Refrigerator

Abstract

The refrigerator according to an embodiment includes: a cabinet having a storage chamber; a door for opening and closing the storage chamber; and a door opening and closing device for opening the door, wherein the door opening and closing device includes: a driving unit for generating power; a power transmission unit for transmitting power from the driving unit; a first operation unit operated by receiving power from the driving unit; and a second operation unit operated by receiving power from the driving unit and disposed at a position spaced apart from the center of rotation of the door, and when the driving unit operates to automatically open the door, the first operation unit starts to operate, and after the first operation unit starts to operate, the second operation unit starts to operate.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] This specification relates to a refrigerator.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that keeps food at a low temperature in an internal storage compartment enclosed by a door.

[0003] The above storage room is surrounded by an insulating wall so that the inside of the storage room is maintained at a temperature lower than the outside temperature. Depending on the temperature range of the storage room, the storage room may be referred to as a refrigerator or a freezer.

[0004] To place or remove objects from a storage compartment, the user opens the door. Typically, the door is rotatably installed on the cabinet, and a gasket is provided between the door and the cabinet. Therefore, when the door is closed, the gasket seals tightly between the door and the cabinet, preventing cold air from leaking from the storage compartment. The greater the sealing strength of this gasket, the greater the effect of preventing cold air leakage.

[0005] To increase the sealing force of the gasket, the gasket may be formed of a rubber magnet, and a magnet may be provided within the gasket. However, as the sealing force of the gasket increases, a correspondingly greater force is required to open the door.

[0006] Accordingly, refrigerators with automatic door opening functions have recently been introduced. A related prior art document is China Utility Model Registration No. 208324468.

[0007] One embodiment provides a refrigerator in which the opening angle of the door increases when the door is automatically opened.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator wherein the door can be automatically opened as well as automatically closed.

[0009] Optionally or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator wherein the door can be opened automatically as well as manually by a user.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which damage to the drive unit for automatic opening is prevented when the door is manually opened.

[0011] A refrigerator according to one aspect may include a cabinet having a storage compartment; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; and a door opening and closing device for opening the door.

[0012] The above door opening / closing device may include a driving unit that generates power and a power transmission unit that transmits the power of the driving unit.

[0013] The door opening / closing device may include a first operating unit that operates by receiving power from the driving unit. The door opening / closing device may further include a second operating unit that operates by receiving power from the driving unit and is positioned at a position spaced apart from the center of rotation of the door.

[0014] When the driving unit operates to automatically open the door, the first operating unit may start operating, and after the first operating unit starts operating, the second operating unit may start operating.

[0015] The door opening / closing device may further include a first transmission unit for transmitting the power of the driving unit to the first operating unit during the automatic opening process of the door. The door opening / closing device may further include a second transmission unit for transmitting the power of the driving unit to the second operating unit.

[0016] The first operating unit may include a rack gear connected to the first transmission unit.

[0017] The first operating portion may include a first member including the rack gear. The first operating portion may further include a second member rotatably connected to the first member and in contact with the rear surface of the door.

[0018] The second operating unit may include a body extending from the cabinet toward the door. The second operating unit may further include a first coupling portion located on one side of the body and coupled to the door. The second operating unit may further include a second coupling portion located on the other side of the body and coupled to the second transmission unit.

[0019] In the automatic opening process of the above door, the first transmission unit can block the transmission of the power while the first operating part is operating.

[0020] The door opening / closing device may further include an elastic body that provides elastic force to the first operating unit or the first transmission unit so that the first operating unit returns to the initial position when the transmission of the power is cut off.

[0021] During some sections of the automatic opening process of the above door, the first operating unit and the second operating unit may move together in the door opening direction.

[0022] In the automatic opening process of the door, the first operating part can move from the initial position to the end position, and the second operating part can move from the initial position to the door opening position.

[0023] Before the second operating part moves to the door opening position, the first operating part can move to the end position and then return to the initial position.

[0024] During the automatic closing process of the door, the second operating part can move from the door opening position to the initial position while the first operating part is stopped at the end position.

[0025] During the manual opening process of the door, the second transmission unit can block the rotational force of the door from being transmitted to the driving unit.

[0026] In the automatic opening process of the door, the second transmission unit can receive power of the driving unit from the first transmission unit.

[0027] The first transmission unit may include a first transmission gear having a moving part. The first transmission unit may further include a second transmission gear having a slot in which the moving part is accommodated and connected to the first operating part.

[0028] The first transmission gear and the second transmission gear can be linked while the above moving part is positioned in the slot.

[0029] When the above moving part is removed from the slot, the first transmission gear and the second transmission gear may not be engaged.

[0030] During the automatic opening process of the above door, the first operating part can move from the initial position to the end position. When the first operating part moves to the end position, the moving part can be removed from the slot.

[0031] The second transmission gear may include a recessed portion communicating with the slot, and an inclined surface forming the recessed portion and contacting the moving portion.

[0032] During the automatic closing process of the door, when the second transmission gear rotates in the other direction, the moving part can move from the recessed part to the slot along the inclined surface.

[0033] The second transmission unit may include a first transmission unit and a second transmission unit that can be connected or disconnected from the first transmission unit. The second transmission unit may further include a third transmission unit that is connected to the second transmission unit and the second operating unit.

[0034] The above first transmission section may include a first portion where no gear teeth are present and a second portion where gear teeth are present.

[0035] When the door is closed, the first transmission unit may be positioned at a disconnection position where the first portion is aligned with the second transmission unit. During the automatic opening process of the door, when the first transmission unit is rotated by a predetermined angle, the second portion may be connected with the second transmission unit.

[0036] At the disconnection position of the first transmission section, the door can be manually opened.

[0037] During the manual opening process of the door, the second operating part can be moved to the door opening position by the rotational force of the door.

[0038] According to another aspect, a refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage compartment; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; and a door opening / closing device for opening the door, wherein the door opening / closing device may include a driving unit for generating power, an operating unit that operates by receiving power from the driving unit and is positioned at a position spaced apart from the rotation center of the door, a first transmission unit for transmitting power from the driving unit, and a second transmission unit that can be connected or disconnected from the first transmission unit.

[0039] When the door is closed, the first transmission unit may be positioned in a disconnected position where it is not connected to the second transmission unit. When the driving unit is operated for automatic opening of the door, the first transmission unit may move to a connected position and be connected to the second transmission unit during the automatic opening process of the door.

[0040] In one embodiment, there is an advantage that the opening angle of the door increases when the door is automatically opened.

[0041] In one embodiment, the door has the advantage of being able to open automatically as well as close automatically.

[0042] In one embodiment, the door has the advantage of not only opening automatically, but also being able to be opened manually by the user.

[0043] According to one embodiment, there is an advantage in that damage to the driving part for automatic opening is prevented and operating noise is reduced when the door is manually opened.

[0044] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a part of the configuration of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0045] Figure 2 is a plan view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0046] Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing the door opening / closing device of the present embodiment installed in a refrigerator.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a drawing showing a part of the power transmission unit configuration in the door opening / closing device of the present embodiment.

[0048] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first transmission gear for transmitting power to a first operating unit.

[0049] Fig. 6 (a) is a perspective view of the second transmission gear, and Fig. 6 (b) is a side view of the second transmission gear.

[0050] Figures 7 to 14 are drawings showing the process of a door automatically opening.

[0051] Figures 15 to 18 are drawings showing the process of the door automatically closing.

[0052] Fig. 19 is a drawing showing the process in which the moving part of the first transmission gear moves into the slot of the second transmission gear during the process in which the door automatically closes.

[0053] Figure 20 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0054] Figures 21 and 22 are drawings showing the process of manually opening a door.

[0055] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known structures or functions will be omitted if they are deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] Additionally, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected, coupled, or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0057] In this specification, at least one of component A and component B may be interpreted as including component A, or component B, or component A+B.

[0058] Additionally, at least one of component A or component B may be interpreted as including component A, or component B, or component A+B.

[0059] In this specification, the front of the second door is a surface forming the front exterior of the door, and the rear is a surface facing the first door. The front of the first door is a surface forming the front exterior of the first door and facing the rear of the second door. The rear of the first door is a surface facing the cabinet or storage room.

[0060] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator (1) according to the present embodiment may include a cabinet (10) forming a storage compartment (12) and a door (20) for opening and closing the storage compartment (12).

[0062] The storage compartment (12) may include, for example, a refrigerator. Alternatively, the storage compartment (12) may include, for example, a freezer. Alternatively, although not shown, the storage compartment (12) may further include an additional storage compartment.

[0063] The door (20) may be a refrigerator door or a freezer door. The door (20) may include a first door (21) that opens and closes a portion of the storage compartment (12). The door (20) may include a second door (22) that opens and closes another portion of the storage compartment (12). Alternatively, a single door (21) may open and close a single storage compartment (12), or may open and close multiple storage compartments (12) simultaneously.

[0064] The above door (20) may consist of one door or may include a main door (23) and a sub door (24).

[0065] As an example, FIG. 2 illustrates that the first door (21) among the doors (20) is composed of a main door (23) (or inner door) and a sub door (24) (or outer door), but is not limited thereto.

[0066] The main door (23) can open and close the storage room (12), and the sub-door (24) can be rotatably connected to the main door (23). The sub-door (24) can be rotatably connected to the main door (23) or rotatably connected to the cabinet (10).

[0067] The refrigerator of the present embodiment may further include a door opening / closing device (100) for opening the door (20). When the door (20) includes a plurality of doors (21, 22), the door opening / closing device (100) may open some or all of the plurality of doors (21, 22).

[0068] As an example, FIG. 2 illustrates that the door opening / closing device (100) opens the first door (21) among the doors (20).

[0069] In the present embodiment, the door (20) can be automatically opened by the door opening / closing device (100). Additionally, the door (20) can be manually opened by a user.

[0070] The door opening / closing device (100) may be installed, for example, on the upper surface of the cabinet (10), but may also be installed on the lower surface. A portion of the door opening / closing device (100) may be connected to the upper (or lower) side of the door (20).

[0071] When the above door (20) includes a main door (23) and a sub-door (24), a part of the door opening / closing device (100) may be connected to the upper side of the main door (23). That is, when the door opening / closing device (100) is operated, the main door (23) may be automatically opened.

[0072] A gasket (40 in FIG. 3) that limits cold air leakage from the storage room (12) may be provided between the door (20) and the cabinet (10). For example, a gasket (40) may be coupled to the door (20). A magnet may be provided inside the gasket (40). The gasket (40) may be maintained in contact with the cabinet (10) by the magnet.

[0073] Below, the door opening / closing device (100) of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0074] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view showing a state in which the door opening / closing device of the present embodiment is installed in a refrigerator, Fig. 4 is a drawing showing a part of a power transmission unit in the door opening / closing device of the present embodiment, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first transmission gear for transmitting power to a first operating unit. Fig. 6 (a) is a perspective view of a second transmission gear, and Fig. 6 (b) is a side view of the second transmission gear.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, the main door (23) may be rotatably connected to the cabinet (10) by a first hinge bracket (31). The upper surface of the main door (23) may include a recessed portion (23a) that is recessed downward. The first hinge bracket (31) may be connected to the recessed portion (23a).

[0076] The above sub-door (24) can be rotatably connected to the main door (23) by a second hinge bracket (32).

[0077] The door opening / closing device (100) of the present embodiment may include a driving unit (110). The driving unit (110) may include, for example, a motor capable of bidirectional rotation.

[0078] The above door opening / closing device (100) may further include a power transmission unit (120) for transmitting the power of the driving unit (110).

[0079] The door opening / closing device (100) may further include a first operating unit (170) (or door opening unit) that operates by receiving power from the power transmission unit (120). The door opening / closing device (100) may further include a second operating unit (180) (or door opening unit) that operates by receiving power from the power transmission unit (120). In the automatic opening process of the door (20), the first operating unit (170) and the second operating unit (180) may operate sequentially. The second operating unit (180) functions as a door closing unit that closes the door during the automatic closing process of the door.

[0080] The door opening / closing device (100) may further include a first transmission unit that transmits power to the first operating unit (170). The door opening / closing device (100) may further include a second transmission unit that transmits power to the second operating unit (180).

[0081] The power transmission unit (120) may include a plurality of gears. The door opening / closing device (100) may include a frame (101). The plurality of gears may be rotatably supported on the frame (101). The frame (101) may cover at least a portion of the components constituting the door opening / closing device (100).

[0082] For example, the plurality of gears may include first to fifth gears (121, 122, 123, 124, 125) that are connected to each other. However, it should be noted that there is no limitation on the number of the plurality of gears in the present embodiment. Furthermore, it should be noted that there is no limitation on the shape of the plurality of gears.

[0083] The first gear (121) may be connected to the shaft of the driving unit (110). The second gear (122) and the third gear (123) may be reduction gears. The fourth gear (124) and the fifth gear (125) may be idle gears. At least one of the second to fourth gears may be a two-stage gear having portions with different diameters.

[0084] The last gear among the plurality of gears may be connected to the first transmission unit. For example, the fifth gear (125) may be connected to the first transmission unit.

[0085] The first transmission unit may transmit power to the first operating unit (170) during some sections of the automatic opening process of the door (20). For example, the first transmission unit may transmit power to the first operating unit (170) during an initial section of the automatic opening process. The first transmission unit may block power transmission to the first operating unit (170) during other sections of the automatic opening process. That is, the first transmission unit may block power transmission during operation of the first operating unit (170).

[0086] The first transmission unit may include a first transmission gear (130). The first transmission gear (130) may mesh with the last gear among the plurality of gears.

[0087] The first transmission gear (130) may include a moving part (135). The moving part (135) may be provided to be movable at a position spaced apart from the rotational center of the first transmission gear (130). The moving part (135) may move in a direction parallel to the rotational center line of the first transmission gear (130).

[0088] The first transmission gear (130) may include a first portion (131) in which the moving portion (135) is received. The first transmission gear (130) may include a second portion (132) as an opening through which the moving portion (135) passes. The diameter of the first portion (131) may be larger than the diameter of the second portion (132).

[0089] The first transmission gear (130) may further include a third portion (133) as an opening for insertion of the moving portion (135). The first portion (131) may be positioned between the second portion (132) and the third portion (133). The diameter of the third portion (133) may be equal to or greater than the diameter of the first portion (131).

[0090] The first transmission gear (130) may further include a cover portion (137) for covering the third portion (133). The diameter of the cover portion (137) may be equal to or smaller than that of the third portion (133). A portion of the cover portion (137) may be inserted into the first portion (131). The cover portion (137) may restrict the moving portion (135) of the first transmission gear (130) from being separated toward the third portion (133).

[0091] The portion of the moving part (135) that protrudes outward from the first transmission gear (130) may include a round surface. The round surface may come into contact with the second transmission gear (140).

[0092] The above moving part (135) may be formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. Based on the drawing, the upper surface of the moving part (135) may include a round surface.

[0093] The moving part (135) may further include an extension part (135a) that extends outward. A portion of the moving part (135) may penetrate the second part (132) and protrude outwardly from the first transmission gear (130). The extension part (135a) may be caught on a step formed by a diameter difference between the first part (131) and the second part (132). The extension part (135a) may be moved within the first part (131).

[0094] The upward movement of the moving part (135) can be limited by the extension part (135a). The downward movement of the extension part (135a) can be limited by the cover part (137) or the elastic member (138) described below.

[0095] The first transmission gear (130) may further include an elastic member (138) that provides elastic force to the moving part (135). The elastic member (138) may elastically support the moving part (135). The elastic member (138) may be, for example, a coil spring.

[0096] A groove (135b) may be formed in the above moving part (135) to accommodate a portion of the elastic member (138). The other side of the elastic member (138) may be supported by the cover part (137).

[0097] After the moving part (135) is moved downward by an external force, when the external force is removed, the moving part (135) can be moved upward by the elastic force of the elastic member (138).

[0098] The second transmission gear (140) may be provided with gear teeth (141) on a portion of the circumferential surface. A portion of the second transmission gear (140) that is not provided with the gear teeth (141) may be provided with a slot (142) in which the moving part (135) is received. The slot (142) may penetrate the second transmission gear (140) in a direction parallel to the rotational center line of the second transmission gear (140). Alternatively, the slot (142) may be recessed toward the rotational center of the second transmission gear (140) on the circumferential surface.

[0099] The above moving part (135) can be selectively accommodated in the slot (142). When the moving part (135) is accommodated in the slot (142), the rotational force of the first transmission gear (130) can be transmitted to the second transmission gear (140). On the other hand, when the moving part (135) is removed from the slot (142), the rotational force of the first transmission gear (130) is not transmitted to the second transmission gear (140).

[0100] In this embodiment, the state in which the moving part (135) is accommodated in the slot (142) can be referred to as a connection state of the first transmission gear (130) and the second transmission gear (140). In the connection state of the first transmission gear (130) and the second transmission gear (140), the first transmission gear (130) and the second transmission gear (140) can be linked.

[0101] The state in which the above-mentioned moving part (135) is removed from the slot (142) can be referred to as a state in which the first transmission gear (130) and the second transmission gear (140) are disconnected. In the state in which the first transmission gear (130) and the second transmission gear (140) are disconnected, the first transmission gear (130) and the second transmission gear (140) may not be connected.

[0102] The second transmission gear (140) may further include a recessed portion (143) provided on one side of the slot (142). The recessed portion (143) may be in communication with the slot (142).

[0103] The above-mentioned recessed portion (143) may provide a path or space through which the moving portion (135) located on the outside of the slot (142) may be inserted into the slot (142). One surface forming the recessed portion (143) in the second transmission gear (140) may include an inclined surface (144). The inclined surface (144) may be inclined so that the recessed depth of the recessed portion (143) from the bottom surface upward decreases as it goes toward the slot (142). The moving portion (135) may be in contact with the inclined surface (144).

[0104] The second transmission gear (140) may be connected to an elastic body (149). In order to open the door (20), the second transmission gear (140) may be rotated in the other direction. When the second transmission gear (140) is rotated in the other direction, if the moving part (135) is removed from the slot (142), the elastic body (149) may provide elastic force so that the second transmission gear (140) returns to its initial position in one direction.

[0105] The above elastic body (149) may be, for example, a torsion spring, but it should be noted that there is no limitation on the type of spring. The second transmission gear (140) may be provided with a coupling portion (146) to which the elastic body (149) is coupled.

[0106] As another example, it is also possible for the elastic body (149) to provide elastic force to the first operating part (170). In this case, when the moving part (135) is removed from the slot (142), the elastic body (149) can provide elastic force so that the first operating part (170) returns to its initial position. In the process of the first operating part (170) returning to its initial position, the second transmission gear (140) can return to its initial position in one direction.

[0107] In this embodiment, the first transmission unit acts as a clutch that transmits power to the first operating part (170) or blocks power transmission during the automatic opening process of the door (20), and thus may be called a first clutch unit.

[0108] The first operating part (170) can be engaged with the second transmission gear (140). The first operating part (170) can be composed of a single member or multiple members.

[0109] For example, the first operating part (170) may include a first member (171) that engages with the second transmission gear (140) and a second member (176) that is rotatably connected to the first member (171).

[0110] The first member (171) may include a rack gear (172). When the second transmission gear (140) rotates, the first member (171) may move linearly. The door opening / closing device (100) may further include a guide portion (104) that guides the movement of the first member (171). The guide portion (104) may be formed integrally with the frame (101) or may be coupled to the frame (101).

[0111] The second member (176) may be rotatably connected to the first member (171) by a shaft (174). The second member (176) may come into contact with the door (20) during the automatic opening process of the door. A portion of the second portion (176) may include a portion whose width or thickness increases as it moves away from the shaft (174).

[0112] The second transmission unit may include a first transmission unit (150). The first transmission unit (150) may be connected to the first transmission gear (130).

[0113] The above first transmission unit (150) may include a first part (150a) and a second part (150b) that are distinguished by the presence or absence of gear teeth on the circumferential surface.

[0114] There are no gear teeth on the circumferential surface of the first portion (150a). There are gear teeth (152) on the circumferential surface of the second portion (150b). That is, the first transmission portion (150) may be a partial gear. The second portion (150b) may mesh with the first transmission gear (130).

[0115] The second transmission unit may further include a second transmission unit (154). The second transmission unit (154) may be connected to the first transmission unit (150) during the automatic opening process of the door (20). On the other hand, it may be separated from the first transmission unit (150) during the manual opening process of the door.

[0116] When the door (20) is closed, the first part (150a) can be positioned to face or correspond to the second transmission gear (154). When the driving part (110) operates, the first transmission part (150) rotates, and when a predetermined time elapses after the driving part (110) starts operating or the first transmission part (150) rotates by a predetermined angle, the second part (150b) is connected to the second transmission part (154), so that the second transmission part (154) can rotate.

[0117] A state in which the second part (150b) is connected to the second transmission unit (154) may be referred to as a connection state of the first transmission unit (150) and the second transmission unit (154). A state in which the second part (150b) is not connected to the second transmission unit (154) may be referred to as a disconnection state of the first transmission unit (150) and the second transmission unit (154). The position of the first transmission unit (150) in the disconnection state may be referred to as a disconnection position. During the automatic opening process of the door (20), the first transmission unit (150) may move to the connection position so that the first transmission unit (150) and the second transmission unit (154) may be connected.

[0118] The second transmission unit may further include a third transmission unit (160). The third transmission unit (160) may be connected to the second transmission unit (154). The third transmission unit (160) may be connected to the second operating unit (180). The third transmission unit (160) may transmit the rotational force of the second transmission unit (154) to the second operating unit (180).

[0119] The third transmission unit (160) may include, for example, a body (161) formed in a fan shape. A gear tooth (163) may be formed on one surface of the body (161).

[0120] The other surface of the body (161) may be provided with a connecting portion (162) to which a shaft (107) providing a center of rotation is connected. The shaft (107) may be provided on the first hinge bracket (31) or may be provided on a separate member (106) from the first hinge bracket (31). At least a portion of the third transmission portion (160) may overlap the first hinge bracket (31) in the vertical direction.

[0121] The third transmission unit (160) may further include a connection unit (165) to which the second operating unit (180) is connected. The second operating unit (180) may be rotatably connected to the third transmission unit (160) at a position spaced apart from the rotational center of the third transmission unit (160).

[0122] The third transmission unit (160) may include one or more holes. The holes may enhance the strength of the third transmission unit (160). The holes may reduce the weight of the third transmission unit (160).

[0123] In the case where multiple holes are formed in the third transmission unit (160), it is also possible to use a position detection sensor to detect the position of the third transmission unit (160).

[0124] The second operating part (180) may include a body (181). The body (181) may extend from the cabinet (10) toward the door (20).

[0125] The second operating part (180) may include a first coupling part (182) provided on one side of the body (181). The first coupling part (182) may be rotatably connected to a shaft (33) provided in the door (20) (e.g., a main door). Alternatively, the first coupling part (182) may also include a shaft. The first coupling part (182) may be positioned in a recessed part (23a) of the main door (22). The shaft (33) may be provided in the first hinge bracket (31), or may be provided in a separate member that is spaced apart from or coupled to the first hinge bracket (31).

[0126] The body (181) may be formed in a straight shape or may be formed in a shape that is bent one or more times. When the door (20) is closed, the first coupling portion (182) may be positioned near the rotation center (C1) of the door (20) (or the rotation center of the main door). For example, when the door (20) is closed, the first coupling portion (182) may be positioned closer to the cabinet (10) or the gasket (40) than the rotation center (C1) of the door (20).

[0127] The second operating unit (180) may include a second coupling unit (183) provided on the other side of the body (181). The second coupling unit (183) may be connected to the third transmission unit (160).

[0128] Due to the shape of the first transmission unit (150), the second transmission unit transmits the power of the driving unit (110) to the second operating unit (180) during the automatic opening and closing process of the door (20), and acts as a clutch to block the movement power of the second operating unit (180) from being transmitted to the driving unit (110) during the manual opening and closing process of the door (20). Therefore, the second transmission unit may be called a second clutch unit.

[0129] Below, the process of opening and closing the door will be described.

[0130] Figures 7 to 14 are drawings showing the process of automatically opening the door, and Figures 15 to 18 are drawings showing the process of automatically closing the door. Figure 19 is a drawing showing the process of the moving part of the first transmission gear moving to the slot of the second transmission gear during the process of automatically closing the door. Figure 20 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 20, the refrigerator of the present embodiment may further include a control unit (200). The control unit (200) may be installed on or separated from the object to be controlled. The control unit (200) may be located inside or outside the object to be controlled.

[0132] For example, the control unit (200) may be provided in the cabinet (10) or in the door (20).

[0133] The above control unit (200) can control the driving unit (110). The control unit (200) can be located outside the driving unit (110). The control unit (200) can control the driving unit (110) alone, and can also control other components in the refrigerator other than the driving unit (110).

[0134] The above refrigerator (1) may further include an input unit (210). The input unit (210) may input a door opening command for opening the door (20).

[0135] The input unit (210) may include a touch sensor that detects a user's touch on the front of the door (20), or a knock sensor that detects multiple knocks applied to the front of the door (20). Alternatively, the input unit (210) may include a capacitance sensor, a sensor that detects vibration, or a sensor that detects sound waves. Alternatively, the input unit (210) may include a mechanical button, or a touch screen that allows a user to input a command. Since the input unit (210) may allow a user to input a command or detect a user's command, the input unit (210) may also be referred to as an input detection unit.

[0136] The above input unit (210) may be provided in the cabinet (10) or in the door (20).

[0137] The refrigerator (1) may further include a sensor unit (220). The sensor unit (220) may detect the opening and closing of the door (20). The sensor unit (220) may be provided in the cabinet (10) or in the door (20).

[0138] The operation of the driving unit (110) for automatic opening of the door (20) can be performed while the door (20) is closed. That is, when an automatic opening command for the door (20) is input while the closing of the door (20) is detected by the sensor unit (220), the driving unit (110) can be operated.

[0139] When the door (20) is closed, the first operating part (170) and the second operating part (180) can be positioned at the initial position.

[0140] In the initial position of the first operating part (170), the first operating part (170) may be spaced apart from the rear surface of the door (20). The first transmission gear (140) may be positioned between the first operating part (170) and the second operating part (180). The second operating part (180) may be positioned closer to the rotation center (C1) of the door (20) than the first operating part (170).

[0141] In the initial position of the second operating part (180), the second coupling part (183) may be positioned further from the front of the cabinet (10) than the first operating part (170). The driving part (110) may be positioned further from the front of the cabinet (10) than the second coupling part (183).

[0142] [Door automatic opening and closing process]

[0143] When the door (20) is closed, a door opening command can be input from the input unit (210). Then, the control unit (200) can control the driving unit (110) to automatically open the door (20).

[0144] Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit (200) can, for example, rotate the motor in the forward direction. When the motor rotates in the forward direction, the power of the motor can be transmitted to the first operating unit (170) through the power transmission unit (220) and the first transmission unit.

[0145] At the initial position of the first transmission unit (150), the first transmission unit (150) and the second transmission unit (154) are in a disconnected state. Therefore, even if the first transmission unit operates and the first transmission unit (150) rotates, the second transmission unit (154) remains stationary.

[0146] When the second transmission unit (154) is stopped, the third transmission unit (160) and the second operating unit (180) also remain stopped.

[0147] For the operation of the first operating part (170), the first transmission gear (130) can be rotated in one direction (clockwise in the drawing) and the second transmission gear (140) can be rotated in the other direction (counterclockwise in the drawing). When the second transmission gear (140) is rotated in the other direction, the first operating part (170) moves in the first direction (for example, forward and backward direction) (door opening direction) from the initial position toward the end position.

[0148] As shown in Fig. 8, when the first operating part (170) moves in the first direction, the first operating part (170) comes into contact with the rear surface of the door (20). Even when the first operating part (170) comes into contact with the rear surface of the door (20), the second operating part (180) remains stationary.

[0149] As shown in Fig. 9, when the first operating part (170) is further moved in the first direction, the first operating part (170) pushes the door (20), so that the door (20) automatically rotates in the opening direction. Accordingly, at least a portion of the gasket (40) begins to separate from the cabinet (10).

[0150] As shown in Fig. 10, when the first operating part (170) is additionally moved in the first direction, the door (20) is additionally rotated in the opening direction so that the gasket (40) is completely separated from the cabinet (10).

[0151] In this embodiment, the first door (170) operates so that the gasket (40) is separated from the cabinet (10) at the initial automatic opening of the door (20).

[0152] The second operating unit (180) may not operate until the first operating unit (170) operates and the gasket (40) is completely separated from the cabinet (10). Alternatively, the second operating unit (180) may operate after a portion of the gasket (40) is separated from the cabinet (10). In either case, the second operating unit (180) may operate after the first operating unit (170) operates and a set time has elapsed or the first operating unit (70) has moved a set distance.

[0153] Referring to Fig. 11, even after a portion of the gasket (40) is separated from the cabinet (10), the first operating unit (170) can further move in the first direction. In a state such as Fig. 11, the first transmission unit (150) is engaged with the second transmission unit (154), so that the second transmission unit (154) can rotate.

[0154] When the automatic opening of the door (20) starts and the first transmission unit (150) is rotated by a predetermined angle or more, the second part (150b) is engaged with the second transmission unit (154) so ​​that the rotational force of the first transmission unit (150) can be transmitted to the second transmission unit (154). When the second transmission unit (154) is rotated, the third transmission unit (160) also rotates so that the second operating unit (180) moves in the door opening direction. After the second operating unit (180) starts operating, the opening angle of the door (20) can increase.

[0155] The second operating unit (180) can move in the door opening direction from the initial position to the door opening position. The second operating unit (180) can move in the door closing direction from the door opening position to the initial position.

[0156] In the process of the second operating part (180) moving in the door opening direction, the door (20) is separated from the first operating part (170). In the state where the first operating part (170) and the door (20) are separated, the first operating part (170) can no longer apply force to the door (20).

[0157] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, during some sections of the automatic opening process of the door (20), the first operating unit (170) may operate together with the second operating unit (180). That is, the first operating unit (170) may move in the first direction toward the end position, and the second operating unit (180) may move to the door opening position.

[0158] In the automatic opening process of the door (20), the first transmission gear (130) can only rotate in one direction. As shown in Fig. 12, when the moving part (135) of the first transmission gear (130) is accommodated in the slot (142) of the second transmission gear (140), when the first transmission gear (130) rotates in one direction, the second transmission gear (140) rotates in the other direction.

[0159] While the second transmission gear (140) is rotated in the other direction, the first operating part (170) moves in the first direction.

[0160] Referring to Fig. 13, during one-way rotation of the first transmission gear (130), the moving part (135) may fall out of the slot (142) of the second transmission gear (140). At the point when the moving part (135) falls out of the slot (142) of the second transmission gear (140), the position of the first operating part (170) may be the end position.

[0161] When the moving part (135) is removed from the slot (142) of the second transmission gear (140), the rotational power of the first transmission gear (130) is not transmitted to the second transmission gear (140). That is, the connection between the first transmission gear (130) and the second transmission gear (140) can be released.

[0162] Accordingly, the second transmission gear (140) is rotated in one direction by the elastic force of the elastic body (149) and returns to the initial position.

[0163] As the second transmission gear (140) rotates in one direction, the first operating part (170) moves in the second direction from the end position to the initial position.

[0164] Referring to Fig. 14, when the second operating part (180) continuously moves in the door opening direction to move to the door opening position, the opening angle of the door (20) becomes maximum. In the present embodiment, the maximum opening angle of the door (20) may be greater than 90 degrees.

[0165] When the maximum opening angle of the above door (20) is 90 degrees or more, there is an advantage in that the user can easily access the storage room (12) without having to manually open the door (20) further.

[0166] In the process of the second operating part (180) moving from the initial position to the door opening position, the second operating part (180) can maintain a state in which it is positioned adjacent to the first hinge bracket (31). For example, when the body (181) of the second operating part (180) is formed in a bent shape similar to the bent shape of the first hinge bracket (31), the movement of the second operating part (180) is possible in a state in which the body (181) of the second operating part (180) is adjacent to the first hinge bracket (31).

[0167] Alternatively, when the second operating part (180) is moved to the door opening position, at least a portion of the second operating part (180) may overlap with the first hinge bracket (31) in the vertical direction. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the external exposure of the second operating part (180) can be reduced when the door is opened. For example, when the body (181) of the second operating part (180) is formed in a folded shape, the vertical overlap amount between the second operating part (180) and the first hinge bracket (31) can be maximized when the second operating part (180) is moved to the door opening position.

[0168] If a hinge cover covering the first hinge bracket (31) is added, the second operating part (180) can be moved within the hinge cover. In this case, there is an advantage in that the external exposure of the second operating part (180) can be minimized.

[0169] Meanwhile, after the automatic opening of the door (20) is completed, the motor can be rotated in the reverse direction to automatically close the door (20).

[0170] For example, when the door (20) is opened and a set time has elapsed, or when the door (20) is opened and a user is not detected, or when a separate door closing command is input, and a closing command of the door (20) is detected or recognized, the control unit (200) can control the motor to rotate in the reverse direction.

[0171] When the motor rotates in the reverse direction, the power of the motor is transmitted to the second transmission unit so that the second operating part (180) can move from the door opening position to the initial position in the door closing direction.

[0172] Since the connection between the first transmission gear (130) and the second transmission gear (140) is released during the process of opening the door (20), the first operating part (170) and the second transmission gear (140) remain stopped during the process of rotating the motor in the reverse direction.

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 19, when the motor rotates in the reverse direction, the first transmission gear (130) rotates in the other direction.

[0174] In the process of the first transmission gear (130) being rotated in the other direction, the moving part (135) can be aligned with the recessed part (143) as shown in (a) of FIG. 19. When the first transmission gear (130) is further rotated in the other direction, the moving part (135) comes into contact with the inclined surface (144) within the recessed part (143). Referring to (b) and (c) of FIG. 19, when the first transmission gear (130) is rotated in the other direction, the moving part (135) is pressed by the inclined surface (144) and moves downward. When the moving part (135) moves downward, the elastic member (148) can contract. Thereafter, referring to (d) of FIG. 19, when the moving part (135) is aligned with the slot (142), the elastic member (148) is tensioned, and the moving part (135) is inserted into the slot (142) by the elastic force of the elastic member (148). The motor may be stopped at the point in time when the moving part (135) is inserted into the slot (142) or after the moving part (135) is inserted into the slot (142).

[0175] According to the present embodiment, the power of the motor is transmitted to the first operating unit during the initial automatic opening of the door and used to separate the gasket. During or after the gasket is separated, the power is used to open the door. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the door gasket can be easily separated during the initial opening of the door.

[0176] In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the door not only opens automatically, but also closes automatically, so there is an advantage of improved user convenience.

[0177] [Manual door opening process]

[0178] Figures 21 and 22 are drawings showing the process of manually opening a door.

[0179] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, a user can manually open the door (20) when the door (20) is closed.

[0180] As described above, when the door (20) is closed, the first transmission unit (150) and the second transmission unit (154) are in a disconnected state, so that even if the second transmission unit (154) rotates, the rotation of the first transmission unit (150) is restricted. In the disconnected state of the first transmission unit (150) and the second transmission unit (154), the first transmission unit (150) can be positioned in a disconnected position.

[0181] When a user holds the handle of the door (20) and pulls the door (20), the door can be rotated. When the door (20) is rotated in the opening direction, the second operating part (180) connected to the door (20) moves together with the door (20). During the manual opening process of the door (20), the second operating part (180) can be moved to the door opening position by the rotational force of the door (20).

[0182] When the second operating unit (180) moves together with the door (20), the third transmission unit (160) connected to the second operating unit (180) rotates. When the third transmission unit (160) rotates, the second transmission unit (154) also rotates. However, since the first transmission unit (150) is located at a disconnected position, the first transmission unit (150) does not rotate even if the second transmission unit (154) rotates. Therefore, in the manual opening process of the door (20), the manual rotational force of the door (20) is not transmitted to the first transmission unit (150). Since the rotational force of the door (20) is not transmitted to the driving unit (110), the load can be prevented from being applied to the driving unit (110). In addition, since the rotational power of the door (20) is not transmitted to the first transmission unit and the power transmission unit (120) during the manual opening process of the door (20), noise generation due to rotation of the gear can be prevented.

[0183] Even when the user closes the door (20), the second transmission unit (154) can rotate, but the first transmission unit (150) can remain stationary.

[0184] Meanwhile, considering the weight of the door or the strength of the magnet's magnetic force, it is also possible to omit the first transmission unit and the first operating unit.

Claims

1. Cabinet having storage space; A door for opening and closing the above storage room; and Including a door opening / closing device for opening the above door, The above door opening device, A driving unit that generates power, A power transmission unit that transmits the power of the above driving unit, A first operating unit that operates by receiving power from the above driving unit, It operates by receiving power from the above driving unit and includes a second operating unit positioned at a position spaced apart from the center of rotation of the door. When the driving unit operates to automatically open the door, The above first operating part starts operating, A refrigerator in which the second operating unit starts operating after the first operating unit starts operating.

2. In paragraph 1, The above door opening device, during the automatic opening process of the door, A first transmission unit for transmitting the power of the above driving unit to the first operating unit, A refrigerator further comprising a second transmission unit for transmitting power of the driving unit to the second operating unit.

3. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator wherein the first operating unit includes a rack gear connected to the first transmission unit.

4. In paragraph 3, The first operating part comprises a first member including the rack gear, A refrigerator comprising a second member rotatably connected to the first member and in contact with the rear surface of the door.

5. In paragraph 2, The second operating part comprises a body extending from the cabinet toward the door, A first coupling part located on one side of the above body and coupled to the door; A refrigerator comprising a second coupling portion positioned on the other side of the body and coupled to the second transmission unit.

6. In paragraph 2, During the automatic opening process of the above door, A refrigerator in which the first transmission unit blocks the transmission of power while the first operating unit is operating.

7. In paragraph 6, A refrigerator further comprising an elastic body that provides elastic force to the first operating unit or the first transmission unit so that the first operating unit returns to the initial position when the transmission of the power is blocked.

8. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the first operating unit and the second operating unit move together in the door opening direction during some sections of the automatic door opening process.

9. In paragraph 1, During the automatic opening process of the above door, The above first operating part moves from the initial position to the end position, The above second operating part moves from the initial position to the door opening position, A refrigerator wherein, before the second operating unit moves to the door opening position, the first operating unit moves to the end position and then returns to the initial position.

10. In paragraph 9, During the automatic closing process of the above door, In a state where the above first operating part is stopped at the end position, A refrigerator in which the second operating part moves from the door opening position to the initial position.

11. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator in which, during the manual opening process of the door, the second transmission unit blocks the rotational force of the door from being transmitted to the driving unit.

12. In paragraph 2, During the automatic opening process of the above door, A refrigerator in which the second transmission unit receives power of the driving unit from the first transmission unit.

13. In paragraph 2, The above first transmission unit, A first transmission gear having a moving part, The above moving part has a slot for receiving the above moving part, and includes a second transmission gear connected to the first operating part, When the first transmission gear rotates in one direction while the above moving part is positioned in the slot, the second transmission gear rotates together. A refrigerator in which the second transmission gear does not rotate when the first transmission gear rotates in one direction while the moving part is removed from the slot.

14. In paragraph 13, During the automatic opening process of the above door, The above first operating part moves from the initial position to the end position, A refrigerator in which the moving part falls out of the slot when the first operating part moves to the end position.

15. In paragraph 13, The second transmission gear includes a recessed portion communicating with the slot, and an inclined surface forming the recessed portion and contacting the moving portion. During the automatic closing process of the above door, A refrigerator in which, when the second transmission gear rotates in the other direction, the moving part moves from the recessed part to the slot along the inclined surface.

16. In paragraph 2, The second transmission unit, The first transmission unit, a second transmission unit which can be connected or disconnected from the first transmission unit; A refrigerator comprising a third transmission unit connected to the second transmission unit and the second operating unit.

17. In paragraph 16, The above first transmission part includes a first part in which no gear teeth exist and a second part in which gear teeth exist, With the door closed, the first transmission member is positioned in a disconnected position where the first portion is aligned with the second transmission member, A refrigerator in which, during the automatic opening process of the door, the second part is connected to the second transmission part when the first transmission part is rotated at a predetermined angle.

18. In paragraph 17, In the disconnected position of the first transmission section, the door is a manually openable refrigerator.

19. In paragraph 18, A refrigerator in which the second operating part can be moved to the door opening position by the rotational force of the door during the manual opening process of the door.

20. Cabinet having storage space; A door for opening and closing the above storage room; and Including a door opening / closing device for opening the above door, The above door opening device, A driving unit that generates power, An operating unit that operates by receiving power from the above driving unit and is positioned at a position spaced apart from the center of rotation of the door; A first transmission unit for transmitting the power of the above driving unit, comprising a second transmission unit which can be connected or disconnected from the first transmission unit; With the door closed, the first transmission unit is located in a disconnected position from the second transmission unit, When the driving unit operates to automatically open the door, A refrigerator in which, during the automatic opening process of the door, the first transmission unit moves to a connection position and is connected to the second transmission unit.

Images