KR102357610B1 - Refrigerator and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigerator according to one aspect includes: a cabinet in which a storage compartment is formed; a refrigerator door for opening and closing the storage compartment; a door opening device including a push rod movable between an initial position and a door opening position to open and close the refrigerator door, and a motor for providing power to the push rod; a door open detection unit for detecting that the refrigerator door is opened by a reference angle or more; and a controller for controlling the motor based on the information detected by the door open detection unit, wherein the refrigerator door is opened by the door open detection unit by more than a reference angle before the push rod returns to the initial position Upon detection, the controller may control the motor to return the push rod to the initial position.

Description

Refrigerator and method for controlling the same

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a method for controlling the same.

BACKGROUND ART In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at a low temperature in an internal storage room that is shielded by a door.

A method of opening a refrigerator door is disclosed in Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-0040030 (published on April 20, 2011), which is a prior document.

In the case of the prior art, a door handle is provided on a refrigerator door, and an operation unit is provided on the door handle. In addition, a door opening device is provided in the cabinet forming the storage space. When the user manipulates the operation unit, the push rod constituting the door opening device pushes the door to open the door.

The push rod receives the driving force generated from the driving motor by a plurality of gears and moves linearly.

The push rod may move forward to a set position for opening the door. And, when the position sensing member detects that the push rod has moved to the set position, the driving motor is reversely rotated to return the push rod to the initial position. At this time, the push rod protrudes from the inside of the case while advancing, and in the state moved to the set position, the protruding state from the case is maintained.

However, according to the prior literature, when the user closes the door after increasing the opening angle of the door before the push rod moves forward to the set position or before returning to the initial position after moving to the set position, the door is closed. The rotational force for this is transmitted to a plurality of gears through the push rod, causing a problem in which the push rod and/or gear are damaged.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a push rod and/or a push rod according to a user closing a door before returning to an initial position after a push rod for opening a door is moved to a door opening position or after moving to a door opening position. Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling the same in which damage to a gear for transmitting power to a push rod is prevented.

A refrigerator according to one aspect includes: a cabinet in which a storage compartment is formed; a refrigerator door for opening and closing the storage compartment; a door opening device including a push rod movable between an initial position and a door opening position to open and close the refrigerator door, and a motor for providing power to the push rod; a door open detection unit for detecting that the refrigerator door is opened by a reference angle or more; and a controller for controlling the motor based on the information detected by the door open detection unit.

If the door open detection unit detects that the refrigerator door is opened by more than a reference angle before the push rod returns to the initial position, the controller may control the motor to return the push rod to the initial position .

When the motor rotates in one direction, the push rod moves from the initial position to the door open position, and when the motor rotates in the other direction, the push rod returns from the door open position to the initial position.

The reference angle may be greater than an opening angle of the refrigerator door when the push rod is moved to the door opening position.

When the door open detection unit detects that the refrigerator door is opened by more than a reference angle while the push rod is moving from the initial position to the door open position, the controller is configured to return the push rod to the initial position. You can control the motor.

When the push rod reaches the door open position, the motor stops, and when a predetermined time elapses while the push rod moves to the door open position and the motor is stopped, the controller determines that the push rod is set to the initial position. The motor can be controlled to return to position.

When the door open detection unit detects that the refrigerator door is opened by more than a reference angle before a predetermined time elapses while the push rod is moved to the door open position and the motor is stopped, the controller controls the push rod may control the motor to return to the initial position.

The refrigerator may further include a hinge assembly having a hinge shaft for connecting the cabinet and the refrigerator door, and the door open detection unit may include a sensor that outputs a signal and is positioned adjacent to the hinge shaft.

The door open detection unit further includes a magnet provided on one of the hinge assembly and the refrigerator door, wherein the sensor is a magnetic sensor for detecting the magnetism of the magnet, and is provided on the other of the hinge assembly and the refrigerator door. can be

The door open detection unit may further include a magnet provided on one of the hinge assembly and the refrigerator door, wherein the sensor is turned on by the magnet when the refrigerator door is opened less than the reference angle, and the refrigerator door is set to the reference angle. It is a magnetic sensor that is turned off when it is opened by more than an angle, and may be provided in the other one of the hinge assembly and the refrigerator door.

The sensor is a micro switch provided in one of the hinge assembly and the refrigerator door, and the door open detection unit is provided in the other one of the hinge assembly and the refrigerator door, and when the refrigerator door is opened by the reference angle It may further include a switch manipulation unit for turning on the micro switch.

The sensor includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and when the refrigerator door is rotated by the reference angle, the light irradiated from the light emitting unit reaches the light receiving unit, and when the light reaches the light receiving unit, the controller activates the refrigerator door It can be determined that it is open as much as the reference angle.

The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit may be disposed on any one of the refrigerator door and the hinge assembly.

The light emitting part may be disposed on one of the refrigerator door and the hinge assembly, and the light receiving part may be disposed on the other of the refrigerator door and the hinge assembly.

According to another aspect, a control method of a refrigerator includes: operating a motor to open a door of the refrigerator to move a push rod from an initial position toward a door opening position; determining, by a controller, whether the opening of the refrigerator door is detected by a door open detection unit before the push rod reaches the door open position from the initial position; and controlling the motor by the controller based on whether the door open detection unit detects the opening of the refrigerator door.

In the step of controlling the motor by the controller, if the door open detection unit determines that the refrigerator door is opened before the push rod reaches the door open position, the controller returns the push rod to the initial position. may include controlling the motor.

In the step of controlling the motor by the controller, if the door open detection unit determines that the refrigerator door is not opened before the push rod reaches the door open position, the push rod reaches the door open position. The controller may include controlling the motor.

A method of controlling a refrigerator according to another aspect includes: operating a motor to open a door of the refrigerator to move a push rod from an initial position to a door opening position; determining, by a controller, whether the opening of the refrigerator door is detected by a door open detection unit in a state in which the push rod is stopped at the door open position; and controlling, by the controller, the motor based on whether the door open detection unit detects the opening of the refrigerator door.

In the step of controlling the motor by the controller, if it is determined that the refrigerator door is opened by the door open detection unit before a predetermined period of time has elapsed while the push rod is stopped at the door open position, the push rod and controlling, by the controller, the motor to return to the initial position.

In the step of controlling the motor by the controller, if it is determined that the opening of the refrigerator door is not detected by the door open detection unit until a predetermined time elapses while the push rod is stopped at the door open position, the push and controlling, by the controller, the motor to return the rod to the initial position.

According to the proposed invention, when the push rod moves to the door opening position, it is detected that the door is opened by more than a reference angle greater than the opening angle of the door and returns the push rod to the initial position, so that the push rod returns to the initial position. By closing the door before returning, there is an advantage in that the push rod is damaged or the gears for transmitting power to the push rod are prevented from being damaged.

In addition, since the door open detection unit is positioned adjacent to the hinge shaft, there is an advantage in that it is possible to accurately detect that the door is rotated by more than a reference angle.

In addition, since the door open detection unit is positioned adjacent to the hinge shaft, interference with other components such as the door opening device can be prevented.

In addition, when a part of the door open detection unit is provided in the hinge assembly, the door open detection unit is easy to assemble, and the door open detection unit can be easily accessed by removing the hinge assembly, so the service of the door open detection unit is easy. There is this.

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment;
2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a door opening device is provided on a door of a first refrigerator compartment according to the first embodiment;
3 is a block diagram of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment;
4 is a view showing a door opening device according to the first embodiment.
5 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the door opening device according to the first embodiment is installed on a door of a first refrigerator compartment;
6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the door opening device according to the first embodiment.
7 is a view showing a state in which the door is opened by moving the push rod to the final position according to the first embodiment;
8 is a view illustrating a state in which a door of a first refrigerator compartment is opened by a reference angle according to the first embodiment;
9 is a view showing a closed state of the first refrigerator compartment door according to the second embodiment;
10 is a view showing a state in which the door open detection unit senses the opening of the first refrigerator compartment door according to the second embodiment;
11 is a view showing a state in which a door of a first refrigerator compartment is closed according to a third embodiment;
12 is a view showing a state in which the door open detection unit senses the opening of the first refrigerator compartment door according to the third embodiment;

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even though they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, in describing the embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with the understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the elements from other elements, and the essence, order, or order of the elements are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is “connected”, “coupled” or “connected” to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component is between each component. It will be understood that may also be "connected", "coupled" or "connected".

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a door opening device provided on a door of a first refrigerator compartment according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a refrigerator according to the first embodiment is a block diagram of

1 to 3 , the refrigerator 10 according to the first embodiment includes a cabinet 11 having a storage compartment therein, and is rotatably or slidably connected to a front surface of the cabinet 11 to provide the storage compartment. may include a refrigerator door 12 that selectively opens and closes the .

In detail, the storage compartment may include at least one of a refrigerating compartment 111 and a freezing compartment 112 .

The refrigerating compartment 111 may be opened and closed by the refrigerating compartment door 13 , and the freezing compartment 112 may be selectively opened and closed by the freezing compartment door 16 .

In addition, when the refrigerating compartment door 13 that opens and closes the refrigerating compartment 111 is a rotatable door, the refrigerating compartment door 13 is rotatably connected to the front left edge and right edge of the cabinet 11, respectively. A pair of doors 14 and 15 may be included. That is, the refrigerating compartment door 13 may include a first refrigerating compartment door 14 and a second refrigerating compartment door 15 .

When the freezer compartment door 16 that opens and closes the freezing compartment 112 is a rotatable door, the freezing compartment door 16 is a pair of rotatably connected to the front left edge and right edge of the cabinet 11, respectively. French doors 17 and 18 may be included.

Alternatively, when the freezing chamber door 16 is a drawer-type door that opens and closes the freezing chamber in a sliding manner, a plurality of freezing chamber doors may be arranged in an up-down direction or a left-right direction.

The refrigerator 10 may further include a door opening device 25 that operates to open the refrigerator door 12 .

Hereinafter, the automatic opening of the door opening device 25 of the first refrigerator compartment door 14 among the refrigerator doors 12 will be described as an example, and other doors other than the first refrigerator compartment door 14 will be described below. It can be opened automatically by the structure and method that is used.

The door opening device 25 may be disposed on a door that needs to be opened. For example, a door opening device may be provided on each of the plurality of refrigerating compartment doors to open each of the plurality of refrigerating compartment doors. Alternatively, when one refrigerator compartment door includes a plurality of doors, one or all of the plurality of doors may be provided with a door opening device.

In addition, it is also possible that the door opening device 25 is provided on the freezing chamber door 16 in order to open the freezing chamber door (16).

As another example, the door opening device 25 may be provided in the cabinet 11 . In this case, the number of door opening devices 25 may be the same as the number of refrigerator doors.

In addition, although the bottom freezer type refrigerator is disclosed in this embodiment, the idea for opening the door is limited to types such as a top mount type refrigerator, a side-by-side type refrigerator, and a refrigerator having only one storage compartment and one door. It should be noted that it can be applied to various refrigerators without

The first refrigerator door 14 may be connected to the cabinet 11 by a hinge assembly 30 . The first refrigerator door 14 may be rotated by a hinge shaft 32 that provides a center of rotation. The hinge shaft 32 may be provided in the first refrigerator door 14 and/or the hinge assembly 30 .

The refrigerator 10 includes a position detecting unit 28 for detecting a position of a push rod (refer to 27 of FIG. 4) constituting the door opening device 25, and a position detecting unit 28 for detecting that the door is opened more than a reference angle. It may further include a door open detection unit 40, and a controller 20 for controlling the door opening device 25 based on the information detected by the position detection unit 28 and the door open detection unit 40. can

Control of the door opening device 25 by the controller 20 will be described later.

Hereinafter, the door opening device 25 will be described in detail.

4 is a view showing a door opening device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which the door opening device according to the first embodiment is installed on the door of the first refrigerator compartment.

4 and 5 , the door opening device 25 may be located at an upper portion of the first refrigerator compartment door 14 . A frame 141 forming a space for accommodating the door opening device 25 may be provided on an upper portion of the first refrigerator door 14 . The frame 141 may divide a space in which a heat insulating material (not shown) is accommodated in the door 14 of the first refrigerator compartment and a space in which the door opening device 25 is accommodated.

As another example, the door opening device 25 may be located at a lower portion of the first refrigerator compartment door 14 .

The door opening device 25 includes a housing 250 accommodated in the frame 141 , a motor 261 installed in the housing 250 and generating a driving force, and a driving force of the motor 261 . It may include a push rod 27 that receives and operates, and a power transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the motor 261 to the push rod 27 .

The housing 250 may include, but is not limited to, a first housing 251 and a second housing 252 coupled to the first housing 251 .

The first housing 251 may be provided with a coupling portion 253 to which a buffer portion 254 capable of absorbing shock or vibration is coupled. The buffer part 254 may have a hole 255 , and the frame 141 may be provided with an installation part 142 that can be inserted into the hole 255 of the buffer part 254 .

As the door opening device 25 is coupled to the frame 141 by the buffer unit 254, vibrations generated when the motor 261 is operated and vibrations generated when the power transmission mechanism is operated are absorbed. Noise can be reduced, and the vibration of the motor 261 and the power transmission mechanism can be prevented from being transmitted to the first refrigerator door 14 .

The power transmission mechanism may include one or more gears 262 , 263 , 264 , 265 , and 266 .

In the present invention, the number of gears is not limited as long as the power transmission mechanism can transmit the power of the motor 261 to the push rod 27, and in FIG. 5 , the power transmission mechanism includes a plurality of gears. that is shown

The push rod 27 may include a rack gear 272 . The rack gear 272 may mesh with a last gear among the plurality of gears 262 , 263 , 264 , 265 , and 266 .

The rack gear 272 may be formed in a curved shape so that the length of the push rod 27 is reduced. Of course, it is also possible that the push rod 27 is formed in a straight shape.

By rotation of the motor 261 in one direction, the plurality of gears 262 , 263 , 264 , 265 , and 266 are rotated in the forward direction, and accordingly, the push rod 27 moves the first gear to open the door. It can move in a direction to be drawn out from the refrigerator compartment door 14 .

On the other hand, as the motor 261 rotates in the other direction, the plurality of gears 262 , 263 , 264 , 265 , and 266 rotate in the reverse direction, and the push rod 27 moves the first refrigerator door 14 . can be introduced into

Meanwhile, the position detecting unit 28 may include a first position sensor 281 and a second position sensor 282 . The first position sensor 281 and the second position sensor 282 may be disposed, for example, in the housing 250 .

In addition, a magnet 275 may be provided on the push rod 27 . The first position sensor 281 and the second position sensor 282 may be magnetic detection sensors for detecting the magnetism of the magnet 275 .

In this specification, the position of the push rod 27 when the first position sensor 281 detects the magnet 275 or when the first position sensor 281 faces the magnet 275 The position of the push rod 27 may be referred to as an initial position.

The position of the push rod 27 when the second position sensor 282 detects the magnet 275 or the push rod when the second position sensor 282 faces the magnet 275 The position of (27) may be referred to as the door open position (or final position).

In this embodiment, the first refrigerator compartment door 14 may be opened while the push rod 27 moves from the initial position to the door open position.

As used herein, the opening of the “door” means that the storage compartment opened and closed by the door communicates with the outside of the refrigerator.

The controller 20 may control the motor 261 based on information sensed by each of the position sensors 281,282 . For example, the controller 20 may rotate the motor 261 in one direction, and when it is detected that the push rod 27 has moved to the door open position, the motor 261 may be set.

The controller 20 moves the push rod 27 to the door open position so that when a predetermined time elapses while the motor 261 is stopped, the push rod 27 returns to the initial position. 261 can be rotated in the other direction.

According to this embodiment, the reason for rotating the motor 261 in the other direction after a predetermined time has elapsed after the motor 261 is stopped is to maintain the first refrigerator door 14 in an open state. to be.

That is, when the push rod 27 moves to the door open position and immediately returns to the initial position without maintaining a stopped state, the load on the first refrigerator compartment door 14 itself and the first refrigerator compartment door 14 and the magnetic force of a magnet provided in a gasket (not shown) for close contact of the cabinet 11, and an automatic locking mechanism (not shown) provided in the hinge assembly 30 to automatically close the door. Accordingly, there is a problem in that the first refrigerating chamber door 14 is immediately closed.

However, as in the present invention, when the motor 261 is rotated in the other direction after a predetermined time has elapsed after the motor 261 is stopped, the first refrigerator door 14 is opened for the predetermined time. can be maintained, and the user can easily increase the opening angle of the first refrigerator compartment door 14 manually.

As another example, the first position sensor 281 and the second position sensor 282 may be optical sensors. Further, the push rod 27 may be provided with a groove or a protrusion, and each of the position sensors 281 and 282 may detect the groove or the protrusion. It should be noted that there is no limitation on the configuration for detecting the position of the push rod 27 in this embodiment.

Meanwhile, the door open detection unit 40 includes a magnet 420 provided in any one of the first refrigerator door 14 and the hinge assembly 30 , the first refrigerator door 14 and the hinge It is provided in the other one of the assembly 30 and may include a detection sensor 410 for detecting the magnetism of the magnet (420).

5 shows, for example, that the detection sensor 410 is disposed on the hinge assembly 30 .

When the detection sensor 410 is provided in the hinge assembly 30 , assembly and service of the detection sensor 410 may be easy. That is, the detection sensor 410 may be accessed by removing the hinge assembly 30 without removing the first refrigerator door 14 .

The detection sensor 410 and the magnet 420 may be disposed adjacent to the hinge shaft 32 . Accordingly, the detection sensor 410 can directly sense the magnetism of the magnet 420 of the first refrigerator door 14 during the rotation of the first refrigerator door 14, so that the first refrigerator door 14 ) can accurately detect the rotation by the reference angle.

In addition, as the detection sensor 410 and the magnet 420 are positioned adjacent to the hinge shaft 32, it is possible to detect the door opening without interfering with other surrounding configurations.

When the magnet 420 is positioned below the detection sensor 410 in the process of opening the first refrigerator door 14, the detection sensor 410 detects the magnetism of the magnet 420, and the The controller 20 may control the motor 261 to return the push rod 27 to an initial position.

Hereinafter, the operation of the door opening device will be described.

6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the door opening device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which the door is opened by moving the push rod according to the first embodiment to the door opening position, FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a state in which the door of the first refrigerator compartment is opened by a reference angle according to the first embodiment.

1 to 8 , in a state in which the first refrigerating compartment door 14 closes the refrigerating compartment 111 , the push rod 27 may be positioned at an initial position. In the initial position, the first position sensor 281 detects the magnet 275 of the push rod 27 .

In a state in which the push rod 27 is positioned at the initial position, the push rod 27 may be in contact with the front surface of the cabinet 11 or may be spaced apart from the front surface of the cabinet 11 .

When it is determined that the door open signal is input, the controller 20 controls the motor 261 so that the motor 261 rotates in one direction (S1).

When the motor 261 rotates in one direction, the plurality of gears 262 , 263 , 264 , 265 , and 266 rotate in the forward direction so that the push rod 27 pushes the cabinet 11 and reacts thereto. As a result, the first refrigerator door 14 rotates.

While the motor 261 rotates in one direction, the controller 20 determines whether the door open detection unit 40 detects the door open ( S2 ).

In the present specification, when the door open detection unit 40 detects the door open while the motor 261 rotates in one direction, the user selects the first refrigerator in the direction in which the first refrigerator compartment door 14 is opened. This is a case of rotating the refrigerator compartment door 14 .

At this time, the opening angle θ2 of the first refrigerator compartment door 14 when the door open detection unit 40 detects the door open is the second when the push rod 27 moves to the door open position. 1 It is larger than the opening angle θ1 of the refrigerator door 14 .

When the first refrigerator door 14 is rotated more than the reference angle while it is being rotated for opening, the door open detection unit 40 may detect the door opening.

While the motor 261 rotates in one direction, the protrusion length of the push rod 27 from the first refrigerator compartment door 14 is increased. If the push rod 27 protrudes from the first refrigerator compartment door 14 and the first refrigerator compartment door 14 is rotated by a user in a direction to increase the opening angle, the first refrigerator compartment door When 14 is rotated in the closing direction, the push rod 27 collides with the cabinet 11, and there is a problem in that the push rod 27 is damaged or gears constituting the power transmission mechanism are damaged. .

In this case, as the opening angle of the first refrigerator door 14 is increased, the impact force applied to the push rod 27 when the first refrigerator door 14 is closed is greater. In addition, as the length of the push rod 27 protruding from the first refrigerator door 14 increases, the possibility of breakage of the push rod 27 increases.

In this embodiment, while the motor 261 is rotated in one direction, the push rod 27 and/or the power transmission mechanism are configured in a process in which the first refrigerator door 14 is opened and then closed by a user. In order to prevent the gears from being damaged, when the door open detection unit 40 detects a door open while the motor 261 rotates in one direction, the controller 20 activates the push rod 27 The motor 261 is rotated in the other direction to return to the initial position (S7).

According to the present embodiment, when the door open detection unit 40 detects the door open while the motor 261 operates in one direction and the push rod 27 moves from the initial position to the door open position , by rotating the motor 261 in the other direction even before the push rod 27 moves to the door open position, the push rod 27 can return to its initial position.

Accordingly, the push rod 27 and the cabinet ( 11) damage to the push rod and the gears due to the collision can be prevented.

Meanwhile, as a result of determination in step S2, when the door open detection unit 40 does not detect the door open while the motor 261 rotates in one direction, the controller 20 determines that the push rod 27 It may be determined whether the door open position has been reached (S3).

That is, when the motor 261 rotates in one direction while the push rod 27 is positioned at the initial position, the push rod 27 moves, and in this process, the first position sensor 281 The magnet 275 of the push rod 27 is not detected. And, when the magnet 275 of the push rod 27 is detected by the second position sensor 282 during the movement of the push rod 27, the controller 20 determines that the push rod 27 is opened to the door. It can be determined that the open position has been reached.

As a result of the determination in step S3, when it is determined that the push rod 27 has reached the door open position, the controller 20 may stop the motor 261 (S4).

When the push rod 27 reaches the door open position, at least a portion of the rear surface 14c of the first refrigerator compartment door 14 is positioned in front of the front surface 15a of the second refrigerator compartment door 15. Accordingly, a gap of a certain distance may be formed between one end of the rear surface 14c of the first refrigerating chamber door 14 and one end of the front surface 15a of the second refrigerating chamber door 15 .

The gap may be set to such a degree that the user's elbow or foot can be inserted when the user's both hands are not free.

Accordingly, the opening angle of the first refrigerator compartment door 14 may be manually increased by inserting an elbow or a foot into the gap while the first refrigerator compartment door 14 is rotated by a predetermined angle θ1 .

Meanwhile, in a state in which the push rod 27 has reached the final position and the motor 261 is stopped, the controller 20 may determine whether the door open detection unit 40 detects the door open. (S5).

When the door open detection unit 40 detects the door open when the push rod 27 reaches the door open position, the user increases the opening angle of the first refrigerator compartment door 14 . .

As described above, when the push rod 27 reaches the door opening position, the opening angle θ1 of the first refrigerator compartment door 14 is determined by the door open detection unit 40 when the first refrigerator compartment door ( 14) is smaller than the opening angle θ2 of the first refrigerator compartment door 14 when the opening is sensed.

Accordingly, when the opening angle of the first refrigerator compartment door 14 increases while the push rod 27 reaches the door open position, the door open detection unit 40 detects the door open.

As a result of the determination in step S5, if it is determined that the door open detection unit 40 detects the door opening, the controller 20 moves the motor 261 in the other direction so that the push rod 27 returns to the initial position. can be rotated to (S5).

Even if the push rod 27 is rotated to close again after the first refrigerator door 14 is rotated beyond the reference angle while the push rod 27 is stopped at the door opening position, the push rod 27 and/or the gear may be damaged

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that the door open is detected by the door open detection unit 40 even before a predetermined time elapses in a state in which the push rod 27 is positioned at the door open position, the controller As the 20 rotates the motor 261 in the other direction so that the push rod 27 returns to the initial position, damage to the push rod 27 and/or the gears can be prevented.

As a result of the determination in step S5, if it is determined that the door opening detection unit 40 does not detect the door opening, the controller 20 determines the time when the push rod 27 reaches the door opening position or the motor 261 ) it is possible to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the stop (S6).

When the time for the push rod 27 to reach the door open position has elapsed for a certain period of time, the controller 20 rotates the motor 261 in the other direction in order to return the push rod 27 to the initial position. It is possible to control the motor 261 as much as possible (S7).

While the motor 261 is rotating in the other direction, the controller 20 may determine whether the push rod 27 has reached an initial position (S8).

When it is determined that the push rod 27 has reached the initial position, the controller 20 may stop the motor 261 ( S9 ).

In the above embodiment, it has been described that the door open detection unit includes a magnetic sensor and a magnet, but otherwise, the door open detection unit may include an optical sensor.

For example, the optical sensor may include a light emitting unit provided in one of the hinge assembly and the first refrigerator door and a light receiving unit provided in the other one, and when the first refrigerator door is rotated by a reference angle, the light emitting unit The light irradiated from the can be made to reach the light receiving unit. In addition, when the light reaches the light receiving unit, the controller may control the motor so that the push rod returns to an initial position.

Alternatively, one of the hinge assembly and the first refrigerator door may include a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and the other may include a reflecting plate. In addition, when the first refrigerator door is rotated by a reference angle, the light irradiated from the light emitting unit may be reflected by the reflecting plate to reach the light receiving unit. And, when the light reaches the light receiving unit, the controller may control the motor to return the push rod to the initial position.

9 is a view showing a state in which the first refrigerator compartment door is closed according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which the door open detection unit according to the second embodiment detects the opening of the first refrigerator compartment door.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other parts, except that there is a difference in the door open detection unit. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described below.

9 and 10 , the door open detection unit 50 according to the second embodiment may include a micro switch 510 that is turned on when the first refrigerator door 14 is rotated by a reference angle. have.

The micro switch 510 may be provided in any one of the hinge assembly 30 and the first refrigerator door 14 .

The door open detection unit 50 is provided on the other one of the hinge assembly 30 and the first refrigerator door 14, and when the first refrigerator door 14 is rotated by a reference angle, the micro switch ( A switch operation unit 520 for turning on the 510 may be further included.

According to the arrangement of the micro switch 510 and the switch manipulation unit 520, when the first refrigerator door 14 is rotated less than the reference angle, the micro switch 510 is maintained in an off state, When the micro switch 510 is rotated more than the reference angle, the micro switch 510 may be maintained in an on state by the switch manipulation unit 520 .

Alternatively, depending on the arrangement of the micro switch 510 and the switch manipulation unit 520, when the first refrigerator door 14 is rotated less than the reference angle, the micro switch 510 is maintained in an off state, , when the micro switch 510 is rotated by the reference angle, the micro switch 510 is turned on by the switch manipulation unit 520, and when the micro switch 510 is rotated beyond the reference angle, again The micro switch 510 may be turned off.

In any case, when the first refrigerator door 14 is rotated by a reference angle, the micro switch 510 may be turned on, and when the on state of the micro switch 510 is detected, the controller 20 may The motor 261 may be controlled so that the push rod 27 returns to an initial position while the rod 27 is moving to the door open position or is stopped at the door open position.

In this embodiment, the micro switch 510 may be disposed adjacent to the hinge shaft 32 .

When the micro switch 510 is disposed on the first refrigerator door 14 , the micro switch 510 rotates when the first refrigerator door 14 is rotated about the hinge shaft 32 . Since the radius is small, the length of the switch manipulation unit 520 can be minimized.

When the micro switch 510 is disposed on the hinge assembly 30 , the switch manipulation unit 520 may be positioned adjacent to the hinge shaft 32 . Even in this case, when the first refrigerator door 14 is rotated about the hinge shaft 32 , since the rotation radius of the switch manipulation unit 520 is small, the length of the switch manipulation unit 520 can be minimized. have.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the first refrigerator door 14 is rotated more than a reference angle, the micro switch 510 is turned on, so that it is accurately detected that the first refrigerator door 14 is rotated more than the reference angle can do.

In addition, as the micro switch 510 and the switch manipulation unit 520 are positioned adjacent to the hinge shaft 32 , it is possible to detect the door opening without interference with other surrounding configurations.

11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the first refrigerator compartment door is closed according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the door open detection unit detects the opening of the first refrigerator compartment door according to the third embodiment.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other parts, except that there is a difference in the door open detection unit. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described below.

11 and 12 , the door open detection unit 60 according to the third embodiment includes a magnet sensor 610 that is turned off when the first refrigerator door 14 is rotated by a reference angle, and the magnet sensor A magnet 620 capable of providing a magnetic force to the 610 may be included.

The magnetic sensor 610 is a sensor in which a contact point is attached to maintain an on state when a magnetic force of a certain size is applied, and the contact point is turned off when a magnetic force of less than a certain size is applied. As a known sensor can be used, detailed description is to be omitted.

The magnet sensor 610 may be provided on any one of the hinge assembly 30 and the first refrigerator door 14, and the magnet 620 is connected to the hinge assembly 30 and the first refrigerator door 14. 14) may be provided in the other one.

When the first refrigerator door 14 is rotated less than the reference angle, the magnetic sensor 610 maintains an on state by the magnetic force of the magnet 620 and the first refrigerator door 14 rotates at the reference angle When the rotation is over, the magnet sensor 610 may be turned off.

At this time, in order to turn off the magnet sensor 610 only when the first refrigerator door 14 is rotated by more than a reference angle even if the magnetic force of the magnet 620 is not large, the magnetic sensor 610 and the The magnet 620 may be positioned adjacent to the hinge shaft 32 .

In addition, as the magnet sensor 610 and the magnet 620 are positioned adjacent to the hinge shaft 32, it is possible to detect the door opening without interfering with other surrounding structures.

In the above embodiments, a magnetic sensor, a micro switch, an optical sensor, and a magnetic sensor may be collectively referred to as a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation of the refrigerator door by more than a reference angle.

In the above, even if all the components constituting the embodiment of the present invention are described as being combined or operated in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this embodiment. That is, within the scope of the object of the present invention, all the components may operate by selectively combining one or more. In addition, terms such as "comprises", "comprises" or "have" described above mean that the corresponding component may be inherent, unless otherwise specified, excluding other components. Rather, it should be construed as being able to further include other components. All terms, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. Terms commonly used, such as those defined in the dictionary, should be interpreted as being consistent with the contextual meaning of the related art, and are not interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical spirit of the present invention, and various modifications and variations will be possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention should be construed by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

11: Cabinet 12: Refrigerator Door
20: controller 25: door opening device
28: position detection unit 27: push rod
261: motor 40: door open detection unit
410: magnetic sensor 420: magnet

Claims (18)

cabinet in which the storage room is formed;
a refrigerator door for opening and closing the storage compartment;
a door opening device including a push rod movable between an initial position and a door opening position to open and close the refrigerator door, and a motor for providing power to the push rod;
a door open detection unit for detecting that the refrigerator door is opened by a reference angle or more; and
And a controller for controlling the motor based on the information detected by the door open detection unit,
When the door open detection unit detects that the refrigerator door is opened by more than a reference angle before the push rod returns to the initial position, the controller controls the motor to return the push rod to the initial position.
The method of claim 1,
The reference angle is greater than an opening angle of the refrigerator door when the push rod is moved to the door opening position.
3. The method of claim 2,
When the door open detection unit detects that the refrigerator door is opened by more than a reference angle while the push rod is moving from the initial position to the door open position, the controller is configured to return the push rod to the initial position. A refrigerator that controls the motor.
3. The method of claim 2,
When the push rod reaches the door open position, the motor stops,
When a predetermined time elapses while the push rod is moved to the door open position and the motor is stopped, the controller controls the motor to return the push rod to the initial position.
5. The method of claim 4,
When the door open detection unit detects that the refrigerator door is opened by more than a reference angle before a predetermined time elapses while the push rod is moved to the door open position and the motor is stopped, the controller controls the push rod The refrigerator controls the motor to return to the initial position.
The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a hinge assembly having a hinge shaft for connecting the cabinet and the refrigerator door,
and the door open detection unit outputs a signal and includes a sensor positioned adjacent to the hinge shaft.
7. The method of claim 6,
The door open detection unit further includes a magnet provided in any one of the hinge assembly and the refrigerator door,
The sensor is a magnetic sensor for detecting the magnetism of the magnet, and the refrigerator is provided in the other one of the hinge assembly and the refrigerator door.
7. The method of claim 6,
The door open detection unit further includes a magnet provided in any one of the hinge assembly and the refrigerator door,
The sensor is a magnet sensor that is turned on by the magnet when the refrigerator door is opened less than the reference angle and turned off when the refrigerator door is opened more than the reference angle, and is provided in the other one of the hinge assembly and the refrigerator door. Refrigerator.
7. The method of claim 6,
The sensor is a micro switch provided in any one of the hinge assembly and the refrigerator door,
and the door open detection unit, which is provided on the other one of the hinge assembly and the refrigerator door, and further includes a switch operation unit configured to turn on the micro switch when the refrigerator door is opened by the reference angle.
7. The method of claim 6,
The sensor includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit,
When the refrigerator door rotates by the reference angle, the light emitted from the light emitting unit reaches the light receiving unit, and when the light reaches the light receiving unit, the controller determines that the refrigerator door is opened by the reference angle.
11. The method of claim 10,
The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are disposed on any one of the refrigerator door and the hinge assembly.
11. The method of claim 10,
The light emitting part is disposed on one of the refrigerator door and the hinge assembly, and the light receiving part is disposed on the other one of the refrigerator door and the hinge assembly.
moving the push rod from the initial position toward the door opening position by operating a motor to open the refrigerator door;
determining, by a controller, whether the opening of the refrigerator door is detected by a door open detection unit before the push rod reaches the door open position from the initial position; and
and controlling, by the controller, the motor based on whether the door open detection unit detects the opening of the refrigerator door.
14. The method of claim 13,
The step of the controller controlling the motor,
and controlling, by the controller, the motor so that the push rod returns to the initial position when the door open detection unit determines that the refrigerator door is opened before the push rod reaches the door open position. control method.
14. The method of claim 13,
The step of the controller controlling the motor,
When the door open detection unit determines that the refrigerator door is not opened before the push rod reaches the door open position, the controller controls the motor so that the push rod reaches the door open position. How to control the refrigerator.
moving the push rod from the initial position to the door opening position by operating a motor to open the refrigerator door;
determining, by a controller, whether the opening of the refrigerator door is detected by a door open detection unit in a state in which the push rod is stopped at the door open position; and
and controlling, by the controller, the motor based on whether the door open detection unit detects the opening of the refrigerator door.
17. The method of claim 16,
The step of the controller controlling the motor,
If the door open detection unit detects that the refrigerator door is opened before a predetermined time elapses while the push rod is stopped at the door open position, the controller controls the motor to return the push rod to the initial position. A control method of a refrigerator comprising the step of controlling the.
17. The method of claim 16,
The step of the controller controlling the motor,
If the door open detection unit determines that the refrigerator door is not opened until a predetermined period of time has elapsed while the push rod is stopped at the door open position, the controller is configured to return the push rod to the initial position. A control method of a refrigerator comprising the step of controlling the motor.

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