Refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator which can achieve improvement of convenience.SOLUTION: A refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a housing, a door, a door driving device, and a control unit. The housing includes a storage chamber. The door may close an opening of the storage chamber. The driving device includes: a driving part which may output driving force for moving the door; and a transmission part which may transmit the driving force to the door. The control unit controls the door driving device. The door driving device may transmit the driving force to the door at least in one opening position which is a half of a maximum opening degree of the door or larger. The door driving device is brought into a state where manual opening / closing of the door is allowed when not energized. The control unit drives the driving part to move the door when receiving a command from a user and when predetermined conditions related to an event different from reception of the command from the user are met.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] Refrigerators are known that automatically open the door when an instruction from a user is received. By the way, further improvement in convenience is expected for refrigerators.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of improving convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The refrigerator according to the embodiment includes a housing, a door, a door driving device, and a control unit. The housing includes a storage compartment. The door can close the opening of the storage compartment. The door driving device includes a driving unit capable of outputting a driving force for moving the door and a transmission unit capable of transmitting the driving force to the door. The control unit controls the driving device. The door driving device can transmit the driving force to the door at at least one opening position that is half or more of the maximum opening amount of the door. When not energized, the door driving device is in a state that allows manual opening and closing of the door. The control unit drives the driving unit to move the door when an instruction from a user is received and when a predetermined condition is satisfied due to an event different from the user's instruction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, the refrigerator of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to configurations having the same or similar functions. And the overlapping descriptions of those configurations may be omitted. In the present application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX", and may include cases based on other elements in addition to XX. Also, "based on XX" is not limited to the case directly based on XX, and may include cases based on those obtained by performing operations or processing on XX. In the present application, "XX or YY" is not limited to either one of XX and YY, and may include both cases of XX and YY. This is the same when there are three or more selectable elements. XX and YY are arbitrary elements (for example, arbitrary information). In the present application, the up, down, left, and right are defined based on the direction in which the user stands in front of the refrigerator and views the refrigerator. In the present application, when viewed from the refrigerator, the side closer to the user standing in front of the refrigerator is defined as "front", and the side farther from the user standing in front of the refrigerator is defined as "rear".

[0008] (Embodiment) <1. Overall Configuration of the Refrigerator> <1.1 External Configuration of the Refrigerator> First, the overall configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator 1. The refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a housing 10 and a plurality of doors 20.

[0009] The housing 10 is a box-shaped member that forms the outer shell of the refrigerator 1. The housing 10 contains a foamed heat insulating material such as urethane foam and has heat insulating properties. Inside the housing 10, a plurality of storage compartments 11 are provided. The plurality of storage compartments 11 include, for example, a refrigerating compartment 11A, a vegetable compartment 11B, an ice-making compartment 11C, a small freezing compartment 11D, and a main freezing compartment 11E. The refrigerating compartment 11A is cooled to a refrigerating compartment temperature range with an average temperature of about 2°C to 6°C, for example. The vegetable compartment 11B is cooled to a vegetable compartment temperature range with an average temperature of about 3°C to 7°C, for example. The ice-making compartment 11C, the small freezing compartment 11D, and the main freezing compartment 11E are cooled to a freezing compartment temperature range with an average temperature of about -20°C to -18°C, for example. Note that the refrigerator 1 may have a temperature switching compartment with a variable temperature range instead of the small freezing compartment 11D.

[0010] In the present embodiment, the refrigerating compartment 11A is arranged at the uppermost part, the vegetable compartment 11B is arranged below the refrigerating compartment 11A, the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezing compartment 11D are arranged below the vegetable compartment 11B, and the main freezing compartment 11E is arranged below the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezing compartment 11D. However, the arrangement of the storage compartments 11 is not limited to the above example. For example, the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezing compartment 11D may be arranged below the refrigerating compartment 11A, the vegetable compartment 11B may be arranged below the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezing compartment 11D, and the main freezing compartment 11E may be arranged below the vegetable compartment 11B. The housing 10 has an opening on the front side of each storage compartment 11 to allow food to be put in and taken out of each storage compartment 11.

[0011] The housing 10 has a first partition wall 15 and a second partition wall 16 as partition walls that partition the plurality of storage compartments 11 (see FIG. 2). Each of the first partition wall 15 and the second partition wall 16 is a partition wall along a substantially horizontal direction. The first partition wall 15 is located between the refrigerating compartment 11A and the vegetable compartment 11B and partitions between the refrigerating compartment 11A and the vegetable compartment 11B. The second partition wall 16 is located between the vegetable compartment 11B and the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezing compartment 11D and partitions between the vegetable compartment 11B and the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezing compartment 11D.

[0012] The plurality of storage chambers 11 are closably closed by a plurality of doors 20. The plurality of doors 20 include, for example, left and right refrigerator doors 20Aa, 20Ab, a vegetable compartment door 20B, an ice-making compartment door 20C, a small freezer door 20D, and a main freezer door 20E. The refrigerator doors 20Aa, 20Ab are disposed in front of the opening of the refrigerator compartment 11A and can close the opening of the refrigerator compartment 11A. The refrigerator doors 20Aa, 20Ab are, for example, French doors (butterfly doors, hinged doors). The left refrigerator door 20Aa is attached to the left end of the housing 10 via a hinge shaft 21A (see FIG. 3) along, for example, the vertical direction. The left refrigerator door 20Aa is rotatable in the horizontal direction about the hinge shaft 21A. The right refrigerator door 20Ab is attached to the right end of the housing 10 via a hinge shaft 21B (see FIG. 3) along, for example, the vertical direction. The right refrigerator door 20Ab is rotatable in the horizontal direction about the hinge shaft 21B. The dimension (for example, the lateral width dimension Wa) of the right refrigerator door 20Ab is larger than the dimension (for example, the lateral width dimension Wb) of the left refrigerator door 20Aa.

[0013] Hereinafter, when the left refrigerator door 20Aa and the right refrigerator door 20Ab are not distinguished from each other, they are referred to as "refrigerator door 20A". In the present application, "capable of closing the opening" means capable of closing at least a part of the opening. That is, "capable of closing the opening" is not limited to being capable of closing the entire opening, and may also apply to the case where only a part of the opening can be closed. Also hereinafter, when the hinge shaft 21A and the hinge shaft 21B are not distinguished from each other, they are referred to as "hinge shaft 21".

[0014] The vegetable compartment door 20B is arranged in front of the vegetable compartment 11B and can close the opening of the vegetable compartment 11B. The ice-making compartment door 20C is arranged in front of the ice-making compartment 11C and can close the opening of the ice-making compartment 11C. The small freezer compartment door 20D is arranged in front of the small freezer compartment 11D and closes the opening of the small freezer compartment 11D. The main freezer compartment door 20E is arranged in front of the main freezer compartment 11E and closes the opening of the main freezer compartment 11E. Each of the vegetable compartment door 20B, the ice-making compartment door 20C, the small freezer compartment door 20D, and the main freezer compartment door 20E is, for example, a drawer door that can be pulled out in front of the refrigerator 1. Each of the vegetable compartment door 20B, the ice-making compartment door 20C, the small freezer compartment door 20D, and the main freezer compartment door 20E linearly moves in the front-rear direction with respect to the opening of the storage compartment 11.

[0015] <1.2 Internal Structure of the Refrigerator> Next, the internal structure of the refrigerator 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F2-F2 of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 1. The refrigerator 1 includes, for example, an air duct forming component 30 and a cooling component 40.

[0016] (Air Duct Forming Component) The air duct forming component 30 includes a refrigerating air duct component 31 and a freezing air duct component 32. The refrigerating air duct component 31 is provided inside the housing 10 and extends vertically along the rear wall of the housing 10. The refrigerating air duct component 31 forms an air duct G1, which is a passage through which cold air (air) flows, near the rear wall of the housing 10.

[0017] The refrigerating air duct component 31 has a cold air outlet 31a and a cold air return port 31b. The cold air outlet 31a opens into the refrigerating compartment 11A and supplies the cold air cooled by a refrigerating cooler 41 described later to the refrigerating compartment 11A. The cold air return port 31b opens into the vegetable compartment 11B and guides the cold air that has passed through the refrigerating compartment 11A or the vegetable compartment 11B into the air duct G1.

[0018] The refrigeration air duct component 32 is provided inside the housing 10 and extends vertically along the rear wall of the housing 10. The refrigeration air duct component 32 forms an air duct G2, which is a passage through which cold air (air) flows, near the rear wall of the housing 10. The refrigeration air duct component 32 has a cold air outlet 32a and a cold air return port 32b. The cold air outlet 32a supplies the cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 43 described later to the ice making chamber 11C, the small refrigerating chamber 11D, and the main refrigerating chamber 11E. The cold air return port 32b opens at the lower part of the main refrigerating chamber 11E and guides the cold air that has passed through one or more of the ice making chamber 11C, the small refrigerating chamber 11D, and the main refrigerating chamber 11E to the air duct G2.

[0019] (Cooling section) The cooling section 40 includes, for example, a refrigerating cooler 41, a refrigerating blower 42, a refrigeration cooler 43, a refrigeration blower 44, and a compressor 45. The refrigerating cooler 41 and the refrigerating blower 42 are arranged in the air duct G1. The refrigerating cooler 41 is supplied with the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 45 and cools the cold air flowing through the air duct G1. When the refrigerating blower 42 is driven, the cold air cooled by the refrigerating cooler 41 is supplied from the cold air outlet 31a to the refrigerating chamber 11A. Then, the cold air heated in the refrigerating chamber 11A or the vegetable chamber 11B returns to the air duct G1 from the cold air return port 31b.

[0020] The refrigeration cooler 43 and the refrigeration blower 44 are arranged in the air duct G2. The refrigeration cooler 43 is supplied with the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 45 and cools the cold air flowing through the air duct G2. When the refrigeration blower 44 is driven, the cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 43 is supplied from the cold air outlet 32a to the ice making chamber 11C, the small refrigerating chamber 11D, or the main refrigerating chamber 11E. Then, the cold air heated in the ice making chamber 11C, the small refrigerating chamber 11D, or the main refrigerating chamber 11E returns to the air duct G2 from the cold air return port 32b.

[0021] <1.3 Operation detection unit> Next, the operation detection unit 50 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 has operation detection units 50Aa, 50Ab, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E as a plurality of operation detection units 50.

[0022] The operation detection unit 50Aa is provided on the left refrigerator door 20Aa. The operation detection unit 50Aa can detect a predetermined operation (such as a touch operation) of the user U for opening or closing the left refrigerator door 20Aa by a door drive device 60Aa described later. The operation detection unit 50Ab is provided on the right refrigerator door 20Ab. The operation detection unit 50Ab can detect a predetermined operation (such as a touch operation) of the user U for opening or closing the right refrigerator door 20Ab by a door drive device 60Ab described later. Hereinafter, when the operation detection unit 50Aa and the operation detection unit 50Ab are not distinguished, they are referred to as "operation detection unit 50A".

[0023] The operation detection unit 50B is provided on the vegetable compartment door 20B. The operation detection unit 50B can detect a predetermined operation (such as a touch operation) of the user U for opening or closing the vegetable compartment door 20B by a door drive device 60B described later. The operation detection unit 50C is provided on the ice making compartment door 20C. The operation detection unit 50C can detect a predetermined operation (such as a touch operation) of the user U for opening or closing the ice making compartment door 20C by a door drive device 60C described later. The operation detection unit 50D is provided on the small freezer door 20D. The operation detection unit 50D can detect a predetermined operation (such as a touch operation) of the user U for opening or closing the small freezer door 20D by a door drive device 60D described later. The operation detection unit 50E is provided on the main freezer door 20E. The main freezer door 20E can detect a predetermined operation (such as a touch operation) of the user U for opening or closing the main freezer door 20E by a door drive device 60E described later. Hereinafter, when the operation detection units 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, and 50E are not distinguished from each other, they are referred to as "operation detection unit 50".

[0024] The operation detection unit 50 includes, for example, a capacitance sensor and a sensor control unit that determines whether or not the detection result of the capacitance by the capacitance sensor exceeds a threshold value. When the detection result of the capacitance by the capacitance sensor exceeds the threshold value, the sensor control unit outputs a signal indicating that a predetermined operation (for example, a touch operation) of the user U has been detected to a control unit 103 described later. Note that the operation detection unit 50 may have an infrared sensor or another sensor capable of detecting a predetermined operation of the user U instead of / in addition to the capacitance sensor, or may have a physical operation unit such as a switch or a button.

[0025] <1.4 Door driving device> Next, the door driving device 60 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 has door driving devices 60Aa, 60Ab, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E as a plurality of door driving devices 60.

[0026] (Door driving device for the refrigerator door) FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the ceiling portion of the refrigerator 1. The door driving device 60Aa is a driving device that moves the left refrigerator door 20Aa so as to open or close the left refrigerator door 20Aa based on the control of a control unit 103 described later. The door driving device 60Aa is provided, for example, on the upper wall of the housing 10 and is disposed behind the upper end portion of the left refrigerator door 20Aa. The door driving device 60Aa is connected to the hinge shaft 21A.

[0027] The door driving device 60Ab is a driving device that moves the right refrigerator door 20Ab so as to open or close the right refrigerator door 20Ab based on the control of a control unit 103 described later. The door driving device 60Ab is provided, for example, on the upper wall of the housing 10 and is disposed behind the upper end portion of the right refrigerator door 20Ab. The door driving device 60Ab is connected to the hinge shaft 21B. Hereinafter, when the left door driving device 60Aa and the right door driving device 60Ab are not distinguished, they are referred to as "door driving device 60A".

[0028] The door drive device 60A includes, for example, a drive unit 71 and a transmission unit 72. The drive unit 71 is a device capable of outputting a driving force for moving the refrigerator door 20A. In the present embodiment, the drive unit 71 is a device that becomes a non-release state (for example, a linked state, a locked state) when energized and becomes a release state (for example, a non-linked state) when de-energized. The "non-release state" means, for example, a state in which the drive source (for example, the motor body) of the drive unit 71 and the door 20 are linked via the transmission unit 72, and the driving force of the drive unit 71 can be transmitted to the door 20. In the "non-release state", the position of the door 20 is determined by the drive unit 71, and the movement (for example, opening and closing) of the door 20 by an external force (for example, manual) is restricted. On the other hand, the "release state" means, for example, a state in which the linked state between the drive source (for example, the motor body) of the drive unit 71 and the door 20 is released. In the "release state", the movement (for example, opening and closing) of the door 20 by an external force (for example, manual) is permitted.

[0029] In the present embodiment, the drive unit 71 is a clutch motor. The drive unit 71 has, for example, a motor body 71a as a drive source and an electromagnetic clutch 71b (coupling mechanism) provided integrally with the motor body 71a. The electromagnetic clutch 71b connects the motor body 71a and the transmission unit 72 when energized and releases the connection state between the motor body 71a and the transmission unit 72 when de-energized.

[0030] Note that the drive unit 71 is not limited to a clutch motor. The drive unit 71 may have a configuration including an electric motor and an electromagnetic clutch provided as a separate component from the electric motor and disposed between the electric motor and the transmission unit 72. Further, the drive unit 71 may be a solenoid or other actuator instead of the electric motor. Also, a configuration that switches the state between the drive unit 71 and the refrigerator door 20A, such as an electromagnetic clutch, between a connected state and a non-connected state (a configuration that permits the opening and closing of the door 20 by an external force when de-energized) may be provided as a part of the transmission unit 72 described later instead of being provided as a part of the drive unit 71.

[0031] The transmission unit 72 is a mechanism that transmits the driving force output from the driving unit 71 to the refrigerator door 20A. In the present embodiment, the transmission unit 72 includes, for example, a plurality of pulleys 72a and one or more belts 72b. One pulley 72a is connected to the driving unit 71 and is driven by the driving unit 71. Another pulley 72a is connected to the hinge shaft 21. The belt 72b is attached to the plurality of pulleys 72a so as to interlock the two pulleys 72a described above. Note that the transmission unit 72 may have a gear transmission mechanism or another power transmission mechanism instead of the pulleys 72a and the belt 72b.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the transmission unit 72 can transmit the driving force of the driving unit 71 to the refrigerator door 20A at at least one opening position that is half or more of the maximum opening amount of the refrigerator door 20A. For example, the transmission unit 72 can transmit the driving force of the driving unit 71 to the refrigerator door 20A at all opening positions (all opening angles) within the range up to the maximum opening amount of the refrigerator door 20A.

[0033] (Door drive device for vegetable compartment door, ice making compartment door, small freezer compartment door, main freezer compartment door) As shown in FIG. 1, the door drive device 60B is provided adjacent to the vegetable compartment door 20B and is a drive device that moves the vegetable compartment door 20B to open or close the vegetable compartment door 20B based on the control of the control unit 103 described later. The door drive device 60C is provided adjacent to the ice making compartment door 20C and is a drive device that moves the ice making compartment door 20C to open or close the ice making compartment door 20C based on the control of the control unit 103 described later. The door drive device 60D is provided adjacent to the small freezer compartment door 20D and is a drive device that moves the small freezer compartment door 20D to open or close the small freezer compartment door 20D based on the control of the control unit 103 described later. The door drive device 60E is provided adjacent to the main freezer compartment door 20E and is a drive device that moves the main freezer compartment door 20E to open or close the main freezer compartment door 20E based on the control of the control unit 103 described later.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the door driving device 60E. Hereinafter, the door driving device 60E will be described in detail as a representative. Note that the door driving devices 60B, 60C, and 60D have the same configuration as the door driving device 60E described below.

[0035] The housing 10 is provided with a slide rail SR1 for supporting the main freezer door 20E and guiding the main freezer door 20E in the moving direction (the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1). The main freezer door 20E has a slide rail SR2. The slide rail SR2 of the main freezer door 20E is placed on the slide rail SR1 of the housing 10 and is guided in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1 along the slide rail SR1.

[0036] The door driving device 60E includes, for example, a driving unit 75 and a transmission unit 76. The driving unit 75 is a device capable of outputting a driving force for moving the main freezer door 20E. In the present embodiment, the driving unit 75 is, for example, a device that becomes in a non-release state (linked state, locked state) when energized and becomes in an open state (non-linked state) when not energized. The driving unit 75 is, for example, a clutch motor, but various other devices can be applied in the same manner as the driving unit 71.

[0037] The transmission unit 76 is a mechanism that transmits the driving force output from the driving unit 75 to the main freezer door 20E. In the present embodiment, the transmission unit 76 includes a plurality of pulleys 76a, one or more belts 76b, and a connecting portion 76c. One pulley 76a is arranged at the rear end portion of the refrigerator 1 and is connected to the driving unit 75 and is driven by the driving unit 75. Another pulley 76a is arranged at the front end portion of the refrigerator 1. The belt 76b is attached to the two pulleys 76a described above. The connecting portion 76c is fixed to a part of the belt 76b. The connecting portion 76c connects the belt 76b and the main freezer door 20E. Thereby, when the belt 76b is driven by the driving unit 75, the main freezer door 20E moves in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the transmission unit 76 can transmit the driving force of the driving unit 75 to the main refrigerator door 20E at at least one opening position that is equal to or greater than half of the maximum opening amount of the main refrigerator door 20E. For example, the transmission unit 76 can transmit the driving force of the driving unit 75 to the main refrigerator door 20E at all opening positions within the range up to the maximum opening amount of the main refrigerator door 20E.

[0039] As described above, the door driving devices 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, and 60E have been explained. Note that each of the door driving devices 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, and 60E is not limited to a configuration that can move the door 20 in both the opening direction and the closing direction of the door 20, and may also be a configuration that can move the door 20 in only one of the opening direction and the closing direction of the door 20. Further, each of the door driving devices 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, and 60E may be a device used in combination with another door driving device (for example, a solenoid type door opening device or door closing device).

[0040] <1.5 Operation Unit> Next, the operation unit 90 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerator 1 has an operation unit 90. The operation unit 90 receives setting operations of the user U related to the refrigerator 1. The operation unit 90 may be a physical operation unit including one or more buttons, switches, or dials, or may be an operation unit including a display and a touch sensor arranged on top of the display. The operation unit 90 is provided, for example, inside the housing 10 (for example, on the inner surface of the refrigerating chamber 11A). Instead of / In addition to this, the operation unit 90 may be provided on the surface of the refrigerator door 20A or the like.

[0041] In this embodiment, the operation unit 90 can receive the setting of the target opening amount of the door 20 by the door driving device 60. The "target opening amount" is a specified value (target value) of the opening amount of the door 20 when the door 20 is opened by the door driving device 60. The "target opening amount" can be set stepwise, for example, as 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, 120 degrees, 150 degrees, or as 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, with respect to the closed position that closes the opening of the storage compartment 11, or it may be set by inputting an arbitrary angle or distance. Note that the target opening amount of each door 20 may be set using a terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator 1 or a terminal device capable of communicating with a server that manages the refrigerator 1, instead of / in addition to the operation unit 90 of the refrigerator 1. These terminal devices are, for example, portable terminal devices (such as smartphones) that can be used by the user U independently of the refrigerator 1. The setting information indicating the target opening amount of each door 20 is stored in the storage unit 190 as part of the control use information 191.

[0042] <1.6 Control device> Next, the control device 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerator 1 includes a control device 100. The control device 100 is a device that controls the refrigerator 1. The control device 100 includes, for example, a circuit board and electronic components mounted on the circuit board. The control device 100 controls the entire refrigerator 1 comprehensively. For example, the control device 100 controls the refrigeration blower 42, the freezing blower 44, the compressor 45, etc., based on the detection results of various sensors included in the refrigerator 1 and the control use information 191 stored in the storage unit 190.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to the control device 100. The control device 100 includes, for example, an instruction reception unit 101, a state determination unit 102, and a control unit 103. These functional units are realized by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on the refrigerator 1 executing a program. However, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware. Details of these functional units will be described later.

[0044] <1.7 Other configurations> In addition to the above-described configuration, the refrigerator 1 has a plurality of door open sensors 110, a plurality of opening amount sensors 120, a plurality of temperature sensors 130, an alarm 180, and a storage unit 190.

[0045] (Door open sensor) The plurality of door open sensors 110 include, for example, a left refrigerator compartment door open sensor 110Aa capable of detecting the opening / closing state of the left refrigerator compartment door 20Aa, a right refrigerator compartment door open sensor 110Ab capable of detecting the opening / closing state of the right refrigerator compartment door 20Ab, a vegetable compartment door open sensor 110B capable of detecting the opening / closing state of the vegetable compartment door 20B, an ice making compartment door open sensor 110C capable of detecting the opening / closing state of the ice making compartment door 20C, a small freezer compartment door open sensor 110D capable of detecting the opening / closing state of the small freezer compartment door 20D, and a main freezer compartment door open sensor 110E capable of detecting the opening / closing state of the main freezer compartment door 20E. Hereinafter, when not distinguishing between these door open sensors 110Aa, 110Ab, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, they are referred to as "door open sensor 110". Each door open sensor 110 is, for example, a switch disposed between the housing 10 and the door 20. Each door open sensor 110 is an example of a "detection unit".

[0046] (Opening amount sensor) The plurality of opening amount sensors 120 includes, for example, a left refrigerator door opening amount sensor 120Aa capable of detecting the opening amount of the left refrigerator door 20Aa, a right refrigerator door opening amount sensor 120Ab capable of detecting the opening amount of the right refrigerator door 20Ab, a vegetable compartment door opening amount sensor 120B capable of detecting the opening amount of the vegetable compartment door 20B, an ice making compartment door opening amount sensor 120C capable of detecting the opening amount of the ice making compartment door 20C, a small freezer compartment door opening amount sensor 120D capable of detecting the opening amount of the small freezer compartment door 20D, and a main freezer compartment door opening amount sensor 120E capable of detecting the opening amount of the main freezer compartment door 20E. Hereinafter, when not distinguishing these opening amount sensors 120Aa, 120Ab, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, they are referred to as "opening amount sensor 120".

[0047] The opening amount sensor 120 is, for example, a rotation amount sensor (such as a rotary encoder) capable of detecting the rotation amount of the drive unit 71 or the drive unit 75, a rotation amount sensor (such as a rotary encoder) capable of detecting the rotation amount of the transmission unit 72, the transmission unit 76, or the hinge shaft 21, or a displacement sensor capable of detecting the linear movement amount of the door 20. However, the configuration of the opening amount sensor 120 is not limited to the above example. The opening amount sensor 120 is an example of a "detection unit".

[0048] (Temperature sensor) The plurality of temperature sensors 130 includes, for example, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 131 capable of detecting the air temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11A and a freezer compartment temperature sensor 132 capable of detecting the air temperature of the main freezer compartment 11E. Hereinafter, when not distinguishing these temperature sensors 131, 132, they are referred to as "temperature sensor 130". In the present embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 11A and the vegetable compartment 11B are connected inside the housing 10. Therefore, the temperature state of the vegetable compartment 11B can be detected through the temperature state of the refrigerator compartment 11A. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the main freezer compartment 11E, the ice making compartment 11C, and the small freezer compartment 11D are connected inside the housing 10. Therefore, the temperature state of the ice making compartment 11C or the small freezer compartment 11D can be detected through the temperature state of the main freezer compartment 11E. In addition to the above example, the temperature sensor 130 may be individually provided in the vegetable compartment 11B, the ice making compartment 11C, or the small freezer compartment 11D.

[0049] (Alarm) The notifier 180 is a device that performs various notifications to the user U. The notifier 180 is, for example, a voice output device capable of outputting voice guidance, or a buzzer capable of emitting a warning sound. Note that the notifier 180 may also be a display device having a display screen capable of displaying various information, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0050] (Memory unit) The memory unit 190 is realized, for example, by a combination of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory unit 190 stores various information. The memory unit 190 stores, for example, control information 191 and defect history information 192 described later. The control information 191 includes information defining the contents of various control modes of the refrigerator 1, as well as set values and threshold values used for various controls. The defect history information 192 records the history of defects (including various errors) that have occurred in the refrigerator 1.

[0051] <2. Processing of the control device> Next, the processing of the control device 100 will be described.

[0052] <2.1 Instruction reception unit> The instruction reception unit 101 receives an instruction from the user U regarding the opening and closing of the door 20. For example, when the instruction reception unit 101 detects that the door 20 is in the closed state by the door open sensor 110 and a predetermined operation (e.g., a touch operation) of the user U is detected by the operation detection unit 50 provided on the door 20, the instruction reception unit 101 receives the predetermined operation of the user U as an instruction to open the door 20. On the other hand, when the instruction reception unit 101 detects that the door 20 is in the open state by the door open sensor 110 and a predetermined operation (e.g., a touch operation) of the user U is detected by the operation detection unit 50 provided on the door 20, the instruction reception unit 101 receives the predetermined operation of the user U as an instruction to close the door 20.

[0053] <2.2 State determination unit> The state determination unit 102 determines whether a predetermined condition that is set in advance for opening or closing the door 20 by the door driving device 60 and that is different from the instruction of the user U is satisfied. The above-mentioned predetermined condition is, for example, one or more of “predetermined condition related to the half-open door”, “predetermined condition related to the movement state of the door”, “predetermined condition related to the interruption of power supply”, and “predetermined condition related to the open state of a plurality of doors”.

[0054] (Determination of the predetermined condition related to the half-open door) The state determination unit 102 determines, for example, whether a predetermined condition related to the half-open door of the door 20 (for example, a predetermined condition in which the half-open door is suspected, predetermined condition A) is satisfied. “Half-open door” means a state in which the opening of the storage chamber 11 is not blocked by the door 20.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the state determination unit 102 determines whether a predetermined condition in which the half-open door of the door 20 is suspected is satisfied based on the detection result of the door open sensor 110 and the detection result of the temperature sensor 130. For example, when the temperature of the storage chamber 11 does not show a predetermined behavior (for example, when the temperature of the storage chamber 11 does not drop to the target temperature within a predetermined time even when the cooling operation by the cooling unit 40 is executed) while the door open sensor 110 detects that the door 20 is in the closed state, the state determination unit 102 determines that the predetermined condition in which the half-open door is suspected is satisfied.

[0056] In another example, the state determination unit 102 may determine whether a predetermined condition in which the half-open door of the door 20 is suspected is satisfied based on the detection result of the opening amount sensor 120 and the detection result of the temperature sensor 130. For example, when the temperature of the storage chamber 11 does not show a predetermined behavior (for example, when the temperature of the storage chamber 11 does not drop to the target temperature within a predetermined time even when the cooling operation by the cooling unit 40 is executed) while the opening amount sensor 120 detects that the opening amount of the door 20 is zero, the state determination unit 102 may determine that the predetermined condition in which the half-open door is suspected is satisfied.

[0057] In another example, the state determination unit 102 may determine whether a predetermined condition under which the half door of the door 20 is suspected is satisfied based on the detection result of the door open sensor 110 and the detection result of the opening amount sensor 120. For example, when the opening amount sensor 120 detects that the opening amount of the door 20 is zero and the door open sensor 110 detects the open state of the door 20, or when the opening amount sensor 120 detects that the opening amount of the door 20 is not zero and the door open sensor 110 detects the closed state of the door 20, the state determination unit 102 may determine that the predetermined condition under which the half door is suspected is satisfied.

[0058] In another example, when the detection result of the door open sensor 110 indicates an open state for a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes or more) or longer, the state determination unit 102 may determine that the predetermined condition under which the half door is suspected is satisfied.

[0059] In addition to or instead of the above-described examples, the state determination unit 102 may determine whether a predetermined condition under which the half door is suspected is satisfied by the method described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-181367. The entire content of the above document is incorporated herein by reference.

[0060] (Determination of Predetermined Conditions Regarding the Movement State of the Door) The state determination unit 102 determines, for example, whether a predetermined condition (predetermined condition B) regarding the movement state of the door 20 is satisfied. The "predetermined condition regarding the movement state" is a predetermined condition regarding a state in which something obstructs the movement of the door 20 when the door 20 moves in the opening or closing direction. For example, the "predetermined condition regarding the movement state" is a predetermined condition regarding a state in which an object (for example, food) is caught on the door 20 when the door 20 is moved, or a state in which an object (for example, food) is sandwiched between the door 20 and the housing 10 when the door 20 moves in the closing direction.

[0061] In this embodiment, the state determination unit 102 determines whether a predetermined condition regarding the movement state of the door 20 is satisfied based on the load of the drive unit 71 or the drive unit 75 (for example, the amount of current flowing through the drive unit 71 or the drive unit 75). For example, when moving the door 20, the state determination unit 102 determines that a predetermined condition regarding the movement state of the door 20 is satisfied if the load (for example, the amount of current) of the drive unit 71 or the drive unit 75 is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0062] In another example, the state determination unit 102 may determine whether a predetermined condition under which an object is suspected of being pinched between the door 20 and the housing 10 is satisfied based on the control result regarding the movement of the door 20 (for example, the content of the control command for the drive unit 71 or the drive unit 75) and the detection result of the door open sensor 110. For example, when the door open sensor 110 does not detect the closed state of the door 20 even though a control command for driving the drive unit 71 or the drive unit 75 in the closing direction of the door 20 by a required amount or more is output, the state determination unit 102 may determine that a predetermined condition regarding the movement state of the door 20 is satisfied.

[0063] (Determination of Predetermined Conditions Regarding Power Supply Cut-off) In this embodiment, power is constantly supplied to the refrigerator 1 from the outside (for example, a commercial power supply). When the power supply from the outside to the refrigerator 1 is cut off (for example, when a power outage occurs), the control unit 103 described later stops the operation of the control device 100 and stops the operation of the refrigerator 1. On the other hand, when the power supply from the outside to the refrigerator 1 is resumed later (for example, when the power outage state is restored), the control unit 103 restarts the control device 100 and resumes the operation of the refrigerator 1.

[0064] In this embodiment, the state determination unit 102 determines whether or not a predetermined condition (predetermined condition C) regarding the interruption of power supply is satisfied. For example, the state determination unit 102 monitors whether or not the control device 100 is restarted. When the control device 100 is restarted, the state determination unit 102 determines that the predetermined condition regarding the interruption of power supply is satisfied. In this embodiment, based on the control state regarding the movement of the door 20 by the control unit 103 and the monitoring result of the restart of the control device 100, when the power supply is interrupted while the door 20 is moving in the opening direction, the state determination unit 102 determines that the predetermined condition regarding the interruption of power supply is satisfied while the door 20 is moving in the opening direction.

[0065] (Predetermined conditions regarding the open states of multiple doors) In this embodiment, the state determination unit 102 determines whether or not a predetermined condition (predetermined condition D) regarding the open states of multiple doors 20 is satisfied. For example, based on the detection result of the door open sensor 110, when a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, 15 minutes or more have elapsed) in a state where two or more doors 20 are open, the state determination unit 102 determines that the predetermined condition regarding the open states of the two or more doors 20 is satisfied.

[0066] <2.3 Control unit> <2.3.1 Door control based on user instructions> In this embodiment, based on the instruction of the user U received by the instruction reception unit 101, the control unit 103 controls the movement of each door 20 by driving the door drive device 60. For example, when the instruction reception unit 101 receives an instruction to open the door 20, the control unit 103 drives the door drive device 60 corresponding to the door 20 that has received the open instruction (hereinafter referred to as "instruction target door 20") and moves the instruction target door 20 in the opening direction.

[0067] In this embodiment, the control unit 103 drives the door driving device 60 based on the detection result of the opening amount sensor 120 that detects the opening amount of the target door 20 and the setting information of the target opening amount of each door 20 included in the control information 191. For example, the control unit 103 monitors the detection result of the opening amount sensor 120 and determines at a predetermined period whether the opening amount of the target door 20 has reached the target opening amount. Then, when the opening amount of the target door 20 reaches the target opening amount, the control unit 103 stops driving the door driving device 60 and stops the movement of the target door 20.

[0068] On the other hand, when the instruction receiving unit 101 receives an instruction to close the door 20, the control unit 103 drives the door driving device 60 corresponding to the door 20 that has received the closing instruction (hereinafter referred to as the "target door 20") and moves the target door 20 in the closing direction. In this embodiment, the control unit 103 drives the door driving device 60 based on the detection result of the door opening sensor 110 that detects the opening / closing state of the target door 20. For example, the control unit 103 monitors the detection result of the door opening sensor 110 and determines at a predetermined period whether the closed state of the target door 20 has been detected. Then, when the closed state of the target door 20 is detected, the control unit 103 stops driving the door driving device 60 and stops the movement of the target door 20.

[0069] <2.3.2 Door Control When Predetermined Conditions are Met> In this embodiment, when the state determination unit 102 determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 103 controls the movement of the door 20 by driving the door driving device 60 even when there is no instruction from the user U.

[0070] (When Predetermined Conditions Regarding the Half-Door are Met) In this embodiment, when the control unit 103 determines that the above-mentioned predetermined condition (predetermined condition A) regarding the half-door is satisfied, the control unit 103 moves the door 20 suspected of being a half-door in the closing direction. For example, when the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined condition regarding the half-door is satisfied, the control unit 103 moves the door 20 suspected of being a half-door once in the opening direction by a predetermined amount, and then moves it in the closing direction.

[0071] The above-mentioned predetermined amount is, for example, an accelerating distance for imparting a speed for closing the door 20 forcefully. From another perspective, the above-mentioned predetermined amount is, for example, a distance at which the above-mentioned states are easily eliminated when an object (for example, food) is caught on the door 20, or when an object (for example, food) is sandwiched between the door 20 and the housing 10 to form a half-door state. The above-mentioned predetermined amount is, for example, an opening angle of 30 degrees or more (for example, 45 degrees or more) in the case of a French door, and a distance of 10 cm or more (for example, 15 cm or more) in the case of a drawer door. However, the above-mentioned predetermined amount is not limited to the above-described specific examples.

[0072] After moving the control unit 103 once in the opening direction over the above-mentioned predetermined amount, the control unit 103 may move the door 20 in the closing direction at a speed different from the normal closing control (control when the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are not satisfied). For example, after moving the control unit 103 once in the opening direction over the above-mentioned predetermined amount, the control unit 103 may increase the moving speed of the door 20 compared to the normal closing control and move the door 20 in the closing direction. According to such control, since the door 20 can be closed forcefully, it becomes easier to eliminate the half-door state. On the other hand, in another example, after moving the control unit 103 once in the opening direction over the above-mentioned predetermined amount, the control unit 103 may decrease the moving speed of the door 20 compared to the normal closing control and move the door 20 in the closing direction. According to such control, even when an object causing the half-door state exists between the door 20 and the housing 10, it becomes difficult to damage the above-mentioned object. The magnitude of the moving speed of the door 20 applied after moving once in the opening direction over the above-mentioned predetermined amount may be settable by the user U according to, for example, the user U's preference or usage mode.

[0073] (When a predetermined condition regarding the moving state of the door is satisfied) In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the above-described predetermined condition (predetermined condition B) regarding the moving state of the door 20 is satisfied, the control unit 103 moves the door 20 once by a predetermined amount in the direction opposite to the moving direction during movement, and then moves the door 20 in the original moving direction. For example, when the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined condition (the above-described predetermined condition B) regarding the moving state of the door 20 is satisfied while the door 20 is moving in the opening direction, the control unit 103 moves the door 20 once in the closing direction by a predetermined amount, and then moves the door 20 in the opening direction. On the other hand, when the control unit 103 determines that the predetermined condition (the above-described predetermined condition B) regarding the moving state of the door 20 is satisfied while the door 20 is moving in the closing direction, the control unit 103 moves the door 20 once in the opening direction by a predetermined amount, and then moves the door 20 in the closing direction.

[0074] The above-described predetermined amount is, for example, a distance at which the above-described states are easily resolved in a state where an object (e.g., foodstuff) is caught on the door 20 or in a state where an object (e.g., foodstuff) is sandwiched between the door 20 and the housing 10 to form a half-open door. The above-described predetermined amount is, for example, an opening angle of 30 degrees or more (e.g., 45 degrees or more) in the case of a French door, and a distance of 10 cm or more (e.g., 15 cm or more) in the case of a drawer door. However, the above-described predetermined amount is not limited to the above-described specific examples.

[0075] After moving in the reverse direction once for the above-mentioned predetermined amount, the control unit 103 may move the door 20 in the original direction at a speed different from the normal movement control (control when the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are not satisfied). For example, after moving in the reverse direction once for the above-mentioned predetermined amount, the control unit 103 may increase the moving speed of the door 20 compared to the normal movement control and move the door 20 in the original direction. According to such control, by moving the door 20 with momentum, it may be possible to eliminate the state where an object is caught on the door 20. On the other hand, in another example, after moving in the reverse direction once for the above-mentioned predetermined amount, the control unit 103 may decrease the moving speed of the door 20 compared to the normal movement control and move the door 20 in the original direction. According to such control, even when there is an object that causes the door 20 to open poorly, it becomes difficult to damage the above-mentioned object. The magnitude of the moving speed of the door 20 applied after moving in the reverse direction once for the above-mentioned predetermined amount may be settable by the user U according to, for example, the preferences or usage patterns of the user U.

[0076] (Determination of Predetermined Conditions Regarding Power Supply Cut-off) In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the above-mentioned predetermined condition (predetermined condition C) regarding the cut-off of the power supply is satisfied while the control unit 103 is moving in the direction in which the door 20 opens, after the resumption of the power supply, the control unit 103 stops moving the door 20 in the opening direction and moves the door 20 in the closing direction. For example, even when the control unit 103 is moving in the direction in which the door 20 opens based on the instruction of the user U received before the cut-off of the power supply, if it is determined that the above-mentioned predetermined condition (predetermined condition C) regarding the cut-off of the power supply is satisfied, after the resumption of the power supply, the control unit 103 stops moving the door 20 in the opening direction without an instruction from the user U and moves the door 20 in the closing direction.

[0077] For example, when it is determined that the above-described predetermined condition (predetermined condition C) regarding the interruption of power supply is satisfied while the door 20 is moving in the opening direction, after the resumption of power supply, the control unit 103 may stop moving the door 20 in the opening direction and then wait for a predetermined time. Then, after waiting for the predetermined time, the control unit 103 may move the door 20 in the closing direction. The above-described predetermined time is, for example, between 30 seconds and 3 minutes. According to such control, it is possible to suppress the door 20 from starting to move immediately after the recovery from a power outage.

[0078] (Predetermined conditions regarding the open state of multiple doors) In the present embodiment, when the control unit 103 determines that the above-described predetermined condition (predetermined condition D) regarding the open state of the multiple doors 20 is satisfied, the control unit 103 moves the multiple open doors 20 in the closing direction in a preset predetermined order. For example, with respect to the multiple door driving devices 60 corresponding to the multiple doors 20 in the open state, the control unit 103 moves the multiple doors 20 in order with a time difference so that the maximum power consumption times required by each door driving device 60 are shifted from each other. For example, after moving one door 20 among the multiple doors 20 in the open state, the control unit 103 starts moving another door 20. In the present embodiment, one of the left refrigerator door 20Aa, the right refrigerator door 20Ab, the vegetable compartment door 20B, the ice making compartment door 20C, the small freezer door 20D, and the main freezer door 20E is an example of the "first door", and another one is an example of the "second door".

[0079] An example of the above-mentioned predetermined order is set to close the doors 20 in order starting from the door 20 located at the lower part among the plurality of doors 20. For example, the above-mentioned predetermined order is set as the order of higher priority (the order of moving first), and the main freezer door 20E, the small freezer door 20D, the ice-making room door 20C, the vegetable room door 20B, the left refrigerator door 20Aa, and the right refrigerator door 20Ab in this order. That is, assuming that all the doors 20 are in the open state, first move the main freezer door 20E, then move the small freezer door 20D, then move the ice-making room door 20C, then move the vegetable room door 20B, then move the left refrigerator door 20Aa, and finally move the right refrigerator door 20Ab. According to such an order, since it moves in order from the door 20 located at the lowest position as seen from the user U, it is easy to predict the next door 20 to move, and it becomes easy to take an action according to the prediction.

[0080] From another perspective, another example of the above-mentioned predetermined order is set to close the doors 20 in order starting from the door 20 corresponding to the storage chamber 11 with a lower set temperature zone among the plurality of doors 20. For example, the above-mentioned predetermined order is set as the order of higher priority (the order of moving first), and the doors 20 corresponding to the storage chambers 11 in the freezing temperature zone (for example, the main freezer door 20E, the small freezer door 20D, and the ice-making room door 20C) are moved first, and then the doors 20 corresponding to the storage chambers 11 in the refrigerating temperature zone (for example, the vegetable room door 20B, the left refrigerator door 20Aa, and the right refrigerator door 20Ab) are moved. According to such an order, the door 20 corresponding to the storage chamber 11 with a lower set temperature zone can be closed first, and it becomes easier to preferentially suppress the rise in the temperature of the foodstuffs stored in the storage chamber 11 with a lower set temperature zone.

[0081] Furthermore, from yet another perspective, another example of the above-mentioned predetermined order is set such that among the plurality of doors 20, the drawer doors (e.g., the main freezer compartment door 20E, the small freezer compartment door 20D, the ice making compartment door 20C, and the vegetable compartment door 20B) are moved first, and then the rotary doors (e.g., the left refrigerator compartment door 20Aa and the right refrigerator compartment door 20Ab) are moved. Here, the possibility that the user U's body exists between the drawer door and the housing 10 is smaller than the possibility that the user U's body exists between the rotary door and the housing 10. Therefore, by moving the drawer door first, it is possible to give the user U a notice that the door 20 moves automatically, and guide the user U so as not to be located between the rotary door and the housing 10.

[0082] For the same reason, regarding the two rotary doors (the left refrigerator compartment door 20Aa and the right refrigerator compartment door 20Ab), the possibility that the user U's body exists between the small left refrigerator compartment door 20Aa and the housing 10 is smaller than the possibility that the user U's body exists between the large right refrigerator compartment door 20Ab and the housing 10. Therefore, by moving the left refrigerator compartment door 20Aa first, it is possible to give the user U a notice that the door 20 moves automatically, and guide the user U so as not to be located between the right refrigerator compartment door 20Ab and the housing 10.

[0083] In the present embodiment, even when, regarding the plurality of opened doors 20, a predetermined operation (e.g., a touch operation) of the user U on the operation detection unit 50 of each door 20 is detected in an order different from the above-mentioned predetermined order, the control unit 103 preferentially moves the plurality of doors 20 in order according to the above-mentioned predetermined order rather than the order in which the user U performed the operations. For example, in a state where the vegetable compartment door 20B and the main freezer compartment door 20E are open, even when the user U performs a predetermined operation on the operation detection unit 50 of the vegetable compartment door 20B and then performs a predetermined operation on the operation detection unit 50 of the main freezer compartment door 20E, the control unit 103 moves to close the main freezer compartment door 20E first, and then moves to close the vegetable compartment door 20B.

[0084] <2.3.3 Notification of Events Suspected of Failure> When an instruction from the user U is received or when at least one (for example, both) of the above-described predetermined conditions is satisfied, and an event in which a failure of the door drive device 60 is suspected occurs, the control unit 103 performs a predetermined notification indicating that the event in which the failure is suspected has occurred. The "event in which a failure is suspected" is, for example, that even when a control command is issued to the door drive device 60, the drive unit 71 or the drive unit 75 does not move, or the amount of movement of the door 20 is smaller than the driving amount of the drive unit 71 or the drive unit 75.

[0085] Also, in the present embodiment, when the control unit 103 drives the drive unit 71 or the drive unit 75 in response to the satisfaction of the above-described predetermined condition and the door 20 enters a state different from the target state, the control unit 103 performs a predetermined notification related to the fact that the door 20 has entered a state different from the target state. The predetermined notification includes, for example, that the door 20 has entered a state different from the target state, the content of the above-described predetermined condition, and measures that the user U can take to resolve the problem.

[0086] As the above-described predetermined notification, the control unit 103 notifies the user U through the notification device 180 by voice, warning sound, or screen display that there is an event in which a failure of the door drive device 60 is suspected. Note that instead of performing the notification using the notification device 180 of the refrigerator 1, the control unit 103 may transmit predetermined information to a terminal device (for example, a mobile terminal device) used by the user U, and perform the above-described predetermined notification through the terminal device.

[0087] <2.3.4 Recording of Events Suspected of Failure> When an instruction from the user U is received or when at least one (for example, both) of the above-described predetermined conditions is satisfied, and an event in which a failure of the door drive device 60 is suspected occurs, the control unit 103 records the event in which the failure is suspected in the storage unit 190. For example, when an event in which a failure of the door drive device 60 is suspected occurs, the control unit 103 records the event in which the failure is suspected as part of the defect history information 192 stored in the storage unit 190. Examples of the "event in which a failure is suspected" are the same as those described above.

[0088] Also, in the present embodiment, when the control unit 103 drives the drive unit 71 or the drive unit 75 in response to the satisfaction of the above-described predetermined conditions and the door 20 assumes a state different from the target state, the control unit 103 stores a predetermined record related to the door 20 assuming a state different from the target state as part of the defect history information 192. The above-described predetermined record includes the fact that the door 20 assumes a state different from the target state, the content of the above-described predetermined conditions, the operation record of the drive unit 71 or the drive unit 75, the control record of the control unit 103, and the like. The above-described predetermined record is information that can be used, for example, by a service engineer to identify the cause of a failure.

[0089] <3. Control Flow> <3.1 Door Opening Control> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow related to door opening control. The instruction reception unit 101 receives, for example, an instruction from the user U to open the door 20 (the instruction target door 20) when a predetermined operation by the user U is performed on the operation detection unit 50 of the closed door 20 (S101). In this case, the control unit 103 moves the instruction target door 20 in the opening direction by driving the door drive device 60 corresponding to the instruction target door 20 (S102).

[0090] Next, the control unit 103 determines whether or not the instruction target door 20 has been moved to the opening position of the target opening amount based on the detection result of the opening amount sensor 120 that detects the opening amount of the instruction target door 20 and the target opening amount set for the instruction target door 20 (S103). If the instruction target door 20 has been moved to the opening position of the target opening amount (S103: YES), the control unit 103 stops driving the door drive device 60 and ends the operation (S104). In this case, the control unit 103 maintains the energization of the door drive device 60 and maintains the door drive device 60 in a non-released state, thereby holding the instruction target door 20 in the open position.

[0091] On the other hand, when the control unit 103 drives the door drive device 60 by more than the required amount and the target door 20 fails to move to the open position (S103: NO), the control unit 103 determines whether power supply interruption has occurred (whether the control device 100 has restarted) (S105). When power supply interruption has occurred (S105: YES), after the resumption of power supply, the control unit 103 aborts the door open control and executes the door close control (S106). Then, in response to the target door 20 being closed, the control unit 103 stops driving the door drive device 60 and ends the operation (S107).

[0092] When power supply interruption has not occurred (S105: NO), the control unit 103 determines whether the load on the drive unit 71 or the drive unit 75 is equal to or greater than the threshold value (S108). When the load is less than the threshold value (S108: NO), the control unit 103 gives a predetermined notification indicating that an event suspecting a failure of the door drive device 60 has occurred (S109).

[0093] On the other hand, when the load is equal to or greater than the threshold value (S108: YES), the control unit 103 temporarily aborts the door open control (S110). In this case, the control unit 103 temporarily executes the door close control to slightly close the target door 20 (S111). Then, the control unit 103 resumes the door open control (S112) and determines whether the target door 20 has moved to the open position corresponding to the target opening amount (S113).

[0094] When the target door 20 has moved to the open position corresponding to the target opening amount (S113: YES), the control unit 103 stops driving the door drive device 60 and ends the operation (S114). In this case, the control unit 103 maintains the energization of the door drive device 60 and keeps the door drive device 60 in a non-released state to hold the target door 20 in the open position. When the target door 20 fails to move to the open position corresponding to the target opening amount even when the door drive device 60 is driven by more than the required amount (S113: NO), the control unit 103 gives a predetermined notification indicating that an event suspecting a failure of the door drive device 60 has occurred (S115).

[0095] <3.2 Door Close Control> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process related to door closing control. When, for example, a predetermined operation by the user U is performed on the operation detection unit 50 of the opened door 20, the instruction reception unit 101 receives an instruction from the user U to close the door 20 (the instructed door 20) (S201). In this case, the control unit 103 drives the door drive device 60 corresponding to the instructed door 20 to move the instructed door 20 in the closing direction (S202).

[0096] Next, the control unit 103 determines whether or not the instructed door 20 has been moved to the closed position based on the detection result of the door open sensor 110 that detects the open / closed state of the instructed door 20 (S203). If the instructed door 20 has been moved to the closed position (S203: YES), the control unit 103 stops driving the door drive device 60 and ends the operation (S204).

[0097] On the other hand, if the instructed door 20 is not moved to the closed position even when the door drive device 60 is driven more than the required amount (S203: NO), the control unit 103 determines whether or not a power supply cutoff has occurred (whether or not the control device 100 has restarted) (S205). If a power supply cutoff has occurred (S205: YES), after the power supply is resumed, the control unit 103 resumes the door closing control (S206). Then, the control unit 103 determines whether or not the instructed door 20 has been moved to the closed position based on the detection result of the door open sensor 110 that detects the open / closed state of the instructed door 20 (S207). If the instructed door 20 has been moved to the closed position (S207: YES), the control unit 103 stops driving the door drive device 60 and ends the operation (S208).

[0098] If the instructed door 20 is not moved to the closed position even when the door drive device 60 is driven more than the required amount after the door closing control is resumed (S207: NO), the control unit 103 temporarily executes the door opening control to open the instructed door 20 slightly (S209). After that, the control unit 103 resumes the door closing control (S210) and determines whether or not the instructed door 20 has been moved to the closed position (S211).

[0099] When the indicated target door 20 has been moved to the closed position (S211: YES), the control unit 103 stops the driving of the door driving device 60 and ends the operation (S212). On the other hand, when the indicated target door 20 does not move to the closed position even if the door driving device 60 is driven by more than the necessary amount (S211: NO), the control unit 103 performs a predetermined notification indicating that an event in which a failure of the door driving device 60 is suspected has occurred (S213).

[0100] Further, when power supply interruption has not occurred (S205: NO), the control unit 103 aborts the door closing control (S214). In this case, the control unit 103 performs a predetermined notification indicating that an event in which a failure of the door driving device 60 is suspected has occurred (S215).

[0101] <4. Advantages> In the present embodiment, the door driving device 60 can transmit a driving force to the door 20 at at least one open position that is equal to or more than half of the maximum opening amount of the door 20. The door driving device 60 is in a state that allows manual opening and closing of the door 20 when not energized. The control unit 103 drives the driving unit 71 or the driving unit 75 to move the door 20 when receiving an instruction from the user U and when a predetermined condition due to an event different from the instruction of the user U is satisfied. According to such a configuration, in the refrigerator 1 provided with the door driving device 60 capable of transmitting a driving force to at least one open position that is equal to or more than half of the maximum opening amount of the door 20, manual opening and closing of the door 20 is allowed when not energized. Further, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, even without an instruction from the user U, the door 20 is moved by the control unit 103. Thereby, for example, even if a power failure occurs with the door 20 open, the user U can manually close the door 20. Further, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, even without an instruction from the user U, the door 20 is moved, so that it is possible to suppress a state where the door 20 is in an inappropriate state from continuing for a long time. Thereby, the convenience of the user U can be improved.

[0102] In this embodiment, the above-described predetermined condition is a predetermined condition related to the half door. When the above-described predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 103 moves the door 20 in the closing direction. According to such a configuration, for example, it is possible to suppress the continuation of the half-door state even without an instruction from the user U.

[0103] In this embodiment, the above-described predetermined condition is a predetermined condition related to the half door. When the above-described predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 103 moves the door 20 in the opening direction once, and then moves the door 20 in the closing direction. According to such a configuration, by moving the door 20 in the opening direction once, the door 20 can then be closed with momentum. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably suppress the continuation of the half-door state.

[0104] In this embodiment, the above-described predetermined condition is that the load of the drive unit 71 or the drive unit 75 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value during the movement of the door 20. When the above-described predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 103 moves the door 20 in the direction opposite to the moving direction once, and then moves the door 20 in the original moving direction. According to such a configuration, even when an object (for example, food) is caught on the door 20 or an object (for example, food) is sandwiched between the door 20 and the housing 10, the above state can be eliminated by moving the door 20 in the reverse direction once, and it becomes easier to move the door 20 to the desired position.

[0105] In this embodiment, the above-described predetermined condition is that even if the drive unit 71 or the drive unit 75 is driven by a required amount or more in the direction of closing the door 20, the closed state of the door 20 is not detected by the door open sensor 110. When the above-described predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 103 moves the door 20 in the opening direction once, and then moves the door 20 in the closing direction. According to such a configuration, even when an object (for example, food) is caught on the door 20 or an object (for example, food) is sandwiched between the door 20 and the housing 10, the above state can be eliminated by moving the door 20 in the reverse direction once, and it becomes easier to move the door 20 to the desired position.

[0106] In this embodiment, the above-mentioned predetermined condition is that the power supply is cut off while the door 20 is moving in the opening direction. When the above-mentioned predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 103 stops moving the door 20 in the opening direction after the resumption of the power supply, and moves the door 20 in the closing direction. According to such a configuration, when the power supply is cut off while the door 20 is moving in the opening direction (for example, a power outage occurs), without an additional instruction from the user U, the door 20 can be prevented from being opened and the door 20 can be closed. Thereby, even if the user U is not near the refrigerator 1 after the power supply is resumed, the refrigerator 1 can be put in an appropriate state.

[0107] In this embodiment, a door driving device 60 is provided for each of the first door and the second door. The above-mentioned predetermined condition is that a predetermined time has elapsed while the first door and the second door are in an open state. When the above-mentioned predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 103 moves the first door and the second door in the closing direction in a preset order. According to such a configuration, compared with the case of closing a plurality of opened doors 20 at the same time, the maximum power consumption can be suppressed.

[0108] The above describes one embodiment. However, the embodiment is not limited to the above example. For example, instead of the "move once" in the above-described embodiment, an operation of moving a plurality of times may be performed.

[0109] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the control unit drives the driving unit to move the door when it receives an instruction from the user and when a predetermined condition due to an event different from the user's instruction is satisfied. According to such a configuration, the convenience can be improved.

[0110] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0111] 1... Refrigerator, 11... Storage room, 11A... Refrigerator compartment, 11B... Vegetable compartment, 11C... Ice-making compartment, 11D... Small freezer compartment, 11E... Main freezer compartment, 20Aa... Left refrigerator door, 20Ab... Right refrigerator door, 20B... Vegetable compartment door, 20C... Ice-making compartment door, 20D... Small freezer compartment door, 20E... Main freezer compartment door, 60, 60Aa, 60Ab, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E... Door drive device, 71, 75... Driving part, 72, 76... Transmission part, 100... Control device, 103... Control part, 110... Door open sensor (detection part), 120... Opening amount sensor (detection part).

Claims

1. A housing including a storage room, A door capable of closing the opening of the storage room, A door driving device including a driving unit capable of outputting a driving force for moving the door and a transmission unit capable of transmitting the driving force to the door, A control unit for controlling the door driving device, provided with, The door driving device can transmit the driving force to the door at at least one opening position that is half or more of the maximum opening amount of the door, When the door driving device is de-energized, it is in a state that allows manual opening and closing of the door, The control unit drives the driving unit to move the door when it receives an instruction from the user and when a predetermined condition is satisfied due to an event different from the user's instruction. A refrigerator.

2. The predetermined condition is a predetermined condition related to the half-open door, When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit moves the door in the closing direction. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

3. The predetermined condition is a predetermined condition related to the half-open door, When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit moves the door in the opening direction, and then moves the door in the closing direction. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The predetermined condition is that the load of the driving unit becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value when moving the door, When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit moves the door in the direction opposite to the moving direction, and then moves the door in the original moving direction. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. Further comprising a detection unit capable of detecting the opening and closing state of the door, The predetermined condition is that even if a control command for driving the drive unit in the direction of closing the door is output, the closed state of the door is not detected by the detection unit. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit moves the door in the opening direction and then moves the door in the closing direction. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The predetermined condition is that the power supply is cut off while the door is moving in the opening direction. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit stops moving the door in the opening direction after the resumption of the power supply and moves the door in the closing direction. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The refrigerator further includes a second door different from the first door which is the door. The door driving device is provided for each of the first door and the second door. The predetermined condition is that a predetermined time has elapsed with the first door and the second door being in an open state. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit moves the first door and the second door in the closing direction in a preset order. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The refrigerator further includes a detection unit capable of detecting the opening amount of the door. Based on the detection result of the detection unit, the control unit can move the door to the target opening amount of the door by stopping the movement of the door. The target opening amount of the door can be set by the user. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. When the door assumes a state different from the target state even if the control unit drives the drive unit in response to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition, the control unit performs a predetermined notification. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. further comprising a memory unit, when the door assumes a state different from the target state even when the control unit drives the drive unit in response to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition, the control unit causes the memory unit to store a predetermined record related to the occurrence of the state. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2.

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