Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator may comprise: a main body; a door rotatably connected to be opened and closed with respect to the main body; a door driving unit formed so that the door automatically rotates with respect to the main body; a sensor disposed on one side of the main body or the door to face a front direction; a memory in which one or more computer programs are stored; and one or more processors communicatively connected to the door driving unit, the sensor, and the memory. The one or more computer programs may include computer-executable instructions, wherein the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator to: determine whether a sensing data value obtained by the sensor is less than or equal to a first threshold value in a state in which the door is closed; open the door at a first designated angle with respect to the main body by controlling the door driving unit on the basis of the sensing data value being determined to be less than or equal to the first threshold value; and open the door at a second designated angle greater than the first designated angle with respect to the main body by controlling the door driving unit on the basis of the sensing data value determined to be greater than the first threshold value.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] One embodiment disclosed in this document relates to a refrigerator.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device that maintains food freshness by including a main body with a storage compartment and a cooling system that supplies cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment, which is maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius for refrigerated storage of food, and a freezer compartment, which is maintained at approximately 0 to -30 degrees Celsius for frozen storage of food. The storage compartment is designed to have an open front for food entry and exit.

[0003] A refrigerator uses a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator to repeat the cooling cycle of compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating the refrigerant. A single evaporator located in the freezer can cool both the freezer and refrigerator compartments, or the freezer and refrigerator can each have their own evaporators, allowing for independent cooling.

[0004] The refrigerator includes a door configured to open and close the storage compartment. The door is configured to rotate relative to the main body, allowing the storage compartment to be opened and closed.

[0005] The door may be configured to allow a user to open and close the door by grasping a handle provided on the door and rotating it relative to the main body. Alternatively, the refrigerator may include a door opening / closing structure configured to allow the door to be easily opened or closed.

[0006] The door may include a manually operated door configured to be opened and closed by the user, and an automatically operated door configured to be automatically opened and closed using a door opening and closing device according to the user's input. In an automatically operated door, the user may directly apply force to move the door at any time while the door is automatically opened or automatically closed.

[0007] The above information is provided solely as background information to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No judgment or assertion is made as to whether any of the above information constitutes prior art to the present disclosure.

[0008] The present disclosure addresses at least the problems and / or disadvantages mentioned above and provides at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator.

[0009] Additional features may be presented in part in the subsequent description, made clear through the description, or learned through practice of the presented embodiments.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body, a door rotatably connected to open and close the main body, a door driving unit configured to automatically rotate the door relative to the main body, a sensor disposed on one side of the main body or the door to face the front, a memory storing one or more computer programs, and one or more processors communicatively connected to the door driving unit, the sensor, and the memory. The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions, and the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator, when the door is closed, to determine whether a sensing data value acquired by the sensor is less than or equal to a first threshold value, and, based on determining that the sensing data value is less than or equal to the first threshold value, to control the door driving unit to open the door relative to the main body at a first specified angle, and based on determining that the sensing data value exceeds the first threshold value, to control the door driving unit to open the door relative to the main body at a second specified angle greater than the first specified angle.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body, a door rotatably connected to open and close the main body, a door driving unit configured to automatically rotate the door with respect to the main body, a lever device disposed on the door and facilitating movement of the door, a guide provided to guide movement of the lever device in a state in which the lever device is in contact when the door rotates to open or close the main body, a first sensor disposed on one side of the main body or the door so as to face the front direction and for identifying an external object, a second sensor disposed on one side of the door so as to face the front direction and for sensing a distance based on the external object being identified by the first sensor, a memory storing one or more computer programs, and one or more processors communicatively connected to the door driving unit, the sensor, and the memory. The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions, which, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator, when the door is closed, to obtain a distance value between the main body and the external object through the second sensor, and, if the obtained distance value is determined to be less than or equal to a first threshold value, control the door driving unit to open the door with respect to the main body at a first specified angle. The guide includes a curved point, which is a boundary point provided among the movement points of the lever device so that the door applies force in a direction in which the main body is opened or closed, and the curved angle is defined as an angle with respect to an imaginary line connecting the curved point with respect to the main body and the rotational axis of the door, and the first specified angle has a value less than or equal to the curved angle.

[0012] Other aspects, advantages, and key features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art through the following detailed description, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. This description discloses various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a top view of a refrigerator with a separated top table according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a door driving unit disposed within a door and top table of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing pushers, links, and gears arranged in the door drive unit of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for an opening operation of a door to a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the location of a first sensor of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the location of a second sensor of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a distance between a refrigerator and an external object (e.g., a user) and a first open state of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a distance between a refrigerator and an external object (e.g., a user) and a second open state of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a first open state of a refrigerator as viewed from the top of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a drawing of a door drive unit projected from a first open state of the refrigerator of FIG. 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a second open state of a refrigerator as viewed from the top of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a drawing of a door actuator projected from a second open state of the refrigerator of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a drawing of the upper side of the refrigerator projected for comparison with the curvature angle when the door is at a first designated angle relative to the main body, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a guide and lever device when the door of a refrigerator is in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a roller of a lever device moving along a first contact surface of a guide when a door is opened in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing the appearance when the roller of the lever device comes into contact with the curved point of the guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing a roller of a lever device moving along a second contact surface of a guide when a door is opened in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 20 is a flowchart for an opening operation of a door to a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 21 is a flowchart for opening and closing operations of a door for a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a refrigerator from a first open state to a closed state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a refrigerator from a second open state to a closed state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 24 is a flowchart for an opening operation of a door to a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 25 is a flowchart for an opening operation of a door to a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] The same reference numbers are used to represent identical elements throughout the drawing.

[0039] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to aid in understanding various embodiments of the present disclosure, which are defined by the claims and their equivalents. While the following description includes numerous specific details to aid understanding, these should be considered merely exemplary. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0040] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their literary meanings, but rather have been used by the inventors to facilitate a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0041] Singular forms such as "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, the reference to "a component surface" includes one or more such surfaces.

[0042] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0043] In this document, the term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described components or any one of a plurality of related described components.

[0044] In this document, terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish the corresponding component from other corresponding components and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0045] In this document, terms such as “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0046] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0047] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0048] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0049] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0050] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0051] The "body" may include an inner case, an outer case disposed on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0052] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The "outer case" may form the outer appearance of the main body, and may be joined to the outer side of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0053] "Insulation" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment. In one embodiment, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0054] In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation material instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation material described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0055] A "storage room" may include a space defined by an interior wall. The storage room may further include an interior wall defining a corresponding space. The storage room may store various items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room may be configured to be open on at least one side for the entry and exit of items.

[0056] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator includes two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To achieve this, each storage compartment may be separated from the others by a partition wall containing insulation.

[0057] The storage room may be designed to maintain an appropriate temperature range depending on its intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished by their intended use and / or temperature range. A refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and a freezer may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them frozen, and for example, a freezer may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. A variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer, at the user's option or not.

[0058] In addition to names such as "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room," a storage room may also be called by various other names such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice room." The terms "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room" used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0059] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the main body in a pivotal or sliding manner.

[0060] The "door" may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the back of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided on the interior of these.

[0062] The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by contacting the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0063] In one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

[0064] Depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment, refrigerators can be classified into French door type, side-by-side type, bottom mounted freezer (BMF), top mounted freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerator.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0066] A "cold air supply device" may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool a storage room.

[0067] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

[0069] The "machine room" may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be in communication with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0070] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to a user without having to open the door.

[0071] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0073] The "control unit" may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0074] Memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. Memory can store temporary data generated during the generation of control signals for controlling components within the refrigerator. Memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0075] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The processor may generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cooling system based on the temperature information.

[0076] Additionally, the processor may process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and / or data stored / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor may transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0077] The processor and memory may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0078] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components within the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories that individually control the components within the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cooling device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0079] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0080] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0081] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0082] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0083] Meanwhile, the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the terms "front" and "rear" below may mean the front and rear of the refrigerator in the X direction based on the drawing, respectively. The terms "upper" and "lower" below may mean the upper side in the Z direction of the refrigerator and the lower side in the Z direction based on the drawing, respectively. The terms "left" and "right" below may mean the left side in the Y direction of the refrigerator and the right side in the Y direction based on the drawing, respectively.

[0084] Each block of the flowchart and the combination of flowcharts can be performed by one or more computer programs, which may include instructions. The entirety of one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device, or the one or more computer programs may be distributed and stored across multiple memory devices.

[0085] The functions or tasks described below may be performed by a single processor or a combination of multiple processors. A single processor or a combination of processors is a circuit that performs processing, and may include an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communications processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU, e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near-field communication (NFC) chip, a connectivity chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), an integrated circuit (IC), and the like.

[0086] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10), a storage compartment (20), a door (30), and / or a cold air supply device.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the storage room (20) may be formed into multiple spaces by being partitioned inside the main body (10). A door (30) may be arranged on the front of the main body (10) to open and close the storage room (20). A cold air supply device may be provided inside the main body (10) to supply cold air to the storage room (20).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the main body (10) may include an inner housing (11) and / or an outer housing (12). The inner housing (11) may be provided, for example, to form the outer appearance of the storage compartment (20). The inner housing (11) may be integrally injection-molded, for example, with a plastic material. The outer housing (12) may be provided, for example, to form at least a portion of the outer appearance of the refrigerator (1). The outer housing (12) may be made of, for example, a metal material having excellent durability and aesthetics. An accommodation space may be formed between the inner housing (11) and the outer housing (12). A main body insulation material (not shown) for insulating the storage compartment (20) may be provided in a portion of the accommodation space.

[0090] In one embodiment, the refrigeration supply device can generate refrigeration using a refrigeration cycle of compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating a refrigerant.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the storage compartment (20) may be divided into multiple compartments by partition walls (14). The storage compartment (20) may be formed by the inner housing (11) of the main body (10) and the partition walls (14). A plurality of shelves (24) or storage containers (25) may be provided inside the storage compartment (20) to store food, etc. The plurality of shelves (24) and storage containers (25) may be provided to be separable, for example.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the storage compartment (20) may be divided into a plurality of storage compartments (21, 22, 23) by a partition wall (14). For example, the storage compartment (20) may include one first storage compartment (21) located at the top (e.g., upper storage compartment) as shown, two second storage compartments (22) located at the bottom (e.g., lower storage compartment) and a third storage compartment (23) (e.g., lower storage compartment).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the bulkhead (14) may include a first bulkhead (141) and a second bulkhead (142). The bulkhead (14) may have, for example, a T-shaped cross-section. The first bulkhead (141) may be provided horizontally, for example, to partition the first storage compartment (21) and the second and third storage compartments (22, 23). The second bulkhead (142) may be provided vertically, for example, to partition the second storage compartment (22) and the third storage compartment (23). The second bulkhead (142) may be formed to protrude downward from the first bulkhead (141), for example. The illustrated second bulkhead (142) is formed by protruding from the center of the first bulkhead (141), but is not limited thereto, and the sizes of the second storage room (22) and the third storage room (23) may vary depending on the position of the second bulkhead (142).

[0094] Among the illustrated storage rooms (20), the first storage room (21) can be used as a refrigerator, and the second and third storage rooms (22, 23) can be used as freezers, but this is not limited thereto, and the location and number of each of the refrigerator and freezers can vary depending on the needs of the user.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the number, size, or shape of the storage compartments (20) may vary depending on the shape or position of the bulkhead (14). The freezer compartment may be maintained at approximately -20 degrees Celsius, and the refrigerator compartment may be maintained at approximately 3 degrees Celsius. The storage compartments (20) may be insulated, for example, by the bulkhead (14).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the storage compartment (20) may be partitioned left and right by a single vertical bulkhead. Here, the vertical bulkhead may be formed so that one end is in contact with the upper part of the inner housing (11) and the other end is in contact with the lower part of the inner housing (11). Depending on the position of the vertical bulkhead, the size of the storage compartment (20) partitioned left and right may vary. For example, the vertical bulkhead may be provided in the center so that the storage compartment (20) partitioned left and right may be provided in a mirror symmetry manner. According to one embodiment, the vertical bulkhead may be provided in multiple numbers. When the vertical bulkhead is provided in multiple numbers, three or more storage compartments (20) may be provided in the left and right directions.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the storage compartment (20) may be partitioned only into upper and lower parts by a single horizontal bulkhead. That is, the storage compartment (20) may be partitioned into two parts, an upper storage compartment and a lower storage compartment. Here, the horizontal bulkhead may be formed so that one end is in contact with the left side of the inner housing (11) and the other end is in contact with the right side of the inner housing (11). The size of the storage compartment (20) partitioned into upper and lower parts may vary depending on the position of the horizontal bulkhead. According to one embodiment, there may be a plurality of horizontal bulkheads. When there are a plurality of horizontal bulkheads, three or more storage compartments (20) may be provided in the upper and lower directions. In addition to the above-described embodiment, a plurality of storage compartments (20) of various shapes may be configured depending on the shape and number of bulkheads (14).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the door (30) may include a first door (31) (e.g., an upper door) or a second door (32) (e.g., a lower door) as illustrated. The door (30) may be provided to open and close, for example, the opening (10a) of the main body (10). The first door (31) may be provided as a pair (e.g., a double-door type) for opening and closing, for example, the first storage compartment (21). The second door (32) may be provided as a pair (e.g., a double-door type) for opening and closing, for example, the second storage compartment (22) or the third storage compartment (23). In addition, the number and shape of the doors (30) may vary depending on the number and shape of the storage compartments (20), and the door (30) may be configured in a sliding manner as well as a manner of rotating around a hinge (16).

[0099] According to one embodiment, a rotation bar (316) may be provided on one of the pair of first doors (31). The rotation bar (316) may be, for example, positioned on an opposite side of a side forming a rotation axis in one of the pair of first doors (31). The rotation bar (316) may be provided such that the rotation axis is fixed to a side of one of the pair of first doors (31) and the rotation bar is rotatable around the rotation axis. The rotation bar (316) may be provided such that it is positioned at the center of the front surface of the main body (10) when one of the pair of first doors (31) is closed, for example. The rotation bar (316) may seal a gap between the pair of first doors (31) when the pair of first doors (31) are closed. The main body (10) may be provided with a rotation bar guide (15) that guides the movement of the rotation bar (316) when one of the pair of first doors (31) is closed.

[0100] According to one embodiment, a door (30) (e.g., a first door (31) or a second door (32)) may include a door panel (30a) or a door body (30b). The door panel (30a) and the door body (30b) may be detachably coupled.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the door body (30b) may be fixed to the main body (10) by, for example, one side thereof, a hinge (16). The door body (30b) may be configured to be rotatable relative to the main body (10). The door panel (30a) may, for example, form a part of the front exterior of the refrigerator (1). The door panel (30a) may be an important element of aesthetics, especially when the refrigerator (1) is placed indoors. Accordingly, the user may decorate the front exterior of the refrigerator (1) as desired by replacing the door panel (30a) with a door panel (30a) having a different color or design. According to some embodiments, the door panel (30a) and the door body (30b) may be formed integrally.

[0102] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, only one first door (31) and one second door (32) will be described, and the descriptions of the remaining first doors (31) and the remaining second doors (32) will be omitted. However, the first door (31) and the second door (32) whose descriptions are omitted may have approximately the same configuration as the first door (31) and the second door (32) described below, except that they are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner. In addition, the second door (32) may also have the same configuration as the first door (31), and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the first door (31) may include a first door handle (not shown), a first door shelf (313), a first shelf support (314), or a first gasket (315). The first door (31) may be, for example, rotatably coupled to the main body (10) to open and close at least a portion of the first storage compartment (21). A user may open and close the first door (31) using the first door handle. The first door handle may be recessed into the bottom surface of the first door (31) or protruded from the front surface of the first door (31), but is not limited thereto.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the first door shelf (313) may be provided to store, for example, food. First shelf supports (314) may be provided on both left and right sides of the first door shelf (313) to support the first door shelf (313). The first shelf supports (314) may be formed to extend vertically from the first door (31), for example. That is, the first shelf supports (314) may be provided to protrude rearward from the back surface of the first door (31) and extend in the vertical direction. The first shelf supports (314) may be provided to be detachable from the first door (31) as a separate component, for example, or may be formed integrally. The first shelf supports (314) may be formed to protrude rearward from the back of the door body (30b), for example.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the first gasket (315) may be provided to surround, for example, the rear edge of the first door (31). Specifically, the first gasket (315) may be provided to surround the edge of the door body (30b). The first gasket (315) may be provided to seal a gap between the first door (31) and the main body (10) when the first door (31) is closed.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the second door (32) may include a second door handle (321) or a second gasket (322). The second door (32) may be, for example, rotatably coupled to the main body (10) to open and close the second storage compartment (22) or the third storage compartment (23). A user may open and close the second door (32) using the second door handle (321). The second door handle (321) may be recessed into the upper surface of the second door (32) or protruded from the front surface of the second door (32), but is not limited thereto.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the second gasket (322) may be provided to surround, for example, the rear edge of the second door (32). The second gasket (322) may be provided to seal a gap with the body (10) when the second door (32) is closed.

[0108] Although not shown, the second door (32) may further include all or part of the same configuration as the first door shelf (313) and first shelf support (314) of the first door (31).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a top table (13) provided on the upper portion of the main body (10). The top table (13) may be coupled to the upper portion of the outer housing (12). For example, the top table (13) may be coupled to the upper surface of the outer housing (12). For example, the top table (13) may be fixed to the outer housing (12).

[0110] In one embodiment, the top table (13) can cover the hinge bracket (40) of the upper door. In this respect, the top table (13) can be called a hinge bracket cover.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the top table (13) can cover various electrical components. A receiving space for receiving various electrical components can be formed inside the top table (13). For example, the top table (13) can cover a door driving unit (400) described below, and the door driving unit (400) can be received inside the top table (13). In this respect, the top table (13) can be referred to as a door driving unit cover. A more detailed description of the structure of the top table (13) will be described below.

[0112] In the above, the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described as an example of the present disclosure on the premise that it is a direct-cooling refrigerator, but the idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can also be applied to a direct-cooling refrigerator.

[0113] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a top view of a refrigerator with a separated top table according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a body (10), a door (30), and / or a door driving unit (400).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving unit (400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 2 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving unit (400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 1. The embodiment of FIG. 2 may be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3 to 25.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the door driving unit (400) may be arranged to automatically open the door (30). The door driving unit (400) may be arranged to automatically rotate the door (30) relative to the main body (10) so that the front side of the main body (10) and / or the storage compartment (20) are opened.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the door drive unit (400) may be arranged to automatically close the door (30). The door drive unit (400) may be arranged to automatically rotate the door (30) relative to the main body (10) so that the front of the main body (10) and / or the storage compartment (e.g., the storage compartment (20) of FIG. 1) are closed.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the door driving unit (400) may be mounted on the main body (10). The door driving unit (400) may open the door (30) by pressing the door (30) in an opening direction while being mounted on the main body (10). The door driving unit (400) may be arranged to pressurize the door (30) based on a condition for opening the door (30).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the door driving unit (400) may be arranged to automatically open the first storage compartment (21). For example, the refrigerator (1) may include a first door driving unit (400A) arranged to open the first-first door (30A), and a second door driving unit (400B) arranged to open the first-second door (30B).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the first door driving unit (400A) may be configured to open the first-first door (30A). The first door driving unit (400A) may be configured to automatically open the first-first door (30A) based on a condition for opening the first-first door (30A). The first door driving unit (400A) may be configured to rotate the first-first door (30A) relative to the main body (10) so that a portion of the first storage compartment (21) is opened.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the second door driving unit (400B) may be arranged to open the first-second door (30B). The second door driving unit (400B) may be arranged to automatically open the first-second door (30B) based on a condition for opening the first-second door (30B). The second door driving unit (400B) may be arranged to rotate the first-second door (30B) relative to the main body (10) so that another portion of the first storage compartment (21) is opened.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the first door driving unit (400A) and the second door driving unit (400B) may be arranged to independently open the first storage compartment (21).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the door driving unit (400) may be mounted on the upper part of the main body (10). For example, the door driving unit (400) may be accommodated on the inside of a top table (e.g., the top table (13) of FIG. 1). The door driving unit (400) may be covered from above by the top table (13). The door driving unit (400) may be disposed on the upper surface of the outer housing (12). Referring to FIG. 2, the first door driving unit (400A) may be disposed on the left side with respect to the center on the upper part of the main body (10), and the second door driving unit (400B) may be disposed on the right side with respect to the center on the upper part of the main body (10). For example, the first door driving unit (400A) and the second door driving unit (400B) may be disposed parallel to each other in the horizontal direction (Y).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the door driving unit (400) may be mounted on the upper portion of the main body (10) and configured to pressurize the upper portion of the door (30). For example, the first door driving unit (400A) may be configured to pressurize the upper portion of the first-first door (30A). Additionally, the second door driving unit (400B) may be configured to pressurize the upper portion of the first-second door (30B).

[0125] The location and structure of the door driving unit (400) are not limited to the above disclosure, and may be mounted at various locations of the main body (10), and may be arranged to open the first storage room (21) by pressing various parts other than the upper part of the 1-1 door (30A) or the 1-2 door (30B).

[0126] For example, the door drive unit (400) may be mounted on a horizontal partition (e.g., the first bulkhead (141) of FIG. 1) and configured to pressurize the lower portion of the 1-1 door (30A) or the 1-2 door (30B).

[0127] For example, the door driving unit (400) may be provided to open the second storage compartment (e.g., the second storage compartment (22) of FIG. 1). The door driving unit (400) may be provided to pressurize the door based on a condition for opening the second storage compartment (22). The door driving unit (400) may be mounted on the lower portion of the main body (10) or may be mounted on a horizontal partition (e.g., the first bulkhead (141) of FIG. 1).

[0128] For example, the door driving unit (400) may be configured to open a third storage compartment (e.g., the third storage compartment (23) of FIG. 1). The door driving unit (400) may be configured to pressurize the door based on a condition for opening the third storage compartment (23). The door driving unit (400) may be mounted on the lower portion of the main body (10) or may be mounted on a horizontal partition (e.g., the first bulkhead (141) of FIG. 1).

[0129] In the following, for convenience of explanation, an example in which the door driving unit (400) is mounted on the upper part of the main body (10) and configured to open the first storage room (21) by pressing the first-1 door (30A) or the first-2 door (30B) is explained.

[0130] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the first door driving unit (400A) among the first door driving unit (400A) and the second door driving unit (400B) will be described as an example, and for convenience, the first door driving unit (400A) may be referred to as the 'door driving unit (400)'. The features of the door driving unit (400) described below can also be applied to the second door driving unit (400B).

[0131] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a guide (200). The guide (200) may be provided to guide the rotation of the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. According to one embodiment, the guide (200) may be provided to induce the door (30) to rotate in a specific direction depending on the position of the door (30). According to one embodiment, the guide (200) may be provided to assist the door (30) in opening or closing depending on the position of the door (30).

[0132] According to one embodiment, the guide (200) may be arranged so that when the door (30) is opened or closed, a force is applied to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened or closed, depending on the position of the door (30) (or the position of a component (e.g., lever device (100)) connected to the door (30). Hereinafter, the position of the door (30) may include the position of a component (e.g., lever device (100)) connected to the door (30) and moving together.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the door (30) may be forced in a direction that causes the guide (200) to open or close depending on the relative position of the door (30) with respect to the guide (200). For example, when the door (30) is opened, if the door (30) is positioned at a specific position with respect to the guide (200), the guide (200) may guide the rotation of the door (30) so that the door (30) rotates in the direction that causes the door (30) to open. For example, when the door (30) is closed, if the door (30) is positioned at a specific position with respect to the guide (200), the guide (200) may guide the rotation of the door (30) so that the door (30) rotates in the direction that causes the door (30) to close.

[0134] According to one embodiment, if the direction in which the door (30) rotates when it is opened is referred to as the first direction and the direction in which the door (30) rotates when it is closed is referred to as the second direction, when the door (30) rotates in the first direction or the second direction, depending on the position of the door (30) with respect to the guide (200), the guide (200) can transmit a force to rotate the door (30) in the first direction to guide the door (30) to rotate in the first direction, or transmit a force to rotate the door (30) in the second direction to guide the door (30) to rotate in the second direction.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the guide (200) may be fixed to the main body (10). For example, the guide (200) may be coupled to the hinge bracket (40). The guide (200) may be coupled to the hinge bracket (40) of the upper door. For example, the guide (200) may be formed integrally with the hinge bracket (40) of the upper door.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a lever device (100). The lever device (100) may be mounted on the door (30). For example, the lever device (100) may be mounted on the upper portion of the door (30).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the lever device (100) may include a lever arranged to contact a guide (200) when the door (30) is opened or closed. The lever device (100) may receive force from the guide (200) when the lever (130) contacts the guide (200). The force applied to the lever device (100) from the guide (200) may vary depending on the relative position of the lever (130) with respect to the guide (200) when the lever (130) contacts the guide (200). Here, the phrase "the force applied to the lever device (100) from the guide (200) varies" may be understood to mean that the magnitude or direction of the force that the lever device (100) receives from the guide (200) may vary depending on the relative position of the lever (130) in contact with the guide (200).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the lever device (100) may transmit force to the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) opens or in a direction in which the door (30) closes, depending on the relative position of the lever (130) with respect to the guide (200) when the lever (130) contacts the guide (200). For example, when the door (30) is opened, the lever device (100) may transmit force to the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) is opened, depending on the position of the lever connected to the door (30). For example, when the door (30) is closed, the lever device (100) may transmit force to the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) is closed, depending on the position of the lever connected to the door (30).

[0139] According to one embodiment, if the direction in which the door (30) rotates when it is opened is referred to as the first direction and the direction in which the door (30) rotates when it is closed is referred to as the second direction, the lever device (100) can transmit a force to rotate the door (30) in the first direction or a force to rotate the door (30) in the second direction depending on the position of the lever connected to the door (30) when the door (30) rotates in the first direction or the second direction.

[0140] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the guide (200) is coupled to the hinge bracket (40) of the upper door, and the lever device (100) is mounted on the upper part of the 1-1 door (30A) or the 1-2 door (30B), thereby guiding the rotation of the 1-1 door (30A) or the 1-2 door (30B). However, the design may be changed in various ways, such as the guide being coupled to the lower door hinge bracket, and the lever device (100) being mounted on the upper part of the lower door, thereby guiding the rotation of the lower door.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the door (30) may be provided to be rotatable between an open position that opens the storage compartment (20) to the maximum extent, and a closed position that closes the storage compartment (20).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the storage compartment (20) can be opened when the door (30) rotates from a closed position to an open position, and the storage compartment (20) can be closed when the door (30) rotates from an open position to a closed position. The open position and the closed position of the door (30) can be defined as relative positions with respect to the main body (10) and the storage compartment (20).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the door (30) can be opened by rotating in a first direction, and can be closed by rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction. That is, the door (30) can be arranged to rotate in a first direction from a closed position toward an open position, and can be closed by rotating in a second direction from an open position toward a closed position.

[0144] In one embodiment, the opening angle of the door (30) may be defined as the angle by which the door (30) is rotated from the closed position. For example, the opening angle of the door (30) may be defined as the angle by which the door (30) is rotated in a first direction from the closed position. As the opening angle of the door (30) increases, the degree to which the door (30) opens the storage compartment (20) may increase. The opening position of the door (30) may be defined as the position of the door (30) when the opening angle of the door (30) is at its maximum.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the door (30) may be provided to be rotatable about a rotational axis extending in one direction. For example, as illustrated, the door (30) may be provided to be rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the vertical direction (Z).

[0146] According to one embodiment, the rotation axis of the door (30) may be determined differently depending on the connection relationship between the door (30) and the main body (10). The rotation axis of the door (30) may pass through the door (30) and the hinge bracket (40). Accordingly, the door (30) may be provided to be rotatable about the rotation axis with respect to the hinge bracket (40).

[0147] In one embodiment, when a hinge bracket (40) is fixed to the body (10) and a portion where the door (30) and the hinge bracket (40) are connected to each other is fixed to the body (10), the rotational axis of the door (30) may be defined as a virtual straight line that is fixed to the body (10). For example, the door (30) may be provided to be rotatable between an open position and a closed position about the rotational axis that is fixed to the body (10).

[0148] However, in contrast to this, when the door (30) opens or closes the storage compartment (20), if the hinge bracket (40) moves with respect to the main body (10) or the portion where the door (30) and the hinge bracket (40) are connected to each other moves with respect to the main body (10) (for example, a multi-joint hinge type in which the hinge brackets are composed of a plurality of links that are rotatably connected to each other), the rotational axis of the door (30) may not be fixed with respect to the main body (10). Even in this case, the opening angle of the door (30) may be defined as the angle at which the door (30) is rotated in the first direction from the closed position, and the opening angle of the door (30) increases as the door (30) is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

[0149] The aforementioned door driving unit (400) may be configured to rotate the door (30) from a closed position toward an open position. The door driving unit (400) may pressurize the door (30) to rotate the door (30) toward the open position.

[0150] The aforementioned guide (200) may be provided to guide the rotation of the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. The guide (200) may apply force to the door (30) while the door (30) is being opened or closed. The magnitude or direction of the force applied to the door (30) by the guide (200) when the door (30) is opened may vary depending on the opening angle of the door (30). In addition, the magnitude or direction of the force applied to the door (30) by the guide (200) when the door (30) is closed may vary depending on the opening angle of the door (30).

[0151] The aforementioned lever device (100) is mounted on the door (30) and can move together with the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. The lever device (100) can contact the guide (200) and transmit force to the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. The relative position of the lever device (100) with respect to the guide (200) may vary depending on the opening angle of the door (30), and the point at which the lever (130) of the lever device (100) contacts the guide (200) may vary depending on the opening angle of the door (30). The magnitude and direction of the force applied to the door (30) may vary depending on which point on the guide (200) the lever (130) of the lever device (100) contacts.

[0152] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a door driving unit (150), a sensor unit (160), a cooling unit (170), a communication unit (180), a control unit (190), and a display (195).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the door driving unit (150) can control the opening or closing of at least one door. The door driving unit (150) can include at least one of a motor driving unit (151), a motor (152), a pusher (153), a link (154), and a gear (155). For example, the door driving unit (150) can precisely control the movement of at least one door (30) depending on whether or not the at least one door (30) is open or the degree of opening.

[0155] In one embodiment, the motor drive unit (151) can control the motor. For example, the motor drive unit (151) can activate or deactivate the motor (152). For example, the motor drive unit (151) can control the operating state of the motor (152) by supplying or cutting off power to the motor (152).

[0156] In one embodiment, the motor (152) can open at least one door by rotating. For example, the motor (152) can be activated based on the control of the motor drive unit to open at least one door. For example, the motor (152) can be deactivated based on the control of the motor drive unit to close at least one door.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the pusher (153) can push the door (30) to open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) or the storage compartment (20). For example, the pusher (153) can receive power transmitted from the motor (152) through the gear (155) and slide forward with respect to the main body (10) or the storage compartment (20).

[0158] According to one embodiment, the link (154) can push the door (30) to open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) or the storage room (20). One side of the link (154) can be connected to the main body (10), and the other side can be rotatably connected to the door (30). For example, the link (154) can receive power transmitted from the motor (152) through the gear (155) and move forward with respect to the main body (10) or the storage room (20), thereby opening the door (30).

[0159] In one embodiment, the gear (155) can transmit power provided from the motor (152) to the pusher (153) and / or the link (154). For example, the gear (155) may include a plurality of power transmission members, including a pinion gear for transmitting power to the pusher (153). For example, the gear (155) may include a plurality of power transmission members, including a link gear for transmitting power to the link (154).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (160) may include a temperature sensor (161), a proximity sensor (162), a camera sensor (163), a door open / close sensor (164) (e.g., a distance detection sensor), and an angle sensor (165).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor (161) can detect the temperature around the refrigerator (1) or inside the refrigerator (1). For example, the temperature sensor (161) may include a plurality of temperature sensors that detect the temperature inside the storage compartment (20). For example, the temperature sensor (161) may include a plurality of temperature sensors that detect the external temperature around the refrigerator (1).

[0162] For example, a plurality of temperature sensors may be installed in each of the plurality of storage rooms (20) to detect the temperature of each of the plurality of storage rooms (20) and output an electrical signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the control unit (190). Each of the plurality of temperature sensors may include a thermistor whose electrical resistance changes depending on the temperature.

[0163] In one embodiment, the proximity sensor (162) may be a sensor that detects whether the distance to a person or object is within a predetermined distance by detecting a change in distance from the person or object. For example, the proximity sensor (162) may identify the approach of a user and detect the distance between the user and the refrigerator (1).

[0164] For example, the proximity sensor (162) may include at least one of an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive sensor, and an inductive sensor.

[0165] In one embodiment, the camera sensor (163) may be a sensor that converts light collected in a sensing area into an electrical signal to generate a digital image. For example, the camera sensor (163) may photograph an object around or inside the refrigerator (1) and generate a digital image.

[0166] For example, the camera sensor (163) may include at least one of a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensor, a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensor, an IR camera, and an RGB camera.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the distance detection sensor (164) can detect the distance between the door (30) and an external object (e.g., a user) and transmit a value determined according to the specified distance to the processor (191).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the angle sensor (165) can detect the angle between the refrigerator body (10) and the door (30), and transmit a value determined according to a specified angle value to the processor (191). The angle sensor (165) can detect the position of the door (30) in various ways. For example, the angle sensor (165) can be provided to detect the magnetic field of a magnet mounted adjacent to the door driving unit (150) (e.g., gear (155)). The angle sensor (165) can detect a change in the magnetic field caused by the magnet as the door (30) moves. For example, the angle sensor (165) can include a Hall sensor that detects a magnetic field. However, the type of the angle sensor (165) is not limited thereto, and can include various types of sensors that can detect the angle of the door (30) with respect to the body (10). For example, the position detection sensor combined with the gear (450) may include various types of sensors such as a reed switch and an optical sensor.

[0169] In one embodiment, the cooling unit (170) can supply cooled air to the storage room. Specifically, the cooling unit (170) can maintain the temperature of the storage room within a range specified by the user by utilizing the circulation of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the cooling unit (170) may include a compressor (171) that compresses a gaseous refrigerant, a condenser (172) that converts the compressed gaseous refrigerant into a liquid state, an expander (173) that decompresses the liquid refrigerant, and an evaporator (174) that converts the decompressed liquid refrigerant into a gaseous state. The cooling unit (170) may cool the air in the storage room by utilizing a phenomenon in which the liquid refrigerant absorbs heat energy of the surrounding air while converting into a gaseous state.

[0171] However, the cooling unit (170) is not limited to including a refrigerant circuit. For example, the cooling unit (170) may include a Peltier element utilizing the Peltier effect or a magnetic cooling material utilizing the magneto-caloric effect.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (180) can exchange data with external devices such as a server device and / or a user device and / or a display (195) and / or a cooking device.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (180) may include a wired communication module (182) that exchanges data with external devices via wire, and a wireless communication module (181) that exchanges data with external devices via wireless.

[0174] In one embodiment, the wired communication module (182) can connect to a wired communication network and communicate with external devices through the wired communication network. For example, the wired communication module (182) can connect to a wired communication network through Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 technology standard) and receive data from external devices through the wired communication network.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (181) can wirelessly communicate with a base station or an access point (AP), and can connect to a wired communication network via the base station or the access point. The wireless communication module (181) can also communicate with external devices connected to the wired communication network via the base station or the access point. For example, the wireless communication module (181) can wirelessly communicate with the access point (AP) using WiFi (IEEE 802.11 technology standard), or can communicate with the base station using CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LET (Long Term Evolution), WiBro, etc. The wireless communication module (181) can also receive data from external devices via the base station or the access point. In addition, the wireless communication module (181) can directly communicate with external devices. For example, the wireless communication module (181) can wirelessly receive data from external devices using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1 technology standard), ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4 technology standard), etc.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (180) can transmit or receive data with external devices, and in particular, can receive video data including video and / or audio from external devices, and output the received data to the control unit (190).

[0177] According to one embodiment, the control unit (190) can process user input and / or door open / close detection data and / or communication data, and control components included in the refrigerator (1) based on the data processing.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the control unit (190) includes a memory (192) that stores / memorizes a program and / or data, and a processor (191) that processes user input and / or door opening / closing detection data and / or communication data according to the program and / or data stored in the memory (192).

[0179] According to one embodiment, the memory (192) can store / memorize programs and / or data. The program includes a plurality of instructions combined to perform a specific function, and data can be processed and / or manipulated by the plurality of instructions included in the program. In addition, the program and / or data can include a system program and / or system data directly related to the operation of the refrigerator (1), and an application program and / or application data that provide convenience to the user.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the memory (192) may include a non-volatile memory that stores a program and / or data for controlling the components included in the refrigerator (1) and a volatile memory that stores temporary data generated while controlling the components included in the refrigerator (1).

[0181] In one embodiment, non-volatile memory may store programs and / or data electrically, magnetically, or optically, for example. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, read-only memory (ROM) for long-term data storage, flash memory. In addition, non-volatile memory may include a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or an optical disk drive (ODD).

[0182] In one embodiment, volatile memory can load programs and / or data from, for example, non-volatile memory, and electrically store the programs and / or data. Volatile memory can include, for example, static random access memory (S-RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc. for temporarily storing data.

[0183] This memory (192) can store / remember programs and data such as an operating system (OS), middleware, and applications, and can provide programs and data to the processor (191) in response to a request from the processor (191).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the processor (191) may process user input of the display (195), detection data of the sensor unit (160), driving data of the door driving unit (150), and / or communication data of the communication unit (180) according to programs and / or data stored / stored in the memory (192). The processor (191) may generate a control signal for controlling the sensor operation of the sensor unit (160), driving control of the door driving unit (150), and operation of the communication unit (180) based on the data processing.

[0185] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a door driving unit disposed within a door and top table of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0186] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing pushers, links, and gears arranged in the door drive unit of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0187] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator (1) may include a body (10), a door (30), and / or a door driving unit (400). FIGS. 4 and 5 are drawings showing a portion of the body (10) and the door (30) as viewed from the upper side of the refrigerator (1).

[0188] According to one embodiment, the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving unit (400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 4 and 5 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving unit (150; 400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 1 to 3. The embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 may be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 and 4 to 25.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can open or close the main body (10) (or storage compartment (21)) by the door (30). According to one embodiment, the door driving unit (400) of the refrigerator (1) may be provided to rotate the door (30) from a closed position toward an open position. For example, the door driving unit (400) may pressurize the door (30) in the closed position to rotate the door (30) toward the open position. According to one embodiment, the door driving unit (400) of the refrigerator (1) may be provided to rotate the door (30) from an open position toward a closed position. For example, the door driving unit (400) may pull the door (30) in the open position to rotate the door (30) toward the closed position.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can automatically rotate the door (30) relative to the main body (10) from a 'closed position to an open position' or from an 'open position to a closed position' through a door driving unit (400).

[0191] According to one embodiment, the operation of opening the door (30) at a specified angle with respect to the main body (10) (or storage compartment (21)) may be referred to as an 'opening operation of the refrigerator (1)' and / or an 'opening operation of the door (30)', and the operation of closing the door (30) at a specified angle with respect to the main body (10) (or storage compartment (21)) may be referred to as a 'closing operation of the refrigerator (1)' and / or a 'closing operation of the door (30)'.

[0192] According to one embodiment, a state in which the door (30) is opened at a specified angle with respect to the main body (10) (or storage compartment (21)) may be referred to as an 'open state of the refrigerator (1)' and / or an 'open state of the door (30)', and a state in which the door (30) is closed at a specified angle with respect to the main body (10) (or storage compartment (21)) may be referred to as a 'closed state of the refrigerator (1)' and / or a 'closed state of the door (30)'.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the 'opening operation of the refrigerator (1) and / or the 'door (30)' may be divided into a 'first opening operation' and a 'second opening operation' depending on the opening angle of the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) (or the storage compartment (21)). For example, the first opening operation may be understood as an operation in which the angle of the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) is opened within a first specified angle (α) range (e.g., an angle range from 0 degrees to about 45 degrees or less). For example, the second opening operation may be understood as an operation in which the angle of the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) is opened within a second specified angle (γ) range (e.g., an angle range from about 45 degrees or more to about 180 degrees or less).

[0194] According to one embodiment, the 'open state of the refrigerator (1) and / or the 'door (30)' may be divided into a 'first open state' and a 'second open state' depending on the open angle of the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) (or the storage compartment (21)). For example, the first open state may be understood as a state in which the door (30) is opened at a first specified angle (α) with respect to the main body (10) (e.g., an angle of approximately 45 degrees or less). For example, the second open state may be understood as a state in which the door (30) is opened at a second specified angle (γ) with respect to the main body (10) (e.g., an angle of approximately more than 45 degrees and less than 180 degrees).

[0195] According to one embodiment, the first open operation (or state) may be named by various terms, such as at least one of an easy open operation (state), a narrow open operation (state), a limited open operation (state), and a restricted open operation (state).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the second open operation (or state) may be named by various terms, such as at least one of a wide open operation (state), a full open operation (state), an expansive open operation (state), and a broad open operation (state).

[0197] According to one embodiment, the door drive unit (400) may include at least one of a case (410), a power source (e.g., a motor (420)), a pusher (430), a link (440), and a power transmission member (e.g., a gear (450)).

[0198] According to one embodiment, the case (410) can accommodate at least a portion of the pusher (430), at least a portion of the link (440), a plurality of gears (450), and a motor (420). The case (410) can be mounted within a top table (e.g., the top table (13) of FIG. 1). The case (410) can include a fixing member (not shown) that is coupled to the top table (13) and is provided to be fixed to the main body (10). For example, the case (410) can be fixed to the top table (13) by a fastening member (e.g., a screw) that passes through the fixing member.

[0199] According to one embodiment, the pusher (430) may be positioned at least partially within the case (410) and configured to press the door (30) to open the door (30). The pusher (430) may be supported by the case (410), and the case (410) may be fixed to the main body (10). As the door (30) is opened through the pusher (430), a first opening operation (or a first opening state) in which the door (30) is partially opened with respect to the main body (10) may be provided.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the pusher (430) may be provided to be movable relative to the body (10) and / or the case (410). At least a portion of the pusher (430) may be formed to press the door (30) while sliding relative to the body (10) and / or the case (410). For example, the case (410) may include a first opening (411) formed such that one end of the pusher (430) is exposed, and a portion of the pusher (430) may pass through the first opening (411) and reciprocally move in and out of the case (410).

[0201] According to one embodiment, a portion of the pusher (430) (e.g., the moving rod (431)) may be introduced into the receiving space (412) within the case (410) and received within the receiving space (412), or may be withdrawn from the receiving space (412) to pressurize the door (30). For example, the pusher (430) (e.g., one end of the pusher (430) hereinafter) may be provided to be movable between a first pusher position (P1) and a second pusher position (P2). For example, the pusher (430) may be provided to be reciprocally movable between the first pusher position (P1) and the second pusher position (P2).

[0202] According to one embodiment, the first pusher position (P1) may be the position of the pusher (430) when the door (30) is in a closed state. The second pusher position (P2) may be the position at which the pusher (430) moves from the first pusher position (P1) in a direction that presses the door (30). The pusher (430) may move from the first pusher position (P1) toward the second pusher position (P2) to pressurize and open the door (30) that was closed. The second pusher position (P2) may be the position at which the pusher (430) moves forward from the first pusher position (P1).

[0203] According to one embodiment, the pusher (430) may be formed to be linearly movable between a first pusher position (P1) and a second pusher position (P2). The pusher (430) may be provided to be linearly movable in the forward and backward direction (X). However, the direction of movement of the pusher (430) is not limited thereto, and the pusher (430) may be non-linearly movable between the first pusher position (P1) and the second pusher position (P2).

[0204] In one embodiment, the pusher (430) may press the door (30) until it reaches the second pusher position (P2). Thereafter, the pusher (430) may stop moving based on reaching the second pusher position (P2) or may move (e.g., return) to the first pusher position (P1). In this case, the pusher (430) may no longer press the door (30).

[0205] According to one embodiment, the pusher (430) may include a movable rod (431) that is provided to be movable relative to the main body (10). The movable rod (431) may be movable relative to the case (410). The movable rod (431) may be supported by the case (410). At least a portion of the movable rod (431) may be accommodated in the case (410). A portion of the movable rod (431) may be introduced or withdrawn from the accommodation space (412).

[0206] In one embodiment, the pusher (430) may include a push roller (432). The push roller (432) may be mounted on one side of the moving rod (431) in a direction that presses the door (30). When the pusher (430) moves from the first pusher position (P1) to the second pusher position (P2), the push roller (432) may contact the door (30). For example, the door (30) may be directly pressed by the push roller (432).

[0207] According to one embodiment, the push roller (432) may be formed to be rotatable relative to the moving rod (431). As the rotatable push roller (432) is positioned on one side of the moving rod (431), friction between the pusher (430) and the door (30) can be reduced, and wear and tear on the pusher (430) and the door (30) can be prevented.

[0208] According to one embodiment, the door driving unit (400) includes a pusher (430) that is movable relative to the main body (10) and is arranged to pressurize the door (30), and the door (30) can be automatically opened through the pusher (430).

[0209] In one embodiment, the link (440) may be positioned at least partially within the case (410) and configured to press the door (30) to open the door (30). The link (440) may be supported by the case (410), and the case (410) may be secured to the body (10).

[0210] According to one embodiment, the link (440) is arranged to connect the body (10) and the door (30), and may include a first link portion (441) and a second link portion (442) rotatably connected from one end of the first link portion (441). Through the link (440), the door (30) may be provided with a second opening operation (or a second opening state) in which the door is fully opened with respect to the body (10). For example, after the door (30) is opened by the pusher (430), the door (30) may be additionally opened through the link (440) to provide the second opening operation (or the second opening state). For example, after the door (30) is opened by the link (440), the door (30) may be additionally opened through the link (440) to provide the second opening operation (or the second opening state).

[0211] According to one embodiment, the link (440) may be provided to be rotatably movable with respect to the main body (10) and / or the case (410). The first link portion (441) of the link (440) may be rotatably connected about a rotation axis of a link gear (451) among the gears (450). For example, one end of the first link portion (441) may be rotatably connected to the link gear (451), and the other end may be rotatably connected to the second link portion (442). The second link portion (442) of the link (440) may be rotatably connected to the door (30), and may transmit force received from the link gear (451) and the first link portion (441) to the door (30) to open the door (30).

[0212] According to one embodiment, a portion of the link (440) (e.g., the second link portion (442)) may be configured to rotate relative to the case (410) to press against the door (30) and open it at a specified angle or greater relative to the body (10). The case (410) includes a second opening (413) formed to expose a portion of the second link portion (442) of the link (440), and a portion of the second link portion (442) may move into and out of the case (410) while penetrating the second opening (413).

[0213] According to one embodiment, the first link portion (441) of the link (440) can be introduced into the receiving space (412) within the case (410) and can rotate while being received within the receiving space (412). A portion of the second link portion (442) of the link (440) can be introduced into the receiving space (412) within the case (410) or withdrawn from the receiving space (412) to pressurize the door (30). For example, one end of the second link portion (442) can be provided to be movable between the first link position (L1) and the second link position (L2). For example, one end of the second link portion (442) can be provided to be movable between the first link position (L1) and the second link position (L2).

[0214] According to one embodiment, the first link position (L1) may be a position of one end of the second link portion (442) when the door (30) is closed. The second link position (L2) may be a position of one end of the second link portion (442) when the door (30) is open. When one end of the second link portion (442) is at the second link position (L2), the door (30) may be opened by 90 degrees or more with respect to the main body (10). According to one embodiment, the position of one end of the second link portion (442) may move from the first link position (L1) toward the second link position (L2) to pressurize and open the closed door (30) or further open the open door (30) with respect to the main body. The second pusher position (P2) may be a position where the pusher (430) moves forward and sideways from the first link position (L1).

[0215] According to one embodiment, the link (440) may be formed to be nonlinearly movable between a first link position (L1) and a second link position (L2). The first link portion (441) and the second link portion (442) are each configured to be rotatably connected, and the second link portion (442) is a plate having a curved line shape, and the direction of movement may be nonlinear.

[0216] In one embodiment, the link (440) may pressurize the door (30) until it reaches the second link position (L2). Thereafter, one end of the second link portion (442) may stop moving based on reaching the second link position (L2) or may move (e.g., return) to the first link position (L1). In this case, the link (440) may no longer pressurize the door (30).

[0217] According to one embodiment, the door drive unit (400) includes a link (440) that is movable relative to the main body (10) and is arranged to pressurize the door (30), and the door (30) can be automatically opened through the link (440).

[0218] In one embodiment, the motor (420) can generate power to move the pusher (430) and / or the link (440). For example, the motor (420) can transmit power required for the pusher (430) when the pusher (430) moves between a first pusher position (P1) and a second pusher position (P2). The motor (420) can transmit power required for the link (440) when the link (440) moves between a first link position (L1) and a second link position (L2).

[0219] According to one embodiment, the motor (420) may include a drive motor and a motor driver connected to the drive motor. The drive motor may receive a drive current from the motor driver to generate power. The motor driver may be electrically connected to a control unit of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., the control unit (190) of FIG. 3) and may operate based on a control signal received from the control unit.

[0220] In one embodiment, the motor (420) may be supported by the case (410). The motor (420) may be housed within the case (410).

[0221] According to one embodiment, the gear (450) can transmit power generated by the motor (420) to the pusher (430) and / or the link (440). The gear (450) can be supported by the case (410). The gear (450) can be placed in a receiving space (412) inside the case (410).

[0222] According to one embodiment, the pusher (430) may have a structure capable of receiving power from the gear (450). For example, the structure capable of receiving power from the gear (450) may be formed on the moving rod (431). Power generated by the motor (420) may be transmitted to the moving rod (431) and the push roller (432) through the gear (450).

[0223] According to one embodiment, the link (440) may have a structure capable of receiving power from the gear (450). For example, the structure capable of receiving power from the gear (450) may be formed in the first link portion (441). Power generated by the motor (420) may be transmitted to the first link portion (441) and the second link portion (442) through the link gear (451).

[0224] According to one embodiment, the gear (450) may include a plurality of gears.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the moving rod (431) may include a rod gear portion (431a) that meshes with a pinion gear (452) among gears (450), and the rod gear portion (431a) may receive power from the pinion gear (452) and gear(s) meshed with the pinion gear (452). For example, the pinion gear (452) and the rod gear portion (431a) may form a rack-and-pinion gear structure, and the moving rod (431) may move linearly with respect to the case (410).

[0226] According to one embodiment, the first link portion (441) may be connected to and have the same rotational axis as the link gear (451) among the gears (450), and the link gear (451) may receive power from the gear(s) meshed with the link gear (451). The power transmitted to the first link portion (441) may rotate the first link portion (441) in a forward or reverse direction.

[0227] According to one embodiment, the motor (420) may be controlled by a control unit of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., the control unit (190) of FIG. 3). The motor (420) may be electrically connected to the control unit (190). The control unit (190) may transmit a control signal for controlling the motor (420) to the motor (430), and the motor (420) may operate based on the control signal received from the control unit.

[0228] According to one embodiment, the control unit (190) of the refrigerator (1) may control the motor (420) to move the pusher (430) from the first pusher position (P1) to the second pusher position (P2) based on a condition for opening the door (30). For example, the condition for opening the door (30) may include obtaining a user input for opening the door (30).

[0229] According to one embodiment, the control unit (190) of the refrigerator (1) may control the motor (420) to move the link (440) from the first link position (L1) to the second link position (L2) based on a condition for opening the door (30). For example, the condition for opening the door (30) may include obtaining a user input for opening the door (30).

[0230] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a user interface including an input button. For example, the input button may be configured to obtain a user input for opening the door (30).

[0231] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for an opening operation of a door to a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0232] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the location of a first sensor of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0233] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the location of a second sensor of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0234] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a distance between a refrigerator and an external object (e.g., a user) and a first open state of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0235] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a distance between a refrigerator and an external object (e.g., a user) and a second open state of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0236] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a first open state of a refrigerator as viewed from the top of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0237] FIG. 12 is a drawing of a door drive unit projected from a first open state of the refrigerator of FIG. 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0238] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a second open state of a refrigerator as viewed from the top of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0239] FIG. 14 is a drawing of a door actuator projected from a second open state of the refrigerator of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0240] According to one embodiment, the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving unit (400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 6 to 14 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving unit (150; 400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 1 to 5. The embodiment of FIGS. 6 to 14 may be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIGS. 15 to 25.

[0241] According to one embodiment, the door actuator (400) may include at least one of a case (410), a motor (420), a pusher (430), a link (440), and a gear (450).

[0242] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 14, the refrigerator (1) of the present disclosure uses a plurality of sensors (e.g., a first sensor (710) and a second sensor (720)) and a door driving unit (400) to identify an external object (e.g., a user (U)), detect a distance between the refrigerator (1) and the user (U), and open the door (30) at different opening angles relative to the refrigerator (1), thereby automatically opening the door (30) in accordance with the intention of the user (U).

[0243] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) includes at least one sensor, and at least one processor can open the door (30) of the main body (10) at a designated angle (e.g., a first designated angle (α)) or a second designated angle (γ)) based on a data value acquired by the sensor. For example, in a state where the door (30) is closed, the at least one processor can determine whether the sensing data value acquired by the sensor is less than or equal to a first threshold value. The at least one processor can control the door driving unit to open the door (30) of the main body (10) at the first designated angle (α) based on the sensing data value being determined to be less than or equal to the first threshold value. The at least one processor can control the door driving unit to open the door (30) of the main body (10) at a second designated angle (γ) greater than the first designated angle (α) based on the sensing data value being determined to be greater than the first threshold value. According to one embodiment, the sensor may include a first sensor (710) and / or a second sensor (720).

[0244] According to one embodiment, in operation 610, when an external object (e.g., a user (U)) approaches the refrigerator (1), the refrigerator (1) can identify the user by the first sensor (710) and activate the second sensor (720) based on the user identification. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (e.g., the processor (191) of FIG. 3) of the refrigerator (1) can identify the user (U) by the first sensor (710) and control the second sensor (720) to operate.

[0245] According to one embodiment, the first sensor (710) may include at least one of a trigger sensor, a pressure of touch sensor that senses whether a user (U) has touched (e.g., applied pressure) the refrigerator (1), a detection sensor that can identify a user (e.g., a proximity sensor that detects whether a user is close to the refrigerator (1)), a voice recognition sensor that senses the voice of the user (U) (e.g., a microphone, a speaker), and a motion sensor that detects the movement of the user (U). In addition to the sensors disclosed above, the first sensor (710) may be designed to include various sensors that identify the user and activate the second sensor (720).

[0246] For example, if the first sensor (710) is a pressure of touch sensor, at least one processor (191) of the refrigerator (1) can obtain a touch pressure value by an external object (e.g., a user (U)) on the door (30) through the first sensor (710), and if the obtained touch pressure value is determined to be higher than a specified threshold value, control the second sensor (720) to operate.

[0247] According to one embodiment, the first sensor (710) may be positioned on one side of the main body (10) and / or the door (30) so as to face the front. The first sensor (710) may be positioned at a location where a user's approach / touch / voice can be easily recognized. Referring to FIG. 7, the first sensor (710) may be positioned at one side of the inner housing (11). For example, it may be positioned at the top of the first storage compartment (21) and / or adjacent to the rotating bar guide (15). However, the location of the first sensor (710) is not limited to the location in the disclosed drawing, and may be designed in various ways to a location where a user's approach / touch / voice can be easily sensed.

[0248] According to one embodiment, in operation 620, the refrigerator (1) can sense the distance between an external object (e.g., a user (U)) and the refrigerator (1) by a second sensor (720) to obtain a distance value. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (191) of the refrigerator (1) can obtain a distance value between the main body (10) and the user by means of the second sensor (720).

[0249] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can identify the location of a user (U) at a certain distance from the door (30) using the acquired distance value.

[0250] According to one embodiment, the second sensor (720) may be a distance detection sensor. The refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) by determining whether the distance between the user and the main body (10) is less than or equal to the first threshold value through the second sensor (720).

[0251] According to one embodiment, the second sensor (720) may be positioned facing the front on one side of the main body (10) and / or the door (30). Referring to FIG. 8, the second sensor (720) is positioned at the outer bottom of the door (30) to easily recognize the user's position. The second sensor (720) may be positioned on the outer side of the upper door and / or the lower door. For example, the second sensor (720) may be positioned adjacent to the upper or lower side of the lower door to easily measure the distance when the user opens the upper door. However, the position of the second sensor (720) is not limited to the position in the disclosed drawing, and may be designed in various ways to easily sense the position of the user (U).

[0252] According to one embodiment, in operation 630, the refrigerator (1) can determine the operation (or state) of the door (30) by dividing the acquired distance value into cases where it is less than or equal to a first threshold value and cases where it exceeds the first threshold value. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (191) of the refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) to open the door (30) in different states by distinguishing the acquired distance value by the second sensor (720) into cases where it is less than or equal to the first threshold value and cases where it exceeds the first threshold value.

[0253] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may determine to control the door driving unit (400) to open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at a first specified angle (α) when the distance value obtained using the second sensor (720) is less than or equal to a first threshold value. Referring to FIG. 9, when the user (U) touches the refrigerator (1) and the distance of the user (U) with respect to the refrigerator (1) is a first distance (D1) less than or equal to the first threshold value, the refrigerator (1) may determine to open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at a first specified angle (α).

[0254] In one embodiment, the first threshold value may be approximately 0.2 m to 0.8 m. For example, the first threshold value may be approximately 0.5 m. When the distance of the user (U) to the refrigerator (1) is a first distance (D1) that is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the first distance (D1) may be smaller than the width (T) of the door (30).

[0255] According to one embodiment, the first designated angle (α) may be one of the angles according to the first opening operation of the door (30). The first designated angle (α) may be an angle of the first open state of the door (30). For example, the first designated angle (α) may be one of approximately 45 degrees or less. For example, the first designated angle (α) may be one of approximately 20 degrees or less.

[0256] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may determine to control the door driving unit (400) to open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at a second specified angle (γ) when the distance value obtained using the second sensor (720) exceeds a first threshold value. Referring to FIG. 10, when the user (U) holds an object in both hands and the distance of the user (U) with respect to the refrigerator (1) is a second distance (D2) exceeding the first threshold value, the refrigerator (1) may determine to open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at a second specified angle (γ).

[0257] In one embodiment, the first threshold value may be approximately 0.2 m to 0.8 m. For example, the first threshold value may be approximately 0.5 m. When the distance of the user (U) to the refrigerator (1) is a second distance (D2) that exceeds the first threshold value, the second distance (D2) may be greater than the width (T) of the door (30).

[0258] According to one embodiment, the second specified angle (γ) may be one of the angles according to the second opening operation of the door (30). The second specified angle (γ) may be an angle of the second opening state of the door (30). For example, the second specified angle (γ) may be one of approximately 45 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less. For example, the first specified angle (α) may be one of approximately less than 120 degrees.

[0259] According to one embodiment, in operation 640, if the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) (e.g., pusher (430)) to open the door (30). Operation 640 can be defined as a first opening operation of the door (30) and / or a first opening state according to the first opening operation. The first opening operation and the first opening state can be understood as an operation and a state for opening the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at an angle of approximately 45 degrees or less.

[0260] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can perform a first opening operation by driving the door driving unit (400) when the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) is less than or equal to a first threshold value. The door driving unit (400) can include a motor (420), a pusher (430) that provides a force to open the door (30), and a gear (450) for transmitting power from the motor (420) to the pusher (430). The refrigerator (1) can rotate the motor (420) and transmit the power to the pusher (430) through the gear (450) by the rotation of the motor (420). The pusher (430) presses the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) while moving in the front direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), and the door (30) can be opened by a first designated angle (α).

[0261] According to one embodiment, in operation 641, the refrigerator (1) may rotate the motor (420) in a first direction (e.g., forward rotation) and withdraw a portion (e.g., a first length (A1)) of the pusher (430) from the main body (10).

[0262] According to one embodiment, in operation 642, as one end of the withdrawn pusher (430) presses the door (30), the door (30) can be opened from the body (10).

[0263] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (191) may control the operation of the door driving unit (400) to open the door (30) at a first designated angle (α) (e.g., approximately 45 degrees or less) when the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) is less than or equal to a first threshold value. The door driving unit (400) may move the pusher (430) from the first pusher position (P1) toward the third pusher position (P3) and pressurize and open the closed door (30). The pusher (430) may pressurize the door (30) until it reaches the third pusher position (P3). Thereafter, the pusher (430) may stop moving or move (e.g., return) to the first pusher position (P1) based on reaching the third pusher position (P3). In this case, the pusher (430) may no longer pressurize the door (30). One end of the second link portion (442) of the link (440) can move from the first link position (L1) toward the third link position (L3).

[0264] According to one embodiment, the pusher (430) may include a movable rod (431) movable with respect to the main body (10) and a push roller (432) disposed at one end of the movable rod (431) to contact the door (30). In the first opening operation, a portion of the movable rod (431) moves while being withdrawn from the receiving space (412) of the case (410), and the push roller (432) directly contacts the door (30) and can push the door (30) forward.

[0265] According to one embodiment, the body (10) and the door (30) may be rotatably connected via a hinge (510). For example, the hinge (510) is rotatably coupled to the body (10), and the door (30) rotates around a door rotation axis (X) located within the hinge (510) and may be opened from the body (10). In a first opening operation, the door (30) rotates around the door rotation axis (X) and may be rotated such that the door (30) with respect to the body (10) opens by a first specified angle (α).

[0266] In one embodiment, the pusher (430) and the gear meshed therewith may provide a rack-and-pinion gear structure, wherein the rack (e.g., the moving rod (431)) of the pusher (430) includes a rod gear portion (431a), and the gear (450) that receives power from the motor (420) may include a pinion gear (450). The rod gear portion (431a) and the pinion gear (450) are meshed and rotate, and as the pinion gear (450), whose position is fixed, rotates in a first direction (e.g., forward rotation), the pusher (430) can move in a forward direction (e.g., X-axis direction).

[0267] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation, the pusher (430) can be exposed from the main body (10) by a first length (A1) to open the door (30). For example, when the total length that the pusher (430) can expose from the main body (10) is L, the pusher (430) can be pulled out by a first length (A1) that is a part of L to push the door (30). The first length (A1) can be understood as a distance gap between the main body (10) and the door (30) separated by the pusher (430) as the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) forms a first designated angle (α).

[0268] In one embodiment, after the first opening operation is completed, the pusher (430) can move to be retracted into the receiving space (412) of the case (410) on its own. For example, the pusher (430) includes an elastic member (not shown) that provides an elastic force in the rearward direction, and when the transmission of power from the pusher (430) is eliminated, the elastic member can return the pusher (430) to its original position (e.g., within the receiving space (412) of the case (410), or to the first pusher position (P1)).

[0269] According to one embodiment, after the first opening operation is completed, the pusher (430) can be moved to be introduced into the receiving space (412) of the case (410) under the control of the door driving unit (400). For example, the refrigerator (1) can rotate the pinion gear (452) meshed with the pusher (430) by rotating the motor (420) in the second direction (e.g., in the reverse direction), and in conjunction therewith, return the pusher (430) to its original position (e.g., within the receiving space (412) of the case (410) or the first pusher position (P1)).

[0270] According to one embodiment, in operation 650, if the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) exceeds the first threshold value, the refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) (e.g., the pusher (430) and the link (440)) to open the door (30). Operation 650 can be defined as a second opening operation of the door (30) and / or a second opening state according to the second opening operation. The second opening operation and the second opening state can be understood as an operation and a state for opening the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at one of an angle exceeding approximately 45 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0271] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can perform a second opening operation by driving the door driving unit (400) when the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) exceeds a first threshold value. The door driving unit (400) can include a motor (420), a pusher (430) and a link (440) that provide a force for opening the door (30), and a gear (450) for transmitting power from the motor (420) to the pusher (430) and the link (440).

[0272] According to one embodiment, in operation 651, the refrigerator (1) may rotate the motor (420) in a first direction (e.g., forward rotation) and withdraw a portion of the pusher (430) (e.g., the second length (A2)) from the main body (10). The refrigerator (1) may rotate the motor (420) in a first direction (e.g., forward rotation) and withdraw a portion of the link (440) from the main body (10).

[0273] According to one embodiment, in operation 652, the door (30) may be opened from the body (10) as one end of the withdrawn pusher (430) and one end of the link (440) (e.g., the second link portion (442)) press against the door (30).

[0274] According to one embodiment, the second opening operation may use a pusher (430) and a link (440) to open the door (30). For example, the refrigerator (1) may rotate a motor and transmit power by the rotation of the motor to the pusher (430) via a gear (450). The pusher (430) may pressurize the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) while moving in a forward direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and the door (30) may be opened. Thereafter, the refrigerator (1) may rotate a motor and transmit power by the rotation of the motor to the link (440) via a gear (450). The link (440) may pressurize the door (30) to further expand the opening range of the door (30) from the main body (10). The link (440) may further open the door (30) opened by the pusher (430) from the main body (10). The above power transmission sequence is an example, and the refrigerator (1) can sequentially or simultaneously transmit the power transmitted from the motor to the pusher (430) and the link (440) to perform the second opening operation.

[0275] According to one embodiment, the link (440) may include a first link portion (441) and a second link portion (442). The first link portion (441) may be rotatably connected to the main body (10), the second link portion (442) may be rotatably connected to the door (30), and the first link portion (441) and the second link portion (442) may be rotatably connected to each other. In the second opening operation, the first link portion (441), which receives power from the motor (420), rotates and the portion connected to the second link portion (442) is positioned so as to face the front side, and the second link portion (442) is withdrawn from the receiving space (412) of the case (410) and moves toward the front side, thereby pressing the door (30) connected to one end of the second link portion (442), thereby expanding the area in which the main body (10) is opened.

[0276] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can be opened to a second open state via a link (440) of the door drive unit (400). The second open state may be an angle at which it is easy for a user (U) to load or remove items from the storage compartment (21) of the refrigerator (1).

[0277] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (191) can control the operation of the door driving unit (400) to open the door (30) to a second specified angle (γ) (e.g., one of approximately 45 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less) when the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) exceeds a first threshold value. According to one embodiment, the door driving unit (400) can move the pusher (430) and the link (440).

[0278] For example, the door driving unit (400) can move the pusher (430) from the first pusher position (P1) toward the second pusher position (P2) and pressurize and open the closed door (30). The second pusher position (P2) may be a position having an increased length in the front direction (e.g., X-axis direction) with respect to the main body (10) compared to the third pusher position (P3). The pusher (430) can pressurize the door (30) until it reaches the second pusher position (P2). The length of the exposed portion of the pusher (430) may be the second length (A2). The pusher (430) can stop moving or move (e.g., return) to the first pusher position (P1) based on reaching the second pusher position (P2). Thereafter, the door driving unit (400) can move one end of the second link portion (442) of the link (440) from the first link position (L1) toward the second link position (L2), thereby further opening the opened door (30). The link (440) can pressurize the door (30) until it reaches the second link position (L2). The link (440) can stop moving based on reaching the second link position (L2). In this case, the link (440) can no longer pressurize the door (30).

[0279] According to one embodiment, the body (10) and the door (30) may be rotatably connected via a hinge (510). For example, the hinge (510) is rotatably coupled to the body (10), and the door (30) rotates about a door rotation axis (X) located within the hinge (510) and may be opened from the body (10). In a second opening operation, the door (30) rotates about the door rotation axis (X) and may be rotated such that the door (30) with respect to the body (10) opens by a second specified angle (γ).

[0280] According to one embodiment, the first link portion (441) of the link (440) can rotate in conjunction with a gear (e.g., a link gear (451)) that is engaged therewith. The gear (450) that receives power from the motor (420) can include the link gear (451). For example, a plurality of gears are arranged to mesh with each other and rotate between the motor (420) and the link gear (451), and as the link gear (451) that is fixed in position and receives power through the motor (420) and the plurality of gears (450) rotates in the first direction (e.g., forward rotation), one end of the first link portion (441) can rotate and move toward the front. The second link portion (442) connected to the first link portion (441) also rotates and moves partially toward the front, and can push and open the door (30).

[0281] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation (e.g., when the refrigerator (1) performs the second opening operation using the pusher (430) and the link (440) of the door driving unit (400), the pusher (430) can be exposed from the main body (10) by a second length (A2) to open the door (30). For example, when the total length that the pusher (430) can expose from the main body (10) is L, L and the second length (A2) are the same, and the pusher (430) can be extended by the second length (A2) to push the door (30), and the second length (A2) can be understood as a gap between the main body (10) and the door (30) separated by the pusher (430) as the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) forms a second specified angle (γ). The second length (A2) can be greater than the first length (A1).

[0282] According to one embodiment, the pusher (430) may include a movable rod (431) movable with respect to the main body (10) and a push roller (432) disposed at one end of the movable rod (431) to contact the door (30). In the second opening operation, a portion of the movable rod (431) moves while being withdrawn from the receiving space (412) of the case (410), and the push roller (432) directly contacts the door (30) and may push the door (30) forward.

[0283] In one embodiment, after the second opening operation is completed, the pusher (430) can move to be retracted into the receiving space (412) of the case (410) on its own. For example, the pusher (430) includes an elastic member (not shown) that provides an elastic force in the rearward direction, and when the transmission of power from the pusher (430) is eliminated, the elastic member can return the pusher (430) to its original position (e.g., within the receiving space (412) of the case (410), or to the first pusher position (P1)).

[0284] According to one embodiment, after the second opening operation is completed, the pusher (430) can be moved to be introduced into the receiving space (412) of the case (410) under the control of the door driving unit (400). For example, the refrigerator (1) can rotate the pinion gear (452) meshed with the pusher (430) by rotating the motor (420) in the second direction (e.g., in the reverse direction), and in conjunction therewith, return the pusher (430) to its original position (e.g., within the receiving space (412) of the case (410), or to the first pusher position (P1)).

[0285] FIG. 15 is a drawing of the upper side of the refrigerator projected for comparison with the curvature angle when the door relative to the main body is at a first designated angle (α) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0286] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a guide and lever device when the door of a refrigerator is in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0287] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a roller of a lever device moving along a first contact surface of a guide when a door is opened in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0288] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing the appearance when the roller of the lever device comes into contact with the curved point of the guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0289] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing a roller of a lever device moving along a second contact surface of a guide when a door is opened in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0290] According to one embodiment, the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), the door driving unit (400), the guide (200), and the lever device (100) of the refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 15 to 19 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), the door driving unit (400), the guide (200), and the lever device (100) of the refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 1 to 18. The embodiment of FIGS. 15 to 19 may be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 14 and FIGS. 20 to 25.

[0291] According to one embodiment, the door actuator (400) may include at least one of a case (410), a motor (420), a pusher (430), a link (440), and a gear (450).

[0292] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a door opening / closing guide module. The door opening / closing guide module may include a guide (200) and a lever device (100). According to one embodiment, the guide (200) may be provided to guide the rotation of the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. The guide (200) may be provided to induce the door (30) to rotate in a specific direction depending on the position of the door (30). According to one embodiment, the lever device (100) may be mounted on the door (30). The lever device (100) may include a lever provided to contact the guide (200) when the door (30) is opened or closed.

[0293] According to one embodiment, the lever device (100) may be formed to guide the movement of the door (30) while in contact with the guide (200) when the door (30) rotates to open or close the body (10).

[0294] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) of the present disclosure can use a plurality of sensors and a door driving unit (400) to identify an external object (e.g., a user), detect the distance between the user and the refrigerator (1), and open the door (30) at different opening angles relative to the refrigerator (1), thereby automatically opening the door (30) in accordance with the user's intention.

[0295] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) or door (30) includes a first opening operation and a second opening operation, wherein the first opening operation opens the door (30) with respect to the body (10) by a first designated angle (α), and the second opening operation opens the door (30) with respect to the body (10) by a second designated angle (γ) greater than the first designated angle (α).

[0296] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16 according to one embodiment, an opening angle of the door (30) with respect to the body (10) (e.g., a first designated angle (α) and / or a second designated angle (γ)) may be determined by a curvature angle (β). For example, the opening angle of the door (30) with respect to the body (10) may be defined as "the first designated angle (α) ≤ curvature angle (β) < the second designated angle (γ)". For example, the first designated angle (α) may be one of angles less than or equal to 45 degrees. For example, the second designated angle (γ) may be one of angles greater than or equal to 45 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0297] According to one embodiment, the curvature angle (β) may be defined as the angle of a virtual line (G) with respect to the main body (10). The virtual line (G) may be a line connecting a curvature point (213), which is a point of the guide (200), and the rotation axis (X) of the door (30). The rotation axis (X) of the door (30) may be a central axis about which the door (30) rotates with respect to the main body (10). The curvature point (213) may be a point on an edge of the guide (200) that guides the door (30) to open or close the main body (10). For example, the bending point (213) may be defined as a boundary point at which the lever (130) of the lever device (100) applies force in the direction of opening or closing the door (30), depending on the position of the lever device (100) with respect to the guide (200), when the door (30) rotates to open or close the main body (10).

[0298] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) obtains a distance value between the refrigerator (1) and the user using the second sensor (720), and when the obtained distance value is less than or equal to a first threshold value, the door driving unit (400) may be controlled to open the door (30) at a first specified angle (α). According to one embodiment, the first specified angle (α) may be less than or equal to a bending angle (β). According to one embodiment, in the first open state of the door (30), the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) may form a first specified angle (α).

[0299] According to one embodiment, in a first opening operation of the door (30), the door driving unit (400) can move the pusher (430) from the first pusher position (P1) toward the third pusher position (P3) and pressurize and open the closed door (30). The pusher (430) can pressurize the door (30) until it reaches the third pusher position (P3). When the pusher (430) reaches the third pusher position (P3), the door (30) with respect to the body (10) can form a first designated angle (α). According to one embodiment, the third pusher position (P3) can be a portion of a length that the pusher (430) can be exposed from the body (10).

[0300] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 16 to 19, the direction in which the door (30) rotates and the force applied to the door (30) by the operation of the lever device (100) with respect to the guide (200) (e.g., the curved point (213)) will be specifically described.

[0301] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 19, when a door (30) is opened or closed in a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a door opening / closing guide module including a guide (200) and a lever device (100) can guide the rotation of the door (30). When the door (30) is opened or closed, the door opening / closing guide module including a guide (200) and a lever device (100) can provide a force to rotate the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) is opened (i.e., a first direction) or in a direction in which the door (30) is closed (i.e., a second direction).

[0302] According to one embodiment, when the door (30) is opened, the lever (130) may move while in contact with the first contact surface (211) of the guide (200) and rotate with respect to the door (30). At this time, the spring (140) may be compressed to accumulate elastic force. For example, the spring (140) may be arranged to be compressed by the lever (130) when the lever (130) contacts the first contact surface (211) and moves along the first contact surface (211) toward the bending point (213). When the door (30) is opened, the first contact surface (211) may be a section where the lever device (100) accumulates elastic force. When the lever (130) (e.g., the roller (135) of the lever (130)) passes the first contact surface (211) and reaches the bending point (213), the elastic force accumulated in the lever (130) can be maximized.

[0303] According to one embodiment, when the opening angle of the door (30) further increases after the lever (130) comes into contact with the inflection point (213), the lever may come into contact with the second contact surface (212), and the lever (130) may rotate in a direction in which the compressed spring (140) is restored. As the compressed spring (140) is restored, the elastic force accumulated in the spring (140) may be applied to the door (30) in a direction in which the opening angle of the door (30) further increases. For example, when the lever (130) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212) and moves away from the inflection point (213) along the second contact surface (212), the spring (140) may apply an elastic force to the door (30) in a direction in which the opening angle increases. When the door (30) is opened, the second contact surface (212) may be a section in which the lever device (100) provides the elastic force to the door (30).

[0304] Referring to Fig. 16, when the door (30) is in the closed position, the lever (130) can contact the first contact surface (211) of the guide surface (210). Referring to Fig. 17, when the door (30) starts to rotate in the first direction from the closed position, the lever (130) can move along the first contact surface (211) and rotate around the lever shaft (113). When the lever (130) rotates around the lever shaft (113), the spring (140) can be compressed by the lever (130) and can accumulate elastic force. For example, when the lever (130) moves toward the bending point (213) along the first contact surface (211), the lever (130) can rotate clockwise around the lever shaft (113), thereby compressing the spring (140).

[0305] Referring to Fig. 17, when the opening angle of the door (30) is less than the reference angle (a0, see Fig. 18), the lever (130) can contact the first contact surface (211). The spring (140) can be compressed until the lever (130) moves along the first contact surface (211) and reaches the bending point (213).

[0306] Referring to Fig. 18, when the opening angle of the door (30) becomes the reference angle (a0), the lever (130) can contact the bending point (213). When the lever (130) passes the first contact surface (211) and reaches the bending point (213), the spring (140) can be compressed to the maximum.

[0307] According to one embodiment, when the lever (130) passes the first contact surface (211) and reaches the bending point (213) and the spring (140) is compressed to the maximum, a repulsive force (Fn) of the guide (200) may be generated by the elastic force of the spring (140) in a direction perpendicular to the tangent line (C) between the roller (135) of the lever (130) and the guide surface (210).

[0308] Thereafter, referring to FIG. 19, when the opening angle of the door (30) exceeds the reference angle (a0) (e.g., the first designated angle (α)), the lever (130) can move from the inflection point (213) of the guide (200) toward the second contact surface (212) and can contact the second contact surface (212). When the lever (130) moves along the second contact surface (212) and moves away from the inflection point (213), the spring (140) can be extended from the maximum compressed length and restored to the length before being compressed, and the lever (130) can move along the second contact surface (212) while rotating in the opposite direction. Referring to FIG. 17, when the lever (130) moves away from the bending point (213) along the second contact surface (212), the lever (130) can rotate counterclockwise about the lever shaft (113).

[0309] According to one embodiment, when the spring (140) is restored, the elastic force accumulated in the spring (140) can be applied to the door (30). When the roller (135) of the lever (130) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212), the repulsive force (Fn) of the guide (200) due to the elastic force of the spring (140) generated in a direction perpendicular to the tangent line (C) between the roller (135) and the guide surface (210) can be applied to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens (i.e., the first direction). Therefore, when the opening angle of the door (30) becomes greater than the reference angle (a0) and the lever (130) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212), the door (30) can be opened by the elastic force transmitted from the lever device (100).

[0310] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200) may have a first point (212a) at which the lever (130) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212) and enters when the opening angle of the door (30) increases, and a second point (212b) at which the lever (130) departs from the second contact surface (212). That is, when the opening angle of the door (30) increases, the lever (130) can enter the second contact surface (212) through the first point (212a) past the first contact surface (211) and the curved point (213), move along the second contact surface (212) from the first point (212a) toward the second point (212b), and then detach from the second contact surface (212) when reaching the second point (212b).

[0311] According to one embodiment, when the opening angle of the door (30) is greater than the reference angle (a0), the lever (130) can pass the first point (212a) and reach the second contact surface (212). In this state, when the opening angle of the door (30) further increases, the lever (130) can pass the second point (212b) of the second contact surface (212) and be separated from the second contact surface (212). Even after the lever (130) is completely separated from the second contact surface (212), since an elastic force is applied to the door (30) while the lever (130) moves along the second contact surface (212), the door (30) can continue to rotate toward the open position by inertia.

[0312] By this structure, the door (30) can be opened by an angle greater than the reference angle (a0) and then automatically rotated in the first direction to be fully opened.

[0313] According to one embodiment, the closing of the door (30) can be performed in the reverse order of the operation illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 19. By means of such a door opening / closing guide module, the door (30) can be easily opened or closed, and even if only a small amount of force is applied to the door (30), the door (30) can be automatically opened or closed.

[0314] In addition, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a door opening / closing guide module including various configurations that guide the rotation of the door (30) by transmitting force to the door (30) when the door (30) rotates between an open position and a closed position.

[0315] FIG. 20 is a flowchart for an opening operation of a door to a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0316] According to one embodiment, the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving unit (400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 20 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving unit (400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 1 to 19. The embodiment of FIG. 20 may be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 19 and FIGS. 21 to 25.

[0317] According to one embodiment, the door actuator (400) may include at least one of a case (410), a motor (420), a pusher (430), a link (440), and a gear (450). (See, for example, the case (410), the motor (420), the pusher (430), the link (440), and the gear (450) of FIGS. 10 to 13 .)

[0318] Referring to FIG. 20, the refrigerator (1) of the present disclosure uses a plurality of sensors and a door driving unit (400) to identify a user, detect the distance between the user and the refrigerator (1), and open the door (30) at a different opening angle relative to the refrigerator (1), thereby automatically opening the door (30) in accordance with the user's intention.

[0319] Hereinafter, the embodiment of FIG. 20 will be described focusing on differences from the embodiment of FIG. 6. Operations 610, 620, 630, and 640 (operations 641 and 642) of FIG. 19 may be identical to and similar to operations 610, 620, 630, and 640 (operations 641 and 642) of FIG. 6.

[0320] According to one embodiment, in operation 610, when a user approaches the refrigerator (1), the refrigerator (1) can identify an external object (e.g., a user) by the first sensor (710) and activate the second sensor (720) based on the identification. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (e.g., the processor (191) of FIG. 3) of the refrigerator (1) can identify the user by the first sensor (710) and control the second sensor (720) to operate.

[0321] According to one embodiment, in operation 620, the refrigerator (1) can sense the distance between an external object (e.g., a user) and the refrigerator (1) by using a second sensor (720) to obtain a distance value. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (191) of the refrigerator (1) can obtain a distance value between the main body (10) and the user by using the second sensor (720).

[0322] According to one embodiment, in operation 630, the refrigerator (1) can determine the operation (or state) of the door (30) by dividing the acquired distance value into cases where it is less than or equal to a first threshold value and cases where it exceeds the first threshold value. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (191) of the refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) to open the door (30) in different states by distinguishing the acquired distance value by the second sensor (720) into cases where it is less than or equal to the first threshold value and cases where it exceeds the first threshold value.

[0323] According to one embodiment, in operation 640, if the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) (e.g., pusher (430)) to open the door (30). Operation 640 can be defined as a first opening operation of the door (30) and / or a first opening state according to the first opening operation. The first opening operation and the first opening state can be understood as an operation and a state for opening the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at an angle of approximately 45 degrees or less.

[0324] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can perform a first opening operation by driving the door driving unit (400) when the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) is less than or equal to a first threshold value. The door driving unit (400) can include a motor (420), a pusher (430) that provides a force to open the door (30), and a gear (450) for transmitting power from the motor (420) to the pusher (430). The refrigerator (1) can rotate the motor (420) and transmit power to the pusher (430) through the gear (450) by the rotation of the motor (420). The pusher (430) presses the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) while moving in the front direction, and the door (30) can be opened by a first designated angle (α).

[0325] According to one embodiment, in operation 641, the refrigerator (1) may rotate the motor (420) in a first direction (e.g., forward rotation) and withdraw a portion (e.g., a first length (A1)) of the pusher (430) from the main body (10). In operation 642, as one end of the withdrawn pusher (430) presses the door (30), the door (30) may be opened from the main body (10).

[0326] In one embodiment, the pusher (430) and the gear meshed therewith may provide a rack-and-pinion gear structure. The rack (e.g., the moving rod (431)) of the pusher (430) includes a rod gear portion (431a), and receives power from the motor (420), and the gear (450) meshed with the rod gear portion (431a) may include a pinion gear (450). The rod gear portion (431a) and the pinion gear (450) mesh and rotate, and as the pinion gear (450), whose position is fixed, rotates in a first direction (e.g., forward rotation), the pusher (430) can move in a forward direction (e.g., in a direction toward the door (30).

[0327] According to one embodiment, the pusher (430) can be exposed from the main body (10) by a first length (A1) to open the door (30). For example, when the total length that the pusher (430) can expose from the main body (10) is L, the pusher (430) can be extended by a first length (A1) that is a portion of L to push the door (30). The first length (A1) can be understood as a gap between the main body (10) and the door (30) separated by the pusher (430) as a first designated angle (α) is formed between the door (30) and the main body (10).

[0328] According to one embodiment, in operation 660, if the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) exceeds the first threshold value, the refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) (e.g., link (440)) to open the door (30). Operation 660 can be defined as a second opening operation of the door (30) and / or a second opening state according to the second opening operation. The second opening operation and the second opening state can be understood as an operation and a state for opening the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at an angle of approximately more than 45 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0329] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can perform a second opening operation by driving the door driving unit (400) when the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) exceeds a first threshold value. The door driving unit (400) can include a motor (420), a link (440) that provides a force to open the door (30), and a gear (450) for transmitting power from the motor (420) to the link (440). The refrigerator (1) can rotate the motor (420) and transmit the power to the link (440) through the gear (450) by the rotation of the motor (420). The link (440) presses the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) while moving toward the front while rotating, and the door (30) can be opened by a second specified angle (γ).

[0330] According to one embodiment, in operation 661, the refrigerator (1) may rotate the motor (420) in a first direction (e.g., forward rotation) and withdraw a portion of the link (440) (e.g., a second link portion (442)) from the main body (10). In operation 662, as one end of the withdrawn link (440) presses the door (30), the door (30) may be opened from the main body (10).

[0331] According to one embodiment, the link (440) may include a first link portion (441) and a second link portion (442). The first link portion (441) may be rotatably connected to the main body (10), the second link portion (442) may be rotatably connected to the door (30), and the first link portion (441) and the second link portion (442) may be rotatably connected to each other. In the second opening operation, the first link portion (441), which receives power from the motor (420), rotates and the portion connected to the second link portion (442) is positioned so as to face the front side, and the second link portion (442) may be pulled out from the case (410) and move toward the front side while pressurizing the door (30) connected to one end of the second link portion (442), thereby opening the main body (10) to the second open state. The second open state may be an angle at which it is easy for a user to load or remove items from the storage compartment of the refrigerator (1).

[0332] According to one embodiment, the first link portion (441) of the link (440) can rotate in conjunction with a gear (e.g., a link gear (451)) that is engaged therewith. The gear (450) that receives power from the motor (420) can include the link gear (451). For example, a plurality of gears are arranged to mesh with each other and rotate between the motor (420) and the link gear (451), and as the link gear (451) that is fixed in position and receives power through the motor (420) and the plurality of gears (450) rotates in the first direction (e.g., forward rotation), one end of the first link portion (441) can rotate and move toward the front. The second link portion (442) connected to the first link portion (441) also rotates and moves partially toward the front, and can push and open the door (30).

[0333] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the refrigerator (1) performs a first opening operation (or a first open state), the pusher (430) of the door driving unit (400) can open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) to form a first specified angle (α) (e.g., 45 degrees or less). When the refrigerator (1) performs a second opening operation (or a second open state), the link (440) of the door driving unit (400) can open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) to form a second specified angle (γ) (e.g., 45 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less).

[0334] For example, a case in which a refrigerator (1) performs a second opening operation using a link (440) of a door driving unit (400) will be described. The door driving unit (400) can move one end of a second link portion (442) of the link (440) from a first link position (L1) toward a second link position (L2), and further open the opened door (30). The link (440) can pressurize the door (30) until it reaches the second link position (L2). The link (440) can stop moving based on reaching the second link position (L2). In this case, the link (440) can no longer pressurize the door (30).

[0335] FIG. 21 is a flowchart for opening and closing operations of a door for a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0336] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a refrigerator from a first open state to a closed state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0337] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a refrigerator from a second open state to a closed state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0338] According to one embodiment, the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving unit (400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 21 to 23 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving unit (400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 1 to 20. The embodiment of FIGS. 21 to 23 may be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 20 and FIG. 25.

[0339] According to one embodiment, the door actuator (400) may include at least one of a case (410), a motor (420), a pusher (430), a link (440), and a gear (450).

[0340] According to one embodiment, the 'closing operation of the refrigerator (1) and / or the 'door (30)' may be referred to as a 'first closing operation' and a 'second closing operation' depending on the operation for closing the door (30) after it is opened with respect to the main body (10) (or the storage compartment (21)). The 'first closing operation' and the 'second closing operation' may be performed differently by different elements of the door driving unit (400). The first closing operation may be understood as an operation in which the door (30) is opened with respect to the main body (10) at a first specified angle (α) range (e.g., an angle range from 0 degrees to about 45 degrees or less) and then closed. The second closing operation may be understood as an operation in which the door (30) is opened with respect to the main body (10) at a second specified angle (γ) range (e.g., an angle range from about 45 degrees to about 180 degrees or less) and then closed.

[0341] According to one embodiment, the 'closed state of the refrigerator (1) and / or the door (30)' can be understood as a state in which, after the door (30) is opened with respect to the main body (10) (or storage compartment (21)), the door (30) undergoes a closing operation and the angle of the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) is 0.

[0342] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 23, the refrigerator (1) of the present disclosure can automatically open the door (30) that matches the user's intention by using a plurality of sensors and a door driving unit (400) to identify an external object (e.g., a user), detect the distance between the user and the refrigerator (1), and open the door (30) at different opening angles with respect to the refrigerator (1) at different opening angles. The refrigerator (1) of the present disclosure can automatically close the door (30) that matches the user's intention by using at least one sensor and a door driving unit (400) based on the door (30) being opened at different opening angles with respect to the refrigerator (1).

[0343] Hereinafter, the embodiment of FIG. 20 will be described focusing on differences from the embodiments of FIG. 6 and FIG. 19. Operations 610, 620, 630, 640, and 650 of FIG. 20 may be identical to and similar to operations 610, 620, 630, 640, and 650 (or 660) of FIG. 6 (or FIG. 19).

[0344] According to one embodiment, in operation 610, when an external object (e.g., a user) approaches the refrigerator (1), the refrigerator (1) can identify the user by the first sensor (710) and activate the second sensor (720) based on the user identification. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (e.g., the processor (191) of FIG. 3) of the refrigerator (1) can identify the user by the first sensor (710) and control the second sensor (720) to operate.

[0345] According to one embodiment, in operation 620, the refrigerator (1) can sense the distance between an external object (e.g., a user) and the refrigerator (1) by using a second sensor (720) to obtain a distance value. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (191) of the refrigerator (1) can obtain a distance value between the main body (10) and the user by using the second sensor (720).

[0346] According to one embodiment, in operation 630, the refrigerator (1) can determine the operation (or state) of the door (30) by dividing the acquired distance value into cases where it is less than or equal to a first threshold value and cases where it exceeds the first threshold value. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (191) of the refrigerator (1) can determine to control the door driving unit (400) by distinguishing the acquired distance value by the second sensor (720) into cases where it is less than or equal to the first threshold value and cases where it exceeds the first threshold value.

[0347] According to one embodiment, in operation 640, if the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) (e.g., pusher (430)) to open the door (30). Operation 640 can be defined as a first opening operation of the door (30) and / or a first opening state according to the first opening operation. The first opening operation and the first opening state can be understood as an operation and a state for opening the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at an angle of approximately 45 degrees or less.

[0348] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can perform a first opening operation by driving the door driving unit (400) when the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) is less than or equal to a first threshold value. The door driving unit (400) can include a motor (420), a pusher (430) that provides a force to open the door (30), and a gear (450) for transmitting power from the motor (420) to the pusher (430). The refrigerator (1) can rotate the motor (420) and transmit power to the pusher (430) through the gear (450) by the rotation of the motor (420). The pusher (430) presses the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) while moving in the front direction, and the door (30) can be opened by a first designated angle (α).

[0349] According to one embodiment, in operation 650, if the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) exceeds the first threshold value, the refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) (e.g., the pusher (430) and / or the link (440)) to open the door (30). Operation 650 can be defined as a second opening operation of the door (30) and / or a second opening state according to the second opening operation. The second opening operation and the second opening state can be understood as an operation and a state for opening the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at an angle of approximately 45 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less.

[0350] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can perform a second opening operation by driving the door driving unit (400) when the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) exceeds the first threshold value. The door driving unit (400) can include a motor (420), a pusher (430) and a link (440) that provide a force for opening the door (30), and a gear (450) for transmitting power from the motor (420) to the link (440). The refrigerator (1) can rotate the motor (420) and transmit power to the pusher (430) and / or the link (440) through the gear (450) by the rotation of the motor (420).

[0351] According to one embodiment, the pusher (430) presses the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) while moving forward, and the link (440) presses the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) while rotating and moving forward, so that the door (30) can be opened at a second designated angle (γ). For example, the second opening operation may be performed by an operation in which the pusher (430) first presses the door (30) to partially open the door (30), and then the link (440) additionally presses the door (30) to completely open the door (30). For example, the second opening operation may be performed by an operation in which the pusher (430) and the link (440) together press the door (30) to completely open the door (30). For example, the second opening operation may be performed by an operation in which only the link (440) presses the door (30) to completely open the door (30).

[0352] According to one embodiment, in operation 670, the refrigerator (1) can sense the angle between the refrigerator (1) and the door (30) through the third sensor (730) to obtain an angle value. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is open, at least one processor (191) of the refrigerator (1) can obtain an angle value of the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) through the third sensor (730). According to one embodiment, the angle value may be an angle between one side of the door (30) (e.g., one side facing the main body (30) in a closed state) and one side of the main body (10) (e.g., one side facing the door (30) in a closed state) in an open operation or state.

[0353] According to one embodiment, the third sensor (730) may be an angle detection sensor. The angle detection sensor may detect the angle between the main body (10) and the door (30) and transmit a value determined according to a specified angle value to the processor (191). The angle detection sensor may detect the position of the door (30) in various ways. For example, the angle detection sensor may be provided to detect the magnetic field of a magnet mounted adjacent to the door driving unit (400). The angle detection sensor may detect a change in the magnetic field caused by the magnet as the door (30) moves. For example, the angle detection sensor may include a Hall sensor that detects a magnetic field. However, the type of the third sensor (730) is not limited thereto, and may include various types of sensors capable of detecting the angle of the door (30) with respect to the main body (10). For example, the third sensor (730) may include various types of sensors such as a reed switch and an optical sensor.

[0354] According to one embodiment, the third sensor (730) may be positioned within the door driving unit (400) or adjacent to the door driving unit (400). For example, the third sensor (730) may be positioned within the case (410). For example, the third sensor (730) may be positioned adjacent to the link (440) or the link gear (451). However, the location of the third sensor (730) is not limited to the disclosed content, and may be designed to be changed to a location where the angle between the main body (10) and the door (30) can be easily sensed.

[0355] According to one embodiment, in operation 680, the refrigerator (1) can determine the operation (or state) of the door (30) by dividing the acquired angle value into a case where it is less than or equal to a first specified angle (α) and a case where it is greater than or equal to the first specified angle (α). According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is open, at least one processor (191) of the refrigerator (1) can determine to perform a different closing operation of the door (30) by distinguishing the case where the acquired angle value by the third sensor (730) is less than or equal to the first specified angle (α) and a case where it is greater than or equal to the first specified angle (α).

[0356] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may determine to close the door (30) of the main body (10) when the angle value acquired using the third sensor (730) is less than or equal to a first designated angle (α). For example, the first designated angle (α) may be one of approximately 45 degrees or less. For example, the first designated angle (α) may be one of approximately 20 degrees or less.

[0357] According to one embodiment, the first designated angle (α) may be one of the angles according to the first opening operation of the door (30). The first designated angle (α) may be an angle of the first open state of the door (30).

[0358] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may determine to close the door (30) of the main body (10) when the angle value obtained using the third sensor (730) exceeds a first designated angle (α). For example, exceeding the first designated angle (α) may be understood as a second designated angle (γ). For example, the second designated angle (γ) may be one of approximately more than 45 degrees and less than 180 degrees. For example, the second designated angle (γ) may be one of approximately less than 120 degrees.

[0359] According to one embodiment, the second designated angle (γ) may be one of the angles according to the second opening operation of the door (30). The second designated angle (γ) may be an angle of the second opening state of the door (30).

[0360] According to one embodiment, in operation 2110, if the angle value acquired using the third sensor (730) is less than or equal to the first designated angle (α), the refrigerator (1) may control the door driving unit (400) to close the door (30). Operation 2110 may be defined as a first closing operation of the door (30) and / or a closing state according to the first closing operation. The first closing operation and the first closing state may be understood as an operation and state for the door (30) to become 0 degrees with respect to the main body (10). Operation 2110 may be understood as a case where there is no additional opening after the first opening state of the door (30).

[0361] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can perform a first closing operation by driving the door driving unit (400) when the angle value obtained using the third sensor (730) is less than or equal to the first designated angle (α). The door driving unit (400) can include a motor (420), a pusher (430) and a link (440) that provide a force for opening the door (30), and a gear (450) for transmitting power from the motor (420) to the pusher (430) and / or the link (440).

[0362] According to one embodiment, in operation 2110a, the pusher (430) can move to be introduced into the receiving space (412) of the case (410) by itself. For example, the pusher (430) includes an elastic member (not shown) that provides an elastic force in the rearward direction, and when the transmission of power from the pusher (430) disappears, the elastic member can return the pusher (430) to its original position (e.g., within the receiving space (412) of the case (410), or the first pusher position (P1)). In operation 2110a, as the pusher (430) that pressed the door (30) is introduced into the door driving unit (400), the door (30) can perform the first closing operation and the first closing operation by its own weight. The door (30) can rotate around the door rotation axis (X) and close the main body (10).

[0363] According to one embodiment, in operation 2110b, the refrigerator (1) rotates the pinion gear (452) meshed with the pusher (430) by rotating the motor (420) in the second direction (e.g., in the reverse direction), thereby returning the pusher (430) to its original position (e.g., within the receiving space (412) of the case (410), or the first pusher position (P1)). In operation 2110b, as the pusher (430) that had pressed the door (30) is retracted by the operation of the door driving unit (400), the door (30) can perform the first closing operation and the first closing state. The door (30) can rotate around the door rotation axis (X) and close the main body (10).

[0364] The above operations 2110a and 2110b may be performed separately from each other or may be optionally combined. For example, in the first closing operation and the first closing state, only operation 2110a may be performed or only operation 2110b may be performed.

[0365] According to one embodiment, in operation 2111, if the angle value acquired using the third sensor (730) is less than or equal to the first designated angle (α), the refrigerator (1) can identify the user, determine whether the user is identified, and determine whether to perform the first closing operation. If the user is identified, the refrigerator (1) can maintain the first open state. If the user is not identified, the refrigerator (1) can perform the first closing operation. For example, whether the user is identified can be determined through the first sensor (710).

[0366] According to one embodiment, in operation 2113, if the angle value acquired using the third sensor (730) is less than or equal to the first designated angle (α), the refrigerator (1) can detect time and determine whether to perform the first closing operation. If it is less than or equal to A seconds after the first open state, the refrigerator (1) can maintain the first open state. If it is more than A seconds after the first open state, the refrigerator (1) can perform the first closing operation. For example, A seconds can be one of approximately 5 to 15 seconds. For example, A seconds can be less than or equal to approximately 10 seconds.

[0367] According to one embodiment, in operation 2115, if the angle value acquired using the third sensor (730) is less than or equal to the first designated angle (α), the refrigerator (1) can determine the distance between the main body (10) and the user (U) and determine whether to perform the first closing operation. If the distance between the main body (10) and the user is less than or equal to N, the refrigerator (1) can maintain the first open state. If the distance between the main body and the user is greater than N, the refrigerator (1) can perform the first closing operation. For example, the distance N may correspond to the width of the door (30). For example, the distance N may be one of 0.8 to 1.2 m.

[0368] The above operations 2111, 2113, and 2115 may be performed individually or optionally in combination.

[0369] According to one embodiment, in operation 2120, if the angle value acquired using the third sensor (730) exceeds the first specified angle (α), the refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) to close the door (30). Operation 2120 can be defined as a second closing operation of the door (30) and / or a closing state according to the second closing operation. The second closing operation and the closing state can be understood as an operation and a state for the door (30) to become 0 degrees with respect to the main body (10). Operation 2120 can be understood as an operation after the first opening state of the door (30), when there is an additional opening, or after the second opening state. For example, in the case of the additional opening, the door can be understood as a state in which the user (U) additionally opens the door (30) after the first opening state of the door (30), and the door is opened so as to exceed the first specified angle (α).

[0370] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can perform a second closing operation by driving the door driving unit (400) when the angle value obtained using the third sensor (730) exceeds the first specified angle (α) (e.g., the second specified angle (γ)). The door driving unit (400) can include a motor (420), a pusher (430) and a link (440) that provide a force for opening the door (30), and a gear (450) for transmitting power from the motor (420) to the pusher (430) and / or the link (440).

[0371] According to one embodiment, in operation 2120a, the refrigerator (1) can rotate the link gear (451) meshed with the link (440) by rotating the motor (420) in the second direction (e.g., in the reverse direction), and in conjunction therewith, return the link (440) to its original position (e.g., within the receiving space (412) of the case (410), or the first link position (L1)). In operation 2120a, as the link (440) that had pressed the door (30) is retracted by the operation of the door driving unit (400), the door (30) is pulled, and the door (30) can perform the first closing operation and the first closing state. The door (30) can rotate around the door rotation axis (X) and close the main body (10).

[0372] According to one embodiment, in operation 221, if the angle value acquired using the third sensor (730) exceeds the first specified angle (α) (e.g., the second specified angle (γ)), ​​the refrigerator (1) can identify the user, determine whether the user is identified, and determine whether to perform the second closing operation. If the user is identified, the refrigerator (1) can maintain the second open state. If the user is not identified, the refrigerator (1) can perform the second closing operation. For example, whether the user is identified can be determined through the first sensor (710).

[0373] According to one embodiment, in operation 2113, if the angle value acquired using the third sensor (730) exceeds the first specified angle (α) (e.g., the second specified angle (γ)), ​​the refrigerator (1) may detect time to determine whether to perform the second closing operation. If it is B seconds or less after the second open state, the refrigerator (1) may maintain the second open state. If it is B seconds or more after the second open state, the refrigerator (1) may perform the second closing operation. For example, B seconds may be one of approximately 5 to 15 seconds. For example, B seconds may be less than approximately 10 seconds. For example, B seconds may be A seconds or more.

[0374] According to one embodiment, in operation 2115, if the angle value acquired using the third sensor (730) exceeds the first specified angle (α) (e.g., the second specified angle (γ)), ​​the refrigerator (1) may determine the distance between the main body (10) and the user (U) to determine whether to perform the second closing operation. If the distance between the main body (10) and the user is M or less, the refrigerator (1) may maintain the second open state. If the distance between the main body (10) and the user is M or more, the refrigerator (1) may perform the second closing operation. For example, the distance M may correspond to the width of the door (30). For example, the distance M may be one of 0.8 to 1.2 m. For example, the distance M may be greater than or equal to the distance N.

[0375] The above operations 2111, 2113, and 2115 may be performed individually or optionally in combination.

[0376] FIG. 24 is a flowchart for an opening operation of a door to a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0377] According to one embodiment, the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving unit (400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 24 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving unit (400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 1 to 23. The embodiment of FIG. 24 may be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 23 and FIG. 25.

[0378] According to one embodiment, the door actuator (400) may include at least one of a case (410), a motor (420), a pusher (430), a link (440), and a gear (450). (See, for example, the case (410), the motor (420), the pusher (430), the link (440), and the gear (450) of FIGS. 10 to 13 .)

[0379] Referring to FIG. 24, the refrigerator (1) of the present disclosure uses a plurality of sensors and a door driving unit (400) to identify a user, detect the distance between the user and the refrigerator (1), and open the door (30) at a different opening angle relative to the refrigerator (1), thereby automatically opening the door (30) in accordance with the user's intention.

[0380] Hereinafter, the embodiment of FIG. 24 will be described focusing on differences from the embodiment of FIG. 6. Operations 610, 620, 630, and 640 (operations 641 and 642) of FIG. 19 may be identical to and similar to operations 610, 620, 630, and 640 (operations 641 and 642) of FIG. 6.

[0381] According to one embodiment, in operation 610, when a user approaches the refrigerator (1), the refrigerator (1) can identify an external object (e.g., a user) by the first sensor (710) and activate the second sensor (720) based on the identification. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (e.g., the processor (191) of FIG. 3) of the refrigerator (1) can identify the user by the first sensor (710) and control the second sensor (720) to operate.

[0382] According to one embodiment, in operation 620, the refrigerator (1) can sense the distance between an external object (e.g., a user) and the refrigerator (1) by using a second sensor (720) to obtain a distance value. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (191) of the refrigerator (1) can obtain a distance value between the main body (10) and the user by using the second sensor (720).

[0383] According to one embodiment, in operation 630, the refrigerator (1) can determine the operation (or state) of the door (30) by dividing the acquired distance value into cases where it is less than or equal to a first threshold value and cases where it exceeds the first threshold value. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (191) of the refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) to open the door (30) in different states by distinguishing the acquired distance value by the second sensor (720) into cases where it is less than or equal to the first threshold value and cases where it exceeds the first threshold value.

[0384] According to one embodiment, in operation 640, if the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) (e.g., pusher (430)) to open the door (30). Operation 640 can be defined as a first opening operation of the door (30) and / or a first opening state according to the first opening operation. The first opening operation and the first opening state can be understood as an operation and a state for opening the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at an angle of approximately 45 degrees or less.

[0385] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can perform a first opening operation by driving the door driving unit (400) when the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) is less than or equal to a first threshold value. The door driving unit (400) can include a motor (420), a pusher (430) that provides a force to open the door (30), and a gear (450) for transmitting power from the motor (420) to the pusher (430). The refrigerator (1) can rotate the motor (420) and transmit power to the pusher (430) through the gear (450) by the rotation of the motor (420). The pusher (430) presses the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) while moving in the front direction, and the door (30) can be opened by a first designated angle (α).

[0386] According to one embodiment, in operation 641a, the refrigerator (1) can rotate the motor (420) in a first direction (e.g., forward rotation) and withdraw the pusher (430) from the main body (10). In operation 642, as one end of the withdrawn pusher (430) presses the door (30), the door (30) can be opened from the main body (10).

[0387] In one embodiment, the pusher (430) and the gear meshed therewith may provide a rack-and-pinion gear structure. The rack (e.g., the moving rod (431)) of the pusher (430) includes a rod gear portion (431a), and receives power from the motor (420), and the gear (450) meshed with the rod gear portion (431a) may include a pinion gear (450). The rod gear portion (431a) and the pinion gear (450) mesh and rotate, and as the pinion gear (450), whose position is fixed, rotates in a first direction (e.g., forward rotation), the pusher (430) can move in a forward direction (e.g., in a direction toward the door (30).

[0388] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation (e.g., operations 641a and 642), the pusher (430) can be exposed from the main body (10) by a second length (A2) to open the door (30). For example, when the total length that the pusher (430) can expose from the main body (10) is L, L and the second length (A2) are the same, and the pusher (430) can be pulled out by the second length (A2) to push the door (30), and the second length (A2) can be understood as a gap between the main body (10) and the door (30) separated by the pusher (430) as a first designated angle (α) is formed between the door (30) with respect to the main body (10).

[0389] According to one embodiment, in operation 650, if the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) exceeds the first threshold value, the refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) (e.g., the pusher (430) and the link (440)) to open the door (30). Operation 650 can be defined as a second opening operation of the door (30) and / or a second opening state according to the second opening operation. The second opening operation and the second opening state can be understood as an operation and a state for opening the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at an angle of approximately 45 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less.

[0390] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can perform a second opening operation by driving the door driving unit (400) when the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) exceeds a first threshold value. The door driving unit (400) can include a motor (420), a pusher (430) and a link (440) that provide a force for opening the door (30), and a gear (450) for transmitting power from the motor (420) to the pusher (430) and the link (440).

[0391] According to one embodiment, in operation 651a, the refrigerator (1) may maintain a state in which the motor (420) is rotated in the first direction (e.g., forward rotation) and a part of the pusher (430) (e.g., the second length (A2)) is pulled out from the main body (10).

[0392] According to one embodiment, in operation 652, the door (30) may be opened from the body (10) as one end of the withdrawn pusher (430) and one end of the link (440) (e.g., the second link portion (442)) press against the door (30).

[0393] In one embodiment, the second opening operation may use a pusher (430) and / or a link (440) to open the door (30). For example, the refrigerator (1) may rotate a motor, and the rotation of the motor may transmit power to the link (440) via a gear (450). The link (440) may pressurize the door (30) to further expand the opening range of the door (30) from the main body (10). The link (440) may further open the door (30) opened by the pusher (430) from the main body (10).

[0394] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation, the pusher (430) can be exposed from the main body (10) by a second length (A2) to open the door (30). For example, when the total length that the pusher (430) can expose from the main body (10) is L, L and the second length (A2) are the same, the pusher (430) can be extended by the second length (A2) to push the door (30), and the second length (A2) can be understood as a gap between the main body (10) and the door (30) separated by the pusher (430) as the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) forms a second designated angle (γ). The extended lengths of the pusher (430) in the first open state and the second open state may be the same.

[0395] FIG. 25 is a flowchart for an opening operation of a door to a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0396] According to one embodiment, the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving unit (400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 25 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving unit (400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 1 to 24. The embodiment of FIG. 25 may be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 24.

[0397] According to one embodiment, the door actuator (400) may include at least one of a case (410), a motor (420), a pusher (430), a link (440), and a gear (450). (See, for example, the case (410), the motor (420), the pusher (430), the link (440), and the gear (450) of FIGS. 10 to 13 .)

[0398] Referring to FIG. 25, the refrigerator (1) of the present disclosure uses a plurality of sensors and a door driving unit (400) to identify a user, detect the distance between the user and the refrigerator (1), and open the door (30) at a different opening angle relative to the refrigerator (1), thereby automatically opening the door (30) in accordance with the user's intention.

[0399] Hereinafter, the embodiment of FIG. 25 will be described focusing on differences from the embodiment of FIG. 6. Operations 610, 620, 630, and 640 (operations 641 and 642) of FIG. 19 may be identical to and similar to operations 610, 620, 630, and 640 (operations 641 and 642) of FIG. 6.

[0400] According to one embodiment, in operation 610, when a user approaches the refrigerator (1), the refrigerator (1) can identify an external object (e.g., a user) by the first sensor (710) and activate the second sensor (720) based on the identification. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (e.g., the processor (191) of FIG. 3) of the refrigerator (1) can identify the user by the first sensor (710) and control the second sensor (720) to operate.

[0401] According to one embodiment, in operation 620, the refrigerator (1) can sense the distance between an external object (e.g., a user) and the refrigerator (1) by using a second sensor (720) to obtain a distance value. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (191) of the refrigerator (1) can obtain a distance value between the main body (10) and the user by using the second sensor (720).

[0402] According to one embodiment, in operation 630, the refrigerator (1) can determine the operation (or state) of the door (30) by dividing the acquired distance value into cases where it is less than or equal to a first threshold value and cases where it exceeds the first threshold value. According to one embodiment, in a state where the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (191) of the refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) to open the door (30) in different states by distinguishing the acquired distance value by the second sensor (720) into cases where it is less than or equal to the first threshold value and cases where it exceeds the first threshold value.

[0403] According to one embodiment, in operation 640, if the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) (e.g., pusher (430)) to open the door (30). Operation 640 can be defined as a first opening operation of the door (30) and / or a first opening state according to the first opening operation. The first opening operation and the first opening state can be understood as an operation and a state for opening the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at an angle of approximately 45 degrees or less.

[0404] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can perform a first opening operation by driving the door driving unit (400) when the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) is less than or equal to a first threshold value. The door driving unit (400) can include a motor (420), a pusher (430) that provides a force to open the door (30), and a gear (450) for transmitting power from the motor (420) to the pusher (430). The refrigerator (1) can rotate the motor (420) and transmit power to the pusher (430) through the gear (450) by the rotation of the motor (420). The pusher (430) presses the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) while moving in the front direction, and the door (30) can be opened by a first designated angle (α).

[0405] According to one embodiment, in operation 641, the refrigerator (1) may rotate the motor (420) in a first direction (e.g., forward rotation) and withdraw a portion (e.g., a first length (A1)) of the pusher (430) from the main body (10). In operation 642, as one end of the withdrawn pusher (430) presses the door (30), the door (30) may be opened from the main body (10).

[0406] In one embodiment, the pusher (430) and the gear meshed therewith may provide a rack-and-pinion gear structure. The rack (e.g., the moving rod (431)) of the pusher (430) includes a rod gear portion (431a), and receives power from the motor (420), and the gear (450) meshed with the rod gear portion (431a) may include a pinion gear (450). The rod gear portion (431a) and the pinion gear (450) mesh and rotate, and as the pinion gear (450), whose position is fixed, rotates in a first direction (e.g., forward rotation), the pusher (430) can move in a forward direction (e.g., in a direction toward the door (30).

[0407] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation, the pusher (430) can be exposed from the main body (10) by a first length (A1) to open the door (30). For example, when the total length that the pusher (430) can expose from the main body (10) is L, the pusher (430) can be pulled out by a first length (A1) that is a part of L to push the door (30). The first length (A1) can be understood as a distance gap between the main body (10) and the door (30) separated by the pusher (430) as the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) forms a first designated angle (α).

[0408] According to one embodiment, in operation 650a, if the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) exceeds the first threshold value, the refrigerator (1) can control the door driving unit (400) (e.g., pusher (430)) to open the door (30). Operation 650a can be defined as a second opening operation of the door (30) and / or a second opening state according to the second opening operation. The second opening operation and the second opening state can be understood as an operation and a state for opening the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at an angle of approximately 45 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less.

[0409] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can perform a second opening operation by driving the door driving unit (400) when the distance value acquired using the second sensor (720) exceeds a first threshold value. The door driving unit (400) can include a motor (420), a pusher (430) and a link (440) that provide a force for opening the door (30), and a gear (450) for transmitting power from the motor (420) to the pusher (430) and the link (440).

[0410] According to one embodiment, in operation 651, the refrigerator (1) may rotate the motor (420) in a first direction (e.g., forward rotation) and withdraw a portion of the pusher (430) (e.g., the second length (A2)) from the main body (10). The refrigerator (1) may rotate the motor (420) in a first direction (e.g., forward rotation) and withdraw a portion of the link (440) from the main body (10).

[0411] According to one embodiment, in operation 652a, as one end of the withdrawn pusher (430) presses the door (30), the door (30) can be opened from the main body (10).

[0412] In one embodiment, the second opening operation may use only the pusher (430) to open the door (30). For example, the refrigerator (1) may rotate the motor, and the rotation of the motor may transmit power to the pusher (430) via the gear (450). The pusher (430) may pressurize the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) while moving in the forward direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and the door (30) may be opened.

[0413] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation, the pusher (430) can be exposed from the main body (10) by a second length (A2) to open the door (30). For example, when the total length that the pusher (430) can expose from the main body (10) is L, L and the second length (A2) are the same, the pusher (430) can be pulled out by the second length (A2) to push the door (30), and the second length (A2) can be understood as a gap between the main body (10) and the door (30) separated by the pusher (430) as the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) forms a second designated angle (γ).

[0414] In general, automatic door methods for opening and closing the refrigerator door are being developed with a limited number of types, either one that opens part of the door relative to the main body or one that opens the entire door.

[0415] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide an improved structure in which a door can be opened automatically.

[0416] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide an improved structure in which a door can be easily opened or closed.

[0417] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure opens and closes a door in an automatic door manner, and can change the angle at which the door opens relative to the main body (or storage compartment) based on the distance from the user.

[0418] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure opens and closes its door automatically, and can be divided into a first opening operation and a second opening operation based on the door opening angle. The first opening operation may open the door by a pusher of a door driving unit, and the second opening operation may open the door by a pusher and / or a link of the door driving unit.

[0419] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide various closing methods of the door based on the angle of the door with respect to the main body (or storage compartment) when the refrigerator is open.

[0420] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide various door closing methods based on whether a user is identified while the refrigerator is open.

[0421] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide various door closures based on the distance from the user when the refrigerator is open.

[0422] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide various door closures based on the time the door is open while the refrigerator is open.

[0423] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0424] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10), a door (30) rotatably connected to open and close the main body, a door driving unit (400) formed to automatically rotate the door with respect to the main body, a sensor arranged to face the front on one side of the main body or the door, and at least one processor (191). In a state where the door is closed, the at least one processor may determine whether a sensing data value acquired by the sensor is less than or equal to a first threshold value. The at least one processor may control the door driving unit to open the door with respect to the main body at a first designated angle (α) based on the sensing data value being determined to be less than or equal to the first threshold value. The at least one processor may control the door driving unit to open the door with respect to the main body at a second designated angle (γ) greater than the first designated angle (α) based on the sensing data value being determined to exceed the first threshold value.

[0425] According to one embodiment, the door may further include a lever device (100) arranged on the door and facilitating movement of the door, and a guide (200) provided to guide movement of the lever device (100) while the lever device (100) is in contact with the door when the door rotates to open or close the main body.

[0426] According to one embodiment, the guide includes a bending point (213), which is a boundary point provided to apply force in the direction of opening or closing the door to the body among the movement points of the lever device (100), and the bending angle (β) can be defined as an angle with respect to an imaginary line connecting the bending point with respect to the body and the rotational axis of the door.

[0427] According to one embodiment, the first specified angle (α) may have a value less than or equal to the curvature angle (β).

[0428] According to one embodiment, the second specified angle (γ) may have a value exceeding the curvature angle.

[0429] According to one embodiment, the sensor may include a first sensor (710) positioned on one side of the body or the door so as to face the front and for identifying an external object, and a second sensor (720) positioned on one side of the door so as to face the front and for sensing a distance based on the external object identified by the first sensor.

[0430] According to one embodiment, the sensing data value may include a distance value between the main body and the external object through the second sensor.

[0431] According to one embodiment, the door actuator may further include a third sensor (730) disposed adjacent to the door actuator and configured to sense an angle of the door relative to the main body.

[0432] According to one embodiment, when the door is open, the at least one processor obtains an angle value between the main body and the door through the third sensor, and if the obtained angle value is determined to exceed a first specified angle (α), the processor controls the door driving unit to close the door relative to the main body.

[0433] According to one embodiment, when the door is open, the at least one processor obtains an angle value between the main body and the door through the third sensor, and when the obtained angle value is determined to exceed a first specified angle (α) and after a specified time, controls the door driving unit to close the door relative to the main body.

[0434] According to one embodiment, the first specified angle (α) may be one of 0 degrees to 45 degrees or less, and the second specified angle (γ) may be one of more than 45 degrees to 180 degrees or less.

[0435] According to one embodiment, the door driving unit may include a motor (420), a pusher (430) configured to push and open the door from the main body, a link (440) arranged to connect the main body and the door and including a first portion and a second portion rotatably connected from one end of the first portion, and a plurality of gears (450) for transmitting the driving force of the motor to the pusher and / or the link.

[0436] According to one embodiment, in order for the door to open at the first designated angle (α), the at least one processor can control the door driving unit to pull the pusher out from the main body, and the pusher to push the door according to the pulling operation, and the door to open while rotating around the door rotation axis.

[0437] According to one embodiment, in order for the door to open at the second designated angle (γ), the at least one processor may control a part of the pusher and / or link to be withdrawn and rotated from the main body through the door driving unit, and the link to push the door according to the variable motion, and the door to open while rotating about the door rotation axis.

[0438] According to one embodiment, when the door is opened to the first specified angle (α) and then opened by the external object beyond the first specified angle (α), the at least one processor may control the door driving unit to rotate the door to close the main body based on the first sensor not identifying the external object.

[0439] According to one embodiment, after the door to the main body is opened to the second designated angle (γ), the at least one processor can control the door driving unit to rotate the door to close the main body based on the first sensor not identifying the external object.

[0440] According to one embodiment, after the door is opened to the first designated angle (α), the pusher may return the portion withdrawn from the body to the inside of the body, and the door may close the body by its own weight.

[0441] According to one embodiment, when the door is opened to the first specified angle (α) and then opened by the external object beyond the first specified angle (α), the at least one processor can control the door driving unit to rotate the door to close the main body after a first specified time while the door is opened beyond the first specified angle (α).

[0442] According to one embodiment, after the door is opened to the second specified angle (γ) range, the at least one processor can control the door driving unit to rotate the door to close the main body after a second specified time while the door is opened to the second specified angle (γ).

[0443] According to one embodiment, the pusher may be configured to be movable between a first pusher position, which is a position of the pusher when the body is closed, and a second pusher position, which is moved in a direction that presses the door from the first pusher position. When the door with respect to the body is at the first designated angle (α), the pusher may be positioned between the first pusher position and the second pusher position. When the door with respect to the body is at the second designated angle (γ), the pusher may be positioned at the second pusher position.

[0444] According to one embodiment, the pusher may be configured to be movable between a first pusher position, which is a position of the pusher when the body is closed, and a second pusher position, which is moved from the first pusher position in a direction that presses the door. When the door is at the first designated angle (α) relative to the body, the pusher may be positioned at the second pusher position. When the door is at the second designated angle (γ) relative to the body, the pusher may be positioned at the first pusher position.

[0445] According to one embodiment, the link may include a first link portion (441) rotatably connected to the main body, and a second link portion (442) rotatably connected to the door. The link may be formed to be movable between a first link position, which is a position of one end of the second link portion when the main body is closed, and a second link position moved in a direction that presses the door from the first link position. When the door is at the first designated angle (α) with respect to the main body, the link may be positioned at the first link position, and when the door is at the second designated angle (γ) with respect to the main body, the link may be positioned at the second link position.

[0446] A refrigerator (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10), a door (30) rotatably connected to open and close the main body, a door driving unit (400) formed to automatically rotate the door with respect to the main body, a lever device (100) disposed on the door and facilitating movement of the door, a guide (200) provided to guide movement of the lever device while the lever device is in contact with the door when the door rotates to open or close the main body, a first sensor (710) disposed on one side of the main body or the door so as to face the front direction and for identifying an external object, a second sensor (720) disposed on one side of the door so as to face the front direction and for sensing a distance based on the external object being identified by the first sensor, and at least one processor. In a state where the door is closed, the at least one processor obtains a distance value between the main body and the external object through the second sensor, and if the obtained distance value is determined to be less than or equal to a first threshold value, controls the door driving unit to open the door with respect to the main body at a first designated angle (α). The guide may include a curved point (213), which is a boundary point provided among the movement points of the lever device so that the door applies force in a direction in which the main body opens or closes. The curved angle (β) is defined as an angle with respect to an imaginary line connecting the curved point with respect to the main body and the rotation axis (X) of the door, and the first designated angle (α) may have a value less than or equal to the curved angle.

[0447] According to one embodiment, when the door is closed, the at least one processor, if it is determined that the acquired distance value exceeds a first threshold value, controls the door driving unit to open the door relative to the main body at a second specified angle (γ) greater than the first specified angle (α).

[0448] According to one embodiment, the first specified angle (α) may be one of 0 degrees to 45 degrees or less, and the second specified angle (γ) may be one of more than 45 degrees to 180 degrees or less.

[0449] According to one embodiment, the door driving unit may further include a third sensor disposed adjacent to the door driving unit and configured to sense an angle of the door relative to the main body. When the door is open, the at least one processor may obtain an angle value between the main body and the door through the third sensor, and if the obtained angle value is determined to exceed a first specified angle (α), control the door driving unit to close the door relative to the main body.

[0450] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10), a door (30) rotatably connected to open and close the main body, a door driving unit (400) formed to automatically rotate the door relative to the main body, a first sensor (710) disposed on one side of the main body or the door to face the front and for identifying an external object, a second sensor (720) disposed on one side of the door to face the front and for sensing a distance based on the external object being identified by the first sensor, and at least one processor (191). In a state where the door is closed, the at least one processor obtains a distance value between the main body and the external object through the second sensor, and if the obtained distance value is determined to be less than or equal to a first threshold value, controls the door driving unit to open the door with respect to the main body at a first specified angle (α), and if the obtained distance value is determined to be greater than the first threshold value, controls the door driving unit to open the door with respect to the main body at a second specified angle (γ) greater than the first specified angle (α).

[0451] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10), a door (30) rotatably connected to open and close the main body, a door driving unit (400) formed to automatically rotate the door relative to the main body, a sensor arranged to face the front on one side of the main body or the door, a memory storing one or more computer programs, and one or more processors (191) communicatively connected to the door driving unit, the sensor, and the memory. The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions, which, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator, when the door is closed, to determine whether a sensing data value acquired by the sensor is less than or equal to a first threshold value, and, based on the sensing data value being determined to be less than or equal to the first threshold value, control the door driving unit to open the door relative to the main body at a first designated angle (α), and, based on the sensing data value being determined to be greater than the first threshold value, control the door driving unit to open the door relative to the main body at a second designated angle (γ) greater than the first designated angle (α).

[0452] According to one embodiment, the sensor may include a first sensor (710) positioned on one side of the main body or the door so as to face the front and for identifying an external object, and a second sensor (720) positioned on one side of the door so as to face the front and for sensing a distance based on the external object identified by the first sensor. The sensing data value may include a distance value between the main body and the external object through the second sensor.

[0453] According to one embodiment, the sensor may further include a third sensor (730) disposed adjacent to the door driving unit and configured to sense an angle of the door with respect to the main body. The one or more computer programs, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, may further include computer-executable instructions that cause the refrigerator, when the door is open, to obtain an angle value between the main body and the door through the third sensor, and, if the obtained angle value is determined to exceed a first specified angle (α) and the distance value obtained by the second sensor (720) is determined to exceed a second threshold value, control the door driving unit to close the door with respect to the main body.

[0454] According to one embodiment, the sensor may further include a third sensor (630) and a third sensor (730) disposed adjacent to the door driving unit and configured to sense an angle of the door with respect to the main body. The one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions, which, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator, when the door is open, to obtain an angle value between the main body and the door through the third sensor, and when the obtained angle value is determined to exceed a first specified angle (α) and after a specified time, control the door driving unit to cause the door to be closed with respect to the main body.

[0455] According to one embodiment, the one or more computer programs may further include computer-executable instructions that, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator to withdraw the pusher from the main body, control the pusher to push the door as the pusher is withdrawn from the main body, and cause the door to open while rotating about the door rotation axis, so that the door opens at the first designated angle (α).

[0456] According to one embodiment, the one or more computer programs may further include computer-executable instructions that, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator to control a portion of the pusher and / or link to be withdrawn and rotated from the main body through the door driving unit, the link to apply force to the door, and the door to open by rotating about the door rotation axis so as to open the door to the second specified angle (γ).

[0457] According to one embodiment, the one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions, which, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator to control the door driving unit to rotate the door to close the main body when the door is opened to the first specified angle (α) and then opened by the external object beyond the first specified angle (α), based on the first sensor not identifying the external object.

[0458] According to one embodiment, the one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions, which when executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors, cause the refrigerator to control the door drive to rotate the door to close the body after the door to the body is opened to the second specified angle (γ), based on the first sensor not identifying the external object.

[0459] According to one embodiment, the one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions, which, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator to rotate the door so as to close the main body by controlling the door driving unit after a first designated time period in which the door is opened to the first designated angle (α) and then opened by the external object beyond the first designated angle (α).

[0460] According to one embodiment, the one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions, which, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator to rotate the door so as to close the main body after the door has been opened to the second specified angle (γ) range and after a second specified time has elapsed.

[0461] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10), a door (30) rotatably connected to open and close the main body, a door driving unit (400) formed to automatically rotate the door with respect to the main body, a lever device (100) disposed on the door and facilitating movement of the door, a guide (200) provided to guide movement of the lever device in a state where the lever device is in contact when the door rotates to open or close the main body, a first sensor (710) disposed on one side of the main body or the door so as to face the front direction and for identifying an external object, a second sensor (720) disposed on one side of the door so as to face the front direction and for sensing a distance based on the external object being identified by the first sensor, a memory in which one or more computer programs are stored, and at least one processor communicatively connected to the door driving unit, the sensor, and the memory. The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions, which, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator, when the door is closed, to obtain a distance value between the main body and the external object through the second sensor, and, if the obtained distance value is determined to be less than or equal to a first threshold value, control the door driving unit to cause the door to open at a first designated angle (α) with respect to the main body. The guide may include a bending point (213), which is a boundary point provided among the movement points of the lever device so that the door applies a force in a direction of opening or closing the main body. The bending angle (β) is defined as an angle with respect to an imaginary line connecting the bending point with respect to the main body and the rotation axis (X) of the door, and the first designated angle (α) may have a value less than or equal to the bending angle.

[0462] According to one embodiment, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions, which, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator, when the door is closed, to control the door driving unit to open the door relative to the main body at a second specified angle (γ) greater than the first specified angle (α).

[0463] According to one embodiment, the sensor may further include a third sensor (730) disposed adjacent to the door driving unit and configured to sense an angle of the door with respect to the main body. The one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions, which, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator, when the door is open, to obtain an angle value between the main body and the door through the third sensor, and, when the obtained angle value is determined to exceed a first specified angle (α) and the distance value obtained by the second sensor (720) is determined to exceed a second threshold value, control the door driving unit to cause the door to be closed with respect to the main body.

[0464] According to one embodiment, the sensor may further include a third sensor (630) and a third sensor (730) disposed adjacent to the door driving unit and configured to sense an angle of the door with respect to the main body. The one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions, which, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator, when the door is open, to obtain an angle value between the main body and the door through the third sensor, and when the obtained angle value is determined to exceed a first specified angle (α) and after a specified time, control the door driving unit to cause the door to be closed with respect to the main body.

[0465] It will be appreciated that one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, according to the description in the claims and specifications.

[0466] The software may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs (software modules), wherein the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions, and when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by one or more processors of the electronic device, the electronic device can perform the method of the present disclosure.

[0467] The software may be stored in a volatile or non-volatile storage device, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a memory chip, a device or an integrated circuit, or an optical or magnetic readable medium. Examples thereof include a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a magnetic disk or a magnetic tape. The storage device and the storage medium are examples of various non-transitory machine-readable storage media for storing a computer program including a computer program or instructions. When the program is executed, an embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented. Accordingly, one embodiment provides a program including code for implementing a device or method as claimed in any one of the claims of the present specification, and a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing the program.

[0468] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. In the refrigerator (1), Body (10); A door (30) rotatably connected to open and close the above body; A door driving unit (400) formed to automatically rotate the door relative to the main body; A sensor positioned so as to face the front on one side of the main body or the door; memory storing one or more computer programs; and The door driving unit, the sensor, and one or more processors (191) communicatively connected to the memory, wherein the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions, and the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator to, when the door is closed, Determine whether the sensing data value acquired by the above sensor is below the first threshold value, Based on the judgment that the sensing data value is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the door driving unit is controlled to open the door relative to the main body at a first designated angle (α), A refrigerator that controls the door driving unit based on the judgment that the sensing data value exceeds the first threshold value, thereby causing the door to open relative to the main body at a second specified angle (γ) greater than the first specified angle (α).

2. In paragraph 1, A lever device (100) arranged on the door and facilitating movement of the door; and When the door rotates to open or close the main body, it further includes a guide (200) provided to guide the movement of the lever device while the lever device is in contact with it. The above guide includes a curved point (213), which is a boundary point provided to apply force in the direction of opening or closing the door of the moving point of the lever device, The curvature angle (β) is defined as the angle with respect to an imaginary line connecting the curvature point of the body and the rotation axis of the door. A refrigerator wherein the first specified angle (α) has a value less than or equal to the curvature angle (β).

3. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator wherein the second specified angle (γ) has a value exceeding the curvature angle.

4. In any one of the first to third paragraphs, the sensor, A first sensor (710) is positioned so as to face the front on one side of the main body or the door and is used to identify an external object; and A second sensor (720) is disposed on one side of the door so as to face the front, and is configured to sense a distance based on an external object identified by the first sensor. A refrigerator in which the sensing data value includes a distance value between the main body and the external object through the second sensor.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, It further includes a third sensor (730) disposed adjacent to the door driving unit and for sensing the angle of the door with respect to the main body, The one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions, which when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator, with the door open, to: Obtaining the angle value between the main body and the door through the third sensor, A refrigerator that controls the door driving unit to cause the door to be closed relative to the main body when the acquired angle value is determined to exceed the first specified angle (α) and the acquired distance value of the second sensor (720) is determined to exceed the second threshold value.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, It further includes a third sensor (730) disposed adjacent to the door driving unit and for sensing the angle of the door with respect to the main body, The one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions, which when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator, with the door open, to: Obtaining the angle value between the main body and the door through the third sensor, A refrigerator, wherein the acquired angle value is determined to exceed a first specified angle (α) and, after a specified time, the door driving unit is controlled to cause the door to be closed relative to the main body.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above first specified angle (α) is one of 45 degrees or less, A refrigerator, wherein the second specified angle (γ) is one of more than 45 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above door driving unit, motor (420); A pusher (430) formed to push and open the door from the main body; A link (440) arranged to connect the main body and the door, and including a first link portion and a second link portion rotatably connected from one end of the first link portion; and A refrigerator comprising a plurality of gears (450) for transmitting the driving force of the motor to the pusher and / or the link.

9. In paragraph 8, The one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions, which when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator to open the door to the first specified angle (α). The above pusher is pulled out from the above body, A refrigerator that controls the pusher to push the door as the pusher is withdrawn from the main body, and causes the door to open while rotating about the door rotation axis.

10. In paragraph 8, The one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions, which when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator to open the door to the second specified angle (γ). Through the door drive unit, a portion of the pusher and / or link is withdrawn and rotated from the main body, A refrigerator that controls the link to apply force to the door, causing the door to open while rotating about the door rotation axis.

11. In any one of paragraphs 4 to 10, The one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions, which when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator to, when the door is opened to the first specified angle (α) and then opened by the external object beyond the first specified angle (α), A refrigerator that controls the door driving unit to rotate the door to close the main body based on the first sensor's failure to identify the external object.

12. In any one of paragraphs 4 to 10, The one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions, which when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator to, after the door to the main body is opened to the second specified angle (γ), A refrigerator that controls the door driving unit to rotate the door to close the main body based on the first sensor's failure to identify the external object.

13. In any one of paragraphs 8 to 12, A refrigerator in which, after the door is opened to the first designated angle (α), the pusher returns the portion withdrawn from the main body to the inside of the main body, and the door closes the main body by its own weight.

14. In any one of paragraphs 4 to 12, The one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions, which when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator to, when the door is opened to the first specified angle (α) and then opened by the external object beyond the first specified angle (α), A refrigerator, wherein the door is opened beyond the first specified angle (α) and, after a first specified time, the door driving unit is controlled to cause the door to rotate so as to close the main body.

15. In any one of paragraphs 4 to 12, The one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions, which when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, cause the refrigerator to, after the door is opened to the second specified angle (γ), A refrigerator, wherein after a second specified time has passed since the door was opened at the second specified angle (γ), the door driving unit is controlled to cause the door to rotate so as to close the main body.

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