Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator that operates by recognizing a user and a method for controlling the refrigerator. A refrigerator according to the present invention includes a user detection sensor on one side of at least one door for detecting a user located in front of the door, and the user detection sensor may be positioned on one side of the door at a predetermined angle inclined toward the centerline in the width direction of the door. The user detection sensor detects the presence of a user in front of the refrigerator, and when a user is detected by the user detection sensor, a button device may be activated to operate the automatic withdrawal of at least one door or the raising of a container provided on the inside of the door.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator that operates by recognizing a user and a method for controlling the refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at low temperatures in an internal storage space enclosed by a door.

[0003] To this end, the refrigerator is configured to keep stored food in an optimal state by cooling the interior of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the freezing cycle.

[0004] The storage space of a refrigerator can be opened and closed by a door. Additionally, refrigerators can be classified into various types depending on the arrangement of the storage space and the structure of the door that opens and closes the storage space.

[0005] Refrigerator doors can be classified into pivot doors, in which the storage space is opened and closed by rotation, and drawer doors, which are pulled out and inserted.

[0006] In addition, drawer-type doors are generally placed in the lower area of ​​the refrigerator, but there is the inconvenience of having to bend over and pull the door from a suitable distance to open it.

[0007] To resolve this inconvenience, for example, Korean Published Patent Applications No. 10-2013-0071919 and No. 10-2018-0138083 disclose a refrigerator that automatically pulls out a drawer door.

[0008] However, since the user still has to bend over to take out the basket or food even after the drawer door is automatically pulled out, a refrigerator equipped with a lifting device at the bottom of the basket has recently been proposed to solve this problem.

[0009] For example, U.S. Patent No. 9,377,238 discloses a refrigerator equipped with a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering a bin provided in a refrigerator compartment.

[0010] Meanwhile, there is a recent trend of adding various convenience features as refrigerators become more multifunctional and intelligent. For instance, functions are being added that allow users to check the interior without opening the door or automatically perform desired tasks by recognizing the user's voice. Furthermore, the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) is leading to the addition of internet-based features.

[0011] However, to perform these functions, it is necessary to ensure that they are activated only when there is a user who intends to use the refrigerator. To achieve this, it is necessary to accurately detect when a user approaches the refrigerator.

[0012] Additionally, a user interface may be provided on the front of the refrigerator for the user to input commands or display information for the user. The user interface may include, for example, a button for the user to press. When the button is pressed, a light-emitting part located around the button is turned on, and light is emitted onto the button.

[0013] Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2002-90059, a prior art document, discloses a refrigerator door.

[0014] The refrigerator door of the prior art includes a display control unit installed on the front. The display control unit includes a control panel equipped with a display device and a control button, a button component located behind the control panel and equipped with a pressurized part, and a printed circuit board located behind the button component and having an LED element installed thereon.

[0015] However, according to these prior art documents, there is the inconvenience of having to manually touch the control panel to activate it in order for the user to select a desired function on the refrigerator. Prior art literature

[0016] Republic of Korea Published Patent Application No. 10-2013-0071919 Republic of Korea Published Patent Application No. 10-2018-0138083 US Registered Patent Application US 9,377,238 Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2002-90059 The problem to be solved

[0017] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator capable of accurately detecting a user who intends to use the refrigerator.

[0018] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator capable of expanding the detection area to detect a user located in front of the refrigerator.

[0019] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which a user detection sensor capable of detecting a user in the refrigerator is installed on one side of the door and an installation space is provided so that the sensor is installed at a predetermined angle in the direction of the center line of the refrigerator.

[0020] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator, wherein when a user in front of the refrigerator is detected, a button device is automatically activated to automatically pull out at least one door or to automatically raise a container provided in the door.

[0021] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator, wherein when a button device is activated, a light-emitting part provided in the button device is automatically turned on and emits light.

[0022] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator such that a light-emitting part is automatically turned off again under specific conditions after being turned on. means of solving the problem

[0023] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a user detection sensor on one side of at least one door that detects a user located in front of the door, and the user detection sensor may be positioned on one side of the door at a predetermined angle inclined toward the centerline in the width direction of the door.

[0024] The above user detection sensor detects the presence of a user in front of the refrigerator, and when a user is detected by the above user detection sensor, a button device can be activated to operate the automatic withdrawal of at least one door or the raising of a container provided on the door.

[0025] The user detection sensor may be located at the end furthest from the rotation center of the door.

[0026] It is installed in a sensor space located behind the front panel of the door, and a sensor window is formed on one inner surface of the sensor space facing the rear of the front panel of the door so that the tip of the user detection sensor can be positioned therein.

[0027] At this time, a first side guide rib and a second side guide rib supporting the front side of the user detection sensor may be formed in parallel and extended obliquely with respect to the sensor window within the sensor space corresponding to both ends of the sensor window.

[0028] On the inner side opposite to where the sensor window of the sensor space is formed, a first rear end support rib and a second rear end support rib supporting the rear end of the user detection sensor are formed with different protrusion lengths, and a cantilever-shaped rear end hook for hooking the rear end of the user detection sensor may be provided.

[0029] An interference-avoiding inclined surface is formed on the inner surface where the second rear end support rib is formed, and a mounting member support end is formed at the end of the interference-avoiding inclined surface to support one mounting member of a user detection sensor mounted in a sensor space, and the other mounting member of the user detection sensor can be hung on a hanging channel formed on one inner surface of the sensor space.

[0030] Among the above-mentioned mounting support members, a portion of the entrance side of the sensor space is removed to create an interference-avoiding section, which can prevent interference during the initial insertion of the user detection sensor into the sensor space.

[0031] A relief groove is formed on the ceiling surface of the sensor space above so that it is concave and the corresponding opposite surface can be protruded.

[0032] It may further include a button device installed on the other side of the door to operate the automatic withdrawal of the door or the automatic raising of a container provided in the door by user operation.

[0033] The above button device can be activated when a user is detected by the above user detection sensor.

[0034] The above button device includes a light-emitting part that emits light, and when the button device is activated, the light-emitting part is turned on and can emit light.

[0035] The light-emitting unit may be turned off if the button device is not operated until a set time has elapsed after it is turned on, and may also be turned off if the operation of the button device is detected after it is turned on, and if the automatic withdrawal of the door or the raising of the container is completed.

[0036] At this time, the light-emitting part may flash until the automatic withdrawal of the door or the raising of the container is completed when operation of the button device is detected after it is turned on.

[0037] A refrigerator comprising at least one of a speaker or a display for outputting activation information of the button device when the button device is activated. Effects of the invention

[0038] The refrigerator and the method for controlling the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention have the following effects.

[0039] First, according to the present invention, a user who intends to use the refrigerator can be accurately detected.

[0040] Second, according to the present invention, the user detection area at the front of the refrigerator is expanded, so the user can be detected regardless of where the user is in front of the refrigerator.

[0041] Third, according to the present invention, an optimal installation space can be provided so that the user detection sensor can be installed at a predetermined angle to expand the user detection area.

[0042] Fourth, according to the present invention, when a user in front of the refrigerator is detected, a button device operated to automatically pull out at least one door or to automatically raise a container provided in the door can be automatically activated.

[0043] Fifth, according to the present invention, when a button device is activated, a light-emitting part provided in the button device is automatically turned on and emits light, so that the user can easily and quickly check and operate the button device.

[0044] Sixth, according to the present invention, since the light-emitting part is automatically turned off again under specific conditions after being turned on, unnecessary power consumption can be actively prevented when the button device is not used. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of a refrigerator according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the drawer door of the refrigerator in FIG. 1 in an open state. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a rotary door showing the configuration of an important part of an embodiment of the present invention in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a user detection sensor used in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the sensor space of an end finishing member constituting an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the sensor space of an end finishing member constituting an embodiment of the present invention from a direction different from FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a front view showing the configuration of an important part of an embodiment of the present invention in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how a user detection sensor detects a user in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the state in which the button device is separated from the rotary door in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the button device. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0046] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0047] The present invention will be examined in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of a refrigerator according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the state in which the drawer door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 is open, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the exterior of the refrigerator can be formed by a cabinet (10). The cabinet (10) may have the shape of a roughly cuboid with an open front. The interior of the cabinet (10) may be divided into multiple storage spaces.

[0050] The upper part of the cabinet (10) may be formed by a ceiling part (11), and the two sides may be formed by two side wall parts (12). Additionally, the bottom of the cabinet (10) may be formed by a bottom part (13), and the back of the cabinet (10) may be formed by a back part (14), so that the cabinet (10) can be made in a roughly cuboid shape with an open front.

[0051] The ceiling (11), side wall (12), floor (13), and back (14) have an insulating layer made of a material with good thermal insulation properties inside, so that the interior of the storage space is not affected by the outside.

[0052] The storage space can be divided into multiple sections. For example, the upper space (17a) of the cabinet (10) can be used as a refrigerator and the lower space (15a) can be used as a freezer.

[0053] Alternatively, the upper and lower spaces may be independent spaces maintained at different temperatures, rather than a refrigerator or freezer.

[0054] The storage space can be opened and closed by a door. The door may include a rotary type door (17) and a drawer door (15) that is pulled out in a drawer-like manner.

[0055] For example, among the storage spaces partitioned inside the cabinet (10), the storage space located relatively higher can be opened and closed by a revolving door (17). The revolving door (17) can be operated to rotate at a predetermined angle around the door hinge part (18).

[0056] The revolving door (17) may have a separate inner door (19). The inner door (19) is also referred to as a home bar door. On the front of the inner door (19), a transparent glass that allows the interior to be seen from the outside may be installed, or a display that displays various information may be installed.

[0057] A button device (20) may be installed on one side of the rotating door (17). The button device (20) is intended to automatically open and close the drawer door (15). The button device (20) is activated when the user detection sensor (30), which will be described below, detects the presence of a user, and when the user presses it while activated, the drawer door (15) can be operated automatically.

[0058] The drawer door (15) can open and close the lower space (15a). The back of the drawer door (15) is provided with a storage compartment where items are placed, which can be pulled out and moved in together with the drawer door (15).

[0059] The lower space (15a) can be further divided into upper and lower sections, and the drawer door (15) can include an upper drawer door and a lower drawer door.

[0060] This embodiment is described based on a refrigerator in which a rotating door (17) and a drawer door (15) are arranged together, but it is not limited thereto and can be applied to all types of refrigerators equipped with a door that is pulled out and inserted in a drawer-like manner.

[0061] The refrigerator of the present embodiment may further include a pull-out device (25) for pulling out the drawer door (15) and a lifting device (23) for lifting a container provided on the inside of the drawer door (15) when the drawer door (15) is pulled out.

[0062] Below, as an example, the lower drawer door (15) is pulled out by the pull-out device (25), and the container housed in the drawer door (15) is raised by the lifting device (23).

[0063] The extraction device (25) may include a motor (not shown), a pinion gear (27) rotated by the motor, and an extraction rack (29) connected to the pinion gear (27).

[0064] The pull-out rack (29) is connected to the drawer door (15), so that when the motor operates, the pull-out rack (29) moves forward or backward, allowing the drawer door (15) to be pulled in or out.

[0065] The lifting device (23) may include a support member for supporting a container, a motor, and a power transmission member for transmitting power from the motor to the support member. In this embodiment, the lifting device (23) can be implemented using known technology, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0066] The refrigerator of the present embodiment may further include a button device (20) capable of inputting an automatic withdrawal command for one or more of the upper drawer door (15) and the lower drawer door (15).

[0067] The button device (20) can be activated when a user is detected by the user detection sensor (30) described later. When the button device (20) is activated and the button device (20) is operated by a user, the controller (60) can operate the extraction device (25) and / or the lifting device (23).

[0068] For example, when the button device (20) is activated and the button device (20) is operated, the controller (60) can operate the extraction device (25) to cause the drawer door (15) to be pulled out.

[0069] When the drawer door (15) is fully withdrawn, the controller (60) can operate the lifting device (23) to cause the container to rise from the withdrawn drawer door (15).

[0070] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, the drawer door (15) can be opened without the user directly opening the drawer door (15), thereby improving user convenience.

[0071] In addition, when the drawer door (15) is open, the container can be automatically raised, so the inconvenience of the user having to take the container out of the drawer door (15) can be eliminated.

[0072] Of course, in this embodiment, either the pull-out device (25) or the lifting device (23) may be omitted. For example, if the refrigerator includes only the pull-out device (25), the drawer door (15) can be automatically pulled out by the pull-out device (25) when the button device (26) is operated.

[0073] Alternatively, if the refrigerator includes only a lifting device (23), the drawer door (15) may be manually slid out, and the button device (20) may be operated when the completion of the drawer door (15) being pulled out is detected by a sensor not shown. In this case, the lifting device (23) may operate so that the container can be automatically raised.

[0074] In this embodiment, the button device (20) may be positioned higher than the sliding drawer door (15).

[0075] The installation location of the button device (20) is not limited to a specific location, but for example, the button device (20) may be provided on a rotating door (17) located above the drawer door (15).

[0076] When a button device (20) is provided on the rotating door (17), the user can easily access the button device (20). For example, the user can access the button device (20) while standing without bending their waist.

[0077] Additionally, the button device (20) may be positioned on the front of the rotating door (17) so that the user can easily operate the button device (20). At this time, the button device (20) may be positioned adjacent to the drawer door (15) so that the user can easily and comfortably operate the button device (20).

[0078] The button device (20) may be located at the front lower part of the revolving door (17). For example, the button device (20) may be located at the center of the front lower part of the revolving door (17).

[0079] The refrigerator (10) of the present embodiment may further include a user detection sensor (30).

[0080] When a detection signal corresponding to user detection is output from the user detection sensor (30), the light-emitting part (224) of the button device (20), which will be described later, can be turned on. As the light-emitting part (224) is turned on, the button device (20) can be activated.

[0081] When the button device (20) is activated, the controller (60) can output information indicating that the button device (20) is activated, for example through a speaker (61).

[0082] Alternatively, when the button device (20) is activated, the controller (60) may display information indicating that the button device (20) is activated, for example, through a display (62).

[0083] The user detection sensor (30) may, for example, be a proximity sensor that detects when a user is within a certain distance and direction from the refrigerator. Alternatively, the user detection sensor (30) may be a knock detection unit for detecting a knock made by a user on the rotating door (17).

[0084] The knock detection unit may include, for example, a microphone that detects sound waves generated by a knock. Since the knock detection unit can be implemented using known technology, a detailed description is omitted.

[0085] In this embodiment, when the user detection sensor (30) detects a knock applied to the rotary door (17), the light-emitting part (224) of the button device (20) can be turned on.

[0086] In this embodiment, if the button device (20) is not operated until a set time has elapsed after the light-emitting unit (224) is turned on, the light-emitting unit (224) may be turned off.

[0087] Additionally, when the light-emitting unit (224) is turned on and operation of the button device (20) is detected, the light-emitting unit (224) remains in the turned-on state and can be turned off when the operation of the extraction device (25) and / or the lifting device (23) is completed.

[0088] In another embodiment, when the light-emitting part (224) is turned on and operation of the button device (20) is detected, it may blink until the operation of the extraction device (25) and / or the lifting device (23) is completed.

[0089] To this end, in this embodiment, the refrigerator may include a timer (not shown) inside to count the elapsed time.

[0090] Meanwhile, the user detection sensor (30) may be installed on the revolving door (17). Preferably, it may be installed on the lower left side of the front of the revolving door (17). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the location of the user detection sensor (30) may be anywhere that can detect a user who intends to use the refrigerator.

[0091] Below, a user detection sensor (30) and a space in which such a user detection sensor (30) is installed will be described in detail.

[0092] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a rotary door showing the configuration of an important part of an embodiment of the present invention in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 2, FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a user detection sensor used in an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the sensor space of an end finishing member constituting an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the sensor space of an end finishing member constituting an embodiment of the present invention in a direction different from FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a front view showing the configuration of an important part of an embodiment of the present invention in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 5, and FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram explaining that the user detection sensor detects a user in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 10, FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the inner door (19). A door front plate (21) may be installed on the front exterior of the inner door (19).

[0094] The front door panel (21) may be transparent or translucent glass. The back surface of the inner door (19) may be formed by an inner door part (22) made of synthetic resin.

[0095] An end finishing member (24) may be installed to form the lower surface of the inner door (19) while being connected to the front door plate (21) and the inner door part (22).

[0096] The end finishing member (24) can form the lower surface of the inner door (19). Of course, the upper surface and both sides of the inner door (19) can also be formed by separate end finishing members (24).

[0097] A sensor space (26) may be formed in a predetermined shape in the end finishing member (24). The sensor space (26) may be formed in the shape of a groove. That is, the sensor space (26) may be formed so that the surface of the end finishing member (24) is concave.

[0098] A sensor window (28) may be formed on one side of the inner surface of the sensor space (26) so as to face the back surface of the door front plate (21). Light for sensing may pass through this sensor window (28) and pass through the door front plate (21).

[0099] The user detection sensor (30) can be installed within this sensor space (26).

[0100] A light source unit (31) and a light receiving unit (31') may be installed in the user detection sensor (30). The light source unit (31) and the light receiving unit (31') may be installed so that their ends face the sensor window (28).

[0101] A connector part (32) is formed on one side of the user detection sensor (30) so that it can be electrically connected to an external device.

[0102] Mounting flanges (33) may be formed on both sides of the rear end of the user detection sensor (30).

[0103] A space for installing a substrate (not shown) may be formed at the rear end of the user detection sensor (30). This space for installing the substrate may be formed to be open toward the rear of the user detection sensor (30), and the substrate may be installed within the space.

[0104] When a user detection sensor (30) is installed in the sensor space (26), the light source part (31) and the light receiving part (31') are not installed perpendicularly to the back surface of the door front plate (21), but can be installed at an angle to the back surface of the door front plate (21).

[0105] That is, the light source part (31) and the light receiving part (31') of the user detection sensor (30) can be installed so as to be angled at a predetermined angle relative to the door front plate (21). The direction in which the user detection sensor (30) is angled relative to the door front plate (20) may vary depending on the position of the user detection sensor (30), but if the user detection sensor (30) is located at one of the positions corresponding to the two ends of the door front plate (21), it may be angled at a predetermined angle toward the vertical centerline (C) (see FIG. 2) when the front of the door is viewed from the front.

[0106] At this time, the angle formed by the front of the user detection sensor (30) with respect to the door front plate (21) is preferably about 10 to 15 degrees in the vertical center line (C), and preferably 12 degrees. This angle can be determined by considering the position where the user approaches to use the refrigerator, depending on the size and characteristics of the refrigerator. For example, if the door handle is on the left, the user generally approaches from the left to grab the handle and open the door, but in the case of a double door, the user generally approaches from the center, so the angle can be set taking this into account.

[0107] Setting the direction in which the user detection sensor (30) faces in this manner is done in consideration of the fact that the user generally stands at the front position corresponding to the middle of the width direction of the rotating door (17).

[0108] For example, if the user detection sensor (30) is installed at the top of the rotating door (17), it can be directed toward the vertical center line (C) and also inclined toward the floor.

[0109] Installing the user detection sensor (30) at an angle to the front door panel (21) is a very important factor in terms of whether the user is detected.

[0110] For example, if the user detection sensor (30) is not installed at an angle in the direction of the center line (C) but is installed facing the front of the door front panel (21), the range of user detection may be narrowed.

[0111] In particular, if the user detection sensor (30) is installed facing the front of the door front panel (21), it may not be able to detect the user when the user is standing in the center of the refrigerator or on the right side of the center.

[0112] The user detection sensor (30) is equipped with a light source unit (31) and a light receiving unit (31'), and the presence of the user can be confirmed by the light receiving unit (31') detecting light reflected by the user that is emitted from the light source unit (31).

[0113] The user detection sensor (30) may be installed on one side of the rotating door (17) or the inner door (19). In this embodiment, the user detection sensor (30) may be installed at a location adjacent to one corner of the inner door (19).

[0114] The user detection sensor (30) can be installed at a location relatively far from the center of rotation of the rotating door (17).

[0115] The sensor space (26) where the user detection sensor (30) is installed is shaped like a groove, and configurations for installing the user detection sensor (30) can be formed on the inner surface.

[0116] A first side guide rib (40) and a second side guide rib (42) may be formed protrudingly on the ceiling surface of the sensor space (26).

[0117] The first side guide rib (40) and the second side guide rib (42) can be extended side by side with a constant spacing from each other. The first side guide rib (40) and the second side guide rib (42) support both sides of the user detection sensor (30), and the outer surfaces of the light source part (31) and the light receiving part (31') can be positioned in close contact.

[0118] The first side guide rib (40) and the second side guide rib (42) protrude from the ceiling surface of the sensor space (26), but do not protrude to the entrance of the sensor space (26), and may protrude approximately half the length based on the depth of the sensor space (26).

[0119] The first side guide rib (40) and the second side guide rib (42) are formed at a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the sensor window (28). This angle may be the same as the angle at which the user detection sensor (30) is inclined with respect to the door front plate (21).

[0120] A first rear support rib (44) and a second rear support rib (46) may protrude from the inner surface facing the inner surface of the sensor space (26) where the sensor window (28) is formed.

[0121] The first rear support rib (44) and the second rear support rib (46) can serve to support the rear end of the user detection sensor (30).

[0122] The first rear support rib (44) can be extended longer than the second rear support rib (46), because the user detection sensor (30) is installed at an angle.

[0123] A rear end hanger (48) may be formed between the first rear end support rib (44) and the second rear end support rib (46). The rear end hanger (48) is a cantilever-shaped structure capable of elastic deformation and can be hung on one side of the rear end edge of the user detection sensor (30).

[0124] By having the rear end hook (48) hooked onto the rear edge of the user detection sensor (30), the user detection sensor (30) can be prevented from falling towards the entrance of the sensor space (26).

[0125] An inclined surface (50) may be formed at a position adjacent to the second rear support rib (46) on one side of the inner surface of the sensor space (26) where the rear end hanger (48) is formed.

[0126] As the interference avoidance slope surface (50) is formed, a mounting support member (52) may be formed at the end of the interference avoidance slope surface (50). The mounting support member (52) may be a part to which one side mounting piece (33) of the user detection sensor (30) is in close contact.

[0127] Among the mounting letter support members (52), an interference avoidance section (54) with a portion removed may be formed at a location adjacent to the entrance of the sensor space (26).

[0128] The interference avoidance section (54) is intended to prevent interference with the mounting support (52) when the user detection sensor (30) is installed in the sensor space (26). That is, it prevents interference with the mounting support (52) when the user detection sensor (30) enters the interior through the entrance of the sensor space (26).

[0129] A hanging channel (56) may be formed on the inner side of the sensor space (26) opposite the mounting support (52). The hanging channel (56) may be formed starting from the entrance of the sensor space (26) and extending along the inner side of the sensor space (26) to the ceiling.

[0130] One side mounting piece (33) of the user detection sensor (30) can be inserted into the hanging channel (56) and hung. A chamfer (26) is formed at the entrance of the hanging channel (56) to allow the mounting piece (33) to be inserted smoothly into the interior of the hanging channel (56).

[0131] Additionally, a separate cover (not shown) may be formed to shield the sensor space (26). This cover may prevent the sensor space (26) and the user detection sensor (30) from being visible from the outside and prevent the user detection sensor (30) from accidentally coming out of the sensor space (26).

[0132] Since the user detection sensor (30) is positioned in the sensor space (26) at a predetermined angle of twist, interference may occur between the cover shielding the sensor space (26) and the connector part (32). To prevent this, it is necessary to position the user detection sensor (30) further inward relative to the cover.

[0133] To this end, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the ceiling surface of the sensor space (26) can be made concave to create an escape groove (58).

[0134] The presence of such escape grooves (58) can prevent interference between the connector part (32) of the user detection sensor (30) and the cover. This means that the cover can be used in common without having to design and manufacture it separately.

[0135] In addition, by making the ceiling surface concave, the opposite part of the ceiling surface can protrude upward based on FIG. 7. By forming a relief groove (58) in the ceiling surface in this way, the corresponding part of the heater installed adjacent to the end finishing member (24) can be arranged in a curved manner.

[0136] Below, a user detection sensor (30) is installed and used in a refrigerator according to the present invention having the configuration as described above, and a control method for the refrigerator according to the present invention will be explained in more detail.

[0137] In the present invention, the user detection sensor (30) is intended to detect a user who intends to use the refrigerator.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 10, when a user (1) approaches the front of the refrigerator, the user detection sensor (30) can detect the user.

[0139] The user detection sensor (30) can be installed so that the detection area (35) is directed to the right, that is, in the right direction, by a predetermined angle when viewed in FIG. 10. This is so that it can detect when the user (1) approaches the center or right side of the refrigerator.

[0140] In this embodiment, when a user (1) approaches the front of the rotating door (17), light from the light source (31) of the user detection sensor (30) is reflected to the user (1) and enters the light receiving part (31'), thereby enabling detection of the user's (1) presence.

[0141] As described above, in an embodiment of the present invention, a user detection sensor (30) may be installed on the back surface of the door front plate (21) of the inner door (19).

[0142] In particular, the user detection sensor (30) is installed at a position corresponding to one corner of the lower part of the inner door (19), but is installed at an angle toward the center line (C) of the door front plate (21) so that the user (1) can be detected even if the user is standing in the center or further to the right of the rotating door (17).

[0143] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a user detection sensor (30) may be installed in a sensor space (26) that opens to the lower surface of the inner door (19). The user detection sensor (30) may be installed inside the sensor space (26) at a predetermined angle, as can be seen in FIG. 5.

[0144] When inserting the user detection sensor (30) into the sensor space (26), the rear end of the user detection sensor (30) can first be aligned parallel to the inner surface where the rear end hook (48) is formed at the entrance of the sensor space (26).

[0145] In this state, the user detection sensor (30) can be placed inside the sensor space (26) so that the light source part (31) and the light receiving part (31') are placed on the first side guide rib (40) and the second side guide rib (42).

[0146] Next, the user detection sensor (30) can be rotated clockwise at a predetermined angle based on FIG. 5 so that the light source part (31) and the light receiving part (31') can enter between the first side guide rib (40) and the second side guide rib (42).

[0147] At the same time, one of the mounting pieces (33) can be made to enter the hanging channel (56), and the other can be made to touch one side of the mounting piece support (52).

[0148] In this way, when the user detection sensor (30) is rotated within the sensor space (26), the rear end of the user detection sensor (30) is supported by the first rear end support rib (44) and the second rear end support rib (46), and the rear end hook (48) can be hooked onto the rear end edge of the user detection sensor (30).

[0149] As described above, when the user detection sensor (30) is placed in the sensor space (26), the light source part (31) and the light receiving part (31') can be placed at a predetermined angle relative to the sensor window (28).

[0150] When the user detection sensor (30) is installed in the sensor space (26) and a signal connection can be established with the control unit side through the connector part (32), the sensor space (26) can be closed using a cover.

[0151] Meanwhile, when a user is detected by the user detection sensor (30), the button device (20) can be activated. To this end, when a user is detected, the user detection sensor (30) transmits a detection signal to the controller (60), and the controller (60) can activate the button device (20).

[0152] When the button device (20) is activated, the light-emitting part (224) provided in the button device (20) can be turned on. When the light-emitting part (224) is turned on, it can emit light. The activation of the button device (20) and the emission of light by the light-emitting part (224) can occur simultaneously or with a very small time difference.

[0153] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the state in which a button device is separated from a rotary door in an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the button device.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the button device (20) can be located below the rotary door (17).

[0155] A front frame for supporting a button device (20) may be installed on the rotating door (17), and a button hole (34) may be provided in the front frame to expose a part of the button device (20). For example, through the button hole (34), at least an area corresponding to the button (212) in the button section (210) may be exposed to the outside.

[0156] The button device (20) may include a button section (210) including a button (212) and a detection section (220) for detecting operation of the button (212).

[0157] The button portion (210) may be formed of a flexible material capable of changing shape by an external force, for example. For instance, the button portion (210) may be formed of silicone material.

[0158] The button (212) has a certain area and can be formed in a circular or polygonal shape.

[0159] Figure 12 illustrates, for example, that a button (212) is formed in a circular shape.

[0160] A plurality of holes (215) may be formed along the circumferential perimeter of the button (212). For example, the plurality of holes (215) may be arranged at regular intervals with a constant radius from the center of the button (212).

[0161] Accordingly, the virtual line connecting the multiple holes (215) is in the shape of a circle and is located on the button (212) within the area where the multiple holes (215) are formed.

[0162] The user's pressure is transmitted to the button (212), and since the button part (210) is formed of a flexible material, the button (212) can be deformed in a direction away from the direction in which the pressure is applied.

[0163] Since a plurality of holes (215) around the circumference of the button (212) are arranged at regular intervals, even if the pressure applied to the button (212) is concentrated on one side, the deformation of the button (212) can be smooth through the plurality of holes (215).

[0164] In addition, the button (212) can easily return to its original state after being deformed by repeated pressure through the multiple holes (212) around the button (212).

[0165] In addition, even if excessive force is applied to the button (212), the force can be distributed among the multiple holes (212), so that plastic deformation of the button (212) can be prevented.

[0166] The button portion (210) including the button (212) can be formed in an overall rectangular or square shape.

[0167] The button portion (210) may further include a protrusion (213) extending from the circumference of the button (212). The protrusion (213) may be located within the area formed by a plurality of holes (215).

[0168] The protrusion (213) can be formed in the shape of a circular ring, for example. The protrusion (213) can penetrate the button hole (34).

[0169] The diameter of the button hole (34) of the front frame may be equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the protrusion (213). Thus, when the protrusion (213) penetrates the button hole (34), the protrusion (213) completely blocks the button hole (34), preventing external water from passing through the button hole (33). Therefore, the waterproof performance of the button device (20) can be improved.

[0170] A contact portion (260) that is contacted by a user to press the button (212) may be attached to the protrusion (213). The contact portion (260) may be formed in the shape of a disc, for example, and its thickness may be thinner than the protrusion length of the protrusion (213).

[0171] The outer diameter of the contact portion (260) may be the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the protrusion (213).

[0172] Accordingly, the contact portion (260) is accommodated in the space formed by the protrusion (213) and can be maintained in a fixed state with respect to the protrusion (213) by frictional force with the protrusion (213).

[0173] With the contact portion (260) accommodated in the space formed by the protrusion (213), the contact portion (260) can come into contact with the button (212).

[0174] With the contact portion (260) accommodated within the space of the protrusion (213), the contact portion (260) may be prevented from being separated from the protrusion (213).

[0175] In this embodiment, the contact portion (260) can be positioned in the button hole (34) while the contact portion (260) is fixed to the protrusion (213). Thus, the contact portion (260) can be prevented from protruding forward from the rotating door (17).

[0176] The contact portion (260) may be formed of a material different from that of the button portion (210). If the contact portion (260) is formed of a material different from that of the button portion (210), the user can easily recognize the contact portion (260).

[0177] The sensing unit (220) may include a substrate (221), a switch (222) installed on the substrate (221), and one or more light-emitting units (224) arranged around the switch (222).

[0178] The sensing part (220) is located at the rear of the button part (210), and the switch (222) can be positioned to face the pressing part (214).

[0179] In a state where no external force is applied to the button (212) (in a state where the button is not operated), the contact (223) of the switch (222) may come into contact with or be separated from the pressurizing part (214). Of course, even if the contact (223) of the switch (222) comes into contact with the pressurizing part (214) in a state where no external force is applied to the button (212), the contact (223) will not be pressed by the pressurizing part (214).

[0180] According to the present embodiment, since the force for operating the button (212) is directly transmitted to the switch (222) through the pressurizing part (214), the path for transmitting the operating force of the button (212) to the switch (222) is shortened, the structure becomes simpler, and the button device (20) has the advantage of becoming compact.

[0181] For example, a plurality of light-emitting parts (224) may be installed on the substrate (221).

[0182] A switch (222) may be positioned between a plurality of light-emitting parts (224). Alternatively, a plurality of light-emitting parts (224) may be arranged to surround the switch (222).

[0183] The button device (20) may further include a housing (230) that accommodates a sensing part (220).

[0184] The housing (230) can form a receiving space (232) for accommodating the sensing part (220).

[0185] A support projection (233) that supports a substrate (221) may be provided on the bottom wall (232a) of the receiving space (232). By doing so, the support projection (233) protrudes from the bottom wall (232a), and the substrate (221) can be spaced apart from the bottom wall (232a).

[0186] A fastening hole (225) for fastening a fastening member may be formed in the substrate (221). The fastening hole (225) may be aligned with some of the plurality of support protrusions (233).

[0187] Accordingly, the fastening member can pass through the fastening hole (225) and be fastened to some of the supporting protrusions (233) among the plurality of supporting protrusions (233).

[0188] The housing (230) can support the button portion (210). The housing (230) may include a housing body (231) forming a receiving space (232) and a rim portion (236) extending from the rim of the housing body (231).

[0189] The rim portion (236) can support the button portion (210), and the button portion (210) can cover the receiving space (232). The rim portion (236) may include a recessed seating portion (237) for the button portion (210) to be seated.

[0190] A fixing projection (238) may be formed in the seating portion (237), and a projection hole (217) into which the fixing projection (238) is inserted may be formed in the button portion (210).

[0191] The housing (230) may further include a wire guide (240) that guides a wire connected to a substrate (221).

[0192] A guide space may be formed inside the wire guide (240), and this guide space may be connected to the receiving space (232).

[0193] Meanwhile, the button device (20) may further include a reflective member (250) for reflecting light emitted from the light-emitting part (224).

[0194] The reflective member (250) may include a body (251) that forms a passage (252) inside.

[0195] The passage (252) allows light irradiated from the light-emitting part (224) and light reflected from the reflective member (250) to travel.

[0196] The body (251) may be in contact with the substrate (221) and may surround the light-emitting part (224) and the switch (222) on the substrate (221). For example, when the body (251) is in contact with the substrate (221), the light-emitting part (224) and the switch (222) may be located in a passage (252) within the body (251).

[0197] The reflective member (250) can support the button portion (210). A support surface in the body (251) that supports the button portion (210) may be provided with a projection (254) for coupling with the button portion (210).

[0198] The projection (254) can be combined with at least some of the aforementioned multiple holes (215).

[0199] FIG. 12 illustrates, for example, that a plurality of protrusions (254) are formed in the same number as the plurality of holes (215), so that each protrusion (254) can be coupled to each of the plurality of holes (215).

[0200] With the body (251) supporting the button portion (210), the pressure portion (214) can be accommodated within the body (251). That is, the pressure portion (214) can be positioned in the passage (252).

[0201] Light irradiated from the light-emitting part (224) within the body (251) can be gathered around the button (212) after being reflected.

[0202] In this embodiment, the button portion (210) may be formed of a translucent material, and light irradiated from the light-emitting portion (224) may be formed on the button portion (210).

[0203] With the button device (20) installed on the rotating door (17), a protrusion (213), which is part of the button device (20), can be exposed to the outside of the rotating door (17).

[0204] Accordingly, light irradiated from the light-emitting part (224) can reach the protrusion (213), and the user can recognize the protrusion (213) and the contact part (260) by checking the light that has reached the protrusion (213).

[0205] However, when light irradiated from the light-emitting part (224) reaches the area around the button part (210), particularly the button (212), without being reflected by other structures, the light does not reach the entire protrusion (213) and reaches only a part of the protrusion (213).

[0206] Therefore, light is not uniformly focused on the protrusion (213).

[0207] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when light irradiated from the light-emitting part (224) reaches the area around the button (212) after being reflected from the inner surface (251a) of the body (251), the light is not concentrated on a part of the protrusion (213), so there is an advantage that the light is uniformly focused over the entire protrusion (213).

[0208] In this embodiment, since multiple holes are formed around the button to which the user's operating force is transmitted, there is an advantage in that deformation of the button can be prevented despite repeated pressure. Additionally, since light emitted from the light-emitting part is reflected by the reflective member before being emitted to the button part, there is an advantage in that the light is uniformly focused around the perimeter of the button.

[0209] Meanwhile, the button device (20) can be activated by the controller (60). Specifically, as described above, in the refrigerator according to the present embodiment, when the user detection sensor (30) detects a user, the detection signal can be transmitted to the controller (60).

[0210] Thus, when a detection signal is received, the controller (60) can activate the button device (20) and turn on the light-emitting part (224) of the button device (20) to emit light.

[0211] This allows the user to operate the button device (20) by first turning on the light-emitting part (224) of the button device (20) and emitting light when the user approaches the refrigerator to use the refrigerator and the user detection sensor (30) detects the user.

[0212] When the button device (20) is activated and the light-emitting part (224) is turned on and emits light, the fact that the button device (20) is activated can be announced by voice through the speaker (61) or can be visually indicated through the display (62).

[0213] In this way, when the button device (20) is activated, it can notify the user through light, sound, display, etc., and induce operation of the button device (20).

[0214] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be manufactured in various different forms, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

[0215] As refrigerators become more multifunctional and intelligent, there is a trend toward larger sizes. Consequently, as the storage space for food increases, the electrical and mechanical devices associated with each storage space are becoming more complex.

[0216] Drawer-type storage spaces can be provided not only in general household refrigerators but also in specialized devices such as kimchi refrigerators and wine refrigerators.

[0217] Although this specification describes a drawer-type storage space provided in a standard household refrigerator as an example, it should be noted that the present invention can, of course, be applied to various devices in which a drawer-type storage space is used. Explanation of the symbols

[0218] 10: Cabinet 11: Ceiling 12: Side wall 13: Bottom 14: Rear side 15: Drawer door 15a : Lower space 16 : Container 17: Revolving door 17a: Upper space 18: Door hinge part 19: Inner door 20: Button device 21: Door front panel 22: Inner side of the door 23: Lifting device 24; End finishing member 25 : Pull-out device 26: Sensor space 27: Pinion gear 28: Sensor Window 29: In / Out Rack 30: User detection sensor 31: Light source 31': Light receiver 33; Mounting piece 40: 1st lateral guide rib 42: 2nd lateral guide rib 44: 1st rear support rib 46: 2nd rear support rib 48: Rear hanger 50: Interference-avoiding slope 52: Mounted letterhead 54; Hanging channel 60 : Controller 61 : Speaker 62 : Display 210 : Button section 212 : Button 213 : Protrusion 220 : Detector 250 : Reflector 260 : Contact part

Claims

Claim 1 A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet having a storage space formed inside; at least one door for opening and closing the storage space; and a user detection sensor installed on one side of the door to detect a user located in front of the door, wherein the user detection sensor is positioned on one side of the door at a predetermined angle inclined toward the centerline in the width direction of the door, and the user detection sensor is installed in a sensor space formed in a groove shape by being concavely cut from the rear of the door front panel or the lower surface of the door, and a sensor window is formed on the inner surface of one side of the sensor space facing the rear of the door front panel so that the tip of the user detection sensor is positioned therein. Claim 2 In claim 1, the user detection sensor is located at one corner of the lower part of the door, furthest from the rotation center of the door. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a first side guide rib and a second side guide rib supporting the leading side of a user detection sensor extend side by side at an angle relative to the sensor window within the sensor space corresponding to both ends of the sensor window. Claim 5 A refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein on the inner side opposite to where the sensor window of the sensor space is formed, a first rear end support rib and a second rear end support rib supporting the rear end of the user detection sensor are formed with different protrusion lengths, and a cantilever-shaped rear end hook for hooking the rear end of the user detection sensor is provided. Claim 6 A refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein an interference-avoiding inclined surface is formed on the inner surface where the second rear end support rib is formed, and a mounting piece support end is formed at the end of the interference-avoiding inclined surface to support a mounting piece formed on one side of a user detection sensor mounted in a sensor space, and the mounting piece formed on the other side of the user detection sensor is hung on a hanging channel formed on the inner surface of one side of the sensor space. Claim 7 A refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein a portion of the entrance side of the sensor space among the mounting support members is removed to create an interference-avoiding section, thereby preventing interference during the initial insertion of the user detection sensor into the sensor space. Claim 8 A refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a relief groove is formed on the ceiling surface of the sensor space so as to be concave, and the corresponding opposite surface protrudes. Claim 9 A refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a button device installed on the other side of the door for operating the automatic withdrawal of the door or the automatic raising of a container provided on the inner side of the door by operation of a user. Claim 10 In claim 9, the button device is a refrigerator that is activated when a user is detected by the user detection sensor. Claim 11 In claim 10, the button device includes a light-emitting part that emits light, and when the button device is activated, the light-emitting part turns on and emits light. Claim 12 In claim 11, the refrigerator wherein the light-emitting part turns off if the button device is not operated until a set time has elapsed after it has been turned on. Claim 13 A refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the light-emitting part remains in the ON state when operation of the button device is detected after being turned ON, and turns OFF when the automatic withdrawal of the door or the raising of the container is completed. Claim 14 A refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the light-emitting part flashes until the automatic withdrawal of the door or the raising of the container is completed when operation of the button device is detected after being turned on. Claim 15 A refrigerator according to claim 10, comprising at least one of a speaker or a display for outputting activation information of the button device when the button device is activated. Claim 16 A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: a step of detecting the presence of a user in front of the refrigerator using a user detection sensor; and a step of activating a button device operated to automatically pull out at least one door or raise a container provided on the inner side of the door when a user is detected by the user detection sensor, wherein the user detection sensor is positioned on one side of the door at a predetermined angle inclined toward the centerline in the width direction of the door, and is installed in a sensor space formed in a groove shape by being concavely cut from the rear of the door front panel or the lower surface of the door, thereby detecting the presence of a user in front of the refrigerator. Claim 17 In claim 16, a control method for a refrigerator in which a light-emitting part provided in the button device is turned on and emits light when the button device is activated. Claim 18 A control method for a refrigerator according to claim 17, wherein the light-emitting part turns off if the button device is not operated until a set time has elapsed after it has been turned on. Claim 19 A control method for a refrigerator according to claim 17, wherein the light-emitting part remains in the ON state when operation of the button device is detected after being turned ON, and turns OFF when the automatic withdrawal of the door or the raising of the container is completed. Claim 20 A method for controlling a refrigerator according to claim 16, wherein when the button device is activated, information indicating the activation of the button device is output through a speaker or display.

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