Patent Description:
Generally, a refrigerator is a household appliance that makes it possible to store food at low temperatures in an internal storage space that is shielded by a door. For this purpose, the refrigerator is configured to store the stored food in an optimum state by cooling the inside of the storage space via the cool air generated from the heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle.

Recently, refrigerators have become increasingly large and multifunctional in accordance with changes in diet and product trends. A refrigerator having various convenience devices for improving user's convenience has been introduced.

In recent years, various refrigerators have been developed to enable a user to control the operation of a refrigerator using voice. In the case of a refrigerator, there may be a problem that the door is not manually opened or the manipulator of the refrigerator is not manually available when the object is held in both hands of the user. To solve this problem, a refrigerator has been developed in which a microphone is placed in a refrigerator and a user's voice is input to control the operation thereof.

<CIT> discloses a refrigerator in which a microphone for receiving user's voice is installed, and the voice signal received by the microphone is analyzed by a voice signal recognition unit to operate a motor for driving the door. In accordance with this structure, the user can input the voice to open and close the door.

Further, <CIT> discloses a refrigerator in which a microphone is provided in a cabinet or door, and the input from the microphone controls the output of the screen provided on the door. In accordance with this structure, the user can control the screen of the refrigerator and control the operation using the voice.

However, in the conventional arts as described above, there is no detailed description of a mounting position of the microphone, and there is no detailed description of a mounting structure of the microphone.

The microphone is best recognized when it is placed on the front face of the main body or door to increase the voice recognition performance. However, in this case, a voice input hole may be defined at a position corresponding to the position of the microphone, thereby to cause a problem that the voice input hole is exposed to the outside and thus the appearance of the refrigerator is bad.

When the position of the voice input hole is selected such that the hole is invisible, the voice recognition performance may be lowered, or much noise may be generated due to the structure. Further, depending on the location of the microphone, dust or dirt may block the voice input hole. In this case, there is a problem that normal voice input becomes impossible.

<CIT>) relates to a refrigerator equipped with a door that becomes transparent when necessary to make the interior thereof visible without having to open the door.

<CIT>) discloses a door body and a smart refrigerator that includes a display and control module.

<CIT>) relates to a refrigerator door body provided with microphones and refrigerator.

<CIT>) relates to a refrigerator provided with a touch-open sensor on a front plate on the front surface of the door.

<CIT>) relates to a refrigerator having an improved structure with a display unit.

Further relevant prior art documents are <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

A purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can recognize the user's voice and control the operation of the refrigerator based on the voice.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which a voice input hole into which a user's voice signal is introduced may be able to ensure voice recognition performance while not being exposed to the user.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that may improve voice recognition performance by minimizing the effects from vibrations and noise generated during operation of the refrigerator.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which a microphone module is maintained to be a mounted state during repetitive door opening and closing manipulations, thereby ensuring the voice recognition performance.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which the microphone module may be placed in a location where the microphone installation is convenient and the performance of the microphone is not deteriorated.

In the refrigerator according to the proposed embodiment, the following effects may be expected.

In the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the door can be opened automatically by driving the door opening mechanism through the voice input of the user while the user holds the goods on both hands. It is possible to improve the user convenience.

Further, it is possible to extract water or ice or to control the extracted amount by manipulating the dispenser via the user's voice input. Thus, it is possible to smoothly take out water or ice even when the user holds the goods on the both hands.

Further, the user can adjust the output screen of the display by user's voice input. Therefore, even when the user is away from the refrigerator, the user can allow the operation status of the refrigerator to be displayed using the voice. Further, the particular operation can be manipulated by the user using the voice when the user is away from the refrigerator.

Further, the microphone module is housed inside the cap decoration at the top of the door, and the voice input hole is defined in the top of the cap decoration. This can improve voice recognition performance while preventing direct exposure of the hole to the user.

In particular, the voice input hole is defined in the inclined portion of the protruding microphone-module mount, such that it is advantageous that the voice input hole may be defined at a minimum protrusion height. Further, the voice input hole formed in the inclined portion is visually invisible to the user's eyes, so that voice recognition can be effectively performed and at the same time the voice input hole can be prevented from being exposed to the user.

Further, the hole guide is formed around the voice input hole. Thus, there is an advantage that dust or foreign matter falling can be prevented from directly entering the voice input hole by the hole guide.

Further, the protrusion dimension of the guide around the voice input hole defined in the inclined portion may decrease in the downward direction. Thus, the slope of the bottom face of the guide is constructed to be larger than that of the bottom face of the inclined portion. This has the advantage of preventing the entry of dust or foreign objects into the hole and allowing the voice input to be made more effectively.

The depression is defined in front of the voice input hole. Thus, it is possible to prevent the voice input hole from being clogged with the foreign matter or dust by collecting the foreign matter or dust into the inside of the depression when the foreign matter or dust may drop due to the mounting structure of the top of the door. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the voice recognition performance.

Further, the microphone module may be mounted in close contact with the inclined surface, and the module is stably mounted on the door cover by the microphone-module support.

The microphone module is mounted on the door cover so that the operation noise or shock of the refrigerator is not transmitted directly thereto. The module hangs from the door cover in the top recess. Thus, it is possible to minimize the effect of the noise and vibration transmitted from the refrigerator cabinet on the microphone module. Therefore, it may be expected that voice recognition performance is improved by reducing the noise effect.

Further, the microphone module can be maintained in a steady mounted condition by the stable support of the module by the microphone-module support even when the door is repeatedly opened and closed.

Further, the microphone module is provided with the sealing member sealing between the substrate on which the microphone element is mounted and the bottom face of the door cover, thereby blocking the noise from entering the microphone module. In addition, even when an impact is applied to the door, the sealing member having elasticity may buffer the impact, thereby to protect the microphone module and to allow noise caused by the impact to be reduced. Therefore, there is an advantage in that possibility of false input of the voice is reduced and the voice recognition performance is improved.

The microphone module and the speaker module are disposed inside the top recess. The voice recognition PCB is connected to the microphone module and the speaker module via a connector. Therefore, the door cover is opened and then the microphone module and the speaker module are separated from the door cover in the event of the maintenance, so that the service and maintenance can be facilitated.

Further, the microphone module and the speaker module are mounted from the voice recognition PCB in the removable manner and are mounted on the door cover. Thus, a space for maintenance work may be secured. Thus, an effect that the assembling workability may be improved may be expected.

Further, the speaker-module receiving portion receiving the speaker module therein is recessed in the door cover. In the speaker-module receiving portion, the sound output hole is defined, and the edge protrusion around the sound output hole is formed to prevent dust or foreign matter from penetrating into the speaker module.

Further, the speaker-module receiving portion is covered with the speaker-module cover to prevent dust or foreign matter from entering into the speaker module and at the same time, to allow the voice output to be effectively performed.

In addition, the speaker module has the output unit guide contacting the outer face of the edge protrusion, thereby minimizing the transmission of the voice output from the speaker module to the adjacent microphone module, thereby preventing malfunction.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show embodiments being useful for understanding the invention, which are outside the subject-matter of the claims. <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show embodiments according to the present invention, which disclose a refrigerator according to claim <NUM>. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numbers in different figures denote the same or similar elements, and as such perform similar functionality.

Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure.

Examples of various embodiments are illustrated and described further below. It will be understood that the description herein is not intended to limit the claims to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

It will be further understood that the terms "includes", "comprising", "includes", and "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and/or portions thereof. Expression such as "at least one of" when preceding a list of elements may modify the entire list of elements and may not modify the individual elements of the list.

In addition, it will also be understood that when a first element or layer is referred to as being present "on" a second element or layer, the first element may be disposed directly on the second element or may be disposed indirectly on the second element with a third element or layer being disposed between the first and second elements or layers.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present.

<FIG> is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view of the refrigerator. <FIG> is a front view of a refrigerator door in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in the figures, an appearance of a refrigerator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be defined by a cabinet <NUM> having a storage space therein and a door for opening and closing the storage space.

The interior of the cabinet <NUM> may be partitioned vertically. A refrigerating compartment may be defined in an upper portion of the cabinet <NUM> and a freezing compartment may be defined in a lower portion of the cabinet <NUM>. In another example, the interior of the cabinet <NUM> may be partitioned to the left and right direction. The refrigerating compartment and freezing compartment may be respectively defined in left and right portions of the cabinet <NUM> or vice versa.

The door may include a refrigerating compartment door <NUM> and a freezing compartment door <NUM>. The refrigerating compartment door <NUM> and the freezing compartment door <NUM> may pivot to close or open the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment, respectively.

The refrigerator compartment door <NUM> may include a pair of a left refrigerating compartment door <NUM> and a right refrigerating compartment door <NUM> for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment as defined in an upper portion of the cabinet <NUM>. The freezing compartment door <NUM> may include a pair of a left freezing compartment door <NUM> and a right freezing compartment door <NUM> for opening and closing the freezing compartment defined in an lower portion of the cabinet <NUM>.

The embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to all types of doors of a refrigerator, regardless of the shape and structure of the door. For convenience of explanation and understanding, a refrigerator including the refrigerating compartment door and the freezing compartment door will be described as an example.

In one example, an ice maker <NUM> may be provided on the inner surface of the left refrigerating compartment door <NUM>. The ice maker <NUM> is a device for making and storing ice via automatic watering. The ice maker <NUM> may be provided inside a heat insulating space formed in the back surface of the left refrigerating compartment door <NUM>.

Further, a dispenser <NUM> may be provided on the front face of the left refrigerating compartment door <NUM>. The dispenser <NUM> allows the ice or purified water produced by the ice maker <NUM> to be taken out. The dispenser <NUM> allows the extraction of water or ice based on external manipulation of the user.

An auxiliary display <NUM> may be provided above the dispenser <NUM>. The auxiliary display <NUM> displays the operation status of the dispenser <NUM> and the refrigerator <NUM>, and receives a control input from the user. The auxiliary display <NUM> may perform the functions of the display <NUM> if the right refrigerating compartment door <NUM> is not provided with a display <NUM>.

The right refrigerating compartment door <NUM> has an opening <NUM> defined in its center. A door basket <NUM> may be provided inside the opening <NUM>. A sub-door <NUM> for opening and closing the opening <NUM> may be provided. Thus, the user will be able to access the door basket <NUM> by opening and closing the sub-door <NUM>.

The sub-door <NUM> may be pivotally axially coupled at one side end thereof to the cabinet. A handle <NUM> may be recessed in the other side end of the sub-door to facilitate pivotal manipulation of the sub-door <NUM>.

The sub-door <NUM> may at least partially be selectively transparent or opaque. Accordingly, the sub-door <NUM> may be configured to be able to allow the user to check the inside of the opening <NUM> even when the sub-door <NUM> is closed.

Further, the display <NUM> may be provided below the opening <NUM>. The display <NUM> displays the operation status of the refrigerator and allows the user to manipulate the operation of the refrigerator <NUM>.

Accordingly, when the display <NUM> is turned on even when the sub-door <NUM> is closed, the user can check the output information of the display <NUM> through the sub-door <NUM>.

In one example, as shown in <FIG>, a microphone-module mount <NUM> in which a microphone module <NUM> for receiving a voice of a user is mounted may protrude from a top face of the right refrigerating compartment door <NUM>. The microphone module <NUM> may be provided inside the microphone-module mount <NUM>.

The microphone module <NUM> and the microphone-module mount <NUM> may be disposed at the left side around a center of the right refrigerating compartment door <NUM>. The refrigerating compartment doors <NUM> are provided at left and right sides respectively. Thus, when the microphone module <NUM> is placed on the left side of the right refrigerating compartment door <NUM>, the microphone is more likely to recognize the user voice when the user is speaking at the center in front of the refrigerator <NUM>.

The microphone-module mount <NUM> is virtually invisible when viewed from the front due to the nature of its shape. Since the height of the refrigerator is usually larger than the user's height, the microphone-module mount <NUM> is invisible to the user in normal use. Further, the user is located away from the refrigerator <NUM>, the microphone-module mount <NUM> and a voice input hole <NUM> defined in the microphone-module mount <NUM> may be invisible.

In other words, the microphone-module mount <NUM> may have a position and structure that ensures high voice recognition performance while minimizing external exposure thereof to the user. Hereinafter, the structure of the microphone-module mount <NUM> and the microphone module <NUM> will be described in more detail.

Further, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an example in which the microphone module <NUM> is provided on the right refrigerating compartment door <NUM>. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to any type of refrigerators where a cap decoration is formed on the top face of the door. Hereinafter, the right refrigerating compartment door <NUM> will be referred to as a door <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-section taken along a line <NUM>-<NUM>' in <FIG>. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a top portion of the refrigerator door.

As shown, the sub-door <NUM> may have a door frame <NUM> defining a contour of the door and opened in a center thereof, and a panel assembly <NUM> mounted to the door frame <NUM> to shield the opened center of the door frame <NUM>.

The panel assembly <NUM> may include a plurality of glass <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> which are spaced from each other back and forth, and spacers <NUM>, each disposed between adjacent glass members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The spacers <NUM> may supports the plurality of glasses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> at the periphery thereof. The plurality of spacedly arranged glasses <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may define an insulating space therebetween. At least one glass <NUM> may be made of as an insulating glass.

The panel assembly <NUM> may define the front and rear faces of the sub-door <NUM> while mounted on the door frame <NUM>. In particular, the glass <NUM> defining the front face of the panel assembly <NUM> is configured to be larger than each of the other glasses <NUM> and <NUM> so that a projecting edge of the glass <NUM> may be seated on the door frame <NUM> and the glass <NUM> defines the entire front face of the sub-door <NUM>. Further, a film or a coating layer of a specific color may be formed on the glass <NUM> so that the inside of the opening <NUM> may be selectively transparent.

In one example, the door <NUM> may include an out plate <NUM> defining a front face and an outer circumference of the door <NUM>, and a door liner <NUM> defining a rear face of the door <NUM> and being in combination with the out plate <NUM>. The out plate <NUM> may be made of a metal material. A portion of the out plate <NUM> corresponding to the opening <NUM> may be constructed to be opened.

The door liner <NUM> may define the back surface of the door <NUM> and the inner surface of the opening <NUM>. In another example, a separate frame may be further disposed to define the inner surface of the opening <NUM> as needed. Each of the out plate <NUM> and the door liner <NUM> may be coupled to both sides of the frame.

A door light <NUM> may be mounted on the door liner <NUM> defining the inner face of the opening <NUM>. The door light <NUM> may include an LED module 225b and a light case 225a that accommodates the LED module 225b. The light emitted from the LED module 225b passes through the light case 225a and is irradiated toward the inside of the opening <NUM>. Thus, the inside of the opening <NUM> is revealed.

Accordingly, when the light door <NUM> is turned on, the inside of the opening <NUM> becomes bright. Thus, the food contained in the door basket <NUM> may be identified through the transparent portion 421a even when the sub-door <NUM> is closed.

When the door light <NUM> is turned off, the inside of the opening <NUM> may be darkened, and the transparent portion 421a may become opaque so that the interior of the opening is invisible. In this connection, the transparent portion 421a may be opaque via the glass <NUM> of the panel assembly <NUM>. In one example, the transparent portion 421a may look like a mirror plane. The transparent portion 421a refers to a region in the glass <NUM> where the interior of the opening is visible. To this end, when an opaque bezel is formed around the glass <NUM>, the transparent portion 421a may be made of a region inwardly of the bezel.

In one example, the door liner <NUM> may be equipped with a gasket. The gasket may be formed along the perimeter of the door.

A cap decoration <NUM> may be formed on the top face of the door <NUM>. The cap decoration <NUM> is combined with the door liner <NUM> and the out plate <NUM> to define a top face of the door <NUM>. The interior space of the door <NUM> defined by the out plate <NUM>, the door liner <NUM> and the cap decoration <NUM> may be filled with a heat insulating material <NUM>.

In one example, the cap decoration <NUM> may be made of a plastic material. A hinge mounted space <NUM> may be recessed in one end of the cap decoration <NUM> to receive therein a hinge for pivoting of the door <NUM>.

Further, the cap decoration <NUM> may have a top recess <NUM> which is depressed downwardly in the cap decoration <NUM>. The top recess <NUM> may be downwardly depressed except for the outer periphery of the cap decoration <NUM>.

A door opening mechanism <NUM>, the microphone module <NUM>, a speaker module <NUM>, and a PCB (printed circuit board) <NUM> may be housed inside the top recess <NUM>. Further, a door cover <NUM> may be formed for shielding the opened top face of the top recess <NUM>.

In detail, the door opening mechanism <NUM> is configured to, upon activation thereof, open the door automatically when the user does not pull the door <NUM> directly while the door <NUM> is closed. The door opening mechanism <NUM> may have various configurations. Typically, the door opening mechanism <NUM> includes a push rod <NUM> that is selectively protruded. The push rod <NUM> may be protruded when an opening signal is input. Thus, an end of the push rod <NUM> pushes the cabinet <NUM> to open the door <NUM>. When the push rod <NUM> is retracted, the door <NUM> is rotated and closed by its own weight.

A rod opening 501a may be defined in one side of the rear face of the top recess <NUM> facing the push rod <NUM>. Accordingly, when the door opening mechanism <NUM> inside the door <NUM> is operated, the push rod <NUM> may push the cabinet <NUM> through the rod opening 501a to open the door <NUM>.

The door opening mechanism <NUM> may be operated by the user's voice input to the microphone module <NUM>. Therefore, the door <NUM> may be opened and closed based on the voice of the user.

In order to position the microphone module <NUM> and the speaker module <NUM> close to the center of the refrigerator <NUM>, that is, to the left side of the top recess <NUM>, the door opening mechanism <NUM> may be positioned in the right side in the top recess <NUM>.

The microphone module <NUM> may be configured for receiving a voice of a user for controlling the operation of the refrigerator <NUM> and may be mounted in the microphone-module mount <NUM> formed on the door cover <NUM>. The microphone module <NUM> may be in close contact with the bottom face of the door cover <NUM> and may be supported by a microphone-module support <NUM>. The microphone-module mount <NUM> may further have a voice input hole <NUM> defined therein. Through the voice input hole <NUM>, the voice of the user may be introduced into the microphone module <NUM> mounted inside the microphone-module mount <NUM>.

The speaker module <NUM> is configured for outputting sound, and outputting information such as the operation status information of the refrigerator <NUM> or user's request information. The speaker module <NUM> may be located beneath the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM> formed on the door cover <NUM>. Further, the speaker module <NUM> may be fixedly mounted on the door cover <NUM>.

The PCB <NUM> may be connected to the microphone module <NUM> and the speaker module <NUM>. The PCB <NUM> may process the voice input from the microphone module <NUM>. Therefore, the PCB <NUM> may be referred to as a voice recognition PCB. In one example, the PCB <NUM> may be coupled to the speaker module <NUM> and process the voice signal to be output to the speaker module <NUM>.

The PCB <NUM> may be fixedly mounted on the bottom of the top recess <NUM>. The PCB <NUM> may include a plurality of connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. In detail, the connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> include a first connector <NUM> and a second connector <NUM> connected to the microphone module <NUM>, a third connector <NUM> connected to the speaker module <NUM>, and a fourth connector <NUM> to which power is supplied. Thus, the speaker module <NUM> or the microphone module <NUM> may be simply separated from the cap decoration <NUM> and replaced with another as needed. Thus, it is possible to selectively use the microphone module <NUM> and the speaker module <NUM> according to the model specification of the refrigerator <NUM>.

The door cover <NUM> is formed in a plate shape corresponding to the top open face of the top recess <NUM>. The door cover <NUM> may be mounted on the cap decoration to shield the top recess <NUM>. The door cover <NUM> is mounted on the cap decoration <NUM> to define the top face of the door <NUM>. The microphone module <NUM> and the speaker module <NUM> may be fixedly mounted to the door cover <NUM>. That is, the microphone module <NUM> and the speaker module <NUM> may be present on the door <NUM>, and may be mounted on the door cover <NUM> and may be suspended in the inside of the top recess <NUM>.

In particular, the microphone module <NUM> may be maintained to be attached to the bottom face of the door cover <NUM>, such that the noise introduced into the microphone module <NUM> may be minimized. For example, in the refrigerator <NUM>, noise vibrations of devices such as a compressor <NUM> constituting the refrigerating cycle during the operation of the refrigerating cycle are continuously generated. This vibration noise may be conductive along and on the door <NUM> to prevent the voice input from being transmitted to the microphone module <NUM>.

Thus, the microphone module <NUM> may be mounted in the interior of the door <NUM> without being exposed to the outside, but may be spaced from the interior of the door <NUM>. This may minimize the influence of noise generated in the operation of the refrigerator <NUM>. This may improve voice recognition performance.

Hereinafter, the structure of each of the microphone module <NUM> and the speaker module <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling structure of the cap door cover and the speaker module and the microphone module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a partial enlarged view of the microphone-module mount in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view of the microphone-module mount when viewed from below. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting structure of the microphone module.

As shown, the microphone-module mount <NUM> may be formed on the door cover <NUM>. The microphone-module mount <NUM> may include a protrusion 511a protruding upward from the door cover <NUM>, an inclined portion 511b formed at the front end of the protrusion 511a, and a depression <NUM> formed at an end of the inclined portion 511b.

The protrusion 511a may protrude to have a top face in parallel with the top face of the door cover <NUM> and have the highest level of the microphone-module mount <NUM>. A microphone-module mounting boss <NUM> may be formed underneath the protrusion 511a. The microphone-module mounting boss <NUM> may be formed at each of left and right sides and may be inserted into a through-hole <NUM> of the microphone-module support <NUM>. A screw S may be fastened to the microphone-module mounting boss <NUM> in the through hole <NUM> so that the microphone-module support <NUM> may be fixedly mounted to the bottom face of the protrusion 511a.

The protrusion height of the protrusion 511a may be sized such that a proper size of the voice input hole <NUM> may be defined in the inclined portion 511b. The protrusion height of the protrusion 511a may be sized such that then viewed from the front, the microphone-module mount <NUM> is invisible. For example, the height of the protrusion 511a may be set to have a height of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The inclined portion 511b may be formed at the front end of the microphone-module mount <NUM> and have a top face inclined downwardly as it extends in a front direction. The inclined portion 511b may have a top face of a slope of <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

The inclined portion 511b may be formed to have a predetermined width and may have a corresponding size and shape so that the microphone module <NUM> may be in close contact with the bottom surface of the inclined portion 511b. A front rib 511c and a rear rib 511d for fixing the microphone module <NUM> to the inclined portion may protrude downwards from the bottom surface of the inclined portion 511b. The front rib 511c and rear rib 511d may extend laterally along the front end and rear end of the bottom face of the inclined portion 511b, respectively. Thus, the microphone module <NUM> may be fitted into between the front rib 511c and the rear rib 511d.

The microphone module <NUM> may be mounted at the correct position between the front rib 511c and the rear rib 511d. The voice input hole <NUM> formed in the inclined portion 511b may be aligned with a microphone element <NUM> of the microphone module <NUM>.

The voice input hole <NUM> is defined in the inclined portion 511b. The voice input hole <NUM> may be defined at a position corresponding to a center of the microphone element <NUM>. Thus, the user's voice may be effectively input through the voice input hole <NUM> to the microphone element <NUM>.

The voice input hole <NUM> may be defined in left and right sides of the inclined portion 511b. That is, each of the voice input hole <NUM> and the corresponding microphone element <NUM> may be provided in a paired manner. Thus, a voice having passed through the pair of voice input holes <NUM> may be input to the pair of the microphone elements <NUM>.

Each of a spacing between the pair of the voice input holes <NUM> and a spacing between the pair of the microphone elements <NUM> may preferably be approximately <NUM> to <NUM> when considering a typical location of the user. This spacing may allow more effectively analyzing and processing the voice input to the microphone element <NUM>, thereby to improve the voice recognition performance.

A hole guide 512a may be formed around the voice input hole <NUM>. The hole guide 512a may be constructed to protrude along the periphery of the voice input hole <NUM>, and may be formed such that a protruding height thereof decreases as it goes downwardly. Accordingly, when the dust or foreign matter falls from above, the hole guide 512a prevents dust or foreign matter from being directly introduced into the voice input hole <NUM>, so that the dust or foreign matter may flow down and may be guided to the depression <NUM>.

Further, the hole guide 512a is formed on the inclined portion 511b. However, a top face of the hole guide 512a has a larger slope than the top face of the inclined portion 511b so that the voice from the user in front thereof may be delivered more effectively towards the voice input hole <NUM>.

Further, the voice input hole <NUM> is facing forwards. In this connection, the hole guide 512a may be formed around the voice input hole <NUM> to prevent sound output from the speaker module <NUM> from re-entering the microphone element <NUM>. Further, preferably, the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM> may be spaced from the microphone-module mount <NUM> or the voice input hole <NUM> by at least <NUM> to <NUM>.

In one example, the depression <NUM> may be defined in front of the inclined portion 511b. The depression <NUM> may be recessed downward from the end of the inclined portion 511b so that dust or foreign matter falling from above is gathered therein. Therefore, even when dust or foreign matter falls from above and accumulates on the door cover <NUM>, the voice input hole <NUM> cannot be easily clogged by the dust.

That is, the dust or foreign matter flowing along the inclined portion 511b is accommodated in the depression <NUM> in front of the inclined portion 511b. Thus, the voice input hole <NUM> may not be clogged until the depression <NUM> is completely filled with the dust or debris which then overflows out of the depression <NUM>, such that the voice recognition performance from the user may be maintained reliably.

In one example, the door cover <NUM> may have a speaker-module receiving portion <NUM> formed therein, on which the speaker module <NUM> is mounted. The speaker-module receiving portion <NUM> may be defined to be depressed downwardly in one area of the door cover <NUM>. The speaker module <NUM> may be mounted on the bottom face of the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM>.

A sound output hole <NUM> is defined in the center of the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM>. An edge protrusion 515a may be formed around the sound output hole <NUM>. The edge protrusion 515a may have a protruding height so as not to touch the speaker-module cover <NUM>. The edge protrusion 515a prevents dust or foreign matter introduced into the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM> from entering the speaker module <NUM>.

In one example, a sound output unit <NUM> of the speaker module <NUM> is disposed in an inner space defined by the edge protrusion 515a, that is, at a position corresponding to the sound output hole <NUM>. Accordingly, the sound output from the sound output unit <NUM> can be output to the outside through the sound output hole <NUM> without leaking into the door <NUM>.

Further, the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM> may have a pair of speaker-module mounting female bosses <NUM>. The speaker-module mounting female boss <NUM> may be formed on each of both sides around the sound output hole <NUM>. The speaker-module mounting male bosses <NUM> extend downward from the cover <NUM> and extends to a speaker-module wing <NUM> at each of both sides.

Further, the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM> may blocked by the speaker-module cover <NUM>. The speaker-module cover <NUM> may include a plate portion <NUM> and speaker-module mounting male bosses <NUM>. The plate portion <NUM> is formed in a plate shape. The plate portion <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to that of the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM> and may have a slightly smaller size than that of the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM>. Thus, when the speaker-module cover <NUM> is mounted on the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM>, a perimeter of the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM> and a perimeter of the speaker-module cover <NUM> are spaced apart from each other. Thus, the sound output from the speaker module <NUM> may leak out through the spacing therebetween.

The speaker-module mounting male boss <NUM> may extend downward from the bottom face of the speaker-module cover <NUM>. The speaker-module mounting male boss <NUM> may extend through the speaker-module mounting female boss <NUM> to the speaker-module wing <NUM>. A screw S may pass through the speaker-module wing <NUM> and then may be fastened to the speaker-module mounting male boss <NUM> so that the speaker-module cover <NUM> and the speaker module <NUM> are fixedly mounted on the door cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the microphone module.

Referring to the microphone module <NUM> based on the drawing, the microphone module <NUM> includes a microphone substrate <NUM>, a microphone element <NUM>, and a sealing member <NUM>.

The microphone substrate <NUM> is configured for allowing the microphone elements <NUM> to be mounted thereon and supported thereon to be spaced from each other by a predetermined spaced distance. The microphone substrate <NUM> may be elongated in the length direction so as to be mountable to the inclined portion 511b of the microphone-module mount <NUM>.

A microphone connector <NUM> is formed on the center of the bottom face of the microphone substrate <NUM>. The microphone connector <NUM> may protrude downwards and be inserted into a connector hole <NUM> defined in the microphone-module support <NUM>. Thus, the first and second connectors <NUM> of the PCB <NUM> and the microphone connector <NUM> may be connected to each other by a harness having at both ends connected to the connectors without interference from the microphone-module support <NUM>.

The microphone element <NUM> receives voice input and may be mounted on each of both sides of the top face of the microphone substrate <NUM>. The microphone element <NUM> may be located at a position corresponding to the voice input hole <NUM> when the microphone module <NUM> is mounted on the mount <NUM>, so that the user's voice may be input to the element <NUM>. The microphone element <NUM> may employ various elements having structures capable of receiving voice input from the user. In one example, the microphone element <NUM> may be a variety of devices that may receive voice input. Therefore, the microphone element <NUM> may be referred to as a microphone or microphone device.

The sealing member <NUM> is disposed on each of both sides of the top face of the microphone substrate <NUM> and surrounds the microphone element <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> is disposed between and in tight contact with the microphone substrate <NUM> and (preferably the inclined portion 511b of) the microphone-module mount <NUM>.

The sealing member <NUM> may be made of a material having elasticity and may be adhered to the top face of the microphone substrate <NUM> and the bottom face of the inclined portion 511b. The sealing member <NUM> may be an adhesive tape or a double-sided tape.

A hole 533a may be defined at the center of the sealing member <NUM>. The microphone element <NUM> may be located inside the hole 533a. The sealing member <NUM> may be constructed to be thicker than the microphone element <NUM>.

Thus, while the microphone module <NUM> is pressed against the microphone-module support <NUM>, the sealing member <NUM> completely seals around the microphone element <NUM> to prevent the noise from being introduced to the microphone element <NUM>.

In particular, the sealing member <NUM> may effectively buffer shock or vibration generated when the door <NUM> is opened or closed due to the nature of the use environment of the door <NUM>. Further, the sealing member <NUM> may allow the mounting position of the microphone module <NUM> to be maintained and the element <NUM> to be sealed so that excellent voice recognition performance can be maintained. Further, vibrations and shocks from the cabinet <NUM> during the operation of the refrigerator <NUM> may also be mitigated by the sealing member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a microphone-module support according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in the figure, the microphone-module support <NUM> is mounted on the door cover <NUM> so that the microphone module <NUM> can be tightly fixed to the inclined portion 511b of the door cover <NUM>. The top face of the microphone-module support <NUM> may include a mounting face <NUM> and a supporting face <NUM>.

The mounting face <NUM> is configured for mounting the microphone-module support <NUM> on the cover <NUM>. The face <NUM> may be parallel to the bottom face of the door cover <NUM>. More specifically, the face <NUM> may be parallel to the bottom face of the protrusion 511a. A pair of supporter through-holes <NUM> may be respectively defined in both sides of the mounting face <NUM> to penetrate the microphone-module support <NUM> in the up-and-down direction. The screw S may upwardly pass through the supporter through-hole <NUM> and be fastened to the microphone-module mounting male boss <NUM>.

The supporting face <NUM> is formed in front of the mounting face <NUM> and is inclined downwardly as it goes in the front direction. The supporting face <NUM> may be sized such that the microphone module <NUM> is mounted thereon. The face <NUM> may be constructed to have a slope corresponding to the inclined portion 511b of the microphone-module mount <NUM>. Thus, the microphone module <NUM> may be disposed between the inclined portion 511b and the supporting face <NUM>.

Moreover, from a rear end of the supporting face <NUM>, an upper rib <NUM> may protrude to be in contact with the rear rib 511d. A lower rib <NUM> to be in contact with the front rib 511c may protrude from the front end of the supporting face <NUM>.

The lower rib <NUM> has a predetermined height. The lower rib <NUM> may define an edge protrusion 515a extending upward along a front edge and a portion of a side edge of the microphone-module support <NUM>. Accordingly, when the microphone-module support <NUM> is mounted on the cover <NUM>, the front rib 511c and the rear rib 511d may be positioned between the upper rib <NUM> and the lower rib <NUM>, while the depression <NUM> of the microphone-module mount <NUM> may be inserted into a space between the supporting face <NUM> and the lower rib <NUM>.

In accordance with this structure, the microphone-module support <NUM> can be mounted in the correct position. The guide structure of the ribs 511c, 511d, <NUM>, and <NUM> guides the microphone-module support <NUM> to be mounted at an accurate position where optimal voice recognition performance can be maintained.

In one example, a connector hole <NUM> may be defined in the center of the microphone-module support <NUM>. Thus, while the microphone module <NUM> is mounted on the supporting face <NUM>, the microphone connector <NUM> may be exposed downwardly through the connector hole <NUM>. Accordingly, the microphone module <NUM> may be connected to the PCB <NUM> while the microphone module <NUM> is fixedly mounted on the door cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure of the microphone module and microphone-module support. <FIG> is a partial enlargement of the coupling state of the microphone module and microphone-module support.

Referring to the mounting structure of the microphone module <NUM> in detail based on the drawings, the microphone module <NUM> is mounted on the supporting face <NUM> of the microphone-module support <NUM>. In this connection, the microphone connector <NUM> is located inside the connector hole <NUM>.

The microphone-module support <NUM> with the microphone module <NUM> mounted thereon is placed on the microphone-module mount <NUM>. In this connection, the mounting face <NUM> of the microphone-module support <NUM> is mounted on the bottom face of the protrusion 511a of the microphone-module mount <NUM>. Then, the screw S below the microphone-module support <NUM> passes through the supporter through-hole <NUM> and then is fastened to the microphone-module mounting male boss <NUM>.

The upper rib <NUM> and the lower rib <NUM> may be coupled to the front rib 511c and the rear rib 511d respectively and may contact the outer faces of the front rib 511c and the rear rib 511d respectively while the screw S has been fastened to the boss <NUM>. Thus, the microphone-module support <NUM> may be positioned in the correct position. As a result, the microphone element <NUM> of the microphone module <NUM> and the voice input hole <NUM> can be aligned with each other.

Further, the microphone module <NUM> is located in the space between the front rib 511c and the rear rib 511d. The sealing member <NUM> of the microphone module <NUM> seals between the microphone PCB <NUM> and the bottom face of the inclined portion 511b.

Particularly, when the screw S for mounting the microphone-module support <NUM> to the cover <NUM> is completely tightened, the microphone-module support <NUM> presses the microphone module <NUM> against the bottom face of the inclined portion 511b. Thus, the sealing member <NUM> may be compressed to seal the space between the microphone PCB <NUM> and the back surface of the inclined portion 511b.

Thus, the voice entering the voice input hole <NUM> may be completely transmitted to the microphone element <NUM> without leakage. In addition, unwanted noise is prevented from entering the microphone element <NUM>.

In one example, the voice input hole <NUM> may be defined so that its diameter widens in a downward direction, that is, in a direction approaching the microphone element <NUM>. Therefore, the voice introduced into the voice input hole <NUM> may be effectively transmitted to the microphone element <NUM> and minimize the generation of noise.

Hereinafter, the mounting structure of the speaker module <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a cross section showing the mounting structure of the speaker module.

The speaker module, as shown, may be disposed on the bottom face of the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM>. In this connection, a sound output unit <NUM> for outputting voice is present on the speaker module <NUM> to face the sound output hole <NUM>. An output unit guide <NUM> may extend around the sound output unit <NUM>. The output unit guide <NUM> may be constructed to abut the outer edge of the edge protrusion 515a formed on the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM>. Thus, the speaker module <NUM> may be mounted in the correct position and the sound output from the sound output unit <NUM> may be transmitted externally through the sound output hole <NUM>.

The speaker-module cover <NUM> covers the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM>. The speaker-module mounting male boss <NUM> penetrates the speaker-module mounting female boss <NUM>. The screw upwardly passing through the speaker-module wing <NUM> is coupled to the speaker-module mounting male boss <NUM> to couple the speaker-module cover <NUM> and the speaker module <NUM> together.

The speaker-module cover <NUM> may be flush with the top faces of the door cover <NUM> and the cap decoration <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is mounted on the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM>. Then, the sound output to the speaker module <NUM> passes through the sound output hole <NUM> and then leaks between the periphery of the speaker-module cover <NUM> and the periphery of the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the operation of the refrigerator <NUM> having the above structure will be described.

<FIG> is a block diagram showing the control signal flow of the refrigerator.

As shown in the figure, the refrigerator <NUM> is operated under the control of the main PCB <NUM> to operate the refrigeration cycle including the compressor <NUM> to cool the inside of the refrigerator. The main PCB <NUM> controls the overall operation of the refrigerator and may be called a main controller or controller.

To operate the refrigerator <NUM>, the user operates the refrigerator <NUM> by directly manipulating the display <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> or the auxiliary display <NUM>. Further, the user inputs manipulation inputs to manipulate the temperature of the refrigerator <NUM>, or to manipulate the performance of certain functions. Further, the manipulation such as manipulation of the water or ice extraction through the dispenser <NUM> or turning the door light <NUM> on and off for viewing through the sub-door <NUM> may be realized using the user input.

In one example, the user can control the operation of the refrigerator <NUM> by allowing the microphone module to recognize the user's voice at a remote location where the user is far away from the refrigerator or when the user cannot use both the hands.

For example, when the user speaks a set trigger voice in front of the refrigerator <NUM>, the voice recognition mode is activated by the microphone module <NUM> and the voice recognition PCB <NUM>. The user then enters the voice command for the operation of the refrigerator <NUM>. When the user issues the command, the voice signal input through the microphone module <NUM> is processed by the voice recognition PCB <NUM> and then transmitted to the main PCB <NUM>. In this way, the specific operation of the refrigerator is controlled.

An example of a function manipulated by a user's voice is as follows.

The user can check the operation status of the refrigerator <NUM> by turning on the display <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> via the voice command. Further, the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor <NUM> may be output to the display <NUM> by turning on the display <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> via the voice command. The user can adjust the temperature of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment via the voice input with reference to the output temperature or may control the refrigerator to operate in the desired state via the voice input.

The user may turn on and off the door light <NUM> via the user's voice command. When the door light <NUM> is turned on and off, the sub-door <NUM> may become selectively transparent or opaque. When the door light <NUM> is turned on, the transparent portion 421a of the sub-door <NUM> is visible so that the interior of the door basket <NUM> can be identified even when the sub-door <NUM> is closed.

Further, the user can manipulate the dispenser <NUM> via the user's voice command. The user can also extract water or ice via the user's voice command. The user may control the dispenser valve <NUM> via the voice command indicating the desired amount of water. Thus, the dispenser valve <NUM> and the dispenser <NUM> may performed the set operation so that the desired amount of water is taken out.

Further, the user may select the ice state of the ice maker <NUM> through the user's voice. For example, if the user chooses an ice state, such as pieced ices or normal ice, the ice maker <NUM> or the ice discharging device <NUM> provided in the ice bank for storing the ice may perform the set operation so that the ice having the selected ice state is taken out through the dispenser <NUM>.

Further, various operation information including the change of the operation state or the setting state of the refrigerator <NUM> may be displayed on the display <NUM> or the auxiliary display <NUM>, and may be output through the speaker module <NUM> in an audio manner.

Further, the speaker module <NUM> may output not only the operation information but also the sound notification about whether the user voice input to the microphone module is valid. Thus, the user is prompted to input the correct voice command to the refrigerator <NUM>.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a structure in which a single door opens and closes a single space. The cap decoration in this embodiment is different from the above embodiments. The other components except for the cap decoration are the same as in the above embodiments. Thus, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

<FIG> is a front view of a refrigerator in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view of a refrigerator door in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a refrigerator <NUM> including a cabinet <NUM> defining a storage space and doors <NUM> and <NUM> opening and closing the cabinet <NUM>.

In the cabinet <NUM>, the space may be partitioned vertically. The upper and lower compartments may be maintained at different temperatures. The door may include an upper door <NUM> that opens and closes the upper storage space and at least one lower door <NUM> that opens and closes the lower storage space.

The upper door <NUM> is pivotally mounted to the cabinet. The upper storage space is opened and closed by pivoting the door <NUM>. The lower door <NUM> are mounted in a retractable or extended manner. The lower storage space is opened and closed by retracting or extending the door <NUM>. Hereinafter, the upper door <NUM> may be referred to as a door <NUM>.

The door <NUM> has the sub-door <NUM> pivotally coupled thereto to open or close a central opening of the door <NUM>. The appearance of the door <NUM> may be defined by an out plate <NUM>, a door liner, and a cap decoration <NUM> as in the embodiments described above. The inner space defined by the out plate <NUM>, the door liner and the cap decoration <NUM> may be filled with the insulation material.

The cap decoration <NUM> has a top recess <NUM> defined therein. The top recess <NUM> is shielded by a door cover <NUM>. The microphone module <NUM> and the microphone-module support <NUM> and the speaker module <NUM> are mounted on the door cover <NUM>. On the cap decoration <NUM> and the door cover <NUM>, there are mounted the microphone module <NUM> and the speaker module <NUM> which are the same as those of the embodiment as described above in terms of the configurations except for the size and shape.

To this end, the microphone-module mount <NUM> having the protrusion 511a, the inclined portion 511b, the depression <NUM>, and the voice input hole <NUM> is formed on one side of the door cover <NUM>. On the other side of the door cover <NUM>, the speaker-module mounting portion <NUM> is defined in which the sound output hole <NUM> and the edge protrusion 515a and the speaker-module mounting boss <NUM> are formed. The speaker module <NUM> is received in the speaker-module mounting portion <NUM>. The speaker-module cover <NUM> covers the speaker-module mounting portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting structure of the door opening mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a top portion of a refrigerator door.

As shown, a main PCB <NUM> is provided on the top face of the door cabinet <NUM>. The door opening mechanism <NUM> may be provided on the side to the main PCB <NUM>. The door opening mechanism <NUM> is configured so that the push rod <NUM> may be extended or retracted. When the push rod <NUM> is extended or protruded, the rear face of the door <NUM> may be pushed by the rod <NUM> to open the door <NUM>. When the push rod <NUM> is retracted, the door <NUM> is closed by its own weight.

The main PCB <NUM> and the door opening mechanism <NUM> are mounted on the top face of the cabinet <NUM> and in a front portion thereof. A top portion of the cabinet <NUM> may include a main case <NUM> which accommodates both the main PCB <NUM> and the door opening mechanism <NUM> as well as a hinge mechanism <NUM> for opening and closing the door <NUM>.

In one example, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the door <NUM> is relatively small. Thus, the relatively large door opening mechanism <NUM> cannot be located in the cap decoration <NUM>, but is mounted on the cabinet <NUM> and is configured to push and rotate the door <NUM>.

The door opening mechanism <NUM> is disposed on the cabinet <NUM> so that the door <NUM> may be slim. Thus, the insulation loss of the door <NUM> can be minimized even in a slim structure.

The microphone module <NUM>, the speaker module <NUM>, and the voice recognition PCB <NUM> may be disposed in the interior of the top recess <NUM>. The speaker module <NUM> and the microphone module <NUM> have the same structure as in the above-mentioned embodiments. The connection structure thereof with the door cover <NUM> may be the same as in the above-mentioned embodiments. However, there is a difference only in the placement position thereof therebetween. Accordingly, it may be known that the positions of the microphone-module mount <NUM> and the speaker-module receiving portion <NUM> are different from those in the above-mentioned embodiments.

In one example, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator <NUM> has a structure that one door <NUM> opens and closes the storage space. Therefore, in order to improve the voice recognition performance from the user, the microphone-module mount <NUM> may be located in the middle position of the left region of the door <NUM>. The door opening mechanism <NUM> is positioned on the cabinet <NUM>. Thus, the location of the microphone module <NUM> and the microphone-module mount <NUM> may be present at the central region of the door <NUM>.

The microphone module <NUM> and the speaker module <NUM> are different from those in the above-described embodiments only in term of the positions but are the same as those in the above-described embodiments in terms of the configuration. Therefore, the detailed structures thereof are to be replaced with those in the above-described embodiment.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) having a storage space defined therein;
a door (<NUM>, <NUM>) for opening and closing the storage space;
a microphone module (<NUM>) adapted to perform voice recognition of a user;
a cap decoration (<NUM>, <NUM>) on a top of the door (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a top recess (<NUM>, <NUM>) defined in the cap decoration (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a door cover (<NUM>, <NUM>) shielding the top recess (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a voice input hole (<NUM>) definedin the door cover (<NUM>, <NUM>) to define a channel through which the voice is transmitted to the microphone module (<NUM>);
wherein the voice input hole (<NUM>) is defined in a microphone-module mount (<NUM>) of the door cover (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein there is a controller for controlling an operation of the refrigerator based on the voice command input to the microphone module (<NUM>), wherein
the microphone module (<NUM>) includes:
a microphone element (<NUM>) configured to receive voice input;
a microphone substrate (<NUM>) configured for allowing the microphone element (<NUM>) to be mounted thereon; and
a sealing member (<NUM>),
characterized in that the microphone module (<NUM>) is received in the top recess (<NUM>,<NUM>); wherein the sealing member (<NUM>) is disposed between and in tight contact with the microphone substrate (<NUM>) and the microphone-module mount (<NUM>) of the door cover (<NUM>, <NUM>).