Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: a main body having a storage chamber; a door provided to open and close the storage chamber; a door-opening device provided to open the door; and a touch-sensing device provided to detect a touch for operating the door-opening device. The touch-sensing device includes: a cover disposed on the door; an indicator that is exposed to the outside of the cover and emits light; at least one light source disposed inside the cover; a printed circuit board on which the at least one light source is mounted; a light-guiding member provided to transmit light, emitted from the at least one light source, to the indicator; and a holder provided to support the printed circuit board and cover at least a portion of the light-guiding member to prevent light from leaking through a gap between the cover and the door.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that keeps food fresh by comprising a main body having a storage space, a cold air supply device provided to supply cold air to the storage space, and a door provided to open and close the storage space.

[0003] To improve ease of use, the refrigerator may include a door opening device and a trigger provided to operate the door opening device. When a user operates the trigger, the door opening device may be provided to open the door.

[0004] The trigger can be implemented in various ways, such as a button or a lever. For example, the trigger may include a touch sensor. If the trigger includes a touch sensor, when a user touches the trigger equipped with the touch sensor, the door opening device can open the refrigerator door.

[0005] If the refrigerator is placed in a dark environment or the lights are not turned on at night, it may be difficult for the user to intuitively recognize the location of the trigger equipped with a touch sensor.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator comprising a touch sensing device including an indicator that emits light, and a door opening device configured to operate based on a touch of the indicator.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a touch sensing device comprising a light guide member that transmits light emitted from a light source to an indicator, and a holder that covers at least a portion of the light guide member to prevent light transmitted through the light guide member from leaking, and a refrigerator comprising the same.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a touch sensing device and a refrigerator including the same, wherein the light guide member including an indicator and the holder covering the light guide member to prevent light leakage are integrally formed to reduce production costs.

[0009] 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 invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] A refrigerator according to the present disclosure comprises a main body having a storage compartment, a door provided to open and close the storage compartment, a door opening device provided to open the door, and a touch sensing device provided to detect a touch for operating the door opening device. The touch sensing device comprises a cover disposed on the door, an indicator exposed to the outside of the cover and emitting light, at least one light source disposed inside the cover, a printed circuit board on which the at least one light source is mounted, a light guide member provided to transmit light emitted from the at least one light source to the indicator, and a holder provided to cover at least a portion of the light guide member and support the printed circuit board so as not to leak light through the gap between the cover and the door.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates the appearance of a refrigerator door opened according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of A in Figure 1.

[0014] Figure 4 shows Figure 3 from a different angle.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a refrigerator according to one embodiment in which a touch sensing device is separated from the door.

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a disassembled touch sensing device in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a refrigerator according to one embodiment, with the holder and the light guide member separated.

[0018] Figure 8 shows Figure 7 from a different angle.

[0019] Figure 9 illustrates a cross-section along B-B' of Figure 4.

[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section along C-C' of FIG. 5.

[0021] 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.

[0022] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0023] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] A gasket may be provided on 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device provided to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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).

[0061] The input interface may include keys, touchscreens, microphones, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0062] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0063] Meanwhile, terms such as "up / down direction" and "front / back direction" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the terms "front" and "rear" below may refer to the +X direction and -X direction, respectively, as depicted in the drawings. The terms "up" and "down" below may refer to the +Z direction and -Z direction, respectively, as depicted in the drawings. The terms "left direction" and "right direction" below may refer to the +Y direction and -Y direction, respectively, as depicted in the drawings. The term "vertical direction" below may refer to the Z direction, respectively, as depicted in the drawings, and the term "horizontal direction" below may refer to the Y direction, respectively, as depicted in the drawings. However, in some drawings, the +X direction may be referred to as "up" and the -X direction may be referred to as "down."

[0064] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0065] FIG. 1 illustrates a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates the refrigerator door in an open state according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of A in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 illustrates FIG. 3 from a different angle.

[0066] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include a main body (10) forming a storage room (20), a door (30) provided to open and close the storage room (20), and a cold air supply device provided to supply cold air to the storage room (20).

[0067] The main body (10) may include an inner section (11) forming a storage room (20), an outer section (12) positioned on the outside of the inner section (11), and an insulating material provided between the inner section (11) and the outer section (12).

[0068] The inner body (11) may be formed as a single body by molding from a resin material such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer) or by assembling multiple separate plates. The outer body (12) may form the exterior of the main body (10) and may be formed from a metal material such as steel plate or stainless steel, taking into account rigidity and appearance.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include a vertical partition (23) that partitions a storage room (20). The storage room (20) may be partitioned into a first storage room (21) and a second storage room (22) by the vertical partition (23). The first storage room (21) and the second storage room (22) may be arranged left and right. The first storage room (21) may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, and the second storage room (22) may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room.

[0070] The division of the storage room (20) and the use of the divided storage room (20) described above are merely examples and are not limited thereto. For example, the refrigerator may include a horizontal partition and a first storage room and a second storage room divided vertically by the horizontal partition. Additionally, the refrigerator may include both a vertical partition and a horizontal partition. For example, the refrigerator may include a first storage room located above the horizontal partition and a second storage room located below the horizontal partition, and the second storage room may be divided into a left storage room and a right storage room by the vertical partition. The divided storage room may be used as at least one of a refrigerator room and a freezer room.

[0071] The refrigerator (1) may include at least one shelf (24) provided inside the storage room (20). The at least one shelf (24) may be provided to support food or a storage container provided to hold food.

[0072] The refrigerator (1) may include at least one drawer (25) that is configured to be removable from the storage room (20) and configured to accommodate food or storage containers inside.

[0073] The refrigerator (1) may include a door (30) provided to open and close the storage compartment (20). The door (30) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (10). By rotating the door (30) relative to the main body (10), the storage compartment (20) can be opened or closed.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the door (30) may include a first door (31) provided to open and close a first storage room (21) and a second door (32) provided to open and close a second storage room (22).

[0075] The refrigerator (1) may include hinges (33, 34) provided to rotatably connect a door (30) to a main body (10). The hinges (33, 34) may include a first hinge (33) provided to rotatably connect a first door (31) to a main body (10), and a second hinge (34) provided to rotatably connect a second door (32) to a main body (10).

[0076] The first hinge (33) may include a first upper hinge (33a) provided on the upper part of the main body (10) and coupled to the upper part of the first door (31), and a first lower hinge (33b) provided on the lower part of the main body (10) and coupled to the lower part of the first door (31). The second hinge (34) may include a second upper hinge (34a) provided on the upper part of the main body (10) and coupled to the upper part of the second door (32), and a second lower hinge provided on the lower part of the main body (10) and coupled to the lower part of the second door (32).

[0077] The door (30) may include at least one door guard (35) provided on the rear of the door (30) and configured to accommodate food or storage containers. A gasket (36) may be provided on the rear edge of the door (30) to prevent cold air inside the storage room (20) from leaking between the door (30) and the main body (10) when the door (30) closes the storage room (20).

[0078] The refrigerator (1) may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage room (20). According to one embodiment, the cold air supply device may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator to generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle. According to one embodiment, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool the storage room (20) through heat generation and cooling action via the Peltier effect.

[0079] The cold air supply device may include a cold air duct that guides cold air to the storage room (20) and a blower fan that moves cold air toward the storage room (20).

[0080] The refrigerator (1) may include a machine room formed inside the main body (10). The machine room may be provided to accommodate at least one component of a cold air supply device. For example, the machine room may be provided between the outer body (12) and the inner body (11), and may be provided on the rear lower side of the main body (10).

[0081] Referring to FIG. 2, the refrigerator (1) may include a door opening device (40) provided to open the door (30).

[0082] A door opening device (40) may be configured to push the rear of a door (30) forward. The door opening device (40) may include a pusher (43, 44) configured to be movable forward and backward. At least a portion of the pusher (43, 44) may be withdrawn from the door opening device (40) by moving forward. At least a portion of the pusher (43, 44) withdrawn from the door opening device (40) may be retracted into the door opening device (40) by moving backward. The pusher (43, 44) may push the rear of the door (30) by moving forward. The door (30) may be opened by the forward movement of the pusher (43, 44).

[0083] The door opening device (40) can allow the user to open the door (30) with a small amount of force by partially opening the door (30). Partially opening the door (30) may mean opening the door (30) at a rotation angle smaller than the maximum rotation angle of the door (30).

[0084] The door opening device (40) may include a first door opening device (41) configured to open the first door (31) by pushing, and a second door opening device (42) configured to open the second door (32) by pushing. Since the first door opening device (41) and the second door opening device (42) have substantially the same configuration, only the first door opening device (41) will be described below. Additionally, the first door opening device (41) will be referred to as the door opening device (40).

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator (1) may include a door opening device cover (45) that covers the door opening device (40) to prevent the door opening device (40) from being exposed to the outside. The door opening device cover (45) may be provided to be coupled to the upper surface of the main body (10). A space may be formed between the door opening device cover (45) and the upper surface of the main body (10), and the door opening device (40) may be accommodated in this space. According to one embodiment, a portion of the upper surface of the main body may be recessed downward to form a receiving space. At least a portion of the door opening device may be accommodated in the receiving space.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a first handle (31b) may be formed on the side (31a) of the first door (31). The first handle (31b) may be formed by recessing at least a portion of the side (31a) of the first door (31). A user can open and close the first door (31) by placing their hand into the first handle (31b).

[0087] The first handle (31b) may not be formed from the top to the bottom of the side (31b) of the first door (31), but may be formed in a portion of the section between the top and bottom of the side (31b) of the first door (31). Accordingly, the remaining space excluding the portion occupied by the first handle (31b) can be utilized as the space inside the first door (31), and the interior space of the first door (31) can be increased.

[0088] A second handle (32b) may be formed on the side (32a) of the second door (32). The second handle (32b) may be formed by recessing at least a portion of the side (32a) of the second door (32). A user can open and close the second door (32) by inserting their hand into the second handle (32b).

[0089] The second handle (32b) may not be formed from the top to the bottom of the side (32b) of the second door (32), but may be formed in a portion between the top and bottom of the side (32b) of the second door (32). Accordingly, the remaining space excluding the portion occupied by the second handle (32b) can be utilized as the interior space of the second door (32), and the interior space of the second door (32) can be increased.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the refrigerator (1) may include a touch detection device (100). A user may operate a door opening device (40) by touching the touch detection device (100). In other words, the door opening device (40) may be configured to be operated by the touch detection device (100). The touch detection device (100) may be operated by the user's touch. The touch detection device (100) may be configured to recognize the user's touch.

[0091] The touch detection device (100) may include a first touch detection device (101) provided in a first door (31) and a second touch detection device (102) provided in a second door (32).

[0092] The first touch detection device (101) can detect a user's touch. The first touch detection device (101) can generate a touch signal based on the user's touch. A processor can receive the touch signal generated by the first touch detection device (101). The processor can generate a control signal to operate the first door opening device (41) based on the touch signal. Upon receiving the control signal, the first door opening device (41) can move the pusher (43) forward to open the first door (31).

[0093] The second touch detection device (102) can detect a user's touch. The second touch detection device (102) can generate a touch signal based on the user's touch. A processor can receive the touch signal generated by the second touch detection device (102). The processor can generate a control signal to operate the second door opening device (42) based on the touch signal. Upon receiving the control signal, the second door opening device (42) can move the pusher (44) forward to open the second door (32).

[0094] The first touch detection device (101) may be provided on the side (31a) of the first door (31). The first touch detection device (101) may be located in front (+X direction) of the first handle (31b) formed on the side (31a) of the first door (31). Due to the position of the first touch detection device (101), the first touch detection device (101) can be touched simultaneously with the user grasping the first handle (31b) with their hand. As described above, the door opening device (40) can open the first door (31) by the first touch detection device (101) being touched by the user.

[0095] A portion of the first touch detection device (101) may be configured to emit light. Specifically, an indicator (131) of the first touch detection device (101) may emit light. A user can easily and accurately recognize the touch location of the first touch detection device (101) through the light emitted from the indicator (131). At least a portion of the first touch detection device (101) may be provided to protrude from the side (31a) of the first door (31).

[0096] Referring to FIG. 4, the second touch detection device (102) may be provided on the side (32a) of the second door (32). The second touch detection device (102) may be located in front (+X direction) of the second handle (32b) formed on the side (32a) of the second door (32). Due to the position of the second touch detection device (102), the second touch detection device (102) can be touched at the same time as the user grasps the second handle (32b) with their hand. As described above, the door opening device (40) can open the second door (32) by the second touch detection device (101) being touched by the user.

[0097] A portion of the second touch detection device (102) may be configured to emit light. Specifically, an indicator of the second touch detection device (102) may emit light. The user can easily and accurately recognize the touch location of the second touch detection device (102) through the light emitted from the indicator. At least a portion of the second touch detection device (102) may be provided to protrude from the side (32a) of the second door (32).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the heights of the first touch detection device (101) and the second touch detection device (102) may differ from each other. The height of the first touch detection device (101) may refer to the vertical distance from the ground to the first touch detection device (101). Likewise, the height of the second touch detection device (102) may refer to the vertical distance from the ground to the second touch detection device (102). The vertical distance may refer to the distance in the Y direction of the drawing.

[0099] By making the height of the first touch detection device (101) and the height of the second touch detection device (102) different, it is possible to prevent the second touch detection device (102) from being unintentionally touched when the first touch detection device (101) is touched. Likewise, it is possible to prevent the first touch detection device (101) from being unintentionally touched when the second touch detection device (102) is touched. Through this, malfunction of the door opening device (40) can be prevented.

[0100] FIG. 5 illustrates a refrigerator according to one embodiment in which a touch sensing device is separated from the door. FIG. 6 illustrates a refrigerator according to one embodiment in which the touch sensing device is disassembled. FIG. 7 illustrates a refrigerator according to one embodiment in which a holder and a light guide member are separated. FIG. 8 illustrates FIG. 7 from a different angle. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section along B-B' of FIG. 4. FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section along C-C' of FIG. 5.

[0101] Hereinafter, the structure of a touch detection device (100) according to one embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. Since the first touch detection device (101) and the second touch detection device (102) have substantially the same configuration, only the second touch detection device (102) will be described. Also, the second touch detection device (102) will be referred to as the touch detection device (100). Additionally, only the second door (32) will be described below, but the following description can be equally applied to the first door (31).

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, the touch sensing device (100) may include a cover (110) forming the exterior of the touch sensing device (100), a light guide member (130) disposed inside the cover (110) and including an indicator (131), a holder (120) arranged to cover at least a portion of the light guide member (130) inside the cover (110), a printed circuit board (140), at least one light source (150) configured to emit light, and a touch sensor (160).

[0103] The cover (110) can form the exterior of the touch sensing device (100) that is exposed to the outside of the second door (32) together with the indicator (131). At least a portion of the cover (110) may protrude from the side (32a) of the second door (32).

[0104] The remaining part of the touch detection device (100), excluding the part of the cover (110) protruding from the side (32a) of the second door (32) and the indicator (131), may be positioned on the inside of the second door (32). To accommodate the touch detection device (100), a door receiving portion (32c) may be provided on the side (32a) of the second door (32). The door receiving portion (32c) may be formed by recessing a part of the side (32a) of the second door (32) inward. At least one door groove (32d) may be formed in the door receiving portion (32c) to allow the cover projection (114) of the touch detection device (100) to be inserted.

[0105] As described above, the touch detection device (100) may be positioned in front of the second handle (32b). Accordingly, the door receiving portion (32c) for receiving the touch detection device (100) may be located in front of the second handle (32b) on the side (32a) of the second door (32).

[0106] A portion of the cover (110) may be positioned to face the front of the refrigerator (1). Hereinafter, the portion of the cover (110) positioned to face the front (+X direction) of the refrigerator (1) is referred to as the front surface (111) of the cover (110). A cover hole (112) into which an indicator (131) is inserted may be formed on the front surface (111) of the cover (110). The indicator (131) may be exposed to the outside of the cover (110) through the cover hole (112).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the indicator (131) may protrude forward from the front (111) of the cover (110) through the cover hole (112). When the front of the indicator (131) protrudes forward beyond the front (111) of the cover (110), the four sides surrounding the front of the indicator (131) may also be exposed to the outside of the cover (110). Accordingly, light emitted to the outside of the cover (110) through the indicator (131) may be emitted through the front of the indicator (131) and the four sides surrounding it.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the indicator (131) is inserted into the cover hole (112), and the front surface of the indicator (131) may be located on the same surface as the front surface (111) of the cover (110).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the indicator (131) is inserted into the cover hole (112), and the front of the indicator (131) may be positioned behind the front (111) of the cover (110). In other words, the indicator (131) may be positioned behind the front (111) of the cover (110) while inserted into the cover hole (112).

[0110] In this specification, the term "indicator" may refer to a part of a touch sensing device that notifies a user of a touch location. For example, an indicator may refer to a part that emits light to enable the recognition of a touch location. An indicator may be referred to by various terms such as a light-emitting part, an identification part, a display part, etc.

[0111] An indicator (131) exposed to the outside of the cover (110) can receive light emitted from at least one light source (150) and emit it to the outside of the cover (110). The light emitted from at least one light source (150) can be emitted to the outside of the touch detection device (100) through the indicator (131). Accordingly, when the refrigerator (1) is located in a dark place or the light is not turned on at night, the user can easily identify the indicator (131) and easily confirm the location of the touch detection device (100) from it.

[0112] The size and shape of the cover hole (112) formed on the front surface (111) of the cover (110) may be provided to correspond to the size and shape of the indicator (131). The width and length of the cover hole (112) may be provided to be substantially the same as the width and length of the indicator (131). However, since the indicator (131) must be inserted into the cover hole (112), the width and length of the cover hole (112) may be slightly larger than the width and length of the indicator (131). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the cover hole (112) and the indicator (131) may be provided with corresponding shapes and may be straight shapes with a narrow width and a long length in the vertical direction. The shapes of the cover hole (112) and the indicator (131) are not limited thereto. For example, the cover hole (112) and the indicator (131) can be provided in various shapes such as an arc shape, a circle shape, a square shape, an S shape, a zigzag shape, a hidden line, etc.

[0113] The touch detection device (100) may include a light-guiding member (130, FIG. 7) that is disposed on the inner side of the cover (110) and includes an indicator (131). A part of the light-guiding member (130) may be the indicator (131) described above. Since a part of the light-guiding member (130) is the indicator (131), the light-guiding member (130) may include the indicator (131).

[0114] An indicator (131), which is a part of the light-guiding member (130), may be exposed to the outside of the cover (110). The remaining part of the light-guiding member (130), excluding the indicator (131), may be placed inside the cover (110). The indicator (131) may point to a part of the light-guiding member (130) that is exposed to the outside of the cover (110) through the cover hole (112). Since the remaining part of the light-guiding member (130), excluding the indicator (131), is covered by the cover (110), it may not be exposed to the outside of the cover (110) and the second door (32).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the cover (110) may include a coupling hole (113) into which a coupling projection (122) of the holder (120) is inserted. The cover (110) may include at least one cover projection (114) into which at least one door groove (32d) formed in the door receiving portion (32c) is inserted.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 6 through 8, the light guide member (130) may include a first part (132) arranged to face a first surface (141) of a printed circuit board (140) and configured to allow light from at least one light source (150) to be incident thereon, and a second part (133) extending from the first part (132) and reflecting the light reflected through the first part (132) to an indicator (131). The first part (132) may extend along a second direction (Y direction). The first part (132) may be arranged at a predetermined distance from the first surface (141) of the printed circuit board (140) in a first direction. The second part (133) may extend along a first direction (X direction) from one end of the first part (132). The second part (133) can be extended from the end of the first part (132) in the second direction toward the inner surface of the cover hole (112).

[0117] The second part (133) of the light guide member (130) may include an indicator (131). An indicator (131) may be provided at the front end (the end in the +X direction) of the second part (133). The second part (133) may include a first extension part (133a) and a second extension part (133b) that are spaced apart from each other. The first extension part (133a) and the second extension part (133b) may be spaced apart in the second direction (Y direction). A groove (133c) may be formed between the first extension part (133a) and the second extension part (133b) that are spaced apart from each other. A conductive member (170) may be disposed in the groove (133c) formed between the first extension part (133a) and the second extension part (133b).

[0118] The light guide member (130) may include an injection part (134). The injection part (134) may be provided to be inserted into an injection hole (121) of a holder (120) to be described later. According to one embodiment, the injection part (134) may include a first injection part (134a) and a second injection part (134b) arranged spaced apart from each other. The injection part (134) will be described later.

[0119] The light guide member (130) can be formed integrally by injection molding. The first part (132), the second part (133), the indicator (131), and the injection part (134) of the light guide member (130) can be formed integrally by injection molding.

[0120] A touch detection sensor (100) may include at least one light source (150), a touch sensor (160), a printed circuit board (140) configured to mount at least one light source (150) and the touch sensor (160), and a holder (120) configured to support the printed circuit board (140).

[0121] At least one light source (150) may be configured to emit light. For example, at least one light source (150) may be a light-emitting diode (LED). The light-emitting diode may be configured to emit light of a wavelength corresponding to at least one color among red, green, blue, or white.

[0122] According to one embodiment, at least one light source (150) may include a first light source (151), a second light source (152), a third light source (153), and a fourth light source (154) mounted spaced apart from each other on a printed circuit board (140). The first light source (151), the second light source (152), the third light source (153), and the fourth light source (154) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the direction (Z direction) in which the indicator (131) extends. However, this is not limited thereto. The number and arrangement of the light sources (150) may be changed.

[0123] According to one embodiment, at least one light source (150) may be mounted on the first surface (141) of the printed circuit board (140). A touch sensor (160) may be mounted on the second surface (142) of the printed circuit board (140). The first surface (141) of the printed circuit board (140) may be positioned to face the front (+X direction) of the refrigerator (1). The second surface (142) of the printed circuit board (140) may be positioned to face the rear (-X direction) of the refrigerator (1).

[0124] The touch sensor (160) may be a touch sensor that operates in a capacitive manner. The touch sensor (160) mounted on the second surface (142) of the printed circuit board (140) may be electrically connected to a terminal provided on the first surface (141) of the printed circuit board (140) through a via formed in the printed circuit board (140). The transparent electrode (172) of the conductive member (170) to be described later may be electrically connected to a terminal provided on the first surface (141) of the printed circuit board (140). Accordingly, the touch sensor (160) may be electrically connected to the transparent electrode (172).

[0125] The thickness of the touch sensor (160) may be thicker than the thickness of at least one light source (150). The thickness of the touch sensor (160) and at least one light source (150) may refer to the length in the first direction (X direction). When the touch sensor (160) is mounted on the first surface (141) of the printed circuit board (140) on which at least one light source (150) is placed, the first part (132) of the light guide member (130) and the touch sensor (160) may interfere with each other. To avoid interference between the first part (132) and the touch sensor (160), if the distance in the first direction between at least one light source (150) and the first part (132) of the light guide member (130) is increased, the distance between the indicator (131) and at least one light source (150) is increased, so that the intensity of the light emitted through the indicator (131) can be lowered and the brightness of the indicator (131) can be reduced.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the touch sensor (160) is mounted on the second surface (142) of the printed circuit board (140), so that interference between the first part (132) of the light guide member (130) and the touch sensor (160) can be avoided. Therefore, a decrease in brightness of the indicator (131) can be prevented.

[0127] The light guide member (130) may be made of a material that reflects light incident from at least one light source (150) into the interior of the light guide member (130). Light incident on the light guide member (130) may be transmitted to an indicator (131) as it is reflected within the interior of the light guide member (130). The light guide member (130) may have a refractive index greater than that of an external environment such as air. The light guide member (130) may be formed from a translucent resin. The light guide member (130) may be molded by injection molding the translucent resin. For example, the light guide member (130) may be made of a material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC), which have high light transmittance and strong durability. For example, the light guide member (130) can be formed from a resin having diffusion characteristics of 50% light transmittance.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the holder (120) can support a printed circuit board (140). The holder (120) may include a plurality of support protrusions (123) provided to support a second surface (142) of the printed circuit board (140). Each of the plurality of support protrusions (123) may be provided to support a part of the side of the printed circuit board (140) and a part of the second surface (142) adjacent to the side. The plurality of support protrusions (123) are spaced apart along the edge of the printed circuit board (140) so as to stably support the printed circuit board (140).

[0129] The holder (120) can be coupled to the cover (110). As described above, the cover (110) may include a coupling hole (113), and the holder (120) may include a coupling projection (122) provided to be inserted into the coupling hole (113). The holder (120) can be coupled to the cover (110) by inserting the coupling projection (122) of the holder (120) into the coupling hole (113) of the cover (110).

[0130] A holder (120) may be provided to cover at least a portion of a light-guiding member (130). The holder (120) can prevent light that has passed through the light-guiding member (130) without being reflected inside the light-guiding member (130) from leaking into the gap between the cover (110) and the door (30). Specifically, the holder (120) may cover the front of a first portion (132) of the light-guiding member (130) and one side of at least a portion of a second portion (133). At least a portion of the second portion (133) may point to a first extension (133a).

[0131] Referring to FIG. 9, the reason the holder (120) covers one side of the first extension (133a) and does not cover the second extension (133b) is that the cover (110) covers the second extension (133b). Since the cover (110) is formed of a material that cannot transmit light, even if light is transmitted through the second extension (133b) covered by the cover (110), it may not leak out of the cover (110).

[0132] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the front of the first part (132) and the side of the first extension (133a) may not be covered by the cover (110). In this case, light passing through the first part (132) or the first extension (133a) may proceed toward the inside of the door (30). If the door (30) is formed of a material through which light can pass, the light that has proceeded toward the inside of the door (30) may be visible from the outside of the door (30). Even if the door (30) is formed of a material through which light cannot pass, there may be a gap between the cover (110) and the side (32a) of the door (30) due to assembly tolerances, and light may leak through this gap. In other words, light leakage may occur. Hereinafter, light leakage and light leakage may be used interchangeably.

[0133] The holder (120) can prevent light transmitted through the light guide member (130) from leaking toward the door (30) by covering at least a portion of the light guide member (130). If light leaks through the gap between the cover (110) and the door (30), the indicator (131) identification effect in dark places may be reduced, and the aesthetic appeal and quality of the refrigerator (1) may be lowered.

[0134] The holder (120) may be formed of opaque resin so that light passing through the light guide member (130) does not pass through the holder (120). If light passing through the light guide member (130) also passes through the holder (120), the light leakage phenomenon described above may occur. To prevent light leakage or light leakage through the gap between the cover (110) and the door (30), the holder (120) may be formed of opaque resin.

[0135] The holder (120) may be formed in a white color to reflect light incident on the inner surface of the holder (120) toward the light guide member (130). If the holder (120) absorbs most of the light incident on the inner surface of the holder (120), the light transmission efficiency to the indicator (131) may decrease. If the light transmission efficiency to the indicator (131) decreases, the brightness of the indicator (131) may decrease. To prevent a decrease in the brightness of the indicator (131), the holder (120) may be formed to have a white color.

[0136] The holder (120) may be formed of a white-colored opaque resin to prevent light leakage and a decrease in brightness of the indicator (131). The holder (120) may be molded by injection molding a white-colored opaque resin.

[0137] According to the present disclosure, the holder (120) and the light guide member (130) can be formed integrally. More specifically, the holder (120) and the light guide member (130) can be formed integrally by double injection molding. For example, the holder (120) and the light guide member (130) can be formed integrally by first injection molding the holder (120) and second injection molding the light guide member (130).

[0138] The holder (120) may include an injection hole (121) so that the light guide member (130) can be injected secondarily after the holder (120) is injected firstly. The holder (120) may be molded by injecting a white-colored opaque resin firstly. The light guide member (130) may be molded by injecting a translucent resin secondarily through the injection hole (121) after the holder (120) is molded. Since the holder (120) and the light guide member (130) are formed integrally by double injection, the holder (120) and the light guide member (130), which have different materials, can be formed integrally without separate assembly, bonding, or joining processes.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the injection hole (121) of the holder (120) may include a first injection hole (121a) and a second injection hole (121b) for smooth injection molding of the light guide member (130). However, it is not limited thereto. The number of injection holes (121) can be changed.

[0140] At least a portion of the light guide member (130) may be exposed to the outside of the holder (120) through the injection hole (121). Specifically, the injection portion (134) of the light guide member (130) may be exposed to the outside of the holder (120) through the injection hole (121). The injection portion (134) may have a size and shape corresponding to the injection hole (121). According to one embodiment, the injection portion (134) may include a first injection portion (134a) inserted into the first injection hole (121a) and exposed to the outside of the holder (120), and a second injection portion (134b) inserted into the second injection hole (121b) and exposed to the outside of the holder (120). The injection portion (134) can be extended in a second direction (+Y direction) from the side end of the first portion (132).

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 6, 9 and 10, the touch sensing device (100) may include a conductive member (170) disposed between an indicator (131) and a printed circuit board (140).

[0142] A conductive member (170) may be provided between the inner surface (131a) of the indicator (131) and the first surface (141) of the printed circuit board (140). The inner surface (131a) of the indicator (131) may refer to one surface of the indicator (131) or a part of the light-guiding member (130) that is positioned on the inside of the cover (110) and faces the first surface (141) of the printed circuit board (140).

[0143] The conductive member (170) may be provided to transmit a user's touch input to the indicator (131) to a touch sensor (160). The conductive member (170) may serve to transmit a user's touch input to the indicator (131) to a touch sensor (160) positioned apart from the indicator (131). The conductive member (170) may fill the space between the inner surface (131a) of the indicator (131) and the first surface (141) of the printed circuit board (140). By being positioned between the inner surface (131a) of the indicator (131) and the first surface (141) of the printed circuit board (140), the conductive member (170) may support the indicator (131) and absorb shocks applied to the indicator (131).

[0144] The conductive member (170) may be provided to contact the inner surface (131a) of the indicator (131) and the first surface (141) of the printed circuit board (140). The conductive member (170) may be electrically connected to a terminal or wiring provided on the first surface (141) of the printed circuit board (140) and electrically connected to the touch sensor (160).

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the conductive member (170) may include a block body (171) and a transparent electrode (172) provided to cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the block body (171). The transparent electrode (172) may include indium tin oxide (ITO). The transparent electrode (172) may have the form of a film or a thin film.

[0146] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the transparent electrode (172) can cover the front, rear, top, and bottom surfaces of the block body (171). The front surface of the block body (171) may point to one side of the block body (171) facing the +X direction, and the rear surface of the block body (171) may point to one side of the block body (171) facing the -X direction. The top surface of the block body (171) may point to one side of the block body (171) facing the +Z direction, and the bottom surface of the block body (171) may point to one side of the block body (171) facing the -Z direction.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the transparent electrode (172) may cover all sides of the block body (171) or cover the front, rear, and both sides of the block body (171).

[0148] The block body (171) may be made of a transparent material so that light incident from at least one light source (150) to the first part (132) and / or second part (133) of the light guide member (130) can be directed toward the indicator (131) along the interior of the second part (133) of the light guide member (130) without interference with the block body (171). For example, the block body (171) may be a silicone rubber formed transparently with a certain elasticity. The block body (171) may be made of transparent glass. The block body (171) may be made of a porous foam having a porosity such that at least a portion of the light emitted from at least one light source (150) can be transmitted. The block body (171) may be composed of at least one of a porous foam, silicone rubber, and glass that allows light reflected along the interior of the light guide member (130) to pass through.

[0149] As described above, since a conductive member (170) for transmitting a user's touch on the indicator (131) to a touch sensor (160) must be disposed on the inner side of the indicator (131), it is difficult to place at least one light source (150) toward the inner surface (131a) of the indicator (131). At least one light source (150) may be placed on one side of the conductive member (170) to avoid interference with the conductive member (170). At least one light source (150) may be placed spaced apart from the indicator (131) in a first direction (X direction) and a second direction (Y direction). In such a placement, most of the light emitted from the light source (150) may be incident on the first part (132) of the light guide member (130).

[0150] The light guide member (130) can reflect light within the light guide member (130) and transmit it to the indicator (131). Light incident on the first part (132) of the light guide member (130) can be reflected from the first part (132) and the second part (133) and directed toward the indicator (131).

[0151] As described above, a conductive member (170) may be disposed in the groove (133c) of the light guide member (130). Since the conductive member (170) is formed of a material through which at least a portion of the incident light can be transmitted, light incident on the conductive member (170) from the light source (150) and at least one of the first part (132) and the second part (133) can pass through the conductive member (170) and be reflected from the second part (133). The light reflected from the second part (133) can be emitted through the indicator (131).

[0152] However, if some of the light incident on the first part (132) passes through the first part (132) toward the inside of the door (30), or if some of the light incident on the second part (133) passes through the second part (133) toward the gap between the door (30) and the cover (110), light leakage may occur in the door (30). Light leakage may degrade the aesthetic appeal and quality of the refrigerator (1). To prevent this, a holder (120) formed integrally with the light guide member (130) may cover at least a portion of the light guide member (130). The holder (120) may be formed of a material that does not transmit light. Through this, light may not leak from at least a portion of the light guide member (130) covered by the holder (120). By covering the light guide member (130) with the holder (120), unintended light leakage can be prevented, and light can be emitted only from the indicator (131). Since light is emitted only from the indicator (131), the user can more easily identify the indicator (131), and the aesthetics and completeness of the refrigerator (1) can be improved.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator comprises a main body having a storage compartment, a door provided to open and close the storage compartment, a door opening device provided to open the door, and a touch sensing device provided to detect a touch for operating the door opening device. The touch sensing device comprises a cover disposed on the door, an indicator exposed to the outside of the cover and emitting light, at least one light source disposed inside the cover, a printed circuit board on which the at least one light source is mounted, a light guide member provided to transmit light emitted from the at least one light source to the indicator, and a holder provided to cover at least a portion of the light guide member and support the printed circuit board to prevent light from leaking through the gap between the cover and the door.

[0154] The first surface of the printed circuit board on which the above-mentioned at least one light source is mounted may be arranged to face a first direction.

[0155] The above at least one light source may be spaced apart from the indicator and the first direction and the second direction perpendicular to the first direction inside the cover.

[0156] The light guide member may include a first portion extending along the first direction and a second portion extending along the second direction.

[0157] The above second part may include the above indicator.

[0158] The holder may be provided to cover at least a portion of the first part and the second part of the light guide member between the door and the light guide member.

[0159] The light guide member may further include an injection part extending in the second direction from one end of the second part.

[0160] The above holder may include an injection hole into which the injection part is inserted and which exposes the injection part to the outside of the holder.

[0161] The holder and the light guide member can be formed integrally. For example, the holder and the light guide member can be formed integrally by first injecting the holder and secondarily injecting the light guide member through the injection hole.

[0162] The touch sensing device may further include a touch sensor mounted on the printed circuit board and a conductive member provided between the indicator and the printed circuit board to electrically connect the indicator and the touch sensor.

[0163] The above-mentioned conductive member may include a block body extending in the first direction from the first stage toward the second stage, having a first stage disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the indicator and a second stage disposed adjacent to the printed circuit board.

[0164] The above conductive member may include a transparent electrode provided on the outer surface of the block body and configured to be electrically connected to the touch sensor.

[0165] The above at least one light source may be arranged spaced apart from the second stage of the block body in the second direction.

[0166] The light guide member may be configured to reflect a portion of the light incident on the light guide member and transmit another portion.

[0167] The above holder may be configured to block a portion of the light incident on the holder and reflect another portion.

[0168] The light guide member may be composed of a translucent resin. For example, the light guide member may be manufactured from a translucent resin.

[0169] The above holder may be composed of a white-based opaque resin. For example, the holder may be manufactured from a white opaque resin.

[0170] The block body may include at least one of porous foam, silicone rubber, and glass through which light reflected along the interior of the light guide member passes.

[0171] The holder may include a plurality of support protrusions arranged to support a second surface opposite to the first surface of the printed circuit board.

[0172] The above holder may further include a coupling projection provided to be inserted into a coupling hole formed in the cover.

[0173] The holder can be coupled to the cover by inserting the coupling projection into the coupling hole.

[0174] The above cover may include a cover hole corresponding to the shape and size of the indicator.

[0175] The above indicator may be a part of the light guide member arranged to be inserted into the above cover hole.

[0176] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may be provided comprising a touch sensing device including an indicator that emits light, and a door opening device configured to operate based on a touch to the indicator.

[0177] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a touch sensing device comprising a light guide member that transmits light emitted from a light source to an indicator, and a holder that covers at least a portion of the light guide member to prevent light transmitted through the light guide member from leaking, and a refrigerator comprising the same.

[0178] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a touch sensing device and a refrigerator including the same can be provided, which reduce production costs by integrally forming a light guide member including an indicator and a holder that covers the light guide member to prevent light leakage.

[0179] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A main body having a storage chamber; A door provided to open and close the above storage room; A door opening device provided to open the above door; and A touch detection device provided to detect a touch for operating the door opening device; comprising The above touch sensing device is, A cover placed on the above door, and An indicator that is exposed outside the above cover and emits light, and At least one light source disposed on the inner side of the above cover, and A printed circuit board on which at least one light source is mounted, and A light guide member provided to transmit light emitted from at least one light source to the indicator, and A refrigerator comprising a holder provided to support a printed circuit board and to cover at least a portion of the light guide member to prevent light from leaking through the gap between the cover and the door.

2. In Paragraph 1, The first surface of the printed circuit board on which the above-mentioned at least one light source is mounted is arranged to face a first direction, and The above at least one light source is a refrigerator spaced apart from the indicator and the first direction and the second direction perpendicular to the first direction inside the cover.

3. In Paragraph 2, The light guide member comprises a first portion extending along the first direction and a second portion extending along the second direction. The above second part is a refrigerator including the indicator.

4. In Paragraph 3, A refrigerator in which the holder is provided to cover at least a portion of the first part and the second part of the light guide member between the door and the light guide member.

5. In Paragraph 3, The light guide member further includes an injection part extending in the second direction from one end of the second part, and A refrigerator comprising a holder having an injection part inserted therein and an injection hole that exposes the injection part to the outside of the holder.

6. In Paragraph 5, A refrigerator in which the holder and the light guide member are integrally formed by first injecting the holder and secondarily injecting the light guide member through the injection hole.

7. In Paragraph 2, The above touch sensing device is, A touch sensor mounted on the above printed circuit board, and A refrigerator further comprising a conductive member provided between the indicator and the printed circuit board to electrically connect the indicator and the touch sensor.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above-mentioned conductive member is, A block body having a first stage disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the indicator and a second stage disposed adjacent to the printed circuit board, extending in the first direction from the first stage toward the second stage, and A refrigerator comprising a transparent electrode provided on the outer surface of the block body and configured to be electrically connected to the touch sensor.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above at least one light source is a refrigerator spaced apart from the second stage of the block body in the second direction.

10. In Paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the light guide member is configured to reflect a portion of the light incident on the light guide member and transmit another portion. A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned holder is configured to block a portion of the light incident on the holder and reflect another portion.

11. In Paragraph 10, The light guide member is composed of a translucent resin, and The above holder is a refrigerator comprising a white-colored opaque resin.

12. In Paragraph 8, The above block body is a refrigerator comprising at least one of porous foam, silicone rubber, and glass through which light reflected along the interior of the light guide member passes.

13. In Paragraph 2, The above holder is a refrigerator comprising a plurality of support protrusions arranged to support a second surface opposite to the first surface of the printed circuit board.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above holder further includes a coupling projection provided to be inserted into a coupling hole formed in the cover, and A refrigerator in which the holder is coupled to the cover by inserting the coupling projection into the coupling hole.

15. In Paragraph 1, The above cover includes a cover hole corresponding to the shape and size of the indicator, and The above indicator is a refrigerator that is part of the light guide member arranged to be inserted into the above cover hole.

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