Method of controlling opening of sliding door of refrigerator and refrigerator

Abstract

The application discloses a method for controlling a refrigerator sliding door to open and the refrigerator. The method comprises the following steps: obtaining a knocking opening instruction on the refrigerator door; confirming the specific position of a knocking sensor closest to the knocking position on the refrigerator door, the knocking sensor being used for receiving the knocking opening instruction; and controlling the refrigerator door to automatically slide open to the position of the knocking sensor. In the sliding opening and closing direction of the refrigerator door, at least one edge of the refrigerator door is provided with a plurality of knocking sensors to form a knocking sensor group, the knocking sensor group is used for receiving the knocking opening instruction, and the refrigerator door is controlled to slide open to the knocking sensor closest to the knocking position, so that an intelligent opening system for automatically opening the refrigerator door to the knocking position is realized, and the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration equipment, and more particularly to a method for controlling the opening of a refrigerator sliding door and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] With the prosperity and development of the commodity economy, supermarkets are filled with a dazzling array of goods. The development and widespread adoption of cold chain technology, in particular, have given us an increasing variety of choices, including various seafood and frozen foods. Refrigerated display cases, especially horizontal ones, used in shopping malls and supermarkets are primarily for displaying and storing seafood and frozen foods. Their main features are large storage space and glass sliding doors, which keep the goods in optimal frozen condition, significantly reducing the spoilage period and providing users with excellent display results.

[0003] However, existing horizontal freezers generally use mechanical door locks and manual sliding doors to retrieve items. Commercial horizontal freezers are generally larger and have heavier glass doors, making it more difficult to open and close them. In some cases, customers may not push the glass door all the way when closing it, causing heat exchange between the inside and outside of the freezer, which increases energy consumption and can easily lead to food spoilage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for controlling the opening of a refrigerator sliding door and a refrigerator.

[0005] To achieve one of the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides a method for controlling the opening of a refrigerator sliding door, comprising the following steps:

[0006] Obtain a tap-to-open command on the freezer door;

[0007] The exact location of the tapping sensor closest to the tapping position on the freezer door is determined; the tapping sensor is used to receive and identify the tapping to open command.

[0008] The freezer door is controlled to automatically slide open to the position of the tapping sensor.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the tap-to-activate command specifically includes the number of taps and the tap interval time.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the following step is included before "confirming the specific location of the tapping sensor closest to the tapping position on the freezer door":

[0011] Confirm whether the knock-to-unlock command is consistent with the preset unlock command;

[0012] If they match, the electric lock will be activated.

[0013] As a further improvement to the present invention, "confirming the specific location of the tapping sensor closest to the tapping position on the freezer door" specifically includes:

[0014] In the sliding opening and closing direction of the freezer door, at least one edge of the freezer door is equipped with multiple knocking sensors to form a knocking sensor group.

[0015] The electrical signals from multiple impact sensors are acquired and sent to the main control unit of the freezer.

[0016] The main control unit analyzes the acquired electrical signals and locates the position of the impact sensor with the strongest electrical signal.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, "controlling the freezer door to automatically slide open to the position of the tapping sensor" specifically includes:

[0018] The main control unit controls the automatic door opening device to open, and controls the freezer door to automatically slide open to the position of the knocking sensor that receives the strongest electrical signal.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, "controlling the freezer door to automatically slide open to the position of the tapping sensor" specifically includes:

[0020] If the tapping position is detected to be the same distance from two adjacent tapping sensors, then the position of the tapping sensor located away from the sliding opening and closing direction of the freezer door is located.

[0021] The main control unit controls the automatic door opening device to open, and controls the freezer door to automatically slide open to a position away from the knocking sensor in the opening and closing direction of the freezer door.

[0022] As a further improvement of the present invention, the method further includes:

[0023] Upon receiving a knock-to-close command on the freezer door, the freezer door is automatically closed.

[0024] As a further improvement of the present invention, "obtaining a knock-to-close command on the freezer door and automatically closing the freezer door" specifically includes:

[0025] The tapping sensor group receives and identifies the tapping off command, which specifically includes the number of taps and the tapping interval time.

[0026] If the knock-to-close command matches the preset lock command, the main control unit controls the electric lock to close and the automatic door opening device to close, and controls the freezer door to automatically slide and close the freezer body.

[0027] One embodiment of the present invention also provides a freezer, including a freezer body and a door, wherein the door is a glass door, and the glass door is used to slide open and close the freezer body.

[0028] In the sliding opening and closing direction of the glass door, at least one edge of the glass door is provided with multiple knocking sensors to form a knocking sensor group, which is used to receive and identify the knocking open command and the knocking close command.

[0029] The freezer also includes a main control unit, a refrigeration unit, an electric lock, and an automatic door opening device. The main control unit is electrically connected to the knock sensor group, the refrigeration unit, the electric lock, and the automatic door opening device.

[0030] The automatic door opening device includes a drive motor and a conveyor belt.

[0031] As a further improvement of the present invention, the freezer further includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program that can run on the processor, and the processor executing the program to implement the method steps of controlling the opening of the sliding door of the freezer as described in any of the above.

[0032] Compared with existing technologies, the method for controlling the opening of a refrigerator sliding door proposed in this invention allows users to tap the refrigerator door according to the placement of items inside the refrigerator. The refrigerator tapping sensor group receives the tapping opening command and controls the refrigerator door to slide open to the tapping sensor closest to the tapping position, realizing an intelligent door opening system that automatically opens the door to the tapping position, thus improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic diagram of a freezer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control system inside the freezer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a method for controlling the opening of a refrigerator sliding door according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0038] For ease of explanation, this document uses terms indicating relative spatial position, such as "above," "below," "behind," and "front," to describe the relationship of one unit or feature shown in the accompanying drawings relative to another unit or feature. Terms indicating relative spatial position can include different orientations of the device during use or operation besides those shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, a unit described as being "below" or "above" other units or features will be located "below" or "above" other units or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both "below" and "above" spatial orientations.

[0039] Refrigerators currently on the market include upright and horizontal freezers. The doors of these freezers generally open in two ways: one is a push-pull type, and the other is a sliding type. The method for controlling the opening of freezer doors proposed in this invention is mainly applied to freezers with sliding glass doors. The following embodiments primarily illustrate horizontal freezers with sliding glass doors.

[0040] This invention provides a freezer, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a freezer body 1 and a freezer door 2. The freezer door 2 is a glass door used to slide open and close the freezer body 1. Users can clearly see the location of the items placed inside the freezer body through the glass door.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the freezer door 2 is divided into two parts, namely a first door 21 and a second door 22. The first door 21 slides towards the second door 22 to open and close the freezer compartment 1, and the second door 22 slides towards the first door 21 to open and close the freezer compartment 1. Of course, in other embodiments, the freezer door 2 may also be divided into three or more parts for sliding opening and closing of the freezer compartment 1.

[0042] Furthermore, in the sliding opening and closing direction of the freezer door 2, at least one edge of the freezer door 2 is provided with multiple knocking sensors, forming a knocking sensor group 3. The knocking sensor group 3 is used to receive and identify the knocking open command and the knocking close command. The knocking sensor can be a vibration recognition sensor, a sound recognition sensor, or an acceleration sensor. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the knocking sensor is specifically a vibration recognition sensor, which collects the vibration signal from the user on the freezer door 2.

[0043] To prevent the user from striking the freezer door 2 at a position far from the striking sensor, resulting in a weak signal and inaccurate identification by the striking sensor, preferably, in a specific embodiment of the present invention, multiple striking sensors are evenly arranged on opposite edges of the freezer door 2 in the sliding opening and closing direction.

[0044] Furthermore, the freezer also includes a main control unit, a refrigeration unit, an electric lock, and an automatic door opening device. The main control unit is electrically connected to the knock sensor group 3, the refrigeration unit, the electric lock, and the automatic door opening device, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the main control unit is used to acquire the electrical signal from the knock sensor group 3, and control the opening and closing of the electric lock and the automatic door opening device. The refrigeration unit is used to refrigerate the freezer and control the temperature of the freezer body. Specifically, the automatic door opening device also includes a drive motor and a conveyor belt, so that after the automatic door opening device is activated, the freezer door 2 can automatically slide open and close the freezer body 1.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the present invention also provides a method for controlling the opening of a refrigerator sliding door, specifically including the following steps:

[0046] S1: Obtain the knock-open command on the freezer door 2.

[0047] The knock-to-open command specifically includes the number of knocks and the knock interval time. Specifically, the knock sensor group 3 collects the number of knocks made by the user within a set time and confirms whether the knock-to-open command is consistent with the preset unlock command. For example, if the door is knocked twice in a row within 2 seconds, if it is consistent with the preset unlock command, the knock sensor group 3 will send a signal to the main control unit to trigger the opening of the electric lock.

[0048] S2: Confirm the exact location of the tapping sensor closest to the tapping position on the freezer door 2. The tapping sensor is used to receive and identify the tapping to open command.

[0049] In the sliding opening and closing direction of the freezer door 2, at least one edge of the freezer door 2 is equipped with multiple knocking sensors to form a knocking sensor group 3. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the knocking sensor is selected as a vibration recognition sensor. In the sliding direction of the freezer door 2, multiple vibration recognition sensors are evenly installed on opposite edges of the door.

[0050] Specifically, when a user confirms the location of the item they want to take through the freezer door 2, they tap the location of the item corresponding to the freezer door 2 to issue a tap-to-open command. The tap sensor group 3 receives the tap-to-open command, acquires the vibration signals received by each tap sensor, and converts the received vibration signals into electrical signals. By acquiring the electrical signals from multiple tap sensors, the signals are then sent to the main control unit of the freezer.

[0051] Furthermore, the main control unit analyzes the electrical signals received from each of the impact sensors, identifies the impact sensor that receives the strongest vibration, i.e., the one with the strongest electrical signal, and then locates the position of the impact sensor with the strongest electrical signal.

[0052] S3: Control the freezer door 2 to automatically slide open to the position of the knocking sensor.

[0053] Through the above steps, the main control unit locates the position of the knock sensor that receives the strongest vibration, and the received knock-to-open command is consistent with the preset unlock command. At this time, the main control unit can control the opening of the electric lock and the automatic door opening device, and control the freezer door 2 to automatically slide open to the position of the knock sensor that receives the strongest electrical signal, that is, the one that receives the strongest vibration.

[0054] Furthermore, if the user taps on the freezer door 2 at the midpoint between two adjacent tapping sensors, the vibration signals obtained by the two adjacent tapping sensors are the same. That is, the main control unit recognizes two identical electrical signals. Then, the main control unit locates the specific position of the tapping sensor away from the sliding opening and closing direction of the freezer door 2. The main control unit controls the automatic door opening device to open, and controls the freezer door to automatically slide open to a position away from the tapping sensor in the opening and closing direction of the freezer door 2, making it convenient for the user to retrieve the target items placed inside the freezer.

[0055] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the method specifically includes:

[0056] S4: Obtain a knock-to-close command on the freezer door 2 and automatically close the freezer door 2.

[0057] Similarly, the knock-to-close command includes the number of knocks and the knock interval, which is different from the knock-to-open command. The knock sensor group 3 receives and identifies the knock-to-close command. If the knock-to-close command matches the preset locking command, it transmits the signal to the main control unit. The main control unit then controls the electronic lock and automatic door opening device to close, and controls the freezer door 2 to automatically slide and close the freezer compartment 1. Compared to the existing method of manually pushing the freezer door 2 to close the freezer compartment 1, this avoids the risk of the freezer door 2 not closing properly, reduces freezer energy consumption, and saves electricity.

[0058] To facilitate a better understanding of the method for controlling the opening of the sliding door of a freezer proposed in this invention, the following is used as an example. Figure 1 The following is a specific embodiment of the horizontal freezer shown, which is equipped with multiple knock sensors on both the upper and lower sides of the sliding glass door.

[0059] For example, when a user taps on area A of the surface of the first door 21, issuing a tap-to-open command, the tap sensor group 3 receives and identifies the tap-to-open command, converts the tap vibration signal into an electrical signal, and transmits it to the main control unit. At this time, the main control unit controls the opening of the electric lock and simultaneously analyzes the received multiple electrical signals to locate the tap sensor with the strongest electrical signal, i.e., the tap sensor 31 closest to the tapping area A and receiving the strongest vibration. The main control unit then controls the automatic door opening device to open, controlling the first door 21 to slide towards the second door 22 and stop at the position of the tap sensor 31. When the user takes out the target item from the freezer compartment 1, they can tap on either the first door 21 or the second door 22 to issue a tap-to-close command. The tap sensor group 3 receives the tap-to-close command and identifies it as consistent with the preset locking command. Then, the main control unit controls the first door 21 to slide away from the second door 22 to open and close the freezer compartment 1.

[0060] When a user taps on the freezer door 2 at a distance equal to that of two adjacent tapping sensors, for example, when the user taps on area B of the second door 22, issuing a tapping open command, the tapping sensor group 3 receives and identifies the tapping open command. The main control unit acquires and analyzes the electrical signals sent by the corresponding tapping sensors. Since the tapping area B is at the same distance from tapping sensors 32 and 33, the main control unit acquires the tapping sensors 32 and 33 corresponding to the strongest electrical signals, and the electrical signals transmitted to the main control unit by the two tapping sensors are the same. At this time, since the second door 22 slides open towards the first door 21, the main control unit positions the tapping sensor 32 away from the sliding opening and closing direction of the second door 22 and controls the second door 22 to slide open until it stops at the position of the tapping sensor 32. Similarly, after the user has taken the items, they can tap either the first door 21 or the second door 22 to issue a knock-to-close command. The knock sensor group 3 acquires the knock-to-close command and identifies it as consistent with the preset lock command. Then, the main control unit controls the first door 21 to slide away from the second door 22 to open and close the freezer body 1.

[0061] Specifically, the freezer also includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program that can run on the processor. When the processor executes the program, it implements the above-described method steps for controlling the opening of the freezer's sliding door.

[0062] In summary, the method for controlling the opening of a refrigerator's sliding door proposed in this invention allows users to tap the refrigerator door according to the placement of items inside. The refrigerator's tapping sensor group receives the tapping opening command and controls the refrigerator door to slide open to the nearest tapping sensor, achieving an intelligent door-opening system that automatically opens the door to the tapping position, thus improving the user experience. Furthermore, after retrieving items, the refrigerator door can be tapped again to automatically close the refrigerator, preventing the door from being partially closed by the user, reducing refrigerator energy consumption, and saving electricity.

[0063] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0064] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the opening of a refrigerator sliding door, characterized in that, Including the following steps: Obtain the tap-to-open command on the freezer door; The exact location of the tapping sensor closest to the tapping position on the freezer door is determined; the tapping sensor is used to receive and identify the tapping to open command. Control the freezer door to automatically slide open to the position of the knock sensor; "Identifying the exact location of the tapping sensor closest to the tapping point on the freezer door" specifically includes: In the sliding opening and closing direction of the freezer door, at least one edge of the freezer door is equipped with multiple knocking sensors to form a knocking sensor group. The electrical signals from multiple impact sensors are acquired and sent to the main control unit of the freezer. The main control unit analyzes the acquired electrical signals and locates the position of the impact sensor with the strongest electrical signal. "Controlling the freezer door to automatically slide open to the position of the tapping sensor" specifically includes: The main control unit controls the automatic door opening device to open, and controls the freezer door to automatically slide open to the position of the knocking sensor that receives the strongest electrical signal.

2. The method for controlling the opening of a refrigerator sliding door according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tap-to-activate command specifically includes the number of taps and the tap interval.

3. The method for controlling the opening of the sliding door of a freezer according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before "confirming the exact location of the tapping sensor closest to the tapping point on the freezer door", the following steps are included: Confirm whether the knock-to-unlock command is consistent with the preset unlock command; If they match, the electric lock will be activated.

4. The method for controlling the opening of the sliding door of a freezer according to claim 1, characterized in that, "Controlling the freezer door to automatically slide open to the position of the tapping sensor" specifically includes: If the tapping position is detected to be the same distance from two adjacent tapping sensors, then the position of the tapping sensor located away from the sliding opening and closing direction of the freezer door is located. The main control unit controls the automatic door opening device to open, and controls the freezer door to automatically slide open to a position away from the knocking sensor in the opening and closing direction of the freezer door.

5. The method for controlling the opening of a refrigerator sliding door according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Upon receiving a knock-to-close command on the freezer door, the freezer door is automatically closed.

6. The method for controlling the opening of a refrigerator sliding door according to claim 5, characterized in that, "Receiving a tap-to-close command on the freezer door and automatically closing the freezer door" specifically includes: The tapping sensor group receives and identifies the tapping off command, which specifically includes the number of taps and the tapping interval time. If the knock-to-close command matches the preset lock command, the main control unit controls the electric lock to close and the automatic door opening device to close, and controls the freezer door to automatically slide and close the freezer body.

7. A freezer employing the method for controlling the opening of a sliding door as described in claim 1, comprising a freezer body and a door, wherein the door is a glass door for sliding open and close the freezer body, characterized in that, In the sliding opening and closing direction of the glass door, at least one edge of the glass door is provided with multiple knocking sensors to form a knocking sensor group, which is used to receive and identify the knocking open command and the knocking close command. The freezer also includes a main control unit, a refrigeration unit, an electric lock, and an automatic door opening device. The main control unit is electrically connected to the knock sensor group, the refrigeration unit, the electric lock, and the automatic door opening device. The automatic door opening device includes a drive motor and a conveyor belt.

8. The freezer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The freezer also includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program that can run on the processor. When the processor executes the program, it implements the method steps for controlling the opening of the sliding door of the freezer as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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