WO2009051346A2

WO2009051346A2 - Refrigerator and method of controlling the same

Info

Publication number: WO2009051346A2
Application number: PCT/KR2008/005355
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sang-Hyon Kim
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2007-10-15
Filing date: 2008-09-10
Publication date: 2009-04-23
Also published as: KR20090038052A; WO2009051346A3; KR100903923B1

Abstract

Present embodiments provide a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a dispenser, a tray, a driving unit, and a controller. The dispenser dispenses water or ice. The tray is provided on the dispenser to have a vessel placed thereon. The driving unit moves the tray. The controller controls operation of at least the driving unit.

Description

REFRIGERATOR AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE

SAME

Technical Field

[1] The present embodiments relate to a refrigerator and a method of controlling a refrigerator. Background Art

[2] A refrigerator is an apparatus that supplies cold air to a storage compartment to preserve foods at low temperatures.

[3] A refrigerator includes a main body defining a storage compartment within, and a door coupled to the main body to open and close the storage compartment.

[4] A dispenser connected to a water container or an ice maker is provided on the refrigerator door. A lever or button is disposed on the dispenser to dispense water or ice. Accordingly, when a user presses the lever or button, water or ice is discharged through the dispenser, enabling water or ice to be dispensed to the outside without opening the door.

[5] However, in a related art refrigerator, only when a user presses a lever or button does the dispenser dispense water or ice, causing inconvenience to the user.

[6] In particular, because the amount of water dispensed is determined by how long a user presses the lever or button, the user experiences inconvenience from having to hold a vessel while pressing the lever or button, and is also inconvenienced by having to continuously check the quantity of water dispensed during dispensing of water. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[7] Embodiments provide a refrigerator and a method of controlling a refrigerator that are capable of sensing a vessel placed on a dispenser and automatically dispensing water or ice, and controlling the quantity of dispensed water or ice.

[8] Embodiments also provide a refrigerator and a method of controlling a refrigerator that withdraw a tray holding a vessel to the outside after supplying of water or ice to the vessel has been completed. Technical Solution

[9] In one embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a dispenser for dispensing water or ice; a tray on which a vessel selectively placed, the tray being provided on the dispenser; a driving unit for moving the tray; and a controller for controlling operation of at least the driving unit.

[10] In another embodiment, a method for controlling a refrigerator includes: determining whether supplying of water or ice to a vessel placed on a tray has been completed; and withdrawing the tray on which the vessel is placed to an outside of a dispenser, when it is determined that the supplying of the water or ice has been completed. [11] In a further embodiment, a method for controlling a refrigerator includes: determining whether a withdrawal signal for a tray on which a vessel is placed has been input to a driving unit for driving the tray; and withdrawing the tray to an outside of a dispenser through operating the driving unit, when it is determined that the withdrawal signal has been input.

Advantageous Effects

[12] According to the provided embodiments, a method of dispensing water or ice may be selected according to a user's preferences. That is, water or ice may be manually or automatically dispensed.

[13] Also, when water or ice is dispensed automatically, the inconvenience of a user having to hold a vessel while water or ice is being dispensed is negated, and the inconvenience of having to continuously check the dispensed quantity while holding a vessel is also negated.

[14] Further, when a predetermined quantity of water or ice has been supplied to a vessel, a tray on which the vessel is placed is automatically withdrawn to the outside to allow a user to easily lift the vessel. Brief Description of the Drawings

[15] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment.

[16] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of a dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[17] Fig. 3 is a sectional view of Fig. 2 cut along line A-A.

[18] Fig. 4 is a sectional view of Fig. 2 cut along line B-B.

[19] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the controlling configuration of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[20] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a controlling method of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[21] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a tray withdrawn to the outside of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[22] Fig. 8 is a sectional view of Fig. 2 cut along line A-A, according to a second embodiment.

[23] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of a dispenser according to a third embodiment. Mode for the Invention

[24] Below, a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention will be provided with reference to the drawings.

[25] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment.

[26] Referring to Fig. 1, a refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main body 10 defining a storage compartment within, and a door 20 coupled to the main body 10 to open and close the storage compartment. The door 20 is pivotably installed on the main body 10 through hinges (not shown). Also, a handle 22 is formed on the door 20. [27] The present embodiment describes a refrigerator provided with a pair of doors as an example. However, the spirit and scope of the present embodiment are not limited to any particular type of refrigerator. [28] Also, a home bar 30, that allows food, etc. to be withdrawn to the outside without opening the door 20, may be provided on the door 20. The home bar 30 may store beverages, cosmetics, or similar items. [29] A dispenser 100, for dispensing water or ice to the outside of the door 20, may also be provided on the door 20. Also, a water tank 200 or an ice maker (not shown) may be connected to the dispenser 100. [30] While Fig. 1 shows a door 20 provided with a water tank 200 as one example, the spirit and scope of the present embodiment includes a water tank 200 and an ice maker provided on the door 20, or one of a water tank 200 and an ice maker provided on the door 20. [31] A water supplying device (not shown) may be connected to the water tank 200 and the ice maker to supply water from the outside. Of course, water stored in the water tank 200 may be supplied to the ice maker. [32] The water tank 200 or the ice maker is connected to the dispenser 100 through a dispensing duct 210. Also, the dispensing duct 210 is provided with a valve 220 to open and close the dispensing duct 210. [33] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of a dispenser according to the first embodiment. [34] Referring to Fig. 2, the dispenser 100 defines a receiving portion 101 to receive a vessel such as a cup. The receiving portion 101 is recessed rearward from the front surface of the door 20. [35] A display 110 for displaying the operating state of the refrigerator 1 and the dispenser 100, and an input portion 120 for inputting operating conditions for the refrigerator 1 or the dispenser 100 are provided above the receiving portion 101. [36] The dispenser 100 includes a manipulating lever 125 for a user to manipulate to dispense ice or water. The manipulating lever 125 projects from the receiving portion

101. [37] When the manipulating lever 125 is pressed, the pressing of the manipulating lever 125 is detected by a lever manipulation sensor and relayed to a controller (described below). Then, the controller opens the valve 220 according to the data relayed from the lever manipulation sensor.

[38] A tray 130 on which a vessel is placed is included on the dispenser 100. The tray 130 is disposed below the manipulating lever 125 and supports a vessel when water or ice is being dispensed.

[39] The input portion 120 may be configured with a plurality of buttons.

[40] The plurality of buttons may include a selection button 121 for selecting ice or water, an ice type selection button 122 for selecting a type of ice, a quantity control button 123 for controlling the dispensed quantity of water or ice, etc. Of course, buttons for entering operating conditions of the refrigerator may further be included.

[41] The plurality of buttons also includes a mode selection button 124 for selecting a withdrawing/inserting mode of the tray 130, a withdrawal button 125 for selecting a withdrawing mode to with the tray 130 to the outside of the dispenser 100, and an insertion button 126 for inserting the tray 130 withdrawn to the outside of the dispenser 100.

[42] The mode selection button 124 is a button for selecting a manual withdrawal/ insertion mode or an automatic withdrawal/insertion mode for the tray 130. Accordingly, when a user does not want the tray 130 to be automatically withdrawn and inserted, the user may use the mode selection button 124 to select a manual withdrawal/insertion mode, and when a user wants the tray 130 to be automatically withdrawn and inserted, the user may use the mode selection button 124 to select an automatic withdrawal/insertion mode.

[43] A vessel sensor 140 for sensing a vessel is provided on the tray 130. The vessel sensor 140 may include a weight sensor or a pressure sensor. When the vessel sensor 140 senses a vessel, the controller controls operation of the valve 220 to automatically dispense a predetermined quantity of water or ice.

[44] Specifically, in the present embodiment, when a user manipulates the manipulating lever 125 to dispense a desired quantity of water or ice, a set amount of water or ice may be automatically dispensed when a vessel is placed on the tray 130.

[45] Thus, according to the present embodiment, a method of dispensing water or ice according to a user's preferences can be selected.

[46] In particular, when water or ice is automatically dispensed, the inconvenience of a user having to hold a vessel while water or ice is being dispensed and that of the user having to continuously check the dispensed quantity while holding the vessel can be negated.

[47] Fig. 3 is a sectional view of Fig. 2 cut along line A-A, and Fig. 4 is a sectional view of Fig. 2 cut along line B-B. [48] Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the tray 130 is provided on the receiving portion 101 to be capable of sliding. The tray 130 is driven by a driving unit 150. [49] In detail, the tray 130 includes a casing 131 defining a reservoir 134 within, and a grill portion 132 provided at the top of the casing 131 to allow water descending from above to pass through. Water that passes through the grill portion 132 is stored in the reservoir 134. [50] The driving unit 150 is provided below the tray 130. The driving unit 150 includes a motor 152 generating driving force, and a driving gear 156 coupled to a shaft 154 of the motor 152. [51] A driven gear 136 engaged with the driving gear 156 is defined at the bottom of the tray 130. Here, the driving gear 156 may be a pinion gear, and the driven gear 136 may be a rack gear. [52] The driving gear 156 rotates in a vertical direction, and the driven gear 136 converts the vertical rotation of the driving gear 156 to a translation movement. That is, the rotational center of the driving gear 156 is disposed horizontally. [53] Accordingly, through the rotation of the motor 152 and the driving gear 156, the tray

130 is moved forward and rearward with respect to the refrigerator. When the tray 130 moves forward, the tray 130 is withdrawn from the receiving portion 101 to the outside of the dispenser 100. [54] Here, to enable the forward and rearward movement of the tray 130, the motor used may be a motor capable of bi-directional rotation. [55] Also, a guide portion 138 for guiding the forward and rearward movement of the tray

130 is provided at either side of the casing 131, and a guide slot 103 in which the guide portion 138 is inserted is defined in walls 102 defining the receiving portion 101. [56] The guide portions 138 are formed to project sideways from the side surfaces of the casing 131. The guide portions 138 are elongatedly formed from front to rear on the casing 131. Conversely, the guide portions may be formed on the walls 102 defining the receiving portion 101, and the guide slots may be defined in either side of the casing 131. [57] Accordingly, when the guide portions 138 move along the guide slots 103, the forward and rearward movement of the tray 130 can be reliably performed. [58] In addition, because the guide portions 138 are inserted in the guide slots 103 when the tray 130 is withdrawn, descending of the tray 130 from the weight of a vessel placed on the tray 130 can be prevented. [59] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the controlling configuration of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [60] Referring to Fig. 5, a refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment includes an input portion 120 for a user to input operating conditions of the refrigerator 1 or the dispenser 100, a vessel sensor 140 for sensing a vessel placed on the tray 130, a lever manipulation sensor 190 for sensing whether the manipulating lever 125 has been manipulated, a valve driver 170 for driving the valve 220, a driving unit 150 that drives the tray 130, a controller 160 for controlling the operation of the valve driver 170 and the driving unit 150, and a memory 180 for storing operating conditions input through the input portion 120 or dispensing conditions.

[61] In detail, a user can select whether to dispense ice or water, and select the quantity to be dispensed, using the input portion 120. The selections on whether to dispense ice or water and the quantity to be dispensed made by the user are stored in the memory 180.

[62] A vessel placed on the tray 130 is sensed by the vessel sensor 140. The vessel sensor

140 may sense the vessel through changes in weight or pressure on the tray 130 before and after the vessel is placed thereon.

[63] When a vessel is sensed by the vessel sensor 140, the controller 160 operates the valve driver 170 to open the valve 220.

[64] The controller 160 also determines whether the vessel has been filled with a predetermined quantity of ice or water, and controls the operation of the driving unit 150.

[65] Specifically, the determining of whether the vessel has been filled with a predetermined quantity of ice or water is performed through using the weight or pressure difference between the point before dispensing and points during dispensing.

[66] Before water or ice is dispensed, the vessel sensor 140 measures the weight or pressure applied by the vessel. Then, during dispensing of water or ice, the weight of the water or ice and the vessel or the pressure exerted by the vessel filled with water or ice is measured.

[67] Accordingly, the differences in weight or pressure at the point before water or ice is dispensed and during dispensing are compared with a reference value to determine whether ice or water of a predetermined quantity has filled the vessel. Here, the reference value may be stored in the memory 180, and the reference value may be input by a user through the input portion 120.

[68] Below, a controlling method of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment will be described.

[69] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a controlling method of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a tray withdrawn to the outside of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[70] Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, a valve 220 provided on the exhaust duct 210 is closed in operation Sl. Whether to dispense water or ice and what quantity of water or ice to dispense is preset by a user.

[71] In this state, the controller 160 determines in operation S2 whether the manipulating lever 125 is pressed. [72] Then, when it is determined that the manipulating lever 125 is pressed, the valve driver 170 opens the valve 220. Then, water or ice is discharged through the dispensing duct 210 and supplied to the vessel.

[73] During dispensing of water or ice into the vessel, the controller 160 determines in operation S4 whether the pressing of the manipulating lever 125 is discontinued. If it is determined that the pressing of manipulating lever 125 is discontinued, the valve driver 170 closes the valve 220 in operation S5.

[74] On the other hand, if the results of operation S2 indicate that the manipulating lever

125 has not been released, the controller 160 determines in operation S 6 whether the vessel sensor 140 senses a vessel. In the present embodiment, an example of the vessel sensor 140 sensing pressure will be described.

[75] In detail, when pressure exerted by a vessel is sensed by the vessel sensor 140, and when the pressure sensed by the vessel sensor 140 suddenly increases, the controller 160 determines that a vessel has been placed on the tray 130.

[76] When it is determined that a vessel is not sensed, the process returns to operation Sl.

Conversely, when it is determined that a vessel is sensed, the valve driver 170 opens the valve 220 in operation S7. Then, water or ice is discharged through the dispensing duct 210 and supplied to the vessel.

[77] Then, when the vessel sensor 140 continues to sense pressure during supplying of water or ice to the vessel, the controller 160 determines in operation S8 whether a value of a difference between the current pressure (P2) sensed by the vessel sensor 140 and a pressure (Pl) sensed before water or ice was dispensed has reached a reference value. That is, in operation S8, it is determined whether the difference in pressures before and after the opening of the valve 220 reaches a reference value.

[78] When it is determined that the difference in pressures before and after the opening of the valve 220 has reached the reference value, the valve driver 170 closes the valve 220 in operation S9.

[79] Then, after the valve 220 is closed, the driving unit 150 withdraws the tray 130 on which the vessel is placed to the outside in operation SlO. That is, when an operating signal is input from the controller 160 to the driving unit 150, the driving unit 150 withdraws the tray 130 to the outside of the dispenser 100.

[80] In detail, when the motor 152 rotates in one direction, the driving gear 156 rotates in the same direction as the motor 152. Also, the driven gear 136 engaged with the driving gear 156 converts the rotating movement to a translation movement to withdraw the tray 130 forward of the dispenser 100 in a sliding manner. Here, the withdrawn distance of the tray 130 may, for example, be controlled through the number of turns of the motor.

[81] Then, with the tray 130 withdrawn forward of the dispenser 100, the controller 160 determines in operation SI l whether the vessel has been removed from the tray 130. In detail, when the vessel is removed from the tray 130, a reduced pressure is sensed by the vessel sensor 140. Thus, when there is a reduction in the pressure sensed by the vessel sensor 140, the controller 160 determines that the vessel has been removed from the tray 130.

[82] Then, when it is determined that the vessel has been removed from the tray 130, the driving unit 150 inserts the tray 130 into the dispenser 100 in operation S 12. In detail, the motor 152 rotates in the opposite direction to insert the tray 130 into the dispenser 100 in a sliding manner.

[83] According to the present embodiment, the inconvenience of a user having to hold a vessel while water or ice is being dispensed is negated, and, because the tray is automatically withdrawn to the outside when a predetermined quantity of water or ice has been supplied to a vessel, a user can easily lift the vessel.

[84] Fig. 8 is a sectional view of Fig. 2 cut along line A-A, according to a second embodiment.

[85] All other aspects of the present embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment, with the exception of a difference in the position of a driving unit for driving the tray. Thus, only aspects characteristic of the present embodiment will be described below.

[86] Referring to Fig. 8, a driving unit 320 according to the present embodiment is located on a sidewall of the tray 310. In detail, a driven gear 312 is defined on a side surface of the tray 310. Also, a driving gear 322 coupled to a motor 321 is connected at a side to the driven gear 312. A rack gear may be used as the driven gear 312, and a pinion gear may be used as the driving gear 322.

[87] Here, the position of the driving unit is provided as an example, and the driving unit may be provided at the rear of the tray and the position of the driving unit is not restricted.

[88] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of a dispenser according to a third embodiment.

[89] All aspects of the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, except for a difference in the withdrawing method of the tray. Thus, only characterizing aspects of the present embodiment will be described below.

[90] Referring to Fig. 9, a tray 410 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that it is withdrawn from and inserted in the dispenser 100 through pivoting.

[91] In detail, a driving unit 430 is provided at one side of the tray 410 to pivot the tray

410. The driving unit 430 includes a motor 432 and a driving gear 434 coupled to the motor 432.

[92] A driven gear 420 is defined on one side of the tray 410 to engage with the driving gear 434 and transmit a transmitting force from the driving gear 434 to the tray 410. [93] A receptacle 404 is defined in one side surface 402 of the receiving portion 401 to receive the driven gear 420. When the driven gear 420 is inserted in the receptacle 404, the driven gear 420 is engaged with the driving gear 434. A protrusion 422 is formed at the top and bottom of the driven gear 420 to provide a rotation shaft for the driven gear 420. Protrusion insert holes (not shown) are defined in the top and bottom of the receptacle 404, in which the protrusions 422 are inserted.

[94] A rounded surface 411 that enables the withdrawal/insertion of the tray through pivoting is defined at the other side of the tray 410.

[95] Accordingly, when the motor 432 rotates in one direction, the driving gear 432 is rotated in the same direction. When the driving gear 432 is rotated in the one direction, the driven gear 420 is rotated in the opposite direction, and the rotation of the driven gear 420 causes the tray 410 to pivot and be withdrawn forward from the dispenser.

[96] The spirit and scope of the present embodiment are not limited to the above description, and may include the embodiments below.

[97] First, an infrared sensor may be used in lieu of the weight or pressure sensor for the vessel sensor. Of course, when an infrared sensor is employed, by controlling the opened duration of the valve, the quantity of dispensed water or ice may be controlled.

[98] Also, instead of using a motor for the driving unit, an actuator that moves in translation may be used.

[99] Further, while water or ice is automatically dispensed when a vessel is sensed by the vessel sensor in the disclosed embodiments, conversely, a dispensing button may be provided for dispensing water or ice, so that water or ice of a set quantity may be dispensed when the dispensing button is selected, and a vessel sensor may be provided on the tray to sense the presence of a vessel.

[100] In the above case, after a set quantity of water or ice is dispensed, the tray on which a vessel is placed may be withdrawn to the outside, and when the vessel sensor senses that the vessel has been removed, the tray may be inserted. That is, the vessel sensor may sense a vessel for the purpose of withdrawing and inserting the tray.

[101] Furthermore, in disclosed embodiments, the presence of a vessel is determined when the tray is withdrawn, and the tray is then inserted. Conversely, the withdrawing of the tray from the dispenser may be performed automatically by the driving unit, and the inserting of the tray from a withdrawn state may be performed automatically by the driving unit through application of a predetermined external force. This method is a widely used configuration employed in computer cases for withdrawing/inserting CD trays, in audio players for withdrawing/inserting CD trays, etc., and therefore, a detailed description thereof will not be provided.

[102] In addition, the withdrawal and insertion of the tray may be determined according to whether a withdrawal button or an insertion button has been selected. That is, when a user selects a withdrawal button, the driving unit may withdraw the tray, and when an insertion button is selected, the withdrawn tray may be inserted into the dispenser. Here, the acts of selecting the insertion button and the withdrawal button are performed manually. However, in terms of tray operation, the tray can be said to be automatically withdrawn and inserted by the driving unit.

Claims

[ 1 ] A refrigerator comprising: a dispenser for dispensing water or ice; a tray on which a vessel selectively placed, the tray being provided on the dispenser, a driving unit for moving the tray; and a controller for controlling operation of at least the driving unit.

[2] The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor for sensing the vessel placed on the tray, wherein after the sensor senses the vessel, the driving unit is enabled to operate.

[3] The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein when the sensor senses the vessel, water or ice is supplied to the vessel.

[4] The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the controller determines whether the supplying of the water or ice has been completed, and when the supplying of the water or ice is determined to be completed, the driving unit operates to withdraw the tray to an outside of the dispenser.

[5] The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein when the sensor senses that the vessel has been removed, the driving unit operates to automatically insert the tray into the dispenser.

[6] The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is provided on the tray, and senses weight or pressure.

[7] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit comprises: a motor; and a driving gear coupled to the motor, and the tray defines a driven gear that receives driving force from the driving gear.

[8] The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a mode selection button for selecting an operating mode of the driving unit.

[9] The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: a withdrawal button for withdrawing the tray; and an insertion button for inserting the tray.

[10] A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: determining whether supplying of water or ice to a vessel placed on a tray has been completed; and withdrawing the tray on which the vessel is placed to an outside of a dispenser, when it is determined that the supplying of the water or ice has been completed.

[11] The method according to claim 10, further comprising determining whether the vessel has been removed from the tray, wherein when it is determined that the vessel has been removed from the tray, the tray is inserted into the dispenser.

[12] The method according to claim 11, wherein the determining of whether the vessel has been removed from the tray comprises determining whether there is a change in weight or pressure sensed by a sensor provided on the tray.

[13] The method according to claim 10, wherein the determining of whether the supplying of water or ice has been completed comprises determining whether a difference in weights or pressures that are sensed by a sensor provided on the tray before and during the supplying of water or ice has reached a reference value.

[14] A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: determining whether a withdrawal signal for a tray on which a vessel is placed has been input to a driving unit for driving the tray; and withdrawing the tray to an outside of a dispenser through operating the driving unit, when it is determined that the withdrawal signal has been input.

[15] The method according to claim 14, further comprising determining whether an insertion signal for the tray has been input to the driving unit, wherein when it is determined that the insertion signal has been input, the tray is inserted into the dispenser by the driving unit.

[16] The method according to claim 15, wherein the withdrawal signal and the insertion signal are input through a withdrawal button and an insertion button, respectively.

[17] The method according to claim 15, wherein the withdrawal signal and the insertion signal are generated according to data sensed by a sensor for sensing the vessel.