Patent Description:
In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows low-temperature storage of food in an internal storage space that can be closed by a door. The refrigerator can maintain the stored food in an optimal state by cooling the storage space using a cold air. Such a cold air can be generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant that circulates in a refrigeration cycle.

Refrigerators have been gradually becoming larger and multifunctional in accordance with changes in dietary life and the trend of high-end products. Accordingly, refrigerators have been developed which include various structures and convenience devices that may improve users' convenience and efficient use of the internal space of the refrigerators.

A refrigerator may include a display for displaying an operating state of the refrigerator. Such a display may be provided on the door of the refrigerator. In addition, the display may display various types of information according to the operation of the refrigerator, using numbers, letters, symbols, or pictures.

Accordingly, a user can see information output through the display, determine the operating state of the refrigerator, and accordingly control the operation of the refrigerator.

In certain refrigerators, a front of a refrigerator door may include an outer plate that is made of a metal material and that includes a display part having a plurality of through holes and a touch manipulation part configured to receive a user's touch input. A display assembly and a touch assembly may be disposed inside the door.

However, the mounting structure of the display assembly and the touch assembly in such conventional refrigerators is complicated. Further, it is difficult to align the through holes and LEDs of the display assembly.

<CIT> presents a refrigerator that includes a door, a front panel that defines an external appearance of the door and is formed of a metal, a front panel hole that is formed in the front panel, a cover display that is provided on a rear surface of the front panel, a cover protrusion that extends from the cover display to an inside of the front panel hole, a touch plate that is mounted on the cover protrusion, is exposed through the front panel hole, and is formed of a metal, and a capacitive touch sensor that is arranged on a rear side of the cover display and is connected to the touch plate such that a current flows between the touch sensor and the touch plate. The touch plate has a size that is smaller than a size of the front panel hole and is spaced apart from an inner peripheral surface of the front panel hole, and the cover protrusion is formed along an inner circumference of the front panel hole to divide a section between the touch plate and the front panel.

<CIT> provides a touch sensor assembly that is maintained in a state in which the touch sensor is closely attached to an exterior member to accurately detect displacement when touch manipulation is performed to improve a recognition rate, a refrigerator door including a touch sensor assembly that is capable of preventing a sensor control part from being damaged by static electricity and having an improved front outer appearance, and a method for manufacturing the refrigerator door.

<CIT> discloses a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main body; a storage room formed in the inside of the main body; a door including a front plate which is made of a steel material and in which a plurality of through holes forming a predetermined shape are formed, the door configured to open or close the storage room; a display unit disposed in the inside of the door, and including a display member in which a display element having a shape corresponding to the plurality of through holes and facing the plurality of through holes is formed; and an input member separated from the display unit, and configured to receive an operation command for operating the refrigerator.

<CIT> discloses a refrigerator door and a manufacturing method of the same. The refrigerator door includes a front panel that includes a first through hole and an input unit, a door liner, an upper cap decoration unit configured to seal an upper side of a first space defined between the front panel and the door liner, a frame attached to an inside of the front panel and defining a second space, a display assembly provided between the frame and the front panel and configured to emit light through the first through hole, and a touch sensor assembly provided between the frame and the front panel, the touch sensor assembly being fixed to a rear of the front panel at a position that corresponds to a location of the input unit. The upper cap decoration unit includes a communication hole for communicating with the second space and includes a cap cover.

One or more of the objects of the present technique are achieved by the invention set out by the subject-matter of the independent claim(s).

Implementations of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator that includes a simple configuration of a display assembly, thereby allowing easy assembly and improving productivity.

Implementations of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator that enables a display assembly to be positioned at an accurate position on a display part when the display assembly is inserted and mounted.

Implementations of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator that is capable of improving heat-insulation performance of a door by making a display assembly slim.

Implementations of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator in which a display assembly and through holes of a display part are easily aligned.

Implementations of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator that is capable of improving identification through a display part.

The present invention defines a refrigerator according to claim <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Hereinafter, implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. It should be noted that the identical or equivalent component is designated by the identical numeral even when they are displayed on other drawings. In addition, a detailed description of known configurations or functions will be omitted to the extent such configurations or functions are obvious to those skilled in the art.

Implementations of the present disclosure will be described primarily with respect to a refrigerator in which a display part is disposed on one of a pair of refrigerating chamber doors that are provided in a bottom freeze type refrigerator. However, it is understood that the present disclosure is applicable to other types of refrigerators that are equipped with a door. <FIG> is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

For ease of description and understanding, particular directions are defined. Hereinafter, a direction toward the floor surface on which the refrigerator <NUM> is placed may be referred to as a downward direction, and a direction toward a top surface of a cabinet <NUM> opposite to the floor surface may be referred to as an upward direction. In addition, a direction toward a door <NUM> may be referred to as a front direction and a direction toward the inside of the cabinet <NUM> from the door <NUM> may be referred to as a rear direction. Other directions may be defined and described in relevant figures.

Referring to <FIG>, a refrigerator <NUM> includes a cabinet <NUM> defining a storage space and doors <NUM>, 20a and 20b mounted on the front surface of the cabinet <NUM> to open and close the storage space. Here, an outer appearance of the refrigerator <NUM> may be defined by the cabinet and the doors <NUM>, 20a and 20b.

The storage space of the cabinet <NUM> may be divided vertically. For example, a refrigerating chamber may be provided at the upper side, and a freezing chamber may be provided at the lower side. A plurality of doors <NUM>, 20a, 20b for opening and closing the spaces may be provided at a front open side of the storage space. The doors <NUM>, 20a, 20b may be configured to open and close the storage space in a sliding or rotating manner, and may be configured to define a front outer appearance of the refrigerator <NUM> when the doors are closed.

The doors may include a pair of refrigerating chamber doors <NUM> and 20a for shielding the refrigerating chamber and a pair of freezing chamber doors 20b for shielding the freezing chamber. The pair of refrigerating chamber doors <NUM> and 20a and the pair of the freezing compartment door 20b may be configured such that both left and right doors are rotatably coupled and may be configured to open and close the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber by rotation.

In some implementations, a dispenser for dispensing water or ice may be provided at the front surface of the refrigerating chamber door <NUM>. Although not shown in detail, the right refrigerator chamber door 20a of the refrigerator chamber doors <NUM> and 20a that are arranged on the left and right sides respectively may include a separate door storage space, a main door with an opening, and a sub door for opening and closing the main door. A portion of the sub door may be configured to be selectively transparent such that the door storage space is visible from the outsi de.

In addition, a display part <NUM> and a touch manipulation part <NUM> may be provided at the refrigerating chamber door <NUM> on the left side at a height that facilitates manipulation and identification by a user. Hereinafter, the refrigerating chamber door <NUM> on the left side, which includes the display part <NUM> and the touch manipulation part <NUM>, will be simply referred to as a door <NUM>. It should be noted that the implementation of the present disclosure is not limited to the left refrigerating chamber door <NUM> that includes the display part <NUM> and the touch manipulation part <NUM>, but may be applied to refrigerators with any other doors that include the display part <NUM> and the touch manipulation part <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an example door of the refrigerator. <FIG> is an enlarged view of an example display part and an example touch manipulation part of the door.

As shown in the drawings, the door <NUM> includes an outer plate <NUM> defining a front appearance, a door liner <NUM> defining a rear appearance, and cap decors <NUM> provided at the top and bottom of the door <NUM>. The overall appearance thereof may be formed by the combination of the outer plate <NUM>, the door liner <NUM>, and the cap decors <NUM>.

In some implementations, the outer plate <NUM> defines the front appearance of the door <NUM> and may be formed of a plate-shaped metal material. The outer plate <NUM> may be formed of a stainless steel plate or a color steel plate (VCM, PCM) formed to have a stainless texture. For example, the outer plate <NUM> may be formed to have a thickness of approximately <NUM>. The front surface of the outer plate <NUM> exposed to the outside may be subjected to an anti-fingerprint treatment, and a specific color, a pattern, or a design may be printed. Further, a hairline may be formed to have a metal texture.

The display part <NUM> and the touch manipulation part <NUM> are provided in the outer plate <NUM>.

The display part <NUM> is configured for displaying operation states of the refrigerator <NUM>. The display part <NUM> may be configured to output symbols, numbers or the like by permitting light emitted from the inside of the door <NUM> to transmit through the display part. The display part <NUM> allows a user to identify operation information of the refrigerator <NUM> from the outside of the refrigerator <NUM>.

The display part <NUM> includes a plurality of through holes <NUM> that are formed in a portion of the outer plate <NUM>. For example, the display part <NUM> may be configured as a set of a plurality of through holes <NUM> in a predetermined arrangement so as to represent different numbers or symbols. For example, the set of the plurality of through holes <NUM> may be arranged in the form of seven-segment, and may be arranged to represent a specific symbol, a shape of a design, or letters indicating the state of the refrigerator <NUM>.

The through holes <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the arrangement of a plurality of through holes <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG> to be described below, so that the light emitted from a light emitting member <NUM> of a display assembly <NUM> can be transmitted therethrough. In addition, the through hole <NUM> formed in the outer plate <NUM> is referred to as a first through hole <NUM> to be distinguished from the through holes <NUM> and <NUM> provided in the display assembly <NUM> and the display cover <NUM>.

The first through hole <NUM> may be formed as a fine hole having a small diameter. For example, the first through hole <NUM> may be formed to have a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>. The first through hole may be formed in various manners such as laser processing, etching, or NCT processing. The first through hole <NUM> has a fine size, and the hole filling member <NUM> is filled in the first through hole <NUM>, so that the light emitting member <NUM> may not be easily exposed to the outside when the light emitting member <NUM> is not turned on. In addition, when the light emitting member <NUM> is turned on, the first through hole <NUM> may transmit light so that information can be displayed.

For example, light is emitted through some of the first through holes <NUM> formed at a position corresponding to the position of the light emitting member (<NUM> in <FIG>) to which light is emitted. In addition, the first through holes <NUM> to which light is emitted may represent a specific number, letter, or the like, thus transmitting information to the user.

That is, when at least some of the light emitting members <NUM> are turned on, at least some of the first through holes <NUM> that correspond to the light emitting members <NUM> that are turned on can transmit light, enabling the first through holes <NUM> to be visible to the outside. In this case, a specific number may be expressed by a combination of the exposed first through holes <NUM> to display a letter or picture, so that information can be transmitted to the user.

In addition, when the light emitting member <NUM> is turned off and light is not emitted from the inside of the door <NUM>, the display part <NUM> is configured to be invisible (or hardly visible) when viewed from the outside. In addition, when the light emitting member <NUM> is turned off, the door <NUM> has the same appearance as the door so that a configuration for displaying information such as the display part <NUM> is not visible.

The touch manipulation part <NUM> is a part where a user inputs an operation for the operation of the refrigerator <NUM> and may be provided at a portion of the front surface of the door <NUM>, and may be provided at the lower side of the display part <NUM> or at a position adjacent to the display part <NUM>.

In some implementations, the touch manipulation part <NUM> may be formed such that a portion in which a pressing operation is detected is printed or a manipulation portion is visible to the user through surface processing such as etching.

In addition, a touch sensor assembly <NUM> (<FIG>) and a touch sensor <NUM> to be described below are provided inside the door <NUM> corresponding to the touch manipulation part <NUM>, and may be configured to detect a pressing operation of the touch manipulation part <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the display assembly <NUM> and the touch sensor assembly <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the door from which an outer plate is separated. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a display assembly separated from the door. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM>' of <FIG>.

As shown in the drawings, the appearance of the door may be defined by the outer plate <NUM>, the door liner <NUM>, and the cap decor <NUM>. An insulating material <NUM> (<FIG>) is provided in the inner space of the door <NUM> in which the outer plate <NUM>, the door liner <NUM>, and the cap decor <NUM> are coupled. The insulating material <NUM> may be foam-molded by injecting a foaming liquid.

An inner case <NUM> is disposed in the door <NUM>, and provides a space for mounting of the display cover <NUM>, the display assembly <NUM> and the touch sensor assembly <NUM>. The inner case <NUM> may have an upper end that can be coupled to a lower surface of the cap decor <NUM>, and a front periphery that can be coupled to the outer plate <NUM> to define a predetermined space. The space that is defined by the inner case <NUM> may define an independent space such that the foaming liquid does not penetrate the space when the foaming liquid is injected into the door <NUM>, thus providing a space in which the display assembly <NUM> and the touch sensor assembly <NUM> are mounted.

In addition, the display cover <NUM> is provided in the inner space of the inner case <NUM> for mounting of the display assembly <NUM>. The display cover <NUM> may be mounted in close contact with the rear surface of the outer plate <NUM>, and have an open upper surface, so that the display assembly <NUM> may be inserted downwardly from the top of the display cover <NUM> and mounted.

In addition, a reinforcing plate <NUM> may be further provided between the upper end of the display cover <NUM> and the cap decor <NUM>. The reinforcing plate <NUM> may be attached to the rear surface of the outer plate <NUM> to prevent the outer plate <NUM> from being bent into the inner space of the inner case <NUM>.

In some implementations, the open upper surface of the inner case <NUM> may communicate with a decor opening <NUM> formed in the cap decor <NUM>. In addition, the decor opening <NUM> may be opened and closed by the decor cover <NUM>. In addition, the display assembly <NUM> may be inserted into the inner space of the inner case <NUM> through the decor cover <NUM>.

The upper surface of the display cover <NUM> may be open. Therefore, when the display assembly <NUM> is inserted while the display cover <NUM> is mounted inside the inner case <NUM>, the display assembly <NUM> may be inserted into the open upper surface of the display cover <NUM>. The display assembly <NUM> may be completely inserted into the display cover <NUM> by its own weight. In addition, when the decor cover <NUM> is mounted to shield the decor opening <NUM>, the lower surface of the decor cover <NUM> may press the upper end of the display assembly <NUM>, thus enabling the display assembly <NUM> to be completely inserted.

In addition, the display assembly <NUM> may have a structure to guide the display assembly <NUM> to be mounted in an accurate position when being inserted into the display cover <NUM>. For example, the display assembly <NUM> and the display cover <NUM> may have a plurality of structures that are in contact with or match each other, and through these structures, the display assembly <NUM> may be mounted in the accurate position of the display cover <NUM>.

When the display assembly <NUM> is mounted in the accurate position inside the display cover <NUM>, the light emitting member <NUM> and the third through hole <NUM> of the display assembly <NUM>, the second through hole <NUM> of the display cover <NUM>, and the first through hole <NUM> of the outer plate <NUM> may be aligned to communicate with each other. Therefore, when the light emitting member <NUM> is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member <NUM> may pass through the third through hole <NUM>, the second through hole <NUM> and the first through hole <NUM> in order, thus being emitted to the outside.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the display cover, the display assembly, a touch assembly, and the inner case which are disposed inside the door.

As shown in the drawing, the inner case <NUM> is mounted inside the door <NUM>. The display cover <NUM> is provided in the inner area of the inner case <NUM>. The display assembly <NUM> and the touch sensor assembly <NUM> are mounted in the display cover <NUM>.

The inner case <NUM> may include a case upper surface <NUM> and a case front surface <NUM>, and define a space <NUM> that is open forward and upward. The case upper surface <NUM> may contact the cap decor <NUM>, and the case front surface <NUM> may contact the rear surface of the outer plate <NUM>. In addition, the case front surface <NUM> may be formed along the rest of the periphery of the inner case <NUM> except the upper end of the space <NUM> of the inner case <NUM>.

Further, a reinforcing rib <NUM> (<FIG>) may be disposed on the rear surface of the inner case <NUM> entirely, so that the inner case <NUM> is not deformed by pressure when the heat insulating material <NUM> is formed. A wire hole <NUM> is defined at a side of the upper portion of the inner case <NUM>. Wires can pass through the wire hole <NUM>, and be connected to the display assembly <NUM> and the touch sensor assembly <NUM> provided in the inner case <NUM>.

In addition, cover support portions <NUM> protruding inward may be formed on both left and right sides of the space of the inner case <NUM>. The cover support portions <NUM> may support the display cover <NUM> from the rear to enable the display cover <NUM> to be in close contact with the rear surface of the outer plate <NUM>.

Further, a case groove <NUM> recessed laterally may be formed on the upper side of the cover support portions <NUM>. The case groove <NUM> may provide a space in which an upper guide (<NUM> in <FIG>) at an upper end of the display cover <NUM> is accommodated.

The display cover <NUM> is provided in the inner space <NUM> of the inner case <NUM>. The cover front surface <NUM> of the display cover <NUM> may be in close contact with the rear surface of the outer plate <NUM>. Further, a cover rear surface <NUM> spaced apart from the cover front surface <NUM> may be formed, and a space in which the display assembly <NUM> is accommodated may be defined by a cover peripheral surface <NUM> connecting the cover front surface <NUM> and the cover rear surface <NUM>.

In addition, a cover light guide <NUM> defines a plurality of second through holes <NUM> and may be formed in the display cover <NUM>. In addition, a sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM> on which the touch sensor assembly <NUM> is mounted may be formed to be recessed from the cover front surface <NUM>.

The display assembly <NUM> includes a display printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> and a display frame <NUM>. The display PCB <NUM> mounts the light emitting member <NUM> or the like. The display frame <NUM> can fixedly mount the display PCB <NUM> and can be inserted through the decor opening <NUM> from the outside of the door <NUM>.

In addition, the display frame <NUM> may include a handle portion <NUM>, and further includes a first side extension portion <NUM>, a second side extension portion <NUM>, and a frame light guide <NUM>. The first side extension portion <NUM> and the second side extension portion <NUM> extend and are spaced apart from each other on the left and right sides. The frame light guide <NUM> connects the first side extension portion <NUM> and the second side extension <NUM>. The frame light guide <NUM> has one or more third through holes <NUM> communicating with the second through holes <NUM>. Light emitted from the light emitting member <NUM> is guided to the second through hole <NUM> and the first through hole <NUM> through the third through hole <NUM> of the frame light guide <NUM>. Accordingly, the frame light guide <NUM> may be referred to as a reflector because the frame light guide <NUM> has a structure that guides light emitted from the light emitting member <NUM>. In addition, a Wi-Fi module <NUM> may be mounted in the handle portion <NUM>.

The touch sensor assembly <NUM> may include a touch PCB <NUM>, an elastic member <NUM>, and a touch cover <NUM>. A touch sensor <NUM> is mounted to the touch PCB <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> elastically supports the touch PCB <NUM>. The touch cover <NUM> can shield the touch PCB <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM>, the touch PCB <NUM>, and the touch cover <NUM> may be sequentially mounted on the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the structure of the display cover <NUM> described above will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the display cover. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a part of the touch assembly and the display cover as viewed from the rear.

As shown in the drawings, the display cover <NUM> may be formed by injection molding of a plastic material. The display cover <NUM> may be open upward to enable the display assembly <NUM> to be inserted from above. The display frame <NUM> and the display cover <NUM> of the display assembly <NUM> are configured to be guided and engaged with each other in a plurality of portions in a state in which the display assembly <NUM> is inserted into the display cover <NUM>, so that the display assembly <NUM> may be arranged in an accurate position inside the display cover <NUM>. The second through hole <NUM> and the third through hole <NUM> are aligned through the correct arrangement of the display assembly <NUM> to transmit the light emitted from the light emitting member <NUM>.

The display cover <NUM> may include the cover front surface <NUM> and the cover rear surface <NUM> which are partially open, and a cover peripheral surface <NUM> forming a periphery by connecting the peripheries of the cover front surface <NUM> and the cover rear surface <NUM> spaced apart from each other. In addition, the cover peripheral surface <NUM> may be formed in a portion other than the upper surface of the display cover <NUM> to form an inlet that is open in the upper portion of the display cover <NUM>.

The cover front surface <NUM> may form the same plane as a whole, and may be fixedly mounted in a state that is completely in close contact with the rear surface of the outer plate <NUM>. To this end, an adhesive agent may be applied or an adhesive sheet or tape may be attached to the cover front surface <NUM> or the rear surface of the outer plate <NUM>.

In this case, the cover light guide <NUM> that constitutes the cover front surface <NUM> may also be attached in close contact with the outer plate <NUM>. In this case, it is important that the second through holes <NUM> of the cover light guide <NUM> are mounted such that they are accurately matched with the first through holes <NUM> of the outer plate <NUM>.

The display cover <NUM> may be mounted at an accurate position using the second through holes <NUM>. As an example, the first through holes <NUM> may be mounted such that the first through holes <NUM> are positioned in the inner area of the second through holes <NUM> when light is emitted to pass through all of the first through holes <NUM> from the front of the outer plate <NUM> so that the first through holes <NUM> are clearly visible. That is, the display cover <NUM> may be mounted at an accurate position by allowing all of the first through holes <NUM> to be positioned in the inner area of the second through holes <NUM>.

In some implementations, the second through holes <NUM> may be formed in a size such that the plurality of first through holes <NUM> are arranged inside the second through holes <NUM>. For example, the second through holes <NUM> may form each unit element of the seven-segment, and the plurality of first through holes <NUM> may be positioned inside the second through holes <NUM>. The plurality of second through holes <NUM> may be gathered to form a plurality of seven-segment shapes, and operation information of the refrigerator <NUM> may be displayed with numbers.

A first side opening <NUM> and a second side opening <NUM> may be formed on both sides of the cover light guide <NUM> in which the second through holes <NUM> are formed. The first side opening <NUM> and the second side opening <NUM> may be elongated in the vertical direction, and may be formed to correspond to a first side protrusion <NUM> and a second side protrusion <NUM> of the display frame <NUM> so that the first side protrusion <NUM> and the second side protrusion <NUM> are inserted thereto.

In addition, a cover inclined surface 311a may be formed in an upper end of the cover light guide <NUM>. The cover inclined surface 311a can have an inclination that protrudes rearward as it goes downward. The cover inclined surface 311a may have an inclination corresponding to a frame inclined surface <NUM> formed in a lower end of the frame light guide <NUM> of the display frame <NUM> when the display assembly <NUM> is inserted and mounted. The cover inclined surface 311a and the frame inclined surface <NUM> may contact each other to guide the display assembly <NUM> to be inserted into the accurate position when the display assembly <NUM> is inserted and mounted.

In addition, a sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM> may be further formed in the front surface of the display cover <NUM>. The sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM> may be provided on the lower side of the cover light guide <NUM> in which the second through holes <NUM> are formed. The sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM> may be recessed to form a space in which the touch sensor assembly <NUM> is accommodated.

Accordingly, the recessed inner surface of the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM> may have a shape protruding backward, and when the display assembly <NUM> is coupled thereto, may be positioned between the first side extension <NUM> and the second side extension <NUM>.

A mounting rib <NUM> for mounting the elastic member <NUM> may be formed in the bottom of the inner surface of the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM>. The mounting rib <NUM> may be formed along the outer periphery of the elastic member <NUM>. Accordingly, the elastic member <NUM> may be inserted into a space defined by the mounting rib <NUM>, and the periphery of the elastic member <NUM> may be supported by the mounting rib <NUM>.

In addition, when the elastic member <NUM> is mounted in the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM>, the touch PCB <NUM> may be supported by the front surface of the elastic member <NUM>. In addition, the touch cover <NUM> may be mounted to shield the open front surface of the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM>. In this case, the touch sensor <NUM> of the touch PCB <NUM> may be pressed by the elastic member <NUM> so as to be in close contact with the rear surface of the touch cover <NUM>.

The open front surface of the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM> may be formed to have a size corresponding to the touch cover <NUM>. Accordingly, the touch cover <NUM> may shield the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM>. In addition, hook holes <NUM> may be further formed in the inner left and right sides of the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM>. The hook holes <NUM> may be open such that cover hooks <NUM> formed in both side surfaces of the touch cover <NUM> are inserted thereto. In this case, the hook holes <NUM> may be formed to be elongated in the front-rear direction to allow the touch cover <NUM> to move in the front-rear direction.

Therefore, when a user presses the touch manipulation part <NUM>, the outer plate <NUM> may be slightly elastically deformed while being pressed, and the touch cover <NUM> may be slightly pushed to the rear and press the touch sensor <NUM>. In this case, the touch cover <NUM> may have a structure to allow the touch cover <NUM> to move backward by the shape of the cover hook <NUM> and the hook hole <NUM>, so that the touch sensor <NUM> may be recognized more smoothly.

A mounting hole <NUM> may be open in an inner side surface of the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM>. The mounting hole <NUM> may be open at a position corresponding to the PCB connector <NUM> provided in the rear surface of the touch PCB <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to allow a harness connected to the PCB connector <NUM> to enter and exit the mounting hole <NUM>.

A second through hole <NUM> for indicating a position of the touch sensor <NUM> may be further formed in a side of the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM>, that is, a side adjacent to the first side opening <NUM>. The second through hole <NUM> may be formed in a simple hole shape rather than a seven-segment shape. In addition, the second through hole <NUM> may further include second through holes <NUM> that are open on the side of the seven-segment-shaped second through holes <NUM> to indicate a temperature such as Fahrenheit or Celsius.

In some implementations, the cover peripheral surface <NUM> may be formed along the outer ends of the cover front surface <NUM> and the cover rear surface <NUM>, and define both left and right side surfaces and a lower surface of the display cover <NUM>. In this case, the width of the cover peripheral surface <NUM> may be formed to be larger than the thickness of the display assembly <NUM> to provide a space in which the display assembly <NUM> is inserted and accommodated.

In addition, the distance between both sides of the cover peripheral surface <NUM> is formed to correspond to the horizontal width of the display assembly <NUM> so that the display assembly <NUM> is fixed without being moved while being accommodated in the display cover <NUM>.

The cover peripheral surface <NUM> may include an inlet portion <NUM>. The inlet portion <NUM> is a portion formed at the upper portions of both side surfaces of the cover peripheral surface <NUM> and may extend toward the outside as it goes upward. For example, the width of the open upper surface of the display cover <NUM> may be larger than the horizontal width of the display assembly <NUM>, so that the display assembly <NUM> is easily inserted into the display cover <NUM> from the upper side.

In some implementations, the cover rear surface <NUM> may form the rear surface of the display cover <NUM> and may be formed along the rear ends of the cover peripheral surface <NUM>. The cover rear surface <NUM> is formed to have a predetermined width along the cover peripheral surface <NUM>. Accordingly, an opening <NUM>, which may be entirely open, can be formed at the center of the cover rear surface <NUM>. The rear surface of the display assembly <NUM> that is inserted into the display cover <NUM> may be exposed.

In addition, a cover connection portion <NUM> may be formed at an upper end of the cover rear surface <NUM>. The cover connection portion <NUM> may connect upper ends of both side surfaces of the cover peripheral surface <NUM> to define an opening of the open upper surface of the display cover <NUM>. In addition, when the display assembly <NUM> is inserted into the display cover <NUM>, the cover connection portion <NUM> may serve to guide the display assembly <NUM> toward the inside of the display cover <NUM>. In this case, the cover connection portion <NUM> may be coupled to the cover peripheral surface <NUM> with both ends bent forward. Accordingly, it is possible to secure a width in the front-rear direction of an inlet into which the display assembly <NUM> can be inserted.

Cover protrusions <NUM> protrude toward the cover front surface <NUM>, and may be formed at the lower left and right sides of the cover rear surface <NUM>. The cover protrusions <NUM> may protrude to support the lower ends of both sides of the display frame <NUM>, that is, the lower ends of the first side extension <NUM> and the second side extension <NUM> from the rear and press them forward.

The cover protrusions <NUM> may be formed to be inclined to protrude as they extend downward. Accordingly, when the display assembly <NUM> is inserted and mounted, the display frame <NUM> may be naturally pressed forward. The front surface of the frame light guide <NUM> may be in close contact with the rear surface of the cover light guide <NUM> due to the forward pressing of the display frame <NUM>.

A wire guide portion <NUM> may be open on one side of the cover connection portion <NUM> in which the mounting hole <NUM> is open (right side in <FIG>) among the left and right sides of the cover connection portion <NUM>. A wire may be guided through the mounting hole <NUM> and pass through the wire guide portion <NUM>. The wire may be guided toward a touch connector <NUM> of the display PCB <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the display assembly <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the display assembly as viewed from the front. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the display assembly as viewed from the front. <FIG> is a perspective view of the display assembly as viewed from the rear. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the display assembly as viewed from the rear. <FIG> is a cutaway perspective view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM>' of <FIG>.

As shown in the drawings, the display assembly <NUM> includes the display frame <NUM> and the display PCB <NUM> mounted on the display frame <NUM>. In addition, the display assembly <NUM> may further include the Wi-Fi module <NUM> mounted on the display frame <NUM>.

The display PCB <NUM> includes the light emitting member <NUM> and may include a plurality of connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The light emitting member <NUM> may be an light emitting device (LED). The light emitting member <NUM> may be disposed at positions corresponding to the second through hole <NUM> and the third through hole <NUM>, respectively.

In some implementations, the connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> include a touch connector <NUM> connected to the touch PCB <NUM>, a main connector <NUM> connected to a main control unit of the refrigerator, and a Wi-Fi connector <NUM> connected to the Wi-Fi module <NUM>. The plurality of connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be connected to wires before the display assembly <NUM> is inserted into the display cover <NUM>.

In addition, the display PCB <NUM> may be provided with a plurality of elements including a microcomputer <NUM> for controlling the operation of the light emitting member <NUM>. In addition, a microcomputer may be also provided that processes an input signal of the touch sensor <NUM>.

In addition, the display PCB <NUM> may be formed to be inserted into and mounted on the rear surface of the display frame <NUM>. In addition, a plurality of fastening holes <NUM> may be formed in the display PCB <NUM>. Fastening protrusions <NUM> of the display frame <NUM> are inserted into the fastening holes <NUM>. Ends of the fastening protrusions <NUM> that pass through the fastening holes <NUM> can be fused to be completely coupled to the fastening holes <NUM> behind the fastening holes <NUM>.

In some implementations, the plurality of fastening holes <NUM> may be evenly disposed in the entire area of the touch PCB <NUM>. Accordingly, the display PCB <NUM> and the display frame <NUM> may be firmly fixed to each other. In particular, the plurality of the fastening holes <NUM> may be respectively positioned at positions adjacent to the light emitting member <NUM>. Therefore, the front surface of the display PCB <NUM> adjacent to the light emitting member <NUM> may be completely in close contact with the rear surface of the frame light guide <NUM> to prevent the light emitted from the light emitting member <NUM> from leaking through a gap between the frame light guide <NUM> and the display PCB <NUM>.

In addition, a substrate protection portion <NUM> may be formed around the fastening holes <NUM>. The substrate protection portion <NUM> may prevent damage of the circuit of the substrate while the fastening protrusion <NUM> is fused to the fastening hole <NUM>. The circuit does not extend to the area of the substrate protection portion <NUM>. The circuit may include heat-resistant coating.

The display frame <NUM> includes a frame light guide <NUM> having a third through hole <NUM> formed therein, and a first side extension <NUM> and a second extension extending vertically from both ends of the frame light guide <NUM>. In addition, a handle portion <NUM> may be formed at upper ends of the first side extension <NUM> and the second side extension <NUM>.

A frame opening <NUM> can be provided such that the display PCB <NUM> is exposed through the frame opening <NUM>. The frame opening <NUM> may be formed between the first side extension <NUM> and the second side extension <NUM>, and between the upper end of the frame light guide <NUM> and the lower end of the handle portion <NUM>. Elements including the microcomputer <NUM> may be disposed in an area of the display PCB <NUM> exposed through the frame opening <NUM> such that the elements are visible through the frame opening <NUM>.

Protection ribs <NUM> and <NUM> may protrude from the left and right sides of the frame opening <NUM>. The protection ribs <NUM> and <NUM> may protrude from the front surfaces of the first side extension <NUM> and the second side extension <NUM> to extend from the upper end to the lower end of the frame opening <NUM>. In addition, the protection ribs <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed to protrude more than a plurality of elements mounted on the display PCB <NUM>, and therefore, the elements mounted on the display PCB <NUM> may be protected from being affected by interference or impact during an assembly process.

An upper restraining portion <NUM> may extend downward and may be provided at an upper end of the frame opening <NUM>, that is, a lower end of the handle portion <NUM>. The upper end of the display PCB <NUM> may be restrained such that the upper end of the display PCB <NUM> does not protrude forward by the upper restraining portion <NUM>. At least one or more of the upper restraining portions <NUM> may be continuously formed along the upper end of the frame opening <NUM>.

In some implementations, a PCB accommodating space <NUM> is configured to accommodate the display PCB <NUM>. The PCB accommodating space <NUM> may be formed in a rear surface of the display frame <NUM>. The PCB accommodating space <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the display PCB <NUM>. The frame light guide <NUM> may be formed inside the PCB accommodating space <NUM>.

In order to form the PCB accommodating space <NUM>, the first side extension <NUM> and the second side extension <NUM> may be formed with a first extension rib <NUM> and a second extension rib <NUM> that protrude rearward. The first extension rib <NUM> and the second extension rib <NUM> may constrain the display PCB <NUM> by contacting outer ends of both left and right sides of the display PCB <NUM>. In addition, a third extension rib <NUM> protruding rearward may be further formed in the first side extension <NUM>. The third extension rib <NUM> may be disposed in parallel with the first extension rib <NUM> and may be formed to support a portion of the display PCB <NUM> extending downward from the lower portion of the display PCB <NUM>.

For example, the display PCB <NUM> is fixedly mounted inside the PCB accommodating space <NUM> by the first extension rib <NUM>, the second extension rib <NUM>, and the third extension rib <NUM>. In addition, the light emitting member <NUM> may be maintained to be accurately positioned inside the third through hole <NUM>.

The display PCB <NUM> may be maintained at a correct mounting position by having a structure that receives the display PCB <NUM> and mounts the display PCB <NUM> in the display frame <NUM> that includes the frame light guide <NUM>. Thus, the light emitting member <NUM> may be positioned inside the third through hole <NUM> of the frame light guide <NUM>. In addition, the frame light guide <NUM> may be maintained to be in close contact with the display PCB <NUM> to prevent light emitted from the light emitting member <NUM> from leaking between the display frame <NUM> and the display PCB <NUM>.

A first side inclined portion <NUM> may be formed to inclinedly extend inward at a lower end of the first side extension <NUM>, and a second side inclined portion <NUM> may be formed at a lower end of the second side extension <NUM>. The first side inclined portion <NUM> and the second side inclined portion <NUM> may be formed to be inclined toward the inside as they extend downward to facilitate insertion of the display frame <NUM> through the open upper surface of the display cover <NUM>.

For example, the first side inclined portion <NUM> and the second side inclined portion <NUM> may be easily inserted into the inlet portion <NUM> of the display cover <NUM> when the display assembly <NUM> is mounted. That is, the lower end of the display frame <NUM> may be easily inserted through the open upper surface of the display cover <NUM> away from the decor opening <NUM>.

A lower inclined portion <NUM> may be further formed at a lower end of the first side extension <NUM>. The lower inclined portion <NUM> may protrude rearward from the first side extension <NUM> and may be formed to be inclined so as to further protrude rearward as it extends upward. In addition, the lower inclined portion <NUM> may be formed at the lower ends of the first extension rib <NUM> and the third extension rib <NUM> formed at both side ends of the first side extension <NUM>. When the display assembly <NUM> is inserted through the open upper surface of the display cover <NUM>, the lower inclined portion <NUM> may be guided in contact with the cover connection portion <NUM> to allow the display assembly <NUM> to be guided to the inside of the display cover <NUM>.

In some implementations, a wire guide hole <NUM> may be formed at an upper end of the second side extension <NUM>. The wire guide hole <NUM> may guide a wire extending from the touch sensor assembly <NUM> to the touch connector <NUM> of the display PCB <NUM>. For example, the wire may be moved upward along the rear surface of the second side extension <NUM>, and may be guided to the front through the wire guide hole <NUM>. The wire may be connected to the touch connector <NUM> at the upper end of the display PCB <NUM>.

Pressing protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed at an approximately intermediate point between the first side extension <NUM> and the second side extension <NUM>. The pressing protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may protrude rearward from the rear surfaces of the first side extension <NUM> and the second side extension <NUM>, and may be in contact with the cover rear surface <NUM> of the display cover <NUM> in a state in which the display assembly <NUM> is inserted into the display cover <NUM>.

The pressing protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned between the upper and lower ends of the frame light guide <NUM> in the vertical height. That is, the pressing protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned on both sides of the frame light guide <NUM>, respectively.

Accordingly, the display frame <NUM> may be pressed forward by the pressing protrusions <NUM> and <NUM>, and the frame light guide <NUM> may be maintained in close contact with the rear surface of the cover light guide <NUM>.

The frame light guide <NUM> may be formed to have the same size as the cover light guide <NUM>, and may be formed at a position corresponding to the cover light guide <NUM>. The frame light guide <NUM> may be formed to connect the first side extension <NUM> and the second side extension <NUM>.

The front surface of the frame light guide <NUM> may be in close contact with the rear surface of the cover light guide <NUM>. In addition, a close-contacting portion <NUM> that is in close contact with the front surface of the display PCB <NUM> may be formed in a rear surface of the frame light guide <NUM>. The close-contacting portion <NUM> may be formed in such a way that a peripheral region of the third through holes <NUM> of the frame light guide <NUM> protrudes rearward. Accordingly, the third through holes <NUM> may be in close contact with the front surface of the display PCB <NUM> in which the light emitting member <NUM> is provided, so that light emitted from the light emitting member <NUM> passes through all the third through holes <NUM>.

The third through holes <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the second through holes <NUM> in a one-to-one manner, and may be formed in shapes corresponding to positions corresponding to the second through holes <NUM>. The third through holes <NUM> may have shapes of seven-segment. In addition, one or more additional third through holes <NUM> may be formed at a position corresponding to the touch sensor <NUM>. One or more additional third through holes <NUM> may be used to indicate the unit of temperature.

A fastening protrusion <NUM> may protrude rearward and may be formed inside the PCB accommodating space <NUM>. The fastening protrusion <NUM> may be formed at a position corresponding to the fastening hole <NUM> of the display PCB <NUM>. In particular, the fastening protrusion <NUM> may protrude from the rear surface of the frame light guide <NUM> and may extend to pass through the fastening hole <NUM>. In addition, the fastening protrusion <NUM> may be formed not only on the frame light guide <NUM> but also on the upper restraining portion <NUM>, and allow the display PCB <NUM> to be fixedly mounted entirely.

The fastening protrusion <NUM> may be integrally formed with the display frame <NUM> when the display frame <NUM> is molded. Accordingly, the fastening protrusion <NUM> may be injection-formed of a plastic material, similarly to the display frame <NUM>. In addition, the fastening protrusion <NUM> may be formed such that the end of the fastening protrusion <NUM> protrudes to the rear of the display PCB <NUM> while passing through the fastening hole <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the end of the fastening protrusion <NUM> protruding through the fastening hole <NUM> may be fused to be fixed to the periphery of the fastening hole <NUM>. By the above-described coupling structure, the display frame <NUM> and the display PCB <NUM> may be fixed to each other very firmly, and the frame light guide <NUM> and the display PCB <NUM> may be coupled to be in close contact with each other.

For example, a coupling structure may be provided that allows the display frame <NUM> to be coupled to the display PCB <NUM> at a position adjacent to the light emitting member <NUM> that is mounted on the display PCB <NUM>. In implementations where the coupling structure includes a screw (not fusing of the fastening protrusion <NUM>), the structure can have a relatively large diameter that can cover not only the diameter of the screw but also the diameter of a boss to which the screw is fastened. This makes it difficult to implement a constraining and close-contacting structure at a position adjacent to the light emitting member <NUM>. However, the structure according to the implementations of the present disclosure can be provided in a relatively narrow space and enable the fastening protrusion <NUM> having a relatively small diameter to be fused through the fastening hole <NUM>. Further, a plurality of the fastening protrusions <NUM> may provide coupling structures of the display frame <NUM> and the display PCB <NUM> at positions adjacent to the light emitting members <NUM>.

In some implementations, a guide accommodating portion <NUM> may be formed in the front surface of the frame light guide <NUM>. The guide accommodating portion <NUM> may be recessed in a shape corresponding to the cover light guide <NUM>, and may be formed to be open downward. Accordingly, when the display assembly <NUM> is completely inserted into the display cover <NUM>, the cover light guide <NUM> may be formed to be accommodated in the guide accommodating portion <NUM>. In this case, the cover light guide <NUM> and the guide accommodating portion <NUM> may be formed in shapes completely corresponding to each other. In addition, the guide accommodating portion <NUM> may be recessed to a height corresponding to the thickness of the cover light guide <NUM>.

Further, a frame inclined surface <NUM> may be formed in the lower surface of the frame light guide <NUM>. The frame inclined surface <NUM> may contact the cover inclined surface 311a to guide the insertion of the display assembly <NUM>, and at the same time, induce the cover light guide <NUM> to be positioned in front of the frame light guide <NUM> when the display assembly <NUM> is inserted.

Further, a first side protrusion <NUM> and a second side protrusion <NUM> may be formed on both left and right sides of the frame light guide <NUM>, respectively, and can be inserted into the first side opening <NUM> and the second side opening <NUM>.

The first side protrusion <NUM> and the second side protrusion <NUM> may be formed in shapes corresponding to the first side opening <NUM> and the second side opening <NUM>. The first side protrusion <NUM> and the second side protrusion <NUM> may extend in a vertical direction and be inserted along the first side opening <NUM> and the second side opening <NUM> when the display assembly <NUM> is inserted into the display cover <NUM>.

For example, when the display assembly <NUM> is mounted, the display frame <NUM> may be guided such that the display frame <NUM> is be inserted into the display cover <NUM> so as to be aligned at the accurate position. In addition, when the display assembly <NUM> has been inserted into the display cover <NUM>, the frame light guide <NUM> may overlap the cover light guide <NUM>, and finally, the second through holes <NUM> may be aligned to communicate with the third through holes <NUM>.

A lower opening <NUM> is further formed between the first side extension <NUM> and the second side extension <NUM> on the lower side of the frame light guide <NUM>. The lower opening <NUM> may be formed to have a corresponding size such that the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM> of the display cover <NUM> may be inserted, and may be open downward.

Accordingly, when the display assembly <NUM> is being inserted, the lower opening <NUM> and the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM> may also be coupled to each other, and the display assembly <NUM> may be mounted at a more accurate position.

In some implementations, the handle portion <NUM> may further extend upward from the upper end of the first side extension <NUM> and the second side extension <NUM>. In addition, a handle extension <NUM> extending upward may be formed in the center of the handle portion <NUM>. In addition, a gripping portion <NUM> that be in contact with the decor cover <NUM> may be formed on the upper end of the handle extension <NUM>.

A PCB accommodating portion <NUM> may be recessed in the rear surface of the handle extension <NUM>. The PCB accommodating portion <NUM> may be a space in which the Wi-Fi module <NUM> is accommodated and may be formed to have a size corresponding to a Wi-Fi PCB <NUM> of the Wi-Fi module <NUM>.

A plurality of elements may be provided on the Wi-Fi PCB <NUM>, and a connector <NUM> for connecting to the display PCB <NUM> by a wire may be further provided. A wire guide portion <NUM> to guide the wire may be formed to recessed from the handle extension <NUM>, and a handle hole 664a which the wire enters and exits may be formed in the wire guide portion <NUM>. The wire may be connected to the Wi-Fi connector <NUM> of the display PCB <NUM> through the handle hole 664a.

In some implementations, an opening <NUM> may be further formed in the PCB accommodating portion <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may prevent interference by allowing an element provided in the Wi-Fi PCB <NUM> to pass through the opening <NUM> when the Wi-Fi PCB <NUM> is mounted on the PCB accommodating portion <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a structure in which the display cover <NUM> and the display assembly <NUM> are coupled will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of the display assembly coupled to the display cover. <FIG> is a perspective view of the display assembly coupled to the display cover as viewed from the rear. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the display cover, the display assembly, and the touch assembly. <FIG> is a cutaway perspective view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM>' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cutaway perspective view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM>' of <FIG>.

As shown in the drawings, the display assembly <NUM> may be inserted into and mounted on the display cover <NUM> in a state in which the display PCB <NUM> is coupled to the display frame <NUM>.

In this case, when the display cover <NUM> is fixedly mounted on the rear surface of the outer plate <NUM>, a user may hold the handle portion <NUM> and insert the handle portion <NUM> into the upper surface of the display cover <NUM> by passing through the decor opening <NUM> defining the upper surface of the door <NUM> to which the lower end of the display assembly <NUM> is assembled.

In this case, the display assembly <NUM> may be easily inserted into the display cover <NUM> by a guiding and coupling structure of the display frame <NUM> and the display cover <NUM>.

In addition, when the display assembly <NUM> is inserted into the display cover <NUM>, the display assembly <NUM> may be guided to an accurate position in the inside of the display cover <NUM> by the guide of the first side extension <NUM> and the second side extension <NUM>.

In particular, the first side protrusion <NUM> and the second side protrusion <NUM> may have a structure that enables the first side opening <NUM> and the second side opening <NUM> to be engaged to mesh with each other. Accordingly, the display assembly <NUM> may be mounted in a state in which the position thereof is aligned inside the display cover <NUM>.

The frame light guide <NUM> and the cover light guide <NUM> may overlap with each other in the front-rear direction. The third through holes <NUM> of the frame light guide <NUM> and the second through holes <NUM> of the cover light guide <NUM> may be aligned to communicate with each other. In this case, the second through holes <NUM> and the third through holes <NUM> may be formed to have sizes corresponding to each other and may match each other in a one-to-one manner.

In some implementations, the display frame <NUM> may be pressed forward in the inside of the display cover <NUM> by the pressing protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> formed in the first side extension <NUM> and the second side extension <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the pressing protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may come into contact with the cover rear surface <NUM> of the display cover <NUM>, and press the display frame <NUM> to move forward. Accordingly, the rear surface of the cover light guide <NUM> and the front surface of the frame light guide <NUM> may be brought into close contact with each other. In addition, the light emitted from the light emitting member <NUM> may completely pass through the third through hole <NUM> and the second through hole <NUM> in turn while the light does not leak between the second through hole <NUM> and the third through hole <NUM>.

In a state in which the display assembly <NUM> has been completely inserted into the display cover <NUM> and mounted, the front surface <NUM> of the display cover <NUM> and the front surface of the display assembly <NUM> may form the same plane to be maintained in close contact with the rear surface of the outer plate <NUM>.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the display assembly <NUM> has been inserted into the display cover <NUM>, the first side protrusion <NUM> and the second side protrusion <NUM> may be coupled to the inside of the side opening <NUM> and the inside of the second side opening <NUM>. Further, the front surfaces of the first side protrusion <NUM> and the second side protrusion <NUM> are exposed to the front surfaces of the first side opening <NUM> and the second side opening <NUM> and form the same plane as the cover front surface <NUM>.

Accordingly, a part of the front surface of the display assembly <NUM> which has been inserted into the display cover <NUM> may be also fixed in close contact with the outer plate <NUM> while the display cover <NUM> is attached to the rear surface of the outer plate <NUM>.

As a result, the display cover <NUM> in which the second through holes <NUM> are formed is fixedly mounted onto the rear surface of the outer plate <NUM> while the second through holes <NUM> are aligned with the first through holes <NUM>. In addition, the display PCB <NUM> provided with the light emitting member <NUM> may be coupled in close contact with the display frame <NUM> in which the third through holes <NUM> are formed, and inserted into the display cover <NUM> so that the first through holes <NUM>, the second through holes <NUM>, and the third through holes <NUM> are all aligned finally, thus allowing light emitted from the light emitting member <NUM> to pass through the through holes.

In some implementations, the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM> may be recessed from the front surface of the display cover <NUM>, and the touch cover <NUM>, the touch PCB <NUM>, and the elastic member <NUM> may be mounted in the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM>.

In this case, the touch cover <NUM> positioned at the most front may also be positioned on the same plane as the cover front surface <NUM> of the display cover <NUM>, and fixedly mounted onto the outer plate while being mounted on the display cover <NUM>. Accordingly, when the display cover <NUM> is fixedly mounted, the display cover <NUM> may also be in close contact with the rear surface of the outer plate <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the touch sensor assembly <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the touch assembly. <FIG> is a cutaway perspective view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM>' of <FIG>.

As shown in the drawings, the elastic member <NUM>, the touch PCB <NUM>, and the touch cover <NUM> constituting the touch sensor assembly <NUM> may be mounted in turn inside the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM> of the display cover <NUM>.

The elastic member <NUM> may be fixedly mounted onto the bottom surface of the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM>. Further, the elastic member <NUM> may be formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and press and support the touch PCB <NUM> forward from the rear.

In this case, the elastic member <NUM> may include a base <NUM> forming a bottom surface, and support protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> protruding forward from the base <NUM>. The base <NUM> may be formed in a plate shape, and may be formed at least in a size corresponding to the touch PCB <NUM>.

A base depression <NUM> may be formed to be recessed inward from one side of the base <NUM>. The base depression <NUM> may be formed at a position corresponding to the PCB connector <NUM> mounted on the touch PCB <NUM> and may be recessed at a position corresponding to the mounting hole <NUM>. Accordingly, even when the touch PCB <NUM> is mounted, it is possible to prevent interference by the PCB connector <NUM> and wires connected to the PCB connector <NUM>.

A plurality of support protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> extending in the horizontal direction may be formed in the base <NUM>. The plurality of support protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned at intermediate points between a plurality of touch sensors <NUM> provided in the touch PCB <NUM>. In addition, the support protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be elongated in the horizontal direction from one end to the other end of the base <NUM>. The length of the support protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> in the horizontal direction may be longer than a diameter of the touch sensor <NUM>.

In some implementations, among the plurality of support protrusions <NUM> and <NUM>, the support protrusions <NUM> formed at the upper and lower ends of the base <NUM> may be formed to be longer than the lengths of the remaining support protrusions <NUM>. That is, the shape of the base <NUM> may have a longer width at the upper and lower ends than that of the middle portion due to the base depression <NUM>, and therefore, the support protrusions <NUM> formed at the upper and lower ends of the base <NUM> may be also formed to be longer than the support protrusions <NUM> positioned between the upper and lower ends of the base <NUM>.

The widths of the support protrusions <NUM> positioned at the upper and lower ends of the base <NUM> may correspond to the widths of the upper and lower ends of the base <NUM> so that the upper and lower ends of the touch PCB <NUM> may be entirely supported. Accordingly, it is possible to stably support the touch PCB <NUM> from the rear and prevent the touch PCB <NUM> from tilting in one direction.

The touch PCB <NUM> may be formed in a plate shape capable of being accommodated inside the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM> and may have a structure that is entirely supported by the elastic member <NUM>.

A plurality of touch sensors <NUM> may be provided on the front surface of the touch PCB <NUM>. The touch sensor <NUM> is a sensor device that recognizes a touch operation by detecting a change in pressure, and a general piezo-type touch sensor may be used.

Accordingly, the touch sensor <NUM> may recognize a user's touch operation by detecting a change in pressure applied according to the deformation of the outer plate <NUM> when the user presses the outer plate <NUM>.

A plurality of the touch sensors <NUM> may be disposed in the vertical direction, and may be disposed in each of regions between the plurality of support protrusions <NUM> and <NUM>. That is, the support protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed in the upper and lower portions adjacent to a position where the touch sensor <NUM> is mounted, and the pressure applied to the touch sensor <NUM> by the arrangement of the support protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be concentrated to the central portion of the touch sensor <NUM>.

The touch PCB <NUM> may be pressed forward by the elastic member <NUM> and further pressed forward by the support protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> so that the touch sensor <NUM> may be brought into more close contact with the rear surface of the touch cover <NUM>. Accordingly, a user's touch manipulation through the touch cover <NUM> may be more effectively recognized.

The touch cover <NUM> may be formed to have a size corresponding to the open front surface of the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM>, and may be fixedly mounted to the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM> by the cover hooks <NUM> formed on both sides of the touch cover <NUM> to be movable in the front and rear directions.

Accordingly, in a state in which the touch PCB <NUM> is pressed and supported forward by the elastic member <NUM>, it is possible to more closely contact the rear surface of the outer plate <NUM>. In addition, when the outer plate <NUM> is pressed, the outer plate <NUM> may more effectively press the touch sensor <NUM> while being moved rearward.

A touch booster <NUM> may be disposed on the touch cover <NUM>. The touch booster <NUM> may be formed to be concentric with the central portion of the touch sensor <NUM>, and may be formed in front of the touch sensor <NUM>. In addition, a plurality of spiral-shaped booster cutouts 731a are formed along the periphery of the touch booster <NUM> so that the central portion of the touch booster <NUM> may be moved backward when pressure is applied to the touch booster <NUM>. That is, the touch booster <NUM> may be moved backward while being elastically deformed by the booster cutout 731a, and may return to its original position when the user releases a pressing hand.

A protrusion protruding rearward may be further formed in the center of the touch booster <NUM>, and thus, when the touch booster <NUM> is moved backward by an operation of pressing the outer plate <NUM>, the touch sensor <NUM> may be pressed more effectively.

Hereinafter, a state in which the display part <NUM> is visible in the refrigerator having the above structure will be described with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM>' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM>' of <FIG>.

As shown in the drawings, when a user's touch manipulation is received during operation of the refrigerator <NUM> or the operation state of the refrigerator <NUM> is displayed, the light emitting member <NUM> is turned on, and the display part <NUM> may be visualized while light is emitted. In addition, the display part <NUM> may display a specific number, letter, symbol, or pattern by means of a plurality of first through holes <NUM> constituting the display part <NUM> to transmit information to a user.

For example, when the light emitting member <NUM> is turned on, light emitted by the light emitting member <NUM> may be emitted to the outside by passing through the third through holes <NUM>, the second through holes <NUM> and the first through holes <NUM> sequentially by the display assembly <NUM> and the display cover <NUM> coupled to be aligned.

In this case, the display PCB <NUM> in which the light emitting member <NUM> is provided may be accommodated in the display frame <NUM> and firmly coupled to the display frame <NUM> by the fastening protrusion <NUM> and the fastening hole <NUM>, so that light from the light emitting member <NUM> passes through the third through holes <NUM>.

In addition, the display cover <NUM> may be coupled to the outer plate <NUM> such that the plurality of first through holes <NUM> are aligned with the second through holes <NUM>. Accordingly, the light passing through the second through holes <NUM> may pass through the first through holes <NUM> in the inner regions of the second through holes <NUM> and the light may be emitted to the outside.

A diffusion sheet <NUM> may be further provided between the display cover <NUM> and the outer plate <NUM> so that light passing through the first through holes <NUM> becomes brighter, making the first through holes <NUM> look sharper and brighter. In addition, a transparent hole filling member <NUM> may be provided inside the first through hole <NUM>, and emitted light may pass through the hole filling member <NUM> and be emitted to the outside.

In some implementations, when the display assembly <NUM> is inserted into the display cover <NUM>, the display cover <NUM> and the display assembly <NUM> may be coupled to each other in a state in which they are aligned at an accurate position by several structures, such as (i) the structure of the plurality of inclined portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the inclined surfaces 311a and <NUM>, and the inlet portion <NUM> formed in the display frame <NUM> and the display cover <NUM>, (ii) the structure that couples the first side opening <NUM>, the second side opening <NUM>, the first side protrusion <NUM> and the second side protrusion <NUM> with each other, (iii) the close-contacting structure by the pressing protrusions <NUM> and <NUM>, and (iv) the like.

Therefore, all of light passing through the third through holes <NUM> may be guided to the second through holes <NUM>, and then guided to the first through holes <NUM> without not being leaked or covered, thereby light being emitted to the outside.

Alternatively or in addition to the implementations described above, the refrigerator according to the present disclosure may be implemented in various other implementations. Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to another implementation of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a front view of a refrigerator according to an implementation of a refrigerator door.

As shown in the drawings, a refrigerator <NUM>' according to an implementation of the present disclosure may include a cabinet defining a storage space and refrigerator doors <NUM>' mounted on the cabinet <NUM> to open and close the storage space. Here, an outer appearance of the refrigerator <NUM>' may be defined by the cabinet, the doors <NUM>', and the like.

The storage space may be divided into left and right sides and/or upper and lower sides, and a plurality of refrigerator doors <NUM>' for opening and closing each space may be provided on an open front surface of the storage space.

The refrigerator door <NUM>' may be configured to open and close the storage space in a sliding or rotating manner, and may be configured to define a front outer appearance of the refrigerator <NUM>' when the doors are closed.

The refrigerator door <NUM>' on one side (upper left side in <FIG>) of the plurality of refrigerator doors <NUM>' may be provided with a display part <NUM>' and a touch manipulation part <NUM>' at a height that makes user's manipulation and identification easy.

The display part <NUM>' is for displaying the operating state of the refrigerator <NUM>' to the outside of the refrigerator. The display part <NUM>' may display a symbol, number, or the like as light is emitted from the inside of the refrigerator door <NUM>' and transmitted through the display part <NUM>', thus enabling the user to identify the symbol or number from the outside. The specific structure and shape of the display part <NUM>' may be the same as the display part <NUM> of the above-described implementation (<FIG>).

The touch manipulation part <NUM>' is a part that allows the user to make a touch to operate the refrigerator <NUM>' and is provided on a partial area of the front surface of the refrigerator door <NUM>'. A portion of the touch manipulation part <NUM>' where a pressing operation can be detected may be configured by various methods such as plane processing such as printing or etching or light transmission. The specific structure and shape of the touch manipulation part <NUM>' may be the same as the touch manipulation part <NUM> of the above-described implementation (<FIG>).

<FIG> is a perspective view of the refrigerator door <NUM>', and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a decor cover <NUM> and a frame assembly <NUM> constituting the refrigerator door <NUM>' are separated from each other and a front panel <NUM>' and a door liner <NUM>' are separated from each other.

As shown in the drawings, the refrigerator door <NUM>' may be provided with a front panel <NUM>' defining a front appearance and a door liner <NUM>' defining a rear appearance, and the like. Parts having various functions may be provided between the front panel <NUM> and the door liner <NUM>'.

In some implementations, a touch display device <NUM> may be provided between the front panel <NUM>' and the door liner <NUM>'.

The touch display device <NUM> may detect a user's touch signal and emit light such that a state of the refrigerator is displayed to the outside, and may be coupled to an upper end of the door liner <NUM>' as shown.

A decor cover <NUM> and a lower decor <NUM> may be further provided at the upper and lower ends of the door liner <NUM>'.

The decor cover <NUM> and the lower decor <NUM> may shield a gap between the front panel <NUM>' and the upper and lower ends of the door liner <NUM>', and at the same time, define the appearance of the upper and lower ends of the refrigerator door <NUM>'.

The decor cover <NUM> may define the appearance of an upper surface of the refrigerator door <NUM>' and at the same time, serve to shield a frame entrance <NUM>, which will be described below. For example, a frame assembly <NUM> to be described below may have a cover function of shielding the frame entrance <NUM>, which is a passage through which the frame assembly <NUM> is separated upward of the refrigerator door <NUM>'.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of the touch display device <NUM> provided in the refrigerator door <NUM>', and <FIG> are perspective views respectively showing configurations of a cover assembly <NUM>, a frame assembly <NUM> and a case assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view showing a configuration of the touch display device <NUM>, and <FIG> is a partial cut-away perspective view showing a configuration of the touch display device <NUM>. <FIG> is a plan cross-sectional view of the touch display device <NUM>.

As shown in the drawings, the touch display device <NUM> may be provided on the rear side of the front panel <NUM>' to recognize a signal applied to the touch manipulation part <NUM>' or display a state of the refrigerator <NUM>' on the display part <NUM>' or the like so that the user can visually recognize the state from the outside.

The touch display device <NUM> may include the touch assembly <NUM> provided at a rear side of the touch manipulation part <NUM>' of the refrigerator door <NUM>' to detect a touch, the cover assembly <NUM> on which the touch assembly <NUM> is mounted, a frame assembly <NUM> including a reflector <NUM> that generates a signal displayed through the display part <NUM>' and the like, the cover assembly <NUM> in which the cover assembly <NUM> and the frame assembly <NUM> are accommodated, and the like.

The touch assembly <NUM> may include a touch panel installed in close contact with the rear side of the touch manipulation part <NUM>' and a sensor PCB that recognizes a touch signal. The touch assembly <NUM> may be detachably mounted on the cover assembly <NUM>.

In some implementations, it is preferable that a plurality of fastening hooks or the like are provided at both left and right ends of the touch assembly <NUM> to be detachably mounted to the cover assembly <NUM>.

In some implementations, the touch assembly <NUM> may be integrally formed with the cover assembly <NUM>. For example, the sensor PCB provided in the touch assembly <NUM> is accommodated inside the cover assembly <NUM> and may be integrally molded such that a touch panel of the front surface is exposed to the front surface of the cover assembly <NUM>.

Further, the touch assembly <NUM> may have the same structure as the touch sensor assembly <NUM> of the above-described implementation, and thus may be referred to as a touch sensor assembly.

The cover assembly <NUM> may be formed to have a rectangular shape as a whole, and may be mounted on the case assembly <NUM>.

The cover assembly <NUM> may include a touch box <NUM> in which the touch assembly <NUM> is accommodated, and a left guide <NUM> and a right guide <NUM> through which the frame assembly <NUM> is slidably inserted and accommodated.

For example, the left guide <NUM> and the right guide <NUM> may have shapes symmetrical to each other and may be formed at left and right ends of the cover assembly <NUM>.

The left guide <NUM> and the right guide <NUM> may be formed to have a tunnel shape with an open left or right side, such that the left and right ends of the frame assembly <NUM> are inserted thereto. In some implementations, it is preferable that the left guide <NUM> is formed such that the right side thereof is open and has a cross section of a shape of '⊂' (when viewed from above), and the right guide <NUM> is formed such that the left side thereof is open and has a cross section of a shape of '⊃' (when viewed from above).

The touch box <NUM> may be formed in the center of the lower portion of the cover assembly <NUM> and have a rectangular shape having a vertical length longer than a horizontal length so as to correspond to an outer shape of the touch assembly <NUM>.

The touch box <NUM> may be recessed rearward from the front surface of the cover assembly <NUM> by a predetermined distance, and the front thereof may be open. Accordingly, the touch assembly <NUM> may be accommodated and mounted through the front of the touch box <NUM>.

Fastening grooves <NUM> are respectively formed in the left and right sides of the touch box <NUM>. The fastening grooves <NUM> may be portions with which fastening hooks of the touch assembly <NUM> is caught.

The lower end of the touch box <NUM> may be connected to the lower end of the cover assembly <NUM>, and the right end of the touch box <NUM> may be connected to the front surface of the right guide <NUM>. Accordingly, the lower portion of the front surface of the right guide <NUM> may further extend to the left to form a connecting piece <NUM>, and the left end of the connecting piece <NUM> may be integrally connected with the right end of the touch box <NUM>.

In some implementations, at upper ends of the left guide <NUM> and the right guide <NUM>, a pair of extensions <NUM> may be formed symmetrically to each other and configured to guide insertion of the frame assembly <NUM>. For example, the pair of extensions <NUM> may be integrally formed at the upper ends of the left guide <NUM> and the right guide <NUM>. A distance (left-right distance) between the pair of extensions <NUM> can increase as they go upward.

For example, the extensions <NUM> may be formed such that the distance between the upper ends of the left guide <NUM> and the right guide <NUM> gradually increase as they go upward. The extensions <NUM> may serve to guide the lower end of the frame assembly <NUM> to be smoothly inserted through the left guide <NUM> and the right guide <NUM>.

A connecting extension <NUM> may be further provided at upper ends of the left guide <NUM> and the right guide <NUM>.

The connecting extension <NUM> may be formed of a flat plate having a predetermined thickness, and may serve to securely connect and fix the upper ends of the left guide <NUM> and the right guide <NUM> to each other. For example, the connecting extension <NUM> may serve to firmly support the upper ends of the left guide <NUM> and the right guide <NUM> such that they are not bent or deformed.

The cover assembly <NUM> may be fixed in close contact with a rear surface of the front panel <NUM>', or may be fixed to the case assembly <NUM> or the like. For example, the cover assembly <NUM> is preferably assembled to the front panel <NUM>' or the like and is positioned to correspond to a button position of the front panel <NUM>' to serve to recognize a button. In some implementations, it is preferable that the cover assembly <NUM> is fixed to, for example, the front panel <NUM>' with double-sided tape or the like to apply pressure to the touch panel.

In some implementations, the cover assembly <NUM> may have the same structure as the display cover <NUM> of the above-described implementation. Accordingly, the cover assembly <NUM> may also be referred to as a display cover. In addition, the touch box <NUM> may have the same structure as the sensor assembly mounting portion <NUM> of the above-described implementation. Accordingly, the coupling structure of the touch assembly <NUM> and the cover assembly <NUM> may be the same as the coupling structure of the touch sensor assembly <NUM> and the display cover <NUM> as described above.

The frame assembly <NUM> may include an LED, a display PCB, an <NUM> segment, and the like.

The frame assembly <NUM> may be assembled to be slidably inserted into the cover assembly <NUM> to receive a signal from the touch assembly <NUM> and display information according to the cutout positions of the front panel <NUM>'.

The frame assembly <NUM> may have a rectangular shape having upper and lower lengths longer than left and right lengths, as a whole, and may be inserted into the cover assembly <NUM> from the upper side to be accommodated.

The left and right ends of the frame assembly <NUM> may be respectively inserted into and accommodated in the left guide <NUM> and the right guide <NUM> of the cover assembly <NUM>. In some implementations, it is preferable that at least the left and right ends of the lower half of the frame assembly <NUM> are formed to have a thickness smaller than the inner spaces of the left guide <NUM> and the right guide <NUM>.

Reinforcing ribs <NUM> for reinforcing strength may be further provided at both left and right ends or lower ends of the frame assembly <NUM>.

A reflector <NUM> may be further integrally formed with the frame assembly <NUM>. For example, the frame assembly <NUM> may be integrally provided with the reflector <NUM> protruding further forward than the front surface of the frame assembly <NUM>.

The reflector <NUM> may be formed to have a predetermined thickness in the front surface of a display PCB (for example, <NUM> in <FIG>) on which an LED is provided, and may serve to guide the light of the LED toward the front panel <NUM>' in front of the reflector <NUM> and protect a display PCB provided on the rear side from static electricity. Accordingly, the reflector <NUM> may be at least a part of the display frame <NUM> of the above-described implementation.

Because not only the front panel <NUM>' is formed of stainless steel, but also a display PCB or the like needs to be disposed adjacent to a display part <NUM>', it may be vulnerable to static electricity occurring during use due to the characteristics of the structure.

However, the reflector <NUM> may enable the display PCB to be structurally spaced apart from the front panel <NUM>' and light transmission to be facilitated, thereby protecting the display PCB from static electricity.

One or more holes may be formed in the frame assembly <NUM> to reduce the weight thereof.

For example, a touch receiving hole <NUM> with an open lower portion is formed to penetrate back and forth in the lower half of the frame assembly <NUM>. The touch receiving hole <NUM> may be a portion where the touch box <NUM> of the cover assembly <NUM> is positioned.

A square-shaped through hole <NUM> may be further formed to penetrate back and forth on the upper side of the reflector <NUM>.

A frame handle <NUM> may be further formed at an upper end of the frame assembly <NUM>.

For example, the frame handle <NUM> extending upward may be provided in a central portion of an upper end of the frame assembly <NUM>.

When the frame assembly <NUM> is coupled to the cover assembly <NUM>, the frame handle <NUM> may be formed to have a predetermined length vertically, and a user holds the frame handle <NUM> and manipulates it.

The frame handle <NUM> may include a first vertical portion <NUM> extending upward from an upper end of the frame assembly <NUM>, an inclined portion extending obliquely upward to the rear upper side to a rear and upper side from an upper end of the first vertical portion <NUM>, a second vertical portion <NUM> extending upward from an upper end of the inclined portion <NUM>, and a grip portion <NUM> formed at an upper end of the second vertical portion <NUM>.

The first vertical portion <NUM> and the second vertical portion <NUM> may extend parallel to each other and may be connected by the inclined portion <NUM>. As described above, the frame handle <NUM> is composed of the first vertical portion <NUM>, the second vertical portion <NUM>, and the inclined portion <NUM>. The grip portion <NUM> that is spaced apart upward and rearward from the upper end of the frame assembly <NUM> can facilitate assembly or separation of the frame assembly <NUM> from the upper side of the refrigerator door <NUM>'.

The grip portion <NUM> is a portion configured to be held by a user by a hand. The grip portion <NUM> may be formed to extend to the left and right at the upper end of the second vertical portion <NUM>.

Therefore, when the user inserts the frame assembly <NUM>, the user may hold the grip portion <NUM> and perform insertion such that the lower end of the frame assembly <NUM> is inserted downward through an upper entrance (not shown) of the refrigerator door <NUM>'.

When the frame assembly <NUM> is inserted downward of the refrigerator door <NUM>', the lower end of the frame assembly <NUM> are inserted into and mounted in a space between the left guide <NUM> and the right guide <NUM> through the extension <NUM> of the cover assembly <NUM>.

In some implementations, the frame assembly <NUM> may have the same structure as the display assembly <NUM> of the above-described implementation. Accordingly, the frame assembly <NUM> may be referred to as a display assembly.

The case assembly <NUM> may prevent a foaming liquid filled into the inside of the refrigerator door <NUM>' from leaking to the touch display device <NUM>, and also serve as an assembly path of the frame assembly <NUM> that is slidably fastened to the cover assembly <NUM> from the upper side.

As shown in the drawings, the case assembly <NUM> may include a main portion <NUM> in which the cover assembly <NUM> and the like are accommodated, an upper portion <NUM> formed at an upper side of the main portion <NUM> to enable the case assembly <NUM> to be mounted on the upper end of the refrigerator door <NUM>', and the like.

The main portion <NUM> and the upper portion <NUM> may be detachably coupled to each other. The main portion <NUM> may be formed to be elongated vertically, and the upper portion <NUM> may be formed at the upper end of the main portion <NUM> to have a predetermined length left and right.

The upper portion <NUM> is preferably formed to have a shape corresponding to the upper end of the refrigerator door <NUM>' or the upper end of the door liner <NUM>', or to have a corresponding left-right length so as to be fastened to each other.

A central portion of the upper portion <NUM> is formed to be recessed downward, and a frame entrance <NUM> that guides, for example, the frame assembly <NUM> to be pulled out upward or inserted downward from the upper side is preferably formed to penetrate up and down in the center of the upper portion <NUM>.

Therefore, although not shown in detail, the frame entrance <NUM> is preferably formed to have a flat cross-section corresponding to sizes of the frame assembly <NUM> in the left-right and front-rear directions such that the frame assembly <NUM> can sufficiently pass through the frame entrance <NUM> up and down.

The decor cover <NUM> may be coupled to an upper end of the upper portion <NUM>.

The main portion <NUM> is formed in a rectangular shape, and a central portion thereof is formed to be recessed rearward to define a cover space <NUM>. The cover space <NUM> is a portion in which the cover assembly <NUM>, the frame assembly <NUM> and the like are accommodated. Therefore, it is preferable that the recess depth of the cover space <NUM> has a size corresponding to the thickness of the cover assembly <NUM>.

One or more cover support portions <NUM> may be provided on the left and right sides of the cover space <NUM> of the main portion <NUM>.

The cover support portions <NUM> are preferably formed to correspond to each other on the left and right sides of the cover space <NUM>, and is preferably configured to press and support the left and right sides of the cover assembly <NUM> from the rear.

Accordingly, in a state where the cover assembly <NUM> is attached to the rear surface of the front panel <NUM>', when the frame assembly <NUM> is attached to the front panel <NUM>' and a foaming liquid is applied to the inside of the refrigerator door <NUM>', the cover support portions <NUM> may push the cover assembly <NUM> forward so that the cover assembly <NUM> can maintain a state of being attached to the front panel <NUM>'.

In particular, even when an adhesive member (not shown) that attaches the cover assembly <NUM> to the front panel <NUM>' is cured and loses its function, the cover support portion <NUM> may maintain a state in which the front panel <NUM>' and the cover assembly <NUM> are in close contact with each other by pressing the cover assembly <NUM>.

In some implementations, it is preferable that a plurality of the cover support portions <NUM> are arranged vertically at regular intervals so as to evenly press and support the entire cover assembly <NUM>.

In some implementations, it is preferable that ribs or protrusions are further formed on the front surface of the cover support portion <NUM> adjacent to the cover assembly <NUM> so as to be in line or point contact with the cover assembly <NUM>. In this case, even when the contact surface between the cover assembly <NUM> and the cover support portion <NUM> is uneven, the cover assembly <NUM> is not be inclined, and the cover support portions <NUM> may transmit pressure evenly to the cover assembly <NUM>.

In some implementations, it is possible to configure the cover support portions <NUM> to have a shape corresponding to the left and right side ends of the cover assembly <NUM> such that the rear end of the cover assembly <NUM> is detachably attached to the cover support portion <NUM>.

A restraining groove <NUM> is further formed on the upper side of the cover support portions <NUM>.

For example, a pair of restraining grooves <NUM> may be formed left and right at the central portion of the main portion <NUM>. That is, as shown in the drawings, the central portion of the main portion <NUM> is formed such that parts of the certain portion are recessed from left and right sides to form the restraining grooves <NUM>, and the extensions of the cover assembly <NUM> may be accommodated in the restraining grooves <NUM>.

In some implementations, the main portion <NUM> of the case assembly <NUM> may have the same structure as the inner case <NUM> of the above-described implementation. Accordingly, the main portion <NUM> may be referred to as the inner case <NUM>.

Hereinafter, an example method for manufacturing and operating the refrigerator according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG>.

As shown in the drawings, in order to manufacture the refrigerator door <NUM>', the front panel <NUM>' is molded using a plate-shaped stainless steel as a material. In this case, a plurality of through holes constituting the display part <NUM>' may be formed in the front panel <NUM>' through etching or laser processing.

Although not shown in detail, the through holes may be filled by a sealing member or the like, and a diffusion sheet may be attached thereto. In addition, the touch manipulation part <NUM>' may be formed in the front panel <NUM>' by etching, surface processing, or printing.

The touch display device <NUM> is installed on the rear side of the front panel <NUM>'. After all internal components are mounted on the touch display device <NUM>, the case assembly <NUM> may be attached to, for example, the front panel <NUM>', and after the case assembly <NUM> is fixed, the frame assembly <NUM> and the like may be inserted.

First, the touch assembly <NUM> may be integrally molded with the cover assembly <NUM> or may be manufactured separately from and assembled to the cover assembly <NUM>.

When the touch assembly <NUM> is manufactured separately from and assembled to the cover assembly <NUM>, the touch assembly <NUM> may be pushed from the front of the touch box <NUM> of the cover assembly <NUM> to the touch box <NUM>.

In this case, the fastening hook formed in the touch assembly <NUM> may be inserted into the fastening groove <NUM> of the touch box <NUM>, and the touch assembly <NUM> may be immediately fastened by one-touch.

The frame assembly <NUM> is inserted into and accommodated in the cover assembly <NUM>. When the frame assembly <NUM> is pushed from the upper side to the lower side of the cover assembly <NUM>, the lower end of the frame assembly <NUM> may be guided through the extension <NUM> of the cover assembly <NUM> and accommodated between the left guide <NUM> and the right guide <NUM>.

The cover assembly <NUM> is preferably mounted on the main portion <NUM> from the front of the case assembly <NUM>. A state in which both the cover assembly <NUM> and the frame assembly <NUM> are fastened to the case assembly <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

When it is preferable that the touch display device <NUM> that has been assembled as described above is fixed in close contact with the rear side of the front panel <NUM>', the upper end <NUM> of the case assembly <NUM> may be the upper end of the front panel <NUM>'.

The frame assembly <NUM> may be installed to be detachable to the outside of the refrigerator door <NUM>' such that the frame assembly <NUM> is drawn out upward through the frame handle <NUM> even when the frame assembly <NUM> has been fastened to the refrigerator door <NUM>'.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) configured to define a storage space; and
a door (<NUM>) configured to open or close the cabinet (<NUM>),
wherein the door (<NUM>) includes:
an outer plate (<NUM>) formed of a metal material and defining a front surface of the door (<NUM>), the outer plate (<NUM>) including a display part (<NUM>) with a plurality of first through holes (<NUM>) for displaying operation information therethrough and a manipulation part (<NUM>) for touch operation of a user;
a door liner (<NUM>) configured to define a rear surface of the door (<NUM>);
an insulating material (<NUM>) filled between the outer plate (<NUM>) and the door liner (<NUM>);
an inner case (<NUM>) mounted on a rear surface of the outer plate (<NUM>) and defining a space (<NUM>) inside the door (<NUM>) that communicates with an opening (<NUM>) formed at a peripheral surface of the door (<NUM>);
a display cover (<NUM>) mounted within the space (<NUM>) of the inner case (<NUM>) on a rear surface of the outer plate (<NUM>);
a display assembly (<NUM>) accommodated in the display cover (<NUM>) and having a plurality of light emitting members (<NUM>) for emitting light through the first through holes (<NUM>) formed in the outer plate (<NUM>); and
a touch sensor assembly (<NUM>) mounted on the display cover (<NUM>) at a position corresponding to the manipulation part (<NUM>) of the outer plate (<NUM>);
wherein the display assembly (<NUM>) includes:
a display PCB (<NUM>) on which the plurality of light emitting members (<NUM>) are mounted; and
a display frame (<NUM>) coupled to the display PCB (<NUM>), the display frame (<NUM>) including:
- a first side extension (<NUM>) and a second side extension (<NUM>) extending in parallel to and spaced apart from each other, the first side extension (<NUM>) and the second side extension (<NUM>) being insertably coupled to the display cover (<NUM>);
- an opening (<NUM>) extending upward from a lower end of the display frame (<NUM>) and formed between the first side extension (<NUM>) and the second side extension (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the opening (<NUM>) accommodates the touch sensor assembly (<NUM>) therein; and the display frame (<NUM>) further includes:
- a frame light guide (<NUM>) formed between the first side extension (<NUM>) and the second side extension (<NUM>) and having at least one third through hole (<NUM>) for guiding light emitted from the light emitting members (<NUM>) toward the first through holes (<NUM>).