Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to one embodiment includes: a box having a storage chamber; a first door that opens / closes the storage compartment and has an opening; a second door that opens / closes the opening and is rotatable with respect to the first door; the locking device is used for locking the first door and the second door in a state that the second door is closed; the door opening device is used for automatically opening the second door; the input sensing unit is used for sensing an opening instruction input to the second door; and a control unit for controlling the door opening device, in which the control unit may operate the door opening device so as to open the second door if an opening instruction input to the second door is sensed by the input sensing portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a home appliance for storing food at low temperatures in a storage space covered by a door.

[0003] The storage space is surrounded by insulating walls so that the interior of the storage space is kept at a lower temperature than the outside temperature. Depending on the temperature range of the storage space, the storage space can be called a refrigerator or a freezer.

[0004] To place items in or remove them from the storage space, the user opens the door. Typically, the door is rotatably connected to the storage case, with a gasket positioned between the door and the case. Therefore, when the door is closed, the gasket tightly seals between the door and the case, preventing cool air from leaking out of the storage space. As the gasket's sealing force increases, the effectiveness of preventing cool air from leaking out increases.

[0005] In order to increase the sealing force of the gasket, the gasket may be formed of a rubber magnet, and the magnet may be disposed inside the gasket. However, if the sealing force of the gasket is increased, a greater force is required when opening the door.

[0006] Therefore, refrigerators with an automatic door opening function have recently been provided.

[0007] A refrigerator is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0119027, which is a related art document.

[0008] The refrigerator of the prior art document includes: a box body having at least one storage space therein; a door arranged on one side of the box body for opening and closing the storage space; and a door opening device that moves the door through the driving force of a motor to open the storage space.

[0009] Specifically, the door may include: an inner door that is in close contact with the front surface of the box body; and an outer door that is arranged in front of the inner door. The door opening device is provided in the box body and pushes the inner door to open the inner door.

[0010] However, in the case of this prior art document, since the outer door opens together with the inner door when the inner door opens, there is a disadvantage in that the outer door cannot be automatically opened.

[0011] In addition, in the case of this prior art document, since the door opening device is arranged in the box body, when the outer door is to be opened using the door opening device, there is the following disadvantage: in order to push the outer door without interfering with the inner door, the length of the door opening device increases and the structure becomes complicated. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] One embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a second door is provided on an outer side of a first door, and the second door can be automatically opened.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator wherein, when the first door is opened, a coupled state of the first door and the second door is maintained.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a left door and a right door are provided, and a second door of each of the left door and the right door can be opened independently and automatically.

[0016] Technical Solution

[0017] A refrigerator according to one aspect may include a cabinet having a storage space, a first door having an opening and opening and closing the storage space, and a second door opening and closing the opening and being rotatable relative to the first door.

[0018] The refrigerator may further include a locking device that allows the first door and the second door to be in a locked state when the second door is closed.

[0019] The refrigerator may further include a door opening device for automatically opening the second door.

[0020] The refrigerator may further include an input detection unit configured to detect an input of an opening instruction for the second door. The refrigerator may further include a controller configured to control the door opening device.

[0021] When input of an opening instruction of the second door is detected by the input detection portion, the controller may operate the door opening device to open the second door.

[0022] When the input detection unit detects an input of an opening instruction for the second door, the controller may control the locking device so that the first door and the second door are in an unlocked state. When the first door and the second door are in an unlocked state, the controller may operate the door opening device.

[0023] The locking device may include a first driver and a locking portion that operates by receiving power from the first driver.

[0024] The locking portion may protrude from one of the first door and the second door and be coupled to the other of the first door and the second door.

[0025] The second door may include an extension portion located in the opening when the second door is closed. The locking portion may be provided at the first door, and a groove may be formed in the extension portion, the locking portion being received in the groove.

[0026] The locking device may include a magnet.The magnet may be located inside a gasket arranged between the first door and the second door.

[0027] The refrigerator may further include a proximity sensor that detects that a user has approached the refrigerator within a reference distance. When the proximity sensor detects the user's approach, the input detection unit may be activated.

[0028] In a state where the input detection portion is activated, when an input of a door opening command is not detected within an input reference time, or when the proximity sensor does not detect a user before the input reference time elapses, the input detection portion may be deactivated.

[0029] The refrigerator may further include a door opening and closing detection unit that detects the closing of the second door. When the closing of the second door is detected by the door opening and closing detection unit, the controller may control the locking device so that the first door and the second door are in a locked state.

[0030] The door opening device can be arranged in the second door.

[0031] The door opening device may include: a second driver; and a door opening portion that operates by receiving power from the second driver and pushes the first door during opening of the second door.

[0032] The second driver may be located at a lower side of the door opening.

[0033] In order to open the second door, the door opening portion can be moved from the initial position to the door opening position. During the movement of the door opening portion from the initial position to the door opening position, the door opening portion can be rotated to protrude from the second door and push the first door.

[0034] In the process of opening the second door, the door opening portion may include a contact portion that contacts the first door. At an initial position of the door opening portion, a rotation center of the door opening portion may be located in a region between the contact portion and the rotation center of the second door.

[0035] The refrigerator may further include a hinge rotatably connecting the second door to the first door.The second door may further include a hinge mounting portion on which the hinge is mounted and which has a concave shape.

[0036] The door opening device may include a second driver and a door opening portion, the door opening portion being operated by receiving power from the second driver. The door opening portion may be positioned higher than a bottom of the hinge mounting portion.

[0037] The refrigerator may further include an automatic closing unit connected to a shaft of the hinge in the second door and positioned lower than a bottom of the hinge mounting portion.

[0038] According to another aspect, a refrigerator may include: a cabinet having a storage space; a first door, the first door opens and closes the storage space and has an opening; a second door, the second door opens and closes the opening and can rotate relative to the first door; a locking device, the locking device is used to lock the first door and the second door when the second door is closed; a first door opening device, the first door opening device is used to automatically open the first door; and a second door opening device, the second door opening device is used to automatically open the second door.

[0039] The refrigerator may further include an input detection unit configured to detect an input of an opening instruction for at least one of the first door and the second door. The refrigerator may further include a controller configured to control the first door opening device and the second door opening device.

[0040] The first door opening device can be arranged in the box body. The second door opening device can be arranged in the first door or the second door.

[0041] The first door opening device may be provided in the first door, and the second door opening device may be provided in the second door.

[0042] Beneficial effects

[0043] According to one embodiment, there is an advantage in that, when the door includes a first door and a second door, the second door provided on the outer side of the door can be automatically opened.

[0044] According to one embodiment, when the input detection section is activated upon detecting the approach of a user, there is an advantage in that unnecessary activation of the input detection section is prevented.

[0045] According to one embodiment, when the second door is closed, the second door and the first door are in a locked state, so the first door can be opened. In addition, since the handle for opening the first door is the same as the handle for opening the second door, there is an advantage in that two separate handles are not required. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a second door of a refrigerating chamber door is opened according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a refrigerating chamber door and a freezing chamber door are opened according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 4 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a second door is opened while a first door is closed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5.

[0051] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6.

[0052] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram partially illustrating a state in which the second door is opened according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a door opening device provided in the second door.

[0054] Figure 9 It is a plan view showing a state where the door opening portion protrudes from the second door.

[0055] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the position of the door opening device in the second door.

[0056] Figure 11 2 is a diagram showing a door opening device and an automatic closing unit in a second door.

[0057] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the second door viewed from the bottom side in a state where the first door and the second door are closed.

[0058] Figure 13 1 is a diagram showing the second door when it is open, viewed from the bottom.

[0059] Figure 14 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the input detecting part is activated when a user approaches the refrigerator within a reference distance.

[0061] Figure 16 This diagram shows a user inputting a door opening instruction to the input detection unit.

[0062] Figure 17 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the first door and the second door are in an unlocked state by the locking device.

[0063] Figure 18 It is a diagram showing a state in which the second door is opened at a door opening angle by the door opening device.

[0064] Figure 19 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a second door of a refrigerating chamber door is opened according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 20 FIG. 1 is a diagram partially illustrating a state in which a refrigerator compartment door and a freezer compartment door are opened according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 21 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a dispenser provided on a refrigerator compartment door as viewed from below according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing the upper wall of the refrigeration compartment according to the present invention.

[0068] Figure 23 It is along Figure 22 A cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when components in the drawings are designated by reference numerals, even if the components are shown in different drawings, the same reference numerals are used as much as possible. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, if it is determined that the detailed description of a well-known configuration or function interferes with the understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0070] In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. Each term is used only to distinguish the corresponding component from other components and does not define the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding components. It should be understood that when one component is "connected," "coupled," "engaged," or "supported" to another component, the former may be directly connected, coupled, engaged, or supported to the latter, or may be "connected," "coupled," "engaged," or "supported" to the latter with a third component interposed therebetween.

[0071] In this specification, the front surface of the second door is a surface forming a front exterior of the refrigerator door, and the rear surface of the second door is a surface facing the first door.

[0072] The front surface of the first door is a surface that forms the front exterior of the first door and faces the rear surface of the second door. The rear surface of the first door is a surface that faces the box or the storage space.

[0073] Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a second door of a refrigerating chamber door is opened according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a refrigerating chamber door and a freezing chamber door are opened according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 10 forming a storage space and a door to open and close the storage space.

[0075] The storage space may include, for example, at least one of a refrigerating chamber 11 and a freezing chamber 15. Although not limited thereto, the refrigerating chamber 11 may be located above the freezing chamber 15. Depending on the shape of the refrigerator, the freezing chamber 15 and the refrigerating chamber 11 may be located on the left and right sides, or the freezing chamber 15 may be located above the refrigerating chamber 11.

[0076] The doors may include a refrigerating chamber door 20 that opens and closes the refrigerating chamber 11 and a freezing chamber door 25 that opens and closes the freezing chamber 15 .

[0077] The refrigerator compartment door 20 may be configured with a pair of doors 21 and 22 arranged in the left-right direction, for example. That is, the refrigerator compartment door 20 may include a first refrigerator compartment door 21 and a second refrigerator compartment door 22 arranged in the left-right direction. The first refrigerator compartment door 21 may open and close a portion of the refrigerator compartment 11, and the second refrigerator compartment door 22 may open and close another portion of the refrigerator compartment 11.

[0078] The freezer door 25 may be configured with a pair of doors 26 and 27 arranged in the left-right direction, for example. That is, the freezer door 25 may include a first freezer door 26 and a second freezer door 27 arranged in the left-right direction. The first freezer door 26 can open and close a portion of the freezer compartment 15, and the second freezer door 27 can open and close another portion of the freezer compartment 15. Alternatively, the freezer compartment 15 may be divided left and right or up and down, and the first freezer door 26 can open and close one of the divided spaces, while the second freezer door 27 can open and close the other divided space.

[0079] It should be noted that in the present invention, there is no limitation on the number and arrangement of the refrigerating chamber door 20 and the freezing chamber door 25 .

[0080] At least one of the first and second refrigerating compartment doors 26 and 27 may include a first door 30 that opens and closes the refrigerating compartment 11 and a second door 40 that is rotatable with respect to the first door 30 .

[0081] exist Figure 3 , it is shown that each of the first refrigerating compartment door 26 and the second refrigerating compartment door 27 includes a first door 30 and a second door 40 as an example.

[0082] The first door 30 may be rotatably connected to the cabinet 10 via a first hinge 51. The second door 40 may be rotatably connected to the first door 30 via a second hinge 53.

[0083] The first door 30 may include a first opening 32. The second door 40 may cover the first opening 32 at a front side of the first door 30. Alternatively, the second door 40 may be received in the first opening 32 and cover the first opening 32.

[0084] The first door 30 may be referred to as an inner door or a main door, and the second door 40 may be referred to as an outer door or a sub-door.

[0085] The first door 30 may include one or more baskets 33, 34. The baskets 33, 34 may be mounted on a rear surface of the first door 30 (a surface facing the refrigerating chamber when the door is closed) or on a surface where the first opening 32 is formed.

[0086] The display 50 may be provided on one or more of the first refrigerating compartment door 26 and the second refrigerating compartment door 27. For example, Figure 2 The display 50 is disclosed as being disposed on the first refrigerating chamber door 21, but the display 50 may also be disposed on the second refrigerating chamber door 22. The display 50 may be mounted on the first door 30. The display 50 may be disposed in the first opening 32 of the first door 30.

[0087] In the case where the first door 30 is provided with a plurality of baskets 33 , 34 , the display 50 may be positioned higher than the lowest basket and lower than the highest basket.

[0088] For example, the display 50 may be spaced apart from the lower surface and the upper surface forming the first opening 32 of the first door 30. When an operating condition is satisfied with the second door 40 being closed, the display 50 may be operated or turned on. Alternatively, when the opening of the second door 40 is detected, the display 50 may be operated or turned on.

[0089] The display 50 may overlap with one basket 34 of the plurality of baskets in the front-rear direction. For example, the basket 34 may be installed on the first door 30 at the rear side of the display 50.

[0090] At least one of the first freezer door 26 and the second freezer door 27 may include a basket 28. As an example, Figure 2 It is shown that each of the first freezer compartment door 26 and the second freezer compartment door 27 is provided with a basket 28 .

[0091] Meanwhile, the refrigerating chamber 11 may be provided with at least one shelf 12. The refrigerating chamber 11 may be provided with at least one slidable drawer 13. The freezing chamber 15 may be provided with at least one slidable drawer 16.

[0092] Figure 4 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a second door is opened while a first door is closed according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5.

[0093] The configurations of the locking device, input detection portion, proximity sensor, door switch detection portion, and door opening device described below may be applied to either of the first and second refrigerating compartment doors 21 and 22, or may be equally applied to each.

[0094] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the first door 30 can be opened manually or automatically. In the case where the first door 30 is opened automatically, although not shown, a main opening device ( Figure 14 104) (or the first door opening device).

[0095] It should be noted that the main opening device ( Figure 14 The position or structure of 104 in the present invention can be applied to various technologies previously disclosed by the applicant of the present invention. That is, as the first door 30 is opened by the main opening device ( Figure 14 When the first door 30 is closed, the second door 40 can be opened independently.

[0096] The first door 30 may be opened while the second door 40 is closed. At this time, while the first door 30 is open, the second door 40 needs to be prevented from rotating relative to the first door 30.

[0097] Therefore, in this embodiment, the refrigerating chamber door 20 may further include a locking device 60 that allows the first door 30 and the second door 40 to maintain a locked state or be in an unlocked state.

[0098] The locking device 60 may automatically operate to allow the first door 30 and the second door 40 to maintain a locked state or to be in an unlocked state.

[0099] In this specification, the locked state refers to a state in which the second door 40 is restricted from rotating relative to the first door 30 , and the unlocked state refers to a state in which the second door 40 is rotatable relative to the first door 30 .

[0100] For example, when the second door 40 needs to be opened, the locking device 60 can be operated to allow the second door 40 and the first door 30 to be in an unlocked state. When the closing of the second door 40 is detected after the second door 40 is opened, the locking device 60 can be operated to allow the second door 40 and the first door 30 to be in a locked state.

[0101] The locking device 60 may include a first driver 610. For example, the first driver 610 may be a motor.

[0102] The locking device 60 may further include a transmission portion 620 connected to the first driver 610. For example, the transmission portion 620 may include a gear.

[0103] The locking device 60 may further include a locking portion 630 that receives the power of the first driver 610 from the transmitting portion 620 .

[0104] For example, the transmission portion 620 may be a pinion gear, and the locking portion 630 may be a rack gear including a rack gear meshing with the pinion gear. For example, the locking portion 630 may move linearly. Of course, depending on the type of the transmission portion 620 or the shape of the locking portion 630, the locking portion 630 may also move in a rotational or curved manner.

[0105] The first driver 610, the transmitting portion 620, and the locking portion 630 may be provided in the first door 30. Although not shown, the first door 30 may be provided with a foamed insulator for heat insulation.

[0106] The first door 30 is provided with a mounting frame (not shown), and the mounting frame may define: a heat insulating space in which the heat insulating material is received; and a mounting space in which the first driver 610 is positioned. The first driver 610, the transmission portion 620, and the locking portion 630 may be positioned in the mounting space.

[0107] For example, the hole 312 through which the locking portion 630 passes may be formed in the wall 310 forming the first opening 32 in the first door 30 .

[0108] The locking portion 630 may include a protrusion 632 passing through the hole 312. In the unlocked state of the first door 30 and the second door 40, the protrusion 632 may be positioned in the hole 312 or inside the first door 30.

[0109] Meanwhile, the second door 40 may include a door body, and a foamed heat insulating body for heat insulation may be provided inside the door body.

[0110] The door body may include a second opening 411. The door body may include a main body frame 410 and a door lining 420 connected to the main body frame 410. The second opening 411 may be formed in a state in which the main body frame 410 and the door lining 420 are connected.

[0111] The second door 40 may further include a panel assembly 430 covering the second opening 411 .

[0112] The second door 40 may include an extension portion 422. The extension portion 422 may extend from a rear surface of the second door 40. For example, the extension portion 422 may extend from the door lining 420.

[0113] In a state in which the second door 40 is closed, the extension portion 422 may be received in the first opening 32 of the first door 30. A groove 424 may be formed in the extension portion 422 to receive the protrusion 632.

[0114] When the protrusion 632 is received in the groove 424 , the first door 30 and the second door 40 are locked.

[0115] When the protrusion 632 is removed from the groove 424, the first door 30 and the second door 40 can be in an unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the second door 40 can rotate relative to the first door 30.

[0116] As another example, the locking device 60 may be provided in the second door 40. In this case, a structure for coupling the locking portion to the first door may be formed.

[0117] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the locking portion may be understood as protruding from one of the first door and the second door and coupled to the other of the first door and the second door.

[0118] Alternatively, the locking device 60 may include a magnet to maintain the locked state through magnetic force. For example, one of the first door and the second door may include a magnet, and the other of the first door and the second door may include a metal material. Alternatively, each of the first door and the second door may include a magnet. In this case, a magnet provided in a gasket used to seal the first door and the second door may serve as the locking device.

[0119] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6.

[0120] Reference Figure 6 , the panel assembly 430 may include a front panel 432 and thermal insulation panels 434, 436 spaced apart from the front panel 432. The front panel 432 and the thermal insulation panels 434, 436 may be spaced apart from each other by a spacer 433.

[0121] For example, the insulation panels 434, 436 may include a first panel 434 located behind the front panel 432 and a second panel 436 located behind the first panel 434. The size of the front panel 432 may be larger than the size of the first panel 434. Therefore, the front panel 432 may include an extension that extends laterally further than the first panel 434.

[0122] The body frame 410 may be connected to the front panel 432 , and the door liner 420 may be connected to the second panel 436 .

[0123] The refrigerating chamber door 20 may further include an input detection unit 70. The input detection unit 70 may detect an input of a door opening command for opening the second door 40.

[0124] For example, the input detection portion 70 may be provided in the second door 40. In a case where the second door 40 is received in the first opening 32 of the first door 30, the input detection portion 70 may also be provided in the first door 30.

[0125] The input detection portion 70 may be mounted on the door body or the front panel 432. For example, the input detection portion 70 may be mounted on the rear surface of the front panel 432 by, for example, an adhesive means 79. The input detection portion 70 may be positioned at an extension portion in the front panel 432.

[0126] The input detection unit 70 may be a touch sensor that detects a user's touch on the front panel 432, or a tap sensor that detects multiple taps on the front panel 432. For example, the input detection unit 70 may be a capacitance sensor, a sensor that detects vibration, or a sensor that detects sound waves.

[0127] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram partially illustrating a state in which the second door is opened according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a door opening device provided in the second door. Figure 9 It is a plan view showing a state where the door opening portion protrudes from the second door. Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the position of the door opening device in the second door. Figure 11 2 is a diagram showing a door opening device and an automatic closing unit in a second door.

[0128] Reference Figures 7 to 11 The second door 40 may be provided with a door opening device 80 (or a sub-opening device or a second door opening device) to automatically open the second door 40. The second door 40 may be rotated by the door opening device 80 to open the first opening 32.

[0129] The main body frame 410 or the door lining 420 may be provided with a receiving portion 412 for receiving the door opening device 80. The receiving portion 412 may be formed by being recessed from the rear surface toward the front surface of the second door 40, for example.

[0130] In a state where the door opening device 80 is received in the receiving portion 412, the receiving portion 412 may be covered by a receiving portion cover 450. For example, the receiving portion cover 450 may be coupled to a rear surface of the second door 40.

[0131] The door opening device 80 may include a second driver 810 and a door opening portion 820 operated by the second driver 810 .

[0132] The second driver 810 may include a motor. The door opening portion 820 may be connected to the motor. Alternatively, the second driver 810 may include a motor and one or more gears connected to the motor. The door opening portion 820 may be connected to the one or more gears.

[0133] The door opening portion 820 may be rotatable, for example. The thickness of the second door 40 may be smaller than the thickness of the first door 30. The door opening portion 820 may be rotatable so that the second door 40 can be opened by operation of the door opening portion 820.

[0134] The second driver 810 may be disposed at a lower side of the door opening portion 820 .

[0135] The door opening portion 820 may include a contact portion 824 that contacts the front surface of the first door 30 during the door opening process. The contact portion 824 may be, for example, a roller rotatably connected to one end of the door opening portion 820. Alternatively, the contact portion 824 may include an elastically deformable material.

[0136] The through hole 452 may be formed in the receiving portion cover 450. The door opening portion 820 may pass through the through hole 452. Alternatively, the through hole 452 may be formed on the rear surface of the second door 40 regardless of the receiving portion cover 450.

[0137] The door opening portion 820 can be moved from the initial position to the door opening position. When the door opening portion 820 is located at the initial position, the contact portion 824 can be located at the through hole 452 or the receiving portion 412.

[0138] Through the rotation operation of the door opening portion 820, the door opening portion 820 may protrude from the second door 40 by passing through the through hole 452. In order to enable the door opening portion 820 to protrude by passing through the through hole 452, the horizontal length of the through hole 452 may be greater than the height.

[0139] The door opening device 80 may further include a mounting bracket 830 on which the second driver 810 is mounted. The second driver 810 may include a coupling hole 812 for coupling to the mounting bracket 830.

[0140] The mounting bracket 830 may include a slot 831 in which the second driver 810 is received. The mounting bracket 830 may include a coupling portion 832 coupled to the door body. The coupling portion 832 may extend horizontally from the mounting bracket 830. One or more coupling holes 834 may be formed in the coupling portion 832. The mounting bracket 830 may be received in the receiving portion 412 in a horizontal direction.

[0141] The second door 40 may be provided with a hinge mounting portion 418 on which the second hinge 53 is mounted. The hinge mounting portion 418 may be formed by recessing the upper surface of the second door 40 downward or by recessing the rear surface of the second door 40 toward the front surface.

[0142] The rotation center C2 (or center line) of the door opening portion 820 may extend in the vertical direction. Therefore, the rotation center C2 (or center line) of the door opening portion 820 may be parallel to the rotation center C1 (or center line) of the second door 40.

[0143] At the initial position of the door opening portion 820 , the contact portion 824 may be positioned closer to the front surface of the first door 30 or the rear surface of the second door 40 than the rotation center C2 of the door opening portion 820 .

[0144] At the initial position of the door opening portion 820 , the contact portion 824 may be positioned closer to the front surface of the first door 30 or the rear surface of the second door 40 than the rotation center C1 of the second door 40 .

[0145] The second door 40 may further include an automatic closing unit 90 to automatically close the second door 40 when the second door 40 is opened less than a reference angle.

[0146] The opening angle of the second door 40 opened by the door opening portion 820 may be smaller than the reference angle. Therefore, when the second door 40 is opened by the door opening portion 820 by the door opening angle, but the user does not further open the second door 40 and the door opening portion 820 returns to the initial position, the second door 40 may be automatically closed by the automatic closing unit 90.

[0147] The automatic closing unit 90 may include a first body 910 having an elastic member received therein and extending in a vertical direction, and a second body 914 provided on one side of the first body 910 and coupled to the second door 40. The shaft 532 of the second hinge 53 may pass through an opening 916 of the second body 914. The shaft 532 may be directly connected to the elastic member of the first body 910, or may be connected to the elastic member via a separate connector.

[0148] A wire for connecting the second driver 810 and the input detecting portion 70 , the proximity sensor 71 , and the like may pass through the shaft 532 .

[0149] At the initial position of the door opening portion 820, the rotation center C2 of the door opening portion 820 may be located between the contact portion 824 and the rotation center C1 of the second door 40. In this case, when the door opening portion 820 rotates, the length of the door opening portion 820 may increase without interfering with the second hinge 53.

[0150] As the door opening portion 820 moves from the initial position to the door opening position, a distance between the contact portion 824 and the rotation center C1 of the second door 40 may decrease.

[0151] The second body 914 may be positioned lower than the bottom of the hinge mounting portion 418, and the door opening portion 820 may be positioned higher than the bottom of the hinge mounting portion 418. Therefore, the door opening portion 820 may be prevented from interfering with the automatic closing unit 90.

[0152] In addition, when the main opening device 104 is provided in the cabinet 10 , the door opening device 80 may be provided in the first door 30 or the second door 40 .

[0153] When the main opening device 104 is provided in the first door 30 , the door opening device 80 may be provided in the second door 40 .

[0154] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the second door viewed from the bottom side in a state where the first door and the second door are closed. Figure 13 1 is a diagram showing the second door when it is open, viewed from the bottom.

[0155] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the front size of the first door 30 may be the same as or similar to the front size of the second door 40 .

[0156] A handle 45 may be provided at a lower side of the second door 40. A user may grip the handle 45 to rotate the second door 40.

[0157] The first door 30 may not be provided with a handle. When the first door 30 and the second door 40 are closed, the first door 30 and the second door 40 may be in a locked state. In this state, when a user pulls the second door 40 while gripping the handle 45 of the second door 40, the first door 30 and the second door 40 may rotate together.

[0158] Since the first door 30 can be opened and the second door 40 can be opened by using the handle 45 of the second door 40 , the user can easily open the first door 30 or the second door 40 while gripping the handle 45 .

[0159] If the handle is not formed on the first door 30, the advantage is that the structure of the first door 30 becomes simple. In addition, since the first door 30 is provided on the rear side of the second door 40, the advantage is that the user does not have to move his hand to the lower side of the first door 30. Of course, the first door 30 may also be provided with a handle.

[0160] Meanwhile, the first door 30 and the second door 40 may be connected via a lower hinge. That is, the second door 40 may be rotatably connected to the first door 30 via the second hinge 53 and the lower hinge 54.

[0161] The first door 30 may be provided with a first receiving portion 314 for receiving one side of the lower hinge 54. For example, the first receiving portion 314 may be formed at the front surface of the first door 30, but is not limited thereto.

[0162] The second door 40 may be provided with a second receiving portion 416 for receiving the other side of the lower hinge 54. For example, the second receiving portion 416 may be formed at the rear surface side of the second door 40, but is not limited thereto.

[0163] A lower hinge 54 may also be connected to the lower surface of the first door 30 and the lower surface of the second door 40 .

[0164] Figure 14 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] Reference Figure 14The refrigerator 1 may further include a proximity sensor 71 for detecting when a user approaches the refrigerator 1 .

[0166] For example, the proximity sensor 71 may be provided in the second door 40. When the user approaches the second door 40 within a reference distance, the input detection portion 70 may be activated. As another example, the proximity sensor 71 may be provided in the box body 10.

[0167] In a case where the second door 40 is received in the first opening 32 of the first door 30 , the input detection portion 70 may also be provided in the first door 30 .

[0168] If the proximity sensor 71 is provided in the second door 40 , it is possible to prevent the input detecting portion 70 from being unnecessarily activated by children or pets.

[0169] Of course, the proximity sensor 71 may be omitted, and in this case, the input detection section 70 may also be maintained in the activated state.

[0170] When the proximity sensor 71 detects that the user approaches the second door 40 within the reference distance, the light emitting portion 72 may irradiate light toward or around the input detecting portion 70. Alternatively, the input detecting portion 70 may also include the light emitting portion 72.

[0171] The user can easily confirm the position of the input detection unit 70 by the light emitted by the light emitting unit 72 .

[0172] In the case where the first door 30 opens automatically, the refrigerator may further include two input detection units 70. For example, the second door 40 may be provided with two input detection units 70. That is, when a user approaches the second door 40 within a reference distance, the two input detection units 70 may be activated, and the user may select a door to open and input a door opening command.

[0173] The refrigerator may further include a controller 100. The controller 100 may control the door opening device 80. The controller 100 may control the locking device 60.

[0174] For example, the controller 100 may control the first driver 610 and the second driver 810 .

[0175] The refrigerator may further include a door opening / closing detection unit 102. The door opening / closing detection unit 102 may detect whether the second door 40 is closed.

[0176] The door opening and closing detection unit 102 can detect that the second door 40 is opened by an angle greater than the limit of the door opening angle.

[0177] When the second door 40 is opened to the door opening angle, the user must manually rotate the second door 40 in the opening direction to open the second door 40 beyond the limit angle.

[0178] When closing of the second door 40 is detected by the door opening and closing detection part 102 , the controller 100 may operate the first driver 610 so that the first door 30 and the second door 40 are in a locked state.

[0179] As another example, the door opening and closing detection unit 102 may include a first detection unit that detects the closing of the second door 40. The door opening and closing detection unit 102 may also include a second detection unit that detects when the second door 40 is opened beyond a limited angle. The first detection unit and the second detection unit may be the same type of sensor or different types of sensors.

[0180] When the input detection unit 70 detects input of a door opening command from the user when the second door 40 is closed and the first and second doors 30 and 40 are in a locked state, the controller 100 can operate the first driver 610 so that the first and second doors 30 and 40 are in an unlocked state.

[0181] After input of a door opening command from the user is detected by the input detection portion 70 , the controller 100 may operate the second driver 810 so that the second door 40 is opened by the door opening portion 820 (eg, the motor rotates in a forward direction).

[0182] After the second driver 810 operates, when the door opening and closing detection unit 102 detects that the second door 40 is opened beyond the limit angle, the controller 100 can operate the second driver 810 so that the door opening unit 820 moves from the door opening position to the initial position (for example, the motor rotates in the reverse direction).

[0183] Hereinafter, operations of the locking device and the door opening device will be described.

[0184] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the input detecting part is activated when a user approaches the refrigerator within a reference distance. Figure 16 This diagram shows a user inputting a door opening instruction to the input detection unit. Figure 17 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the first door and the second door are in an unlocked state by the locking device. Figure 18 It is a diagram showing a state in which the second door is opened at a door opening angle by the door opening device.

[0185] Reference Figures 15 to 18 When it is detected that the user has approached the refrigerator 1 within the reference distance, the input detection unit 70 of each of the first refrigerating chamber door 21 and the second refrigerating chamber door 22 may be activated. As described above, through the operation of the light emitting unit 72, light may be irradiated toward the input detection unit 70, or light may be irradiated around the input detection unit 70.

[0186] Alternatively, when at least one proximity sensor 71 of the first and second refrigerating compartment doors 21 and 22 detects that a user has approached the refrigerator 1 within a reference distance, the input detecting portion 70 of the refrigerating compartment door provided with at least one proximity sensor 71 may be activated.

[0187] Reference Figure 17 For example, when the user touches the area of the second door 40 corresponding to the input detection unit 70, it can be detected that the door opening command has been input into the input detection unit 70. Of course, depending on the type of the input detection unit 70, it can also be detected that the door opening command has been input by knocking on the front surface of the second door 40 twice or more.

[0188] In a state in which the second door 40 is closed, the second door 40 and the first door 30 may be maintained in a locked state by the locking device 60 .

[0189] At the same time, if the input of the door opening command is not detected within the input reference time after the input detection unit 70 is activated, the input detection unit 70 can be deactivated. For example, the light emitting unit 72 can also be turned off. In addition, if the proximity sensor 71 does not detect a user within the reference distance before the input reference time has passed after the input detection unit 70 is activated, the input detection unit 70 can be deactivated.

[0190] Reference Figure 18 When a door opening command is detected in the input detection unit 70, the first driver 610 may be operated by the controller 100 (the motor rotates in one direction). Then, the locking portion 630 moves in one direction so that the protrusion 632 of the locking portion 630 exits the groove 424 of the extension portion 422 of the second door 40. As a result, the first door 30 and the second door 40 may be in an unlocked state.

[0191] After the first door 30 and the second door 40 are in the unlocked state, the second driver 810 may be operated to open the second door 40 (the motor rotates in the forward direction).

[0192] For example, after the first driver 610 operates and a set time has elapsed, the second driver 810 may operate.

[0193] like Figure 18 As shown, when the second driver 810 operates, the door opening portion 820 rotates so that the door opening portion 820 protrudes toward the first door 30 and pushes the first door 30. In the process of the door opening portion 820 pushing the first door 30, the second door 40 may rotate.

[0194] After the first door 30 and the second door 40 are in the unlocked state, the second door 40 becomes rotatable so that the second door 40 can be automatically opened by operation of the second driver 810 or can be manually opened by a user.

[0195] The door opening portion 820 may be moved from the initial position to the door opening position by the operation of the second driver 820. When the door opening portion 820 is moved to the door opening position, the second door 40 may be opened by the door opening angle.

[0196] When the door opening portion 820 moves to the door opening position, the second driver 810 can stop. In this case, the second door 40 can be kept in the open state according to the door opening angle.

[0197] When the second driver 810 stops and a set time elapses, the second driver 810 operates to move the door opening portion 820 from the door opening position to the initial position (the motor rotates in the reverse direction).

[0198] When the second door 40 is opened to the door opening angle, if the user does not manually open the second door 40 and a set time has elapsed, the door opening portion 820 can be moved from the open position to the initial position by the second driver 810. In this case, the second door 40 can be automatically closed by the automatic closing unit 90. When the second door 40 automatically closes, the door opening and closing detection unit 102 detects the closing of the second door 40. In this case, the first door 30 and the second door 40 are locked by the operation of the first driver 610. In other words, the protrusion 632 of the locking portion 630 can be inserted into the groove 424 of the second door 40.

[0199] At the same time, in order to open the second door 40, the user can manually further open the second door 40 while the second driver 820 is operating or while the door opening portion 820 is moving to the door opening position. In this case, the door opening and closing detection portion 102 can detect that the second door 40 has been opened beyond the limit angle. The controller 100 can then control the second driver 810 to return the door opening portion 820 to its initial position.

[0200] The second door 40 may be manually closed by a user, and when closing of the second door 40 is detected, the controller 100 may operate the first driver 610 so that the first and second doors 30 and 40 are in a locked state (the motor rotates in the other direction).

[0201] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage in that the second door provided on the outer side of the first door can be automatically opened.

[0202] In addition, when the input detection section is activated when the approach of the user is detected, there is an advantage in that the input detection section is prevented from being activated unnecessarily.

[0203] Since the second door and the first door are in a locked state when the second door is closed, the advantage is that the first door can be opened. In addition, when the handle for opening the first door is the same handle as the handle for opening the second door, the advantage is that two separate handles are not required.

[0204] Meanwhile, each of the first refrigerating chamber door 21 and the second refrigerating chamber door 22 may be provided with a lighting unit. In this case, the advantage is that the items stored in each of the first refrigerating chamber door 21 and the second refrigerating chamber door 22 can be checked without opening the second door 40.

[0205] In the above embodiment, the door opening device is described as being provided in the second door, but it should be noted that the door opening device may be provided in the first door. For example, the door opening portion may also protrude from the first door and push the second door to open the second door.

[0206] Figure 19 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a second door of a refrigerating chamber door is opened according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 FIG. 1 is a diagram partially illustrating a state in which a refrigerator compartment door and a freezer compartment door are opened according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a dispenser provided on a refrigerator compartment door as viewed from below according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0207] This embodiment is the same as the above embodiment in other aspects, but has a difference in the structure of the first door. That is, the structure for opening the second door, the locking device, etc. can be applied as in the above embodiment.

[0208] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 21 In this embodiment, at least one of the first refrigerating compartment door 21 and the second refrigerating compartment door 22 may be provided with a dispenser 38 for discharging water and / or ice.

[0209] As an example, Figure 19 The dispenser 38 provided in the first refrigeration compartment door 21 is shown.

[0210] The dispenser 38 may be provided in the first door 30 of the first refrigerating chamber door 21. For example, the dispenser 38 may be provided at a position corresponding to the first opening 32 of the first door 30. Alternatively, the first opening 32 may be formed in a portion other than the dispenser 38. In this case, the first opening 32 may be formed above the dispenser 38.

[0211] Dispenser 38 may include a display 390. Display 390 may display operating information of refrigerator 1. Display 390 may include an input unit for inputting instructions or a touch panel including an input function. Through display 390, water or ice dispensing instructions may be input, the temperature of the water to be dispensed may be set, and the type of ice to be dispensed (cubic ice, crushed ice, spherical ice, cubed ice, etc.) may be selected.

[0212] Alternatively, the dispenser 38 and the display 390 may be separate components, in which case the display 390 may be positioned on an upper side of the dispenser 38 .

[0213] The dispenser 30 may include a dispenser housing 380 forming a space. The dispenser housing 380 may be coupled to the first door 30 or may be integrally formed with a door frame forming the first door 30.

[0214] The dispenser 38 may include a water outlet portion 384 through which water is discharged and an ice outlet portion 385 through which ice is discharged. The dispenser 38 may further include an operation plate 383 for operating to discharge water or ice.

[0215] The dispenser 38 may be provided at a position spaced apart from the front surface toward the rear side of the first door 30. The second door 40 may cover the dispenser 38 in a state in which the second door 40 is closed.

[0216] The second door 40 may further include a panel assembly 430 capable of transmitting light. Since the structure of the panel assembly 430 has been described in the previous embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0217] In a state where the second door 40 is closed, the panel assembly 430 may face the dispenser 38. In a state where the second door 40 is closed, the panel assembly 430 may face the display 390.

[0218] Therefore, when the lighting unit provided on the refrigerator door or the cabinet is turned on when the second door 40 is closed, the dispenser 38 and the display 390 can be observed through the panel assembly. When the lighting unit is turned off, the dispenser 38 and the display 390 can be limited from being exposed to the outside.

[0219] An ice making chamber 360 may be provided at the rear surface of the first door 30, and an ice maker 362 for producing ice is located in the ice making chamber 360. The ice making chamber 360 may be covered by an ice making chamber cover 370. Ice produced in the ice making chamber 360 may be discharged through an ice outlet portion 385.

[0220] The basket 35 may be provided at a rear side of the dispenser 38 or a lower side of the ice making compartment 360 in the first door 30 .

[0221] Figure 22 It is a view showing the upper wall of the refrigerating chamber according to the present invention.

[0222] It should be noted that the structure of the upper wall of the refrigerating chamber, the filter, the shape of the cold air passage, etc. described below can be applied to all the aforementioned embodiments.

[0223] Reference Figure 22 and Figure 23, the refrigerating chamber 11 may be formed by an inner shell 111 a , and the outer shell 110 a may be provided outside the inner shell 111 .

[0224] A space 110 may be formed between the inner case 111a and the outer case 110a. A duct (not shown) may be provided in the space 110 to guide cool air from the refrigerating chamber heat exchanger to the refrigerating chamber door 20. A foamed insulator may be provided in a portion of the space 110 other than the duct for insulation.

[0225] The upper wall 111 of the inner housing 111a may be provided with a filter mounting portion 113 for mounting the filter 140 thereon. The filter mounting portion 113 may be formed by recessing a portion of the upper wall 111 upward. Alternatively, the opening 112 may be formed in the upper wall 111, and the filter mounting portion 113 may be positioned between the upper wall 111 and the outer housing 110a to cover the opening 112. The filter mounting portion 113 may receive the filter 140.

[0226] The filter 140 may be a filter for purifying the air in the refrigerator compartment 11. The filter 140 may be mounted on the filter mounting portion 113 from the lower side toward the upper side. When the filter 140 is mounted on the filter mounting portion 113 provided on the upper wall 111 of the inner case 111a, the filter 140 may be prevented from being directly exposed to the front side of the refrigerator 1 when the refrigerator compartment door 20 is opened.

[0227] The filter mounting portion 113 may be provided with a light emitting portion 115 that radiates light toward the filter. For example, the light emitting portion 115 may radiate light in a direction away from the refrigerator door 20.

[0228] The filter 140 may be located behind the light emitting portion 115. That is, the light emitting portion 115 may be located closer to the refrigerating chamber door 20 than the filter 140.

[0229] The filter 140 may include an inclined surface 141. The inclined surface 141 may be inclined upward from the lower surface of the filter 140 toward the light emitting portion 115. Light irradiated from the light emitting portion 115 may reach the inclined surface 141. Therefore, the user can easily find the filter 140 through the light reaching the inclined surface 141.

[0230] The cool air outlet portion 150 may be provided on the upper wall 111. The cool air outlet portion 150 may be in communication with the duct. The cool air outlet portion 150 may include a cool air hole 152. The cool air hole 152 may be provided closer to the refrigerating chamber door 30 than the filter 140.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: a box body having a storage space; a first door that opens and closes the storage space and has an opening; a second door that opens and closes the opening and is rotatable relative to the first door; a locking device, wherein when the second door is closed, the locking device allows the first door and the second door to be in a locked state; a door opening device configured to automatically open the second door; an input detection unit configured to detect an input of an opening instruction for the second door; as well as a controller, the controller controlling the door opening device, The controller is configured to operate the door opening device to open the second door when the input detection unit detects an input of an opening instruction for the second door.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in, The controller is configured to: when the input detection unit detects an input of an opening instruction for the second door, control the locking device so that the first door and the second door are in an unlocked state; and When the first door and the second door are in an unlocked state, the door opening device is operated.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in, The locking device includes a first driver and a locking portion, the locking portion being operated by receiving power from the first driver, and The locking portion protrudes from one of the first door and the second door and is coupled to the other of the first door and the second door.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, in, The second door includes an extension located in the opening when the second door is closed, and A groove is formed in the extending portion, and the locking portion is received in the groove.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in, The locking device comprises a magnet.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, The refrigerator further includes a proximity sensor configured to detect when a user approaches the refrigerator within a reference distance. in, When the proximity sensor detects the approach of a user, the input detection unit is activated.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, in, In a state where the input detection portion is activated, when an input of a door opening command is not detected within an input reference time, or when the proximity sensor does not detect a user before the input reference time elapses, the input detection portion is deactivated.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, The refrigerator further includes a door opening and closing detection unit configured to detect whether the second door is closed. in, When the door opening and closing detection unit detects closing of the second door, the controller is configured to control the locking device so that the first door and the second door are in a locked state.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in, The door opening device is arranged in the second door.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, in, The door opening device includes: a second driver; and a door opening portion that operates by receiving power from the second driver and pushes the first door during opening of the second door.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 9, in, The second driver is located at the lower side of the door opening portion.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 9, in, In order to open the second door, the door opening portion moves from the initial position to the door opening position, and In a process in which the door opening portion moves from the initial position to the door opening position, the door opening portion rotates to protrude from the second door and push the first door.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 12, in, The door opening portion includes a contact portion that contacts the first door during the process of opening the second door, and At the initial position of the door opening portion, the rotation center of the door opening portion is located in a region between the contact portion and the rotation center of the second door.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 1, The refrigerator further includes a hinge rotatably connecting the second door to the first door. in, The second door further includes a hinge mounting portion on which the hinge is mounted and the hinge mounting portion has a concave shape, The door opening device includes a second driver and a door opening portion, the door opening portion being operated by receiving power from the second driver, and The door opening portion is positioned higher than a bottom of the hinge mounting portion.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 14, The refrigerator further includes an automatic closing unit connected to a shaft of the hinge in the second door and positioned lower than the bottom of the hinge mounting portion.

16. A refrigerator, comprising: a box body having a storage space; a first door that opens and closes the storage space and has an opening; a second door that opens and closes the opening and is rotatable relative to the first door; a locking device, configured to lock the first door and the second door when the second door is closed; a first door opening device configured to automatically open the first door; a second door opening device configured to automatically open the second door; an input detection unit configured to detect an input of an opening instruction for at least one of the first door and the second door; as well as A controller is configured to control the first door opening device and the second door opening device.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 16, in, The first door opening device is arranged in the box body, and The second door opening device is provided in the first door or the second door.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 16, in, The first door opening device is provided in the first door, and The second door opening device is arranged in the second door.

Images