KR102126086B1 - Refrigerator and the control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cabinet is provided with a storage chamber therein; A lighting unit provided to illuminate the interior of the storage compartment; A door having a viewing window provided to open and close the storage compartment, and provided to view the interior of the storage compartment illuminated by the lighting unit; A gasket provided between the cabinet and the door and sealing cold air in the storage compartment; A sensor module provided between the cabinet and the door and sensing a push input applied to the front of the door through a change in the separation between the cabinet and the door; In addition, a refrigerator including a control unit receiving the output of the sensor module and outputting a control signal for controlling the lighting unit may be provided.

Description

Refrigerator and the control method of the same}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a control method thereof.

Generally, a refrigerator is a household appliance that allows food to be stored at a low temperature in an internal storage space shielded by a door. To this end, the refrigerator is configured to store stored foods in an optimal state by cooling the inside of the storage space by using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, refrigerators are gradually becoming large-scale and multi-functional according to changes in eating habits and upgrading of products, and refrigerators having various structures and convenience devices for efficiently using the user's convenience and the interior space have been released. .

The storage space of the refrigerator can be opened and closed by a door. The refrigerator may be classified into various types of refrigerators according to the arrangement of the storage space and the structure of a door that opens and closes the storage space.

In addition, a separate storage space accessible from the outside may be provided on the door of the refrigerator. Through this storage space, a part of the auxiliary door or the home bar door can be opened without opening the entire refrigerator door to access the storage space.

Therefore, frequently used foods can be stored in a separate storage space provided in the refrigerator door. In addition, since the entire refrigerator door is not opened for storage of food, there is an advantage of minimizing the outflow of cold air from the inside.

However, even in such a structure, there is a problem that the food inside cannot be identified without opening the refrigerator door. That is, the door must be opened to check whether the desired food is stored in the interior space or in a separate storage space provided in the door. In addition, if there is no desired food when the auxiliary door or the home bar is opened, there is a problem in that the main door must be opened again, and there is a problem that unnecessary leakage of cold air may occur.

In order to solve this problem, a part of the front surface of the refrigerator door may be formed of a transparent material, but in this case, a heat insulation problem in the interior may occur. In addition, when the inside can be seen while the refrigerator is not in use, there is a problem in that the food is exposed to the outside and is very bad in appearance.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a refrigerator that can selectively view the inside of the refrigerator from the outside of the refrigerator according to user needs.

In addition, there is a need to provide a refrigerator capable of accurately determining a user's needs or intentions. For example, when the user does not want to see through, the inside of the refrigerator may be visible, or the user wants to see through, but the inside of the refrigerator may not be visible. This situation causes the user to deteriorate the reliability of the refrigerator.

The user's needs or will can recognize the user's actions or the user's active input in the refrigerator. That is, the user's active behavior or input for fluoroscopy can be recognized in the refrigerator. Therefore, there is a need to provide a refrigerator capable of effectively recognizing input for fluoroscopy.

On the other hand, it is possible to recognize that it is not an input for fluoroscopy as an input for sight. In other words, it can be mistaken. Therefore, there is a need to provide a refrigerator capable of minimizing such misrecognition.

In addition, it would be necessary to provide a refrigerator having a very easy and intuitive perspective input and a simple structure and structure for perspective input.

Meanwhile, the necessity of such a refrigerator may be the same in a refrigerator having a single door as well as a refrigerator having a plurality of doors that open and close each of the plurality of storage rooms. In addition, the same may be said of a refrigerator capable of seeing the storage compartment of the door, as well as a refrigerator capable of seeing the storage compartment itself.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a control method for minimizing misrecognition of a user's action or input (hereinafter referred to as "perspective input") so that the inside of a refrigerator can be viewed from outside the refrigerator.

Through one embodiment of the present invention, perspective input can be performed intuitively and easily, and it is intended to provide a refrigerator having a simple configuration and structure.

Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a refrigerator having a simple control logic because structurally minimizing misrecognition of the perspective input.

Through one embodiment of the present invention, to provide a refrigerator having a perspective input structure that is easy to manufacture and can be manufactured at low cost.

Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a refrigerator that is very convenient to use by using the entire perspective door as a perspective input unit or a handle of the perspective door as a perspective input unit.

In order to achieve the above object, a cabinet is provided with a storage chamber therein; A lighting unit provided to illuminate the interior of the storage compartment; A door having a viewing window provided to open and close the storage compartment, and provided to view the interior of the storage compartment illuminated by the lighting unit; A gasket provided between the cabinet and the door and sealing cold air in the storage compartment; A sensor module provided between the cabinet and the door and sensing a push input applied to the front of the door through a change in the separation between the cabinet and the door; In addition, a refrigerator including a control unit that receives an output of the sensor module and outputs a control signal for controlling the lighting unit may be provided.

The entire door may be a button that can be pushed to the rear. That is, since the entire door can be extended with a button pushed to the rear, the entire door can be used as a very intuitive and easy fluoroscopic input unit.

The gasket may be formed such that the front and rear lengths in the state in which the push input is applied are reduced rather than the front and rear lengths in the state in which the door is closed. Thus, the gasket itself can limit the maximum separation distance by the push input or mitigate the impact on the sensor module, thereby protecting the sensor module.

The sensor module includes a pressing member provided on the rear side of the door; And it may include a sensor that is provided in front of the cabinet and is pressed through the pressing member. The pressing member is integrally moved with the door so that the rear movement of the door can be switched to the rear of the pressing member as it is.

The pressing member is formed to protrude rearward from the rear of the door, and the protruding length of the pressing member may be smaller than the front and rear lengths of the gasket when the door is closed.

The pressure member and the sensor may be provided in a non-contact state while the door is closed.

It includes a door sensor for detecting the opening of the door to generate a door opening signal, and the control unit may output the control signal when the elapsed time of not receiving the door opening signal is greater than a predetermined time.

The sensor module may be provided to output an on/off signal as the sensor contacts the pressing member.

The control unit may receive an on signal of the sensor module and output the control signal.

The lighting unit may be controlled to operate for a set time after receiving the control signal.

The control unit may output a control signal for turning off the operation of the lighting unit when the on signal of the sensor module is received during operation of the lighting unit.

The sensor module may be provided to output an analog signal as the sensor contacts the pressing member.

The intensity of the analog signal may be changed according to a change in pressure pressing the sensor on the pressing member or a separation between the cabinet and the door.

The control unit may output the control signal when the intensity of the analog signal received from the sensor module is greater than a threshold value.

The pressing member and the sensor may be provided to be in contact with the door closed.

The sensor module may be provided to output an analog signal having different intensity according to a change in pressure that presses the sensor on the pressing member or a separation between the cabinet and the door.

When the controller module does not receive the output of the sensor module, the controller may determine that the door is open.

The control unit may output the control signal when the intensity of the analog signal received from the sensor module is greater than a threshold value.

The sensor module may be provided outside the closed loop formed by the gasket.

The sensor module may include any one of a mechanical switch that performs contact generation or not, a pressure switch that varies or is variable between on and off, or a switch that outputs an analog signal according to a displacement change.

In addition to the door, the refrigerator may include at least one second door. That is, doors that open and close other storage rooms may be provided in addition to the perspective door.

The control unit may perform perspective control through on/off control of the lighting unit. However, it would also be possible to perform fluoroscopic control in other forms. For example, when a transparent window is provided that becomes transparent when a current is applied, perspective control may be performed through application/blocking control of current. In this case, the lighting unit may be referred to as a perspective switching unit.

The sensor module is a means for a user to perform perspective input. That is, it is a means for inputting a perspective input in a push form of a perspective door. However, perspective input may be performed in other forms. Therefore, the sensor module may be referred to as a perspective input unit.
A refrigerator according to another aspect includes a cabinet in which a storage room is provided; A lighting unit provided to illuminate the interior of the storage compartment; A door having a viewing window provided to open and close the storage compartment, and provided to view the interior of the storage compartment illuminated by the lighting unit; A gasket provided between the cabinet and the door and sealing cold air in the storage compartment; A door sensor for detecting the opening of the door; A sensor module provided between the cabinet and the door and sensing a push input applied to the front of the door through a change in the separation between the cabinet and the door; And it includes a control unit for receiving the output of the sensor module and outputting a control signal for controlling the lighting unit, the control unit, when it is detected that the door is opened by the door sensor, turns on the lighting unit When the door sensor detects that the door is closed, the lighting unit is turned off, and the control unit outputs a control signal for turning on the lighting unit when the sensor module detects an on signal when the door is closed. do.

Features in the above embodiments may be implemented in combination in other embodiments unless contradictory or exclusive.

Through an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator and a control method for minimizing misrecognition of a user's action or input (hereinafter referred to as "perspective input") so that the inside of the refrigerator can be viewed from outside the refrigerator.

Through one embodiment of the present invention, perspective input can be performed intuitively and easily, and a refrigerator having a simple configuration and structure can be provided.

Through an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to structurally minimize the misrecognition of the perspective input, thereby providing a refrigerator with a simple control logic.

Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator having a perspective input structure that is easy to manufacture and can be manufactured at low cost.

Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator that is very convenient to use by using the entire perspective door (sub-door) as a perspective input unit or a handle of the perspective door as a perspective input unit. In particular, the fluoroscopic input unit may be positioned behind the fluoroscopic door to provide a refrigerator that allows a user to fluoroscopically input in a very wide range of locations rather than a specific location.

Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator in which a convenient and convenient design is implemented by using a pressing of a see-through door and pushing of a see-through door when pressing for a specific position, such as a general button. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the inconvenience of the user having to find and press a small input means such as a general button.

Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator capable of facilitating fluoroscopic input conveniently regardless of height and height of a user.

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention,
2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator in which the sub-door is opened;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the main door of the refrigerator is opened,
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure of the main door and the sub-door,
5 is a perspective view of the refrigerator compartment door (main door) viewed from the rear,
6 is a front view of the sub-door,
7 is an exploded perspective view of the sub-door,
8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 1;
9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' of FIG. 6,
Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the combination structure of the knock detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front of the sub-door
11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC′ in FIG. 6.
12 is a block diagram showing a control signal flow of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention,
13 is a flow chart showing the control logic of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention,
14 is a perspective view of a state before and after a knock operation in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
15 is a block diagram showing the control signal flow of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention,
16 is a flowchart illustrating control logic of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention,
17 is a flowchart illustrating control logic of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention,
18 is a perspective view of a refrigerator to which another embodiment of the present invention is applied in the refrigerator shown in FIG. 2,
19 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator to which another embodiment of the present invention is applied in the refrigerator illustrated in FIG. 9.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings and examples specifically specifying components and the like of the present invention. However, it is only used to help understand the present invention. In addition, in the following embodiments, specific components may be illustrated or described as exaggerated or reduced for convenience of description. This is also to aid the understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the following examples, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations from these descriptions, and such modifications and variations are the scope of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the sub-door 50 of the refrigerator is opened. And Figure 3 is a perspective view of the main door 40 of the refrigerator is opened.

Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the refrigerator 1 may have an external shape by a cabinet 10 forming a storage space and a door opening and closing the storage space.

The interior of the cabinet 10 may be divided up and down by a barrier, a refrigerating chamber 12 may be formed at an upper portion of the cabinet 10, and a freezer 13 may be formed at a lower portion of the cabinet 10. Can.

The door may include a refrigerator compartment door 20 and a freezer compartment door 30. The refrigerator compartment door 20 may be provided to open and close the opened front surface of the refrigerator compartment 12 by rotation. The freezer compartment door 30 may be configured to open and close the opened front surface of the freezer compartment 13 by sliding. The freezer door 30 may be drawn out by a drawer type, and may be configured to open and close the freezer 13 by drawing in and out. In addition, the refrigerator compartment door 20 may be configured to be provided with a pair of left and right sides to shield the refrigerator compartment 12 by a pair of doors. Of course, one refrigerator compartment door 20 may be provided.

Meanwhile, the freezer compartment door 30 may be provided as a swing-type door like the refrigerator compartment door 20 instead of a drawer. In addition, the freezer compartments are provided on the left and right sides, and two freezer doors may be provided. In a refrigerator freeze-cooled below, a freezer compartment is provided on the left and right sides, and a refrigerator with a pair of swing-type freezer doors can be referred to as a French-type refrigerator.

In addition, various storage members such as shelves, drawers, or baskets may be provided inside the refrigerator compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13. If necessary, the storage member may be drawn in and out while the refrigerator compartment door 20 and the freezer compartment door 30 are opened, and food can be stored and stored by the withdrawal.

The refrigerator compartment door 20 and the freezer compartment door 30 form an overall appearance when viewed from the front, and if necessary, the refrigerator compartment door 20 may be provided with a dispenser 22 for taking out water or ice.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator compartment door 20 on the right side (as shown in FIG. 1) of the pair of refrigerator compartment doors 20 may be configured to be opened and closed in double. In detail, the refrigerating compartment door 20 located on the right side is arranged to be rotatable in the main door 40 and the main door 40 or the cabinet 10 to open and close the refrigerating compartment 12, and the main door 40 It may be composed of a sub-door 50 to open and close the opening 403 formed in ).

The main door 40 may be rotatably mounted on the cabinet 10 by an upper hinge 401 and a lower hinge 402 to open and close at least a portion of the refrigerator compartment 12.

A door basket 43 may be mounted on the rear surface of the main door 40 including the inside of the opening 403. Therefore, the user can access the door basket 43 through the opening 403 even if only the sub-door 50 is opened and the main door 40 is not opened. At this time, the size of the opening 403 may occupy most of the front surface of the main door 40 except for a part of the circumference of the main door 40.

The door basket 43 may include only the first door basket 431, but further includes a second door basket 433 located under the first door basket 431 as necessary to secure a storage space. In addition, the third door basket 435 located below the second door basket 433 may be further included.

The sub-door 50 may be rotatably mounted on the front of the main door 40 to open and close the opening 403. Therefore, access to the opening 403 from the outside is possible through the opening of the sub-door 50.

The size of the sub-door 50 is the same as the size of the main door 40 and may be configured to shield the entire front surface of the main door 40.

The sub-door 50 is provided with a panel assembly 54 formed of a transparent material such as glass at the center. Therefore, it is possible to see through the inside of the opening 403 even when the sub-door 50 is closed. The sub-door 50 may be referred to as a see-through door or a see-through door. Therefore, the panel assembly 54 may be referred to as a viewing window. As will be described later, the viewing window is not always provided in a viewable state, but may be provided to be switched to a viewable state (perspective activation state) and a non-perspective state (perspective deactivation state) as necessary. Normally, when a user performs fluoroscopic input in a fluoroscopically inactive state, it may be provided to be switched to an activated state. In addition, in the activated state, when the user performs fluoroscopic input to no longer perform fluoroscopy, it may be provided to be switched to the inactive state.

Since the sub-door 50 is rotatably mounted on the front surface of the main door 40, the sub-door 50 rotates independently in the state where the main door 40 is closed to open and close the opening 403. Can be configured to do so.

Meanwhile, a handle 23 may be provided on the front side of the refrigerator compartment door 20. The handle 23 may be formed at ends of a pair of the refrigerator compartment doors 20 adjacent to each other. Meanwhile, the handle 23 of the refrigerator compartment door 20 located on the right side may be provided on the front surface of the sub-door 50.

The handle 23 may be disposed such that a central portion is farther away from the refrigerator compartment door 20 than the upper and lower parts that contact the refrigerator compartment door 20. In one example, the handle 23 has an arch shape, and a center has a curved shape, and may be coupled to the refrigerator compartment door 20.

The sub-door 50 may be provided with a locking unit 232 operated by an operation button 231, the locking unit 232 protrudes to the rear of the sub-door 50, and of the main door It can be selectively coupled and disengaged with the restraining member 404.

Therefore, the user can open the main door 40 by holding the handle 23, and at this time, the sub-door 50 rotates integrally with the main door 40. In addition, when the user holds the handle 23 and pulls the handle 23 while pressing the crude button 231, the main door 40 is fixed and only the sub door 50 can be opened.

In one embodiment of the refrigerator illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the sub-door 50 may be referred to as a refrigerator in a form of being superimposed on the front of the main door 40. Therefore, in this case, the size of the sub-door 50 is substantially the same as the size of the main door 40. Of course, the sub-door 50 may be a refrigerator in which a part overlaps the front of the main door 40.

However, unlike this, the sub-door 50 may be inserted into the main door 40 and closed to form a refrigerator. In this case, the size of the sub-door 50 is smaller than the size of the main door 40. In other words, the main door 40 may form the door frame of the sub-door 50. In this type of refrigerator, a handle for opening the main door 40 and a handle for opening the sub door 50 may be separately provided.

In either case, the sub-door 50 may be formed as a perspective door, and is preferably formed as a door selectively activated as needed. That is, it is preferable that it is a perspective door in which perspective activation is performed by a perspective input or a perspective activation input.

Perspective activation means switching from a state where the inside cannot be seen through a door to a state where the inside can be seen. Accordingly, when fluoroscopic activation is performed in the refrigerator, the storage room behind the door can be viewed from outside the refrigerator through the door.

4 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure of a main door and a sub door in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the upper hinge 401 is fixedly mounted to the cabinet 10 so that the main door 40 is rotatably mounted to the cabinet 10, and the sub upper hinge 51 Is to allow the sub-door 50 to be rotatably mounted on the main door 40.

At this time, the hinge shaft 511 of the sub upper hinge 51 may be formed in a tube shape having a cross section with one side open. Such a cross-sectional structure provides a space inside the hinge shaft 511 which is more extended. Accordingly, the electric wires or signal lines L connected to the electric parts (knock detection device or door lighting unit to be described below) provided in the sub-door 50 are through the hinge axis 511 of the sub-upper hinge 51. It is guided to the outside of the sub-door 50 so that it can be connected to the main control unit 2 on the cabinet 10.

The upper hinge 401 and the sub upper hinge 51 are shielded by the main hinge cover 45 and the sub hinge cover 53. The main hinge cover 45 and the sub hinge cover 53 have a structure connected to each other, and the electric wire L guided to the outside through the sub upper hinge 51 passes through the sub hinge cover 53 and the The main controller 2 may be guided through the inner side of the main hinge cover 45.

In addition, a separate PCB may be accommodated inside the main hinge cover 45 to control electric components on the sub-door 50 side.

On the other hand, a lower hinge 402 for supporting the lower end of the main door 40 is mounted on one front side of the cabinet 10. In addition, a sub-lower hinge 52 for supporting the sub-door 50 is mounted at a lower end of the main door 40.

5 is a perspective view of a refrigerator door viewed from the rear in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the front surface of the storage case 41 is opened, and the opened front surface of the storage case 41 may be formed to correspond to the size of the opening 403. Therefore, when the sub-door 50 is opened, the opening 403 is exposed, and the door basket 43 inside the storage case 41 can be accessed through the opening 403.

In addition, a case door 42 that is opened and closed by rotation may be provided on the rear surface of the storage case 41. Therefore, the case door 42 may be opened while the main door 40 is opened to access the door basket 43.

A case opening 432 and a door opening 421 may be formed in the storage case 41 and the case door 42 to allow cold air inside to flow into the storage case 41. Therefore, the temperature inside the storage case 41 may be maintained to be the same as the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 12.

6 is a front view of a sub-door in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. And Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the sub-door.

As shown in the figure, the sub-door 50 has an out plate 55 forming an exterior, a panel assembly 54 mounted to the opening of the out plate 55, and spaced apart from the out plate 55 The door liner 58 may be mounted, and may be composed of an upper cap deco 56 and a lower cap deco 57 forming upper and lower surfaces of the sub-door 50.

The out plate 55 may be formed of a stainless material by forming a part of the front surface and the circumferential surface of the sub-door 50. In addition, a panel mounting hole 551 in which the panel assembly 54 is formed is formed in the center of the out plate 55.

The panel mounting hole 551 is a space for seeing through the inside of the opening 403 of the main door 40 and may be formed to be the same or similar to the size of the opening 403.

Then, a plate bent portion 552 vertically bent inward along the periphery of the panel mounting hole 551 is formed. The plate bent portion 552 is bent to be inserted into the support frame 60 to be described below, and the plate bent portion 552 may be continuously formed with plate holes 5521 opened at regular intervals.

The panel assembly 54 is formed to shield the panel mounting hole 551, and in the state where the panel assembly 54 is mounted, the front surface of the panel assembly 54 is the front surface of the out plate 55. And may be formed in the same plane.

The panel assembly 54 may be selectively transparent according to on/off of the door lighting unit 49, and is configured to selectively see through the interior of the opening 403. Therefore, when the door lighting unit 49 is turned on may be referred to as fluoroscopy activation and when the door lighting unit 49 is turned off may be referred to as fluoroscopy deactivation. It would be desirable to maintain fluoroscopy in normal use.

Meanwhile, a bezel 5151 may be formed at an edge of the front panel 541 such that light transmission is impossible, and the bezel 5151 may be configured to extend further outward than the heat insulation panel 542. have.

Accordingly, the support frame 60 and the interpolation rod 543 (see FIG. 8) are located on the rear surface of the front panel 541 where the bezel 5151 is formed, so that the support frame 60 and the interpolation rod 543 are formed. Do not expose to the front through the front panel 541.

The upper cap deco 56 forms an upper surface of the sub-door 50 and may be coupled to the top of the out plate 55 and the door liner 58. Further, one end of the upper cap deco 56, the sub-upper hinge mounting portion 501 is formed, the sub-upper hinge mounting portion 501, the upper hinge 401 of the upper shaft 523 is inserted into the upper boss 5012 may be mounted.

The lower cap deco 57 forms a lower surface of the sub-door 50 and is coupled to the bottom of the out plate 55 and the door liner 58. In addition, a hinge plate 571 is mounted on the lower cap deco 57 at a position where the sub-low hinge 52 is mounted, and the hinge shaft 523 of the sub-low hinge 52 is mounted on the hinge plate 571. ) May be mounted the lower boss 572 is inserted.

The door liner 58 forms the rear surface of the sub-door 50, and a liner opening 581 may be formed in an area where the panel assembly 54 is disposed. Further, a liner groove 582 for maintaining the shape of the door liner 58 may be formed along the liner opening 581 around the door liner 58, and the liner groove 582 may be A sub gasket 591 (see FIG. 8) that is recessed at the rear surface of the sub door 50 and seals between the sub door 50 and the main door 40 may be mounted.

Accordingly, light inside the storage space inside the door passes through the opening 403, the liner opening 581, and the panel assembly 54 of the main door. Through this, the storage space inside the door can be seen from outside the door.

The locking unit 232 may be mounted on one side of the door liner 58, and a knock detection device 82, which will be described in detail below, may be mounted.

A support frame 60 for fixing the out plate 55 and the panel assembly 54 along the periphery of the panel mounting hole 551 is provided on the rear surface of the out plate 55. The support frame 60 may be configured by combining the upper frame 61 and the lower frame 63 and a pair of side frames 62.

The door lighting unit 49 may illuminate a portion in which a plurality of door baskets 43 mounted on the main door 40 are disposed, and the panel assembly 54 may be made to have a high inner side appear brighter than a high outer side. Make it look transparent.

8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in FIG. 1. Looking at the door lighting unit 49 in more detail with reference to FIG. 8, the door lighting unit 49 includes a lamp case 491 mounted on the door liner 58 and the lamp case 491. It can be configured to include a lamp PCB 492 that is accommodated in the interior of which a plurality of LEDs 4921 are disposed, and a lamp cover 493 that shields the opened lower surface of the lamp case 491 and is exposed through the opening. have.

The door lighting unit 49 may be mounted on the lighting unit mounting portion 583 formed on the top of the liner opening 581 of the door liner 58.

The lamp cover 493 includes a recess 4112 that forms a recessed space to accommodate the lamp PCB 492 therein. The recessed portion 4912 reflects the light irradiated from the lamp PC ratio 492 through the round surface 4913 having a predetermined curvature, and directs the light to the lamp case 491.

In addition, a wire entrance 4915 through which the electric wire L connected to the lamp PCB 492 is connected may be formed at one side of the lamp PCB mounting portion 4914. The wire entrance 4915 may be guided to the inner space of the sub-door 50, and may be accessed through the hinge shaft 523 of the sub-upper hinge 51.

On the other hand, the area that can be viewed through the sub-door 50 may be referred to as an interior area of the storage case 41 or a basket area provided near the opening 403 of the main door as described above. It can be said that the door lighting unit 49 is located in correspondence with this area.

However, in general, a storage compartment lighting unit is provided inside the storage compartment of the refrigerator. That is, the storage compartment lighting unit is provided inside the storage compartment opened and closed through the main door. Therefore, when the storage room lighting unit is turned on together with the door lighting unit 49, the perspective brightness can be further increased. In this case, the storage case door 42 (see FIG. 5) that partially blocks the storage compartment and the basket area may be omitted.

Of course, if sufficient perspective brightness is provided through the storage room lighting unit, it may be possible to omit the door lighting unit 49.

Therefore, in this embodiment, fluoroscopic activation may be performed by turning on at least one of the storage room lighting unit and the door lighting unit.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' of FIG. 6, and referring to FIG. 9, the panel assembly 54 will be described in more detail. The panel assembly 54 includes a front panel 541 and rear surfaces of the front panel 541. It may be configured to include at least one insulation panel 542 disposed in the front panel 541 and the insulation panel 542 and a plurality of insulation panels 542 to support the rod (543).

The intermittent rod 543 spaces the front panel 541 and the heat insulating panel 542 from each other, and the front panel 541 and the heat insulating panel 542 are spaced apart from each other, and can be sealed between them. .

The intermittent rod 543 may be disposed between a plurality of the insulating panels 542, and if necessary, a closed space S between the front panel 541 and the insulating panels 542 and a plurality of insulating panels An inert gas such as argon gas for heat insulation may be filled between the closed spaces S between 542.

As illustrated, the left and right widths of the front panel 541 may be greater than the left and right widths of the heat insulation panel 542. In addition, the left and right widths of the heat insulation panel 542 may be greater than the left and right widths of the liner opening 581. When the fluoroscopy is activated, the inner region (the storage chamber perspective region) of the liner opening 581 can be seen from the outside as well as the interstices 543. Therefore, a bezel may be formed at the edge of the front panel 541 so that the interpolation is not viewed from the outside. The bezel 5151 may be formed of a printed layer printed on the front panel 541, or may be formed by opaque film coating. In addition, a knock detection device, which will be described later, may be provided on the bezel portion of the front panel 541. The knock detection device may be located outside the interpolation rod 543. In order to maintain close contact between the knock detection device and the front panel 541, a print layer or a coating layer may be excluded between the knock detection device and the front panel. Therefore, a print layer or a coating layer may be formed on the bezel part except for the part where the knock sensing device and the front panel 541 are in close contact.

Meanwhile, a heater 59 may be provided in the bezel 5161 portion. The heater 59 is formed in the form of a hot wire and may be formed in a closed loop shape surrounding an edge portion of the panel assembly 54 (see FIG. 7 ). Since the insulation panel 542 is not provided in the bezel part of the front panel 541, moisture condensation in front of the bezel part may be prevented through the heater 59.

The vertical width of the front panel 541 may be greater than the vertical width of the thermal insulation panel 542. That is, the front panel 541 may be formed to extend further to the top and/or bottom than the heat insulating panel. These extensions can form upper and lower bezels.

10 is an exploded perspective view of the knock structure of the knock detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front. 10, the out plate 55 and the panel assembly 54 of the sub-door 50 are omitted.

As shown in the figure, a sensor opening 584 into which the knock sensing device 82 can be inserted is formed under the door liner 58, and the sensor opening 584 is the knock sensing device 82. ) Can be formed to be inserted and mounted from the outside.

A receiving portion case 587 extending from the door liner 58 to the rear surface of the panel assembly to form a space in which the knock sensing device 82 is accommodated may be mounted.

A sensing device inserting part 5872 into which the front end of the knock sensing device 82 is inserted may be formed in the accommodating part case 587, and an insertion hole 5873 is formed on the front surface of the sensing device inserting part 5872. The knock detection device 82, which is opened and inserted into the inside, can be brought into close contact with the front surface of the front panel 541.

In addition, the door liner 58 may be provided with an insert cover 585 in which a detection device PCB 83 for processing a knock detection signal of the knock detection device 82 is mounted, and the insert cover 585 May be composed of a cover portion 5551 shielding the sensor opening 584 and a fish ratio inserting portion 5852 in which the detection device PCB 83 is mounted.

In the detection device PCB 83, it is possible to determine that the user taps the front surface of the panel assembly 54 multiple times as a normal knock input. More specifically, it can be judged that a knock is knocked multiple times at a predetermined time interval as a normal knock input. Judging from the normal knock input, a knock-on signal is generated. The knock-on signal is transmitted to a control unit that controls the operation of the refrigerator. Such a control unit may be referred to as a main control unit of the refrigerator.

The knock detecting device 82 and the detecting device PCB 83 may form one knock module 80. That is, it is possible to determine whether the knock input detected by the knock detection device is a normal knock input by the detection device PCB 83, not the main control unit 2. Therefore, the detection device PCB can be said to be a knock module microcomputer.

Therefore, the input signals sensed by the knock detection device 82 need not be transmitted to the main control unit 2. That is, the main control unit 2 may be satisfied by receiving a knock-on signal through the knock module 80 and controlling fluoroscopy activation. The configuration and control characteristics of the knock module will be described later in detail through FIG. 12.

In FIG. 10, an example in which a knock sensing device 82 is provided in a portion where the front panel 541 extends further downward than the heat insulating panel is illustrated. That is, an example in which a knock detection device 82 is provided under the sub-door 50 is illustrated. However, as illustrated, the knock detection device 82 may be provided in a portion where the front panel 541 extends further upward than the heat insulation panel. In this case, a knock detection device 82 will be provided on the sub-door 50.

The structure and mounting structure of the knock detection device 82 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 11, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of FIG. 6.

The knock detecting device 82 includes a microphone module 821 for detecting a knock-on signal, a holder 823 in which the microphone module 821 is accommodated, and the holder 823 and the microphone module 821 in front of the It may be configured to include a support member 825 for supporting the elastic member 824 and the elastic member 824 and the holder 823 to press and close to the panel 541.

The microphone module 821 includes a microphone 8211 that directly senses sound waves and a microphone accommodating portion 8212 that accommodates the microphone 8211. The microphone 8211 performs direct sensing of sound waves, and is formed in a circular shape having a predetermined thickness to be fixedly mounted inside the microphone module 821.

The microphone module 821 detects the knock input applied to the front panel, and the detection device PC83 determines whether the detected knock input is a normal knock input. In the case of a normal knock input, the detection device PCB 83 transmits a knock-on signal to the main control unit 2. As described later, when the knock-on signal is received from the main control unit 2, fluoroscopic activation is performed. In one example, fluoroscopic activation may be performed by turning on the door lighting unit 49. In addition, when the knock-on signal is received in the fluoroscopically activated state from the main controller 2, fluoroscopic deactivation may be performed.

12 is a block diagram showing the flow of a control signal in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a flowchart sequentially showing fluoroscopic activation/fluoroscopic deactivation control of the refrigerator. And, Figure 14 is a perspective view of the state before and after the knock operation of the refrigerator.

As shown in the figure, the refrigerator 1 includes a control unit 2 for controlling the operation of the refrigerator. The refrigerator 1 may include a microcomputer that performs other processes in addition to the control unit 2. As an example, a microcomputer for display or communication may be additionally provided, and the aforementioned detection device PCB may also be referred to as a microcomputer that performs a process. Therefore, the control unit 2 may be referred to as a main control unit of the refrigerator.

The main control unit 2 may be connected to the door switch 21. The door switch 21 is provided in the cabinet 10 to detect the opening of the refrigerator compartment door 20 or the main door 40, and is provided in the main door 40 to provide the sub-door 50 It can also detect the opening.

In addition, the main control unit 2 may be connected to the door lighting unit 49 so that it lights up when the sub-door 50 is opened or when a knock-on signal is input. In addition, the main control unit 2 may be connected to the detection device PCB 83 connected to the knock detection device 82.

On the other hand, in the general situation where there is no separate operation of the refrigerator 1, as shown in FIG. 14, the panel assembly 54 may be in an opaque state such as a mirror surface or a black panel surface. In such a state, it is impossible to see the interior. That is, it may be in a perspective deactivation state.

Then, in the perspective deactivation state, the knock detection device 82 maintains a state in which a user's perspective input is possible at any time in an activated state (S110).

In the fluoroscopically deactivated state, in order to check the food storage state in the store, the user may perform a knock-on operation in which the front panel 541 of the sub-door 50 is knocked in front of the refrigerator. The knock detection device 82 detects the user's knock input, and the sensor device 83 determines whether the knock-on operation is an effective operation. That is, it is determined whether the input is a normal knock (S120).

In detail, when the user taps the front panel 541, the wavelength caused by vibration generated at this time moves along the front panel 541, which is the same medium, and receives sound waves from the microphone 8211 that is in close contact with the front panel 541. Will receive.

The received sound waves may be filtered and amplified while passing through the filter and the amplifier, and then transmitted to the detection device PCB 83. The detection device PCB 83 determines whether it is a normal knock input as a signal collected and analyzed to detect a knock signal.

In the case of sound waves generated by noise or impact on the inside or outside, there may be a difference between the sound waves generated by knocking and their characteristics. Accordingly, the detection device PC ratio 83 determines whether the user is knocking through a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the knock signal.

Of course, a signal similar to the knock signal may be generated in a specific situation, and a knock-like impact may be generated on the front panel 541 due to inadvertent or inexperienced operation of the user, and external noise is similar to the wavelength of the knock signal. It may be recognized as a signal.

In order to prevent erroneous recognition in this special situation, the detection device PCB 83 may check whether the knock signal is continuously generated by a set pattern, and determine whether the pattern is made within a set time.

For example, in order to be detected as a valid knock-on signal, a signal recognized as a knock may be set to be generated twice within 1 second. As a result of analyzing the knock pattern of a typical user, two knocks are continuously performed and the time interval is within 1 second. When this is set, it is possible to prevent misrecognition in a special situation and accurately recognize the user's knock operation. I can do it. Of course, the number and setting time of the knock signal to be determined as the effective knock-on signal may be variously changed.

When it is determined that the effective knock-on signal has not been generated through the knock detection device 82, the main control unit 2 does not perform a separate control operation. In other words, the perspective deactivation state is maintained. That is, unless the main control unit 2 receives an effective knock-on signal from the knock module 80, it does not perform control related to fluoroscopy accordingly.

On the other hand, when an effective knock input is sensed and an effective knock-on signal is transmitted from the detection device PCB 83 to the main control unit 2, the main control unit 2 performs control related to normal fluoroscopy. That is, fluoroscopic activation control or fluoroscopic deactivation control is performed. For example, in the perspective deactivation state, the control unit 2 turns on the door lighting unit 49. Then, in the perspective activated state, the control unit 2 turns off the door lighting unit 49.

When the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, the inside of the opening 403 becomes bright, and the high inner light passes through the panel assembly 54. In particular, as it passes through the front panel 541, the front panel 541 becomes transparent, and as shown in FIG. 14, an internal perspective is possible (S130).

When the sub-door 50 becomes transparent, the user can check the storage space or interior space inside the main door 40, and open the sub-door 50 or carry out necessary work to store food. .

The lit door lighting unit 49 maintains the lit state for a set time, for example, 10 seconds, so that the user can sufficiently check the inside condition.

Then, it is determined whether a set time has elapsed while the door lighting unit 49 is turned on (S140), and when the set time has elapsed, the door lighting unit 49 is turned off (S160).

In addition, the knock input of the user may be performed before the set time elapses while the door lighting unit 49 is turned on. That is, after the user checks the interior by performing a knock-on operation to check the interior, the door lighting unit 49 may be turned off before the set time has elapsed.

For example, if the user wants to make the sub-door 50 opaque within 5 seconds after the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, the sub-door 50 again. Knock the front panel, that is, the front panel 541.

If it is determined that the knock operation at this time is valid (S150), the door lighting unit 49 may be turned off before the set time elapses (S160). Of course, the validity determination of the knock operation at this time may be set in the same manner as in step S120, or may be set to another knock input pattern as necessary.

The door lighting unit 49 may be turned off when a set time has elapsed after the door lighting unit 49 is turned on or when an effective knock-on signal is input.

Accordingly, the main control unit 2 receives the knock-on signal and performs fluoroscopic activation/transparent deactivation control based on the knock-on signal. Such control can be performed by controlling on/off of a lighting device such as the door lighting unit 49.

When the door lighting unit 49 is turned off, the high inner side becomes dark, and the high outer side becomes a bright state. In this state, the exterior light of the high side is reflected from the front panel 541, and the front surface of the sub-door 50 is in a mirror-like state, and thus the inside perspective is impossible. Therefore, the sub-door 50 maintains an opaque state until a new operation is input (S160).

Hereinafter, a refrigerator and a control method thereof according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In this embodiment, features in the above-described embodiment may be included unless contradictory or exclusive.

The aforementioned knock detection device is provided to detect a user's knock input. That is, the user's knock input to the front panel is sensed by sound waves or vibrations. However, external noise or external shock may be transmitted to the refrigerator, and vibration or shock may occur in the refrigerator itself. Accordingly, the knock detection device detects an abnormal input as well as an inputted normal knock input and determines whether or not a normal knock is input.

However, an external input similar to or identical to a normal knock input may be generated, and in this case, fluoroscopic activation may be performed unnecessarily by misrecognition. In addition, fluoroscopic activation may occur in a state in which fluoroscopic activation is unnecessary or in which fluoroscopic activation should be excluded. In this case, of course, a process of determining whether a knock is normally input and receiving a knock input unnecessarily is also performed.

Knock input may be performed to view the inside of the storage compartment behind the door without opening the door with the viewing window. Therefore, the perspective activation control is unnecessary when the door provided with the viewing window is opened. If the perspective activation control is performed for some reason in a state in which the door with the viewing window is open, this may cause waste of energy and confusion of the user. In this embodiment, a refrigerator and a control method for solving the problem can be provided.

Meanwhile, an impact may occur when the door provided with the viewing window as well as the other door of the refrigerator is opened and then closed. In particular, when the freezer door in the form of a drawer is closed, an impact may occur. The shock may be received by the knock sensing device 82 as sound waves or vibrations.

It can be said that the form in which a plurality of users close the door is very diverse. And, even for the same user, the form of closing the door can be very diverse. Therefore, the shock generated by closing the door may be similar to the normal knock input. Therefore, a problem of incorrectly recognizing an abnormal input as a normal knock input may occur.

For example, when the user closes the freezer door, fluoroscopic activation may be performed on a door equipped with a viewing window. In this case, the user may think that the refrigerator is not smart or suspect the abnormality of the product failure, thereby deteriorating product reliability. Of course, this fluoroscopic activation is also unnecessary fluoroscopic activation, resulting in wasted energy. The present embodiment can provide a refrigerator and a control method for solving the problem associated with the opening of the door.

Referring to FIG. 15, the control configuration of the refrigerator according to this embodiment will be described in detail. Duplicate descriptions of the same features as in the above-described embodiment are omitted. Of course, in the above-described embodiment, the same or similar control configuration may be included in the present embodiment.

The main control unit 2 is provided to receive a knock-on signal from the knock module 80. When the knock-on signal is received, fluoroscopic activation is performed by turning on the door lighting unit 49 and/or the storage compartment lighting unit 49a provided in the storage compartment behind the projected door.

When the door provided with the viewing window (viewing window door) is a refrigerator compartment (freezer compartment) door, the user inputs a knock to the refrigerator compartment (freezer compartment) door. This form can be called a refrigerator or freezer with a single door. In this case, the door lighting unit 49 may be omitted, and perspective activation may be performed by turning on the storage unit lighting unit 49a in the refrigerator compartment (freezer).

The main control unit 2 may know that the viewing window door is opened through the viewing window door switch 21a. When the viewing window door is opened, the main control unit 2 turns on the storage compartment lighting unit 49a so that the user can see the inside of the storage compartment well. At this time, the on of the storage room lighting unit 49a is independent of fluoroscopic activation.

However, in this state, fluoroscopic deactivation may be performed by an abnormal knock input. In other words, the storage room lighting unit 49a may be turned off even though the viewing window door is open. That is, it is possible to perform fluoroscopic deactivation control unnecessarily by erroneously recognizing the abnormal input as a normal input. In this case, the user may suspect a malfunction of the refrigerator, and use becomes very uncomfortable.

In addition, in a state in which the viewing window door is opened and the storage compartment lighting unit 49a is turned on, the user can intentionally input a normal knock. In this case, when the storage room lighting unit 49a is turned off, the user thinks that the refrigerator is not smart.

On the other hand, when the user opens and closes the see-through window door tightly, it may be mistaken for a normal knock input, resulting in a problem in see-through activation.

Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the perspective activation and the perspective deactivation are not only related to the knock module 80 and the main control unit 2, but also to the perspective window door switch 21a.

In this embodiment, the see-through window door may be a sub-door provided in the main door, which is a refrigerator compartment door or a freezer compartment door. For example, the sub-door 50 provided in the main door 40 of the refrigerator compartment illustrated in FIG. 1 may be a viewing window door. In this case, the viewing window door switch 21a may be referred to as a sub-door switch, and the main door switch 21b may be referred to as a storage room lighting unit 49a provided in a storage room behind the main door. Of course, in this case, the door lighting unit 49 may be referred to as a main door lighting unit.

The main control unit 2 can know that the main door is opened through the main door switch 21b. When the main door is opened, the main control unit 2 turns on the storage compartment lighting unit 49a so that the user can see the inside of the storage compartment well. At this time, the on of the storage room lighting unit 49a is irrelevant to the perspective activation control.

However, in this state, fluoroscopic deactivation may be performed by an abnormal knock input. In other words, the storage compartment lighting unit 49a may be turned off even though the main door is opened. Of course, the storage room lighting unit 49a may not be used for fluoroscopic activation. However, when the storage room lighting unit 49a is turned on to further increase the perspective brightness, the storage room lighting unit 49a may suddenly be turned off while the user is looking inside the storage room. That is, an abnormal input may be mistaken for a normal input. In this case, the user may suspect a malfunction of the refrigerator, and use becomes very uncomfortable. That is, the same problem may occur as described above.

In addition, when the main door is opened and the storage compartment lighting unit 49a is turned on, the user can intentionally input a normal knock to the sub-door. In this case, when the storage room lighting unit 49a is turned off or the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, the user thinks that the refrigerator is not smart.

On the other hand, if the user opens the main door and closes it tightly, a problem may occur in which clairvoyance activation is performed due to a mistake in normal knock input.

Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the viewing window activation and the viewing window deactivation are not only related to the knock module 80 and the main control unit 2, but also to the main door switch 21b of the main door provided with the perspective door.

The main control unit 2 can know that the sub-door 40 is opened through the viewing window door switch 21a. When the sub-door is opened, the main control unit 2 turns on the door lighting unit 49 so that the user can see the inside of the storage area provided in the main door. At this time, the on of the door lighting unit 49 is independent of the viewing window activator.

However, in this state, fluoroscopic deactivation may be performed by an abnormal knock input. In other words, although the sub-door is open, the door lighting unit 49 can be turned off. That is, the door lighting unit 49 may suddenly be turned off while the user opens the sub-door and is looking at the storage area of the main door. That is, an abnormal input may be mistaken for a normal input. In this case, the user may suspect a malfunction of the refrigerator, and use becomes very uncomfortable. That is, the same problem may occur as described above.

In addition, when the sub-door 50 is opened and the door lighting unit 49 is turned on, the user can intentionally input a normal knock to the sub-door. In this case, when the door lighting unit 49 is turned off, the user thinks that the refrigerator is not smart.

On the other hand, when the user opens the sub-door and closes it tightly, a problem may be generated that is perceived as a normal knock input and that fluoroscopic activation is performed.

Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the viewing window activation and the viewing window deactivation are not only related to the knock module 80 and the main control unit 2, but also to the viewing window door switch 21b.

In this embodiment, the see-through window door may be a sub-door provided in the main door, which is a refrigerator compartment door or a freezer compartment door. Of course, the viewing window door may be the main door itself. In addition, individual doors may be included as well as the main door and the sub-doors. As an example, the freezer door 30 shown in FIG. 1 may be included. For convenience, a door that is not related to the viewing window door is called a freezer door.

The main control unit 2 can know that the freezer door is opened through the freezer door switch 21c. The freezer door is independent of the sight glass door and is also independent of the lighting units 49 and 49a for activating the see-through. In addition, the user's gaze is directed toward the freezer until the user opens and closes the freezer door.

If the user closes the freezer door hard, it may be mistaken for a normal knock input. In this case, fluoroscopic activation is performed unnecessarily, and in this case, the user may suspect a malfunction of the refrigerator, and use becomes very uncomfortable. That is, the same problem may occur as described above.

Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the viewing window activation and the viewing window deactivation are not only related to the knock module 80 and the main control unit 2, but also to the freezer door switch 21c. That is, it is preferable to be associated with the door switch 21 of another door that is not related to the see-through door.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in a refrigerator having a single door or a plurality of doors and equipped with a viewing window, a refrigerator capable of preventing malfunction by controlling fluoroscopy activation and fluoroscopy in association with a door switch, and control thereof It will provide a way. That is, in various types of refrigerators, the main controller 2 is provided with a knock module 80 as well as door switches 21a, 21b, and 21c to provide a refrigerator that performs perspective control and a control method thereof.

16, an embodiment of a control method according to this embodiment will be described.

As described above, in the state in which the door is opened, various types of misrecognition and malfunction related to perspective control may occur. And, in the state in which the door is opened, an emergency operation related to perspective control may occur. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to fundamentally block misrecognition, malfunction, and emergency operation related to the door. That is, this purpose may be realized by using a door sensor or a door switch capable of detecting whether the door is opened.

The reception of the knock input, the determination of whether or not the normal knock is input, the generation of the knock signal and the reception of the knock signal can be said to be a series of procedures for activating fluoroscopy. If one of these procedures is not performed or is blocked, fluoroscopic activation will not be performed. Of course, this series of procedures can be performed to switch from fluoroscopic activation to fluoroscopic deactivation.

In this embodiment, perspective activation or switching of perspective activation may be performed on the assumption that the door is closed. That is, it is preferable to determine whether the door is opened through a door switch or the like (S201), and when the door is not opened, knock module activation (S210) is performed. That is, the activation of the knock module means that all of the aforementioned series of procedures are performed. Here, whether or not the door is opened may be determined through a door opening signal generated when the door is opened by the door switch.

Then, when the door is opened, the knock module is deactivated (S205) so that at least one of the series of procedures may not be performed. Examples of knock module deactivation may be as follows.

For example, when the door is opened through the door switch, the main control unit 2 may block the current supply to the knock module 80. In this case, the knock input reception itself is not performed. In addition, the knock module does not determine whether or not a normal knock is input, and thus a knock-on signal is not generated.

As an example, the current supplied to the knock detection device 82 may be blocked. That is, the current can be cut off through the detection device PC 83 or the main control unit 2.

For example, when the door is opened in the detection device PCB 83, the signals received from the knock detection device 82 may be ignored or the knock input determination may not be performed. This is because the detection device PCB 83 can know whether the door is opened through the main control unit 2.

For example, when the door is opened in the detection device PCB 83, a knock-on signal may not be generated. This is because the detection device PCB 83 can know whether the door is opened through the main control unit 2.

In one example, the main control unit 2 may block the reception of the knock signal from the knock module 80 or ignore the received knock signal.

Therefore, when the door is opened through the door switch, the main control unit 2 can fundamentally block a problem that may occur in connection with perspective control.

Here, the door switch may be applied to any one of the switches described through FIG. 15 or may be applied to all switches. For example, when the impact when the main door 40 or the sub door 50 is closed is very far from the normal knock input, whether or not these door switches and the knock module are activated may be irrelevant. On the other hand, when the shock when the freezer door 30 is closed can be confused with the normal knock input, only the freezer door switch can be related to whether or not the knock module is activated.

According to the present embodiment, despite the use of a door switch or a door sensor that is generally provided, it is possible to prevent misrecognition and malfunction from occurring.

In the case of a refrigerator, the frequency of opening the door is high. Therefore, it may not be desirable to switch knock module activation to deactivated whenever the door is opened. In particular, it may be undesirable to block the current supply to the knock detection device 81 or to block the current supply to the knock module 80 whenever the door is opened. Therefore, it may be desirable to always operate the knock module 80 unless the refrigerator is turned off or there is no particular problem. Here, special circumstances may include a case in which the perspective function itself is turned off through a separate user input means.

However, even in this case, a misrecognition and malfunction problem may occur in relation to the opening of the door as described above.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the control method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 17.

This embodiment may be referred to as an embodiment in which the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 and the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 are implemented in combination. In this embodiment, it is possible to basically assume that the knock module is activated.

In the knock module activation state (S310), an effective knock-on signal may be detected (S320). That is, the main control unit 2 may receive a knock-on signal through the knock module 80. In other words, in the knock module activation state, the knock module 80 detects a knock input, determines whether or not a knock is input, and performs a series of processes for generating a knock on signal.

In the present embodiment, when the knock-on signal is received by the control unit 2, it is preferable that fluoroscopic activation or fluoroscopic switching is not performed immediately, and the step S325 of determining whether the door is opened is performed. That is, after receiving the knock-on signal from the main control unit 2, it is determined whether the door is opened.

When the door is opened, the main control unit 2 ignores the received knock-on signal (S326). That is, the reception of the knock-on signal is ignored by the control logic. This can be done very easily with a different control algorithm area than electrical or mechanical switching.

If the knock-on signal is ignored, no follow-up related to whether or not the knock-on signal has been received is taken. That is, fluoroscopic control based on the knock-on signal is not performed. In one example, no follow-up action is taken to turn on the door lighting unit 49 or turn off the door lighting unit 49. Therefore, in this case, the on/off control of the door lighting unit 49 will depend only on whether the door is opened or closed by the door switch regardless of whether a knock-on signal is present.

When the knock-on signal is generated and the door is closed, it may be determined whether the knock-on signal is generated by closing the door (S327). That is, when a knock-on signal is generated by an impact due to the closing of the door, it is because it is necessary to ignore the knock-on signal.

The main control unit 2 can know whether the door is opened or closed through the door switch. Of course, the main control unit 2 can also know the time that the opening of the door lasted and/or the time that the closing of the door lasted through the door switch. Using this, when the door is closed, it may be determined whether a set time has elapsed since the door was closed. A certain time is required for the user to close the door and perform knock input. In addition, a certain period of time is required to alleviate the impact caused by the closing of the door.

The set time may be determined in consideration of these predetermined times. The set time may be about 1 second or so. If it is too short, the door closing shock can be recognized as a knock-on signal and reflected. If it is too long, a knock-on signal is generated by the user normally inputting the knock, and can be ignored.

When the set time elapses after the door is closed, perspective control may be performed by reflecting the knock-on signal (S330). In one example, the knock-on signal is reflected as the on/off control condition of the door lighting unit 49. In the fluoroscopically activated state, the fluoroscopically disabled state is switched, and in the fluoroscopically disabled state, the fluoroscopically activated state is switched.

Then, when the set time elapses from the start time of the fluoroscopic activation in the state in which the fluoroscopic activation is activated (S340), the fluoroscopic switching is performed (S360).

In this embodiment, whether the door is opened or closed can be detected through a door switch or a door sensor. The door switch or the door sensor detects that the door is open and generates a door open signal to transmit it to the control unit 2. Therefore, the control unit 2 can know whether the door is opened through a door switch or a door sensor.

Here, the door switch may be applied to any one of the switches described through FIG. 15, to some switches, or to all switches. For example, when the impact when the main door 40 or the sub door 50 is closed is very far from the normal knock input, whether or not these door switches and the knock module are activated may be irrelevant. On the other hand, when the shock when the freezer door 30 is closed can be confused with the normal knock input, only the freezer door switch can be related to whether or not the knock module is activated.

The door conditions in step S325 and the door conditions in step S327 may be different or different. When a plurality of doors are provided, door conditions may overlap. That is, it may be the same as or different from which door is opened and which set time has elapsed since which door was closed.

In step S327, there is a possibility that the door closing may cause false recognition for all the doors. Therefore, in step S327, the door may be any door. Of course, if there is a possibility of causing false recognition only in the case of a specific door in step S327, only the elapsed time of closing the specific door may be determined. In one example, the specific door may be a freezer door 30. This is because, in the case of a drawer type door, a relatively large impact may be generated due to the movement of the freezer compartment itself and closing.

The door in step S325 may also be any door. That is, a perspective door, a door associated with the perspective door, and a door independent of the perspective door may be included. When opening a door that is not related to the perspective door, the user is not interested in the storage room associated with the other door. Therefore, the knock-on signal need not be reflected in this state.

However, since the user may be interested in a plurality of storage areas at the same time, it is preferable that the door in step S325 is a see-through door or a door associated with the see-through door (the main door when the see-through door is a sub-door). This is because when the perspective door or the door associated with the perspective door (the main door when the perspective door is a sub-door) is opened, when a knock-on signal is reflected, as described above, it may be confused to the user.

The above-described embodiments may be referred to as a refrigerator in which a user's perspective input is performed by knocking and a control method thereof.

Since the knock input needs to be sensed through vibration or sound waves, the knock module structure is complicated, and the control logic for preventing false recognition can be said to be complicated.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the perspective input is very simple and intuitive, and the perspective input unit is very simple will be described in detail.

The basic structure of the refrigerator according to this embodiment may be the same or similar to the refrigerator in the above-described embodiment. However, the structure related to the perspective input unit and its mounting may be different. Therefore, redundant description is omitted.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. 18 and 19 may correspond to FIGS. 2 and 9, respectively.

As illustrated, the sub-door 50 is a door having a viewing window (panel assembly 54), and through the viewing window 54, a door storage area provided in the main door 40, that is, a door basket 43 can be seen. . Therefore, the user can grasp the storage location, such as a frequently used beverage, without opening the sub-door 50.

When the sub-door 50 is opened, the door basket 43 is exposed to the outside. The user may take out food or the like in the door basket 43 through the opening 403 formed in the main door 40. That is, since the desired storage is already located before the sub-door 50 is opened, the desired storage can be taken out immediately after opening the sub-door 50.

Cold air may leak out through the opening 403. Therefore, a gasket 591 may be provided between the periphery of the opening 403 and the sub-door 50.

The gasket 591 is formed of a silicone or rubber material to block leakage of cold air and to relieve shock when the sub-door 50 is closed. That is, the gap G between the main door 40 and the sub-door 50 performs a sealing function and a shock absorbing function.

The gasket 591 has a closed loop shape, and prevents cold air from flowing out of the closed loop from outside the closed loop.

In addition, the gasket 591 is formed to have magnetism, and the sealing function is maintained by the magnetism. Therefore, a predetermined external force or more must be applied to open the sub-door 50.

For this reason, the gasket is formed of an elastic material so that the thickness is variable. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, the thickness (front-to-back width) of the gasket is kept constant while the sub-door is closed. However, when the sub-door 50 is pulled, the thickness of the gasket may increase elastically, and when the sub-door 50 is pushed, the thickness of the gasket may decrease elastically. Therefore, the thickness of the gasket can be elastically changed even in the state where the sub-door 50 is kept closed, which means that the gap G between the main door 40 and the sub-door 50 can also be varied. it means.

In this embodiment, by focusing on the nature and location of the gasket, it is intended to provide a refrigerator including a sensor module 70 for sensing a user's perspective input. The sensor module 70 is an embodiment of the perspective input unit, and may be referred to as a perspective input unit having a different form from the knock module 80 described above.

The sensor module 70 may be provided behind the sub-door 50. Specifically, the sensor module 70 is provided between the main door 40 and the sub door 50, it may be provided to detect the change in the separation between them.

Since the viewing window 54 is provided on the sub-door 50, the perspective input may be performed by pushing the viewing window 54 or pushing the sub-door 50. Due to the characteristics of the gasket 591, the sub-door 50 may be moved to the rear to some extent. Through this separation, the sensor module 70 can sense the perspective input.

The perspective input applied to the sensor module 70 may be referred to as a push input. By sensing the push input, the sensor module 70 generates a signal corresponding to the perspective input. That is, a fluoroscopy signal is generated. The main control unit (control unit 2) receives the output of the sensor module 70 and outputs a control signal for controlling a perspective switching unit such as a lighting unit.

The user pulls the handle 23 to open the sub-door 23. Therefore, applying force to the handle of the sub-door 23 itself can be said to be an expression of the user's willingness to actively use the refrigerator. That is, the configuration in which the user's will is reflected first is the handle of the refrigerator.

In order to increase intuition, it is preferable that the sensor module 70 is located at the rear of the handle 23. That is, by pushing the handle 23, the sub-door 50 moves rearward, and this can be sensed as a perspective input. Thus, the entire handle 23 can be expanded as part of the perspective input unit. In the above-described embodiment, it can be said that the entire front panel 541 is expanded as a part of the perspective input unit.

In addition, the handle 23 is positioned substantially farthest from the rotational axis (sub hinge) of the sub-door 23. Therefore, when pushing the sub-door 23 from the rear of the handle 23, there is also an advantage that it is possible to vary the separation distance very effectively.

Specifically, the sensor module 70 is provided with a pressing member 72 provided on the rear side of the sub-door 50 and a sensor 71 provided in front of the main door 40 and pressed through the pressing member 72. ).

The pressing member 72 may be formed in a shape protruding rearward from the rear side of the door. Therefore, it can be referred to as a pressing projection. It is preferable that the protruding length of the pressing member 72 is smaller than the length of the gasket before and after the sub-door 50 is closed. That is, it is preferable that the sub-door 50 is smaller than the gap 50 in the closed state. This is because when the protruding length of the pressing member 72 is large, it may be easily damaged by external impact. Further, the rear movement of the sub-door 50 by the push input is a rotation movement, although the rotation angle is small. Therefore, when the protruding length of the pressing member 72 becomes long, deviation occurs due to rotational movement, which is not preferable.

For this reason, the sensor 71 is preferably provided in a form protruding forward from the front of the main door 40. It is preferable that the protruding length of the sensor is also smaller than the gap 50. Therefore, it is preferable that the contact point between the pressing member 72 and the sensor 71 is performed within the gap G. In particular, it is preferable that the contact in the state where the push input is applied to the sub-door 50 is also performed in the gap G.

However, in order to minimize the exposure of the sensor 71 itself to the outside of the refrigerator, the sensor 71 is positioned in a recessed shape at the front of the main door 40, and accordingly the pressing member 72 is further protruded. Nothing will be excluded.

When a push input is applied to the sub-door 50, it is possible to predict the rear separation distance of the sub-door 50, that is, the length of the decreasing gap, using the properties of the gasket. The length of the gap G in the state in which the push input is applied is naturally smaller than the length of the gap G in the state where the push input is not applied. However, when the sub-door 50 is closed very tightly, the same gap G length as the push input is applied may be generated. In this case, it is possible to misunderstand that the sub-door 50 is closed by a push input.

Therefore, when no external force is applied while the door is closed, it is preferable that the pressing member 72 and the sensor 71 are provided to be non-contact. By such a non-contact arrangement, it is possible to effectively prevent the door closing from being incorrectly recognized as a push input.

In this case, the sensor module 70 may be provided to output a fluoroscopy signal as the sensor 71 contacts the sensor 72. That is, in a non-contact state, when it is in a contact state by a push input, it is preferable to detect a perspective input and output a fluoroscopy signal. The main control unit receives the fluoroscopic input signal to perform fluoroscopic activation control. The perspective input signal is transmitted to the control unit 2 through the signal line 73.

Here, the signal generated by the contact/non-contact of the sensor module is very simple. That is, it is very simple like on/off. Therefore, a complicated process of determining whether it is a normal perspective input through an algorithm can be omitted. In addition, a very simple and simple sensor 71 can be applied. In this case, the sensor module may not include a processor such as a separate microcomputer.

On the other hand, even in the case of the sensor module 70 of this type, there is a room to mistake the abnormal input as the perspective input. There is room for a user to misunderstand the case where the user slightly leans against the sub-door 50 or collides with the sub-door while moving.

Accordingly, the sensor module 70 may be provided to output an analog signal (a signal that continuously varies in amplitude) rather than a signal such as on/off. That is, an analog signal may be output as the pressing member 72 contacts the sensor 71. The intensity of the analog signal may be changed according to a change in pressure that presses the sensor 71 on the pressing member 72 or a gap between the main door 40 and the sub door 50.

When the analog signal is received and the signal strength is greater than a threshold value, the control unit 2 may determine that it is a normal perspective input.

When using such an analog signal, the sensor pressing member 72 and the sensor 71 may be provided to contact in a closed state of the door. When a push input is applied while the door is closed, the intensity of the analog signal increases, and if it is larger than the threshold, it can be judged as a normal perspective input.

While the contact between the pressing member 72 and the sensor 71 is maintained, an analog signal having a predetermined intensity or more may be generated. Using this, the sensor module 70 can be utilized as a door sensor. That is, it may be excluded that a separate door sensor is provided to detect whether the sub-door 50 is opened or closed. In this case, it is possible to simultaneously detect whether fluoroscopy is input and whether the door is opened through one sensor module.

When the sensor 71 receives an analog signal, it is preferable that the sensor module 70 separately includes a module microcomputer that determines whether the sensor is a normal perspective input. That is, it is preferable to include a microcomputer that generates a fluoroscopy signal when judged to be a normal fluoroscopy input as in the knock module. In this case, the fluoroscopy signal is transmitted to the controller 2, and the controller 2 can perform fluoroscopy control based on the fluoroscopy signal.

Also in this embodiment, a door sensor for detecting the opening of the sub-door 50 may be provided separately from the sensor module 70. In addition, misrecognition and malfunction may occur due to opening and closing of the door. In particular, the sensor module 70 may mistake the shock generated when the sub-door 50 is closed as a normal perspective input. However, unlike the above-described embodiments, there is little room for misrecognition in the sensor module 70 when the sub-door 50 is opened due to the structure and position of the sensor module 70. This is because it will not occur when the pressing member 72 and the sensor 71 contact while the sub-door 50 is opened.

Therefore, in this embodiment, control logic for preventing false recognition that may be caused by door closing in the above-described embodiments may be applied. That is, if it is determined that the control unit 2 is a normal perspective input, the door sensor 21a of the sub-door 50 (see FIG. 15) may check the elapsed time of the unreceived door opening signal.

When the elapsed time not received is greater than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second), a control signal for fluoroscopic activation change is output. When the elapsed time of the non-reception is within a predetermined time, it is determined that the fluoroscopic input is due to the closing of the sub-door 50, and a control signal for changing the fluoroscopic activation may not be output.

Therefore, in order to prevent erroneous recognition of the fluoroscopic input due to the closing of the door, the fluoroscopic input unit activation and deactivation described through FIG. 16 are performed, or as described through FIG. 17, when the fluoroscopic signal is generated, it is connected with the door opening signal It may be possible to selectively reflect the Zion signal.

On the other hand, since the sensor module 70 uses the elasticity of the gasket, it is preferable to be located near the gasket 591. The inside of the closed loop of the gasket 591 may be referred to as a cold air area and an outer area of the closed loop outer area. In addition, the area inside the closed loop can be said to be an area where dew may be condensed.

Accordingly, the sensor module 70 is preferably provided outside the closed loop of the gasket.

In the above-described embodiment, an embodiment in which the viewing window 52 is provided in the sub-door 50 has been described. However, a viewing window may be formed on the main door 40 itself. That is, a viewing window may be formed in a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment door in which the sub-door 50 is not provided.

In this case, the sensor module 70 may be located between the front of the cabinet 10 and the door 40. Likewise, a gasket may be provided between the cabinet 10 and the door 40. Therefore, it is possible to mount the sensor module 70 in the same form as described above and sense the perspective input through it.

The sensor module 70 is located at the rear of the sub-door 50 so that the entire sub-door 50 can be used as a push button. That is, the sensor module 70 is not exposed outside the sub-door 50, and allows the sub-door 50 itself or a handle to be used as a push button.

Therefore, unlike a relatively small input means located on the front of the sub-door 50, such as a general push button, it is very convenient to use. And, it is possible to implement a beautiful design.

In particular, any user can easily perform fluoroscopic input regardless of the user's height size. In addition, the effort of finding the fluoroscopic input means can be reduced, and the effort of moving and pressing a finger on the fluoroscopic input can also be reduced, so that a very effective fluoroscopic input means can be implemented.

In the above-described embodiments, the lighting unit is an example of the fluoroscopy unit, the knock module and the sensor module are examples of the fluoroscopy input unit, and the knock-on signal may be an example of the fluoroscopy signal. Accordingly, the perspective switching unit and the perspective input unit may be modified in various forms.

Through a refrigerator and a control method thereof according to the above-described embodiments, it is possible to provide a refrigerator that is easy to use and can improve reliability.

10: cabinet 20: refrigerator door
30: freezer door 40: main door
50: sub-door (perspective door) 70: sensor module (perspective input unit)
80: knock module (perspective input unit)

Claims (20)

A cabinet in which a storage room is provided;
A lighting unit provided to illuminate the interior of the storage compartment;
A door having a viewing window provided to open and close the storage compartment, and provided to view the interior of the storage compartment illuminated by the lighting unit;
A gasket provided between the cabinet and the door and sealing cold air in the storage compartment;
A door sensor for detecting the opening of the door;
A sensor module provided between the cabinet and the door and sensing a push input applied to the front of the door through a change in the separation between the cabinet and the door; And
It includes a control unit for receiving the output of the sensor module to output a control signal for controlling the lighting unit,
The control unit turns on the lighting unit when it is sensed that the door is opened by the door sensor, and turns off the lighting unit when it is sensed that the door is closed by the door sensor,
The control unit is a refrigerator that outputs a control signal for turning on the lighting unit when sensing the on signal of the sensor module in the state that the door is closed. According to claim 1,
The gasket is a refrigerator, characterized in that the front and rear lengths in the state in which the push input is applied are reduced from the front and rear lengths in the closed state. According to claim 2,
The sensor module,
A pressing member provided on the rear side of the door; And
Refrigerator, characterized in that it is provided on the front of the cabinet comprises a sensor that is pressed through the pressing member. The method of claim 3,
The pressing member is formed to protrude rearward from the rear of the door, the protruding length of the pressing member is smaller than the front and rear length of the gasket in the closed state of the door. The method of claim 3,
The refrigerator, characterized in that the pressing member and the sensor are provided in a non-contact state when the door is closed. The method of claim 3,
The door sensor detects the opening of the door and generates a door opening signal,
The control unit outputs the control signal when the elapsed time of not receiving the door opening signal is greater than a predetermined time. The method of claim 3,
The sensor module, the refrigerator characterized in that it is provided to output an on / off signal as the sensor is in contact with the pressing member. The method of claim 7,
The controller receives the on signal of the sensor module, and outputs the control signal. The method of claim 8,
The refrigerator is characterized in that the lighting unit is controlled to operate for a set time after receiving the control signal. The method of claim 9,
The control unit, during the operation of the lighting unit, when receiving the on signal of the sensor module, the refrigerator characterized in that it outputs a control signal to turn off the operation of the lighting unit. The method of claim 3,
The sensor module, the refrigerator characterized in that it is provided to output an analog signal as the sensor is in contact with the pressing member. The method of claim 11,
The strength of the analog signal is a refrigerator characterized in that it varies depending on a change in the pressure between the cabinet and the door or the pressure of the sensor pressing the sensor. The method of claim 12,
The control unit, if the intensity of the analog signal received from the sensor module is greater than the threshold, the refrigerator characterized in that it outputs the control signal. The method of claim 3,
The refrigerator, characterized in that the pressing member and the sensor are provided to be in contact with the door closed. The method of claim 14,
The sensor module, the refrigerator characterized in that it is provided to output an analog signal having a different intensity according to the change in the pressure or the distance between the cabinet and the door to press the sensor in the pressing member. The method of claim 15,
The controller, if the output of the sensor module is not received, the refrigerator characterized in that it is determined to open the door. The method of claim 16,
The control unit, if the intensity of the analog signal received from the sensor module is greater than the threshold, the refrigerator characterized in that it outputs the control signal. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
The sensor module is a refrigerator, characterized in that provided on the outside of the closed loop formed by the gasket. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
The sensor module includes any one of a mechanical switch for performing contact generation, a pressure switch that outputs a variable or variable voltage value between on and off, or a switch that outputs an analog signal according to a displacement change. Refrigerator. According to claim 1,
Refrigerator, characterized in that it comprises at least one second door, in addition to the door.

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