Refrigerator having a transparent door

A refrigerator includes: a cabinet; a door; an out plate that defines an outer appearance of the door and a plate opening; a door liner that defines a rear surface of the door and a liner opening; a transparent display assembly that is located between the door liner and the out plate and that allows the storage space to be seen therethrough and a screen to be outputted; a PCB provided on the inner side of the door and connected to the transparent display assembly; a display PCB provided at the cabinet and configured to control the transparent display assembly; a cable connecting the transparent display assembly and the PCB and having a flat shape that extends along a circumference of the transparent display assembly; and a connection cable connecting the PCB and the display PCB and having a wire shape that penetrates the door.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/KR2017/013852, filed on Nov. 29, 2017, which claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2016-0160178, filed on Nov. 29, 2016. The disclosures of the prior applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, refrigerators are home appliances for storing foods at a low temperature in a storage space that is covered by a door. For this, refrigerators cool the inside of the storage space by using cool air generated by being heat-exchanged with a refrigerant circulated through a refrigeration cycle to store foods in an optimum state.

In recent years, refrigerators have become increasingly multi-functional with changes of dietary lives and gentrification of products, and refrigerators having various structures and convenience devices for convenience of users and for efficient use of internal spaces have been released.

The storage space of the refrigerator may be opened/closed by the door. Also, refrigerators may be classified into various types according to an arranged configuration of the storage space and a structure of the door for opening and closing the storage space.

In general, the refrigerator has a problem in that when the door is not opened, internal food may not be identified. That is, the door should be opened to identify whether desired food is received in a space in the refrigerator or in a separate storage space provided in the door. Further, when a user does not exactly know where the food is stored, an opening time of the door may increase or the number of times the door is opened may increase. At this time, unnecessary outflow of cold air may occur.

In recent years, to solve such a limitation, a refrigerator has been developed while allows a portion of a door thereof to be transparent or allows the inside thereof to be visible from the outside.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which at least a portion of a refrigerator door is selectively transparent by user's manipulation to allow the user to see the inside of the refrigerator even though the refrigerator door is closed, and simultaneously, to selectively output a screen.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which a see-through part constituting a portion of a door is capable of being transparent or opaque or outputting a screen according to selective turn-on/off of a door light or a display light.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which a PCB and a cable connected to the PCB are disposed in a door, which is capable of seeing through the inside of the refrigerator by a transparent display assembly, without being exposed through the transparent display.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which is capable of preventing a display and PCBs for driving the display within a door from being damaged and also insulating the inside of the refrigerator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which a PCB connected to electronic components is easily assembled and mounted in a door.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which a plurality of electronic components in a door are simply connected to a control unit of a main body.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which a door has a compact structure through arrangement and connection of wires connected to electronic components of a transparent display assembly provided in the door.

Technical Solution

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a refrigerator including: a cabinet defining a storage space; a door configured to open and close the storage space; an out plate defining an outer appearance of a front surface of the door and having a plate opening; a door liner defining an outer appearance of a rear surface of the door and having a liner opening; a transparent display assembly which is disposed between the door line and the out plate to cover the plate opening and the liner opening and through which the storage space is visible, and a screen is outputted; a PCB disposed inside the door and connected to the transparent display assembly; a display PCB provided on the cabinet to control an operation of the transparent display assembly; a cable configured to connect the transparent display assembly to the PCB and provided in a flat shape so as to be disposed along a circumference of the transparent display assembly; and a connection cable configured to connect the PCB to the display PCB and provided in a wire shape to pass through the door.

An adaptor configured to supply power to the transparent display assembly may be further provided in the cabinet.

The number of connection cables may be less than that of cables.

The connection cable may extend along a hinge for rotation of the door.

The transparent display assembly may include a touch sensor, a display, and a display light configured to illuminate a light guide plate disposed at a rear side of the display, which are provided in the transparent display assembly.

The transparent display assembly may include a source PCB connected to the display, and the cable may include a display cable configured to connect the source PCB and the PCB.

The display cable may be bent to contact an outer surface of the transparent display assembly and extend toward the PCB.

The cable may include a touch cable configured to connect the touch sensor to the PCB, and the touch cable may pass through a circumferential surface of the transparent display assembly and be connected to the PCB.

The display light may be disposed inside the transparent display assembly, and the cable may include a display light cable configured to connect the display light to the PCB.

A protrusion protruding outward may be disposed on a circumference of a panel defining a front surface of the transparent display assembly, and the display light cable may be disposed along the protrusion.

The refrigerator may further include a door light disposed on a rear surface of the door to illuminate a rear space of the door.

The PCB may include: a touch PCB connected to the touch sensor through the cable; a T-CON board connected to the display through the cable; and a docking PCB connected to at least one of the touch PCB and the T-CON board and connected to the connection cable.

The docking PCB may be disposed to be spaced apart from at least one of the touch PCB and the T-CON board in a thickness direction of the door.

A connector connected to the cable may be provided on the PCB, and the connector may be disposed at a position corresponding to an extension direction of the cable and an insertion direction of the PCB.

An opening through which the cable is exposed and into which the PCB is inserted may be defined in a circumference of the door, and an insulation material provided on the circumference of the door may be disposed in a space except for a space between the opening and the transparent display assembly.

The opening may be defined in a cap decor defining a top or bottom surface of the door, and a decor cover configured to cover the opening is further provided on the cap decor, and a PCB mounting part inserted into the opening in the state in which the PCB is mounted may be disposed on the decor cover.

The opening may be defined in the door liner disposed on each of both left and right sides of the transparent display assembly, and the PCB may be provided in plurality, which are continuously vertically disposed along a side direction of the door.

A hinge mounting part into which a hinge shaft of the door is inserted may be disposed on a top surface of the door, and a wire hole that is opened so that the connection cable passes therethrough may be defined in one side of the hinge mounting part.

The connection cable may be guided to outside of the door by passing through a hinge shaft of the door.

Also, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cabinet defining a storage space; a door configured to open and close the storage space; a door liner defining an outer appearance of a rear surface of the door and having a liner opening of which a center is opened to communicate with the inside of the refrigerator; a transparent display assembly which covers the liner opening, through which the storage space is visible, and a screen is outputted, and which defines an outer appearance of an entire front surface of the door; an opening defined in a circumferential surface of the door to communicate with an end of the transparent display assembly; a cover configured to cover the opening: a PCB disposed between the opening and the transparent display assembly and connected to the transparent display assembly; an additional display PCB disposed in the cabinet to control the transparent display assembly; a flat cable configured to connect the transparent display assembly and the PCB inside the opening and extending along a circumference of the transparent display; and a connection cable configured to connect the PCB to the display PCB and provided in a wire shape so to be accessible to pass through the door.

Advantageous Effects

The following effects may be expected in the refrigerator according to the proposed embodiments of the present invention.

In the refrigerator according to the embodiments of the present invention, the see-through part that sees the accommodation space may be provided in the door. The see-through part may include the transparent display and be selectively transparent or opaque according to the turn-on/off of the door light and the display light. Thus, the user may confirm the accommodation space through the see-through part by the user's manipulation without opening the door to improve the user's convenience and reduce the power consumption.

Also, in the see-through part, the display may operate according to the user's manipulation to display various screens and thereby to provide various information for the user's convenience and allow the user to input the manipulation thereof, thereby improving the user's convenience.

Also, the cables connected to the electric components of the transparent display assembly may have the flexible structure as the flat type cable. Thus, the cables may easily access between the transparent display assembly having the structure in which the plurality of panels are laminated, and the airtight state may be maintained.

Also, the cables may be bent and thus closely attached to the circumference of the transparent display assembly. Thus, the door may have the compact structure, and the interface with the insulation material may be minimized.

Also, the PCB for controlling the electric components of the transparent display assembly may be disposed at the upper, lower, or left/right sides of the transparent display assembly, in addition, since the cables connected to the PCB are also disposed along the circumference of the transparent display assembly, the PCB or the cables may not be exposed to the outside through the transparent display assembly. That is, the inside of the refrigerator may be seen through the transparent display assembly that is capable of outputting the screen, here, the interference with the PCB or the cables may be prevented.

Also, the PCBs may be connected to the cables that are exposed through the opening of the door. Thus, the PCBs may be mounted after the foaming for molding the insulation material in the door is performed to prevent the PCBs from being damaged by the foaming heat or static electricity.

Also, the PCB may have one side connected to the plurality of flat type cables and the other side connected to the wire type cable. Thus, the wire type cable may be guided outward from the inside of the door and then connected to the control unit disposed in the cabinet. Thus, the flat type cables connected to the plurality of electronic components may not pass through the door. As a result, the lead-out structure of the cable to the outside of the door may be simplified, and even though the door is repeatedly opened and closed, the cable may be prevented from being short-circuited or damaged.

Also, the cable passing through the door may have the wire structure and be configured to have the number smaller than the number of flat cables. Thus, the cable having the wire shape may pass through the hinge and then be guided to the outside of the door.

Also, the connector may be provided in the PCB to allow the flat type cable exposed through the opening of the door to be easily inserted into and mounted on the connector, thereby improving the workability in assembly of the PCB.

Here, number of connectors passing through the door or the hinge may be less than that of connectors to which the flat cables within the door are connected, to minimize the size of the hole through which the wire-shaped cables passing through the door or the hinge pass.

In addition, the PCB for controlling the operation of the door and/or the transparent display assembly may be provided in the door, and the additional display assembly connected to the PCB may be provided in the cabinet. Thus, the constituents of the PCB provided in the door may be minimized, and also, the number of wires connected to the PCB may be minimized to maximally expand the space in which the transparent display assembly is disposed. Therefore, the visible area of the accommodation space may be more expanded.

Also, the plurality of PCBs for driving the transparent display assembly and the door light may be provided and then connected to each other in the same space so as to be modularized, thereby improving the assemblability of the door and the transparent display assembly.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, detailed embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to proposed embodiments of the present invention, and other regressive inventions or other embodiments included in the scope of the spirits of the present disclosure may be easily proposed through addition, change, deletion, and the like of other elements.

FIG. 1is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Also,FIG. 2is a perspective view of the refrigerator.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator1according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet10defining a storage space and a door that opens or closes the storage space. Here, an outer appearance of the refrigerator1may be defined by the cabinet10and the door.

The inside of the cabinet10is partitioned into upper and lower portions by a barrier (seeFIG. 11). A refrigerating compartment12may be defined in the upper portion of the cabinet10, and a freezing compartment13may be defined in the lower portion of the cabinet10.

Also, a control unit14for controlling an overall operation of the refrigerator1may be disposed on a top surface of the cabinet10. The control unit14may be configured to control a cooling operation of the refrigerator as well as electric components for selective viewing and screen output of a see-through part21.

The door may include a refrigerating compartment door and a freezing compartment door30. The refrigerating compartment door20may be opened and closed by rotating an opened front surface of the refrigerating compartment12, and the freezing compartment door30may be switched by rotating an opened front surface of the freezing compartment13.

Also, the refrigerating compartment door20may be provided in a pair of left and right doors. Thus, the refrigerating compartment12is covered by the pair of doors. The freezing compartment door30may be provided in a pair of left and right doors. Thus, the freezing compartment13may be opened and closed by the pair of doors. Alternatively, the freezing compartment door30may be withdrawable in a draw type as necessary and provided as one or more doors.

Although a refrigerator in which, a French type door in which a pair of doors rotate to open and close one space is applied to a bottom freezer type refrigerator in which the freezing compartment13is provided at a lower portion, is described as an example in this embodiment, the present invention may be applied to all types of refrigerators including door without being limited to shapes of the refrigerators.

Also, recessed handle grooves201and301may be provided in a lower end of the refrigerating compartment door20and an upper end of the freezing compartment door30. A user may insert a his/her hand into the handle groove201or301to open and close the refrigerating compartment door20or the freezing compartment door30.

At least one door may be provided so that the interior of the refrigerator is visible through the door. A see-through part21that is an area, through which the storage space in the rear surface of the door and/or the inside of the refrigerator are seen, may be provided in the refrigerating compartment door20. The see-through part21may constitute at least a portion of a front surface of the refrigerating compartment door20. The see-through part21may be selectively transparent or opaque according to user's manipulation. Thus, foods accommodated in the refrigerator may be accurately identified through the see-through part21.

Also, although the structure in which the see-through part21is provided in the refrigerating compartment door20is described as an example in this embodiment of the present invention, the see-through part21may be provided in different types of refrigerator doors such as the freezing compartment door30according to a structure and configuration of the refrigerator.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of the refrigerator with a sub door opened. Also,FIG. 4is a perspective view of the refrigerator with a main door opened.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the refrigerating compartment door20, which is disposed at the right side (when viewed inFIG. 3), of the pair of refrigerating compartment doors20may be doubly opened and closed. In detail, the refrigerating compartment door20, which is disposed at the right side, may include a main door40that opening and closing the refrigerating compartment12and a sub door50rotatably disposed on the main door40to open and close an opening defined in the main door40.

The main door40may have the same size as that of the refrigerating compartment door20, which is disposed at the left side (when viewed inFIG. 1), of the pair of refrigerating compartment doors20. The main door40may be rotatably mounted on the cabinet10by an upper hinge401and a lower hinge402to open at least a portion of the refrigerating compartment door12.

Also, an opening41that is opened with a predetermined size is defined in the main door40. A door basket431may be mounted on the rear surface of the main door40as well as the inside of the opening41. Here, the opening41may have a size that occupies most of the front surface of the main door40except for a portion of a circumference of the main door40.

Also, a main gasket45may be disposed on a circumference of the rear surface of the main door40to prevent cool air within an internal space of the cabinet10from leaking when the main door40is opened.

The sub door50may be rotatably mounted on the front surface of the main door40to open and close the opening41. Thus, the sub door50may be opened to expose the opening41.

The sub door50may have the same size as the main door40to shield the entire front surface of the main door40. Also, when the sub door50is closed, the main door40and the sub door50may be coupled to each other to provide the same size and configuration as those of the left refrigerating compartment door20. Also, a sub gasket503may be disposed on the rear surface of the sub door50to seal a gap between the main door40and the sub door50.

A transparent display assembly60that selectively sees the inside and outputs a screen may be disposed at a center of the sub door50. Thus, even though the sub door50is closed, the inside of the opening41may be selectively visible, and also an image inside the opening41may be outputted. The see-through part21may be a portion of the sub door50, through which the inside of the refrigerator1is seen. However, the see-through part21may not necessarily match the entirety of the transparent display assembly60.

The transparent display assembly60may be configured to be selectively transparent or opaque according to user's manipulation. Thus, only when the user desires, the transparent display assembly60may be transparent so that the interior of the refrigerator1is visualized, otherwise, be maintained in the opaque state. Also, the transparent display assembly60may output a screen in the transparent or opaque state.

A sub upper hinge501and a sub lower hinge502may be respectively provided on upper and lower ends of the sub door50so that the sub door50is rotatably mounted on the front surface of the main door40. Also, an opening device59may be provided on the sub-door50. A locking unit42may be provided on the main door40to correspond to the opening device59. Thus, the sub door50may be maintained in the closed state by the coupling between the opening device59and the locking unit42. When the coupling between the opening device59and the locking unit42is released by manipulation of the opening device59, the sub door50may be opened with respect to the main door40.

Also, a damping device504may be provided on a lower end of the sub door50. The damping device504may be disposed on edges of the lower end and lateral end of the sub door50, which are adjacent to the sub lower hinge502, so that an impact is damped when the sub door50having a relatively heavy weight by the transparent display assembly60is closed.

An accommodation case43may be provided in the rear surface of the main door40. A plurality of door baskets431may be disposed on the accommodation case43, and a case door432may be provided on the accommodation case43.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of the sub-door when viewed from a front side.FIG. 6is a perspective view of the sub door when viewed from the rear side. Also,FIG. 7is an exploded perspective view of the sub-door.

As illustrated in the drawings, the sub door50may include an out plate51defining an outer appearance of the sub door50, a door liner56mounted to be spaced apart from the out plate51, the transparent display assembly60mounted on an opening of the out plate51and the door liner56, and upper and lower cap decors54and55defining the top and bottom surfaces of the sub door50. The above-described constituents may be coupled to define the whole outer appearance of the sub door50.

The out plate51may constitute an outer appearance of the front surface of the sub-door50and a portion of a peripheral surface of the sub-door50and be made of a stainless steel material. The out plate51may constitute a portion of the outer appearance of the sub-door50as well as the front surface of the sub-door50. Also, the out plate51may be made of the same material of the front surface of each of the refrigerating compartment door20and the freezing compartment door30. Various surface treatments such as coating or film attachment so as to realize anti-fingerprint coating, hair lines, colors, or patterns may be performed on the front surface of the out plate51.

The out plate51may include a front part512defining the outer appearance of the front surface and a side part513defining an outer appearance of the side surface that is exposed to the outside. Also, a plate opening511may be defined at a center of the front part512. Here, the plate opening511may be covered by the transparent display assembly60. Also, since the inside of the refrigerator1is seen through the transparent display assembly60covering the plate opening511, the inside of the plate opening511is called the see-through part21.

The front part512may have a curvature that gradually decreases outward from a central side of the refrigerator1as a whole. The front part512may be rounded to correspond to the front surface of the refrigerating compartment door20, which is adjacent to the front part512. Thus, the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator1may be three-dimensionally viewed as a whole.

Also, an opening bent part514that is bent backward may be disposed on a circumferential surface of the plate opening511. The opening bent part514may be disposed along a circumference of the plate opening511and extend by a predetermined length so as to be inserted into and fixed to an inner frame52that will be described below. Thus, the plate opening511may be defined by the opening bent part514.

The side part513that is bent backward may be disposed on each of both ends of the front part512. The side part513may define an outer appearance of the side surface of the sub door50. Also, an end of the side part513may also be bent inward to be coupled to the door liner56.

Upper and lower ends of the out plate51may also be bent to be coupled to the upper cap decor54and the lower cap decor55. Thus, the out plate51may define the outer appearance of the sub door50by being coupled to the door liner56and the upper and lower cap decors54and55.

The door liner56defines the rear surface of the sub door50and has a door liner opening561in the area on which the transparent display assembly60is disposed. Also, a sub gasket503for sealing a gap between the sub door50and the main door40may be mounted on the rear surface of the door liner56.

Also, a door light57may be provided on each of both sides of the door liner opening561. The door light57may illuminate the rear surface of the sub door50and a rear side of the transparent display assembly60.

Thus, the door light57may illuminate an inner space of the accommodation case43, and simultaneously, serve as an auxiliary backlight function of the transparent display assembly60to more clearly output a screen of the transparent display assembly60. When the door light57is turned on, the inside of the accommodation case43may be illuminated, and thus, the inside of the refrigerator1may be more illuminated than the outside of the refrigerator1so that the inside of the refrigerator1may be visualized through the transparent display assembly60.

The door light57may be disposed on both sides of the transparent display assembly60in directions facing each other. The mounted position of the door light57may variously vary as long as the door light57has sufficient brightness at the rear side of the sub door.

Also, the opening device59may be mounted on the door liner56. The opening device59may include a manipulation member591exposed to the lower end of the sub-door50, a load592extending from the manipulation member591, and a locking member593protruding from the rear surface of the door liner56. The user may manipulate the manipulation member591to allow the load592to move the locking member593so that the sub-door50is selectively restricted by the main door40and also to manipulate the opening and closing of the sub-door50.

The upper cap decor54may define a top surface of the sub door50and be coupled to upper ends of the out plate51and the door liner56. Also, a sub upper hinge mounting part541may be disposed on one end of the upper cap decor54, and a hinge hole541ainto which a hinge shaft of the upper hinge401is inserted may be defined in the sub upper hinge mounting part541. A structure of the upper cap decor54will be described below in more detail.

The lower cap decor55may define a bottom surface of the sub door50and be coupled to lower ends of the out plate51and the door liner56.

The transparent display assembly60may be disposed between the out plate51and the door liner56. Also, the transparent display assembly60may be configured to cover the plate opening511and the door liner opening561. Also, the transparent display assembly60may be selectively manipulated to one state of transparent, translucent, opaque, and screen output states by the user.

Thus, the user may selectively see through the inner space of the sub door50through the transparent display assembly60and see the screen outputted through the transparent display assembly60.

The inner frame52for supporting the transparent display assembly60is mounted on a circumference of the plate opening511of the out plate51. The transparent display assembly60may be fixed and mounted on the out plate51by the inner frame52. Particularly, a front surface of the out plate51and the front surface of the transparent display assembly60may be disposed on the same extension line so that the front surface of the sub door50has a sense of unity.

A frame opening521is defined at a center of the inner frame52. The frame opening521has a size somewhat less than that of the plate opening511and has a structure in which the transparent display assembly60is seated thereon. Also, the frame opening521may have a size less than that of the front panel61and greater than that of the rear panel65. Thus, when the transparent display assembly60is mounted, the rear panel65may successively pass through the plate opening511and the frame opening521and then be seated on the door liner56.

Also, the inner frame52may have a coupling structure with the out plate51. Here, the out plate51and an end of the transparent display assembly60may be mounted on the inner frame52in a state in which the out plate51and the end of the transparent display assembly60are closely attached to each other.

Also,FIG. 8is a partial perspective view illustrating an upper portion of the inner frame when viewed from a front side according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Also,FIG. 9is a partial perspective view of the upper portion of the inner frame when viewed from a rear side.

As illustrated in the drawings, the inner frame52has a rectangular frame shape, and the frame opening521is defined in the center of the inner frame52. Also, the inner frame52has a predetermined width to fix the out plate51and also support the transparent display assembly60.

That is, the front surface of the inner frame52may have a portion coming into contact with the rear surface of the out plate51and the other portion supporting a rear portion of the front panel61defining the front surface of the transparent display assembly60.

In detail, the inner frame52may include a plate support part525, a plate accommodation groove526, a front panel support part528, and a heater accommodation groove529as a whole.

The plate support part525may define the outermost portion of the inner frame52and have a flat front surface. Also, the plate support part525may be closely attached to the rear surface of the out plate51. That is, a circumference of the outermost portion of the inner frame52may support the rear surface of the out plate51and adhere to the rear surface of the out plate51by an adhesion member692or a member for adhesion such as a double-sided tape.

The plate support part525may be disposed on all of an upper frame522, a lower frame523, and side frames524, which constitute the inner frame52, and be disposed along the circumference of the inner frame52to define an outer appearance of the inner frame52.

The plate accommodation groove526may be recessed from an end of the plate support part525and inserted into the opening bent part514that is bent along the opening of the out plate51.

Thus, in a state in which the out plate51adheres to the upper frame522, the opening bent part514may be in the state of being inserted into the plate accommodation groove526. Also, the opening bent part514may come into contact with the end of the transparent display assembly60in the state of being inserted into the plate accommodation groove526and thus be closely attached between the out plate51and the front surface of the transparent display assembly60without generating a gap.

The plate accommodation groove526may be defined in the side frames524and the lower frame523except for the upper frame522. Also, the opening bent part514, which defines the upper end, of the plate opening511may be closely attached to an inner end of the upper frame522so that the whole of the opening bent part514of the out plate51may be supported by the inner frame52.

Also, a guide rib527may be disposed on an end that connects the plate support part525to the bottom of the plate accommodation groove526. The guide rib527guides the opening bent part514so that the opening bent part514is maintained in an accurate position in the state in which the opening bent part514, which is inserted into the plate accommodation groove526, is inserted into the plate accommodation groove526.

The guide rib527may protrude to come into contact with an inner surface of the opening bent part514and extend to a direction that crosses perpendicular to the extension direction of the opening bent part514. A plurality of guide ribs527may be disposed adjacent to each other. As illustrated in the drawing, three guide ribs527may be successively disposed adjacent to each other, and in this structure, the guide ribs527may be disposed at a predetermined interval to entirely support the opening bent part514along the circumference of the opening bent part514.

The guide rib527may extend from one side of the inner surface of the plate accommodation groove526to the bottom surface of the plate accommodation groove526. Also, the guide rib527may protrude more and more from a position that is close to the plate support part525to form an inclined part527ahaving inclination. Thus, when the opening bent part514is inserted into the plate accommodation groove526, the opening bent part514may be inserted along the inclined part527a.

Also, a vertical part527bmay be disposed on an end of the inclined part527a. The vertical part527bmay come into contact with the inner surface of the opening bent part514to support the opening bent part514. Thus, the opening bent part514may be supported by the vertical part527bin the state in which the opening bent part514is completely inserted into the plate accommodation groove526.

A front panel support part528may be disposed at an inner side of the plate accommodation groove526. The front panel support part528may support the rear surface of the front panel61that defines the front surface of the transparent display assembly60. The front panel support part528may be disposed at a rear side of the plate support part525and be stepped with respect to the plate support part525.

An adhesion member693such as a double-sided tape may be attached to a front surface of the front panel support part528, or an adhesive may be applied to the front surface of the front panel support part528to adhere to the rear surface of the front panel61. Here, a height difference between the front panel support part528and the plate support part525may correspond to a thickness of the front panel61. Thus, a stepped portion or a gap may not occur in the front surface of the sub door50. Also, an outer end of the transparent display assembly60and an end of the plate opening511of the out plate51may be disposed on the same plane so that the entire front surface of the sub door50has a sense of unity without being stepped. Also, the front panel support part528may also be disposed along the side frames524and the lower frame523except for the upper frame522.

A heater accommodation groove529may be defined in the front panel support part528. The heater accommodation groove529may heat the circumference of the transparent display assembly60coming into the contact with the front panel support part528to prevent dew from being generated on the transparent display assembly60and be disposed along the front panel support part528.

The heater accommodation groove529may have a shape corresponding to that of a heater532. The heater accommodation groove529may completely accommodate the heater532so that the rear surface of the front panel61seated on the front panel support part529when the front panel61is mounted. Here, the heater632may come into contact with the rear surface of the front panel61.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, a frame barrier520may be disposed on an upper end of the upper frame522. The frame barrier520may partition the inside of the sub door50, which is provided above the upper frame522, into front and rear sides and extend from the rear surface of the upper frame522to the upper cap decor54.

In more detail, the frame barrier520may include an extension part520aextending backward from the rear surface of the upper frame522and a barrier part520bextending upward from an end of the extension part520a.

The extension part520amay extend from an inner end of the upper frame522, which define the frame opening521. The out plate51may be away from the barrier part520baccording to an extending length of the extension part520ato provide a space, in which an insulation material531is foamed and filled, between the out plate51and the barrier part520b.

The barrier part520bmay connect the extending end of the extension part520ato the bottom surface of the upper cap decor54to partition the upper end of the sub door50into front and rear portions. Thus, the front space of the barrier part520bmay be an insulation space in which the insulation material531is provided. Also, PCBs for controlling the electric components within the sub door50such as the transparent display assembly60, the door light57, and the heater532may be disposed in the rear space of the barrier part520b.

An insertion rib520cthat is inserted into a barrier coupling part541edisposed on the bottom surface of the upper cap decor54may protrude from the upper end of the barrier part520b. Thus, the barrier part520bmay be maintained in the state of being firmly fixed by the coupling with the bottom surface of the upper cap decor54and allow the front portion and the rear portion of the upper portion of the sub door50to be completely partitioned from each other.

Also, a hinge avoiding part520dfor avoiding an interference with a sub upper hinge501for the rotation of the sub door50may be further disposed on one end of the upper end of the barrier part520b. The hinge avoiding part520dmay be disposed on one end of the barrier part520dand define a space protruding forward.

The PCB may be disposed in the upper space of the sub door50, i.e., disposed in a space between the front barrier520and the door liner56. As occasion demands, at least a portion of the upper cap decor54may be opened so that heat generated from the PCB is released to the outside of the sub door50.

FIG. 10is a perspective view of the transparent display assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Also,FIG. 11is an exploded perspective view of the transparent display assembly. Also,FIG. 12is a cross-sectional view of the transparent display assembly.

As illustrated in the drawings, the transparent display assembly60may have a size that is enough to cover the plate opening511and the liner opening561inside the sub door50. Also, the see-through part21may be provided in the transparent display assembly60so that the inner space of the refrigerator is selectively seen, and a screen is outputted.

In more detail with respect to the transparent display assembly60, the transparent display assembly60may have an outer appearance that is defined by the front panel61and the rear panel65, which define the front and rear surfaces of the transparent display assembly60, and an outer spacer (module frame)67connecting the front panel61to the rear panel65.

Also, a display62and a light guide plate64may be disposed between the front panel61and the rear panel65. In addition, a spacer63for supporting the display62and the light guide plate64may be further provided, and a display light68for emitting light to the light guide plate64may be provided.

In more detail, the front panel61may be made of a transparent glass material (e.g., blue glass) that defines an outer appearance of the front surface of the transparent display assembly60. The front panel61may be made of a different material through which the inside of the front panel61is seen, and a touch input is enabled.

The front panel61may have a size greater than that of the plate opening511and be supported by the inner frame52. That is, when the transparent display assembly60is assembled and mounted from the rear side, a circumferential portion of the front panel61may be supported by the rear surface of the inner frame52.

In detail, a front protrusion613that further protrudes outward than the rear panel65may be disposed on the front panel61. The front protrusion may have a length greater than that of the rear panel65in all directions. Also, the front panel61defining the front surface of the transparent display assembly60may further extend outward from the plate opening511and then be stably fixed and mounted on the inner frame52due to characteristics of the transparent display assembly60mounted on at the rear side of the out plate51.

Thus, when the transparent display assembly60is mounted, each of the extending ends of the front panel61, i.e., the front protrusion613may be supported by the inner frame52, and thus, the transparent display assembly60may be stably maintained in the mounted state without being separated.

A bezel611may be disposed on a periphery of the rear surface of the front panel61. The bezel611may be printed with a black color and have a predetermined width so that the outer spacer67and the spacer63are covered without being exposed to the outside.

Also, the heater532may be disposed along the bezel611. Thus, the heater532may heat the circumference of the front panel61adjacent to the out plate51while being covered by the bezel611without being exposed to the outside to prevent dew from being generated on the front surface of the front panel61.

A touch sensor612may be disposed on an inner area of the bezel611. The touch sensor612may be formed on the rear surface of the front panel61in a printing manner and be configured to detect user's touch manipulation of the front panel61. Alternatively, the touch sensor612may be formed in various manners such as a film adhesion manner, rather than the printing manner, so that the user touches the front panel61to perform the touch input.

A touch cable601connected to the touch sensor612may be disposed on the upper end of the front panel61. The touch cable601may be provided as a flexible film type cable such as a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible print cable or flexible print circuit board (FPC). A printed circuit may be printed on the touch cable601to constitute at least a portion of a touch PCB603. Also, the touch cable601may be connected to the touch PCB603that will be described below in detail.

The display62may be disposed on the rear surface of the front panel61. The display62may be provided as an LCD module for outputting a screen. Also, the display62may be transparent so that the user sees the inside through the display62when the screen is not outputted.

A source board621may be disposed on one end of both left and right sides of the display62. The source board621may be configured to output a screen through the display62and provided as one assembly with the display62. Also, a portion of the source board621may include the flexible film type cable structure and extend upward along a side surface of the transparent display assembly60in the bent state.

Also, the source board621may have a width less than a thickness of the transparent assembly60and be bent while the transparent display assembly60is assembled. Here, a position at which the source board621is disposed may be defined between the inside of the outer spacer67and the spacer63and come into contact with an inner surface of the outer spacer67in the bent state.

Also, the source board621may be connected to a display cable605. The display cable605may be connected to a T-CON board623at an upper portion of the sub-door50.

In detail, when the source board621is disposed on the rear surface of the display62, the source board621may be exposed to the outside through the see-through part21due to the characteristics of the display62that is transparent. Also, when the source board621has a structure that protrudes laterally, the sub-door50may increase in size.

Thus, the source board621may be disposed on an end of a circumferential side of the display62and bent to come into contact with the inner surface of the outer spacer67inside the outer spacer67. Also, the source board621may have a size corresponding to that of the outer spacer67without getting out of a region of the outer spacer67in a state of being closely attached to the outer spacer67.

The source board621may be constituted by two upper and lower boards621and respectively connected to the pair of display cables605. The display cable605may have a flexible and flat structure like the touch cable601and also have a structure that is freely bendable.

The display cable605may extend along the circumferential surface of the transparent display assembly60and pass through a sealant691defining the side surface of the transparent display assembly60to extend to the outside of the transparent display assembly60.

Also, the display cable605may be bent to extend along the circumferential surface of the transparent display assembly60, i.e., be bent so that an end thereof extends upward from the transparent display assembly60. Thus, the display cable605may be coupled to the T-CON board602at the upper side of the sub-door50.

Both ends of the display62may be supported by the spacer63. The spacer63may have a rod shape that extending from an upper end to the lower end of the display62and be constituted by a first spacer631and a second spacer632.

The light guide plate64may be disposed at a rear side of the display and disposed to be spaced a predetermined distance from the display62by the first spacer631and the second spacer632. There may be a difference in depth feeling of the screen outputted from the display62according to the position of the light guide plate64.

Thus, the light guide plate64may be disposed further forward than an intermediate point between the front panel61and the rear panel65so that the screen outputted by the display62is felt closer to the front panel61. As a result, a height of each of the first spacer631and the second spacer632may be determined.

The light guide plate64may diffuse or scatter light emitted from the display light68and be made of various materials. For example, the light guide plate64may be made of a polymer material or formed by forming a pattern or attaching a film on a surface thereof. The light guide plate64may illuminate the display62from the rear side of the display62when the display light68is turned on. For this, the light guide plate64may have a plate shape having a size equal to or somewhat greater than that of the display62. The display light68may be disposed at a position corresponding to each of upper and lower ends of the light guide plate64.

The rear panel65may be disposed at a rear side of the light guide plate64. The rear panel65may define the rear surface of the transparent display assembly60and have a size greater than that of the light guide plate and less than that of the front panel61. Also, the rear panel65may have a size greater than that of the liner opening561to shield the liner opening561.

A circumference of the rear panel65may further protrude outward from the outer spacer67to provide a rear panel protrusion651. The rear panel protrusion651may be seated on the door liner56when the transparent display assembly60is mounted and provide a space in which a foaming solution is filled when the insulation material531is molded in the sub door50.

The rear panel65may be made of low-c glass to realize thermal insulation. A low radiation coating layer may be formed on a surface of glass for general insulation to form the low-c glass, and thus, the low-c glass may have excellent thermal insulation. As a result, the rear panel65may prevent heat of cool air within the refrigerator from being transferred to the outside through the transparent display assembly60.

A spacer66may be disposed between the rear panel65and the light guide plate64. The spacer66may have a rectangular frame shape disposed along a circumference of the light guide plate64and adhere to the light guide plate64and the rear panel64to maintain a predetermined distance between the light guide plate64and the rear panel65.

The distance between the front panel61and the light guide plate64may be maintained in fixed distance so as to output the screen of the display62. Also, the distance between the light guide plate64and the rear panel65may be determined according to a thickness of the sub door50or the total thickness of the transparent display assembly60. That is, the spacer66may be adjusted in thickness to determine the total thickness of the transparent display assembly60so as to be mounted to match a specification of the sub door50.

The rear panel65may come into contact with the door light57. Thus, a distance between the display62and the door light57may be determined according to the position of the rear panel65. The door light57may serve as an auxiliary backlight of the display62in the turn-on state.

In detail, a distance between the display62and the door light58may range from about 5 cm to about 15 cm. When the distance between the display62and the door light57is less than about 5 cm, a shade may occur. When the distance between the display62and the door light57exceeds about 5 cm, the door light may not serve as the backlight. Thus, to maintain the distance between the display62and the door light57, the rear panel65may also be maintained to be spaced a predetermined distance from the display62, and thus, the width of the spacer66may be determined.

A gap between the light guide plate64and the rear panel65may be sealed by the spacer66. Thus, a space between the spacer66and the light guide plate64may become to a vacuum state, or an insulative gas such as argon may be injected for the thermal insulation to more improve the thermal insulation performance.

In the state in which the rear panel65adheres to the spacer66, an outer end of the rear panel65may further extend outward from the spacer66. Also, the outer spacer67may be mounted on the outer end of the rear panel65so that the rear panel65and the front panel61are fixed to each other.

The outer spacer67may connect the rear surface of the front panel61to the front surface of the rear panel65and also define the circumferential surface of the transparent display assembly60. Also, a space in which the display light68is mounted may be provided in an inner surface of the outer spacer67.

The outer spacer67may have a rectangular frame shape. Also, the outer spacer67may have a size in which the light guide plate64and the spacer63are accommodated. Also, the display light68may be mounted on each of the upper and lower ends of the outer spacer67. The light guide plate64may be disposed between the display lights68disposed on the upper and lower ends of the outer spacer67.

Thus, light emitted through the display light68may be directed to an end of the light guide plate64and then travel along the light guide plate64so that the entire surface of the light guide plate64emits light.

The display lights68disposed on the inner upper and lower ends of the transparent display assembly60may be connected to a display light cable606. The display light cable606may have a flexible and flat shape like the touch cable601and the display cable605.

The display light cable606may be connected to the display light68that is mounted inside the outer spacer67to extend to the outside of the transparent display assembly60through the sealant691.

Also, the display light cable606may extend along the circumference of the transparent display62so that the display light cable606is not exposed through the transparent display62. Also, the display light cable606may extend upward in a state of being closely attached to the rear surface of the rear panel65. As occasion demands, the display light cable606may be bent in the state of adhering to the rear surface of the rear panel65and then may be connected to a docking PCB604disposed on the upper portion of the sub-door50.

Here, since the display light cable606extends in the state of being closely attached to a rear surface of the rear protrusion651of the rear panel65, when the sub door50is viewed from the outside, the display light cable606may not be exposed through the transparent display assembly60.

The sealant691may be applied to the circumference of the outer spacer67. The sealant691may be applied to form the circumferential surface of the transparent display assembly60. That is, the sealant691may form a circumferential surface between the front panel61and the rear panel65.

The sealant691may seal the transparent display assembly60to prevent air from being introduced into the transparent display assembly60and be made of a polysulfide (that is called a Thiokol) material. As occasion demands, the sealant691may be made of a different sealant material such as silicon or urethane so that the sealant691comes into direct contact with the foaming solution that is injected to mold the insulation material531.

The sealant691may maintain the coupling of the outer spacer67, the front panel61, and the rear panel65and completely seal the connected portions of the components to prevent water or moisture from being introduced. Also, the sealant691may be a portion, which comes into directly contact with the foaming solution when the insulation material531is molded, and protect the circumference of the transparent display assembly60.

Also, the sealant691may allow cables601,605, and606connected to the touch sensor612, the display panel62, and the display light68within the transparent display assembly60to be accessible therethrough. The sealant691may cover outer surfaces of the cables601,605, and606to prevent water or moisture from being introduced through spaces through which the cables601605, and606are accessible when the cables601605, and606extent through the circumferential surface of the transparent display assembly60.

FIG. 13is an exploded perspective of a coupling structure between the cap decor and the PCB according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Also,FIG. 14is an exploded perspective view of the coupling structure between the cap decor and the PCB according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Also,FIG. 15is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure in which the PCB is mounted on the sub door. Also,FIG. 16is a cut-away perspective view illustrating an upper end of the sub door.

As illustrated in the drawings, the upper end of the sub door50may be defined by the upper cap decor54, and the upper cap decor54may be coupled to the upper end of the out plate51and the upper end of the door liner56.

For this, a plate insertion part540ainto which the upper end of the out plate51is inserted may be defined in a circumference of a front surface of the upper cap decor54. Also, a plate contact part540bcoming into contact with the rear surface of the out plate51may be disposed below the plate insertion part540a. Also, a closed space in which the insulation material531is provided may be defined by the plate contact part540band the upper end of the front surface of the inner frame52.

A liner mounting part540ccoupled to a cap decor insertion part567defined in the upper end of the door liner56may be disposed on a circumference of a rear surface of the upper cap decor54. The liner mounting part540cmay have a shape that extends downward. A lower end of the liner mounting part540cmay be inserted into the cap decor insertion part567so that the liner mounting part540cand the cap decor insertion part567are coupled to each other.

Also, the barrier coupling part541emay be disposed on the bottom surface of the upper cap decor54. The barrier coupling part541emay extend from one end to the other end of the upper cap decor54and be coupled to the insertion rib520cdisposed on the upper end of the barrier part520b. Thus, the upper cap decor54and the barrier part520bmay be coupled to each other to partition an inner upper space of the sub door50into front and rear spaces.

The insulation material531may be disposed in the front space partitioned by the barrier part520bto thermally insulate the sub door50. The PCBs602,603, and604may be disposed in the rear space partitioned by the barrier part520bto drive the plurality of electric components provided in the sub door50in addition to the transparent display assembly60.

Also, a decor opening542may be defined in a top surface of the upper cap decor54, and a decor cover543may be disposed on the decor opening542. The decor opening542may communicate with the rear space, which is defined by the barrier part520b, of the upper cap decor54. Thus, the decor cover543may be separated to open the space in which the PCBs602,603, and604are mounted.

The decor cover543may be detachably disposed on the upper cap decor54, and the PCBs602,603, and604for driving the transparent display assembly60may be mounted on the decor cover543. Thus, after the sub door50is foamed, the PCBs602,603, and604may be mounted on the decor cover543, and then the PCBs602,603, and604may be inserted and mounted through the decor opening542.

In detail, the decor cover543may be constituted by a cover part544covering the decor opening542and a PCB mounting part545on which the PCBs602,603, and604are mounted. The cover part544may have a shape corresponding to the decor opening542. Also, a screw hole544amay be defined in each of both sides of the cover part544, and then, a coupling member such as a screw may be coupled in the state in which the upper cap decor54is mounted so that the cover part covers the decor opening542.

A wire hole541bmay be defined in one side of the decor cover543, i.e., in a wall of one side of the hinge mounting part541. The wire hole541bmay be defined in one side of the PCB mounting part545to communicate with the space, in which the PCBs602,603, and604are disposed, of the spaces partitioned by the barrier part520b.

The wire hole541bmay have a size through which the connection cable607connected to the control unit14is accessible and be introduced into the cabinet10along the upper hinge401or the cover covering the upper hinge401. Thus, even when the sub door50is opened or closed, the connection cable607may pass through the sub door50and the cabinet10without interference.

The connection cable607may be a wire type cable and have a structure in which the connection cable607easily passes through the wire hole541b. Also, the connection cable607may be provided in plurality. Here, the plurality of connection cables607may be protected by a cable cover607aaccommodating the plurality of connection cables607. The cable cover608amay be provided as a shrinkable tube or a tape. Also, the plurality of connection cables607may be accessed through the wire hole541bin a state in which the plurality of connection cables607are bundled as one unit to prevent the bundle of the connection cables607from interfering with the cable cover607a.

The plurality of PCBs602,603, and604may be connected to the cables601,605, and606exposed within the decor cover543before the decor cover543is mounted on the decor opening542. In detail, in the state in which the plurality of PCBs602,603, and604are mounted on the PCB mounting part545, the cables601,605, and606may be respectively connected to the PCBs602,603, and604. The connection cable607introduced through the wire hole541bmay also be connected to the docking PCB604and the T-CON board, which will be described below in detail. In the state in which the connection of the cables601,605, and606are completed, the decor cover543may be mounted on the upper cap decor54to cover the decor opening542.

Also, a cover support part542amay be further disposed on each of both ends of the decor opening542to support both ends of the decor cover543. The coupling member such as the screw may be coupled to the cover support part542a.

The PCB mounting part545may extend downward from a bottom surface of the cover part544. A front surface of the PCB mounting part545, which faces the barrier part520, may have a flat shape, and the plurality of PCBs may be mounted on a rear surface of the PCB mounting part545, which faces the door liner56. As occasion demands, the plurality of PCBs602,603, and604may be disposed on both the front and rear surfaces of the PCB mounting part545so that all of the plurality of PCBs602,603, and604are disposed in the massed space.

The PCBs mounted on the PCB mounting part545may include the T-CON board602, the touch PCB603, and the docking PCB604. The T-CON board602may include a display cable605for driving the display62. The touch PCB603may process a touch input signal of the touch sensor612and include a touch cable601connected to the touch sensor612. The docking PCB604may connect the cables601,605, and606connected to the PCBs602,603, and604to the connection cable607connected to the control unit14to guide the connection cable607that is a single or a lesser number of wire cables, in which the plurality of flat cables601,605, and606are integrated with each other, to the outside of the sub door50.

FIG. 17is a partial perspective view illustrating a connection structure between the cables and the PCBs of the transparent display assembly. Also,FIG. 18is a plan view illustrating an arrangement of the cable connecting the sub door to the control unit.FIG. 19is a block diagram illustrating a flow of a control signal of the refrigerator.

As illustrated in the drawings, the decor cover543may be disposed on the upper portion of the sub door50, and the plurality of PCBs602,603, and604, i.e., the touch PCB603, the T-CON board602, and the docking PCB604may be mounted on the PCB mounting part545of the decor cover543. Also, the plurality of PCBs602,603, and604may be connected to the plurality of cables601,605, and606within the sub-door50.

The cables601,605, and606connecting the plurality of cables602,603, and604to each other may be provided as the flexible film type FFC or FPC. Thus, the touch cable601, the display cable605, and the display light cable606may occupy a large space within the sub door50and be disposed to be closely attached to each other along the outside of the transparent display assembly60. Also, the connection structure with the PCBs602,603, and604may also be simply provided and may not be exposed to the outside through the see-through part21. In addition, when the insulation material531is foamed to be molded in the sub-door50, the PCBs602,603, and604may not interfere with the insulation material531.

In more detail, the touch cable601may extend from an upper end of the touch sensor612and then be connected to the touch PCB603. The touch PCB603may be disposed at a position corresponding to the extending end of the touch cable601. A touch connector603ainto which the extending end of the touch cable601is inserted may be disposed on the touch PCB603. The touch cable601may have a flat shape, and the extending end of the touch cable601may be bent to be inserted into the touch connector603a. Thus, the touch cable601may be easily inserted into the touch connector603aand have a structure that is connected to the touch PCB603.

The display cable605may be connected to the source board621to extend upward. Then, the display cable605may extend along the circumference of the side surface of the transparent display assembly60and then be connected to the T-CON board602. Also, the display connector602adisposed at the position corresponding to the end of the display cable605may be disposed on the T-CON board602. Thus, the end of the display cable604having the flat cable shape may be inserted into the display connector602aand connected to the T-CON board602.

The display light cable606may be connected to the display light68disposed on each of the upper and lower portions of the transparent display assembly60to extend upward along the outer circumference of the transparent display assembly60and then be connected to the docking PCB604. The display light cable606may also have a flat cable shape and be inserted into a display light connector604adisposed on the docking PCB604to connect the docking PCB604to the display light cable606.

The door light connector604bmay be disposed on the docking PCB604. The door light connector604bmay be connected to an end of the door light cable609extending from the door light57. The door light57may be provided as a separate part with respect to the transparent display assembly60and mounted on the door liner56. Thus, the door light cable609connected to the door light57may extend to the docking PCB604without passing through the transparent display assembly60and be provided as a wire type cable. The door light cable609may also be provided as a flat and flexible cable like other cables601,605, and606.

The docking PCB604may be connected to the touch PCB603. The docking PCB604and the touch PCB603may be provided as separate parts. Thus, while the docking PCB604and the touch PCB603are assembled and mounted on the PCB mounding part545, the docking PCB604and the touch PCB603may be connected to each other through a first docking cable608. The first docking cable608may be connected to a PCB connector604ddisposed on the docking PCB604. Also, as occasion demands, the T-CON board602may also be connected to the docking PCB604.

Also, in consideration of efficiency of a voltage situation or signal transmission, the T-CON board602may not be connected to the docking PCB604, but the wire type connection cable607may be directly connected to the control unit14through the wire hole541b.

Also, a connection connector604cconnected to the wire type connection cable607may be further disposed on the docking PCB604. Since the connection connector604cis connected to the docking PCB604, the flat type cables601,605, and606may be connected to the display PCB142within the control unit14through the connection cable607.

The connection cable607may be accessible through the wire hole541bdefined in the upper cap decor54and pass through the upper hinge401or the cover covering the upper hinge401to be led to the control unit14. Here, the connection cable607may not be exposed to the outside and extend to the control unit14through the inside of the cabinet10and then be connected to the display PCB142on the control unit14.

As described above, the plurality of electronic components disposed on the sub door50, i.e., all of the plurality of flat cables601,605, and606connected to the electronic components constituting the transparent display assembly60may be connected to the PCBs602,603, and604in the upper portion of the sub door50, and the wire type connection cable607extending from the control unit14on the cabinet10may be simply connected to the docking PCB604and the T-CON board602to minimize the size of the wire hole541band also minimize the interference when the sub door50is opened or closed.

That is, each of the plurality of cables601,605, and606connected to the PCBs602,603, and604may have a very large width, and thus, the wire hole541bfor guiding the plurality of cables601,605, and606to the outside of the sub door50may be very large to deteriorate the efficiency and the outer appearance. Also, the plurality of cables601,605, and606may be damaged by the interference due to the structural characteristics of the sub door50that is opened and closed by the rotation thereof or may be damaged by the exposure to the outside. Thus, the wire type connection cable607having a small volume and superior durability may be substantially used as the cable connecting the sub door50to the cabinet10. Also, the number of connection cables607may be minimized to reduce the volume and space for guiding the connection cable607.

A main PCB141, a display PCB142, and an adaptor143may be disposed in the control unit14connected by the connection cable607.

The overall operation of the refrigerator1as well as a refrigerating cycle may be controlled by the main PCB141. The main PCB141may be connected to the display PCB142to receive operation information of the transparent display assembly60.

Also, a camera145for photographing the inside of the refrigerator1so as to utilize image information may be connected to the main PCB141. Also, a speaker146for outputting a voice may be connected to the main PCB141. A separate communication module147for communication with an external device and a server may be connected to the main PCB141. The communication module147may be directly or indirectly connected to the main PCB141, the display PCB142, the speaker146, and the camera145to transmit the information.

Also, the adaptor143for converting power supplied to the transparent display assembly60may be further disposed on the control unit14. DC power may be converted into AC power that is suitable for driving the transparent display assembly60by the adaptor143. Also, since the adaptor143has a relatively large size and generate large amount of heat, it may be more efficient when the adaptor143is disposed on the control unit14on the cabinet10rather than the sub-door50.

FIGS. 20 and 21are block diagrams illustrating a different connection state of the connection cable connected to the control unit.

As illustrated in the drawings, the connection cable607may have various connection structures in addition to the above-described structure. The connection cable607may be provided in plurality so that the display PCB142on the cabinet10and the electric components or the PCBs602,603, and604on the sub door50are connected to each other through the wire type connection cables607.

In detail, as illustrated inFIG. 20, the touch PCB602may be connected to the docking PCB604by the first docking cable608, and the T-CON board603may be connected to the docking PCB604by a second docking cable602b. Also, the display light68may be connected to the docking PCB604by the display light cable606.

Also, the connection cable607may connect the docking PCB604to the display PCB142, and the door light57on the sub door50may be directly connected to the display PCB142by the door light cable609.

Here, the door light cable609may be provided as a wire cable like the connection cable607. When a relatively high voltage is required for secure a sufficient light amount, as illustrated inFIG. 20, the door light cable609may be directly connected to the display PCB142without via the docking PCB604.

Also, as illustrated inFIG. 21, the touch PCB602may be connected by the first docking cable608, and the T-CON board603may be connected by a second docking cable602b. Also, the display light68may be connected by the display light cable606, and the door light57may be connected to the docking PCB604by the door light cable609.

That is, all of the electronic components within the sub door50may be connected to the docking PCB604inside the sub door50by the plurality of cables602b,606,608, and609, and the docking PCB604may be connected to the transparent display assembly60by the one connection cable607. Thus, the number of cables passing through the sub door50may be minimized to minimize the number of cables exposed through the sub door50.

Hereinafter, turn-on/off states of the display light and the door light will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 22is a transverse cross-sectional view of the main door and the sub door. Also,FIG. 23is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main door and the sub door. Also,FIG. 24is a view illustrating a state in which the inside of the refrigerator is seen through the transparent display assembly. Also,FIG. 25is a view illustrating a state in which a screen is outputted through the transparent display assembly.

As illustrated in the drawings, in a state in which a latch592of the opening device59is inserted into a latch hole421of the locking unit42, the sub door50may be maintained in a closes state. In this state, the door light57may be maintained in a turn-off state. An opened or closed state of the sub-door50may be detected through a door switch that is separately provided.

In the turn-off state of the door light57, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the rear space of the sub-door50may be dark, and thus, the interior of the refrigerator1may not be seen through the see-through part21. Thus, in the closed state of the sub-door50, if separate manipulation is not performed, the door light57may be maintained in the turn-off state, and the interior of the refrigerator1may not be seen through the see-through part21.

In this state, the user may manipulate the front panel51to turn on the door light57. When the door light57is turned on, light emitted from a lighting module575may be irradiated to positions of both rear left and right sides of the rear panel65, which face each other.

The door light57may extend from the upper end to the lower end of the rear panel65. That is, the light emitted by the door light57may illuminate the entire rear region of the rear panel65from both the left and right sides of the rear panel65.

Here, when the display light68is in the turn-on state together with the door light57, light may be emitted upward and downward by the display light68, and thus the light may be irradiated from left and right sides by the door light57. As a result, the light may be emitted to the see-through part21in all directions to maximally illuminate an area of the see-through part21.

The door light57may emit light in directions facing each other in a state of being close to the rear panel65. The light emitted by the door light57may illuminate an inner case of the accommodation case43and also illuminate the front region over the rear panel65. Thus, as illustrated inFIG. 22, the door light57may serve as a lighting for illuminating the inner space of the refrigerator1, which is seen through the see-through part21and also serve as an auxiliary backlight for allow the display62to be more clearly displayed.

That is, in a state in which a screen is being outputted through the display62, the inner space of the refrigerator1, i.e., the rear space of the sub door50may be selectively seen through the see-through part21. To allow the rear space of the sub door50to be seen through the see-through part21, the door light57may be turned on.

A turn on/off combination of the display light68and the door light57may be variously realized according to a degree of seeing of the inside of the accommodation case43through the see-through part21.

Also, when the user manipulates the front panel61disposed on the front surface of the refrigerator1, the display light68may be turned on to turn on the display62. Thus, the transparent display assembly60may output a screen as illustrated inFIG. 23. Here, the manipulation of the front panel61may be inputted as one of a specific position, the touch number, or a pattern. As occasion demands, a separate physical button or sensor may be used to detect the user's manipulation.

A screen for displaying a state of the refrigerator1and manipulating may be outputted on the display62. Here, various screens for information with respect to the accommodated foods may be outputted by using Internet, image output external input devices, or the like.

In detail, the display light69disposed on each of the upper and lower ends of the light guide plate64may be turned on together with the display62by the user's manipulation. The light guide plate64may irregularly reflect and diffuse light of the display light68by the turn-on of the display light68to emit light having generally uniform brightness to the front display62.

Also, light may be emitted to the display62from the rear side of the display62by the light guide plate64, and simultaneously, a screen based on inputted image information may be outputted on the display62. Thus, the user may confirm the clearly outputted screen through the see-through part21.

In addition to the foregoing embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator according to various embodiments may be exemplified.

Since the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the first embodiment of the present invention except for positions of a decor cover and a PCB, the same constituent as that according to the foregoing embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numeral, and its detailed description will be omitted. Also, it is to be noted in advance that the reference numerals which are not shown are also the same as the abovementioned embodiments.

FIG. 26is an exploded perspective view of a door according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

A door according to a second embodiment of the present invention has an outer appearance defined by an outer case51, and the outer case51may have an opened front surface. Also, the opening of the outer case51may be covered by a transparent display assembly60. The transparent display assembly60may be selectively transparent to allow a user to selectively see the inside of a refrigerator and also enable a touch input by user's manipulation and output an image through a display62.

An upper cap decor54defining a top surface of the door50and a lower cap decor55defining a bottom surface of the door50may be disposed on upper and lower ends of the door50, respectively. An insulation material may be disposed on a circumference of the transparent display assembly60to fix the transparent display assembly60and thermally insulate a circumference of the door50.

Also, a decor opening551that is opened to the inside of the door50may be defined in the lower cap decor55. The decor opening551may be covered by a decor cover552. The lower end of the transparent display assembly60may be exposed through the decor opening551, and cables601,605, and606connected to electric components of the transparent display assembly60may be exposed downward through the decor opening. The cables601,605, and606may be closely attached to the circumference of the transparent display assembly60to extend downward.

Also, a PCB mounting part553extending upward and inserted into the decor opening551may be disposed on the decor cover552, and a plurality of PCBs602,603, and604may be mounted on the PCB mounting part553. The PCBs603,602, and604may include a touch PCB603connected to the touch cable601, a T-CON board602connected to the display cable605, and a docking PCB604connected to the display light cable606.

A wire cable type connection cable607, which is introduced through a hinge mounting part541, may be connected to the docking PCB604that is directly or indirectly connected to the plurality of flat cable type cables601,605, and606.

Thus, the plurality of cables601,605, and606connected to the electronic components of the door50or the transparent display assembly60may be connected to the docking PCB604to extend to a main body10through one or several connection cables607and thus be connected to a control unit14of the main body.

Although the sub door50according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described as an example of a door50according to the second embodiment of the present invention for convenience of description and understanding, the door50may be equally applied to the door20for directly opening and closing the inner space of the refrigerator.

A refrigerator according to various other embodiments in addition to the abovementioned embodiments of the present invention may be exemplified.

Since a third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the abovementioned embodiments except for a position at which a PCB is mounted, the same constituent as those according to the foregoing embodiments may be denoted by the same reference numeral, and its detailed description will be omitted. Also, it is to be noted in advance that the reference numerals which are not shown are also the same as the abovementioned embodiments.

FIG. 27is an exploded perspective view of a door according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in the drawings, a door50according to a third embodiment of the present invention may have an outer appearance of a front surface, which is defined by an outer case51, and an outer appearance of a rear surface, which is defined by a door liner56. Also, an area of a central portion of the outer case51and the door liner56may be mostly opened, and a transparent display assembly60may be disposed between the outer case51and the door liner56.

The transparent display assembly60may be selectively transparent to allow a user to selectively see the inside of a refrigerator and also enable a touch input by user's manipulation and output an image through a display62.

An upper cap decor54defining a top surface of the door50and a lower cap decor55defining a bottom surface of the door50may be disposed on upper and lower ends of the door50, respectively. An insulation material may be disposed on a circumference of the transparent display assembly60to fix the transparent display assembly60and thermally insulate a circumference of the door50.

A liner mounting hole562may be defined in one side of the rear surface of the door liner56. In detail, the liner mounting hole562may be defined at a position coming into contact with a position corresponding to a hinge mounting part541of the upper cap decor54and disposed at one side of the transparent display assembly60.

The liner mounting hole562may be configured to expose one side of the transparent display assembly60and configured to expose flat type cables601,605, and606connected to electric components of the transparent display assembly60. The cables601,605, and606may be closely attached to a circumference of the transparent display assembly60to extend up to the liner mounting hole562.

Also, a plurality of PCBs602,603, and604connected to the cables601,605, and606may be accommodated in the liner mounting hole562. Also, in the state in which the plurality of PCBs602,603, and604are mounted inside the liner mounting hole562, the liner mounting hole562may be covered by a liner cover563.

The PCBs603,602, and604may include a touch PCB603connected to the touch cable601, a T-CON board602connected to the display cable605, and a docking PCB604connected to the display light cable606.

A wire cable type connection cable607, which is introduced through a hinge mounting part541, may be connected to the docking PCB604that is directly or indirectly connected to the plurality of flat cable type cables601,605, and606.

Thus, the plurality of cables601,605, and606connected to the electronic components of the door50or the transparent display assembly60may be connected to the docking PCB604to extend to a main body10through one or several connection cables607and thus be connected to a control unit14of the main body.

Although the sub door50according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described as an example of a door50according to the third embodiment of the present invention for convenience of description and understanding, the door50may be equally applied to the door20for directly opening and closing the inner space of the refrigerator.

A refrigerator according to various other embodiments in addition to the abovementioned embodiments of the present invention may be exemplified.

Since the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the abovementioned embodiments except that a PCB connected to a flat cable is provided as a single part and is different in constituent, the same constituent as those according to the foregoing embodiments may be denoted by the same reference numeral, and its detailed description will be omitted. Also, it is to be noted in advance that the reference numerals which are not shown are also the same as the abovementioned embodiments.

FIG. 28is an exploded perspective view of a door according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Also,FIG. 29is a block diagram illustrating a flow of a control signal in a refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in the drawings, a door50according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention may have an outer appearance of a front surface, which is defined by an outer case51, and an outer appearance of a rear surface, which is defined by a door liner56. Also, an area of a central portion of the outer case51and the door liner56may be mostly opened, and a transparent display assembly60may be disposed between the outer case51and the door liner56.

The transparent display assembly60may be selectively transparent to allow a user to selectively see the inside of a refrigerator and also enable a touch input by user's manipulation and output an image through a display62.

An upper cap decor54defining a top surface of the door50and a lower cap decor55defining a bottom surface of the door50may be disposed on upper and lower ends of the door50, respectively. An insulation material may be disposed on a circumference of the transparent display assembly60to fix the transparent display assembly60and thermally insulate a circumference of the door50.

A decor opening542may be defined in the upper cap decor54, and the flat cable type cables601,605, and606connected to electronic components of the transparent display assembly60may be disposed inside the decor opening542. Also, the decor opening542may be opened and closed by the decor cover543. The cables601,605, and606may be closely attached to the circumference of the transparent display assembly60to extend upward.

A PCB mounting part545extending downward may be disposed on a bottom surface of the decor cover543, and a door PCB546may be mounted on the PCB mounting part545. The door PCB546may be connected to the plurality of cables601,605, and606. In the state in which the door PCB546and the cables601,605, and606are connected to each other, the decor cover543may cover the decor opening542.

The door PCB546may control the whole electronic components within the door50. Thus, the door light57as well as the electronic components of the transparent display assembly60may also be connected to the door PCB546.

The door PCB546may be connected to at least one of the touch cable601connected to the touch sensor612, the display cable605connected to a source board621of the display62, and the display light cable606connected to the display light68. That is, all of the plurality of flat cable type cables601,605, and606may be connected to one door PCB546.

Also, a connection cable607may be connected to the door PCB546. The connection cable607may have a wire shape and pass through a hinge mounting part541of the upper cap decor54and thus be guided to the outside. Also, the connection able607may extend to a cabinet10via an upper hinge and be connected to a display PCB142provided in the cabinet10.

A refrigerator according to various other embodiments in addition to the abovementioned embodiments of the present invention may be exemplified.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention is characterized by a structure in which a connection cable connected to a PCB within a sub door is guided to the outside of the door through a hinge shaft of a sub upper hinge. In the current embodiment, the same constituent as those of the abovementioned embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numeral, and its detailed description will be omitted. Also, it is to be noted in advance that the reference numerals which are not shown are also the same as the abovementioned embodiments.

FIG. 30is a partial perspective view illustrating an arrangement of a wire of a door according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in the drawing, in a refrigerator1according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a main door40is mounted to be rotatable by an upper hinge401on a front surface of a cabinet10. Also, a sub door50is mounted to be rotatable by a sub upper hinge501on a front surface of the main door40.

A decor opening542communicating with an upper space of the sub door50, in which PCBs602,603, and604are mounted, may be defined in an upper cap decor54defining a top surface of the sub door50. The decor opening542may be covered by a decor cover543. Also, the PCBs602,603, and604may be mounted on the decor cover543like the abovementioned first embodiment, and electronic components of a transparent display assembly60may be connected to the PCBs602,603, and604by flat cable type cables601,605, and606. An arrangement of the PCBs602,603, and604and the cables601,605, and606and a structure of the sub door50are the same as those according to the first embodiment, and thus their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

A wire cable type connection cable607connected to the docking PCB604of the PCBs602,603, and604may be guided to the outside of the hinge mounting part541through the hinge shaft501aof the sub upper hinge501.

That is, the hinge shaft501aof the sub upper hinge501may have a hollow tube shape or a tube shape that is cut in a “C” shape in cross-section. Thus, the connection cable607connected to the docking PCB604at a lower side of the upper cap decor54may be guided to the outside of the sub door50by passing through the hollow of the hinge shaft501a.

The sub upper hinge501may be covered by a sub hinge cover505, and the upper hinge401may be covered by a main hinge cover403. Also, a sub extension part505aand a main extension part403amay be disposed on the sub hinge cover505and the main hinge cover403, respectively.

The main extension part403amay extend upward from a rotation axis of the upper hinge401at one side of the main hinge cover403and have a top surface in which a cover hole403b, through which the connection cable607passes, is defined. Also, the sub extension part505amay extend to an upper side of the main extension part403ato overlap the main extension part403a, and a space may be defined in the sub extension part505ato accommodate the connection cable607. Also, the sub extension part505amay cover a top surface of the main extension part403a. When the main door40rotates, the main door40may rotate above the main extension part403a.

Thus, the connection cable607may pass through the hinge shaft501aof the sub upper hinge501and then be guided to the hinge mounting part541. Then, the connection cable607may pass through the sub extension part505aof the sub hinge cover505to pass through the cover hole403band then be guided to the cabinet10through the main extension part403aof the main hinge cover403. According to the above-described structure, the connecting cable607may be covered without exposed to the outside from the docking PCB604to the cabinet10. Also, when the sub door50and the main door40rotates, the connection cable607may not be exposed to the outside or may not interfere.

A refrigerator according to various other embodiments in addition to the abovementioned embodiments of the present invention may be exemplified.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention is characterized by a structure in which an upper or lower space of a door is partitioned into a space in which an insulation material is disposed and a space in which a PCB is disposed so that the PCB is mounted on an upper or lower portion of the door after foaming. In the current embodiment, the same constituent as those of the abovementioned embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numeral, and its detailed description will be omitted.

FIG. 31is a partial exploded perspective view of a door according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Also,FIG. 32is a cross-sectional view of the door according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in the drawings, a door50of a refrigerator1according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention may have an outer appearance of a front surface, which is defined by an outer case51, and an outer appearance of a rear surface, which is defined by a door liner56. Also, an area of a central portion of the outer case51and the door liner56may be mostly opened, and a transparent display assembly60may be disposed between the outer case51and the door liner56.

The transparent display assembly60may be selectively transparent to allow a user to selectively see the inside of a refrigerator and also enable a touch input by user's manipulation and output an image through a display62.

An upper cap decor54defining a top surface of the door50and a lower cap decor55defining a bottom surface of the door50may be disposed on upper and lower ends of the door50, respectively. An insulation material may be disposed on a circumference of the transparent display assembly60to fix the transparent display assembly60and thermally insulate a circumference of the door50.

A decor opening542may be defined in the upper cap decor54, and the flat cable type cables601,605, and606connected to electronic components of the transparent display assembly60may be disposed inside the decor opening542. Also, the decor opening542may be opened and closed by the decor cover543. The cables601,605, and606may be closely attached to the circumference of the transparent display assembly60to extend upward.

A PCB mounting part545extending downward may be disposed on a bottom surface of the decor cover543, and the PCBs602,603, and604may be mounted on the PCB mounting part545. The PCBs602,603, and604may be connected to the plurality of cables601,605, and606. In the state in which the PCBs602,603, and604and the cables601,605, and606are connected to each other, the decor cover543may cover the decor opening542.

The PCBs602,603, and604may control the whole electronic components within the door50. Thus, the door light57as well as the electronic components of the transparent display assembly60may also be connected to the PCBs602,603, and604.

The PCBs603,602, and604may be constituted by a touch PCB603, a T-CON board602, and a docking PCB604. The touch PCB602may be connected by the touch cable601connected to the touch sensor612, the T-CON board603may be connected by the display cable605connected to a source board621of the display62, and the docking PCB604may be connected by the display light cable606connected to the display light68.

The docking PCB604may be connected to at least one of the touch PCB602and the T-CON board603. Also, the docking PCB604may be connected to a connection cable607. The connection cable607may have a wire shape and pass through a hinge mounting part541of the upper cap decor54and thus be guided to the outside. Also, the connection able607may extend to a cabinet10via an upper hinge and be connected to a display PCB142provided in the cabinet10.

An inner frame52may be disposed on the rear surface of the out plate51. The inner frame52may be disposed along a circumference of a plate opening511of the out plate51, and a rear surface of the inner frame52may support the circumference of the plate opening511and a circumference of a front panel61of the transparent display assembly60.

That is, the inner frame52may have a rectangular frame shape and adhere to the circumference of the plate opening511and a rear surface of a front protrusion613, which protrudes outward, of the front panel61by using an adhesion member693such as a double-sided tape or an adhesive. Thus, the transparent display assembly60may be mounted without being stepped with respect to a front surface of the out plate51by the inner frame52.

A barrier520eextending upward may be disposed on an upper end of the inner frame52. The barrier520emay be provided in a pair on both left and right sides and extend from the upper end of the inner frame52up to a bottom surface of the upper cap decor54. The barrier520emay partition an upper portion of the door50into both left and right sides, i.e., a space in which a foaming solution is filled to form the insulation material531and a space in which the PCBs602,603, and604are accommodated between the pair of barriers520e.

Thus, the PCBs602,603, and604may be accommodated into the space defined between the pair of barriers520e. Also, in the space defined between the pair of barriers520e, the insulation material531may not be provided because the space is partitioned by the barrier520eso that the foaming solution is not filled. Also, the decor opening542may be defined at a position corresponding to the space between the pair of barriers520e. The PCBs602,603, and604may be inserted and mounted through the decor opening542and then connected to the cables601,605, and606of the transparent display assembly60.

A PCB insulation material may be further provided in the space between the pair of barriers520e. The PCB insulation material533may be disposed at a front side of the PCBs602,603, and604to thermally insulate the rest portion except for a space required for mounting the PCBs602,603, and604.

Thus, the PCB insulation material533may be mounted after molding the insulation material531that is foamed and formed in the door50and have a thickness less than that of the insulation material531.

The PCB insulation material533may be made of a vacuum insulation material or a Styrofoam (PSP) material, which has relatively superior insulation performance so that the PCB insulation material533has a thin thickness and sufficient insulation performance. Also, the PCB insulation material533may be formed in a sheet shape and attached to the rear surface of the out plate51or attached to a front surface of the PCB mounting part545.

The PCBs602,603, and604may be disposed in a lower space of the door50. Here, the decor opening542and the decor cover543may be mounted on the lower cap decor55. This configuration may be the same as that according to the abovementioned embodiments except that the mounted position is changed from the upward direction to the downward direction, and thus, its detailed description will be omitted.

A refrigerator according to various other embodiments in addition to the abovementioned embodiments of the present invention may be exemplified.

A seventh embodiment of the present invention is characterized by a door structure in which an entire surface of a door is defined by a transparent display assembly. Although not shown, the same constitution as that of the foregoing embodiment will be denoted as the same reference numeral, and its detailed description will be omitted.

FIG. 33is an exploded perspective view of a door according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in the drawing, a door20of a refrigerator1according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention may include a main door70that opens and closes at least a portion of an opened front surface of a cabinet10and a sub door80that opens and closes an opening703of the main door70.

The opening703that is opened with a predetermined size is defined in the main door70. A separate accommodation space may be defined in the opening703, and an access to the accommodation space may be enabled through opening and closing of the sub door.

Also, an outer appearance of the main door70may be defined by an out plate71made of a metal material, a door liner72coupled to the out plate71, and a door cap decor disposed on each of upper and lower ends of the door liner72.

Also, a door lighting unit74for illuminating the inside of the opening703may be disposed on an inner surface of the door liner72. The door lighting unit74may be disposed on both left and right surfaces or a top surface of the opening703. The door lighting unit74may allow the sub door80to be transparent or perform a backlight function of a transparent display assembly90mounted on the sub door80to visualize a screen outputted through the transparent display assembly90.

A door frame43may be further disposed between the out plate71and the door liner72. The door frame73may be coupled between the out plate71and the door liner72to form a circumference of the opening703.

Also, a hinge hole733in which sub hinges81and82for mounting the sub door80are mounted may be defined to be opened in one side of the door frame73. The hinge hole733may be opened at a position facing a side surface of the sub door80, and the sub hinges81and82may be inserted into the hinge hole733. Also, a connection cable884connected to a door PCB88may be accessible through the hinge hole733.

Upper and lower ends of the sub door80may be recessed so that the sub hinges81and82are mounted, respectively. Also, the sub hinges81and82may extend laterally to the hinge hole733and be coupled inside the main door70. Thus, the sub hinges81and82may prevent an interference with the main door70from occurring when the sub door80rotates while maintaining a very narrow space between the sub hinges81and82and the main door70. Also, the sub hinges81and82may further include a hinge cover811disposed above the sub hinge81to cover the sub hinge81and guide an access of the connection cable884.

FIG. 34is an exploded perspective view of a sub door according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in the drawing, the sub door80may have a shape corresponding to that of the opening703. The sub door80may include a transparent display assembly90through which the inside of the refrigerator1is seen, and a screen is outputted, side frames83and84defining both side surfaces of the sub door80, a sub door liner defining a circumference of a rear surface of the sub door80, a sub door gasket851mounted on the sub door liner85to seal a gap between the main door70and the sub door80, and upper and lower cap decors86and87defining top and bottom surfaces of the sub door80.

An outer appearance of front and rear surfaces of the transparent display assembly90may be defined by a front panel91and a rear panel97, which are made of a glass material and define the front and rear surfaces of the sub door80. Also, a display94for outputting a screen and a touch sensor92for touch input may be disposed between the front panel91and the rear panel97.

Also, flat cable type cables921and942and961connected to electronic components of the transparent display assembly90may be disposed along the circumference of the transparent display assembly90to extend upward and then be coupled to a door PCB88.

The door PCB88may be configured to control the electronic components within the transparent display assembly90and be disposed at a position that is capable of being connected to the cables921,942, and961. Also, the door PCB88may be connected to a wire cable type connection cable884that is introduced to the sub hinge81. Thus, the door PCB88may convert a signal, which is received or transmitted through the plurality of flat cable type cables921,942, and961, through the wire cable type connection cable884to guide the signal to the outside of the sub door80.

The door PCB88may be disposed to be divided into a plurality of parts according to a size of an inner space of the sub door80or may be disposed to be integrated in one PCB shape. When the door PCB88is provided in plurality, the plurality of door PCBs88may be disposed horizontally and vertically and be stacked with each other.

For this, a decor opening861may be defined in the upper cap decor86that is disposed at a position corresponding to that of the cables921,942, and961, and the door PCB88may be mounted inside the decor opening861. Also, the decor opening851may be covered by a decor cover862in the state in which the door PCB88is mounted.

FIG. 35is an exploded perspective view of the transparent display assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in the drawings, the transparent display assembly90may provide a see-through part of the sub door80and define an outer appearance of each of the front and rear surfaces of the sub door80. Thus, an accommodation space inside the opening703may be seen, or the screen may be outputted through the transparent display assembly90.

The transparent display assembly90may include a front panel91defining an outer appearance of a front surface, a display94disposed at a rear side of the front panel91, a rear panel97which is disposed at a rear side of the display94and on which a PDLC film for illuminating the display94is attached, and a display frame98for fixing the front panel91, the display94, and the rear panel97.

In more detail, the front panel91may be disposed at the frontmost position of the transparent display assembly90to define the front surface of the sub door80. The front panel91may be made of blue glass, and a bezel911may be printed on a circumference of a rear surface of the front panel91. spacers93and95disposed at the rear side of the front panel91or the door PCB88may not be exposed to the outside by the bezel911. The bezel911may have a width that is adjustable according to the mounted position of the door PCB88. The bezel88disposed at an end of a side at which the door PCB911is disposed may have a thicker thickness to completely cover the door PCB911.

A printing or film type touch sensor92may be attached to the rear surface of the front panel91. Thus, when a user touches the front panel91, the touch sensor92may recognize the user's touch. Also, a flexible flat cable type touch cable921may be connected to one side of the touch sensor92.

The display94may be mounted on the rear side of the front panel91to which the touch sensor92is attached. Also, the first spacer93may be disposed between the display94and the front panel91. The first spacer93may have a rectangular frame shape disposed along a circumference of the display94. Also, the first spacer93may adhere between the display94and the front panel91to maintain a predetermined distance between the front panel91and the display94and support the display94.

The display94may be provided as a transparent LCD display. Thus, although the display94does not output a screen, the inside of the refrigerator1may be seen through the display94as if glass. Also, a source board941for controlling the display94may be mounted on one end of the display94, and a flexible flat cable type display cable942may be connected to the source board941.

The rear panel97may define an outer appearance of a rear surface of the transparent display assembly90and be exposed to the door liner72. The rear panel97may be made of low-c glass to realize thermal insulation.

The PDLC film96may be attached to the front surface of the rear panel97. The PDLC film96may be selectively transparent or opaque according to applying of power. Thus, the user may selectively see the inside of the refrigerator according to the state of the PDLC film96. Also, a flexible flat cable type PDLC cable961may be connected to one side of the PDLC film96.

Also, the second spacer95having the same structure as the first spacer93may be disposed between the rear panel97and the display94to maintain a space between the display94and the rear panel97.

In the state in which the display94does not output the screen, and the PDLC film96is transparent, the transparent display assembly90may be transparent. In this state, when the door lighting unit74is turned on, the space inside the opening703may be seen from the outside.

Also, in the state in which the PDLC film96is opaque, the transparent display assembly90may be opaque. In this state, when the door lighting unit74is turned off, the inside of the refrigerator may be darker, and thus, the space inside the opening703may not be seen.

The display94may be driven to output the screen. In this case, in the state in which the door lighting unit74is turned on, and the PDLC film96is transparent, the door light unit74may serve as a backlight that illuminates the display94so that the display94is more clearly displayed.

FIG. 36is a block diagram illustrating a flow of a control signal in the refrigerator according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in the drawing, the flat type touch cable821, the display cable942, and the PDLC cable961may be connected to one side of the door PCB88disposed on the sub door80. Also, in the other side of the door PCB88, the wire type connection cable884may be guided to the main door70through the upper hinge81and the hinge hole733to pass through main door70and then be connected to the transparent display assembly90on the cabinet10.

Since the connection cable884has a small volume and superior durability, the connection cable884may be disposed to easily pass through the sub door80and the main door70and prevent the main door70and the sub door80from being damaged even though the main door70and the sub door80are repeatedly opened and closed. Also, the door lighting unit74mounted on the main door70may also be connected to the display PCB142on the cabinet10by passing through the main door70.

The display PCB142may receive a signal inputted from the touch sensor92and control the turn-on/off of the door lighting unit74and the image output of the display94.

Although the door PCB88is disposed on the upper end in the eighth embodiment of the present invention, the door PCB88may be disposed on the lower end of the sub door80, or both side ends of the sub door80so that the door PCB88is capable of being accommodated and also be disposed outside the transparent display assembly90so that the door PCB88is not exposed through the transparent display assembly90.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the embodiment of the present invention, convenience in use may be improved, the assembly workability and the productivity may be improved, and the industrial applicability is high.