Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a door driving module capable of rotating a door with respect to a main body, wherein the door driving module includes: a driving motor; a clutch part which includes a first clutch gear and a second clutch gear arranged to be engageable with the first clutch gear, and which receives power from the driving motor; a push rod, which transmits, to the door, the power received by the first clutch gear, so that the door performs a first opening operation; a solenoid part, which moves the first clutch gear toward the second clutch gear so that the first clutch gear and the second clutch gear engage with each other; and a hinge connection part, which transmits, to the door, the power received by the second clutch gear, so that the door performs a second opening operation.

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] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body, a storage compartment disposed inside the main body and having an open front, a door rotatably connected to the main body to open and close the storage compartment, and a door driving module configured to allow the door to rotate relative to the main body. The door driving module may include a driving motor, a first clutch gear, and a second clutch gear arranged on an upper or lower side of the first clutch gear and arranged to be engaged with the first clutch gear, and may include a clutch part formed to receive power from the driving motor, a push rod connected to the first clutch gear and formed to transmit the power received by the first clutch gear to the door so that the door performs a first opening operation, a solenoid part arranged adjacent to the clutch part and formed to move the first clutch gear toward the second clutch gear so that the first clutch gear and the second clutch gear engage, and a hinge connecting part connected to the second clutch gear and formed to transmit the power received by the second clutch gear to the door so that the door performs a second opening operation.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a door drive module for opening and closing a door of a refrigerator may include a case, a drive motor disposed within the case, a first clutch gear, and a second clutch gear disposed above the first clutch gear and arranged to be engaged with the first clutch gear, and may include a clutch part formed to receive power from the drive motor, a push rod connected to the first clutch gear and formed to transmit the power received by the first clutch gear to the door so that the door performs a first opening operation, a solenoid part disposed adjacent to the clutch part and formed to move the first clutch gear toward the second clutch gear so that the first clutch gear and the second clutch gear engage, an idle gear connected to the second clutch gear, and a hinge gear coupled to the door, and a hinge connection part (460) formed to transmit the power received by the second clutch gear to the door so that the door performs a second opening operation.

[0009] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a top view of a top table on a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a door drive module disposed within a door and top table of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the connection state of a clutch unit and a solenoid unit arranged in a door drive module in a first opening operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the connection state of a clutch unit and a solenoid unit arranged in a door drive module in a second opening operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for an opening / closing operation of a door for a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a closed state of a refrigerator as viewed from the top of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the door drive module of the refrigerator of FIG. 8 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the door drive module of FIG. 9 taken along the line AA` according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] 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.

[0021] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the door drive module of the refrigerator of FIG. 11 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the door drive module of FIG. 12 taken along the BB` direction according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 14 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.

[0024] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the door drive module of the refrigerator of FIG. 14 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the door drive module of FIG. 15 taken in the CC` direction according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] The accompanying drawings are referenced in the following description, and specific examples of implementations are illustrated within the drawings. Furthermore, other examples may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

[0027] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0028] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0029] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] "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.

[0042] In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation 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 is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 or maintain them in a frozen state, 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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 inside of these.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 through heat generation and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components included in the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories that individually control the components of 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0069] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0070] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0071] 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.

[0072] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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).

[0075] 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.

[0076] In one embodiment, the refrigeration supply device can generate refrigeration using a refrigeration cycle of compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating a refrigerant.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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).

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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).

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] Although not shown, the second door (31) 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 (32).

[0095] 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).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the top table (13) can cover various electrical components. A receiving space for receiving various electrical components can be formed on the inside of the top table (13). For example, the top table (13) can cover a door driving module (400) described below, and the door driving module (400) can be received on the inside of the top table (13). In this respect, the top table (13) can be called a door driving module cover. A more detailed description of the structure of the top table (13) will be described below.

[0097] 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.

[0098] FIG. 2 is a top view of a top table on a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a body (10), a door (30), and / or a door driving module (400).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door drive module (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 drive module (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 16.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the door drive module (400) may be arranged to automatically open the door (30). The door drive module (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 opened.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the door drive module (400) may be arranged to automatically close the door (30). The door drive module (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.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the door driving module (400) may be mounted on the main body (10). The door driving module (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 module (400) may be arranged to pressurize the door (30) based on a condition for opening the door (30).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the door drive module (400) may be arranged to automatically open the first storage compartment (e.g., the first storage compartment 21 of FIG. 1). For example, the refrigerator (1) may include a first door drive module (400A) arranged to open the first-first door (30A), and a second door drive module (400B) arranged to open the first-second door (30B).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the first door driving module (400A) may be configured to open the first-first door (30A). For example, the first door driving module (400A) may be configured to automatically open the first-first door (30A) based on a condition for opening the first-first door (30A). For example, the first door driving module (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.

[0106] In one embodiment, the second door driving module (400B) may be configured to open the first-second door (30B). For example, the second door driving module (400B) may be configured to automatically open the first-second door (30B) based on a condition for opening the first-second door (30B). For example, the second door driving module (400B) may be configured 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.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the first door driving module (400A) and the second door driving module (400B) may be arranged to independently open the first storage room (21).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the door driving module (400) may be mounted on the upper part of the main body (10). For example, the door driving module (400) may be accommodated inside a top table (e.g., the top table (13) of FIG. 1). The door driving module (400) may be covered from above by the top table (13). The door driving module (400) may be disposed on the upper surface of the outer housing (12). Referring to FIG. 2, the first door driving module (400A) may be disposed on the left side with respect to the center (e.g., when a user looks at the door (30)) of the upper part of the main body (10), and the second door driving module (400B) may be disposed on the right side with respect to the center of the upper part of the main body (10). For example, the first door driving module (400A) and the second door driving module (400B) can be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction (Y).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the door drive module (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 drive module (400A) may be configured to pressurize the upper portion of the first-first door (30A). In addition, the second door drive module (400B) may be configured to pressurize the upper portion of the first-second door (30B).

[0110] The location and structure of the door drive module (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).

[0111] For example, the door drive module (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).

[0112] For example, the door drive module (400) may be configured to open a second storage compartment (e.g., the second storage compartment (22) of FIG. 1). The door drive module (400) may be configured to pressurize the door based on a condition for opening the second storage compartment (22). The door drive module (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).

[0113] For example, the door drive module (400) may be configured to open a third storage compartment (e.g., the third storage compartment (23) of FIG. 1). The door drive module (400) may be configured to pressurize the door based on a condition for opening the third storage compartment (23). The door drive module (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).

[0114] In the following, for convenience of explanation, an example in which the door drive module (400) is mounted on the upper part of the main body (10) and configured to open the first storage room (21) by pressing the 1-1 door (30A) or the 1-2 door (30B) is explained.

[0115] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the first door drive module (400A) among the first door drive module (400A) and the second door drive module (400B) will be described as an example, and for convenience, the first door drive module (400A) may be referred to as the 'door drive module (400)'. The features of the door drive module (400) described below can also be applied to the second door drive module (400B).

[0116] 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).

[0117] 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).

[0118] In one embodiment, the door (30) can be opened by rotating in a first direction, and closed by rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction. For example, the door (30) can be configured 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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).

[0121] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) may include a door driving module (150), a sensor unit (160), a cooling unit (170), a communication unit (180), a control unit (190), and / or a display (200).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the door drive module (150) can control the opening or closing of at least one door. The door drive module (150) can include at least one of a motor drive unit (151), a motor (152), a push rod (153), a hinge connection unit (154), and a gear (155). For example, the door drive module (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.

[0124] 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).

[0125] 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.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the push rod (153) can push the door (30) to open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) or the storage room (20). For example, the push rod (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 room (20).

[0127] According to one embodiment, the hinge connection (154) can push the door (30) to open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) or the storage compartment (20). One side of the hinge connection (154) can be connected to the main body (10), and the other side can be rotatably connected to the door (30). For example, the hinge connection (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 compartment (20), thereby opening the door (30).

[0128] In one embodiment, the gear (155) can transmit power provided from the motor (152) to the push rod (153) and / or the hinge connection (154). For example, the gear (155) may include a plurality of power transmission members, a pinion gear for transmitting power to the push rod (153). For example, the gear (155) may include a plurality of power transmission members, a clutch for transmitting power to the hinge connection (154), and connection gears.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (160) may include a temperature sensor (161), a proximity sensor (162), a camera sensor (163), and a door open / close sensor (164).

[0130] 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).

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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).

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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).

[0137] 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 drive module (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 (450) may include various types of sensors such as a reed switch and an optical sensor.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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 (200) and / or a cooking device.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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).

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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).

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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).

[0150] 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).

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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).

[0153] According to one embodiment, the processor (191) may process user input of the display (200), detection data of the sensor unit (160), driving data of the door driving module (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), the driving control of the door driving module (150), and the operation of the communication unit (180) based on the data processing.

[0154] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a door drive module disposed within a door and top table of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0155] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the connection state of a clutch unit and a solenoid unit arranged in a door drive module in a first opening operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the connection state of a clutch unit and a solenoid unit arranged in a door drive module in a second opening operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0157] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) may include a body (e.g., body (10) of FIGS. 1 and 2), a door (e.g., door (30) of FIGS. 1 and 2), and / or a door drive module (400). FIG. 4 is a drawing of a door drive module (400) positioned within a top table of a refrigerator (1) as viewed from above.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the configuration of the door drive module (400) of the refrigerator (1) may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the door drive module (150; 400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 2 and 3. The embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 6 may be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 and the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 16.

[0159] 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 drive module (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 drive module (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 drive module (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 drive module (400) may pull the door (30) in the open position toward the main body (10) to rotate the door (30) toward the closed position.

[0160] 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 the door drive module (400).

[0161] 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)'.

[0162] 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)'.

[0163] 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 15 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 (β) range (e.g., an angle range from about 15 degrees or more to about 180 degrees or less).

[0164] 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 15 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 (β) with respect to the main body (10) (e.g., an angle between approximately 15 degrees and 180 degrees or less).

[0165] 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).

[0166] 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).

[0167] According to one embodiment, a door driving module (400) may include at least one of a case (410), a power source (e.g., a driving motor (420)), a push rod (430), a clutch part (440), a solenoid part (450), a hinge connection part (460), and a power transmission element (e.g., a connecting gear (470)).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the case (410) can accommodate a drive motor (420), at least a portion of a push rod (430), a clutch portion (440), a solenoid portion (450), a portion of a hinge connection portion (460), and / or connection gears (470). 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.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the push rod (430) may be arranged to be at least partially located within the case (410) and to pressurize the door (30) to open the door (30). The push rod (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 via the push rod (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.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the push rod (430) may be provided to be movable relative to the body (10) and / or the case (410). At least a portion of the push rod (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 push rod (430) is exposed, and a portion of the push rod (430) may pass through the first opening (411) and reciprocally move in and out of the case (410).

[0171] According to one embodiment, a portion of the push rod (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 push rod (430) (e.g., one end of the push rod (430) hereinafter) may be provided to be movable between a first pusher position (P1) and a second pusher position (P2). For example, the push rod (430) may be provided to be reciprocally movable between the first pusher position (P1) and the second pusher position (P2).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the first pusher position (P1) may be the position of the push rod (430) when the door (30) is in a closed state. The second pusher position (P2) may be the position at which the push rod (430) moves from the first pusher position (P1) in a direction that presses the door (30). The push rod (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 push rod (430) moves forward from the first pusher position (P1).

[0173] In one embodiment, the push rod (430) can provide a force of approximately 10 kgf or more to the door (30) to initially open the door (30).

[0174] According to one embodiment, the push rod (430) may be formed to be linearly movable between a first pusher position (P1) and a second pusher position (P2). The push rod (430) may be provided to be linearly movable in the forward and backward direction (X). However, the direction of movement of the push rod (430) is not limited thereto, and the push rod (430) may be non-linearly movable between the first pusher position (P1) and the second pusher position (P2).

[0175] In one embodiment, the push rod (430) may pressurize the door (30) until it reaches the second pusher position (P2). Thereafter, the push rod (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 push rod (430) may no longer pressurize the door (30).

[0176] According to one embodiment, the push rod (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).

[0177] In one embodiment, the push rod (430) and the gear meshed therewith may provide a rack-and-pinion gear structure. The push rod (430) may include a rack-shaped load gear portion (433), and the connecting gear (470) that transmits power from the drive motor (420) may include a pinion gear (472). The load gear portion (433) and the pinion gear (472) are meshed and rotate, and as the pinion gear (472), whose position is fixed, rotates in a first direction (e.g., forward rotation), the push rod (430) may move in a forward direction. The load gear portion (433) may receive power from the pinion gear (472) and a first clutch gear (441) meshed with the pinion gear (472).

[0178] According to one embodiment, the door drive module (400) includes a push rod (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 push rod (430).

[0179] According to one embodiment, the clutch unit (440) is located within the case (410) and can open the door (30) by changing the driving connection within the door driving module (400) according to the first opening operation (or state) and the second opening operation (or state).

[0180] According to one embodiment, the operation of the clutch unit (440) can provide a first opening operation (or state) in which the door (30) is initially opened relative to the main body (10). For example, the first clutch gear (441) of the clutch unit (440) can transmit power to the push rod (430) to pressurize the door (30) to initially open it.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the operation of the clutch unit (440) can provide a second opening operation (or state) in which the door (30) is fully opened relative to the main body (10). For example, after the door (30) is initially opened by the push rod (430), the second clutch gear (442) of the clutch unit (440) can transmit power to the hinge connection unit (460) to additionally open the door (30) to fully open it.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the clutch unit (440) may include a first clutch gear (441), a second clutch gear (442) disposed above or below the first clutch gear (441) and arranged to be meshable with the first clutch gear (441), and a clutch shaft (443) forming an axis of the first clutch gear (441) and the second clutch gear (442).

[0183] According to one embodiment, the first clutch gear (441) and the second clutch gear (442) may be operated in a state of being spaced apart or coupled in a parallel manner with respect to the clutch shaft (443). The first clutch gear (441) and the second clutch gear (442) have substantially the same shape and may be arranged in reverse with respect to the clutch shaft (443). For example, the first clutch gear (441) arranged below the second clutch gear (442) (e.g., in the -Z-axis direction) may include a plurality of side teeth (teech) arranged along the side and upper teeth (teech) (441a) arranged toward the second clutch gear (442). A second clutch gear (442) disposed on the upper side (e.g., in the +Z-axis direction) of the first clutch gear (441) may include a plurality of side teeth (teech) disposed along the side and lower teeth (teech) (442a) disposed toward the first clutch gear (441). The upper teeth (teech) (441a) of the first clutch gear (441) and the lower teeth (teech) (442a) of the second clutch gear (442) may be formed to be meshable.

[0184] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation, the first clutch gear (441) and the second clutch gear (442) may be spaced apart from each other. In the first opening operation, the power transmitted from the driving motor (420) rotates only the first clutch gear (441) among the clutch units (440), and transmits the power to the rod gear unit (433) connected (e.g., indirectly connected) to the first clutch gear (441), thereby linearly moving the push rod (430) in the forward direction to pressurize the door (30). A pinion gear (472), which is one of the connecting gears (470), is disposed between the first clutch gear (441) and the push rod (430), and each gear and rack may mesh with each other and rotate. Accordingly, the power of the drive motor (420) can be transmitted to the first clutch gear (441), pinion gear (472), and push rod (430).

[0185] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation, the first clutch gear (441) and the second clutch gear (442) may mesh with each other and rotate together. In the second opening operation, due to the operation of the solenoid unit (450), the first clutch gear (441) may move upward (e.g., in the +Z-axis direction) and mesh with the second clutch gear (442). For example, the upper teeth (441a) of the first clutch gear (441) and the lower teeth (442a) of the second clutch gear (442) may mesh.

[0186] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation, due to the operation of the solenoid unit (450), the first clutch gear (441) may move upward (e.g., in the +Z-axis direction), and the first clutch gear (441) and the pinion gear (472) may be spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the power transmitted to the first clutch gear (441) may not be transmitted to the pinion gear (472) (or the push rod (430)). The power transmitted from the driving motor (420) rotates the engaged first clutch gear (441) and second clutch gear (442), and transmits power to the hinge connection (460) connected (e.g., indirectly connected) to the second clutch gear (442), thereby allowing the door (30) to be further opened. Between the second clutch gear (442) and the hinge connection portion (460), a plurality of meshed second connection gears (473) among the connection gears (470) are arranged, and each gear can rotate by interlocking with each other. Accordingly, the power of the driving motor (420) can be transmitted to the first and second clutch gears (441, 442), the connection gears (e.g., the second connection gear (473)), and the hinge connection portion (460).

[0187] According to one embodiment, the solenoid unit (440) is located within the case (410) and is formed to have different driving connections within the door drive module (400) together with the clutch unit (440) depending on the first opening operation (or first open state) and the second opening operation (or second open state), thereby opening the door (30).

[0188] According to one embodiment, the solenoid unit (450) is arranged adjacent to or in contact with the clutch unit (440) and guides the movement of the first clutch gear (441) of the clutch unit (440), so that the first clutch gear (441) can operate independently (e.g., first opening operation) or in engagement with the second clutch gear (442) (e.g., second opening operation).

[0189] According to one embodiment, the solenoid portion (450) may include a solenoid (451) and a guide portion (452). The solenoid (451) is configured to convert electrical energy into mechanical motion and may include a case, a coil, a core, a stator, a connecting terminal, and / or additional components. The guide portion (452) is connected to one end of the solenoid (451) and the other end is connected to the first clutch gear (441), and may perform a linear reciprocating motion according to the operation of the solenoid (451). For example, the solenoid rod (451a) and the guide portion (452) connected thereto may move in a T1 direction toward the first clutch gear (441), thereby moving the first clutch gear (441) in a T2 direction (e.g., upward direction, +Z-axis direction) toward the second clutch gear (442) which is perpendicular to the T1 direction. The first clutch gear (441) moved in the T2 direction (e.g., upward direction) can be engaged with the second clutch gear (442).

[0190] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (452) may include at least one step shape. For example, the guide portion (452) may include a first plane (452a), a second plane (452b), and an inclined surface (452c) inclined from the first plane (452a) toward the second plane (452b). The first plane (452a) may be a surface that supports the first clutch gear (441) in the closed state and / or the first opening operation. The second plane (452b) may be a surface located in the T2 direction (e.g., upward direction) from the first clutch gear (441) and may be a surface that supports the first clutch gear (441) in the second opening operation. The inclined surface (452c) may be a surface formed so that the support surface (441c) of the first clutch gear (441) can smoothly (or easily) move from the first plane (452a) to the second plane (452b) when the guide portion (452) moves in the T1 direction by the operation of the solenoid (451). A part of the support surface (441c) of the first clutch gear (441) may have a shape corresponding to (e.g., inclined) the inclined surface (452c) of the guide portion (452).

[0191] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation, the solenoid unit (450) may be in a basic state (e.g., a non-operating state, a state before the solenoid rod (451a) moves in the T1 direction, and a solenoid off state), and the first clutch gear (441) and the second clutch gear (442) may be spaced apart from each other. The support surface (441c) of the first clutch gear (441) may be positioned on the first plane (452a) of the guide portion (452). In the first opening operation, the power transmitted from the driving motor (420) rotates only the first clutch gear (441) among the clutch units (440), and the power of the driving motor (420) may be transmitted to the first clutch gear (441), the pinion gear (472), and the push rod (430) to initially open the door (30).

[0192] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation, the first clutch gear (441) and the second clutch gear (442) may be engaged with each other and rotate together due to the operation of the solenoid unit (450). The guide unit (452) of the solenoid unit (450) may push the first clutch gear (441) upward to engage with the second clutch gear (442). The support surface (441c) of the first clutch gear (441) may be positioned on the second plane (452b) of the guide unit (452). In the second opening operation, the first clutch gear (441) may move upward due to the operation of the solenoid unit (450), and the first clutch gear (441) and the pinion gear (472) may be spaced apart from each other. The power transmitted from the drive motor (420) rotates the engaged first clutch gear (441) and second clutch gear (442), and transmits power to the hinge connection (460) connected to the second clutch gear (442), thereby allowing the door (30) to be additionally opened.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the drive motor (430) can provide power to operate (e.g., rotate or move linearly) elements (e.g., push rod (430), clutch (440), and / or hinge connection (460)) within the door drive module (400). For example, the drive motor (430) can transmit power required to the push rod (430) when the push rod (430) moves between a first pusher position (P1) and a second pusher position (P2). The drive motor (430) can transmit power required to the hinge connection (460) when the door (30) is rotated open.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the drive motor (430) may include a drive motor and a motor driver connected to the drive motor. The drive motor (430) 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). The control unit (190) may transmit a control signal for controlling the drive motor (430) to the drive motor (430), and the drive motor (430) may operate based on the control signal received from the control unit.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the drive motor (430) may be supported by the case (410). The drive motor (430) may be accommodated inside the case (410).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the connecting gears (470) can transmit power generated by the drive motor (430) to the push rod (430) and / or the hinge connection (460). The connecting gears (470) can be supported by the case (410). The connecting gears (470) can be arranged in an accommodation space (412) inside the case (410).

[0197] According to one embodiment, the connecting gears (470) may be arranged between the drive motor (420) and the clutch unit (440) and may include a plurality of first connecting gears (471) for transmitting power generated from the drive motor (420) to the clutch unit (440). The first connecting gears (471) are arranged to mesh with each other and may increase the gear ratio to increase the power generated from the drive motor (420).

[0198] According to one embodiment, the connecting gears (470) may be arranged between the clutch portion (440) and the push rod (430), and may include a pinion gear (472) for providing power transmitted from the drive motor (420) to the clutch portion (440) to the push rod (430). The pinion gear (472) may be arranged to mesh with the first clutch gear (441) and the rod gear portion (433).

[0199] According to one embodiment, the connecting gears (470) may be disposed between the clutch portion (440) and the hinge connecting portion (460), and may include a plurality of second connecting gears (470) for providing power transmitted from the drive motor (420) to the clutch portion (440) to the hinge connecting portion (460). The second connecting gears (470) may be disposed to mesh with the second clutch gear (442) and the idle gear (461) of the hinge connecting portion (460).

[0200] In one embodiment, the hinge connection (460) can rotatably connect the door (30) with respect to the body (10). For example, the hinge connection (460) is rotatably coupled to the body (10), and the door (30) can be rotated about a door rotation axis (X1) located within the hinge connection (460) and opened from the body (10). In a second opening operation, the door (30) rotates about the door rotation axis (X1), and the hinge connection (460) can rotate the door (30) with respect to the body (10) to open by a second designated angle (β). In a closing operation, the door (30) rotates about the door rotation axis (X1) (e.g., in a direction opposite to the second opening operation), and the hinge connection (460) can rotate the door (30) with respect to the body (10) from a second open state to a closed state.

[0201] According to one embodiment, the hinge connection (460) can provide a force of about 5 kgf or less to the door (30) to fully open (or close) the door (30).

[0202] According to one embodiment, the hinge connection (460) may include an idle gear (461) and a hinge gear (462). There may be a plurality of idle gears (461) and they may be located within the case (410). The idle gears (461) may be disposed on the main body (10). One of the idle gears (461) may be connected to a second connecting gear (473) connected to a second clutch gear (442), and another of the idle gears (461) may be connected to a hinge gear (462). The hinge gear (462) may be located outside the case (410) and disposed on the door (30). The hinge gear (462) may rotate by power received from the idle gear (461) and directly rotate the door (30) coupled with the hinge gear (462).

[0203] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for an opening / closing operation of a door for a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0204] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a closed state of a refrigerator as viewed from the top of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0205] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the door drive module of the refrigerator of FIG. 8 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0206] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the door drive module of FIG. 9 taken along the line AA` according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0207] 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.

[0208] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the door drive module of the refrigerator of FIG. 11 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0209] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the door drive module of FIG. 12 taken along the BB` direction according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0210] FIG. 14 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.

[0211] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the door drive module of the refrigerator of FIG. 14 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0212] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the door drive module of FIG. 15 taken in the CC` direction according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0213] The configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving module (400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 7 to 16 may be partially or entirely the same as the configuration of the main body (10), the door (30), and the door driving module (150; 400) of the refrigerator (1) of FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0214] The embodiments of FIGS. 7 to 16 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0215] According to one embodiment, a door driving module (400) may include at least one of a case (410), a power source (e.g., a driving motor (420)), a push rod (430), a clutch part (440), a solenoid part (450), a hinge connection part (460), and a power transmission element (e.g., a connecting gear (470)).

[0216] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) can automatically open and close the door (30) of the main body (10) by using a plurality of sensors (e.g., touch sensors and / or distance detection sensors) and a door driving module (400) to identify an external object (e.g., a user) or detect the distance between the refrigerator (1) and the user.

[0217] According to one embodiment, the user (1) can manually open and close the refrigerator (1), such as by directly pulling or pushing the door (30) of the refrigerator (1), in addition to automatic opening and closing.

[0218] 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 specified angle (e.g., a first specified angle (α)) or a second specified angle (β)) based on a data value obtained by the sensor (e.g., a data value determining whether a user touches the refrigerator (1)).

[0219] According to one embodiment, when the door (30) is closed, at least one processor (e.g., processor (191) of FIG. 3) can control the door drive module (400) to open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at a first designated angle (α). For example, the at least one processor can drive the drive motor (420) to cause the push rod (430) to open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at the first designated angle (α) (initial opening angle).

[0220] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (e.g., processor (191) of FIG. 3) may control the door drive module (400) when the door (30) is in a first open state to open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at a second specified angle (β) greater than the first specified angle (α). For example, the at least one processor may drive the drive motor (420) to cause the hinge connection (460) to open the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) at a second specified angle (β) greater than the first specified angle (α) (fully open angle).

[0221] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (e.g., processor (191) of FIG. 3) may control the door drive module (400) to close the door (30) relative to the main body (10) when the door (30) is in a first open state or a second open state. For example, the at least one processor may drive the drive motor (420) to cause the hinge connection (460) to close the door (30) relative to the main body (10) at a first specified angle (α) or a second specified angle (β).

[0222] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator (1) of the present disclosure includes a door drive module (400), and the door drive module (400) can provide a first opening operation (or state), a second opening operation (or state), and a closing operation (state) through one drive motor (420). According to one embodiment, since the control operation through the door drive module (400) is performed through one drive motor (420), the opening / closing of the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) can be easily provided with a smooth operation.

[0223] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the internal components of the door drive module (400) can be confirmed when the refrigerator (1) and / or the door (30) is in a closed state.

[0224] In one embodiment, the push rod (430) may be positioned at the first pusher position (P1). The push rod (430) is not in contact with the door (30) and may be positioned entirely within the case (410).

[0225] According to one embodiment, the first clutch gear (441) and the second clutch gear (442) of the clutch unit (440) may be spaced apart from each other while penetrating the clutch shaft (443). The first clutch gear (441) may be meshed with the pinion gear (472), and the pinion gear (472) may be meshed with the rod gear unit (rack) (431a) of the push rod (430).

[0226] According to one embodiment, the solenoid part (450) is in a basic state (e.g., not in operation, solenoid off state), the solenoid rod (451a) is before moving in the T1 direction, and the guide part (452) coupled with the solenoid rod (451a) may be in a state in which the first plane (452a) supports the support surface (441c) of the first clutch gear (441).

[0227] According to one embodiment, the gears of the hinge connection (460) (e.g., the idle gear (461) and the hinge gear (462)) may be in a state prior to rotation, and the second connection gears (473) may be in a state of meshing with the idle gear (461) and the second clutch gear (442).

[0228] Hereinafter, the first opening operation (or state) and the second opening operation (or state) of the refrigerator (1) will be described. The closing operation of the refrigerator (1) can be understood as the reverse order of the first opening operation or the second opening operation.

[0229] According to one embodiment, in operation 1010, when an external object (e.g., a user) approaches or a touch occurs on the refrigerator (1), the refrigerator (1) can determine a data value transmitted by a sensor and activate an operation of a drive motor (420). According to one embodiment, in a closed state of the door (30), at least one processor (e.g., processor (191) of FIG. 3) of the refrigerator (1) can determine a data value transmitted by the sensor and drive the drive motor (420) so that a first opening operation among the opening operations of the door (30) is performed first, and the solenoid unit (450) can be controlled to maintain a basic state (e.g., a non-operating state, a solenoid off state).

[0230] According to one embodiment, the sensor may include at least one of a trigger sensor, a pressure of touch sensor that senses whether a user 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 a user (U) (e.g., a microphone, a speaker), and a motion sensor that detects a movement of a user (U).

[0231] For example, if the sensor 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 sensor, and if the obtained touch pressure value is determined to be higher than a specified threshold value, control the driving motor (420) to operate.

[0232] According to one embodiment, the sensor may be positioned facing forward on one side of the main body (10) and / or the door (30). The sensor may be located at a location where it can easily recognize a user's approach / touch / voice.

[0233] According to one embodiment, in operation 1020, power generated by the drive motor (420) may be transmitted to the clutch unit (440) to rotate the first clutch gear (441) connected to the drive motor (420). For example, when the drive motor (420) is driven to rotate a plurality of meshed first connection gears (471) arranged between the drive motor (420) and the first clutch gear (441), the power transmitted through the first connection gear (471) may rotate the first clutch gear (441).

[0234] According to one embodiment, in operation 1030, the power transmitted to the clutch unit (440) can move the push rod (430) connected to the clutch unit (440). For example, the rotational power of the first clutch gear (441) of the clutch unit (440) can rotate the pinion gear (472) meshed with the first clutch gear (441), and the rotational power of the pinion gear (472) can move the rod gear unit (433) of the push rod (430) meshed with the pinion gear (472). The push rod (430) can pressurize the door (30) while moving toward the front of the refrigerator (1).

[0235] According to one embodiment, in operation 1040, the push rod (430) presses the door (30), and the door (30) can rotate relative to the body (1) and perform a first opening operation. For example, the push rod (430) pushes the door (30) in a forward direction, and the door (30) can rotate about the door rotation axis (X1) to have a first designated angle (α) relative to the body (1). The push rod (430) can move linearly to a first pusher position (P1) and a second pusher position (P2). The force that the push rod (430) applies to the door (30) can be approximately 10 kgf or more.

[0236] 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 15 degrees or less. For example, the first designated angle (α) may be one of approximately 5 degrees or less.

[0237] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13 (operations 1010 to 1040), the internal components of the door drive module (400) can be confirmed in the first open state of the refrigerator (1) and / or the door (30). The first open state may be a state in which the door drive module (400) is partially changed due to the first opening operation in the closed state.

[0238] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation, the power of the drive motor (420) can be transmitted to the first clutch gear (441) through the first connecting gears (471).

[0239] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation, the first clutch gear (441) and the second clutch gear (442) of the clutch portion (440) may be spaced apart from each other while penetrating the clutch shaft (443). The first clutch gear (441) is meshed with the pinion gear (472), and the pinion gear (472) may rotate while meshed with the rod gear portion (rack) (431a) of the push rod (430). The rotation of the first clutch gear (441) may move the push rod (430) in the front direction.

[0240] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation, the solenoid part (450) is in a basic state (e.g., a non-operating state, a solenoid off state), the solenoid rod (451a) is before moving in the T1 direction, and the guide part (452) coupled with the solenoid rod (451a) may be in a state in which the first plane (452a) supports the support surface (441c) of the first clutch gear (441).

[0241] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation, the push rod (430) may be in a state of moving from the first pusher position (P1) to the second pusher position (P2). In the first opening operation, one end of the push rod (430) contacts the door (30), presses the door (30) and moves forward, and a portion of the push rod (430) may be exposed to the outside of the case (410).

[0242] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation, the gears of the hinge connection (460) (e.g., the idle gear (461) and the hinge gear (462)) may rotate to some extent. For example, the forward movement of the push rod (430) may rotate the door (30), and the gears within the hinge connection (460) connecting the main body (10) and the door (30) may rotate due to the rotation of the door (30). The rotation of the gears within the hinge connection (460) may rotate the second connecting gears (473) and the second clutch gear (442). In the first opening operation, the second clutch gear (442) is spaced apart from the first clutch gear (441), and the operation of the second clutch gear (442) may move independently of the operation of the first clutch gear (441).

[0243] According to one embodiment, after the first opening operation of the refrigerator (1) is completed (in the first opening state), the refrigerator (1) can perform a second opening operation. In operation 1050, at least one processor (e.g., processor (191) of FIG. 3) of the refrigerator (1) can control the driving motor (420) to be temporarily deactivated so that the second opening operation of the door (30) is performed, and then the solenoid unit (450) to be operated so as to be in a pushing state (e.g., a state in which the solenoid rod (451a) moves in the T1 direction, a solenoid on state).

[0244] According to one embodiment, in the operation of the solenoid unit (450), the solenoid rod (451a) (and the guide portion (452)) moves toward the first clutch gear (441), and the first clutch gear (441) moves (e.g., moves upward) toward the second clutch gear (442) along the guide portion (452) to engage with the second clutch gear (442). Accordingly, in the push state of the solenoid unit (450), the first clutch gear (441) and the second clutch gear (442) may be in a coupled state and may be in a state in which they can rotate together about the clutch shaft (443).

[0245] According to one embodiment, when the solenoid part (450) is operated, as the guide part (452) moves in the T1 direction, the first clutch gear (441) and the pinion gear (472) may be spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, no coupling (and rotation) occurs between the first clutch gear (441) and the push rod (430), and the push rod (430) may move (e.g., return) to the first pusher position (P1). In this case, the push rod (430) may no longer pressurize the door (30).

[0246] According to one embodiment, in operation 1060, at least one processor may re-activate the operation of the drive motor (420). The power generated by the drive motor (420) may be transmitted to the clutch unit (440) to rotate the second clutch gear (442) connected to the drive motor (420). For example, when the drive motor (420) is driven to rotate a plurality of meshed first connection gears (471) disposed between the drive motor (420) and the first clutch gear (441), the power transmitted through the first connection gear (471) may rotate the first clutch gear (441). The second clutch gear (442) meshed with the first clutch gear (441) may rotate in the same direction as the first clutch gear (441).

[0247] According to one embodiment, in operation 1070, the hinge connection (460) connected to the second clutch gear (442) can operate to further open the door (30) (second opening operation of the door). Second connection gears (472) between the second clutch gear (442) and the hinge connection (460) mesh with the second clutch gear (442) and the hinge connection (460) to provide a bridge function and transmit power of the second clutch gear (442) to the hinge connection (460). The hinge connection (460) includes an idle gear (461) that rotates while coupled with the main body (10) and a hinge gear (462) that rotates while coupled with the door (30). The rotation of the idle gear (461) rotates the hinge gear (462), thereby rotating the door (30) with respect to the main body (10) to perform a second opening operation. The hinge connection (460) further opens the door (30), and the door (30) can rotate about the door rotation axis (X1) to have a second designated angle (α) with respect to the main body (10). The force that the hinge connection (460) applies to the door (30) may be approximately 5 kgf or less.

[0248] According to one embodiment, the second specified angle (β) may be one of the angles according to the second opening operation of the door (30). The second specified angle (β) may be an angle of the second opening state of the door (30). For example, the second specified angle (β) may be one of approximately 15 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less. For example, the second specified angle (β) may be one of approximately less than 100 degrees.

[0249] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16 (operations 1050 to 1070), the internal components of the door drive module (400) can be confirmed in the second open state of the refrigerator (1) and / or the door (30). The second open state may be a state in which the door drive module (400) is partially changed due to the second opening operation in the first open state.

[0250] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation, the power of the drive motor (420) can be transmitted to the second clutch gear (442) through the first connecting gears (471).

[0251] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation, the first clutch gear (441) and the second clutch gear (442) of the clutch unit (440) may be in a state of meshing with each other while penetrating the clutch shaft (443). The second clutch gear (442) is meshed with the second connecting gears (473), and the second connecting gear (473) may rotate while being meshed with the hinge connecting portion (460). The rotation of the second clutch gear (442) may drive the hinge connecting portion (460) to further rotate the door (30) relative to the main body (10) in the first direction.

[0252] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation, the solenoid part (450) is in an operating state, the solenoid rod (451a) and the guide part (452) move in the T1 direction, and the first clutch gear (441) can move upward by the guide part (452). The support surface (441c) of the first clutch gear (441) can move from the first plane (452a) of the guide part (452) to the second plane (452b) through the inclined plane (452c). In the second opening state, the second plane (452b) of the guide part (452) can be in a state of supporting the support surface (441c) of the first clutch gear (441).

[0253] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation, the push rod (430) may be moved from the second pusher position (P2) to the first pusher position (P2). In the second opening operation, one end of the push rod (430) may move inside the case (410) while being separated from the door (30).

[0254] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation, the gears (e.g., the idle gear (461) and the hinge gear (462)) of the hinge connection (460) can rotate. For example, the rotation of the second clutch gear (442) can rotate the second connection gear (473) linked thereto, and the rotation of the second connection gear (473) can rotate the idle gear (461) of the hinge connection (460) linked thereto. The idle gear (461) linked to the main body (10) can rotate the hinge gear (462) linked to the door (30) (spaced apart from the main body (10)), thereby providing rotation of the door (30) relative to the main body (10).

[0255] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation, the first clutch gear (441) is spaced apart from the pinion gear (472), and the operation of the first clutch gear (441) can move independently of the operation of the pinion gear (472).

[0256] According to one embodiment, when the second open state is reached, the solenoid unit (450) may maintain the push state or return to the basic state. When the solenoid unit (450) returns to the basic state, when proceeding with the closing operation of the door (30), at least one processor (e.g., processor (191) of FIG. 3) may control the solenoid unit (450) to operate to enter the push state (e.g., the state in which the solenoid rod (451a) moves in the T1 direction, the solenoid is turned on).

[0257] Typically, automatic door systems for opening and closing refrigerator doors are developed with either a type that partially opens the door relative to the main body or a type that completely opens the door. Accordingly, automatic door modules for refrigerators are manufactured with separate structures for the partially (or initial) opening type and the completely (or complete) opening type, and different motors are used for each. The general automatic door system that provides separate motors and separate controls depending on the opening type does not allow for smooth connection of drive control and requires additional space for mounting multiple motors.

[0258] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide an improved structure in which a door can be opened automatically.

[0259] 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.

[0260] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator opens and closes its door automatically, and can implement initial opening and full opening (or closing) with a single module. The initial opening and full opening (or closing) operations can be controlled by a single drive motor, thereby providing smooth control and enhanced user experience.

[0261] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the mounting space of the refrigerator by reducing material costs (e.g., number of parts) and reducing the volume of the module by implementing initial opening and full opening (or closing) operations with one module.

[0262] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator opens and closes its door automatically, and can be divided into a first opening operation and a second opening operation depending on the door opening angle. The first opening operation opens the door by a push rod of a door drive module, and the second opening operation opens the door by a hinge connection of the door drive module.

[0263] 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.

[0264] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0265] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10), a storage compartment (20) disposed inside the main body and having an open front, a door (30) rotatably connected to the main body to open and close the storage compartment, and a door driving module (400) configured to allow the door to rotate relative to the main body. The door driving module (400) may include a driving motor (420), a first clutch gear (441), and a second clutch gear (442) arranged on the upper or lower side of the first clutch gear and arranged to be engaged with the first clutch gear, and may include a clutch part (440) formed to receive power from the driving motor, a push rod (430) connected to the first clutch gear and formed to transmit the power received by the first clutch gear to the door so that the door performs a first opening operation, a solenoid part (450) arranged adjacent to the clutch part and formed to move the first clutch gear toward the second clutch gear so that the first clutch gear and the second clutch gear engage, and a hinge connecting part (460) connected to the second clutch gear and formed to transmit the power received by the second clutch gear to the door so that the door performs a second opening operation.

[0266] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation of the door, the push rod may be configured to open the door relative to the body at a first designated angle (α).

[0267] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation of the door, the hinge connection may be formed to open the door relative to the body at a second designated angle (β) greater than the first designated angle.

[0268] According to one embodiment, the first specified angle (α) may be one of angles less than or equal to 15 degrees, and the second specified angle (β) may be one of angles greater than or equal to 15 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0269] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation of the door, the first clutch gear and the second clutch gear of the clutch unit may be spaced apart from each other in parallel.

[0270] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation of the door, the guide portion (452) of the solenoid portion may be formed to move in a direction toward the first clutch gear, and the guide portion may be formed to move upward while pushing the first clutch gear toward the second clutch gear.

[0271] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation of the door, the first clutch gear and the second clutch gear may be formed to rotate in a meshed state, and the first clutch gear and the push rod may be formed to be separated.

[0272] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation of the door, the push rod may be configured to move in a forward direction toward the door to pressurize the door.

[0273] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation of the door, the push rod may be configured to move rearward and toward the inside of the main body.

[0274] According to one embodiment, the clutch portion may further include a clutch shaft (443) that provides a rotation axis of the first clutch gear and the second clutch gear.

[0275] According to one embodiment, the first clutch gear includes upper teeth (441a) arranged toward the second clutch gear, the second clutch gear includes lower teeth (442a) arranged toward the first clutch gear, and the upper teeth and the lower teeth can be formed to mesh with each other.

[0276] According to one embodiment, the solenoid portion may include a solenoid (451) and a guide portion (452) formed to be movable from the solenoid to the clutch portion and guiding the position of the first clutch gear.

[0277] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (452) includes at least one step shape, and may include a first plane (452a), a second plane (452b), and an inclined surface (452c) inclined from the first plane toward the second plane.

[0278] According to one embodiment, in the first open state of the door, the first plane of the guide portion can support the first clutch gear, and in the second open state of the door, the second plane of the guide portion can support the first clutch gear.

[0279] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation of the door, as the guide portion moves toward the clutch portion, the lower portion of the first clutch gear may be formed to move from the first plane (452a) of the guide portion along the inclined surface (452c) to the second plane (452b).

[0280] According to one embodiment, the first clutch gear positioned on the second plane of the guide portion may be formed to mesh with the second clutch gear and rotate together.

[0281] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation of the door, power generated from the driving motor can be transmitted to the push rod via the first clutch gear to open the door.

[0282] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation of the door, power generated from the driving motor may be transmitted to the first clutch gear, the second clutch gear, and the hinge connection to further open the door.

[0283] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator further comprises at least one processor, wherein, when the door is closed, the at least one processor controls the door drive module so that the push rod can open the door relative to the main body at a first designated angle.

[0284] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator further comprises at least one processor, wherein, when the door is opened at a first specified angle, the at least one processor controls the door drive module so that the hinge connection portion can open the door relative to the main body at a second specified angle greater than the first specified angle.

[0285] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a door drive module (400) for opening and closing a door (30) of a refrigerator (1) includes a case (410), a drive motor (420) disposed within the case, a first clutch gear (441), and a second clutch gear (442) disposed on an upper side of the first clutch gear and arranged to be engaged with the first clutch gear, a clutch part (440) formed to receive power from the drive motor, a push rod (430) connected to the first clutch gear and formed to transmit the power received by the first clutch gear to the door so that the door performs a first opening operation, a solenoid part (450) disposed adjacent to the clutch part and formed to move the first clutch gear toward the second clutch gear to engage the first clutch gear and the second clutch gear, and an idle gear (461) connected to the second clutch gear, and coupled to the door. It may include a hinge gear (462) and a hinge connection part (460) formed to transmit power received by the second clutch gear to the door so that the door performs a second opening operation.

[0286] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation of the door, the push rod may be configured to open the door at a first designated angle relative to the body.

[0287] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation of the door, the hinge connection may be formed to open the door relative to the body at a second specified angle greater than the first specified angle.

[0288] According to one embodiment, in the first opening operation of the door, the first clutch gear and the second clutch gear of the clutch unit may be spaced apart from each other in parallel.

[0289] According to one embodiment, in the second opening operation of the door, the guide portion (452) of the solenoid portion may be formed to move in a direction toward the first clutch gear, and the guide portion may be formed to move upward while pushing the first clutch gear toward the second clutch gear.

[0290] According to one embodiment, the clutch portion may further include a clutch shaft (443) that provides a rotation axis of the first clutch gear and the second clutch gear. The first clutch gear includes upper teeth (441a) arranged toward the second clutch gear, and the second clutch gear includes lower teeth (442a) arranged toward the first clutch gear, and the upper teeth and the lower teeth may be formed to be able to mesh with each other.

Claims

1. In the refrigerator (1), Body (10); A storage room (20) placed inside the main body and having an open front; A door (30) rotatably connected to the main body to open and close the storage room; and It includes a door driving module (400) configured to be rotatable with respect to the main body, The above door driving module (400) is Drive motor (420); A clutch part (440) including a first clutch gear (441) and a second clutch gear (442) arranged on the upper or lower side of the first clutch gear and arranged to be meshed with the first clutch gear, and formed to receive power from the driving motor; A push rod (430) connected to the first clutch gear and configured to transmit power received by the first clutch gear to the door so that the door performs a first opening operation; A solenoid part (450) disposed adjacent to the clutch part and formed to move the first clutch gear toward the second clutch gear to engage the first clutch gear and the second clutch gear; and A refrigerator including a hinge connection part (460) connected to the second clutch gear and formed to transmit power received by the second clutch gear to the door so that the door performs a second opening operation.

2. In paragraph 1, In the first opening operation of the door, the push rod is formed to open the door with respect to the main body at a first designated angle (α), A refrigerator, wherein in the second opening operation of the door, the hinge connection is formed to open the door with respect to the main body at a second specified angle (β) greater than the first specified angle.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first specified angle (α) is one of the angles less than or equal to 15 degrees, A refrigerator, wherein the second specified angle (β) is one of angles greater than 15 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, In the first opening operation of the door, the first clutch gear and the second clutch gear of the clutch part are spaced apart from each other and arranged in parallel, in a refrigerator.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, In the second opening operation of the door, the guide portion (452) of the solenoid part moves in a direction toward the first clutch gear, and the guide portion is formed to move upward while pushing the first clutch gear toward the second clutch gear.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, A refrigerator in which, in the second opening operation of the door, the first clutch gear and the second clutch gear rotate in a meshed state, and the first clutch gear and the push rod are formed to be separated.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, In the first opening operation of the door, the push rod is formed to move in a front direction toward the door to pressurize the door, A refrigerator, wherein in the second opening operation of the door, the push rod is formed to move in a rearward direction and move inside the main body.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The clutch part further includes a clutch shaft (443) that provides a rotation axis of the first clutch gear and the second clutch gear, A refrigerator wherein the first clutch gear includes upper teeth (441a) arranged toward the second clutch gear, the second clutch gear includes lower teeth (442a) arranged toward the first clutch gear, and the upper teeth and the lower teeth are formed to be able to mesh with each other.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The solenoid part includes a solenoid (451) and a guide part (452) formed to be movable from the solenoid to the clutch part and guiding the position of the first clutch gear, a refrigerator.

10. In paragraph 9, A refrigerator, wherein the guide portion (452) includes at least one step shape, and includes a first plane (452a), a second plane (452b), and an inclined surface (452c) inclined from the first plane toward the second plane.

11. In paragraph 10, In the first open state of the door, the first plane of the guide portion supports the first clutch gear, A refrigerator in which, in the second open state of the door, the second plane of the guide portion supports the first clutch gear.

12. In paragraph 10 or 11, In the second opening operation of the above door, As the guide portion moves toward the clutch portion, the lower portion of the first clutch gear is formed to move from the first plane (452a) of the guide portion through the inclined surface (452c) to the second plane (452b), A refrigerator, wherein the first clutch gear located on the second plane is formed to mesh with the second clutch gear and rotate together.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, In the first opening operation of the door, the power generated from the driving motor is transmitted to the push rod through the first clutch gear to open the door, A refrigerator in which, in the second opening operation of the door, power generated from the driving motor is transmitted to the first clutch gear, the second clutch gear, and the hinge connection, thereby additionally opening the door.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, comprising at least one more processor, With the door closed, the at least one processor, A refrigerator, wherein the door drive module is controlled so that the push rod opens the door relative to the main body at a first designated angle.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, comprising at least one more processor, When the door is opened to a first designated angle, the at least one processor, A refrigerator, wherein the door drive module is controlled so that the hinge connection portion opens the door relative to the main body at a second specified angle greater than the first specified angle.

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