Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of household appliances. The refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body; the door body is rotationally connected with the box body; the automatic door opening and closing device comprises a driving mechanism provided with a first driving motor; the executing mechanism is provided with an executing part; the second clutch mechanism comprises a connecting rod, a first friction gear, a second friction gear, a pressing piece and a third driving motor; a potentiometer; the controller is configured to control the third driving motor to work at the initial driving voltage in the automatic opening and closing process of the door body, obtain the current voltage value of the potentiometer and determine whether the door body has an opening and closing fault or not according to the current voltage value; if yes, the third driving motor is controlled to work at the target driving voltage, and the target driving voltage is higher than the initial driving voltage. According to the refrigerator, the static friction force between the first friction gear and the second friction gear can be adjusted, the service life of the second clutch mechanism is prolonged, and therefore the reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular, to a refrigerator and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Currently, to improve the convenience when opening and closing the door, a refrigerator is usually provided with an automatic door opening and closing device for automatically opening or closing the door of the refrigerator.

[0003] In related technologies, the automatic door opening and closing device generally includes a driving mechanism, an executing mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a first friction gear and a second friction gear that are abutted and coaxially arranged. The first friction gear is connected to the driving mechanism, and the second friction gear is connected to the executing mechanism. When automatically opening or closing the door, the driving mechanism drives the first friction gear to rotate. There is a frictional force between the first friction gear and the second friction gear, and the first friction gear can drive the second friction gear to rotate, thereby driving the executing mechanism to act. When the door encounters an obstacle and generates a large reverse torque, and this reverse torque makes the acting force between the first friction gear and the second friction gear greater than the static friction force, the first friction gear and the second friction gear rotate relative to each other, causing the driving mechanism and the executing mechanism to be disconnected, and stopping the automatic opening or closing of the door.

[0004] However, when the automatic door opening and closing device in related technologies operates for a long time, the first friction gear and the second friction gear in the clutch mechanism are severely worn, shortening the service life of the clutch mechanism and reducing the reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof, which can solve the problem that when the automatic door opening and closing device in related technologies operates for a long time, the first friction gear and the second friction gear in the clutch mechanism are severely worn, shortening the service life of the clutch mechanism and reducing the reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a refrigerator, which includes:

[0007] A box body, which is configured with a refrigerating compartment having an access opening;

[0008] A door body, which is rotatably connected to the box body and is used for opening or closing the access opening;

[0009] An automatic door opening and closing device, which includes:

[0010] A driving mechanism, which has a first driving motor for providing a driving force;

[0011] An executing mechanism, which has an executing member for opening or closing the door body under the action of the driving force;

[0012] A second clutch mechanism, comprising a connecting rod, a first friction gear, a second friction gear, a pressing member and a third drive motor, wherein the first friction gear, the second friction gear and the pressing member are sequentially sleeved on the connecting rod and sequentially abut against the box body; the first friction gear and the second friction gear are respectively transmission-connected with the first drive motor and the actuator; the pressing member is connected to the third drive motor to move along the connecting rod under the drive of the third drive motor to adjust the abutment force between the first friction gear and the second friction gear;

[0013] A potentiometer connected to the door body;

[0014] A controller is electrically connected to the drive mechanism, the second clutch mechanism and the potentiometer, and the controller is configured to: during the automatic opening and closing process of the door body, control the third drive motor to operate at an initial drive voltage, obtain the current voltage value of the potentiometer, and determine whether a switch failure occurs in the door body according to the current voltage value; if so, control the third drive motor to operate at a target drive voltage, and the target drive voltage is higher than the initial drive voltage.

[0015] The refrigerator of the embodiment of the present application is provided with a connecting rod, a pressing piece sleeved on the connecting rod, and a third driving motor connected to the pressing piece, and is provided with a potentiometer connected to the door body. During the automatic opening and closing process of the door body, it is determined whether a switch failure occurs in the door body according to the current voltage value of the potentiometer. If a switch failure occurs, the driving voltage of the third driving motor is increased to drive the pressing piece to move along the connecting rod to readjust the abutment force between the first friction gear and the second friction gear, thereby adjusting the static friction force between the first friction gear and the second friction gear to prevent the first friction gear and the second friction gear from rotating relative to each other, so that the door body can be opened or closed normally, and the service life of the second clutch mechanism is extended, thereby improving the reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present application, the controller is configured to: obtain a second preset correspondence relationship, the second preset correspondence relationship including multiple preset operating durations, and a voltage value of a potentiometer corresponding to each preset operating duration; determine a target voltage value in the second preset correspondence relationship based on the current operating duration; obtain the current voltage value of the potentiometer, and if the current voltage value is not equal to the target voltage value, determine that the switch fault occurs in the door body.

[0017] With such a setting, determining the target voltage value through the second preset correspondence relationship can improve the calculation speed when determining the target voltage value and reduce the control difficulty of the automatic door opening and closing device. In addition, for a refrigerator equipped with a biaxial hinge, the operating duration of the automatic door opening and closing device for automatic door opening and closing and the voltage value of the potentiometer do not have a linear correspondence relationship. Through the second preset correspondence relationship, the target voltage value of the potentiometer can be quickly determined according to the operating duration, reducing the calculation difficulty of the target voltage value, and thus reducing the control difficulty of the automatic door opening and closing device

[0018] In some embodiments of the present application, the controller is further configured to: if a door opening and closing failure occurs, N + 1, where N is the number of failure occurrences; obtain the current number of automatic door openings and closings of the door body. If the current number of automatic door openings and closings of the door body reaches a first preset number and N reaches a second preset number, then control the third drive motor to operate at a target drive voltage; where the first preset number is greater than the second preset number

[0019] With such a setting, the controller can record the number of failure occurrences during the automatic door opening and closing process of the first preset number. When the switch failure reaches the second preset number, it is determined that the second clutch mechanism fails, improving the accuracy of determining the failure of the second clutch mechanism, and thus improving the functional reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device

[0020] In some embodiments of the present application, the controller is further configured to: if the initial drive voltage reaches a preset voltage and does not exceed the rated voltage of the third drive motor, determine whether the door body is manually obstructed within the duration corresponding to when the number of automatic door openings and closings M of the door body reaches the first preset number; if the door body is manually obstructed, determine the target drive voltage as the initial drive voltage; if the door body is not manually obstructed, determine the target drive voltage as the first drive voltage, where the first drive voltage is greater than the initial drive voltage

[0021] With such a setting, when the initial driving voltage reaches the preset voltage and does not exceed the rated voltage of the third driving motor, it can be determined that the third driving motor is in a stable operating state. At this time, the controller can determine whether the door body is manually obstructed during the automatic opening and closing of the door for the first preset number of times. If the door body is manually obstructed, it can be determined that the reason for the switch failure is an obstruction encountered during the automatic opening and closing of the door, rather than the failure of the second clutch mechanism. At this time, the target driving voltage can be determined as the initial driving voltage, that is, the driving voltage of the third driving motor is not adjusted. If the door body is not manually obstructed, it can be determined that the reason for the switch failure is the failure of the second clutch mechanism. At this time, the target driving voltage can be determined as the first driving voltage, that is, the driving voltage of the third driving motor is increased. The reason for the switch failure can be corrected, preventing the second clutch mechanism from being adjusted when the automatic opening and closing of the door cannot be achieved due to an obstruction of the door body, thereby preventing damage to the second clutch mechanism and increasing the service life of the second clutch mechanism.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present application, the controller is configured to: determine the initial moment when the door body is first opened or closed in the first preset number of times; determine the end moment when the door body is last opened or closed in the first preset number of times; and determine the duration according to the initial moment and the end moment.

[0023] With such a setting, the duration corresponding to the number of times M of automatic opening and closing of the door body reaching the first preset number of times can be determined according to the initial moment and the end moment, and it can be determined whether the door body is manually obstructed within this duration, thereby correcting the reason for the switch failure, preventing the second clutch mechanism from being adjusted when the automatic opening and closing of the door body cannot be achieved due to an obstruction, and thus preventing damage to the second clutch mechanism and increasing the service life of the second clutch mechanism.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present application, the controller is further configured to: output an inquiry message, where the inquiry message is used to obtain a confirmation message indicating whether the door body is manually obstructed; and if the confirmation message is received, determine that the door body is manually obstructed.

[0025] With such a setting, the reason for the switch failure of the door body can be corrected by sending an inquiry message to the user, preventing the second clutch mechanism from being adjusted when the automatic opening and closing of the door body cannot be achieved due to an obstruction, thereby preventing damage to the second clutch mechanism and increasing the service life of the second clutch mechanism.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present application, the refrigerator further includes a display screen electrically connected to the controller; the controller is further configured to: display a target interface through the display screen, and the target interface includes the inquiry message.

[0027] With such a setting, by displaying the inquiry information on the display screen, it is convenient for users to operate, improving the interactivity of the refrigerator and enhancing the user experience.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present application, the refrigerator further includes a first button electrically connected to the controller, and when the first button is pressed, it sends the confirmation information to the controller.

[0029] With such a setting, by obtaining the confirmation information through the first button, it is convenient for users to operate, improving the interactivity of the refrigerator and enhancing the user experience.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present application, the controller is further configured to: if the initial driving voltage reaches the rated voltage of the third driving motor, send a reminder for maintenance information.

[0031] With such a setting, it can remind the user to repair or replace the second clutch mechanism, so as to confirm the cause of the failure of the automatic door opening and closing device, improving the convenience during the maintenance of the automatic door opening and closing device.

[0032] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a control method for a refrigerator, and the method includes:

[0033] During the automatic opening and closing process of the door body, control the third driving motor to work with the initial driving voltage, obtain the current voltage value of the potentiometer, and determine whether the door body has a switch failure according to the current voltage value;

[0034] If so, control the third driving motor to work with a target driving voltage, and the target driving voltage is above the initial driving voltage.

[0035] In the method of the embodiment of the present application, during the automatic opening and closing process of the door body, the controller can determine whether the door body has a switch failure according to the current voltage value of the potentiometer. If the door body has a switch failure, the reason may be the failure of the second clutch mechanism. The failure of the second clutch mechanism means that the static friction force between the first friction gear and the second friction gear becomes smaller due to wear or other reasons, causing the first friction gear and the second friction gear to rotate relative to each other. The controller can control the third driving motor to work with a target driving voltage. Since the target driving voltage is above the initial driving voltage, the driving force exerted by the third driving motor on the pressing member can be increased, so that the pressing member further presses the first friction gear and the second friction gear, increasing the abutting force between the first friction gear and the second friction gear, thereby increasing the static friction force between the first friction gear and the second friction gear, making the second clutch mechanism in a engaged state during the automatic opening and closing process of the door body, improving the service life of the second clutch mechanism, and enhancing the functional reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device. Description of the Drawings

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the implementation manners in the related art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the related art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can also be obtained according to these drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 Structural schematic diagram of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 2 Structural schematic diagram of the rotational connection between the door body and the box body in some possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 3 Structural schematic diagram of the rotational connection between the door body and the box body in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 4 Structural schematic diagram of the automatic door opening and closing device in some possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 5 For Figure 4 Exploded structural schematic diagram of the automatic door opening and closing device in

[0042] Figure 6 For Figure 5 Structural schematic diagram of the first housing in

[0043] Figure 7 For Figure 5 Structural schematic diagram of the second housing in

[0044] Figure 8 For Figure 5 Structural schematic diagram of the driving mechanism in

[0045] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the push rod extending out of the housing in the automatic door opening and closing device;

[0046] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the push rod retracting into the housing in the automatic door opening and closing device;

[0047] Figure 11 Structural schematic diagram of the first output gear in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the push rod extending out of the housing in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the disengagement between the second tooth profile structure of the first output gear and the transmission rack in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the push rod reset in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the first output gear rotating to the meshing position in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 16 For Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first detection circuit board in

[0053] Figure 17 For Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the first output gear in

[0054] Figure 18 Exploded structure schematic diagram of the automatic door opening and closing device in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 19 Schematic diagram when the second actuator closes the door body in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 20 Schematic diagram when the second actuator opens the door body in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 21 Partial structure schematic diagram of the door body in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 22 Structure schematic diagram when the automatic door opening and closing device hides the second housing in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 23 For Figure 22 Partial exploded structure schematic diagram of the automatic door opening and closing device in

[0060] Figure 24 Schematic diagram when the first clutch mechanism is in the first state in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 25 Schematic diagram of the push rod extending out of the housing in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 26 Schematic diagram when the first clutch mechanism is in the second state and the push rod is reset in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 27 Schematic diagram of the structure of the position detection unit in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 28 Schematic diagram of the control method flow of the refrigerator in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 29 Schematic diagram of the structure when the second housing of the automatic door opening and closing device is hidden in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 30 is Figure 29 Partial exploded structure diagram of the automatic door opening and closing device in;

[0067] Figure 31 Schematic diagram of the first clutch mechanism in the second state in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 32 Schematic diagram of the rocker opening or closing the door body in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 33 Schematic diagram of the first clutch mechanism in the first state in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 34 Schematic diagram of the first clutch mechanism in the first state in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Figure 35 is Figure 34 Schematic diagram when the push rod opens the door body in;

[0072] Figure 36 Schematic diagram of the first clutch mechanism in the second state in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Figure 37 is Figure 36 Schematic diagram when the rocker opens or closes the door body in;

[0074] Figure 38 Top view structure diagram when the second housing of the automatic door opening and closing device is hidden in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0075] Figure 39 is Figure 38 Structure diagram of the second clutch mechanism in;

[0076] Figure 40 is Figure 39 Exploded structure diagram of the second clutch mechanism in;

[0077] Figure 41 is Figure 38Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure in the E-E direction;

[0078] Figure 42 Schematic diagram of the partial explosion structure when the automatic door opening and closing device hides the second housing in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0079] Figure 43 is Figure 42 Schematic diagram when the auxiliary mounting plate is installed on the automatic door opening and closing device in ;

[0080] Figure 44 is Figure 42 Schematic diagram when the second housing is installed on the automatic door opening and closing device in ;

[0081] Figure 45 Schematic diagram of the structure of the angle detection mechanism in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0082] Figure 46 is Figure 45 Explosion structure diagram of the angle detection mechanism in ;

[0083] Figure 47 Schematic diagram of the voltage detection circuit in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0084] Figure 48 Schematic diagram of the control method flow of the refrigerator in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0085] Figure 49 Schematic diagram of the control method flow of the refrigerator in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0086] Figure 50 Schematic diagram of the control method flow of the refrigerator in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application;

[0087] Figure 51 Schematic diagram of the control method flow of the refrigerator in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application.

[0088] Reference numerals:

[0089] 010 - Box body;

[0090] 020 - Door body;

[0091] 021 - Rotating recess; 022 - First sliding recess;

[0092] 023 - Third sliding recess; 024 - Front surface; 030 - Hinge;

[0093] 031 - Connecting plate; 032 - Hinge shaft;

[0094] 040 - Automatic door opening and closing device;

[0095] 100 - Housing;

[0096] 110 - First housing; 111 - First bottom plate;

[0097] 112 - First side plate; 113 - First sub - accommodation cavity;

[0098] 114 - First connecting protrusion; 115 - Cable management board;

[0099] 120 - Second housing; 121 - Second bottom plate;

[0100] 122 - Second side plate; 123 - Second sub - accommodation cavity;

[0101] 124 - Second connecting protrusion; 130 - First connecting column;

[0102] 131 - First threaded hole; 140 - First connecting hole;

[0103] 150 - Auxiliary mounting plate; 151 - Second connecting through - hole;

[0104] 152 - Second connecting column; 153 - Third threaded hole;

[0105] 154 - Tenth connecting hole; 155 - Avoidance window;

[0106] 200 - Driving mechanism;

[0107] 210 - First driving motor; 211 - First output shaft;

[0108] 212 - First accommodation recess; 213 - First accommodation protrusion;

[0109] 214 - Second accommodation recess; 215 - Second accommodation protrusion;

[0110] 216 - First accommodation groove; 220 - Worm and worm - gear transmission assembly;

[0111] 221 - First worm; 222 - First worm - gear;

[0112] 223 - First rotating shaft; 224 - First mounting seat;

[0113] 230 - First transmission gear train; 231 - First input gear;

[0114] 232 - First output gear; 233 - First tooth - shaped structure;

[0115] 234 - Second tooth - shaped structure; 235 - First reflecting part;

[0116] 240 - First transmission gear set; 241 - First transmission gear

[0117] 250 - Second transmission gear set; 251 - Second transmission gear

[0118] 252 - Third rotating shaft; 253 - Fourth rotating shaft

[0119] 254 - Fifth connection hole; 255 - First arc recess

[0120] 260 - First mounting bracket; 261 - First mounting plate

[0121] 262 - First connecting plate; 263 - Third connection hole

[0122] 264 - Fourth connection hole; 265 - Second elastic member

[0123] 270 - Third transmission gear set; 271 - Third output gear

[0124] 272 - Third transmission gear; 273 - Fifth rotating shaft

[0125] 274 - Sixth rotating shaft; 275 - Eighth connection hole

[0126] 276 - Second arc recess; 280 - Second mounting bracket

[0127] 281 - Second mounting plate; 282 - Second connecting plate

[0128] 283 - Seventh connection hole; 284 - Third elastic member; 300 - First actuator

[0129] 310 - Push rod; 311 - Sliding protrusion

[0130] 312 - Second sliding recess; 313 - First groove

[0131] 314 - Second groove; 315 - Sliding through hole

[0132] 316 - Transmission rack; 317 - Third receiving recess

[0133] 318 - Avoidance recess; 320 - First elastic member

[0134] 321 - First connection part; 322 - Second connection part

[0135] 330 - First detection circuit board; 331 - First position sensor

[0136] 332 - Second position sensor; 340 - Position detection unit

[0137] 341 - Third position sensor; 342 - Fourth position sensor;

[0138] 343 - Second reflection part; 344 - Third reflection part; 400 - Second actuator;

[0139] 410 - Rocker; 411 - First end of the rocker;

[0140] 412 - Second end of the rocker; 413 - Bending structure;

[0141] 414 - Second connection hole; 415 - Sliding column;

[0142] 420 - Actuating gear set; 421 - First actuating gear;

[0143] 422 - Second actuating gear; 423 - First rotating hole;

[0144] 424 - Second rotating hole; 425 - Third rotating hole;

[0145] 426 - Second rotating part; 427 - Third rotating part;

[0146] 428 - Fifth connection part;

[0147] 500 - First clutch mechanism;

[0148] 510 - Second drive motor; 511 - Third accommodating protrusion;

[0149] 512 - Third accommodating cavity; 513 - Limiting plate;

[0150] 514 - Second accommodating groove; 520 - Clutch cam;

[0151] 521 - Second rotating shaft; 530 - Second worm;

[0152] 531 - Second mounting seat; 540 - Second worm gear;

[0153] 550 - Second transmission gear train; 551 - Second output gear;

[0154] 560 - First limiting part; 570 - Second limiting part;

[0155] 600 - Second clutch mechanism;

[0156] 610 - Connecting rod; 611 - Sixth connection part;

[0157] 612 - Fourth rotating part; 613 - Threaded connection part;

[0158] 620 - First friction gear; 630 - Second friction gear;

[0159] 631 - Fourth receiving recess; 640 - Compressing member;

[0160] 641 - Second threaded hole; 642 - Third tooth-shaped structure;

[0161] 643 - Insertion portion; 650 - Adjusting driving member;

[0162] 651 - Driving gear; 660 - Washer;

[0163] 670 - Third worm gear; 680 - Linear bearing;

[0164] 700 - Angle detection mechanism;

[0165] 710 - Potentiometer; 711 - Resistance element;

[0166] 712 - Brush; 720 - Second detection circuit board;

[0167] 730 - Detection gear; 740 - Detection shaft. Detailed implementation manners

[0168] To make the objectives, implementation manners and advantages of this application clearer, the following will clearly and completely describe the exemplary implementation manners of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings in the exemplary embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described exemplary embodiments are only a part rather than all of the embodiments of this application.

[0169] It should be noted that the brief description of the terms in this application is only for facilitating the understanding of the subsequent described implementation manners, rather than intending to limit the implementation manners of this application. Unless otherwise specified, these terms should be understood in their ordinary and common meanings.

[0170] In addition, the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover but not exclusively include. For example, a product or device including a series of components does not necessarily have to be limited to those components clearly listed, but may include other components not clearly listed or inherent to these products or devices.

[0171] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for facilitating the description of this application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to this application.

[0172] The terms "first", "second" and similar terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with terms such as "first", "second" and the like may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

[0173] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "mounted", "connected" and "coupled" should be construed in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0174] In the related art of refrigerators, there is a technical problem that when the automatic door opening and closing device operates for a long time, the first friction gear and the second friction gear in the clutch mechanism are severely worn, shortening the service life of the clutch mechanism and reducing the reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device. The embodiments of the present application provide a refrigerator and its control method, which are provided with a connecting rod, a pressing member sleeved on the connecting rod, and a third driving motor connected to the pressing member, and a potentiometer connected to the door body. During the automatic opening and closing process of the door body, it is determined whether the door body has a switching failure according to the current voltage value of the potentiometer. If a switching failure occurs, the driving voltage of the third driving motor is increased to drive the pressing member to move along the connecting rod, so as to re-adjust the abutting force between the first friction gear and the second friction gear, thereby adjusting the static friction force between the first friction gear and the second friction gear, so that the door body can be normally opened or closed, extending the service life of the second clutch mechanism, and thus improving the reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device.

[0175] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0176] Refer to Figure 1, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present application includes a cabinet 010, a door body 020, and an automatic door opening and closing device 040. The cabinet 010 is configured with a refrigerating compartment having an access opening, and items such as food ingredients can be taken and placed in the refrigerating compartment through the access opening. The door body 020 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 010 and is used to open or close the access opening. Exemplarily, one door body 020 can be correspondingly provided for the same refrigerating compartment. Or as Figure 1 shown, two door bodies 020 can also be correspondingly provided for the same refrigerating compartment. The automatic door opening and closing device 040 is connected to the door body 020 and the cabinet 010, and is configured to automatically open or close the door body 020, which improves the convenience when opening and closing the door body 020 and enhances the user experience. Exemplarily, the number of the automatic door opening and closing devices 040 can be the same as the number of the door bodies 020, that is to say, one automatic door opening and closing device 040 can be correspondingly provided for each door body 020. Each automatic door opening and closing device 040 can automatically open or close the corresponding door body 020.

[0177] The door body 020 and the cabinet 010 can be rotatably connected through a hinge 030. For example Figure 2 shown, the hinge 030 can be a single-axis hinge. The single-axis hinge can include a connecting plate 031 and a hinge shaft 032 connected to the connecting plate 031. The connecting plate 031 is connected to the top end of the cabinet 010. A rotating recess 021 can be provided at the top end of the door body 020. The hinge shaft 032 can be inserted into the rotating recess 021 and can rotate within the rotating recess 021. When a pulling force or a pushing force is applied to the door body 020, the rotating recess 021 can rotate relative to the hinge shaft 032, so that the door body 020 rotates relative to the cabinet 010, thereby opening or closing the access opening.

[0178] For example Figure 3 shown, the hinge 030 can also be a double-axis hinge. The difference between the double-axis hinge and the single-axis hinge is that: the number of the hinge shafts 032 can be two. Two first sliding recesses 022 with different extending trajectories can be provided at the top end of the door body 020. The two hinge shafts 032 are respectively slidably arranged in the two first sliding recesses 022. When a pulling force or a pushing force is applied to the door body 020, one of the hinge shafts 032 slides in one of the first sliding recesses 022, and the other hinge shaft 032 slides in the other first sliding recess 022, so that the door body 020 can rotate relative to the cabinet 010, thereby opening or closing the access opening. During the process of opening or closing the access opening, under the action of the two hinge shafts 032 and the two first sliding recesses 022, the rotation axis between the door body 020 and the cabinet 010 will change, so that the side surface of the door body 020 will not exceed the side surface of the cabinet 010. When the refrigerator is embedded in a wall or a cabinet, it can prevent the door body 020 from interfering with the wall or the cabinet.

[0179] Exemplarily, the hinge 030 can also be a multi-axis hinge with three or more axes, that is, the multi-axis hinge can include three or more hinge axes 032. Regarding the relevant content of the multi-axis hinge, reference can be made to the above description of the biaxial hinge, and the embodiments of the present application will not elaborate on this.

[0180] The door body 020 can rotate relative to the box body 010 under the action of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 to open or close the access opening. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the automatic door opening and closing device 040 can include a driving mechanism 200 and an actuator. The driving mechanism 200 is used to provide a driving force. The actuator is connected to the driving mechanism 200 and the door body 020 and is configured to open or close the door body 020 under the action of the driving force.

[0181] Exemplarily, the automatic door opening and closing device 040 can further include a housing 100, and the housing 100 can be connected to the box body 010. For example, the housing 100 can be installed at the top of the box body 010. It can be understood that the housing 100 can also be installed at other positions of the box body 010, and the embodiments of the present application will not elaborate on this. The housing 100 can be constructed with a first accommodation cavity, and at least part of the driving mechanism 200 and at least part of the actuator can be accommodated and installed in the first accommodation cavity. By providing the housing 100, at least part of the components of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 can be arranged in the housing 100, so as to perform a modular design on the automatic door opening and closing device 040, improving the convenience of assembling, installing and maintaining the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0182] Exemplarily, the housing 100 can be a split structure to facilitate the installation of at least part of the driving mechanism 200, at least part of the actuator or other components in the housing 100. For example Figure 5 as shown, the housing 100 can include a first housing 110 and a second housing 120 that are detachably connected, and the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are buckled with each other to form the first accommodation cavity. Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7, the first housing 110 may include a first bottom plate 111 and a first side plate 112. The first bottom plate 111 may be connected to the top end of the box body 010. For example, the first bottom plate 111 may be detachably connected to the top end of the box body 010 through connecting bolts. The first side plate 112 is perpendicular to the first bottom plate 111, surrounds the first bottom plate 111, and is connected to the edge of the first bottom plate 111. The first side plate 112 and the first bottom plate 111 enclose a first sub-accommodating cavity 113 having a first opening. The second housing 120 may include a second bottom plate 121 and a second side plate 122. The second side plate 122 is perpendicular to the first bottom plate 111, surrounds the second bottom plate 121, and is connected to the edge of the second bottom plate 121. The second side plate 122 and the first bottom plate 111 enclose a second sub-accommodating cavity 123 having a second opening. When the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are buckled with each other, the second opening of the second sub-accommodating cavity 123 is opposite to the first opening of the first sub-accommodating cavity 113, forming a first accommodating cavity.

[0183] Exemplarily, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may be detachably connected through a snap projection and a snap recess. For example, at least one snap projection may be provided on the side of the first side plate 112 facing away from the first sub-accommodating cavity 113. At least one snap recess may be provided on the side of the second side plate 122 located inside the second sub-accommodating cavity 123, and the at least one snap recess is correspondingly arranged with the at least one snap projection. When the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are buckled with each other, the snap recess is clamped in the corresponding snap recess, so that the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are connected to each other. The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are detachably connected through the snap projection and the snap recess, which can improve the convenience when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are connected. And the snap projection and the snap recess can be formed on the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, without additionally providing connecting parts, reducing the number of parts of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 and improving the assembly efficiency of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0184] Exemplarily, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may also be detachably connected through connecting bolts. For example Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, on one side of the first bottom plate 111 located inside the first sub-accommodation cavity 113, at least one first connecting post 130 may be provided, and on the side of the first connecting post 130 facing away from the first bottom plate 111, a first threaded hole 131 may be provided. The second bottom plate 121 may be provided with a first connecting hole 140. When the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are buckled with each other, the first connecting hole 140 is opposite to the first threaded hole 131. A connecting bolt may pass through the first connecting hole 140 and be threadedly connected to the first threaded hole 131 to detachably connect the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. Compared with the detachable connection of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 through the snap protrusion and the snap recess, the detachable connection through the connecting bolt can improve the connection strength between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, and can improve the accuracy of the relative position between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

[0185] Exemplarily, on the side of the first side plate 112 facing away from the first bottom plate 111, a first connecting protrusion 114 may be provided. On the side of the second side plate 122 facing away from the second bottom plate 121, a second connecting protrusion 124 may be provided. When the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are buckled with each other, the outer surface of the first connecting protrusion 114 facing away from the first sub-accommodation cavity 113 contacts the inner surface of the second connecting protrusion 124 located inside the second sub-accommodation cavity 123 to preliminarily position the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, improving the convenience when connecting the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, and improving the accuracy of the relative position between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

[0186] Exemplarily, on one side of the first bottom plate 111 located inside the first sub-accommodation cavity 113, a wire management board 115 may be provided. The wire management board 115 is spaced from a part of the first side plate 112 and forms a wire routing space with this part of the first side plate 112. The electrical connection wires electrically connected to the components of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 may be routed in the wire routing space, improving the convenience of wire management during the assembly of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0187] It can be understood that the housing 100 may also be cancelled, and the components of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 may be directly installed on the box body 010, which will not be elaborated in the embodiments of the present application.

[0188] At least part of the driving mechanism 200 may be arranged inside the housing 100, and the driving mechanism 200 is used to provide the driving force for the automatic door opening and closing device 040 to open or close the door body 020.

[0189] Exemplarily, refer to Figure 8, the driving mechanism 200 may include a first driving motor 210. The first driving motor 210 may be installed within the housing 100. The first driving motor 210 has a rotatable first output shaft 211, and the first output shaft 211 is connected to the actuating mechanism to provide a driving force to the actuating mechanism. It can be understood that the first driving motor 210 may also be replaced with other components capable of providing a driving force, such as a pneumatic motor or a hydraulic motor, etc., and the embodiments of the present application will not elaborate on this.

[0190] Exemplarily, the first driving motor 210 may be fixed by the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. For example Figures 5 to 7 As shown, on one side of the first bottom plate 111 located within the first sub-accommodation cavity 113, a first accommodation recess 212 and a first accommodation protrusion 213 may be provided. The first accommodation protrusion 213 surrounds the first accommodation recess 212 to form a third sub-accommodation cavity with the first accommodation recess 212. On one side of the second bottom plate 121 located within the second sub-accommodation cavity 123, a second accommodation recess 214 and a second accommodation protrusion 215 may be provided. The second accommodation protrusion 215 surrounds the second accommodation recess 214 to form a fourth sub-accommodation cavity with the second accommodation recess 214. When the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are buckled to each other, the first accommodation protrusion 213 and the second accommodation protrusion 215 are butted against each other, and the third sub-accommodation cavity and the fourth sub-accommodation cavity form a second accommodation cavity. The first driving motor 210 may be accommodated and fixed within the second accommodation cavity.

[0191] By fixing the first driving motor 210 with the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, there is no need to provide an additional fixing structure for the first driving motor 210, reducing the number of parts of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 and improving the assembly efficiency of the automatic door opening and closing device 040; and there is no need to reserve an installation space for an additional fixing structure within the housing 100, improving the space utilization rate within the housing 100, reducing the volume of the housing 100, and being beneficial to the miniaturization of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0192] Exemplarily, on the side of the first accommodation protrusion 213 facing away from the first bottom plate 111, a plurality of first accommodation grooves 216 may be provided. The plurality of first accommodation grooves 216 can be used for the first output shaft 211 of the first driving motor 210 and the electrical connection lines electrically connected to the first driving motor 210 to pass through. With such a setting, during the installation of the first driving motor 210, when the first accommodation protrusion 213 and the second accommodation protrusion 215 are butted against each other, it can prevent the first output shaft 211 and the electrical connection lines from interfering with the first accommodation protrusion 213 and the second accommodation protrusion 215 and causing damage to the first driving motor 210.

[0193] When installing the first drive motor 210, the first housing 110 can be provided first, and then the first drive motor 210 can be placed, so that part of the first drive motor 210 is accommodated in the third sub-accommodation cavity of the first housing 110, and the first output shaft 211 and the electrical connection line are placed in different first accommodation grooves 216. Then the second housing 120 is snapped on the first housing 110, and the fourth sub-accommodation cavity of the second housing 120 is covered on another part of the first drive motor 210, and the second accommodation protrusion 215 is connected to the first accommodation protrusion 213, so that the first drive motor 210 is accommodated in the second accommodation cavity. Then the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are connected, so that the first drive motor 210 is fixed in the second accommodation cavity. The second accommodation cavity can wrap the first drive motor 210, increase the contact area between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 and the first drive motor 210, can effectively reduce the vibration generated when the first drive motor 210 is working, and improve the working stability of the first drive motor 210.

[0194] The drive mechanism 200 may further include a transmission assembly, which may connect the first drive motor 210 and the actuator to transmit the driving force to the actuator so that the actuator can open or close the door body 020. By providing the transmission assembly, even if the distance between the first drive motor 210 and the actuator is far, the driving force can be transmitted between the first drive motor 210 and the actuator, thereby improving the layout flexibility of the first drive motor 210 and the actuator, and facilitating the structural optimization of the automatic door opening and closing device 040. In addition, the transmission assembly may also adjust the speed, torque, direction and other parameters of the driving force to meet the actuator's requirements for the driving torque, so that the actuator can open or close the door body 020.

[0195] Exemplarily, the transmission assembly can be a synchronous belt transmission assembly. For example, the transmission assembly can include a driving synchronous wheel, a driven synchronous wheel and a synchronous belt. The driving synchronous wheel can be connected to the first output shaft 211 of the first drive motor 210. The driven synchronous wheel is connected to the actuator. The synchronous belt surrounds the driving synchronous wheel and the driven synchronous wheel, and meshes with the driving synchronous wheel and the driven synchronous wheel. When the first output shaft 211 of the first drive motor 210 rotates, the driving synchronous wheel is driven to rotate, and the driving synchronous wheel drives the synchronous belt to move around the driving synchronous wheel and the driven synchronous wheel, thereby driving the driven synchronous wheel to rotate, and the driven synchronous wheel drives the actuator to operate to open or close the door body 020.

[0196] The transmission assembly may further include a speed reducer which has an input hole and a second output shaft. The input hole can be sleeved on the first output shaft 211. The axis of the second output shaft may be perpendicular to the axis of the input hole. The second output shaft can be inserted into the driving synchronous pulley. When the first output shaft 211 of the first driving motor 210 rotates, it can drive the second output shaft to rotate, and the second output shaft drives the driving synchronous pulley to rotate. By providing the speed reducer, parameters such as the rotational speed, torque and direction of the driving force provided by the first driving motor 210 can be adjusted to meet the requirements of the actuator for the driving torque.

[0197] Exemplarily, the transmission assembly may also include a worm and worm gear transmission assembly 220. For example Figure 8 and Figure 9 as shown, the worm and worm gear transmission assembly 220 may include a first worm 221 and a first worm gear 222. The first end of the first worm 221 may be connected to the first output shaft 211 of the first driving motor 210. The first worm gear 222 is rotatably mounted in the housing 100. For example, a first rotating shaft 223 may be installed on one side of the first bottom plate 111 located in the first sub-accommodation cavity 113, and the first rotating shaft 223 is perpendicular to the first bottom plate 111. The first worm gear 222 can be sleeved on the first rotating shaft 223 and is rotatable on the first rotating shaft 223. The first worm gear 222 meshes with the first worm 221 and is connected to the actuator. When the first output shaft 211 of the first driving motor 210 rotates, the first output shaft 211 drives the first worm 221 to rotate, the first worm 221 drives the first worm gear 222 meshing with it to rotate, and the first worm gear 222 drives the actuator to act to open or close the door body 020. The first worm 221 and the first worm gear 222 can reduce the rotational speed of the driving force provided by the first driving motor 210, increase the torque of the driving force, and can change the direction of the driving force to meet the requirements of the actuator for the driving force.

[0198] The transmission assembly may further include a first mounting seat 224 which can be connected to the first bottom plate 111 and is spaced from the first driving motor 210. For example, it can be spaced from the first accommodation recess 212 for mounting the first driving motor 210. The second end of the first worm 221 is rotatably connected to the first mounting seat 224. When the first output shaft 211 drives the first worm 221 to rotate, the first mounting seat 224 can support the second end of the first worm 221, improving the smoothness of the rotation of the first worm 221, and thus improving the transmission stability of the transmission assembly.

[0199] Exemplarily, the transmission assembly may further include a first transmission gear train 230. The first transmission gear train 230 may be installed on the housing, and the first transmission gear train 230 may be drivingly connected to the first drive motor 210. The first transmission gear train 230 has a first input gear 231 and a first output gear 232 that can be rotated under the drive of the first output gear 232. The first input gear 231 may be connected to the first worm gear 222, and the first output gear 232 is connected to the actuator. When the first worm gear 222 rotates under the drive of the first drive motor 210, the first worm gear 222 can drive the first input gear 231 to rotate, the first input gear 231 drives the first output gear 232 to rotate, and the first output gear 232 drives the actuator to act to open or close the door body 020.

[0200] By providing the first transmission gear train 230, the layout flexibility of the first drive motor 210 and the actuator can be improved, thereby improving the space utilization rate inside the housing 100, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the automatic switch device. The first transmission gear train 230 can also adjust parameters such as the rotational speed, torque, and direction of the driving force to meet the requirements of the actuator for the driving force. In addition, compared with driving through a synchronous belt transmission assembly, the first transmission gear train 230 has higher transmission efficiency and transmission accuracy, can reduce the driving power requirement for the first drive motor 210, thereby reducing the cost of the first drive motor 210, and further reducing the component cost of the automatic door opening and closing device 040, and can enhance the stability during transmission.

[0201] The first output gear 232 can be rotated under the drive of the first input gear 231. Exemplarily, the first input gear 231 and the first output gear 232 may be rotatably installed in the housing 100 through the same rotating shaft. When the first input gear 231 rotates, the first output gear 232 can be driven to rotate through this rotating shaft. Or, the first output gear 232 and the first input gear 231 may be rotatably installed in the housing 100 through different rotating shafts, and the first input gear 231 is drivingly connected to the first output gear 232. For example, the first input gear 231 meshes with the first output gear 232, and when the first input gear 231 rotates, it drives the first output gear 232 meshing with it to rotate. For example Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, at least one transmission gear may also be provided between the first input gear 231 and the first output gear 232. That is, in addition to the first input gear 231 and the first output gear 232, the first transmission gear system 230 may include at least one transmission gear. The at least one transmission gear is respectively meshed with the first input gear 231 and the first output gear 232, and the first input gear 231 and the first output gear 232 are connected in transmission via the at least one transmission gear. The number, position and other parameters of the transmission gears may be specifically set according to actual conditions, and the embodiments of the present application will not be described in detail.

[0202] For example, in some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application, the first worm 221 and the first worm wheel 222 may be eliminated, and the first input gear 231 of the first transmission gear train 230 may be directly connected to the first output shaft 211 of the first drive motor 210. When the first output shaft 211 rotates, it can directly drive the first transmission gear train 230 to operate, and the first transmission gear train 230 drives the actuator to operate to open or close the door body 020.

[0203] At least part of the actuator can be disposed in the housing 100, and the actuator can be connected to the driving mechanism 200 and act on the door body 020. Under the driving force provided by the driving mechanism 200, the actuator can open or close the door body 020, thereby improving the convenience of opening and closing the door body 020 and enhancing the user experience.

[0204] In some possible implementations of the present application, the actuator may be the first actuator 300. For example, referring to Figure 9 , the first actuator 300 may include a push rod 310, which can slide relative to the box body 010 along a first direction and is connected to the driving mechanism 200. The driving mechanism 200 can drive the push rod 310 to slide along the first direction to apply a thrust to the door body 020, thereby opening the door body 020 and realizing the function of automatic door opening. In some refrigerators provided by related technologies, the door body 020 in a closed state is subjected to the suction force of the magnetic door seal, the elastic force of the door closer, the clamping force of the flip beam, and the negative pressure generated by the low temperature in the refrigeration room, etc., so that it is necessary to resist a large resistance in the initial stage of opening the door body 020. The refrigerator of the embodiment of the present application is provided with a first actuator 300, and the first actuator 300 is provided with a push rod 310. The push rod 310 can slide toward the door body 020 under the drive of the driving mechanism 200, thereby applying a thrust to the door body 020 to overcome the resistance in the initial stage of opening the door body 020, thereby improving the convenience of opening the door body 020 and enhancing the user experience.

[0205] It should be noted that the first direction refers to the direction from the box body 010 to the door body 020, for exampleFigure 9 The direction x shown in the figure is hereinafter referred to as the first direction x. When the push rod 310 moves along the first direction x, it can apply a thrust force to the door body 020 to open the door body 020. For example, the door body 020 has a front surface facing away from the cabinet body 010, and the first direction x can be perpendicular to the front surface of the door body 020 when it is in the closed state.

[0206] Exemplarily, the push rod 310 can be slidably connected to the housing 100 along the first direction x so as to be slidable relative to the cabinet body 010 along the first direction x. For example, two sliding protrusions 311 can be provided on one side of the first bottom plate 111 located in the first sub-accommodation cavity 113. The two sliding protrusions 311 can both extend along the first direction x and are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the first direction x. The two sliding protrusions 311 and the first bottom plate 111 enclose a second sliding recess 312. The first side plate 112 can be provided with a first groove 313 facing the door body 020, and the first groove 313 is opposite to the second sliding recess 312. The second side plate 122 can be provided with a second groove 314. When the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are fastened to each other, the first groove 313 and the second groove 314 enclose a sliding through hole 315. The push rod 310 is inserted into the sliding through hole 315 and slidably disposed in the second sliding recess 312. When the driving mechanism 200 applies a driving force to the push rod 310, the push rod 310 can slide relative to the housing 100 and extend out through the sliding through hole 315 to apply a thrust force to the door body 020, realizing the function of automatically opening the door.

[0207] Exemplarily, the push rod 310 can be a cylindrical structure or a cuboid structure. Compared with the cylindrical structure, when the cuboid structure is slidably disposed in the second sliding recess 312, it has a larger contact area with the second sliding recess 312, and the two sliding protrusions 311, the first bottom plate 111 or the second bottom plate 121 can limit the cuboid structure, preventing the push rod 310 from rotating itself during the sliding process in the second sliding recess 312, and improving the smoothness of the push rod 310 when sliding relative to the housing 100.

[0208] When the transmission component in the driving mechanism 200 includes the first transmission gear train 230, the push rod 310 can be connected to the first output gear 232 of the first transmission gear train 230. For example, the first actuator 300 may include a transmission rack 316. The transmission rack 316 can be connected to one side of the push rod 310 extending along the first direction x and meshes with the first output gear 232. When the driving mechanism 200 operates, the first driving motor 210 drives the first transmission gear train 230 to operate, the first output gear 232 rotates, and the first output gear 232 drives the transmission rack 316 engaged therewith to move, so that the push rod 310 slides relative to the housing 100 along the first direction x, thereby applying a thrust to the door body 020 to realize the function of automatically opening the door. There is a high transmission efficiency and transmission accuracy between the first output gear 232 and the transmission rack 316, which can reduce the requirement for the driving power of the driving mechanism 200, thereby reducing the component cost of the automatic door opening and closing device 040; and can enhance the stability during transmission, thereby improving the smoothness of the push rod 310 sliding relative to the housing 100.

[0209] Exemplarily, the transmission rack 316 and the push rod 310 can be a split structure, and the transmission rack 316 can be connected to the push rod 310 by bolts or the like. Exemplarily, the transmission rack 316 and the push rod 310 can be an integral structure. For example, the transmission rack 316 can be made on one side of the push rod 310 extending along the first direction x and facing the first transmission gear train 230. The integral structure can improve the connection strength between the rack structure and the push rod 310, improving the mechanical reliability of the first actuator 300; moreover, the integral structure can also reduce the number of parts of the first actuator 300, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0210] As Figure 9 shown, when the first driving motor 210 operates, the first output shaft 211 drives the first worm 221 to rotate, the first worm 221 drives the first worm gear 222 to rotate counterclockwise, the first worm gear 222 drives the first input gear 231 to rotate counterclockwise, the first input gear 231 drives the first output gear 232 to rotate clockwise through at least one transmission gear, and the first output gear 232 drives the push rod 310 to slide along the first direction x in the second sliding recess 312 through the transmission rack 316. The push rod 310 extends out through the sliding through hole 315 to apply a thrust to the door body 020, thereby automatically opening the door body 020.

[0211] As Figure 10As shown, when the first driving motor 210 operates in the reverse direction, the first output shaft 211 drives the first worm 221 to rotate in the reverse direction. The first worm 221 drives the first worm gear 222 to rotate clockwise. The first worm gear 222 drives the first input gear 231 to rotate clockwise. The first input gear 231 drives the first output gear 232 to rotate counterclockwise through at least one transmission gear. The first output gear 232 drives the push rod 310 to slide along the second direction y within the second sliding recess 312. The second direction y is opposite to the first direction x. The push rod 310 is retracted via the sliding through hole 315, that is, the push rod 310 is reset to relieve the thrust applied to the door body 020, so that the door body 020 can be closed.

[0212] The first actuator 300 may further include a first elastic member 320. The first elastic member 320 is connected to the push rod 310 and the housing 100 to apply a force along the second direction y to the push rod 310. This force can make the transmission rack 316 and the first output gear 232 connected to the push rod 310 always contact unilaterally, so as to reduce the backlash error generated when the first output gear 232 switches between clockwise rotation and counterclockwise rotation, improve the transmission accuracy between the transmission rack 316 and the first output gear 232, and thus improve the position accuracy when the push rod 310 slides.

[0213] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the push rod 310 may be provided with a first connection portion 321, and the housing 100 may be provided with a second connection portion 322. The second connection portion 322 may be located on the side of the first connection portion 321 facing away from the sliding through hole 315. The first elastic member 320 may be a first tension spring. The first tension spring may extend along the first direction x. The first end of the first tension spring is connected to the first connection portion 321, and the second end of the first tension spring is connected to the second connection portion 322. When the push rod 310 slides out of the sliding through hole 315 along the first direction x, the distance between the first connection portion 321 and the second connection portion 322 increases, stretching the first tension spring, causing the first tension spring to undergo tensile deformation and generate a tensile force along the second direction y.

[0214] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 10, the push rod 310 may be provided with a third receiving recess 317 and a first connecting through hole. The third receiving recess 317 is arranged along the extending direction of the push rod 310. The first connecting through hole is arranged at one end of the push rod 310 located inside the housing 100 and is communicated with the third receiving recess 317. The first connecting portion 321 may be arranged inside the third receiving recess 317. The second connecting portion 322 is connected to the housing, for example, on the first bottom plate 111 and is opposite to the first connecting through hole. With such an arrangement, at least part of the first tension spring can be arranged inside the push rod 310, so as to reduce the internal space of the housing 100 occupied by the first tension spring, improve the space utilization rate inside the housing 100, and be beneficial to the miniaturization of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0215] A relief recess 318 may be arranged on one side of the bottom of the third receiving recess 317 facing the first connecting through hole. The relief recess 318 is opposite to the second connecting portion 322. When the door body 020 is in the closed state, the second connecting portion 322 can be received inside the relief recess 318, so as to further reduce the internal space of the housing 100 occupied by the first tension spring, and be more beneficial to the miniaturization of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0216] Exemplarily, the push rod 310 may be provided with a third connecting portion, and the housing 100 may be provided with a fourth connecting portion. The fourth connecting portion is located on the side of the third connecting portion facing the sliding through hole 315. The first elastic member 320 may also be a first compression spring (not shown in the drawings). The first compression spring may extend along the first direction x. The first end of the first compression spring is connected to the third connecting portion, and the second end of the first compression spring is connected to the fourth connecting portion. When the push rod 310 moves along the first direction x, the distance between the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion decreases, thereby compressing the first compression spring, so that the first compression spring generates a compression deformation and generates a thrust along the second direction y.

[0217] In the above implementation manner, it is necessary to control the first driving motor 210 to act reversely to retract the push rod 310. If the first driving motor 210 fails to be controlled to act reversely in time, or the first driving motor 210 fails, etc., it will cause the push rod 310 to not be retracted in time or unable to be retracted, so that the door body 020 of the refrigerator cannot be closed, affecting the normal use of the refrigerator. In some other possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present application, after the push rod 310 applies a thrust to the door body 020, the push rod 310 can be automatically retracted, that is, the push rod 310 is reset, through the first output gear 232 and the first elastic member 320, so that the door body 020 can be normally closed.

[0218] Exemplarily, refer to Figure 11, the first output gear 232 may include a first toothed structure 233 and a second toothed structure 234 arranged along its axial direction. The first toothed structure 233 surrounds the circumference of the first output gear 232, and the first toothed structure 233 may mesh with the transmission gear in the first transmission gear train 230. The second toothed structure 234 surrounds part of the circumference of the first output gear 232, and the second toothed structure 234 meshes with the transmission rack 316. In other words, the first toothed structure 233 that is transmission-connected to the first input gear 231 is a complete gear structure, and the second toothed structure 234 that meshes with the transmission rack 316 is an incomplete gear structure.

[0219] refer to Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the bold part of the first output gear 232 is the location of the second tooth structure 234. Figure 12 As shown, when the first driving motor 210 is activated, the first transmission gear train 230 operates, the first input gear 231 drives the first output gear 232 to rotate clockwise through the first tooth structure 233, and the second tooth structure 234 of the first output gear 232 drives the transmission rack 316 meshed with it to slide along the first direction x, so that the push rod 310 extends from the sliding through hole 315 along the first direction x to apply a thrust to the door body 020, thereby opening the door body 020. Figure 15 As shown, when the push rod 310 extends to a preset length, the first output gear 232 rotates to a disengaged position, and the second toothed structure 234 is disengaged from the transmission rack 316. Figure 16 As shown, the first elastic member 320 applies a force along the second direction y to the push rod 310, so that the push rod 310 slides along the second direction y under the action of the force, so that the push rod 310 can automatically return to the housing 100, thereby allowing the door body 020 to be closed. Figure 17 As shown, the first drive motor 210 continues to operate, the first transmission gear system 230 continues to run, and the first output gear 232 continues to rotate clockwise to the meshing position driven by the first input gear 231 and the transmission gear. At this time, the second tooth structure 234 is meshed with the transmission rack 316 to facilitate the next automatic door opening.

[0220] It should be noted that the preset length refers to the length of the portion of the push rod 310 extending out of the housing 100, that is, the length of the push rod 310 extending out of the housing 100 when the second toothed structure 234 is disengaged from the transmission rack 316. The specific value of the preset length can be specifically set according to actual conditions, and the embodiments of the present application will not be repeated here.

[0221] refer to Figures 12 to 15, the automatic door opening and closing device 040 may further include a first position sensor 331 and a second position sensor 332. The first position sensor 331 is used to detect that the first output gear 232 is in the engaged position. The second position sensor 332 is used to detect that the first output gear 232 is in the disengaged position. By providing the first position sensor 331 and the second position sensor 332, the position of the first output gear 232 can be detected, and the automatic door opening and closing device 040 can be automatically controlled according to the first output gear 232, reducing the control difficulty of the automatic door opening and closing device.

[0222] Exemplarily, when the first output gear 232 is in the engaged position, the first position sensor 331 is triggered. The first sensor can be used to detect whether the first output gear 232 is in the engaged position. Exemplarily, the first position sensor 331 can be triggered when the first output gear 232 is in the engaged position to generate an engaged position signal. By providing the first position sensor 331, it is possible to determine whether the first output gear 232 is in the engaged position, so as to determine whether the second tooth-shaped structure 234 is engaged with the transmission rack 316, and accordingly control the drive mechanism 200 to ensure that the second tooth-shaped structure 234 is engaged with the transmission rack 316 before the automatic door opening operation, improving the functional reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0223] Exemplarily, when the first output gear 232 is in the disengaged position, the second position sensor 332 is triggered. The second position sensor 332 can be used to detect whether the first output gear 232 is in the disengaged position. Exemplarily, the second position sensor 332 can be triggered when the first output gear 232 is in the disengaged position to generate a disengaged position signal. By providing the second position sensor 332, it is possible to determine whether the first output gear 232 is in the disengaged position, so as to determine whether the second tooth-shaped structure 234 is separated from the transmission rack 316, and accordingly control the drive mechanism 200 to ensure that the part of the push rod 310 extending out of the housing 100 reaches a preset length, thereby ensuring the opening angle of the door body 020, improving the functional reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0224] Exemplarily, refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17, the first position sensor 331 may be a first reflective optoelectronic switch. For example, the first actuator 300 may further include a first detection circuit board 330. The first detection circuit board 330 is mounted on the first bottom plate 111 and is located between the first output gear 232 and the first bottom plate 111. The first reflective optoelectronic switch may be connected to the first detection circuit board 330. The first reflective optoelectronic switch may be located between the first output gear 232 and the housing 010. The first output gear 232 faces the housing 010. For example, a first reflection portion 235 may be provided on a side of the first output gear 232 facing the first detection circuit board 330. The first reflection portion 235 can reflect light. For example, the first reflection portion 235 may be a white area or a bright area, and other areas on the side of the first output gear 232 facing the first detection circuit board 330 may be black areas. As Figure 15 shown, when the first output gear 232 is in the engaged position, the first reflection portion 235 is opposite to the first reflective optoelectronic switch. The detection light emitted by the first reflective optoelectronic switch can be reflected by the first reflection portion 235 and return to the first reflective optoelectronic switch, thereby generating an engaged position signal.

[0225] The second position sensor 332 may be a second reflective optoelectronic switch. For example, the second reflective optoelectronic switch may be connected to the first detection circuit board 330. The second reflective optoelectronic switch may be located between the first output gear 232 and the housing 010. As Figure 13 and Figure 14 shown, when the first output gear 232 is in the disengaged position, the first reflection portion 235 is opposite to the second reflective optoelectronic switch. The detection light emitted by the second reflective optoelectronic switch can be reflected by the first reflection portion 235 and return to the second reflective optoelectronic switch, thereby generating a disengaged position signal.

[0226] It can be understood that the first position sensor 331 and the second position sensor 332 may also be a first travel switch and a second travel switch respectively, or other sensors capable of detecting the position of the first output gear 232, which will not be elaborated in the embodiments of the present application. Compared with the first travel switch and the second travel switch, the first reflective optoelectronic switch and the second reflective optoelectronic switch do not need to be in direct contact with the first output gear 232, and can detect the position of the first output gear 232, which is beneficial to optimizing the component layout of the automatic door opening and closing device, and thus beneficial to the miniaturization of the automatic door opening and closing device.

[0227] The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present application may further include a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to the driving mechanism 200 and capable of sending a control signal to the driving mechanism 200 to cause the driving mechanism 200 to drive the first actuator 300 to act, so as to realize the function of automatic door opening. The controller may also be electrically connected to the first position sensor 331. The controller may be configured to control the driving mechanism 200 to drive the first actuator 300 to perform an opening operation after receiving the engagement position signal, so as to ensure the functional reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device 040. The controller may also be electrically connected to the second position sensor 332. The controller may be configured to control the driving mechanism 200 to stop acting after receiving the disengagement position signal, so as to ensure that the part of the push rod 310 extending out of the housing 100 reaches a preset length, thereby ensuring the opening angle of the door body 020 and improving the functional reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0228] In some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application, the automatic door opening and closing device 040 may further be provided with a clutch mechanism. After the push rod 310 applies a thrust to the door body 020, the push rod 310 can be automatically reset through the clutch mechanism and the first elastic member 320, so that the door body 020 can be normally closed. Exemplarily, the clutch mechanism may be configured to connect or disconnect the first transmission gear train 230 from the push rod 310. When the clutch mechanism disconnects the first transmission gear train 230, the push rod 310 is reset under the action of the first elastic member 320. Regarding the specific structure of the clutch mechanism, the embodiment of the present application will describe it in detail later.

[0229] In some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application, the actuator may also be a second actuator 400. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 18 and Figure 19 , the second actuator 400 may include a rocker 410. The rocker 410 may be driven by the driving mechanism 200 to provide a driving force to rotate relative to the cabinet 010 to open or close the door body 020. Exemplarily, within at least one angular range where the driving mechanism 200 drives the rocker 410 to rotate, under the thrust action of the rocker 410, the door body 020 rotates and moves relative to the rocker 410, and the door body 020 rotates and moves relative to the cabinet 010.

[0230] When the door body is automatically opened or closed by the second actuator 400, the drive mechanism 200 can drive the rocker 410 to rotate, and the rocker 410 can apply a thrust force to the door body 020. Within at least one angular range where the rocker 410 rotates relative to the door body 020, the door body 020 and the rocker 410 rotate and move relative to each other, and the door body 020 and the cabinet body 010 rotate and move relative to each other, so that the side surface of the door body 020 does not exceed the side surface of the cabinet body 010. When the refrigerator is embedded in a wall or a cabinet, it can prevent the door body 020 from interfering with the wall or the cabinet. Therefore, the second actuator 400 can be applied to a refrigerator equipped with a double-axis hinge.

[0231] Exemplarily, the first end 411 of the rocker can be rotatably connected to the top end of the cabinet body 010 around a first axis, and the first axis is along the height direction of the cabinet body 010. The second end 412 of the rocker can be rotatably connected to the top end of the door body 020 around a second axis, and is slidably connected to the top end of the door body 020 along a direction parallel to the door body 020, and the second axis is parallel to the first axis. The drive mechanism 200 can drive the rocker 410, so that the first end 411 of the rocker rotates relative to the cabinet body 010, and the second end 412 of the rocker slides and rotates relative to the door body 020 to open or close the door body 020. It should be noted that the first axis is arranged along the height direction of the cabinet body 010, and the height direction of the cabinet body 010 refers to the third direction z as shown in Figure 18 shown.

[0232] Refer to Figure 19 , when closing the door body 020, the drive mechanism 200 applies a driving force to the rocker 410, so that the first end 411 of the rocker rotates relative to the cabinet body 010 in the direction A, the second end 412 of the rocker slides relative to the door body 020 in the direction B, and the second end 412 of the rocker applies a moment in the direction A to the door body 020, so that the door body 020 rotates towards the cabinet body 010, thereby closing the door body 020. Refer to Figure 20 , when opening the door body 020, the drive mechanism 200 applies a reverse driving force to the rocker 410, so that the first end 411 of the rocker rotates relative to the cabinet body 010 in the direction C opposite to the direction A, the second end 412 of the rocker slides relative to the door body 020 in the direction D opposite to the direction B, and the second end 412 of the rocker applies a moment in the direction C to the door body 020, so that the door body 020 rotates in a direction away from the cabinet body 010, thereby opening the door body 020. Compared with the first actuator 300, the second actuator 400 can not only automatically open the door body 020, but also automatically close the door body 020, increasing the function of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 and improving the user experience.

[0233] In addition, in some related technologies, the actuator may further include a first link and a second link. The first link is connected to the driving mechanism 200. The first end of the first link is rotatably connected to the top end of the box body 010. The second end of the first link is rotatably connected to the first end of the second link. The second end of the second link is rotatably connected to the top end of the door body 020. The first link and the second link form a crank - connecting rod mechanism. The driving mechanism 200 drives the first link, such that the first end of the first link rotates relative to the box body 010. The second end of the first link drives the first end of the second link to rotate, and drives the second link to move relative to the box body 010. Furthermore, the second end of the second link rotates relative to the door body 020, and drives the door body 020 to act relative to the box body 010, so as to open or close the door body 020.

[0234] However, during the process of opening or closing the door body 020, due to the inherent mechanical characteristics of the crank - connecting rod mechanism, both the rotational speed and the torque of the output torque at the second end of the output end, i.e., the second link, change significantly. For the significantly changing rotational speed, in order to ensure the uniform movement of the door body 020, it is necessary to perform variable - frequency control on the driving mechanism 200 to adjust the rotational speed, which increases the control difficulty of the driving mechanism 200. For the significantly changing torque, in order to ensure that the door body 020 can be smoothly opened or closed, it is necessary to increase the driving power of the driving mechanism 200. However, the greater the driving power, the larger the volume of the driving mechanism 200, which increases the volume of the automatic door opening and closing device 040, thus affecting the height of the refrigerator.

[0235] In the embodiment of the present application, during the process of opening and closing the door body 020, the torque applied by the second end 412 of the rocker to the door body 020 has a consistent or approximately consistent rotational speed and torque. For example, the change rate of the rotational speed and torque is generally less than 5%. Therefore, when automatically opening or closing the door body, there is no need to perform variable - frequency control on the driving mechanism 200, which reduces the control difficulty of the driving mechanism 200; and there is no need to increase the driving power of the driving mechanism 200, so there is no need to increase the volume of the driving mechanism 200, eliminating the influence on the height of the refrigerator caused by increasing the volume of the driving mechanism 200.

[0236] Exemplarily, as Figures 18 to 20 shown, the rocker 410 may be a long strip - shaped plate structure. A bending structure 413 may be formed on the side of the long strip - shaped plate structure. The bending structure 413 can enhance the strength of the long strip - shaped plate structure, thereby preventing the rocker 410 from deforming during the process of opening or closing the door body 020, and improving the structural reliability of the rocker 410. It can be understood that the rocker 410 may also be a long strip - shaped rod structure or a long strip - shaped tubular structure, etc., which will not be elaborated in the embodiment of the present application.

[0237] Exemplarily, the second actuator 400 may further include an actuator gear set 420. The actuator gear set 420 may be mounted on the box body 010. For example, the actuator gear set 420 is in transmission connection with the driving mechanism 200, and the actuator gear set 420 is fixedly connected to the first end 411 of the rocker. When the driving mechanism 200 operates, it can drive the actuator gear set 420 to rotate, and the actuator gear set 420 drives the first end 411 of the rocker to rotate relative to the box body 010 to open or close the door body 020. The actuator gear set 420 has high transmission efficiency and transmission accuracy, so as to reduce the driving power requirement for the driving mechanism 200, and further reduce the cost of the driving mechanism 200; and it can increase the stability when the rocker 410 operates, thereby improving the mechanical reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0238] The actuator gear set 420 may include at least one actuator gear. Taking the driving mechanism 200 including a first driving motor 210 and a first transmission gear train 230 connected to the first driving motor 210 as an example, as Figures 18 to 20 shown, the number of at least one actuator gear may be two, namely a first actuator gear 421 and a second actuator gear 422. The first actuator gear 421 and the second actuator gear 422 are both rotatably mounted on the box body 010. The first actuator gear 421 is in transmission connection with the driving mechanism 200. The second actuator gear 422 may be meshed with the first actuator gear 421, and the second actuator gear 422 may be fixedly connected to the first end 411 of the rocker. When the driving mechanism 200 operates, it can drive the first actuator gear 421 to rotate, and the first actuator gear 421 can drive the second actuator gear 422 meshed with it to rotate, and the second actuator gear 422 drives the rocker 410 to rotate relative to the box body. The first actuator gear 421 and the second actuator gear 422 have high transmission efficiency and transmission accuracy, so as to reduce the driving power requirement for the driving mechanism 200, and further reduce the cost of the driving mechanism 200; and it can increase the stability when the rocker 410 operates, thereby improving the mechanical reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0239] It can be understood that the actuator gear set 420 may further include three or more actuator gears. The number of actuator gears in the actuator gear set 420 may be specifically set according to actual situations, and this application embodiment will not elaborate on this.

[0240] Exemplarily, the first actuating gear 421 and the second actuating gear 422 are rotatably mounted within the housing 100 at the top of the box body 010. For example, the first bottom plate 111 of the first housing 110 may be provided with a first rotation hole 423. The axis of the first actuating gear 421 is perpendicular to the first bottom plate 111. A first rotating portion (not shown in the drawings) is provided on the side of the first actuating gear 421 facing the first bottom plate 111. The first rotating portion is inserted into the first rotation hole 423 and is rotatable within the first rotation hole 423.

[0241] The first bottom plate 111 may be provided with a second rotation hole 424. For example, the second bottom plate 121 of the second housing 120 may be provided with a third rotation hole 425. Second rotation portions 426 and third rotation portions 427 may be respectively provided on both sides of the second actuating gear 422. The second rotation portion 426 is inserted into the second rotation hole 424, and the second rotation portion 426 may be rotatable within the second rotation hole 424. The third rotation portion 427 is inserted into the third rotation hole 425, and the third rotation portion 427 may be rotatable within the third rotation hole 425. With such a setting, the first actuating gear 421 can be fixed by the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, and there is no need to provide a rotating shaft for the second actuating gear 422, reducing the number of components in the automatic door opening and closing device, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the components in the automatic door opening and closing device.

[0242] The first actuating gear 421 meshes with the first transmission gear system 230. The second actuating gear 422 meshes with the first actuating gear 421. The second actuating gear 422 is connected to the first end 411 of the rocker. The axis of the second actuating gear 422 is the first axis. Exemplarily, on the side of the second actuating gear 422 facing away from the box body 010, for example, on the side of the third rotation portion 427 facing away from the second rotation portion 426, a fifth connection portion 428 may be provided. A second connection hole 414 is provided at the first end 411 of the rocker. The second connection hole 414 is sleeved on the fifth connection portion 428. The fifth connection portion 428 may be a prism structure, for example, a square prism; the second connection hole 414 may be a polygon hole corresponding to the prism structure, for example, a square hole. The polygon hole is sleeved on the prism structure, which can prevent relative rotation between the first end 411 of the rocker and the fifth connection portion 428, thereby preventing relative rotation between the second actuating gear 422 and the rocker 410, and improving the synchronization when the second actuating gear 422 and the rocker 410 rotate.

[0243] The second end 412 of the rocker can be rotatably connected to the top end of the door body 020 around a second axis, and is slidably connected to the top end of the door body 020 in a direction parallel to the door body 020. Exemplarily, one of the second end 412 of the rocker and the door body 020 can be provided with a third sliding recess 023 extending in a direction parallel to the door body 020, and the other can be provided with a sliding post 415. The sliding post 415 is slidably disposed within the third sliding recess 023 and is rotatable within the third sliding recess 023. The center line of the sliding post 415 is the second axis. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 21 , the third sliding recess 023 can be provided at the top end of the door body 020. The sliding post 415 can be provided at the second end 412 of the rocker.

[0244] Alternatively, the third sliding recess 023 can be provided at the second end 412 of the rocker, and the sliding post 415 can be provided at the top end of the door body 020. The second end 412 of the rocker and the top end of the door body 020 are connected through the third sliding recess 023 and the sliding post 415 slidably disposed within the third sliding recess 023. The side wall of the third sliding recess 023 can guide and limit the sliding post 415, improving the smoothness and reliability of the sliding and rotation of the sliding post 415 within the third sliding recess 023, thereby improving the smoothness and reliability of the relative movement between the rocker 410 and the door body 020.

[0245] Exemplarily, as Figure 20 shown, the door body 020 has a front surface 024 facing away from the cabinet 010. The angle α between the front surface 024 and the line connecting the first axis and the second axis can be less than or equal to 10°. For example, the angle α can be 10°, 8°, 6°, 4°, 2° or 0°. The driving force F exerted by the second end 412 of the rocker on the door body 020 is perpendicular to the line L between the first axis and the second axis. The component force F1 of the driving force F in the direction perpendicular to the front surface 024 is the main force when opening or closing the door body 020. The component force F1, the driving force F and the angle α satisfy the following relationship:

[0246] F1 = F·cosα (1);

[0247] From the relationship (1), it can be seen that the larger the value of cosα, the larger the component force F1. Therefore, setting the angle α to be less than or equal to 10° enables the automatic door opening and closing device 040 to provide a sufficiently large driving torque when opening or closing the door body 020, improving the functional reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0248] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present application, the automatic door opening and closing device 040 may also include a clutch mechanism, which is configured to connect or disconnect the driving mechanism 200 and the executing mechanism, so that the executing mechanism can be driven by the driving mechanism 200 or driven by other means such as manual operation, thereby increasing the functions of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 and improving the user experience.

[0249] Referring to Figure 22 , the clutch mechanism may be a first clutch mechanism 500. The first clutch mechanism 500 may include a second driving motor 510 and a clutch cam 520. The second driving motor 510 may be installed on the box body 010. The clutch cam 520 is rotatably installed on the box body 010 and is connected to the second driving motor 510. The clutch cam 520 can connect or disconnect the driving mechanism 200 and the executing mechanism under the drive of the second driving motor 510. Since the clutch cam 520 is driven by the second driving motor 510, the clutch cam 520 can be controlled by controlling the second driving motor 510, so as to control the timing of connecting or disconnecting the driving mechanism 200 and the executing mechanism, and further enable the automatic door opening and closing device to realize other functions and improve the user experience.

[0250] The second driving motor 510 can be installed on the box body. The second driving motor 510 has a rotatable second output shaft for providing a separating force. Exemplarily, the second driving motor 510 can be installed in the housing 100. For example Figure 22 as shown, a third accommodating protrusion 511 may be provided on one side of the first bottom plate 111 located in the first sub-accommodating cavity 113. A third accommodating cavity 512 is formed in the third accommodating protrusion 511. The second driving motor 510 can be accommodated in the third accommodating cavity 512. The third accommodating cavity 512 can surround at least part of the second driving motor 510, so that there is a large contact area between the third accommodating protrusion 511 and the second driving motor 510, thereby reducing the vibration of the second driving motor 510 and improving the smoothness of the second driving motor 510 during operation.

[0251] A limiting plate 513 is further connected to the side of the third accommodating protrusion 511 facing away from the first bottom plate 111. The limiting plate 513 limits the second driving motor 510 to limit the second driving motor 510 in the third accommodating cavity 512 and prevent the second driving motor 510 from shaking in the third accommodating cavity 512, further improving the smoothness of the second driving motor 510 during operation.

[0252] A plurality of second accommodating grooves 514 may also be provided on the side of the third accommodating protrusion 511 facing away from the first base plate 111. The plurality of second accommodating grooves 514 may be used for passing the second output shaft of the second drive motor 510 and electrical connection lines electrically connected to the second drive motor 510. When the second shell and the first shell are buckled together, the second shell can be prevented from interfering with the second output shaft and the electrical connection lines to cause damage to the second drive motor 510.

[0253] The clutch cam 520 is rotatably mounted on the box body 010, for example Figure 22 As shown, the clutch cam 520 can be rotatably installed in the housing 100 through the second rotating shaft 521, and is connected to the second driving motor 510. The first clutch mechanism 500 has a first state and a second state. When the first clutch mechanism 500 is in the first state, the clutch cam 520 is driven by the second driving motor 510 to rotate to the first position. When the first clutch mechanism 500 is in the second state, the clutch cam 520 is driven by the second driving motor 510 to rotate to the second position. The clutch cam 520 switches between the first position and the second position to connect or disconnect the driving mechanism 200 and the actuator. By controlling the second driving motor 510, the position of the clutch cam 520 can be controlled, so that the timing of the transmission connection or disconnection of the driving mechanism 200 and the actuator can be controlled, so that the automatic door opening and closing device 040 can realize different functions, improve the controllability of the automatic door opening and closing device 040, and enhance the user experience.

[0254] For example, Figure 22 As shown, the first clutch mechanism 500 may further include a second worm 530 and a second worm wheel 540, and the first end of the second worm 530 may be connected to the second output shaft of the second drive motor 510. The second worm wheel 540 is rotatably mounted on the housing 010, the second worm wheel 540 is meshed with the second worm 530, and is in transmission connection with the clutch cam 520. When the second drive motor 510 is in motion, the second output shaft rotates, the second output shaft drives the second worm 530 to rotate, the second worm 530 drives the second worm wheel 540 to rotate, and the second worm wheel 540 drives the clutch cam 520 to rotate, so that the clutch cam 520 can rotate to the first position or the second position. The second worm 530 and the second worm wheel 540 can reduce the speed of the clutch force provided to the second drive motor 510, increase the torque of the clutch force, and change the direction of the clutch force to meet the clutch force requirements of the drive mechanism 200 and the actuator.

[0255] Exemplarily, the first clutch mechanism 500 may further include a second mounting base 531, and the second mounting base 531 may be connected to the first base plate 111. The second mounting base 531 may be disposed at an interval from the second driving motor 510. For example, the second mounting base 531 may be disposed at an interval from the third receiving protrusion 511 for mounting the second driving motor 510. The second end of the second worm 530 is rotatably connected to the second mounting base 531. When the second driving motor 510 drives the second worm 530 to rotate, the second mounting base 531 can support the second end of the second worm 530, improving the smoothness of the rotation of the second worm 530, and thus improving the smoothness of the rotation of the clutch cam 520.

[0256] The second worm gear 540 may be in transmission connection with the clutch cam 520. Exemplarily, the clutch cam 520 may be fixedly connected to the second worm gear 540, and when the second worm gear 540 rotates, it can drive the clutch cam 520 to rotate synchronously. Alternatively, the first clutch mechanism 500 may further include a second transmission gear system 550, and the second transmission gear system 550 is installed on the box body 010. For example Figure 22 As shown, the second transmission gear system 550 may be installed in the housing 100. The second transmission gear system 550 connects the second worm gear 540 and the clutch cam 520. When the second worm gear 540 rotates, it can drive the clutch cam 520 to rotate through the second transmission gear system 550.

[0257] Exemplarily, the second transmission gear system 550 may include a second input gear (not shown in the drawings because it is blocked by the second worm gear 540), and a second output gear 551 that can rotate under the drive of the second input gear. The second input gear may be connected to the second worm gear 540, and the second output gear 551 is connected to the clutch cam 520. When the second worm gear 540 rotates under the drive of the second driving motor 510, the second worm gear 540 can drive the second input gear to rotate, the second input gear drives the second output gear 551 to rotate, and the second output gear 551 drives the clutch cam 520 to rotate, so that the clutch cam 520 rotates to the first position or the second position, thereby connecting the driving mechanism 200 with the actuating mechanism in transmission or disconnecting the driving mechanism 200 from the actuating mechanism. By providing the second transmission gear system 550, the layout flexibility of the second driving motor 510 and the clutch cam 520 can be improved, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the first clutch mechanism 500. The second transmission gear system 550 can also adjust parameters such as the rotational speed, torque, and direction of the clutch force to meet the requirements of the driving mechanism 200 and the actuating mechanism for the clutch force.

[0258] The second output gear 551 can be rotatable under the drive of the second input gear. Exemplarily, the second output gear 551 and the second input gear can be rotatably mounted in the housing 100 through different rotating shafts, and the second input gear is in transmission connection with the second output gear 551. For example, the second input gear and the second output gear 551 can be meshed with each other, and when the second input gear rotates, it drives the second output gear 551 meshed with it to rotate. Or, at least one transmission gear can be provided between the second input gear and the second output gear 551. That is to say, in addition to the second input gear and the second output gear 551, the second transmission gear train 550 can include at least one transmission gear. The at least one transmission gear is respectively meshed with the second input gear and the second output gear 551, and the second input gear and the second output gear 551 are in transmission connection through the at least one transmission gear. The number, position and parameters of the transmission gears in the second transmission gear train 550 can be specifically set according to the actual situation, and the embodiments of the present application will not elaborate on this.

[0259] It can be understood that in some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present application, the second worm 530 and the second worm gear 540 can also be cancelled, and the second transmission gear train 550 can be directly connected to the second output shaft of the second driving motor 510. When the second output shaft rotates, it can directly drive the second transmission gear train 550 to operate, and the second transmission gear train 550 drives the clutch cam 520 to rotate, so that the driving mechanism 200 is connected to the executing mechanism, or the driving mechanism 200 is disconnected from the executing mechanism.

[0260] Exemplarily, the first clutch mechanism 500 can further include a first limiting portion 560, and when the clutch cam 520 rotates to the first position, it abuts against the first limiting portion 560. The first limiting portion 560 can limit the clutch cam 520, improving the position accuracy of the clutch cam 520.

[0261] For example Figure 22 As shown, the first limiting portion 560 and the second mounting seat 531 can be an integral structure. With such a setting, the number of components in the first clutch mechanism 500 can be reduced, the volume of the first clutch mechanism 500 can be reduced, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0262] The first clutch mechanism 500 can further include a second limiting portion 570, and when the clutch cam 520 rotates to the second position, it abuts against the second limiting portion 570. The second limiting portion 570 can limit the clutch cam 520, improving the position accuracy of the clutch cam 520.

[0263] Hereinafter, taking the driving mechanism 200 including the first transmission gear train 230 and the executing mechanism being the first executing mechanism 300 as an example, the relevant structures of the first clutch mechanism 500 will be specifically described.

[0264] Reference Figure 22 and Figure 23 , the drive mechanism 200 may include a first drive motor 210 and a first transmission gear train 230 connected to the first drive motor 210. The first actuator 300 may include a push rod 310 that is slidable relative to the housing 010 in a first direction x. The push rod 310 is connected to the housing 010 by a first elastic member 320, and the first elastic member 320 applies a force to the push rod 310 in a second direction y. The first clutch mechanism 500 may include a second drive motor 510 and a clutch cam 520. The clutch cam 520 is rotatably mounted on the housing and is connected to the second drive motor 510. The clutch cam 520 may act on the first transmission gear train 230. The clutch cam 520 can be driven by the second drive motor 510 to place the first transmission gear train 230 in a connected state or a disconnected state, so that the push rod 310 extends under the drive of the first drive motor 210 or returns under the action of the first elastic member 320. The clutch cam can be controlled by controlling the second drive motor, and the timing of the extension and return of the push rod can be arbitrarily controlled during the process of automatically opening or closing the door body, which is beneficial to increasing the functions of the automatic door opening and closing device and improving the user experience.

[0265] As Figure 24 shown, when the first clutch mechanism 500 is in the first state, the second drive motor 510 drives the clutch cam 520 to rotate to the first position, so that the first transmission gear train 230 is in a connected state. As Figure 25 shown, the first drive motor 210 can drive the push rod 310 to slide in the first direction x through the first transmission gear train 230 to apply a thrust to the door body 020, thereby automatically opening the door body 020. As Figure 26 shown, when the first clutch mechanism 500 is in the second state, the second drive motor 510 drives the clutch cam 520 to rotate to the second position, so that the first transmission gear train 230 is in a disconnected state, and the push rod 310 can slide in the second direction y under the action of the first elastic member 320 to automatically reset the push rod 310, so that the door body 020 can be closed.

[0266] Compared with the automatic reset of the push rod 310 through the first output gear 232 and the first elastic member 320, the automatic reset of the push rod 310 through the first clutch mechanism 500 and the first elastic member 320 enables the rotational position of the clutch cam 520 to be controlled by controlling the second drive motor 510 during the process of automatically opening or closing the door body. Thus, the first transmission gear system 230 can be switched between the connected state and the disconnected state, and further, the timing of the extension and reset of the push rod 310 can be controlled, improving the controllability of the automatic door opening and closing device 040, facilitating the addition of functions to the automatic door opening and closing device 040, and enhancing the user experience. Other functions implemented by the automatic door opening and closing device 040 will be exemplarily described later.

[0267] Exemplarily, the first transmission gear system 230 may include a first transmission gear set 240, a second transmission gear set 250, and a first mounting bracket 260. The first transmission gear set 240 is mounted on the box body, for example, it can be mounted inside the housing 100. The first transmission gear set 240 is connected to the first drive motor 210. Exemplarily, the first transmission gear 241 may include a first input gear 231 and at least one first transmission gear 241. The first input gear 231 is connected to the first drive motor 210 to operate under the driving force provided by the first drive motor 210. At least one first transmission gear 241 is in transmission connection with the first input gear 231. The first mounting bracket 260 is swingably mounted on the box body 010. The second transmission gear set 250 is mounted on the first mounting bracket 260. The second transmission gear set 250 includes a first output gear 232 and at least one second transmission gear 251. The first output gear 232 meshes with a transmission rack 316 provided on the push rod 310. At least one second transmission gear 251 is in transmission connection with the first output gear 232. The clutch cam 520 acts on the first mounting bracket 260 to push the first mounting bracket 260 and the second transmission gear set 250 to swing.

[0268] Reference Figures 25 to 27 , the thickened line indicates a first transmission gear 241 in the first transmission gear set 240 and a partial structure of the second transmission gear 251 meshing with the first transmission gear 241. As Figure 25 and Figure 26 shown, when the clutch cam 520 rotates to the first position, it pushes the first mounting bracket 260 to swing to the third position, enabling a first transmission gear 241 of the first transmission gear set 240 to mesh with a second transmission gear 251 of the second transmission gear set 250, so that the first transmission gear system 230 is in the connected state. As Figure 27As shown, when the clutch cam 520 rotates to the second position, the first mounting bracket 260 can swing to the fourth position, so that a first transmission gear 241 of the first transmission gear 241 is separated from a second transmission gear 251 of the second transmission gear set 250, thereby making the first transmission gear train 230 in a disconnected state.

[0269] By mounting the second transmission gear set 250 on the first mounting bracket 260 and setting the first mounting bracket 260 to be swingably mounted on the box body 010, the second transmission gear set 250 and the first mounting bracket 260 form an integral structure. When the clutch cam 520 acts on the first mounting bracket 260, the second transmission gear set 250 can swing with the first mounting bracket 260 to engage or disengage the second transmission gear set 250 from the first transmission gear set 240. During the engagement or disengagement process, the relative position between the second transmission gear 251 in the second transmission gear set 250 and the first output gear 232 does not change, improving the structural stability of the second transmission gear set 250, thereby improving the structural stability of the first transmission gear train 230 and enabling the first transmission gear train 230 to transmit smoothly.

[0270] Exemplarily, as Figure 23 shown, the first mounting bracket 260 may include a first connecting plate 262 and two first mounting plates 261. The two first mounting plates 261 are arranged opposite to each other and at intervals, and the second transmission gear 251 and the first output gear 232 are arranged between the two first mounting plates 261. The first connecting plate 262 connects the two first mounting plates 261 and is used to abut against the clutch cam 520. By providing the two first mounting plates 261, the connection strength and connection stability between the second transmission gear set 250 and the first mounting bracket 260 can be enhanced, thereby improving the stability of the second transmission gear set 250 during operation.

[0271] Exemplarily, spaced third connection holes 263 and fourth connection holes 264 may be provided on each of the first mounting plates 261. The second transmission gear set 250 may further include a third rotating shaft 252 and a fourth rotating shaft 253. Both ends of the third rotating shaft 252 are respectively inserted into the third connection holes 263 on two first mounting plates 261. The second transmission gear 251 meshing with the first transmission gear set 240 is sleeved on the third rotating shaft 252. Both ends of the fourth rotating shaft 253 are respectively inserted into the fourth connection holes 264 on two first mounting plates 261. The first output gear 232 is sleeved on the fourth rotating shaft 253. On one side of the box body 010 or the housing 100 located in the first accommodation cavity, a fifth connection hole 254 and a first arc-shaped recess 255 may be provided. For example, the fifth connection hole 254 and the first arc-shaped recess 255 may be provided on one side of the first bottom plate 111 located in the first sub-accommodation cavity 113 and / or on one side of the second bottom plate 121 located in the second sub-accommodation cavity 123. The first arc-shaped recess 255 bends towards the fifth connection hole 254, and the center of the extension trajectory of the first arc-shaped recess 255 coincides with the center of the fifth connection hole 254. One end of the third rotating shaft 252 extending out of the first mounting plate 261 is inserted into the fifth connection hole 254, so that the third rotating shaft 252 can rotate in the fifth connection hole 254. One end of the fourth rotating shaft 253 extending out of the first mounting plate 261 can slide in the first arc-shaped recess 255.

[0272] As Figure 24 and Figure 25 shown, when the clutch cam 520 rotates towards the first position under the drive of the second drive motor 510, the clutch cam 520 pushes the first connecting plate 262, and the first connecting plate 262 drives the first mounting plate 261, so that the third rotating shaft 252 rotates in the fifth connection hole 254, and the fourth rotating shaft 253 slides in the first arc-shaped recess 255, thereby enabling the first mounting bracket 260 to drive the second transmission gear set 250 to swing. As Figure 26 shown, when the clutch cam 520 rotates towards the second position under the reverse drive of the second drive motor 510, the clutch cam 520 does not push the first connecting plate 262, and the first connecting plate 262 can drive the first mounting plate 261, so that the third rotating shaft 252 rotates reversely in the fifth connection hole 254, and the fourth rotating shaft 253 slides reversely in the first arc-shaped recess 255, thereby enabling the first mounting bracket 260 to drive the second transmission gear set 250 to swing reversely. From the above description, it can be seen that when the first clutch mechanism 500 switches between the first state and the second state, the swing center of the first mounting bracket 260 coincides with the rotation axis of the first output gear 232, so that the first transmission gear 241 can always mesh with the transmission rack 316 during the process of the first mounting bracket 260 driving the second transmission gear set 250 to swing, improving the connection reliability between the second transmission gear set 250 and the push rod 310.

[0273] The first transmission gear train 230 may further include a second elastic member 265 that connects the first mounting bracket 260 and the box body 010. For example, as shown in FIGS. 24 to Figure 26 As shown, a first end of the second elastic member 265 may be connected to one of the first mounting plates 261 of the first mounting bracket 260, and a second end of the second elastic member 265 may be connected to the first bottom plate 111 to apply a first restoring force to the second transmission gear set 250, so that the first mounting bracket 260 can drive the second transmission gear set 250 to swing from the third position to the fourth position.

[0274] As Figure 24 and Figure 25 shown, when the clutch cam 520 rotates to the first position under the drive of the second drive motor 510, the clutch cam 520 pushes the first mounting bracket 260 and the second transmission gear set 250 to swing to the third position, so that the second transmission gear set 250 meshes with the first transmission gear train 240. At this time, the second elastic member 265 is deformed to generate a first restoring force. As Figure 26 shown, when the clutch cam 520 rotates to the second position under the reverse drive of the second drive motor 510, the first mounting bracket 260 and the second transmission gear set 250 automatically swing in the reverse direction to the fourth position under the action of the second restoring force, so that the second transmission gear set 250 is separated from the first transmission gear train 240, and the second transmission gear set 250 is always in contact with the clutch cam 520.

[0275] Exemplarily, the second elastic member 265 may be a second tension spring or a second compression spring, which will not be elaborated in this embodiment of the present application.

[0276] By providing the second elastic member 265, when the clutch cam 520 rotates from the first position to the second position, the first mounting bracket 260 and the second transmission gear set 250 can be automatically reset under the action of the second elastic member 265, reducing the reverse driving force required to be provided by the second drive motor 510. In addition, the second elastic member 265 can make the first mounting bracket 260 always abut against the clutch cam 520, and when the clutch cam 520 rotates, the first mounting bracket 260 can drive the second transmission gear train 550 to swing following the clutch cam 520, improving the response speed of the first transmission gear train 230 when the first clutch mechanism 500 switches states.

[0277] Next, an exemplary description will be given of how to control the connection state or disconnection state of the first transmission gear train 230 by providing the first clutch mechanism 500 during the process of automatically opening or closing the door body, so that the automatic door opening and closing device can achieve other functions.

[0278] Exemplarily, asFigures 24 to 26 As shown, the first actuator 300 may further include a position detection unit 340 configured to measure the position of the push rod 310. The controller may be electrically connected to the position detection unit 340, the first clutch mechanism 500, and the drive mechanism 200. The controller may be configured to determine whether the push rod 310 is reset according to the position of the push rod 310 after the first clutch mechanism 500 is in the second state. If the push rod 310 is not reset, the controller may control the first clutch mechanism 500 to be in the first state, so that the first transmission gear train 230 is in a connected state, and control the drive mechanism 200 to reset the push rod 310.

[0279] In some related technologies, when problems such as the failure of the first elastic member 320 or the jamming of the push rod 310 that cannot slide relative to the box body 010 occur in the automatic door opening and closing device 040, resulting in the inability of the push rod 310 to automatically reset, that is, when a reset failure of the push rod 310 occurs, the door body 020 cannot be closed, affecting the normal use of the refrigerator. In the embodiment of the present application, the controller may control the first clutch mechanism 500 to be in the first state, so that the first transmission gear train 230 is in a connected state. Then, the controller may control the first drive motor 210 of the drive mechanism 200 to drive the push rod 310 to reset, so that the door body 020 can be closed, and thus the refrigerator can be used normally, improving the user experience.

[0280] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 27 , the position detection unit 340 may include a third position sensor 341 and a fourth position sensor 342, and the third position sensor 341 and the fourth position sensor 342 may be arranged at intervals along the first direction x. For example, the third position sensor 341 and the fourth position sensor 342 may be installed on the first side plate 112 of the housing 100 at intervals along the first direction x. When the push rod 310 does not extend, both the third position sensor 341 and the fourth position sensor 342 are triggered. The third position sensor 341 may generate a third position signal, and the fourth position sensor 342 may generate a fourth position signal. If the controller can obtain the third position signal and the fourth position signal at the same time, it may determine that the push rod 310 is in the non-extended state accordingly. When the push rod 310 extends a preset length, the third position sensor 341 is not triggered, and the fourth position sensor 342 is triggered. The third position sensor 341 may not generate a third position signal, and the fourth position sensor 342 may generate a fourth position signal. If the controller obtains the fourth position signal but does not obtain the third position signal, it may determine that the push rod 310 extends the preset length accordingly.

[0281] In some related technologies, the position detection unit 340 can also be a linear displacement sensor. The linear displacement sensor can be connected to the push rod 310 and electrically connected to the controller. The linear displacement sensor can measure the displacement of the push rod 310. The controller can determine whether the push rod 310 is reset according to the displacement of the push rod 310. Compared with the linear displacement sensor, the third position sensor 341 and the fourth position sensor 342 can reduce the cost of the position detection unit 340, and thus reduce the part cost of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0282] Exemplarily, as Figure 27 shown, the third position sensor 341 can include a third reflective optoelectronic switch, and the fourth position sensor 342 can include a fourth reflective optoelectronic switch. A second reflection portion 343 and a third reflection portion 344 can be provided on the push rod 310. The second reflection portion 343 and the third reflection portion 344 can be arranged at intervals along the first direction x. The distance between the second reflection portion 343 and the third reflection portion 344 is equal to the distance between the third reflective optoelectronic switch and the fourth reflective optoelectronic switch. The second reflection portion 343 and the third reflection portion 344 can reflect light. For example, the second reflection portion 343 and the third reflection portion 344 can be white areas or bright areas, and other areas of the push rod 310 can be black areas. When the push rod 310 is in the non-extended state, the second reflection portion 343 is opposite to the third reflective optoelectronic switch, and the third reflection portion 344 is opposite to the fourth reflective optoelectronic switch. The detection light emitted by the third reflective optoelectronic switch can be reflected by the second reflection portion 343 and return to the third reflective optoelectronic switch, thereby generating a third position signal. The detection light emitted by the fourth reflective optoelectronic switch can be reflected by the third reflection portion 344 and return to the fourth reflective optoelectronic switch, thereby generating a fourth position signal. When the push rod 310 is in the extended state, the second reflection portion 343 moves to be opposite to the fourth reflective optoelectronic switch, and the detection light emitted by the fourth reflective optoelectronic switch can be reflected by the second reflection portion 343 and return to the fourth reflective optoelectronic switch, thereby generating a fourth position signal.

[0283] It can be understood that the third position sensor 341 and the fourth position sensor 342 can also be a third travel switch and a fourth travel switch respectively, or other sensors capable of detecting the position of the push rod 310, which will not be elaborated in the embodiments of the present application. Compared with the third travel switch and the fourth travel switch, the third reflective optoelectronic switch and the fourth reflective optoelectronic switch do not need to be in direct contact with the push rod 310, and can detect the position of the push rod 310, which is beneficial to optimizing the layout of the components of the automatic door opening and closing device, and thus beneficial to the miniaturization of the automatic door opening and closing device.

[0284] Exemplarily, the controller can control the automatic door opening and closing device 040 according to the control method as Figure 28 shown.

[0285] S110. Determine whether the push rod is reset according to the position of the push rod after the first clutch mechanism is in the second state.

[0286] Exemplarily, after receiving the automatic door opening signal, the controller can control the first clutch mechanism 500 to be in the first state, and control the first driving motor 210 to extend the push rod to perform automatic door opening. For example, after receiving the automatic door opening signal, the controller can send a first connection signal to the second driving motor 510 and a first extension signal to the first driving motor 210 of the driving mechanism 200. In response to the first connection signal, the second driving motor 510 switches the first clutch mechanism 500 to the first state, and the second driving motor 510 drives the clutch cam 520 to rotate to the first position so that the first transmission gear train 230 is in a connected state. In response to the first extension signal, the first driving motor 210 drives the first transmission gear train 230 to operate, and the first transmission gear train 230 drives the push rod 310 to slide along the first direction x and extend. The push rod 310 applies a thrust to the door body 020 to achieve automatic door opening.

[0287] Exemplarily, the refrigerator can be provided with an automatic door opening button, and the automatic door opening signal can be generated by the user pressing the automatic door opening button, so that the refrigerator can perform automatic door opening in response to the user's operation, improving the human-computer interaction performance of the refrigerator. Alternatively, the automatic door opening signal can also be generated in other ways, which will not be elaborated in the embodiments of the present application.

[0288] Exemplarily, after a first preset time period when the controller controls the first clutch mechanism 500 to be in the first state, the controller can control the first driving motor 210 to extend the push rod. For example, after a first preset time period when the controller sends a first connection signal to the second driving motor 510, the controller sends a first extension signal to the first driving motor 210. With such a setting, after the first clutch mechanism 500 switches to the first state within the first preset time period, the first driving motor 210 can be controlled to act, so as to ensure that the first transmission gear train 230 is driven by the first driving motor 210 to operate after being in a connected state, improving the reliability of the automatic door opening function.

[0289] When the push rod 310 extends a preset length along the first direction x, the controller can control the first driving motor 210 to stop operating and control the first clutch mechanism 500 to be in the second state. Exemplarily, when the push rod 310 extends the preset length, the third position sensor 341 is not triggered and the third position sensor 341 does not generate a third position signal; the fourth position sensor 342 is triggered and the fourth position sensor 342 generates a fourth position signal. The controller can determine that the push rod 310 extends the preset length when obtaining the fourth position signal and not obtaining the third position signal. Then, the controller can send a first stop signal to the first driving motor 210 and send a first disconnection signal to the second driving motor 510. The first driving motor 210 stops driving the first transmission gear train 230 to operate in response to the first stop signal. The second driving motor 510 switches to the second state in response to the first disconnection signal, and the second driving motor 510 drives the clutch cam 520 to rotate to the second position so that the first transmission gear train 230 is in a disconnected state. The push rod 310 can automatically reset under the action of the first elastic member 320.

[0290] The push rod 310 can slide along the second direction y under the action of the first elastic member 320. After a second preset time period, the push rod resets. When the push rod 310 resets, the third position sensor 341 is triggered to generate a third position signal, and the fourth position sensor 342 is triggered to generate a fourth position signal. The controller can determine that the push rod 310 automatically resets if both the third position signal and the fourth position signal are obtained within the second preset time period after the first clutch mechanism 500 is in the second state, for example, within the second preset time period after sending the first disconnection signal. It should be noted that the second preset time period refers to the time period between when the push rod 310 extends the preset length and when the push rod 310 resets. Exemplarily, the second preset time period can be less than or equal to 0.2 s.

[0291] Exemplarily, the controller can simultaneously control the first driving motor 210 to stop operating and control the first clutch mechanism 500 to be in the second state. For example, the controller can simultaneously send a first stop signal to the first driving motor 210 and send a first disconnection signal to the second driving motor 510. With such a setting, the time period between when the push rod 310 extends the preset length and when the push rod 310 automatically resets can be shortened, so that the push rod 310 can reset in time.

[0292] Alternatively, the controller can also control the first clutch mechanism 500 to be in the second state after a third preset duration when controlling the first drive motor 210 to stop operating. For example, the controller can also send a first disconnection signal to the second drive motor 510 after a third preset duration of sending a first stop signal to the first drive motor 210. With such a setting, the first transmission gear train 230 can stop operating within the third preset duration, so as to ensure that the first clutch mechanism 500 switches the first transmission gear train 230 to the disconnection state after the first transmission gear train 230 stops operating, preventing the first transmission gear train 230 from being switched to the disconnection state during operation, which may cause damage to the gear teeth due to collision, and improving the structural reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0293] The controller can, within a second preset duration after the first clutch mechanism 500 is in the second state, for example, within the second preset duration after sending the first disconnection signal, if the third position signal and the fourth position signal are not obtained simultaneously, it can be determined that the push rod 310 is not reset, that is, the push rod 310 has a reset failure. By setting the second preset duration, the controller can eliminate the influence of the normal reset process of the push rod on the judgment of whether the push rod has a reset failure, prevent misjudgment, improve the accuracy of determining whether the push rod has a reset failure, and thus improve the functional reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device.

[0294] S120. If the push rod is not reset, control the first clutch mechanism to be in the first state to make the first transmission gear train in a connected state, and control the first drive motor to reset the push rod.

[0295] Exemplarily, if the controller determines that the push rod 310 is not reset, it can control the first clutch mechanism 500 to be in the first state to make the first transmission gear train 230 in a connected state, and control the first drive motor 210 to operate to reset the push rod 310. With such a setting, when the push rod 310 has a reset failure, the automatic door opening and closing device can be switched to the fault operation mode, so that the push rod 310 can be reset, and then the door body 020 can be closed, and the refrigerator can be used normally, improving the user experience.

[0296] Exemplarily, when it is determined that the push rod 310 is not reset, the controller can send a second connection signal to the second drive motor 510 and a first retraction signal to the first drive motor 210. The second drive motor 510 responds to the second connection signal to switch the first clutch mechanism 500 to the first state, and the second drive motor 510 drives the clutch cam 520 to rotate to the first position to make the first transmission gear train 230 in a connected state. The first drive motor 210 responds to the first retraction signal to drive the first transmission gear train 230 to rotate in the reverse direction, and the first transmission gear train 230 drives the push rod 310 to slide along the second direction y and retract, so as to reset the push rod 310, and then the door body 020 can be closed.

[0297] After the controller controls the first clutch mechanism to be in the first state for a fourth preset duration, the controller can control the first driving motor 210 to reset the push rod 310. Exemplarily, the controller can send a first retraction signal to the first driving motor 210 after the fourth preset duration of sending a second connection signal to the second driving motor 510. With such a setting, after the first clutch mechanism 500 switches to the first state within the fourth preset duration, it can ensure that the first transmission gear train 230 is driven by the first driving motor 210 to rotate in the reverse direction after being in a connected state, improving the reliability of the automatic door opening function.

[0298] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present application, when it is determined that the push rod 310 is not reset, the controller can also issue a fault alarm, which is used to remind to repair the automatic door opening and closing device. With such a setting, it can remind the user to repair the automatic door opening and closing device 040, and can help quickly locate the cause of the failure of the refrigerator, assist the user and maintenance personnel, etc. to confirm the fault, and improve the convenience of repairing the refrigerator.

[0299] Next, taking the driving mechanism 200 including the first transmission gear train 230 and the actuator being the second actuator 400 as an example, the related structure of the first clutch mechanism 500 will be specifically described.

[0300] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 29 and Figure 30 , the driving mechanism 200 can include the first transmission gear train 230, and the second actuator 400 includes a rocker 410 for opening or closing the door body 020. The first clutch mechanism 500 acts on the first transmission gear train 230. As Figure 31 shown, when the first clutch mechanism 500 is in the second state, the first clutch mechanism 500 makes the first transmission gear train 230 in transmission connection with the rocker 410. As Figure 32 shown, the rocker 410 can rotate relative to the box body 010 under the drive of the driving mechanism 200 to open or close the door body 020. As Figure 33 shown, when the first clutch mechanism 500 is in the first state, the first clutch mechanism 500 disconnects the first transmission gear train 230 from the rocker 410 to release the restriction of the driving mechanism 200 on the rocker 410, so that the rocker 410 can rotate relative to the box body 010 following the door body 020, so that the door body 020 can be manually opened or closed. With such a setting, the automatic door opening and closing device 040 can be compatible with the functions of automatic door opening and closing and manual door opening and closing, improving the user experience.

[0301] Exemplarily, the first transmission gear train 230 may include a first transmission gear set 240, a third transmission gear set 270, and a second mounting bracket 280. The first transmission gear set 240 may be mounted within the housing 100. The first transmission gear set 240 may include a first input gear 231 and at least one first transmission gear 241. The first input gear 231 is connected to the first drive motor 210 to operate under the driving force provided by the first drive motor 210. At least one first transmission gear 241 is in transmission connection with the first input gear 231. The second mounting bracket 280 is swingably mounted on the box body 010. The third transmission gear set 270 may be mounted on the second mounting bracket 280. The third transmission gear set 270 may include a third output gear 271 and at least one third transmission gear 272 in transmission connection with the third output gear 271, and one of the at least one third transmission gears 272 meshes with the first transmission gear set 240. The clutch cam 520 may act on the second mounting bracket 280 to push the second mounting bracket 280 and the third transmission gear set 270 to swing.

[0302] As Figure 31 and Figure 32 shown, when the clutch cam 520 rotates to the second position, it pushes the second mounting bracket 280 to swing to the fifth position, so that the third output gear 271 in the third transmission gear set 270 is in transmission connection with the rocker 410. For example, the third output gear 271 meshes with the first execution gear 421 in the execution gear set 420, so that the first transmission gear train 230 is in a connected state with the rocker 410. As Figure 33 shown, when the clutch cam 520 rotates to the first position, the second mounting bracket 280 can swing to the sixth position, so that the third output gear 271 is separated from the rocker 410. For example, the third output gear 271 is separated from the first execution gear 421 by itself, so that the first transmission gear train 230 is in a disconnected state with the rocker 410.

[0303] By mounting the third transmission gear set 270 on the second mounting bracket 280 and swingably mounting the second mounting bracket 280 on the box body 010, the third transmission gear set 270 and the second mounting bracket 280 form an integral structure. When the clutch cam 520 acts on the second mounting bracket 280, the third transmission gear set 270 can swing following the second mounting bracket 280, so that the second transmission gear set 250 is connected to or separated from the rocker 410. During the connection or separation process, the relative positions between the third output gear 271 and the third transmission gears 272 in the third transmission gear set 270 do not change, improving the structural stability of the third transmission gear set 270, thereby improving the structural stability of the first transmission gear train 230 and enabling the first transmission gear train 230 to transmit power smoothly.

[0304] Exemplarily, as Figure 30 shown, the second mounting bracket 280 may include a second connecting plate 282 and two second mounting plates 281. The two second mounting plates 281 are opposite and spaced apart, and a third transmission gear 272 and a third output gear 271 are disposed between the two second mounting plates 281. The second connecting plate 282 connects the two second mounting plates 281 and is used to abut against the clutch cam 520. By providing the two second mounting plates 281, the connection strength and connection stability between the third transmission gear set 270 and the second mounting bracket 280 can be enhanced, thereby improving the stability during the operation of the third transmission gear set 270.

[0305] Exemplarily, spaced sixth connection holes and seventh connection holes 283 may be provided on each of the second mounting plates 281. The third transmission gear set 270 may further include a fifth rotating shaft 273 and a sixth rotating shaft 274. Both ends of the fifth rotating shaft 273 may be respectively inserted into the sixth connection holes on the two second mounting plates 281. The third transmission gear 272 meshing with the first transmission gear set 240 is sleeved on the fifth rotating shaft 273. Both ends of the sixth rotating shaft 274 may be respectively inserted into the seventh connection holes 283 on the two second mounting plates 281. The third output gear 271 is sleeved on the sixth rotating shaft 274. An eighth connection hole 275 and a second arc-shaped recess 276 may be provided on one side of the box body 010 or the housing 100 located in the first accommodation cavity. For example, an eighth connection hole 275 and a second arc-shaped recess 276 may be provided on one side of the first bottom plate 111 located in the first sub-accommodation cavity 113 and / or on one side of the second bottom plate 121 located in the second sub-accommodation cavity 123. The second arc-shaped recess 276 bends towards the eighth connection hole 275, and the center of the extension trajectory of the second arc-shaped recess 276 coincides with the center of the eighth connection hole 275. One end of the fifth rotating shaft 273 extending out of the second mounting plate 281 is inserted into the eighth connection hole 275, and the fifth rotating shaft 273 is rotatable in the eighth connection hole 275. One end of the sixth rotating shaft 274 extending out of the second mounting plate 281 slides in the second arc-shaped recess 276.

[0306] As Figure 31 and Figure 32 shown, when the clutch cam 520 rotates towards the second position under the reverse drive of the second drive motor 510, the clutch cam 520 pushes the second connecting plate 282, and the second connecting plate 282 drives the second mounting plate 281, causing the fifth rotating shaft 273 to rotate in the eighth connection hole 275 and causing the sixth rotating shaft 274 to slide in the second arc-shaped recess 276, so that the second mounting bracket 280 drives the third transmission gear set 270 to swing. As Figure 33As shown, when the clutch cam 520 rotates towards the first position under the drive of the second drive motor 510, the clutch cam 520 does not push the second connecting plate 282. The second connecting plate 282 can drive the second mounting plate 281, causing the fifth rotating shaft 273 to rotate reversely within the eighth connecting hole 275 and the sixth rotating shaft 274 to slide reversely within the second arc-shaped recess 276, so that the second mounting bracket 280 drives the third transmission gear set 270 to swing reversely. From the above description, when the first clutch mechanism 500 switches between the first state and the second state, the swing center of the second mounting bracket 280 coincides with the rotation axis of the third transmission gear 272 that meshes with the first transmission gear set 240. Thus, during the process of the second mounting bracket 280 driving the third transmission gear set 270 to swing, the third transmission gear 272 can always mesh with the first transmission gear set 240, improving the connection reliability between the first transmission gear set 240 and the second transmission gear set 250.

[0307] The first transmission gear train 230 may further include a third elastic member 284. The third elastic member 284 connects the second mounting bracket 280 and the housing 010. For example, Figures 31 to 33 As shown, the first end of the third elastic member 284 may be connected to one of the second mounting plates 281 of the second mounting bracket 280, and the second end of the third elastic member 284 may be connected to the first bottom plate 111. The third elastic member 284 can apply a second restoring force to the second mounting bracket 280, causing the second mounting bracket 280 to drive the third transmission gear set 270 to swing from the fifth position to the sixth position under the action of the second restoring force.

[0308] As Figure 31 and Figure 32 shown, when the clutch cam 520 rotates to the second position under the reverse drive of the second drive motor 510, the clutch cam 520 pushes the second mounting bracket 280 and the third transmission gear set 270 to swing to the fifth position, so that the third transmission gear set 270 meshes with the actuator gear set 420. At this time, the third elastic member 284 deforms to generate a second restoring force. As Figure 33 shown, when the clutch cam 520 rotates towards the first position under the drive of the second drive motor 510, the second mounting bracket 280 and the third transmission gear set 270 swing reversely to the sixth position under the action of the second restoring force, so that the third transmission gear set 270 is separated from the rocker 410 and the third transmission gear set 270 is always in contact with the clutch cam 520. Exemplarily, the third reset elastic member may be a third tension spring or a third compression spring, which will not be elaborated in this embodiment of the present application.

[0309] By setting the third elastic member 284, when the clutch cam 520 rotates from the fifth position to the sixth position, the second mounting bracket 280 and the third transmission gear set 270 can automatically reset under the action of the third elastic member 284, reducing the driving force required to be provided by the second driving motor 510. In addition, the third elastic member 284 can make the second mounting bracket 280 always abut against the clutch cam 520. When the clutch cam 520 rotates, the second mounting bracket 280 can drive the third transmission gear 272 system to swing following the clutch cam 520, improving the response speed of the first transmission gear system 230 when the first clutch mechanism 500 switches states.

[0310] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 32 , when the clutch cam 520 is in the second position, the rotation axis of the clutch cam 520, the acting point between the clutch cam 520 and the second mounting bracket 280, and the rotation axis of the third output gear 271 can be located on the first straight line L1. The rotation axis of the third transmission gear 272 meshing with the first transmission gear set 240 and the rotation axis of the third output gear 271 are located on the second straight line L2. There is an included angle β between the second straight line L2 and the first straight line L1. For example, the acting point between the clutch cam 520 and the second mounting bracket 280 is located on the axis connection line of the sixth rotating shaft 274 and the second rotating shaft 521, and the included angle between the axis connection line of the sixth rotating shaft 274 and the second rotating shaft 521 and the axis connection line of the sixth rotating shaft 274 and the fifth rotating shaft 273 is the included angle β. In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present application, the included angle β can be greater than or equal to 90°, for example, it can be 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, or 120°.

[0311] During the process of automatically opening or closing the door body 020, when the door body 020 encounters an obstacle, for example, the user manually prevents the door body 020 from opening or closing, the third transmission gear set 270 receives a reverse torque, such that the clutch cam 520 receives a reverse force f applied to it by the second mounting bracket 280. The reverse force f is perpendicular to the second straight line L2, and the component force of the reverse force f in the direction perpendicular to the first straight line L1 is the tangential force f1 received by the clutch cam 520.

[0312] When the included angle β is greater than or equal to 90°, the tangential force f1 is away from the door body 020, causing the clutch cam 520 to have a tendency to rotate clockwise, and the second limiting portion 570 limits the clutch cam 520, so that the applicable reverse torque range of the first clutch mechanism 500 is only limited by the structural strength of the first clutch mechanism 500. That is to say, when the door body 020 encounters an obstacle, the clutch cam 520 can always remain in the second position, so that the second mounting bracket 280 and the third transmission gear set 270 remain in the fifth position, so that the third transmission gear set 270 is always in transmission connection with the rocker 410, thereby preventing the encountered obstacle from affecting the automatic door opening and closing function.

[0313] In some other possible implementation manners of the embodiment of the present application, the included angle β may be less than 90°, for example, it may be 85°, 80°, 75°, 70°, 65° or 60°. When the included angle β is less than 90°, the tangential force f1 is towards the door body 020, causing the clutch cam 520 to have a tendency to rotate counterclockwise. When the reverse torque received by the third transmission gear set 270 makes the tangential force f1 greater than the static friction force between the second bracket and the clutch cam 520, the clutch cam 520 rotates counterclockwise, so that the third transmission gear set 270 is separated from the rocker 410. That is to say, the first clutch mechanism 500 has an applicable torque range. If the reverse torque exceeds the applicable torque range, the first clutch mechanism 500 will separate the first transmission gear train 230 from the rocker 410. Such a setting can provide overload protection for the driving mechanism 200 and the rocker 410, prevent the driving mechanism 200 and the rocker 410 from being damaged due to overload, and improve the structural reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0314] In addition, the included angle β can be adjusted within the range less than 90° according to the actual situation to adjust the applicable torque range of the first clutch mechanism 500. That is to say, by adjusting the relative positions between the rotation axis of the third transmission gear 272 meshing with the first transmission gear set 240, the axis of the third output gear 271, the acting point between the clutch cam 520 and the second mounting bracket 280, and the rotation axis of the clutch cam 520, the applicable torque range of the first clutch mechanism 500 can be adjusted without replacing the first clutch mechanism 500, improving the applicability of the first clutch mechanism 500 and thus reducing the component cost of the refrigerator.

[0315] Taking the driving mechanism 200 including the first transmission gear train 230 and the actuating mechanism including the first actuating mechanism 300 and the second actuating mechanism 400 as an example, the relevant structure of the first clutch mechanism 500 will be specifically described below.

[0316] Exemplarily, refer to Figure 34 、 Figure 35 、Figure 36 and Figure 37 , the drive mechanism 200 may include a first transmission gear train 230. The actuator may include a first actuator 300 and a second actuator 400. The first actuator 300 includes a push rod 310 that is slidable relative to the box body 010 in a first direction x. The push rod 310 is connected to the box body 010 through a first elastic member 320, and the first elastic member 320 applies a force to the push rod 310 in a second direction y. The second actuator 400 includes a rocker 410 for opening or closing the door body 020. The first clutch mechanism 500 may include a second drive motor 510 and a clutch cam 520. The clutch cam 520 is rotatably mounted on the box body 010, connected to the second drive motor 510, and acts on the first transmission gear train 230 to make the first transmission gear train 230 be in transmission connection with the push rod 310 and separate the first transmission gear train 230 from the rocker 410; or to make the first transmission gear train 230 be in transmission connection with the rocker 410 and separate the first transmission gear train 230 from the push rod 310.

[0317] As Figure 34 shown, when the first clutch mechanism 500 is in the first state, the second drive motor 510 drives the clutch cam 520 to rotate to the first position. The first clutch mechanism 500 makes the first drive motor 210 be in transmission connection with the push rod 310 through the first transmission gear train 230 and separates the first drive motor 210 from the rocker 410. As Figure 35 shown, the push rod 310 can extend in the first direction x under the drive of the drive mechanism 200 to apply a thrust to the door body 020, thereby automatically opening the door body 020. As Figure 36 shown, when the first clutch mechanism 500 is in the second state, the first clutch mechanism 500 makes the first drive motor 210 be in transmission connection with the rocker 410 through the first transmission gear train 230 and separates the first drive motor 210 from the push rod 310. As Figure 37 shown, the rocker 410 can rotate relative to the box body 010 under the drive of the drive mechanism 200 to continue opening the door body 020 or closing the door body 020.

[0318] By providing the first clutch mechanism 500, the first transmission gear train 230 is respectively connected to the first actuator 300 and the second actuator 400, so that during the process of automatically opening and closing the door, the drive mechanism 200 can respectively drive the first actuator 300 and the second actuator 400 to open and close the door body 020 through the mutual cooperation of the first actuator 300 and the second actuator 400, increasing the functions of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 and improving the user experience.

[0319] In addition, by providing the first clutch mechanism 500, the first actuator 300 and the second actuator 400 can share the same drive mechanism 200, reducing the number of components of the automatic door opening / closing device 040 and lowering the cost of the automatic door opening / closing device 040. Moreover, compared with separately using the first actuator 300 or the second actuator 400 to open or close the door body 020, the automatic door opening / closing device 040 can combine the advantages of the first actuator 300 and the second actuator 400.

[0320] Exemplarily, when opening the door body 020, referring to Figure 34 , first, the second drive motor 510 can drive the clutch cam 520 to rotate to the first position. The clutch cam 520 pushes the first mounting bracket 260, and the first mounting bracket 260 drives the second transmission gear set 250 to swing to the third position, so that the second transmission gear set 250 meshes with the first transmission gear set 240. The second mounting bracket 280 can drive the third transmission gear set 270 to swing to the sixth position, so that the third transmission gear set 270 is separated from the rocker 410. Then, referring to Figure 35 , the first drive motor 210 can drive the push rod 310 to slide along the first direction x through the meshed first transmission gear set 240 and second transmission gear set 250, thereby pushing open the door body 020 to overcome the resistance in the initial stage of opening the door body 020 and preventing the problem that the door body 020 cannot be opened due to insufficient thrust when only using the second actuator 400 in this stage.

[0321] Referring to Figure 36 , the second drive motor 510 can drive the clutch cam 520 to rotate reversely to the second position. The clutch cam 520 does not apply a thrust to the first mounting bracket 260. The first mounting bracket 260 can drive the second transmission gear set 250 to swing to the fourth position, so that the second transmission gear set 250 is separated from the first transmission gear set 240. The clutch cam 520 pushes the second mounting bracket 280, and the second mounting bracket 280 drives the third transmission gear set 270 to swing to the fifth position, and the third transmission gear set 270 is in driving connection with the rocker 410. The push rod 310 can be reset along the second direction y under the action of the first elastic member 320. Referring to Figure 37 , the first drive motor 210 can drive the rocker 410 to rotate relative to the box body 010 through the first transmission gear set 240 and the third transmission gear set 270, and the rocker 410 drives the door body 020 to rotate away from the box body 010 to further open the door body 020 and increase the opening angle of the door body.

[0322] When closing the door body 020, the clutch cam 520 can be kept in the second position, so that the second transmission gear set 250 is separated from the first transmission gear set 240, and the third transmission gear set 270 is meshed with the rocker 410. The driving mechanism 200 can drive the rocker 410 to rotate in the opposite direction relative to the box body 010 through the first transmission gear set 240 and the third transmission gear set 270, thereby automatically closing the door body 020. In the process of closing the door body 020, there is no large initial resistance, so the door body 020 can be automatically closed by the second actuator 400, which improves the user experience.

[0323] In some possible implementations of the present application, the clutch mechanism in the automatic door opening and closing device 040 may be a second clutch mechanism 600. Exemplarily, the automatic door opening and closing device 040 may include a first drive motor 210 and an actuator, and the first drive motor 210 is used to provide a driving force. The actuator is configured to open or close the door body 020 under the action of the driving force. For example, the actuator may be a push rod 310 in the first actuator 300, or may be a rocker 410 in the second actuator 400.

[0324] refer to Figure 38 , Figure 39 , Figure 40 and Figure 41 The second clutch mechanism 600 may include a connecting rod 610, a first friction gear 620, a second friction gear 630, a pressing member 640 and an adjusting driving member 650. The connecting rod 610 is fixedly connected to the housing 010. The first friction gear 620, the second friction gear 630 and the pressing member 640 are sequentially sleeved on the connecting rod 610 and abut against the housing 010 in sequence. The first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630 are respectively transmission-connected to the first driving motor 210 and the actuator. The pressing member 640 is transmission-connected to the adjusting driving member 650 to move along the connecting rod 610 under the drive of the adjusting driving member 650 to adjust the abutment force between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630.

[0325] In the embodiment of the present application, the first drive motor 210 and the actuator in the automatic door opening and closing device 040 are respectively connected to the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630 in the second clutch mechanism 600. Since the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630 abut against each other, there is a static friction torque between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630. During the normal opening and closing process of the door body 020, the relative torque of the first drive motor 210 and the actuator acting on the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630 is less than the static friction torque between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630, and the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630 can rotate synchronously. At this time, the second clutch mechanism 600 is in an engaged state. The driving force provided by the first drive motor 210 can be transmitted to the actuator through the second clutch mechanism 600 to open or close the door body 020.

[0326] When the door body 020 encounters obstacles during the opening and closing process, for example, the user manually blocks the door body 020 from closing during the closing process, the relative torque of the first drive motor 210 and the actuator on the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630 is greater than the static friction torque between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630, and the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630 can rotate relative to each other. At this time, the second clutch mechanism 600 is in a disengaged state. The driving force provided by the first drive motor 210 cannot be transmitted to the actuator through the second clutch mechanism 600 to stop the door body 020 from rotating, thereby preventing the door body 020, the actuator and the first drive motor 210 from being damaged due to excessive load, and extending the service life of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0327] In addition, the adjusting driving member 650 can drive the clamping member 640 to move on the connecting rod 610, so that the clamping member 640 can adjust the abutment force between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630, thereby being able to adjust the static friction torque between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630, and then being able to adjust the torque range when the second clutch mechanism 600 is in a connected state, thereby improving the applicability of the second clutch mechanism 600.

[0328] Moreover, when the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630 in the second clutch mechanism 600 are severely worn, the static friction torque between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630 will become smaller. As a result, during the normal opening and closing of the door body 020, the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630 will rotate relative to each other, causing the driving force of the first driving motor 210 not to be transmitted to the actuator, resulting in the technical problem that the door body 020 cannot be normally opened or closed. The second clutch mechanism 600 can drive the pressing member 640 through the second driving motor 510 to re-adjust the abutting force between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630, enabling the door body 020 to be normally opened or closed, extending the service life of the second clutch mechanism 600, and thus improving the reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0329] The second clutch mechanism 600 can be applied to the automatic door opening and closing device 040 with the first actuator 300, or can also be applied to the automatic door opening and closing device 040 with the second actuator 400. Hereinafter, taking the actuator in the automatic door opening and closing device 040 as the second actuator 400, that is, the actuator is the rocker 410 as an example, the specific structure of the second clutch mechanism 600 will be described in detail. For the technical solution when the actuator is the first actuator 300, that is, the actuator is the push rod 310, reference can be made to the following description, and this application embodiment will not be elaborated herein.

[0330] Exemplarily, as Figure 40 shown, the first end of the connecting rod 610 can be fixedly connected to the box body 010. For example, the first end of the connecting rod 610 can be provided with a sixth connecting portion 611. The box body 010 can be provided with a ninth connecting hole. For example, one side of the first bottom plate 111 located in the first sub-accommodation cavity 113 can be provided with a ninth connecting hole. The sixth connecting portion 611 is inserted into the ninth connecting hole. The shape of the ninth connecting hole and the outer side surface shape of the sixth connecting portion 611 can both be non-circular, for example, can be square or other polygons, to prevent the sixth connecting portion 611 from rotating in the ninth connecting hole, thereby improving the connection stability between the connecting rod 610 and the first bottom plate 111.

[0331] The first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630 can be sleeved on the connecting rod in sequence. For example Figure 41As shown, along the direction from the first end to the second end of the connecting rod 610, a fourth rotating portion 612 and a threaded connection portion 613 can be sequentially arranged on the outer side of the connecting rod 610. The first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630 can be sequentially sleeved on the fourth rotating portion 612. The first friction gear 620 abuts against the box body 010. For example, the sixth connection portion 611 at the first end of the connecting rod 610 can protrude from the first bottom plate 111, and the first friction gear 620 can abut against the sixth connection portion 611 connected to the box body 010. The sixth connection portion 611 can also play a role in limiting the first friction gear 620.

[0332] Exemplarily, a washer 660 can be arranged between the first friction gear 620 and the sixth connection portion 611. The first friction gear 620 abuts against the sixth connection portion 611 through the washer 660. By arranging the washer 660, the wear between the first friction gear 620 and the sixth connection portion 611 can be reduced, and the service life of the second clutch mechanism 600 can be extended. Exemplarily, the material of the washer 660 can be wear-resistant steel or other wear-resistant materials to further reduce the wear between the first friction gear 620 and the sixth connection portion 611.

[0333] The second friction gear 630 abuts against the first friction gear 620 to generate a static friction torque with the first friction gear 620. One of the second friction gear 630 and the first friction gear 620 can be in transmission connection with the first driving motor 210, and the other is in transmission connection with the actuator. For example Figure 38 and Figure 39 as shown, the first friction gear 620 can be meshed with the actuator gear set 420 to be in transmission connection with the rocker 410 through the actuator gear set 420. The second friction gear 630 can be meshed with the first transmission gear train 230 to be in transmission connection with the first driving motor 210 through the first transmission gear train 230.

[0334] The pressing member 640 can be provided with a second threaded hole 641. The second threaded hole 641 is sleeved on the threaded connection portion 613 and is in threaded connection with the threaded connection portion 613. The adjusting driving member 650 is connected to the pressing member 640 to drive the pressing member 640 to rotate. When the adjusting driving member 650 drives the pressing member 640 to rotate, since the connecting rod 610 is fixed to the box body 010, and the pressing member 640 and the connecting rod 610 are in threaded connection through the second threaded hole 641 and the threaded connection portion 613, the pressing member 640 can move along the connecting rod 610 when rotating relative to the connecting rod 610, so as to adjust the abutting force between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630, and further adjust the torque range when the second clutch mechanism 600 is in the connected state, improving the applicable range of the second clutch mechanism 600 and extending the service life of the second clutch mechanism 600.

[0335] Exemplarily, the adjusting driving member 650 may be a third driving motor. For example, the third driving motor may have a third output shaft. A third toothed structure 642 may be provided on the circumferential side of the pressing member 640. The second clutch mechanism 600 may further include a driving gear 651, and the driving gear 651 may be connected to the third driving motor. The driving gear 651 may be engaged with the third toothed structure 642. When the third driving motor operates, the third driving motor drives the driving gear 651 to rotate, and the driving gear 651 drives the pressing member 640 to rotate relative to the connecting rod 610 through the third toothed structure 642 engaged therewith, so that the pressing member 640 can move along the transmission rod. By providing the driving gear 651 and providing the third toothed structure 642 engaged with the driving gear 651 on the circumferential side of the pressing member 640, the third driving motor and the pressing member 640 are transmitted through a gear transmission structure. Since the gear transmission structure has high transmission efficiency and transmission accuracy, the requirement for the driving power of the third driving motor can be reduced, thereby reducing the cost of the automatic door opening and closing device 040; and the stability during transmission can be enhanced, thereby improving the mechanical reliability of the second clutch mechanism 600.

[0336] It should be noted that during the process of adjusting the abutting force between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630, since the first friction gear 620, the second friction gear 630, and the pressing member 640 are sequentially abutted against the box body 010, there is friction between adjacent two of the first friction gear 620, the second friction gear 630, the pressing member 640 and the box body 010. The displacement of the pressing member 640 relative to the connecting rod 610 can be adjusted by adjusting the driving voltage of the third driving motor. For example, the greater the driving voltage of the third driving motor, the greater the displacement of the pressing member 640 relative to the connecting rod 610.

[0337] Exemplarily, the third driving motor may be replaced by a hydraulic motor or a pneumatic motor, etc., and the embodiments of the present application will not elaborate on this.

[0338] Exemplarily, the second clutch mechanism 600 may further include a third worm and a third worm gear 670. The third worm may be connected to the third driving motor. The third worm gear 670 is rotatably mounted on the box body 010. For example, the third worm gear 670 is rotatably mounted on the first bottom plate 111. The third worm gear 670 is engaged with the third worm and is coaxially connected to the driving gear 651. The third driving motor drives the driving gear 651 to rotate through the third worm and the third worm gear 670. The third worm and the third worm gear 670 can reduce the rotational speed of the driving force provided by the third driving motor and increase the torque of the driving force, and can change the direction of the driving force to meet the requirements of the second clutch mechanism 600 for the driving force.

[0339] Exemplarily, as Figure 40and Figure 41 As shown in Figure 41 , a fourth receiving recess 631 may be provided on the side of the second friction gear 630 facing the pressing member 640. A plugging portion 643 may be provided on the side of the pressing member 640 facing the second friction gear 630. The plugging portion 643 is plugged into the fourth receiving recess 631 and has a gap with the side wall of the fourth receiving recess 631. The second clutch mechanism 600 may further include a linear bearing 680, and the linear bearing 680 is installed in this gap. The second friction gear 630 and the pressing member 640 are connected through the linear bearing 680, which can prevent the movement of the pressing member 640 along the connecting rod 610 from affecting the rotation of the second friction gear 630, improve the smoothness of the pressing member 640 and the second friction gear 630 during operation, and reduce the wear between the second friction gear 630 and the pressing member 640.

[0340] In some related technologies, at least one rotating shaft is included in the driving mechanism 200, the actuating mechanism, and the clutch mechanism. For example, the driving mechanism 200 includes a first transmission gear train 230, and the first transmission gear train 230 may include multiple gears, such as an input gear, a first output gear 232, a third output gear 271, and at least one transmission gear, etc. Each gear is installed in the housing 100 through a rotating shaft. Both ends of the rotating shaft are fixed by the housing 100. A first rotation connection hole is usually provided on the side of the first housing 110 facing the second housing 120, and a second rotation connection hole is usually provided on the side of the second housing 120 facing the first housing 110. Both ends of the rotating shaft are usually plugged into the first rotation connection hole and the second rotation connection hole respectively. During the assembly process of the automatic door opening and closing device 040, first provide the first housing 110, and then plug one end of the rotating shaft into the first rotation connection hole. Then, the second housing 120 is buckled on the first housing 110, and the second rotation connection hole is sleeved on the other end of the rotating shaft. However, since the second housing 120 will block the line of sight, it makes it impossible for the assembler to align the other end of the rotating shaft with the second rotation connection hole, thus increasing the difficulty of assembling the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0341] In some other possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present application, refer to Figure 42, the automatic door opening and closing device 040 may include at least one rotating shaft, such as the first rotating shaft 223 and the second rotating shaft 521, or other rotating shafts, which will not be elaborated one by one in the embodiments of the present application. The first end of the rotating shaft may be connected to the first housing 110. The automatic door opening and closing device 040 may further include an auxiliary mounting plate 150. The auxiliary mounting plate 150 may be located between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The auxiliary mounting plate 150 is provided with at least one second connection through hole 151 and is configured to mount the second end of the rotating shaft. For example, the second connection through hole 151 may be correspondingly arranged with the rotating shaft and sleeved on the corresponding rotating shaft, and the auxiliary mounting plate 150 is connected to the first housing 110.

[0342] During the assembly of the automatic door opening and closing device 040, as Figure 42 shown, the first housing 110 may be provided first, and then the first end of the rotating shaft may be connected to the first housing 110. For example, a rotating connection hole may be provided on the side of the first housing 110 facing the second housing 120, and the first end of the rotating shaft may be inserted into the rotating connection hole. As Figure 43 shown, then the auxiliary mounting plate 150 is installed, and the second connection through hole 151 on the auxiliary connection plate 031 is aligned with the rotating shaft and sleeved on the rotating shaft, and then the auxiliary mounting plate 150 is connected to the first housing 110. For example, the auxiliary mounting plate 150 and the first housing 110 may be connected by connection bolts. Exemplarily, on the side of the first housing 110 facing the second housing 120, for example, on the side of the first bottom plate 111 located in the first sub-accommodation cavity 113, a second connection post 152 may be provided. The second connection post 152 is provided with a third threaded hole. For example, the third threaded hole 153 may be provided on the side of the second connection post 152 facing away from the first bottom plate 111. A tenth connection hole 154 may be provided on the auxiliary mounting plate 150, and the tenth connection hole 154 is opposite to the third threaded hole 153. The connection bolt may pass through the tenth connection hole 154 and be threadedly connected to the third threaded hole 153. Connecting the auxiliary mounting plate to the first housing by the connection bolt can improve the accuracy of the relative position between the auxiliary mounting plate and the first housing, thereby improving the position accuracy of each rotating shaft, which is beneficial to ensuring the functional reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device.

[0343] It can be understood that the auxiliary mounting plate 150 and the first housing 110 may also be connected in other ways, which will not be elaborated in the embodiments of the present application. Referring to Figure 44 , then the second housing 120 is connected to the first housing 110. The connection structure between the second housing 120 and the first housing 110 may refer to the above description and will not be elaborated here.

[0344] As can be seen from the above assembly process, the first end of the rotating shaft is fixed by the first housing 110, and the second end of the rotating shaft is fixed by the auxiliary mounting plate 150. During the installation of the auxiliary mounting plate 150, when the assembly worker aligns the second connection through-hole 151 with the rotating shaft, the rotating shaft can be viewed through the second connection through-hole 151. Compared with the related art, the alignment between the second connection through-hole 151 and the rotating shaft is less difficult because it is visible, thereby reducing the assembly difficulty of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 and facilitating the improvement of the assembly efficiency of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0345] As Figure 45 shown, the auxiliary mounting plate 150 may further be provided with at least one avoidance window 155 for accommodating at least a part of the first transmission gear train 230. Exemplarily, at least a part of the first mounting bracket 260 and / or the second mounting bracket 280 may be accommodated within the avoidance window 155. With such an arrangement, it is possible to prevent at least a part of the first transmission gear train 230 from interfering with the auxiliary mounting plate 150, which is beneficial to optimizing the structure of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 and thus beneficial to the miniaturization of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0346] In some other possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present application, the automatic door opening and closing device 040 may further include an angle detection mechanism 700 configured to measure the door opening angle. The door opening angle refers to the included angle between the door body 020 and the box body 010. The controller may be electrically connected to the angle measurement unit, the driving mechanism 200, and the clutch mechanism to control the driving mechanism 200 and the clutch mechanism according to the door opening angle, so that the automatic door opening and closing device 040 can achieve functions such as automatically opening the door body 020, automatically closing the door body 020, or other functions, which is beneficial to the intelligentization of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 and improves the user experience.

[0347] Exemplarily, continue to refer to Figure 45 and Figure 46, the angle detection mechanism 700 may include a potentiometer 710, and the potentiometer 710 is connected to the box body 010. For example, the angle detection mechanism 700 may further include a second detection circuit board 720. The second detection circuit board 720 is fixedly connected to the first bottom plate 111, and the potentiometer 710 is electrically connected to the second detection circuit board 720. The potentiometer 710 is connected to the box body 010 through the second detection circuit board 720 and the housing 100. The potentiometer 710 is used to measure the opening angle of the door body. Exemplarily, the potentiometer 710 may include a resistance element 711 and a brush 712 located within the resistance element 711 and rotatable relative to the resistance element 711. The brush 712 is used to connect to the door body 020. During the process of opening or closing the door body 020, when the driving mechanism 200 causes the door body 020 to rotate relative to the box body 010, the brush 712 can be caused to rotate relative to the resistance element 711, thereby changing the resistance value of the potentiometer 710.

[0348] Exemplarily, when the door body 020 is rotatably connected to the box body 010 through a single-axis hinge 030, the brush 712 can be connected to the hinge shaft 032 in the single-axis hinge 030 to indirectly connect to the door body 020. When the door body 020 rotates relative to the box body 010, the door body 020 drives the hinge shaft 032 to rotate, thereby driving the brush 712 to rotate relative to the resistance element 711. Or, for example Figure 19 and Figure 20 , and Figures 31 to 37 as shown, when the actuator is the second actuator 400, the brush 712 can be connected to the rocker 410 in the second actuator 400. The rotation speed of the rocker 410 is equal to or approximately equal to that of the door body 020. The brush 712 can be indirectly connected to the door body 020 through the rocker 410. When the door body 020 rotates relative to the box body 010, the rocker 410 rotates relative to the box body 010, thereby driving the brush 712 to rotate relative to the resistance element 711. There is a corresponding relationship between the opening angle of the door body 020 and the resistance value of the potentiometer 710. Therefore, when automatically controlling the automatic door opening and closing device 040, the opening angle of the door body can be determined by the resistance value of the potentiometer 710.

[0349] Taking the technical solution where the actuator is the second actuator 400 and the potentiometer 710 is connected to the rocker 410 as an example, the related structure of the angle detection mechanism 700 will be described in detail below. For the technical solutions of the connection between the potentiometer 710 and other components, reference can be made to the following description, and the embodiments of the present application will not be elaborated herein.

[0350] Exemplarily, as Figure 45 and Figure 46As shown, the angle detection mechanism 700 may further include a detection gear 730 and a detection shaft 740. The detection shaft 740 is inserted into the brush 712. The detection gear 730 is sleeved on the detection shaft 740 and meshes with the actuator gear set 420. The brush 712 is connected to the rocker 410 through the meshed detection gear 730 and actuator gear set 420. The detection gear 730 and the actuator gear set 420 have high transmission accuracy, which can improve the rotational synchronization between the brush 712 and the rocker 410, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the angle detection mechanism 700.

[0351] The controller can determine the opening angle of the door body according to the voltage value of the potentiometer 710. There is a corresponding relationship between the voltage value of the potentiometer 710 and its resistance value. Since there is a corresponding relationship between the resistance value of the potentiometer 710 and the opening angle of the door body, the controller can determine the opening angle of the door body according to the voltage value of the potentiometer 710.

[0352] Exemplarily, the controller can obtain the voltage value of the potentiometer 710 through a voltage detection circuit. Exemplarily, the voltage detection circuit can be formed in the second detection circuit board 720. As Figure 47 shown, exemplarily, the voltage detection circuit may include a detection power supply U0, a fixed-value resistor R1, and a potentiometer 710 connected in series in sequence to form a loop. The detection power supply U0 is used for power supply. During the process of opening and closing the door body 020, the rocker 410 drives the door body 020 to rotate relative to the box body 010, thereby driving the actuator gear set 420 to rotate. The actuator gear set 420 drives the detection gear 730 and the detection shaft 740 to rotate. The detection shaft 740 drives the brush 712 in the potentiometer 710 to rotate relative to the resistance element 711, causing the resistance value Rv of the potentiometer 710 to change, and further causing the voltage value Ut of the potentiometer 710 to change. Therefore, there is a first preset corresponding relationship between the voltage value Ut of the potentiometer 710 and the opening angle γ of the door body. The first preset corresponding relationship includes multiple preset door body opening angles and the voltage values corresponding to each preset door body opening angle.

[0353] For example, when the voltage value of the detection power supply U0 is 12V, the resistance value of the fixed-value resistor R1 is 1000Ω, and the resistance value Rv of the potentiometer 710 is 1 - 1000Ω, the first preset corresponding relationship between the resistance value Rv of the potentiometer 710, the voltage value Ut of the potentiometer 710, and the opening angle γ of the door body is shown in Table 1.

[0354] Table 1

[0355]

[0356]

[0357]

[0358] When controlling the automatic door opening and closing device 040, the first preset correspondence between the preset voltage value Ut and the door opening angle γ can be used as the reference for determining the position of the door body 020. Exemplarily, during the automatic door closing process, the controller can obtain the current voltage value of the potentiometer 710. If the current voltage value of the potentiometer 710 is closest to a certain voltage value Ut in Table 1, it is determined that the door opening angle γ corresponding to the voltage value Ut is the current door opening angle. For example, if the current voltage value of the potentiometer 710 is 0V, the door opening angle is determined to be 0° through the first preset correspondence, thereby determining that the door body 020 is in the closed state, and the controller controls the drive mechanism 200 to stop operating.

[0359] However, when the potentiometer 710 is installed on the box body 010, due to reasons such as assembly error or manual operation error, the potentiometer 710 inevitably has an initial angle error. That is to say, when the door body 020 is in the closed state, the relative angle between the brush 712 and the resistance element 711 in the potentiometer 710 is not 0°. In this way, there will be a deviation between the current door opening angle determined according to the current voltage value of the potentiometer 710 in the first preset correspondence and the actual door opening angle, thereby reducing the control accuracy of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 and having a negative impact on the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0360] For example, due to the initial angle error of the potentiometer 710, the voltage value of the potentiometer 710 when the door body 020 is in the closed state is 1.20V. During the process of the controller controlling the automatic door opening and closing device 040 to perform an automatic door closing operation, if the current voltage value of the potentiometer 710 obtained is 1.20V, and the current door opening angle is determined to be 30° according to the first preset correspondence, it is determined that the door body 020 is not closed, and the control will drive the mechanism 200 to continue operating. However, the door body 020 is actually in the closed state, and the continuous operation of the drive mechanism 200 will cause damage to the drive mechanism 200 and shorten the service life of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0361] In an embodiment of the present application, the controller is configured to obtain a first voltage value of the potentiometer 710 when the door body 020 is in a closed state, and determine a first characteristic voltage value according to the first voltage value. The first characteristic voltage value is used to determine that the door body 020 is in a closed state during the process of controlling the automatic door opening and closing device 040 to open or close the door body 020. With such a setting, by using the first voltage value when the door body 020 is actually in a closed state as the first characteristic voltage value, and determining that the door body 020 is in a closed state according to the first characteristic voltage value during the control process of automatically opening or closing the door body 020, the deviation between the door opening angle determined by the controller due to the installation error of the potentiometer 710 and the actual door opening angle is reduced or eliminated, the accuracy of determining that the door body 020 is in a closed state is improved, and thus the control precision of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 is improved. Moreover, during the assembly process of the automatic door opening and closing device 040, the installation error of the potentiometer 710 is allowed, the position accuracy requirement for the potentiometer 710 is reduced, and the assembly efficiency of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 is improved.

[0362] Exemplarily, the controller may control the automatic door opening and closing device 040 according to Figure 48 the control method shown.

[0363] S210. Obtain a first voltage value of the potentiometer when the door body is in a closed state.

[0364] Exemplarily, the refrigerator may be provided with a door closing switch, and the controller may be electrically connected to the door closing switch. The door closing switch is connected to the door body 020. When the door body 020 is in a closed state, the door closing switch is triggered to generate a door closing signal. After receiving the door closing signal, the controller obtains the first voltage value of the potentiometer 710. By setting the door closing switch, the controller can automatically correct the first voltage value of the potentiometer 710 in response to the door closing signal generated by the door closing switch to generate a first characteristic voltage value, without manual control, reducing the correction difficulty.

[0365] Exemplarily, the controller may obtain the first voltage value of the potentiometer 710 through a voltage detection circuit. Regarding the voltage detection circuit, specific details can be found in the above related description and will not be elaborated here.

[0366] S220. Determine a first characteristic voltage value according to the first voltage value. The first characteristic voltage value is used to determine that the door body is in a closed state during the process of automatically opening or closing the door body.

[0367] Exemplarily, the controller may obtain a first preset correspondence. As shown in Table 1 for example, the first preset correspondence includes multiple voltage values. The controller may determine the voltage value closest to the first voltage value in the first preset correspondence and determine this voltage value as the first characteristic voltage value.

[0368] For example, if the first voltage value Ut0 of the potentiometer 710 is 1.1V. According to Table 1, the voltage value Ut closest to the first voltage value Ut0 is 1.09V, then 1.09V is determined as the first characteristic voltage value. When subsequently controlling the automatic door opening and closing device 040, for example, when controlling the door body 020 to open or close automatically, it is possible to determine whether the door body 020 is in the closed state according to the first characteristic voltage value, improving the control accuracy.

[0369] Reference Figure 49 , the control method of the embodiment of the present application may further include the following steps:

[0370] S230. Obtain a first preset correspondence, where the first preset correspondence includes a plurality of preset door opening angles and voltage values corresponding to each preset door opening angle.

[0371] Exemplarily, the controller may obtain the first preset correspondence. As shown in Table 1, the first preset correspondence may include a plurality of preset door opening angles and voltage values corresponding to each preset door opening angle.

[0372] S240. Determine the first preset door opening angle corresponding to the first characteristic voltage value in the first preset correspondence, and determine the second preset door angle according to the first preset door opening angle. The second preset door opening angle is the sum of the first preset door opening angle and the target angle.

[0373] Exemplarily, the controller may determine the first preset door opening angle corresponding to the first characteristic voltage value in the first preset correspondence. For example, the first characteristic voltage value is 1.09V. According to Table 1, the first preset door opening angle corresponding to the first characteristic voltage value is 27°. Then, determine the second preset door opening angle corresponding to the target angle. For example, the target angle is 117°. The second preset door opening angle is the sum of the first preset door opening angle and the target angle, that is, the second preset angle is 144°.

[0374] S250. Determine the second voltage value corresponding to the second preset door opening angle in the first preset correspondence.

[0375] Exemplarily, when the controller determines that the second preset angle is 144° in the first preset correspondence, the second voltage value is 4.17V.

[0376] S260. Determine the second voltage value as the second characteristic voltage value when the door opening angle is the target angle. The second characteristic voltage value is used to determine that the door opening angle is the target angle during the process of automatically opening or closing the door body.

[0377] Exemplarily, the controller determines the second voltage value as the second characteristic voltage value. For example, if the second voltage value is 4.17V, then the second characteristic voltage value is 4.17V. When subsequently controlling the automatic door opening and closing device 040, for example, when the controller controls the door body 020 to automatically close or open, it can determine whether the door opening angle is the target angle according to the second characteristic voltage value, improving the control accuracy of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0378] In addition to automatically opening and closing the door body 020, the controller can also control the driving mechanism 200 and the clutch mechanism according to the door opening angle, enabling the automatic door opening and closing device 040 to achieve other functions. For example, when the angle detection mechanism 700 includes a potentiometer 710 and the clutch mechanism is the second clutch mechanism 600, the controller can automatically control the second clutch mechanism 600.

[0379] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present application, the driving mechanism 200 has a first driving motor 210 that provides a driving force. The actuating mechanism has an actuating member that opens or closes the door body 020 under the action of the driving force. The angle detection mechanism 700 includes a potentiometer 710 connected to the door body 020. The controller is electrically connected to the driving mechanism 200, the second clutch mechanism 600, and the angle detection mechanism 700. The controller can be configured to: during the automatic opening and closing process of the door body 020, control the third driving motor to work with an initial driving voltage, obtain the current voltage value of the potentiometer 710, and determine whether the door body 020 has a switching failure according to the current voltage value. If so, control the third driving motor to work with a target driving voltage, and the target driving voltage is above the initial driving voltage.

[0380] During the automatic opening and closing process of the door body 020, the controller can determine whether the door body 020 has a switching failure according to the current voltage value of the potentiometer 710. If the door body 020 has a switching failure, the reason may be that the second clutch mechanism 600 fails. The failure of the second clutch mechanism 600 means that the static friction force between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630 becomes smaller due to wear or other reasons, causing relative rotation between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630. The controller can control the third driving motor to work with a target driving voltage. Since the target driving voltage is above the initial driving voltage, the driving force applied by the third driving motor to the pressing member 640 can be increased, causing the pressing member 640 to further press the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630, increasing the abutting force between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630, thereby increasing the static friction force between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630, enabling the second clutch mechanism 600 to be in an engaged state during the automatic opening and closing process of the door body 020, improving the service life of the second clutch mechanism 600, and enhancing the functional reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0381] Exemplarily, the controller may control the automatic door opening and closing device 040 according to the Figure 50 control method as shown.

[0382] S310. During the automatic opening and closing process of the door body, control the third driving motor to work at the initial driving voltage, obtain the current voltage value of the potentiometer, and determine whether there is a switch failure of the door body according to the current voltage value.

[0383] Exemplarily, during the automatic opening and closing process of the door body 020, the controller may control the third driving motor to work at the initial driving voltage. For example, the operating voltage range of the third driving voltage is 12-24V. The initial driving voltage may be 15V.

[0384] The controller may obtain the current voltage value of the potentiometer 710 and determine whether there is a switch failure of the door body 020 according to the current voltage value. Exemplarily, the controller may obtain a second preset correspondence relationship, which may include multiple preset operating durations and the voltage values of the potentiometer 710 corresponding to each preset operating duration. The controller may determine the target voltage value in the second preset correspondence relationship according to the current operating duration. Then obtain the current voltage value of the potentiometer 710. If the current voltage value is not equal to the target voltage value, it is determined that there is a switch failure of the door body 020. Determining the target voltage value through the second preset correspondence relationship can improve the calculation speed when determining the target voltage value and reduce the control difficulty of the automatic door opening and closing device. In addition, for a refrigerator equipped with a double-axis hinge, the relationship between the operating duration of its automatic door opening and closing device and the voltage value of the potentiometer 710 is not a linear correspondence relationship. Through the second preset correspondence relationship, the target voltage value of the potentiometer 710 can be quickly determined according to the operating duration, reducing the calculation difficulty of the target voltage value, thereby reducing the control difficulty of the automatic door opening and closing device.

[0385] For example, the second preset correspondence relationship may be as shown in Table 2. If the current operating duration is 3.38S, through Table 2, the target voltage value can be determined to be 2.77V. The controller obtains the current voltage value of the potentiometer 710 as 2.60V. The current voltage value is not equal to the target voltage value, and it is determined that there is a switch failure of the door body 020.

[0386] Table 2

[0387]

[0388]

[0389]

[0390] S320. If so, control the third driving motor to work at the target driving voltage, and the target driving voltage is above the initial driving voltage.

[0391] If the controller determines that the door body 020 has a switch failure, it controls the third drive motor to operate at a target drive voltage, which is above the initial drive voltage. Exemplarily, the range of the drive voltage of the third drive motor can be 12 - 24V, and the rated voltage is 24V. The initial drive voltage of the third drive motor can be 15V, and the target drive voltage can be 16V. If the controller determines that the door body 020 has a switch failure, the controller can control the third drive motor to operate at 16V.

[0392] Since the target drive voltage is above the initial drive voltage, the driving force exerted by the third drive motor on the pressing member 640 can be increased, so that the pressing member 640 further presses the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630, increasing the abutting force between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630, thereby increasing the static friction force between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630, so that the second clutch mechanism 600 is in an engaged state during the automatic opening and closing process of the door body 020, preventing the second clutch mechanism 600 from failing, thereby improving the functional reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device 040 and increasing the service life of the second clutch mechanism 600.

[0393] In a possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present application, the controller can control the third drive motor to operate at a target drive voltage in the following manner:

[0394] Exemplarily, if the door body 020 has a switch failure, N + 1, where N is the number of times the failure occurs. The controller records the number of times the switch failure occurs. Then, the controller can obtain the current number of times the door body is automatically opened and closed. If the current number of times the door body is automatically opened and closed reaches the first preset number of times, and N reaches the second preset number of times, it controls the third drive motor to operate at a target drive voltage. The first preset number of times can be greater than the second preset number of times. With such a setting, the controller can record the number of times the failure occurs during the automatic opening and closing process of the door body for the first preset number of times. When the switch failure reaches the second preset number of times, it is determined that the second clutch mechanism 600 fails, improving the accuracy of determining the failure of the second clutch mechanism 600, thereby improving the functional reliability of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0395] The first preset number of times and the second preset number of times can be specifically set according to the actual situation. For example, the first preset number of times can be 10, and the second preset number of times can be 2. For example, the controller can be provided with a first counter and a second counter. The first counter is used to record the number of times M that the door body automatically opens and closes, and the second counter is used to record the number of times N of faults. When automatically opening and closing the door, the number of times M that the door body automatically opens and closes is incremented by 1. When a switch fault occurs in the door body 020, the number of times N of faults is incremented by 1. When the number of times M that the door body automatically opens and closes reaches 10, if the number of times of faults reaches 2, the third driving motor is controlled to operate at the target driving voltage; if the number of times of faults does not reach 2, the third driving motor is controlled to operate at the initial driving voltage.

[0396] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present application, the controller can control the third driving motor to operate at the target driving voltage in the following manner:

[0397] If the initial driving voltage reaches the preset voltage and does not exceed the rated voltage of the third driving motor, the controller can determine whether the door body 020 is manually obstructed during the time period corresponding to when the number of times M that the door body automatically opens and closes reaches the first preset number of times. For example, the controller can determine the initial moment when the door body 020 is first opened or closed in the first preset number of times, and then determine the end moment when the door body 020 is last opened or closed in the first preset number of times, and determine the time period according to the initial moment and the end moment. During this time period, if the door body 020 is manually obstructed, the controller can determine the target driving voltage as the initial driving voltage. If the door body 020 is not manually obstructed, the controller can determine the target driving voltage as the first driving voltage, and the first driving voltage can be greater than the initial driving voltage. The preset voltage refers to the voltage when the second clutch mechanism 600 operates stably. For example, the preset voltage can be 15V.

[0398] When the initial driving voltage reaches the preset voltage and does not exceed the rated voltage of the third driving motor, it can be determined that the third driving motor is in a stable operating state. At this time, the controller can determine whether the door body 020 is manually obstructed during the process of automatically opening and closing the door in the first preset number of times. If the door body 020 is manually obstructed, it can be determined that the reason for the switch fault is obstruction during automatic opening and closing of the door, rather than the failure of the second clutch mechanism 600. At this time, the target driving voltage can be determined as the initial driving voltage, that is, the driving voltage of the third driving motor is not adjusted. If the door body 020 is not manually obstructed, it can be determined that the reason for the switch fault is the failure of the second clutch mechanism 600. At this time, the target driving voltage can be determined as the first driving voltage, that is, the driving voltage of the third driving motor is increased. Such a setting can correct the reason for the switch fault, prevent the second clutch mechanism 600 from being adjusted when the door body 020 encounters an obstruction and cannot realize the automatic opening and closing function, thereby preventing the second clutch mechanism 600 from being damaged and improving the service life of the second clutch mechanism 600.

[0399] Exemplarily, the controller may determine whether the door body 020 is manually obstructed in the following manner:

[0400] The controller may output inquiry information for obtaining confirmation information on whether the door body 020 is manually obstructed. If the controller receives the confirmation information, it is determined that the door body 020 is manually obstructed. Exemplarily, the refrigerator further includes a display screen electrically connected to the controller. The controller may display a target interface through the display screen, and the target interface includes the inquiry information. The refrigerator further includes a first button electrically connected to the controller, and when the first button is pressed, it sends the confirmation information to the controller. The first button may be a virtual button on the target interface. For example, the controller may control the display screen to display the target interface, and the target interface includes the inquiry information, and the inquiry information may be whether the door body 020 has been frequently obstructed from opening and closing recently. The target interface further includes a first button and a second button, the first button is Y, and the second button is N. If the user presses Y, it is determined that the door body 020 is manually obstructed. If the user presses N, it is determined that the door body 020 is not manually obstructed. By displaying the inquiry information through the display screen and obtaining the confirmation information through the first button, it is convenient for the user to operate, improving the interactivity of the refrigerator and enhancing the user experience.

[0401] Exemplarily, the control method may further include: if the initial driving voltage reaches the rated voltage of the third driving motor, the controller issues a reminder for maintenance information to remind the user to repair or replace the second clutch mechanism 600, so as to facilitate confirming the cause of the failure of the automatic door opening and closing device 040, improving the convenience during the maintenance of the automatic door opening and closing device 040.

[0402] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present application, the controller may perform control on the automatic door opening and closing device 040 according to the Figure 51 control method shown.

[0403] S411. Automatically open or close the door body.

[0404] S412. Increment the first counter by 1.

[0405] The first counter is used to record the number of times M that the door body 020 automatically opens and closes.

[0406] S413. Determine whether the voltage change trend of the potentiometer conforms to a preset trend.

[0407] Exemplarily, during the door opening process, if the voltage value of the potentiometer 710 detected in real time is 2.44V, the voltage value of the potentiometer 710 detected in real time after 0.5S should be 2.77V. If the voltage value of the potentiometer 710 actually detected in real time after 0.5S does not reach 2.77V, it is considered that the voltage change trend of the potentiometer 710 does not conform to the preset trend. The reasons may be: 1. The door opening encounters an obstacle; 2. The friction force between the first friction gear 620 and the second friction gear 630 of the second clutch mechanism 600 becomes smaller due to wear.

[0408] S414. If so, operate normally.

[0409] If the voltage change trend of the potentiometer 710 conforms to the preset trend, control the automatic door opening and closing device 040 to open and close the door automatically and normally.

[0410] S415. If not, cut off the power supply of the driving mechanism.

[0411] If the voltage change trend of the potentiometer 710 does not conform to the preset trend, and it is determined that the door body 020 has a switch failure, then control the driving mechanism 200 to cut off the power supply, so that the automatic door opening and closing device 040 stops opening and closing the door automatically.

[0412] S416. Increment the second counter by 1.

[0413] Exemplarily, the second counter is used to record the number of fault occurrences N.

[0414] S417. Determine whether the first counter ≥ 2 and the first counter ≥ 10.

[0415] S418. If the first counter ≥ 2 and the first counter ≥ 10, detect the current voltage value U of the potentiometer.

[0416] S419. If U ≤ U set, increment the voltage value U by 1.

[0417] Exemplarily, U set refers to the set voltage value, which is the voltage when the second clutch mechanism 600 operates stably. If the current voltage value U of the potentiometer 710 is less than or equal to U set, then increase the voltage value U by one level.

[0418] Exemplarily, the operating voltage of the third driving motor in the second clutch mechanism 600 is 12 - 24V, the initial value is 12V, and it increases by 1V for each level.

[0419] S420. Clear the second counter.

[0420] S421. Clear the first counter.

[0421] S422. If U set < U < U rated, ask the user.

[0422] Exemplarily, U rated refers to the rated voltage value of the third drive motor. For example, U rated = 24V.

[0423] If the current voltage value U of the potentiometer 710 reaches U set and does not reach U rated, an inquiry message is sent to the user, and the user independent error correction mode is entered.

[0424] S423. Determine whether the door body opening and closing are obstructed recently.

[0425] Exemplarily, the inquiry message can be displayed through the touch display screen of the refrigerator. The inquiry message can include whether the door body 020 opening and closing are obstructed recently, as well as the Y button and the N button. If the user selects the N button, it is determined that the door body 020 opening and closing are not obstructed recently, and step S419 is executed.

[0426] S424. If so, the current voltage value U remains unchanged.

[0427] Exemplarily, if the user selects the Y button, it is determined that the door body 020 opening and closing are obstructed recently. If it is determined that the reason for the obstruction of the door body 020 opening and closing is that the door opening encounters an obstruction, the drive voltage of the second clutch is not changed.

[0428] S425. Clear the second counter.

[0429] S426. Clear the first counter.

[0430] Repeat step S411.

[0431] For the specific descriptions of the above steps, reference can be made to the above implementation manners, and the embodiments of the present application will not be elaborated herein.

[0432] Finally, it should be noted that: the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit it; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

[0433] For the sake of convenience of explanation, the above description has been made in combination with specific implementation manners. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementation manners to the specific forms disclosed above. According to the above teachings, various modifications and variations can be obtained. The selection and description of the above implementation manners are for better explaining the principles and practical applications, so that those skilled in the art can better use the implementation manners and various different implementation manners suitable for specific use considerations.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator comprises: A box body is constructed with a refrigeration compartment having a take-in and put-out opening; A door body, which is rotatably connected to the box body and is used to open or close the access opening; An automatic door opening and closing device, comprising: A driving mechanism having a first driving motor providing driving force; An actuator having an actuator for opening or closing the door body under the action of the driving force; A second clutch mechanism, comprising a connecting rod, a first friction gear, a second friction gear, a pressing member and a third drive motor, wherein the first friction gear, the second friction gear and the pressing member are sequentially sleeved on the connecting rod and sequentially abut against the box body; the first friction gear and the second friction gear are respectively transmission-connected with the first drive motor and the actuator; the pressing member is connected to the third drive motor to move along the connecting rod under the drive of the third drive motor to adjust the abutment force between the first friction gear and the second friction gear; A potentiometer connected to the door body; A controller is electrically connected to the drive mechanism, the second clutch mechanism and the potentiometer, and the controller is configured to: during the automatic opening and closing process of the door body, control the third drive motor to operate at an initial drive voltage, obtain the current voltage value of the potentiometer, and determine whether a switch failure occurs in the door body according to the current voltage value; if so, control the third drive motor to operate at a target drive voltage, and the target drive voltage is higher than the initial drive voltage.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to: Acquire a second preset corresponding relationship, wherein the second preset corresponding relationship includes a plurality of preset operating time periods and a voltage value of a potentiometer corresponding to each preset operating time period; Determining a target voltage value in the second preset corresponding relationship according to the current running time; The current voltage value of the potentiometer is obtained, and if the current voltage value is not equal to the target voltage value, it is determined that the switch fault occurs in the door body.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to: If the door has a switch failure, N+1, where N is the number of times the failure occurs; Obtain the current number of automatic door openings and closings. If the current number of automatic door openings and closings reaches a first preset number and N reaches a second preset number, control the third drive motor to operate at a target drive voltage; wherein the first preset number is greater than the second preset number.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is also configured to: If the initial driving voltage reaches the preset voltage and does not exceed the rated voltage of the third driving motor, it is determined whether the door body is manually blocked within the time period corresponding to when the number of automatic door openings and closings M reaches the first preset number; If the door is manually blocked, the target driving voltage is determined as the initial driving voltage; if the door is not manually blocked, the target driving voltage is determined as a first driving voltage, which is greater than the initial driving voltage.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, The controller is configured to: Determining an initial time when the door is first opened or closed in the first preset number of times; Determine the end time of the last opening or closing of the door body in the first preset number of times; The duration is determined according to the initial time and the end time.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that The controller is further configured to: Output inquiry information for obtaining confirmation information on whether the door body is manually obstructed; If the confirmation information is received, determine that the door body is manually obstructed.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The refrigerator further includes a display screen electrically connected to the controller; the controller is further configured to: Display a target interface through the display screen, and the target interface includes the inquiry information.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The refrigerator further includes a first button electrically connected to the controller, and when the first button is pressed, the confirmation information is sent to the controller.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is further configured to: If the initial driving voltage reaches the rated voltage of the third driving motor, issue a reminder for maintenance.

10. A control method for a refrigerator, characterized in that, The method includes: During the automatic opening and closing process of the door body, control the third driving motor to work with an initial driving voltage, obtain the current voltage value of the potentiometer, and determine whether there is a switch failure of the door body according to the current voltage value; If so, control the third driving motor to work with a target driving voltage, and the target driving voltage is higher than the initial driving voltage.

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