Patent Description:
In general, a touch sensor assembly that is used for home appliances recognizes a pushing operation of a user to generate a signal for operating a home appliance. The touch sensor assembly includes a capacitive sensor and a resistance cell type sensor. The sensors may detect touch of the user to convert the user's touch into a signal for operating the home appliance.

In the recent home appliances, exterior members of the home appliances may be formed of steel or glass or coated with a material similar to the steel or glass to improve outer appearances of the home appliances. A touch sensor assembly for recognizing touch of the exterior members when the exterior members are touched is being also developed.

Refrigerators are home appliances for storing foods at a low temperature in a storage space that is covered by a door. The refrigerator cools the inside of the storage space using cool air generated by heat-exchanging with a refrigerant that circulates a cooling cycle to store the foods in an optimum state.

The inside of the refrigerator may be classified into a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment. Accommodation members such as shelves, drawers, and baskets may be disposed within the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment. Also, each of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment may be closed by a door. The refrigerator is classified into various types according to positions of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment and configurations of the doors.

Recently, as the tendency of high-quality and multifunctional refrigerator increases, refrigerators having improved outer appearances and various equipment for convenience are introduced. For example, refrigerators in which an external member that defines an outer appearance is formed of steel or glass or coated with a material similar to the steel or glass, and displays and manipulation devices having various structures are adopted are being developed. A refrigerator according to the related art is disclosed in <CIT>.

It is necessary to enter into a special mode that is not a general manipulation mode so as to inspect a product in a production line after the refrigerator is completely assembled or check or manage the refrigerator when a service situation occurs during the use by a user. The special mode may have an influence on an operation of the refrigerator. To prevent manipulation due to user's carelessness from occurring, a manipulation part may not have a general manipulation shape, but have a shape in which a plurality of buttons have to be pushed at the same time. Alternatively, a button through which separate reset or special mode entry is enabled may be provided at a position except for the position at which the manipulation part is disposed.

<CIT> provides a refrigerator with at least two rectangular operating buttons continuously mounted in the vertical direction in a vertically long opening, which is formed in the front face of a right door, and used to set operation of a storage chamber, and also with a display section mounted adjacent to the uppermost operating button of the at least two rectangular operating buttons and displaying information relating to operation of the storage chamber. Thus, the operating buttons of the refrigerator have sufficiently large front face areas, are compactly constructed and arranged, and are very easily to use for users.

<CIT> presents piezoelectric sensor, and an electrical appliance, an installation or a gadget comprising at least one piezoelectric sensor.

An object is to provide a metal touch sensing apparatus which is capable of sensitively sensing user's touch manipulation on a panel formed of a metal material.

Another object is to provide a metal touch sensing apparatus which is capable of generating a sensible voltage, even though touch manipulation is performed at small force, by increasing a base voltage to improve sensitivity of a touch sensor.

Another object is to provide a metal touch sensing apparatus in which a touch sensor has a base voltage of about 0V or more before user's touch manipulation to sense the touch manipulation in spite of a small pressure change during the touch manipulation.

Another object is to provide a metal touch sensing apparatus which is capable of being attached to a panel defining an outer appearance of a home appliance, into which a foaming solution is injected.

Another object is to provide a metal touch sensing apparatus which is capable of accurately sensing touch manipulation on a metal panel having a thickness that is enough to endure a foam pressure.

Another object is to provide a home appliance in which a plurality of touch parts are successively manipulated to enter into a specific mode, thereby preventing the home appliance from being malfunctioned and a method for controlling the same.

Another object is to provide a home appliance to be manipulated through touch, of which touch sensitivity is visually adjusted and a method for controlling the same.

One of more of the above objects are achieved by the invention as set out by the features of the independent claim.

Even through the user pushes the front panel with the small force, since the touch sensor is closely attached to the front panel to directly contact the front panel, the deformation of the front panel may be transmitted to the touch sensor as it is to improve the touch recognition performance.

Also, since the touch sensor is being pressed in the direction thereof by the elastic member, the adhesion force between the front panel and the touch sensor may be improved. In addition, the base voltage generated in the touch sensor may increase by the compressive elastic force of the elastic member to allow the touch manipulation to be enabled with the small force, thereby improve the sensitivity of the touch sensor.

Also, due to the improvement of the touch recognition performance, the reliable touch recognition may be enabled even though the front panel defining the outer appearance of the home appliance has the thick thickness.

Also, the home appliance may enter into the special mode for the service or inspection when the user successively manipulates the specific touch parts in a fixed order to prevent the malfunction due to the user's carelessness from occurring.

The plurality of touch parts may be not recognized at the same time to prevent the plurality of touch parts from being selected by the touch mistake due to the characteristics of the touch sensor or to prevent the refrigerator from being malfunctioned or entering into an undesired special mode due to the impact when the door is opened.

Also, the sensitivity occurring when the user touches thee touch part may be intuitionally set by pushing the corresponding touch part. The change in sensitivity may be displayed through the display to allow the user to more accurately and easily adjust the touch sensitivity.

Also, the touch part may be adjusted to touch sensitivity that is desired by the user to prevent the recognition error in touch manipulation or the damage due to the excessive push from occurring. Since the user sets the optimum sensitivity that is desired by the individual user, the convenience in use of the user may be improved.

Also, each of the plurality of touch parts is set to the desired sensitivity, and diverse sets may be enabled according to the user's preference or user pattern.

<FIG> is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. A refrigerator <NUM> according to an embodiment includes a cabinet defining a storage space and a refrigerator door <NUM> mounted on the cabinet to open or close the storage space. An outer appearance of the refrigerator <NUM> may be defined by the cabinet and the refrigerator door <NUM>.

The storage space may be partitioned into both left/right sides or vertically partitioned. A plurality of refrigerator doors <NUM> for opening/closing the spaces may be disposed on the opened spaces of the storage space. Each of the refrigerator doors <NUM> may open and close the storage space in a sliding or rotating manner. When the refrigerator door <NUM> is closed, the refrigerator door <NUM> may define a front outer appearance of the refrigerator <NUM>.

A display window or a display area <NUM> and a manipulation part or user interface may be disposed on one refrigerator door <NUM> of the plurality of refrigerator doors <NUM> at a height at which user's manipulation and distinguishment are easy. The display window <NUM> may be configured to appear an operation state of the refrigerator <NUM> to the outside. A symbol or figure may be expressed while light is irradiated into the refrigerator door <NUM> to allow a user to identify the symbol or figure. The display window <NUM> may be commonly defined as a hole through which light is transmittable or a transparent portion.

The manipulation part may be a portion that is constituted by a plurality of touch parts for performing touching manipulation to operate the refrigerator <NUM>. The touch manipulation part or touch user interface <NUM> may be disposed on a portion of a front surface of the refrigerator door <NUM>. A portion at which the pushing manipulation is capable of being detected may be defined by surface processing such as printing or etching or various light transmission methods.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the refrigerator door <NUM> includes a front panel <NUM> defining a front outer appearance thereof, deco members <NUM> and <NUM> that are respectively disposed on upper and lower ends of the front panel <NUM>, and a door liner <NUM> defining a rear outer appearance thereof. An overall outer appearance of the refrigerator door may be defined by the front panel <NUM>, the deco members <NUM> and <NUM>, and the door liner <NUM>.

The front panel <NUM> may define the front outer appearance of the refrigerator door <NUM> and be formed of a stainless steel material having a plate shape. The front panel <NUM> may constitute at least a portion of the outer appearance of the refrigerator door <NUM>. The front panel <NUM> may be applied to an exterior member in other home appliances.

The front panel <NUM> is formed of metal or a material having the same texture as the metal. The front panel <NUM> may be formed of a glass or plastic material. The front panel <NUM> may define a portion of a side surface of the refrigerator door <NUM> as well as the front surface of the refrigerator door <NUM>. Fingerprint prevention processing or hairline processing may be further performed on a surface of the front panel <NUM>.

The display window <NUM> is defined by a plurality of first through holes or light transmitting material or surface <NUM> provided in a portion of the front panel <NUM>. The display window <NUM> may be constituted by a numerical display part or interface 11a for display figures and a set of the plurality of first through holes <NUM> in which a symbol display parts or interface 11b for displaying symbols, charters, or pictures are punched at a predetermined distance.

As illustrated in the drawings, the numerical display part 11a may be disposed in the form of seven segments that is a set of the plurality of first through holes <NUM>. The numerical display part 11a may be disposed on each of upper and lower portion to independently display temperatures of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment. Alternatively, the numerical display part 11a may display various information that are capable of being displayed by using figures in addition to the temperature information. The numerical display part 11a may selectively display the various information through the manipulation of the manipulation part or the user interface.

The symbol display parts 11b are disposed under the numerical display part 11a. The symbol display parts 11b may display an operation state of the refrigerator <NUM> by using a symbol or picture. The set of the first through holes <NUM> may be disposed in a shape corresponding to the symbol display parts 11b to allow the user to intuitionally see the operation state of the refrigerator <NUM>.

For example, a symbol, which is disposed at the lowermost position, of the symbol display parts 11b of <FIG> may be expressed in a lock shape to indicate a locked state. A symbol that is disposed at an intermediate position may be expressed in a filter shape to indicate a sanitization or deodorization operation. Alternatively, the symbol display part 11b may have various shapes and be provided in various numbers.

The display window <NUM> may be defined to correspond to second and third through holes <NUM> and <NUM> which will be described later so that light emitted from an LED <NUM> of a display assembly <NUM> is transmitted therethrough. The first through hole <NUM> may be formed with a fine size through laser processing or etching. The first through hole <NUM> may be formed with a size at which it is difficult to easily identify the operation state of the refrigerator when light is not transmitted.

Although the numerical display part 11a and the symbol display part 11b are not clearly illustrated in <FIG> so as to allow the numerical display part 11a and the symbol display part 11b to be expressed as the form that is constituted by the plurality of first through holes <NUM>, if the LED <NUM> is turned off in a state where the first through holes <NUM> are spaced a predetermined distance from each other, it may be difficult to distinguish the numerical display part 11a and the symbol display part 11b because each of the first through holes has a fine size.

In case of the numerical display part 11a, only a portion onto which light is irradiated according to operations of the seven segments of the light source may be transmitted through the first through holes <NUM> to display figures on the front panel <NUM>. On the other hand, a portion onto which the light is not irradiated may not be well distinguished. In case of the symbol display part 11b, if the corresponding LED is turned on when the corresponding function is performed, light may be irradiated to allow the symbol display part 11b to be distinguished. On the other hand, if the LED is turned off, the symbol display part 11b may not be well distinguished.

As described above, the fine or minute holes <NUM> of the numerical display part 11a and the symbol display part 11b for the display window <NUM> may not be visible when light is turned off. Thus, other components may not be disposed on the front surface of the refrigerator door <NUM>, and the entire front surface of the refrigerator door <NUM> may be expressed as if a metal plate by using the front panel <NUM> to realize the simple and elegant outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator door <NUM>.

A sealing member <NUM> may be filled into the first through hole <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> may prevent the first through hole <NUM> from being blocked by foreign substances. The sealing member <NUM> may be formed of a silicon or epoxy material so that the first through hole <NUM> is blocked, but the light is transmitted. The inside of the first through hole <NUM> may be filled with the sealing member <NUM> to prevent a processed surface of the first through hole <NUM> from being corroded.

The sealing member <NUM> may be filled into the first though hole <NUM> through a separate process. The sealing member <NUM> may be filled into the first through hole <NUM> while a coating process is performed on the surface of the front panel <NUM>, or the sealing member <NUM> may be attached in the form of a sheet to block the plurality of first through holes at the same time. A fingerprint preventing coating and/or a diffusion sheet within the front panel <NUM> may function as the sealing member <NUM>.

The manipulation part may be a portion that is displayed to allow the user to perform the touch manipulation and be constituted by a plurality of touch parts or input area <NUM>. The touch part <NUM> may display an area that is detected by the touch sensor assembly <NUM> when the user touches the area of the touch part. The touch parts <NUM> may not be physical buttons, but be areas that are displayed on the front surface of the front panel <NUM>. A sensor <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) contacting the rear surface of the front panel <NUM> may be manipulated through the manipulation of the displayed area.

The touch parts <NUM> may be displayed on the front panel <NUM> through etching, printing, or other surface processing. Thus, the touch manipulation part <NUM> may be expressed in a shape that does not stand out when viewed from the outside so that the outer appearance of the front panel <NUM> is expressed by the whole texture of the front panel <NUM>. The touch parts <NUM> may be displayed so that the user intuitionally understand and manipulate the corresponding function of each of the touch part <NUM> as the form of the character or symbol. Each of the touch parts <NUM> may display an area that is recognizable when the user's touch is performed. When the displayed portion of the touch part <NUM> is pushed, the area may be effectively recognized.

The door liner <NUM> may have a surface that is coupled to the front panel <NUM> to face the inside of the storage space. The door liner <NUM> may be injection-molded using plastic. The door liner <NUM> may have a structure in which a gasket is disposed or mounted along a circumferential thereof. When the door liner <NUM> is coupled to the front panel <NUM>, a space may be defined between the door liner <NUM> and the front panel <NUM>. A foaming solution for forming an insulation material <NUM> may be filled into the space.

A frame <NUM> may be attached to a rear surface of the front panel <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may provide a separate space in which the foaming solution is not filled into the refrigerator door <NUM> to accommodate the cover display <NUM>, the display assembly <NUM>, the touch sensor assembly <NUM>, and a display frame <NUM>.

The deco members or trims <NUM> and <NUM> may define outer appearances of upper and lower portions of the refrigerator door <NUM>. The deco members <NUM> and <NUM> may cover the opened upper and lower end of the refrigerator door <NUM>, which are defied by coupling the front panel to the door liner <NUM>, respectively.

An insertion hole <NUM> and an insertion hole cover <NUM> for opening/closing the insertion hole <NUM> may be disposed in/on the upper deco member <NUM> of the deco members <NUM> and <NUM>. The insertion hole <NUM> may pass through the deco member <NUM> to communicate with the space that is defined by the frame <NUM>. The display assembly <NUM> may be inserted into the display frame <NUM>, with which the display assembly <NUM> is assembled, through the insertion hole <NUM>. The insertion hole <NUM> may have a size in which the display frame <NUM> is insertable. The insertion hole <NUM> may be vertically defined with respect to the display cover <NUM>.

Although not shown in detail, a hinge hole to which a rotation shaft of the refrigerator door <NUM> is hinge-coupled may be defined in one side of the deco member <NUM>. The deco member <NUM> may have a structure in which a wire guided inside the frame <NUM> is accessible through the hinge hole and then is connected to a power source part of the cabinet.

A door handle <NUM> may be disposed on the lower deco member <NUM> of the refrigerator door <NUM>. The door handle <NUM> may be recessed in a pocket shape to manipulate the rotation of the refrigerator door <NUM>. A lever <NUM> for manipulating the opening/closing of the refrigerator door <NUM> may be further disposed on the lower deco member <NUM> of the refrigerator door <NUM>. A latch assembly <NUM> may operate by the manipulation of the lever <NUM> to selectively maintain the opening or closing of the refrigerator door <NUM>.

The display cover <NUM> is attached to the rear surface of the front panel <NUM>. The display cover <NUM> may guide the mounting of the display assembly <NUM> on which the LED <NUM> (see <FIG>) is mounted. The display cover <NUM> may be attached to the rear surface of the front panel <NUM> by a double-sided tape or an adhesion member <NUM> (see <FIG>) that is formed by applying primer thereon.

The touch sensor assembly <NUM> for detecting user's pushing manipulation on the front panel <NUM> may be mounted on one side of the display cover <NUM>. The display cover <NUM> may have a structure in which the cover display <NUM> is attached to the front panel <NUM> in a state where the display cover <NUM> is coupled to the touch sensor assembly <NUM>.

The display cover <NUM> may be attached to a position at which the display window <NUM> and the second through hole <NUM> defined in the cover display <NUM> match each other. Also, the display cover <NUM> may be accommodated into the frame <NUM> in the state where the display cover <NUM> is attached.

The display assembly <NUM> is inserted into the space within the frame <NUM> through the insertion hole <NUM> in the state where the display assembly <NUM> is mounted on the display frame <NUM>. When the display frame <NUM> is completely inserted, the display assembly <NUM> may be disposed inside the display cover <NUM>, and light emitted from the LED <NUM> may pass through the display cover <NUM> and the display window <NUM> and then be irradiated to the outside.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the front and top surfaces of the frame <NUM> may be opened. When the frame <NUM> is attached to the front panel <NUM>, the top surface of the frame <NUM> may define an opened space <NUM>. A circumference of the frame <NUM> except for an upper end of the frame <NUM> may be bent toward the front panel <NUM>, and then, an end of the frame <NUM> may be bent to the outside to form a frame adhesion part or flange <NUM>. An adhesion member <NUM> including a double-sided tape or adhesive may be disposed on the frame adhesion part <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may be attached to the rear surface of the front panel <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> may have an upper end that contacts the deco member <NUM> in the state where the frame <NUM> is attached to the front panel <NUM>. The opened top surface of the frame <NUM> may communicate with the insertion hole <NUM> and provide an independent space within the refrigerator door <NUM>. Even though the foaming solution for forming the insulation material <NUM> is injected into the refrigerator door <NUM>, the foaming solution may not be introduced into the inner space of the frame <NUM>, and thus the frame <NUM> may be protected.

A plurality of reinforcing ribs may be disposed on the rear surface of the frame <NUM> to cross each other in length and width directions. Even though the high-pressure foaming solution is filled to form the insulation material <NUM>, the frame may not be deformed due to the reinforcing ribs <NUM>, and the inner space of the frame <NUM> may be maintained. A plate support <NUM> on which a support plate <NUM> is seated is disposed on each of both left/right ends of the upper portion of the frame <NUM>.

The support plate <NUM> may be disposed in an upper space of the frame <NUM>, which corresponds to an upper side of the display cover <NUM>, in the state where the display cover <NUM> is mounted on the support plate <NUM> to support the front panel <NUM> from a rear side. Thus, rolling of the portion of the frame corresponding to the front panel <NUM> may be prevented, and also, the deformation of the front panel <NUM> by an external impact may be prevented.

The plate support <NUM> may be stepped to support both ends of the support plate <NUM>. The support plate <NUM> may be slidably inserted into the space between the plate support <NUM> and the front panel <NUM> in the state where the frame <NUM> is attached to the front panel <NUM>. After insertion, a lower edge of the support plate <NUM> is above a restriction groove <NUM>. In other words, the support plate is provided at the upper region of the frame <NUM>. Alternatively, the support plate <NUM> may be attached to the rear surface of the front panel <NUM> when both ends of the plate support <NUM> are attached to the frame <NUM> in the fixed state.

A wire entrance hole <NUM> may be defined in an upper portion of a side surface of the frame <NUM>. The wire entrance hole <NUM> may provide a passage through which the wire for connecting electronic components to the power source of the cabinet is accessible. The wire entrance hole <NUM> may be defined in an upper portion of the side surface of the frame <NUM> that is adjacent to the hinge of the refrigerator door <NUM> and be defined in a position that is adjacent to a hinge hole of the refrigerator door <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may be finished to prevent the foaming solution from being introduced into the frame <NUM> when the foaming solution is injected into the refrigerator door <NUM>.

A restriction groove <NUM> may be defined in each of both left/right sides of the frame <NUM>. A restriction part or protrusion <NUM> protruding laterally from each of both left/right ends of the cover display <NUM> may be inserted into the restriction groove <NUM>. The restriction groove <NUM> may be receded to the outside and have a shape corresponding to that of the restriction part <NUM>. Thus, the cover display <NUM> may be maintained in an accurate position without moving.

A cover support <NUM> for supporting the display cover or plate <NUM> is disposed on a portion of the frame <NUM> below the restriction groove to correspond to the display cover <NUM>. The cover support <NUM> may protrude from each of both left/right surfaces of the frame <NUM> to push both left/right ends of the display cover <NUM> from a rear side, thereby supporting the cover display <NUM>.

When the frame <NUM> is attached to the front panel <NUM>, and the foaming solution is injected into the refrigerator door <NUM> in the state where the display cover <NUM> is attached to the rear surface of the front panel <NUM>, the cover support <NUM> may push the display cover <NUM> forward to maintain the state in which the display cover <NUM> is attached to the front panel <NUM>. Even though the adhesion member <NUM> for attaching the cover display <NUM> to the front panel <NUM> is cured to lose its function, the cover support <NUM> may press the cover display <NUM> to maintain the state in which the front panel <NUM> and the cover display <NUM> are closely attached to each other.

The cover support <NUM> may be provided in plurality. The plurality of cover supports <NUM> may be vertically disposed at a uniform distance to uniformly push and support the entire display cover <NUM>. A protrusion <NUM> protruding forward may be further disposed on a front surface of the cover support <NUM> that is adjacent to the display cover <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> may have a rib or projection shape that is lengthily disposed in a transverse direction to line or point contact the display cover <NUM>. Even though a contact surface between the display cover <NUM> and the cover support <NUM> is uneven, the display cover <NUM> may not be inclined so that the cover support <NUM> applies a uniform pressure to the display cover <NUM>.

The display cover <NUM> may be formed of a plastic material having a plate shape. The display cover <NUM> may be accommodated into the frame <NUM> in the state where the display cover <NUM> is attached to the front panel <NUM>. The restriction part <NUM> protruding outward and inserted into the restriction groove <NUM> may be disposed on an upper portion of each of both left/right ends of the cover display <NUM>.

An accommodation part or opening <NUM> on which the touch sensor assembly <NUM> is mounted may be disposed on the cover display <NUM>. A plurality of second through holes <NUM> may be defined in a position corresponding to the display window <NUM> in the cover display <NUM>.

The display assembly <NUM> may include a display PCB <NUM> on which the LED <NUM> is mounted and a reflector <NUM> disposed on a front surface of the display PCB <NUM>. A sensor control part or sensor controller <NUM> is included for processing a signal transmitted from the sensor <NUM>, a storage part or storage medium <NUM> for storing a sensitivity setting value of the sensor <NUM>, and a host control part or controller <NUM> for controlling an operation of the display assembly <NUM> and providing the sensitivity setting value stored in the storage part <NUM> may be disposed on the display PCB <NUM>.

Since the sensor control part <NUM> is disposed on the display assembly <NUM> that is spaced apart from the touch sensor assembly <NUM>, the sensor control part <NUM> is connected to the sensor PCB <NUM> of the touch sensor assembly <NUM> through a cable connector <NUM>. A signal of the sensor <NUM>, which is detected by the touching manipulation at a position that is spaced apart from the touch sensor assembly <NUM> manipulated by the user, may be processed in the sensor control part <NUM>.

The sensor control part <NUM> may receive a variation value in quantity of electricity that is generated in the sensor <NUM> (see also, e.g., <FIG>, which is described hereinafter) to process the variation value in quantity of electricity as data, thereby transmitting the data into the host control part <NUM>. The sensor control part <NUM> may also compare the variation value in quantity of electricity, which is inputted when the sensor <NUM> is manipulated, to the sensitivity setting value stored in the storage part <NUM> to determine whether the manipulation of the sensor <NUM> is effective. The sensor control part <NUM> may transmit the determined result into the host control part <NUM>, and the user may recognize the manipulation according to the pushed degree when the touch part <NUM> of the front panel <NUM> is manipulated.

The host control part <NUM> may receive the result with respect to whether the sensor <NUM> is manipulated from the sensor control part <NUM> to display the result corresponding to the manipulation of the selected sensor or sensor array <NUM> on the display window <NUM> or transmit a signal for instructing an operation of the refrigerator <NUM> into a main control part that is separately provided or directly transmit the signal into electronic components for driving the refrigerator <NUM>. The host control part <NUM> may be connected to the storage part <NUM>, in which the sensitivity setting value of the sensor <NUM> is stored, to transmit and receive data with respect to the sensitivity setting value.

The storage part <NUM> may store the sensitivity setting value that is compared to the variation value in quantity of electricity that is generated when the sensor <NUM> is manipulated. An EEPROM or a non-volatile memory may be used as the storage part <NUM>. The sensitivity setting value of the sensor <NUM> may be continuously stored in the storage part <NUM>. Even though the refrigerator <NUM> is turned off and then turned on, the sensitivity setting value of the sensor <NUM> may be stored and maintained.

When the touch part or interface <NUM> is pushed, the sensor control part <NUM> may determine whether the pushing manipulation or touch input of the touch part <NUM> is effective to transmit the determined result to the host control part <NUM>. When a special mode such as the sensitivity setting is activated, the sensitivity setting value stored in the storage part <NUM> may be adjusted to allow the user to recognize the manipulation of the touch part <NUM> at the desired sensitivity.

A flow of the signal according to the manipulation of the touch part <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>. When the user pushes one touch part <NUM> of the touch parts under a general manipulation situation, a pressure generated when the front panel <NUM> is deformed may be detected by the sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may generate a quantity of electricity which varies based on the pressure of the touch input. The variation value in quantity of electricity may be transmitted into the sensor control part <NUM>.

The inputted variation value in quantity of electricity and the sensitivity setting value stored in the storage part <NUM> may be compared to each other. If the inputted variation value in quantity of electricity satisfies the stored sensitivity setting value, the manipulation of the sensor <NUM> is successively recognized by the host control part <NUM>. The host control part <NUM> may instruct an operation of the refrigerator by the touch part <NUM> selected according to the data transmitted from the sensor control part <NUM> to display the operation of the refrigerator on the display window <NUM>.

In a state where the user successively pushes a specific touch part of the plurality of touch parts <NUM> to enter into the sensitivity setting mode, an input signal may be transmitted into the sensor control part <NUM>, and data processed in the sensor control part <NUM> may be transmitted into the host control part <NUM>. A new sensitivity setting value may be inputted into the storage part <NUM> according to the inputted data by the host control part <NUM>.

The above-described manipulation may be continuously performed whenever a specific touch part <NUM> to be manipulated is pushed, and data may be transmitted into the host control part <NUM> via the sensor control part <NUM>. Whenever the data is transmitted, the host control part <NUM> transmits a new sensitivity setting value into the storage part <NUM>. Due to the above-described repeated processes, the user may adjust a sensitivity setting value for recognizing the manipulation of the touch part <NUM>.

The sensor control part <NUM>, the host control part <NUM>, and the storage part <NUM> may be provided as one module on the display assembly <NUM>. All of the sensor control part <NUM>, the host control part <NUM>, and the storage part <NUM> may be provided on one display PCB <NUM>. If necessary, the sensor control part <NUM>, the host control part <NUM>, and the storage part <NUM> may be integrated with the display assembly <NUM> and provided on a plurality of PCBs and then connected to each other.

The sensor PCB <NUM> on which the sensor <NUM> is mounted may be separately provided with respect to the display PCB <NUM>, and the sensor PCB <NUM> and the display PCB <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. The sensor PCB <NUM> and the display PCB <NUM> may be connected to each other by the cable connector <NUM>.

The cable connector <NUM> includes a first cable connector <NUM> connected to the sensor PCB <NUM> of the touch sensor assembly <NUM> and a second cable connector <NUM> connected to the display PCB <NUM>. The first and second cable connectors <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected to each other, when the display assembly <NUM> is mounted on the refrigerator door <NUM>.

The cable connector <NUM> may have a total length greater than a distance from the touch sensor assembly <NUM> to the insertion hole <NUM>. In the state where the touch sensor assembly <NUM> is mounted on the display cover <NUM>, the cable connector <NUM> and the touch sensor assembly <NUM> may be connected to each other at an outside of the insertion hole <NUM>, and then the display assembly <NUM> is inserted in the display cover <NUM>.

A display terminal <NUM> connected to the second cable connector <NUM> is disposed on a left side of an upper end of the display PCB <NUM> (when viewed in <FIG>). This location minimizes an effect due to the static electricity which may be generated when the display terminal <NUM> is disposed at a position close to the touch sensor assembly <NUM>.

The reflector <NUM> for guiding light so that the light emitted from the LED <NUM> travels to the first through hole <NUM> is disposed on the front surface of the display PCB <NUM>. The reflector <NUM> may guide the light emitted from the LED <NUM> and also provides a space between the display PCB <NUM> and the display terminal <NUM> and the front panel <NUM> by a thickness of the reflector <NUM> to protect the display PCB <NUM> against the static electricity. Since the front panel <NUM> may be formed of a stainless steel material, and the display assembly <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the display window <NUM>, the display PCB <NUM> may be vulnerable to the generated static electricity due to the above-described structure. However, since the reflector <NUM> spaces the display PCB <NUM> from the front panel <NUM>, the display PCB <NUM> may be protected against the static electricity.

A third through hole <NUM> communicating with the second through hole <NUM> and the first through hole <NUM> may be defined in reflector <NUM> to correspond to the LED <NUM>. When the display assembly <NUM> and the display frame <NUM> are mounted on the cover display <NUM>, the first, second, and third through holes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be closely mounted or aligned to each other to communicate with each other. Thus, the light emitted from the LED <NUM> may be irradiated to the outside through the display window <NUM>.

An acoustic output device or an actuator <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the display PCB <NUM>. The acoustic output device <NUM> may express an operation state of the refrigerator <NUM> by sound. For example, a speaker or buzzer may be used as the acoustic output device <NUM>. The acoustic output device <NUM> may be disposed at a position corresponding to a frame hole <NUM> of the display frame <NUM>. Thus, sound outputted from the acoustic output device <NUM> may be transmitted to the user outside the refrigerator door <NUM> to notify the operation state of the refrigerator <NUM>.

The display PCB <NUM> is seated on the display frame <NUM>. The display frame <NUM> may have a plate shape to allow the display PCB <NUM> to be seated thereon. An edge or flange <NUM> formed by bending along a circumference of the display frame <NUM> may be provided to form a space into which the display PCB <NUM> is accommodated. A sliding insertion part or rail <NUM> that is bent in both left/right directions is disposed on each of both left/right ends of the frame display <NUM>. The sliding insertion part <NUM> may be inserted into a rail guide <NUM> disposed on the cover display <NUM>. The display frame <NUM> may be mounted on the cover display <NUM> by the sliding insertion part <NUM>.

Reinforcing ribs <NUM> disposed in length and width directions to form a lattice shape may be further disposed on an entire front surface of the display frame <NUM>. The frame hole <NUM> may be defined in one side corresponding to the acoustic output device <NUM>. A frame cutting part or frame cut-out <NUM> may be disposed on an upper end of the display frame <NUM>. The frame cutting part <NUM> may be cut to a size corresponding to the display terminal <NUM> to prevent the display terminal <NUM> from interfering with the display frame <NUM>. A boss <NUM> to which a screw <NUM> is coupled to fix the display PCB <NUM> is disposed on the display frame <NUM>. The boss <NUM> may be coupled to the screw <NUM> and also support the display PCB <NUM> from a lower side.

A frame handle <NUM> extending upward is disposed on a central portion of the upper end of the frame display <NUM>. The frame handle <NUM> may have a predetermined length so that the user holds and manipulate the frame display <NUM> when the frame display <NUM> is coupled to the display cover <NUM>.

The frame handle <NUM> includes a first vertical part or first vertical extension extending from the frame display <NUM>, an inclined part or extension <NUM> inclinedly extending backward from an upper end of the first vertical part <NUM>, and a second vertical part or extension <NUM> extending upward from an upper end of the inclined part <NUM>. The first and second vertical parts <NUM> and <NUM> may extend in parallel to each other and be connected to each other by the inclined part <NUM>. A grip or grip part <NUM> to be grasped by the user may extend from an upper end of the second vertical part <NUM> in a transverse direction.

The user may grasp the grip part <NUM> to insert a lower end of the display frame <NUM> into the insertion hole <NUM> when the display frame <NUM> is inserted. The more the display frame <NUM> is inserted downward, the more the display frame <NUM> is closely attached to the rear surface of the display frame <NUM> due to the structure of the frame handle <NUM>.

When the insertion hole cover <NUM> is closed in the state where the display frame <NUM> is completely inserted, the insertion hole cover <NUM> may contact the grip part <NUM>. Although not shown, a handle coupling part or mold that is molded in a shape corresponding to that of the grip part <NUM> is disposed on a bottom surface of the insertion hole cover <NUM>. When the insertion hole cover <NUM> is closed, an upper end of the frame handle <NUM> is coupled to the handle coupling part and thus maintained in the fixed state.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the rail guide <NUM> is disposed on each of both left/right ends of the display cover <NUM>. The rail guide <NUM> may be configured so that both ends of the display cover <NUM> are bent to allow the sliding insertion part or rail <NUM> to be inserted into the rail guide <NUM>.

The rail guide <NUM> may have a wide upper end so that the sliding insertion part <NUM> is easily inserted. The rail guide <NUM> may have an inclined inner surface. The more the display frame is inserted, the more the display assembly <NUM> mounted on the display frame <NUM> is closely attached to the display cover <NUM>.

When the display frame <NUM> is completely inserted, the sliding insertion part <NUM> may be fixed to the inside of the rail guide <NUM>, and the reflector <NUM> may be completely closely attached to the rear surface of the display cover <NUM>. The third through hole <NUM> may be defined to match the second through hole <NUM>.

The display cover <NUM> has a flat front surface so that the display cover <NUM> is attached to the rear surface of the front panel <NUM>. The accommodation part <NUM> into which the touch sensor assembly <NUM> is accommodated is defined at one side of the front surface of the display cover <NUM>. The accommodation part <NUM> may be opened in a shape corresponding to that of the touch sensor assembly <NUM> so that the touch sensor assembly <NUM> is inserted. In the state where the touch sensor assembly <NUM> is mounted on the accommodation part <NUM>, the front surface of the touch sensor assembly <NUM> may be disposed on the same plane as that of the display cover <NUM>.

The accommodation part <NUM> may also extend backward along an opened circumference of the accommodation part <NUM>. When the touch sensor assembly <NUM> is mounted, the sides 211a of accommodation part <NUM> may contact a circumferential surface of the touch sensor assembly <NUM> to allow the touch sensor assembly <NUM> to be maintained in the stably mounted state.

A housing support 211b may be disposed on each of four corners within the accommodation part <NUM>. The housing support 211b may further extend from the accommodation part <NUM> to surround and/or support corners of a sensor housing defining an outer appearance of the touch sensor assembly <NUM>. An end 211c of the housing support 211b may be bent inward to surround and support the circumferential surface and rear surface of the sensor housing. Even though the user pushes the front panel <NUM> to apply a pressure to the front panel <NUM>, the touch sensor assembly <NUM> may not move backward, but be maintained in the assembled state.

A housing coupling part or tab <NUM> that is hooked with the inside of the accommodation part <NUM> is disposed on each of upper and lower ends of the sensor housing. The housing coupling part <NUM> may have a shape similar to a hook to allow the touch sensor assembly <NUM> to be maintained in the state in which the touch sensor assembly <NUM> is fixed to the inside of the accommodation part <NUM>. The touch sensor assembly <NUM> is inserted into the accommodation part <NUM> from a front side, and the housing coupling part <NUM> is hooked and restricted to one side of the accommodation part <NUM>. Thus, the touch sensor assembly <NUM> may be coupled to the cover display <NUM>.

The second through hole <NUM> may be further defined in the front surface of the display cover <NUM>. The second through hole <NUM> may be defined in a position corresponding to the first through hole <NUM> when the cover display <NUM> is attached to the rear surface of the front panel. The second through hole <NUM> may be opened in a shape corresponding to the seven segments. Holes having various other shapes for expressing other information may be defined. A blocking part or molding <NUM> is disposed around the second through hole <NUM>. The blocking part <NUM> may be disposed outside the second through hole <NUM> to surround the second through hole <NUM>. The blocking part <NUM> may protrude forward.

The adhesion member <NUM> that is provided for the adhesion of the cover display <NUM> may be attached to only an outer area of the blocking part <NUM>. A gap between the first through hole <NUM> and the second through hole <NUM>, which occurs by a thickness of the adhesion member <NUM> when the display cover <NUM> is attached, may be minimized to prevent a light leak phenomenon through the gap from occurring. The blocking part <NUM> may protrude to a height at which the light leakage is prevented. The blocking part <NUM> may protrude to a height that is less than or equal to that of the adhesion member <NUM> before the adhesion member <NUM> is pressed in consideration of the pressing of the adhesion member <NUM> that is attached to the front surface of the cover display <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the state where the cover display <NUM> is attached to the rear surface of the front panel <NUM> by using the adhesion member <NUM>, the first and second through holes <NUM> and <NUM> may communicate with each other. The first through hole <NUM> has a substantially smaller size than that of the second through hole <NUM>. The plurality of first through holes <NUM> may cover one second through hole <NUM>.

When the display frame <NUM> is completely inserted so that the display assembly <NUM> is disposed inside the display cover <NUM>, the third and second through holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be aligned to each other. The second and third through holes <NUM> and <NUM> may have the same size. When the reflector <NUM> is attached to the rear surface of the display cover <NUM>, the second and third through holes <NUM> and <NUM> may completely overlap each other.

The third, second, and first through holes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may communicate or align with each other. As a result, light emitted from the LED <NUM> may be irradiated to the outside of the refrigerator door <NUM> via the third, second, and first through holes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. A diffusion sheet may be attached to the rear surface of the front panel <NUM> in which the first through hole <NUM> is provided. The diffusion sheet <NUM> may diffuse light emitted from the LED <NUM> so that the light irradiated through the display window <NUM> is uniformly irradiated onto the display window <NUM>. Alternatively, the diffusion sheet <NUM> may be attached to the front panel <NUM> corresponding to the display window <NUM> to cover the whole of the first through hole <NUM>.

As illustrated in a front perspective of <FIG> and a rear perspective of <FIG>, the touch sensor assembly <NUM> includes the sensor housing defining an entire outer appearance thereof, the sensor PCB <NUM> accommodated into the sensor housing, an elastic member <NUM> supporting the sensor PCB <NUM>, and a touch booster <NUM> coupled to an opened front surface of the sensor housing. The sensor housing includes a housing cover <NUM> and a housing body <NUM>. The housing body <NUM> is coupled to the housing cover <NUM> to define an outer appearance of a rear portion of the touch sensor assembly <NUM> and a space in which the sensor PCB <NUM> is mounted.

The housing cover <NUM> defines a front portion of the sensor housing. A housing coupling part or tab <NUM> for mounting the touch sensor assembly <NUM> on the cover display <NUM> is disposed on each of upper and lower ends of the housing cover <NUM>. The housing cover <NUM> may have an exposed front surface in the state where the touch sensor assembly <NUM> is mounted in the accommodation part <NUM>. The housing cover <NUM> may be attached to the rear surface of the front panel by using the adhesion member <NUM>.

An opening <NUM> is defined in the front surface of the housing cover <NUM>, and the touch booster or a touch transfer plate <NUM> is mounted on the opening <NUM>. The touch booster <NUM> may transfer displacement of the front panel <NUM>, which occurs when the user pushes the front panel <NUM>, to a sensor <NUM> that will be described below. A detailed structure of the touch booster <NUM> will be described below in detail.

The opening <NUM> may has a size corresponding to that of the touch booster <NUM>. When the touch booster <NUM> is mounted to the housing cover <NUM>, the opening <NUM> may be covered by the touch booster <NUM>. An extension rib <NUM> extending backward is disposed around the opening <NUM>. The extension rib <NUM> may contact a circumference of the sensor PCB <NUM> to allow the sensor PCB <NUM> to move without being inclined when the sensor PCB <NUM> moves in a front/rear direction.

A booster support or plate <NUM> protruding inward and extending backward may be further disposed inside the opening <NUM>. The booster support <NUM> may support a circumferential portion of the touch booster <NUM> from a rear side in the state where the touch booster <NUM> is mounted. Even though a pressure is applied to the touch booster <NUM>, self-movement of the touch booster <NUM> to a rear side of the preset position may be prevented.

The booster support <NUM> is disposed along the opening <NUM>, and a hook groove <NUM> is defined in the booster support <NUM>. The hook groove <NUM> may be defined in a position corresponding to the hook <NUM> of the touch booster <NUM>. The hook groove <NUM> may be formed by cutting a portion of the booster support <NUM>. Alternatively, the hook groove <NUM> may be separately defined in one side of the housing cover <NUM> that is adjacent to the opening <NUM> except for the booster support <NUM>.

The hook <NUM> and the hook groove <NUM>. may be disposed on/in both left/right positions that face each other. The hook <NUM> and the hook groove <NUM> may be vertically disposed at a predetermined distance to prevent the touch booster <NUM> from being biased in one direction when the touch booster <NUM> is manipulated.

The hook groove <NUM> may extend in a front/rear direction. The hook <NUM> may be movable in the front/rear direction in a state where the hook <NUM> is disposed inside the hook groove <NUM>. The touch booster <NUM> may be maintained in the state in which the touch booster <NUM> is coupled to the housing cover <NUM> and also move by a predetermined distance in the front/rear direction. Furthermore, the front surface of the touch booster <NUM> may further protrude than the housing cover <NUM> in the state where the touch booster <NUM> is assembled with the housing cover <NUM>. Thus, when the touch sensor assembly <NUM> and the cover display <NUM> are attached to the front panel <NUM>, the touch booster <NUM> may be always maintained in the state in which the touch booster <NUM> is closely attached to the rear surface of the front panel <NUM>.

A cover coupling part or recesses <NUM> are disposed on a circumferential surface of the housing cover <NUM>. The cover coupling part <NUM> may be a portion that matches the body coupling part <NUM> disposed on the housing body <NUM>. A groove or hole with which the hook-shaped cover coupling part or tab <NUM> is hooked may be defined in the body coupling part or tab <NUM>. The cover coupling part <NUM> may be disposed on a position at which the elastic member <NUM> is capable of being pressed when the cover coupling part <NUM> and the body coupling part <NUM> are coupled to each other.

When the housing cover <NUM> and the housing body <NUM> are coupled to each other, the elastic member <NUM> may be pressed to push the sensor PCB <NUM> and the touch booster <NUM> toward the front. The touch booster <NUM> may be maintained in a protruding state in which the touch booster <NUM> is closely attached to the front panel <NUM>. Thus, when the user pushes the front panel <NUM>, the touch booster may effectively detect the pushing of the front panel <NUM>.

A wire hole <NUM> is defined in top surface of the housing cover <NUM>. The wire hole <NUM> is opened so that the first cable connector <NUM> connected to the sensor terminal <NUM> on the sensor PCB <NUM> is accessible. The wire hole <NUM> may be defined in at least one side, e.g., <NUM> and <NUM> of the housing cover <NUM> and the housing body <NUM>. A wire hole <NUM> may be defined in a circumferential top surface of the housing body <NUM>. The wire hole <NUM> may be defined in the same position as the wire hole <NUM> of the housing cover <NUM> so that the first cable connector <NUM> is accessible.

A plurality of body coupling part or tabs <NUM> are disposed on a circumferential surface of the housing body <NUM>, which is bent forward. The body coupling part <NUM> may be formed by cutting a portion of the circumferential surface of the housing body <NUM>. The body coupling part <NUM> may be inserted into the cover coupling part <NUM> to maintain the state in which the housing cover <NUM> is coupled to the housing body <NUM>.

The cover coupling part <NUM> and the body coupling part <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced a predetermined from each other and face each other at the same position of both left/right sides. The housing cover <NUM> and the housing body <NUM> may be coupled to each other with the same force at the same time to prevent the elastic member <NUM> from being inclined when assembled.

A mounting guide <NUM> is disposed on a bottom surface of the housing body <NUM>. The mounting guide <NUM> guides mounting of a plurality of elastic members <NUM> so that the elastic member <NUM> attached to the sensor PCB <NUM> is accommodated. The mounting guide <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to that of the sensor PCB <NUM> to provide a space corresponding to a width of the elastic member <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may be disposed inside the mounting guide <NUM>, and both left/right surfaces of the mounting guide <NUM> may support both left/right ends of the elastic member <NUM>. The mounting guide <NUM> may stably support the elastic member <NUM> to prevent the elastic member <NUM> from being twisted or inclined in one direction when the elastic member <NUM> is pressed.

A terminal hole <NUM> is opened from the bottom surface of the housing body <NUM> corresponding to the sensor terminal <NUM> disposed on the sensor PCB <NUM>. The terminal hole <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to that of the sensor terminal <NUM>. The sensor terminal <NUM> may be exposed through the terminal hole <NUM>. Even though the sensor PCB <NUM> moves in the front/rear direction, the sensor terminal <NUM> may not interfere with the bottom of the housing body <NUM>. Since the first cable connector <NUM> is coupled to a side surface of the sensor terminal <NUM>, the coupled state between the first cable connector <NUM> and the sensor terminal <NUM> may be seen through the terminal hole <NUM>.

The sensor PCB <NUM> is supported by the elastic member <NUM> inside the sensor housing in a state where a spacer <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, and a conductive foil <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) are disposed. Also, the touch booster <NUM> is mounted in the opening <NUM> so as to be movable in the front/rear direction. The displacement occurring when the front panel <NUM> and the conductive foil <NUM> contact each other and are pushed may be immediately transmitted into the sensor <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sensor PCB <NUM> is formed of a plastic material, and a copper film <NUM> constituting a circuit is printed on a surface of the sensor PCB <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> for detecting push displacement of the front panel <NUM>, which occurs by the user's touch, is disposed on the front surface of the sensor PCB <NUM>.

A piezo-sensor may be used as the sensor <NUM>. A ceramic device or sheet <NUM> may be attached to a top surface of a metal plate <NUM>. The metal plate <NUM> may be elastically deformable according to a pressure of the touch manipulation of the front panel <NUM>. A variation in quantity of electricity occurs due to the pressure on the ceramic device <NUM>. Although the sensor <NUM> has a circular shape in the current embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may have a different shape. The sensor <NUM> may be provided in plurality along the sensor PCB <NUM>. A sensor support <NUM> is disposed on the front surface of the sensor PCB <NUM> on which the sensor <NUM> is mounted.

The sensor support <NUM> may be defined by a groove having a diameter that is less than a size of the sensor. The sensor support <NUM> may not support a circumference of the sensor <NUM>, but support a circumference of the metal plate <NUM>. The sensor support <NUM> may support the lower circumference of the metal plate <NUM>. The sensor support <NUM> may have a projection or disc shape for supporting the circumference of the metal plate <NUM>, but may not have a groove shape. The sensor support <NUM> may have a size that is less than a diameter of the metal plate <NUM>, but greater than a diameter of the ceramic device <NUM>. The metal plate <NUM> may be deformed by a pressure that is applied from a front side, and thus, the ceramic device <NUM> may effectively detect a variation in pressure.

A common contact point <NUM> connected to the plurality of sensors through the circuit is disposed on one side of the sensor PCB <NUM>. The common contact point <NUM> connects bottom surfaces of the plurality of sensors <NUM> to each other. When the conductive foil <NUM> adheres, the common contact point <NUM> may contact a conductive line <NUM> of the conductive foil <NUM> and be connected to a negative electrode of each of the plurality of sensors <NUM> to electrically connect the sensor.

A mounting display part or mounting alignment aid <NUM> for displaying an accurately mounted position of the elastic member <NUM> is disposed on the rear surface of the sensor PCB <NUM>. The mounting display part <NUM> may be formed through printing or processing. The mounting display part <NUM> may be used to alignment position or placement of the elastic member <NUM>.

The mounting position of the elastic member <NUM>, e.g., the position of the mounting display part <NUM>, may be disposed on both left/right sides (when viewed in <FIG>) with respect to the sensor <NUM>. The mounting position of the elastic member <NUM>, e.g., the position of the mounting display part <NUM>, may be disposed outside an outer end of the sensor <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may be disposed to prevent the elastic member <NUM> from interfering with the sensor <NUM>, and to prevent the detectability of the sensor <NUM> from being deteriorated. Furthermore, the plurality of elastic members <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced a predetermined distance from the sensor <NUM> to apply substantially the same pressure to the sensor PCB <NUM>.

The plurality of sensors <NUM> may be disposed in the same extension line as or in a alignment with the body coupling part <NUM> and the cover coupling part <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the body coupling part <NUM> and the cover coupling part <NUM> may be disposed on the same extension line as both left/right sides of the sensor <NUM>. The body coupling part <NUM> and the cover coupling part <NUM> may be disposed between the pair of elastic members <NUM> that are adjacent to the sensor <NUM>. The body coupling part <NUM> and the cover coupling part <NUM> may be disposed on both left/right sides of one sensor <NUM>, and the pair of elastic members <NUM> may be disposed in a direction of the body coupling part <NUM> and the cover coupling part <NUM>. Thus, a pressure may be uniformly applied to the whole sensor PCB <NUM> disposed in the sensor housing, and the plurality of sensors <NUM> may detect the user's manipulation signal under the same or substantially similar condition.

The spacer <NUM> is attached to the front surface of the sensor PCB <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> may be configured to bond the sensor PCB <NUM> to the conductive foil <NUM>. An adhesion member such as a double-sided tape may be used as the spacer <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> may have a size corresponding to that of each of the sensor PCB <NUM> and the conductive foil <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> also may have a predetermined thickness so that the conductive foil <NUM> contacts a top surface of the sensor <NUM> and the common contact point <NUM>. at an adequate height thereof.

A sensor hole <NUM> is punched or provided at a position corresponding to that of the sensor <NUM>. The sensor hole <NUM> may have a size greater than that of the sensor <NUM> to accommodate the sensor <NUM> therein. When the sensor <NUM> operates, there is no interference between the sensor <NUM> and the sensor hole <NUM>. The sensor hole <NUM> may be provided in number corresponding to the number of sensors <NUM>. A vent hole <NUM>, which is cut by a predetermined length, is defined in each of the sensor holes <NUM>.

Bubbles generated when the spacer <NUM> is attached to the front surface of the sensor PCB <NUM> may be discharged through the vent hole <NUM>. The vent hole <NUM> may be defined and extended along a longitudinal direction of the spacer <NUM> from an edge of the sensor hole <NUM>. All of the vent holes <NUM> are extended in one direction. Thus, the spacer <NUM> may be attached to the front surface of the sensor PCB <NUM> in a direction in which the vent hole <NUM> extends from the edge of the sensor hole <NUM> in order to discharge the bubbles through the vent hole <NUM>.

When the spacer <NUM> and the conductive foil <NUM> are attached, guide parts may be provided on the spacer <NUM> and the conductive foil <NUM> so that the spacer <NUM> and the conductive foil <NUM> are aligned accurately.

The guide parts may be through holes or alignment holes <NUM> and <NUM> that are defined in the spacer <NUM> and the conductive foil <NUM>. The through holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided in plurality along the spacer <NUM> and the conductive foil <NUM> to align with each other. The through holes <NUM> may be alternately disposed in such a manner that one of the through holes <NUM> is disposed near one edge of the spacer <NUM> and the other of the through holes <NUM> is disposed near the other edge of the spacer <NUM>. The other edge is opposite to the one edge, and the one of the through holes <NUM> is apart from the other of the through holes <NUM> in the longitudinal direction of the spacer <NUM>. The through holes <NUM> are disposed in the conductive foil <NUM> in the same manner as the through holes <NUM>. An alignment rod may be vertically disposed on the sensor PCB <NUM> at a position corresponding to each of the through holes <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, the alignment rod may pass through each of the through holes <NUM> and <NUM> to successively attach the spacer <NUM> and the conductive foil <NUM> on to the sensor PCB <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> and the conductive foil <NUM> may be attached to accurate positions by a coupling of the through holes <NUM> and <NUM> using the alignment rod. The through holes <NUM> and <NUM> of the spacer <NUM> and the conductive foil <NUM> may be spaced a predetermined distance from the sensor <NUM> disposed on the sensor PCB <NUM> to prevent errors of the plurality of sensors <NUM> from occurring. After attaching of the spacer <NUM> and the conductive foil <NUM> on to the sensor PCB <NUM>, the alignment rod may be removed from the sensor PCB <NUM>.

The conductive foil <NUM> may be formed of a resin film material such as PET. The conductive foil <NUM> may have a size corresponding to that of each of the sensor PCB <NUM> and the spacer <NUM>. A conductive line <NUM>, which connects the plurality of sensors <NUM> to the common contact point <NUM>, may be disposed on the conductive foil <NUM>. The conductive line <NUM> may be printed on a bottom surface of the conductive foil <NUM> by using a silver material. The surface on which the conductive line <NUM> may adhere to the spacer <NUM>, and also, contact the sensor <NUM> and the common contact point <NUM>.

An inner guide line <NUM> and an outer guide line <NUM> may be printed on the conductive foil <NUM> so that the sensors <NUM> are accurately aligned in position. The inner guide line <NUM> may have a size corresponding to that of the ceramic device <NUM>, and the outer guide line <NUM> may have a size corresponding to that of the metal plate <NUM>. When the sensors <NUM> are mounted accurately, the ceramic device <NUM> may be disposed in the inner guide line <NUM>, and the metal plate <NUM> may be disposed in the outer guide line <NUM>. The inner region of the conductive foil <NUM> defined by the inner guide line <NUM> includes meshed or lattice metallic pattern, and the conductive line <NUM> connects the inner regions. The conductive line <NUM> may connect the common contact point <NUM> to the top surface (via inner region) of the sensor <NUM>, i.e., the negative electrode to allow the sensor <NUM> to be electrically connected.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the touch booster <NUM> has a size corresponding to that of the opening <NUM> of the housing cover <NUM> to cover the opening <NUM>. A hook <NUM> is disposed on each of both left/right ends of the housing cover <NUM>. The hook <NUM> may be coupled to the hook groove <NUM> defined in the housing cover <NUM> and provided in plurality with a predetermined distance. The hook <NUM> may moves in the front/rear direction within the hook groove <NUM>.

A plurality of elastically deformable parts or elastic spring having the number corresponding to that of sensors <NUM> are disposed on the touch booster <NUM>. The elastically deformable parts may be disposed at positions corresponding to those of the touch part <NUM> of the front panel <NUM> and the sensor <NUM>. Each of the elastically deformable parts may have an elastically deformable structure in which the elastic deformable part is movable in the front/rear direction. When the user pushes the touch part <NUM>, the front panel <NUM> may be deformed, and thus, a portion corresponding to an area of the touch part <NUM> may move in a rear direction to press the sensor <NUM>. When the user's hand is separated from the touch part <NUM>, the elastically deformable part may return to its original position.

The elastically deformable part includes a first extension part <NUM> extending from one side of the opened region of the touch booster <NUM>, a second extension part <NUM> extending from a position opposite to the first extension part <NUM>, and a common part <NUM> disposed at a central portion to connect the first extension part <NUM> to the second extension part <NUM>.

Each of the first and second extension parts <NUM> and <NUM> may have a relatively narrow width so that the common part or central region <NUM> is movable. Each of the first and second extension parts <NUM> and <NUM> may extend to a sufficient length and be bent at least once. Thus, the first and second extension parts <NUM> and <NUM> may be easily elastically deformable. Each of the first and second extension parts <NUM> and <NUM> may extend and be curved along a circumference of the common part <NUM>. The first and second extension parts <NUM> and <NUM> may be symmetrical to each other with respect to the common part <NUM>. An area except for the first and second extension parts <NUM> and <NUM> and the common part <NUM> may be spirally cut in a central direction of the common part <NUM> to form a cut part or a cut-out <NUM>. The area may be cut along circumferences of the first and second extension parts <NUM> and <NUM> and the common part <NUM>.

A protrusion <NUM> protruding downward is disposed on a bottom surface of the common part <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> may be disposed at a center of the common part <NUM> to correspond to a center of the sensor <NUM>. Thus, when the common part <NUM> moves backward, the common part <NUM> may press the center of the sensor <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the touch sensor assembly <NUM> is attached to the front panel <NUM> in a state where the touch sensor assembly <NUM> is mounted on the display cover <NUM>. The adhesion member <NUM> may be attached to the front surface of the display cover <NUM> and the front surface of the housing cover <NUM> so that the display cover <NUM> and the touch sensor assembly <NUM> adhere to the rear surface of the front panel <NUM>.

The adhesion member <NUM> may not be provided on the touch booster <NUM>, and the touch booster <NUM> may be closely fitted to the rear surface of the front panel <NUM>. When the touch sensor assembly <NUM> is assembled, the elastic member <NUM> may push the sensor PCB <NUM> forward while being pressed. Thus, the sensor PCB <NUM> may be closely fitted to the touch booster <NUM>. The touch booster <NUM> may be movable in the front/rear direction in the state where the touch booster <NUM> is coupled to the housing cover <NUM>. The touch booster <NUM> may further protrude forward from the front surface of the housing cover <NUM> by the restorative force of the elastic member <NUM>.

Although the display cover <NUM> and the housing cover <NUM> adhere to the front panel <NUM> by the adhesion member <NUM>, the front surface of the touch booster <NUM> may be in substantially continuous contact to the rear surface of the front panel <NUM>. In this state, when the user touches the touch part <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>, displacement may occur on an area of the manipulated or touched front panel <NUM>. The displacement of the front panel <NUM> may be immediately transmitted into the sensor <NUM> through the touch booster <NUM> to press the sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may detect the user's manipulation or touch pressure. The elastic member <NUM> may be further pressed according a pressure during the manipulation thereof. The touch booster <NUM> may move backward by the coupling between the hook <NUM> and the hook groove <NUM>.

When the user's hand is separated from the touch part <NUM>, the sensor PCB <NUM> and the touch booster <NUM> may move again forward by a restoring force of the elastic member <NUM>, a restoring force of the touch booster <NUM>, and a restoring force of the metal plate <NUM> of the sensor <NUM> to return to its original state. In a refrigerator <NUM> according to an embodiment, when the user manipulates the touch part <NUM>, the front panel <NUM> may be deformed. A variation in quantity of electricity may occur due to the pressure by the deformation of the front panel <NUM>. The variation value may be transmitted into the sensor control part <NUM> to detect user's touch manipulation. When an area of the touch part <NUM> displayed on the front panel <NUM> is pushed, the user's manipulation may be accurately recognized or detected.

On the other hand, when an area except for the area of the touch part <NUM> is pushed by the user, it may be difficult to recognize an accurate operation through the sensor <NUM>. In this state, the sensor <NUM> may not recognize the pushing manipulation. Further, when an area between the plurality of touch parts <NUM> is pushed, a situation in which two sensors recognize the pushing manipulation at the same time due to structural characteristics of the front panel <NUM> having one plate shape may occur. In this case, it may not be possible to clearly instruct or recognize a desired operation of the refrigerator <NUM>.

Further, when the door <NUM> is closed, an impact may occur due to structural characteristics of the refrigerator door <NUM>. For example, the front panel <NUM> may be temporarily deformed by the impact, or the plurality of sensors <NUM> may detect the impact as a user input. Hence, malfunction may occur due to the undesired recognition of the sensor <NUM>.

To prevent the malfunction of the sensor <NUM> from occurring, in the touch sensor assembly <NUM>, the sensor PCB <NUM> may be supported by the elastic member <NUM>, and the sensor <NUM> may be mounted on the sensor PCB <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> supports the sensor PCB <NUM> at a position corresponding to an outer end of the sensor <NUM> at each of the sides of the sensor due to characteristics in position thereof.

When an area between the plurality of touch parts <NUM> is pushed, force applied by the user may not be transmitted into the sensor <NUM>, but leak through the elastic member <NUM>. The force applied to the front panel <NUM> may act on the elastic member <NUM> to reduce the force transmitted into the sensor <NUM>, thereby preventing the adjacent sensor from recognizing the touch manipulation. The impact occurring when the door <NUM> is closed may be absorbed and buffered by the elastic member <NUM> to prevent a pressure transmitted into the sensor <NUM> from being minimized, thereby preventing the sensor from being mal-operated or malfunctioned. The touch sensor assembly <NUM> according to an embodiment may prevent the user's erroneous manipulation from occurring through the other structure (described hereinafter) in addition to the above-described structure.

<FIG> is an exploded front perspective view of a touch sensor assembly according to another embodiment. A plurality of sensors <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced a predetermined distance from each other on the sensor PCB <NUM>, and a push support member or buffer <NUM> may be disposed between the sensors <NUM>. The push support member <NUM> may be disposed between the front panel <NUM> and the sensor PCB <NUM>. The push support member <NUM> may have a height greater than that of the sensor <NUM>.

Even though the user does not push the touch part <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>, but push an area between the touch parts <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>, the applied force may be leaked through the push support member <NUM>, and thus the pressure may not be applied to or detected by the sensors <NUM> disposed on both sides of the push support member <NUM>. The push support member <NUM> may support the front panel <NUM> to structurally prevent push deformation of the front panel <NUM> from occurring, thereby preventing simultaneous recognition of the sensors <NUM> due to the deformation of the front panel <NUM> from occurring.

<FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a main component of a touch sensor assembly according to further another embodiment. When the push signals of adjacent touch parts <NUM> are generated at the same time in the sensor control part <NUM>, the sensor control part <NUM> may ignore the inputted signal and may not process the push signals. For example, if the variation in quantity of electricity is above a preset quantity occurs from adjacent two sensors <NUM> at the same time, the sensor control part <NUM> may determine this state as the erroneous manipulation to ignore the input signal such that control part <NUM> may not perform the operation based on the manipulation.

<FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a main component of a touch sensor assembly according to further another embodiment, where a dummy sensor <NUM> may be disposed between plurality of sensors <NUM>. If the user pushes an area between the touch parts <NUM>, the dummy sensor <NUM> may detect the user's manipulation. When a variation value in quantity of electricity, which occurs in the dummy sensor <NUM>, is greater than those in quantity of electricity, which occurs in other sensors <NUM>, the sensor control part <NUM> may determine that the user's touch manipulation is erroneous to ignore input signals of other sensors <NUM>. If desired, the sensor control part <NUM> may display the erroneous manipulation through the display part <NUM> or output a sound of the erroneous manipulation using the acoustic output device <NUM>. When an erroneous manipulation occurs, the sensor control part <NUM> may ignore the signal inputted and the user may be given an opportunity to provide a proper input.

An operation of the refrigerator will be described for entering one of a plurality of special modes. In addition to the manipulation for changing various general operational mode or state of the refrigerator, a manipulation or touch inputs may be provided for entering a plurality of special modes may be enabled. The special or configuration modes of the refrigerator may include a sensitivity setting mode for setting manipulation sensitivity of the touch part, an inspection mode for diagnosing an operation state of each component of the refrigerator, a test mode for checking a normal operation of an individual component of an ice maker, and a store display mode for displaying a product in a store to sell the product.

<FIG> illustrate the sensitivity setting mode and sensitivity sitting operation of the refrigerator according to an embodiment. When power is applied to the refrigerator <NUM> to allow the refrigerator to operate, the user may push one of the plurality of touch parts <NUM> to manipulate an operation of the refrigerator <NUM>. However, force pushed by the user into the touch part <NUM> may be different, or the preferred intensity in push manipulation may be different. The user may adjust and set a sensitivity of the sensor <NUM> through a combination of the manipulations of the plurality of touch parts <NUM> that are originally used for other purposes, such that the sensor <NUM> can effectively recognize the press of the touch part <NUM> by the user.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the user may push a first touch part 12a, which is displayed as "a refrigerating temperature", of the plurality of touch parts <NUM>. When a fifth touch part 12e, which is displayed as "locking release", is pushed three times before a preset time (for example, three seconds) elapses after the first touch part 12a is pushed, the refrigerator enters into the sensitivity setting mode. The manipulation of the fifth touch part 12e that is pushed three times in a row has to be performed within the preset time (for example, three seconds). The preset time is not limited to three seconds as suggested.

After entering the sensitivity setting mode, the display window <NUM> may be turned off. When the user pushes one of the plurality of touch parts 12a to 12e, that is desired for setting the sensitivity, the current sensitivity of the selected touch part may be displayed. The display window <NUM> may include two numerical display parts 11a, three symbol display parts 11b, and five touch parts 12a to 12e respectively corresponding to the five display parts 11a and 11b. The five touch parts 12a to 12e can be respectively formed at side positions of the five display parts 11a and 11b.

As illustrated in <FIG>, after the refrigerator enters the sensitivity setting mode, the user may press the "refrigerating temperature" 12a (first touch part), and then the numerical display part 11a corresponding to the "refrigerating temperature" may flicker or blink to display the current sensitivity of the first touch part 12a in the form of a number, such as <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The user may visually not only confirm the current sensitivity of the selected touch part, but also confirm what the currently selected touch part <NUM> to adjust the sensitivity is.

Alternatively, as illustrated in <FIG>, after the refrigerator enters into the sensitivity setting mode, the user may press a third touch part 12c that is displayed as "sanitization deodorization", the symbol display part 11b that has a filter shape and is disposed on a side of the third touch part 12c may flicker or blink to show that the third touch part 12c is currently selected for adjustment of sensitivity and the current sensitivity of the third touch part 12c may be displayed on the numerical display part 11a in the form of the number.

As described above, in the state where the user has selected the desired touch part <NUM> for adjusting the sensitivity, and the current sensitively of the selected touch part is flickering on the numerical display part 11a, the user may repeatedly push the selected touch part <NUM> to adjust a sensitivity setting value of the selected touch part <NUM>.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, in the state where the current sensitivity setting value of the first touch part 12a is "<NUM>", if the first touch part 12a is pushed once more, the sensitivity setting value may further increase by one degree, and the number "<NUM>" may be displayed on the numerical display part 11a. Also, the number displayed on the numerical display part 11a increases according to the additionally pushed number of first touch part 12a, and thus, the sensitivity setting value of the first touch part 12a may further increase in degree.

The process for setting the sensitivity may be stored in the host control part <NUM>. When the first touch part 12a is pushed once more in the uppermost sensitivity setting value, the sensitivity setting value may return to the lowermost sensitivity setting value, and then, the number "<NUM>" may be displayed on the numerical display part 11a. Here, the lowermost sensitivity setting value that is settable may be greater than a noise level of the sensor <NUM>. Also, as the number is lower, the sensor <NUM> may sensitively recognize the manipulation of the touch part <NUM>.

The above-described sensitivity setting manipulation has to be performed within a preset time, for example, within three seconds after the last touch part <NUM> is manipulated. It means that the interval between the previous press and the current press can be set to three seconds. If the preset time elapses, the last selected sensitivity setting value may be stored in the storage part <NUM>, and the sensitivity setting mode may be ended. Also, when the sensitivity setting mode is ended, the display window <NUM> may return to the normal state in which the operation state of the refrigerator <NUM> is displayed. The three seconds interval corresponds to an interval between a previous pressing and the current pressing may be up to <NUM> seconds. For example, after pressing the third touch part 12c, the user may press the touch part 12a within <NUM> seconds to adjust the sensitivity, and the user may perform the second press within <NUM> seconds after performing the first pressing. If a user desires to set the sensitivity from <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM>--> <NUM>--> <NUM>--> <NUM>) in <FIG>, the user may press the first touch part 12a within a total of <NUM> seconds as long as the user presses the touch part 12a within maximally <NUM> seconds interval. If <NUM> seconds have elapsed after second pressing, the sensitivity will be set to <NUM>.

The first touch part 12a and the fifth touch part 12e which are manipulated to allow the refrigerator to enter into the sensitivity setting mode may be an example of the combination of the push manipulation for convenience of description. Alternatively, the combination of the manipulation of touch parts may be differently determined. The combined manipulation of the touch parts <NUM> may be used for the manipulation of the special mode except for the sensitivity setting mode according to the setting method. In other words, the above process may be used for other types of special mode setting rather than the sensitivity mode setting.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a process of entering into an inspection mode for the refrigerator according to an embodiment. To enter into the inspection mode during the normal operation of the refrigerator, the fourth touch part 12d that is displayed as "special freezing" is touched. Thereafter, the second touch part 12b that is displayed as a "freezing temperature" is pushed before the end of the preset time (for example, three seconds), such that the refrigerator may enter into the inspection mode. When, the second touch part 12b is pressed, the user may be required to press the touch part 12b for an extended time compared to a normal touch input in order to enter into the inspection mode. When the second touch part 12b is pushed for an extended time to enter into the inspection mode, the user may release the touch of the second touch part 12b to finish the entering manipulation.

The inspection mode may be performed after the refrigerator <NUM> is manufactured or before the refrigerator <NUM> is shipped. In the inspection mode, the overall setting of the refrigerator <NUM> may be confirmed or performed. The fourth touch part 12d and the second touch part 12b may be an example of the combination of the push manipulation for convenience of description. Alternatively, the combination of other touch parts <NUM> may be set according to the setting method.

Also, the combination of the manipulation of the touch part <NUM> explained in <FIG> may be used for entering into a different special mode, rather than the inspection mode.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a process of entering into the test mode in the refrigerator according to an embodiment. To enter into the test mode during the normal operation of the refrigerator, the user touches a fifth touch part 12e that is displayed as "locking release" while the refrigerator door <NUM> is opened, and then the user pushes the first touch part 12a that is displayed as the "refrigerating temperature" before the preset time (for example, three seconds) elapses, the refrigerator may enter into the test mode. Further, the first touch part 12a may be pressed for an extended time compared to a normal touch input. When the first touch part 12a is pushed for the extended time to enter into the test mode, the user may release the touch of the first touch part 12a to finish the entering manipulation.

In the test mode, when an error occurs during the use of the refrigerator <NUM>, the test mode may be initiated by the user or a service worker to test whether devices of the refrigerator <NUM> such as an ice maker and dispenser are operating normally. The fifth touch part 12e and the first touch part 12a which are manipulated to allow the refrigerator to enter into the test mode may be an example of the combination of the push manipulation for convenience of description. Alternatively, the combination of other touch parts <NUM> may be set according to the setting method.

Also, the combination of the manipulation of the touch part <NUM> explained in <FIG> may be used for entering into a different special mode, rather than the test.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a process of entering into a store display mode in the refrigerator according to an embodiment. To enter into the store display mode during the operation of the refrigerator, the user firstly touches the fourth touch part 12d that is displayed as the "special freezing" while the refrigerator door <NUM> is opened, secondly pushes the first touch part 12a that is displayed as the "refrigerating temperature" before the preset time (for example, second seconds) elapses, and then the refrigerator may enter into the store display mode. Further, the first touch part 12a may be pressed for an extended time compared to a normal touch input. After the first touch part 12a is pushed for the extended time to enter into the store display mode, the user may release the push of the first touch part 12a to finish the entering manipulation.

In the store display mode, an operation state or set state of the refrigerator may change so that the refrigerator is adequate for a display model for operating the refrigerator at a retail store. For example, it may be unnecessary to maintain a temperature within the refrigerator in the store display mode. For example, a deforesting operation may not be required, and operations of a compressor and heater may be maintained in an off state.

The fourth touch part 12d and the first touch part 12a which are manipulated to allow the refrigerator to enter into the store display mode may be an example of the combination of the push manipulation for convenience of description. Alternatively, the combination of other touch parts <NUM> may be set according to the setting method. Also, the combination of the manipulation of the touch part <NUM> explain in <FIG> may be used for entering into a different special mode, rather than the store display mode.

As described above, the refrigerator according to the embodiments may enter into the various special modes through various methods. The refrigerator according to the embodiments may enter into other special modes in addition to the above-described modes, and manipulation of other touch parts <NUM> in addition to the above-described touch part <NUM> may combined with each other.

<FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a touch manipulation sensing state in a home appliance including a touch sensor according to a related art.

A portion of an outer appearance of a home appliance according to the related art is defined by an exterior member <NUM>. Also, the external member <NUM> may have a plate shape formed of a metal material. Also, an adhesive <NUM> is applied to a rear surface of the exterior member <NUM>. Also, a touch sensor <NUM> mounted on a sensor PCB <NUM> to detect a user's touch manipulation pressure may be fixedly mounted on the rear surface of the exterior member by using the adhesive. Thus, when a user pushes the exterior member <NUM> to perform touch manipulation, the touch sensor <NUM> may detect the user's touch manipulation to allow the home appliance to operate.

As illustrated in <FIG>, even though the exterior member <NUM> has a thin thickness D1, when the user touches the exterior member <NUM>, the exterior member <NUM> may be temporarily pushed. When the exterior member <NUM> is pushed by predetermined force F1 or more, the exterior member <NUM> may be pushed together with the adhesive <NUM> to apply a pressure to the touch sensor <NUM>.

Also, when a change in pressure applied to the touch sensor <NUM> is greater than a preset pressure, the user's touch manipulation may be recognized. That is, when an intensity of a voltage generated by the pressure applied to the touch sensor <NUM> is greater than a sensible voltage level, it is determined as effective touch manipulation. Thus, the user has to push the exterior member with a specific pressure or more to realize the effective touch manipulation.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the exterior member <NUM> may have a relatively thicker thickness or be formed of a material having high strength as occasion demands. For example, in case of a refrigerator, when an insulation material is provided in a door of which an outer appearance is defined by the exterior member <NUM>, the exterior member <NUM> may generally have a thickness D2 of about <NUM> to prevent the exterior member <NUM> from being deformed by a foaming pressure. Also, in other home appliances including the refrigerator, the exterior member <NUM> may have a thickness of about <NUM> or more to prevent the exterior member <NUM> from being crushed or deformed by an external impact or prevent the exterior member <NUM> from being permanently deformed by repetitive touch manipulation or excessive pushing.

As described above, if the thickness of the exterior member <NUM> is thicker, when the exterior member <NUM> is pushed by the force F1 as illustrated in <FIG> to perform the touch manipulation, the exterior member <NUM> may be relatively reduced in size. Also, when the exterior member <NUM> is deformed in small, the deformation may be absorbed by the elasticity of the adhesive <NUM>. In this case, the intensity of the pressure transmitted to the touch sensor <NUM> may be significantly reduced.

That is, even though the exterior member <NUM> is pushed by the force F1 that is the same as that of <FIG>, the intensity of the pressure transmitted to the touch sensor <NUM> may be significantly reduced. Thus, as illustrated in <FIG>, the voltage generated in the touch sensor <NUM> may not reach a level of the voltage detected by the effective touch manipulation, and thus, the recognition of the touch manipulation may be difficult.

To solve the above-described limitation, in the current embodiment, a structure in which the touch sensor <NUM> is directly attached to the front panel <NUM> corresponding to the exterior member <NUM> by the elastic member <NUM> without using the adhesive <NUM> may be provided. Also, the touch sensor <NUM> may be pressed in the direction of the front panel <NUM> by the elastic member <NUM> to detect the touch of the touch sensor even though small deformation occurs on the front panel <NUM>, thereby improving the sensitivity of the touch sensor <NUM>.

Hereinafter, this structure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a touch manipulation sensing state in the touch sensor according to an embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the front panel <NUM> may have a plate or sheet formed of a metal material, which defines at least a portion of the outer appearance of the home appliance. Also, the front panel <NUM> may have a predetermined thickness D2. The front panel <NUM> may have a thickness of about <NUM> to about <NUM> or more to satisfy conditions of the exterior member of the home appliance including the refrigerator to prevent the exterior member from being deformed by the foaming pressure or from being permanently deformed by the external impact.

A touch part (see reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG>) through which the user performs the touch manipulation may be disposed on the front panel <NUM>. The touch part <NUM> may display a portion on which the touch manipulation is performed on a front surface of the front panel to induce the effective touch manipulation of the user. Alternatively, the induction of the effective touch manipulation may be performed through various surface processing processes such as printing or etching. A window (see reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG>) in addition to the touch part <NUM> may be further provided on the front panel <NUM>. Also, the window <NUM> together with the touch part <NUM> may be provided as a module.

A touch sensor <NUM> mounted on the sensor PCB <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the front panel <NUM>. The touch sensor <NUM> may detect the user's touch manipulation. The touch sensor <NUM> includes a piezoelectric device or a resistive cell type (resistive type) device. In detail, the touch sensor <NUM> includes the piezoelectric device. Here, the touch may be detected by a change in voltage generated by a pressure which is generated when the touch part <NUM> of the front panel <NUM> is touched by the piezoelectric device.

Also, the touch sensor <NUM> may include the resistive cell type device. Here, a change in pressure may be calculated by using a change in resistance due to the pressure generated when the touch part <NUM> of the front panel <NUM> in predetermined current is supplied, and then the touch may be detected through the change in pressure.

The touch sensor <NUM> may directly contact the touch part <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>. Thus, the force generated when the user manipulates the touch part <NUM> may not be lost, but be immediately transmitted to the touch sensor <NUM>.

The touch sensor <NUM> may be mounted on the sensor PCB <NUM>. Also, a plurality of touch sensors <NUM> may be mounted on one sensor PCB <NUM> to respectively correspond to the touch parts <NUM>. Of cause, the sensor PCB <NUM> may be provided in plurality. Alternatively, at least one or more touch sensors <NUM> may be mounted on the sensor PBCs <NUM>, respectively.

An elastic member <NUM> which is capable of pressing the touch sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the sensor PCB <NUM>. Also, the touch sensor <NUM> may be closely attached toward the front panel <NUM> by the elastic member <NUM>. That is, the touch sensor <NUM> may be closely attached to the rear surface of the front panel <NUM> as well as pressed toward the front panel <NUM> by compressive elastic force F2 of the elastic member <NUM>. Thus, the touch sensor <NUM> may be in a state in which the pressure due to the elastic member <NUM> is applied. A base voltage of the touch sensor <NUM> is applied with a predetermined intensity by the elastic member <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the elastic member <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the sensor PCB <NUM> corresponding to the outside of the touch sensor <NUM>. Alternatively, if the touch sensor <NUM> is capable of being pressed toward the front panel <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> may be disposed at various positions. Also, the elastic member <NUM> may have a shape different from a hexahedral shape. The elastic member <NUM> may not be limited in shape and material such as a spring. For example, the elastic member <NUM> may be provided with a different constituent which is capable of pressing the touch sensor <NUM> toward the front panel.

A detected state of the touch sensor having the above-described structure will be described.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in a state in which the front panel <NUM> is not pushed, the front panel <NUM> is not deformed. However, since the touch sensor <NUM> is in the state in which the touch sensor <NUM> is pressed toward the rear surface of the front panel <NUM> by the elastic member <NUM>, the touch sensor <NUM> may have a base voltage with a predetermined intensity.

Here, the base voltage may be due to the elastic force F2 of the elastic member <NUM>. Thus, the base voltage may be set to a voltage less than the sensible voltage of the touch sensor <NUM>. That is, the base voltage may be set to the touch sensor <NUM> by adjusting the elastic force F2 of the elastic member <NUM>.

In this state, when the user pushes the touch part <NUM> disposed at a position corresponding to that of the touch sensor <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, the deformation of the front panel <NUM> may occur. The deformation of the front panel <NUM> may be directly transmitted to the touch sensor <NUM>, and the touch sensor <NUM> may receive the pressure due to the deformation of the front panel <NUM>.

Here, when the front panel <NUM> is touched, the force F1 pushed by the user may have a direction opposite to that of the compressive elastic force F2 applied to the touch sensor <NUM> by the elastic member <NUM>. Thus, the bidirectional forces F1 and F2 may be substantially applied to the touch sensor <NUM>, and thus, the touch sensor <NUM> may be pressed.

That is, when the user pushes the front panel <NUM> in the state in which the touch sensor <NUM> is pressed toward the front panel <NUM> by the elastic member <NUM>, the change in voltage, which occurs by the pressure generated by the user's touch manipulation may be added to the base voltage, and thus a pressure exceeding the sensible voltage level for the touch manipulation may be applied to the touch sensor <NUM>.

Even though the front panel <NUM> is deformed in small by the user's touch manipulation, the deformation of the front panel <NUM> may be transmitted as it is to the touch sensor <NUM> without being lost. In addition, the touch sensor may generate a voltage greater than the sensible voltage level of the touch manipulation even though the touch panel <NUM> is deformed in small by the compressive elastic force F2 applied by the elastic member <NUM>.

As a result, the sensitivity of the touch sensor <NUM> may be improved, and thus, the touch sensor <NUM> may effectively detect the user's touch manipulation in the state in which the front panel <NUM> has the sufficient strength and thickness D2.

Although the touch sensor <NUM> operates in the resistive cell manner, the above-described effects may be equally applied. When the elastic member <NUM> presses the touch sensor <NUM> in the direction of the touch part <NUM>, a resistance value of the touch sensor <NUM> may be reduced by the pressing in the state in which predetermined current is applied. Thus, the base voltage may be applied at a predetermined intensity or more due to the reduction of the resistance value.

In this state, when the user touches the touch part <NUM>, a portion of the front panel <NUM> may be deformed to press the touch sensor <NUM>. Also, the resistance value may be reduced by the additional pressure due to the user's touch, and thus, the voltage may increase to become to the same state as that of <FIG>. Therefore, the user's touch manipulation may be effectively detected.

Claim 1:
A metal touch sensing apparatus, comprising:
a front panel (<NUM>) formed of metal;
a display window (<NUM>) which is defined by a plurality of through holes (<NUM>) provided in a portion of the front panel (<NUM>); and
a touch part (<NUM>) disposed on the front panel (<NUM>) ;
a sensor printed circuit board, PCB, (<NUM>) mounted on a position corresponding to the touch part (<NUM>) on a rear surface of the front panel (<NUM>);
a touch sensor (<NUM>) mounted on the sensor printed circuit board for detecting touch of the front panel, and;
a sensor housing accommodating the sensor printed circuit board (<NUM>);
a touch booster (<NUM>) coupled to an opened front surface of the sensor housing;
an elastic member (<NUM>) contacting a rear surface of the sensor printed circuit board (<NUM>) to press and support the sensor printed circuit board (<NUM>) in a direction of the touch part (<NUM>); and
wherein a plurality of elastically deformable parts are disposed on the touch booster (<NUM>), each of the elastically deformable parts including:
a first extension part (<NUM>) extending from one side of an opened region of the touch booster (<NUM>);
a second extension part (<NUM>) extending from a position opposite to the first extension part (<NUM>); and
a common part (<NUM>) disposed at a central portion to connect the first extension part (<NUM>) and the second extension part (<NUM>);
characterized in that
a protrusion (<NUM>) protruding downward is disposed on a bottom surface of the common part (<NUM>);
the touch sensor (<NUM>) includes a piezoelectric type sensor;
the elastic member (<NUM>) is configured to generate a base voltage in the touch sensor (<NUM>) in a no-touch state; and
the metal touch sensing apparatus includes a sensor control part (<NUM>) configured to detect a voltage increasing from the base voltage when a touch operation occurs to recognize that the touch operation occurs when the increasing voltage is greater than a preset value.