EP4624837A1

EP4624837A1 - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: EP4624837A1
Application number: EP23914944.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sangwoog Cho; Kyukwan Choi; Sanghun Kim; Wonsang Choi
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2023-01-03
Filing date: 2023-11-20
Publication date: 2025-10-01
Also published as: EP4624837A4; CN120457311A; KR20250121561A; WO2024147480A1

Abstract

A refrigerator of one embodiment comprises: a cabinet having storage chambers; a first door opening/closing the storage chambers and having an opening; a second door which opens/closes the opening and can rotate with respect to the first door; a locking device for locking, in a state in which the second door is closed, the first door and the second door; a door opening device for automatically opening the second door, an input sensing unit for sensing an opening command input for the second door, and a control unit for controlling the door opening device, wherein the control unit can operate the door opening device in order to open the second door if the opening command input for the second door is sensed by the input sensing unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

[Background Art]

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance for storing food at a low temperature in a storage space that is covered by a door.
The storage space is surrounded by an insulating wall so that an inside of the storage space is maintained at a temperature lower than an outside temperature. Depending on a temperature range of the storage space, the storage space may be called as a refrigerating chamber or a freezing chamber.
In order to put an object into the storage space or take it out from the storage space, the user opens the door. Generally, the door is rotatably connected to the cabinet, and a gasket is provided between the door and the cabinet. Therefore, when the door is closed, the gasket is tightly sealed between the door and the cabinet, preventing cold air from leaking out of the storage space. As a sealing force of the gasket increases, an effect of preventing cold air from leaking out can be increased.
In order to increase the sealing force of the gasket, the gasket may be formed of a rubber magnet, and a magnet may be provided inside the gasket. However, if the sealing force of the gasket increases, a large force is required when opening the door.
Therefore, refrigerators with an automatic door opening function have been provided recently.
A refrigerator is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0119027 that is a prior art document.
A refrigerator of the prior art document includes a cabinet having at least one storage space therein, a door arranged at one side of the cabinet to open and close the storage space, and a door opening device that moves the door so that the storage space is opened by a driving force of a motor.
Specifically, the door may include an inner door that is in close contact with a front surface of the cabinet, and an outer door arranged at a front side of the inner door. The door opening device is provided in the cabinet, and pushes the inner door to open the inner door.
However, in a case of the prior art document, since the outer door opens together with the inner door when the inner door is opened, there is a disadvantage that the outer door cannot be opened automatically.
In addition, in the case of the prior art document, since the door opening device is provided in the cabinet, if the outer door is to be opened using the door opening device, there is a disadvantage that a length of the door opening device increases and a structure becomes complicated in order to push the outer door without interfering with the inner door..

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

One embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a second door is disposed outside a first door and a second door can be automatically opened.
Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a coupled state of the first door and the second door is maintained when the first door is opened.
Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which left and right doors are provided and a second door of each of the left and right doors can be automatically opened independently.

[Technical Solution]

A refrigerator according to one aspect may include a cabinet having a storage space; a first door having an opening and that opens and close the storage space; and a second door that opens and closes the opening and is rotatable relative to the first door.
The refrigerator may further include a locking device that allows the first door and the second door to be in a locking state in a state in which the second door is closed.
The refrigerator may further include a door opening device to automatically open the second door.
The refrigerator may further include an input detection portion that detects an input of an opening command of the second door. The refrigerator may further include a controller that controls the door opening device.
The controller may operate the door opening device to open the second door when an input of an opening command of the second door is detected by the input detection portion.
The controller may control the locking device so that the first door and the second door are in an unlocking state when the input detection portion detects an input of an opening command for the second door. The controller may operate the door opening device when the first door and the second door are in an unlocking state.
The locking device may include a first driver and a locking portion that operates by receiving a power from the first driver.
The locking portion may protrude from one of the first door and the second door and be coupled to another door of the first door and the second door.
The second door may include an extension positioned in the opening in a state in which the second door is closed. The locking portion may be provided at the first door, and a groove in which the locking portion is received may be formed in the extension.
The locking device may include a magnet. The magnet may be positioned inside a gasket arranged between the first door and the second door.
The refrigerator may further include a proximity sensor that detects that a user has approached a refrigerator within a reference distance. When the proximity sensor detects the user's approach, the input detection portion may be activated.
In a state in which the input detection portion is activated, when an input of a door opening command is not detected within an input reference time, or when the user is not detected by the proximity sensor before a lapse of the input reference time, the input detection portion may be deactivated.
The refrigerator may further include a door opening and closing detection portion that detects a closing of the second door. When a closing of the second door is detected by the door opening and closing detection portion, the controller may control the locking device so that the first door and the second door are in a locking state.
The door opening device may be provided in the second door.
The door opening device may include a second driver and a door opening portion that operates by receiving a power from the second driver and pushes the first door during an opening process of the second door.
The second driver may be positioned at a lower side of the door opening portion.
In order to open the second door, the door opening portion may move from an initial position to a door opening position. In a process of the door opening portion moving from the initial position to the door opening position, the door opening portion may rotate to protrude from the second door and push the first door.
In a process of opening the second door, the door opening portion may include a contact portion in contact with the first door. At an initial position of the door opening portion, a rotation center of the door opening portion may be located in a region between the contact portion and a rotation center of the second door.
The refrigerator may further include a hinge rotatably connecting the second door to the first door. The second door may further include a hinge mounting portion on which the hinge is mounted and having a recessed shape.
The door opening device may include a second driver and a door opening portion that operates by receiving a power from the second driver. The door opening portion may be positioned higher than a bottom of the hinge mounting portion.
The refrigerator may further include an auto closing unit connected to a shaft of the hinge in the second door and positioned lower than a bottom of the hinge mounting portion.
A refrigerator according to another aspect may include: a cabinet having a storage space; a first door than opens and close the storage space and having an opening; a second door that opens and close the opening and rotatable with respect to the first door; a locking device to lock the first door and the second door in a state in which the second door is closed; a first door opening device to automatically open the first door; and a second door opening device to automatically open the second door.
The refrigerator may further include an input detection portion that detects an input of an opening command of at least one of the first door or the second door. The refrigerator may further include a controller that controls the first and second door opening devices.
The first door opening device may be provided in the cabinet. The second door opening device may be provided in the first door or the second door.
The first door opening device may be provided in the first door, and the second door opening device may be provided in the second door.

[Advantageous Effects]

According to one embodiment, there is an advantage in that automatic opening of a second door disposed at an outside of a door is possible when a door includes a first door and a second door.
According to one embodiment, when an input detection portion is activated when a proximity of a user is detected, there is an advantage in that unnecessary activation of the input detection portion is prevented.
According to one embodiment, when a second door is closed, the second door and the first door are in a locking state, so there is an advantage in that an opening of the first door is possible. In addition, since a handle for opening the first door is the same as a handle for opening the second door, there is an advantage in that two separate handles are unnecessary.

[Description of Drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a state in which a second door is opened in a refrigerating chamber door according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a state in which a refrigerating chamber door and a freezing chamber door are opened according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a state in which a second door is opened while a first door is closed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a drawing partially showing a state in which a second door is opened according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a door opening device provided in the second door.
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a state in which a door opening portion protrudes from a second door.
FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a position of a door opening device in a second door.
FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a door opening device and an auto closing unit in a second door.
FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a second door viewed from a lower side in a state in which first and second doors are closed.
FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a second door viewed from a lower side in a state in which a second door is opened.
FIG. 14 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which an input detection portion is activated when a user approaches a refrigerator within a reference distance.
FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a user inputting a door opening command into an input detection portion.
FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which a first door and a second door are in an unlocking state by a locking device.
FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a state in which a second door is opened by a door opening device at a door opening angle.
FIG. 19 is a drawing showing a state in which a second door is opened in a refrigerating chamber door according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a drawing partially showing a state in which a refrigerating chamber door and a freezing chamber door are opened according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a drawing of a dispenser provided on a refrigerating chamber door viewed from a lower side according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a drawing showing an upper wall of a refrigerating chamber of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 22.

[Mode for Invention]

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when components in the drawings are designated by reference numerals, the same components have the same reference numerals as far as possible even though the components are illustrated in different drawings. Further, in description of embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of well-known configurations or functions disturb understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.
Also, in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) may be used. Each of the terms is merely used to distinguish the corresponding component from other components, and does not delimit an essence, an order or a sequence of the corresponding component. It should be understood that when one component is "connected", "coupled", "joined" or "supported" to another component, the former may be directly connected, coupled, jointed or supported to the latter or may be "connected", coupled", "joined" or "supported" to the latter with a third component interposed therebetween.
In this specification, a front surface of a second door is a surface forming a front exterior of the refrigerator door, and a rear surface of the second door is a surface facing a first door.
A front surface of a first door is a surface forming a front exterior of the first door and facing a rear surface of the second door. A rear surface of the first door is a surface facing a cabinet or a storage space.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a state in which a second door is opened in a refrigerating chamber door according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a state in which a refrigerating chamber door and a freezing chamber door are opened according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 10 that forms a storage space and a door that opens and closes the storage space.
The storage space may include, for example, at least one of a refrigerating chamber 11 or a freezing chamber 15. Although not limited, the refrigerating chamber 11 may be positioned above the freezing chamber 15. Depending on a shape of the refrigerator, the freezing chamber 15 and the refrigerating chamber 11 may be positioned left and right, or the freezing chamber 15 may be positioned above the refrigerating chamber 11.
The door may include a refrigerating chamber door 20 that opens and closes the refrigerating chamber 11, and a freezing chamber door 25 that opens and closes the freezing chamber 15.
The refrigerating chamber door 20 may be configured, for example, with a pair of doors 21 and 22 arranged in a left and right direction. That is, the refrigerating chamber door 20 may include a first refrigerating chamber door 21 and a second refrigerating chamber door 22 arranged in a left and right direction. The first refrigerating chamber door 21 may open and close a portion of the refrigerating chamber 11, and the second refrigerating chamber door 22 may open and close another portion of the refrigerating chamber 11.
The freezing chamber door 25 may be configured, for example, with a pair of doors 26 and 27 arranged in a left and right direction. That is, the freezing chamber door 25 may include a first freezing chamber door 26 and a second freezing chamber door 27 arranged in a left and right direction. The first freezing chamber door 26 may open and close a portion of the freezing chamber 15, and the second freezing chamber door 27 may open and close another portion of the freezing chamber 15. Alternatively, the freezing chamber 15 may be partitioned left and right or up and down, and the first freezing chamber door 26 may open and close one partitioned space, and the second freezing chamber door 27 may open and close another partitioned space.
It is to be noted that there is no limitation on a number and an arrangement of the refrigerating chamber door 20 and the freezing chamber door 25 in this present invention.
At least one of the first and second refrigerating chamber doors 26, 27 may include a first door 30 that opens and closes the refrigerating chamber 11, and a second door 40 rotatable with respect to the first door 30.
In FIG. 3, as an example, it is illustrated that each of the first and second refrigerating chamber doors 26, 27 includes the first door 30 and the second door 40.
The first door 30 may be rotatably connected to the cabinet 10 by a first hinge 51. The second door 40 may be rotatably connected to the first door 30 by a second hinge 53.
The first door 30 may include a first opening 32. The second door 40 may cover the first opening 32 at a front side of the first door 30. Alternatively, the second door 40 may be received in the first opening 32 and cover the first opening 32.
The first door 30 may be referred to as an inner door or a main door. The second door 40 may be referred to as an outer door or a sub-door.
The first door 30 may include one or more baskets 33, 34. The baskets 33, 34 may be mounted on a rear surface of the first door 30 (a surface facing a refrigerating chamber when the door is closed) or mounted on a surface forming the first opening 32.
A display 50 may be provided on one or more of the first and second refrigerating chamber doors 26, 27. For example, FIG. 2 discloses that the display 50 is provided on the first refrigerating chamber door 21, but it is also possible to provide the display 50 on the second refrigerating chamber door 22. The display 50 may be mounted on the first door 30. The display 50 may be disposed in a first opening 32 of the first door 30.
In a case in which the first door 30 is provided with a plurality of baskets 33, 34, the display 50 may be positioned higher than a lowest basket and lower than an uppermost basket.
For example, the display 50 may be spaced apart from a lower surface and an upper surface forming the first opening 32 of the first door 30. The display 50 may be operated or turned on when an operating condition is satisfied in a state in which the second door 40 is closed. Alternatively, the display 50 may be operated or turned on when an opening of the second door 40 is detected.
The display 50 may overlap one basket 34 among the plurality of baskets in a front-back direction. For example, a basket 34 may be mounted on the first door 30 at a rear side of the display 50.
At least one of the first and second freezing chamber doors 26, 27 may include a basket 28. As an example, FIG. 2 illustrates that each of the first and second freezing chamber doors 26, 27 is provided with a basket 28.
Meanwhile, the refrigerating chamber 11 may be provided with at least one shelf 12. The refrigerating chamber 11 may be provided with at least one slidable drawer 13. The freezing chamber 15 may be provided with at least one slidable drawer 16.
FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a state in which a second door is opened while a first door is closed according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.
Configurations of a locking device, an input detection portion, a proximity sensor, a door opening and closing detection portion, and a door opening device described below may be applied to either the first refrigerating chamber door 21 and the second refrigerating chamber door 22, or may be applied equally to each.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first door 30 may be opened manually or automatically. In a case in which the first door 30 is opened automatically, although not illustrated, a main opening device (104 of FIG. 14) (or a first door opening device) for opening the first door 30 may be provided in the first door 30 or the cabinet 10.
It is to be noted that a position or structure of a main opening device (104 in FIG. 14) that opens the first door 30 may apply various technologies previously disclosed by the applicant of the present application. That is, as the first door 30 is opened by the main opening device (104 in FIG. 14), the first door 30 and the second door 40 may rotate together. In a state in which the first door 30 is closed, the second door 40 may be opened independently.
In a state in which the second door 40 is closed, the first door 30 may be opened. At this time, while the first door 30 is opened, it is necessary to prevent the second door 40 from rotating relative to the first door 30.
Therefore, in this present embodiment, the refrigerating chamber door 20 may further include a locking device 60 that allows the first door 30 and the second door 40 to maintain a locking state or to be in an unlocking state.
The locking device 60 may automatically operate to allow the first door 30 and the second door 40 to maintain a locking state or to be in an unlocking state.
In this specification, the locking state means a state in which a rotation of the second door 40 with respect to the first door 30 is restricted. The unlocking state means a state in which a rotation of the second door 40 with respect to the first door 30 is possible.
For example, when an opening of the second door 40 is required, the locking device 60 may be operated to allow the second door 40 and the first door 30 to be in an unlocking state. When a closing of the second door 40 is detected after opening, the locking device 60 may be operated to allow the second door 40 and the first door 30 to be in a locking state.
The locking device 60 may include a first driver 610. The first driver 610 may be a motor, for example.
The locking device 60 may further include a transfer portion 620 connected to the first driver 610. The transfer portion 620 may include a gear, for example.
The locking device 60 may further include a locking portion 630 that receives a power of the first driver 610 from the transfer portion 620.
For example, the transfer portion 620 may be a pinion gear, and the locking portion 630 may be a rack including a rack gear engaged with the pinion gear. The locking portion 630 may, for example, move linearly. Of course, depending on a type of the transfer portion 620 or a shape of the locking portion 630, the locking portion 630 may also move in a rotational or curved manner.
The first driver 610, the transfer portion 620, and the locking portion 630 may be provided in the first door 30. Although not shown, the first door 30 may be provided with a foamed insulator for insulation.
The first door 30 is provided with a mounting frame (not shown), and the mounting frame may define an insulating space in which the insulating material is received, and a mounting space in which the first driver 610 is positioned. The first driver 610, the transfer portion 620, and the locking portion 630 may be positioned in the mounting space.
For example, a hole 312 through which the locking portion 630 passes may be formed in a wall 310 forming the first opening 32 in the first door 30.
The locking portion 630 may include a protrusion 632 that passes through the hole 312. In an unlocking state of the first door 30 and the second door 40, the protrusion 632 may be positioned in the hole 312 or inside the first door 30.
Meanwhile, the second door 40 may include a door body. A foamed insulator for insulation may be provided inside the door body.
The door body may include a second opening 411. The door body may include a body frame 410 and a door liner 420 connected to the body frame 410. The second opening 411 may be formed in a state in which the body frame 410 and the door liner 420 are connected.
The second door 40 may further include a panel assembly 430 that covers the second opening 411.
The second door 40 may include an extension 422. The extension 422 may extend from a rear surface of the second door 40. For example, the extension 422 may extend from the door liner 420.
In a state in which the second door 40 is closed, the extension 422 may be received in the first opening 32 of the first door 30. A groove 424 may be formed in the extension 422 to receive the protrusion 632.
When the protrusion 632 is received in the groove 424, the first door 30 and the second door 40 are locked.
When the protrusion 632 is removed from the groove 424, the first door 30 and the second door 40 may be an unlocking state. In an unlocking state, the second door 40 may be rotated with respect to the first door 30.
As another example, the locking device 60 may be provided in the second door 40. In this case, a structure may be formed for the locking portion to be coupled to the first door.
Therefore, in this present embodiment, the locking portion may be understood to protrude from one of the first door and the second door and be coupled to another of the first door and the second door.
Alternatively, the locking device 60 may include a magnet to maintain a locked state by magnetic force. For example, one of the first door and the second door may include a magnet, and another of the first door and the second door may include a metal material. Alternatively, each of the first door and the second door may include a magnet. In this case, a magnet provided in a gasket for sealing the first door and the second door may serve as a locking device.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 6, the panel assembly 430 may include a front panel 432 and insulation panels 434, 436 spaced apart from the front panel 432. The front panel 432 and the insulation panels 434, 436 may be spaced apart from each other by a spacer 433.
For example, the insulation panels 434, 436 may include a first panel 434 positioned at a rear side of the front panel 432 and a second panel 436 positioned at a rear side of the first panel 434. A size of the front panel 432 may be greater than a size of the first panel 434. Accordingly, the front panel 432 may include an extension that extends laterally further than the first panel 434.
The body frame 410 may be connected to the front panel 432, and the door liner 420 may be connected to the second panel 436.
The refrigerating chamber door 20 may further include an input detection portion 70. The input detection portion 70 may detect an input of a door opening command for opening the second door 40.
The input detection portion 70 may be provided in the second door 40, for example. In a case in which the second door 40 is received in the first opening 32 of the first door 30, the input detection portion 70 may also be provided in the first door 30.
The input detection portion 70 may be installed on the door body or the front panel 432. For example, the input detection portion 70 may be installed on a rear surface of the front panel 432 by, for example, an adhesive means 79. The input detection portion 70 may be positioned at an extension in the front panel 432.
The input detection portion 70 may be a touch sensor that detects a user's touch on the front panel 432, or a knock sensor that detects multiple knocks on the front panel 432. For example, the input detection portion 70 may be a capacitance sensor, a sensor that detects vibration, or a sensor that detects sound waves.
FIG. 7 is a drawing partially showing a state in which a second door is opened according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a door opening device provided in the second door. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a state in which a door opening portion protrudes from a second door. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a position of a door opening device in a second door. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a door opening device and an auto closing unit in a second door.
Referring to FIGS. 7 to 11, the second door 40 may be provided with a door opening device 80 (or a sub-opening device or a second door opening device) to automatically open the second door 40. The second door 40 may be rotated by the door opening device 80 to open the first opening 32.
The body frame 410 or the door liner 420 may be provided with a receiving portion 412 for receiving the door opening device 80. The receiving portion 412 may be formed, for example, by being recessed from a rear surface of the second door 40 toward a front surface.
In a state in which the door opening device 80 is received in the receiving portion 412, the receiving portion 412 may be covered by a receiving portion cover 450. For example, the receiving portion cover 450 may be coupled to a rear surface of the second door 40.
The door opening device 80 may include a second driver 810 and a door opening portion 820 operated by the second driver 810.
The second driver 810 may include a motor. The door opening portion 820 may be connected to the motor. Alternatively, the second driver 810 may include a motor and one or more gears connected to the motor. The door opening portion 820 may be connected to the one or more gears.
The door opening portion 820 may, for example, be rotated. A thickness of the second door 40 may be less than that of the first door 30. The door opening portion 820 may rotate so that the second door 40 may be opened by an operation of the door opening portion 820.
The second driver 810 may be disposed at a lower side of the door opening portion 820.
The door opening portion 820 may include a contact portion 824 in contact with a front surface of the first door 30 during a door opening process. The contact portion 824 may, for example, be a roller that is rotatably connected to one end of the door opening portion 820. Alternatively, the contact portion 824 may include an elastically deformable material.
A through hole 452 may be formed in the receiving portion cover 450. The door opening portion 820 may pass through the through hole 452. Alternatively, the through hole 452 may be formed on a rear surface of the second door 40 regardless of the receiving portion cover 450.
The door opening portion 820 may move from an initial position to a door opening position. In a state in which the door opening portion 820 is positioned at the initial position, the contact portion 824 may be positioned at the through hole 452 or the receiving portion 412.
By a rotational operation of the door opening portion 820, the door opening portion 820 may protrude from the second door 40 by passing through the through hole 452. To enable the door opening portion 820 to protrude by passing through the through hole 452, a horizontal length of the through hole 452 may be greater than a height.
The door opening device 80 may further include a mounting bracket 830 on which the second driver 810 is mounted. The second driver 810 may include a coupling hole 812 for being coupled to the mounting bracket 830.
The mounting bracket 830 may include a slot 831 in which the second driver 810 is received. The mounting bracket 830 may include a coupling portion 832 coupled to the door body. The coupling portion 832 may extend from the mounting bracket 830 in a horizontal direction. One or more coupling holes 834 may be formed in the coupling portion 832. The mounting bracket 830 may be received in the receiving portion 412 in a horizontal direction.
The second door 40 may be provided with a hinge mounting portion 418 on which the second hinge 53 is mounted. The hinge mounting portion 418 may be formed by an upper surface of the second door 40 being recessed downward or by a rear surface of the second door 40 being recessed toward a front surface.
A rotation center C2 (or center line) of the door opening portion 820 may extend in the vertical direction. Therefore, a rotation center C2 (or center line) of the door opening portion 820 may be parallel to a rotation center C1 (or center line) of the second door 40.
At an initial position of the door opening portion 820, the contact portion 824 may be positioned closer to a front surface of the first door 30 or a rear surface of the second door 40 than a rotation center C2 of the door opening portion 820.
At an initial position of the door opening portion 820, the contact portion 824 may be positioned closer to a front surface of the first door 30 or a rear surface of the second door 40 than a rotation center C1 of the second door 40.
The second door 40 may further include an auto closing unit 90 to automatically close the second door 40 when the second door 40 is opened less than a reference angle.
A door opening angle of the second door 40 opened by the door opening portion 820 may be less than the reference angle. Accordingly, when the second door 40 is opened by the door opening portion 820 by the door opening angle, but the user does not additionally open the second door 40, and the door opening portion 820 returns to an initial position, the second door 40 may be automatically closed by the auto closing unit 90.
The auto closing unit 90 may include a first body 910 that has an elastic member received therein and extends in a vertical direction, and a second body 914 provided at one side of the first body 910 and coupled to the second door 40. A shaft 532 of the second hinge 53 may pass through an opening 916 of the second body 914. The shaft 532 may be directly connected to an elastic member of the first body 910 or may be connected to the elastic member by a separate connector.
A wire for connecting the second driver 810 and the input detection portion 70, the proximity sensor 71, etc. may pass through the shaft 532.
At an initial position of the door opening portion 820, a rotation center C2 of the door opening portion 820 may be positioned between the contact portion 824 and a rotation center C1 of the second door 40. In this case, when the door opening portion 820 rotates, a length of the door opening portion 820 may be increased without interfering with the second hinge 53.
As the door opening portion 820 moves from an initial position to a door opening position, a distance between the contact portion 824 and a rotation center C1 of the second door 40 may be decreased.
The second body 914 may be positioned lower than a bottom of the hinge mounting portion 418, and the door opening portion 820 may be positioned higher than a bottom of the hinge mounting portion 418. Accordingly, the door opening portion 820 may be prevented from interfering with the auto closing unit 90.
Meanwhile, when the main opening device 104 is provided in the cabinet 10, the door opening device 80 may be provided in the first door 30 or the second door 40.
When the main opening device 104 is provided in the first door 30, the door opening device 80 may be provided in the second door 40.
FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a second door viewed from a lower side in a state in which first and second doors are closed. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a second door viewed from a lower side in a state in which a second door is opened.
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a front size of the first door 30 may be the same as or similar to a front size of the second door 40.
A handle 45 may be provided at a lower side of the second door 40. A user may grip the handle 45 to rotate the second door 40.
The first door 30 may not be provided with a handle. When the first door 30 and the second door 40 are closed, the first door 30 and the second door 40 may be in a locking state. In this state, when the user pulls the second door 40 while gripping the handle 45 of the second door 40, the first door 30 may be rotated together with the second door 40.
Since an opening of the first door 30 and an opening of the second door 40 are possible by using the handle 45 of the second door 40, the user can easily open the first door 30 or the second door 40 while gripping the handle 45.
If the handle is not formed on the first door 30, there is an advantage in that a structure of the first door 30 becomes simple. In addition, since the first door 30 is disposed at a rear side of the second door 40, there is an advantage in that the user does not have to move his hand to a lower side of the first door 30. Of course, it is also possible for the first door 30 to be provided with a handle.
Meanwhile, the first door 30 and the second door 40 may be connected via a lower hinge. That is, the second door 40 may be rotatably connected to the first door 30 by the second hinge 53 and the lower hinge 54.
The first door 30 may be provided with a first receiving portion 314 for receiving one side of the lower hinge 54. The first receiving portion 314 may be formed at a front surface of the first door 30, for example, but is not limited thereto.
The second door 40 may be provided with a second receiving portion 416 for receiving another side of the lower hinge 54. The second receiving portion 416 may be formed at a rear surface side of the second door 40, for example, but is not limited thereto.
It is also possible for the lower hinge 54 to be connected to a lower surface of the first door 30 and a lower surface of the second door 40.
FIG. 14 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 14, the refrigerator 1 may further include a proximity sensor 71 that detects a user's approach to the refrigerator 1.
The proximity sensor 71 may be provided in the second door 40, for example. When a user approaches the second door 40 within a reference distance, the input detection portion 70 may be activated. As another example, the proximity sensor 71 may be provided in the cabinet 10.
In a case in which the second door 40 is received in the first opening 32 of the first door 30, the input detection portion 70 may also be provided in the first door 30.
If the proximity sensor 71 is provided in the second door 40, the input detection portion 70 may be prevented from being unnecessarily activated by a child or a pet.
Of course, the proximity sensor 71 may be omitted, and in this case, the input detection portion 70 may also be maintained in an activated state.
When the proximity sensor 71 detects that a user is approaching the second door 40 within a reference distance, a light emitting portion 72 may irradiate light toward the input detection portion 70 or around the input detection portion 70. Alternatively, the input detection portion 70 may include a light emitting portion 72.
A user can easily check a position of the input detection portion 70 by the light irradiated by the light emitting portion 72.
In a case in which the first door 30 is automatically opened, the refrigerator may also include two input detection portions 70. For example, the second door 40 may be provided with two input detection portions 70. That is, when a user approaches the second door 40 within a reference distance, the two input detection portions 70 may be activated, and the user may select a door to be opened and input a door opening command.
The refrigerator may further include a controller 100. The controller 100 may control the door opening device 80. The controller 100 may control the locking device 60.
For example, the controller 100 may control the first driver 610 and the second driver 810.
The refrigerator may further include a door opening and closing detection portion 102. The door opening and closing detection portion 102 may detect a closing of the second door 40.
The door opening and closing detection portion 102 may detect that the second door 40 is opened by a limit angle greater than the door opening angle.
In a state in which the second door 40 is opened to the door opening angle, the second door 40 must be manually rotated in an opening direction by the user so that the second door 40 can be opened beyond the limited angle.
The controller 100 may operate the first driver 610 so that the first door 30 and the second door 40 are in a locking state when a closing of the second door 40 is detected by the door opening and closing detection portion 102.
As another example, the door opening and closing detection portion 102 may include a first detection portion that detects a closing of the second door 40. The door opening and closing detection portion 102 may further include a second detection portion that detects that the second door 40 is opened beyond a limited angle. The first detection portion and the second detection portion may be the same type of sensor or different types of sensors.
The controller 100 may operate the first driver 610 so that the first door 30 and the second door 40 are in an unlocking state when an input of a door opening command from a user is detected by the input detection portion 70 in a state in which the second door 40 is closed and the first door 30 and the second door 40 are in a locking state.
The controller 100 may operate the second driver 810 so that the second door 40 is opened by the door opening portion 820 after an input of a door opening command from a user is detected by the input detection portion 70 (for example, a rotation of a motor in a forward direction).
The controller 100 may operate the second driver 810 so that the door opening portion 820 moves from the door opening position to the initial position (for example, a rotation of a motor in a reverse direction) when the second door 40 is detected to be opened beyond a limited angle by the door opening and closing detection portion 102 after the second driver 810 operates.
Hereinafter, an operation of the locking device and the door opening device will be described.
FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which an input detection portion is activated when a user approaches a refrigerator within a reference distance. FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a user inputting a door opening command into an input detection portion. FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which a first door and a second door are in an unlocking state by a locking device. FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a state in which a second door is opened by a door opening device at a door opening angle.
Referring to FIGS. 15 to 18, when it is detected that a user has approached a refrigerator 1 within a reference distance, the input detection portion 70 of each of the first and second refrigerating chamber doors 21 and 22 may be activated. As described above, light may be irradiated to the input detection portion 70 or may be irradiated to surroundings of the input detection portion 70 by an operation of the light emitting portion 72.
Alternatively, when it is detected that a user has approached a refrigerator 1 within a reference distance by at least one the proximity sensor 71 of the first and second refrigerating chamber doors 21 and 22, the input detection portion 70 of the refrigerating chamber door provided with the at least one proximity sensor 71 may be activated.
Referring to FIG. 17, for example, when a user touches an area corresponding to the input detection portion 70 in the second door 40, it can be detected that a door opening command has been input in the input detection portion 70. Of course, depending on a type of the input detection portion 70, it is also possible to detect that a door opening command has been input by knocking on a front surface of the second door 40 more than twice.
In a state in which the second door 40 is closed, the second door 40 and the first door 30 may be maintained in a locking state by the locking device 60.
Meanwhile, if an input of a door opening command is not detected within an input reference time after the input detection portion 70 is activated, the input detection portion 70 may be deactivated. For example, the light emitting portion 72 may also be turned off. In addition, if a user is not detected within a reference distance by the proximity sensor 71 before an input reference time elapses after the input detection portion 70 is activated, the input detection portion 70 may be deactivated.
Referring to FIG. 18, when a door opening command is detected to be input in the input detection portion 70, the first driver 610 may be operated by the controller 100 (a rotation of a motor in one direction). Then, the locking portion 630 moves in one direction so that a protrusion 632 of the locking portion 630 is withdrawn from a groove 424 of the extension 422 of the second door 40. Accordingly, the first door 30 and the second door 40 may be in an unlocking state.
After the first door 30 and the second door 40 are in an unlocking state, the second driver 810 may be operated to open the second door 40 (a rotation of a motor in a forward direction).
For example, after the first driver 610 operates and a set time has elapsed, the second driver 810 may operate.
As shown in FIG. 18, when the second driver 810 operates, the door opening portion 820 rotates so that the door opening portion 820 protrudes toward the first door 30 and pushes the first door 30. In a process of the door opening portion 820 pushing the first door 30, the second door 40 may rotate.
After the first door 30 and the second door 40 are in an unlocking state, the second door 40 becomes capable of rotating, so that the second door 40 may be automatically opened by an operation of the second driver 810 or may be manually opened by the user.
By an operation of the second driver 820, the door opening portion 820 may be moved from an initial position to a door opening position. When the door opening portion 820 is moved to the door opening position, the second door 40 may be opened by the door opening angle.
When the door opening portion 820 is moved to the door opening position, the second driver 810 may be stopped. In this case, the second door 40 may be maintained in an opened state by the door opening angle.
When the second driver 810 is stopped and a set time has elapsed, the second driver 810 operates to move the door opening portion 820 from the door opening position to the initial position (a rotation of a motor in a reverse direction).
In a state in which the second door 40 is opened by the door opening angle, if the second door 40 is not manually opened additionally by the user and the set time has elapsed, the door opening portion 820 may be moved from the door opening position to the initial position by the second driver 810. In this case, the second door 40 may be automatically closed by the auto closing unit 90. When the second door 40 is automatically closed, the door opening and closing detection portion 102 detects a closing of the second door 40. In this case, the first door 30 and the second door 40 are locked by an operation of the first driver 610. That is, a protrusion 632 of the locking portion 630 may be inserted into a groove 424 of the second door 40.
Meanwhile, in order to open the second door 40, while the second driver 820 is operating or while the door opening portion 820 is moved to the door opening position, the user can manually further open the second door 40. In this case, the door opening and closing detection portion 102 may detect that the second door 40 is opened beyond the limited angle. Then, the controller 100 may control the second driver 810 so that the door opening portion 820 returns to the initial position.
The second door 40 may be manually closed by a user, and when a closing of the second door 40 is detected, the controller 100 may operate the first driver 610 so that the first door 30 and the second door 40 are in a locking state (a rotation of a motor rotation in another direction).
According to this embodiment, there is an advantage in that automatic opening of the second door disposed at an outside of the first door is possible.
In addition, when the input detection portion is activated when a proximity of the user is detected, there is an advantage in that the input detection portion is prevented from being activated unnecessarily.
Since the second door and the first door are in a locked state when the second door is closed, there is an advantage in that the first door can be opened. In addition, when a handle for opening the first door is the same as a handle for opening the second door, there is an advantage in that two separate handles are unnecessary.
Meanwhile, each of the first and second refrigerating chamber doors 21 and 22 may be provided with a lighting unit. In this case, there is an advantage in that it is possible to check items stored in each of the first and second refrigerating chamber doors 21 and 22 without opening the second door 40.
In the above embodiment, the door opening device is described as being provided in the second door, but it is to be noted that it may be provided in the first door. For example, it is also possible for the door opening portion to protrude from the first door and push the second door to open the second door.
FIG. 19 is a drawing showing a state in which a second door is opened in a refrigerating chamber door according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a drawing partially showing a state in which a refrigerating chamber door and a freezing chamber door are opened according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a drawing of a dispenser provided on a refrigerating chamber door viewed from a lower side according to another embodiment of the present invention.
This embodiment is the same as the previous embodiment in other parts, but has a difference in a structure of the first door. That is, a structure for opening the second door, a locking device, etc. can be applied as they are in the previous embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 19 and 21, at least one of the first and second refrigerating chamber doors 21 and 22 of this embodiment may be provided with a dispenser 38 for discharging water and/or ice.
FIG. 19 shows, as an example, the dispenser 38 being provided in a first refrigerating chamber door 21.
The dispenser 38 may be provided in a first door 30 of the first refrigerating chamber door 21. For example, the dispenser 38 may be provided at a position corresponding to the first opening 32 of the first door 30. Alternatively, the first opening 32 may be formed in a portion other than the dispenser 38. In this case, the first opening 32 may be formed above the dispenser 38.
The dispenser 38 may include a display 390. The display 390 may display operation information of a refrigerator 1. The display 390 may include an input portion to input a command or a touch panel including an input function. By the display 390, a water dispensing or ice dispensing command may be input, a temperature of the water to be dispensed may be set, or a type of ice to be dispensed (cube ice, crushed ice, spherical ice, cube-shaped ice, etc.) may be selected.
Alternatively, the dispenser 38 and the display 390 may be separate components, in this case the display 390 may be positioned at an upper side of the dispenser 38.
The dispenser 30 may include a dispenser housing 380 that forms a space. The dispenser housing 380 may be coupled to the first door 30 or may be integrally formed with a door frame that forms the first door 30.
The dispenser 38 may include a water outlet portion 384 through which water is discharge portion and an ice outlet portion 385 through which ice is discharged. The dispenser 38 may further include an operation pad 383 for operating to discharge water or ice.
The dispenser 38 may be disposed at a position spaced apart from a front surface to a rear side of the first door 30. In a state in which the second door 40 is closed, the second door 40 may cover the dispenser 38.
The second door 40 may further include a panel assembly 430 capable of transmitting light. Since a structure of the panel assembly 430 has been described in the previous embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In a state in which the second door 40 is closed, the panel assembly 430 may face the dispenser 38. In a state in which the second door 40 is closed, the panel assembly 430 may face the display 390.
Accordingly, when a lighting unit provided on the refrigerating chamber door or the cabinet is turned on in a state in which the second door 40 is closed, the dispenser 38 and the display 390 may be viewed through the panel assembly. When the lighting unit is turned off, the dispenser 38 and the display 390 may be restricted from being exposed to an outside.
An ice making chamber 360 in which an ice maker 362 for generating ice is positioned may be provided at a rear surface of the first door 30. The ice making chamber 360 may be covered by an ice making chamber cover 370. Ice generated in the ice making chamber 360 may be discharged through the ice outlet portion 385.
A basket 35 may be provided at a rear side of the dispenser 38 or a lower side of the ice making chamber 360 in the first door 30.
FIG. 22 is a drawing showing an upper wall of a refrigerating chamber of the present invention.
It is to be noted that a structure of an upper wall of a refrigerating chamber, a filter, a shape of a cold air passage, etc. described below can be applied to all of the previous embodiments.
Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the refrigerating chamber 11 may be formed by an inner case 111a. An outer case 110a may be provided at outside the inner case 111.
A space 110 may be formed between the inner case 111a and the outer case 110a. A duct (not shown) may be provided in the space 110 to guide cold air from a refrigerating chamber heat exchanger toward the refrigerating chamber door 20. A foamed insulator for insulation may be provided in a portion of the space 110 excluding the duct.
An upper wall 111 of the inner case 111a may be provided with a filter mounting portion 113 for mounting a filter 140 thereon. The filter mounting portion 113 may be formed by a portion of the upper wall 111 being recessed upward. Alternatively, an opening 112 may be formed in the upper wall 111, and the filter mounting portion 113 may be positioned to cover the opening 112 between the upper wall 111 and the outer case 110a. The filter mounting portion 113 may receive the filter 140.
The filter 140 may be a filter for purifying air of the refrigerating chamber 11. The filter 140 may be mounted on the filter mounting portion 113 from a lower side toward an upper side. When the filter 140 is mounted on the filter mounting portion 113 provided on the upper wall 111 of the inner case 111a, the filter 140 may be prevented from being directly exposed to a front side of the refrigerator 1 when the refrigerating chamber door 20 is opened.
The filter mounting portion 113 may be provided with a light emitting portion 115 that irradiates light toward the filter. For example, the light emitting portion 115 may irradiate light in a direction away from the refrigerating chamber door 20.
The filter 140 may be positioned behind the light emitting portion 115. That is, the light emitting portion 115 may be positioned closer to the refrigerating chamber door 20 than the filter 140.
The filter 140 may include an inclined surface 141. The inclined surface 141 may be inclined upward from a lower surface of the filter 140 toward the light emitting portion 115. Light irradiated from the light emitting portion 115 may reach the inclined surface 141. Therefore, a user may easily find the filter 140 by the light reaching the inclined surface 141.
A cold air outlet portion 150 may be provided on the upper wall 111. The cold air outlet portion 150 may be communicated with the duct. The cold air outlet portion 150 may include a cold air hole 152. The cold air hole 152 may be disposed closer to the refrigerating chamber door 30 than the filter 140.

Claims

A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet having a storage space;

a first door that opens and close the storage space and has an opening and;

a second door that opens and closes the opening and is rotatable relative to the first door;

a locking device that allows the first door and the second door to be in a locking state in a state in which the second door is closed;

a door opening device configured to automatically open the second door;

an input detection portion that detects an input of an opening command of the second door; and

a controller that controls the door opening device,

wherein the controller is configured to operate the door opening device to open the second door when the input of an opening command of the second door is detected by the input detection portion.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein the controller is configured to control the locking device so that the first door and the second door are in an unlocking state when the input detection portion detects the input of an opening command for the second door, and

to operate the door opening device when the first door and the second door are in an unlocking state.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein the locking device includes a first driver and a locking portion that operates by receiving a power from the first driver, and

the locking portion protrudes from one of the first door and the second door and be coupled to another door of the first door and the second door.
The refrigerator of claim 3,
wherein the second door includes an extension positioned in the opening in a state in which the second door is closed, and

wherein a groove in which the locking portion is received is formed in the extension.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein the locking device includes a magnet.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
further comprising a proximity sensor that detects a user's approach a refrigerator within a reference distance,

wherein when the proximity sensor detects a user's approach, the input detection portion is activated.
The refrigerator of claim 6,
wherein in a state in which the input detection portion is activated, when an input of a door opening command is not detected within an input reference time, or when the user is not detected by the proximity sensor before a lapse of the input reference time, the input detection portion is deactivated.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
further comprising a door opening and closing detection portion that detects a closing of the second door,

wherein when the closing of the second door is detected by the door opening and closing detection portion, the controller is configured to control the locking device so that the first door and the second door are in a locking state.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein the door opening device is provided in the second door.
The refrigerator of claim 9,
wherein the door opening device includes a second driver, and a door opening portion that operates by receiving a power from the second driver and pushes the first door during an opening process of the second door.
The refrigerator of claim 9,
wherein the second driver is positioned at a lower side of the door opening portion.
The refrigerator of claim 9,
wherein in order to open the second door, the door opening portion moves from an initial position to a door opening position, and

in a process of the door opening portion moving from the initial position to the door opening position, the door opening portion rotates to protrude from the second door and push the first door.
The refrigerator of claim 12,
wherein the door opening portion includes a contact portion in contact with the first door in a process of opening the second door, and

at the initial position of the door opening portion, a rotation center of the door opening portion is located in a region between the contact portion and a rotation center of the second door.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
further comprising a hinge rotatably connecting the second door to the first door,

wherein the second door further includes a hinge mounting portion on which the hinge is mounted and having a recessed shape,

the door opening device includes a second driver and a door opening portion that operates by receiving a power from the second driver, and

the door opening portion is positioned higher than a bottom of the hinge mounting portion.
The refrigerator of claim 14,
further comprising an auto closing unit connected to a shaft of the hinge in the second door and positioned lower than the bottom of the hinge mounting portion.
A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet having a storage space;

a first door than opens and close the storage space and has an opening;

a second door that opens and close the opening and rotatable with respect to the first door;

a locking device to lock the first door and the second door in a state in which the second door is closed;

a first door opening device configured to automatically open the first door;

a second door opening device configured to automatically open the second door;

an input detection portion that detects an input of an opening command of at least one of the first door or the second door; and

a controller configured to control the first and second door opening devices.
The refrigerator of claim 16,
wherein the first door opening device is provided in the cabinet, and

the second door opening device is provided in the first door or the second door.
The refrigerator of claim 16,
wherein the first door opening device is provided in the first door, and

the second door opening device is provided in the second door.