KR20240010141A - Door opening device and refrigerator including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

In the door opening device and refrigerator according to the present invention, the head cover that is connected to one end of the rack bar and pushes the rear of the door assembly is included in the door opening device and includes a pair of protrusions toward the front of the housing to correspond to the rear of the head cover. Since horizontal alignment can be achieved by the protruding rib, horizontal misalignment that may occur due to assembly steps between the door opening device and a separate structure can be improved.

Description

Door opening device and refrigerator including the same {DOOR OPENING DEVICE AND REFRIGERATOR INCLUDING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a door opening device that automatically opens the door or assists in opening the door.

A refrigerator is a home appliance that supplies cold air generated through the circulation of refrigerant to a storage room, thereby keeping various types of objects fresh in the storage room for a long period of time.

The refrigerator includes a cabinet forming a storage room and a door connected to the front of the cabinet to open and close the storage room.

Generally, an additional gasket can be placed on the opposite side between the door and the cabinet to prevent cold air leakage from the storage room.

In order to maintain the airtightness of the storage room, the gasket is made of a compressible material and shape to allow the door to adhere closely to the cabinet.

Since the adhesion of the gasket is inversely proportional to the amount of cold air leakage in the storage compartment, the adhesion of the gasket can be increased to reduce the amount of cold air leakage in the storage compartment.

However, if the gasket's adhesion increases, the user may need a lot of force to open the door.

Therefore, by introducing a door opening device that automatically opens the door to the refrigerator, it is possible to assist the user in easily opening the door with a small amount of force while maintaining high airtightness of the storage room.

The door opening device can open the door by pushing the rear of the door with a head cover connected to the front end of a rack bar that moves to protrude and return in the forward and backward directions.

The door is opened to rotate based on the side with the hinge part among the two sides, and the head cover that pushes the rear of the door protrudes in contact with the rear of the door, so the head cover rotates and protrudes from one end of the rack bar. It will happen.

When the rack bar returns after the door is opened, the head cover that protrudes in a rotated state also returns along with the rack bar.

In this case, it is necessary to return the front of the rotated head cover to be horizontal.

For example, a case cover including a protruding hole that serves as a passage for protruding and returning the rack bar may be disposed on the front of the door opening device.

A support protruding toward the inside of the protruding hole may be formed on the case cover corresponding to the protruding hole, and when the rack bar returns, the edge of the head cover is caught by the support so that the front of the head cover is aligned horizontally. .

However, because the case cover is a separate structure from the door opening device, assembly steps may occur during the process of assembling the case cover and the door opening device to the refrigerator.

In this case, if an assembly step occurs between the case cover and the door opening device, the edge of the head cover may not be properly caught on the support of the case cover as intended during design, and the front of the head cover may not be aligned horizontally. You can.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a door opening device that can improve horizontal misalignment of the head cover due to assembly steps and a refrigerator including the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a door opening device that can improve horizontal misalignment of a head cover by correcting the sensing deviation of a hall sensor that detects the return position of a rack bar, and a refrigerator including the same.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the objects mentioned above, and other objects and advantages of the present invention that are not mentioned can be understood by the following description and will be more clearly understood by the examples of the present invention. Additionally, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof indicated in the patent claims.

A door opening device and a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the problems described above are technically characterized by including a pair of protruding ribs that protrude toward the front of the housing to correspond to the rear of the head cover.

Specifically, the head cover, which is connected to one end of the rack bar and pushes the rear of the door assembly, is included in the door opening device and is horizontally aligned by a pair of protruding ribs that protrude toward the front of the housing to correspond to the rear of the head cover. Since this can be done, horizontal misalignment that may occur due to assembly steps between the door opening device and a separate structure can be improved.

The refrigerator includes a cabinet including a storage compartment, a door assembly that opens and closes the front of the cabinet, and a door opening device that automatically opens the door assembly, and the door opening device includes a housing and an inside of the housing. A rack bar that protrudes from the housing or moves to return to the housing, a head cover connected to one end of the rack bar to push the rear of the door assembly, and a head cover that protrudes forward of the housing to correspond to the rear of the head cover. It includes a pair of protruding ribs.

Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, when the rack bar returns to the housing after protruding from the housing, the rear surface of the head cover may contact the pair of protruding ribs.

Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of protruding ribs may have shapes that are symmetrical to each other with respect to the vertical center line of the rear surface of the head cover.

Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of protruding ribs may be disposed in positions symmetrical to each other with respect to the vertical center line of the rear surface of the head cover.

Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of protruding ribs may contact an edge portion of the rear surface of the head cover.

Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of protruding ribs may be arranged to pass through the center line in the left and right directions of the rear surface of the head cover.

Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of protruding ribs may be arranged to correspond to four corners of the edge portion of the rear surface of the head cover.

Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of protruding ribs may be disposed at a position corresponding to an upper region of the rear surface of the head cover and contact the rear surface of the head cover.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of protruding ribs may extend downward from the upper area of the back of the head cover to pass the left and right center lines of the back of the head cover.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the door opening device further includes a rack cover coupled to the housing to cover the rack bar, and the pair of protruding ribs may be located at a front end of the rack cover.

Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of protruding ribs may protrude to the outside of the housing.

Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of protruding ribs may be located on the front of the housing facing the rear of the head cover.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a lower base forming a lower part and some side surfaces, and an upper cover coupled to the lower base to form an upper part and some side surfaces, and the pair of protruding ribs. may be located on the front of the upper cover facing the rear of the head cover.

In another embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a case cover located in front of the door opening device and including a protruding hole through which the rack bar protrudes, and the case cover includes a support formed to protrude around an inner circumference of the protruding hole. It includes a chin, and a support rib formed to protrude from an outer periphery of the head cover is disposed on the front of the head cover. When the rack bar returns to the housing, the support rib is positioned higher than the support rib to have a gap spaced a predetermined distance apart. It can be located in the front.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the case cover is located in front of the door opening device and includes a protruding hole through which the rack bar protrudes, and the rear surface of the head cover is in contact with the pair of protruding ribs. The front of the head cover may be maintained horizontally with the front of the case cover.

In addition, a door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the problems described above includes a housing, a rack bar accommodated inside the housing and protruding from the housing or moving to return to the housing, and the rack. A head cover connected to one side of the bar, a magnet located on the other side of the rack bar, a hall sensor located in the rear area of the housing to detect the magnet, and a head cover protruding forward of the housing to correspond to the rear of the head cover. Contains a pair of protruding ribs.

Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, when the rack bar returns to the housing and the Hall sensor detects the magnet, if the back of the head cover and the protruding rib are spaced apart from each other by more than a set separation distance, the rack bar retracts by a set distance. The movement may be stopped after operating to return a further distance.

In another embodiment of the present invention, when the rack bar returns to the housing and the hall sensor detects the magnet, if the back of the head cover and the protruding rib are spaced apart from each other by less than a set separation distance, the rack bar is further It operates to return, but the movement may be stopped when the rear surface of the head cover and the protruding rib contact each other.

Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, when the rack bar returns to the housing and the Hall sensor detects the magnet, movement of the rack bar may be stopped when the rear surface of the head cover and the protruding rib contact each other.

In addition, a door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the problems described above is accommodated inside a housing, and protrudes from the housing or moves in the front and rear direction of the housing to return to the housing. It includes a rack bar, a head cover connected to one end of the rack bar, and a pair of protruding ribs that protrude toward the front of the housing to correspond to the back of the head cover.

Because the door opening device and refrigerator according to the present invention can be horizontally aligned by a pair of protruding ribs included in the door opening device and protruding toward the front of the housing to correspond to the rear of the head cover when the head cover is returned, Horizontal misalignment that may occur due to assembly steps between the door opening device and a separate structure can be improved.

In this way, the door opening device and refrigerator according to the present invention can improve horizontal misalignment of the head cover of the door opening device by ensuring assembly reliability and improving the level difference in the assembly part.

The door opening device and refrigerator according to the present invention executes operation logic to additionally return the rack bar a predetermined distance even after detection by the hall sensor, thereby correcting the sensing deviation of the hall sensor that detects the return position of the rack bar to horizontally align the head cover. Defects can be improved.

In addition to the above-described effects, specific effects of the present invention are described below while explaining specific details for carrying out the invention.

1 and 2 are front perspective views of the refrigerator with the door assembly in a closed state and an open state, respectively.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view with the door assembly and cabinet separated.
Figures 4 and 5 are enlarged views showing the refrigerator with the door assembly in a closed state and an open state, respectively, according to the movement of the rack bar.
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the door opening device and case cover separated from the cabinet.
Figure 7 shows a door opening device, and Figure 8 is a view showing some internal areas of the door opening device.
Figure 9 shows a rack cover.
Figure 10 shows the head cover pushing the rear surface of the door assembly due to the protrusion of the rack cover.
Figure 11 shows that the head cover is horizontally aligned by the protruding ribs due to the return of the rack cover.
Figure 12 is a side view showing the head cover being horizontally aligned by the protruding ribs.
13 to 17 are schematic diagrams showing various embodiments of protruding ribs formed in a door opening device.
Figure 18 shows step-by-step the return operation logic that operates to additionally return the rack bar when the Hall sensor detects the magnet of the rack cover and the rear of the head cover and the protruding rib are separated by more than the set separation distance.
Figure 19 shows step by step the return operation logic that operates to additionally return the rack bar when the hall sensor detects the magnet of the rack cover and the rear of the head cover and the protruding rib are spaced less than the set separation distance.
Figure 20 shows step by step that when the Hall sensor detects the magnet of the rack cover and the back of the head cover and the protruding rib come into contact with each other, the rack bar does not return further and the movement is stopped.

The above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail later with reference to the attached drawings, so that those skilled in the art will be able to easily implement the technical idea of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals are used to indicate identical or similar components.

Although first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, these components are of course not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component, and unless specifically stated to the contrary, the first component may also be a second component.

Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

Hereinafter, the “top (or bottom)” of a component or the arrangement of any component on the “top (or bottom)” of a component means that any component is placed in contact with the top (or bottom) of the component. Additionally, it may mean that other components may be interposed between the component and any component disposed on (or under) the component.

Additionally, when a component is described as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component, the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, but the other component is “interposed” between each component. It should be understood that “or, each component may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected” through other components.

As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as “consists of” or “comprises” should not be construed as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and some of the components or steps may include It may not be included, or it should be interpreted as including additional components or steps.

Additionally, as used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as “consists of” or “comprises” should not be construed as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and some of the components or steps may include It may not be included, or it should be interpreted as including additional components or steps.

Throughout the specification, when referred to as “A and/or B”, this means A, B or A and B, unless specifically stated to the contrary, and when referred to as “C to D”, this means unless specifically stated to the contrary. Unless absent, it means C or higher and D or lower.

Hereinafter, a door assembly and a refrigerator according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described.

1 to 6, a refrigerator (1) including a door opening device (30) that automatically opens the door assembly (20) and a case cover (14) disposed in front of the door opening device (30). Let me explain.

The exterior of the refrigerator 1 may be formed by a cabinet 10 including a storage compartment 13 as a storage space inside, and a door assembly 20 that can open and close the open front of the cabinet 10. The storage compartment 13 may include one or more shelves 131 and/or drawers 132.

The cabinet 10 may include an outer case 11 that forms the outer surface of the refrigerator 1 and an inner case 12 that forms the inner surface.

The outer case 11 and the inner case 12 are formed to have a space spaced apart from each other, and an insulating material is foamed in the spaced space, so that the empty space can be filled with the insulating material.

The storage compartment 13 may be box-shaped with an open front, and may be divided into one or more storage spaces.

A door opening device 30 that automatically opens the door assembly 20 may be disposed inside the upper part of the cabinet 10.

When the user touches the button portion 20b on the front of the door assembly 20, the rack bar 37 of the door opening device 30 is pulled out to the front of the refrigerator 1 and pushes the door assembly 20. ), the user can open the refrigerator 1 without exerting much force.

The door assembly 20 may include a touch assembly (not shown), a body assembly 21 accommodating the touch assembly (not shown), and a panel assembly 22 detachably coupled to the front of the body assembly 21. You can. A decor cover 24 can be additionally coupled to the top of the panel assembly 22 and the body assembly 21.

The touch assembly (not shown) may include a touch sensor that recognizes the touch of the button portion 20b.

A door opening device 30 may be disposed in the cabinet 10.

The door opening device 30 may be accommodated in a receiving case 301 located at the top of the cabinet 10 so as to overlap the center of the cabinet 10.

The receiving case 301 has an open front, and the door opening device 30 can be slidably inserted into and fixed to the receiving case 301 with an open front.

The door opening device 30 may include a rack bar 37 that opens the door assembly 20 by pushing the upper rear surface of the door assembly 20 .

A case cover 14 that closes the front of the door opening device 30 may be disposed in front of the door opening device 30 to be coupled to the cabinet 10.

An operation panel 142 that can display and set various information may be attached to the case cover 14.

The case cover 14 may be formed to extend in the left and right directions of the refrigerator 1, but is not limited thereto and may vary depending on the front finishing shape.

The case cover 14 may include a protruding hole 141, which is a through hole formed through which the rack bar 37 protrudes and passes.

Therefore, when the door assembly 20 is opened, the rack bar 37 passes through the protruding hole 141 and is drawn out, thereby pushing the door assembly 20.

The protruding hole 141 and the rack bar 37 can be positioned to push the center of the door assembly 20, and accordingly, even when the opening direction of the door assembly 20 is changed, the door assembly 20 is maintained without additional setting changes. ) can be opened at a certain angle and force.

7 and 8, the door opening device 30 includes a rack bar 37 that is inserted or withdrawn into a housing 31 composed of a lower base 311 and an upper cover 312, and the rack bar (37) can be protected by a rack cover (352).

Fastening ends 33 are formed on both front ends of the door opening device 30 and can be screw-coupled with the receiving case 301 and fixed thereto.

A pair of first fastening parts 321 may be formed on both sides of the door opening device 30, and a pair of second fastening parts 322 facing rear may be formed at the rear end.

A first cushion member 321a is formed in the first fastening part 321, and a second cushion member 322a is formed in the second fastening part 322 to alleviate the shock of the door opening device 30 and prevent vibration. can be reduced.

The second cushion member 322a may be formed in a U-shape, and is fastened to surround the seating pillars located on both sides of the rear side of the receiving case 301 to determine the position when the door opening device 30 is coupled in a sliding manner. It can play a guiding role.

A rack gear 376 may be formed on one side of the rack bar 37.

The rack gear 376 is installed to mesh with the pinion gear 391 exposed through the internal exposed hole 351, allowing the rack bar 37 to be drawn in or out in the front-back direction.

That is, the rack bar 37 can protrude from the housing 31 or move to return to the housing 31.

A rack head 371 may be rotatably installed at the tip of the rack bar 37.

The rack head 371 is installed at the tip of the rack bar 37 to include a first rotation range that can be rotated to one side and a second rotation range that can be rotated to the other side, based on the rotation pin 372. It can be.

The first rotation range may be set as the range in which the left-opening structure door moves when it is rotated. The second rotation range can be set as the range in which the right-opening structure door moves when it is rotated.

For example, the rack head 371 may be configured to rotate by a first rotation range on one side and by a second rotation range on the other side. At this time, the first rotation range and the second rotation range may be set to be the same or may be set differently.

A head cover 374 is attached to the front end of the rack bar 37 to alleviate impact when the rear of the door assembly 20 is pushed.

The head cover 374 may be made of urethane material. Due to this structure, when the head cover 374 is damaged, only the head cover 374 can be replaced, and damage such as tearing or breaking can be prevented even if the rack head 371 is rotated frequently.

A support rib 375 may be formed along the outer circumference of the front end of the head cover 374. The support rib 375 may be formed to protrude outward from the periphery of the head cover 374.

A rack cover 352 is disposed on the open upper surface of the rack bar 37, so that the open upper surface can be closed to prevent the rack bar 37 accommodated in the housing 31 from being unintentionally separated from the upper part. .

The rack cover 352 may have the shape of a long bar extending long in the front-back direction of the door opening device 30 and covering the rack bar 37.

In the present invention, the front-back direction of the door opening device 30 refers to the direction in which the rack bar 37 protrudes and returns, and the left-right direction of the door opening device 30 refers to a direction that intersects the front-back direction.

Accordingly, the rack cover 352 may have a long width in the front-to-back direction and a short width in the left-right direction, but is not limited thereto.

One or more fastening holes 3521 may be formed in the rack cover 352.

In the housing 31, fastening holes 354 may be formed at positions corresponding to the fastening holes 3521 of the rack cover 352, and after the fastening holes 3521 and fastening holes 354 are aligned, The rack cover 352 may be fixedly coupled to the housing 31 by a fastening member 3522 such as a screw.

A pair of protruding ribs 353 may be formed on the front end of the rack cover 352 facing the rear of the head cover 374.

When the rack cover 352 is coupled to the housing 31, the pair of protruding ribs 353 may protrude outward toward the front of the housing 31.

Accordingly, the pair of protruding ribs 353 protrude toward the front of the housing 31 to correspond to the rear of the head cover 374, and the front end surface 3531 of the protruding ribs 353 faces the rear of the head cover 374. can be contacted.

An accommodating portion 3532, which is an accommodating space in which the rack head 371 can be accommodated when the rack bar 37 is returned, may be formed between the pair of protruding ribs 353.

10 and 11, the protruding movement of the rack bar 37 passing through the protruding hole 141 of the case cover 14 and pushing the rear of the door assembly 20, and the return of the rack bar 37 In this case, the return movement of the horizontally aligned rack bar 37 will be further explained.

For example, when an operation signal for door opening is applied to the door opening device 30, the door opening device 30 that receives the operation signal opens the head cover 374 of the rack bar 37 and the door assembly 20. By pushing, the door assembly 20 can be opened to a certain angle.

In this case, the head cover 374 is rotated to the first or second rotation range and protrudes forward while contacting the rear of the door assembly 20.

Meanwhile, when a return signal is applied to the door opening device 30, the door opening device 30 returns the rack bar 37.

In this way, when the rack bar 37 returns to the housing 31 after protruding from the housing 31, the rear side of the head cover 3741 may come into contact with the pair of protruding ribs 353.

Specifically, when the rack bar 37 returns, the rear side of the head cover 3741 may first contact one of the pair of protruding ribs 353.

And when the rack bar 37 is further returned while in contact with one protruding rib 353, the head cover 374 rotates to be horizontal around the rotation pin 372, and the remaining protruding ribs 353 It may also come into contact with the back of the head cover (3741).

When the pair of protruding ribs 353 contact the back of the head cover 3741, the rack bar 37 may stop returning.

Since the pair of protruding ribs 353 each support the edge portion of the back of the head cover 3741 to be pressed from the back, the front of the head cover 374 can be aligned horizontally.

When the head cover 374 is aligned horizontally, it remains level with the front of the case cover 14, thereby improving the appearance quality.

Meanwhile, the case cover 14 may include a support 141a formed to protrude around the inner circumference of the protruding hole 141.

When the rack bar 37 returns to the housing 31, when the back of the head cover 3741 contacts the pair of protruding ribs 353, the support ribs 375 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance to have a gap g. It may be located ahead of the support 141a.

When the head cover 374 is aligned horizontally, when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 1, the support 141a of the case cover 14 may protrude further inward to overlap the rear of the support rib 375. .

Therefore, the support 141a can serve to prevent the inside from being recognized from the outside through the protruding hole 141.

In this way, the door opening device 30 according to the present invention is opened by a pair of protruding ribs 353 that protrude toward the front of the housing 31 to correspond to the back of the head cover 3741 when the head cover 374 returns. Since the horizontal can be aligned, horizontal misalignment that may occur due to assembly steps between the door opening device 30 and a separate structure can be improved.

For example, when the support rib 375 of the head cover 374 is aligned by being caught on the support 141a of the case cover 14, it is assembled as a separate structure from the door opening device 30. If an assembly step between the case covers 14 occurs, horizontal misalignment of the head cover 374 may occur.

However, as in the present invention, the structure for horizontal alignment of the head cover 374 is formed in the door opening device 30 rather than a separate structure from the door opening device 30, so that the support 141a of the case cover 14 Horizontal misalignment can be greatly improved by reducing assembly steps that may occur due to separate horizontal alignment structures such as .

However, in the embodiment of the present invention, the support rib 375 is described and shown to be located ahead of the support ledge 141a so as to have a gap g spaced a predetermined distance apart, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, when horizontal alignment by the protruding rib 353 and horizontal alignment by the support ledge 141a are performed together, the rear of the support rib 375 is caught by the support ledge 141a, so that there is no gap g. They can also come into contact with each other.

However, even in this case, the horizontal alignment by the protruding rib 353 is the main thing, and the horizontal alignment by the support 141a should be understood as auxiliary.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the pair of protruding ribs 353 will be described with further reference to FIGS. 12 to 17.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 , the pair of protruding ribs 353 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the upper region of the rear of the head cover 374 and contact the rear of the head cover 374.

The pair of protruding ribs 353 may have shapes that are symmetrical to each other with respect to the vertical center line c2 of the rear surface of the head cover 374.

Additionally, the pair of protruding ribs 353 may have shapes that are symmetrical to each other with respect to the vertical center line c2 of the rear surface of the head cover 374.

Since the pair of protruding ribs 353 must support the rear of the head cover 374 and be aligned horizontally, the pressing force applied by the pair of protruding ribs 353 to the rear of the head cover 374 is substantially the same. It is desirable that it works effectively.

Therefore, the pair of protruding ribs 353 are arranged in positions that are symmetrical to each other with respect to the vertical center line (c2), or have shapes that are symmetrical to each other, so that the pressing force can be applied as evenly as possible on both sides, thereby achieving more precise horizontal alignment. We can make this happen.

The pair of protruding ribs 353 may contact the edge of the rear side of the head cover 374.

The rear edge of the head cover 374 as defined in the present invention is not meant to limit the outermost portion.

For example, the rear edge of the head cover 374 may mean including the outermost part, or may mean a peripheral part located within a predetermined distance from the outermost part.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 , the pair of protruding ribs 353 may be disposed to pass through the center line c1 in the left and right directions at the rear of the head cover 374.

For example, a pair of protruding ribs 353 disposed at the front of the rack cover 352 may extend downward from the upper area of the rear of the head cover 374 to pass through the center line c1 in the left and right directions. .

As described previously, the pair of protruding ribs 353 must support the rear of the head cover 374 and be aligned horizontally, so the pressure exerted by the pair of protruding ribs 353 on the rear of the head cover 374 It is preferable that the pressing force acts substantially the same.

Accordingly, the pair of protruding ribs 353 are arranged to pass the left and right center line c1 of the rear of the head cover 374, so that they are biased in some areas, such as the upper or lower areas of the rear of the head cover 374. Since the central area is pressed compared to the central area, more precise horizontal alignment can be achieved.

The pair of protruding ribs 353 may be formed on other structures of the door opening device 30 in addition to the rack cover 352.

For example, a pair of protruding ribs 353 may be formed to protrude from the front of the housing 31.

For example, referring to FIGS. 16 and 17 , a pair of protruding ribs 353 may be formed on the upper cover 312 that is coupled to the lower base 311 to form the upper portion and some side surfaces.

Referring to FIG. 16, in addition to a pair of protruding ribs protruding from the front of the rack cover 352 to correspond to the upper area of the rear of the head cover 374, a pair of protruding ribs is formed to protrude from the front of the upper cover 312. A pair of protruding ribs 353 may be additionally disposed.

Accordingly, the protruding ribs 353 may be arranged to correspond to the four corners of the rear edge of the head cover 374.

Referring to FIG. 17, a pair of protruding ribs 353 formed on the upper cover 312 may be disposed to pass the left and right center line c1 of the rear of the head cover 374.

In this case, the rack cover 352 does not have a separate protruding rib 353, and the level of the head cover 374 can be adjusted with the protruding rib 353 formed on the upper cover 312.

Below, the logic by which the head cover 374 is aligned horizontally after the door is opened will be described in detail according to each situation.

A head cover 374 may be connected to one side of the rack bar 37 of the door opening device 30, and a magnet 377 may be connected to the other side.

A Hall sensor that detects the magnet 377 may be located in the rear area of the housing 31 of the door opening device 30.

The Hall sensor 38 can prevent excessive retraction of the rack bar 37 by detecting the magnet 377 connected to the other side of the rack bar 37 and limiting the backward movement of the rack bar 37.

For example, a sensor line 381 is formed where the Hall sensor 38 is located, and when the magnet 377 is detected in the sensor line 381, a driving source that provides driving force to forcibly move the rack bar 37 The driving of may be stopped and the retraction of the rack bar 37 may be stopped.

However, the magnet 377 itself may have a Gaussian value deviation, and if such a Gaussian value deviation exists, an error in the position of the magnet 377 recognized by the Hall sensor 38 may occur.

If an error occurs in this way, even if the magnet 377 of the rack bar 37 is not detected by the sensor line 381, the movement of the rack bar 37 is stopped in advance, or the magnet 377 of the rack bar 37 is Even when ) passes through the sensor line 381, the movement of the rack bar 37 may not stop.

Figure 18 shows that when the Hall sensor 38 detects the magnet 377 of the rack cover 352, if the back of the head cover 3741 and the protruding rib 353 are separated by more than a set separation distance, the rack bar 37 The return operation logic that operates to further return is shown step by step.

Specifically, when the Hall sensor 38 detects the magnet 377 of the rack cover 352 as shown in (a), the back of the head cover 3741 and the protruding rib 353 are spaced apart from each other by more than the set separation distance d1. It may be. In this case, the set separation distance (d1) may be set to a distance of 1 mm or more, but is not limited to this.

Next, as shown in (b), the rack bar 37 may be operated to return further by the set retreat distance. In this case, the set retreat distance can be set to 1mm, but is not limited to this.

Next, as shown in (c), the rack bar 37, which has returned further by the set retreat distance, stops moving and remains in a standby state.

In this case, the back of the head cover 3741 and the protruding rib 353 may be spaced apart to have a predetermined distance d2 without contacting each other.

This operation logic is prepared for cases that may occur due to a large Gaussian value deviation of the magnet 377, and is intended to prevent excessive return operation of the rack bar 37 in consideration of the safety factor of the mechanical device.

Figure 19 shows that when the Hall sensor 38 detects the magnet of the rack cover and the back of the head cover 3741 and the protruding rib 353 are spaced less than the set separation distance, the rack bar 37 operates to return further. The return operation logic is shown step by step.

Specifically, when the Hall sensor 38 detects the magnet 377 of the rack cover 352 as shown in (a), the back of the head cover 3741 and the protruding rib 353 are separated by less than the set separation distance d3. It may be. In this case, the set separation distance (d3) may be set to a distance of 1 mm or less, but is not limited to this.

Next, as shown in (b), the rack bar 37 may be operated to return further by the set retreat distance. Accordingly, the rear side of the head cover 3741 and the protruding rib 353 can be narrowed to a distance d4 that is less than d3. In this case, the set retreat distance can be set to 1mm, but is not limited to this.

Next, as shown in (c), the back of the head cover 3741 can be brought into contact by the protruding rib 353, and as shown in (d), further return of the rack bar 37 is stopped. It can be.

For example, when the back of the head cover 3741 is contacted by the protruding rib 353, the force applied to the driving source that controls the movement of the rack bar 37 increases, and this increase in force is used to detect obstacles. It may be recognized and the return operation of the rack bar 37 may be stopped.

Next, as shown in (e), the back of the head cover 3741 is contacted by the protruding rib 353 to maintain a horizontal alignment and standby state.

Figure 20 shows that when the Hall sensor 38 detects the magnet 377 of the rack cover 352, when the back of the head cover 3741 and the protruding rib 353 contact each other, the rack bar 37 returns further. It shows step by step how movement is stopped without doing so.

As shown in (a), when the Hall sensor 38 detects the magnet 377 of the rack cover 352, the back of the head cover 3741 and the protruding rib 353 may be in contact with each other. .

In this case, as shown in (b), further return of the rack bar 37 is stopped, and as shown in (c), the back of the head cover 3741 is contacted by the protruding rib 353. With the level aligned, the standby state is maintained.

In this way, the door opening device and refrigerator according to the present invention executes an operation logic that returns the rack bar to a predetermined distance additionally even after detection by the hall sensor, thereby correcting the sensing deviation of the hall sensor that detects the return position of the rack bar and protecting the head cover. Horizontal misalignment can be improved.

As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrative drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. It is obvious that transformation can occur. In addition, although the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention were not explicitly described and explained while explaining the embodiments of the present invention above, it is natural that the predictable effects due to the configuration should also be recognized.

1: refrigerator
10: cabinet
11: External case
12: Inner case
13: Storage room
131: shelf
132: Drawer
14: Case cover
141: Protruding hole
141a: Support jaw
142: Operation panel
20: Door assembly
20b: Button portion
21: body assembly
22: Panel assembly
24: Deco cover
30: Door opening device
301: Acceptance case
31: housing
311: lower base
312: top cover
321: first fastening part
321a: first cushion member
322: second fastening part
322a: second cushion member
33: fastening end
351: exposed ball
352: Rack cover
3521: fastening hole
3522: fastening member
353: Protruding ribs
3531: Shear section
3532: receiving part
354: Fastener
37: rack bar
371: rack head
372: Rotating pin
374: Head cover
375: support rib
376: rack gear
377: magnet
38: Hall sensor
381: sensor line
391: pinion gear

Claims (20)

cabinets containing storage compartments;
a door assembly that opens and closes the front of the cabinet; and
a door opening device that automatically opens the door assembly; Including,
The door opening device is,
housing;
a rack bar accommodated inside the housing and protruding from the housing or moving to return to the housing;
a head cover connected to one end of the rack bar and pushing the rear of the door assembly; and
a pair of protruding ribs protruding forward of the housing to correspond to the rear surface of the head cover; Including refrigerator. According to paragraph 1,
When the rack bar returns to the housing after protruding from the housing,
A refrigerator, wherein the back of the head cover contacts the pair of protruding ribs. According to paragraph 1,
The pair of protruding ribs have shapes that are symmetrical to each other with respect to the vertical center line of the rear of the head cover. According to paragraph 1,
The pair of protruding ribs are disposed in positions symmetrical to each other with respect to the vertical center line of the rear side of the head cover. According to paragraph 1,
A refrigerator, wherein the pair of protruding ribs contacts an edge of a rear surface of the head cover. According to clause 5,
The pair of protruding ribs are arranged to pass through the left and right center lines of the rear of the head cover. According to clause 5,
The pair of protruding ribs are arranged to correspond to four corners of the edge of the rear surface of the head cover. According to paragraph 1,
The pair of protruding ribs is disposed at a position corresponding to an upper region of the rear surface of the head cover and contacts the rear surface of the head cover. According to clause 8,
The pair of protruding ribs extend downward from the upper area of the rear surface of the head cover so as to pass through the left and right center lines of the rear surface of the head cover. According to paragraph 1,
The door opening device further includes a rack cover coupled to the housing to cover the rack bar,
The pair of protruding ribs is located at a front end of the rack cover. According to clause 10,
The pair of protruding ribs protrudes outward from the housing. According to paragraph 1,
The pair of protruding ribs is located on the front of the housing facing the rear of the head cover. According to paragraph 1,
The housing is,
a lower base forming the lower part and some sides; and
an upper cover coupled to the lower base to form a top and some sides; Including,
The pair of protruding ribs is located on the front of the upper cover facing the rear of the head cover. According to paragraph 1,
It further includes a case cover located in front of the door opening device and including a protruding hole through which the rack bar protrudes,
The case cover includes a support protruding from an inner circumference of the protruding hole,
A support rib formed to protrude from an outer circumference of the head cover is disposed on the front of the head cover,
When the rack bar returns to the housing, the support rib is positioned ahead of the support ledge to have a gap spaced apart by a predetermined distance. According to paragraph 2,
It further includes a case cover located in front of the door opening device and including a protruding hole through which the rack bar protrudes,
A refrigerator, wherein the front of the head cover remains level with the front of the case cover when the rear of the head cover contacts the pair of protruding ribs. housing;
a rack bar accommodated inside the housing and protruding from the housing or moving to return to the housing;
a head cover connected to one side of the rack bar;
A magnet located on the other side of the rack bar;
a Hall sensor located in the rear area of the housing to detect the magnet; and
a pair of protruding ribs protruding forward of the housing to correspond to the rear surface of the head cover; Including, a door opening device. According to clause 16,
When the rack bar returns to the housing and the Hall sensor detects the magnet,
If the back of the head cover and the protruding rib are separated by more than a set separation distance, the rack bar operates to return further by the set retreat distance and then stops moving. According to clause 16,
When the rack bar returns to the housing and the Hall sensor detects the magnet,
When the back of the head cover and the protruding rib are spaced apart from each other by less than a set separation distance, the rack bar operates to return further, but the movement is stopped when the back of the head cover and the protruding rib come into contact with each other. According to clause 16,
When the rack bar returns to the housing and the Hall sensor detects the magnet,
A door opening device in which movement of the rack bar is stopped when the rear surface of the head cover and the protruding rib contact each other. housing;
a rack bar accommodated inside the housing and protruding from the housing or moving in a front-back direction of the housing to return to the housing;
a head cover connected to one end of the rack bar; and
a pair of protruding ribs protruding forward of the housing to correspond to the rear surface of the head cover; Including, a door opening device.

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