KR102773065B1 - Refrigerator and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigerator according to one aspect comprises: a cabinet in which a storage compartment is formed; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; a push rod for moving from a first position to a second position to open the door; a motor for providing power so that the push rod can move from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position; a motor rotation detection unit for detecting a rotational state of the motor; a position detection unit for detecting a position of the push rod; and a controller for controlling the motor to return the push rod to the first position when the motor rotation detection unit detects that the rotational speed of the motor has decreased while the push rod is moving from the first position to the second position to open the door.

Description

{Refrigerator and method for controlling the same}

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

A refrigerator is a household appliance that keeps food at a low temperature in an internal storage compartment sealed by a door.

In prior literature, Korean Patent Publication No. 2011-0040030 (published on April 20, 2011), a method for opening a refrigerator door is disclosed.

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

The above push rod receives driving force generated from the driving motor through a number of gears and moves in a straight line.

The above push rod can move forward to a set position for door opening. Then, when the position detection member detects that the push rod has moved to the set position, the driving motor rotates in reverse to return the push rod to the initial position.

According to such prior literature, since the drive motor operates continuously until the push rod moves to the set position, there is a problem in that if an external force is applied to the refrigerator door during the operation of the drive motor, the push rod and gear may be broken or the drive motor may be damaged due to an overload of the drive motor.

In addition, since the drive motor operates continuously until the pushrod moves to the set position regardless of whether the user opens the door when the pushrod moves, if the user increases the opening angle of the door and then closes the door while the pushrod moves forward to the set position, the rotational force for closing the door is transmitted to a number of gears through the pushrod, which causes a problem in which the pushrod and/or the gears are damaged.

An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof in which a push rod and/or a gear for transmitting power to the push rod is prevented from being damaged by an external load while the push rod for opening a door is moving to a door opening position or while the push rod is moved to the door opening position.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof in which the open state of the door can be maintained for a certain period of time while the push rod is moved to the door opening position.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof that prevents the door from rattling during the door opening process.

A refrigerator according to one aspect comprises: a cabinet in which a storage compartment is formed; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; a push rod for moving from a first position to a second position to open the door; a motor for providing power so that the push rod can move from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position; a motor rotation detection unit for detecting a rotational state of the motor; a position detection unit for detecting a position of the push rod; a door opening detection unit for detecting whether the door is opened by a set angle or more; and a controller for controlling the motor so that the push rod is directed to the first position when it is detected that the door is opened by a set angle or more while the push rod is moving from the first position to the second position.

The first position is the position of the push rod when the door is closed, and the second position is the position of the push rod when the door is opened by the door opening angle.

The above push rod and the above motor can be located on the upper side of the door.

The above-mentioned push rod may further include a housing on which the above-mentioned push rod is mounted. The above-mentioned position detection unit may include a magnet provided on the above-mentioned push rod, and a first position sensor and a second position sensor provided on the above-mentioned housing for detecting the magnetism of the magnet.

The first position sensor can detect a first position of the push rod, and the second position sensor can detect a second position of the push rod.

To open the door, the controller rotates the motor in one direction, and when the second position of the push rod is detected, the controller can stop the rotation of the motor.

When the rotation of the above motor is stopped, voltage can be supplied to the motor to prevent rotation of the motor in the other direction.

When the rotation of the above motor stops and a certain period of time has elapsed, the controller can rotate the motor in the other direction so that the push rod returns to the first position.

The above controller can control the motor so that the rotation speed of the motor decreases during the one-way rotation of the motor.

The above setting angle is greater than the door opening angle of the door when the push rod has moved to the second position.

The above door opening detection unit may include a magnet provided on one of the door and a hinge for rotating the door, and a detection sensor provided on the other of the door and the hinge to detect the magnetism of the magnet.

The controller rotates the motor in one direction so that the push rod is directed from the first position to the second position. If the door is manually opened by a user beyond the set angle before the push rod moves to the second position to open the door, the controller can rotate the motor in the opposite direction.

The above motor rotation detection unit outputs a pulse during the operation of the motor, and the controller can determine the rotation speed (rpm) of the motor based on the pulse output from the motor rotation detection unit.

The above refrigerator may further include an input unit for inputting a door opening command for opening the door.

The above input unit may be a switch that is turned on by the user's contact, a touch screen that receives the user's command, or a sensor that detects the user's gesture.

A control method of a refrigerator according to another aspect relates to a control method of a refrigerator, comprising: a cabinet in which a storage compartment is formed; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; a push rod for moving from a first position to a second position to open the door; a motor for providing power so that the push rod can move from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position; a motor rotation detection unit for detecting a rotational state of the motor; a position detection unit for detecting a position of the push rod; a door opening detection unit for detecting whether the door is opened by a set angle or more; and a controller for controlling the motor.

The control method of the refrigerator may include a first step of controlling the motor to move the push rod from the first position to the second position; a second step of determining whether the door is opened more than a set angle by the door opening detection unit; and a third step of controlling the motor to direct the push rod to the first position if it is determined in the second step that the door is opened more than the set angle.

In the first step, the rotation speed of the motor can be reduced.

The above motor rotation detection unit outputs pulses during the rotation process of the motor, and when the number of pulses output from the motor rotation detection unit reaches a first reference number, the rotation speed of the motor can be reduced.

In the first step, the motor can be rotated in one direction, and in the third step, the motor can be rotated in the other direction.

In the first step, if the number of pulses output per unit time from the motor rotation detection unit is less than or equal to the load detection number, the controller can rotate the motor in the other direction so that the push rod returns to the first position.

In the second step, the controller determines whether the door has been opened beyond a set angle before the push rod moves to the second position.

According to another aspect, a refrigerator comprises: a cabinet in which a storage space is formed; a door for opening and closing the storage space; a push rod for moving from a first position to a second position to open the door; a motor for providing power so that the push rod can move from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position; a motor rotation detection unit for detecting a rotational state of the motor; a position detection unit for detecting a position of the push rod; and a controller for controlling the motor to return the push rod to the first position when the motor rotation detection unit detects that the rotational speed of the motor has decreased below a set rotational speed while the push rod is moving from the first position to the second position to open the door.

While the push rod moves from the first position to the second position, the controller can control the motor to rotate at a first rotation speed, and after a first time, control the rotation speed of the motor to become a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed.

The above motor rotation detection unit may include a rotating plate having a plurality of slits formed therein and connected to the rotation axis of the motor to rotate, a light emitting unit arranged on one side of the rotating plate, and a light receiving unit arranged on the other side of the rotating plate. Each time the slit passes between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit by the rotation of the rotating plate, a pulse signal may be output.

The motor can be controlled to rotate in the first direction to move the push rod from the first position where the door maintains the storage space in a closed state to the second position where the door maintains the storage space in an open state.

In order to move the push rod from the second position to the first position, the motor can be controlled to rotate in the second direction.

If, after a second time period after the motor starts to rotate in the first direction, it is detected that the motor rotation speed has decreased, it is determined that an external load is applied in the direction in which the door closes, and the motor can be controlled to rotate in the second direction to return the push rod to the first position.

The above motor rotation detection unit outputs a pulse signal according to the rotation of the motor, and the controller can detect the rotation speed of the motor by determining the number of pulse signals output per unit time.

The above push rod can be controlled to supply voltage to the motor for a third time while the above push rod is moved from the first position to the second position and stopped.

When the third time has elapsed while the push rod has moved from the first position to the second position and stopped, the controller can control the motor to rotate in the second direction so that the push rod returns to the first position.

When a pulse signal is detected from the motor rotation detection unit while the push rod has moved from the first position to the second position and stopped, it is determined that an external load is applied in the direction in which the door is closed, and the motor can be controlled to rotate in the second direction to return the push rod to the first position.

The device may further include a housing in which the push rod is mounted, and the position detection unit may include a magnet provided on the push rod, and a first position sensor and a second position sensor provided on the housing for detecting magnetism of the magnet.

The first position sensor can detect the first position of the push rod, and the second position sensor can detect the second position of the push rod.

The storage space may include a left storage area and a right storage area, and the door may include a left door for opening and closing the left storage area and a right door for opening and closing the right storage area. The second position is characterized in that the push rod is moved to a position where the right door is opened by the push rod so that the rear side of the right door is positioned forward relative to the front side of the left door.

The invention further includes an input unit for inputting a door opening command for opening the door, wherein the input unit is characterized by being one selected from a switch, a touch screen, and a detection sensor.

The method further includes a door opening detection unit that detects the opening angle of the door, and when it is detected that the opening angle of the door is opened by a set angle or more, the controller can control the motor so that the push rod returns to the first position.

According to another aspect, a refrigerator comprises: a cabinet having a storage space formed therein; a door for opening and closing the storage space; an input unit for inputting an opening command for the door; a door opening device having a push rod capable of moving from an initial position to a door opening position to open the door, and a motor for providing power to the push rod; and a controller for controlling the motor.

The controller may control the motor to rotate at a first rotation speed when it is determined that a door opening signal has been input from the input unit, and then reduce the rotation speed of the motor to a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed after a first period of time, and supply voltage to the motor for a predetermined period of time when the push rod reaches the door opening position.

The above controller can control the motor so that the rotational speed of the motor linearly or nonlinearly decreases from the first rotational speed to the second rotational speed.

The controller can control the motor so that when the rotation speed of the motor reaches the second rotation speed, the rotation speed of the motor is maintained at the second rotation speed until the push rod reaches the door opening position.

The above controller can control the motor so that the length of the section rotating at the second rotation speed is set shorter than the length of the section decreasing from the first rotation speed to the second rotation speed.

The apparatus further includes a motor rotation detection unit for detecting rotation of the motor, wherein the motor rotation detection unit outputs a pulse signal during the rotation of the motor, and the controller can detect the rotation speed of the motor by determining the number of pulse signals output per unit time.

After the above-mentioned predetermined time has elapsed, the controller can control the motor so that the push rod returns to the initial position.

According to the proposed invention, when an external load is detected to be applied to the door in the direction of closing the door during the process of moving the push rod for opening the door, the motor is controlled so that the push rod returns to the initial position, thereby preventing damage to the push rod and/or the gear, and preventing damage to the motor due to overload of the motor.

In addition, as voltage is supplied to the motor while the push rod is moved to the door opening position, the phenomenon of the push rod moving to the initial position and the door closing can be prevented by one or more of the load of the door itself, the magnetic force of the magnet provided in the gasket for sealing the door and the cabinet, and the closing force of the automatic closing mechanism for automatically closing the door.

In addition, as the push rod moves from the initial position to the door opening position, the rotation speed of the motor decreases, and accordingly, the moving speed of the push rod decreases. Since the push rod stops at the door opening position in a state where the moving speed of the push rod is decreased, a rattling phenomenon is prevented during the door opening process, and the rotation of the first refrigerator door can be stopped smoothly.

In addition, by detecting that the door is opened by a reference angle greater than the opening angle of the door when the push rod moves to the door opening position and returning the push rod to the initial position, the push rod can be prevented from being broken or the gears for transmitting power to the push rod from being broken due to the door closing before the push rod returns to the initial position.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a door opening device provided on a first refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a door opening device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a door opening device according to one embodiment of the present invention installed on a first refrigerator door.
FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of a door opening device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a graph showing the rotation speed of the motor during the door opening process.
FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a state in which a push rod according to one embodiment of the present invention moves to a door opening position and the door is opened.
FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a state in which the first refrigerator door is opened to a reference angle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

Also, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

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

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet (11) having a storage compartment inside, and a refrigerator door (12) that is rotatably or slidably connected to the front of the cabinet (11) to selectively open and close the storage compartment.

In detail, the storage room may include at least one of a refrigerator (111) and a freezer (112).

The above refrigerator (111) can be opened and closed by the refrigerator door (13), and the above freezer (112) can be selectively opened and closed by the freezer door (16).

In addition, when the refrigerator door (13) for opening and closing the refrigerator (111) is a swivel door, the refrigerator door (13) may include a pair of doors (14, 15) that are rotatably connected to the left and right edges of the front of the cabinet (11), respectively. That is, the refrigerator door (13) may include a first refrigerator door (14) and a second refrigerator door (15).

When the freezer door (16) for opening and closing the freezer (112) is a rotatably-mounted door, the freezer door (16) may include a pair of doors (17, 18) rotatably-mounted to the front left edge and right edge of the cabinet (11), respectively.

Alternatively, if the freezer door (16) is a drawer-type door that opens and closes the freezer in a sliding manner, multiple freezer doors can be arranged in the up-down direction or the left-right direction.

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

Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the first refrigerator door (14) among the refrigerator doors (12) is automatically opened by the door opening device (25), and other doors in addition to the first refrigerator door (14) can also be automatically opened by the structure and method described below.

The above door opening device (25) may be placed on a door that needs to be opened. For example, a door opening device may be provided on each of a plurality of refrigerator doors to open each of the plurality of refrigerator doors. Alternatively, when one refrigerator door includes a plurality of doors, a door opening device may be provided on one or all of the plurality of doors.

Additionally, it is also possible to provide a door opening device (25) on the freezer door (16) to open the freezer door (16).

As another example, the cabinet (11) may be equipped with a door opening device (25). At this time, the number of door opening devices (25) may be the same as the number of refrigerator doors.

In addition, although the present embodiment discloses a bottom freezer type refrigerator, it should be noted that the concept for door opening can be applied to various refrigerators without limitation in type, such as a top mount type refrigerator, a side-by-side type refrigerator, a refrigerator having only one storage compartment and one door, etc.

The first refrigerator door (14) can be connected to the cabinet (11) by a hinge assembly (30). The first refrigerator door (14) can be rotated by a hinge shaft (32) providing a center of rotation. The hinge shaft (32) can be provided on the first refrigerator door (14) and/or the hinge assembly (30).

The refrigerator (10) may further include a position detection unit (28) for detecting the position of a push rod (refer to 27 of FIG. 4) constituting the door opening device (25), a motor rotation detection unit (290) for detecting the rotation of a motor (261) that generates power to operate the push rod (27 of FIG. 4), and a controller (20) for controlling the door opening device (25) based on information detected by the position detection unit (28) and the motor rotation detection unit (290).

In addition, the refrigerator (10) may further include a door opening detection unit (40) for detecting that the door is opened more than a reference angle, and the controller (20) may control the door opening device (25) based on information detected by the door opening detection unit (40).

The control of the door opening device (25) by the above controller (20) will be described later.

The refrigerator (10) may further include an input unit (50) for inputting a door opening command. The input unit (50) may be a switch that is turned on by a user's touch, a touch screen that receives a user's command, a sensor that detects a user's gesture, etc., and it is to be noted that there is no limitation on the structure and method for inputting a door opening command in the present invention.

Below, the door opening device (25) will be described in detail.

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention installed on a first refrigerator door.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the door opening device (25) may be positioned at the upper portion of the first refrigerator door (14). A frame (frame: 141) forming a space for accommodating the door opening device (25) may be provided at the upper portion of the first refrigerator door (14). The frame (141) may partition a space in which an insulating material (not shown) is accommodated and a space in which the door opening device (25) is accommodated in the first refrigerator door (14).

As another example, the door opening device (25) may be positioned at the lower part of the first refrigerator door (14).

The above door opening device (25) may include a housing (housing: 250) accommodated within the frame (141), a motor (motor: 261) installed in the housing (250) and generating driving force, a push rod (27) that operates by receiving the driving force of the motor (261), and a power transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the motor (261) to the push rod (27).

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

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

As the door opening device (25) is coupled to the frame (141) by the buffer member (254), vibrations generated during operation of the motor (261) and vibrations generated during operation of the power transmission mechanism can be absorbed, thereby reducing noise, and vibrations of the motor (261) and the power transmission mechanism can be prevented from being transmitted to the first refrigerator door (14).

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

In the present invention, there is no limitation on the number of gears as long as the power transmission mechanism can transmit the power of the motor (261) to the push rod (27), and FIG. 5 illustrates, as an example, a power transmission mechanism including a plurality of gears.

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

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

By the unidirectional rotation of the above motor (261), the above multiple gears (262, 263, 264, 265, 266) rotate in the forward direction, and accordingly, the push rod (27) can move in the direction of being pulled out from the first refrigerator door (14) for opening the door.

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

Meanwhile, the position detection unit (28) may include a first position sensor (281) and a second position sensor (282). The first position sensor (281) and the second position sensor (282) may be placed in the housing (250), for example.

And, the push rod (27) may be equipped with a magnet (275). The first position sensor (281) and the second position sensor (282) may be magnetic detection sensors for detecting the magnetism of the magnet (275).

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

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

In this embodiment, the first refrigerator door (14) can be opened in the process of the push rod (27) moving from the initial position to the door opening position.

In this specification, the opening of the "door" means that the storage compartment through which the door is opened and closed is connected to the outside of the refrigerator.

The controller (20) can control the motor (261) based on information detected from each position sensor (281, 282). For example, the controller (20) can rotate the motor (261) in one direction and stop the motor (261) when it is detected that the push rod (27) has moved to the door opening position.

The controller (20) can rotate the motor (261) in the other direction so that the push rod (27) returns to the initial position after a certain period of time has elapsed while the motor (261) is stopped after the push rod (27) has moved to the door opening position.

According to this embodiment, the reason why the motor (261) is rotated in the other direction after a certain period of time has elapsed after the motor (261) has stopped is to ensure that the first refrigerator door (14) remains open.

That is, when the push rod (27) moves to the door opening position and returns to the initial position immediately without maintaining the stopped state, a problem occurs in which the first refrigerator door (14) is immediately closed by at least one of the load of the first refrigerator door (14) itself, the magnetic force of the magnet provided in the gasket (not shown) for close contact between the first refrigerator door (14) and the cabinet (11), and the closing force of the automatic closing mechanism (not shown) provided in the hinge assembly (30) for automatically closing the door.

However, as in the present invention, when the motor (261) is rotated in the other direction after a certain period of time has elapsed after the motor (261) has stopped, the first refrigerator door (14) can be maintained in an open state for the certain period of time, so that a user can easily manually increase the opening angle of the first refrigerator door (14).

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

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

FIG. 5 illustrates, as an example, the detection sensor (410) being placed on the hinge assembly (30).

When the above detection sensor (410) is provided in the hinge assembly (30), the assembly and service of the detection sensor (410) can be easy. That is, the detection sensor (410) can be accessed by separating the hinge assembly (30) without separating the first refrigerator door (14).

The above detection sensor (410) and the magnet (420) may be placed adjacent to the hinge axis (32). Therefore, the detection sensor (410) can directly detect the magnetism of the magnet (420) of the first refrigerator door (14) during the rotation of the first refrigerator door (14), thereby accurately detecting that the first refrigerator door (14) has rotated by a reference angle.

In addition, since the detection sensor (410) and the magnet (420) are positioned adjacent to the hinge axis (32), the door opening can be detected without interference with other surrounding structures.

When the magnet (420) is positioned below the detection sensor (410) during the opening process of the first refrigerator door (14), the detection sensor (410) detects the magnetism of the magnet (420), and the controller (20) can control the motor (261) so that the push rod (27) returns to the initial position.

Meanwhile, the motor rotation detection unit (290) can detect the rotation of the shaft of the motor (261). For example, a rotating plate can be connected to the shaft of the motor (261). A plurality of slits can be arranged spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction on the rotating plate.

The above motor rotation detection unit (290) may include, for example, a light emitting unit located on one side of the turntable and a light receiving unit located on the other side of the turntable.

Therefore, when the turntable rotates along with the rotation of the motor (261), the motor rotation detection unit (290) can detect the number of slits when the turntable rotates. That is, the motor rotation detection unit (290) outputs a pulse every time it detects a slit, and the controller (20) can determine the rotation speed (rpm) of the motor (261) based on the pulse output from the motor rotation detection unit (290) and determine the movement distance of the push rod (27).

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

FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of a door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a graph showing the rotation speed of a motor during a door opening process, FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a state in which a push rod according to an embodiment of the present invention moves to a door opening position and the door is opened, and FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a state in which a first refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention is opened by a reference angle.

Referring to Figures 1 to 9, the power of the refrigerator (10) is turned on (S1).

When the power of the refrigerator (10) is turned on, the controller (20) determines whether the push rod (27) is in the initial position (S2).

In step S2, if it is determined that the push rod (27) is not located at the initial position, the controller (20) operates the motor (261) to move the push rod (27) to the initial position (S3).

When the above push rod (27) is positioned at the initial position, the first position sensor (281) is detecting the magnet (275) of the push rod (27).

With the above push rod (27) positioned in the initial position, the controller (20) determines whether a door opening signal has been input through the input unit (50) (S4).

In step S4, if it is determined that a door opening signal has been input, the controller (20) controls the motor (261) to rotate in one direction to move the push rod (27) from the initial position to the door opening position (S5).

When the above motor (261) rotates in one direction, the above multiple gears (262, 263, 264, 265, 266) rotate in the forward direction, causing the push rod (27) to push the cabinet (11), and in reaction thereto, the first refrigerator door (14) to rotate.

While the above motor (261) rotates in one direction, the controller (20) determines whether an external load is applied to the first refrigerator door (14) in the direction in which the first refrigerator door (14) closes (S6).

Specifically, when the motor (261) rotates, a pulse is output from the motor rotation detection unit (290). At this time, when an external load is applied to the first refrigerator door (14), the rotation speed of the motor (261) decreases, and accordingly, the number of pulses per unit time output from the motor rotation detection unit (290) decreases.

Accordingly, the controller (20) determines that the external load acts as the first refrigerator door if the number of pulses output per unit time is less than or equal to the first load detection number.

However, since the number of pulses per unit time output from the motor rotation detection unit (290) may be less than or equal to the first load detection number during the initial operation of the motor (261), the determination of whether an external load is detected may be performed after the motor (261) operates in one direction and a reference time has elapsed.

If the motor (261) continues to operate while the number of pulses output per unit time from the motor rotation detection unit (290) is less than or equal to the first load detection number, the push rod and/or gear may be damaged or the motor (261) may be damaged due to an overload of the motor (261).

Therefore, in this embodiment, if it is determined that an external load is applied to the first refrigerator door (14), the controller (20) rotates the motor (261) in the other direction so that the push rod (27) returns to the initial position (S14).

Meanwhile, if it is determined in step S6 that no external load has been detected, the controller (20) determines whether the door opening detection unit (40) has detected the door opening (S7).

In this specification, when the door opening detection unit (40) detects the door opening while the motor (261) rotates in one direction, it means that the user rotates the first refrigerator door (14) in the direction in which the first refrigerator door (14) opens.

At this time, the opening angle (θ2) of the first refrigerator door (14) when the door opening detection unit (40) detects the door opening is greater than the opening angle (θ1) of the first refrigerator door (14) when the push rod (27) moves to the door opening position.

When the first refrigerator door (14) is rotated by more than the reference angle during the process of opening, the door opening detection unit (40) can detect the door opening.

When the motor (261) above is rotated in one direction, the protruding length of the push rod (27) from the first refrigerator door (14) increases. If the first refrigerator door (14) is closed after the opening angle of the first refrigerator door (14) increases while the push rod (27) protrudes from the first refrigerator door (14), the push rod (27) collides with the cabinet (11), and there is a problem in that the push rod (27) is damaged or the gears constituting the power transmission mechanism are damaged.

At this time, the larger the opening angle of the first refrigerator door (14), the greater the impact force applied to the push rod (27) when the first refrigerator door (14) is closed. In addition, the longer the protrusion length of the push rod (27) from the first refrigerator door (14), the greater the possibility of damage to the push rod (27).

In this embodiment, in order to prevent the push rod (27) and/or the gears constituting the power transmission mechanism from being damaged by the user opening and then closing the first refrigerator door (14) while the motor (261) is rotating in one direction, when the door opening detection unit (40) detects that the door is opened, the controller (20) rotates the motor (261) in the other direction so that the push rod (27) returns to the initial position (S14).

According to this embodiment, when the door opening detection unit (40) detects that the door is opened while the motor (261) operates in one direction and the push rod (27) moves from the initial position to the door opening position, the push rod (27) can be returned to the initial position by rotating the motor (261) in the other direction even before the push rod (27) moves to the door opening position.

Accordingly, since the push rod (27) moves to the initial position during the process in which the first refrigerator door (14) is rotated in the closing direction after being rotated by the reference angle or more, damage to the push rod (27) and the gears due to collision between the push rod (27) and the cabinet (11) can be prevented.

Meanwhile, if the door opening detection unit (40) does not detect the door opening while the motor (261) rotates in one direction as a result of the judgment in step S7, the controller (20) can determine whether the push rod (27) has reached the door opening position (S8).

That is, when the motor (261) rotates in one direction while the push rod (27) is positioned at the initial position, the push rod (27) moves, and during this process, the magnet (275) of the push rod (27) is not detected by the first position sensor (281). Then, when the magnet (275) of the push rod (27) is detected by the second position sensor (282) during the movement of the push rod (27), the controller (20) can determine that the push rod (27) has reached the door opening position.

In step S8, if it is determined that the push rod (27) has reached the door opening position, the controller (20) stops the motor (261) (S9).

When the motor (261) rotates in one direction and the push rod (27) moves from the initial position to the door opening position, if the rotation speed of the motor (261) is constant, the first refrigerator door (14) does not stop smoothly and rattles during the process in which the push rod (27) reaches the door opening position and the motor (261) stops. In this case, the user's emotional dissatisfaction may be caused.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the motor (261) is rotated in one direction so that the rotation speed of the motor (261) is varied during the process of moving the push rod (27) from the initial position to the door opening position.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 8, the controller (20) can control the motor (261) so that the motor (261) rotates at a first reference speed until the number of pulses detected by the motor rotation detection unit (290) reaches a first reference number.

And, when the number of pulses detected by the motor rotation detection unit (290) reaches the first reference number, the controller (20) can control the motor (261) so that the rotation speed of the motor (261) decreases until the number of pulses detected by the motor rotation detection unit (290) reaches the second reference number.

At this time, the controller (261) can control the rotation speed of the motor (261) so that the rotation speed of the motor (261) decreases linearly or nonlinearly.

And, when the rotation speed of the motor (261) reaches the second reference speed, the controller (261) can control the motor (261) so that the rotation speed of the motor (261) is maintained at the second reference speed. And, when the second position sensor (182) detects the magnet (275) of the push rod (27) while the motor (261) is maintained at the second reference speed, the controller (20) can stop the motor (261).

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the moving speed of the push rod (20) decreases during the process of moving from the initial position to the door opening position and stops at the door opening position in a state of decreased speed, a rattling phenomenon during the opening process of the first refrigerator door (14) is prevented, and the first refrigerator door (14) can be stopped smoothly.

At this time, the point at which the number of pulses output from the motor rotation detection unit (290) reaches the first reference number may be a point between the point that bisects the distance between the initial position of the push rod and the door opening position and the door opening position.

As the rotation speed of the above motor (261) increases, the door opening time can be reduced.

In the present invention, when the point at which the number of pulses output from the motor rotation detection unit (290) reaches the first reference number is a point between the point that bisects the distance between the initial position of the push rod and the door opening position and the door opening position, the high-speed rotation time of the motor (261) can be sufficiently secured, so that an increase in the door opening time can be minimized, while preventing the door from rattling when opening the door.

Meanwhile, when the push rod (27) reaches the door opening position, at least a part of the back surface (14c) of the first refrigerator door (14) can be positioned forward of the front surface (15a) of the second refrigerator door (15), and accordingly, a gap of a predetermined distance can be formed between one end of the back surface (14c) of the first refrigerator door (14) and one end of the front surface (15a) of the second refrigerator door (15).

The above gap can be set to a level where the user's elbow or foot can be inserted when both hands of the user are not free.

Therefore, the opening angle of the first refrigerator door (14) can be manually increased by inserting an elbow or foot into the gap while the first refrigerator door (14) is rotated at a certain angle (θ1).

Meanwhile, when the push rod (27) reaches the door opening position and the motor (261) is stopped, the controller (20) supplies voltage to the motor (261) to keep the push rod (27) stopped at the door opening position (S10).

As described above, the push rod (27) may be pushed toward the initial position by one or more of the load of the first refrigerator door (14) itself, the magnetic force of the magnet provided in the gasket (not shown) for sealing the first refrigerator door (14) and the cabinet (11), and the closing force generated by the automatic closing mechanism (not shown) provided in the hinge assembly (30) for automatically closing the door, thereby causing the motor (261) to rotate in another direction.

However, according to the present embodiment, since voltage is supplied to the motor (261) to keep the push rod (27) stationary in the door opening position, the push rod (27) does not move and remains stationary, thereby preventing the motor (261) from rotating in the other direction.

However, the supply cycle of the voltage supplied to the motor (261) can be set based on the size of the external force acting on the push rod (27).

That is, even if voltage is supplied to the motor (261), the rotational axis of the motor (261) does not rotate due to an external force acting on the push rod (27), and the push rod (27) can be maintained in a stopped state. Accordingly, even if voltage is supplied to the motor (261), no pulse is output from the rotation detection unit (290).

In this embodiment, the rotation speed of the motor (261) can be varied by the duty of the voltage supplied to the motor (261). A voltage of a certain size can be supplied periodically to the motor (261), and the shorter the supply cycle of the voltage supplied to the motor (261) (or the larger the duty), the faster the rotation speed of the motor (261).

In this embodiment, the supply cycle of the voltage supplied to the motor (261) when the push rod (27) reaches the door opening position is longer than the supply cycle of the voltage supplied to the motor (261) when the motor (261) maintains the second reference speed.

With the above motor (261) stopped, the controller (20) determines whether an external load acting on the first refrigerator door (14) in the direction of closing the first refrigerator door (14) has been detected (S11).

Specifically, when the motor (261) is stopped, no pulse is output from the motor rotation detection unit (290). However, when an external load is applied to the first refrigerator door (14), the motor (261) rotates in a different direction, so a pulse is output from the motor rotation detection unit (290).

Accordingly, the controller (20) determines that an external load is acting on the first refrigerator door (14) if the number of pulses output during a unit time is greater than or equal to the second load detection number. If the user forcibly closes the first refrigerator door (14) while the motor (261) is stopped, there is a risk that the push rod and/or gear may be damaged.

Therefore, in this embodiment, if it is determined that an external load is applied to the first refrigerator door (14) while the push rod is stopped at the door opening position, the controller (20) rotates the motor (261) in the other direction so that the push rod (27) returns to the initial position (S14).

Meanwhile, if it is determined in step S11 that no external load is applied, the controller (20) determines whether the door opening detection unit (40) has detected the door opening (S12).

When the door opening detection unit (40) detects the door opening while the push rod (27) has reached the door opening position, it means that the user increases the opening angle of the first refrigerator door (14).

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

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

If it is determined in step S12 that the door opening detection unit (40) has detected the opening of the door, the controller (20) can rotate the motor (261) in the other direction so that the push rod (27) returns to the initial position (S12).

Even if the first refrigerator door (14) is rotated by more than the reference angle while the push rod (27) is stopped at the door opening position and then rotated in the closing direction again, the push rod (27) and/or the gears may be damaged.

According to this embodiment, even before a certain period of time has passed while the push rod (27) is positioned at the door opening position, if the door opening detection unit (40) determines that the door is opened, the controller (20) rotates the motor (261) in the other direction so that the push rod (27) returns to the initial position, thereby preventing damage to the push rod (27) and/or the gears.

If it is determined in step S12 that the door opening detection unit (40) has not detected the door opening, the controller (20) can determine whether a certain amount of time has passed after the push rod (27) has reached the door opening position or the motor (261) has stopped (S13).

When a certain amount of time has passed since the push rod (27) reached the door opening position, the controller (20) can control the motor (261) to rotate in the other direction to return the push rod (27) to the initial position (S14).

While the above motor (261) is rotating in the other direction, the controller (20) can determine whether the push rod (27) has reached the initial position (S15).

When it is determined that the above push rod (27) has reached the initial position, the controller (20) can stop the motor (261) (S16).

In the above embodiment, the door opening detection unit is described as including a magnetic sensor and a magnet, but alternatively, the door opening detection unit may include an optical sensor.

For example, the light sensor may include a light emitting unit provided on one of the hinge assembly and the first refrigerator door and a light receiving unit provided on the other, and when the first refrigerator door is rotated by a reference angle, light emitted from the light emitting unit may reach the light receiving unit. In addition, when the light reaches the light receiving unit, the controller may control the motor so that the push rod may return to the initial position.

Alternatively, one of the hinge assembly and the first refrigerator door may be provided with a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and the other may be provided with a reflector. Then, when the first refrigerator door is rotated by a reference angle, light emitted from the light emitting unit may be reflected by the reflector to reach the light receiving unit. Then, when the light reaches the light receiving unit, the controller may control the motor so that the push rod returns to the initial position.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the position of the push rod was detected using the position detection unit and the motor was controlled based on this, but unlike this, the operation of the motor can be controlled based on the operating time of the motor. For example, the motor can be stopped when the motor is operated to open the door and the first reference time has elapsed. In addition, the motor can be stopped when the motor is operated to return the push rod to the initial position and the second reference time has elapsed.

In the above, even though all the components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described as being combined or combined to operate as one, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, all of the components may be selectively combined and operated as one or more. In addition, the terms "include," "compose," or "have" described above, unless specifically stated to the contrary, mean that the corresponding component may be inherent, and therefore should be interpreted as including other components rather than excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, should be interpreted as being consistent with the contextual meaning of the related technology, and shall not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

11: Cabinet 12: Refrigerator Door
20: Controller 25: Door opener
27: Push rod 28: Position sensor
40: Door opening detection unit 261: Motor
290: Motor rotation detection unit

Claims (20)

A cabinet in which storage space is formed;
A door for opening and closing the above storage space;
A push rod that moves from a first position to a second position to open the door;
A motor for providing power to move the push rod from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position;
A motor rotation detection unit for detecting the rotation status of the above motor;
A position detection unit for detecting the position of the above push rod; and
To open the door, the above push rod
While moving from the first position to the second position,
If the above motor rotation detection unit detects that the rotation speed of the motor has decreased below the set rotation speed,
To return the above push rod to the first position.
A refrigerator comprising a controller for controlling the above motor. In paragraph 1,
While the above push rod moves from the first position to the second position;
The above controller,
Controlling the motor so that the motor rotates at the first rotation speed
A refrigerator characterized in that after the first hour, the rotation speed of the motor is controlled to a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed. In the first paragraph,
The above motor rotation detection unit,
A rotating plate having a plurality of slits formed thereon and connected to the rotation axis of the motor,
A light emitting unit arranged on one side of the above turntable,
Including a light receiving unit positioned on the other side of the above turntable,
Each time the slit passes between the light emitting part and the light receiving part by the rotation of the above turntable,
A refrigerator characterized by outputting a pulse signal. In paragraph 1,
In the first position, wherein the said door maintains the said storage space closed;
In the second position, the above door maintains the above storage space open.
To move the above push rod,
The above motor is controlled to rotate in the first direction,
In order to move the push rod from the second position to the first position,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the motor is controlled to rotate in a second direction. In paragraph 4,
After the above motor starts to rotate in the first direction, after the second time,
When the above motor rotation speed is detected to have decreased,
It is judged that an external load is applied in the direction in which the above door closes.
By rotating the above motor in the second direction,
A refrigerator characterized by controlling the push rod to return to the first position. In paragraph 4,
The above motor rotation detection unit outputs a pulse signal according to the rotation of the motor,
The above controller determines the number of pulse signals output per unit time.
A refrigerator characterized by detecting the rotation speed of the motor. In paragraph 4,
When the above push rod has moved from the first position to the second position and stopped,
A refrigerator characterized in that voltage is supplied to the motor during the third hour. In paragraph 7,
When the above push rod has moved from the first position to the second position and stopped,
After the above 3rd hour has elapsed,
The above controller causes the push rod to return to the first position.
A refrigerator characterized by controlling the motor to rotate in the second direction. In paragraph 6,
The above push rod is moved from the first position to the second position and stopped.
When a pulse signal is detected from the above motor rotation detection unit,
It is judged that an external load is applied in the direction in which the above door closes.
To return the above push rod to the first position,
A refrigerator characterized by controlling the motor to rotate in the second direction. In paragraph 1,
Further comprising a housing in which the above push rod is mounted,
The above position detection unit,
A magnet provided on the above push rod,
Equipped with the above housing,
A refrigerator characterized by including a first position sensor and a second position sensor for detecting the magnetism of the magnet. In Article 10,
The above first position sensor detects the first position of the push rod,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the second position sensor detects the second position of the push rod. In paragraph 4,
The above storage space is,
Contains a left storage area and a right storage area,
The above door
It includes a left door for opening and closing the left storage area and a right door for opening and closing the right storage area.
The second position above is,
The right door is opened by the above push rod.
So that the rear of the right door is positioned further forward than the front of the left door,
A refrigerator characterized in that the above push rod is moved to a certain position. In the first paragraph,
Further comprising an input section for inputting a door opening command for opening the above door,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the input unit is one selected from a switch, a touch screen, and a detection sensor. In Article 13,
It additionally includes a door opening detection unit that detects the opening angle of the door.
If it is detected that the opening angle of the above door is opened more than the set angle,
The above controller causes the push rod to return to the first position.
A refrigerator characterized by controlling the above motor. Cabinet with storage space formed;
A door for opening and closing the above storage space;
An input section for entering an opening command for the above door;
A door opening device having a push rod that can move from an initial position to a door opening position to open the door, and a motor for providing power to the push rod; and
comprising a controller for controlling the above motor;
The above controller,
If it is determined that a door opening signal has been input from the above input section,
Controlling the motor so that the motor rotates at the first rotation speed
After the first hour, the rotation speed of the motor is reduced so that the rotation speed of the motor becomes a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed,
When the above push rod reaches the above door opening position,
A refrigerator characterized by controlling the supply of voltage to the motor for a certain period of time. In Article 15,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the controller controls the motor so that the rotation speed of the motor linearly or nonlinearly decreases from the first rotation speed to the second rotation speed. In Article 15,
The above controller, when the rotation speed of the above motor reaches the second rotation speed,
A refrigerator characterized in that the motor is controlled so that the rotation speed of the motor is maintained at the second rotation speed until the push rod reaches the door opening position. In Article 15,
The above controller,
The length of the section rotating at the above second rotation speed is
Set to be shorter than the length of the section decreasing from the first rotation speed to the second rotation speed.
A refrigerator characterized by controlling the above motor. In Article 15,
Further comprising a motor rotation detection unit for detecting rotation of the above motor,
The above motor rotation detection unit,
During the rotation process of the above motor, a pulse signal is output,
A refrigerator characterized in that the controller detects the rotation speed of the motor by determining the number of pulse signals output per unit time. In Article 15,
After the above period of time has elapsed,
A refrigerator wherein the controller controls the motor so that the push rod returns to the initial position.

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