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Refrigerator

  • US 10,088,225 B2
  • Filed: 07/28/2017
  • Issued: 10/02/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/17/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A refrigerator comprising:

  • a cabinet having a storage chamber defined therein;

    a lighting device arranged inside the storage chamber and configured to illuminate an interior of the storage chamber;

    a door connected to the cabinet and configured to open and close the storage chamber, the door having an opening defined therethrough and comprising;

    a panel assembly configured to cover the opening in the door, the panel assembly comprising;

    a front panel that defines at least part of an outer appearance of the door, and through which light emitted from the lighting device passes in a state in which the door is closed;

    a sensor arranged in the door and in contact with the front panel of the panel assembly of the door, the sensor comprising a microphone configured to detect sound waves from a knock input applied on the door; and

    at least one processor configured to activate the lighting device based on the sensor detecting the sound waves from the knock input applied on the door,wherein the front panel of the panel assembly of the door comprises;

    a front surface that defines the at least part of the outer appearance of the door, and that provides an area to receive the knock input that is applied on the door; and

    a rear surface that faces the interior of the storage chamber in a state in which the door is closed,wherein the door further comprises;

    a door frame that is arranged behind the front panel and that has the opening of the door defined therethrough,wherein the sensor is in contact with the rear surface of the front panel.

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