Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a control method thereof. The refrigerator and the control method thereof according to the present invention can sense even lower obstacles, including a user's foot, by providing one or more distance sensing sensors in a lower area of a door. Through this, it is possible to significantly improve the safety of the user and the refrigerator, as accidents in which objects near the floor, babies, companion animals, a user's foot, etc. collide with the door can be prevented when the user uses the door.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a refrigerator and its control method, and more specifically, to a refrigerator including a distance sensing sensor and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator is a household appliance that supplies cold air to the storage compartment through the circulation of refrigerant, thereby keeping various types of stored items fresh for extended periods. The cold air supplied to the refrigerator is generated by causing the refrigerant, which circulates sequentially through the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, to flow into the evaporator, where the liquid refrigerant vaporizes into a gaseous refrigerant, thus carrying away heat from the refrigerator's interior.

[0003] Typically, a refrigerator may include a cabinet forming a storage compartment and a door mounted on the cabinet to open or close the storage compartment. For example, the door may open or close as a revolving door or a drawer door. A revolving door may be attached to one side of the cabinet to allow rotation about an axis, thus opening or closing the storage compartment by rotating the revolving door. A drawer door may be configured to be inserted or pulled out in the front-to-back direction of the cabinet, thus opening or closing the storage compartment by pulling out or inserting the drawer door.

[0004] Drawer doors may include a door section covering the front of the storage compartment and a storage section located on the rear of the door section, providing storage space therein for storing stored items. The storage space of a drawer door can be exposed to the outside through a user's pulling action (e.g., by pushing or pulling the door). Drawer doors are favored by many users because they promote space utilization when users organize or retrieve food.

[0005] For example, drawer doors can be located in the lower part of the cabinet. In this case, there is an inconvenience: the drawer door is difficult for the user to operate because they must bend over to pull it out. To address this drawback, a refrigerator equipped with an automatic door opening and closing module is being developed, which allows for the automatic insertion and withdrawal of the drawer door by driving an electric motor.

[0006] For example, an automatic door opening / closing module allows drawer doors to slide open or close automatically along guide rails mounted on the inside of the storage compartment. The refrigerators described above, including those with automatic door opening / closing modules for automatically inserting and removing drawer doors, employ various sensors and control systems to maximize user convenience.

[0007] For refrigerators that include drawer doors that can automatically insert or remove, obstacle sensing sensors can be added to detect obstacles in the direction of the drawer door's movement. These obstacle sensing sensors can detect the presence of obstacles within a certain distance during the opening or closing of the drawer door and can stop the door's movement to avoid collisions.

[0008] Meanwhile, in refrigerators with drawer doors, obstacle detection sensors can be installed in another door above the drawer door or in the upper area of ​​the drawer door. With the obstacle detection sensor positioned in this way, it can excellently detect obstacles corresponding to the upper area of ​​the drawer door, but it has limitations in detecting obstacles corresponding to the lower area. This means there is a risk of collision with a user or object when the door moves, because the sensor cannot detect obstacles in the lower area of ​​the door or near the floor surface.

[0009] For example, when a user stands in front of a door, the lower part of their body (such as their feet) is in the sensor's blind spot. Among the user's body parts, the feet are the furthest forward; therefore, when a user stands facing the front surface of the refrigerator, their feet are closest to the door. If the user's feet are in the sensor's blind spot, it could lead to a safety hazard if the drawer door opens or closes automatically. Furthermore, if companion animals or young children move near the floor surface in front of the refrigerator, they are also outside the sensor's detection range, which could pose an accident risk.

[0010] Furthermore, regarding the automatic opening or closing of drawer doors, the usual mode is for the door to open or close entirely. This can lead to a problem: even if only some items need to be stored inside the drawer, opening the entire drawer door can unnecessarily cause cold air to escape from the refrigerator. This results in reduced energy efficiency and increased power consumption.

[0011] Furthermore, drawer doors typically require the user to manually input a physical signal to close them. Generally, this physical signal input is located in the upper part of the refrigerator, such as the upper door. Therefore, there is an inconvenience: after bending down to retrieve an item from a drawer located in the lower part of the refrigerator, the user must straighten their back while holding the item to input the closing signal through the physical signal input in order to close the drawer door again.

[0012] Furthermore, there is a problem with operating the drawer door to open and close as a whole: even if the user needs to organize items or temporarily keep the drawer door open, there is an unnecessary extra action required in other situations, which in turn reduces the user experience.

[0013] Furthermore, if the operation of the drawer door only stops upon collision with an external object during opening or closing, the door or object may be damaged, or the motor of the automatic door opening / closing module may be damaged due to overload. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent damage to the refrigerator and objects not only when a collision occurs during the insertion or removal of the drawer door, but also by detecting the danger before a collision occurs.

[0014] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a refrigerator and its control method as follows. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof, wherein stability can be increased by reducing the blind zone of the distance sensing sensor.

[0016] Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator and its control method, wherein collisions between the door and obstacles can be prevented in advance.

[0017] Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator and its control method, wherein collisions with obstacles can be prevented or a rapid response to collisions can be made during the opening of the door.

[0018] Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator and its control method, wherein cold air loss caused by door opening mode can be minimized and user-customizable convenience can be provided.

[0019] Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator and its control method, wherein a user can operate the door to close without taking any additional action of straightening their back.

[0020] Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator and its control method, wherein damage to the automatic door opening and closing module caused by external impacts can be reduced.

[0021] Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof, wherein damage to the distance sensing sensor caused by external impacts can be reduced.

[0022] Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator and its control method, wherein damage to the door can be prevented through a rapid response even if the user mistakenly closes the door or an object is accidentally caught.

[0023] The objectives of this invention are not limited to those described above, and other objectives and advantages not mentioned herein will be appreciated from the following description and will become clearer through embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, it will be readily understood that the objectives and advantages of this invention can be achieved by the means set forth in the claims and combinations thereof.

[0024] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives includes: a cabinet comprising an upper storage compartment and a lower storage compartment; a door that opens or closes the front side of the lower storage compartment in a sliding manner in a front-rear direction; one or more distance sensing sensors disposed in the lower region of the door and measuring the separation distance from the sensing target; an automatic door opening and closing module driven to automatically insert or withdraw the door; and a controller that controls the operation of the automatic door opening and closing module based on the separation distance from the sensing target.

[0025] The separation distance from the sensing target can be the distance from the front surface of the door to the sensing target.

[0026] When the sensing target is a user, the distance sensing sensor can have a sensing field of view that allows the user's feet to be sensed.

[0027] Distance sensors can be placed in the door at a height that overlaps with the user's feet or ankles in the front-to-back direction.

[0028] If the separation distance from the sensing target is measured to exceed a preset safe distance, the controller can control the door to be opened.

[0029] While the door is being opened, the distance sensing sensor can continuously measure the separation distance from the sensing target.

[0030] When the door is being opened, if the separation distance from the sensing target is measured to be less than or equal to a preset safe distance, or if an impact on the automatic door opening / closing module is detected, the controller can take control to stop the automatic door opening / closing module from operating.

[0031] The refrigerator may also include an opening signal input unit for activating the door opening mode, wherein the sensing function of the distance sensing sensor can be activated when the door opening mode signal is input to the opening signal input unit.

[0032] The door opening mode may include a first opening mode in which the door is opened to its maximum. In the first opening mode, if the driving time of the automatic door opening and closing module exceeds the preset maximum door opening time, or if the door reaches the maximum door opening distance, the controller may control the automatic door opening and closing module to stop.

[0033] The door opening mode may include a second opening mode in which the door is partially opened. In the second opening mode, if the driving time of the automatic door opening and closing module exceeds the preset time for the door to be partially opened, the controller can control the automatic door opening and closing module to stop driving.

[0034] The refrigerator may also include a closing signal input unit for activating the door closing mode, wherein when the door is in an open state, the controller can control the door to close when a door closing mode signal is input to the closing signal input unit.

[0035] The closing signal input section can be located in the upper area of ​​the door.

[0036] The refrigerator may also include a holding signal input unit for stopping the movement of the door when the door is open, wherein the holding signal input unit may be located in the upper area of ​​the door.

[0037] When the door holding mode signal is input to the holding signal input section, and the door closing mode is activated, the controller can control the door to maintain the state in which the door movement is stopped.

[0038] When the door holding mode signal is input to the holding signal input section, when the holding mode signal is additionally input, or when the preset door holding duration has elapsed, the controller can control the door to close.

[0039] When the door is being closed, if an impact is detected on the automatic door opening / closing module, the controller can take control to enable the door to open.

[0040] Furthermore, as a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives, a method for controlling a refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a door on the front side of the storage compartment that automatically opens or closes, and one or more distance sensing sensors disposed in the lower region of the door and measuring the separation distance from a sensing target. The method may include: an opening mode initiation step, wherein an opening mode of the door is initiated; and an automatic door opening step, wherein the door is opened when the separation distance from the sensing target exceeds a preset safety distance.

[0041] When the sensing target is a user, the distance sensing sensor can have a sensing field of view that allows the user's feet to be sensed.

[0042] The method may further include: when the door is being opened, if the separation distance from the sensing target is measured to be less than or equal to a preset safe distance, or if an impact on the door is detected, if the door opening time exceeds a preset door opening arrival time, or if the door reaches a preset door opening distance, an opening mode stopping step is performed, wherein the door opening mode is interrupted.

[0043] The method may further include: a closing mode start step, wherein the closing mode of the door is started after the opening mode stop step; a door holding step, which maintains the state in which the movement of the door is stopped; and a door automatic closing step, wherein the door is closed after the door holding step has been executed and the door holding step has been released.

[0044] In the automatic door closing step, if an impact on the door is detected, the automatic door closing step can be converted into an automatic door opening step.

[0045] The refrigerator and its control method according to the present invention can detect obstacles even lower than the user's feet by setting one or more distance sensing sensors in the lower area of ​​the door. This significantly improves the safety of the user and the refrigerator because it prevents objects near the floor (such as toddlers, companion animals, and the user's feet) from colliding with the door when the user uses it.

[0046] Furthermore, the refrigerator and its control method according to the present invention can be controlled so that the door is opened when the separation distance from the sensing target measured by the distance sensing sensor exceeds a preset safe distance, thereby maintaining a safe distance from surrounding objects while automatically opening the door, providing convenience and safety for the user.

[0047] Furthermore, the refrigerator and its control method according to the present invention can prevent accidental collisions during use and maximize safety because the distance sensing sensor can continuously measure the separation distance while the door is opening, so that it can react quickly even if a new obstacle is detected during the door opening process.

[0048] Furthermore, the refrigerator and its control method according to the present invention can be controlled to automatically stop the door when the sensing sensor detects an object while the door is opening or closing. Therefore, user safety can be ensured by preventing accidental collisions that may occur during the opening or closing of the door.

[0049] Furthermore, the refrigerator and its control method according to the present invention can activate the sensing function of the distance sensing sensor when an open mode signal is input to the open signal input section, since the user provides the open signal input section for intentionally opening the door. In this way, unnecessary energy consumption can be reduced and the user experience improved by controlling the door to open only when the user desires it.

[0050] Furthermore, the refrigerator and its control method according to the present invention can adjust the door opening mode according to the user's selection. The opening mode includes a first opening mode with the door fully opened and a second opening mode with the door partially opened. As described above, by selectively providing the function of opening the door only to the extent desired by the user, cold air loss can be minimized and energy efficiency improved, and by supporting a quick-access zone usage mode for quickly retrieving items, user convenience can be greatly enhanced.

[0051] Furthermore, the refrigerator and its control method according to the present invention can allow the user to easily operate the door to close without having to straighten their back by positioning the closing button in the upper area of ​​the door.

[0052] Furthermore, the refrigerator and its control method according to the present invention can prevent additional damage because the controller controls the door to stop or change to an open mode when an abnormal impact is detected while the door is being closed. Therefore, user safety can be ensured and the refrigerator's lifespan extended.

[0053] Furthermore, the refrigerator and its control method according to the present invention can enhance the safety of users and products because the current change in the drive unit of the automatic door opening and closing module can be continuously monitored, so that when an abnormal load or impact is sensed, the operation of the door can be stopped or reversed immediately.

[0054] Furthermore, the refrigerator and its control method according to the present invention provide a holding function that temporarily stops the door movement according to the user's intention, and the holding signal input for this purpose is located in the upper area of ​​the door, thus improving user convenience. Therefore, the user can set the door to stop when it is opened or closed to his / her desired extent, thereby securing the door in the desired position when taking out or organizing specific items. This greatly improves user convenience and minimizes any inconvenience that may occur when handling the door.

[0055] Furthermore, the refrigerator and its control method according to the present invention can prevent external impacts and damage caused by surrounding objects such as vacuum cleaners or cleaning robots by installing a distance sensing sensor in the lower region of the door and located behind the front surface of the door. This prevents damage to the door sensing sensor and enhances product reliability by reducing potential problems during door opening or closing.

[0056] Furthermore, the refrigerator and its control method according to the present invention allow users to set the door opening or closing mode as desired through user-customized control functions. Therefore, during the automatic door closing step, when an impact is detected on the door, it can be changed to an opening step to ensure user safety, allowing users to easily control the door closing mode. This also allows for a rapid response even if the user accidentally closes the door or an object is unintentionally caught, thus preventing damage.

[0057] In addition to the effects described above, the specific effects of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the specific aspects of implementing the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 This is a front-view 3D view of a refrigerator with the door closed.

[0059] Figure 2 This is a front-view 3D view of a refrigerator with the third door opened in the first opening mode.

[0060] Figure 3 This is a side sectional view of the refrigerator with the third door open.

[0061] Figure 4 The wiring guide module and the automatic door opening / closing module are shown, located on the rear side of the third door.

[0062] Figure 5 A front perspective perspective view of a refrigerator with its third door opened in the second opening mode, along with an enlarged view of a portion thereof, is shown.

[0063] Figure 6 and Figure 7 These are a side perspective view and a top view of the refrigerator with the third door opened in the second opening mode.

[0064] Figure 8 It is a block diagram of control signals controlled by a controller.

[0065] Figure 9 This is the front view of a refrigerator with the door closed.

[0066] Figure 10 This is a side view showing the sensing field of view of the distance sensing sensor unit installed in the lower area of ​​the third door of the refrigerator.

[0067] Figure 11 This is an enlarged side view of a distance sensing sensor unit installed at the lower end of a third door, according to one embodiment.

[0068] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view of the distance sensing sensor unit.

[0069] Figure 13 This is a side sectional view of the distance sensing sensor unit installed in the lower part of the third door.

[0070] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of the control method for the automatic first opening mode of a door.

[0071] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of the control method for the automatic second opening mode of the door.

[0072] Figure 16 This is a flowchart of the control method for the door closing mode. Detailed Implementation

[0073] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement the technical concept of the invention. In describing the invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the invention will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0074] Although the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another, and unless explicitly stated otherwise, it should be understood that a first component can also be a second component.

[0075] Throughout this specification, unless explicitly stated otherwise, each element may be singular or plural.

[0076] In the following text, the phrase “any construction disposed on the upper (or lower) side of the component” or “on (or below) the component” can mean not only that any construction is disposed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also that another construction can be located between the component and any construction disposed on (or below) the component.

[0077] Furthermore, when a component is described as “connected,” “linked,” or “in contact” with another component, it should be understood that although two components may be directly connected, linked, or in contact with each other, a third component may also be “inserted” between the two components, or the two components may be “connected,” “linked,” or “in contact” with each other through a third component.

[0078] As used herein, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions. In this document, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” should not be construed as necessarily including all the various components or steps described in the specification, but should be construed as meaning that some components or steps may be excluded, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0079] Throughout this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, the phrase “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, and unless otherwise stated, the phrase “C to D” means equal to or greater than C and equal to or less than D.

[0080] In the following text, a refrigerator according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0081] [Refrigerator Structure]

[0082] Reference Figures 1 to 8 A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0083] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The exterior of the refrigerator 1 may be formed by a cabinet 2 including one or more storage compartments and a plurality of doors 10, 20 and 30 on the open front side of the cabinet 2, wherein the storage compartments are storage spaces for items. The cabinet 2 may include an outer shell 3 and an inner shell 4 connected to the inside of the outer shell 3. Between the inner shell 4 and the outer shell 3, an insulated area filled with heat-insulating material may be formed, through which various pipes related to the refrigeration system pass.

[0084] The inner shell 4 can be divided into separate spaces to include multiple storage compartments. For example, the storage compartments may include a first storage compartment 5, a second storage compartment 6, and a third storage compartment 7. The first storage compartment 5 may be located at the top; the second storage compartment 6 may be located in the middle; and the third storage compartment 7 may be located at the bottom. Although this specification illustrates by way of example that three storage compartments are stacked vertically, the number and location of the storage compartments are not limited thereto. For example, the first storage compartment 5 may be used as a refrigerator compartment; the second storage compartment 6 may be used as a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, or a variable temperature compartment / switching compartment with a desired temperature as set by the user; and the third storage compartment 7 may be used as a freezer compartment, but the function of each storage compartment is not limited to these.

[0085] The first storage compartment 5 can be opened or closed by a first door 10. A pair of first doors 10 may be provided, which may be revolving doors, rotatably connected to one side and the other side of the cabinet 2 constituting the first storage compartment 5 respectively by hinges. A transparent portion 11 may be formed in the front surface of each first door 10, through which the interior of the first storage compartment 5 can be observed without opening the first door 10. For example, the area of ​​the first door 10 corresponding to the transparent portion 11 may be formed of a transparent material such as glass, allowing it to be transparent. Furthermore, the transparent portion 11 may be formed of a material with selectively controllable light transmittance and reflectance, allowing it to be configured to allow selective adjustment of the transparent or opaque state according to user manipulation.

[0086] One or more first input sections 13 may be provided on the front surface of the first door 10. For example, the first input section 13 may include a touch panel that allows users to input commands by touch, or it may be a display unit that includes a display panel for outputting a screen. The display unit is used to display and manipulate the operating status of the refrigerator 1 and allows users to identify various types of information from the outside. The display unit may be equipped with a display screen for displaying the status information of the refrigerator 1 and various operation buttons for setting the operation of the refrigerator 1.

[0087] For example, the first input unit 13 can be provided in the transparent portion 11 of the first door 10. When the transparent portion 11 is in a transparent state, the first input unit 13 can also be in a visible state to display the operating status of the refrigerator 1 to the outside. Alternatively, the first input unit 13 can be provided in the front surface of the first door 10 so as to be located outside the transparent portion 11. In this case, the first input unit 13 can be provided as, but is not limited to, a display unit, and can be provided in the form of a touch unit or as a button portion that can be physically pressed.

[0088] Furthermore, the first input unit 13 may be provided in the form of a microphone that recognizes user voice commands. For example, when a preset specific command is input into the first input unit 13, the first input unit 13 can recognize the command and send the input signal to the controller of the refrigerator 1. The first input unit 13 can be used to activate the sensing function of the distance sensing sensor 120, which will be described in detail later.

[0089] Meanwhile, one or more first sensor units 12 may be provided on the front surface of the first door 10. For example, one or more first sensor units 12 may be provided on the underside of the transparent portion 11 of each first door 10. The first sensor units 12 may be installed on the inside of the first door 10, and if the front surface of the first door 10 is made of a transparent material such as glass, the position of the first sensor units 12 may be exposed to the outside. Since the first sensor units 12 are located in the lower region of the first door 10, the first sensor units 12 may be located in the approximate center region relative to the entire height of the refrigerator 1. In order to prevent malfunctions caused by interference with the distance sensing sensor 120 of the third door 30, which will be described later, the first sensor units 12 are preferably positioned in the first door 10 above the third door 30. The first sensor units 12 may be proximity sensors capable of sensing the approach of a sensing target located in front of the refrigerator 1. The first sensor units 12 may be used to activate the sensing function of the distance sensing sensor 120, which will be described later.

[0090] For example, the first sensor unit 12 may be a position-sensitive detector (PSD) sensor. A PSD sensor is a position sensing sensor that uses a light source. A PSD sensor is an optical sensor used to measure the position of incident light, and can identify the position of the sensing target by measuring the current distribution generated when light or particles hit the sensor surface. A PSD sensor may be referred to as a position sensing sensor or an optical position detector.

[0091] As another example, the first sensor unit 12 can be a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor. A TOF sensor is a sensor that calculates distance by emitting light of a specific wavelength and measuring the time required for the light to be reflected and return. By accurately measuring the round-trip time of light, a TOF sensor can calculate the distance between an object and the sensor in real time using the time required for the light to be reflected and return.

[0092] As another example, the first sensor unit 12 can be an ultrasonic sensor. An ultrasonic sensor measures distance by emitting sound waves and receiving the reflected waves that are reflected back from an object. An ultrasonic sensor can accurately calculate the distance to an object by measuring the time between the emitted sound wave and the received reflected wave.

[0093] As another example, the first sensor unit 12 can be a radar sensor. A radar sensor can be operated such that it calculates the distance to an object by measuring the time difference between the radio waves it transmits and receives reflected waves. The radar sensor can use the phase difference between the transmitted signal and the reflected wave to monitor various information such as the object's angle, position, and velocity.

[0094] As another example, the first sensor unit 12 can be a lidar sensor. A lidar sensor is a sensor that calculates distance by measuring the time required for an emitted laser beam to be reflected from an object and return, based on the time-of-flight (TOF) principle. A lidar sensor can identify sensor values ​​of the surrounding environment while being rotated 360 degrees using a motor.

[0095] As another example, the first sensor unit 12 can be a thermal sensing sensor. A thermal sensing sensor is a sensor that senses heat emitted from a human body or object and identifies the location of the object. Because a thermal sensing sensor uses infrared radiation energy instead of light to sense objects, it can even work effectively in dark environments.

[0096] As another example, the first sensor unit 12 may be a motion sensing sensor capable of recognizing gestures such as specific movements of the user. When the first sensor unit 12 detects a specific movement of the user, the sensing function of the distance sensing sensor 120 may be activated.

[0097] The third storage compartment 7 can be opened or closed by the third door 30. The third door 30 can be a drawer-type door that opens or closes by pulling out or pushing in the front-back direction. As indicated in this specification, the front-back direction refers to the direction based on the front and back of the refrigerator 1, while the left-right direction refers to the direction based on the two sides of the refrigerator 1. The front of the refrigerator 1 refers to the direction in which the user uses the refrigerator 1. The third door 30 may include a door portion 31 covering the front side of the third storage compartment 7 and a storage portion 32 disposed on the rear side of the door portion 31 and housed in the third storage compartment 7. At the upper or lower part of the door portion 31, a handle may be formed to be recessed in the inward direction of the door portion 31, so that the user can easily open or close the door portion 31.

[0098] The storage section 32 can be formed in the form of a basket, which has storage space for storing items such as food. The storage section 32 can be formed as a detachable type so that it can be separated from the door section 31. For example, the storage section 32 can be fixed to the rear side of the door section 31 by fastening or sitting on a separate connecting member such as a support member; however, the invention is not limited to this, and it can also be directly fastened and fixed to the rear surface of the door section 31.

[0099] In the third storage chamber 7, a pair of guide rails 33 can be respectively provided on the two lateral sides of the storage section 32 to guide the insertion or withdrawal of the storage section 32 in the front-back direction of the third door 30. The guide rails 33 can be implemented as guide rail assemblies including multi-level guide rail units, the length of which extends and retracts in the front-back direction.

[0100] In the third storage chamber 7, an automatic door opening and closing module 43 can be provided to provide driving force to the third door 30 and move the third door 30 in the front-back direction, so that the third door 30 can be automatically inserted or withdrawn. For example, the automatic door opening and closing module 43 can be provided in the lower part of the third storage chamber 7; however, the invention is not limited thereto, and it can also be provided on the side surface of the third storage chamber 7.

[0101] As an example, the automatic door opening / closing module 43 can be disposed in the lower part of the third storage chamber 7 and can include a pinion 44 and a drive unit 46. The pinion 44 can be mounted upward through the lower surface of the third storage chamber 7 to expose it within the third storage chamber 7, and the drive unit 46 can be disposed on the lower side of the third storage chamber 7 such that it can be connected to the pinion 44 to transmit power to the pinion 44. The drive unit 46 can be a drive motor. A pair of pinions 44 can be provided, which can be disposed on opposite sides of the lower surface of the third storage chamber 7 in the left-right direction. For example, the pair of pinions 44 can be connected to each other by a power transmission rod extending in the left-right direction of the third storage chamber 7. Therefore, even when the driving force of the drive unit 46 is provided to one pinion 44, the pair of pinions 44 can rotate synchronously with each other via the power transmission rod to have the same driving speed and the same direction of rotation.

[0102] The automatic door opening / closing module 43 may include a rack assembly 45 configured to engage with a pinion 44. The rack assembly 45 may be multi-stage, comprising multiple racks that move to extend and retract in the front-rear direction. The rack assembly 45 may be configured to extend in the front-rear direction and may be driven in a rack-and-pinion drive manner together with the pinion 44. A pair of rack assemblies 45 may be provided, configured to engage with the pinion 44 and respectively connected to the two lower outer surfaces of the storage portion 32. When the pinion 44 is rotated by the drive unit 46, the racks constituting the rack assembly 45 may be inserted or withdrawn in the front-rear direction. Depending on this movement of the rack assembly 45 in the front-rear direction, the storage portion 32 connected to the rack assembly 45 may also be slidably inserted or withdrawn in the front-rear direction. The automatic door opening / closing module 43 described above is an example, and its method or location is not limited thereto, and it may be implemented in various ways.

[0103] Further reference Figures 5 to 7 A second input section 51 may be positioned within the third door 30. The second input section 51 may be a closing signal input section for activating the closing mode of the third door 30. When the closing mode is activated, the third door 30 can retract to be closed. The second input section 51 may be located in the upper region of the third door 30. For example, the second input section 51 may be located on the upper surface of the third door 30. Therefore, when the third door 30 is in the fully closed state, the second input section 51 is not exposed to the outside, while when the third door 30 is in the open state, the second input section 51 may be exposed to the outside. The second input section 51 may be configured as a touch-sensitive element to recognize a user's touch, or as a button to allow a user to physically press it; however, the invention is not limited thereto. The second input section 51 may be positioned on a side near the upper surface of the third door 30; however, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0104] Since the second input unit 51 is located within the third door 30, it can also move when the third door 30 moves. If the second input unit 51 were located within the first door 10 or the second door 20 instead of the third door 30, the distance between the user and the second input unit 51 might increase as the third door 30 is pulled out. This could make it difficult for the user to operate the second input unit 51. However, when the second input unit 51 is located within the third door 30, the user can always maintain a constant distance from the second input unit 51, unaffected by the insertion or withdrawal distance of the third door 30. Therefore, the user can always maintain a close, constant distance within which the second input unit 51 can be easily operated.

[0105] Furthermore, since the second input section 51 is located in the upper region of the third door 30, the user can easily operate the second input section 51 while crouching or bending forward to retrieve or place items stored in the third door 30. That is, since the close button of the third door 30 is located in the upper region of the third door 30, the user can easily close the third door 30 without the extra effort of straightening his or her waist.

[0106] Furthermore, a third input section 52 may be positioned within the third door 30. The third input section 52 may be a hold signal input section for activating a hold mode of the third door 30. When the hold mode is activated, the third door 30 can maintain a stopped movement without moving forward or retracting. The third input section 52 may be located in the upper region of the third door 30. For example, the third input section 52 may be located on the upper surface of the third door 30. Therefore, when the third door 30 is in a fully closed state, the third input section 52 is not exposed to the outside, while when the third door 30 is in an open state, the third input section 52 may be exposed to the outside. The third input section 52 may be configured as a touch-sensitive element to recognize user touches, or as a button to allow the user to physically press it; however, the invention is not limited thereto. The third input section 52 may be positioned on the side opposite to the side where the second input section 51 is located on the upper surface of the third door 30; however, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0107] Since the third input unit 52 is located within the third door 30, it can move as the third door 30 moves. If the third input unit 52 were located within the first door 10 or the second door 20 instead of the third door 30, the distance between the user and the third input unit 52 might increase as the third door 30 is pulled out. This could make it difficult for the user to operate the third input unit 52. However, when the third input unit 52 is located within the third door 30, the user can always maintain a constant distance from it, unaffected by the insertion or withdrawal distance of the third door 30. Therefore, the user can always maintain a close, constant distance within which the third input unit 52 can be easily operated.

[0108] Furthermore, since the third input section 52 is located in the upper region of the third door 30, the user can easily operate the third input section 52 while crouching or bending forward to retrieve or place items stored in the third door 30. That is, since the hold button of the third door 30 is located in the upper region of the third door 30, the user can easily stop the movement of the third door 30 without the additional action of straightening their back.

[0109] In the third storage compartment 7, an additional drawer portion 40 may be provided. The drawer portion 40 may be provided above the storage compartment 32. The door portion 31 may be sized to substantially cover the front surface of the storage compartment 32 and the drawer portion 40. For example, the drawer portion 40 may be inserted or withdrawn in the front-back direction without being restricted by the movement of the storage compartment 32. For example, the drawer portion 40 may be inserted or withdrawn in the front-back direction by rollers that roll along the upper surface of the edge portions on both sides of the storage compartment 32. However, this is not exhaustive, and the drawer portion 40 may be guided in the front-back direction by separate guide rail members provided on the side surface of the third storage compartment 7. Furthermore, a pair of drawer portions 40 arranged side by side in the left-right direction may be provided.

[0110] Reference Figure 5 An ice maker can be installed in the third storage compartment 7. The ice maker may include a first ice maker 41 and a second ice maker 42. The first ice maker 41 and the second ice maker 42 can be installed on the inner side of the upper surface of the third storage compartment 7. The first ice maker 41 and the second ice maker 42 can be positioned to be accommodated inside the drawer portion 40, such that when the drawer portion 40 is in the closed state, the front surfaces of the first ice maker 41 and the second ice maker 42 can be covered by the drawer portion 40.

[0111] The second storage compartment 6 can be opened or closed by the second door 20. The second door 20 can be a drawer-type door that opens or closes in a pull-out or push-in manner in the front-back direction. For example, in the same manner as the third door 30, the second door 20 can also include a door portion covering the front side of the second storage compartment 6 and a storage portion disposed on the rear side of the door portion and housed in the second storage compartment 6; however, the invention is not limited thereto. In the second storage compartment 6, an automatic door opening and closing module 43 can be provided to automatically insert or withdraw the second door 20 in the front-back direction. For example, the automatic door opening and closing module 43 can be provided in the lower part of the second storage compartment 6; however, the invention is not limited thereto, and it can also be provided on the side surface of the third storage compartment 7.

[0112] One or more wheels 9 can be provided on the outer side of the lower end of the cabinet 2. For example, wheels 9 can be formed at the four corners of the outer side of the lower end of the cabinet 2 to help the user move the refrigerator 1 easily. Furthermore, one or more height adjustment parts 8 can be provided on the outer side of the lower end of the cabinet 2. For example, height adjustment parts 8 can be formed in the two front outer corners of the lower end of the cabinet 2. For example, the height adjustment part 8 can be configured such that the height of the refrigerator 1 in the vertical direction can be increased or decreased depending on the direction of rotation. The height adjustment part 8 can contact the floor surface supporting the refrigerator 1 together with the wheels 9, and depending on the adjusted height, only the wheels 9 can contact the floor surface, while the height adjustment part 8 may not. When the height adjustment part 8 and the wheels 9 are in contact with the floor surface, the movement of the refrigerator 1 by the wheels 9 may be restricted due to friction between the height adjustment part 8 and the floor surface.

[0113] In this way, since the lower surface of the refrigerator 1's cabinet 2 is supported by wheels 9 or height adjustment parts 8 with a predetermined height, the lower surface of the cabinet 2 can be set at a predetermined distance from the floor surface where the refrigerator 1 is installed. Furthermore, the lower surface of the third door 30, the lowest of the plurality of doors, can also be set at a predetermined distance from the floor surface where the refrigerator 1 is installed via wheels 9 or height adjustment parts 8. For example, the lower surface of the cabinet 2 and the lower surface of the third door 30 can be formed at the same height; however, the invention is not limited thereto. Further reference... Figure 11 The lower surface of the third door 30 can be formed to be higher than the lower surface of the cabinet 2 by a predetermined distance in the upward direction. Therefore, the distance between the floor surface and the lower surface of the third door 30 can be at least equal to or greater than the height of the wheel 9 or the height adjustment part 8. At the lower end of the third door 30, a distance sensing sensor part 100 can be provided, which is formed to protrude downward, and a detailed description of the distance sensing sensor part 100 will be provided later.

[0114] Reference Figure 4A wire guide module 70 can be installed on the rear side of the third door 30. The wire guide module 70 can be installed on the lower surface of the third storage chamber 7 to connect with the door portion 31 of the third door 30. Among the various power lines or wires connected along the lower surface of the third storage chamber 7, the wire guide module 70 is configured to protect the power lines and wires connected to electronic components in the door portion 31. For example, the wire guide module 70 can protect the power lines and wires connected to the distance sensing sensor unit 100 installed in the third door 30. The wire guide module 70 can be configured to prevent damage to the wires due to twisting or scratching, while guiding the wires to move with the third door 30 as it moves forward or backward.

[0115] For example, the wire guiding module 70 can be configured to include a cover plate 73, a guide head 72, and a connecting member 71. The guide head 72 can be coupled to the rear surface of the door portion 31 of the third door 30. A sealing gasket portion 38 can be formed along the rear periphery of the door portion 31. In the rear central region of the lower part of the sealing gasket portion 38 of the door portion 31, the guide head 72 can be configured to connect to the rear surface of the door portion 31. One side of the connecting member 71 can be connected to the cover plate 73 so that it can rotate horizontally about an axis. The other side of the connecting member 71 can be connected to the guide head 72. For example, multiple connecting members 71 can be formed as hollow tubular bodies, which are continuously connected to each other in the form of a chain connection structure, so that the wire can be installed to pass through each connecting member 71 in sequence. Through this connection structure of the connecting member 71 and the guide head 72, the connecting member 71 can move in conjunction with the forward or backward movement of the third door 30, and move the wire together. The automatic door opening and closing module 43 can also be installed on the cover plate 73; however, the invention is not limited thereto, and the cover plate 73 can be used as a cover member covering the upper surface of the automatic door opening and closing module 43.

[0116] The third door 30 according to the present invention can be configured such that, when automatically inserted or withdrawn by the automatic door opening / closing module 43, the third door 30 can be opened in various opening modes. For example, the opening modes of the third door 30 may include a first opening mode and a second opening mode. The first opening mode can be set to a mode where the third door 30 is opened to its maximum extent, and the second opening mode can be set to a mode where the third door 30 is not opened to its maximum extent but is partially opened. For example, Figure 2 and Figure 3The diagram shows the third door 30 open in the first opening mode. In this way, when the third door 30 is open in the first opening mode, it can be pulled forward to its maximum extent. Consequently, the door portion 31 and the storage portion 32 are also pulled forward to their maximum extent, allowing the storage portion 32 to be fully exposed to the outside. A storage container 34, provided separately from the storage portion 32, can be disposed on the front inner side of the storage portion 32. Therefore, in the first opening mode, the storage container 34 can also be fully exposed to the outside. To achieve the first opening mode, the door extraction module 43 for automatically inserting or removing the third door 30 can be operated such that its operating range corresponds to the maximum extraction mode. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagram shows the third door 30 in its second opening mode. In this way, when the third door 30 is opened in the second opening mode, it can be partially opened instead of being fully extended forward. The distance the third door 30 opens in the second opening mode can be preset.

[0117] Storage section 32 can be subdivided into multiple storage areas by one or more partitions 37. Storage section 32 may include a front storage area 35 and a rear storage area 36 separated in the front-rear direction. In storage section 32, a first partition 37a may be formed to extend in the left-right direction and separate storage section 32 in the front-rear direction, thereby separating the front storage area 35 and the rear storage area 36. The width of the front storage area 35 in the front-rear direction may be smaller than the width of the rear storage area 36 in the front-rear direction. In storage section 32, a second partition 37b may be formed to extend in the front-rear direction and separate storage section 32 in the left-right direction, such that each of the front storage area 35 and the rear storage area 36 can be divided into multiple areas. In the front storage area 35, a storage container 34 may be disposed within storage section 32. Storage container 34 can be manually removed or inserted by the user. However, this is not exhaustive, and if necessary, a lifting module for automatically lifting storage container 34 may be installed in a third door 30 to automatically lift storage container 34, thereby improving user convenience. When the front storage area 35 is divided into multiple areas, the storage container 34 can be placed in each of the divided front storage areas 35.

[0118] In the second opening mode, the third door 30 can be set to extend forward at least a distance such that the front storage area 35 is exposed to the outside. When the front storage area 35 is exposed to the outside, the storage container 34 is also exposed to the outside. In other words, when the storage container 34, which can be removed or placed in the vertical direction, is exposed to the outside, the user can easily remove items stored in the storage container 34 or store items in the storage container 34 even without fully opening the third door 30. For this purpose, in the second opening mode, it is preferable that the third door 30 extends forward at least a width greater than the sum of the width of the door portion 31 in the front-to-back direction and the width of the storage container 34 in the front-to-back direction. That is, in the second opening mode, it is preferable that the front storage area 35 and the storage container 34 extend forward to a position where they do not overlap with the first door 10 and the second door 20 located above in the vertical direction. Thus, when the storage container 34 is removed in the second opening mode, the user can easily use the front storage area 35 and the storage container 34 without interfering with the first door 10 or the second door 20 located above.

[0119] To further enhance user convenience, a portion of the rear storage area 36 of the third door 30 can be pulled forward in the second opening mode. However, even in this case, if the rear storage area 36 is pulled out too much, cold air loss may occur in the rear area not used by the user. Therefore, it is preferable that the distance of the rear storage area 36 exposed to the outside does not exceed the width of the front storage area 35 in the front-rear direction.

[0120] As described above, according to the present invention, the opening mode of the door, including a first opening mode in which the third door 30 is opened to its maximum and a second opening mode in which the third door 30 is partially opened, can be adjusted according to the user's selection. As described above, by selectively providing the function of opening the third door 30 only to the extent desired by the user, cold air loss can be minimized and energy efficiency improved. Furthermore, by implementing the second opening mode, and by supporting a quick-access zone usage mode for quickly retrieving items, user convenience can be greatly increased.

[0121] Reference Figure 8 The controller 80 in refrigerator 1 can receive input signals from the first input unit 13, the second input unit 51, and the third input unit 52. Furthermore, the controller 80 can receive sensing signals from the first sensor unit 12 and the distance sensing sensor 120. In this way, the controller 80, receiving the input signals and sensing signals, can apply operation signals to the door extraction module 43 to control its operation. Additionally, the controller 80 can receive impact signals, stop signals, etc., from the door extraction module 43 to control its operation.

[0122] [Distance Sensing Sensor Section]

[0123] Further reference will be made below. Figures 9 to 13 A distance sensing sensor unit 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0124] In the lower region of the third door 30, a distance sensing sensor unit 100 may be provided, which measures the separation distance from the sensing target 60. The distance sensing sensor unit 100 may include one or more distance sensing sensors 120 that perform sensing functions. Based on the separation distance from the sensing target 60 measured by the distance sensing sensor unit 100, the controller 80 may control the operation of the door extraction module 43. As implied in this specification, the separation distance from the sensing target 60 may mean the distance from the front surface of the third door 30 to the sensing target 60.

[0125] As implied in this specification, the sensing target 60 can be a user. Typically, when a user intends to use the refrigerator 1, the user positions themselves facing the front surface of the refrigerator 1. In this way, when the user is positioned facing the front surface of the refrigerator 1, the user's feet 61 can be positioned closest to the refrigerator 1. That is, when the third door 30 is pulled forward, the user's feet 61 can be the first part of the user's body to come into contact with the front surface of the third door 30. Therefore, according to the present invention, a distance sensing sensor unit 100 is provided in the lower region of the door to measure the separation distance from the sensing target 60, thereby allowing the distance sensing sensor unit 100 to sense the user's feet 61 to prevent the user's feet 61 from colliding with the door during insertion or removal.

[0126] Furthermore, since the distance sensing sensor unit 100 is located in the lower region of the door to measure the separation distance from the sensing target 60, the distance sensing sensor unit 100 can easily sense the user's feet 61 even if the sensing field of view (FOV) of the distance sensing sensor unit 100 is not large. However, this is not exhaustive, and the distance sensing sensor unit 100 can have a sensing field of view (FOV) that allows sensing not only the user's feet 61 but also up to the user's ankles 62 and legs 63.

[0127] As an example, the distance sensing sensor 120 included in the distance sensing sensor section 100 can be mounted on the third door 30 at a height such that it overlaps with the user's foot 61 or ankle 62 in the front-back direction. For example, the distance sensing sensor 120 can be configured to protrude downward from the lower surface of the third door 30 and face forward. In this case, the distance sensing sensor 120 can sense the user's foot 61 or ankle 62. However, due to interference with the lower end of the front surface of the third door 30, the possibility of the distance sensing sensor 120 sensing the user's leg 63 is very small.

[0128] Therefore, as another example, the distance sensing sensor 120 can be positioned in the lower region of the front surface of the third door 30 to face forward. In this case, the distance sensing sensor 120 can sense not only the user's feet 61 and ankles 62, but also up to the user's legs 63, without interference between the sensing field of view (FOV) and the third door 30. Thus, by adjusting the sensing FOV in the vertical direction, the distance sensing sensor 120 can sense not only the user's feet 61 and ankles 62, but also up to the user's legs 63.

[0129] In this case, the field of view (FOV) of the distance sensing sensor unit 100 can be set to have a larger field of view in the upward direction than in the downward direction. Preferably, the field of view (FOV) of the distance sensing sensor unit 100 in the downward direction is set so as not to contact the floor surface to avoid sensing errors due to the detection of the floor surface. Therefore, preferably, the field of view (FOV) of the distance sensing sensor unit 100 in the downward direction is set at a height above the floor surface and at the top side of the foot 61 of a general user.

[0130] As implied in this specification, examples of users may include toddlers and adults. Since adults and toddlers have different physical characteristics (e.g., body size), and adults also have different physical characteristics, it is important that the distance sensing sensor unit 100 measures the separation distance from the user regardless of the user's physical characteristics. Therefore, when the distance sensing sensor unit 100 measures the user's feet 61, the measurement can be performed under the same conditions based on the floor surface, regardless of the user's physical characteristics. Furthermore, when the distance sensing sensor unit 100 measures the user's feet 61, the separation distance can be sensed based on the feet 61 of the foremost user, regardless of the number of users. In this way, by providing the distance sensing sensor unit 100, which measures the separation distance from the sensing target 60, in the lower region of the door, the separation distance from the user can always be measured under the same conditions, without considering the number of users and their physical characteristics (e.g., body size) as variables.

[0131] Furthermore, as implied in this specification, the sensing target 60 is not limited to a user, but can refer to various obstacles that can be placed on the floor surface in front of the refrigerator 1, such as pets, robot vacuum cleaners, and various objects. Although these sensing targets 60 may have different body heights depending on their type, when the sensing target 60 has a low body height, it may not be detected depending on the position of the distance sensing sensor unit 100 and the sensing field of view unless the portion of the sensing target 60 in contact with the floor surface (e.g., the user's foot) is measured. Therefore, according to the present invention, by providing the distance sensing sensor unit 100 in the lower region of the door to measure the separation distance from the sensing target 60, the distance sensing sensor unit 100 can also detect the sensing target 60, which has a low height while in contact with the floor surface, thereby preventing the door from colliding with the sensing target 60 during the insertion or removal of the door.

[0132] As described above, according to the present invention, by placing a distance sensing sensor in the lower region of the drawer door, obstacles that may appear near the floor surface can be sensed, thereby preventing them from colliding with the door. Furthermore, the distance sensing sensor can have a sensing field of view that allows sensing of obstacles in the lower portion (such as a user's foot, a companion animal, or a young child), thereby minimizing the sensing blind spot.

[0133] Reference Figure 12 The distance sensing sensor unit 100 may include one or more distance sensing sensors 120 and a main body unit 110 storing the distance sensing sensors 120 therein. The main body unit 110 may be formed to extend elongated in the left-right direction of the third door 30. For example, the main body unit 110 may be used as a finishing member capable of finishing the lower surface of the third door 30. Therefore, the main body unit 110 may be formed to extend to a length substantially corresponding to the length of the third door 30 in the left-right direction, so as to be able to finish the lower surface of the third door 30. The main body unit 110 may be integrally formed as a plate.

[0134] An upwardly curved support portion 113 may be formed at the rear of the main body unit 110. Since the support portion 113 is formed around the corner connecting the lower surface and the rear surface of the third door 30, the fastening force between the distance sensing sensor portion 100 and the third door 30 can be increased. The support portion 113 may extend upward to a height not exceeding the lower end of the sealing gasket portion 38 of the third door 30.

[0135] A handle portion 112 may be formed at the front of the main body unit 110. The handle portion 112 may be formed to protrude upward relative to the upper surface of the plate-shaped main body unit 110, and may be formed to be concave upward when viewed from below. The handle portion 112 may also be formed to extend elongated in the direction in which the main body unit 110 extends. The handle portion 112 may be formed to have a length shorter than the main body unit 110, however, the invention is not limited thereto. When the main body unit 110 is installed at the lower end of the third door 30, the handle portion 112 may be inserted inward and upward into the third door 30, making the handle portion 112 unidentifiable from the front of the third door 30. The user may insert his or her hand into the handle portion 112 located at the lower end of the third door 30 and manually insert or remove the third door 30.

[0136] A sensor receiving portion 111 may be formed on the rear side of the main body unit 110, which accommodates one or more distance sensing sensors 120. With the distance sensing sensor portion 100 mounted on the third door 30, the sensor receiving portion 111 may be positioned between the support portion 113 and the handle portion 112 based on the front-rear direction of the main body unit 110. The sensor receiving portion 111 may be formed to protrude downward relative to the upper surface of the plate-shaped main body unit 110, and may also be formed to be recessed downward when viewed from above. The sensor receiving portion 111 may be formed to have a length shorter than the main body unit 110; however, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0137] With the main unit 110 mounted at the lower end of the third door 30, the sensor housing 111 protrudes downward and outward from the third door 30, making it identifiable from the front of the third door 30. The handle 112, located in front of the sensor housing 111 and protruding upward, can be configured not to overlap with the sensor housing 111 in the front-back direction. Thus, the distance sensing sensor 120 stored in the sensor housing 111 can sense the sensing target 60 without interference from the handle 112. Furthermore, since the handle 112 is located in front of the downwardly protruding sensor housing 111, the user can insert his or her hand into the handle 112 without interfering with the sensor housing 111, and freely insert or remove the third door 30. The rear surface of the sensor housing 111 can be formed with an inclined surface. This reduces the likelihood of collisions between the rear surface of the sensor housing 111 and obstacles that may occur when the third door 30 retracts.

[0138] However, this is not exhaustive, and the sensor housing 111 can be located in the front portion of the lower surface of the third door 30. In this way, when the sensor housing 111 is located in the front portion of the lower surface of the third door 30, the interference between the sensing field of view (FOV) of the distance sensing sensor 120 housed in the sensor housing 111 and the lower surface of the third door 30 can be reduced, thereby further extending the sensing distance of the distance sensing sensor 120. In this case, the handle portion of the third door 30 may not be formed on the lower surface of the third door 30, but rather on the upper or front surface of the third door 30, thereby solving the interference problem with the sensor housing 111.

[0139] The front of the sensor housing 111 may be open. One or more distance sensing sensors 120 may be installed in the sensor housing 111. When multiple distance sensing sensors 120 are provided, they may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the left-right direction. When the distance sensing sensors 120 are located in the lower region of the third door 30, the sensing distance may be shortened due to interference with the floor surface; however, the blind zone of the sensors can be minimized as much as possible by using multiple sensors.

[0140] The distance sensing sensor 120 can be a PSD sensor, however the invention is not limited thereto, and can also be one of a TOF sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, and a thermal sensor. The distance sensing sensor 120 can be positioned facing the front of the refrigerator 1. A front cover portion 130 can be provided on the front side of the sensor housing 111 to modify the front side of the sensor housing 111. A hole 131 can be formed in the front cover portion 130 to correspond to the distance sensing sensor 120. The distance sensing sensor 120 can sense the sensing target 60 located in front of the refrigerator 1 through the hole 131 formed in the front cover portion 130.

[0141] In the case where the refrigerator 1 has multiple doors, the distance sensing sensor unit 100 can be formed at the bottom of the bottommost door. According to this specification, three doors are included, and the distance sensing sensor unit 100 being provided at the bottom of the third door 30 has been described as an example. However, in another embodiment, if the number of doors is one or two, it can be provided at the bottom of the bottommost door.

[0142] Since the aforementioned distance sensing sensor unit 100 is located on the rear side of the front surface of the third door 30, it can protect the sensor from external impacts that may be caused by surrounding objects such as vacuum cleaners, and improve the durability and reliability of the product.

[0143] Reference Figure 11Preferably, the distance sensing sensor portion 100 protruding downward from the lower surface of the third door 30 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the floor surface. For example, the lower surface of the cabinet 2 and the lower surface of the third door 30 can be positioned at a predetermined distance from the floor surface by means of the height adjustment portion 8 or the wheel portion 9 supporting the lower surface of the cabinet 2. In this case, if the lowermost end of the distance sensing sensor portion 100 protruding downward from the lower surface of the third door 30 protrudes to the extent of contact with the floor surface, damage may occur when the third door 30 sags due to a large number of items stored in the third door 30. Therefore, in order to prevent damage to the distance sensing sensor portion 100 due to the sag of the third door 30, it is preferable that the distance sensing sensor portion 100 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the floor surface. For this purpose, it is preferable that the height of the distance sensing sensor portion 100 protruding downward from the lower surface of the third door 30 in the vertical direction is set to be less than the height of the height adjustment portion 8 or the wheel portion 9 in the vertical direction.

[0144] [Methods for controlling the opening and closing modes of the door]

[0145] Further reference will be made below. Figures 14 to 16 A method for controlling the opening and closing modes of a door according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. In the following description, the door will be based on a third door 30 having a distance sensing sensor unit 100 provided in the lower region.

[0146] Reference Figure 14 When the first opening mode step S100 of the automatic door opening begins, step S110 can be executed to check whether a door opening input signal for the first opening mode has been recognized. The door opening input signal can be a sensing signal sensed by the first sensor unit 12 or an input signal input to the first input unit 13. The first sensor unit 12 and the first input unit 13 can be door opening signal input units. If no door opening input signal is recognized, the distance sensing sensor 120 is not activated, and the step of continuously checking whether a door opening input signal has been input can be repeated.

[0147] When a door opening input signal is input to the door opening signal input unit, step S120 can be executed, in which the door distance sensing sensor 120 is activated to measure the separation distance from the sensing target 60. As described above, according to the present invention, since the opening signal input unit is intentionally provided by the user to open the door, the sensing function of the distance sensing sensor 120 can be activated when the door opening input signal is input to the opening signal input unit. In this way, the user can control the door to open only when the user desires it, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption and improving the user experience.

[0148] When the distance sensing sensor 120 starts measuring the distance to the sensing target 60 according to step S120, step S130 can be executed to check whether the user's foot is measured to be within a safe distance. The safe distance can be a preset distance value in the controller 80. In other words, the safe distance is a buffer distance used to prevent collisions with the sensing target 60 during door insertion and withdrawal, and its setting value can be changed.

[0149] For example, if the separation distance from the sensing target 60 measured by the distance sensing sensor 120 falls within a safe distance, control can be executed to prevent the door from opening, thus preventing a collision with the sensing target 60 that may occur during the forward pulling of the door. On the other hand, if the separation distance from the sensing target 60 measured by the distance sensing sensor 120 does not fall within a safe distance, that is, if the separation distance to the sensing target 60 exceeds a safe distance, step S140 can be executed, in which the door is opened to a preset first distance. The first opening mode can be set to allow the door to be fully opened, in which case the first distance means the maximum distance the door can be fully pulled out to. As described above, according to the present invention, if the separation distance from the sensing target 60 exceeds a preset safe distance, control can be executed to allow the door to open automatically, thus enabling the door to open automatically while maintaining a safe distance from surrounding objects when the user uses the door, thereby providing both convenience and safety.

[0150] To perform step S140, the controller 80 can operate the automatic door opening / closing module 43 to pull the door forward. In this regard, even while performing step S140 to open the door, the distance sensing sensor 120 can continuously measure the distance to the sensing target 60. Therefore, according to the present invention, while the door is opening, the distance sensing sensor 120 can continuously measure the separation distance so as to react quickly even if a new obstacle is sensed during the opening and closing of the door, thereby preventing accidental collisions and maximizing safety during use.

[0151] During step S140, if a special situation occurs in step S150, the controller 80 can execute step S160 to stop the door opening in the first opening mode by driving the drive unit 46 of the stop door automatic switch module 43.

[0152] For example, in step S150, when the measured separation distance from the sensing target 60 is less than or equal to a preset safety distance, the movement of the door can stop. In this case, when the sensed target 60 is removed, control can be executed to make the distance sensing sensor 120 confirm that the sensed target 60 has been removed from the safety distance, and the door reopens from the position where the movement stopped to the first distance.

[0153] Furthermore, in step S150, when the driving time of the drive unit 46 of the automatic door opening module 43 exceeds the preset maximum door opening time, the door movement can stop. The time required for the drive unit 46 to be driven until the first opening mode is activated can be calculated in advance, and the distance the door can move based on the driving time of the drive unit 46 can be preset. Therefore, if the driving time of the drive unit 46 exceeds the preset maximum driving time of the drive unit 46 for realizing the first opening mode, it can be identified that the door has exceeded the maximum preset distance that the door can be pulled out, or that a problem has occurred during the pulling-out operation, thereby stopping the further pulling out of the door.

[0154] Furthermore, the door movement can stop when it reaches its maximum opening distance in step S150. For example, a door full-opening limit switch can be provided on the side surface of the door or the side surface of the third storage chamber 7, which can measure the fully open state of the door. In one example, the door full-opening limit switch can be provided as a sensor, and it can be determined whether the door has been pulled out to the maximum opening distance based on the operation of the door full-opening limit switch.

[0155] Furthermore, if an impact is detected in the drive unit 46 of the automatic door opening / closing module 43 in step S150, the door movement can be stopped. For example, an impact may also be detected in the drive unit 46 of the door withdrawal module 43 when a user's body collides with the door or when another obstacle collides with the door. In this case, it can be configured such that the door movement stops when the impact applied to the drive unit 46 exceeds a preset time period.

[0156] Reference Figure 15 When the second opening mode step S200, where the door automatically opens, is initiated, step S210 can be executed to check whether a door opening input signal for the second opening mode has been detected. The door opening input signal can be a sensing signal sensed by the first sensor unit 12 or an input signal input to the first input unit 13. The first sensor unit 12 and the first input unit 13 can both be door opening signal input units. If no door opening input signal is detected, the distance sensing sensor 120 is not activated, and the step of continuously checking whether a door opening input signal has been input can be repeated.

[0157] When a door opening input signal is input to the door opening signal input unit, step S220 can be executed, in which the door distance sensing sensor 120 is activated to measure the separation distance from the sensing target 60.

[0158] When the distance sensing sensor 120 starts measuring the distance to the sensing target 60 according to step S220, step S230 can be executed to check whether the user's foot is measured to be within a safe distance. The safe distance can be a preset distance value in the controller 80. In other words, the safe distance is a buffer distance used to prevent collisions with the sensing target 60 during door insertion and withdrawal, and its setting value can be changed.

[0159] For example, if the separation distance from the sensing target 60 measured by the distance sensing sensor 120 falls within a safe distance, control can be executed to prevent the door from opening, thus preventing a collision with the sensing target 60 that may occur during the forward pulling of the door. On the other hand, if the separation distance from the sensing target 60 measured by the distance sensing sensor 120 does not fall within a safe distance, that is, if the separation distance to the sensing target 60 exceeds a safe distance, step S240 can be executed, in which the door is opened to a preset second distance. In the case of the second opening mode, it can be set to a mode where the door is partially open, and in this case, the second distance means that a preset portion of the door has been pulled out by a preset distance.

[0160] To perform step S240, the controller 80 can operate the automatic door opening / closing module 43 to pull the door forward. In this regard, even while performing step S240 to open the door, the distance sensing sensor 120 can continuously measure the distance to the sensing target 60.

[0161] During step S240, if a special situation occurs in step S250, the controller 80 can execute step S260 to stop the door opening in the second opening mode by driving the drive unit 46 of the stop door automatic switch module 43.

[0162] For example, in step S250, when the measured separation distance from the sensing target 60 is less than or equal to a preset safety distance, the movement of the door can stop. In this case, when the sensed target 60 is removed, control can be executed to make the distance sensing sensor 120 confirm that the sensed target 60 has been removed from the safety distance, and the door reopens from the position where the movement stopped to the second distance.

[0163] Furthermore, in step S250, when the driving time of the drive unit 46 of the automatic door opening module 43 exceeds the preset door partial opening time, the door movement can stop. The time required for the drive unit 46 to be driven until the second opening mode is activated can be pre-calculated, and the distance the door can move based on the driving time of the drive unit 46 can be pre-set. Therefore, if the driving time of the drive unit 46 exceeds the pre-calculated maximum driving time of the drive unit 46 for realizing the second opening mode, it can be identified that the door has exceeded the maximum set distance that the door can be pulled out, or that a problem has occurred during the pulling-out operation, thereby stopping the further pulling out of the door.

[0164] Furthermore, if an impact is detected in the drive unit 46 of the automatic door opening / closing module 43 in step S250, the door movement can be stopped. For example, an impact may also be detected in the drive unit 46 of the door withdrawal module 43 when a user's body collides with the door or when another obstacle collides with the door. In this case, it can be configured such that the door movement stops when the impact applied to the drive unit 46 exceeds a preset time period.

[0165] As described above, according to the present invention, if the distance sensing sensor 120 detects an object during door opening in the first opening mode or the second opening mode, it can perform control to allow the door to stop automatically, thereby preventing accidental collisions that may occur during the opening and closing of the door, ensuring user safety, and preventing damage to the door caused by overload of the automatic door opening and closing module 43.

[0166] Reference Figure 16 The door closing mode step S300 can be initiated when the automatic door closing module 43 stops driving the drive unit 46 and the door movement stops, for example, when the door is fully open as in the first opening mode, or when the door is partially open as in the second opening mode. Furthermore, the closing mode can be initiated when the door movement is stopped by door opening mode stopping steps S150 and S250, which may occur while the door is opening in the first or second opening mode, before the door opens to the first or second distance set in the first or second opening mode.

[0167] When the automatic door closing mode S300 is activated, step S310 can be executed to check whether a door closing input signal is detected. The door closing input signal can be an input signal input to the first input unit 13 or an input signal input to the second input unit 51. Both the first input unit 13 and the second input unit 51 can be door closing signal input units. If no door closing input signal is detected, the control to close the door is not executed, and the step of continuously checking whether a door closing input signal is input can be repeated.

[0168] When a door closing input signal is input to the door closing signal input unit, step S320 can be executed to check whether a door holding signal has been sensed. The door holding input signal can be an input signal input to the first input unit 13 or an input signal input to the third input unit 52. The first input unit 13 and the third input unit 52 can both be door holding signal input units. When a door holding signal is input (S330), the movement of the door can be stopped for a preset time period. Furthermore, when a door holding signal is input (S330), the movement of the door can remain stopped until a door holding signal is input again. In this case, step S340 can be executed to check whether a door holding signal has been sensed again, and after step S340, step S350 can be executed to automatically close the door.

[0169] In this regard, if an impact is detected on the drive unit 46 of the door insertion and withdrawal module 43 during the automatic door closing step S350 (S360), the door closing operation can be stopped and changed to the open mode (S370). For example, when a user's body collides with the door or other obstacles collide with the door, an impact may also be detected in the drive unit 46 of the door withdrawal module 43. In this case, it can be set so that the door closing operation can stop when the impact applied to the drive unit 46 exceeds a preset time period. Furthermore, similarly, if the user holds the door handle while closing the door, the door closing mode can be changed to the open mode. In this case, the opening mode changed from the closing mode can be a first opening mode or a second opening mode, or it can be a pre-set third opening mode different from the first and second opening modes.

[0170] As described above, according to the present invention, when an abnormal impact is detected when the door is closed, the controller can control the door to stop operation or change to an open mode, thereby preventing additional damage.

[0171] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the door's opening and closing modes can be set by the user as desired through a user-customizable control function. Therefore, during the automatic door closing process, when an impact is detected on the door, it can be switched to an opening process to ensure user safety, allowing the user to easily control the door's closing mode. This also allows for a rapid response, preventing damage, even if the user mistakenly closes the door or an object is unintentionally trapped.

[0172] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the current change in the drive unit of the automatic door opening and closing module can be continuously monitored, so that when an abnormal load or impact is sensed, the operation of the door can be stopped or reversed immediately, thereby enhancing the safety of users and products.

[0173] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a holding function is provided to temporarily stop the movement of the door according to the user's intention. Therefore, the user can set the door to stop at a desired level when opening or closing it, allowing the door to be held in the desired position when retrieving or tidying up specific items. This greatly improves user convenience and minimizes any inconvenience that may occur when handling the door.

[0174] This invention relates to non-limiting examples as defined in the following clauses.

[0175] Clause 1. A refrigerator, said refrigerator comprising:

[0176] The cabinet includes an upper storage compartment and a lower storage compartment;

[0177] A door that opens or closes the front side of the lower storage compartment by sliding in a forward-backward direction;

[0178] One or more distance sensing sensors are disposed in the lower region of the door and measure the separation distance from the sensing target;

[0179] Automatic door opening / closing module, the automatic door opening / closing module being driven to automatically insert or withdraw the door; and

[0180] A controller that controls the operation of the automatic door opening and closing module based on the separation distance from the sensing target.

[0181] Clause 2. The refrigerator according to Clause 1, wherein the separation distance from the sensing target is the distance from the front surface of the door to the sensing target.

[0182] Clause 3. The refrigerator according to Clause 1, wherein, when the sensing target is a user, the distance sensing sensor has a sensing field of view that allows sensing the user's feet.

[0183] Clause 4. The refrigerator according to Clause 3, wherein the distance sensing sensor is disposed in the door at a height overlapping the user's foot or ankle in the front-back direction.

[0184] Clause 5. The refrigerator according to Clause 1, wherein the controller controls the door to be opened when the separation distance from the sensing target is measured to exceed a preset safe distance.

[0185] Clause 6. The refrigerator according to Clause 5, wherein, while the door is being opened, the distance sensing sensor continuously measures the separation distance from the sensing target.

[0186] Clause 7. The refrigerator according to Clause 5, wherein when the door is being opened, if the separation distance from the sensing target is measured to be less than or equal to a preset safe distance, or if an impact on the automatic door opening / closing module is detected, the controller controls the automatic door opening / closing module to stop.

[0187] Clause 8. The refrigerator as described in Clause 1, further comprising:

[0188] The open signal input unit activates the door's open mode.

[0189] When the door opening mode signal is input to the opening signal input unit, the sensing function of the distance sensing sensor is activated.

[0190] Clause 9. The refrigerator according to Clause 1, wherein the door opening mode includes a first opening mode in which the door is opened to its maximum extent, and

[0191] In the first opening mode,

[0192] If the drive time of the automatic door opening / closing module exceeds the preset maximum door opening arrival time, or

[0193] When the door reaches its maximum opening distance...

[0194] The controller controls the automatic door opening and closing module to stop.

[0195] Clause 10. The refrigerator according to Clause 1, wherein the door opening mode includes a second opening mode in which the door is partially opened.

[0196] In the second opening mode,

[0197] If the driving time of the automatic door opening and closing module exceeds the preset door partially opening time, the controller will control the automatic door opening and closing module to stop.

[0198] Clause 11. The refrigerator according to Clause 1, further comprising:

[0199] The closing signal input section activates the door's closing mode.

[0200] When the door is in an open state, the controller controls the door to close when the door closing mode signal is input to the closing signal input unit.

[0201] Clause 12. The refrigerator according to Clause 11, wherein the closing signal input is located in the upper region of the door.

[0202] Clause 13. The refrigerator as described in Clause 11, further comprising:

[0203] A holding signal input unit is provided to stop the movement of the door when the door is open.

[0204] The holding signal input section is located in the upper region of the door.

[0205] Clause 14. The refrigerator according to Clause 13, wherein, when the door holding mode signal is input to the holding signal input unit, and the door closing mode is activated, the controller performs control such that the state in which the movement of the door is stopped is maintained.

[0206] Clause 15. The refrigerator according to Clause 13, wherein, when the door holding mode signal is input to the holding signal input unit, when the holding mode signal is additionally input, or when a preset door holding duration has elapsed, the controller controls the door to be closed.

[0207] Clause 16. The refrigerator according to Clause 11, wherein, when the door is being closed, upon detection of an impact on the automatic door opening module, the controller performs control to enable the door to open.

[0208] Clause 17. A method of controlling a refrigerator, the refrigerator including a door and one or more distance sensing sensors, the door automatically opening or closing the front side of a storage compartment, the one or more distance sensing sensors being disposed in a lower region of the door and measuring a separation distance from a sensing target, the method of controlling the refrigerator comprising:

[0209] The opening mode start step, wherein the opening mode of the door is initiated; and

[0210] The door automatically opens when the separation distance from the sensed target exceeds a preset safe distance.

[0211] Clause 18. The method of controlling a refrigerator according to Clause 17, wherein, in the case that the sensing target is a user, the distance sensing sensor has a sensing field of view that allows sensing the user's feet.

[0212] Clause 19. The method of controlling a refrigerator according to Clause 17, the method further comprising:

[0213] While the door is being opened

[0214] When the separation distance from the sensing target is measured to be less than or equal to a preset safety distance,

[0215] In the event of an impact on the door,

[0216] If the door opens for longer than a preset door opening arrival time, or

[0217] When the door reaches the preset door opening distance,

[0218] The opening mode stop step, wherein the opening mode of the door is interrupted.

[0219] Clause 20. The method for controlling a refrigerator according to Clause 19, the method further comprising:

[0220] The closing mode start step is initiated after the opening mode stop step;

[0221] A door holding step, wherein the door holding step maintains the state in which the movement of the door is stopped; and

[0222] The door automatically closes, wherein the door is closed after the door holding step has been performed and the door holding step has been released.

[0223] Although the invention has been described above with reference to the illustrative drawings, the invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Furthermore, even if effects related to the construction of the invention are not explicitly described in explaining the embodiments of the invention, it is obvious that effects predictable from this construction should be acknowledged.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising: The cabinet includes an upper storage compartment and a lower storage compartment; A door that opens or closes the front side of the lower storage compartment by sliding in a forward-backward direction; One or more distance sensing sensors are disposed in the lower region of the door and measure the separation distance from the sensing target; Automatic door opening / closing module, the automatic door opening / closing module being driven to automatically insert or withdraw the door; and A controller that controls the operation of the automatic door opening and closing module based on the separation distance from the sensing target.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The separation distance from the sensing target is the distance from the front surface of the door to the sensing target.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, When the sensing target is a user, the distance sensing sensor has a sensing field of view that allows sensing the user's feet.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, The distance sensing sensor is positioned in the door at a height that overlaps with the user's foot or ankle in the front-back direction.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, If the separation distance from the sensed target is measured to exceed a preset safe distance, the controller will control the door to be opened.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, While the door is being opened, the distance sensing sensor continuously measures the separation distance from the sensing target.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, When the door is being opened, if the separation distance from the sensing target is measured to be less than or equal to a preset safe distance, or if an impact on the automatic door opening / closing module is detected, the controller will control the automatic door opening / closing module to stop.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: The open signal input unit activates the door's open mode. When the door opening mode signal is input to the opening signal input unit, the sensing function of the distance sensing sensor is activated.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The door opening modes include a first opening mode where the door is opened to its maximum extent, and In the first opening mode, If the drive time of the automatic door opening / closing module exceeds the preset maximum door opening arrival time, or When the door reaches its maximum opening distance... The controller controls the automatic door opening and closing module to stop.

10. A method for controlling a refrigerator, the refrigerator including a door and one or more distance sensing sensors, the door automatically opening or closing the front side of a storage compartment, the one or more distance sensing sensors being disposed in a lower region of the door and measuring a separation distance from a sensing target, the method for controlling the refrigerator comprising: The opening mode start step, wherein the opening mode of the door is initiated; and The door automatically opens when the separation distance from the sensed target exceeds a preset safe distance.

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