower surface portion (129) of the upper case (120) may be disposed with a predetermined spacing along the first direction (X direction), for example, the length direction of the door.

[0125] According to one example, the voice entry path (V) may extend from the voice entry hole (110) to the voice receiver (100) along a third direction (Z direction), for example, the thickness direction of the door. To improve the reception efficiency of voice transmitted from the voice entry hole (110) to the voice receiver (100), the length (P) of the voice entry path (V) along the third direction (Z direction) must be shortened. According to one example, the voice receiver (100) may be placed on one side (501) of the printed circuit board assembly (500) facing the other side (502), rather than on the other side (502) of the printed circuit board assembly (500) on which one or more electronic components (520) are placed. Accordingly, the length (P) of the voice entry path (V) may be formed to be shorter than the height of one or more electronic components (520).

[0126] As the voice entry path (V) according to one example extends along a third direction (Z direction), for example, the thickness direction of the door, the voice receiver (100) may be positioned to face the voice entry hole (110) along the third direction (Z direction), for example, the thickness direction of the door (6). As the voice receiver (100) is positioned to face the voice entry hole (110) along the third direction (Z direction), for example, the thickness direction of the door (6), the voice transmission efficiency of the voice introduced through the voice entry hole (110) to the voice receiver (100) may be improved.

[0127] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in order to minimize the phenomenon of the voice entry hole (110) being exposed to the outside and to minimize the increase in the height of the refrigerator (1), the height difference (H) between the upper surface (121) of the upper case (120) and the upper surface (310) of the first cap door (300) can be designed to be minimized. In this way, when the height difference (H) between the upper surface (121) and the upper surface (310) of the first cap door (300) is limited, the size of the voice entry hole (110) may be limited. When the size of the voice entry hole (110) is limited, the efficiency of receiving voice may be reduced. At this time, as the voice receiver (100) is positioned to face the voice entry hole (110) in a third direction (Z direction), for example, along the thickness direction of the door, the problem of limited efficiency of receiving voice that may occur due to the limited size of the voice entry hole (110) can be offset.

[0128] Accordingly, the refrigerator (1) according to one example can ensure aesthetic appeal by minimizing the phenomenon where the voice entry hole (110) is exposed to the outside. In addition, design convenience can be ensured by minimizing the height difference (H) between the upper surface (121) of the upper case (120) and the upper surface (310) of the first cap door (300). Furthermore, the problem of limited sound reception efficiency that may occur due to the limited size of the voice entry hole (110) can be offset.

[0129] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a door according to one example. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a printed circuit board assembly according to one example. FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a door cut along the BB line shown in FIG. 13.

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 13 to 15, an indicator module (70) according to one example can display the voice reception status of the voice receiver (100). As an example, for the protection of the user's personal information, it is necessary for the user to be aware of the status in which a user's voice command is received by the voice receiver (100). For example, when a user's voice command is received by the voice receiver (100), a light display may be output by the indicator module (70). On the other hand, when a user's voice command is not received by the voice receiver (100), a light display may not be output by the indicator module (70). The user can check whether a user's voice command is received by the voice receiver (100) by checking the status in which a light display is output by the indicator module (70).

[0131] An indicator module (70) according to one example may include one or more light-emitting elements (700), a light guide plate (730) that guides light irradiated from one or more light-emitting elements (700) along a predetermined path, and a light output unit (750) that outputs the light guided along the light guide plate (730) to the outside. According to one example, one or more light-emitting elements (700) may generate light having a predetermined wavelength. For example, one or more light-emitting elements (700) may be turned on / off under the control of a processor (90).

[0132] For example, when voice is received from the voice receiver (100), the processor (90) can control one or more light-emitting elements (700) to an on state. Accordingly, one or more light-emitting elements (700) can emit light having a predetermined wavelength. On the other hand, when voice reception from the voice receiver (100) is interrupted, the processor (90) can control one or more light-emitting elements (700) to an off state. Accordingly, one or more light-emitting elements (700) may not emit light having a predetermined wavelength.

[0133] According to one example, one or more light-emitting elements (700) may be provided in multiple numbers. When light-emitting elements (700) are provided in multiple numbers, the light (L) generated from each light-emitting element (700) may have different wavelengths. By using the light (L) of different wavelengths generated from each light-emitting element (700), not only can voice be received from the voice receiver (100), but multiple operating states of the refrigerator (1) may also be displayed.

[0134] According to one example, one or more light-emitting elements (700) may be placed on one side (501) of a printed circuit board assembly (500). As one or more light-emitting elements (700) are placed on one side (501) of the printed circuit board assembly (500), the assembly space for placing one or more light-emitting elements (700) may be reduced. Accordingly, the design convenience and space efficiency of the refrigerator (1) may be improved.

[0135] According to one example, the light output unit (750) may be positioned in a light output hole (140) provided in the upper case (120) to output light (L) to the outside. As an example, the light output hole (140) may be positioned adjacent to the voice entry hole (110) for design convenience and to indicate the voice input status. For example, if the voice entry hole (110) is provided in multiple numbers and includes a first voice entry hole (111) and a second voice entry hole (112), the light output hole (140) may be positioned between the first voice entry hole (111) and the second voice entry hole (112).

[0136] According to one example, a light guide plate (730) may be connected from one or more light-emitting elements (700) to a light output unit (750). Accordingly, the light guide plate (730) may transmit light (L) generated from one or more light-emitting elements (700) to the light output unit (750). According to one example, one end of the light guide plate (730) may be connected to one or more light-emitting elements (700), and the other end may be connected to the light output unit (750). As an example, the light guide plate (730) and the light output unit (750) may be formed as a single unit. A shielding portion capable of preventing light from being emitted to the outside of the light guide plate (730) may be disposed on the periphery of the light guide plate (730). Accordingly, during the process of transmitting light (L) generated from one or more light-emitting elements (700) through the light guide plate (730), the phenomenon of light being emitted to the outside of the light guide plate (730) can be minimized.

[0137] According to one example, the light output unit (750) may have a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the light guide plate (730). As the light output unit (750) has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the light guide plate (730), light transmitted through the light guide plate (730) can be concentrated at one end of the light output unit (750). Accordingly, the light (L) transmitted through the light guide plate (730) can be concentrated at the light output unit (750) and emit high-intensity light to the outside.

[0138] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a door according to one example. FIG. 17a is a perspective view of an acoustic output module according to one example. FIG. 17b is a perspective view of an acoustic output module according to one example. FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a door cut along the CC line shown in FIG. 16.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 4, and FIGS. 16 to 18, an audio output unit (200) according to one example may output sound to inform a user of the operating status of the refrigerator (1) and necessary information. For example, after determining the operating status of the refrigerator (1) and necessary information, the processor (90) may control the audio output unit (200) to output sound having a predetermined wavelength through a communication unit (not shown).

[0140] A sound output unit (200) for outputting sound to the outside must be positioned in a location exposed to the outside. For example, the lower part of the door (6), such as the upper door (6-1), may be positioned so that it is difficult for the user to see it from the outside while using the refrigerator (1), but is spaced apart from the lower door (6-2) by a predetermined gap (G). Therefore, when the sound output unit (200) is positioned at the lower part of the upper door (6-1), it is not directly visible from the outside, thereby ensuring aesthetic appeal, and simultaneously securing the functional feature of outputting sound to the outside. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sound output unit (200) may be positioned at the lower part of the lower door (6-2). In this case, the sound output unit (200) may be positioned so that it is spaced apart by a predetermined gap.

[0141] According to one example, the second cap door (400) may be positioned at the bottom of the upper door (6-1). The lower portion of the upper door (6-1) exposed to the outside may be the lower portion (410) of the second cap door (400). According to one example, the second receiving portion (430) may be positioned in the second cap door (400). As an example, the second receiving portion (430) may have a receiving space formed in a concave groove shape along a first direction (X direction), for example, the longitudinal direction of the upper door (6-1), from the lower portion (410) of the second cap door (400).

[0142] According to one example, the sound output module (20) may be positioned to be received in the second receiving portion (430). As an example, the sound output unit (200) may be positioned to be supported in the second receiving portion (430). At this time, a sound output unit case (250) may be positioned on the front of the sound output unit (200). According to one example, the sound output unit case (250) may be provided with a sound discharge hole (253) through which sound generated from the sound output unit (200) can be output.

[0143] According to one example, the sound output unit (200) may be positioned on the same plane (YZ plane) as the lower surface (410) of the second cap door (400) forming the lower portion of the upper door (6-1). As the sound output unit (200) is positioned on the same plane (YZ plane) as the lower surface (410) of the second cap door (400), the sound generated from the sound output unit (200) may be output along the first direction (X direction), for example, the length direction of the upper door (6-1). The sound output from the sound output unit (200) may be reflected from the upper portion (621) of the lower door (6-2) and output to the outside.

[0144] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator with improved design convenience by placing a voice receiver for receiving a user's voice on the upper cap door and minimizing the protrusion height resulting from the placement of the voice receiver.

[0145] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator that improves aesthetics by minimizing the external exposure of a voice entry hole for receiving a user's voice.

[0146] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator with improved sound reception efficiency for receiving a user's voice by placing a voice receiving unit on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0147] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator that allows a user to recognize the state in which voice is received by a voice receiver using an indicator module.

[0148] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an acoustic exhaust unit for conveying information about the refrigerator placed in the lower cap door.

[0149] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator that improves aesthetics and ease of manufacturing by minimizing the external exposure of a sound output part for emitting sound.

[0150] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0151] A refrigerator according to one example may include a storage room providing storage space, a door for opening and closing the storage room, a first cap door disposed above the door, a first receiving portion disposed on the first cap door, a flat printed board assembly (PBA) disposed on the first receiving portion and extending along one plane, and a voice receiving portion disposed on one side of the printed board assembly.

[0152] It may further include a voice entry hole with an opening shape and a voice entry path extending from the voice entry hole to the voice receiver.

[0153] The voice receiving unit may be positioned to face the voice entry hole along the thickness direction of the door.

[0154] One side of the above printed circuit board assembly may be positioned parallel to the front of the door.

[0155] It may further include a gasket disposed between the voice entry hole and the voice receiving unit.

[0156] It further includes an upper case coupled to the upper part of the first receiving portion; and the voice entry path may be provided by a spaced-apart space between a stepped portion positioned on the upper part of the first cap door and a lower portion of the upper case.

[0157] The apparatus further includes a first fastening part disposed on the upper case and a second fastening part disposed on the first cap door, wherein the upper case and the first cap door can be aligned and coupled at a predetermined position by the combination of the first fastening part and the second fastening part.

[0158] The above voice receiving unit is provided in a plurality, and each of the plurality of voice receiving units can be arranged to be spaced apart from one side of the printed circuit board assembly at a predetermined distance apart.

[0159] It may further include a plurality of voice entry holes with an opening shape individually corresponding to the plurality of voice receivers and a plurality of voice entry paths extending from each of the plurality of voice entry holes to each of the plurality of voice receivers.

[0160] The plurality of voice receivers includes a first voice receiver and a second voice receiver, and the first voice receiver and the second voice receiver may be arranged so as to be spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the width direction of the door.

[0161] It may further include a voice recognition unit that recognizes voice received from the voice receiving unit.

[0162] It may further include an indicator module that displays the voice reception status of the voice receiving unit.

[0163] The indicator module may include one or more light-emitting elements, a light guide plate that guides light irradiated from the one or more light-emitting elements along a predetermined path, and a light output unit that outputs the light guided along the light guide plate.

[0164] One or more of the above light-emitting elements may be disposed on one side of the printed circuit board assembly.

[0165] The apparatus further includes a processor for controlling one or more light-emitting elements, wherein the processor can control the on / off of the one or more light-emitting elements depending on whether voice from the voice receiver is received.

[0166] The device further includes an upper case coupled to the upper part of the first receiving portion and having a light output hole, wherein the light output portion is positioned in the light display hole to expose the light to the outside.

[0167] It may further include a second cap door disposed at the lower part of the above door, a second receiving portion disposed in the second cap door, and an acoustic output portion disposed in the second receiving portion.

[0168] The above sound output unit may be positioned on the same plane as the lower surface of the second cap door.

[0169] A refrigerator according to one aspect of the present disclosure can improve design convenience by placing a voice receiver for receiving a user's voice on the upper cap door and minimizing the protrusion height resulting from the placement of the voice receiver.

[0170] A refrigerator according to one aspect of the present disclosure can improve aesthetics by minimizing the external exposure of a voice entry hole for receiving a user's voice.

[0171] A refrigerator according to one aspect of the present disclosure can improve the sound reception efficiency of a user's voice by placing a voice receiving unit on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0172] A refrigerator according to one aspect of the present disclosure can use an indicator module to make the user aware of the state in which voice is received by a voice receiver.

[0173] A refrigerator according to one aspect of the present disclosure can improve aesthetics and ease of manufacturing by minimizing the exposure of the sound output unit to the outside by placing a sound exhaust unit for conveying information about the refrigerator on the lower cap door.

[0174] Embodiments of the refrigerator have been described with reference to the drawings for the sake of understanding, but this is merely illustrative and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A storage room (8) that provides storage space; A door (6) for opening and closing the storage room above; A first cap door (300) positioned above the door; A first receiving portion (330) disposed in the first cap door; A printed board assembly (PBA: Printed Board Assembly) (500) having a flat shape extending along one plane and disposed in the first receiving portion above; and A voice receiving unit (100) disposed on one side of the above printed circuit board assembly; comprising refrigerator.

2. In Paragraph 1, Voice entry hole (110) with an opening shape; and A voice entry path (V) extending from the voice entry hole to the voice receiver; further comprising refrigerator.

3. In Paragraph 2, The voice receiving unit (100) is positioned to face the voice entry hole (110) along the thickness direction of the door, refrigerator.

4. In Paragraph 3, One side (501) of the above printed circuit board assembly is positioned parallel to the front of the door, refrigerator.

5. In Paragraph 2, It further includes an upper case (120) that can be coupled to the upper part of the first receiving portion; The above voice entry path is provided by the gap between the stepped portion (340) positioned at the top of the first cap door and the lower portion (129) of the upper case. refrigerator.

6. In Paragraph 2, A first fastening part (161) disposed on the upper case above; It further includes a second fastening part (162) disposed on the first cap door, and The upper case and the first cap door are aligned and joined at a predetermined position by the combination of the first fastening part and the second fastening part. refrigerator.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above voice receiving unit (100) is provided in a plurality, and each of the plurality of voice receiving units (101, 102) is arranged to be spaced apart from one side of the printed circuit board assembly at a predetermined distance apart. refrigerator.

8. In Paragraph 7, A plurality of voice entry holes (111, 112) having an opening shape that individually correspond to the plurality of voice receiving parts; and A plurality of voice entry paths extending from each of the plurality of voice entry holes to each of the plurality of voice receivers; further comprising refrigerator.

9. In Paragraph 7, The plurality of voice receivers includes a first voice receiver (101) and a second voice receiver (102), wherein the first voice receiver and the second voice receiver are arranged to be spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the width direction of the door. refrigerator.

10. In Paragraph 1, A voice recognition unit (160) that recognizes voice received from the voice receiving unit; further comprising refrigerator.

11. In Paragraph 1, It further includes an indicator module (70) that displays the voice reception status of the voice receiving unit above, The above indicator module is, One or more light-emitting elements (700); A light guide plate (730) that guides light irradiated from one or more light-emitting elements along a predetermined path; A light output unit (750) that outputs the light guided along the light guide plate; comprising refrigerator.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above one or more light-emitting elements are disposed on one side (501) of the printed circuit board assembly, refrigerator.

13. In Paragraph 11, It further includes a processor (90) for controlling one or more light-emitting elements; The above processor controls the on / off of one or more light-emitting elements according to whether the voice of the voice receiver is received. refrigerator.

14. In Paragraph 11, It further includes an upper case (120) coupled to the upper part of the first receiving portion and having a light output hole (140); The light output unit (750) is positioned in the light display hole to expose the light to the outside. refrigerator.

15. In Paragraph 1 A second cap door (400) positioned at the bottom of the above door; A second receiving portion (430) disposed in the second cap door; and It further includes an acoustic output unit (200) disposed in the second receiving unit; The above sound output unit (200) is positioned on the same plane as the lower surface (410) of the second cap door, refrigerator.

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