KR20130121533A - Refrigerator and method for the refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigerator according to the present invention comprises: a sensor module including one or more infrared sensors to sense moving objects; a light source module generating light; and a control unit lighting the light source module in case the sensor module firstly senses the moving object and secondly senses it. A method for operating the refrigerator according to the present invention comprises the steps of: sensing the inside of predetermined first sensing distance; firstly sensing the moving objects within the first sensing distance; sensing the inside of second sensing distance smaller than the first sensing distance after the first sensing; and lighting the light source module in case the moving objects within the second sensing distance is secondly sensed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a refrigerator,

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a refrigerator and a method of operating a refrigerator. The sensor module relates to a refrigerator and a method of operating a refrigerator in which an illumination lamp is turned on when an object is additionally detected after detecting a moving object.

Refrigerators are household appliances that can store refrigerated or frozen foods and other storage materials using refrigerant cycles. For this function, the refrigerator may include a main body having a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment, an evaporator disposed in the main body, a compressor compressing the refrigerant, a condenser condensing the refrigerant, and an expansion device decompressing and expanding the refrigerant.

The refrigerator having the above configuration can periodically turn on / off the compressor so that the internal temperature of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber can be maintained within a predetermined temperature range.

Recently, in addition to basic functions of a refrigerator, there is a need for various refrigerators and a method of operating the refrigerator that can minimize power consumption and make the user's use convenient.

The present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a method of operating the refrigerator having a sensor module device capable of sensing an object located around the refrigerator, and lighting the light by detecting a user's approach using the same.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor module including at least one infrared sensor to detect a moving object; Light source module for generating light; And a controller configured to first sense a moving object by the sensor module and to turn on the light source module when the sensor module detects the second object.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator operating method includes sensing a preset primary sensing distance; Primary sensing an object moving within the primary sensing distance; Sensing in the second sensing distance less than the first sensing distance after the first sensing; And lighting the light source module when a second object is detected within a second sensing distance.

The refrigerator and the method of operating the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention may maximize the user's ease of use at night by turning on lighting by recognizing a user's approach.

A refrigerator and a method of operating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor to recognize an object's approach to increase the accuracy of detection and minimize power consumption.

In the refrigerator and the refrigerator operating method according to an embodiment of the present invention, when an object is first detected by an infrared sensor, the ultrasonic sensor is operated to sense the approach of the object, thereby reducing the power consumption of the ultrasonic sensor, which consumes a lot of power. The consumption can be minimized.

In the refrigerator and the method of operating the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the proximity of an object can be determined using an infrared sensor using a variable resistor, so that convenience of control and accuracy of detection can be improved.

1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state where the door of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 is opened;
3 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention;
4 is a perspective view illustrating a structure of a sensor module of a refrigerator according to one embodiment;
5 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a sensor module of a refrigerator according to one embodiment;
6 is a top view illustrating a sensing form of a sensor module of a refrigerator in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
7 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a sensor module of a refrigerator according to another embodiment;
8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. To fully disclose the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing a door of a refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 opened.

1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment includes a case 110 forming an internal space defined by a refrigerating chamber 120 and a freezing chamber 130, a refrigerating chamber 120 for opening and closing the refrigerating chamber 120, The outward appearance is formed by the door 122 and the freezing chamber door 121 for opening and closing the freezing chamber 130.

The refrigerator compartment door 122 may be a right door rotatably connected to the right side of the case 110 and the freezer compartment door 122 may be a left door rotatably connected to the left side of the case 110.

In the present embodiment, the refrigerating chamber 120 is provided on the right side of the case 110, and the freezing chamber 130 is provided on the left side of the case 110, and the refrigerating chamber 120 and the freezing chamber 130 are opened and closed by two doors. It will be described as being a two-door type, but not limited to this, it is specified that various implementations are possible. For example, it is also possible to configure a three-door type with one more freezer compartment opened and closed by the sliding door of the present invention.

On the other hand, the refrigerator compartment door 122 may be provided with a refrigerator compartment door handle 124 so that the user can open and close the refrigerator compartment door 122. The freezer door 121 is provided with a freezer door handle 123 so that the user can open the freezer door 121.

The front surface of the freezing chamber door 121 may be provided with a dispenser 125 that allows the user to take out ice or drinking water, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The upper side of the dispenser 125 may be provided with a control panel 140 that controls the operation of the refrigerator 1 and outputs the state of the refrigerator 1 as a screen and / or sound through the display unit 141.

The control panel 140 may be a light emitter having a shape such as an LED, an LCD, or an organic EL, but is not limited thereto. The control panel 140 may include a display unit 141, an audio output unit, and an input unit 142.

The display unit 141 can visually display the state information or the failure information of the refrigerator 1. The display unit 141 may be a touch screen for recognizing a touch input. The sound output means may output a sound such as a display unit 141, a buzzer or a speaker. The input unit 142 can receive various operation commands from the user. For example, the input unit 142 may include a mechanical button or an electrostatic / static pressure touch button. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

The refrigerator 1 may achieve a circulation cycle in which the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant pipe and is compressed, expanded, evaporated, and condensed. The refrigerator (1) can perform refrigeration or freezing by performing heat exchange with ambient air by phase change of the refrigerant during the circulation cycle. The refrigerator 1 functions as a compressor (not shown) for compressing refrigerant, an expansion valve (not shown) for expanding the refrigerant, a heat exchanger (not shown) serving as an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant, and a condenser for condensing the refrigerant A heat exchanger (not shown) may be provided.

The refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator compartment fan 184 for blowing cooled air to the refrigerating compartment 120, a freezer compartment fan 186 for blowing the cooled air to the freezing compartment 130, and various components constituting the refrigerator 1. It may further include a detector (not shown) for detecting the operating state of the.

The sensor module 150 may be disposed in one region of the case 110, the refrigerating chamber door 122, or the freezing chamber door 121. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the sensor module 150 is illustrated as being disposed on the top of the case 110. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the position of the sensor module 150 may vary. For example, the sensor module 150 may be located in front of the refrigerating chamber door 122 and the freezing chamber door 121.

The sensor module 150 may include at least one infrared sensor. The sensor module 150 may include a lens unit for adjusting and protecting the detection width of the infrared sensor. The sensor module 150 may include a substrate electrically connected to the infrared sensor, which will be described later.

The sensor module 150 may detect a movement of an object about the refrigerator 1. The sensor module 150 may determine that an object approaches the refrigerator 1 through primary sensing and secondary sensing. The sensor module 150 may transmit a signal corresponding to the controller (not shown) when there is a primary sensing or a secondary sensing. The sensor module 150 may exchange a signal with a control unit (not shown) during the first sensing and the second sensing, which will be described later.

The refrigerator 1 may further include a light source module 170 positioned in one region of the case 110, the refrigerating chamber door 122, or the freezing chamber door 121. The position of the light source module 170 may vary depending on the embodiment and is not limited thereto. In FIG. 1, two light source modules 170 are illustrated so as to be disposed at front surfaces of the refrigerating chamber door 122 and the freezing chamber door 121, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The light source module 170 may generate light. The light source module 170 may be disposed to emit light to the front and side surfaces of the refrigerator 1. The light source module 170 may include a member that adjusts the light directing angle so as to shine light around the refrigerator 1, but is not limited thereto.

The light source module 170 may include a light source for generating light. The light source may be an LED (light emitting diode), but is not limited thereto.

The light source module 170 may be powered on or off according to a command of a controller (not shown). The light source module 170 may adjust the intensity of light and may adjust the color of light, but is not limited thereto.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3, the refrigerator 1 includes an input unit 142, a display unit 141, an input / output control unit 143, a memory 172, a sensing unit 190, an acoustic output unit 182, a compressor 183, A refrigerator compartment fan 184, a freezer compartment fan 186, a defrost heater 188, a condenser fan 189, and a controller 160 for controlling overall operation of the refrigerator.

The sensing unit 190 may include a refrigerating room temperature sensor 191 for sensing the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 120 and a freezing compartment temperature sensor 192 for sensing the temperature of the freezing compartment 130. The sensing unit 190 may further include a defrost sensor 193, a refrigerating compartment fan motor sensor 194, a freezing compartment fan motor sensor 195, and a condenser fan motor sensor 196.

The defrost sensor 193 can detect the temperature of the evaporator surface to determine whether the defrost operation is performed or not. The refrigerator compartment fan motor sensor 194 may sense whether the refrigerator compartment fan 184 is operating normally. The freezer compartment fan motor sensor 195 may sense whether the freezer compartment fan 186 is operating normally. The condenser fan motor sensor 196 may detect whether the condenser fan 189 normally operates to generate heat generated from the condenser when heat exchange with the refrigerant.

The control unit 160 may analyze the operation state of the refrigerator 1 based on information collected through various sensors constituting the sensing unit 190. The input / output control unit 143 may control the state information analyzed by the control unit 150 to be displayed through the display unit 141.

In more detail, the input / output control unit 143 may mediate between the control unit 160 and the input unit 142 and the display unit 141 provided in the control panel 140.

The input / output control unit 143 can transmit various control commands inputted by the user through the input unit 142 to the control unit 160. The input / output control unit 143 may display an image such as a symbol, a character, and / or an icon through the display unit 141 in response to the input control command. When the information sensed by the sensing unit 190 is received through the control unit 160, the input / output control unit 143 may display the status information based on the information through the display unit 141. [

The input / output controller 143 may recognize at least food information and information necessary for managing food. The food information may include a food classification (category, meat, fruit, aquatic products, dairy products, grains, etc.) or a food name. Information necessary for the management of food may include storage period information or food management target information. The storage period information may include at least one of an archive start date, an archive end date, a reference storage period, a storage location, the number of foods, a weight, and a storage method. The food control object information may be storage location management, storage period management, storage amount management, storage method management, and the like.

The storage period management object may include at least one of the storage period from the storage start date to the present day, the storage remaining period from the current date to the storage end date (shelf life date), the storage end date,

The input / output control unit 143 performs food management based on the recognized food information and information necessary for management of the food. Whether or not the reference storage period is reached may be whether it is within the reference storage period from the reference date or whether the reference storage period has been exceeded from the reference date.

Food information and information necessary for the management of food may be selected or input on the display unit 141, or may be input by text or voice through a separate input unit, but is not limited thereto.

The input unit 142 may include at least one input means for inputting a predetermined signal or data to the refrigerator 1 by a user's operation. For example, the input unit 142 may include an operation unit 144 for receiving various control commands for the operation of the refrigerator 1 and a selection unit 145 for receiving a diagnosis mode entry command for diagnosis of the refrigerator 1 But the input means may be different according to various embodiments.

The selection unit 145 may include at least one input means. The selection unit 145 may apply a signal output command to the control unit 160 so that a signal including the product information is output through the sound output unit 182 when the diagnosis execution command is input.

The selecting unit 145 may be constituted by predetermined input means separately from the operating unit 144, but is not limited thereto.

The operation unit 144 may be configured to perform the role of the selection unit 145 when there is a specific pressing pattern such as being continuously pressed for a predetermined time or repeatedly pressed within a predetermined time, but is not limited thereto.

The input unit 142 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lock button for performing a key-lock function so that the user can lock the operation unit 144, The freezer temperature setting button for setting the temperature may be provided, but is not limited thereto.

The memory 172 stores product information. As described above, the product information may include accumulated operation information sensed through the sensing unit 190 for a predetermined period of time during operation of the refrigerator 1. [

For example, the product information may include at least one of identification information (Product ID), configuration information (configuration), operation information (operation information), malfunction information (error-detecting information).

The setting information may be information input from the user for setting the function of the refrigerator 1. [ For example, the setting information may include a set temperature, whether a function is set, whether various components are included, and the like.

The set temperature may include, but is not limited to, a freezer room set temperature, a freezer room target temperature, a cold room setting temperature or a target room temperature. Whether the function is set may include, but is not limited to, quick freezing, fast freezing, special refrigeration, test mode, air purifying mode or exhibition mode. Whether or not the component is provided may be whether or not the dispenser is provided so that water or ice can be taken out to the refrigerator to be diagnosed, but the present invention is not limited thereto and various embodiments may be provided.

The operation information may be information on the operation state of the refrigerator 1. [ For example, the operation information may include a driving time of a fan or a compressor, a door opening time, a door opening time, various time information, temperature information, and the like.

For example, the driving time of the fan may be the driving time of the refrigerator compartment fan or the refrigerating compartment fan accumulated during the set period. The number of door openings may be the number of door openings of the freezer compartment or the refrigerating compartment accumulated during the set period. The door opening time may be the opening time of the freezer compartment door or the refrigerator compartment door accumulated during the setting period.

The driving time of the fan or the compressor may be the driving time of the refrigerator compartment fan or the freezer compartment fan accumulated during the set period and the cumulative driving time of the compressor during the set period.

The various time information may include time information about how long the product information accumulated in the current memory 172 is accumulated for a certain period of time, the most recently performed freezing room defrosting time and / or the defrosting room defrosting time .

The temperature information may include an average temperature, a maximum temperature and / or a minimum temperature sensed by the freezer temperature sensor, the refrigerating compartment temperature sensor, the outdoor air temperature sensor, the freezer compartment defrost sensor, or the refrigerating compartment defrost sensor during the set period. Operational information may include the most recent freezer defrost cycle before the diagnosis.

The malfunction information may be information regarding whether or not the various components or functions of the refrigerator operate normally.

Malfunction information can be found in the normal operation of such devices as the freezer compartment temperature sensor 192, the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 191, the outside air temperature sensor 199, the freezer compartment defrost sensor, or the refrigerator compartment defrost sensor. It may include information about whether or not driving.

For example, malfunction information may be provided with a water pad or an ice pad provided in the dispenser 125 such that water or ice is drawn out when the water is normally supplied to the ice maker. pad) may include information such as normal operation, but is not limited thereto.

The control unit 160 may control the flow of data input to or output from the refrigerator. The control unit 160 may generate a control command according to the data input from the sensing unit 190. The control unit 160 may perform various functions according to the input of the input unit 142 or may output a control signal to output a result, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The refrigerator 1 of one embodiment of the present invention does not have to include all of the plurality of components described above, and each of the components may be omitted according to the embodiment.

The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a sensor module 150 and a light source module 170. The sensor module 150 may detect a movement of an object around the refrigerator 1 and transmit a signal corresponding thereto to the controller 160.

When the control unit 160 receives a signal from the sensor module 150, the control unit 160 sends a signal to the sensor module 150 accordingly, or the control unit 160 based on the signal received from the sensor module 150. Signal). This will be described in detail below.

The controller 160 may process data according to the signal transmitted from the sensor module 150. When the sensor module 150 transmits a signal according to the primary sensing, the controller 160 may transmit a signal for the secondary sensing. When the controller 160 receives a signal according to the second sensing from the sensor module 150, the controller 160 may transmit an operation signal to the light source module 170.

In another embodiment, the refrigerator 1 may include a separate sensor controller (not shown) that transmits and receives a signal through the sensor module 150 and the light source module 170, but is not limited thereto. In some cases, the sensor controller (not shown) may be a component included in the controller 160, but is not limited thereto.

4 is a perspective view illustrating a structure of a sensor module 150 of a refrigerator according to an embodiment, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure of a sensor module 150 of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

4 and 5, the sensor module 150 of the refrigerator according to an embodiment may include a substrate 42, a lens 44, a case 46, and at least one infrared sensor 52. .

The sensor module 150 may detect the presence or absence of an object within a specific sensing distance. The sensor module 150 may detect the presence or absence of an object within a predetermined angle, but the angle may be variable and is not limited to a predetermined angle.

The infrared sensor 52 may be a passive infrared radiation sensor (PIR sensor). The infrared sensor 52 may be a hot wire detector. For example, the infrared sensor 52 may receive and detect infrared rays emitted from an object. The infrared sensor 52 may detect the distance to the object by changing the electrical resistance according to the intensity of the projected light.

The infrared sensor 52 may convert the temperature change amount into an electrical signal using a pyroelectric element when a temperature change occurs due to an external condition in the monitoring region determined by the Fresnel Lenz. A pyroelectric device may be a device having a pyroelectric property and generating an electromotive force by generating a charge proportional to a temperature on the surface of the device.

The substrate 42 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The substrate 42 may be electrically connected to the infrared sensor 52. The substrate 42 may be connected to the controller 160. The substrate 42 may mediate between the infrared sensor 52 or the ultrasonic sensor and the controller 160. The substrate 42 may provide power to the infrared sensor 52 or the ultrasonic sensor.

The sensor module 150 of the refrigerator 1 of the exemplary embodiment may include a sensor controller 56. The sensor controller 56 may control the infrared sensor 52 or the ultrasonic sensor. Although the sensor controller 56 is illustrated in FIG. 5, the function of the sensor controller 56 may be included in the controller 160 of the refrigerator 1, and in other embodiments, the sensor controller 56 may be omitted.

The lenses 44 and 45 may be optical structures that collect infrared rays incident to the sensor 50 including the infrared sensor 52 and protect the front of the sensor 50. The lenses 44 and 45 may be spaced apart from the sensor 50. The lenses 44 and 45 may adjust the sensing angle of the sensor 50.

The case 46 may surround the sensor 50, the lenses 44 and 45, and the substrate 42. The case 46 may support the sensor 50, the lenses 44 and 45, and the substrate 42. The case 46 may block and protect the sensor 50, the lenses 44 and 45, and the substrate 42 from the external environment. The case 46 may have first and second spaces S1 and S2 for determining the amount of propagation of light or sound incident to the sensor 50.

The sensor 50 may include at least one infrared sensor 52. In the first embodiment, the sensor 50 may include one infrared sensor 52 and one ultrasonic sensor 56. In the second embodiment, the sensor 50 may include two infrared sensors 52, 56. In the third embodiment, the sensor 50 may include one infrared sensor.

4 to 6, the first and second embodiments will be described, and the third embodiment will be further described with reference to FIG. 7.

6 is a top view illustrating a sensing form of a sensor module of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the sensor 50 may include an infrared sensor 52 and an ultrasonic sensor 56.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the infrared sensor 52 may primarily sense an object within the primary sensing distance d1. When there is the primary detection, the ultrasonic sensor 56 may be turned on and perform the secondary detection within the secondary detection distance d2.

The primary sensing distance d1 and the secondary sensing distance d2 of the sensor module 150 may be different from each other. For example, the primary sensing distance d1 of the infrared sensor 52 may be larger than the secondary sensing distance d2 of the ultrasonic sensor 56.

The infrared sensor 52 may detect movement of an object within a sensing distance with respect to the refrigerator 1. The infrared sensor 52 may detect heat of the object. When the infrared sensor 52 detects the first object, the infrared sensor 52 may transmit a signal corresponding thereto to the controller 160.

The infrared sensor 52 may be a switch for supplying power to the ultrasonic sensor 56. The infrared sensor 52 may transmit the primary sensing signal to the controller 160, and when the controller 160 receives the primary sensing signal, may supply power to the ultrasonic sensor 56.

The ultrasonic sensor 56 may be electrically connected to the substrate 42. The ultrasonic sensor 56 may operate in response to the signal received from the controller 160.

The ultrasonic sensor 56 may emit short high frequency pulses (about 40 KHz) at regular intervals, and calculate a distance from the object based on the time difference from the echo signal that hits the object and returns.

The ultrasonic sensor 56 may operate when the infrared sensor 52 primarily detects an object. When the second sensor 56 detects the approach of the object within the second sensing distance d2, the ultrasonic sensor 56 may transmit a signal corresponding thereto to the controller 160. The ultrasonic sensor 56 detects a predetermined time and may be turned off when the predetermined time has elapsed, but is not limited thereto.

The ultrasonic sensor 56 or the infrared sensor 52 may be plural in order to widen the detection range, but is not limited thereto. When there are a plurality of ultrasonic sensors 56 or infrared sensors 52, the plurality of infrared sensors 52 may perform primary sensing and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors 56 may perform secondary sensing, but the present invention is not limited thereto. When there are a plurality of ultrasonic sensors 56 or infrared sensors 52, the sensing step may be larger, but is not limited thereto.

The ultrasonic sensor 56 or the infrared sensor 52 may be rotated using various motors to widen the detection range, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the sensor controller 54 may transmit an operation signal to the ultrasonic sensor 56 in response to the primary detection of the infrared sensor 52, but is not limited thereto, and functions of the sensor controller 54. The control unit 160 may replace.

When the controller 160 receives a signal corresponding to the secondary sensing from the sensor module 150, the controller 160 may transmit an operation signal to the light source module 170.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module 150 may include two infrared sensors 52 and 56.

The two infrared sensors 52 and 56 may have different sensing distances. One infrared sensor 52 may have a primary sensing distance (d1), the other infrared sensor 56 may have a secondary sensing distance (d2), but is not limited to the reference numerals and the infrared sensor ( 52, 56 may vary.

When the infrared sensor 52 detects an object within the primary sensing distance d1, the signal may be transmitted to the controller 160. If there is a second detection after the first detection, the remaining infrared sensor 56 may transmit a signal corresponding thereto to the controller 160.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the number of infrared sensors may be increased, and accordingly, the sensing step or the sensing range of the sensor module 150 may be changed, but is not limited thereto.

The controller 160 may compare or analyze the voltage signals received from the two infrared sensors 52 and 56. The controller 160 may turn on or turn off the light source module 170 based on the voltage signals received from the two infrared sensors 52 and 56. If the controller 160 receives the signal for the second sensing after receiving the signal for the first sensing, the controller 160 may report that the object is approaching and transmit a lighting signal to the light source module 170.

7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure of a sensor module of a refrigerator according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the sensor module 150 of the refrigerator 1 according to the third embodiment may include a variable resistor (not shown) capable of varying the sensing distance of one infrared sensor 52 and the infrared sensor 52. It may further include.

In the third embodiment, the sensor module 150 may include one infrared sensor 52 and one lens 44 corresponding thereto. In the case, a first space S1 corresponding to one lens 44 may be formed.

The infrared sensor 52 may include a light emitting unit (not shown) for emitting infrared rays and a light receiving unit (not shown) for receiving infrared rays.

When the light receiving unit (not shown) of the infrared sensor 52 receives the infrared light reflected by the object, the resistance value may vary accordingly. The variable resistor (not shown) may adjust the degree of response when the infrared sensor receives infrared rays. The variable resistor (not shown) may adjust the sensing distance of the infrared sensor by adjusting the sensitivity of the infrared sensor. The variable resistor (not shown) may be provided on the substrate 42.

The infrared sensor 52 may detect the presence of an object within the preset primary sensing distance d1. When the infrared sensor 52 detects an object within the primary sensing distance d1, the infrared sensor 52 may transmit a sensing signal corresponding to the object to the controller 160. Infrared sensor 52 may be adjusted by the sensing distance by a variable resistor (not shown).

The infrared sensor 52 may reduce the sensing distance. The infrared sensor 52 may detect an object within a smaller secondary sensing distance d2 than the primary sensing distance d1. When the infrared sensor 52 detects an object within the secondary sensing distance d2, the infrared sensor 52 may transmit a signal corresponding thereto to the controller 160.

The controller 160 may determine the approach of the object based on the voltage signal received from the infrared sensor 52. When the controller 160 receives a signal corresponding to the primary detection from the infrared sensor 52, the controller 160 may adjust a resistance value of a variable resistor (not shown). The controller 160 may adjust the sensing distance of the infrared sensor 52 by adjusting the resistance value of the variable resistor (not shown).

When the controller 160 receives a signal corresponding to the second sensing after receiving a signal corresponding to the first sensing from the sensor module 150, the controller 160 may determine that an object approaches the refrigerator 1. When the controller 160 determines the approach of the object, the controller 160 may transmit a signal to turn on the light source module 170.

8 to 10 are flowcharts illustrating a method of operating a refrigerator according to a plurality of embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 8, a method of operating a refrigerator according to an embodiment includes sensing a preset primary sensing distance (S210), primary sensing a moving object within a primary sensing distance (S220), and primary And after sensing the second sensing distance smaller than the first sensing distance (S230) and detecting the second object within the second sensing distance (S240), turning on the light source module (S250). Can be.

The sensor module 150 included in the refrigerator 1 may sense the presence of an object within a preset primary sensing distance (S210). The sensor module 150 may sense the presence of an object within a primary sensing distance and a predetermined angle.

The refrigerator 1 may detect day / night. The refrigerator 1 may further include a sensor for detecting illuminance around the refrigerator 1. The controller 160 may receive a signal from a sensor for detecting illuminance around the refrigerator 1 and operate the sensor module 150 when it is determined to be night. However, this is only one embodiment, and in another embodiment, the sensor module 150 may be operated even in the daytime, but is not limited thereto.

The sensor module 150 may detect an object within a primary sensing distance (S220). In the present embodiment, sensing within the primary sensing distance may be performed by an infrared sensor.

When the sensor module 150 detects an object within the primary sensing distance, the sensor module 150 may transmit a signal corresponding thereto to the controller 160. If there is no primary detection, the sensor module 150 may continuously sense the primary detection distance, but is not limited thereto.

The sensor module 150 may sense an object within the secondary sensing distance (S230). In the present embodiment, sensing within the secondary sensing distance may be performed by an infrared sensor.

The sensor module 150 may transmit a signal corresponding to the control unit 160 when the second sensing is performed.

According to an embodiment, the sensor module 150 may simultaneously perform sensing for primary sensing and sensing for secondary sensing, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, only sensing for the first sensing may be performed, and if there is a first sensing, the second sensing may be performed. This will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

In the present embodiment, the sensor module 150 may report this to the controller 160 when the second sensing is not detected within a second time within a second sensing distance. When the controller 160 receives a signal that does not detect the secondary from the sensor module 150, the controller 160 may wait for a signal corresponding to the primary sensing again.

The refrigerator 1 may turn on the light source module 170 when it detects a second object within the second sensing distance (S240).

When the controller 160 additionally receives a signal for secondary sensing after receiving a signal for primary sensing from the sensor module 150, the controller 160 may transmit a signal for lighting to the light source module 170.

9 illustrates a method of operating a refrigerator according to another embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the operation method of the refrigerator according to the embodiment may further include driving the power of the ultrasonic sensor (S260) when there is a primary detection.

The sensor module 150 may report this to the controller 160 when there is a primary detection. When the controller 160 receives a signal corresponding to the primary sensing from the sensor module 150, the controller 160 may transmit a signal for driving the ultrasonic sensor to the ultrasonic sensor.

In another embodiment, when the infrared sensor detects the primary sensor, the ultrasonic sensor may be directly driven without passing through the controller 160. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and various embodiments may exist.

In the present embodiment, the sensing in the primary sensing distance (S210) may be performed by an infrared sensor, and the sensing in the secondary sensing distance (S230) may be performed by an ultrasonic sensor.

When the secondary sensing does not occur within a certain time, the ultrasonic sensor may be powered off, and the sensor module 150 may again detect the presence or absence of an object within the primary sensing distance.

10 illustrates a method of operating a refrigerator according to another embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the operation method of the refrigerator according to the embodiment may further include a step (S270) of reducing the detection distance by varying a resistance value of the variable resistor when there is a primary detection.

The sensor module 150 may report this to the controller 160 when there is a primary detection. When the controller 160 receives a signal corresponding to the primary sensing from the sensor module 150, the controller 160 may vary the resistance value of the variable resistor. The sensor module 150 may perform sensing within the secondary sensing distance by reducing the sensing distance of the infrared sensor when the resistance of the variable resistor is variable.

In the present embodiment, the sensing in the primary sensing distance (S210) and the sensing in the secondary sensing distance (S230) may be performed by one infrared sensor.

The refrigerator operating method according to the present exemplary embodiment may further include increasing the sensing distance by varying the resistance value of the variable resistor when a predetermined time is elapsed without the secondary sensing (S280).

If the secondary sensing does not occur within a predetermined time, the sensor module 150 may report this to the controller 160. The controller 160 may adjust the resistance value of the variable resistor when receiving a signal that does not occur secondary sensing. The sensor module 150 may perform sensing within the primary sensing distance, which is an increased sensing distance by adjusting the resistance of the variable resistor. When the controller 160 receives a signal for which the second sensing has not occurred, the controller 160 may switch back to a waiting state for a signal corresponding to the first sensing.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, It should be understood that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

1: Refrigerator 110: Case
121: Freezer door 122: Refrigerator door
123: Freezer door handle 124: Refrigerator door handle
125: dispenser 140: control panel
141: Display section 142: Input section
150: sensor module 160: light source module

Claims (15)

A sensor module including at least one infrared sensor to detect a moving object;
Light source module for generating light; And
And a controller configured to first sense a moving object by the sensor module and to turn on the light source module when the sensor module detects a second object later. The method of claim 1,
The sensor module further includes an ultrasonic sensor for detecting the approach of the object by using ultrasonic waves,
The ultrasonic sensor is a refrigerator that operates when the infrared sensor detects the primary movement of the object. 3. The method of claim 2,
The infrared sensor is a refrigerator to operate as a switch for providing power to the ultrasonic sensor. 3. The method of claim 2,
And the control unit turns on the light source module when the ultrasonic sensor detects the approach of an object. 5. The method of claim 4,
The infrared sensor detects within the primary sensing distance,
The ultrasonic sensor detects within the secondary sensing distance,
The first sensing distance of the infrared sensor is greater than the second sensing distance of the ultrasonic sensor. The method of claim 1,
The sensor module includes two infrared sensors,
The two infrared sensors have a different sensing distance of the refrigerator. The method according to claim 6,
The infrared sensor having a longer detection distance among the two infrared sensors performs the first detection,
The infrared sensor of the two infrared sensors having a shorter detection distance is the second detection. The method according to claim 6,
The control unit compares or analyzes the voltage signals output from the two infrared sensors. The method of claim 1,
The sensor module is a refrigerator for varying the sensing distance of the infrared sensor to perform the first detection and the second detection. The method of claim 1,
The sensor module further includes a variable resistor,
The control unit controls the detection distance of the infrared sensor by changing the resistance value of the variable resistor. 11. The method of claim 10,
The sensor module detects the primary at a preset primary sensing distance,
The refrigerator for the second detection at a second detection distance shorter than the detection distance of the first detection. Sensing a preset primary sensing distance;
Primary sensing an object moving within the primary sensing distance;
Sensing in the second sensing distance less than the first sensing distance after the first sensing; And
And lighting a light source module when a second object is detected within the second detection distance. 13. The method of claim 12,
And driving the power of the ultrasonic sensor when the primary detection is present. 13. The method of claim 12,
And reducing the sensing distance by varying a resistance value of a variable resistor when the primary sensing is performed. 15. The method of claim 14,
If a certain time has elapsed without secondary detection,
And increasing a sensing distance by varying a resistance value of the variable resistor.

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