Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator comprises a door opening device for automatically opening a second door that is an outer door, wherein the door opening device may comprise a first magnet unit provided on a first door that is an inner door, a second magnet unit provided on the second door so as to face the first magnet unit, and a shielding member which is rotatably provided on the second door so as to selectively shield a space between the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit. As such, the second door can be manually and / or automatically opened as necessary, thereby improving convenience. In addition, as the magnet unit for automatically opening the second door is fixed to the second door, reliability can be improved and operating noise may be minimized while simplifying the door opening device.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly to an automatic opening device for a refrigerator door.

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator may include a cabinet equipped with a storage compartment and a door for opening and closing the storage compartment.

[0003] The storage room is surrounded by insulating walls so that the interior of the storage room maintains a lower temperature than the exterior, and the storage room can be divided into a refrigerator and / or a freezer depending on the temperature range of the storage room.

[0004] The door is rotatably mounted on the cabinet, and a gasket may be provided between the door and the cabinet. Accordingly, when the door is closed, the gasket is tightly sealed between the door and the cabinet, preventing cold air from leaking from the storage compartment. The greater the sealing force of this gasket, the better the effect of preventing cold air leakage.

[0005] Typically, to increase the sealing force of the gasket, it may be formed from a rubber magnet or equipped with a magnet inside the gasket. However, if the sealing force of the gasket is increased, a correspondingly greater force is required to open the door.

[0006] Accordingly, refrigerators equipped with an automatic door opening function are being developed recently. Prior art Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0119027 (Publication date: Nov. 01, 2018) discloses a refrigerator having a door opening device.

[0007] The door of the refrigerator disclosed in the prior art consists of an inner door that is in close contact with the front of the cabinet and an outer door that is positioned in front of the inner door, and a door opening device is provided in the cabinet and configured to push the inner door open.

[0008] However, the refrigerator disclosed in the prior art has a disadvantage in that it cannot automatically open the outer door because the outer door opens together with the inner door when the inner door is opened.

[0009] Furthermore, in the refrigerator disclosed in the prior art, since the door opening device is provided in the cabinet, in order to open the outer door using the door opening device, it must be possible to open the outer door while avoiding interference with the inner door. This results in the disadvantage that not only is the length of the door opening device increased, but the structure of the door opening device also becomes complex.

[0010] The objective of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of automatically opening the outer door among a plurality of doors provided on the inner and outer sides.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of automatically and / or manually opening a door located on the outer side among a plurality of doors provided on the inner and outer sides.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which, among a plurality of doors provided on the inner and outer sides, the inner door is opened while maintaining a connected state with the outer door.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can simplify a device for automatically opening an outer door among a plurality of inner and outer doors, while increasing reliability and minimizing operating noise.

[0014] To achieve the objective of the present invention, a refrigerator may be provided comprising a cabinet having a storage compartment, a first door for opening and closing the storage compartment, a second door provided on the outer side of the first door and rotatably provided relative to the first door, and a door opening device for rotating the second door relative to the first door. The door opening device may include a first magnet unit provided on the first door, a second magnet unit provided on the second door so as to face the first magnet unit and causing the second door to automatically open through interaction with the first magnet unit, and a shielding member that selectively blocks the space between the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit. The shielding member may be rotatably provided on the second door. Through this, the second door can be opened manually and / or automatically as needed, thereby increasing convenience, and since the magnetic unit that automatically opens the second door is fixed to the second door, the door opening device can be simplified while increasing reliability and minimizing operating noise.

[0015] For example, the door opening device may include a movable member that is slidably provided between any first position and a second position with respect to the second door inside the second door, and has a cam portion protruding by a preset height on the surface facing the shielding member. The shielding member may include a shielding portion that blocks the space between the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit, a hinge portion rotatably coupled to the second door, and a cam guide portion that slides in contact with the cam portion and guides the shielding portion to rotate around the hinge portion when the movable member moves from the first position to the second position.

[0016] Specifically, the hinge portion may be formed on the side facing away from the movable member.

[0017] More specifically, the hinge portion may be formed at a position that overlaps with the movable member in the axial direction of the hinge portion.

[0018] Additionally, the hinge portion may be formed at a position spaced apart from the shield portion by a predetermined distance in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the movable member. The shield portion and the hinge portion may be connected by the cam guide portion.

[0019] For example, the hinge portion may be formed to be located on the opposite side of the shield portion with the second magnet unit in between when the second door is closed.

[0020] In addition, the cam guide may extend in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the hinge portion from one end of the shield portion facing the moving member.

[0021] For example, the surface of the cam guide that contacts the cam may be formed as a curved or beveled surface.

[0022] Additionally, an elastic member may be provided on one side of the shielding member. The elastic member may elastically support the shielding member so that when the movable member moves from the second position to the first position, the shielding part returns to the space between the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit.

[0023] For example, the shielding member may have a hinge connection formed therein extending from at least one of the shielding portion, the hinge portion, and the cam guide portion. The elastic member may be composed of a torsion spring, the first end of which is supported by the second door and the second end of which is supported by the hinge connection portion.

[0024] As another example, the first magnet unit may be fixed to the first door, and the second magnet unit may be fixed to the second door. The first magnet unit and the second magnet unit may be arranged so that at least a portion overlaps in the alignment direction of the first door and the second door when the first door and the second door are in a locked state.

[0025] For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the shielding portion may be formed to be greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the surface where the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit face each other.

[0026] Additionally, the device may further include a door locking device that causes the first door and the second door to be locked or unlocked when the second door is closed. The door locking device may include a first member linked to the door opening device and a second member that rotates in conjunction with the first member and selectively engages or disengages from the first door.

[0027] The refrigerator according to the present invention can increase convenience by allowing the second door, located on the outer side of the door composed of a first door and a second door, to be opened manually and / or automatically as needed.

[0028] In addition, the refrigerator according to the present invention can improve reliability by preventing the second door from being unintentionally opened when the first door is opened, as the combined state of the first door and the second door is maintained.

[0029] In addition, the refrigerator according to the present invention can have improved durability by preventing damage to the surface of the first door or the second door during the opening process of the second door.

[0030] In addition, the refrigerator according to the present invention can simplify the door opening device while increasing reliability and minimizing operating noise as the magnetic unit that automatically opens the second door is fixed to the second door.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the refrigerator door in a closed state in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the second door of the refrigerator compartment door in an open state in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the first door and the second door of the refrigerator compartment door in an open state in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the first door and the second door in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment when the door locking device is in the locked position.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a lower part of the first door in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a door opening device built into the second door of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a part of the door opening device in FIG. 6 disassembled.

[0038] FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic perspective views of a door opening device and a door locking device according to the present embodiment, where FIG. 8A is a view taken from the inside of the second door and FIG. 8B is a view taken from the outside of the second door.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a shielding member in a door opening device according to the present embodiment.

[0040] FIGS. 10a and FIGS. 10b are the top and bottom views of FIG. 9.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the operation of a door opening device and a door locking device in stages according to the travel distance of a first moving member according to the present embodiment.

[0043] FIGS. 13a to 13c are plan views showing the door opening process of the door opening device according to the present embodiment in steps.

[0044] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment illustrated in the attached drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral as much as possible, even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0045] In addition, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known configurations or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0046] In this specification, the front of the second door is a surface that forms the front exterior of the refrigerator door, and the rear is a surface that faces the first door. The front of the first door forms the front exterior of the first door and is a surface that faces the rear of the second door, and the rear is a surface that faces the cabinet or storage room.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the refrigerator door in a closed state in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view showing the second door of the refrigerator compartment door in an open state in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a front view showing the first door and the second door of the refrigerator compartment door in an open state in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the refrigerator (1) according to the present embodiment may include a cabinet (10) forming a storage room and a refrigerator door for opening and closing the storage room.

[0049] The storage room may include a refrigerator room (11) and a freezer room (15). For example, the refrigerator room (11) may be located above the freezer room (15), but depending on the shape of the refrigerator, the freezer room (15) may be located above the refrigerator room (11), or the freezer room (15) and the refrigerator room (11) may be arranged side by side.

[0050] The refrigerator door may include a refrigerator door (20) for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment (11) and a freezer door (25) for opening and closing the freezer compartment (15).

[0051] For example, the refrigerator door (20) may include a pair of doors (21, 22) arranged side by side. In other words, the refrigerator door (20) may include a first refrigerator door (21) and a second refrigerator door (22) arranged side by side. The first refrigerator door (21) may open and close a part of the refrigerator (11), and the second refrigerator door (22) may open and close another part of the refrigerator (11).

[0052] The freezer door (25) may include a pair of doors (26, 27) arranged on the left and right sides. For example, the freezer door (25) may include a first freezer door (26) and a second freezer door (27) arranged on the left and right sides. The first freezer door (26) may open and close a part of the freezer (15), and the second freezer door (27) may open and close another part of the freezer (15).

[0053] Alternatively, the freezer (15) may be divided into left and right or up and down sections, and the first freezer door (26) may open and close one side of the divided space, and the second freezer door (27) may open and close the other side of the divided space.

[0054] Although not illustrated in the drawing, the refrigerator door (20) and the freezer door (25) can be configured in various ways regarding their number and / or arrangement. For example, the storage room may include only the refrigerator room.

[0055] At least one of the first refrigerator door (21) and the second refrigerator door (22) according to the present embodiment may include a first door (30) that opens and closes at least a part of the refrigerator (11) and a second door (40) that is rotatably provided with respect to the first door (30). In the present embodiment, an example is illustrated in which the first refrigerator door (21) and the second refrigerator door (22) are each composed of the first door (30) and the second door (40).

[0056] The first door (30) can be rotatably connected to the cabinet (10) by a first hinge (51). The second door (40) can be rotatably connected to the first door (30) by a second hinge (53). In other words, the first hinge (51) can connect the cabinet (10) and the first door (30), and the second hinge (53) can connect the first door (30) and the second door (40), respectively.

[0057] The first door (30) is provided with an opening (32). The second door (40) can open and close the opening (32) of the first door (30). For example, the second door (40) can cover the opening (32) from the front of the first door (30). However, in some cases, at least a part of the second door (40) may be received in the opening (32) to cover the opening (32). In the following description, the first door (30) may be referred to as an inner door or a main door, and the second door (40) may be referred to as an outer door or a sub-door.

[0058] The first door (30) may include one or more baskets (33, 34). The baskets (33, 34) may be mounted on the rear of the first door (30) or on the surface forming the opening (32). At least one of the first freezer door (26) and the second freezer door (27) may include a basket (28). In this embodiment, an example is illustrated in which a basket (28) is provided in each of the first freezer door (26) and the second freezer door (27).

[0059] The second door (40) may include a panel assembly (410). For example, the panel assembly (410) may consist of one or more panels formed of glass material or a material that allows light to pass through. Accordingly, when the lighting unit provided in the refrigerator is turned on, the storage compartment or the interior of the first door (30) can be checked by the panel assembly (410) while the second door (40) is closed.

[0060] Meanwhile, the refrigerator compartment (11) may be provided with at least one shelf (12). The refrigerator compartment (11) may be provided with one or more sliding drawers (13). The freezer compartment (15) may be provided with one or more sliding drawers (16).

[0061] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the first door and the second door in a state where the door locking device is in the locked position in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a lower part of the first door in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the first door (30) may be opened manually or automatically. In other words, the first door (30) according to the present embodiment may be opened manually or automatically depending on the user's choice.

[0063] Although not illustrated in the drawings, the cabinet (10) or the first door (30) may be equipped with a main opening device for opening the first door (30). Since the location and / or structure of the main opening device is previously known, a detailed description thereof is omitted. However, in some cases, the main opening device may be excluded.

[0064] The second door (40) may be opened while the first door (30) is closed, or the first door (30) may be opened while the second door (40) is closed. In the latter case, the second door (40) may be prevented from rotating relative to the first door (30) when the first door (30) is opened. Accordingly, the refrigerator door (20) may further include a door locking device (70) that allows the first door (30) and the second door (40) to remain locked or be unlocked.

[0065] The door locking device (70) according to the present embodiment may move from a locked position to an unlocked position or return from an unlocked position to a locked position. In this case, the door locking device (70) may be manually operated by a user or may be automatically operated by a door opening device (60) to be described later.

[0066] For example, when manually opening the second door (40), the user can operate the door lock (70) to move the door lock (70) from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the door lock (70) is moved to the unlocked position, the second door (40) and the first door (30) can be unlocked.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 4, a handle (45) is formed in a recessed shape on the lower side of the second door (40), and a door locking device (70) may be provided on the outer side of the handle (45) on the lower side of the second door (40) or on the inner side of the handle (45).

[0068] In the locked position of the door lock device (70), the first door (30) and the second door (40) can be locked. In this state, if the user pulls the handle (45), the first door (30) and the second door (40) can be rotated together. On the other hand, if the user pulls the handle (45) while the second door (40) and the first door (30) are unlocked, the second door (40) can be rotated while the first door (30) is closed.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first door (30) may be provided with a locking part (310) for engaging a door locking device (70). The locking part (310) may be formed integrally with a member forming the exterior of the first door (30) or may be coupled to the member. For example, the locking part (310) may be located on the lower side of the first door (30).

[0070] The locking portion (310) may form a space (312) for receiving a part of the door lock (70). The locking portion (310) may include a locking wall (314) for the part of the door lock (70) located in the space (312) to be caught. The front surface of the locking wall (314) may be formed as an inclined surface. Accordingly, during the process of closing the second door (40) after it is opened, the door lock (70) can easily move into the space (312) by moving along the front surface of the locking wall (314).

[0071] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a door opening device built into a second door in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a part of the door opening device in FIG. 6 disassembled, FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b are perspective views schematically showing a door opening device and a door locking device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 8a is a view taken from the inside of the second door and FIG. 8b is a view taken from the outside of the second door, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a shielding member in the door opening device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b are a plan view and a bottom view of FIG. 9.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8b, the door opening device (60) according to the present embodiment may be provided on the second door (40). For example, the door opening device (60) may be installed on the lower side of the second door (40). Accordingly, the door opening device (60) may be positioned adjacent to the door locking device (70).

[0073] The door opening device (60) can be operated so that the second door (40) opens automatically. For example, while the door opening device (60) is operating, the door locking device (70) can be moved to an unlocked position by the door opening device (60). In this case, the door opening device (60) may be formed independently of the door locking device (70), or the door locking device (70) may be formed to form a part of the door opening device (60).

[0074] The door opening device (60) according to the present embodiment may include a case (610), a driving unit (620), and a transmission unit (630). The case (610) is a member that supports or guides the door opening device (60), the driving unit (620) is a member that generates power to operate the door opening device (60), and the transmission unit (630) is a member that transmits the power of the driving unit (620) to a first moving member (640) to be described later.

[0075] The case (610) can be installed on the second door (40). For example, the case (610) can be formed independently from the second door (40) and subsequently assembled. However, in some cases, a part of the case (610) may be excluded, and the wall of the second door (40) may form a part of the case (610). In other words, the case (610) can be understood as forming a part of the second door (40). In the following description, the case (610) may be used interchangeably with the second door (40) or referred to collectively as the second door (40).

[0076] The drive unit (620) can be inserted into and supported by the case (610). For example, the drive unit (620) may be composed of a bidirectional rotary motor and provided inside the case (610). Accordingly, the drive unit (620) can generate bidirectional power to move the first moving member (640), which will be described later, in both directions.

[0077] The transmission unit (630) may be composed of a plurality of gears rotatably supported in the case (610). For example, the plurality of gears may include a driving gear (631) connected to a driving unit (620) and a driven gear (634) connected to a first moving member (640) to be described later. The driven gear (634) may be directly connected to the driving gear (631) or may be connected to the driving gear (631) by one or more intermediate gears (632, 633). This embodiment illustrates an example in which the driven gear (634) is connected to the driving gear (631) by two intermediate gears (632, 633).

[0078] Additionally, the door opening device (60) according to the present embodiment may further include a first moving member (640) and a second moving member (690). The first moving member (640) is a member that receives power from a driving unit (620), and the second moving member (690) is a member that interacts with the first moving member (640) to transmit power from the driving unit (620) to a door locking device (70).

[0079] For example, the first moving member (640) may be formed as a rack to engage with the driven gear (634) of the transmission unit (630). Accordingly, during the automatic opening process of the second door (40), the first moving member (640) moves in the first direction from the first position, which is the initial position, toward the second position, which is the end position, whereas after the automatic opening of the second door (40) is completed, the first moving member (640) can return from the second position to the first position by moving in the second direction, which is the reverse direction of the first direction. Through this, the first moving member (640) can transmit the power of the driving unit (620) to the door locking device (70).

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the first moving member (640) according to the present embodiment may include a body (641), an extension part (642), a rack gear (644), and a cam part (646). The body (641) is a part that forms the main body of the first moving member (641) and is engaged with the transmission unit (630) to receive power from the driving part (620); the extension part (642) is a part that contacts the second moving member (690) to link the door opening device (60) and the door locking device (70); the rack gear (644) is a part that contacts the transmission unit (630) to receive power from the driving part (620); and the cam part (646) is a part that contacts the shielding member (660) to be described later and transmits rotational force to the shielding member (660).

[0081] The body (641) according to the present embodiment is formed from a thin plate and can be extended along the width direction (left-right direction) of the second door (40).

[0082] The extension portion (642) according to the present embodiment may extend from one end of the body (641) or protrude from the upper or lower surface of the body (641). For example, the extension portion (642) may include a first contact surface (642a) and a second contact surface (642b). The first contact surface (642a) and the second contact surface (642b) may be formed consecutively, such that the first contact surface (642a) is located further towards the end than the second contact surface (642b) as the second moving member (690) is located further away from the first hinge (51).

[0083] The first contact surface (642a) may be formed at an angle. In other words, the first contact surface (642a) may be formed at an angle, and may be formed at an angle with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis. In the following description, the X-axis direction is the left-right direction of the second door (40) in the direction in which the first moving member (640) moves, and the Y-axis direction may be understood as the arrangement direction of the first door (30) and the second door (40) or the front-back direction of the second door (40).

[0084] The first contact surface (642a) can be formed to be inclined in a direction that moves away from the second moving member (690) as it gets closer to the first door (30). Accordingly, when the first moving member (640) moves by the first contact surface (642a), the second moving member (690) moves along the inclined surface, so that the door locking device (70) can be rotated.

[0085] The second contact surface (642b) may be formed in a curved shape. The second contact surface (642b) may form a space for accommodating the second movable member (690). After the door lock (70) is moved to the unlocked position, the first movable member (640) may move further in the first direction while the second movable member (690) is accommodated in the space.

[0086] The rack gear (644) according to the present embodiment meshes with the driven gear (634) described above and may be provided on the upper or lower surface of the body (641). The present embodiment illustrates an example in which the rack gear (644) is formed on the lower surface of the body (641).

[0087] Additionally, the rack gear (644) may be formed between the extension part (642) and the cam part (646) to be described later. Accordingly, when the first moving member (640) moves, the rack gear (644) can prevent interference with the shielding member (660) to be described later.

[0088] The cam portion (646) according to the present embodiment may protrude from the lower surface of the body (641) by a predetermined height. For example, the cam portion (646) may be formed with a length such that it is spaced apart from the upper surface of the second magnet unit (650). Accordingly, the cam portion (646) may come into contact with the shielding member (660), which will be described later, during the movement of the first moving member (640), thereby rotating the shielding member (660). Through this, when the first moving member (640) moves, the cam portion (646) may come into contact with the cam guide portion (666) of the shielding member (660), which will be described later, while avoiding interference with the second magnet unit (650).

[0089] The cam portion (646) may have its outer surface formed in a circular shape or an arc shape. Accordingly, it can slide smoothly with the cam guide portion (666) of the shielding member (660), which will be described later, thereby suppressing the generation of friction noise. The cam portion (646) will be explained again later together with the cam guide portion (666) of the shielding member (660).

[0090] Additionally, the door opening device (60) according to the present embodiment may further include a door opening section. The door opening section operates to automatically open the second door (40) and may include a first magnet unit (330), a second magnet unit (650), and a shielding member (660). The first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) are members that generate a repulsive force when the second door (40) is opened, and the shielding member (660) is a member that selectively blocks the space between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) so that a repulsive force is selectively generated between the two magnet units (330) (650) when the second door (40) is opened or closed.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 6, the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) are each arranged such that their respective poles are aligned along the arrangement direction of the first door (30) and the second door (40), and the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) may be arranged such that the same poles (or polarities) face each other.

[0092] For example, the first magnet unit (330) may be arranged so that its N pole faces the second door (40), and the second magnet unit (650) may be arranged so that its N pole faces the first door (30). Accordingly, when the shielding member (660) described later is disengaged from between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650), a repulsive force is generated between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650), causing the second door (40) to rotate relative to the first door (30).

[0093] The first magnet unit (330) can be fixed to the first door (30). For example, the first magnet unit (330) may consist of a first magnet housing (332) provided in the first door (30), and a first magnet (334) and a second magnet (336) inserted into the first magnet housing (332).

[0094] The first magnet housing (332) is fixedly coupled to the interior of the first door (30), and the first magnet (334) and the second magnet (336) can be inserted into and fixed to the first magnet housing (332). Accordingly, the first magnet (334) and the second magnet (336) can be fixed to the first door (30).

[0095] The first magnet (334) may be formed to have a first pole, and the second magnet (336) may be formed to have a second pole opposite to the first pole. The first pole may be the N pole and the second pole may be the S pole, or the opposite may be possible. The first magnet (334) and the second magnet (336) may be formed integrally or separately.

[0096] The first magnet (334) and the second magnet (336) can be arranged along the Y-axis direction. In other words, the first magnet (334) can be placed facing the second door (40), and the second magnet (336) can be placed facing away from the second door (40).

[0097] The second magnet unit (650) can be fixed to the second door (40). For example, the second magnet unit (650) may consist of a second magnet housing (652) provided in the second door (40), and a third magnet (654) and a fourth magnet (656) inserted into the second magnet housing (652).

[0098] The second magnet housing (652) is fixedly coupled to the interior of the second door (40), for example, to a case (610) that accommodates a door opening device (60), and the third magnet (654) and the fourth magnet (656) can be inserted into and fixed to the second magnet housing (652). Accordingly, the third magnet (654) and the fourth magnet (656) can be fixed to the second door (40).

[0099] The third magnet (654) may be formed to have a second pole, and the fourth magnet (656) may be formed to have a first pole. In other words, the third magnet (654) may be formed to have the same pole as the first magnet (334), and the fourth magnet (656) may be formed to have the same pole as the second magnet (336). The third magnet (654) and the fourth magnet (656) may be formed integrally or separately, just like the first magnet (334) and the second magnet (336).

[0100] The third magnet (654) and the fourth magnet (656) can be arranged along the Y-axis direction. In other words, the third magnet (654) can be placed facing the first door (30), and the fourth magnet (656) can be placed facing away from the first door (30). Accordingly, the third magnet (654) is arranged to face each other while having the same polarity as the first magnet (334), so that the second door (40) can be automatically opened by the interaction between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650). Through this, damage to the surface of the first door (30) and / or the second door (40) during the door opening process can be suppressed, and the parts constituting the door opening part are not exposed to the outside of the door, so the appearance of the door can be simple. In addition, abnormal noise caused by the movement of the magnet when opening and closing the second door (40) can be suppressed.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 10b, the shielding member (660) may include a shielding portion (662), a hinge portion (664), a cam guide portion (666), and a hinge connection portion (668). The shielding portion (662) is a portion that blocks the space between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650), the hinge portion (664) is a portion to which the shielding member (660) is rotatably coupled to the second door (40), the cam guide portion (666) is a portion that slides into contact with the cam portion (646) and guides the shielding portion (662) to rotate around the hinge portion (0) when the first moving member (640) moves from the first position to the second position, and the hinge connection portion (668) is a portion that supports the end of the elastic member (670) to be described later.

[0102] The shielding portion (662) can be formed from a material capable of shielding magnetic force. For example, the shielding portion (662) can be formed from a non-metallic material such as plastic. Accordingly, when the shielding portion (662) is placed between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650), the magnetic field lines between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) are severed, thereby limiting the interaction between the magnets.

[0103] Additionally, the shielding portion (662) can be formed as wide as possible. For example, the shielding portion (662) can be formed to be larger than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the surface where the first magnet (334) of the first magnet unit (330) and the third magnet (654) of the second magnet unit (650) face each other. Accordingly, the magnetic field lines between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) can be effectively cut off.

[0104] The hinge portion (664) may be formed on at least one of the two ends of the shielding member (660), that is, the side facing the first movable member (640) and the side facing away from it. This embodiment illustrates an example in which the hinge portion (664) is formed on one end of the shielding member (660), that is, the side facing away from the first movable member (640).

[0105] For example, the hinge portion (664) may be formed at a position that overlaps with the first movable member (640) in the axial direction of the hinge portion (664). Accordingly, the shielding member (660) can be rotatably provided on the second door (40) while minimizing the thickness of the second door (40).

[0106] The hinge portion (664) is composed of a hinge projection (664a) and a hinge groove (664b), wherein the hinge projection (664a) and the hinge groove (664b) may be formed on the lower surface of the shielding member (660) and the upper surface of the second door (40) facing it, respectively. This embodiment illustrates an example in which the hinge projection (664a) protrudes from the lower surface of the shielding member (660) toward the second door (40), and the hinge groove (664b) is formed to be recessed to a predetermined depth on the upper surface of the second door (40).

[0107] The hinge portion (664) may be formed at a position spaced apart from the shield portion (662), that is, at a position spaced apart by a predetermined distance in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the first moving member (640). In this case, the shield portion (662) and the hinge portion (664) may be connected by a cam guide portion (666) to be described later.

[0108] For example, the hinge portion (664) may be formed to be located on the opposite side of the shielding portion (662) with the second magnet unit (650) in between when the second door (40) is closed. Accordingly, the hinge portion (664) is positioned far from the shielding portion (662), thereby reducing the force required to rotate the shielding member (660), and thus allowing the shielding member (660) to rotate smoothly while the two magnet units (330) (650) can be opened quickly.

[0109] The cam guide (666) may extend from one end of the shielding portion (662) facing the first moving member (640) in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the hinge portion (664). For example, the cam guide (666) may be formed to cover one axial side of the second magnet unit (650). Accordingly, magnetic field lines generated from the second magnet unit (650) can be blocked more effectively.

[0110] The cam guide portion (666) may have a cam guide surface (666a) in contact with the cam portion (646) formed as a curved or beveled surface. This embodiment illustrates an example in which the cam guide surface (666a) is formed as a curved surface. Accordingly, the shielding member (660) can rotate smoothly in response to the movement speed of the first moving member (640) and be separated from between the two magnet units (330) (650).

[0111] The hinge connecting portion (668) may extend from at least one of the shielding portion (662), the hinge portion (664), and the cam guide portion (666). In this embodiment, the hinge connecting portion (668) may be formed to connect the shielding portion (662), the hinge portion (664), and the cam guide portion (666). Accordingly, the rigidity of the hinge connecting portion (668) is appropriately secured so as to stably support the elastic member (670) to be described later.

[0112] An elastic member (670) may be provided on one side of the shielding member (660). The elastic member (670) elastically supports the shielding member (660) and may be provided between the shielding member (660) and the second door (40) facing it. Accordingly, when the first moving member (640) moves from the second position, which is the open state of the second door (40), to the first position, which is the closed state, the shielding part (662) can return to the space between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650).

[0113] The elastic member (670) may be made of a type of torsion spring. For example, the coil portion (672) of the elastic member (670) may be inserted into the hinge projection (664a) and / or hinge groove (664b) forming the hinge portion (664) of the shielding member (660). Accordingly, the elastic member (670) can be stably maintained between the second door (40) and the shielding member (660).

[0114] Additionally, referring to FIG. 7, the first end (674) of the elastic member (670) may be supported on the inner surface of the second door (e.g., case) (40), and the second end (676) of the elastic member (670) may be supported on the hinge portion (e.g., hinge protrusion) (664) of the shielding member (660). In this case, the first end (674) of the elastic member (670) may be formed by extending straight from the coil portion (672), while the second end (676) of the elastic member (670) may be formed by being bent in a direction toward the hinge portion (e.g., hinge protrusion) (664). Accordingly, even if the elastic member (670) is provided between the upper surface of the second door (40) and the lower surface of the shielding member (660) facing it, elastic force can be smoothly accumulated and transmitted between the second door (40) and the shielding member (660). In addition, in this case, since the elastic member (670) is inserted into the hinge groove (664b), interference with neighboring members can be prevented in advance.

[0115] Although not illustrated in the drawing, the elastic member (670) may be inserted into the hinge groove (664b), and the first stage (674) may be supported in the hinge groove (664b) and the second stage (676) may be supported in the hinge connection part (668). In this case, as the second stage (676) is supported in the hinge connection part (668) while the elastic member (670) is inserted into the hinge groove (664b), the shielding member (660) can be stably supported while preventing interference with adjacent members.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the second moving member (690) is a member that links the door opening device (60) and the door locking device (70). For example, one end of the second moving member (690) may be linked to the first moving member (640), and the other end of the second moving member (690) may be connected to the door locking device (70). Accordingly, the door opening device (60) and the door locking device (70) may be linked to each other by the second moving member (690).

[0117] The second moving member (690) can move in a direction that intersects the first direction as the first moving member (640) moves in the first direction. For example, the second moving member (690) can move in a curved or rotational motion, and accordingly, the door lock (70) can be rotated.

[0118] The second moving member (690) may be formed integrally with or combined with the door locking device (70). For example, if the second moving member (690) is formed integrally with the door locking device (70), the door opening device (60) may be understood to include a single moving member (e.g., the first moving member) (640).

[0119] Specifically, the second moving member (690) may include a moving bar (691) and a connecting part (692). The moving bar (691) is a part that contacts the first moving member (640), and the connecting part (692) is a part that is connected to the door locking device (70).

[0120] The moving bar (691) is extended toward the first moving member (640), and a contact end (691a) may be formed at its end. The contact end (691a) may sequentially contact the first contact surface (642a) and the second contact surface (642b) of the previously described extension (642).

[0121] The connecting part (692) can be extended downward from the moving bar (691) toward the door locking device (70). The interior of the connecting part (692) is formed in a hollow tubular shape so that the upper end of the first body (710) of the door locking device (70), which will be described later, can be rotatably inserted.

[0122] Additionally, a coupling hole (692a) may be formed in the coupling portion (692) that penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the movable bar (691). Accordingly, the door locking device (70) to be described later may be coupled to the second movable member (690) by a coupling member (693) that penetrates the coupling hole (692a) after the first body (710) is inserted into the coupling portion (692).

[0123] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the timing of the driving force transmission to the door locking device (70) and the timing of the opening of the second door (40) may be set differently. Accordingly, after the door locking device (70) is moved to the unlocked position, the second door (40) may be opened by the interaction between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650).

[0124] In other words, in the case of the present embodiment, the driving force is first transmitted to the door locking device (70) during the process in which the first moving member (640) moves by the operation of the driving unit (620), and thereafter, the shielding member (660), which will be described later, may rotate and detach from the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) by the additional movement of the first moving member (640). Accordingly, the repulsive force between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) becomes greater than or equal to a reference value, and the second door (40) can be automatically opened.

[0125] Specifically, the door locking device (70) may include a first body (710) and a second body (720). The first body (710) is a part that is coupled to the second movable member (690), and the second body (720) is a part that is locked when locked or unlocked when unlocked.

[0126] The first body (710) may be extended in the vertical direction but formed by being bent in the middle. Accordingly, the length of the second body (720) can be reduced and it can be smoothly connected to the first door (30).

[0127] Additionally, the first body (710) may be rotatably coupled to a supporter (750) provided in the second door (40). For example, a hinge hole (not shown) may be formed in the middle of the first body (710) to penetrate in the longitudinal direction of the second movable member (690), and a hinge pin (761) that penetrates the supporter (750) may be inserted into the hinge hole. Accordingly, the second body (720), which will be described later, may be locked or unlocked while rotating around the hinge pin (761) together with the first body (710). The supporter (750) may be configured independently from the case (610) or formed integrally with the case (610).

[0128] The second body (720) may be extended from the bottom of the first body (710) and may be extended in a direction that intersects the first body (710). For example, a hook (722) for engaging with a locking part (310) may be formed at one end of the second body (720), and an operating surface (724) for manual operation by a user may be formed at the other end of the second body (720). Accordingly, when the user presses the operating surface (724) upward, the second body (720) rotates around the hinge pin (761) and the hook (722) moves downward, thereby unlocking the door lock device (70).

[0129] Meanwhile, the door opening device (60) according to the present embodiment may be controlled by a control unit (100) of a refrigerator. The control unit (100) may be installed on the control target or spaced apart from the control target. When the control unit (100) is installed on the control target, the control unit (100) may be located inside the control target or outside the control target. For example, the control unit (100) may be provided in a cabinet (10) or in a refrigerator door (20).

[0130] FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 11, the door opening device (60) according to the present embodiment may have a driving unit (620) electrically connected to a control unit (100) together with a sensor unit (102). The sensor unit (102) may be provided on a second door (40) or a first door (30) that forms part of a refrigerator door (20), and in some cases, may be provided on a cabinet (10) or a freezer door (25). The present embodiment illustrates an example in which the sensor unit (102) is provided on the second door (40).

[0132] The sensor unit (102) may be a touch sensor that detects a user's touch on the front of the second door (40), or a knock sensor that detects multiple knocks applied to the front of the second door (40), or a capacitive sensor, a vibration sensor, or a sound wave sensor. Additionally, the sensor unit (102) may include a mechanical switch or a switch that operates by pressure. Accordingly, when a user inputs a door opening command to open the second door (40), the sensor unit (102) can detect this in real time.

[0133] The door locking device and door opening device of the present embodiment as described above can be operated as follows.

[0134] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the operation of a door opening device and a door locking device according to the movement distance of a first moving member according to the present embodiment in steps, and FIG. 13a to 13c are plan views showing the door opening process of the door opening device according to the present embodiment in steps.

[0135] [Manual opening of the second door]

[0136] Referring again to FIG. 11, the user can manually open the second door (40) by directly operating the door lock (70) without inputting a door opening command to the sensor unit (102).

[0137] For example, when manually opening the second door, the user can move the door lock (70) from the locked position to the unlocked position by pressing the operating surface (724) of the door lock (70) in one direction (e.g., upward). At this time, the user can move the door lock (70) to the unlocked position by rotating it in the unlocking direction while the first moving member (640) is in the first position, that is, while the first door (30) and the second door (40) are locked.

[0138] Then, the hook (722) of the door lock (70) rotates downward and detaches from the locking wall (314) of the first door (30), thereby becoming unlocked. In this state, the user can rotate the second door (40) to open the second door (40). At this time, the first moving member (640) remains stationary at the first position, and the shielding member (660) is positioned between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) to shield the repulsive force between the two magnet units (330) (650).

[0139] [Automatic opening of the second door]

[0140] Referring again to FIG. 11, the user can automatically open the second door (40) by inputting a door opening command to the sensor unit (102).

[0141] First, referring to FIGS. 12 to 13c, when the sensor unit (102) detects a door opening command (S1), the control unit (100) rotates the motor forming the driving unit (620) in the forward direction so that the power of the driving unit (620) can be transmitted to the first moving member (640) through the transmission unit (630). At this time, the operation of the driving unit (620) for opening the second door (40) can be performed while the first door (30) and the second door (40) are each closed. In this case, the opening and closing of the first door (30) can be detected by the first door switch (103) provided in the cabinet (10) or the first door (30), and the opening and closing of the second door (40) can be detected by the second door switch (104) provided in the first door (30) or the second door (40).

[0142] Next, referring to FIGS. 12, 13a, and 13b, the first moving member (640), which receives power from the driving unit (620), moves in a first direction from a first position, which is a closed position, toward a second position, which is an open position. Then, the cam portion (646) of the first moving member (640) can come close to the cam guide portion (666) of the shielding member (660). At this time, the moving force of the first moving member (640) is not transmitted to the shielding member (660) until the cam portion (646) of the first moving member (640) comes into contact with the cam guide portion (666) of the shielding member (660). Accordingly, the third magnet (654) of the second magnet unit (650), which faces the first magnet (334) of the first magnet unit (330) in the Y-axis direction, is kept in a blocked state by the shielding portion (662) of the shielding member (660). Then, magnetic field lines cannot be emitted from the third magnet (654) of the second magnet unit (650), so no repulsive force is generated between the first magnet (334) of the first magnet unit (330) and the third magnet (654) of the second magnet unit (650). In this state, an attractive force acts between the first magnet (334) of the first magnet unit (330) and the fourth magnet (656) of the second magnet unit (650), so that the second door (40) can be kept in a closed state.

[0143] Next, referring to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13b, as the first moving member (640) moves a first distance from the first position (closed position) toward the second position (open position), the lock state between the first door (30) and the second door (40) can be released first (S2).

[0144] For example, as the first moving member (640) moves from a first position to a second position, the first moving member (640) comes into contact with the second moving member (690) and causes the second moving member (690) to rotate. Then, the door locking device (70) rotatably coupled to the second moving member (690) rotates around the hinge pin (761) and separates from the locking part (310), allowing it to be switched to an unlocked state. At this time, the elastic member (670) provided between the second door (40) and the shielding member (660) is slightly compressed and accumulates elastic force.

[0145] Next, referring to FIGS. 12, FIGS. 13b and FIGS. 13c, the opening of the second door (40) may begin as the first moving member (640) moves from the first position toward the second position by a second distance greater than the first distance (S3).

[0146] For example, as the first moving member (640) moves from a first position to a second position, the cam portion (646) of the first moving member (640) remains in contact with the cam guide portion (666) of the shielding member (660). Then, when the first moving member (640) moves, the cam portion (646) pushes out the shielding member (660) while in contact with the cam guide portion (666) of the shielding member (660). Then, as the shielding member (660) rotates around the hinge portion, the shielding portion (662) separates from the first magnet (334) of the first magnet unit (330) and the third magnet (654) of the second magnet unit (650). At this time, the elastic member (670) provided between the second door (40) and the shielding member (660) accumulates elastic force as it is further compressed.

[0147] Then, the third magnet (654) of the second magnet unit (650) facing the first magnet (334) of the first magnet unit (330) becomes an intermediate open state. Then, magnetic field lines having the same polarity are emitted from the first magnet (334) of the first magnet unit (330) and the third magnet (654) of the second magnet unit (650), respectively, and a repulsive force is generated between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650). Then, the second door (40) opens while rotating in a direction away from the first door (30) due to the repulsive force between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650). At this time, the repulsive force between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) can be varied according to the degree to which the shielding part (662) separates from both magnet units (330) (650), in other words, the area of ​​both magnet units (330) (650) that are exposed.

[0148] Next, referring to FIGS. 12 and FIGS. 13c, the first moving member (640) can move a third distance greater than the second distance, reach the second position, and then stop (S4). At this time, the elastic member (670) provided between the second door (40) and the shielding member (660) is completely compressed and accumulates elastic force.

[0149] Next, referring to FIGS. 12 to 13c, after the opening of the second door (40) is completed or after the first moving member (640) stops, the motor is rotated in the reverse direction so that the first moving member (640) can return to the initial position, the first position (S5). At this time, the door opening device (60) and the door locking device (700) operate in the reverse order of the operation described above.

[0150] For example, when the first moving member (640) returns to the first position, the elastic member (670) provided between the second door (40) and the shielding member (660) is restored by the accumulated elastic force and presses the shielding member (660) in the closing direction. Then, the shielding part (662) of the shielding member (660) receives the elastic force (restoring force) of the elastic member (670) and rotates around the hinge part (664) to return to between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650). Then, the space between the first magnet (334) of the first magnet unit (330) and the third magnet (654) of the second magnet unit (650) is blocked by the shielding part (662) of the shielding member (660), thereby suppressing the repulsion between the first door (30) and the second door (40).

[0151] Afterwards, when the second door is closed, an attractive force acts between the first magnet (334) of the first magnet unit (330) and the fourth magnet (656) of the second magnet unit (650), so that the second door (40) can be closed smoothly.

[0152] The refrigerator according to the present embodiment can open the second door, which is located on the outside of the door composed of a first door and a second door, manually and / or automatically as needed.

[0153] In addition, in the refrigerator according to the present embodiment, when the first door is opened, the combined state of the first door and the second door is maintained, so that the phenomenon of the second door being unintentionally opened can be prevented.

[0154] In addition, the refrigerator according to the present embodiment can prevent damage to the surface of the first door or the second door during the opening process of the second door.

[0155] In addition, the refrigerator according to the present embodiment can simplify the door opening device while increasing reliability and minimizing operating noise as the magnetic unit that automatically opens the second door is fixed to the second door.

[0156] Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiment, the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) were each described with an example in which they consist of two magnets (334, 336) (654, ​​656) having different polarities; however, depending on the case, at least one of the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) may consist of a single magnet having a single polarity. For example, the first magnet unit (330) may consist of a first magnet (334) and a second magnet (336), and the second magnet unit (650) may consist of a third magnet (654). In other words, the first magnet unit (330) is composed of a first magnet (334) and a second magnet (336) as in the previously described embodiment, but the second magnet unit (650) may exclude the fourth magnet (656) in the previously described embodiment. Accordingly, the second door (40) can be opened manually and / or automatically by utilizing the repulsive and attractive forces in the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650), while reducing the number of magnets to reduce manufacturing costs.

Claims

1. A cabinet equipped with a storage room; A first door for opening and closing the above storage room; A second door provided on the outer side of the first door and rotatably provided with respect to the first door; and It includes a door opening device that rotates the second door relative to the first door, and The above door opening device is, A first magnetic unit provided in the first door above; A second magnetic unit provided on the second door so as to face the first magnetic unit, thereby causing the second door to automatically open through interaction with the first magnetic unit; and It includes a shielding member that selectively blocks the space between the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit, and The above shielding member is, A refrigerator rotatably provided on the second door.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above door opening device is, It includes a movable member that is slidably configured between any first position and a second position with respect to the second door inside the second door, and has a cam portion protruding by a preset height on the surface facing the shielding member. The above shielding member is, A shielding part that blocks the space between the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit; A hinge portion rotatably coupled to the second door; and A refrigerator comprising a cam guide that slides in contact with the cam portion and guides the shield portion to rotate around the hinge portion when the movable member moves from the first position to the second position.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above hinge part is, A refrigerator formed on the side facing away from the above-mentioned movable member.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above hinge part is, A refrigerator formed at a position overlapping with the moving member in the axial direction of the hinge portion.

5. In Paragraph 2, The hinge portion is formed at a position spaced apart from the shield portion by a predetermined distance in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the movable member, and The shielding part and the hinge part are A refrigerator connected by the above cam guide.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above hinge part is, A refrigerator formed to be located on the opposite side of the shielding part with the second magnetic unit in between when the second door is closed.

7. In Paragraph 5, The above cam guide is, A refrigerator extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the hinge portion from one end of the shielding portion facing the movable member.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above cam guide is, A refrigerator in which the surface in contact with the above-mentioned cam is formed as a curved or beveled surface.

9. In Paragraph 2, An elastic member is provided on one side of the shielding member, and The above elastic member is, A refrigerator that elastically supports the shielding member so that when the moving member moves from the second position to the first position, the shielding member returns to the space between the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above shielding member is, A hinge connecting portion extending from at least one of the shielding portion, the hinge portion, and the cam guide portion is formed, and The above elastic member is, A refrigerator comprising a torsion spring, wherein the first stage is supported by the second door and the second stage is supported by the hinge connection part.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 10, The first magnet unit is fixed to the first door, and the second magnet unit is fixed to the second door, and The first magnet unit and the second magnet unit are, A refrigerator arranged such that at least a portion of the first door and the second door overlap in the arrangement direction of the first door and the second door when the first door and the second door are in a locked state.

12. In Paragraph 11, The cross-sectional area of ​​the above shielding part is, A refrigerator formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit facing each other is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the two faces.

13. In Paragraph 11, It further includes a door locking device that causes the first door and the second door to be locked or unlocked when the second door is closed, The above door locking device is, A first member linked to the above door opening device; and A refrigerator comprising a second member that rotates in conjunction with the first member and selectively engages or disengages from the first door.

Images