Refrigerator with automatic door opening and method for controlling the automatic door opening of a refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator (1) comprising: • a main body (2) provided with a cooling chamber (6); • a door (3) hinged to the main body (2) and movable between a stationary closed position, in which the door (3) closes the cooling chamber (6), and a fully open position; • an opening mechanism (8) configured to push the door (3) from the stationary closed position towards the fully open position in response to an opening command (CA) given by a user; • a position sensor (9) configured to detect current positions (Pci) of a reference portion (15) of the door (3) relative to a reference portion (16) of the main body (2); • a control device (10), configured to: iteratively update a reference position (RIF) as a function of an average (M) of the current positions (Pci) detected over a time interval when the door (3) is in the stationary closed position; actuate the opening mechanism (8) when the variation of the current position (ΔP) from the reference position (RIF) is greater, in module, than an activation threshold (ATT).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority from Italian patent application no. 102024000008626 filed on April 16, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.Technical field

[0002] The present invention concerns a refrigerator with automatic door opening and a method for controlling the automatic door opening of a refrigerator.

[0003] The technical reference field of the present invention refers to refrigeration devices, also comprising refrigerated wine display cabinets (i.e. wine coolers, wine fridges).Background

[0004] Refrigerators provided with automatic door opening systems are known. These systems are designed to facilitate opening of the door by the users, for example in large refrigerators (in which the doors are very heavy and cannot be easily opened by all users), to allow the opening of refrigerators not provided with handles or to allow the user to open the door of the refrigerator even when he / she has both hands occupied.

[0005] Said systems are based on technologies that allow opening based on pressures exerted on the door (push-to-open) or based on pull actions exerted on the refrigerator door, for example on the handle (pull-to-open).

[0006] However, the reliability of said systems often diminishes in the long term. During the life of the refrigerator, in fact, the door seals and the components of the automatic opening system of the door can deteriorate, resulting in malfunctioning of the automatic recognition of the opening commands.Description of the invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a refrigerator that is free from the drawbacks of the known art highlighted here; in particular, an object of the invention is to provide a refrigerator with automatic door opening that is able to guarantee uniform operation in the long term and usage cycles overcoming the drawbacks highlighted above in a simple inexpensive manner, in both functional and construction terms.

[0008] In accordance with these objects, the present invention concerns a refrigerator comprising: a main body provided with a cooling chamber; a door hinged to the main body and movable between a stationary closed position, in which the door closes the cooling chamber, and a fully open position; an opening mechanism configured to push the door from the stationary closed position towards the fully open position in response to an opening command given by a user; a position sensor configured to detect current positions of a reference portion of the door relative to a reference portion of the main body; a control device, configured to: iteratively update a reference position as a function of an average of the current positions detected over a time interval when the door is in the stationary closed position; actuate the opening mechanism when the variation in the current position relative to the reference position is greater, in module, than an activation threshold.

[0009] Thanks to the solution of the present invention, the control device performs continuous updating of the reference position, substantially carrying out a continuous self-calibration of the reference system for recognition of the user commands. In this way, the problems of deterioration are solved and the automatic refrigerator door opening system remains reliable also in the long term.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling the assisted opening of a refrigerator which is able to overcome the problems of the known art. In accordance with said objects, the present invention concerns a method for controlling the assisted opening of a refrigerator as claimed in claim 10.Brief description of the drawings

[0011] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear clear from the following description of a non-limiting embodiment example thereof, with reference to the figures of the attached drawings, in which: figure 1 is a perspective view of a detail of a refrigerator according to the present invention in a first operating configuration (door closed); figure 2 is a lateral view of the detail of the refrigerator of figure 1, with parts removed for clarity; figure 3 is a perspective view of the detail of the refrigerator of figure 1 in a second operating configuration (door fully open); figure 4 is a schematic view from above of the detail of figure 1 in the first operating configuration (door closed); figure 5 is a schematic view from above of the detail of figure 1 in a third operating configuration (door not fully open); figure 6 is a block diagram, which schematically represents the operation of a detail of the refrigerator according to the present invention; figure 7 is a flow chart, which schematically represents the operation of a further detail of the refrigerator according to the present invention. Disclosure of an embodiment of the invention

[0012] With reference to the attached figures, figure 1 shows a portion of a refrigerator 1 according to the present invention. The refrigerator 1 is provided with a main body 2, a door 3 hinged to the main body 2 and an automatic opening system 4 configured to open the door 3 based on commands given by a user.

[0013] The portion of the refrigerator 1 illustrated and detailed in the following figures is the upper portion of the refrigerator 1 in which the automatic opening system 4 of the door 3 is preferably arranged.

[0014] It is understood that the automatic opening system 4 can be housed also in different portions of the refrigerator 1, for example in the lower portion or laterally on the side opposite the side to which the door 3 is hinged.

[0015] With reference to figures 1, 2 and 3, the main body 2 is provided with a cooling chamber 6 (partly visible in figure 3). The cooling chamber 6 is usually provided with a plurality of support elements for housing food and drinks. The refrigerator 1 comprises a cooling system (known and not a subject of the present invention), which is not visible in the attached figures and is configured to cool the cooling chamber 6 in a controlled manner.

[0016] The door 3 is hinged to the main body 2 by means of a hinge assembly 7 and can move between a stationary closed position, in which the door 3 closes the cooling chamber 6, and a fully open position (illustrated in figure 3) in which the door 3 is arranged at a maximum angular distance from the main body 2.

[0017] The automatic opening system 4 comprises an opening mechanism 8, at least one position sensor 9 and a control device 10.

[0018] The opening mechanism 8 is configured to push the door 3 from the stationary closed position towards the fully open position in response to an opening command CA given by a user.

[0019] The opening mechanism 8 preferably comprises an actuator 12 and a thrust element 13.

[0020] The actuator 12 and the thrust element 13 are preferably housed in the main body 2. In detail, the actuator 12 and the thrust element 13 are housed in a roof portion of the main body 2.

[0021] With reference to figures 4 and 5, the actuator 12 is configured to move the thrust element 13 between a rest position (figure 4), in which the thrust element 13 is substantially fully housed in the main body 2, and a thrust position (figure 5), in which the thrust element 13 protrudes from the main body 2 to exert a thrust on the portion of door 3 facing it.

[0022] The actuator 12 is schematically shown in the attached figures and can be made in different ways. For example, the actuator 12 can comprise spring systems or gear movement systems configured to move the thrust element 13 with a force sufficient to cause opening of the door 3. The thrust provided by the opening mechanism 8, in fact, must be sufficient to move the door 3 from the stationary closed position towards the fully open position.

[0023] As illustrated in figure 5, in the non-limiting example described and illustrated here, the thrust provided by the opening mechanism 8 does not move the door very far from the stationary position. After the door 3 has undergone the thrust movement, it is arranged at a distance such as to allow quick easy movement by the user.

[0024] The position sensor 9 is configured to detect current positions Pc of a reference portion 15 of the door 3 relative to a reference portion 16 of the main body 2.

[0025] In the non-limiting example described and illustrated here, the position sensor 9 is configured to detect a parameter correlated with the distance d between the reference portion 15 of the door 3 and the reference portion 16 of the main body 2.

[0026] The position sensor 9 preferably comprises a Hall device 18 applied to one between the reference portion 15 of the door 3 and the reference portion 16 of the main body 2 and a magnet 19 applied to the other between the reference portion 15 of the door 3 and the reference portion 16 of the main body 2.

[0027] In the non-limiting example described and illustrated here, the Hall device 18 is applied to the reference portion 16 of the main body 2, while the magnet 19 is applied to the reference portion 15 of the door 3. In this way, the Hall device 18 can communicate easily with the control device 10 also arranged preferably in the main body 2.

[0028] More specifically, the Hall device 18 comprises a Hall effect magnetic field sensor and an electronic board configured to generate a voltage dependent on the magnetic field detected by the Hall effect sensor. The signal generated by the Hall device is therefore a voltage signal. When the door is closed, the voltage signal is maximum because the magnet 19 is very near the Hall device 18. The farther the door 3 moves away, the more the value of the voltage generated by the Hall device 18 decreases.

[0029] With reference to figure 6, the control device 10 is configured to receive the data detected by the position sensor 9 and selectively actuate the opening mechanism 8 based on the incoming data by means of an activation signal SA.

[0030] With reference to figure 7, the control device is configured to iteratively update a reference position RIF when the door 3 is in the stationary closed position and to actuate the opening mechanism 8 when the variation ΔP of the current position Pc relative to the reference position RIF is greater, in module, than an activation threshold ATT.

[0031] In particular, the control device is configured to calculate the reference position RIF as a function of an average M of the current positions Pc i detected in a time interval when the door 3 is in the stationary closed position (Block 30). In detail, the control device 10 is configured to calculate the average M over a number n of samples detected by the position sensor 9 in a predefined time interval (block 31) and collected by the control device 10 (block 32). The sampling frequency of the samples is settable.

[0032] Essentially, the control device 10 is configured to perform continuous calibration of the reference position RIF based on the readings Pc i collected by the position sensor 9 when the door 3 is in the stationary closed position.

[0033] The reference position RIF preferably corresponds to the average M of the n current positions Pc i detected in the time interval. In other words, RIF is preferably equal to M.

[0034] To evaluate whether the door 3 is open or closed, the control device 10 preferably verifies the open door condition (block 35).

[0035] To verify the open door condition, the control device 10 identifies an open door condition when the current position Pc i exceeds an open door threshold SAP.

[0036] Preferably, the open door threshold SAP is calculated as a function of the average M (block 36). In other words, SAP=f 1 (M).

[0037] In other words, the open door threshold SAP is continuously updated based on the average M of the n current positions Pc i detected in the time interval.

[0038] Preferably, the open door threshold SAP is equal to k · M, where k is a predefined coefficient of proportionality.

[0039] Therefore, if the open door condition is met, the control device 10 does not perform any operation, whereas if the door is closed, the control device 10 proceeds with the calibration step (blocks 30 31 32).

[0040] Preferably, also the activation threshold ATT is calculated as a function of the average M (block 36). In other words, ATT=f 2 (M).

[0041] In other words, the activation threshold ATT is continuously updated based on the average M of the n current positions Pc i detected in the time interval.

[0042] Preferably, the activation threshold ATT is defined in the specific example described and illustrated here as proportional to the average of the detected current positions, preferably by a factor 1 / n where n is, as previously specified, the number n of samples detected. In other words, ATT=M / n.

[0043] Once the threshold ATT has been updated, the control device is configured to compare the module of the detected position variation ΔP with the threshold ATT.

[0044] In other words, the control system is configured to detect whether there has been a distance variation between the door 3 and the main body 2 and calculates said detected position variation ΔP (module 37).

[0045] Preferably, the user can give an opening command CA via a pushing action on the door 3 (push-to-open) which determines a decrease in the detected position (i.e. negative detected position variation ΔP) or the user can give an opening command CA via a pull action on the door 3 (pull-to-open), which determines an increase in the detected position (i.e. positive detected position variation ΔP).

[0046] Usually, the configuration of the opening command CA to be used to obtain opening of the door 3 (PUSH version and PULL version) is predefined prior to supply of the refrigerator 1 or can be changed by the user. However, the control device 10 can operate in both modes, also simultaneously. In other words, therefore, the control device 10 is configured to actuate the opening mechanism 8 (by sending the signal SA - module 39) when the user exerts a pressure CA on the door 3 such as to determine a negative variation ΔP of the current position and greater, in module, than the activation threshold ATT and is also configured to actuate the opening mechanism 8 (by sending the signal SA - module 39) when the user exerts a pull action CA on the door 3 such as to determine a positive variation ΔP of the current position and greater, in module, than the activation threshold ATT (module 38).

[0047] In other words, a positive detected position variation ΔP corresponds to a condition in which the door 3 moves away from the main body 2 (pull action - PULL), whereas a negative detected position variation ΔP corresponds to a condition in which the door 3 moves closer to the main body 2 (push action - PUSH).

[0048] It is understood that the comparisons and calculations identified above consider the position values deriving from the detections carried out by the position sensor 9 and not the value of the signal coming directly from the position sensor 9 itself, which could change according to the type of position sensor 9 used.

[0049] For example, in the specific case of the example described here, the position sensor 9 generates a voltage signal that increases as the distance detected between the door 3 and the main body 2 decreases. Other sensors (for example of optical type) could generate a different signal that increases as the distance detected between the door 3 and the main body 2 increases.

[0050] Lastly, it is evident that modifications and variations can be made to the refrigerator and to the method described and illustrated here without departing from the protective scope of the present invention, as defined in the attached claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0012]With reference to the attached figures, figure 1 shows a portion of a refrigerator 1 according to the present invention. The refrigerator 1 is provided with a main body 2, a door 3 hinged to the main body 2 and an automatic opening system 4 configured to open the door 3 based on commands given by a user.

[0013]The portion of the refrigerator 1 illustrated and detailed in the following figures is the upper portion of the refrigerator 1 in which the automatic opening system 4 of the door 3 is preferably arranged.

[0014]It is understood that the automatic opening system 4 can be housed also in different portions of the refrigerator 1, for example in the lower portion or laterally on the side opposite the side to which the door 3 is hinged.

[0015]With reference to figures 1, 2 and 3, the main body 2 is provided with a cooling chamber 6 (partly visible in figure 3). The cooling chamber 6 is usually provided with a plurality of support elements for housing food and drinks. The refriger...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority from Italian patent application no. 102024000008626 filed on April 16, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.Technical field

[0002] The present invention concerns a refrigerator with automatic door opening and a method for controlling the automatic door opening of a refrigerator.

[0003] The technical reference field of the present invention refers to refrigeration devices, also comprising refrigerated wine display cabinets (i.e. wine coolers, wine fridges).Background

[0004] Refrigerators provided with automatic door opening systems are known. These systems are designed to facilitate opening of the door by the users, for example in large refrigerators (in which the doors are very heavy and cannot be easily opened by all users), to allow the opening of refrigerators not provided with handles or to allow the user to open the door of the refrigerator even when he / she has both hands occupied.

[0005] Said systems are based on technologies that allow opening based on pressures exerted on the door (push-to-open) or based on pull actions exerted on the refrigerator door, for example on the handle (pull-to-open).

[0006] However, the reliability of said systems often diminishes in the long term. During the life of the refrigerator, in fact, the door seals and the components of the automatic opening system of the door can deteriorate, resulting in malfunctioning of the automatic recognition of the opening commands.Description of the invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a refrigerator that is free from the drawbacks of the known art highlighted here; in particular, an object of the invention is to provide a refrigerator with automatic door opening that is able to guarantee uniform operation in the long term and usage cycles overcoming the drawbacks highlighted above in a simple inexpensive manner, in both functional and construction terms.

[0008] In accordance with these objects, the present invention concerns a refrigerator comprising: a main body provided with a cooling chamber; a door hinged to the main body and movable between a stationary closed position, in which the door closes the cooling chamber, and a fully open position; an opening mechanism configured to push the door from the stationary closed position towards the fully open position in response to an opening command given by a user; a position sensor configured to detect current positions of a reference portion of the door relative to a reference portion of the main body; a control device, configured to: iteratively update a reference position as a function of an average of the current positions detected over a time interval when the door is in the stationary closed position; actuate the opening mechanism when the variation in the current position relative to the reference position is greater, in module, than an activation threshold.

[0009] Thanks to the solution of the present invention, the control device performs continuous updating of the reference position, substantially carrying out a continuous self-calibration of the reference system for recognition of the user commands. In this way, the problems of deterioration are solved and the automatic refrigerator door opening system remains reliable also in the long term.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling the assisted opening of a refrigerator which is able to overcome the problems of the known art. In accordance with said objects, the present invention concerns a method for controlling the assisted opening of a refrigerator as claimed in claim 10.Brief description of the drawings

[0011] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear clear from the following description of a non-limiting embodiment example thereof, with reference to the figures of the attached drawings, in which: figure 1 is a perspective view of a detail of a refrigerator according to the present invention in a first operating configuration (door closed); figure 2 is a lateral view of the detail of the refrigerator of figure 1, with parts removed for clarity; figure 3 is a perspective view of the detail of the refrigerator of figure 1 in a second operating configuration (door fully open); figure 4 is a schematic view from above of the detail of figure 1 in the first operating configuration (door closed); figure 5 is a schematic view from above of the detail of figure 1 in a third operating configuration (door not fully open); figure 6 is a block diagram, which schematically represents the operation of a detail of the refrigerator according to the present invention; figure 7 is a flow chart, which schematically represents the operation of a further detail of the refrigerator according to the present invention. Disclosure of an embodiment of the invention

[0012] With reference to the attached figures, figure 1 shows a portion of a refrigerator 1 according to the present invention. The refrigerator 1 is provided with a main body 2, a door 3 hinged to the main body 2 and an automatic opening system 4 configured to open the door 3 based on commands given by a user.

[0013] The portion of the refrigerator 1 illustrated and detailed in the following figures is the upper portion of the refrigerator 1 in which the automatic opening system 4 of the door 3 is preferably arranged.

[0014] It is understood that the automatic opening system 4 can be housed also in different portions of the refrigerator 1, for example in the lower portion or laterally on the side opposite the side to which the door 3 is hinged.

[0015] With reference to figures 1, 2 and 3, the main body 2 is provided with a cooling chamber 6 (partly visible in figure 3). The cooling chamber 6 is usually provided with a plurality of support elements for housing food and drinks. The refrigerator 1 comprises a cooling system (known and not a subject of the present invention), which is not visible in the attached figures and is configured to cool the cooling chamber 6 in a controlled manner.

[0016] The door 3 is hinged to the main body 2 by means of a hinge assembly 7 and can move between a stationary closed position, in which the door 3 closes the cooling chamber 6, and a fully open position (illustrated in figure 3) in which the door 3 is arranged at a maximum angular distance from the main body 2.

[0017] The automatic opening system 4 comprises an opening mechanism 8, at least one position sensor 9 and a control device 10.

[0018] The opening mechanism 8 is configured to push the door 3 from the stationary closed position towards the fully open position in response to an opening command CA given by a user.

[0019] The opening mechanism 8 preferably comprises an actuator 12 and a thrust element 13.

[0020] The actuator 12 and the thrust element 13 are preferably housed in the main body 2. In detail, the actuator 12 and the thrust element 13 are housed in a roof portion of the main body 2.

[0021] With reference to figures 4 and 5, the actuator 12 is configured to move the thrust element 13 between a rest position (figure 4), in which the thrust element 13 is substantially fully housed in the main body 2, and a thrust position (figure 5), in which the thrust element 13 protrudes from the main body 2 to exert a thrust on the portion of door 3 facing it.

[0022] The actuator 12 is schematically shown in the attached figures and can be made in different ways. For example, the actuator 12 can comprise spring systems or gear movement systems configured to move the thrust element 13 with a force sufficient to cause opening of the door 3. The thrust provided by the opening mechanism 8, in fact, must be sufficient to move the door 3 from the stationary closed position towards the fully open position.

[0023] As illustrated in figure 5, in the non-limiting example described and illustrated here, the thrust provided by the opening mechanism 8 does not move the door very far from the stationary position. After the door 3 has undergone the thrust movement, it is arranged at a distance such as to allow quick easy movement by the user.

[0024] The position sensor 9 is configured to detect current positions Pc of a reference portion 15 of the door 3 relative to a reference portion 16 of the main body 2.

[0025] In the non-limiting example described and illustrated here, the position sensor 9 is configured to detect a parameter correlated with the distance d between the reference portion 15 of the door 3 and the reference portion 16 of the main body 2.

[0026] The position sensor 9 preferably comprises a Hall device 18 applied to one between the reference portion 15 of the door 3 and the reference portion 16 of the main body 2 and a magnet 19 applied to the other between the reference portion 15 of the door 3 and the reference portion 16 of the main body 2.

[0027] In the non-limiting example described and illustrated here, the Hall device 18 is applied to the reference portion 16 of the main body 2, while the magnet 19 is applied to the reference portion 15 of the door 3. In this way, the Hall device 18 can communicate easily with the control device 10 also arranged preferably in the main body 2.

[0028] More specifically, the Hall device 18 comprises a Hall effect magnetic field sensor and an electronic board configured to generate a voltage dependent on the magnetic field detected by the Hall effect sensor. The signal generated by the Hall device is therefore a voltage signal. When the door is closed, the voltage signal is maximum because the magnet 19 is very near the Hall device 18. The farther the door 3 moves away, the more the value of the voltage generated by the Hall device 18 decreases.

[0029] With reference to figure 6, the control device 10 is configured to receive the data detected by the position sensor 9 and selectively actuate the opening mechanism 8 based on the incoming data by means of an activation signal SA.

[0030] With reference to figure 7, the control device is configured to iteratively update a reference position RIF when the door 3 is in the stationary closed position and to actuate the opening mechanism 8 when the variation ΔP of the current position Pc relative to the reference position RIF is greater, in module, than an activation threshold ATT.

[0031] In particular, the control device is configured to calculate the reference position RIF as a function of an average M of the current positions Pc i detected in a time interval when the door 3 is in the stationary closed position (Block 30). In detail, the control device 10 is configured to calculate the average M over a number n of samples detected by the position sensor 9 in a predefined time interval (block 31) and collected by the control device 10 (block 32). The sampling frequency of the samples is settable.

[0032] Essentially, the control device 10 is configured to perform continuous calibration of the reference position RIF based on the readings Pc i collected by the position sensor 9 when the door 3 is in the stationary closed position.

[0033] The reference position RIF preferably corresponds to the average M of the n current positions Pc i detected in the time interval. In other words, RIF is preferably equal to M.

[0034] To evaluate whether the door 3 is open or closed, the control device 10 preferably verifies the open door condition (block 35).

[0035] To verify the open door condition, the control device 10 identifies an open door condition when the current position Pc i exceeds an open door threshold SAP.

[0036] Preferably, the open door threshold SAP is calculated as a function of the average M (block 36). In other words, SAP=f 1 (M).

[0037] In other words, the open door threshold SAP is continuously updated based on the average M of the n current positions Pc i detected in the time interval.

[0038] Preferably, the open door threshold SAP is equal to k · M, where k is a predefined coefficient of proportionality.

[0039] Therefore, if the open door condition is met, the control device 10 does not perform any operation, whereas if the door is closed, the control device 10 proceeds with the calibration step (blocks 30 31 32).

[0040] Preferably, also the activation threshold ATT is calculated as a function of the average M (block 36). In other words, ATT=f 2 (M).

[0041] In other words, the activation threshold ATT is continuously updated based on the average M of the n current positions Pc i detected in the time interval.

[0042] Preferably, the activation threshold ATT is defined in the specific example described and illustrated here as proportional to the average of the detected current positions, preferably by a factor 1 / n where n is, as previously specified, the number n of samples detected. In other words, ATT=M / n.

[0043] Once the threshold ATT has been updated, the control device is configured to compare the module of the detected position variation ΔP with the threshold ATT.

[0044] In other words, the control system is configured to detect whether there has been a distance variation between the door 3 and the main body 2 and calculates said detected position variation ΔP (module 37).

[0045] Preferably, the user can give an opening command CA via a pushing action on the door 3 (push-to-open) which determines a decrease in the detected position (i.e. negative detected position variation ΔP) or the user can give an opening command CA via a pull action on the door 3 (pull-to-open), which determines an increase in the detected position (i.e. positive detected position variation ΔP).

[0046] Usually, the configuration of the opening command CA to be used to obtain opening of the door 3 (PUSH version and PULL version) is predefined prior to supply of the refrigerator 1 or can be changed by the user. However, the control device 10 can operate in both modes, also simultaneously. In other words, therefore, the control device 10 is configured to actuate the opening mechanism 8 (by sending the signal SA - module 39) when the user exerts a pressure CA on the door 3 such as to determine a negative variation ΔP of the current position and greater, in module, than the activation threshold ATT and is also configured to actuate the opening mechanism 8 (by sending the signal SA - module 39) when the user exerts a pull action CA on the door 3 such as to determine a positive variation ΔP of the current position and greater, in module, than the activation threshold ATT (module 38).

[0047] In other words, a positive detected position variation ΔP corresponds to a condition in which the door 3 moves away from the main body 2 (pull action - PULL), whereas a negative detected position variation ΔP corresponds to a condition in which the door 3 moves closer to the main body 2 (push action - PUSH).

[0048] It is understood that the comparisons and calculations identified above consider the position values deriving from the detections carried out by the position sensor 9 and not the value of the signal coming directly from the position sensor 9 itself, which could change according to the type of position sensor 9 used.

[0049] For example, in the specific case of the example described here, the position sensor 9 generates a voltage signal that increases as the distance detected between the door 3 and the main body 2 decreases. Other sensors (for example of optical type) could generate a different signal that increases as the distance detected between the door 3 and the main body 2 increases.

[0050] Lastly, it is evident that modifications and variations can be made to the refrigerator and to the method described and illustrated here without departing from the protective scope of the present invention, as defined in the attached claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0012]With reference to the attached figures, figure 1 shows a portion of a refrigerator 1 according to the present invention. The refrigerator 1 is provided with a main body 2, a door 3 hinged to the main body 2 and an automatic opening system 4 configured to open the door 3 based on commands given by a user.

[0013]The portion of the refrigerator 1 illustrated and detailed in the following figures is the upper portion of the refrigerator 1 in which the automatic opening system 4 of the door 3 is preferably arranged.

[0014]It is understood that the automatic opening system 4 can be housed also in different portions of the refrigerator 1, for example in the lower portion or laterally on the side opposite the side to which the door 3 is hinged.

[0015]With reference to figures 1, 2 and 3, the main body 2 is provided with a cooling chamber 6 (partly visible in figure 3). The cooling chamber 6 is usually provided with a plurality of support elements for housing food and drinks. The refriger...

Claims

1. Refrigerator (1) comprising: • a main body (2) provided with a cooling chamber (6); • a door (3) hinged to the main body (2) and movable between a stationary closed position, in which the door (3) closes the cooling chamber (6), and a fully open position; • an opening mechanism (8) configured to push the door (3) from the stationary closed position towards the fully open position in response to an opening command (CA) given by a user; • a position sensor (9) configured to detect current positions (Pci) of a reference portion (15) of the door (3) relative to a reference portion (16) of the main body (2); • a control device (10), configured to: iteratively update a reference position (RIF) as a function of an average (M) of the current positions (Pci) detected over a time interval when the door (3) is in the stationary closed position; actuate the opening mechanism (8) when the variation of the current position (ΔP) from the reference position (RIF) is greater, in module, than an activation threshold (ATT).

2. Refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the activation threshold (ATT) is a function of the average (M) of the current positions (Pci) detected.

3. Refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the activation threshold (ATT) is proportional to the average (M) of the current positions (Pci) detected.

4. Refrigerator according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the average (M) is calculated over a number (n) of samples; the activation threshold (ATT) being proportional to the average (M) of the current positions (Pci) detected by a factor of 1 / n.

5. Refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the reference position (RIF) is the average (M) of the current detected positions (Pci).

6. Refrigerator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (10) is configured to actuate the opening mechanism (8) when the user exerts a pressure on the door (3) such that the variation of the current position (ΔP) is negative and exceeds, in module, the activation threshold (ATT).

7. Refrigerator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (10) is configured to actuate the opening mechanism (8) when the user exerts a pull on the door (3) such that the variation of the current position (ΔP) is positive and exceeds, in module, the activation threshold (ATT).

8. Refrigerator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (10) is configured to: - determine an open door threshold (SAP) as a function of the mean (M); - identify an open door condition when the current position (Pci) exceeds the open door threshold (SAP).

9. Refrigerator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the position sensor (9) comprises a Hall device (18) applied to one between the reference portion (15) of the door (3) and the reference portion (16) of the main body (2) and a magnet (19) applied to the other between the reference portion (15) of the door (3) and the reference portion (16) of the main body (2).

10. Method for controlling the automatic door opening of a refrigerator (1); the refrigerator (1) comprising: • a main body (2) provided with a cooling chamber (6); • a door (3) hinged to the main body (2) and movable between a stationary closed position, in which the door (3) closes the cooling chamber (6), and a fully open position; • an opening mechanism (8) configured to push the door (3) from the stationary closed position towards the fully open position in response to an opening command (CA) given by a user; • a position sensor (9) configured to detect current positions (Pci) of a reference portion (15) of the door (3) relative to a reference portion (16) of the main body (2); the method comprising: - iteratively updating a reference position (RIF) as a function of an average (M) of the current positions (Pci) detected over a time interval when the door (3) is in the stationary closed position; - actuating the opening mechanism (8) when the variation of the current position (ΔP) from the reference position (RIF) is greater, in module, than an activation threshold (ATT).

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the activation threshold (ATT) is a function of the average (M) of the current positions (Pci) detected.

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the activation threshold (ATT) is proportional to the average (M) of the current positions (Pci) detected.

13. Method according to anyone of claims 10 to 12, wherein the average (M) is calculated over a number (n) of samples; the activation threshold (ATT) being proportional to the average (M) of the current positions (Pci) detected by a factor of 1 / n.

14. Method according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the reference position (RIF) is the average (M) of the current positions (Pci) detected.

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